bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A recepção inicial de Ciência e Comportamento Humano no Brasil
Authors: Miranda Rodrigo Lopes , Strapasson Bruno Angelo
Published: December 2023

Este artigo historiciza aspectos da recepção e circulação da Análise doComportamento no Brasil a partir da tradução do livro Science and Human Behavior (S&HB)em português brasileiro. Foram utilizadas como fontes textuais primárias biografias e autobiografiaspublicadas, trocas epistolares e entrevistas de personagens da referida história.Fontes secundárias também foram utilizadas. Nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), umanação com longa tradição de psicologia experimental, o S&HB foi desenvolvido como recursodidático, mas ficou conhecido e disseminado principalmente por sua exposição abrangente deuma ciência do comportamento humano. No Brasil, sua apropriação por meio da tradução,que ocorreu na primeira metade da década de 1960, ainda que também tivesse um fim didático,foi importante para ajudar a consolidar a importância da fundamentação experimental deuma ciência do comportamento no contexto de criação da nova profissão de psicólogo que seconsolidava no país. S&HB foi um marco no desenvolvimento da Análise do Comportamentonos EUA e no Brasil, mas o processo de apropriação do livro no Brasil teve conformaçõespróprias no contexto do nosso país.
Psychological analysis of risk factors and protective factors under exam stress
Authors: Kuanganovna Bikadamova Anar , Reschke Horst Konrad , Alena Garber , Zulkiya Moldakhmentova , Ismailbekovna Shalabayeva Laura
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this paper is to identify protective factors for students' anxiety management under exam stress.    Students experience a range of negative emotions in addition to exam anxiety throughout university exams including stress, fear of knowledge assessments and fear of low performance. However, students ‘exam preparation and passing can be changed by identifying protective factors for exam stress coping while focusing less on reducing risk factors. Possible protective factors for exam anxiety coping in the present study were resilience, self-efficacy, stress tolerance, overall life satisfaction and coping behavior. In general, our assumption was confirmed that stress tolerance, proactive coping behavior, overall life satisfaction and resilience are the most important factors in overcoming exam fear. Self-efficacy as a latent factor that has a significant impact on overcoming exam fear was not identified. The study validated that stress tolerance, proactive coping, life satisfaction and resilience are pivotal in conquering exam-related fear. However, self-efficacy did not emerge as a significant factor.
Resveratrol Reduce the Severity of Anemia and Thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-Infected Mice
Authors: Hermanto Faizal , Refiani Aqila , Ahsanul Haq Fahmi
Published: December 2023

Background: Malaria is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate. One of the complications of malaria is blood disorders. Hematological disorders such as anemia and thrombocytopenia are common in malaria infection. Resveratrol has been reported to have antimalarial activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol in reducing the severity of anemia and thrombocytopenia in Plasmodum berghei-infected mice. Methods: The study began with parasite inoculation in mice. After the mice were infected, and randomly grouped into negative control, chloroquine 20 mg/kg (positive control), and resveratrol with doses 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The mice's blood profile was measured on day 0 and day 4 using a hematology analyzer. Results: The results showed that after administration of resveratrol at various doses, the number of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets was higher than the control. Conclusion: It can be concluded that resveratrol can reduce the severity of anemia and thrombocytopenia in mice infected with P. berghei.
Characterization of microencapsulated Saga Leaves Extract (Abrus precatorius L.) and Analgetic Activity Tests in Male Mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Jehan Nabilah Nauli , Titik Sunarni  , Dian Marlina
Published: December 2023

Background: Saga leaves are one of the plants that have analgesic activity. Saga leaves contain phenol compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. Phenol has instability with oxygen, light, and high temperatures. Therefore, the microencapsulation process is necessary. Microcapsule characterization in this study included encapsulation efficiency, particle size, distribution value and morphology. Objective: This research was to determine the characterization of microcapsules and the analgesic activity of saga leaf extract microcapsules in male mice. Methods: The microencapsulation process conducted in this study was carried out using the spray drying method. Saga leaf extract was coated with the coating material in the ratio of 1:20. Several ratios of maltodextrin (MD) and soy protein isolate (SPI) (100%:0%); (75%%:25); (50%:50%); (25%:75%) were applied as the coating material. The encapsulation efficiency was determined by comparing the total phenol content of the extract and microcapsule. Particle size and distribution values were tested using a particle size analyzer. Microcapsule morphology was seen using scanning electron microscopy. Analgesic activity test using the tail-flick method with mice as test animals. Data analysis in this study used one-way ANOVA. Results: The encapsulation efficiency obtained was 31.40-80.29%. The particle size obtained in the microcosm was 17.70-30.90 µm. The distribution value obtained was 1.42-2.45. The morphology of the microcapsule obtained was round and had wrinkles. The analgesic activity obtained in this study resulted in significantly different pain inhibition values before and after microencapsulation. Conclusion: The characteristics of microcapsule preparations are well-known, and the analgesic activity of various microcapsules was 42.43-57.15%.
Optimizing Gel Formulations Using Carbopol 940 and Sodium Alginate Containing Andrographis paniculata Extract for Burn-Wound Healing
Authors: Apriani Elsa Fitria , Kornelia Naisa , Amriani Annisa
Published: December 2023

Background: Sambiloto leaves (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees) contain andrographolide (diterpene lactone), flavonoids, quinic acid, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins, which act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound healing. Objective: This study optimizes the gelling ingredient in Sambiloto extract gel preparations (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Ness) as a wound healer in male Wistar rats. The gelling agent is an important component that can affect active substance release. Methods: Formula optimization was developed using the Regular Two-Level 22 Factorial Design method in Design-Expert 12 software. This study used 0.5%-1% carbopol 940 and 1%-5% sodium alginate. Carbopol 940 and Sodium Alginate have different characteristics, so they need to be optimized to produce a gel with good characteristics. Results: Physical property evaluation using factorial design revealed the optimal formula at 0.5% carbopol and 5% sodium alginate, with average pH, viscosity, and adhesion values of 5.17 ± 0.04; 2934.452±286.871 cPs; and 194.236±3.684 s. Centrifugation and cycling tests indicated no organoleptic changes, phase separation, or significant changes in pH. ANOVA analysis showed that the gel with 10% Sambiloto leaf extract had similar burn healing activity to the positive control, with a recovery rate of 99.72 ± 0.47% in 20 days. Scabs formed on the 8th day and peeled off on the 12th day. Conclusion: Sambiloto extract gel in the optimum formula has the potential to be developed as a burn wound-healing drug.
Effect of CaCl2 Crosslinker Concentration On The Characteristics, Release and Stability of Ciprofloxacin HCl-Alginate-Carrageenan Microspheres
Authors: Amiruddin  , Muh. Agus Syamsur Rijal  , Dewi Melani Hariyadi
Published: December 2023

Background: Ciprofloxacin HCl is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that has the lowest MIC against Mycobacterium tuberculosis but has limitations in oral use, so inhalation microspheres are made. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of CaCl2 crosslinker concentration on the characteristics, release and stability of ciprofloxacin-alginate-carrageenan microspheres. Methods: Microspheres were prepared by ionotropic gelation using aerosolization with calcium chloride 0.5M (F1), 1.0M (F2), 1.5M (F3), 2.0M (F4) as crosslinker and then dried using freeze dryer. Results: Ciprofloxacin-alginate-carrageenan microspheres formed of yellowish-white powder, smooth morphology and excellent flow properties with the particle size of less than 5µm, drug loading and entrapment efficiency were between    2.05% - 2.42% and 75.34% - 98.09%, yield was between 84.69% - 97.57%, moisture content of less than 10%. Ciprofloxacin-alginate-carrageenan microspheres with 1.5M crosslinker (F3) was the optimal formula. For 12 hours, ciprofloxacin released was 49.89% - 63.78% at pH 7.4, and the kinetics of drug release showed that of Korsmeyer-peppas with a mechanism based on fickian diffusion. The microspheres were discovered to be stable for up to 28 days of storage. Conclusion: The increased concentration of the CaCl2 crosslinker from 0.5M to 2.0M decreased the particle size and drug release but increased the yield, drug loading and entrapment efficiency.
Five Years Outpatients Antibiotics Consumption at Public Tertiary Hospital in Bengkulu According to Access, Watch and Reserve Classification
Authors: Apriyanti Yusna Fadliyyah , Saepudin  , Siti Maisharah S. Gadzi
Published: December 2023

Background: Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) antibiotics classification was released in 2019 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance antimicrobial stewardship programs in all healthcare facilities. As a result, WHO advises global action to increase the availability of antibiotics from the Access group by more than 60%.Objective: to determine antibiotics consumption for outpatients at a public tertiary hospital in Bengkulu, Sumatera-Indonesia, from 2018 to 2022, focusing on antibiotics from Access class according to the AWaRe classification from WHO and Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia (MoHRI). Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey analyzing aggregate data on antibiotics use for outpatients at the hospital during the study period. Data on antibiotics were collected from the hospital pharmacy department, while data on patient visits were collected from the medical records department.  The quantity of antibiotics used was calculated using the ATC/DDD method and expressed in DDD/1000 patient-day (PD), which was then converted into a percentage. Results: During the study period, 50-60% and 65-73% out of 14-19 antibiotic agents are from Access class according to WHO and MoHRI AWaRe classification, respectively. Quantitatively, according to the WHO and MoHRI AWaRe classification, the consumption of antibiotics from the Access class was 25-50% and 33-71% of total consumption, respectively. In addition, the segment of drug utilization 90% (DU90%) of antibiotics was dominated by antibiotics from Watch class. Conclusion: The hospital has not yet met the WHO target for antibiotic consumption from the Access class, highlighting the need for some effective efforts from Watch class to limit the usage of antibiotics.
Predicting Students' Progress in Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Authors: He Guijia , Huang Chengwei , Yang Steven , Lwin Kelvin , Ouh Eng Lieh , Ju Ran , Zhu Xiaoming
Published: December 2023

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are increasingly popular for online learning. These systems use adaptive algorithms to recommend relevant content based on students' profiles. However, instructors need to periodically assess students' performance to ensure learning outcomes and adjust strategies accordingly. Our objective is to predict students' progress in advance, enabling teachers to make quicker decisions and facilitating the iterative process of adaptive algorithms. For this study, we collected a dataset from ALIN, an online learning platform, consisting of over 5,000 students' learning records and test results. Using this dataset, we conducted experiments employing various machine learning algorithms. The results indicate that learning behavior contributes to improving forecast performance, while students' progress strongly correlates with their previous test results. Additionally, we discovered that students' progress can be indirectly predicted by forecasting their scores. Furthermore, by breaking down overall scores into several distinct components and predicting individual scores for each component, the accuracy of the forecasts can be improved.
Land Use and Land Cover in Kotri Jamshoro City, Pakistan, Using GIS and Remote Sensing
Authors: Chandio Kamran Ali , Junejo Dr. Shafiq Ahmed , Saeed Dr. Nagham
Published: December 2023

Due to urban sprawls, the arable land is shifting in the settlement areas and towns, while industrial development is making it more vulnerable. The current study was conducted to see the changes in land use and land cover in Kotri area, Pakistan from 1998 to 2020 to establish trends in recent land use development based on available land use data. In this regard, satellite images in the study area were acquired from USGS and processed using ArcMap 10.5 and Environmental for Visualizing Images (ENVI). Results show that; there was a change in the settlement pattern of Kotri city with 40% between 1998 and 2020, 77% decrease in Bare-land was observed in 2020. Natural vegetation in the study area has decreased significantly with 4.4 Sq/ km in 2020, surface water-bodies in 1998 were 1.3 sq/km and in 2020 there is 1.8 Sq/km indicating 32% increase in surface water bodies. It was further revealed that settlement in Kotri has increased due to its geographical location, nearness of the major city of Hyderabad, and the establishment of the industrial zone and educational city near Kotri. From the foregoing, the study concluded that Kotri City will have more changes in its land use and land cover as the expansion in the city is going on and on. It is therefore recommended that local government and provincial government should pay attention towards this development and put up an action plan towards proper provision for such expansion.
Effect of Acetylation on the Nanofibril Formation of Chitosan
Authors: Romany Aarion , Payne Gregory F. , Shen Jana
Published: December 2023

Chitosan is a copolymer of β-glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Recent experiments showed that the degree and pattern of acetylation along the chitosan chain modulate the biological and physicochemical properties; however, the molecular mechanism is unknown. Here we apply the de novo all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study chitosan’s self-assembly process at different degrees of acetylation and two different acetylation patterns. The simulations revealed that the 10-mer chitosan chains with 50% acetylation in either block or alternating patterns associate to form ordered nanofibrils comprised of mainly antiparallel chains in agreement with the fiber diffraction data of deacetylated chitosan. Surprisingly, regardless of the acetylation pattern, the same intermolecular hydrogen bonds mediate the fibril sheet formation while water-mediated interactions stabilize the sheet-sheet stacking. Moreover, the acetylated units are involved in forming the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds (NH–O6 and O6H–O7), which offers an explanation for the experimental observation that increased acetylation lowers chitosan’s solubility. Taken together, the present study provides the atomic-level understanding the role of acetylation plays in modulating chitosan’s physiochemical properties, contributing to the rational design of chitosan-based materials with the ability to tune by its degree and pattern of acetylation. Additionally, we disseminate the improved molecular mechanics parameters that can be applied in MD studies to further understand chitosan-based materials.
Biopolymers-Based Macrogels with Applications in the Food Industry: Capsules with Berry Juice for Functional Food Products
Authors: Gheorghita Roxana Elena , Lupaescu Ancuta Veronica , Gatlan Anca , Dabija Dadiana , Lobiuc Andrei , Iatcu Oana Camelia , Buculei Amelia , Andriesi Alexandru , Dabija Adriana
Published: December 2023

The present study focused on the development of gel-based capsules from sodium alginate and different berries fresh juice: chokeberry, sea buckthorn, and blueberry. Obtained through extrusion method, the macrocapsules were added into yoghurt, a well-known and consumed dairy product. In order to establish the changes that can occur into the food product, the samples were tested during 7, respectively 15 days storage in refrigeration conditions. According to the results, the antioxidant activity increased during storage and gels can represent a good option for bioactive substances’ encapsulation. Sensorial analysis performed indicated that consumers are open to consuming yoghurt berries capsules and, according to the results observed into scientific literature, they no longer rejected the product due to bitterness and sourness of sea buckthorn or aronia.
A Hardware Realization Framework for Fuzzy Inference System Optimization
Authors: Gorgin Saeid , Karvandi Mohammad Sina , Moghari Somaye , Fallah Mohammad K , Lee Jeong-A
Published: December 2023

The effectiveness of Fuzzy Inference Systems (FISs) in manipulating uncertainty and nonlinearity makes them a subject of significant interest for decision-making in embedded systems. Accordingly, optimizing FIS hardware improves its performance, efficiency, and capabilities, leading to a better user experience, increased productivity, and cost savings. To be compatible with the limited power budget in most embedded systems, this paper presents a framework to realize ultra-low power FIS hardware. It supports optimizations for both conventional arithmetic as well as MSDF-computing to be highly consistent with MSDF-based sensors. In MSDF-computing FIS all the processes of fuzzification, inference, and defuzzification are done on serially coming data bits. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed framework, we utilized Matlab, Chisel3, and Vivado to implement it from high-level descriptions of FIS to hardware synthesis. We also developed a Scala library in Chisel3 to establish a connection between these tools, bridging the gap, and facilitating design space exploration at the arithmetic level. Furthermore, we realized an FIS for the navigation of autonomous mobile robots in unknown environments. Synthesis results show the superiority of the output of our suggested design framework in terms of resource usage as well as power and energy consumption compared to the Matlab HDL code generator output.
Soil Moisture Conservation through Crop Diversification and Related Ecosystem Services in a Blown-Sand Area with High Drought Hazard
Authors: Lóczy Dénes , Dezső József , Weidinger Tamás , Horváth László , Pirkhoffer Ervin , Czigány Szabolcs
Published: December 2023

Soil moisture reserve is a key factor in maintaining soil fertility and all other related ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration, soil biodiversity, soil erosion control). In semiarid blown-sand areas under aridification water preservation is a particularly crucial task for agriculture. The international Diverfarming project (2017–2022) within the EU Horizon 2020 Program focused on the impacts of crop diversification and low-input practices in all pedoclimatic regions of Europe. In the three-year experiment conducted in the Pannonian region the impacts of intercropping asparagus with different herbs on some provisioning and regulating ecosystem services were evaluated in the Kiskunság sand regions. Relying on the findings based on a range of measured physical and chemical soil parameters and on crop yields and qualitative properties, advice was formulated for farmers. The message drawn from the experiment is somewhat ambiguous. The local farmer agrees that crop diversification improves soil quality, but he denies that it would directly influence farm competitiveness, which primarily depends on cultivation costs (such as fertilization, plant protection and labour). Further analyses are needed to prove the long-term benefits of diversification through enriching soil microbial life and the possible reduction of fertilizer use while water demand is kept at a low level and the same crop quality is ensured.
Antibodies against Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier Activating Enzyme Might Be A Protective Factor from Rapid Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients Bearing Antibodies against Melanoma Differentiation Associated Gene 5
Authors: Tsai Hung-Cheng , Chen Wei-Sheng , Sun Yi-Syuan , Lai Chien-Chih , Yang Ying-Ying , Chou Wen-Ru , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Tsai Chang-Youh , Chou Chung-Tei
Published: December 2023

： Anti-MDA5 antibody bearing (anti-MDA5+)-dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis (PM) is notorious for causing rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) &/or cancers with high mortality rate. However, anti-MDA5 antibodies (Abs) are also found in other connective tissue diseases and their link with RPILD especially with regards to the mortality rate are unknown. We retrospectively recruited 71 patients bearing anti-MDA5-Abs in serum, stratified them in terms of a presence or absence of RPILD, and evaluated their clinical features, laboratory findings, associated myositis antibodies, concurrent connective tissue disease (CTD) as well as newly developed malignancies. Thirty-nine (55%) patients presented with DM/PM but 32 (45%) didn’t. Twenty-two of the former and 11 of the latter developed RPILD eventually, accounting for a total of 46% of all MDA5 bearing patients. On the other hand, 15 of all 71 (21.1%) patients had cancers. Among 32 patients who didn’t have DM/PM, 27 (38.0% of all 71) had other CTDs, indicating that only 5 (7.0% of 71) patients did not have CTDs. Senility (odds ratio [OR]=1.816, P=0.032), presence of anti-Ro-52 antibody (OR=1.676, P=0.018), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP, OR= 4.354, P<0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, OR=2.625, P=0.005) posed risks for RPILD. High lactose dehydrogenase (LDH, p=0.009), CRP (p=0.001), CEA (p=0.001), ferritin (p ≤ 0.001) and low albumin (p ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Anti-SAE antibodies were negatively correlated with RPILD as analyzed by univariate (OR=0.245, P=0.017) and multivariate (OR= 0.058, P=0.036) regressions, indicating that they may be a protective factor from RPILD (OR= 0.543, P=0.008) or fatality (OR= 0.707, P=0.012), which was also demonstrated in subgroup analyses. In contrast to various risk factors for RPILD or mortality, anti-SAE antibodies might be conversely a protective factor in anti-MDA5+ patients.
Role of B Cells beyond Antibodies in Hbv-Induced Oncogenesis: Fulminant Cancer in Common Variable Immunodeficiency –Clinical and Immunotransplant Implications
Authors: Zdziarski Przemyslaw , Gamian Andrzej
Published: December 2023

Although lymphoma is the most frequent malignancy in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), solid tumors, especially under influence of oncogenic viruses, are not considered. Furthermore, in vitro genetic studies and cell cultures are not adequate for immune system and HBV interaction.
We adopted previously introduced clinical model of host-virus interaction (i.e. infectious process in immunodeficiency) for analysis of B cells and specific IgG role (observational study of a CVID patient who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG))
Suddenly, the patient deteriorated with positive result of HBs, HBV-DNA (369x106copies). In spite of lamivudine therapy and IVIG escalation (from 0.3 to 0.4g/kg), CT showed 11cm intrahepatic tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma). Anti-HBs had been positive in time-lapse analysis (range 111-220 IU/ml). Replacement therapy intensification was complicated by immune complex disease with renal failure.
The fulminant HCC in CVID and the development of the tumor as the first sign is interesting. Unfortunately, treatment with hepatitis B immune globulins (HBIG) plays a major role in posttransplant maintenance therapy. Anti-HBs substitution has not been proven to be effective, oncoprotective nor safe. Therefore, immunosuppression in HBV-infected recipients should be carefully minimized, patient selection more precise with the exclusion of HBV-positive donors. Our clinical model show HCC pathway with important humoral host factors, contrary to epidemiological/cohort studies highlighting risk factors only (e.g. chronic hepatitis). Lack of cell cooperation, B cell deficiency observed in CVID plays a crucial role in high HBV replication, especially in carcinogenesis.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of Some Metal Complexes of 2-Thiouracil and Its Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Marinova Petja Emilova , Tamahkyarova Kristina Dimova
Published: December 2023

The thionamide antithyroid drugs were discovered largely following serendipitous observations by numerous researchers in the 1940s who found that sulfhydryl-containing compounds were goitrogenic in animals. Prof. Edwin B. Astwood was the first to use these compounds to treat hyperthyroidism. In this review, we summarize the history of the development of these drugs and the coordination possibility of 2-thiouracil and its derivatives, as well as the biological activities of some of its complexes. Some of them are used as agents for the treatment of tuberculosis, and arthritis, others have bactericidal and fungicidal activity, the third cytotoxic properties, and could be used to treat various types of cancer.
A Classical Molecular Dynamics Study of the Effect of the Atomic Force Microscope Tip Shape, Size and Deformation on the Tribological Properties of the Graphene/Au(111) Interface
Authors: Maden Cem , Ustunel Hande , Toffoli Daniele
Published: December 2023

Atomic force microscopes are used, beside their principal function as surface imaging tools, in surface manipulation and measurement of interfacial properties. In particular, they can be modified to measure lateral friction forces that occur during the sliding of the tip against the underlying substrate. However, the shape, size, and deformation of the tips profoundly affect the measurements in a manner that is difficult to predict. In this work, we investigate the contribution of these effect to the magnitude of the lateral forces during sliding. The surface substrate is chosen to be few-layer AB-stacked graphene surface whereas the tip is initially constructed from face-centered cubic gold. In order to separate the effect of deformation from shape, rigid tips of three different shapes were considered first, namely a cone, a pyramid and a hemisphere. The shape was seen to dictate all aspects of the interface during sliding, from temperature dependence to stick-slip behavior. Deformation was investigated next by comparing a rigid hemispherical tip to one of identical shape and size but with all but the top three layers of atoms free to move. The deformation, as also verified by an indentation analysis, occurs by means of the lower layers collapsing on the upper ones, thereby increasing the contact area. This collapse mitigates the friction force and decreases it with respect to the rigid tip for the same vertical distance. Finally, the size effect is studied by means of calculating the friction forces for a much larger hemispherical tip whose atoms are free to move. In this case, the deformation is found to be much smaller but the stick-slip behavior is much more clearly seen.
Epidemiology of Congenital Cholesteatoma
Authors: Kadowaki Yoshinori , Ide Shinsuke , Nakamura Takeshi , Okuda Takumi , Shigemi Hideto , Hirano Takashi , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Suzuki Masashi
Published: December 2023

Background
The incidence of congenital cholesteatoma (CC) has rarely been discussed, particularly from the demographic viewpoint. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study of CC using local medical characteristics.
Materials and methods
The participants were 100 patients (101 ears) who underwent initial surgical treatment at university hospitals in two rural prefectures between 2006 and 2022. Sixty-eight percent of the patients were males and 32% were females, with a median age of 5 years. We reviewed the medical records for the date of birth, date of surgery, stage of disease, and first symptom of the disease.
Result
The total incidence of CC was calculated to be 26.44 per 100,000 births and tended to increase. No significant difference was found between the incidences in the two prefectures. The number of surgeries performed was higher in the second half of the study period. No difference in the stage of progress was observed based on age.
Conclusion
The incidence of CC was estimated to be 26.44 per 100,000 new-born births. The number of patients with CC has tended to increase; however, this can be attributed to an increase in the detection rate rather than the incidence.
A New Approach for Identifying Safety Improvement Sites on Rural Highways: Validation Study
Authors: Dhakal Bishal , Al-Kaisy Ahmed
Published: December 2023

The research presented in this paper examines a new proposed approach for identifying safety improvement sites on rural highways. Unlike conventional approaches, the proposed approach does not require crash history, but rather utilizes classified variables for traffic volume, geometric features, and roadside characteristics that do not require access to exact data or extensive technical expertise. The research validates the performance of the proposed approach using field data from a large sample of rural two-lane highway segments in the state of Oregon including traffic, roadway, and crash data. Using observed crash history as a reference, the performance of the proposed ap-proach was compared to two of the well-established methods in practice, namely: the Empirical Bayes (EB) and the Potential for Safety Improvement (PSI) methods. The study results suggest that, using crash density for highway segments, the performance of the proposed method was lower than that of the EB and PSI methods. This is despite the high R-square value of the predictive model used in the proposed method. However, when using crash frequencies for highway segments, the per-formance of the proposed method was found comparable to the well-established EB and PSI methods.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Photovoltaic Greenhouse as an Energy Hub with Battery Storage and Electric Vehicle Charger
Authors: Torres Miguel A. , Muñoz-Carpintero Diego A. , Burgos Mellado Claudio , Casagrande Daniel Emilio , Ortiz Javier , Reyes Hernán
Published: December 2023

This work presents the design, construction and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic greenhouse as an energy hub (EH) in modern agriculture that integrates battery energy storage (BES) and an electric vehicle charging station (EV). The greenhouse is composed of 48 semi-transparent PV panels with nominal transparency of 20% and 110 W capacity. The control of the PV greenhouse as EH was approached as an optimization problem with the aim of minimizing the cost of the energy used from the grid. Simulation results indicate that the integrated BES is capable of balancing power transactions within the microgrid. In addition, it was found that the case of slow charging of the EV at night was less demanding on the BES than fast charging during the day in terms of abrupt power transitions and average depletion of BES SOC (61% vs 53%). Empirical results also demonstrated the negative impact of dust generated by agricultural activity on the performance of solar panels. For a period analyzed of three years, an average yearly production loss of 6.8% was calculated.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Biomass Yield and Feed Quality in Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)
Authors: Negawo Alemayehu Teressa , Muktar Meki Shehabu , Gutiérrez Ricardo Alonso Sánchez , Habte Ermias , Muchugi Alice , Jones Chirs S.
Published: December 2023

The development of modern genomic tools has sped up the breeding program of food crops. More recently, genomic resources are being developed for tropical forages and will be key resources for developing climate resilient high yielding forage varieties. In this study, we present a genome-wide association study for biomass yield and feed quality traits in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L. aka Pennisetum ciliare L.,). Genome-wide markers generated using the DArTSeq platform and mapped onto the reference genome of Setaria italica were used for the genome-wide association study. The results revealed several markers associated with biomass yield and feed quality traits. A total of 78 marker trait associations were identified with R2 values ranging from 0.138 to 0.236. The marker trait associations were distributed across different chromosomes. Of these associations, the most marker trait associations (23) were observed on Chr9, followed by Chr5 with 12. The fewest number of marker trait associations were observed on Chr4 with 2. In terms of traits, 17 markers were associated with biomass yield, 24 with crude protein, 26 with TDN, 14 with ADF, 10 with NDF and six with DMI. Twenty of the identified markers were associated with at least two traits. The identified marker trait associations provide a useful genomic resource for future improvement and breeding of buffel grass.
Imaging Characteristics of Hypervascular Focal Nodular Hyperplasia-Like Lesions in Patients with Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Urase Atsushi , Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Kozuki Ryohei , Kono Atsushi , Sofue Keitaro , Ishii Kazunari
Published: December 2023

We evaluated diagnostically differential radiological findings between focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)-like lesions and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied pathologically confirmed FNH-like lesions in 13 alcoholic-cirrhosis patients who were negative for hepatitis-B surface antigen and hepatitis-C virus antibody and underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and/or gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. Seven patients underwent angiography-assisted CT. Evaluated lesion features included arterial enhancement pattern, washout appearance (low density compared to surrounding liver parenchyma), signal intensity on T1-weighted image (T1WI) and T2-weighted image (T2WI), central scar presence, chemical shift on in- and out-of-phase images, and uptake pattern on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI hepatobiliary phase and on SPIO-enhanced MRI. Eleven patients had multiple small lesions (<1.5 cm). Radiological features of FNH-like lesions included hypervascularity despite small lesion, lack of “corona-like” enhancement in the late phase on CT during hepatic angiography (CTHA), high-intensity on T1WI, slightly high- or iso-intensity on T2WI, no signal decrease in out-of-phase images, and complete SPIO uptake or incomplete/partial uptake of gadoxetic acid. Pathologically, like HCC, FNH-like lesions showed many unpaired arteries and sinusoidal capillarization. In summary, FNH-like lesions have unique radiological findings useful for differential diagnosis. Specifically, SPIO- and/or gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and CTHA features might facilitate differential diagnosis of FNH-like lesions and HCC.
Relationship Between Water Quality and Phytoplankton in Reservoirs of the Ebro Basin (Spain) During the Period of 2010–2015
Authors: Montagud Daniel
Published: December 2023

The phytoplankton community in 66 reservoirs ubicated at the hydrographic basin of the Ebro River (Spain) was analyzed. Samples were collected in the summer season during the period 2010-2015, with the main purpose of evaluate the Trophic State and Ecological Potential according to the Water Framework Directive of the European Union. In this work we presented a representative overview of several consecutive years of the state of the reservoirs and their associated trophic status; methodology was to obtain statistically significant relationships between the phytoplankton community and main physicochemical water quality variables (water transparency, pH, chlorophyll a, total and soluble phosphorus, anoxic zone depth, nitrite, nitrate and ammonium concentrations). We provide data for retrospective comparative of the state of the reservoirs with previous and current studies in order to improve the management of these reservoirs, and to serve as data reference for future works in a context of global change (climate and pollution).
Phytoplasma Diseases of Trees: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mall Smriti , Gaur Rajarshi Kumar , Marcone Carmine
Published: December 2023

Trees, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," hold immense significance for both the natural world and human society. Their contributions span a multitude of ecological, environmental, economic, and social domains, making them essential components of a healthy and thriving planet. Phytoplasma association not only compromise tree aesthetics but also reduce photosynthetic capacity and overall vigour. Phytoplasma diseases also lead to increased tree mortality, altering ecosystem dynamics.This review article provides an in-depth exploration of phytoplasma diseases affecting trees worldwide, encompassing their epidemiology, symptomatology, impact and management strategies.
Mortality from Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Australia from 1971 to 2021
Authors: Czarnecki D
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The number of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) removed from Australians is increasing every year. The number of deaths from NMSC is increasing but so is the population. However, the population has greatly changed with many people at low risk for skin cancer migrating to Australia. The death rate from NMSC for the entire population and susceptible populations since 1971 is examined in this article.

Materials and methods

Data on the Australian population was obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Every five years a census is held in Australia and detailed information of the population is provided. The ABS also provided yearly data on the causes of death in Australia.

Results

The total population increased from 12,755,638 in 1971 to 25,738,140 in 2021. However, the susceptible population increased by far less, from 12,493,780 to 19,773,783. The number of deaths from NMSC increased from 143 to 765. The crude death rate for the susceptible population increased for 1.1 per 100,000 to 3.9 per 100,000. The crude death rate in the susceptible population aged 65 or more increased from 9.4 to 18.2 per 100,000.

Conclusion

Deaths from NMSC are increasing despite public health campaigns to prevent skin cancer. On current trends, NMSC will cause more deaths than melanoma in Australia.
Impact of Climate on the Expansion of Dengue Fever in an Endemic Urban Area
Authors: Cruz Tamara Coelho , Ribeiro Sérvio Pontes , Duarte Rafael Vieira , Monteiro Josefa Clara Lafuente , Veloso Guilherme Augusto , Franco-Morais Maria Helena , Carneiro Mariângela , Reis Alexandre Barbosa , Coura-Vital Wendel
Published: December 2023

Dengue is one of the most important arboviruses worldwide, with currently approximately 2.5 billion people at risk of becoming infected, mainly in tropical countries. The present study evaluated the influence of climatic variables on the incidence of dengue fever in an endemic urban area. A time series study of cases was carried out with all confirmed cases of dengue fever in the municipality of Belo Horizonte from 2001 to 2021. The climatic explanatory variables were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. The analysis was performed using a generalized linear regression model with three scenarios: a no-lag model, 1-month lag model (1 month earlier) and 2-month lag model (2 months earlier). In the no-lag model, the maximum temperature was associated with an increase in the monthly incidence of dengue (IRR: 1.5). In the 1- and 2-month lag models, the monthly average temperature was associated with an increase in incidence (IRR: 1.9 in both). Our results suggest that temperature contributed to the increase in the incidence of dengue, and an increase of 1 °C could increase the incidence of the disease by approximately 90%. Thus, temperature monitoring can direct efforts towards prevention and control of the disease.
Satellite-Derived Estimate City-Level Methane Emission Flux from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Xing Zhenyu , Barchyn Thomas E. , Vollrath Coleman , Gao Mogzhou , Hugenholtz Chris
Published: December 2023

Cities are important sources of anthropogenic methane emissions. Municipal governments can play a role in reducing those emissions to support climate change mitigation, but they need information on the rate of emissions to context mitigation actions and track progress. Here, we examine the application of satellite data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) to estimate city-level methane emissions rates in a case study of the City of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. While satellites are touted as a global methane monitoring system, we found limited observational coverage over Calgary that precluded the reliability of measurement-based models to track the annual emissions. In this work, we integrated valid observations over three years (2020-22) and used mass balance modeling to derive a long-term averaged emission estimate. The column-averaged dry-air mole fraction (XCH4) enhancement over Calgary was small, 4.7 ppb, but within the city boundary, we identified local hot spots in the vicinity of known sources (wastewater treatment facility and landfills). The city-scale emissions estimate from mass balance was 215.4 ± 132.8 t/d CH4. This estimate is approximately four- and six-times larger than estimates from Canada's gridded national inventory report of anthropogenic CH4 emissions and the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR v8.0), respectively. Valid observations are more common in warmer months and occur during a narrow daily overpass timeslot over Calgary – these effects may bias the emissions estimate. Overall, the findings from this case study highlight the challenge of deriving routine (sub-annual to annual) satellite-based estimates of city-scale methane emissions in similar geographic settings and suggest that more granular emissions inventories are needed to improve methane reporting.
Topical Application of Autologous Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma with a High Concentration of Monocytes in Patients with Recalcitrant Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Efficacy, Safety and Economic Evaluation.
Authors: Ragghianti Benedetta , Silverii Giovanni Antonio , Berardi Bianca Maria , Luppichini Linda , Masulli Maria , Monami Matteo
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI are at higher risk for major amputations and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and cost-efficacy of intramuscular injection of autologous monocyte-rich PRP platelet-rich plasma Tropocells® PRP (Estar Medical, Holon, Israel) in diabetic patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) in which revascularization was not feasible.
METHODS: a retrospective study was carried out on a series of patients with type 2 diabetes, grade Texas 3C or D DFU, and CLTI. All patients had undergone at least a previous revascularization and were allocated to a surgery waiting list for major amputation. According to the data provided by the manufacturer (https://www.zuccatobiotech.it/index.php/prodotti/tropocells), the monocyte-rich PRP kit obtained a platelet-rich plasma with a high concentration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (with a proportionately lower amount of lymphocytes), a low concentration of neutrophils and an almost complete depletion of red blood cells. All patients underwent a procedure of local infiltration of autologous mononuclear cells through multiple perilesional and intramuscular injections of 10 mL PBMNC suspensions (0.2–0.3 mL in boluses) performed below the knee along the relevant vascular axis (anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery) at intervals of 1–2 cm and to a mean depth of 1.5–2 cm, using a 21 G needle. The procedures were performed according to the instructions of the manufacturer and were repeated at least two times (maximum 3 times) at intervals of 30 days. The principal endpoint was a composite of TcPO2 values at the first toe ≥30 mmHg and/or TcPO2 increase of at least 50% from baseline and/or ulcer healing. Secondary endpoints were individual components of the primary endpoint, quality of life, any adverse events, and direct costs. All the endpoints were evaluated at 26 weeks.
RESULTS: Out of 21 enrolled patients, 13 (61.9%) reached the primary endpoint, whereas three patients underwent a major amputation, and two patients died. The median TpCO2 was significantly increased, and pain was significantly reduced. The overall mean and median cost per patient were 9,255±7,328€ and 4,001 [2,991;7,565]€, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: the use of PBMNCs implants in patients with DFU and no-option CLTI seems to
be efficacious in reducing the risk of major amputation and improve ulcer healing.
Myocardial Oedema as a Consequence of Viral Infection and Persistence – a Narrative Review with Focus on COVID-19 and Post COVID Sequelae
Authors: Panagiotides Noel G. , Poledniczek Michael , Andreas Martin , Hülsmann Martin , Kocher Alfred A. , Kopp Christoph W. , Piechota-Polanczyk Aleksandra , Weidenhammer Annika , Pavo Noemi , Wadowski Patricia P.
Published: December 2023

Microvascular integrity is a critical factor in myocardial fluid homeostasis. The subtle equilibrium between capillary filtration and lymphatic fluid removal is disturbed during pathological processes leading to inflammation, but also in hypoxia or due to alterations in vascular perfusion and coagulability. The degradation of the glycocalyx as the main component of the endothelial filtration barrier as well as pericyte disintegration result in accumulation of interstitial and intracellular water. Moreover, lymphatic dysfunction evokes an increase in metabolic waste products, cytokines and inflammatory cells in the interstitial space contributing to myocardial oedema formation. This leads to myocardial stiffness and impaired contractility eventually resulting in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial remodelling and fibrosis.
The following article reviews pathophysiological inflammatory processes leading to myocardial oedema including myocarditis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and viral infections with a special focus on the pathomechanisms evoked by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In addition, clinical implications including potential long-term effects due to viral persistence (long-COVID), as well as treatment options are discussed.