bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep disrupts complex spiking dynamics in the neocortex and hippocampus
Authors: González Joaquín , Cavelli Matias , Tort Adriano B. L. , Torterolo Pablo , Rubido Nicolás
Published: August 2023

Neuronal interactions give rise to complex dynamics in cortical networks, often described in terms of the diversity of activity patterns observed in a neural signal. Interestingly, the complexity of spontaneous electroencephalographic signals decreases during slow-wave sleep (SWS); however, the underlying neural mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we analyse in-vivo recordings from neocortical and hippocampal neuronal populations in rats and show that the complexity decrease is due to the emergence of synchronous neuronal DOWN states. Namely, we find that DOWN states during SWS force the population activity to be more recurrent, deterministic, and less random than during REM sleep or wakefulness, which, in turn, leads to less complex field recordings. Importantly, when we exclude DOWN states from the analysis, the recordings during wakefulness and sleep become indistinguishable: the spiking activity in all the states collapses to a common scaling. We complement these results by implementing a critical branching model of the cortex, which shows that inducing DOWN states to only a percentage of neurons is enough to generate a decrease in complexity that replicates SWS.
Development of an in vitro aggregation assay for long synthetic polypeptide, amyloidogenic gelsolin fragment AGelD187N 173–242
Authors: Leimu Laura , Haavisto Oskar , Nesati Victor , Holm Patrik , Haapalinna Antti , Salbo Rune , Pesonen Ullamari
Published: August 2023

Aggregation of the gelsolin protein fragment is the hallmark of the hereditary systemic disease gelsolin amyloidosis. As with other protein misfolding diseases, there is an urgent need for efficient disease-modifying treatment for gelsolin amyloidosis. The formation of amyloids can be reproduced by incubating the disease-causing amyloidogenic 8 kDa polypeptide, 70-residue gelsolin protein fragment, AGelD187N 173–242, in vitro and monitoring the process by thioflavin T dye. However, for screening of potential aggregation inhibitors, the required protein amounts are large and the biotechnological production of amyloidogenic proteins has many challenges. Conversely, use of shorter synthetic regions of AGelD187N 173–242 does not mimic the in vivo aggregation kinetics of full-length fragment as they have different aggregation propensity. In this study, we present an in vitro aggregation assay for full-length AGelD187N 173–242 that has been produced by solid-phase chemical synthesis and after that monomerized carefully. Chemical synthesis allows us to produce high quantities of full-length fragment efficiently and at low cost. We demonstrate that the generated aggregates are fibrillar in nature and how the purity, terminal modification, initial aggregates and seeding affect the aggregation kinetics of a synthetic gelsolin fragment. We also present sufficient quality criteria for the initial monomerized synthetic polypeptide.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment of haemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Argentinean kosher beef consumption in Israel
Authors: Brusa Victoria , Dolev Sergio , Signorini Marcelo , Leotta Gerardo
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia colihemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) linked to the consumption of Kosher beef produced in Argentina and consumed in Israel in children under 14 years. A probabilistic risk assessment model was developed to characterize STEC prevalence and contamination levels in the beef supply chain (cattle primary production, cattle transport, processing and storage in the abattoir, for export and at retail, and home preparation and consumption). The model was implemented in Microsoft Excel 2016 with the @Risk add-on package. Results of 302 surveys with data collected in Israel were as follows: 92.3% of people consumed beef, mostly at home, and 98.2% preferred levels of cooking that ensured STEC removal from the surface of beef cuts. The preferred degree of ground beef doneness was “well-done” (48.2%). Cooking preference ranged from red to “medium-well done” (51.8%). Median HUS probability from Argentinean beef cut and ground beef consumption in children under 14 years old was<10−15and 8.57x10-10, respectively. The expected average annual number of HUS cases and deaths due to beef cut and ground beef consumption was zero. Risk of infection and HUS probability correlated with salting effect onE.colicount, processing raw beef before vegetables, ways of storage and refrigeration temperature at home, joint consumption of salad and beef cuts, degree of beef doneness and cutting board washing with detergent after each use with beef and vegetables. The STEC-HUS risk in Israel from consumption of bovine beef produced in Argentina was negligible. The current QMRA results were similar to those of previous beef cut consumption QMRA in Argentina and lower than any of the QMRA performed worldwide in other STEC-HUS linked to ground beef consumption. This study confirms the importance of QMRA to estimate and manage the risk of STEC-HUS from beef consumption. The impact variables identified in the sensitivity analysis allowed us to optimize resources and time management, to focus on accurate actions and to avoid taking measures that would not have an impact on the risk of STEC-HUS.
Ferulic Acid reduces amyloid beta mediated neuroinflammation through modulation of Nurr1 expression in microglial cells
Authors: Moghimi-Khorasgani Ali , Homayouni Moghadam Farshad , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2023

Microglial cells (MGCs) serve as the resident macrophages in the brain and spinal cord, acting as the first line of immune defense against pathological changes. With various phenotypes, they can shift from a homeostatic state to a reactive state or transit from a reactive to a non-inflammatory reactive state (alternative homeostatic). A well-timed transit is crucial in limiting excessive microglial reaction and promoting the healing process. Studies indicate that increased Nurr1 expression promotes anti-neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ferulic acid (FA) in facilitating microglia transition due to its anti-inflammatory and Nurr1-inducing effects. MGCs were extracted from the brains of male NMRI mice at postnatal day 2 (P2) and cultured with or without FA and beta-amyloid (Aβ). Real-time qRT-PCR was conducted to measure the expressions of Nurr1, IL-1β, and IL-10 genes. Immunostaining was performed to determine the number of NURR1-positive cells, and the ramification index (RI) of MGCs was calculated using Image J software. Treating MGCs with FA (50 μg/ml) induced Nurr1 and IL-10 expressions, while reducing the level of IL-1β in the absence of Aβ-stress. Further assessments on cells under Aβ-stress showed that FA treatment restored the IL-10 and Nurr1 levels, increased the RI of cells, and the number of NURR1-positive cells. Morphological assessments and measurements of the RI revealed that FA treatment reversed amoeboid and rod-like cells to a ramified state, which is specific morphology for non-inflammatory reactive microglia. To conclude, FA can provide potential alternative homeostatic transition in Aβ-reactive microglia by recruiting the NURR1 dependent anti-inflammatory responses. This makes it a promising therapeutic candidate for suppressing Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory responses in MGCs. Furthermore, given that FA has the ability to increase NURR1 levels in homeostatic microglia, it could be utilized as a preventative medication.
What socio-demographic factors support disposable vs. sustainable menstrual choices? Evidence from India’s National Family Health Survey-5
Authors: Babbar Karan , Garikipati Supriya
Published: August 2023

For over a decade, improving menstrual hygiene among poor girls and women in low-and-middle-income-countries has been a prominent global goal. Towards this, governments in the Global South have worked to promote the uptake of disposable sanitary pads. Despite this, we continue to see a high prevalence of period poverty mainly because disposable pads require monthly purchasing that may be burdensome for many women. Not only are pads financially unsustainable but also represent a heavy environmental burden which has kindled an interest in re-usable innovations like menstrual cups that present a sustainable solution. However, there is little understanding of factors that promote the take-up of disposable vs. sustainable products at population levels. In this paper, we draw on India’s National Family Health Survey-5 to understand the socio-demographic determinants of period product usage among girls and women, differentiated by their sustainability quotient. Our findings suggest that awareness of sustainable products and cultural factors are the key driver to promote their use. Women with exposure to menstrual cups either via education or mass media were more likely to use them. Belonging to urban areas and to disadvantaged social categories are other driving factors, at least partly because taboos of vaginal insertion are less of a concern among these groups. These findings suggest that improving the uptake of menstrual cups requires a paradigm shift in menstrual health policies from the promotion of disposable pads alone to spreading awareness of sustainable period choices among women via innovative use of mass media and community networks. Some micro-level evidence of change supports our conclusions.
Killing for Show: Interview with Julian Stallabrass
Authors: Stallabrass Julian , Fletcher Alex , Fisher Andrew
Published: August 2023

This interview with the art historian and curator Julian Stallabrass was conducted by Alex Fletcher and Andrew Fisher over the winter of 2022–23. It takes as its point of departure Stallabrass’s recent and large-scale study Killing for Show: Photography, War, and the Media in Vietnam and Iraq (2020), in order to consider the changing ways in which images have been used to both document and to wage war. The interview explores Stallabrass’s central historical contrast between photography in the Iraq and Vietnam Wars. It considers the relative critical values of photojournalism and art in their engagements with violence and what the problems and possibilities of photojournalism tell us about the wider fate of liberal notions of the public sphere. The interview ends by linking these themes in Killing for Show to the photographic mediation of current conflicts and the visual cultures of contemporary capitalism.
‘A knife without a blade, for which a handle is missing’: On the pleasure of photographic violence
Authors: Rubinstein Daniel
Published: August 2023

This article explores the role of photography in the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey in 2016. The photography exhibition titled Russia through Turkish Eyes was the background for the assassination. The author argues that photography occupies a paradoxical position of a metalanguage of an event that it simultaneously announces, records, destroys and celebrates while assuming the role of an impartial observer. Photography operates as a counter-factual, exceeding the documentary, and assuming the function not of a witness but of an active participant. The author suggests that in a primitive culture like ours, some objects acquire the status of a portal that facilitates the transformation between symbolic, imaginary and real forms of existence. A camera is one such object. The article concludes that the assassination of the Russian Ambassador cannot be easily separated from the photographic event that preceded it, accompanied it and immortalized it.
Are Price Controls Disrupting Clinical Trials and Stifling Medical Innovation?
Authors:   Jeeva Informatics Solutions, Rajasimha Harsha K.
Published: August 2023

While pricing controls imposed by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRS) may appear positive for patients in the short term, and is considered a step forward in improving affordability of, and access to, innovative medical treatments, these controls may have unintended consequences on biopharmaceutical drug development programs and investments in the long term unless this pressure is offset by the opportunity to modernize the way clinical trials are conducted.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transgastric Shunt Obliteration for Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Rathi Sahaj , Kalantri Amrita , Shastri Arpit , Shree Ritu , Mahesh Karthik Vinay , Taneja Sunil , Chaluvasetty Sreedhara B. , Bhujade Harish , Verma Nipun , Premkumar Madhumita , De Arka , Kalra Naveen , Singh Virendra , Duseja Ajay
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Occlusion of spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) in patients with cirrhosis may be required in recurrent or refractory hepatic encephalopathy. We describe a novel method for occlusion of SPSS using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

METHODS:

EUS-guided transgastric shunt obliteration was performed by injecting glue and coils directly into SPSS.

RESULTS:

EUS-guided transgastric shunt obliteration was performed for 7 patients in 9 sessions. Complete cessation of Doppler flow was achieved in 6/7 cases. Adequate clinical response was observed in 6/7 patients. No procedure-related severe adverse events were seen.

DISCUSSION:

This novel technique is a potentially effective and efficient method for shunt obliteration.
ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN ALGORITMA TEMPORAL KEY INTEGRITY PROTOCOL (TKIP) DENGAN ADVANCED ENCRYPTION STANDARD (AES) PADA ENKRIPSI WI-FI PROTECTED ACCESS (WPA
Authors: Aryanto Muhammad , Puspitasari Nila Feby , Nugroho M.Agung
Published: August 2023

Pengaruh perkembangan teknologi membuat kebutuhan jaringan internet menjadi sangat penting dikarenakan dengan penggunaan internet masyarakat dapat mencari segala sesuatu informasi yang dibutuhkan. Dalam penggunaan internet pada jaringan wifi membutuhkan mekanisme keamanan jaringan. Keamanan jaringan wifi terdiri dari beberapa jenis, yaitu diantara nya adalah WEP, WPA, WPA2-PSK. Penelitian ini akan melakukan analisis perbandingan pada algoritma  TKIP dan AES yang ada pada jenis keamanan WPA dengan menggunakan metode SPDLC (Security Policy Development Life Cyle) Didalam metode SPDLC terdiri dari identifikasi, analisis, desain, implementasi, audit, dan evaluasi. Implementasi yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini menggunakan sebuah tools Aircrack-ng sebagai media dalam melakukan penetrasi terhadap jenis keamanan yang akan di uji. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah perbandingan yang dilakukan antara algoritma TKIP dan algoritma AES membuktikan bahwa algoritma AES pada WPA lebih unggul dalam mengamankan jaringan. Maka kesimpulan yang dapat diambil pada saat melakukan implementasi perbandingan algoritma TKIP dan AES pada WPA adalah kedua jenis algoritma ini masih dapat dilakukan peretasan. Hasil dari pengujian menunjukan bahwa tingkat keberhasilan dalam menemukan kata sandi memiliki tingkat keberhasilan peretasan yang tinggi yaitu dengan presentase 99,96% dan durasi selama 25 detik. Untuk jenis keamanan WPA dengan algoritma AES sedikit lebih aman meskipun masih dapat dilakukan peretasan. Dengan tingkat keberhasilan peretasan dalam menemukan kata sandi sebesar 99,30% dan dengan durasi selama 27 detik.
Kata kunci: WPA, WPA2-PSK, TKIP, AES, Aircrack-ng
 
The influence of technological developments makes the need for internet networks very important because with the use of the internet people can find all the information needed. In the use of the internet on wifi networks requires a network security mechanism. Wifi network security consists of several types, namely wep, WPA, WPA2-PSK. This research will conduct comparative analysis on existing TKIP and AES algorithms in wpa security types using the SPDLC (Security Policy Development Life Cyle) method in the SPDLC method consisting of identification, analysis, design, implementation, audit, and evaluation. The implementation carried out in this study uses a tool "Aircrack-ng" as a medium in penetrating the type of security to be tested. The result of this study is a comparison made between the TKIP algorithm and the AES algorithm proves that the AES algorithm on WPA is superior in securing the network. So the conclusion that can be taken when implementing the comparison of TKIP and AES algorithms on WPA is that these two types of algorithms can still be hacked.
Keywords: WPA, WPA2-PSK, TKIP, AES, Aircrack-ng
Looking Backwards, and then Forwards: Africans and the 21st Century
Authors:   University of Zululand, Kwaa Prah Kwesi
Published: August 2023

Looking Backwards, and then Forwards: Africans and the 21st Century
Some Reflections on Expanding Sino-African Trade and Economic Cooperative Relations in the New Century
Authors:   George Mason University, Qiang Zeng
Published: August 2023

Some Reflections on Expanding Sino-African Trade and Economic Cooperative Relations in the New Century
Facing up to the Failure of "Racial Democracy" in Brazil
Authors:   Columbia University, Aidi Hisham
Published: August 2023

Facing up to the Failure of "Racial Democracy" in Brazil
Obliterating African Memory and History: African Archives in Tatters
Authors:   University of Zululand, Prah Kwesi Kwaa
Published: August 2023

Obliterating African Memory and History: African Archives in Tatters
The Hidden Past and Untold Present of African-Palestinians
Authors:   University of London, Beckerleg Susan
Published: August 2023

The Hidden Past and Untold Present of African-Palestinians
Black Book of Sudan: Imbalance of Power and Wealth in Sudan
Authors:   University of Ireland, El-Tom Abdullahi Osman
Published: August 2023

Black Book of Sudan: Imbalance of Power and Wealth in Sudan
Commentary on War and Warlordism in Africa: The Role Of Western Democracies In Fuelling Africa's Wars & Warlordism
Authors:   University of Bristol, Anthony Claudia
Published: August 2023

Commentary on War and Warlordism in Africa: The Role Of Western Democracies In Fuelling Africa's Wars & Warlordism
Black and black woman
Authors: Florisbela dos Santos Anna Lucia
Published: August 2023

Black and black woman
Discourses on Difference, Discourses on Oppression
Authors:   University of South Africa, Hendricks Cheryl
Published: August 2023

Discourses on Difference, Discourses on Oppression
Balance of Family Life and Professional Life and Stress Among Caregivers
Authors: Ouyi Badji , Avogan Yaovi Alexandre
Published: August 2023

The study in this paper was carried out on the health workers of the CHR-Tsévié in Togo, and involves two main variables: work-life balance and stress at work. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of the reconciliation of spheres on stress by using reconciliation measures as a moderating effect. Data were collected from 107 individuals regardless of gender, using a questionnaire. They were then processed using Excel and SPSS.  Our results confirm the relationship between work-life balance and stress among the caregivers of the Regional Hospital Center of Tsévié. (r=0.192; p = 0.048 < 0.05). Therefore, we will argue that a better organization in terms of reconciling the two spheres of life (family and professional) will make it possible to reduce the suffering linked to stress among caregivers.
The Influence of Market Orientation on Business Performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Through Innovativeness
Authors: Nasrah Rasidah , Husin Nor Azilah , Salleh Noor Akma Mohd
Published: August 2023

The new era affects the world of industry and business, including small and medium companies such as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs have a strategic and significant role in the economy and then contributed to increasing foreign exchanges through export-import activities. However, MSMEs in Indonesia are facing various problems such as limited modality, low-quality human resources, mastery of science and technology, and the dependence of the domestic industry on imported raw materials. They reduce the purchasing power and slow industrial growth in Indonesia. Therefore, this study conducts to find out the influence orientation market on the performance of MSMEs in Payakumbuh. This study used quantitative methods and data collection by distributing questionnaires. The unit of analysis in this study is traditional crackers (Kerupuk) from Indonesia MSMEs while the observation unit is the owner or manager. The population of the study was 285 MSMEs owners or managers. The results of this research found that the orientation market has a significant effect on business performance and innovation Kerupuk MSMEs in Payakumbuh. Innovation also has a significant effect on MSME's Performance. However, innovation has shown no effect between the orientation market and business.
Electrical and thermal modeling of battery cell grouping for analyzing battery pack efficiency and temperature
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashifur , Baki Abul Kalam Muhammed
Published: August 2023

Efficiency of the battery pack largely depends on the resistive losses and heat generation between the interconnections of the battery cells. Grouping of battery cells usually is done in different ways in industries. However, losses vary depending on applications or states of electric vehicle (EV). Therefore, it is necessary to determine the efficiency and heat generation in battery cells as well as battery packs. In practical situations, some battery cells are charged rapidly in comparison to other battery cells. On the other hand, when an EV is in running condition some battery cells are discharged rapidly. As a results battery pack cannot provide better efficiency and its life span is reduced. As an alternative option the inter-cell connection of battery package is needed to reconfigure in an optimized way. In this paper firstly, a battery pack with switches is modeled and then efficiency and temperature variation with respect to time are determined. Then, an experimental setup is investigated to measure the efficiency and temperature rise with respect to time. Results, explained in the paper, demonstrate that battery pack with switches increases the efficiency if it is measured after switching (97–98 %), while temperature increases from 25 °C to 50 °C for different C-rates.
Energy consumption calculation and energy-saving measures of substation based on Multi-objective artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Zhao Na , Wang Jicheng , Ding Yuxian , Li Yifeng
Published: August 2023

Electric energy is the most commonly used energy in people’s daily life. In the process of use, how to improve the utilization rate of resources, so as to achieve the purpose of energy saving and environmental protection of power resources is a very significant work. The power grid is crucial in the transmission of electricity, and the energy consumption of substations is a major factor affecting the operation cost. Therefore, it is a key condition to ensure the stable operation of the power grid to scientifically calculate its energy consumption and formulate appropriate energy-saving measures. After consulting a large number of relevant documents and data, it has been found that many researchers have provided new ideas for the calculation of energy consumption and the study of energy-saving measures in substations. This article was adding its own understanding and taking it as the direction and basis. In the introduction, the research significance of substation energy consumption calculation was introduced, and then the academic research and analysis were carried out on the two key sentences of substation energy consumption calculation and analysis and the research of multi-objective artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm in substation. In the method part, a constructive algorithm theory was proposed, and the application of the algorithm in substation energy consumption was proposed to provide a theoretical basis for the energy consumption calculation and energy conservation measures research of substations based on multi-objective ABC algorithm. At the end of the article, a simulation comparison experiment was carried out and the experiment was summarized and discussed. Firstly, the performance of the two algorithms was analyzed. Then, through the first selection of power plant T and Y, it was concluded that the resistivity of the cable in the distribution room in power plant Y was much higher than the average value based on the experimental results. Therefore, it was taken as the sample subject of the following experiments and analyzed again. For the second time, the analysis of district power plant Y showed that through simple calculation, the average energy efficiency difference of the distribution room before and after use was 3.1. Finally, it was analyzed that the ABC algorithm could not only improve the energy efficiency of the distribution room in the power plant, but also improve the effective efficiency of its power station. It shows that this kind of algorithm is effective and worthy of further study.
Ultrasound-guided injection through the rotator cuff interval: a clinical perspective of one institution’s results and description of technique
Authors: Beard Nahum M. , Beggs Luke , Murphy William G. , Knack Margaret , Golden Owen , Ross William
Published: August 2023

Context

Fluoroscopic injection through the rotator cuff interval (RCI) is a common technique for diagnostic arthrography and therapeutic intervention. Ultrasound approaches through the RCI have been less commonly studied, but there is a growing body of literature.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to present a standardized technique of ultrasound-guided injection into the glenohumeral joint utilizing the RCI in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arthrography (MRA) and to report one medical group’s experience with the technique.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all ultrasound-guided injections into the glenohumeral joint utilizing the RCI was performed from July 1, 2014 through June 1, 2021. Data were compiled for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and prior surgery on the shoulder. The primary endpoint was successful administration of intra-articular dilute gadolinium contrast adequate for radiologic interpretation. A total of 487 injections into the glenohumeral joint via the RCI were performed. One hundred and fifty-five patients had previous shoulder surgery, with the remainder naive to intervention.

Results

The success rate of injections into the glenohumeral joint was 99.4 %, with only three injections considered unsuccessful. The three unsuccessful injections did not succeed because of a lack of intra-articular contrast media present. This success rate is impressive and promising, particularly when considering that 155 of the patients had previous surgery, which could potentially cause complications, and because these injections were performed over a long period of 7 years.

Conclusions

Accessing the RCI under ultrasound guidance is a very successful technique for injection within the glenohumeral joint.
Application of internal fire probabilistic risk assessment in design optimization for marine SMR
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Xiaoming , Xiong Chao
Published: August 2023

Small Modular Reactors (SMR) have attracted more and more attention. It can provide economic, stable and clean power for remote areas. It is also a reliable solution in satisfying the power supply of small and medium grids, as well as comprehensive energy supply including heat, electricity, water and steam, and distributed energy supply. Internal Fire Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is a system analysis method of assessing fire risk for a nuclear power plant, which plays a more and more important role. It can provide an overall understanding of the internal fire risk for SMR. Corresponding design optimization suggestions can be obtained through further analysis of the fire areas with major fire risk, which can help reduce the risk of internal fire and improve the safety of reactor. The paper introduces the basic information of marine SMR and development of internal fire PRA. Then the internal fire risk for marine SMR have been analyzed by this method. The results show that marine SMR have high safety with a Core Damage Frequency (CDF) for internal fire risk of less than 1.0 × 10−7 per year.
Do institutions matter for entrepreneurial development?
Authors:   George Mason University, Aidis Ruta
Published: August 2023

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the differing impact of institutions on entrepreneurship development is undeniable. Several post-Soviet countries benefitted from early international integration by joining the EU, adopting the euro, and becoming OECD members. This process enabled entrepreneurship to develop within institutional contexts where democratic and free market principles were strengthened. In general, however, post-Soviet economies continue to be characterized by higher levels of corruption, complex business regulations, weak rule of law, uncertain property rights and often, lack of political will for institutional change.
Untangling the Strands of Hairy Cell Leukemia: The Clinicopathological Spectrum over Eleven Years at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors:   Onco-Pathology Department, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India, Rai Varnika , Manimaran Poornima ,   Onco-Pathology Department, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India, Saha Anurag ,   Onco-Pathology Department, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India, Kailashiya Vikas ,   Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India, Sawhney Jyoti ,   Onco-Pathology Department, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India, Ramawat Sandeep ,   Medical Oncology Department, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India, Kakoty Sneha ,   Onco-Pathology Department, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India
Published: August 2023

Background: Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon, indolent lymphoproliferative disorder of mature B lymphoid cells, accounting for 2% of all lymphoid tumors. The present study evaluated the clinical-hematological profile of HCL patients diagnosed at a single tertiary care center over a 11-year period. Methods: The retrospective observational study was done between October 2010 and September 2021. The relevant clinical and laboratory information were retrieved from hospital medical records and electronic databases. The statistical analysis was performed using version 23.0 of SPSS. Results: 66 (5.9%) of 1125 cases of chronic lymphoproliferative disorder were HCL. Splenomegaly was found in 47 (71.2%), hepatomegaly in 26 (39.5%), and lymphadenopathy in 17 (25.7%) of the cases. The mean hemoglobin, total leukocytes count, and platelets count were 8.04 g/dl, 6.76 X 109/L, and 77 X 109/L, respectively. Pancytopenia was detected in 40 cases (60.61 %). Bone marrow biopsies were majorly hypercellular and showed predominantly diffuse infiltration by atypical lymphoid cells. In two patients, initially thought of having refractory/hypoplastic anemia, the bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometry revealed HCL involvement. 42 cases of HCL underwent flow cytometry. CD20, CD 11c, CD 25 and CD 103 were positive in all the cases. The aberrant expression of CD5, CD10, and CD23 was found in frequencies of 5.71 %, 31.42 %, and 19.35%, respectively. In 40 cases for which follow-up information was available, there was full remission in 26 patients (65%), and later three showed relapse (7.5%) of which one died, and persistent leukemic activity in five (10%). Eight patients (20%) died even before the initiation of treatment. One patient died within one month of therapy. No patient was examined for BRAF V600E mutation analysis. Conclusion: CD 10+ HCL was the most prevalent atypical immunophenotypic subgroup. Bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometry are crucial diagnostic tools to rule out hairy cell leukemia. However, BRAF V600E mutation analysis should be performed in cases with unusual presentation or resistance to treatment.
Saccade-Responsive Visual Cortical Neurons Do Not Exhibit Distinct Visual Response Properties
Authors: King Chase W. , Ledochowitsch Peter , Buice Michael A. , de Vries Saskia E. J.
Published: August 2023

Rapid saccadic eye movements are used by animals to sample different parts of the visual scene. Previous work has investigated neural correlates of these saccades in visual cortical areas such as V1; however, how saccade-responsive neurons are distributed across visual areas, cell types, and cortical layers has remained unknown. Through analyzing 818 1 h experimental sessions from the Allen Brain Observatory, we present a large-scale analysis of saccadic behaviors in head-fixed mice and their neural correlates. We find that saccade-responsive neurons are present across visual cortex, but their distribution varies considerably by transgenically defined cell type, cortical area, and cortical layer. We also find that saccade-responsive neurons do not exhibit distinct visual response properties from the broader neural population, suggesting that the saccadic responses of these neurons are likely not predominantly visually driven. These results provide insight into the roles played by different cell types within a broader, distributed network of sensory and motor interactions.
Análisis de eficiencia técnica y rentabilidad del procesamiento local de arroz en el estado de Kwara, Nigeria
Authors: AKANBI Sheu-Usman Oladipo , OLANIYI Oyetola Sunmibola , ADEKUNLE Adedayo Olufemi , OLOHUNGBEBE Shehu Ahmad , ALAO Bashir
Published: August 2023

El estudio busca evaluar la eficiencia técnica y la rentabilidad del procesamiento local de arroz en el estado de Kwara, Nigeria. Los objetivos específicos son: (a) estimar el costo y la rentabilidad del procesamiento local del arroz; (b) estimar la eficiencia técnica de los métodos de procesamiento de arroz empleados; (c) analizar los factores que inciden en la eficiencia técnica del procesamiento local del arroz; y (d) identificar las limitaciones para el procesamiento local de arroz en el área de estudio. Se empleó una técnica de muestreo de dos etapas para seleccionar 120 procesadores que fueron seleccionados al azar de una lista de procesadores registrados en las áreas de gobierno local de Edu y Pategi. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, margen bruto, análisis envolvente de datos y regresión Tobit. La mayoría de los encuestados eran mujeres (77,5 %) y todos los procesadores (100 %) utilizan métodos tradicionales para todos los sistemas de procesamiento excepto para la etapa de molienda y despedrado. El margen bruto y la rotación de capital se estimaron en 142 490 y 1,49 respectivamente. Los procesadores lograron una eficiencia técnica general relativamente baja, una eficiencia técnica pura y una puntuación de eficiencia de escala (0,4965 y 0,820 y 0,5566), respectivamente. El nivel educativo, los años de experiencia en el procesamiento, el uso de equipos modernos y la capacitación en el uso del procesamiento tuvieron un efecto positivo en la eficiencia de este, mientras que el costo de la mano de obra mostró una influencia negativa en la eficiencia del procesamiento del arroz. Este estudio recomienda que se preste más atención a brindar capacitación técnica y mejorar el acceso a implementos modernos, especialmente a las mujeres procesadoras.

Nota: $1 = N 430
Utilization of used bleaching clay in pellet fuel production with torrefied oil palm fronds
Authors: Romyen Pensiri , Pianroj Yutthapong , Punvichai Teerasak , Karrila Seppo , Chotikhun Aujchariya , Jumrat Saysunee
Published: August 2023

Torrefaction oil palm fronds was studied as a renewable biomass resource for efficient and sustainable pellet fuel production. Employing microwave heating during torrefaction, the process optimized the conditions to enhance the fuel properties. At 300 °C for 40 minutes, the torrefied oil palm fronds exhibited a remarkable rise in net calorific value to 23 MJ/kg, accompanied by a substantial increase in fixed carbon content to 46%. These enhancements signify a significant boost in energy content and carbon richness, which is crucial for cleaner and greener energy solutions. Comparing pellet fuels derived from raw and torrefied biomass, a striking difference in calorific values was observed. While raw biomass pellets reached 12.24 MJ/kg, their torrefied counterparts achieved an impressive 18.40 MJ/kg. This undeniable advantage highlights the effectiveness of torrefaction in elevating energy output. To optimize the composition of the pellet fuel, an ideal mass proportion of torrefied oil palm fronds and used bleaching clay was identified as 70:30. This blend resulted in the highest recorded calorific value, further endorsing the viability of the approach. In conclusion, torrefaction at 300 °C for 40 minutes proved to be a potent technique for enhancing oil palm fronds as a valuable source of pellet fuel. These findings underscore its potential to revolutionize renewable energy production, promoting sustainability and mitigating environmental impact.
The place and functions of the Orthodox secondary school in the present-day Russia
Authors: Krat Anna
Published: August 2023

The article defines the place occupied by Orthodox secondary schools in the state and Orthodox education system of modern Russia. The use of statistical, comparative, as well as interviewing methods, conversations and analysis of materials from official websites, reports on the activities of Orthodox schools, information provided by directors, teachers and employees of Orthodox secondary schools, made it possible to establish the following. Orthodox general secondary schools undergo state licensing and accreditation procedures and are required to conduct educational activities in accordance with the basic component of the Federal State Educational Standards. To implement the religious component as part of the main educational programs and to be included in the register of Orthodox schools, it is necessary to obtain a confessional representation of the Russian Orthodox Church. Control and verification of the level and quality of training of students, their final performance in the subjects of the Orthodox cycle is carried out by the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechization of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Standard of the Orthodox component of primary general, basic general, secondary (complete) general education for educational institutions of the Russian Federation presents the requirements for the results of mastering the Orthodox component. The Orthodox general education schools that exist today perform the function of meeting the educational needs of Orthodox believers, the function of including students in Orthodox culture through the introduction of the Orthodox component into the main educational programs of general education and the implementation of the sacral component of spiritual and moral education.
Tratamiento quirúrgico para fracturas bifocales de húmero Maresca tipo A2
Authors: Viollaz Gonzalo Martín , Tedeschi Alejandro , Calo Luciano , Muratore Álvaro Javier , Durán Rafael , Teruya Gustavo , Gómez Diego
Published: August 2023

Las fracturas bifocales de húmero son lesiones infrecuentes, más aun las que ocurren asociadas con fracturas en el húmero proximal y diáfisis. Presentamos a cuatro pacientes con fracturas bifocales de húmero proximal y diafisario (Maresca A2), la planificación quirúrgica, los detalles técnicos y sus resultados funcionales.
Analytical Tools for Assessing the Inclusive Development of the Region
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Anikina Irina , Anikin Andrey ,   Volgograd State University
Published: August 2023

The study formulated a methodology for assessing the sustainable balanced inclusive growth of regional systems, adapted to analyze the development of Russian regions. The methodology is based on the analysis of a system of indicators classified according to the following criteria: 1) economic indicators characterizing the stability of the system, environmental indicators responsible for balance, and social indicators revealing the inclusive development of regions; 2) outcome indicators, indicators of development conditions, and indicators of efficiency or effectiveness of regional development. The indicators are based on the analysis of statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service, developed within the framework of the national set of indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which ensures independence and improves the objectivity of the assessment. The system of indicators is grouped into a matrix in which nine blocks are allocated. Based on the matrix, private indices characterizing one of the analyzed aspects of regional development and an aggregated index of sustainable balanced inclusive growth of the region are calculated. The proposed methodology was tested for the Volgograd region, for which the index of sustainable balanced inclusive development of the Volgograd region was calculated. The authors believe that the developed analytical tools will make it possible to more objectively take into account the regional specifics of sustainable balanced inclusive development when developing, monitoring, and evaluating regional strategic plans and programs.
Supply Chain Integration and Product Performance of Nigeria Bottling Company
Authors:   Osun State University, Babatunde Bayode , Sanusi Bolanle ,   Osun State University, Adegbile Godwin ,   Osun State University
Published: August 2023

This article explored the impact of supply chain integration on the performance of the Nigeria Bottling Company by identifying customer integration, supply chain partner coordination, and information sharing as components of supply chain integration. A descriptive survey was used as a research method. The study population consisted of consumers of Nigeria Bottling Company products in the city of Ibadan. Because of the infinite nature of the population, Godin’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 384 respondents who were randomly selected from the capital city of Ibadan. Primary data for the study were obtained through a survey of respondents. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics when analyzing data using SPSS version 23. The results showed that supply chain integration has a strong positive impact on performance, with an r value of 0.645 in the hypothesis tested, i.e. an impact of 64.5%. The study concluded that supply chain integration has a significant impact on product performance and therefore recommends that managers at the Nigeria Bottling Company improve their supply chain performance, especially information sharing, to ensure productivity.
Exchange Rate Elasticities of International Tourism and the Role of Dominant Currency Pricing
Authors: Ding Ding , Timmer Yannick
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we estimate exchange rate elasticities of international tourism. Both the bilateral exchange rate and the U.S. dollar exchange rate relative to tourism origin countries are important drivers of tourism flows. The U.S. dollar exchange rate is more important for tourism destination countries with higher U.S. dollar borrowing, pointing toward a complementarity between U.S. dollar pricing and financing. Country-specific dominant currencies (CSDCs) play only a minor role on average but are important for tourism-dependent countries and those with a high concentration of foreign tourists. Consistent with dominant currency pricing, we also find that local hotel prices do increase strongly when the domestic currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar. The importance of the U.S. dollar exchange rate represents a strong piece of evidence of dominant currency pricing (DCP) in the international trade of services. The results suggest that the benefits of exchange rate flexibility for tourism-dependent countries may be weaker than previously thought and that a broad appreciation of the U.S. dollar is associated with a significant decline in tourism flows globally.
ZAMAN GECİKMESİ İÇEREN YÜKSEK DERECELİ SALINIM SİSTEMLER İÇİN HİBRİD ATEŞBÖCEĞİ-GENETİK ALGORİTMAYA DAYALI PIDA KONTROLÖR TASARIMI
Authors: DOĞRUER Tufan
Published: August 2023

Kontrol sistem tasarımında, kontrolör tipi ve kontrolör parametrelerinin uygun şekilde belirlenmesi önem arz eder. PID kontrolörler birçok uygulamada çoğunlukla tercih edilirler. Bunun yanında, zaman gecikmesi içeren yüksek dereceden salınımlı sistemlerin kontrolünde PID kontrolörlerin yetersiz kaldığı bilinmektedir. Bu tür sistemlerde geleneksel PID kontrolör yerine PIDA kontrolör tercih edilir. Bu makale zaman gecikmesine sahip yüksek dereceden salınımlı sistemlerin kontrolü için hibrit algoritma tabanlı bir optimizasyon yöntemi sunar. PIDA kontrolör parametrelerini belirlemek için ateşböceği ve genetik algoritmanın avantajlarını birleştiren hibrit bir algoritma kullanılmıştır. Sunulan yöntemde, zaman cevabı parametrelerinden yerleşme ve yükselme zamanı, aşım ve kalıcı hal hatası kriterleri alınarak çok ölçütlü bir amaç fonksiyonu önerilmiştir. Önerilen yöntemin performansını değerlendirmek için iki benzetim çalışması yapılmış, elde edilen sonuçlar literatürden bazı çalışmalarla karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca sistemlerin parametre belirsizlik durumları analiz edilmiş ve tasarlanan kontrolörlerin dayanıklılık performans değerlendirmeleri yapılmıştır. Önerilen yöntemin, zaman gecikmesi içeren yüksek dereceden salınımlı sistemlerin geçici ve kalıcı durum cevabını geliştirdiği, hızlı ve etkili bir ayarlama metodu sunduğu elde edilen sonuçlardan görülmektedir.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF FEATURE SELECTION METHODS ON THE SUCCESS OF OVERALL EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVENESS PREDICTION
Authors: YILMAZ Ümit , KUVAT Özlem
Published: August 2023

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) describes production efficiency by combining availability, performance, and quality and is used to evaluate production equipment’s performance. This research’s aim is to investigate the potential of the feature selection techniques and the multiple linear regression method, which is one of the machine learning techniques, in successfully predicting the OEE of the corrugated department of a box factory. In the study, six different planned downtimes and information on seventeen different previously known concepts related to activities to be performed are used as input features. Moreover, backward elimination, forward selection, stepwise selection, correlation-based feature selection (CFS), genetic algorithm, random forest, extra trees, ridge regression, lasso regression, and elastic net feature selection methods are proposed to find the most distinctive feature subset in the dataset. As a result of the analyses performed on the data set consisting of 23 features, 1 output and 1204 working days of information, the elastic net - multiple linear regression model, which selects 19 attributes, gave the best average R2 value compared to other models developed. Occam's razor principle is taken into account since there is not a great difference between the average R2 values obtained. Among the models developed according to the principle, the stepwise selection - multiple linear regression model yielded the best R2 value among those that selected the fewest features.