bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH370
Authors: Pırtı Atınç , Yucel M. Ali , Hoşbaş Ramazan Gürsel
Published: October 2023

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which was flying from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing, China, lost communication with air traffic control shortly after take-off on March 8, 2014, and vanished. While the rest of the world awaited news of the missing plane and the 239 people on board, officials and experts began to look into the limited information available concerning the airliner’s real activities. The disappearance of a Malaysia Airline flight, carrying 239 passengers and crew, is one of the world’s biggest aviation mysteries. Despite all the efforts and evidence obtained so far, the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 could not be determined exactly. In this study, which we have done, the crash zone of the aircraft has been determined approximately by using the data in the previously prepared reports. In addition, the average ocean current speeds, directions and the parts of the debris of the aircraft were investigated on the satellite images, and the estimation of the area where the plane crashed was tried to be strengthened.
An R
V Map of the Milky Way Revealed by LAMOST
Authors: Zhang Ruoyi , Yuan Haibo , Chen Bingqiu
Published: October 2023

The total-to-selective extinction ratio, R
V, is a key parameter for tracing the properties of interstellar dust, as it directly determines the variation of the extinction curve with wavelength. By utilizing accurate color excess measurements from the optical to the mid-infrared range, we have derived R
V values for approximately three million stars from LAMOST data release 7 using a forward-modeling technique. This extensive data set enables us to construct a comprehensive 2D R
V map of the Milky Way within the LAMOST footprint at a spatial resolution of ∼27.′5. Based on reliable sight lines of E(B − V) > 0.1, we find that R
V exhibits a Gaussian distribution centered around 3.25 with a standard deviation of 0.25. The spatial variability of R
V in the Galactic disk exhibits a wide range, spanning from small scales within individual molecular clouds to large scales up to kiloparsecs. A striking correlation is observed between the distribution of R
V and molecular clouds. Notably, we observe lower R
V values within the regions of nearby molecular clouds compared to their surrounding areas. Furthermore, we have investigated the relationships between R
V and various parameters, including dust temperature, dust emissivity spectral index, column densities and ratios of atomic and molecular hydrogen, as well as the gas-to-dust ratio. We find that these relationships vary with the level of extinction. These analyses provide new insights into the properties and evolution of dust grains in diverse interstellar environments and also hold significant importance for achieving accurate extinction corrections.
JWST CEERS and JADES Active Galaxies at z = 4–7 Violate the Local M
•–M
⋆ Relation at >3σ: Implications for Low-mass Black Holes and Seeding Models
Authors: Pacucci Fabio , Nguyen Bao , Carniani Stefano , Maiolino Roberto , Fan Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

JWST is revolutionizing our understanding of the high-z Universe by expanding the black hole horizon, looking farther and to smaller masses, and revealing the stellar light of their hosts. By examining JWST galaxies at z = 4–7 that host Hα-detected black holes, we investigate (i) the high-z
M
•–M
⋆ relation and (ii) the black hole mass distribution, especially in its low-mass range (M
• ≲ 106.5
M
⊙). With a detailed statistical analysis, our findings conclusively reveal a high-z
M
•–M
⋆ relation that deviates at >3σ confidence level from the local relation. The high-z relation is

log
(

M

•

/

M

⊙

)
=
−

2.43

−
0.83

+
0.83

+

1.06

−
0.09

+
0.09

log
(

M

⋆

/

M

⊙

)

. Black holes are overmassive by ∼10–100× compared to their low-z counterparts in galactic hosts of the same stellar mass. This fact is not due to a selection effect in surveys. Moreover, our analysis predicts the possibility of detecting in high-z JWST surveys 5–15× more black holes with M
• ≲ 106.5
M
⊙, and 10–30× more with M
• ≲ 108.5
M
⊙, compared to local relation’s predictions. The lighter black holes preferentially occupy galaxies with a stellar mass of ∼107.5–108
M
⊙. We have yet to detect these sources because (i) they may be inactive (duty cycles 1%–10%), (ii) the host overshines the active galactic nucleus (AGN), or (iii) the AGN is obscured and not immediately recognizable by line diagnostics. A search of low-mass black holes in existing JWST surveys will further test the M
•–M
⋆ relation. Current JWST fields represent a treasure trove of black hole systems at z = 4–7; their detection will provide crucial insights into their early evolution and coevolution with their galactic hosts.
Graded levels of dietary pink oyster mushroom, Pleurotus djamor meal, affect growth, feed efficiency, lipase activity, and fiber content in final whole body of fingerlings of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Actinopterygii: Cichliformes: Cichlidae)
Authors: Sosa Mario Eduardo , Cappello-García Silvia , Martínez-García Rafael , Camarillo-Coop Susana , Guerrero-Zarate Rocío , Méndez-Marín Otilio , Álvarez-Gonzaléz Carlos Alfonso , Rodríguez-Estrada Uriel
Published: October 2023

The presently reported study was aimed to determine the effects of graded levels of dietary pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) meal (POMM), in growth, feed efficiency, protein utilization, digestive enzymes activities, and whole-body proximate composition of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), fingerlings (0.3 ± 0.01 g). The experimental design included a control diet (POMM0) formulated with soybean meal, as the main protein source, and four diets designed with increasing levels of POMM: 25% (POMM25); 50% (POMM50); 75% (POMM75); and 100% (POMM100). Experimental diets were administered to 420 fish, randomly distributed in 15, 100-L tanks. The feeding experiment lasted 45 days. Diets and the final whole body were submitted to a proximate composition analysis. Growth, feed efficiency, protein utilization, and digestive enzyme activities were assessed. Compared to POMM0 and POMM25, weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR), significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in fish that were fed POMM50, POMM75, and POMM100%. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and survival rate (SR) were not significantly affected by experimental diets. Daily feed intake (DFI), and daily protein intake (DPI), decreased as POMM increased in diets. Compared to POMM0 experimental group, condition factor (K), showed a significantly higher value in fish that were fed POMM50, and POMM100 experimental diets. Crude fiber of the final whole body of POMM100 resulted in significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to that shown in fish fed the rest of the experimental diets. Acid and alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, and amylase of Nile tilapia fingerlings, were not significantly affected by experimental diets. Compared to fish fed POMM0 and POMM25 diets, experimental fish fed POMM50, POMM75, and POMM100 showed a reduction in lipase activity. In conclusion, a POMM level higher than 25% affects growth and lipase activity. While a POMM level higher than 50% affects fiber content in a whole body of the final fish.
DNA Barcode library of the endemic-rich avifauna of the oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Melo Martim , Covas Rita , Lima Ricardo , Veiga da Horta Octávio , do Bom Jesus Ceciliano , Barros da Veiga Martim , Samba Seduney , Fonseca Ricardo , Cabinda Gabriel , Viegas Lionel , Silva Teresa , Mata Vanessa , Beja Pedro , Ferreira Sónia
Published: October 2023

The BioSTP: DNA Barcoding of endemic birds from oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea dataset contains records of 155 bird specimens belonging to 56 species in 23 families, representing over 80% of the diversity of the breeding landbird community. All specimens were collected on Príncipe, São Tomé and Annobón Islands between 2002 and 2021 and morphologically identified to species or subspecies level by qualified ornithologists. The dataset includes all endemic species and 3/4 of the extant endemic subspecies of the islands. This dataset is the second release by BioSTP and it greatly increases the knowledge on the DNA barcodes of Gulf of Guinea birds. All DNA extractions are deposited at Associação BIOPOLIS - CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources.

The dataset includes DNA barcodes for all 29 endemic bird species and for 11 of the 15 extant endemic bird subspecies from the oceanic islands of the Gulf of Guinea. This is the first major DNA barcode set of African birds. The three endemic subspecies of Crithagra rufobrunnea, an island endemic with three allopatric populations within the Archipelago, are also represented. Additionally, we obtained DNA barcodes for 16 of the 21 non-endemic landbirds and for one vagrant (Sylvia communis). In total, forty-one taxa were new additions to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), with another 11 corresponding to under-represented taxa in BOLD. Furthermore, the submitted sequences were found to cluster in 55 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), 37 of which were new to BOLD. All specimens have their DNA barcodes publicly accessible through BOLD online database and GenBank.
First record and characterization of Aganaspis daci (Weld, 1951) (Hymenoptera, Figitidae, Eucoilinae), a parasitoid of fruit flies, from Italy
Authors: Bernardo Umberto , Pica Feliciana , Carbone Carmela , Nugnes Francesco , Viggiani Gennaro
Published: October 2023

Aganaspis daci, a larval-pupal parasitoid of several tephritid species, was unexpectedly recovered in the Campania region (Southern Italy), where it had not been intentionally released. An integrative approach was used to conduct a comprehensive characterization of this parasitoid, confirming its identification through a comparison with specimens obtained from laboratory rearing. While A. daci emerged from puparia of Ceratitis capitata during this study, its original association was recorded with Bactrocera dorsalis. The presence of A. daci in Italy highlights its successful establishment, possibly facilitated by the recent invasive process of its host, B. dorsalis, offering promising prospects for future tephritids control strategies. It is intriguing to note that the mt-haplotypes found in Italy were only partially shared with those observed in specimens originating from a Spanish rearing, suggesting likely distinct origins for at least part of the Italian population.
Operative management of acute cholecystitis in pregnancy: Case report
Authors: Varbanova Lora , Kostov Konstantin Ivanov , Chaneva Mariya Sevdalinova , Ivanova Stefka Achkova , Atanasov Petar Yordanov , Atanasova Venceslava
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Acute cholecystitis is the second most common non-obstetric surgical disease during pregnancy. There have been several trials comparing operative and non-operative management in the past.

Purpose: To present a clinical case from our practice and to compare clinical management with worldwide standards.

Materials and methods: A 42-year-old patient in the 20th gestational week presented to our department with complaints of pain in the epigastrium and RUQ, as well as a single incidence of vomiting, during the last two days.

Results: We operated 15 h after admission and did a standard laparoscopy. The patient was discharged on the 4th postoperative day.

Conclusion: A review of the available literature shows the prevalence of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while non-operative management has proven to have higher complication rates. Laparoscopic surgery in pregnancy has proven to be safe for both mother and fetus. In our case, the patient was operated on within the first 24 hours of admission. We did not observe any complications during her stay and follow-up.
Fluidités de genre
Authors: Laufer Laurie , Rabain Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Dans cet article, il sera question d’examiner certaines questions suscitées par l’exploration de la binarité chez des adolescent·e·s créatif·ve·s dans leur identité de genre, en faisant dialoguer la psychanalyse avec les questionnements transidentitaires, les études queer et les théories féministes. Il s’agira en outre de se méfier d’une tendance actuelle à la normativité psychique et de lâcher son propre savoir afin de mieux écouter ce que disent les adolescent·e·s transgenres et non-binaires.
Une jeunesse queer à São Miguel
Authors: Rouvier Charles , Rabain Nicolas
Published: October 2023

À partir du vécu subjectif des protagonistes du film Loup & Chien (2023), les auteurs se penchent sur l’exploration de genre à l’adolescence, sur une île prétendument coupée de toute mondialisation. Évoluant sur un territoire à distance de la société de consommation, d’où provient leur tendance à l’exploration de genre opérée sous le regard tantôt bienveillant, tantôt hostile des adultes ? Comment les habitants de l’île reviendront-ils ou non sur leur système de normes figé par la tradition religieuse ?
Adolescences trans : quels défis pour la psychanalyse ?
Authors: Gozlan Oren , Kelly Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Chez l’adolescent, la demande de soutien à la mise en place d’une transition médicale va à l’encontre des théories psychanalytiques traditionnelles. Dans cet article, l’auteur fait état des métaphores les plus récurrentes, repérées dans les discussions sur la transition de genre. À partir des notions de contagion , de naturalité de genre et d’ amputation , il tente de percer à jour les angoisses propres aux analystes d’une part, et à la psychanalyse en tant que champ théorique d’autre part.
Cloîtré dans le transfert ?
Authors: Apfelbaum Laurence
Published: October 2023

Le terme « cloîtré » nous évoque Marcel Proust : l’auteur lui-même, mais aussi « la prisonnière » que le narrateur dit cloîtrer, contraignant chacun à deviner l’autre inlassablement pour lui échapper. En analyse, croire que l’on sait ce que l’autre pense a pris une autre forme : l’empathie ; O. Renick en a conçu un « jeu » qu’il nomme « cartes sur table », collaboration à ses yeux entre analyste et patient. Reste à savoir si ce n’est pas un jeu qui « cloître » durablement l’un et l’autre dans le transfert ?
Bayesian premium of a credibility model based on a heterogeneous SETINAR(2, 1) process
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Cheng Jianhua
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a new credibility model based on heterogeneous integer-valued self-exciting threshold autoregressive time series, in which the SETINAR(2, 1) process is used to fit the claim numbers of policyholders for consecutive periods, and the unobservable heterogeneity is assumed to follow Gamma distribution. We obtain the Bayesian pricing formula for the proposed model and present some numerical examples to illustrate how the claim history affects the future premiums. We also apply the proposed model to a real panel dataset from the Wisconsin Local Government Property Insurance Fund. By comparing with some existing models, we find that our model can exploit the past information more efficiently and has better predictive performance.
Computing mod $ \ell $ Galois representations associated to modular forms for small primes
Authors: Tian Peng , Tran Ha Thanh Nguyen , Duong Dung Hoang
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for computing mod $ \ell $ Galois representations associated to modular forms of weight $ k $ when $ \ell < k-1 $. We also present the corresponding results for the projective Galois representations. Moreover, we apply our algorithms to explicitly compute the mod $ \ell $ projective Galois representations associated to $ \Delta_{k} $ for $ k = 16, 20, 22, 26 $ and all the unexceptional primes $ \ell $, with $ \ell < k-1 $. As an application, for $ k = 16, 20, 22, 26 $, we obtain the new bounds $ B_k $ of $ n $ such that $ a_n(\Delta_k)\ne0 $ for all $ n < B_k $.
A new conjugate gradient method with a restart direction and its application in image restoration
Authors: Li Yixin , Li Chunguang , Yang Wei , Zhang Wensheng
Published: October 2023

We established a new conjugate gradient method with an efficient restart direction for solving large scale unconstrained optimization problems. The modified method was proposed under the Polak-Ribière-Polyak conjugate gradient method. Under the strong Wolfe line search, the search direction of the new method was sufficiently descent and its global convergence property could be proved. Compared with other methods having good numerical performances, numerical experiments and image restorations showed that the modified method was more effective.
A corpus study of durational rhythmic measures in the Kalhori variety of Kurdish
Authors: Taghva Nafiseh , Moloodi Amirsaeid , Abolhasanizadeh Vahideh , Tabei Roya
Published: October 2023

In order to identify between-sentence and between-speaker variabilities, one of the methods used by phoneticians is studying durational rhythmic features. In the present research, to classify speech rhythm of Kalhori, a variety of Kurdish, and to find out about the most appropriate measures for between-sentence and between-speaker rhythmic variability in Kalhori, durational speech rhythmic measures were analyzed. To this end, two speaking styles (read and spontaneous) were explored. The analysis of the read corpus revealed that Kalhori Kurdish rhythm pattern is between stress-timed and syllable-timed. The results indicated that %V (proportion over which speech is vocalic) was the most significant measure for distinguishing between-sentence rhythmic variability in the read corpus, while %V and rateSyl (syllable rate) were the most efficient measures for identifying the between-speaker rhythmic variability in both the read and spontaneous corpus.
Effect of Composite Portland Cement for Subgrade Stabilization and the Effect on Unsoaked CBR Value
Authors: Fathonah Woelandari , Kusuma Rama Indera , Mina Enden , Wigati Restu , Shihab Najmi Nur
Published: October 2023

Soil is a material that has an essential role in construction. Soils that have low bearing capacity require soil improvement. One method of soil improvement is soil stabilization using composite portland cement. Based on the results of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test, the location in this study, namely Cibingbin village, Pandeglang Regency, has a bearing capacity of 2.67%, meaning that the soil at this location needs to be repaired. This study aimed to determine the effect of portland cement on physical properties and unsoaked CBR values. Variations of portland cement used were 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, with curing times of 0 days and seven days. The results showed that based on the unified soil classification system (USCS), the soil classification was in the CH category (inorganic clay with high plasticity, fat clay) and the maximum CBR value was obtained at 8% Portland cement variety at seven days curing time, namely 13.23%.
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Graphene-Aluminium Alloy Composite Fabricated by Stir Casting Process
Authors: Ali Afifah Md , Omar M. Zaidi , Salleh Mohd Shukor , Mohamed Intan Fadhlina , Anuar N.F.B. Wakhi
Published: October 2023

Mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced aluminum matrix composite fabricated by the semi-solid stir casting method were investigated. Aluminum alloy A356 is selected based on being widely used in automotive and aircraft industries. Recently, graphene has attracted wide attention from a scientific committee due to its outstanding properties. GNPs are an ideal reinforcement for nanocomposites' productions due to their excellent mechanical properties for strength enhancement. In this study, the effect of different weight fraction of GNPs content (0,0.3,0.5,1.0,and 1.5 wt.%) reinforced with A356 aluminum alloy was analysed. A 45-degree carbide impeller performed the stirring process of 500 rpm for 5 minutes. The samples were then characterised by microscopic examination, Vickers hardness, and tensile test Morphology of the fracture surface of the composite were observed using scanning electron microscopy..The microstructure revealed a homogenous distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix alloy. The composite exhibits improved mechanical properties, maximum tensile strength and hardness of 236MPa and 83 HV are obtained respectively. The composite has shown significant enhancement in the tensile and hardness which is 20% times higher than unreinforced A356 alloy. The hardness increased as the weight fractions of GNP in the A356 matrix has increased. However, when the content of GNPs used above 1.0 wt%, its tensile strength is reduced. Meanwhile, the fracture sample is ductile with a fine dimple structure. These findings may contribute to the process field of semi-solid stir casting, particularly on the GNPs addition to aluminium alloy as their primary material.
Controlling the Fracture Location of Capsules Using the Bonding Surface Characteristics of Photocurable Resin
Authors: Hu Jie , Lim Taeuk , Cheng Hao , Kim Sang You , Lee Yeong Jun , Jung Won Suk
Published: October 2023

In recent years, self-healing research has been actively carried out to increase the life and stability of concrete structures. A representative method of concrete self-healing is a method using a bacterial substrate and a capsule. Bacteria-based self-healing is greatly influenced by the external environment, and sleeping structures are more suitable for capsule-based methods. In this study, the mechanical properties of the bonding surface of the photocurable resin are used to grow cracks in the capsule so that the self-healing capsule pops out and the healing liquid inside the capsule can be diffused efficiently. We proceeded with research to form pathways. The study analyzed the concordance rate of the bonding surface of the capsule and the judging position, and analyzed the factors affecting the concordance rate. As a result, by adjusting the number of bonding surfaces and the degree of air bubble removal, the rate of coincidence between the bonding surfaces and the fracture position was increased from 15.48% to 63.18% by a factor of 4.08.
Simulation of Thermal Analysis of Aluminium Composite Panel’s Core Material Using Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS)
Authors: Zaimi Muhd Zulfadhli Muhd , Jusoh Wan Nursheila Wan , Tharima Ahmad Faiz , Asbar Ashrul Riezal , Aldahar Zubair Aidy , Abdullah Sharifah Adlina Syed
Published: October 2023

Aluminum composite panel cores are usually found to be combustible. At the present, most buildings that installs combustible aluminum composite panel’s (ACP) core as part of the wall cladding are suspected to accelerate the spread of fire and act as fuel during burning. The purpose of this study is to develop thermogravimetry analysis test (TGA) using FDS which is widely used by fire researchers to study the fire behavior of polymer composite. A pyrolysis model was being developed using FDS. The pyrolysis model developed has tested 5 type of ACP commercial core which includes 3 different fire retardant (FR) ACP from various manufacturer, A2 ACP and 100% polyethylene ACP. All the samples shall be simulated at a maximum of 800 °C, a heating rate of 10 °C per minute and 20mL per minute nitrogen air flow to ensure that the pyrolysis process take place. In the same time, a TGA test was conducted experimentally to compare the result from the simulation. The result from the model developed and experimental testing was closely identical. Results obtained from fire dynamic simulation indicate the same decomposition point and residue for the mass fraction. Relative error was calculated to compare the result and the highest error obtained was 9.69% for A2 type and the lowest recorded was 2.59% for FR1 type. To summarize, FDS manage to reflect the exact pyrolysis process that occurs on the 5 type of ACP that was being tested experimentally.
Quantitative analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the middle Cenomanian deposits from southern Bellezma-Batna Mountains (northeastern Algeria)
Authors: Benmansour Sana , Kherchouche Rima , Bouteraa Abdellatif , Garah Abdelmoumen
Published: October 2023

The middle Cenomanian deposits of the southern part of the Bellezma-Batna Mountains, northeastern Algeria, have been investigated to evaluate the response of Foraminifera to variations of paleo-bathymetry, oxygen, and salinity. The Djebel Azeb section, with a thickness of 40 m, is composed of a clay-marl mass interspersed with lumachellic limestone layers. It makes up the middle part of the ‘’Marnes de Smail’’ Formation. The Turrilites acutus Subzone of the upper part of the Acanthoceras rhotomagense Zone corresponds to the Aspidiscus cristatus Total Range Zone, and the Rotalipora cushmani Zone was recognized based on the study of ammonites, scleractinian and planktic foraminifera in this section. The statistical analysis of the foraminifera yielded only one assemblage of planktic foraminifera with globular chambers and trochospiral test belonging to the Cenomanian–Turonian; no association is typically restricted to the middle Cenomanian. The benthic foraminifera are poorly represented, belonging to the orders Textulariina, Lituolina, Trochamminina, Verneuilinina, Loftusiina, Orbitolinina, Miliolina, and Rotaliina. These foraminifera assemblages indicate that the bottom-water conditions during the middle Cenomanian were characterized by periodic changes in the oxygen and salinity. All planktic foraminifera species are opportunists related to poorly oxygenated, eutrophic conditions interspersed by a short interval of well-oxygenated environment with Planolites. The maximum abundance of Whiteinella and Muricohedbergella and the minimum amount of Planoheterohelix species within the Cenomanian of Djebel Azeb reflect dwindling palaeosalinity during this time, except for a slight increase in the middle of the section. Keywords: Foraminifera, corals, biostratigraphy, oxygen, salinity, Cretaceous.
Pediatric upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case series and review
Authors: Eke C. B. , Onyia J. O. T. , Eke A. L.
Published: October 2023

Significant upper gastrointestinal bleedings are uncommon in children and potentially life-threatening. The etiology varies from one pediatric age group to the other, with some overlaps, and the presentation is usually in the form of hematemesis and or passage of melena stools. The key priorities in the assessment are to determine the severity of bleeding, degree of systemic upset, the site and cause, to enable application of adequate treatment protocols. However, wide gaps still exist in our setting with regard to the care of children with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present three cases managed in our center that highlight available treatments that work to sensitize our pediatricians to current treatment modalities.
A geospatial analysis of cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors considering environmental features in a midsized city in Argentina
Authors: Campero Micaela Natalia , Scavuzzo Carlos Matías , Andreo Veronica , Mileo María Sol , Franzois Micaela Belén , Oberto María Georgina , Gonzalez Rodriguez Carla , Defagó María Daniela
Published: October 2023

New approaches to the study of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) distribution include analysis of built environment (BE), with spatial tools as suitable instruments. We aimed to characterize the spatial dissemination of CMD and the associated risk factors considering the BE for people attending the Non-Invasive Cardiology Service of Hospital Nacional de Clinicas in Córdoba City, Argentina during the period 2015-2020. We carried out an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study performing non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The final sample included 345 people of both sexes older than 35 years. The CMD data were collected from medical records and validated techniques and BE information was extracted from Landsat-8 satellite products. A geographic information system (GIS) was constructed to assess the distribution of CMD and its risk factors in the area. Out of the people sampled, 41% showed the full metabolic syndrome and 22.6% only type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), a cluster of which was evidenced in north-western Córdoba. The risk of DM2 showed an association with high values of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (OR= 0.81; 95% CI: - 0.30 to 1.66; p=0.05) and low normalized difference built index (NDBI) values that reduced the probability of occurrence of DM2 (OR= -1.39; 95% CI: -2.62 to -0.17; p=0.03). Considering that the results were found to be linked to the environmental indexes, the study of BE should include investigation of physical space as a fundamental part of the context in which people develop medically within society. The novel collection of satellite-generated information on BE proved efficient.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Utilization Pattern using World Health Organization Indicators in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Nandana , Mohan Venkatesh Krishna , Acharya Swathi
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to analyze the antimicrobial utilization pattern using the World Health Organization (WHO) indicators with the ultimate goal of ensuring rational drug use to evaluate the policies and procedures in the hospital for the appropriate use of antimicrobials using hospital indicators and prescribing indicators.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in the southern part of India, where data from the pharmacy section and 125 patient records each from general medicine, surgery, and intensive care unit patients were taken. Antimicrobials’ prescription and utilization patterns in tertiary care were analyzed using the WHO hospital and prescribing indicators.

Results:

The hospital indicators were up to the expected level of the WHO standards with standard treatment guidelines (STGs), hospital formulary, and the critical list of antimicrobials available on the assessment day. None of the antibiotics were out of stock during the study period. Around 55.4% of admitted patients were prescribed antibiotics in the prescribing indicators, with the average number of antibiotics per patient being 1.591. With almost 99.7% of antibiotics are prescribed from the hospital formulary list and around 3003.7 INR as the average cost per hospitalization. The average duration of treatment was 4.96 days, with 74.3% of pneumonia patients treated according to the STG. The antimicrobials prescribed with the generic name were only 17.58%.

Conclusions:

The prescribing pattern of antimicrobial agents in our study site was satisfactory in hospital indicators but less than optimal in a few prescribing indicators, indicating the need for the root cause analysis for less than optimum results.
Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Nucleic Acid Testing and HIV Nucleic Acid Testing for Blood Donors
Authors: Alabdallat Nessrin Ghazi , Alanazi Hana , Alyenbaawi Hadeel , Aldosari Sahar , Jahan Sadaf
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the HCV NAT test and HIV NAT test in the recognition of the presence of RNA of HCV and HIV in blood samples from blood donors.

Materials and Methods:

We collected 2124 specimens of blood from male volunteer blood donors with their age group of 18–60 years who were visiting the blood bank of King Khalid Hospital, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2021 to May 2022. The samples from each donor were screened for anti-HCV and HIV Ab-Ag by commercial immunoassays and for qualitative assessments of RNA of HIV-1, HIV-2, and HCV in plasma specimens from each donor of blood by NAT testing.

Results:

Of the 2124 blood donors studied, 10 (0.47%) were positive for anti-HCV. HCV-NAT testing was non-reactive in all Anti-HCV -positive subjects 100% (10/10), and 1/2114 (0,05%) for Anti-HCV- negative donors was reactive and 2113 (99.95%) were non-reactive. HIV-NAT testing was nonreactive in 100% (2124/2124) of HIV Ab-Ag-negative subjects.

Conclusions:

The effectiveness of introducing the NAT test was attempted to be evaluated as the implementation of NAT technology has to be thoroughly evaluated for the actual yield in blood safety achieved must be assessed.
Seroprevalence of Various Viral Diseases in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Gopinath R. , Sundaram A. L. Meenakshi , Dhanasezhian A. , Arundadhi M. , Thangam G. Sucila
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Virus-borne diseases have recently gained significant public health importance. Viruses infect several hosts, including animal reservoirs, evolve quickly, and recombine emerging and reemerging to pose recurring dangers to humans. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) located at Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, conducts the diagnosis of common virus infections.

Methods:

From January 2018 to December 2022, the VRDL received whole blood sera samples from 84,059 patients suspected of having various viral illnesses. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect viral infections in all of the samples.

Results:

A total of 84,059 individuals suspected for various viral infections have been tested and out of these 4948 (5.88%) cases have been reported to be positive and among them, the dengue virus is predominantly followed by, hepatitis B virus, chikungunya virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and rubella virus.

Conclusion:

The issue of emerging and re-emerging infectious illnesses, particularly those caused by viruses, has grown in importance in public health. Timely action combined with proper information and the ability to diagnose infections may save many lives.
Economic and Medicinal Importance of Nontimber Forest Products at Yoni Chiefdom, Sierra Leone
Authors: Ayodeji Otesile Adegboyega , Adepoju Adeyinka Olufemi , Foday Turay , Bridget Sheriff Kadijatu
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) have been used for a wide range of things, even as they are linkable to numerous conventional ideologies and cultures. Information on the diversity and value of NTFPs in an environment is beneficial to the community, scientists, and decision-makers. Unfortunately, such vital information about the study area is unavailable in literature.

Methods:

This study identified the various types of NTFPs, determined the economic significance of NTFPs, and evaluated the role of NTFPs in the study area. Based on their origins, 24 NTFPs in the study area were divided into different categories. The amount of money which households made through the marketing of NTFPs was minuscule, and a large portion of it was being utilized in paying children’s school fees, supplies, clothing, food, and medicine. The study demonstrated that residents of the study area often used NTFPs as key alternatives to pharmaceutical, contemporary medicines in the treatment of ailments, while a smaller percentage of residents of the chiefdom utilized the stems, seeds, and flowers and other parts acquired from NTFPs in the treatment of diseases, leaves, and roots were the most commonly utilized parts.

Results:

As a result of the findings, it is advised that NTFPs be developed into value-added products that are capable of attracting high market values and serving as alternative livelihood options.

Conclusions:

Community stakeholders involved in NTFP-related activities should be trained in the use of NTFP extraction, processing, storage, and conservation facilities, so as to maximize profit and ultimately ensure the sustainability of such products.
Phytochemical Screening and Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Investigations on Extracts of Ixora javanica
Authors: Chaterjee Avijit , Chaterjee Debarati , Ghosh Manik , Dagur Pankaj , Kaur Jashanpreet , Rangra Naresh Kumar , Dey Suddhasattya , Mondal Arijit , Ghosh Alindam , Behera Padmacharan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Ixora coccinea Linn., belonging to Rubiaceae family, often known as red Ixora and jungle of geranium, is an evergreen shrub that may be found throughout India. The Indian Traditional Medical System, Ayurveda, as well as numerous folk medicines, use the flowers, leaves, roots, and stems to cure various ailments.

Aims and Objectives:

The present study sheds some light on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of different plant extracts of Ixora javanica (IJ) and on analyzing its major bioactive component by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Materials and Methods:

Cold maceration was performed for the extraction of dried flowers of IJ with the escalating polarity of the solvents (Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol), and different extracts were screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

Results:

The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts showed significant antioxidant activity at a concentration of 400 μg/ml. The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of IJ showed similar anti-inflammatory activity at a dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight in rats compared to the standard drug indomethacin. The antimicrobial activity was also found against Escherichia coli at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. Further analysis of these two extracts by GC-MS, Methyl palmitate was identified as a major bioactive component responsible for anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the different extracts of IJ also showed antioxidant activity due to the presence of Vitamin E, and tocopherol.

Conclusion:

Overall, it was found that IJ extracts in methanol and ethyl acetate were effective at imparting the aforementioned pharmacological effects.
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Neurocysticercosis: A Retrospective Study from Dali, China
Authors: Zhu Han-Xiao , Li Yang-Chao , Yang Xue-Ping , Chu Yu-Hao , Guo Wang , Chen Ruo-Xia , Guo Dan-Dan , Cheng Li-Jing , Li Yun
Published: October 2023

Background:

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a predominant parasitic disease that affects the central nervous system and presents with diverse clinical manifestations, is a major contributor to acquired epilepsy worldwide, particularly in low-, middle-, and upper middle-income nations, such as China. In China, the Yunnan Province bears a significant burden of this disease.

Objective:

To describe the demographic, clinical, and radiological features as well as serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies to cysticercus in patients with NCC from Dali, Yunnan Province, China.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included patients who were diagnosed with NCC at The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University between January 2018 and May 2023 and were residing in Dali, Yunnan Province, China.

Results:

A total of 552 patients with NCC were included, of which 33.3% belonged to Bai ethnicity. The clinical presentation of NCC exhibited variability that was influenced by factors such as the number, location, and stage of the parasites. Epilepsy/seizure (49.9%) was the most prevalent symptom, with higher occurrence in the degenerative stage of cysts (P < 0.001). Compared with other locations, cysticerci located in the brain parenchyma are more likely to lead to seizures/epilepsy (OR = 17.45, 95% CI: 7.96–38.25) and headaches (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.23–7.41). Seizures/epilepsy are more likely in patients with cysts in the vesicular (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.12–6.61) and degenerative (OR = 102.38, 95% CI: 28.36–369.60) stages than those in the calcified stage. Seizures was not dependent on the number of lesions. All NCC patients underwent anthelminthic therapy, with the majority receiving albendazole (79.7%).

Conclusion:

This study provides valuable clinical insights into NCC patients in Dali and underscores the significance of NCC as a leading preventable cause of epilepsy.
Breastfeeding Self-efficacy is Inversely Associated with Postpartum Depression: Findings from a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Baeisa Razana Saleh , Aldardeir Nashwa Fahed , Alsulami Manar Thamer , Alsulami Ahlam Hamdi , Al-Sharif Jana Hamed , Alshahrany Taif Ali , Alghamdi Waleed Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Background:

High breastfeeding self-efficacy is linked with lower rates of postpartum depression. No study from Saudi Arabia has previously assessed the relation between breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum depression

Objective:

To determine the correlation between breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum depression in a cohort from Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included mothers who had given birth between February to June 2022 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and were between 2 weeks and 3 months postpartum. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising the following three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF).

Results:

A total of 257 participants completed the questionnaire, with most aged 25–34 years (59.1%). The prevalence of postpartum depression was 25.3%, and it was significantly associated with lack of support from the husband and family during pregnancy (for both, P < 0.001), history of violence (P < 0.001), family history of depression (P = 0.045), complications during pregnancy (P = 0.004), and multiple pregnancies (P = 0.004). The mean score on the BSES-SF was 47.4, and participants who scored above the mean had significantly lower rates of postpartum depression (P = 0.003). In addition, an inverse relation was noted between BSES-SF and postpartum depression scores (r = −0.297): when the scores of BSES-SF increased, the scores of postpartum depression decreased.

Conclusion:

The rate of postpartum depression was high in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; nonetheless, positive breastfeeding self-efficacy was found to be correlated with lower rates of postpartum depression. These findings indicate the need for careful screening of patients at risk of postpartum depression and for providing breastfeeding support/knowledge, both in the antenatal and postpartum periods.
Слабо надкритический ветвящийся процесс в случайной среде при условии отдаленного вырождения
Authors: Afanasyev Valeriy Ivanovich
Published: October 2023

Для слабо надкритического ветвящегося процесса в случайной среде, рассматриваемого при условии его вырождения после момента времени $n\to \infty $, доказана функциональная предельная теорема.
Severity of Dengue Viral Infection Based on Clinical and Hematological Parameters among Pakistani Patients
Authors: Haq Faiz Ul , Imran Muhammad , Aslam Zeenaf , Mukhtar Farhan , Jabeen Kokab , Chaudhry Mahnoor , Rahman Saeed Ur , Muhammad Nasir
Published: October 2023

The global burden of dengue infections has increased dramatically. Early diagnosis of dengue infection is critical to proper medical management to avoid further complications in patients. This study was geared to assess the severity of dengue infections based on clinical and hematological examinations. A cross-sectional study was conducted among febrile patients with dengue infection in a teaching hospital in Pakistan. Blood samples were investigated for dengue-specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) and the nonstructural 1 antigen. The clinical findings of each subject were noted to assess the severity of the infection. Tests for hematological parameters were performed. Of 130 patients with confirmed dengue infection, 23 had severe and 107 had nonsevere dengue. Patients with severe dengue experienced mucosal bleeding (71.4%), fluid accumulation (57.1%), shock (35.7%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (28.6%). The most significant hematological findings among severe and nonsevere patients with dengue infection were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and a raised hematocrit level (P < 0.001). Patients with severe dengue infection showed marked thrombocytopenia, with a mean platelet count of 49.96 × 109 platelets/L. The clinical presentation of patients with dengue infection along with hematological markers are the most important clues for the diagnosis of, prognosis of, and therapy for dengue infection. Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and raised hematocrit levels were the most significant hematological parameters when assessing the severity of dengue infection.
Ziemie Zabrane w angielskojęzycznej prasie związanej ze stronnictwem księcia Adama Jerzego Czartoryskiego w początkach emigracji
Authors: Żurawski vel Grajewski Radosław Paweł
Published: October 2023

“The Taken Lands” in English-language press related to the political camp of prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski at the begining of exile The article is based on three English-language press titles published in the early 1830s in Great Britain by Polish emigrants and British supporters of the Polish case related to the political camp of Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski. These are: “The Hull Polish Record,” “The Polish Exile,” and “Polonia or Monthly Reports of Polish Affairs”. The main aim of the article is to recreate the image of the so-called “Ziemie Zabrane” (The Taken Lands) – i.e. the former Polish provinces incorporated directly into the Russian Empire after 1795. These were the lands of today’s Lithuania, part of Latvia, all of Belarus and the right-bank of Ukraine. The authors of the several articles devoted to this issue presented – in their writings – the history of these lands from the Middle Ages, their fate during the partitions until the November Uprising, the course of which in Lithuania and Ukraine was described in more detail. There were also reports of repressions that fell upon the inhabitants of these lands after the defeat of the uprising. On the pages of the surveyed press one can also find reports on the state of the economy of these lands, trade and water routes; biographies of famous people born in these areas and many descriptions of their tourist and sightseeing values. In each of these cases, the authors of the texts tried to emphasize the ties between these lands and their inhabitants with the rest of the Polish territory and convince the potential readers that they constitute its integral part, which should be included in it in the event of the reconstruction of the independent Polish state.
Kresy w programie politycznym księcia Adama Jerzego Czartoryskiego na emigracji. Przyczynek ikonograficzny
Authors: Marchlewicz Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Polish Eastern Borderlands in prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski’s political program in exile: An iconographic contribution

The article is a contribution to the reflection on the place of the Eastern Borderlands of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the political program of Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski and his followers after 1831. This program was expressed and implemented in various ways, and its addressees were both the Poles and the public opinion of Western Europe. Without trying to present the whole issue, three iconographic representations that contained elements of this program were analyzed here. What they had in common was that all of them were to honor the closest British ally of Prince Adam – Lord Dudley Coutts Stuart (1803–1854). In 1846 he received a decorative tapestry from Polish emigrants, in 1847 a golden watch, and after his death a medal made by J.F.A. Bovy was minted in his honor. The heraldic and cartographic motifs adorning theses items indicate that Prince Adam and his associates saw the future of the Eastern Borderlands in connection with the rebirth of Poland. These representations were a persuasive message addressed to Polish and foreign audiences, the purpose of which was to convince them of the importance of this issue in Czartoryski’s plan for the restitution of the Polish state.