bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relatos de assistencia e experiencia de parto de mulheres de Guarapuava PR
Authors: de Fatima Campos Amanda
Published: January 2024

Background: Childbirth must be a process where the woman's wishes and needs are respected, keeping her and her baby safe. Aims: to investigate the current scenario of assistance to normal births in the city of Guarapuava-PR, the preferences of the routes of delivery, compare the care provided in public and private networks and verify whether there is a predominance of humanization and a reduction in obstetric violence. Method: Qualitative cross-sectional study, carried out through an online questionnaire, with a sample of six participants aged between 18 and 35 years who had a child less than 2 years ago. Results: Most described satisfaction with the birth, but in their speeches there are contradictions about what is in fact humanization and violence masked as necessary assistance. Conclusion: It was evident that the lack of information is still present about the present day in Guarapuava-PR, and there is a lot to evolve in obstetric care.
Uso do laser fracionado no tratamento da incontinencia urinária: revisao
Authors: Silva Flor Camilli
Published: January 2024

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine that can have different causes and symptoms. It mainly affects women, generating losses from physical to emotional. There are several treatments for this pathology and recently the fractional laser came to be considered one of them, which motivated this study. Aims: To identify the studies published in the databases, from 2015 to 2021 that used fractional laser in the treatment of UI. Method: This is an integrative review, being qualitative research of observational and exploratory nature and objectives. The descriptors fractional laser, CO2 laser, urinary incontinence and physical therapy were used in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Lilacs and PEDro databases in order to identify and critically evaluate publications on the use of fractional laser in UI. Results: Six articles were selected and analyzed and organized in a table. Conclusion: The literature was scarce, limiting the conclusions. The laser seems to be a promising and non-invasive resource, the six studies showed efficacy and safety, although with some side effects. New studies are urgent.
Disfunção sexual em universitarias: prevalwncia e associacao com a qualidade de vida
Authors: Almeida Severo Bruna
Published: January 2024

Background: Female sexual dysfunctions impacts QoL, affecting personal relationships and decreasing self-esteem, self-confidence and libido. Aims: To establish the prevalence of SD in university students of the Physiotherapy course at ULBRA Canoas/RS and to verify the association with QoL. Method: Cross-sectional study, through questionnaires on the Google Forms, through the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) and the WHOQOL-bref. Results: 69 students were included, mean age 25.5 years. Total prevalence of SD was 36%, with pain and lubrication being the most affected domains (average of 4.9). QoL was very good, however, when comparing the risk of SD with the WHOQOL-bref domains, it was observed that the psychological, social relationship and general quality of life domains had the lowest scores in the WHOQOL-bref. high risk group for DS. The domains of satisfaction and general quality of life showed a statistically significant and moderate positive correlation (r=0.40). Conclusion: Female SD is prevalent in young university students and has a negative impact on some aspects of QoL.
Novas tecnicas de liberação miofascial para dores genitais e pelvicas apresentam dor zero em 10 sessoes
Authors: F Sutter Latorre Gustavo
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic pelvic pain afflicts a quarter of the world's population, and for which there is no efficient treatment. Aims: To test a new assessment protocol and two new myofascial release protocols for genital pain and chronic pelvic pain. Method: Patients with any complaint of genital pelvic pain were recruited in 9 pelvic physiotherapy offices during two months, classified into muscle pain (type 1) or connective pain (type 2). They were subject to respective myofascial techniques. Initial and final VAS and absence of pain in LDAs, including sexual pain, were used as a measure of the effectiveness of the protocols. The number of sessions required for discharge was used as an efficiency measure. Results: 107 women from 8 Brazilian cities attempted to the study, mean age 33 ± 7 years. 25,6% had type 1 pain, 25,6% had type 2 and pain and 48,7% both types. All had zero pain at the end. The average number of sessions needed to zero pain was 4,5±2. Conclusion: The New Functional Classification of Pain is effective in the functional diagnosis of genital pain, and the new myofascial techniques proposed completely eradicate pelvic pain in women in a maximum of 10 sessions.
Impacto do consumo de pornografia sobre a funcao sexual: revisao
Authors: F Sutter Latorre Gustavo
Published: January 2024

Background: The use of erotic media is a controversial issue in the literature and for the general population. There seems to be no consensus on whether pornography use negatively impacts the sexual health. Aims: To raise the empirical and scientific bases of the impact of pornography consumption on human sexual function. Method: Systematic review of Pubmed, Scielo and BVS databases using the term 'pornography', restricted to clinical trials, case reports, incidence, prevalence, exploratory and risk factor studies. Excluded those who used pornography only as a tool to provoke sexual arousal in tests, those who did not describe the effects of using pornography itself, articles without available abstracts or not yet published and duplicated in the databases. Results: Of 24 resulting studies, only 15 crossed the two variables: 10 correlated pornography with better sexual function scores and 5 with worse. Conclusion: If pornography consumption has an impact on sexual function, it is positive, not negative. The pornographic market presents extremely serious problems, but the negative impact on people's sexual function is not one of them.
Análisis Financiero: un enfoque práctico integral
Authors: López Solís Oscar Patrício , Manzano Fernandez Richard Oswaldo , Navas Alcívar Silvia Janeth , Sanchez Herrera Bertha Jeaneth , Mayorga Naranjo Carolina Estefanía , Nogales Tabango Rosalba
Published: January 2024

El análisis financiero constituye una piedra angular en el ámbito de la gestión empresarial al abordar la evaluación minuciosa de la salud financiera y económica de una organización. Este proceso implica la descomposición y estudio detallado de los elementos presentes en los estados financieros y otros documentos pertinentes. Su propósito radica en comprender, interpretar y respaldar la toma de decisiones fundamentadas sobre la situación económica de la entidad.
The meaning of leadership in semiconductor industry
Authors:   , Soesilowati Joanna
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this thesis is to contribute towards the understanding of leadership in a U.S. semiconductor company, including the impact of various concepts of leadership on behaviour in the organisation, in order to identify the best practice of leadership for a semiconductor firm to achieve and maintain success in dynamic global competition. The findings aim to inform the best leadership practice and its effects on the organisation's behaviours in a semiconductor company. The research covers the period from early 2018 until 2020 using in-depth interviews with key stakeholders such as leaders-managers from different management levels and non-managers employees using qualitative methods in an U.S. semiconductor company based in Germany. This study investigates the interviewees' views on leadership. Fifteen interviewees were asked to recall and describe pivotal career events that helped them grow as leaders. Participants were also asked to provide their definition of leadership, to identify development gaps within the studied company, and to suggest leadership development activities. The primary findings of this study indicate that the current concept of leadership fosters greater inflexibility in management by increasing micromanagement and multiplying overlapping processes. For an organisation to be more productive and effective, transformational leadership is required to foster trust-based relationships and long-term growth, according to the interviewees. Interpersonal trust, self-identity, and authenticity are viewed as primary factors in developing a transformational and long-term mindset for the company to win markets in the semiconductor industry that are rapidly changing and highly competitive.
Lietuvos universiteto ištakos: archyviniai liudijimai Lietuvos mokslų akademijos Vrublevskių bibliotekoje
Authors: Paškevičiūtė-Kundrotienė Eglė
Published: January 2024

Lietuvos mokslų akademijos Vrublevskių bibliotekoje, ypač Rankraščių skyriuje, gausu medžiagos, atskleidžiančios 1922 m. Kaune įsteigto Lietuvos universiteto kūrimo ištakas. Čia saugomi dokumentai liudija tokių universiteto pirmtakų kaip Lietuvių mokslo draugija, Vilniaus ir Kauno aukštieji kursai veiklą. Galima rasti medžiagos apie Aukštųjų kursų sumanymą, struktūrą, kursų lektorius, dėstytas disciplinas, visuomenei aktualias aukštojo mokslo organizavimo problemas, taip pat Lietuvos universiteto įkūrimą Kaune 1922 m. bei tolesnę raidą. Archyviniai dokumentai leidžia išsamiau pažvelgti į aukštosios mokyklos ištakas; liudija atskirų asmenybių indėlį į universiteto atsiradimą, parodo, kokiomis pastangomis besikuriančioje valstybėje buvo įsteigtas universitetas. Siekiama pristatyti ir atskleisti Lietuvos mokslų akademijos Vrublevskių bibliotekoje saugomus dokumentus, susijusius su Lietuvos universiteto kūrimu.
Užsienio profesorių, dirbusių Lietuvos (Vytauto Didžiojo) universiteto Medicinos fakultete 1922–1940 metais, sunkumai, patirtys ir pasiekimai
Authors: Lignugarienė Asta
Published: January 2024

1922 m. Kaune atidarytas Lietuvos universitetas siekė sukurti tinkamą mokslo ir studijų, kurios vyktų lietuvių kalba, aplinką. Universiteto raidos istoriniai tyrimai teigia, kad tai buvo pažangi multikultūrinė aukštojo mokslo institucija. Medicinos fakultete nuo pat pradžių dirbo nemažas skaičius iš užsienio atvykusių profesorių. Fakulteto administracija stengėsi sukurti stiprią mokslo ir studijų bazę, o iš konkursus laimėjusių katedrų vadovų tikėjosi aukštos kokybės medicinos studijų ir mokslinių tyrimų lygio užtikrinimo. Vis tik atidžiau nagrinėjant Medicinos fakulteto raidą ir iš užsienio atvykusių profesorių veiklą Kaune, pastebima, kad jie susidūrė su nemenkais iššūkiais, kai kurių visuomenės grupių ar pavienių asmenų priešiškumu, o visa tai turėjo svarbios įtakos jų darbo rezultatams. Šio tyrimo tikslas – išryškinti užsienio profesūrai kilusius darbo aplinkos bei psichologinius sunkumus, jų sprendimo būdus ir rezultatus, įvertinti šių mokslininkų reikšmę Lietuvos aukštojo medicinos mokslo raidai.
Vandeningoji Lietuva Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto profesoriaus hidrologo Stepono Kolupailos akimis
Authors: Vasilevskė Solveiga
Published: January 2024

Profesorius Steponas Kolupaila (1892–1964) – Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto profesorius, hidrologas, visuomenininkas, Lietuvos fotomėgėjų sąjungos pirmininkas, skautų globėjas, be to, tikras gamtos mylėtojas, kelionių po Lietuvą vandens keliais iniciatorius ir organizatorius. Straipsnio tikslas – remiantis tiek vizualiniais, tiek rašytiniais šaltiniais atskleisti prof. S. Kolupailos indėlį į Lietuvos fotografijos istoriją, vandens turizmo populiarinimą šalyje. Straipsnis daugiausia paremtas Vytauto Didžiojo karo muziejuje saugomu hidrologo sudarytu fotografijų albumu, sudarytu iš 1934–1935 m. laikotarpio 1 318 fotografijų. Sekant šiais vaizdiniais šaltiniais, išryškinama S. Kolupailos veikla tyrinėjant Lietuvos vandens telkinius, globojant studentus skautus, skatinant juos pažinti savo kraštą. Per S. Kolupailos fotografinio paveldo analizę atsiskleidžia kone visa XX a. 4-ojo dešimtmečio Vidurio Lietuva – miestai, miesteliai, kaimeliai, ypač upės, ežerai, tiltai, vandens matavimo stotys ir kiti objektai. Dalis įamžintų vietų dabar jau gerokai pasikeitusios arba neišlikusios, tad jų tuometinis dokumentavimas, žiūrint iš dabarties pozicijų, neįkainojamas ir aktualus. S. Kolupailos albumą su fotografijomis galima laikyti mikroistorijos dalimi, nes per šiuos vizualinius šaltinius išryškėja trumpo laikotarpio hidrologo veikla, rodanti platesnius to meto visuomenės kasdienybės ir kultūros istorijos kontekstus.
„Minervos“ fabriko ištakos ir raida XIX a. septintajame dešimtmetyje: nuosavybės formos, savininkai, dalininkai, valdytojai
Authors: Miltenytė Asta , Štuopys Arminas
Published: January 2024

Straipsnyje aptariama istoriografijoje netyrinėta metalo dirbinių ir mašinų fabriko „Minerva“ raida pradiniu jo veikimo laikotarpiu XIX a. septintajame dešimtmetyje. Pagal nuosavybės, valdymo ir teisines-organizacines įmonės formas ji padalinta į kelis etapus. Įmonę 1862 m. rudenį įkūrė Tomas Heidukevičius (Tomasz Hejdukiewicz), pasižymėjęs organizuotumu ir energinga veikla. Tuo metu nekropoliams skirta fabriko produkcija ženklinama savininko inicialais ir nuoroda į Kauną. 1863 m. sausį keturi kompanjonai sutelkė 32 tūkst. sidabro rublių kapitalą ir įkūrė bendrovę „T. Heidukevičius ir Kompanija“ – prasidėjo antrasis įmonės istorijos etapas. Pirmasis savininkas išliko fabriko vadovu, vienu iš kompanjonų, bet fabriko pavadinimas ir produkcijos ženklinimas nepasikeitė. Tikėtina, kad kiti kompanjonai, negyvendami Kaune, įmonės valdymo ir gamybiniuose procesuose nedalyvavo. 1864 m. pavasarį mirė T. Heidukevičius, šiame trečiajame bendrovės etape (nuo 1864-ųjų vasaros) įmonei vadovavo vieno iš kompanjonų žentas J. Griškevičius. Jis vadinamas direktoriumi, bet ne dalininku. Nekropolistinės paskirties produkcija nebeženklinama pirmojo savininko pavarde, tačiau žymenyse išliko miesto pavadinimas. Vėliau bendrovė ir fabrikas pervadinami į „Minervą“, pavardžių greta šio pavadinimo nėra. 1865 m. pavasarį mirė dar vienas bendrovės narys – V. Rakoveckis, periodinė spauda nebeminėjo antrojo direktoriaus ir paskelbiama apie nežinia kuo pasibaigusias įmonės varžytynes. Prasidėjo ketvirtasis, nesėkmingas, mažai ištirtas fabriko raidos etapas. Jo metu M. P. Rekošas pradėjo pasirašinėti „Minervos“ savininku ir 2-osios gildijos pirkliu. 1868 m. gauti pirmieji valstybiniai užsakymai, bet 1869 m. balandį fabrike įvyko gaisras. 1869 m. pabaigoje arba 1870 m. gegužę mirus dalininkui I. Bakkai, „mirė“ ir 1863 m. įkurta bendrovė. „Minerva“ tapo vienvaldiškai Rekošų šeimos nuosavybe. Po šių įvykių nekropoliams skirtos produkcijos žymenyse rašomas pavadinimas „Minerva“, geografinė nuoroda ir Rekošo pavardė. Todėl „Minervos“ pavadinimo, fabriko veiklos nesiejame išimtinai su M. P. Rekošu: jis nebuvo fabriko įkūrėjas ir iš pradžių neturėjo jo veiklai didesnės įtakos. Tik tragiškų įvykių grandinė lėmė dalininkų bendrovės nunykimą ir fabriko perėjimą į vieno savininko – M. P. Rekošo bei šeimos – rankas.
Mūšis dėl Kauno 1944 m. vasarą
Authors: Stoliarovas Andriejus
Published: January 2024

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama vokiečių ir sovietų okupacijos sandūra Kauno mieste 1944 m. vasarą. Atskleidžiamas karinių veiksmų kontekstas, pristatomos kariaujančios pusės, karinių veiksmų eiga, nuostoliai, jų įtaka Kauno miestui. 1944 m. liepos viduryje SSRS Raudonoji armija pradėjo vykdyti puolimą vakarų, t. y. Kauno, kryptimi, turėdama tikslą nugalėti nacistinės Vokietijos armijų grupę „Centras“ ir išeiti iki Rytų Prūsijos bei pereiti į gynybą. 1944 m. liepos 31 d. – rugpjūčio 1 d. kovos vyko pačiame Kauno mieste, kai vokiečiai buvo pradėję vykdyti atsitraukimą, vengdami sovietų apsupimo. SSRS RA Kauno puolimą vykdė trimis kryptimis ir apglėbiu stengėsi apsupti miestą, bet nesėkmingai. Pagrindinės kovos dėl Kauno miesto vyko daugiausia miesto prieigose, mažesni susidūrimai – mieste. Abi pusės patyrė nuostolių, bet neatmestina, kad didesnių nuostolių patyrė sovietų kariuomenė. Savo ruožtu Kauno miestas nukentėjo nežymiai.
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in Sertoli cells regulates age-dependent changes in sperm DNA methylation
Authors: Amir Saira , Arowolo Olatunbosun , Mironova Ekaterina , McGaunn Joseph , Oluwayiose Oladele , Sergeyev Oleg , Pilsner J. Richard , Suvorov Alexander
Published: January 2024

Over the past several decades, a trend toward delayed childbirth has led to increases in parental age at the time of conception. Sperm epigenome undergoes age-dependent changes increasing risks of adverse conditions in offspring conceived by fathers of advanced age. Animal experiments also demonstrate that epigenetic transfer of maladaptive information of advanced age fathers is associated with reduced offspring health including reduced life span. The mechanism(s) linking paternal age with epigenetic changes in sperm remain unknown. The sperm epigenome is shaped in a compartment protected by the blood-testes barrier (BTB) known to deteriorate with age. Permeability of the BTB is regulated by the balance of two mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells. We hypothesized that this balance is also responsible for age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome. Experiments with transgenic mice demonstrate that the shift of the balance in favor of mTOR complex two rejuvenates sperm DNA-methylome while the shift in favor of mTOR complex one accelerates aging of the sperm DNA-methylome and results in a reproductive phenotype concordant with older age. These results demonstrate for the first time that the balance of mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells regulates the rate of sperm epigenetic aging. Thus, mTOR pathway in Sertoli cells may be used as novel target of therapeutic interventions to rejuvenate the sperm epigenome in advanced-age fathers.
A novel fuzzy programming approach for piece selection problem in P2P content distribution network
Authors: Anandaraj M. , Ganeshkumar P. , Naganandhini S. , Selvaraj K.
Published: January 2024

Piece selection policy in dynamic P2P networks play crucial role and avoid the last piece problem. BitTorrent uses rarest-first piece selection mechanism to deal with this problem, but its efficacy is limited because each peer only has a local view of piece rareness. The problem of piece section is multiple objectives. A novel fuzzy programming approach is introduced in this article to solve the multiple objectives piece selection problem in P2P network, in which some of the factors are fuzzy in nature. Piece selection problem has been prepared as a fuzzy mixed integer goal programming piece selection problem that includes three primary goals such as minimizing the download cost, time, maximizing speed and useful information transmission subject to realistic constraints regarding peer’s demand, capacity and dynamicity. The proposed approach has the ability to handle practical situations in a fuzzy environment and offers a better decision tool to each peer to select optimal pieces to download from other peers in dynamic P2P network. Extensive simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. It is proved that proposed system outperforms existing with respect to download cost, time and meaningful exchange of useful information.
MetaSwin: a unified meta vision transformer model for medical image segmentation
Authors: Lee Soyeon , Lee Minhyeok
Published: January 2024

Transformers have demonstrated significant promise for computer vision tasks. Particularly noteworthy is SwinUNETR, a model that employs vision transformers, which has made remarkable advancements in improving the process of segmenting medical images. Nevertheless, the efficacy of training process of SwinUNETR has been constrained by an extended training duration, a limitation primarily attributable to the integration of the attention mechanism within the architecture. In this article, to address this limitation, we introduce a novel framework, called the MetaSwin model. Drawing inspiration from the MetaFormer concept that uses other token mix operations, we propose a transformative modification by substituting attention-based components within SwinUNETR with a straightforward yet impactful spatial pooling operation. Additionally, we incorporate of Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) blocks after each MetaSwin block of the encoder and into the decoder, which aims at segmentation performance. We evaluate our proposed MetaSwin model on two distinct medical datasets, namely BraTS 2023 and MICCAI 2015 BTCV, and conduct a comprehensive comparison with the two baselines,i.e., SwinUNETR and SwinUNETR+SE models. Our results emphasize the effectiveness of MetaSwin, showcasing its competitive edge against the baselines, utilizing a simple pooling operation and efficient SE blocks. MetaSwin’s consistent and superior performance on the BTCV dataset, in comparison to SwinUNETR, is particularly significant. For instance, with a model size of 24, MetaSwin outperforms SwinUNETR’s 76.58% Dice score using fewer parameters (15,407,384vs15,703,304) and a substantially reduced training time (300vs467 mins), achieving an improved Dice score of 79.12%. This research highlights the essential contribution of a simplified transformer framework, incorporating basic elements such as pooling and SE blocks, thus emphasizing their potential to guide the progression of medical segmentation models, without relying on complex attention-based mechanisms.
A bi-criterion sequence-dependent scheduling problem with order deliveries
Authors: Xu Jian-You , Lin Win-Chin , Hu Kai-Xiang , Chang Yu-Wei , Wu Wen-Hsiang , Hsu Peng-Hsiang , Wu Tsung-Hsien , Wu Chin-Chia
Published: January 2024

The manufacturing sector faces unprecedented challenges, including intense competition, a surge in product varieties, heightened customization demands, and shorter product life cycles. These challenges underscore the critical need to optimize manufacturing systems. Among the most enduring and complex challenges within this domain is production scheduling. In practical scenarios, setup time is whenever a machine transitions from processing one product to another. Job scheduling with setup times or associated costs has garnered significant attention in both manufacturing and service environments, prompting extensive research efforts. While previous studies on customer order scheduling primarily focused on orders or jobs to be processed across multiple machines, they often overlooked the crucial factor of setup time. This study addresses a sequence-dependent bi-criterion scheduling problem, incorporating order delivery considerations. The primary objective is to minimize the linear combination of the makespan and the sum of weighted completion times of each order. To tackle this intricate challenge, we propose pertinent dominance rules and a lower bound, which are integral components of a branch-and-bound methodology employed to obtain an exact solution. Additionally, we introduce a heuristic approach tailored to the problem’s unique characteristics, along with three refined variants designed to yield high-quality approximate solutions. Subsequently, these three refined approaches serve as seeds to generate three distinct populations or chromosomes, each independently employed in a genetic algorithm to yield a robust approximate solution. Ultimately, we meticulously assess the efficacy of each proposed algorithm through comprehensive simulation trials.
Combined microbiome and metabolomics analysis of Taorong-type baijiu high-temperature Daqu and medium-temperature Daqu
Authors: Liu Yanbo , Wu Junyi , Li Haideng , Liu Wenxi , Zhang Zhenke , Han Suna , Hou Jianguang , Pan Chunmei
Published: January 2024

Background

Daqu is an essential starter for baijiu brewing in China. However, the microbial enrichment and metabolic characteristics of Daqu formed at different fermentation temperatures are still unclear.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing technology and the non-targeted metabolomics were used to compare the microbial communities and metabolites of Taorong-type high-temperature Daqu and middle-temperature Daqu. In this study, the relationship between microorganisms and metabolites was established.

Results

The study found that the composition and metabolites of the microbial community differed due to the difference in Daqu-making temperature. The bacterial diversity of Taorong-type high-temperature Daqu was higher than that of middle-temperature Daqu, while the fungal community diversity of Taorong-type middle-temperature Daqu was higher than that of high temperature Daqu. A total of 1,034 differential metabolites were screened from the two types of Daqu, and 76 metabolites with significant differences were detected (P < 0.001 and variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1.15). Tetraacetylethylenediamine is the metabolite with the largest differential fold among the 76 differential metabolites, which can be used as a potential marker metabolite of high-temperature Daqu.

Conclusion

This study helps elucidate the microbial assembly mechanisms and functional expression under different processing conditions through a further understanding of the composition and metabolic profile differences of different types of Daqu microflora in Taorong-type baijiu.
Enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolizing microorganisms on the oral mucosa of tobacco users
Authors: Tao Lin , Chiarelli M Paul , Pavlova Sylvia , Kolokythas Antonia , Schwartz Joel , DeFrancesco James , Salameh Benjamin , Green Stefan J. , Adami Guy
Published: January 2024

Certain soil microbes resist and metabolize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The same is true for a subset of skin microbes. In the human mouth, oral microbes have the potential to oxidize tobacco PAHs, thereby increasing these chemicals’ ability to cause cancer of adjacent epithelium. We hypothesized that we could identify, in smokers, the oral mucosal microbes that can metabolize PAH. We isolated bacteria and fungi that survived long-term in minimal media with PAHs as the sole carbon source, under aerobic conditions, from the oral mucosa in 17 of 26 smokers and two of 14 nonsmokers. Of bacteria genera that survived harsh PAH exposure in vitro, most were found at trace levels, except for Staphylococcus, Actinomyces, and Kingella, which were more abundant. Two PAH-resistant strains of Candida albicans (C. albicans) were isolated from smokers. C. albicans was a prime candidate to contribute to carcinogenesis in tobacco users as it is found orally at high levels in tobacco users on the mucosa, and some Candida species can metabolize PAHs. However, when C. albicans isolates were tested for metabolism of two model PAH substrates, pyrene and phenanthrene, they were not capable, suggesting they cannot metabolize PAH under the conditions used. In conclusion, evidence for large scale microbial degradation of tobacco PAHs under aerobic conditions on the oral mucosa remains lacking, though nonabundant PAH metabolizers are certainly present.
Systematic review of residual toxicity studies of pesticides to bees and veracity of guidance on pesticide labels
Authors: Swanson Leah , Melathopoulos Andony , Bucy Matthew
Published: January 2024

Residues of pesticides on crops can result in mortality to foraging bees. Pesticide applicators in the U.S. encounter a statement on pesticide labels, which coarsely indicate which products dissipate over the course of an evening. There is reason to suspect that these statements may not align with residual toxicity data, given previous findings. Without a complete database of residual toxicity estimates; however, it is not possible to determine whether the residual toxicity components of statements on pesticide labels similarly diverge from published studies. We compiled 50 studies on residual toxicity trials with formulated pesticides and calculated the residual time to 25% mortality (RT25) of each assay for three different bee species (Apis mellifera, Nomia melanderi, and Megachile rotundata). Our findings were compared to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published database of RT25 values. Of the RT25 values that we could compare, we found that over 90% of the values support a similar conclusion to the EPA. Next, we compared our values and the EPA’s values to the statements on 155 EPA registered pesticide product labels. Of these labels, a little less than a third presented their residual toxicity in a manner inconsistent with their calculated RT25 and current EPA labeling guidelines. Moreover, over a third of labels contained an active ingredient which was neither listed under the EPA’s RT25 database nor had a published study to estimate this value. We provide the first evidence that many pesticide labels may convey residual toxicity information to applicators that is not correct and could lead to bees being exposed to toxic residues on plants.
Multi-omics reveals changed energy metabolism of liver and muscle by caffeine after mice swimming
Authors: Han Yang , Jia Qian , Tian Yu , Yan Yan , He Kunlun , Zhao Xiaojing
Published: January 2024

In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the effects of caffeine on exercise, and provide convincing evidence for its ergogenic effects on exercise performance. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these ergogenic effects remain unclear. In this study, an exercise swimming model was conducted to investigate the effects of orally administered with caffeine before swimming on the alterations of proteome and energy metabolome of liver and muscle after swimming. We found proteins in liver, such as S100a8, S100a9, Gabpa, Igfbp1 and Sdc4, were significantly up-regulated, while Rbp4 and Tf decreased after swimming were further down-regulated in caffeine group. The glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways in liver and muscle were both significantly down-regulated in caffeine group. The pyruvate carboxylase and amino acid levels in liver, including cysteine, serine and tyrosine, were markedly up-regulated in caffeine group, exhibiting a strong correlation with the increased pyruvic acid and oxaloacetate levels in muscle. Moreover, caffeine significantly decreased the lactate levels in both liver and muscle after swimming, potentially benefiting exercise performance.
Polymethoxylated flavonoids in citrus fruits: absorption, metabolism, and anticancer mechanisms against breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Mou Yuan , Lu Senlin , Xia Yuhua , Cheng Bo
Published: January 2024

Polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) are a subclass of flavonoids found in citrus fruits that have shown multifunctional biological activities and potential anticancer effects against breast cancer. We studied the absorption, metabolism, species source, toxicity, anti-cancer mechanisms, and molecular targets of PMFs to better utilize their anticancer activity against breast cancer. We discuss the absorption and metabolism of PMFs in the body, including the methylation, demethylation, and hydroxylation processes. The anticancer mechanisms of PMFs against breast cancer were also reviewed, including the estrogen activity, cytochrome P-450 enzyme system, and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibition, along with various molecular targets and potential anticancer effects. Although PMFs may be advantageous in the prevention and treatment for breast cancer, there is a lack of clinical evidence and data to support their efficacy. Despite their promise, there is still a long way to go before PMFs can be applied clinically.
AUTOEFICACIA DE CUIDADORES INFORMALES DE PERSONAS EN CUIDADO PALIATIVO DOMICILIARIO: REVISIÓN NARRATIVA
Authors: Vega Vega Paula , Miranda-Castillo Claudia
Published: January 2024

Los cuidadores informales presentan altos niveles de estrés y sobrecarga frente al cuidado de personas a fin de vida. Sin embargo, algunos han logrado afrontar esta situación a través de su autoeficacia. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar los factores que influyen en el desarrollo de la autoeficacia en cuidadores informales de personas en cuidados paliativos e identificar los efectos de la autoeficacia en dichos cuidadores. MÉTODO: Se condujo una revisión narrativa de literatura científica realizada en las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, CUIDEN y CINAHL en base al flujograma de PRISMA, entre septiembre y octubre del 2022, por medio de los descriptores autoeficacia, cuidadores y cuidados paliativos. Los hallazgos de los artículos encontrados fueron sometidos un análisis temático por ambas autoras. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 15 artículos científicos, identificando tres categorías: Factores que disminuyen el desarrollo de autoeficacia de los cuidadores informales (sentimientos de estrés, angustia y ansiedad, y sobrecarga del cuidador); Factores que favorecen el desarrollo de la autoeficacia de los cuidadores informales (esperanza, apoyo social y capacitación de los cuidadores); y los Efectos de la autoeficacia en los cuidadores informales (confianza en el cuidado otorgado, calidad de vida del receptor del cuidado, disminución del estrés y disminución de la sobrecarga del cuidador). CONCLUSIONES: A partir de los hallazgos, se concluye que el cuidador informal debe afrontar importantes retos con prontitud y de manera adecuada al brindar cuidados. Por lo que, la autoeficacia desarrollada a partir de la esperanza, el apoyo social y la capacitación, le permite mejorar la calidad de vida y bienestar tanto de sí mismo como de la persona bajo su cuidado
Direitos de propriedade e custos de transação nos contratos de arrendamento e parceria rurais no Brasil
Authors: Alves André Luiz Aidar
Published: January 2024

A questão da exploração da terra no Brasil é antiga e conflituosa. Para além do aspecto histórico, os contratos de exploração de terra devem ser estudados sob a ótica jurídica e econômica. Os contratos de arrendamento e parceria rurais são de grande importância para o agronegócio brasileiro, permitindo que não proprietários possam produzir em imóveis rurais de terceiros, com planejamento e segurança jurídica. Apesar de não haver solenidade legal prevista para a elaboração destes contratos, houve forte intervenção estatal em relação às regras obrigatórias que devem constar nestes acordos, com forte inclinação protetiva às figuras do arrendatário e do parceiro – outorgado, limitando a liberdade de contratação e criando custos de transação.
Effect of IOT-Based Climate Smart Agriculture Learning Media on Students in Agro Climate Course
Authors: Rahman Abd. , Yahya Muhammad , Ali M. Ichsan
Published: January 2024

Research & Development (R&D) with the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) development model approach which aims to (1) Problem Identification and Motivation; (2) Define the Objectives for a Solution; (3) Design and Development; (4) Demonstration; (5) Evaluation; and, (6) Communication. The research locus was at the Gowa Agricultural Development Polytechnic (Polbangtan), Department of Agriculture, D4 Sustainable Agricultural Extension Study Program. Observation, interviews and questionnaires are used in data collection methods to develop climate smart agriculture learning media in Agro climate courses. The data analysis method uses the validity analysis approach, reliability analysis, practicality analysis and effectiveness analysis in the effectiveness analysis using normality and homogeneity tests. The results of the research obtained are (1) in the form of student characteristics, identification of needs and detailed task analysis based on the needs of learning media, to the formulation of problems in the field. This means that what is produced at this stage is also input for the next stage; (2) analysis is carried out by applying methods to simplify the series of activities carried out and integrated according to needs; (3) this stage is carried out making design and development plans as a solution to the problem of producing prototypes that contain trainers for learning agricultural agroclimatology. Based on the testing of media experts and material experts, it is suggested that the media developed is very valid and feasible to implement; (4) the results of the calculation of practicality show that the media is very practical and effective for use in learning Agricultural Agroclimatology courses, this is based on the recapitulation of the assessment of the results of the small group trial, it can be calculated the overall assessment results in the form of an average of 4.65 and a large group average of 4.71; (5) based on the results and paired samples correlations, the sig value (probability value) of 0.000 is smaller than the probability of 0.05, then (t) difference in test results between the experimental class and the control class on the Post Test results, due to the significant difference in average scores, can be declared effective in increasing student competence in the course.
Investigating Unnatural Deaths Linked to Sexual Assault: A Forensic Analysis
Authors: Roy Amal , Tasnim Zakia , Nargis Fahmida
Published: January 2024

Background: Exploration of fatalities associated with sexual activity, encompassing both natural and unnatural occurrences, delving into elements such as physical strain and peculiar circumstances. Terminology like "dying in the saddle" is utilized to describe incidents during sexual intercourse. Although human sexuality is generally regarded as positive, it can, in some cases, result in fatal incidents. Natural deaths, often impacting males, are correlated with pre-existing medical conditions, including fatal cardiovascular events triggered by sexual exertion. Sexual violence, spanning from harassment to coerced penetration, remains a pervasive global issue. In Bangladesh, there are notable instances of sexual intimate partner violence against women.

Aim of the Study: The study aimed to represent the clinical characteristics and causes of unnatural death related to sexual assault.

Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh, analyzed 15 autopsies over two years, from July 2021 to June 2023, focusing on suicides by hanging and poisoning. The research adhered to legal and ethical guidelines, obtaining informed consent from legal guardians. Inclusion criteria covered all ages and genders, with unnatural deaths related to sexual activities. Exclusion criteria included natural deaths. Cases were identified through autopsy records, additional examinations, police files, court proceedings, and input from witnesses. A team of five experienced forensic pathologists ensured an unbiased evaluation. Results were organized into tables and graphs, with statistical analysis using SPSS.

Results: This study analyzed 15 unnatural deaths, focusing on age distribution, gender, sexual assault patterns, locations, sexual activities, and causes of death. Victims aged 0-10 years constituted 46.67%, 11-20 years were 33.33%, and 21-30 years were 20.00%. Females comprised 93.33%. Sexual assaults occurred mainly by neighbors (40.00%), involved gang rape (20.00%), and stepfather rape (13.33%). Public places (33.33%) and other locations (40.00%) were common sites. The most prevalent type of injury was head trauma, accounting for 26.67%. Fatal injuries, burns, choking, and poisoning were equally significant, each contributing to 33.33% of cases. Falls from heights were identified as a major cause of death, comprising 20.00% of the reported incidents.

Conclusion: This research delves into the intricate aspects surrounding non-natural deaths occurring in the context of sexual activities, with a specific emphasis on suicides related to hanging and poisoning. It underscores the imperative for a nuanced comprehension of these incidents, drawing attention to possible misclassifications and advocating for precise forensic evaluations. The findings underscore the necessity for increased awareness, education, and preventive measures to confront the social and cultural determinants that contribute to sexual violence.
Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes bla SHV, bla TOHO and bla NDM in Pathogenic Gram-Negative Bacilli at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center
Authors: Badini Rhaina Olivia , Dabiré Amana Mètuor , Ouattara Abdoul Karim , Tiemtoré Rahimatou Yasmine Wend-Kuni , Sougué Serge , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Simporé Jacques
Published: January 2024

Gram-negative bacilli, notably Enterobacteriaceae, are increasingly resistant to antibiotics thanks to the acquisition and dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The present study aims to identify the bla NDM, bla SHV and bla TOHO genes in clinical strains of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA), Ouagadougou. The isolation and purification of bacterial strains isolated from the stools and urine of internal and external CERBA patients were carried out respectively on selective and Muller Hinton (MH) media. The antibiogram was performed using the disk diffusion method. The API 20E biochemical gallery (BioMérieux, France) was used for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae while the bla NDM, bla SHV and bla TOHO genes were detected by conventional PCR. A total of thirty-seven (37) strains of Gram-negative bacilli were included in the present study. The antibiogram showed that 62.16% (23/37) of them were ESBL producers with 56.52% (13/23) of Escherichia coli; 39.13% (9/23) of Klebsiella sp. and 4.35% (1/23) of Proteus sp. Among them, 60.87% (14/23) of the strains harbored the bla NDM gene, 56.52% (13/23) bla SHV against 47.83% (11/23) of the strains carrying the bla TOHO gene. The combinations of bla SHV + bla NDM, bla SHV + bla TOHO and bla TOHO + bla NDM genes were found in 30.43% (7/23), 26.08 (6/23) and 17.39% (4 /23) strains, respectively against 8.70% (2/23) of strains carrying bla SHV + bla NDM + bla TOHO. It should also be noted that most of these strains were isolated in urine cultures. This study revealed clinical strains of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrying the bla NDM, bla SHV and bla TOHO genes. The simultaneous carriage of two or three genes by certain strains suggests dissemination which requires increased surveillance efforts and the rapid development of new therapeutic solutions.
Application of Chitin Improves Growth, Yield and Secondary Metabolite Production in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Shibana S. N.  , Nair Deepa S. , Sreekala G. S.  , Shalini Pillai P.  , Alex Swapna , Joseph Ancy
Published: January 2024

A field experiment was conducted in Trivandrum district during June 2021 to January 2022 to evaluate the effect of chitin on growth, yield and secondary metabolite production in turmeric. Soil application of chitin at 5 g per plant was done at 60 and 180 days after transplanting, while untreated plants served as control. Observations were recorded on effect of chitin on growth, defense enzymes, yield, secondary metabolites and disease incidence. Results of the study confirmed significant enhancement in growth, yield and secondary metabolite production on chitin application compared to the untreated control. Significant increase in shoot weight and rhizome weight was observed at six months after transplanting in response to chitin application. Fresh and dry rhizome yield per plant increased by 60.16% and 65.97% respectively, over the control. The defense enzyme activity and chlorophyll content were significantly higher in plants subjected to chitin application, compared to the control. Chitin treatment enhanced volatile oil and oleoresin content by 1.39 and 1.41 times and curcumin content by 21%, over the control. The results confirmed that chitin is a potent biostimulant that can be used for growth, yield and quality enhancement in turmeric.
Multivariate Analysis and Screening of Moth Bean Accessions for Biotic Stresses in the Arid Region of Western India
Authors: Punia Monika , Rolaniya L. K. , Parihar A. K. , Jat R. L. , Kumar Narendra
Published: January 2024

The present investigation assesses the genetic diversity and resilience of moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) against the biotic stresses in the arid zones of India. This research was carried out at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Regional Research Centre, Bikaner, and employed an augmented design to analyze 300 accessions for morphological and agronomic traits. The study integrated Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis to understand trait interrelationships and genetic variance. The number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height and test weight showed a highly significant and positive correlation, whereas days to 50% flowering and number of branches per plant showed a negative correlation with seed yield per plant. Hierarchical clustering subdivided accessions into fourteen clusters, and cluster1 best suited to arid conditions with 21 accessions. Principal component analysis with eigenvalues classified the accessions into eight principal components. PC1 contributed the maximum variation that is 32.21 percent, followed by other clusters. Cercospora leaf spot had the highest disease incidence among the three diseases (yellow mosaic virus, cercospora leaf spot and leaf curl virus diseases). The findings underscore the potential of exploiting genetic variability in moth beans for breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield and stress tolerance, crucial for sustainable production in resource-poor arid ecosystems.
Effect of Different Nutrient Sources on Soil Properties and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Organic Farming
Authors: Raj Janak , Dubey P. K. , Kaswala A. R. , Italiya A. P. , Kumar Pradeep , Patel Krutika Subodh
Published: January 2024

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2021-22 at organic farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, to study the effect of different organic nutrient sources on rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The Factor-A comprised of soil application (S), i.e. S1, 100% RDN through NADEP compost, S2, 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each, S3, 60% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each and S4, Ghan-jivamrut @ 500 kg/ha + Jivamrut @ 500 l/ha, and Factor-B comprised of foliar application (F), i.e. F0, control, F1, Novel Organic liquid nutrient @ 1% and F2, Moringa leaf extract @ 3%, with 12 treatment combinations of soil and foliar application with organic rice variety ‘GNR-7’. The results indicated that, application of 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each recorded significantly higher organic carbon (80%), available K2O (520.1 kg/ha), bacterial count (159.3×10-5 cfu/g), Actinomycetes count (39.8×10-3 cfu/g) and straw yield (5442 kg/ha) than the S4, but it was statistically similar with S1. Application of 100% RDN through NADEP compost recorded significantly higher available N (269.7 kg/ha) and grain yield (3749 kg/ha) over the S4, but it was found at par with S2. In case of foliar application F2, Moringa leaf extract @ 3% produce numerically maximum organic carbon (0.79%), available K2O (518.3 kg/ha), bacterial count (156.9×10-5 cfu/g), Fungal count (12.3×10-3 cfu/g) and (Actinomycetes count (39.0×10-3 cfu/g), it also ensured significantly higher grain (3312 kg/ha) and straw yield (5265 kg/ha). Application of Novel Organic liquid nutrient 1% produce numerically maximum available P2O5 (61.0 kg/ha). On the basis of results, it can be concluded that the application of 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each before transplanting and foliar application with either 3% Moringa leaf extract or 1% Novel Organic liquid nutrient at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting may be improved physical and chemical properties of soil, available macronutrients, and organic carbon after harvest may be due to the effect of manures like NADEP compost combined with biofertilizer, which significantly improved physical and chemical properties of soil, available macronutrients, and organic carbon as well as yield compared to manure application alone.