bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the oldest man in the land? Perhaps the sleepy one!
Authors: Bukhari Shervin , Thompson Mark , Meth Elisa M.S. , Benedict Christian
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sleep deprivation on the perceived age appearance of individuals, with a particular focus on subjective sleepiness. The study involved 380 anonymous observers who participated in an online survey. The observers were shown photographs of a Caucasian man, aged 48.2 years, and were asked to estimate his age. The results demonstrated that after 42.6 hours of continuous wakefulness, his estimated age was 2.9 years older than his actual age (p<0.001). Additionally, the study revealed that the sleepier the observers felt during the evaluation, the older they perceived the man to be (p<0.05). These findings suggest that sleep loss may impact how old someone is perceived and that sleepiness may impact how observers estimate others’ age. However, it is important to replicate these findings in diverse populations, including women, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, and individuals of various age groups who experience sleep loss.
Cervical-Shoulder Syndrome: Shoulder and Cervical Surgeries Are Risk Factors for Each Other
Authors: Liang Chun-Ming , Hung Kuo-Hsien , Tsui Ho , Kao Feng-Chen , Yen Chung-Yo , Tu Yuan-Kun
Published: June 2023

Aim: Converging symptoms of cervical spine and shoulder pathologies can lead to misdiagnosis and unsatisfying outcomes of corresponding surgical interventions, as those seen in published research on hip-spine syndrome. In addition, the intricate biomechanical interdependence between these two sites may be altered after surgery at either site, potentially putting the untreated site at danger of further injury. Thus, this study will examine whether certain surgeries at cervical spine and shoulder joint can be a risk factor for each other.
Method: Reimbursement claims of certain shoulder-related and cervical-related surgery from January 1st 2000 to December 31st 2016 were included according to their diagnosis and treatment codes via Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) service. Collected subjects in both groups will be matched with control subjects who did not have that surgery based on age, gender, index date and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Odds ratio and hazard ratio of having surgeries at the other site between patients with and without surgery at one site will be calculated with logistic regression model.
Result: The odds ratios of having certain cervical spine surgeries between shoulder surgery subjects and matched controls within 3, 6 and 12 months are 1.78(1.27-2.49), 2.19(1.75-2.75) and 2.55(2.17-3.00), respectively. The odds ratios of having certain shoulder surgeries between cervical subjects and matched controls are 2.08(1.48-2.94), 2.88(2.30-3.61) and 3.32(2.82-3.90), respectively. Hazard ratio of having certain surgeries at the other site between subjects and controls is 3.36(2.86-3.96) for cervical group, and 2.54(2.16-2.98) for shoulder group.
Conclusion: Certain cervical surgeries are risk factors of certain shoulder surgeries and vice versa. Detailed physical examinations should be regularly conducted at both sites before arranging surgeries for either one. Preventative measures and early screening for pathologies at the other site should be initiated as soon as allowed to reduce further medical expenses.
Modified paddy husk carbon with linked fibrils of FeHO₂ using aluminium as surface regulator for enhanced As (III) removal in fixed bed system
Authors: Ahmad Samreen , Gautam Shashi Bala , Sawood Ghazi Mohd , Dixit Shobhit , mishra ashutosh
Published: June 2023

The As (III) uptake capacity of Fe impregnated AC greatly depends on availability of active surface sites of Iron Oxide, which is determined by the surface area of the anchoring particles. In this context, utilizing Al as a surface regulator, we proposed a process to attach linked fibrils of FeHO₂ with the objective of developing an adsorbent with enhanced As (III) adsorption capacity. The procedure was based on hydrothermal process using paddy husk based AC, and both Iron and aluminium ions in the test hydrolysis solution. By a dynamic approach that would enable an industrial-scale treatment, fixed column adsorption tests were conducted to enhance the generation of cleaner effluents and further study the primary mechanisms involved in the adsorption process. CCD was employed to evaluate the interactions between various operating process variables and their effects on the breakthrough time for optimization of As (III) adsorption process. The exhaust time was observed to rise with increasing dose, falling flow rate, and influent concentration. The CCD optimization result showed that the FeAlPBC was an efficient and cost effective adsorbent with a maximum response of 1681 min, when the independent parameters were retained at 15.0 g FeAlPBC dose, 500 µg/L influent concentrations, 2.0 mL/min flow rate, and a desirability value of 0.986. To further comprehend the primary adsorption mechanisms, the breakthrough curves were predicted by application of the test data in the Thomas, Adam-Bohart, Yoone-Nelson, and Advection diffusion models. The experimental results and Thomas and Advection diffusion models were in good agreement. 0.1 M NaOH solution was used to regenerate the columns. The FeAlPBC samples can be recycled upto four cycles with little to no reduction in adsorption capacity. Also, the TCLP test demonstrated that the used FeAlPBC were inert and could be put into landfills without risk. In conclusion, FeAlPBC is a strong contender for removing As (III) from potable water and has a wide range of potential future applications.
Association of Maternal Blood Mercury Concentration during the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Birth Outcomes: A Nested Case- Control Study
Authors: Zhu Yibing , Miao Chong , Sun Bin , Wu Zhengqin , Wang Xinrui , Li Haibo , Gao Haiyan , Cao Hua , Li Wei
Published: June 2023

Background Research has shown that mercury exposure in early pregnancy, as one of the toxic metals, may be related to birth outcomes. Fujian Province, as one of the largest seafood-consuming provinces in China, is at risk of mercury exposure.However, literature on mercury exposure and pregnancy outcomes in Chinese pregnant women is limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate a possible association between maternal mercury (Hg) exposure and spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) and birth weight.
Methods This study was a nested case-control study based on the birth cohort project of Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The maternal blood mercury concentration of 10-16 weeks of gestation were measured. Paired logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between blood mercury concentrations and SPB, including the unadjusted model and the model. Estimation of the effect of mercury on birth weight was by smooth spline regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Tests for trend were assessed by modelling the quartiles of mercury concentration as continuous variables using integer values. In addition, the dose-response relationship between mercury concentration and birth outcomes was estimated using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression.
Results A total of 240 participants were enrolled in this study, including 120 control group and 120 SPB group. Except for gestational age, other characteristics were not significantly different in 4 quartile groups (P>0.05). Adjusted smoothed plots suggest a linear relationship between blood mercury concentration and SPB (OR=1.12, 95% CI=0.97-1.28, P=0.124). Higher blood mercury concentration was associated with a higher risk of SPB (Q3 vs Q1: crude OR=2.50, 95% CI=1.16-5.41; adjusted OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.12-5.74). There was no significant association between blood mercury concentration during the first trimester and birth weight (adjusted coefficient:14.51, 95% CI=-5.36-34.38).
Conclusions We found that maternal blood mercury concentration was positively associated with SPB in a dose-dependent manner. Further research is needed to investigate the association between the main source of mercury exposure and SPB. and mechanism studies were warranted to explore the underlying pathways.
A study of micro space-time theory and time dilation in bound muon decay
Authors: Deng Jian-Bo , Deng Miao-Yi , Ma Shi-Jie , Fan Qi-Qi , He Peng-Zhang , He Yi-Peng , Li Shuo-Wen , Hu Xianru
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a space-time theory for describing the physical laws of the micro-world by introducing scalar fields $\mathcal{D}\left(x\right)$ and $\zeta\left(x\right)$. A new field action is constructed, and the Lagrangian for particle motion is rewritten, resulting in a modified space-time relation. The Klein-Gordon equation is theoretically derived using the Hamilton-Jacobi method in four dimensions. To experimentally test the correctness of this theory, we further investigate the time delay between proper time and local coordinate time caused by $\mathcal{D}\left(x\right)$ and discuss the decay rate of bound muons in different elements. The results are consistent with the proposed theory.
Mattering in older adults in service-assisted recovery processes from substance use problems: Conditions, experiences, and implications for action
Authors: Bahl Nina , Nafstad Hilde , Blakar Rolv , Øversveen Emil , Brodahl Morten , Ness Ottar , Prilleltensky Isaac
Published: June 2023

Aim: Mattering is a fundamental human experience promoting crucial components to later-life recovery processes. Today, the largest population of older adult persons with substance use problems, so far, is on a steep rise in many Western countries. To tailor and offer substance use services promoting mattering, more knowledge about later life mattering of older adults recovering with the assistance of substance use services is needed. This study aims to explore conditions for, and experiences of, mattering in older adults in service-assisted recovery from substance use problems.
Methods: A collaborative and deductive reflexive thematic approach was applied in analysing 23 interviews with participants using substance use services in their recovery processes from different substance use problems: alcohol, medication and illegal substances. The participants were recruited from three different Norwegian contexts: two urban and one medium size municipality. The age of the sample ranged from 65-80 years, with approximately equal numbers for those aged 60-69 (12 participants) and 70-80 (11 participants). Seven participants were women and 16 men.
Results: Two main themes were identified in the data: “Conditions for later life mattering” and “Experiences of mattering from community relationships and own actions”. The findings illustrate various conditions for mattering and experiences of mattering and not mattering in later life recovery processes.
Conclusions: Several participants experienced not mattering; promoted by lack of support, disrespect and devaluation and loss of relationships, but also being ignored and not receiving fair treatment and help by service professionals. Overall, the participants’ mattering depended on fair and healthy community relationships; fair distribution of resources such as affordable housing, accessible transportation, and fair organizational structures where participants could feel valued and also have a chance themselves to add value to others. Several practical implications to enhance the therapeutic and preventive potentials of later life mattering in recovery are suggested.
An elderly case of paraneoplastic anti-NMDA receptor limbic encephalitis associated with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Naka Masamitsu , Inaba Atsushi , Miyasaka Hana , Suzue Keisuke , Ishigaki Junichi , Shibuya Hideki , Hara Kei , Ohishi Nobuya , Sugiyama Yusuke , Shiio Yasushi , Tajiri Ryosuke , Kishida Yukiko , Ishihara Tasuku , Yugeta Akihiro
Published: June 2023

Background
Recent studies have suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in the cell proliferation in several tumors. However, there have been no reports demonstrating the expression of NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC).
Case presentation
Here, we report the first elderly case of paraneoplastic anti-NMDA receptor limbic encephalitis associated with LCNEC of the lung with NR1 expression. Of note, NR1 subunit expression in the tumor cells of the present case was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Radiation therapy and immunotherapies, such as corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), shrank the tumors and improved neurological symptoms in the present case. Additionally, we also confirmed the expression of NR1 in the tumor cells obtained from three other cases with LCNEC of the lung at our hospital by IHC.
Conclusion
Our IHC results indicate that LCNEC generally expresses NR1 subunit and NMDA receptor may be involved in the tumor development and growth.
Exploring the Effect of Corydalis Yanhusuo on Hepatoc ellular Carcinoma Mechanism through Network Pharma cology,Molecular docking and In Vitro Experiments
Authors: Yu Shuihong , Liu Huijuan , Jiang Tao , Wu Qiguo
Published: June 2023

Object: The study was conducted using network pharmacology (NP) and experimental validation as a base to identify potential targets and mechanisms of action of Corydalis yanhusuo (YHS) in treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) databasewas utilized to select effective YHS components, while the SymMap database was used to predict target proteins associated with effective components, and genes that could be related to HCC were selected using the GeneCards database. The Venn platform was used to obtain targets shared by YHS and HCC. Later, a String webserver was used to build protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, while a drug-component-target network was created using Cytoscape. GO and KEGG analysis was performed to parse biological processes and linked pathways connected to YHS in the treatment of HCC. Molecular docking technology was used to analyze the optimal effective components. The in vitro experiment on the HepG2 cell model confirmed the NP results.
Results: In total, 48 effective components and 88 shared targets were obtained. The main active ingredients identified were quercetin, hyndarin, isocordinine, (S)-Scoulerine, leonticine, and (R)-Canadine. The target-pathway network had 11 proteins and 211 pathways. Hub genes, in the PPI network included TP53, TNF, AKT1, MAPK1, IGF2, CDKN2A, TGFB1, MYC, CASP8, IL6, and CASP3. Moreover, as revealed by GO and KEGG analysis, Hepatitis B, the MAPK pathway, and the TNF pathway were all strongly linked to YHS's impact on HCC. Moreover, as demonstrated by in vitro experiments, YHS displayed remarkable activity in the treatment of HCC, most likely by regulating cell growth and apoptosis via MAPK pathways.
Conclusion: The present work suggests that NP-based analyses combined with experimental validation provide an efficient approach for characterizing the mechanism of YHS in the treatment of HCC.
An Analytical Economic Dynamic Model Considering Unemployment and Incorporating SIR’s Approach
Authors: Oliveira João Gabriel de Araujo , Góes Geraldo Sandoval , Teixeira Joanilio Rodolpho
Published: June 2023

The present paper has the objective to develop three new approaches to Macrodynamics. In the first one, we design a new model where capacity utilization is defined by the difference between population (represented by the sum of activity and unemployed labor force), and capital stock growth rates. Second, we spread unemployment into both, the natural one and the other caused by external reasons. Third, we incorporate the SIR’s (Susceptible, Infectious, or Recovered) approach into the second framework to understand how Pandemics can affect economic behavior. Then, we proved the stable condition of all three cases and also consider a numerical simulation to ensure their economic efficiency. As a result, the first model acts exactly like a post-Keynesian (neo-Kaleckian) expects it to behave (in the short and medium runs it is possible to assume unemployment, but in a long-period full employment is arrived). Despite the convergence of capacity utilization to its normal level, it seems that, in the second case, we will have a time lag of involuntary unemployment. In the third case, when the epidemiological model is considered (if, and only if, the Pandemic is the only reason for unemployment caused by external motives), the model will converge to full employment of factors like in the first case. These models serve as an inspiration to guide policymakers on how to deal with epidemiological crises and their consequences in the labor market.
JEL Classification: N1 , P36
Using evaluated AquaCrop and Response Surface Method to determine optimum irrigation water and seeding density of wheat growing in a sprinkler irrigation system
Authors: Shabani Ali , Habibagahi Majid , Mahbod Mehdi , Partojou Farhad , Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2023

This study used AquaCrop to predict wheat grain yield under different irrigation and seeding densities. Experimental data from two successive growing seasons during 2004–2006 was used for model calibration and validation. After calibration, the model was used to predict grain yield for 47 years (1975–2021) with five seeding densities (120, 80, 160, 200, and 240 kg ha-1) and four irrigation schedules (7-, 10-, 13-, and 16-days interval). Predicted data were used to identify the optimal seeding density and irrigation water level. AquaCrop's simulations of grain yield, biomass, soil water content, evapotranspiration, and canopy cover were promising. Under extreme water stress, the model produced less reliable results. The RSM method determined the optimal seeding density and irrigation schedule to maximize crop yield and income per hectare. Results showed that 747, 198, and 747 mm of irrigation water and 211, 188, and 208 kg ha-1 of seeding density maximized wheat yield, water productivity, and profit per unit area, respectively. Additionally, 350 and 1230 mm of irrigation and rainfall and 162 and 212 kg ha-1 of seeding density were found to maximize water productivity and profit per unit area. Overall, this study demonstrates that the AquaCrop model can be used to accurately estimate wheat grain yield under different irrigation intensities and seeding densities, which can inform decisions on optimal irrigation and seeding practices for maximizing crop yield and profit.
A Case of latent Sjögren's syndrome Primary Manifested as Flaccid Quadriparesis. A First Reported Case From Libya.
Authors: Abduljalil Mohamed Muftah , Dawas Najwa Ali
Published: June 2023

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, lung, kidney, skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and muscle. Flaccid Quadriparesis due to renal involvement is rarely reported in the medical literature. We herein present a case report of a 42-year-old woman with acute onset motor weakness; sever hypokalemia and Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis. Patient was diagnosed with Primary Sjögren's and managed accordingly.
Investigation on structural and morphological properties of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films
Authors: kossar shahnaz , Rasool Asif
Published: June 2023

The present study reports on the effect of substrate temperature on structural, morphological and optical properties of MoO3 thin films. MoO3 thin films were deposited on pre-heated glass substrate using spray pyrolysis technique. The substrate temperature was varied from 300 °C to 400°C with a step interval of 50 °C. Structural studies were studied using X-ray diffraction technique. It is observed that all the diffraction peaks exactly match with JCPDS card No. 05-0508. The as –deposited MoO3 thin films exhibits orthorhombic crystal structure. It is found that the crystalline nature increases with the increases of substrate temperature. FESEM micrographs show that the grains are distributed uniformly over the surface without any void. An optical property reveals that the transmission of MoO3 thin film in the visible region increases with increases of deposition temperature.
Computed Tomography Measurement of the Aorta in Midaortic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents and Their Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes
Authors: Baek Seung-Min , Lee Yoon Seong , Song Mi Kyoung , Lee Sang Yun , Bae Eun Jung , Kim Gi Beom
Published: June 2023

Background
Midaortic syndrome (MAS) presents challenges in diagnosis due to the absence of well-defined diagnostic criteria, and its clinical features remain uncertain. In this retrospective study, we aimed to aid in the diagnosis of MAS by employing computed tomography (CT) to measure the z-score of the aorta as well as to identify and understand its clinical features.
Methods
CT images, echocardiography findings, and medical records of 17 patients diagnosed with MAS between 1997 and 2023 were reviewed, and z-scores were calculated. Aortic size on follow-up CT, blood pressure, and left ventricular function at the last follow-up were analyzed, and possible prognostic factors were examined.
Results
With the exception of one patient, all individuals exhibited a z-score below − 2 at the level corresponding to stenosis. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred more frequently in patients aged < 5 years (p = 0.024). Patients with idiopathic MAS showed a better prognosis in terms of blood pressure and follow-up aortic size (p = 0.051 and 0.048, respectively).
Conclusions
CT-measured aortic z-scores may be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of MAS. A more conservative management plan should be considered for selective idiopathic patients.
Rubber-tracked forwarders – productivity and cost efficiency potentials
Authors: Lundbäck Mikael , Lindroos Ola , Servin Martin
Published: June 2023

Extraction of timber is expensive, energy intensive, and potentially damaging to the forest soil. Machine development aims to mitigate risks for environmental impact and decrease energy consumption while maintaining or increasing cost efficiency. Development of rubber-tracked forwarders have gained renewed interest, partly due to climate change leading to unreliable weather, and the urgency of reducing emissions. The increased cost of rubber-tracks compared to wheels are believed to be compensated by higher driving speeds and larger payloads. Thus, the aim of this study was to theoretically investigate how productivity and cost efficiency of rubber-tracked forwarders can exceed that of wheeled equivalents. The calculations were made with fixed parameters, to evaluate performance in different conditions, and with parameters from 2 500 final felling stands in central Sweden, to evaluate performance in varied working conditions. Scenarios were compared to a baseline corresponding to mid-sized wheeled forwarders. The results show higher productivity with the increased driving speed and load weight enabled by rubber-tracks at all extraction distances, with larger differences at long extraction distances. Assuming 15% higher machine price for the rubber-tracked forwarder, increased speed and load weight lead to 40% cost reduction for 400 meters extraction distance. Furthermore, a rubber-tracked forwarder is likely to give access to a larger part of the harvest areas during longer seasons. The year-round accessible volumes are estimated to increase from 9% to 92% with a rubber-tracked forwarder. With rubber-tracks, good accessibility can be combined with low soil impact in a favourable way for both industry and ecosystem.
Interest in genetic susceptibility testing and disclosure of AD dementia risk in cognitively normal adults: A survey study
Authors: Waterink Lisa , Masselink Larissa A. , Lee Sven J. van der , Visser Leonie N.C. , Cleutjens Solange , Schaar Jetske van der , Harten Argonde C. van , Scheltens Philip , Sikkes Sietske A.M. , Flier Wiesje M. van der , Zwan Marissa D.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Apolipoprotein-E (APOE) genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more important as clinical trials are increasingly targeting individuals carrying APOEε4-alleles. Little is known about the interest in finding out ones genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease in the general population. Our objective was to examine this in a sample of cognitively normal (CN) adults within a population-based online research registry with the goal to implement APOEε4 status for trial recruitment.
METHODS
An online survey was completed by 442 CN participants between the age of 49 and 75 years (56% female) from the Dutch Brain Research Registry. The survey assessed interest in participation in research into, and disclosure of, genetic risk for dementia. The survey assessed interest in participation in research into, and disclosure of, genetic risk for dementia, and the knowing their genetic risk in different hypothetical risk scenarios (10%, 30%, and 50% genetic risk for dementia at age 85, corresponding to APOEε2/ε2 or ε2/ε3, APOEε3/ε4 or ε2ε4, and APOEε4/ε4 genotypes). Cochran’s-Q and post-hoc McNemar tests were used to analyse differences in frequencies across scenarios.
RESULTS
Most participants were interested in participating in research into and disclosure of their genetic risk (81%). The most reported reason was to contribute to scientific research (94%). Interest was higher in males, while lower-educated participants were more often undecided. When provided with different risk scenario’s, interest in knowing their risk was somewhat higher in the scenarios with higher risk, i.e., in the 50% (79%) compared to the 10% scenario (73%;χ2(2) = 7.98; p = .005). Most individuals expected they would share their genetic risk with close relatives (77–89%), would participate in medication trials (79–88%), and would make long-term arrangements e.g. retirement, health care, will (69–82%), with larger proportions for scenarios with higher hypothetical genetic risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that the vast majority of CN adults participating in an research registry expresses interest in AD genetic risk research and disclosure. Interest in genetic risk disclosure is higher in scenarios corresponding to the APOEε4-genotype. This suggests APOEε4-screening within an online research registry is potentially a well-received method to accelerate inclusion for trials.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment in Paraná, Brazil and California, United States With Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Loomis John James , Dziedzic Maurício
Published: June 2023

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) has become one of the most widespread environmental management instruments. Despite this, EIA is routinely criticized for being ineffective at impacting decision-making. This study compared the EIA systems of Paraná, Brazil and California, United States using the effectiveness dimensions from the EIA literature. This study formats the cases into contextual conditions using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions that cause effective outcomes. These effectiveness outcomes are then ranked by EIA stakeholders via the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify stakeholder priorities and to improve stakeholder management. The results show that in Paraná stakeholders identified normative effectiveness as the most important dimension, while stakeholders in California identified this dimension as the second-most important following substantive effectiveness. Public participation was found to be a necessary condition for both substantive and normative effectiveness to occur. Early project definition was found to be sufficient for substantive effectiveness and necessary for normative effectiveness, for which stakeholder coordination was a sufficient condition. This suggests that in order for EIA to influence decision-making and foster sustainable development, greater care needs to be taken to actively engage stakeholders in public participation, with clear roles and project design communicated early on, and a clear role for regulatory authority to promote stakeholder coordination for acceptable outcomes. These findings suggest that some effectiveness dimensions are caused by similar conditions, which could help focus stakeholder management efforts and point to new avenues for future EIA effectiveness research.
High dietary marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) seed (nut) cake induces detrimental effects on performance, carcass characteristics and immuno- physiology of broiler chickens
Authors: Mthana Makiwa Simeon , Mthiyane Doctor Mziwenkosi Nhlanhla , Onwudiwe Damian Chinedu , Mwanza Mulunda
Published: June 2023

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate effects of dietary incremental levels of marula seed cake (MSC), partially replacing soya bean meal (SBM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and haemato-biochemistry of broiler chickens from starter to finisher phases. In a completely randomized design, 400 day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted to 5 diets with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% MSC, each with 8 replicates of 10. Weekly feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were calculated whilst haemato-biochemistry was measured at d42.
Results
Overall, feed intake was quadratically decreased (P < 0.01) by MSC, of which the optimum inclusion was 15%. Body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency was linearly decreased (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) by dietary inclusion of MSC. Also, MSC linearly decreased slaughter weight (P < 0.001), hot carcass weight (P < 0.001) and cold carcass weight (P < 0.001). Similarly, it linearly decreased white blood cells (P < 0.01) and lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and symmetric dimethylarginine (P < 0.001), as it linearly increased (P < 0.001) serum cholesterol.
Conclusion
In conclusion, up to 15% MSC can be incorporated into broiler diets in replacement of SBM without adverse effects.
The refugee footprint on politics; a study on refugee influx and voting in Germany
Authors: Adee Md Iltemas Amin , Lee Grace Hooi Yean , Rahman Habib
Published: June 2023

Europe faced a significant refugee crisis in the last decade due to the large influx of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East fleeing war and prosecution. A daunting trend of increasing popularity of right-wing political par and rising hate crime reports is observable across Europe. This paper employs difference-in-differences (DID) regression analysis utilizing the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) to investigate the effect of refugee influx on voting behavior in Germany. In addition, this paper uses nightlight data to test whether economic development moderates the relationship between refugee influx and voting behavior. The results show that voting for immigrant-friendly parties, Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and FDP (Free Democratic Party) improved in districts with substantial refugee influx; however, deteriorated for anti-immigration parties such as Social Democratic Party (SPD) and AfD (Alternative for Germany), after the refugee influx. In addition, the 2SLS results prove that larger cities with greater economic activities are more resistant to liberal parties due to prolonged economic and infrastructure scarcity or challenges. The results of this study are robust to an extensive range of tests, such as using a different measure of refugee severity, falsification tests, and placebo tests. The findings of this study would allow political parties to target and allure voters and help policymakers identify and design social interventions to improve tolerance and acceptance in the community.
Improved prediction of breast cancer risk based on phenotypic DNA damage repair capacity in peripheral blood B cells
Authors: Okunola Hazeem L. , Shuryak Igor , Repin Mikhail , Wu Hui-Chen , Santella Regina M. , Terry Mary Beth , Turner Helen C. , Brenner David J.
Published: June 2023

Background
Standard Breast Cancer (BC) risk prediction models based only on epidemiologic factors generally have quite poor performance, and there have been a number of risk scores proposed to improve them, such as AI-based mammographic information, polygenic risk scores and pathogenic variants. Even with these additions BC risk prediction performance is still at best moderate. In that decreased DNA repair capacity (DRC) is a major risk factor for development of cancer, we investigated the potential to improve BC risk prediction models by including a measured phenotypic DRC assay:
Methods
Using blood samples from the Breast Cancer Family Registry we assessed the performance of phenotypic markers of DRC in 46 matched pairs of individuals, one from each pair with BC (with blood drawn before BC diagnosis) and the other from controls matched by age and time since blood draw. We assessed DRC in thawed cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by measuring γ-H2AX yields (a marker for DNA double-strand breaks) at multiple times from 1 to 20 hrs after a radiation challenge. The studies were performed using surface markers to discriminate between different PBMC subtypes.
Results
The parameter Fres, the residual damage signal in PBMC B cells at 20 hrs post challenge, was the strongest predictor of breast cancer with an AUC (Area Under receiver-operator Curve) of 0.89 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.84–0.93] and a BC status prediction accuracy of 0.80. To illustrate the combined use of a phenotypic predictor with standard BC predictors, we combined Fres in B cells with age at blood draw, and found that the combination resulted in significantly greater BC predictive power (AUC of 0.97 [95% CI: 0.94–0.99]), an increase of 13 percentage points over age alone.
Conclusions
If replicated in larger studies, these results suggest that inclusion of a fingerstick-based phenotypic DRC blood test has the potential to markedly improve BC risk prediction.
MRI brain segmentation based on improved global best-guided artificial bee colony
Authors: Alomoush Waleed , Khashan Osama A. , Alrosan Ayat , Damseh Rafat , Attar Hani H. , Alshinwan Mohammad , Abd-Alrazaq Alaa Ali
Published: June 2023

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in medical research and clinical applications, ranging from quantifying tissue volume, facilitating surgical simulations, assisting in treatment planning, enabling brain mapping, aiding in disease diagnosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy. This study introduces a novel method for MRI brain segmentation, which harnesses the power of a hybrid approach combining Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm with Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering. Our approach leverages the exploration capability of the ABC algorithm, with an improved global best guidance (IABC), to optimally initialize the cluster centroid values of the FCM, thus enhancing the segmentation outputs. Comparative evaluation of the proposed method, denoted as IABC-FCM, conducted on a diverse set of MRI brain images, reveals its superior performance. The results indicate the potential of this hybrid approach as a robust tool for improved MRI brain segmentation tasks.
Barriers to the Incorporation of Digital Health Competencies in the Medical School Curriculum: A Qualitative Study of Doctors in Organizational Leadership
Authors: Zainal Humairah , Xin Xiao Hui , Thumboo Julian , Fong Kok Yong
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Digital technologies have influenced healthcare delivery worldwide and are increasingly being used in clinical practice. However, studies have shown a lag in the implementation of guidelines for the training of digital health competencies (DHC) in medical schools. Furthermore, few existing frameworks on DHC have examined barriers commonly faced by developed countries to equip medical students with DHC. Using Singapore as a case study, and by exploring the perspectives of doctors in organizational leadership positions, this paper identifies reasons for this lag and a common framework that can help overcome these barriers.
Methods
Findings were drawn from individual semi-structured interviews with 33 doctors in executive and organizational leadership roles. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were interpreted using qualitative thematic analysis.
Results
Participants were currently (n = 26) or formerly (n = 7) in organizational leadership. They highlighted six reasons for the lag in DHC integration in the curricula: bureaucratic inertia, expectations to pursue traditional career pathways, lack of protective mechanisms for experiential learning and experimentation, lack of clear policy guidelines for clinical practice, need for more evidences on the effectiveness of digital technologies, and need for a strong and integrated IT infrastructure in healthcare institutions.
Conclusions
Applying Damschroder et al.’s (2009) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) would illuminate the importance of considering both structural and institutional barriers to training students with relevant DHC. Showing how relevant CFIR constructs might be applied to integrating DHC in the medical school curriculum would help ensure consistency of implementation across time and contexts.
Map-and-Acquisition Networks
Authors: Yao Liangliang , Zhang Taihong , Zhang Boxu , Zhao Yunjie
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the attention mechanism has made great contributions to therepresentation ability of deep convolutional neural networks, especially the atten-tion module in convolutional neural networks. Based on simple mathematicalprinciples, this paper proposes an operation unit called Map-and-Acquisition(MA) to compute the attention of different feature vectors in convolutional neu-ral networks. Inspired by the convolution operation, MA extends the convolutionoperator to integrate the characteristics of the space or channel features in thelocal receptive field to the global space or channel, and only operates on onedimension of the image feature, avoiding a series of problems caused by thecoupling of space and channel dimensions. The feature response of the chan-nel or space domain is adaptively adjusted through the weighting and summingoperator to better extract the high-level features of the image. MA is concep-tually simple and effective. Attention mechanisms can be easily computed inboth channel and spatial domains, and this module can be flexibly inserted intothe backbone of a general-purpose deep convolutional neural network, and thenumber of additional parameters is very small. Our method is verified by imageclassification, object detection, and instance segmentation on the ImageNet-1K and COCO 2017 datasets, and is also evaluated on the small-sample imageclassification task on the dataset mini-Imagenet. Experimental results showthat our method can significantly improve the performance of vision tasks.
Short Video Clustering Model based on Deep Multimodal Fusion
Authors: Kingsley Calderon , Prescott Ambrose , Sinclair Jessamine
Published: June 2023

With the continuous development of deep learning, video classification methods based on deep learning models have also made remarkable progress, and numerous models including dual-stream convolutional neural networks and 3D convolutional neural networks have been proposed and gradually become the current mainstream methods. In addressing video characterization especially web video and the application research based on it multimodal strategies have been widely used by researchers adopted. Nikhill et al. used a typical correlation analysis approach to study text-image correlation in cross-modal document retrieval for text and multimedia documents Image parts are jointly modeled and text and graphics are abstracted from the level of semantics. Experimentally, it is demonstrated that both have improved the accuracy of detection The accuracy of search matching is improved. Short video contains rich multimodal information, and the fusion of information from multiple modalities in the video classification task can improve the video accuracy of the video classification task. In this paper, a new combinatorial network model is proposed. The model combines the discrete features of each modality through a network The discrete features of each modality are combined into the overall features of each modality through a network. Then the overall features of the video are obtained by fusing the features of various modalities, and they are used for classification. In order to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper, single-modal experiments and multimodal fusion experiments are conducted in the relevant dataset. The proposed network fusion technique can be better used for video classification tasks.
KEDUDUKAN HUKUM PEMBERLAKUAN PEMBATASAN KEGIATAN MASYARAKAT DALAM SISTEM KETATANEGARAAN INDONESIA
Authors: Mahardika Ahmad Gelora , Saputra Rizky
Published: June 2023

Semakin tingginya angka penyebaran Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) di Indonesia ditindaklanjuti oleh Pemerintah dengan mengeluarkan kebijakan baru yakni Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat. Seperti halnya kebijakan-kebijakan lain, pemberlakuan kebijakan ini sekali pun dinilai efektif oleh Pemerintah selayaknya harus tetap sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku di Indonesia. Kebijakan PPKM merupakan salah satu kebijakan dalam upaya penanggulangan pandemi Covid-19 yang tidak mempunyai kedudukan hukum yang jelas, karena frase Pemberlakukan Pembatasan Kegiatan Untuk Pengendalian Penyebaran Wabah tidak terdapat dalam UU No. 6 Tahun 2018 tentang Kekarantinaan Kesehatan. Rumusan masalah yang hendak dijawab dalam artikel ini adalah bagaimana kedudukan hukum Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat ini di dalam sistem ketatanegaraan Indonesia?. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa terdapat sejumlah peraturan berkaitan dengan PPKM tersebut yang cacat secara formil.
POLEMIK KLAUSUL EKSONERASI SEBAGAI PERJANJIAN BAKU PERSPEKTIF KEADILAN RESTORATIF
Authors: Puspitasari Reni Dwi
Published: June 2023

Dalam aktifitas keseharian tak bisa dipungkiri selalu berkaitan dengan orang lain terlebih dalam urusan pemenuhan kebutuhan hidup. Dalam upaya pemenuhan kebutuhan inilah kita bersinggungan dengan orang lain dalam bentuk transaksi yang mempunyai akibat hukum pemenuhan hak dan kewajiban bagi para pihak. Implementasi pemenuhan hak dan kewajiban ini termuat dalam bentuk perjanjian, yang mana seringkali dipakai adalah klausul baku. Penggunaan klausul baku ini bertujuan untuk efisiensi waktu dan proses penjualan, memastikan adanya standarisasi layanan bagi seluruh konsumen dan mengurangi potensi pengambilan keputusan yang tidak tepat dengan mengabaikan diskresi dari permintaan negosiasi langsung dengan konsumen. Akan tetapi dalam implementasi klausula baku masih banyak pelaku usaha yang memuat klausul eksonerasi dalam perjanjian baku sehingga dapat merugikan konsumen dan membuat posisi konsumen tidak seimbang. Hal ini tentu menciderai keadilan restoratif bagi konsumen.
Data to the non-structural carbohydrates of the fructan accumulating Sphagnum species from the tropical Réunion Island in relation to their altitude zone and distribution
Authors: Marschall Marianna , Sass-Gyarmati Andrea
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of fructan-producing plants is primarily restricted to the temperate climate, while they are virtually absent from the tropical regions. Although the Sphagnum genus has a worldwide distribution and considerable ecological importance, it is relatively rare for the whole of tropical Africa. The island of Réunion is located in the tropical climate and has a rich Sphagnum flora containing 14 species. Sphagnum species - as an exception amongst mosses - synthesise fructan and have a considerable amount of sucrose as well. No data on fructan content of Sphagnum occuring in tropical habitats have been reported so far. This short paper provided data first, based on experimental results, on the non-structural carbohydrate pool, especially fructans in Sphagnum species from a tropical region, from Réunion Island. Fructans accounted for 2-4% of the total soluble carbohydrates in the examined Sphagnum species. We compared the fructan content of eight Sphagnum species collected from Réunion in relation to their altitude zone and their distribution. The species generally increased their fructan accumulation as the altitude increased. Our preliminary experimental results show that fructans as an alternative storage carbohydrate to starch may play a role in the ecological niche preference of the Sphagnum species according to altitudinal zones.
Lejeunea pocsiana (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta), a new species with robust stems and two lobular teeth from Fiji
Authors: Wei Yu-Mei , Zhu Rui-Liang
Published: June 2023

Lejeunea pocsiana, a new species from Fiji, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by its large size, robust stems, ventral merophyte 4-8 cells wide, broadly ovate to triangular-ovate leaves with a rounded leaf apex, subquadrate and almost flat lobules with two distinctly differentiated teeth, bifid underleaves with cordate to slightly auriculate bases, and leaf cells with smooth cuticle and poorly developed trigones. A key to Lejeunea species that have robust stems with a (3-)4-8-cell-wide ventral merophyte is presented.
Changes in geothermal vegetation at Myvatn, Iceland, and comparisons to other geothermal areas
Authors: Glime Janice M , Iwatsuki Zen , Bornhorst Theodore J.
Published: June 2023

We sampled 207 plots from 15 transects at the Myvatn geothermal area in Iceland in 1985, one year after the September 1984 eruption of Krafla, and again in 1987, and compared the species and community structure to that of other sites we had visited in Japan and New Zealand. We found 5 lichen, 47 bryophyte, and 28 tracheophyte species at Myvatn. Overall Shannon diversity (H’) was high at 4.34, with Brillouin (information-theory-based) species diversity (H’) being very similar at 4.32. The greatest diversity occurred at > 25–35°C surface temperature and the least at > 60°C. Zones are defined mostly by temperature and humidity, with Cyanobacteria closest to the vents in the hottest zones, followed by bryophytes, then lichens, then tracheophytes. Bryum argenteum, Ceratodon purpureus, and Fossombronia sp. 1 (probably immature F. foveolata) occupied the highest temperatures near the vents in 1985. Lichens tended to avoid hot soils with high humidity. Soil chemistry most likely plays a role, but with so many variables and many values at unquantifiable levels, we considered it premature to determine their individual effects. By 1987, Bryum argenteum, a near-vent species, had almost totally disappeared, along with the steam emissions where they had thrived. The geothermal areas in cold climates could serve as refugia for more temperate species that may have existed prior to the Ice Age, or they may simply be suitable habitats for northern extensions of the species. This study gives us a glimpse of potential vegetational changes resulting from climate changes as demonstrated in three regions of the world.
The bryophyte richness and diversity of Tamás Pócs’s private domestic garden
Authors: Szűcs Péter
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the bryophyte diversity of Tamás Pócs’s house garden in Felsőtárkány village (NE Hungary). Altogether 49 taxa (2 liverworts and 47 mosses) were recorded from the noted bryologist’s private garden. More than half of the species (57%) belong to the three families: Orthotrichaceae, Pottiaceae and Brachytheciaceae. Compared with nearby surveyed parks and botanical gardens, the private garden has outstanding bryophyte richness in relation to the size of its area. In terms of species composition the garden shows the greatest similarity to the Central park of Eger town among the nearby localities. Recent data of Entodon concinnus is the fifth occurrence in the country and the first from North East Hungary.