bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Identification of Pathogenic Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria by PCR-Restriction Endonuclease Analysis
Authors: Wang SX , Tay L , Sng LH
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The accuracy and practicality of PCR-restriction endonuclease analysis (PRA) for rapid identification of pathogenic rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) isolates were evaluated. Materials and Method: PRA identification using an amplified 439-bp segment (amplicon) of the 65-kDa heat shock protein gene was compared to identification by conventional methods, for 39 clinically significant RGM isolates. Results: The accuracy of PRA in the identification of RGM isolates was comparable to that of conventional methods. Moreover, PRA was able to identify RGM faster, within 2 to 3 working days compared to conventional methods which require 2 to 4 weeks to perform and complete different tests. Conclusion: PRA methodology could be easily incorporated into the clinical laboratory setting. This would be beneficial for the management of patients with infections due to pathogenic RGM
Apresentação
Authors: Rezende Patrick , Cintra Martins Maria Sílvia
Published: July 2023

Apresentação do dossiê temático
From the Lens of Women Agripreneurs: Exploring the Perception, Challenges and Communication Competencies of Women Agripreneurs
Authors: Estigoy Djeanne Marie P. , Cruz Darwin G. Dela , Estigoy Maria Adrielle S.
Published: July 2023

This study explores the perception of women engaged in agribusiness, a field that is often perceived as a man’s domain. The study aims to identify the challenges encountered by women agripreneurs, how they use their communication skills to manage their businesses, and the level of knowledge they possess in agriculture and agribusiness. Purposive sampling was used to select female owners of agribusiness and are incubatees at the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) located at Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, and were interviewed via call due to the pandemic. The study reveals the importance of women’s role in agriculture and agribusiness, which significantly contributes to a country’s economy. The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change were identified as significant challenges affecting female business agripreneurs, along with difficulties in obtaining raw materials on time. Results indicated that women agripreneurs are competent in communication and effectively use various strategies and platforms to manage their agribusiness. The study concludes that despite the challenges, women agripreneurs possess sufficient knowledge, skills, and communication competencies to successfully manage their agribusiness.
Developing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Case Study of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram
Authors:   Apeejay School of Management, Jha Srirang , Mohapatra Amiya
Published: July 2023

Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the largest technological parks in the world. It was established by the Government of Kerala in 1990 as an autonomous organization to meet the infrastructure needs of emerging electronics and Information Technology industry. The Technopark has now expanded to accommodate more than 200 companies that employ a large portion of the IT workforce in Kerala. Besides, Technopark also helps the budding entrepreneurs through its state-of-the-art Technopark Technology Business Incubator (T-TBI) which provides economical plug and play facilities to start-ups in IT/ITeS sectors and support them throughout the gestation period. Characteristic features of Technopark contribute significantly toward developing an enabling ecosystem for the entrepreneurs within the campus. This article provides an insightful account of how the Technopark is changing the entrepreneurial landscape in Kerala and creating opportunities for the young to innovate, grow and become successful in all their ventures. True, Technopark is a success story of a government organization turning the tide towards entrepreneurship development in an unconventional manner.
Slugfest in a Virtual Sales Meeting: A Case Study on Toxic Work Culture
Authors:   Apeejay School of Management, Jha Shweta
Published: July 2023

This case is about deteriorating organizational culture and climate at a bank due to toxic to behaviour of a senior manager who humiliates the team members during review meetings. The team members are totally out of focus, and they constantly miss the targets. Use of slangs by the senior manager has failed to motivate them to accomplish their goals. Rather, the team members have become irritable, depressed, and anxious. Can the scenario be upturned? The case raises more questions than it answers: Why the manager behaves in the manner he does in formal sales meetings? Why the team members tolerate unbecoming conduct of the manager? Why the team members never confront the manager over the use of slangs in formal sales meetings? How the toxic behaviour of manager impacts the organization in general and the team members in particular? What would be right measures for improving culture and climate in such organizations?
Smart Water Tank Level Detection
Authors: Rahul Tayde  , Rutik Waghamare  , Sagar Yadav  , Shubham More  , Rishikesh Shelke
Published: July 2023

As the world around, us transforms and becomes more linked and digitalized, public water management is expected to provide in way. How far are we from achieving a true Smart Water Tank Level Detection, from cutting-edge technology to comfort, safety, reliability, and maintain. We notice that cleanliness of the surrounding area in Water Tank is also important because many people using by water stoaring tank, so how much west water is collected in the any other tank. As a result, we are implementing this approach and developing a green and complete water management city. Because of the day by day by many variant viruses in water and clean water is minimum available of sources, the smart water tank finder is primarily focused on human health, The human body will be affected, and the human life span will be reduced. So, by employing this system, the amount of human power necessary will be minimized, and you will be notified automatically on your mobile screen when a water tank needs to be disconnected supply or when an order is detected. Another sensor, ultrasonic sensor
Air Quality Monitoring and Controlling Using IOT
Authors: Ms. Biswas. M. S  , Srushti Bhinge  , Aarti Bandagar  , Rutuja Dhekane
Published: July 2023

Smart cities are growing as a crucial area of research on an international level; they improve infrastructure to address issues brought on by the high rate of development. With Arduino's assistance, this system is cheap and simple to construct, and it operates relatively efficiently in locations with medium traffic. The public plays a significant role in deciding on policies to fight air pollution. To encourage public recognition of the duty and some form of action is a crucial role in any society. The studies determined the pollution level; if the level exceeds the permissible level, a decision is made to notify the authoñties, who can use this information to plan preventive actions and take steps to halt tile ongoing negative effects of air pollution and prevent the evolution of developments in technology are beneficial to us; in our current surroundings, air pollution monitoring systems play an important role since they directly affect our daily lives. The government determines the acceptable emission limits in accordance with Bharat Stage standards. The level of a vehicle's emissions rises as a result of incorrect maintenance. The owner of the car will be warned of the dangerous levels of pollution when the emission levels of the vehicle grow.There will be emissions from every car. Emissions cannot be totally avoided, but they may be tracked and managed with the use of an embedded pollution detection system. In order to provide some insightful ideas for the sustainable growth of urban traffic, it focuses on learning some achievable strategies for managing and effectively reducing urban traffic pollution
Indígenas, catequese e civilização no município da Vila do Prado, Bahia (1844-1888)
Authors: Cardoso Ribeiro Edilmar
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo busca analisar a atividade de catequese e civilização dos “índios bravos” (Pataxós, Botocudos e Maxakalis) no município da vila do Prado, no sul da Bahia, entre 1844 e 1888. A partir de uma abordagem histórico-descritiva, baseada em fontes primarias – documentos manuscritos e documentos editados –, evidenciou-se que: as iniciativas de catequese e civilização foram motivadas pela narrativa dos ataques dos “índios selvagens” realizadas pelas as autoridades e fazendeiros da vila do Prado; o interesse dos promotores da catequese e civilização e dos fazendeiros era controlar os grupos indígenas recalcitrantes ao processo de penetração e ocupação dos territórios do sertão do município do Prado; todas as tentativas de aldear os indígenas faliram pela ineficiência da administração pública, pela insalubridade dos lugares, por falta de missionários e pela resistência dos indígenas ao sistema de aldeamento; os indígenas reagiram ao processo de dominação com ataques esporádicos às propriedades e sítios dos colonos, fugindo e/ou enganando o aliciamento dos agentes da catequese e civilização e adentrando cada vez mais para os sertões para fugir das perseguições e os assassinatos perpetrados pelos colonos. Evidenciou-se uma disputa pelo território: os promotores da catequese e civilização e os fazendeiros, que incentivavam a penetração e a ocupação dos sertões em nome do progresso da agricultura e do comércio e os indígenas que viam a cada dia seu habitat encolhendo e, portanto, sua fonte de alimentação. Para aqueles era uma questão de progresso; para estes, uma questão de sobrevivência.
FORMULATION OF POLYMERIC INHIBITOR FOR VISCOSITY REDUCTION OF CRUDE OIL
Authors: Anisuzzaman M. , Rajin M. , Junny E.
Published: July 2023

Generally, waxes and asphaltenes are classified as solid category which involved with deposition of high-molecular-weighted compounds along pipelines which leads to production issues. This study presents the effect of different mixture concentration consisting of copolymer and solvent on crude oil viscosity in order to find a solution for reduction of wax and asphalthene deposition along the surface of pipelines. There were two proportions used which are ethylene-vinyl acetate 25 (EVA 25), methylcyclohexane (MCH) and paraxylene as first proportion and EVA 40, MCH and paraxylene as second proportion. EVA is a polymer that comprises of linear chain of polyethylene fragment and vinyl acetate molecule which has the ability in controlling the size of formed wax crystals. Laboratory experiments were designed by response surface methodology (RSM) specifically using central composite design (CCD) to formulate ratio and analyzed optimum percentage composition of mixture to obtain a good model. The optimum parameters were 10.02% of EVA 25, 10.00% of MCH and 79.98% of paraxylene for first proportion and 10.00% of EVA 40, 45.78% of MCH and 44.22% of paraxylene for second proportion to minimize the viscosity of crude oil.
Mechanical Performance of Acetate Lacquer from Acacia mangium
Authors: Gilbert Jesuet Melissa Sharmah , Palle Ismawati , Liew Kang Chiang
Published: July 2023

Cellulose comprise of about 40–50 % of the composition of wood, making it one of the most abundant organic polymers on earth. Cellulose is very versatile in terms of application, with a wide array of products fabricated, including the chemically modified cellulose derivatives. One of the more prominent and multifaceted derivatives is the cellulose acetate, in which have been used predominantly as cigarette filters, membrane filters, and coating. In this study, the intermediate product, Acacia mangium-produced cellulose acetate was modified into lacquer to produce a feasible wood coating product. The lacquer underwent a series of tests such as impact, abrasion, adhesion, and hardness to evaluate its mechanical performance. The results of the coating were compared to a similarly formulated acetate lacquer that was produced using commercial cellulose acetate instead as a control. Based on the result, it is shown that Acacia mangium-produced cellulose acetate lacquer shows a better impact resistance with a rating of 4 as opposed to the commercial cellulose acetate with a rating of 3 with moderate cracking, with an approximate 6% better abrasion resistance and higher hardness rating class. Meanwhile, the commercial cellulose acetate lacquer presents a better adhesion performance with only 5% flaking compared to the 15% flaking of Acacia mangium-produced cellulose acetate lacquer. The Acacia mangium-produced cellulose acetate lacquer indicates a novel benefit from the presence of impurities from the intermediate Acacia mangium-produced cellulose acetate product such as the plasticizing hemicellulose acetate, as well as the hydrophobic lignin.
CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT OF FLAT EEG IMAGES VIA INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY APPROACH
Authors: Suzelawati Z.
Published: July 2023

Image enhancement is an initial step in medical imaging before further processing. It is a process to improve the quality of an image which is affected by the presence of noise. Various approaches such as classical and fuzzy methods are used in the area of image processing to obtain the desired output. However, in this paper, an advanced fuzzy approach for contrast enhancement is used. The method is known as intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and it is implemented on flat EEG (fEEG) input images during epileptic seizures. The output images are displayed with different values of parameter   lambda, . Unsmooth output images occurred as increased.
CLOTH SIMULATION USING AN ENHANCED CATMULL-CLARK SUBDIVISION SCHEME AND COLLISION DETECTION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sivaraja Tulasii , Bade Abdullah
Published: July 2023

Subdivision surface techniques smoothen the surface of any 3D object by splitting the polygons into smaller sub-polygons. However, most methods of subdivision encounter the same problem when dealing with extraordinary points. This project aims is to implement an enhanced Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme and simulated cloth that can detect and identify the collision ofan object against the simulated cloth in a virtual environment. The original Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme was enhanced by manipulating the weights present in the original scheme while adhering to a few rules. The cloth used a mass-spring model to be initialised, and the enhanced subdivision scheme was integrated into this model. Then, the collision detection was performed based on the bounding volume approach, and an appropriate collision response was used to simulate the behaviour of the cloth in real life. Experiments and tests were conducted to evaluate the smoothness ofthe enhanced subdivision scheme and the computation time. The enhanced subdivision scheme was only able to create an acceptably smooth surface until the second iteration ofthe subdivision. On the third iteration, noticeable sharp points were present, which indicated that the enhanced subdivision scheme did not improve the original scheme. Additionally, the execution time for the enhanced subdivision schemewas insignificantly longer compared to the original scheme for all the levels ofsubdivision. The frame rate test showed that the cloth simulation ran at the average rate of43.572 fps, which was within the acceptable range. In conclusion, this research focuses on creating a cloth simulation that implemented an enhanced Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme and collision detection. However, the proposed enhancement for this scheme can be improved to account for the subdivision at individual cases of extraordinary points.
PLATE NUMBER RECOGNITION SYSTEMS BASED ON A CONTOURS AND CHARACTER RECOGNITION APPROACH
Authors: Bade Prof. Madya Dr. Abdullah , Chua Jing Yi , Lee Rechard
Published: July 2023

License plate recognition system (LPR) plays an important role in intelligent traffic control system. However, most of the existing LPR are complex and hard to implement. The aim of this project is to improve the LPR techniques in terms of speed and accuracy by applying the Connected Component Analysis (CCA) and K-Nearest Neighbour algorithm (KNN). The LPR is divided into three stages which are image pre-processing, character segmentation, and character recognition. First, the input plate image will undergo some image property functions such as omission of noise to enhance the quality of the image. The CCA is applied to segment the characters by drawing rectangle boxes on each character, based on contours to extract the characters into smaller images. These images are then used as query images in character recognition stage. The images are fed to a pre-defined KNN classifier to determine the features of each image and to identify them. Five experiments were carried out to validate the proposed system. Ten Malaysia single row plate images and two foreign plate images were used as the input images on these tests. The findings show that the proposed system has an 80.0% success rate in segmentation, 92.21% accuracy rate in recognition, the optimal K value is 1, and the input image must be in a single row and comprises of a black background and white characters namely letters and digits. In conclusion, a prototype for plate number recognition has been developed with a high success rate in segmentation and a high accuracy in character recognition. Suggested future studies include a focus on segmenting double row license plates and recognizing similar characters.
THE OUTLOOK OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY: REVIEW ON SABAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Sarbatly Rosalam , Abd Lahin Farhana , Chiam Chel-Ken
Published: July 2023

This paper reviews the challenges in the water supply provision, water source availability and quality and the distribution approaches in rural Sabah. The main challenges to provide potable water in Sabah is the variance in terrain and geographical distance between populated regions. Review reveals that other than the river water, average annual precipitation of 3000 millimetres (mm) could be harvested for domestic and agricultural purposes. Numbers of aquifer uncovered in the eastern and western region of Sabah with underlying sandstone and Quaternary Alluvium have significant potential for groundwater reservoirs. Aquifer along the coastal areas and islands around Sabah also gives sufficient potable water supplies. Minimal pollutant content was found in all water sources and acceptable under the National Water Standard of Malaysia, except for contaminants coming from septic tanks and agricultural activities. A decentralized water system is more beneficial for Sabah’s rural areas. Smaller scaled plants are flexible to collect from any water sources and treat at the point of use. Expenditure is significantly decreased by a shorter distribution network and lower installation and maintenance cost. Nonetheless, the treatment utilized may be limited to a simpler process as semiskilled or un-skilled personnel will be required to operate and maintain the system.
ESTIMATING MANGROVE ABOVE-GROUND BIOMASS (AGB) IN SABAH, MALAYSIA USING FIELD MEASUREMENTS, SHUTTLE RADAR TOPOGRAPHY MISSION AND LANDSAT DATA
Authors: Phua Mui-How , Wong Charissa J. , James Daniel , A. Besar Normah
Published: July 2023

Mangroves are one of the most productive forest ecosystems and play an important role in carbon storage. We examined the use of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data to estimate mangrove Above-ground Biomass (AGB) in Sabah, Malaysia. SRTM-DEM can be considered as Canopy Height Model (CHM) because of the flat coastal topography. Nevertheless, we also introduced ground elevation correction using a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generated with GIS and coastal profile data. We mapped the mangrove forest cover using Landsat imagery acquired in 2015 with the supervised classification method (Kappa coefficient of 0.81). Regression analyses of field AGB and the CHMs resulted in an estimation model with the corrected CHM as the best predictor (R2: 0.73) and cross-validated Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was 19.70 Mg ha-1 (RMSE%: 11.60). Our study showed Sabah has a mangrove cover of 268,631.91 ha with a total AGB of 44,163,207.07 Mg in 2015. This substantial amount of carbon storage should be monitored over time and managed as part of the climate change mitigation strategy.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS IN MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA: POLICY AND GOVERNANCE REVIEW
Authors: Abubakar Ahmed , Ishak Mohd Yusoff , Musa Yaro Khadijah , Suleiman Zangina Aminu
Published: July 2023

Environmental protection starts with individuals, groups, and communities at large. The government at its level formulates, regulates, and enforces laws and policies governing environmental protection as well as the punishment of violators through designated legal institutions. The aim of this review is to examine the role of environmental institutions in protecting the environment in Nigeria. The findings revealed that national policies for the protection of the environment came into existence only in 1991. This study employed literature review and combed through articles published from 2000 to 2022 in the contexts of Nigeria. The objective of this study is to highlight the role that environmental institutions play in managing the environment in Nigeria. There are numerous environmental challenges in Nigeria, including air pollution, water pollution, lead poisoning, poor waste management, deforestation, desertification, wind erosion, and flooding, all of which have harmed the environment and the population. National policies for the sustainable use of the environment include the National Environmental Policy, National Policy on Climate Change, Environmental Impact Assessment Act, Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, and the National Drought Plan. The national regulatory bodies include the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency; the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency; the Federal Ministry of Environment; the Directorate of Petroleum Resources; the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority; the Federal Ministry of Water Resources; and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, among others. The study recommends that the government strengthens the national policies, laws, and regulations on the environment to meet the challenges of the 21st century, strengthens the capacity of environmental law enforcement personnel, and provides necessary logistics to aid in executing their functions. Governments should inject more funds into environmental protection and stakeholder engagement.
Methodology and Tools for Forensic Engineering Analysis of Electrical Shocks
Authors: Korinek Chris
Published: July 2023

Forensic engineering analyses of electrical shock incidents are challenging because many factors need to be considered to understand how and why the incident happened. The goal is to determine how and why the victim’s body became part of an electrical circuit that caused the shock injury. To do this, the engineer needs to determine, if possible, all of the connected portions that combined to make the complete circuit at the time of the shock, including the energized and non-energized conductors. Then, failures (defects) of components and violations from standards by parties involved with manufacturing, installing, inspecting, operating, and servicing the electrical circuits/systems involved need to be determined and their relation to the cause (failure-modes) evaluated. There will often be multiple circuits in the vicinity of the shock victim, some of which are pertinent to the shock and others that are not. These circuits need to be analyzed and non-pertinent circuits ruled out. When the pertinent circuit is determined, all the conductive elements and connections that form the (often three-dimensional) circuit should be identified. This paper outlines the scientific methodology and tools, logical decision analyses, and procedures for performing a shock analysis and provides examples based on actual investigations.
Application of Matchmoving for Forensic Video Analysis with Recorded Event Data
Authors: Ziernicki Richard , Nguyen Ricky
Published: July 2023

A fatal collision involving a pedestrian struck by a public train at a rail station located in a major U.S. metropolitan city was investigated. The train was equipped with an event data recorder that recorded valuable empirical data related to the collision, such as the train speed, braking, and acceleration inputs. However, the original digital version of the data was not available to analyze, and only a single screenshot of the data in an analog graph format was available. The subject train was equipped with multiple video cameras at various vantage points that recorded video footage of the collision. Using the process of “matchmoving” — and with the assistance of three-dimensional LiDAR scanning of the station and train — video footage was analyzed to spatially determine the location of the train in three-dimensional space. The process of matchmoving is an established scientific process used to calibrate a virtual camera to “match” the movement and optic properties of the real-world camera that captured the video. Further analysis was performed to determine the train’s kinematics (such as its speed and deceleration rates) leading up to the collision. The accuracy of the matchmoving analysis was then verified with the available event data.
Online Commerce in Ranchi (Jharkhand) of India: a Comparative Study of Zomato and Swiggy
Authors: Roshan Baa
Published: July 2023

Zomato and Swiggy are the two most popular food delivery apps in India, with each of them offering its own unique features and benefits to their customers and are successful in building strong brand recognition and customer loyalty. Zomato and Swiggy are the two dominant players in the food delivery industry, however, there always a new player entering the market regularly creating competition for them for which they need to continuously innovate and improve their service to stay ahead of the competition. By studying their marketing campaigns, we can learn about effective branding, customer acquisition, and retention strategies. The objective of the research is to determine the current best online food delivery company between Zomato and Swiggy from the point of view of the consumers living in Ranchi and to determine the most prominent factors that affect the decision making of a consumer. The survey also focused on trying to capture the mobile applications used by the respondents to order food online. The survey asked the respondents to give their preference between Zomato and Swiggy which helped us to make a definitive conclusion regarding our objectives. The research aimed to get responses from people belonging to diverse backgrounds so that the results obtained could be generalized for a wider population.
Home-range, movements and use of powerline poles of Eagle-Owls (Bubo bubo) at an island population in northern Norway
Authors: Nygård Torgeir , Jacobsen Karl-Otto , Gjershaug Jan Ove
Published: July 2023

A dense island population of Eagle-Owls (Bubo bubo) close to the Arctic circle had suffered considerable mortality due to powerlines (electrocution and collision) throughout many decades. A study using GPS transmitter technology was carried out between 2009 and 2014. We studied home-range sizes, dispersal distances, mortality, and proposed mitigation techniques to prevent accidents. We found as expected that juvenile Eagle-Owls had larger home-ranges and moved farther than adults, but both age-groups moved much less than shown elsewhere in Europe. The probable reason for this was thought to be that this population was isolated by the surrounding sea, which might act as a barrier. The GPS data indicated that the poles of the grid were used as perching posts more than expected from a random distribution. This was explained by the lack of high trees and other elevated landscape features on these low islands. As a mitigation effort, we contributed to designing a perching-device for fitting on the poles that would prevent electrocution of the owls. This is now used by several grid-owners in coastal areas with high electrocution risk and is followed up by the National action plan for Eagle-Owl in Norway.
PubMed’s core clinical journals filter: redesigned for contemporary clinical impact and utility
Authors: Klein-Fedyshin Michele , Ketchum Andrea
Published: July 2023

Objective: The Core Clinical Journals (CCJ) list, produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), has been used by clinicians and librarians for half a century for two main purposes: narrowing a literature search to clinically useful journals and identifying high priority titles for library collections. After documentation of low usage of the existing CCJ, a review was undertaken to assess current validity, followed by an update to current clinical needs.
Methods: As the subject coverage of the 50-year-old list had never been evaluated, the CCJ committee began its innovative step-wise approach by analyzing the existing subject scope. To determine whether clinical subjects had changed over the last half-century, the committee collected data on journal usage in hospitals and medical facilities, adding journal usage from Morning Report blogs recording the journal article citations used by physicians and residents in response to clinical questions. Patient-driven high-frequency diagnoses and subjects added contextual data by depicting the clinical environment.
Results: The analysis identified a total of 80 subjects and selected 241 journals for the updated Clinical Journals filter, based on actual clinical utility of each journal.
Discussion: These data-driven methods created a different framework for evaluating the structure and content of this filter. It is the real-world evidence needed to highlight CCJ clinical impact and push clinically useful journals to first page results. Since the new process resulted in a new product, the name warrants a change from Core Clinical Journals (CCJ) to Clinically Useful Journals (CUJ). Therefore, the redesigned NLM Core Clinical Journals/AIM set from this point forward will be referred to as Clinically Useful Journals (CUJ). The evidence-based process used to reframe evaluation of the clinical impact and utility of biomedical journals is documented in this article.
QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF DRINKING WATER OF THE MAYSKY DISTRICT PAVLODAR REGION OF THE REPUBLIC KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Azat S. , Kabdrakhmanova S. , Kabdrakhmanova A. , Abdiyev K. , Aryp K. , Kuldeyev E. , Khalkhabay B. , Sultakhan Sh. , Rash A.
Published: July 2023

This work considers the quality indicators of drinking water in the Maysky district of the Pavlodar region, Republic Kazakhstan. The organoleptic, generalized, microbiological indicators, as well as organic and inorganic substances of drinking water of, water treatment plant before and after treatment, as well as tap water, were examined for compliance with regulatory requirements. The general mineralization characterizes the water as fresh and the hardness index indicates the average hardness of the water belonging to the hydrocarbonate class. An excess of the MAC norm for turbidity and manganese content before water treatment was established. The bacteriological index of water samples in the Maysky district exceeds hygienic standards. The sanitary and epidemiological hazard of water is confirmed by the presence of genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which indicates anthropogenic and household factors of impact, both on the natural environment and on the formation of drinking water in the Maysky district of Pavlodar region.
APPLICATION OF GEL POLYMER ELECTROLYTES BASED ON CARBON NANOMATERIALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES – MINI REVIEW
Authors: Mashentseva А. А. , Almanov А. А. , Aimanova А. N. , Zhumabayev А. M.
Published: July 2023

Currently, one of the most pressing problems facing society is the replacement of the existing energy system based on the limited, highly polluting fossil fuels, with a fundamentally new concept based on clean and limitless sustainable sources. The large-scale use of renewable energy sources and the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles is one promising strategy for the development of science and technology in the foreseeable future. One of the most promising approaches in the development of new generation supercapacitors (SC) is the use of solid polymer electrolytes with decisive advantages over liquid and solid inorganic electrolytes, including non-combustibility, no electrolyte leakage, excellent flexibility and low cost of production. This mini-review discusses the main types of SCs, the materials used to develop polymer gel electrolytes (GPEs), and recent advances in the development of GPEs based on various types of carbon materials.
SHELL EFFECTS IN THE FISSION OF 236U* NUCLEI, FORMED IN THE REACTION 232Th(α,f) AT INCIDENT ALPHA PARTICLES ENERGY OF 29 MeV
Authors: Pan A. N. , Burtebayev N. , Kovalchuk K. V. , Kvochkina T. N.
Published: July 2023

Mass and energy distribution of fission fragments of 236U* nuclei, formed in the reaction 232Th(α,f) at incident alpha energy of 29 MeV were studied to reveal the influence of shell effects. The experiment was carried out by 2E method at U-150M accelerator at Institute of Nuclear Physics, Almaty city. Acquired experimental data was decomposed into yields of separate shells, including deformed shells, assuming that the shell yield has the form of gauss distribution. The manifestation of deformed shells N84, Z52 and deformed shells Z36, Z38 was revealed.
Development and Validation of Stability Indicating Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, and Ritonavir in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Indira Devi Jajula Naga Venkata , Pawar A. Krishnamanjari
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to optimize and validate methods for the analysis of Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, and Ritonavir. Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, and Ritonavir were separated using the Reverse phase – High performance liquid chromatographic technique equipped photo diode array detector with Kromasil C18, 150 x 2.6mm, 5µ column using Buffer: ACN = 40: 60 percent V/V. Separation is achieved with isocratic elution mode. The flow rate optimized at 1mL/min, with detection at 240nm. With a 10µL injection volume, the temperature of the column is kept at 30°C. According to ICH guidelines, the approach was validated for system suitability, linearity, robustness, precision, and accuracy. The limit of detection (µg/mL) for Partaprevir, Ombitasvir, and Ritonavir is found to be 0.37, 0.06, and 0.24 respectively. The limit of quantification (µg/mL) for Partaprevir, Ombitasvir, and Ritonavir is found to 1.11, 0.18, and 0.71 respectively. The six minute analytical run time demonstrates the speed of analysis, allowing for a higher number of samples to be evaluated per unit time. Forced degradation studies using various conditions like acid, base, peroxide, thermal, U.V, and hydrolysis were carried out and in all cases and the peak purity passes. Thus the method is found as stability indicating as per ICH guidelines.
Verheij syndrome: a rare cause of intellectual disability
Authors: Elias Stefany , Benevides Maria Luiza
Published: July 2023

Case presentation: A 4-year-old boy was born to non-consanguineous parents at 38 weeks. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were normal. Since birth, he presented with global developmental delay, and muscular hypotonia. At present, he shows adequate psychosocial interaction. He has a healthy 3-year-old sister. On physical examination, there are dysmorphisms, such as prominent and pointed ears, long eyelashes, elongated face, flat occipital region, supernumerary teeth, and maxillary hypoplasia. His anthropometric measurements are normal for his age (p50). On neurological examination, he presents with apraxia of speech, axial and appendicular hypotonia, and reduced deep tendon reflexes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a slight thinning of the corpus callosum and mild ectasia of the lateral ventricles. Transthoracic echocardiography and ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary tract were normal. On genetic investigation, no abnormalities were found in karyotype and CGH-Array. Whole exome sequencing showed a pathogenic variant in the PUF60 gene (c.24+1G>C) in heterozygosis. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with Verheij syndrome. The patient is accompanied by physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and a psychopedagogy group. Discussion: Verheij syndrome is a rare condition caused by variants in the PUF60 gene, which encodes a component of the spliceosome. This syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability, delayed growth and neuropsychomotor development, facial dysmorphic features, and osteoarticular abnormalities. Also, there may be heart and kidney disorders. The spectrum of this disease’s manifestations and severity still need to be further explored in future studies, as well as the treatment and prognosis of this condition. Multidisciplinary support is essential for managing the consequences of the disease. This case report reinforces the leveraged importance that genetics has had in the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities.
Characterization of de novo variants in exomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lopes Camila Galvão , Campos Gabriele , Wang Jaqueline , Girardi Ana Cristina , Bueno Maria Rita Passos
Published: July 2023

The main objective of this essay was to contribute to the characterization of the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on an analysis of a Brazilian series, which is still little studied. To achieve this goal, we verified the proportion of cases of ASD caused by de novo variants in neurodevelopment genes (genes from the SFARI bank and those associated with neurodevelopment described in the DECIPHER bank). Sixty-three trios were evaluated, composed of parents and probands diagnosed with ASD treated at the Human Genome and Stem Cell Studies Center (CEGH-CEL, USP). Genealogy, clinical data, gender, age at the consultation, and parental age were collected. Whole-exome sequencing was performed through a collaboration with Mount Sinai, New York, United States (collaboration with the Autism Sequencing ConsortiumACS). Identification of De novo variants in candidate genes for ASD was performed using the LOVD program (LOVD v.3.0 – Leiden Open Variation Database). It was observed that most of the probands were boys (n = 55, 86%), and the minority had a family history of ASD (n = 4, 6%). It was also found that 40% (n = 25) of individuals had a delay in language development, and a small percentage had comorbidities such as ADHD and epilepsy (n=6, 10% and n=2, 3%, respectively). The mean parental age at the time of pregnancy was close to 30 years for both parents (29.7 and 32.5 for the mother and father, respectively). Nine de novo pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants were identified in candidate genes: for TEA: six in SFARI genes (four pathogenic variants in NF1, TLK2, DNAH17, BRSK2 genes, and two probably pathogenic variants in ARHGAP5 and HUWE1) and three in genes of neurodevelopment of DECIPHER (Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study, 2015) (two pathogenic variants in the ERLIN2, ST3GAL3 genes and one probably pathogenic in COL11A1). When performing the gene enrichment analysis of genes with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants, we observed the enrichment of genes for intracellular protein transport. The clinical picture of individuals with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants was expected, as previously described in the literature. This study suggests that de novo variants are also an essential mechanism for the etiology of ASD in Brazil, explaining the genetic architecture of 9.5% of cases.
A new presentation or a new disease? An acute leukoencephalopathy resembling Canavan’s
Authors: Corrêa Vitor Guimarães , Figueiredo Diego Silva , Kanda Rafael Guimarães , Wertheimer Guilherme Soares de Oliveira , Reis Fabiano , Cardoso Tania Aparecida Marchiori de Oliveira
Published: July 2023

Case presentation: We describe the case of a 75-year-old female, with no past relevant comorbidities. The onset was of mental confusion and imbalance, within two weeks progressing to dysphonia, dysphagia and spastic quadriparesis. Brain MRI showed hyperintense T2/FLAIR (T2-weighted-FluidAttenuated Inversion Recovery) lesions in white matter, with cortical sparing, restricted diffusion and gadolinium enhancement. Demyelinating diseases and central nervous system lymphoma hypothesis were made. Two months later a brain biopsy was performed. Diffuse white matter vacuolar impairment was found and no inflammatory infiltrate, resembling Canavan’s disease. The patient had progressive clinical worsening, with prolonged hospitalization and poor general condition at discharge, not enduring further investigation. She deceased after 8 months of symptoms onset. Discussion: The diagnosis of acute leukoencephalopathies is challenging and neuroimaging may be helpful. Diffusion, contrast enhancement and corticosubcortical relation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can present valuable clues. In this case, for example, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis was less likely due to the MRI evidencing dissemination in time. To better address malignancy, brain biopsy was mandatory. Not only cancer was excluded, but the demyelination was revealed to possibly be neurodegenerative, which was neither clinically nor radiographically evident. The vacuolar pattern found is described in Canavan disease, a rare leukoencephalopathy with onset at 1–4 months age, and mean survival of months to few years. In literature there is only another report, cataloged in our Pathology department, of a 43-yearold male with similar clinical, imaging and histological findings. This case may illustrate a not yet cataloged disease, maybe an unknown presentation of Canavan disease spectrum, adding one more differential diagnosis for acute leukoencephalopathies.
Rare diagnosis of dystonia and ataxia: aceruloplasminemia
Authors: Azevedo Ruan Gambardella Rosalina de , Barbosa Adriel Rêgo , Amorim Andre Felipe Candeas , Souza Gabriel Pinheiro Martins de Almeida e , Férrer João Victor Cabral Correia , Fraiman Pedro Henrique Almeida , Lima Márcio Pinheiro , Maffei Rafael Tuzino Leite Neves , Faria Victor Cardoso de , Pedroso José Luiz , Moraes Marianna Pinheiro Moraes de , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Póvoas
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Aceruloplasminemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by transmembrane cerulopasmin deficiency. Impaired iron metabolism occurs, leading to its systemic accumulation, including brain. This is a case report based on retrospective analysis of a single patient’s medical record. Case report: This case reports a 57-year-old female, previously functional, with metabolic syndrome, admitted due to dystonia and ataxia with compound heterozygosis for ACP gene. Over the course of two years and six months, she manifested: depression, anedhonia, some instrumental activities limitations, plus walking and speech disturbances. Her physical examination presented disorientation in time/space, dysarthrophonia, saccadic intrusions, dysdiadocokinesia, enlarged base gait, oral dyskinesia and cervical dystonia. Brian magnetic resonance image (MRI) demonstrated GRE/SWI signal attenuation diffusely in cortex and bilaterally in lentiform and caudate nucleus. Laboratory tests: ferritin 2.540 ng/ml; serum iron 27 ug/dL; serum ceruloplasmine below 8 mg/dL; negative infectious and rheumatological serologies; normal levels of cobalamin, hemoglobin and thyroid hormones. Genetic testing confirmed compound heterozygosis for ACP gene (variant C1149 G>A |p.trp 383*), compatible with the aceruloplasminemia hypothesis. Conclusion: Attention should be drawn to this patient’s MRI showing SWI hyposignal on basal ganglia and cortex, because it’s a highly suggestive finding. Individual case reports indicate the effectiveness of Deferiprone as a treatment in individuals with aceruloplasminemia, however there is no universally accepted treatment regimen.
Cerebral cryptococcoma in immunocompetent patients: a series of four cases
Authors: Fernandes Lucca Ferdinando Queiroz , Lucena Renner Cassio Nunes de , Medeiros Matheus Araújo de , Silva Tiago Lameque de Sousa e , Martins Maria Eduarda Medeiros , Dantas Iury Hélder Santos
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Cryptococcoma is a rare CNS infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, with a granulomatous lesion. It’s even rarer in immunocompetent patients. Diagnosis requires histopathological analysis and treatment with amphotericin B, often with surgical resection. The aim is to report four cases of cerebral cryptococcoma In Immunocompetent Patients. This is a case report study. The information of this work was obtained through review of the medical record. Case report: We report on four cases of cerebral cryptococcoma in immunocompetent patients. All cases presented with images of expansive lesions and compatible histopathological analysis. The first case was a 62-year-old man with dysphasia and decreased strength on the right side, and underwent total surgical resection, followed by 23 days of amphotericin B treatment. The second case was a 62-year-old woman who presented with orofacial dyskinesia and decreased strength on the right side, and underwent stereotactic surgery, followed by antifungal treatment. After 10 days of hospitalization, the patient developed respiratory insufficiency, progressed to cardiorespiratory arrest and brain death. The third case was a 54-year-old woman who presented with a skin infection caused by Cryptococcus. During treatment with fluconazole, the patient experienced altered sensory perception and left hemiparesis. Surgical resection of the lesion was performed, followed by 30 days of antifungal treatment. The fourth case was a 54-year-old man who presented with pulsatile headache and right hemiparesthesia, and underwent stereotactic neurosurgery, followed by 12 days of amphotericin B treatment. Conclusion: Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the CNS, manifested in the form of cryptococcoma, although rare, should be considered as a differential diagnosis for brain expansive lesions in immunocompetent individuals.
Türkiye: macro-financial situation
Authors: Sánchez Paula , Melgar Alejandro , del Río Pedro
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Türkiye is identified annually as a material country for the Spanish and euro area banking systems. Moreover, both are linked to Türkiye by major trade and financial flows. It is therefore important to monitor the country’s macro-financial situation and main weaknesses.

Takeaways

•The Turkish economy has continued to post very high, albeit slowing, inflation rates since late 2022, and economic activity has slowed, against a background of sizeable external financing needs, foreign currency debt and low international reserves.

•Fiscal policy kept the country’s accounts healthy in 2022, although a significant downturn is expected in 2023. In terms of monetary policy, the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye cut the policy interest rate again in February, with the real interest rate standing at -35.2% in April.

•The banking system remains healthy, although some indicators have worsened. Furthermore, to keep credit growth in check and encourage more widespread use of the lira in the financial system, the macroprudential and regulatory measures introduced in 2021 and 2022 remained in place and were strengthened.