bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Study of White Pigments in the Decoration of Neolithic Pottery in the Region of the Thracian Valley, Bulgaria
Authors: Atanassova Victoria , Tankova Vani , Mihailov Valentin , Pirovska Angelina
Published: January 2024

Throughout history, ceramics have been the most abundant artifacts in archaeological discoveries. Within the Neolithic period in present-day Bulgaria, skilled artisans applied additional materials to decorate their pottery, evolving in composition and application techniques such as painting or incrustation. This study is focused on the investigation of white pigments used in decorating Early and Late Neolithic pottery from Madzherito, Kaloyanovets, and Hadzhidimitrovo—archaeological sites located in the Thracian Valley, Central South Bulgaria, affiliated with the cultural groups of Karanovo I and IV. Thirteen ceramic sherds were investigated through archaeometric techniques, including Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode (ATR-FTIR) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS data underwent further analysis using principal component analysis (PCA). The results revealed that calcite, enriched with diverse fillers like quartz, clays, feldspars, and metal oxides, was the primary raw material for white decoration throughout the entire period. Talc emerged as an addition to calcite in the paint of two Early Neolithic sherds. The presence of hydroxyapatite and kaolinite in Late Neolithic pottery was also observed. The inclusion of supplementary ingredients in the primary formula for crafting white decorations signifies either the emergence of novel trends in manufacturing techniques or serves as evidence of vessels imported from adjacent territories.
Special Issue “Drug Discovery of Antiprotozoal Agents”
Authors: Mendonça-Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra
Published: January 2024

Protozoal diseases, such as leishmaniasis, malaria, African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, amoebiasis, giardiasis, cryptococcosis, and toxoplasmosis (among others), affect and/or have the potential to infect more than one billion people worldwide [...]
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients on Tofacitinib for Alopecia Areata or Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Choe Sarah , Birda Abhinav , Salas Jesse , Anagu Olive , Mesinkovska Natasha
Published: January 2024

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) that is used off-label for the treatment of alopecia areata (AA). Its boxed warning includes an increased risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) based on the results of a safety trial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking the medication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in patients’ characteristics and SAEs profiles between RA and AA populations taking tofacitinib. The cohorts were constructed using the TrinetX database to identify the patients who were prescribed tofacitinib for RA or AA between October 2012 and October 2023. A total of 22,873 patients were included in this analysis, with 21,080 individuals in the RA cohort and 1793 individuals in the AA cohort. After matching for age, sex, and race, each cohort had a sample size of 1482. Data on the patients’ sex, age, race, comorbidities, concomitant medications, and associated SAEs were collected. The cohorts were compared by calculating the odds ratios and tested for significance associations using Fisher’s Exact Tests. Both the RA and AA cohorts were predominantly female (RA 79%, AA 70%), with mean ages of 61 ± 14 years and 38 ± 19 years (p-value < 0.0001), respectively. Both the groups showed similar racial distributions. The RA cohort had increased rates of hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nicotine dependence compared to those of the AA cohort (p-value < 0.0001). With the exception of cyclosporine and azathioprine, the percentage of concomitant medication use was higher in all the categories in the RA cohort than those in the AA cohort (p-value < 0.0001). Higher rates of adverse events were seen in the RA cohort across all the categories, except myocardial infarction, stroke, and lymphomas/hematopoietic malignancies. Our findings show that the SAEs on the boxed warning of tofacitinib should be strongly considered when being used off-label for the treatment of AA. Clinicians must carefully assess the individual patient factors when determining the appropriateness of tofacitinib use.
Genome-Wide Bioinformatics Analysis of SWEET Gene Family and Expression Verification of Candidate PaSWEET Genes in Potentilla anserina
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Zhang Wuhua , Fan Yingdong , Dong Jie , Xie Yangyang , Li Ronghui , Yang Tao , Zhang Jinzhu , Che Daidi
Published: January 2024

Sugars act as the main energy sources in many fruit and vegetable crops. The biosynthesis and transportation of sugars are crucial and especially contribute to growth and development. SWEET is an important gene family that plays a vital role in plants’ growth, development, and adaptation to various types of stresses (biotic and abiotic). Although SWEET genes have been identified in numerous plant species, there is no information on SWEETs in Potentilla anserina. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide bioinformatics analysis and identified a total of 23 candidate PaSWEETs genes in the Potentilla anserina genome, which were randomly distributed on ten different chromosomes. The phylogenetic analysis, chromosomal location, gene structure, specific cis-elements, protein interaction network, and physiological characteristics of these genes were systematically examined. The identified results of the phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that these PaSWEET genes were divided into four clades (I, II, III, and IV). Moreover, tissue-specific gene expression through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation exposed that the identified PaSWEETs were differentially expressed in various tissues (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers). Mainly, the relative fold gene expression in swollen and unswollen tubers effectively revealed that PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12) were highly expressed (300-, 120-, and 100-fold) in swollen tubers. To further elucidate the function of PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12), their subcellular location was confirmed by inserting them into tobacco leaves, and it was noted that these genes were present on the cell membrane. On the basis of the overall results, it is suggested that PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12) are the candidate genes involved in swollen tuber formation in P. anserina. In crux, we speculated that our study provides a valuable theoretical base for further in-depth function analysis of the PaSWEET gene family and their role in tuber development and further enhancing the molecular breeding of Potentilla anserina.
Identification and Characterization of the BZR Transcription Factor Genes Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Li Ruining , Zhang Bolin , Li Ting , Yao Xuyang , Feng Tingting , Ai Hao , Huang Xianzhong
Published: January 2024

Brassinazole resistant (BZR) genes act downstream of the brassinosteroid signaling pathway regulating plant growth and development and participating in plant stress responses. However, the BZR gene family has not systematically been characterized in potato. We identified eight BZR genes in Solanum tuberosum, which were distributed among seven chromosomes unequally and were classified into three subgroups. Potato and tomato BZR proteins were shown to be closely related with high levels of similarity. The BZR gene family members in each subgroup contained similar conserved motifs. StBZR genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns, suggesting their functional differentiation during evolution. StBZR4, StBZR7, and StBZR8 were highly expressed under white light in microtubers. StBZR1 showed a progressive up-regulation from 0 to 6 h and a progressive down-regulation from 6 to 24 h after drought and salt stress. StBZR1, StBZR2, StBZR4, StBZR5, StBZR6, StBZR7 and StBZR8 were significantly induced from 0 to 3 h under BR treatment. This implied StBZR genes are involved in phytohormone and stress response signaling pathways. Our results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the functional mechanisms of BZR genes in potato.
Reduction of Bacterial Load on Broiler Carcasses Using Low-Volume Fluidic Nozzles in Combination with 60 °C Water at 450 Psi Pressure
Authors: Cosby Douglas E. , McIntyre Michael D. , DeVoll Josh , Jordan Aaron , Garrish Johnna K. , Berrang Mark E. , McMillan Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

With the changing regulations in poultry processing, increased pressure is placed on integrators to reduce the number of human enteropathogenic bacteria on the final carcass and/or parts. Reducing the total number of bacteria on broiler carcasses before entering the evisceration side of the processing plant is projected to reduce the number of bacteria on the carcasses after chilling. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a prototype wash cabinet using low volume, fluidic nozzles in combination with high pressure (450 psi) and hot water (60 °C) to remove bacteria from pre-scald, post-scald, or post picked carcasses. Carcasses (n = 5) from each location were obtained from a commercial processing plant, placed into individual sterile sample bags, placed into an insulated container, and transported to the U.S. National Poultry Research Center Pilot Plant within 30 min of collection. Carcasses were hung in standard shackles and sampled pre-wash with pre-moistened, cellulose swabs. All carcasses were washed in the prototype wash cabinet with 60 °C water at 450 psi at a line speed of 52 birds/minute on 15.24 cm centered shackles. Post-wash breast sponge samples were collected identical to pre-wash swabs. Buffered peptone water (BPW) was added, sponges stomached and serially diluted before plating onto total aerobic count (TAC), Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Escherichia. coli (EC) Petrifilm® cards. All PetriFilm® cards were incubated at 37 °C for 24 ± 2 h. After incubation, bacterial counts were recorded and converted to log10 CFU/swab. Samples were processed for Campylobacter species using the Tempo® CAM protocol. Four replications were conducted on separate dates. Paired t-tests were used to compare numbers recovered from breast swabs collected before and after the wash cabinet, significance reported at p < 0.05. Pre-scald samples had significant reductions of 2.50, 2.01, and 1.73 log10 colony-forming units/carcass (CFU/carcass) for TAC, Ent, and EC Petrifilm®, respectively, and a 2.21 CFU/mL reduction of Campylobacter species using Tempo® CAM. Post-scald, there were significant reductions of 2.09, 1.23, and 0.90 CFU/carcass for TA, Ent, and EC Petrifilm®, respectively, and a 1.14 CFU/mL reduction of Campylobacter species using Tempo® CAM. Post-pick, significant reductions of 0.73, 1.53, and 0.99 CFU/carcass for TA, Ent, and EC Petrifilm®, respectively, and a 0.86 CFU/carcass reduction of Campylobacter species using Tempo® CAM were reported. These data indicate that hot water at high pressure can reduce total bacterial load on carcasses and reduce pathogenic bacteria on carcasses prior to evisceration.
Alternative Processes for Apple Juice Stabilization and Clarification: A Bibliometric and Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nehmé Lea , El Tekle Myriam , Barakat Nathalie , El Khoury Alexandra , Azzi-Achkouty Samar , El Rayess Youssef
Published: January 2024

Apple juice is one of the most consumed fruit juices in the world. Raw apple juice is viscous, turbid, and brown in color and contains several spoilage microorganisms. These are the reasons behind the application of several steps of clarification and stabilization prior to juice commercialization. Thermal pasteurization remains the most used process for apple juice microbial stabilization, but it damages its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. Juice settling used for clarification does not allow the achievement of the desired level of clarification. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive and bibliometric review of all the alternative treatments for thermal pasteurization in order to reduce microorganisms and patulin levels such as pulsed electric fields, microwave processing, high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasonication, etc., and their effect on apple juice characteristics as well as the techniques used for apple juice clarification.
Mechanical Characterization of the Frozen and Thawed States of Coal after the Action of LN2 at In Situ Formation Pressure
Authors: Qin Lei , Liu Pengfei , Wang Hui , Li Botao , Wang Ruizhe , Li Jiawei , Luo Rongwei , Lv Shiyin
Published: January 2024

Coal penetration enhancement technology is the key to increase the production of coalbed methane. Coal bodies are subjected to different peripheral pressures in the in situ strata, and the study of the changes in the mechanical strength of coal bodies under different peripheral pressures after the action of liquid nitrogen is crucial for the penetration enhancement of liquid nitrogen (LN2)-fractured coal. In this paper, an MTS universal testing machine was utilized to carry out experiments to obtain the stress–strain curves of the coal under different freezing times under 1 MPa surrounding pressure and different surrounding pressures after 50 min of LN2 action. The experimental results showed the following: (1) the uniaxial compressive strength and peak strain of coal samples in a frozen state are positively correlated under two conditions. The modulus of elasticity decreased before 100 min at different times of LN2 action, and the modulus of elasticity was maximum at 5 MPa at different peripheral pressure actions; (2) the uniaxial compressive strength and peak strain of the frozen-thawed coal samples decreased before 100 min of LN2 action at different times, and the modulus of elasticity continued to decrease. The uniaxial compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of coal samples in freeze–thaw state under different peripheral pressures were the largest at 5 MPa, and the peak strain was negatively correlated. (3) The elastic strain energy of the frozen coal samples under the action of LN2 at different times was positively correlated with the freezing time before 80 min, and negatively correlated after 80 min. The elastic strain energy of the frozen coal samples was positively correlated with the freezing time. The elastic strain energy and freezing time of the two coal samples under different circumferential pressures were positively correlated before 5 MPa and negatively correlated after 5 MPa, with opposite dissipation energies. (4) The water–ice phase transition and temperature–thermal stresses on the internal structure of the coal in the presence of LN2 cause significant damage. The degradation of coal samples in the freeze–thaw state is even higher under in situ ground pressure.
Glocalization: The Development and Localization of Chinese Christian Hymns between 1807 and 1949
Authors: Guo Dengjie , Wang Lina
Published: January 2024

The global dissemination of Christianity has resulted in diverse singing styles and historical narratives that incorporate different languages and musical traditions. Chinese Christian hymns, in particular, possess distinctive features that reflect the Chinese thinking mode and cultural values, showcasing the interplay between Western hymns and Chinese singing and poetic and cultural traditions within the Chinese historical context. This paper takes Chinese Christian hymnals published between 1807 and 1949 as its object of study. It conducts research on representative hymnals from three historical stages: the emergence, flourishing, and prosperity of hymns, and examines their compilation and publication. Using methods such as historical research, textual criticism, translation studies, and cross-cultural communication, the paper explores the evolution of Chinese Christian hymns. The paper analyzes such aspects of the hymnals as translating and writing strategies, thematic content, linguistic features, editing and formatting, as well as the selection and composition of melodies. It is concluded that the indigenization of Chinese hymns does not involve outright rejection of foreign elements or unquestioning adherence to local traditions, but rather represents a common ground between Chinese and Western languages and vocal traditions, reflecting the characteristic of glocalization.
Are TNF-α and IL-1β Independently Associated with Depression in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Abed S M Ahamed , Tarafder Shirin , Ahmedullah Abul Khair , Rasker Johannes J. , Methun Md. Injamul Haq
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels are independent risk factors for depression in axSpA patients. Methods: All axSpA patients with BASDAI ≥4 were invited consecutively between March 2021 and August 2021 to participate. Depression was evaluated with the WHO-5 Well-Being scale. Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI (0–10), ASDAS-CRP (0.61–7.22), ASDAS-ESR (0.29–7.61), and health status by ASAS-HI (0–17). Serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA. An association between depression and cytokine levels was investigated with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test. Results: A total of 252 axSpA patients (155 men) could be included; of these, 123 (48.81%) were depressed, and of these, 75 were male. Serum TNF-α and IL-1β were not significantly associated with depression (r −0.041 and 0.110, respectively). Serum TNF-α levels were higher in depressed female axSpA patients (20.05 vs. 17.87; p = 0.03). Differences between depressed and non-depressed patients were respectively: TNF-α (19.7 vs.18.0; p= 0.84), IL-1β (32.3 vs. 21.2; p= 0.04), BASDAI (5.47 vs. 4.77; p = 0.000), ASDAS-CRP (4.17 vs. 3.78; p = 0.000), ASDAS-ESR (3.86 vs. 3.39; p = 0.000), CRP (48.43 vs. 37.93 mg/L; p = 0.000), and ASAS-HI (13.37 vs. 10.24; p = 0.000). Factors associated with depression were: peripheral joint involvement (OR = 1.073, 95% CI 1.012–1.138), BASDAI (OR = 1.534, 95% CI 1.011–2.335), and ASAS-HI (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.239–1.557). Only in depressed patients with peripheral SPA were higher IL-1β levels found, though the differences were probably not clinically relevant. Conclusions: Serum TNF-α and IL-1β were not independently related to depression in axSpA patients. Disease activity, peripheral joint involvement, and reduced health status showed the highest association with depression.
A Generalized Linear Model and Machine Learning Approach for Predicting the Frequency and Severity of Cargo Insurance in Thailand’s Border Trade Context
Authors: Panjee Praiya , Amornsawadwatana Sataporn
Published: January 2024

The study compares model approaches in predictive modeling for claim frequency and severity within the cross-border cargo insurance domain. The aim is to identify the optimal model approach between generalized linear models (GLMs) and advanced machine learning techniques. Evaluations focus on mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) metrics to comprehensively assess predictive performance. For frequency prediction, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) demonstrates the lowest MAE, indicating higher accuracy compared to gradient boosting machines (GBMs) and a generalized linear model (Poisson). Despite XGBoost’s lower MAE, it shows higher RMSE values, suggesting a broader error spread and larger magnitudes compared to gradient boosting machines (GBMs) and a generalized linear model (Poisson). Conversely, the generalized linear model (Poisson) showcases the best RMSE values, indicating tighter clustering and smaller error magnitudes, despite a slightly higher MAE. For severity prediction, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) displays the lowest MAE, implying better accuracy. However, it exhibits a higher RMSE, indicating wider error dispersion compared to a generalized linear model (Gamma). In contrast, a generalized linear model (Gamma) demonstrates the lowest RMSE, portraying tighter clustering and smaller error magnitudes despite a higher MAE. In conclusion, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) stands out in mean absolute error (MAE) for both frequency and severity prediction, showcasing superior accuracy. However, a generalized linear model (Gamma) offers a balance between accuracy and error magnitude, and its performance outperforms extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and gradient boosting machines (GBMs) in terms of RMSE metrics, with a slightly higher MAE. These findings empower insurance companies to enhance risk assessment processes, set suitable premiums, manage reserves, and accurately forecast claim occurrences, contributing to competitive pricing for clients while ensuring profitability. For cross-border trade entities, such as trucking companies and cargo owners, these insights aid in improved risk management and potential cost savings by enabling more reasonable insurance premiums based on accurate predictive claims from insurance companies.
Evaluation and Development of a Nutrition Model to Predict Intake and Growth of Suckling Calves
Authors: Baldin Geovana Camila , Hildebrand Caleb , Larson Robert L. , Lancaster Phillip A.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate and develop equations to predict forage intake and growth of calves throughout the suckling period of beef calves grazing on forage or dairy calves fed harvested forage. Milk and forage intake and body weight data for individual animals were collected from published theses (one using bottle-fed dairy calves and one using suckling beef calves). A nutrition model was constructed using milk and forage intake equations and growth equations. Additional datasets were compiled from the literature to develop equations to adjust the original nutrition model for forage digestibility, milk composition, and growth. In general, the original nutrition model predicted the forage intake and body weight of dairy calves with moderate-to-high precision (CCC = 0.234 to 0.929) and poor accuracy (MB = −341.16 to −1.58%). Additionally, the original nutrition model predicted forage intake and body weight in beef calves with poor-to-moderate precision (CCC = 0.348 to 0.766) and accuracy (MB = 6.39 to 57.67%). Adjusted nutrition models performed better with the best model precisely (CCC = 0.914) predicting forage intake and precisely (CCC = 0.978) and accurately (MB = 2.83%) predicting body weight in dairy calves. The best adjusted nutrition model predicted forage intake and body weight with high precision (CCC = 0.882 and 0.935) and moderate accuracy (MB = −7.01 and −7.34) in beef calves. Nutrition models were able to adequately predict the forage intake and growth of calves with adjustments made to standard milk energy concentrations and growth equations.
Beware, Not Everyone Lies the Same Way! Investigating the Effects of Interviewees’ Profiles and Lie Content on Verbal Cues
Authors: Palena Nicola , De Napoli Francesca
Published: January 2024

Research shows that lying is a common behaviour, and that verbal cues can be effective for lie detection. However, deception detection is not straightforward as there are several factors at play, such as interpersonal differences and the content of the lie. Consequently, the effectiveness of available cues for deception detection can vary significantly. In a pre-registered study involving 80 participants (a priori sample size analyses were conducted), we instructed participants to either tell the truth or lie about an autobiographical event and an opinion. The participants also completed questionnaires on personality traits and cognitive tasks, resulting in two participant clusters. Surprisingly, when analysing verbal behaviour, truthfulness, cluster memberships, and their interactions were not found to be significant. Only lie content affected verbal cues. Additional, non-pre-registered analyses revealed that liars displayed more micro-expressions than truth tellers, but only when describing their memories and when focusing on the latency time between the investigator’s question and the interviewee’s answer. The results were interpreted in terms of the experimental design, which encouraged only short answers from the interviewees, leaving limited room for verbal content to be effective.
Defining Complex Adaptive Systems: An Algorithmic Approach
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Ayyaz , Baryannis George , Hill Richard
Published: January 2024

Despite a profusion of literature on complex adaptive system (CAS) definitions, it is still challenging to definitely answer whether a given system is or is not a CAS. The challenge generally lies in deciding where the boundaries lie between a complex system (CS) and a CAS. In this work, we propose a novel definition for CASs in the form of a concise, robust, and scientific algorithmic framework. The definition allows a two-stage evaluation of a system to first determine whether it meets complexity-related attributes before exploring a series of attributes related to adaptivity, including autonomy, memory, self-organisation, and emergence. We demonstrate the appropriateness of the definition by applying it to two case studies in the medical and supply chain domains. We envision that the proposed algorithmic approach can provide an efficient auditing tool to determine whether a system is a CAS, also providing insights for the relevant communities to optimise their processes and organisational structures.
Prediction of Uranium Adsorption Capacity in Radioactive Wastewater Treatment with Biochar
Authors: Qu Zening , Wang Wei , He Yan
Published: January 2024

Recently, Japan’s discharge of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear disaster into the ocean has attracted widespread attention. To effectively address the challenge of separating uranium, the focus is on finding a healthy and environmentally friendly way to adsorb uranium using biochar. In this paper, a BP neural network is combined with each of the four meta-heuristic algorithms, namely Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolution (DE), Cheetah Optimization (CO) and Fick’s Law Algorithm (FLA), to construct four prediction models for the uranium adsorption capacity in the treatment of radioactive wastewater with biochar: PSO-BP, DE-BP, CO-BP, FLA-BP. The coefficient of certainty (R2), error rate and CEC test set are used to judge the accuracy of the model based on the BP neural network. The results show that the Fick’s Law Algorithm (FLA) has a better search ability and convergence speed than the other algorithms. The importance of the input parameters is quantitatively assessed and ranked using XGBoost in order to analyze which parameters have a greater impact on the predictions of the model, which indicates that the parameters with the greatest impact are the initial concentration of uranium (C0, mg/L) and the mass percentage of total carbon (C, %). To sum up, four prediction models can be applied to study the adsorption of uranium by biochar materials during actual experiments, and the advantage of Fick’s Law Algorithm (FLA) is more obvious. The method of model prediction can significantly reduce the radiation risk caused by uranium to human health during the actual experiment and provide some reference for the efficient treatment of uranium wastewater by biochar.
Unexpected Amanita phalloides-Induced Hematotoxicity—Results from a Retrospective Study
Authors: Visser Miranda , Hof Willemien F. J. , Broek Astrid M. , van Hoek Amanda , de Jong Joyce J. , Touw Daan J. , Dekkers Bart G. J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Amanita phalloides poisoning is a serious health problem with a mortality rate of 10–40%. Poisonings are characterized by severe liver and kidney toxicity. The effect of Amanita phalloides poisonings on hematological parameters has not been systematically evaluated thus far. Methods: Patients with suspected Amanita phalloides poisonings were retrospectively selected from the hospital database of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Medical data—including demographics; liver, kidney, and blood parameters; treatment; and outcomes—were collected. The severity of the poisoning was scored using the poison severity score. Results: Twenty-eight patients were identified who were admitted to the UMCG with suspected Amanita phalloides poisoning between 1994 and 2022. A time-dependent decrease was observed for hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations, leukocytes, and platelets. Six out of twenty-eight patients developed acute liver failure (ALF). Patients with ALF showed a higher increase in liver enzymes, international normalized ratios, and PSS compared to patients without ALF. Conversely, hemoglobin and platelet numbers were decreased even further in these patients. Three out of six patients with ALF died and one patient received a liver transplant. Conclusion: Our study shows that Amanita phalloides poisonings may be associated with hematotoxicity in patients. The quantification of hematological parameters is of relevance in intoxicated patients, especially in those with ALF.
Protective Effects of Astaxanthin on Ochratoxin A-Induced Liver Injury: Effects of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Fission–Fusion Balance
Authors: Zou Yiting , Zhang Shiyi , Yang Jian , Qin Chen , Jin Bo , Liang Zhenyu , Yang Shuhua , Li Lin , Long Miao
Published: January 2024

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a common mycotoxin, can contaminate food and feed and is difficult to remove. Astaxanthin (ASTA), a natural antioxidant, can effectively protect against OTA-induced hepatotoxicity; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we elucidate the protective effects of ASTA on the OTA-induced damage of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in broiler liver samples by serum biochemical analysis, antioxidant analysis, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. ASTA inhibited the expressions of ahr, pxr, car, cyp1a1, cyp1a5, cyp2c18, cyp2d6, and cyp3a9 genes, and significantly alleviated OTA-induced liver oxidative damage (SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, MDA). Furthermore, it inhibited OTA-activated endoplasmic reticulum stress genes and proteins (grp94, GRP78, atf4, ATF6, perk, eif2α, ire1, CHOP). ASTA alleviated OTA-induced mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, inhibited mitochondrial division (DRP1, mff), and promoted mitochondrial fusion (OPA1, MFN1, MFN2). In conclusion, ASTA can decrease OTA-induced oxidative damage, thereby alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dynamic imbalance.
Machine Learning in Neuroimaging of Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Landscape, Research Gaps, and Future Directions
Authors: Pierre Kevin , Turetsky Jordan , Raviprasad Abheek , Sadat Razavi Seyedeh Mehrsa , Mathelier Michael , Patel Anjali , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: January 2024

In this narrative review, we explore the evolving role of machine learning (ML) in the diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The increasing prevalence of TBI necessitates advanced techniques for timely and accurate diagnosis, and ML offers promising tools to meet this challenge. Current research predominantly focuses on integrating clinical data, patient demographics, lab results, and imaging findings, but there remains a gap in fully harnessing the potential of image features. While advancements have been made in areas such as subdural hematoma segmentation and prognosis prediction, the translation of these techniques into clinical practice is still in its infancy. This is further compounded by challenges related to data privacy, clinician trust, and the interoperability of various health systems. Despite these hurdles, FDA-approved ML applications for TBI and their subsequent promising results underscore the potential of ML in revolutionizing TBI care. This review concludes by emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world clinical application and the necessity of addressing the ethical and privacy implications of integrating ML into healthcare.
In Vivo Characterization of the Anti-Glutathione S-Transferase Antibody Using an In Vitro Mite Feeding Model
Authors: Win Shwe Yee , Seo Hikari , Horio Fumiya , Fujisawa Sotaro , Sato Jumpei , Motai Yoshinosuke , Sato Takumi , Oishi Eiji , Taneno Akira , Htun Lat Lat , Bawm Saw , Okagawa Tomohiro , Maekawa Naoya , Konnai Satoru , Ohashi Kazuhiko , Murata Shiro
Published: January 2024

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae, PRMs), tropical fowl mites (Ornithonyssus bursa, TFMs), and northern fowl mites (O. sylviarum, NFMs) are blood-feeding pests that debilitate poultry worldwide. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays an important role in the detoxification and drug metabolism of mites. However, research on avian mite GSTs as vaccine antigens is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of avian mite GSTs for vaccine development. We identified GST genes from TFMs and NFMs. We prepared recombinant GST (rGST) from TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs, and assessed their protein functions. Moreover, we evaluated the cross-reactivity and acaricidal effect of immune plasma against each rGST on TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs. The deduced amino acid sequences of GSTs from TFMs and NFMs were 80% similar to those of the PRMs. The rGSTs exhibited catalytic activity in conjugating glutathione to the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene substrate. Immune plasma against each rGST showed cross-reactivity with rGST from different mite species. Moreover, the survival rate of PRMs fed with immune plasma against the rGST of TFMs and NFMs was significantly lower than that of the control plasma. These results demonstrate the potential application of GST as an antigen for the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against avian mites.
Construction and Method Study of the State of Charge Model for Lithium-Ion Packs in Electric Vehicles Using Ternary Lithium Packs as an Example
Authors: Hu Yinquan , Liu Heping , Huang Hu
Published: January 2024

Accurate and real-time estimation of pack system-level chips is essential for the performance and reliability of future electric vehicles. Firstly, this study constructed a model of a nickel manganese cobalt cell on the ground of the electrochemical process of the packs. Then, it used methods on the grounds of the unscented Kalman filter and unscented Kalman particle filter for system-level chip estimation and algorithm construction. Both algorithms are on the ground of Kalman filters and can handle nonlinear and uncertain system states. In comparative testing, it can be seen that the unscented Kalman filter algorithm can accurately evaluate the system-level chip of the nickel manganese cobalt cell under intermittent discharge conditions. The system-level chip was 0.53 at 1000 s and was reduced to 0.45 at 1500 s. These results demonstrate that the evaluation of the ternary lithium battery pack’s performance is time-dependent and indicate the accuracy of the algorithm used during this time period. These data should be considered in the broader context of the study for a comprehensive understanding of their meaning. In the later stage, the estimation error of the recursive least-squares unscented Kalman particle filter method for system-level chips began to significantly increase, gradually exceeding 1%, with a corresponding root-mean-square error of 0.002171. This indicates that the recursive least-squares optimization algorithm, the unscented Kalman particle filter algorithm, diminished its root mean square error by 27.59%. The unscented Kalman filter and unscented Kalman particle filter are effective in estimating the system-level chip of nickel manganese cobalt cells. However, UPF performs more robustly in handling complex situations, such as pack aging and temperature changes. This study provides a new perspective and method that has a high reference value for pack management systems. This helps to achieve more effective energy management and improve pack life, thereby enhancing the reliability and practicality of electric vehicles.
La escritura de investigación en la carrera de Educación en Lengua Inglesa: una reflexión metodológica
Authors: Alberteris Galban Orlando , Cañizares Hinojosa Viviana , Espinosa Gonzalez Jeider , Columbie Rodriguez Giselle
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo ofrece una reflexión metodológica sobre la escritura de investigación en la carrera Educación Lengua Extranjera, a partir de la necesidad de lograr en los estudiantes una óptima preparación en y para la investigación a la par que una preparación lingüístico-discursiva para la escritura de tipos de géneros de investigación. De modo que durante todo el proceso de formación académica los estudiantes deben aprender a cómo hacer investigación y a cómo hacer un uso específico y funcional del lenguaje, así como una manipulación consciente de este para lograr el propósito comunicativo deseado en la lengua extranjera. Este trabajo se inscribe en el marco de la teoría de los géneros discursivos que provee un conjunto de supuestos metodológicos sobre la enseñanza de formas convencionalizadas y prototipos de géneros que favorecen la comprensión y producción competente de textos. Los resultados de este trabajo ofrecen sólidos criterios metodológicos para asumir el proceso de desarrollo de la competencia comunicativo-investigativa desde una formación en contenidos propios de Metodología de la investigación y formas lingüístico-discursivas para la realización coherente de esos contenidos en la lengua meta de los estudiantes de la carrera.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Reflexión metodológica; géneros de investigación; escritura; competencia comunicativa; competencia investigativa.
Writing research genres in the English teacher education language course: a methodological reflection
ABSTRACT
This paper offers a methodological reflection on writing research genres in the English Teacher Education Language Course. It has the purpose of achieving ideal students’ training in research and in writing, by taking into account research content and linguistic-discursive manifestation of that content. Thus, the students, during the whole academic process, should learn how to do research, how to use the language purposely and functionally, and manipulate it consciously to attain the established communicative purpose in the foreign language. This paper is based on the Theory of Genres that provides a series of methodological assumptions on teaching conventionalized forms and genre types that facilitate textual comprehension and competent production. The methodological criteria proclaim the need to assume the process of developing the communicative and research competence from the training in contents of the Discipline Research Methodology and linguistic-discursive forms for a coherent realization of those contents in the students’ target language.
KEYWORDS: Methodological reflection; research genres; writing; communicative competence; research competence.
Research and Innovation in Malaysian Mahseer, Tor sp., Broodstock Development Programme
Authors:   Fisheries Research Institute Glami Lemi, Jelebu, Titi, Malaysia, JAAPAR MUHAMAD ZUDAIDY , NOORDIN WAN NORHANA MD , YUSOF HANAN MOHD , AMATUL-SAMAHAH MD ALI , CHEW POH CHIANG , HAMZAH AZHAR
Published: January 2024

Malaysian Mahseer (Tor spp.) is a highly priced native freshwater fish in Malaysia and much sought after as food, ornamental and recreational fish. However, the production of mahseer is still insignificant. Due to the decline in the wild stock population of mahseer, farmers are compelled to rely heavily on imported broodstock or hatchery-produced fingerlings. The R&D on mahseer is also limited with only several reports on breeding techniques, feed requirement and genetic distance between populations. The availability of superior breeding stocks, efficient hatcheries management and formulation of maturation diet that could expedite the maturation process could greatly assist in increasing mahseer aquaculture productivity. This paper presents the R&D carried out by the Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia starting from the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 to 2020), particularly on the broodstock development, breeding, disease, seed management, formulation and validation of maturation diet. In this programme, broodstocks obtained from five different states namely Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, Perak and Terengganu, Malaysia were used as a base population and mated using full diallel method to produce a total of 75 families. The maturation diet enhanced the breeding capacity and shortened the maturation period of mahseer from 3.0 years to only 1.8–2.0 years. Three innovations, hatching system, nursing system and maturation diet were produced from this programme were also registered innovations. This paper also deliberates the challenges faced in broodstock development programme and the way forward.
Mutations administratives et formes nouvelles d’administration. Rapport introductif
Authors: Debbasch Charles
Published: January 2024

Administrative changes and new forms of public administration

Because public administration is no longer merely the watchdog of society but has developed into an instrument for social change, it has lost its former clear-cut structure.

New forms of administration are developing outside of any preexisting framework. The expansion of such organisations is to be seen both in the diversity of their legal forms — either original in themselves or making use of existing legal structures outside of their original context — their geographical development and the variety of their areas of activity.

These new forms of administration have not grown up by chance or at the wish of a few administrative departments. Their proliferation is the evidence of the extent to which an attempt is being made to remedy some of the shortcomings of the traditional administrative System.

It is in fact an effort to create an administration better geared for action, doser to the public and more subject to central or local authority.

One irrefutable conclusion is obvious from this whole context of change : the uniformity of administrative structures no longer corresponds with the needs of society.
Rapport de Guy Braibant, Maître des requêtes au Conseil d’État
Authors: Braibant Guy
Published: January 2024

Report by G. Braibant

A personal viewpoint on the problems which confront the administrative court judge, based on personal experience and written with the authority of someone who has published works on the subject of administrative law. The fact that the nature (both public and private) of many of these administrative bodies is not clearly defined has several drawbacks in that this makes difficult to ascertain applicable jurisdictional rules, results in a dissimilar legal status for such institutions and threatens to undermine the overall nature of the control traditionally exercised over public administration by the administrative judge. But the author is not content merely to State the facts — in this report he outlines the two main solutions which could be envisaged, i.e. either the adoption of a purely material or organic criterion or, on the other hand, the extension of the administrative judge’s control to ail administrative missions irrespective of what organisation Controls them.
Action administrative et communication avec les administrés en Afrique
Authors: Bugnicourt Jacques
Published: January 2024

Administrative action in Africa and communication with the governed

Government action has destroyed or disrupted many of the traditional channels through which the population made known its needs. At the same time, it has replaced these by a sporadic and often repressive form of communication. There is no longer any contact between the citizen and the administrative machinery. It is as if government services in Africa, instead of reflecting the present-day economic and social conditions in their countries, had become to a large degree the extension of those of the dominating powers. Mr. Bugnicourt is of the opinion that it is only by having those concerned at village and district level elect their local government workers and by providing in-service training to officiais instead of formai education in schools where they learn to copy foreign models, that il will be possible to reconstruct an administrative service capable of communicating with those it is designed to serve and thereby answer the present-day needs of the economics and peoples of Africa.
Les structures des entreprises publiques
Authors: Delion André Georges
Published: January 2024

Structures of public companies

All non-collectivist countries distinguish traditionally between two types of legal organisation, viz under public and under private law. As regards the first type, purely public law companies without legal capacity tend to disappear to the advantage of public institutions (etablissements publics), which in turn change gradually by taking over managerial structures or forms of management from the private sector, unless they do not become companies rightaway. There seems to be a general trend towards assuming statute law types of organisation considering that public companies depend ever more on central bodies or flrms, concerns, holdings, controlling “clusters” of subsidiaries. The public economy sector is hence taking on a new structure the main feature of which is the evolution towards 'public groups' . Here the development of a legal framework for the public company remains a delicate question, although some Latin-american countries and France work on it. The choice of structures has to respect a certain number of factors, such as convenience of management, type of tasks, technical and economic operating features, as well as national political options and problems of control. The author assesses in respect of each factor the various criteria to be taken into consideration to solve the problem of structural choice, of which the most prominent aspect is the need for constant adjustment. This need becomes in practice an issue of current management for the state and public groups.
Le financement des entreprises publiques
Authors: Vedel Georges
Published: January 2024

Financing of public companies

The financing of public enterprise gives rise to a series of conflicts : yield capacity and requirements of public service, company targets and general policy goals of governments, control and autonomy. Theoretically, the matter has been dominated by the conclusions of the NORA report (April 1967).

The energy crisis was to change prospects thoroughly and frustrate the hopes put on the principles of self-financing, the implementation of which would have ruined the government’s efforts to check inflation. But though the ‘strategy’ of the Nora report was based on a given economie situation, it is less certain that the ‘doctrine’ is no longer applicable inasmuch as it tends above ail to enable decision-makers to choose in full clarity : transparency of resource allocation, clear distribution of responsibilities, uniform pattern of public company accounts.
Bilan de trois années de RCB au ministère du Travail
Authors: Baudrillart Wenceslas , Colin J.-F. , Cros J.-C. , Thomas L. , Jarniou F.
Published: January 2024

A three-year record of P.P.B.S. at the work department. The Work Department represents a particularly interesting field for the P.P.B.S. (Planning Programming Budgeting System). After the crisis suffered by the French economy, this department had to face new and important needs which required a general cohesion between various actions. The P.P.B.S. is both a set of ways for the distribution of seldom resources, and a way of interlocking administrative structures and processes in the Work Department whether between Departments or within the Department. The criteria accounting for the P.P.B.S. derive from a general pattern which takes into account the demographic, financial, economical and social aspects of the factors involved : There are two main steps in the P.P.B.S. approach : the involvements of the policy and the economic calculation itself.