bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number-state reconstruction with a single single-photon avalanche detector
Authors: Banner Patrick R. , Kurdak Deniz , Li Yaxin , Migdall Alan , Porto J. V. , Rolston S. L.
Published: March 2024

Single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs) are crucial sensors of light for many fields and applications. However, they are not able to resolve photon number, so typically more complex and more expensive experimental setups or devices must be used to measure the number of photons in a pulse. Here, we present a methodology for performing photon number-state reconstruction with only one SPAD. The methodology, which is cost-effective and easy to implement, uses maximum-likelihood techniques with a detector model whose parameters are measurable. We achieve excellent agreement between known input pulses and their reconstructions for coherent states with up to ≈10 photons and peak input photon rates up to several Mcounts/s. When detector imperfections are small, we maintain good agreement for coherent pulses with peak input photon rates of over 40 Mcounts/s, greater than one photon per detector dead time. For anti-bunched light, the reconstructed and independently measured pulse-averaged values of g(2)(0) are also consistent with one another. Our algorithm is applicable to light pulses whose pulse width and correlation time scales are both at least a few detector dead times. These results, achieved with single commercially available SPADs, provide an inexpensive number-state reconstruction method and expand the capabilities of single-photon detectors.
High power cladding-pumped low quantum defect Raman fiber amplifier
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Jiangming , Liang Junrui , Li Sicheng , Ye Jun , Ma Xiaoya , Yao Tianfu , Pan Zhiyong , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu
Published: March 2024

Heat generated by the quantum defect (QD) in optically pumped lasers can result in detrimental effects such as mode instability, frequency noise, and even catastrophic damage. Previously, we demonstrated that boson-peak-based Raman fiber lasers have great potential in low QD laser generation. But their power scalability and heat load characteristics have yet to be investigated. Here, we demonstrate a boson-peak-based Raman fiber amplifier (RFA) with 815 W output power and a QD of 1.3%. The low heat generation characteristics of this low QD RFA are demonstrated. Both experimental and simulation results show that at this power level, the heat load of the low QD RFA is significantly lower than that of the conventional RFA with a QD of 4.8%. Thanks to its low heat generation characteristics, the proposed phosphosilicate-fiber-based low QD RFA provides an effective solution for the intractable thermal issue in optically pumped lasers, which is of significance in reducing the laser’s noise, improving the laser’s stability and safety, and solving the challenge of heat removing.
Pharmacological induction of autophagy reduces inflammation in macrophages by degrading immunoproteasome subunits
Authors: Zhou Jiao , Li Chunxia , Lu Meng , Jiang Gaoyue , Chen Shanze , Li Huihui , Lu Kefeng
Published: March 2024

Defective autophagy is linked to proinflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms by which autophagy limits inflammation remain elusive. Here, we found that the pan-FGFR inhibitor LY2874455 efficiently activated autophagy and suppressed expression of proinflammatory factors in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Multiplex proteomic profiling identified the immunoproteasome, which is a specific isoform of the 20s constitutive proteasome, as a substrate that is degraded by selective autophagy. SQSTM1/p62 was found to be a selective autophagy-related receptor that mediated this degradation. Autophagy deficiency or p62 knockdown blocked the effects of LY2874455, leading to the accumulation of immunoproteasomes and increases in inflammatory reactions. Expression of proinflammatory factors in autophagy-deficient macrophages could be reversed by immunoproteasome inhibitors, confirming the pivotal role of immunoproteasome turnover in the autophagy-mediated suppression on the expression of proinflammatory factors. In mice, LY2874455 protected against LPS-induced acute lung injury and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and caused low levels of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoproteasomes. These findings suggested that selective autophagy of the immunoproteasome was a key regulator of signaling via the innate immune system.
Acceptability of emergent Aedes aegypti vector control methods in Ponce, Puerto Rico: A qualitative assessment
Authors: Pérez-Guerra Carmen L. , Rosado-Santiago Coral , Ramos Sue Anette , Marrero-Santos Karla Michelle , González-Zeno Gladys , Partridge Susanna K. , Rivera-Amill Vanessa , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Sánchez-González Liliana , Hayden Mary H.
Published: March 2024

Aedes aegypti control has been fraught with challenges in Puerto Rico. The government has implemented commonly used vector control methods, but arboviral epidemics still occur. It is necessary to explore new Ae. aegypti control methods. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of community members in Ponce, Puerto Rico about emergent and traditional Ae. aegypti vector control methods and determine their acceptability and support for these methods. We identified the type of information needed to increase support for emergent vector control methods, and the preferred strategies to disseminate this information. Four group discussions were conducted with a total of 32 participants representing eight of the 14 clusters participating in the Communities Organized for the Prevention of Arboviruses (COPA), a project designed to mobilize communities in Ponce, Puerto Rico to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Group discussions began with an overview of different methods used for controlling Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. These overviews facilitated participant understanding of the mosquito control methods presented. Use of source reduction, autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGO), and manual application of larvicide for arboviral mosquito control received support from almost all participants. Vector control methods that use more familiar techniques in Puerto Rico such as truck-mounted larvicide spraying (TMLS) and insecticide residual spraying received support from most participants. More than half of participants supported the use of emergent mosquito control methods including Wolbachia suppression, Wolbachia replacement, or genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM). Participants preferred to receive vector control information through house-to-house visits with the distribution of written materials, followed by dissemination of information through traditional (i.e., radio, television) and social media. The detailed information resulting from this study was used to develop messages for a communications campaign to garner future community support. Community acceptance and support are critical for the success of vector control programs using emergent mosquito control methods.
Exploring and prioritising strategies for improving uptake of postnatal care services in Thyolo, Malawi: A qualitative study
Authors: Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Chirwa Marumbo , Salimu Sangwani , Kumitawa Andrew , Chinkonde Jacqueline Rose , Chimuna Tiyese Jean , Dohlsten Martin , Chikwapulo Bongani , Senbete Mesfin , Gohar Fatima , Hailegebriel Tedbabe D. , Jackson Debra
Published: March 2024

Although postnatal care services form a critical component of the cascade of care in maternal, newborn, and child health the uptake of these services has remained low worldwide. This study explored and prioritised the strategies for optimising the uptake of postnatal care (PNC) services in Malawi. A qualitative descriptive study followed by nominal group techniques was conducted at three health facilities in Malawi from July to December 2020 and in October 2021. We conducted focus group discussions among postnatal mothers, fathers, healthcare workers, elderly women, and grandmothers. We conducted in-depth interviews with midwives and key health managers. Nominal group techniques were used to prioritise the main strategies for the provision of PNC. The demand strategies include appointment date reminders, provision of free health passport books, community awareness campaigns, and involvement of men in the services. The supply strategies included training health providers, improving clinic operations: task-shifting and hours of operation, having infrastructure for the services, and linkage to other services. Having services delivered near end-user residences was a crosscutting strategy. Refresher training and improvement in the clinic operations especially on hours of operation, appointment date reminders, and linkage to care were the prioritised strategies. There is a need to use acceptable and contextualised strategies to optimise the uptake and delivery of postnatal care services. Educating the healthcare workers and the community on postnatal services is key to increasing the demand and supply of the services.
Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on primary healthcare interventions for the reduction of under-5 mortality in Bangladesh: Lessons learned through implementation research
Authors: Amberbir Alemayehu , Huda Fauzia A. , VanderZanden Amelia , Mathewos Kedest , Ntawukuriryayo Jovial Thomas , Binagwaho Agnes , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges and threats to health systems, particularly affecting delivery of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to reduce under-5 mortality (U5M) in resource-limited settings such as Bangladesh. We explored the level of disruption of these EBIs, strategies and contextual factors associated with preventing or mitigating service disruptions, and how previous efforts supported the work to maintain EBIs during the pandemic. We utilized a mixed methods implementation science approach, with data from: 1) desk review of available literature; 2) existing District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) in Bangladesh; and 3) key informant interviews (KIIs), exploring evidence on changes in coverage, implementation strategies, and contextual factors influencing primary healthcare EBI coverage during March–December 2020. We used interrupted time series analysis (timeframe January 2019 to December 2020) using a Poisson regression model to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on DHIS2 indicators. We audio recorded, transcribed, and translated the qualitative data from KIIs. We used thematic analysis of coded interviews to identify emerging patterns and themes using the implementation research framework. Bangladesh had an initial drop in U5M-oriented EBIs during the early phase of the pandemic, which began recovering in June 2020. Barriers such as lockdown and movement restrictions, difficulties accessing medical care, and redirection of the health system’s focus to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in reduced health-seeking behavior and service utilization. Strategies to prevent and respond to disruptions included data use for decision-making, use of digital platforms, and leveraging community-based healthcare delivery. Transferable lessons included collaboration and coordination of activities and community and civil society engagement, and investing in health system quality. Countries working to increase EBI implementation can learn from the barriers, strategies, and transferable lessons identified in this work in an effort to reduce and respond to health system disruptions in anticipation of future health system shocks.
Risk factors for surgical site infection in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries: A meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Yang Zhan , Wang Dong , Yang Min , Deng Jianjun , Liu Yin
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries through meta-analysis.

Methods

Relevant original studies published from January 1945 to May 2023 were searched the CBM, PubMed, Embase, WOS, CNKI, Wanfang, vip, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies eligible were evaluated by two investigators following Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) criteria. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyse the combined effect sizes and test for heterogeneity, and Stata 14.0 software’s Begg’s Test and Egger’s Test were used to test for bias.

Results

13 case-control articles, including 860 cases in the case group and 13574 cases in the control group, met the inclusion criteria. Eventually, Our meta-analysis showed that SSI in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries was correlated with body mass index (BMI)≥24 (OR = 2.66; P < 0.0001), malignant lesions (OR = 4.65; P < 0.0001), operating time≥60min (OR = 2.58; P < 0.0001), intraoperative bleeding≥300ml (OR = 2.54; P < 0.0001), retained urinary catheter (OR = 4.45; P < 0.0001), and vaginal digital examination≥3times (OR = 2.52; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In this study, BMI≥24, intraoperative bleeding≥300ml, malignant lesions, operating time≥60min, retained urinary catheter, and vaginal digital examination≥3times were considered as independent risk factors for SSI in obstetrics and gynecology surgery. It is recommended that scholars be rigorous in designing the experimental process when conducting case-control or experimental studies in order to improve the quality of the study. Controlling patients’ weight before obstetrical and gynecological surgery, shortening the operation time intraoperatively, and strictly controlling the indications of vaginal digital examination and retained urinary catheter can effectively reduce the incidence of SSI.
Structural performance of the concrete-filled tube column with internal triangular units subjected to axial compression
Authors: Kim Jinwon , Lee Se-Jung , Ji Sang-Hyun , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a novel concrete-filled tube (CFT) column system featuring a steel tube comprised of four internal triangular units. The incorporation of these internal triangular units serves to reduce the width-thickness ratio of the steel tube and augment the effective confinement area of the infilled concrete. This design enhancement is anticipated to result in improved structural strength and ductility, contributing to enhanced overall performance and sustainability. To assess the effectiveness of the newly proposed column system, a full-scale test was conducted on five square steel tube column specimens subjected to axial compression. Among these specimens, two adhered to the conventional steel tube column design, while the remaining three featured the new CFT columns with internal triangular units. The shape of the CFT column, the presence of infilled concrete and the presence of openings on the ITUs were considered as test parameters. The test results reveal that the ductility of the newly proposed CFT column system exhibited a minimum 30% improvement compared to the conventional CFT column. In addition, the initial stiffness and axial compressive strength of the new system were found to be comparable to those of the conventional CFT column.
Paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being: Latent profile analysis and longitudinal assessment of relationships
Authors: Drinkwater Kenneth Graham , Denovan Andrew , Dagnall Neil
Published: March 2024

Within non-clinical samples the relationship between paranormal belief (PB) and well-being varies as a function of level of psychopathology. Accordingly, believers are best conceptualised as a heterogeneous set of sub-groups. The usefulness of previous findings has been restricted by conceptual methodological limitations. Specifically, overreliance on cross-sectional design, the assumption that believers constitute a homogeneous group, and consideration of direct effects. Acknowledging these limitations, the present study investigated whether profile membership derived from PB and psychopathology (schizotypy and manic-depressive experience) predicted well-being (i.e., stress, somatic complaints, life satisfaction and meaning in life) across time. Concurrently, analysis assessed the mediating effect of theoretically important variables (transliminality, happiness orientation, fearful and skeptical attitude). A sample of 1736 (Mage = 52, range = 18 to 88; 883 females, 845 males, eight non-binary) completed self-report measures indexing study constructs across time points. Latent profile analysis at baseline, identified three sub-groups varying in level of PB and psychopathology at baseline: Profile 1, moderate PB and high psychopathology; Profile 2, moderate PB and psychopathology; and Profile 3, moderate PB and low psychopathology. Path analysis demonstrated that Profile 1 (the highest psychopathology scoring profile) predicted higher negative and lower positive well-being over time in comparison with the other profiles. Moreover, Transliminality and Fearful Attitude positively mediated this relationship, whereas Skeptical Attitude produced negative mediation. These outcomes supported the presence of a sophisticated process underpinning the PB and well-being relationship. Overall, PB in the absence of psychopathology had no significant influence on well-being.
Quantifying the global film festival circuit: Networks, diversity, and public value creation
Authors: Zemaityte Vejune , Karjus Andres , Rohn Ulrike , Schich Maximilian , Ibrus Indrek
Published: March 2024

Film festivals are a key component in the global film industry in terms of trendsetting, publicity, trade, and collaboration. We present an unprecedented analysis of the international film festival circuit, which has so far remained relatively understudied quantitatively, partly due to the limited availability of suitable data sets. We use large-scale data from the Cinando platform of the Cannes Film Market, widely used by industry professionals. We explicitly model festival events as a global network connected by shared films and quantify festivals as aggregates of the metadata of their showcased films. Importantly, we argue against using simple count distributions for discrete labels such as language or production country, as such categories are typically not equidistant. Rather, we propose embedding them in continuous latent vector spaces. We demonstrate how these “festival embeddings” provide insight into changes in programmed content over time, predict festival connections, and can be used to measure diversity in film festival programming across various cultural, social, and geographical variables—which all constitute an aspect of public value creation by film festivals. Our results provide a novel mapping of the film festival circuit between 2009–2021 (616 festivals, 31,989 unique films), highlighting festival types that occupy specific niches, diverse series, and those that evolve over time. We also discuss how these quantitative findings fit into media studies and research on public value creation by cultural industries. With festivals occupying a central position in the film industry, investigations into the data they generate hold opportunities for researchers to better understand industry dynamics and cultural impact, and for organizers, policymakers, and industry actors to make more informed, data-driven decisions. We hope our proposed methodological approach to festival data paves way for more comprehensive film festival studies and large-scale quantitative cultural event analytics in general.
The influence of government ideology on the rate of e-waste recycling in the European Union countries
Authors: Arslan Erdal , Koyuncu Cuneyt , Yilmaz Rasim
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impact of government ideology on e-waste recycling in 30 European countries from 2008 to 2018. This study seeks to enhance the e-waste recycling literature by introducing a novel determinant, examining the unexplored relationship between government ideology and e-waste recycling rates in European countries, thus addressing a substantial research gap. Utilizing panel quantile regression on an unbalanced dataset, the findings revealed that the increased influence of right-wing parties in government was associated with lower e-waste recycling rates. Conversely, greater influence of left-wing or center-wing parties was correlated with higher recycling rates across all quantiles analyzed. The estimation results remain robust when different indicators of government ideology were employed. Overall, the study underscores the importance of political ideology in shaping e-waste recycling policies and environmental sustainability efforts. It emphasizes that effective policies should align with the political commitment of the governing body.
An affordable and immersive virtual reality-based exercise therapy in forward head posture
Authors: Asadzadeh Afsoon , Salahzadeh Zahra , Samad-Soltani Taha , Rezaei-Hachesu Peyman
Published: March 2024

Forward Head Posture (FHP) is one of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal abnormalities. Despite exercise therapy being an effective approach for FHP treatment, it can be long, monotonous, and tedious. Virtual reality (VR) can be used as an innovative solution to address these challenges. We designed an affordable and immersive VR-based exercise therapy (VRET) system for FHP correction. The VRET contents (i.e., exercises and VR scenarios) were determined by physiotherapists and game designers at the focus group meetings. Hardware requirements include a VR box, smartphone, and sensors (i.e., a smartphone accelerometer and an affordable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)) to measure head motions and transfer them via Wi-Fi to the VRET system. The IMU was designed using the MPU6050, Arduino Nano, and ESP8266-01S. Gwet’s AC1, Game Experience Questionnaires (GEQ), and System Usability Scale (SUS) were used to measure intra-rater reliability, user experience, and system usability, respectively. The determined exercises, including Capital Flexion-Extension and Chin Tuck, were designed in the form of a shooting game. A physiotherapist and twenty-one FHP individuals took part in evaluating the system. High precision was obtained for the designed IMU (i.e., pitch and roll < 0.1° and yaw < 1.3 °). Gwet’s AC1 and SUS results showed very good intra-rater reliability (coefficient = 0.892) and excellent usability (score = 87.14), respectively. According to the mean scores of the GEQ, participants were confident about competence, immersion, flow, and positive affect components. The development of low-cost VRET systems for FHP correction is a step towards facilitating rehabilitation challenges by providing positive experiences for users as well as helping them perform therapeutic exercises correctly.
YouTube as an information source for bleeding gums: A quantitative and qualitative analysis
Authors: Wu Jiali , Li Danlin , Lin Minkui
Published: March 2024

Gum bleeding is a common dental problem, and numerous patients seek health-related information on this topic online. The YouTube website is a popular resource for people searching for medical information. To our knowledge, no recent study has evaluated content related to bleeding gums on YouTube™. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of YouTube videos related to bleeding gums. A search was performed on YouTube using the keyword "bleeding gums" from Google Trends. Of the first 200 results, 107 videos met the inclusion criteria. The descriptive statistics for the videos included the time since upload, the video length, and the number of likes, views, comments, subscribers, and viewing rates. The global quality score (GQS), usefulness score, and DISCERN were used to evaluate the video quality. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney test, and Spearman correlation analysis. The majority (n = 69, 64.48%) of the videos observed were uploaded by hospitals/clinics and dentists/specialists. The highest coverage was for symptoms (95.33%). Only 14.02% of the videos were classified as "good". The average video length of the videos rated as "good" was significantly longer than the other groups (p <0.05), and the average viewing rate of the videos rated as "poor" (63,943.68%) was substantially higher than the other groups (p <0.05). YouTube videos on bleeding gums were of moderate quality, but their content was incomplete and unreliable. Incorrect and inadequate content can significantly influence patients’ attitudes and medical decisions. Effort needs to be expended by dental professionals, organizations, and the YouTube platform to ensure that YouTube can serve as a reliable source of information on bleeding gums.
Performance evaluation and application of host-specific Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA markers to identify sources of fecal contamination in river water in Japan
Authors: Malla Bikash , Yamamoto Kazuki , Furukawa Kotomi , Haramoto Eiji
Published: March 2024

Microbial source tracking (MST) using host-specific Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers is an efficient tool to identify the sources of fecal contamination in environmental water. This study evaluated and updated the previously reported performances of seven host-specific Bacteroidales markers (three human-, two cattle-, and two pig-specific). Additionally, the performance of a cattle-specific Bovine mtDNA and a pig-specific Swine mtDNA marker were evaluated and then applied to MST of river water samples collected in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. We collected 48 fecal-source samples, including raw sewage, secondary-treated sewage, an effluent of a domestic wastewater treatment tank, pig feces, pig wastewater, and cattle feces, which were quantitatively analyzed using host-specific Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers. BacHum and gyrB markers (human-specific), BacR and Bovine mtDNA markers (cattle-specific), and Pig2Bac and Swine mtDNA markers (pig-specific) were judged the best-performing markers. Then, these selected markers were applied to MST to identify the sources of fecal contamination in 59 river water samples collected at 21 sites. Of them, 20 (95%), 21 (100%), and 16 (76%) sites were positive for at least one human, cattle, and pig marker, respectively, indicating the need for immediate action and monitoring to control fecal pollution.
estelas romanas de Tudanca de Ebro (Los Altos, Burgos) y Cerezo de Río Tirón (Burgos)
Authors: Carcedo de Andrés Bruno P.
Published: March 2024

Este trabajo presenta dos estelas procedentes de las localidades burgalesas de Tudanca de Ebro (Los Altos) y Cerezo de Río Tirón, cuyas características dan la oportunidad de revisar otras dos estelas ya documentadas en las mismas localidades.
Los infinitivos en eslavo antiguo y su origen nominal
Authors: Madariaga Nerea
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo describimos los rasgos arcaicos de las construcciones de infinitivo en las lenguas eslavas tempranas como vestigios de una situación lingüística anterior en las que las formas de infinitivo proceden de nominalizaciones deverbales en posición adverbial, modificadas por distintos casos gramaticales. Más concretamente, analizamos las siguientes propiedades de estas construcciones: el valor declarativo de las oraciones de infinitivo independientes, la existencia de varias formas de infinitivo que se retrotraen a distintos casos gramaticales, el uso de oraciones de infinitivo finales sin conjunciones subordinantes y la independencia sintáctica de las oraciones infinitivas semánticamente dependientes de un verbo conjugado en una oración principal (independencia en la referencia temporal y en la referencia del sujeto). En contraste, ofrecemos ejemplos de épocas posteriores, en las que estas propiedades se perdieron.
La muerte de Esopo y el mito de Neoptólemo: ¿un caso de parodia mítica?
Authors: Acerbo Stefano
Published: March 2024

La muerte de Esopo se ha comparado a menudo con la de Neoptólemo, también asesinado en Delfos, de suerte que las semejanzas ente ambos relatos han llevado recientemente a los investigadores a sugerir que la historia sobre el fabulista haya podido surgir como parodia de un mito oficial de origen délfico. Sin embargo, el presente artículo pretende demostrar que esta hipótesis no presta la debida atención a las diferencias existentes tanto dentro de las tradiciones biográficas sobre Esopo como entre estas y las referidas a Neoptólemo. El análisis de las diferentes variantes demuestra que la biografía de Esopo ha ido asumiendo progresivamente una forma parecida al mito, a través de un proceso de transformación en gran parte independiente de las tradiciones sobre Neoptólemo. Los posibles efectos cómicos ofrecidos por la comparación entre dos personajes tan diferentes se encuentran solo en época imperial, en la obra de un autor muy peculiar, como es Ptolomeo Queno, que se vale de esta semejanza con fines paródicos.
Mythological Burlesque, Parody, and Literary Games, from Epicharmus to Aristophanes
Authors: Konstantakos Ioannis
Published: March 2024

The literary history of mythological comedy, from Epicharmus, the inventor of the genre, to the Attic dramatists, is permeated by intertextual relations and cross-references between individual authors. Cratinus took over the Epicharmean form of myth burlesque and combined it with political satire of Athenian public life. Cratinus’ mythical plays owe to Epicharmus a number of comic themes and dramaturgical patterns: the portrayal of the cannibalistic Cyclops as a gourmet, the games of disguise and role-playing, the sophisticated meta-literary exploitation of the epic tradition and of the spectators’ Homeric knowledge. Aristophanes avoided full-scale myth burlesque in his acme, but he included individual vignettes of mythical parody in his complex polyphonic plots. The scene of the three gods’ embassy at the finale of the Birds employs all the typical techniques of mythological comedy.
Spatial and temporal distribution of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Algeria from 2014 to 2022
Authors: Guessoum Meryem , Adnane Mounir , Baazizi Ratiba , Derguini Madina-Saliha
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a major transboundary animal ailment in Algeria, is a serious economic burden on the livestock sector. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Algeria and identifies the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

Materials and Methods: Data on FMD cases occurring in Algeria from 2014 to 2022 were collected from various sources, including archives at the Ministry of Agriculture, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, reference laboratory reports, and unpublished scientific reports. The data were compiled and analyzed using MS Office Excel® and SPSS® software.

Results: A total of 22,690 FMD cases and 1,141 outbreaks were reported in Algeria between 2014 and 2022. The apex of infections occurred in 2014 (34.5%), followed by an increase in the number of infections in 2019 and 2017. The prevalence of FMD extended to 91.6% of the districts of the country, particularly in the north (center) and eastern regions. Cows were the most affected, with 654 outbreaks and more than 3,665 cases. Although FMD affected all four regions, there was a statistically significant long-term decline in the incidence.

Conclusion: These spatial and temporal trends underscore the robust disease control methodologies implemented by the Algerian government, such as the strategic immunization of livestock to fortify their viral resistance, stringent constraints on animal mobility, and enlightenment of farmers regarding the hazards associated with unrestricted livestock movement to effectively curb FMD dissemination.

Keywords: control measures, distribution, foot-and-mouth disease, livestock, outbreaks.
Harmful impact of exceptional cold air outbreak in april 1997 on silver fir in Croatia
Authors: Dimic Danko , Hrastovec Boris , Glavas Milan , Potocic Nenad
Published: March 2024

After a severe outbreak of cold air in mid and late April in 1997, locally occurring damages on twigs and needles of silver fir were recorded in some forests in Croatia. Field examinations in the first half of July 1997 revealed the damages on one-year and older needles while fully developed twigs of current year growth were left intact. Southern and western slopes with fir growing forests rep­ resented typically affected sites. Further laboratory analyses confirmed the field observation that no harmful insect or pathogens were the cause of these damages. Spread of symptoms, expressed more heavily at lower elevations, indicated a prob­ able connection with recent exceptionally cold air outbreak in mid-April. Physiological disturbances caused by potassium deficiency are discussed in the light of specific occurrences of damage symptoms on silver fir trees.
Respiration rate and respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity of chironomid larvae from mountain lakes (NW Slovenia)
Authors: Simic Tatjana
Published: March 2024

Respiration rate (R) and electron transport system (ETS) activity were measured in larvae of four chironomid species, Chironomus thummi (Kieffer), Paratanytarsus austriacus (Kieffer), Procladius (Holotanypus) spp., and Zavrelimyia barbatipes (Kieffer) from three mountain lakes. ETS activity and res­ piration rate, measured at a standard temperature of 20 °C, differed significantly between species (ANOVA: p<0.001). ETS activity ranged from 10.3 µL 02 mg-1 DW h-1 for Zavrelimyia to 27.6 µL 02 mg1DW h-1 for Paratanytarsus. The lowest respiration rate was observed for Procladius (4.0 µL 02 mg·1DW h-1) and the high­ est for Paratanytarsus (12.4 µL 02 mg·1DW h-1). ETS activity and respiration rate of chironomids decreased with increasing size of the animals (p<0.001); b values for ETS activity and respiration rate were 0.82 and 0.66, respectively. Respiration rate correlated significantly with ETS activity for all four species investigated. This study revealed that the ETS/R ratio differed between species (ANOVA: p<0.001). A low ratio (0.98) was determined for Zavrelimyia, while Procladius showed the highest value (3.88). The differences can be explained by body size, and the eco­ logical preference and tolerance of each chironomid species.
Profesor dr. Miroslav Zei - devetdesetletnik
Authors: Tarman Kazimir , Stirn Jože
Published: March 2024

Profesor Miroslav Zeise je rodil 25. julija 1914 v Nabrezini pri Trstu. Po italijanski zasedbi Trsta se je druzina Zeijevih umaknila v Slovenijo. Nov dom so nasli v Mariboru. Tu je mladi Miro !eta 1932 maturiral. Po maturi se je vpisal na Filozofsko fakulteto v Ljubljani. Odlocil se je za studij biologije, se posebno ga je pritegnila zoologija. Ze leta 1936 je diplomiral in takoj zacel pripravljati doktorsko tezo. Minila so le stiri !eta po diplomi in ze je obranil disertacijo:«Prispevek k morfologi­ji in sistemujadranskih vrst druzine Maenidae (giric)« in bi! potem promoviran za doktorja filozof­skih ved.
A Study on The Factors That Affect Employees’ Performance in the Banking Sector in Malacca, Malaysia
Authors: Zainisham Nurhudatul Haziqah , Zaman Maliza Delima Kamarul
Published: March 2024

Employees’ performance is the main issue in the current situation especially since Covid-19. Covid-19 has compelled every sector of society to adopt technology and banking sector was no exception. This means employees must be able to use technology to work from office or home as the new norm. Better performance can only be accomplished when employees use their individual talents to boost the organization's performance. This is because employees’ performance is crucial to organizations in the twenty-first century. It enables the organizations to compete advantageously with other businesses in the ever-changing environment. Therefore, this study will be carried out to examine the relationship between motivation, job design, management style, working conditions, workplace reward and training development on employees’ performance. Stratified random sampling will be employed in this study with the respondents of employees from selected banks in Hang Tuah Jaya, Malacca. In this study, the population number of banking employees would be 250 and the sample size of employees in the selected banking sector in Hang Tuah Jaya, Malacca is 152. The pilot test was successfully carried out with a sample size of 35 employees of the banking sector. The data from this study will be collected through the distribution of the questionnaire. To answer the research questions, the data will be analyzed with correlation and regression of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 28).
Home Away from Home: Excitement or Agitation? Revisiting International Students Adaptability to Life in Malaysia
Authors: Jamaludin Nor Lelawati , Farradina Syarifah , Wee Nur Melissa binti Mohammad Faisal , Sadik Mohd Zaki Bin , Jamil Norina Ahmad , Mahpar Nurul Salizawatee , Sani Nur Zania Azurin Abdullah
Published: March 2024

The act of relocating from one's nation of origin is frequently perceived as a formidable experience in the lives of sojourners. Several studies and models examining adjustment speculate that either euphoria or agitation can characterize the initial period of a vacation. This study examines the initial experiences of 9 International Postgraduate students through a case study approach, utilising interviews to determine whether their early phase of adjustment was characterised by feelings of euphoric or agitated in nature. The results of the study indicated that participants reported an array of experiences, some of which were positive and others negative. Individual preferences and previous encounters influenced these experiences. Another significant discovery of this research pertained to the pre-departure phase of the students' sojourn, indicating that the psychological aspects of the experience commence well in advance of their initial arrival in Malaysia. This study has the potential to provide a foundation for future research and inform the Department of International Affairs in developing programme components that facilitate the adaption of international students.
The Effectiveness of Digital Marketing Towards SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zamri Nur Atiqah Binti , Abdul Rahim Ramita , Norizan Norsabrena Binti
Published: March 2024

The adoption of digital marketing has become crucial for many organizations, particularly among SMEs, emerging as a key business element. This research aims to investigate the digital marketing strategies embraced by SMEs and their impact on these enterprises. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, 21 studies out of 132 meeting the search criteria are examined, with a focus on digital marketing practices. Through this analysis, 17 factors are identified as the effects of digital marketing strategies on SMEs. Consequently, this paper serves as a valuable resource for organizations looking to implement digital marketing applications in SMEs. This systematic literature assessment explores the efficacy of digital advertising in enhancing the business performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The study begins by highlighting the significance of SMEs in the business performance. It establishes a conceptual framework outlining the essential components of digital marketing practices within SMEs, encompassing aspects like website development, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, SEO, PPC advertising, and more. The investigation delves into various facets of digital advertising strategies, platforms, and tools utilized by SMEs, analyzing the key factors that influence SMEs in adopting digital marketing practices. Internal factors, such as digital marketing knowledge, organizational culture, resource allocation, and leadership support, are explored alongside external factors like market competition, technological infrastructure, government policies, and consumer behavior.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels and Longitudinal Motor and Cognitive Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Choi Ko-Eun , Ryu Dong-Woo , Oh Yoon-Sang , Kim Joong-Seok
Published: March 2024

Objective Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus have been identified as poor prognostic factors for motor and nonmotor outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), although there is some controversy with this finding. In the present study, we investigated the effects of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels on longitudinal motor and cognitive outcomes in PD patients.Methods We included a total of 201 patients who were diagnosed with PD between January 2015 and January 2020. The patients were categorized based on FPG level into euglycemia (70 mg/dL < FPG < 100 mg/dL), intermediate glycemia (100 mg/dL ≤ FPG < 126 mg/dL), and hyperglycemia (FPG ≥ 126 mg/dL), and longitudinal FPG trajectories were analyzed using group-based trajectory modeling. Survival analysis was conducted to determine the time until motor outcome (Hoehn and Yahr stage ≥ 2) and the conversion from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment.Results Among the patient cohort, 82 had euglycemia, 93 had intermediate glycemia, and 26 had hyperglycemia. Intermediate glycemia (hazard ratio 1.747, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.083–2.816, p = 0.0221) and hyperglycemia (hazard ratio 3.864, 95% CI 1.996–7.481, p < 0.0001) were found to be significant predictors of worsening motor symptoms. However, neither intermediate glycemia (hazard ratio 1.183, 95% CI 0.697–2.009, p = 0.5339) nor hyperglycemia (hazard ratio 1.297, 95% CI 0.601–2.800, p = 0.5078) demonstrated associations with the longitudinal progression of cognitive impairment. Diabetes mellitus, defined by self-reported medical history, was not related to poor motor or cognitive impairment outcomes.Conclusion Our results suggest that both impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia could be associated with motor progression in PD patients.
Detection of serum interleukin-18 level and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and its clinical significance
Authors: Liu Changning
Published: March 2024

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of changes in interleukin-18 (IL-18) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the pathogenesis of AAV and the impact of NLR on the prognosis of patients. The clinical data of 52 AAV patients (AAV group) who met the conditions of hospitalization, 30 patients with mild mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (disease controls), and 30 healthy volunteers (normal controls) in Nephrology Department of Liuzhou People’s Hospital from May 2020 to August 2022 were selected. A total of 52 AAV patients were divided into active phase (>15 points) and remission phase (≤15 points) based on the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). Serum IL-18 level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in three groups. Pearson product moment correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between serum IL-18 levels and clinical laboratory indicators, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on serum IL-18, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, and NLR in AAV patients. The levels of serum creatinine, parathyroid hormone, β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), ESR, CRP, and IL-18 in active stage of AAV were significantly higher than those in remission stage of AAV. Moreover, the serum IL-18 level of active AAV patients was significantly higher than that of disease control group (P < 0.05). The levels of eGFR, hemoglobin, and complement C3 were significantly lower than those during the remission (P < 0.05). Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that serum IL-18 level in AAV patients was positively correlated with BVAS score and ESR level. The area under the curve of serum IL-18, NLR, CRP, ESR levels evaluated by ROC curve was 0.921, 0.899, 0.83, and 0.75, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rate of patients in low NLR group was significantly higher than that in high NLR group (68.36 vs 42.89%), with significant difference (Log-Rank = 6.745, P = 0.025 < 0.05). IL-18 may be adopted as one of the important biological markers to judge the disease of AAV, and the cumulative survival rate of patients with high NLR is low, which may be applied as an indicator to evaluate the poor prognosis of patients with AAV.
Cannabis sativa L. essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial properties, and acute toxicity: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico study
Authors: El-Mernissi Rafik , El Menyiy Naoual , Moubachir Rania , Zouhri Aziz , El-Mernissi Yahya , Siddique Farhan , Nadeem Sumaira , Ibork Hind , El Barnossi Azeddin , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Bourhia Mohammed , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Abboussi Oualid , Hajji Lhoussain
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the volatile components of Cannabis sativa L. essential oils (CSEOs) and their pharmacological potential in vitro, in animal, and in silico. The anti-oxidant capacities of volatile compounds were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-microbial activity against bacterial and fungal strains was assessed using disk diffusion and micro-dilution, and acute toxicity was examined on mice using OECD 423 criteria. The results indicate that the main components were β-caryophyllene (31.54%), α-humulene (12.62%), β-myrcene (4.83%), and α-pinene (4.69%). The essential oil showed high anti-oxidant ability (IC50 = 0.981 ± 0.059 mg/ml for DPPH, EC50 = 1.74 ± 0.05 for FRAP), and TAC of 0.101 ± 0.001 mg AAE/g. Additionally, it showed significant antibacterial action against Gram-negative organisms, such as Escherichia coli (11.33 ± 0.00 mm), Klebsiella pneumonia (9 ± 0.00 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.34 ± 0.00), with MICs ranging from 0.0052 to 0.0208 mg/CSEO demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Fusarium proliferatum, with activity levels of 18.66 ± 0.88 mm, 41.89 ± 3.60%, and MICs of 0.39 and 0.013 mg/ml, respectively. In toxicological studies, CSEO proved to be safe for animals. Docking identified bioactive components and explored anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties. Docking proved that bulnesol and champacol caused indicated actions.