bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Great Yes or the Great No
Authors: Koncewicz Tomasz Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

As we gear up for the most consequential elections in Poland since 1989, the situation on the ground after 8 years of the paranoid polarizing and no-holds-barred politics, forces all those concerned about the future, to ask where Poland is heading. On 14 October 2023, we must understand that POLEXIT is much more than a mere dispute over institutions, rule of law, judicial independence, etc. What is at stake now is incomparably greater. It is the defense of a certain way of life, values and belonging to a community of law and values, a civic Poland in Europe and Europe in civic Poland and finally of “Me and You” as part of Europe.
The Sound of RBG
Authors: Grochowski Mateusz
Published: December 2023

The year 2023, which is slowly approaching its end, has marked a twofold jubilee of the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is both the 90th anniversary of her birth and the 30th anniversary of her Supreme Court appointment. Her immense impact on US law and culture has been honored in a variety of ways, from a special issue of the Harvard Law Review and a ship’s name to a LEGO figure. One dimension of her remembrance, however, often escapes notice, although it offers a unique understanding of RBG’s legacy. This dimension is classical music. Music history has on many occasions venerated living or recently deceased contemporaries – it is enough to mention Verdi’s Requiem and the tangled ways of Beethoven’s Eroica dedication. It is, however, an extremely rare form of tribute when extended to lawyers for the sake of their legal accomplishments as such. Let's take a look.
Carbonate�Corganic decoupling during the first Neoproterozoic carbon isotope excursion
Authors: Mitchell Ross N. , Feng Lianjun , Zhang Zhiyue , Peng Peng
Published: December 2023

The Neoproterozoic Era (1000�C539 Ma) experienced repeated negative carbon isotope excursions, representing the largest negative excursions in Earth history and their origins remain enigmatic. One salient observation is that unlike younger Phanerozoic carbon isotope excursions that almost exclusively exhibit covariation in the carbon isotopes of carbonate and organic carbon, about half of Neoproterozoic excursions are expressed in carbonate carbon isotopes (��13Ccarb) but their organic carbon isotopes (��13Corg) lack the same anomaly. Documenting which excursions exhibit carbonate�Corganic coupling or decoupling may provide a possible clue as to the enigmatic dynamics of the anomalous Neoproterozoic carbon cycle. We report here that a newly recognized and the first Neoproterozoic carbon isotope anomaly also exhibits decoupling. Thus, the ca. 940 Ma Majiatun anomaly now represents the oldest-known decoupled Neoproterozoic excursion��300 m.y. earlier than previously thought. Ruling out altogether or mostly merely localized artifacts such as diagenesis, changes in water depth, and contamination of detrital organic matter, we interpret this new evidence of carbonate�Corganic ��13C decoupling in the context of other anomalies through time. Although the remineralization of a large pool of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was proposed to explain late Neoproterozoic ��13C decoupled anomalies, our earlier evidence of decoupling suggests this pool was much more ancient. Our new data also require the temporal oscillation between decoupling and coupling of the Neoproterozoic carbon cycle, implying a dynamic diminution of the large Precambrian DOC pool reflective of the rising but equally variable oxygenation of the oceans and rise of animal life at this time.
Save The Tiger
Authors: Rathor Sumit
Published: December 2023

Clothing manufacturer Harry Stoner Jack Lemmon mourns the loss of his youthful idealism even as he seals his fate by arranging to have an arsonist Thayer David torch his faltering factory for the insurance settlement Stoner's conflicts with himself
Virtual Programming Laboratory in Collaborative Inquiry Learning to Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills for Work Readiness in the Industrial World
Authors: Susanti Wilda , Tendra Gusrio , Siswati Sri , Nasution Torkis , Panyahuti  , Simeru Arden
Published: December 2023

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using Virtual programming Lab software as a practicum tool in inquiry learning, collaboration, and increasing the ability of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) students who take programming courses.  Pseudo-experimental studies are designed with experimental and control groups. This research was attended by 35 first-semester students from the Pelita Indonesia Informatics Engineering Study Program. Quantitative methods are used to determine students' HOTS levels and their acceptance of the use of virtual programming labs as computer practicum tools. The data analysis technique used is the Kolmogrof Smirnov technique. For inquiry-based collaborative learning using 7 stages of learning. The effectiveness of virtual programming with collaborative inquiry learning through HOTS questions is tested with the N-gain test. Based on the findings, it is stated that virtual programming applications with collaborative inquiry learning in programming courses are quite effective in improving students' higher-order thinking skills with an average N Gain of 60%. The ability of students to do HOTS questions in C4, C5, and C6 has increased after post-tests in experimental classes.
TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP KELUARGA TERHADAP UPAYA PENCEGAHAN KEBAKARAN RUMAH DI DESA TANJUNGRASA KECAMATAN PATOKBEUSI KABUPATEN SUBANG TAHUN 2022
Authors: Diana Fauziatul Anwar  , Sudiono  , Saleh Budi Santoso
Published: December 2023

Kebakaran rumah merupakan kejadian yang tidak diinginkan karena dapat menimbulkan kerugian hingga mengancam jiwa. Keluarga sebagai sistem proteksi utama harus dibekali dengan pengetahuan dan sikap yang baik dalam melakukan upaya pencegahan terhadap kebakaran rumah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap keluarga terhadap upaya pencegahan kebakaran rumah di Desa Tanjungrasa Kecamatan Patokbeusi Kabupaten Subang Tahun 2022. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah korelasional analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel penelitian menggunakan teknik random sampling dengan jumlah 87 responden. Uji analisis bivariat menggunakan chi-square untuk menganalisis adanya hubungan tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap keluarga terhadap upaya pencegahan kebakaran rumah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan responden dengan tingkat pengetahuan baik (56,3%), sikap baik (54%) dan tingkat pencegahan kebakaran baik (56,3%). Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan tingkat pengetahuan terhadap upaya pencegahan kebakaran rumah dengan nilai p value 0,000, sedangkan untuk hasil analisis hubungan sikap keluarga terhadap upaya pencegahan kebakaran rumah dengan nilai p value 0,005. Kesimpulannya terdapat hubungan antara tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap keluarga terhadap upaya pencegahan kebakaran rumah.
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP PEKERJA TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN APD DENGAN KECELAKAAN KERJA PADA INDUSTRI PENGELASAN DI DESA LABUAPI, KECAMATAN LABUAPI, KABUPATEN LOMBOK BARAT
Authors: Restu Kurniawan  , Dany Karmila  , Sukandriani Utami  , Dewi Utary
Published: December 2023

Kecelakaan kerja merupakan salah satu permasalahan yang sering terjadi pada pekerja di perusahaan. Kecelakaan kerja pada pengelasan dapat diakibatkan oleh 2 aspek, yaitu aspek manusia dan area. Aspek manusia berkaitan dengan tindakan penggunaan APD yang kurang baik akibat kurangnya pengetahuan dan sikap terhadap penggunaannya. Penelitian ini menganalisis hubungan pengetahuan dan sikap pekerja terhadap penggunaan APD dengan kecelakaan kerja pada industri pengelasan di Desa Labuapi, Kecamatan Labuapi, Kabupaten Lombok Barat. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross sectional. Sampel penelitian adalah seluruh pekerja bengkel las di Labuapi sejumlah 69 responden. Data diperoleh dari kuesioner dan dianalisis dengan Rank Spearman. Hasil analisis menunjukkan hubungan signifikan antara pengetahuan penggunaan APD dengan kecelakaan kerja (p= 0,00; R2= -0,727) dan sikap penggunaan APD dengan kecelakaan kerja (p == 0,00; R2= -0,561). Kesimpulannya, pengetahuan dan sikap pekerja terhadap penggunaan APD berkaitan dengan kecelakaan kerja. Pengetahuan yang baik dan sikap setuju terhadap penggunaan APD dapat mengurangi risiko kecelakaan kerja.
A Comprehensive Review on Cell Death
Authors: Mithun Mahmudul Hasan , Kar Auditi , Prome Sumyta Mehzabin , Jahan Israt , Akter Afsana , Hasan Sayed Eqramul
Published: December 2023

A fundamental pathophysiological process, apoptosis is also a crucial stage in healthy growth and life. Despite the fact that a variety of triggers can cause cell death, the mode of cell death often follows distinct patterns. Necrosis is a non-physiological process that happens as a result of infection or injury. Apoptosis, also known as Type I cell death, and autophagy, often known as Type II cell death, are both types of planned cell death. Necrosis, which can take many various forms, is the death of cells brought on by outside forces like injury or infection. Necroptosis, a type of programmed necrosis, has recently been identified as an additional type of designed cell death. Necroptosis is thought to work as a cell-death fallback when apoptosis signaling is inhibited by endogenous or external elements like viruses or mutations. Cornification is a distinct process of terminal differentiation and programmed cell death that epidermal keratinocytes go through. The creation of the outermost skin barrier is a result of cornification. An overview of the various types of cell death and their mechanisms is provided in this review paper.
Registration of Knee Articulating Surface Utilizing a Portable Handheld Laser Scanner: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Meftah Morteza , Habibi Akram A. , Goodchild Gordon
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

Image-based navigation systems for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) require intra-operative registration of anatomical landmarks to the pre-operative images. Unfortunately, this process is long, tedious, and involves multiple steps with an optical tracking probe to bony identify landmarks. We hypothesized that use of a handheld laser scanner can achieve an accurate and fast registration of the cartilage surface.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for six cadavers and images were segmented to produce 3-dimenstional (3D) models of the articulating surface of the tibia and femur using commercial software (MIMICS, Materialise). A portable, hand-held laser scanner (E4D Technologies) was used to generate surface models of the same tibia and femur. An iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm was then used to align the handheld scans to the MRI scans. The accuracy of the registration fit was determined by the Root Mean Square (RMS) difference between the two surfaces.

RESULTS

There were a total of 72 scans. All 6 cadaveric knees were successfully registered to their MRI images with <1mm mean RMS error. The mean time for successful registration was 54 +/- 24 seconds. The inter- and intra-observer reliability were 0.92 and 0.87 respectively.

CONCLUSION

A handheld laser scanner can produce fast and accurate registration of the tibia and femur during a TKA. Registration was accurate within less than 1mm with multiple operators of different training. Further studies should assess in vivo accuracy of scanned bone topography and implant positioning compared to other technologies.
تطور الجريمة السيبرانية والآليات القانونية للتصدي لها في ظل التحولات الجيوسياسية
Authors:   كلية الحقوق بن يوسف بن خدة –جامعة الجزائر, بيطام سميرة
Published: December 2023

في السنوات الأخيرة تشهد الدول تحولات جيوسياسية كبيرة ومؤثرة، بدأت بتغيير توجه النظام العالمي المتسم بأحادية القطب ، ما جعل الدول تتأهب لأن تحمي نفسها واقتصادها وحقوق مواطنيها ضد ما يسمى بالجريمة السيبرانية والتي تُعتبر حربا جديدة الأسلوب والنتائج ان هي قُورنت بالحرب الكلاسيكية والبيولوجية . فقد أفرزت التحولات التكنولوجية والتقنية الحديثة تطورات في استخدام وسائل التواصل وكذا المنصات الرقمية من أجل تسهيل عملية الوصول للآخر، هذا الوصول الذي يكون في بعض الأحيان غير مشروع نظرا لما يسببه من تهديدات أمنية سواء على الشخص الطبيعي أو المعنوي ، ما جعل الجريمة المعاصرة تأخذ لها شكلا ومنحى جديدا ذو طابع معقد ومتعدد المجالات بوساطة الفضاء الافتراضي. وهذا ما دفع المؤسسات الأمنية لجميع الدول ان تكون في حالة استنفار في مجال الرقمنة الأمنية حماية للمعلومات وصونا للحقوق سواء الفكرية أو المالية أو الإقليمية في شقها الأمني، ما جعل نوع التدابير المتخذة مغاير تماما للجريمة العادية سواء (سرقة أو قتل أو إرهاب حقيقي) لأن مسرح الجريمة اليوم لم يبقى في شكله التقليدي الذي يستلزم تطويقه والحفاظ عليه لتحريز الأدلة منه ، بل تغير الى مسرح جريمة افتراضي يستلزم آليات جديدة لاكتشاف هذا النوع من الاجرام ووضع الخطط البديلة للتصدي له .
توظيف الذكاء الاصطناعي في عملية صنع القرار السياسي الخارجي
Authors:   رئاسة الجامعة العراقية/قسم التسجيل وشؤون الطلبة, سامي علي غسان
Published: December 2023

ساهمت هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد ماهية الذكاء الإصطناعي ونشأته وأهم أنواعه وأبعاده، وبيان مفهوم صنع القرار السياسي الخارجي ومراحله، فضلاً عن معالجة دور تقنيات الذكاء واثرها على مدى فاعلية صنع القرار السياسي الخارجي، إذ تبين في ان تطبيقات الذكاء الإصطناعي تساعد في بناء نماذج محاكاة لإتخاذ القرارات في السياسة الخارجية، فقدرات الذكاء الإصطناعي قادرة على معالجة كم هائل من البيانات المخزنة عن العلاقات الدولية، والرأي العام، فضلاً عن مواقف وتحالفات الدول لتحضير حزمة من الخيارات والبدائل الداعمة في عملية صنع القرار السياسي الخارجي، إذ ستكون تلك البدائل قادرة على التعامل مع الازمات الناشئة والمواقف الدولية الطارئة، ومن المعلوم ان عملية صنع القرار آخذت تتسع نطاقاتها وتتشعب في كافة المجالات الاقتصادية، الاجتماعية، السياسية، العسكرية وغيرها، وتؤثر فيها بشكلٍ كبير تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي، لتجعلها أكثر فاعلية سواء كان ذلك في أوقات السلم أو الحرب.
Decentralized Control and Obstacle Avoidance in Autonomous Cooperative Transport System
Authors: Alif A. , Kavitha C. S. , Sreeja S.
Published: December 2023

Autonomous cooperative transport has been a receptive research hotspot for decades. The main concern is to find the effective coordination among autonomous agents to perform the task in order to achieve overall performance accuracy. In this paper, a multi-robot system performing a payload manipulation task where the participating robots do not have any knowledge regarding other robots in the system or the payload dynamics is considered. A decentralized proportional-derivative control strategy by which the multi-robot system can organize itself and adapt dynamically to changing circumstances is proposed. The decentralized controller is augmented with an orientation control by which the payload in transport attains a desired angular orientation at the target location. An obstacle avoidance strategy using an artificial potential field method is incorporated to avoid any obstacle in its transport path. The transport systemis simulated with uniform and non-uniform distributions of robots around the payload, for transportation as well as obstacle avoidance scenarios.
PRO som bro til en helhedsorienteret tilgang til patienter med hæmatologiske kræftformer - En kritisk perspektivering
Authors: Thestrup Hansen Stine , Kjerholt Mette
Published: December 2023

Introduktion

Der er evidens for, at kommunikationen mellem sundhedsprofessionelle og patienter forbedres, når Patientrapporterede Oplysninger (PRO) anvendes aktivt i kliniske konsultationer. PRO kan bidrage til en personcentreret og helhedsorienteret pleje og behandling samt understøtte at beslutninger træffes på et fælles grundlag.  Anvendelse af PRO har vundet indpas på danske hospitaler, men der mangler endnu viden om potentialet ved anvendelse af PRO i sygeplejefaglige konsultationer med hæmatologiske patienter, som har langvarige behandlings- og plejeforløb.

 

Studiet ”PRO i praksis”

På den baggrund iværksatte Hæmatologisk Afdeling på Sjællands Universitetshospital et multi-metode studie om PRO i praksis. Formålet med studiet var blandt andet, at undersøge om sygeplejerskers brug af PRO i praksis understøttede en helhedsorienteret tilgang til pleje og behandling af patienter diagnosticeret med kroniske hæmatologiske kræftformer.

Studiet var et kvalitativt etnografisk studie som foregik fra 2016 til 2020. Analysen var inspireret af Habermas’ kritiske teori.

 

Resultater

I alt blev 9 sygeplejersker observeret under deres konsultationer med patienter og efterfølgende interviewet. Studiet viste, at sygeplejerskerne oplevede informationerne som de fik via PRO-data understøttende for deres arbejde med pleje og behandling til patienterne. Sygeplejerskerne havde imidlertid ikke rammer og muligheder for at bruge PRO aktivt under konsultationerne i den tid der var til rådighed, idet sygeplejerskerne prioriterede tiden til drøftelse af blodprøvesvar og instrumentel medicinsk behandling.

 

Konklusion

Det er stadig uvist om PRO kan fremme en personcentreret og helhedsorienteret sygepleje til patienter med hæmatologiske kroniske kræftformer, og om brugen af PRO kan indfries indenfor de aktuelle organisatoriske rammer og vilkår, som sygeplejen i en hospitalskontekst udøves i.
The Influence of Economic Digital Ecosystems on the Formation of Social Representations of the Subject
Authors: Kalinin Dmitrii Vasilievich , Nikitina Elena Alexandrovna
Published: December 2023

The object of research is the transformation of the social representations of the subject in the digital communication environment, the transformation of social representations in economic digital ecosystems is highlighted as the subject. The relevance of the topic is due to the growing convergence of digital, cognitive and social technologies in the emerging digital society, and, as a consequence, the inclusion of information and digital technologies in the system of social interactions. The study is aimed at identifying the ways and mechanisms of influence of economic digital ecosystems on the social perceptions and values of the subject. Accordingly, the article examines the features and goals of economic digital ecosystems emerging in the process of development of the digital economy. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the features of digital communication in economic ecosystems, which create new opportunities and ways of influencing ecosystems on the formation and dissemination of social ideas. The methodological basis of the study is made up of structural-functional and systemic-communicative approaches to the study of the processes of transformation of social ideas and values of the subject. The main conclusion of the study is the following: in the information society, the influence of digital economic ecosystems, aimed at constructing the digital environment of society, on the formation and transmission of social ideas, is increasing. The growth in influence is largely due to the high adaptability of ecosystems to the individuality of the consumer and the digital capabilities of personalizing consumption. The novelty lies in the introduction of the concept of “collective digital transpersonal community,” which characterizes the features of the method of forming social ideas and values in the digital environment.
Políticas do Feminino: saúde, sexo, gênero
Authors: Rosa Hevelyn
Published: December 2023

São incontestes as relevantes contribuições que a presente obra traz, sobretudo para o campo da saúde coletiva, tanto do ponto de vista metodológico quanto do ponto de vista teórico-analítico, tornando-se leitura indispensável a quem utiliza as políticas públicas como objeto de estudo. É prodigioso como a autora nos revela seus estranhamentos e busca ampliar as conexões e os agentes numa ampla e ativa teia de significados e produção de sentidos. Seu texto é um convite à reflexão sobre as aparências, as normas instituídas, as possibilidades de subversão dos consensos, a produção de outras realidades e o acolhimento das diferenças. Também é um convite à elaboração de outros horizontes possíveis.
Bound states in continuum domain of double resonant ring metal metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Hao-Jie , Cui Zi-Jian , Zhang Da-Chi ,   Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Photoelectric Technology and Terahertz Science in Shaanxi, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
Published: December 2023

Metasurfaces have found extensive applications in microwave, terahertz, and optical range, serving different purposes such as filters, sensors, slow light devices, and nonlinear devices due to their distinctive electromagnetic response characteristics. Recent development requires metasurface devices to exhibit enhanced monochromaticity and stronger light interaction. Consequently, there is a growing interest in designing metasurfaces with high-quality factor (Q-factor) resonances, considering their crucial role in achieving sharp resonances through constructing bound states in the continuum (BIC) mode. The utilization of BIC has emerged as a prominent method of designing metasurfaces with high Q-factor resonances. Due to the fact that the changes in the structural parameters of metasurfaces can simultaneously affect the resonance of two components of q-BICs, it is difficult to achieve on-demand design of operating frequency, bandwidth, and Q-factor. In this work, we investigate a novel THz metasurfaces supporting q-BIC resonance. We optimize the geometric parameters of two split ring resonators (SRRs) to tailor the operating frequencies of intrinsic resonance, and tune the coupling between different resonance modes to form the q-BIC mode resonance. The dominant modes are demonstrated by the results of multipolar decomposition calculations of the electromagnetic field distributions and scattered power at different resonant operating frequencies. In x-polarized and y-polarized incident electromagnetic wave, the normalized coupling strength ratio between the two modes are calculated by Jaynes-Cummings model to be 0.54% (x-polarized) and 4.42% (y-polarized) respectively, which explains the law that the resonant frequency of different modes changes with the structural parameters of SRRs device. In order to analyze the refractive index sensing capabilities of our designed metasurfaces under the incident electromagnetic waves with different polarizations, we investigate the variations of the transmitted spectrum of the metasurface with refractive index of matters. The calculated results show that the sensitivity of the metasurface is 151 GHz/RIU when the incident wave is y-polarized and 108 GHz/RIU when the incident wave is x-polarized. We realize the effective control of the operating frequency, bandwidth, and Q-factor of the q-BIC mode resonance in the transmission spectrum of the metasurface, which provides a new idea for the practical designing of terahertz metasurfaces with high Q-factor.
Knock-down of a regulatory barcode shifts macrophage polarization destination from M1 to M2 and increases pathogen burden upon S. aureus infection
Authors: Ravichandran Sathyabaarathi , Bhatt Bharat , Shah Awantika , Balaji Kithiganahalli Narayanaswamy , Chandra Nagasuma
Published: December 2023

Macrophages are driven to form distinct functional phenotypes in response to different immunological stimuli, in a process widely referred to as macrophage polarization. Transcriptional regulators that guide macrophage polarization in response to a given trigger remain largely unknown. In this study, we interrogate the programmable landscape in macrophages to find regulatory panels that determine the precise polarization state that a macrophage is driven to. Towards this, we configure an integrative network analysis pipeline that utilizes macrophage transcriptomes in response to 28 distinct stimuli and reconstructs contextualized human gene regulatory networks, and identifies epicentres of perturbations in each case. We find that these contextualized regulatory networks form a spectrum of thirteen distinct clusters with M1 and M2 at the two ends. Using our computational pipeline, we identify combinatorial panels of epicentric regulatory factors (RFs) for each polarization state. We demonstrate that a set of three RFs i.e.,
CEBPB
,
NFE2L2
and
BCL3
, is sufficient to change the polarization destination from M1 to M2. siRNA knockdown of the 3-RF set in THP1 derived M0 cells, despite exposure to an M1 stimulant, significantly attenuated the shift to M1 phenotype, and instead increased the expression of M2 markers. Single knockdown of each RF also showed a similar trend. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of the 3-RF set rendered the macrophages hyper-susceptible to
Staphylococcus aureus
infection, demonstrating the importance of these factors in modulating immune responses. Overall, our results provide insights into the transcriptional mechanisms underlying macrophage polarization and identify key regulatory factors that may be targeted to modulate immune responses.
Neuro-evolutionary evidence for a universal fractal primate brain shape
Authors: Wang Yujiang , Leiberg Karoline , Kindred Nathan , Madan Christopher R. , Poirier Colline , Petkov Christopher I. , Taylor Peter N. , Mota Bruno
Published: December 2023

The cerebral cortex displays a bewildering diversity of shapes and sizes across and within species. Despite this diversity, we present a parsimonious and universal multi-scale description of primate cortices in full agreement with empirical data, by expressing cortical shapes explicitly as hierarchical compositions of folds across spatial scales. As one gradually merges neighbouring folds of increasing size, the cortices of 11 primate species follow a common scale-free morphometric trajectory, that also overlaps with over 70 other mammalian species. Our results indicate that all cerebral cortices are approximations of the
same
archetypal fractal shape. Importantly, this new understanding enables a more precise quantification of neurobiological processes as a function of scale. Specifically, we demonstrate a scale-dependent effect of ageing, with a nearly two-fold increase in effect size at a spatial scale of approximately 2 mm compared to standard morphological analysis, suggesting our methods may generate superior biomarkers for a range of conditions in future.
Endoscopic Bariatric Therapy for Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lee Sang Pyo
Published: December 2023

Globally, the prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities is increasing. Traditionally, the primary modalities for the treatment of obesity have included lifestyle interventions, pharmacological approaches, and bariatric surgery. However, endoscopic bariatric therapy, a more recent development, is emerging as a significant tool for the management of obesity and metabolic disorders. This review seeks to elucidate the latest advancements in metabolic bariatric endoscopy, highlighting their respective merits and limitations and offering insights into potential future research directions.
Rapidly Growing, High-Risk Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach: A Case Report
Authors: Lim Sung Jin , Yoo Han Mo , Lee Seung-Woo , Sul Hae Joung , Lee Dong Soo
Published: December 2023

An increase in the volume of endoscopic procedures performed in recent times has led to increasing detection rates of asymptomatic gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors. However, accurate diagnosis and risk assessment of these tumors preoperatively is challenging. A 70-year-old man patient visited the emergency department for evaluation of melena. Emergency endoscopy revealed an ulcerated subepithelial tumor (8 cm in size) in the gastric cardia and fundus. Computed tomography and upper endoscopy performed at another hospital 6 months earlier were reviewed; the mass showed a significant increase in size (from 2 cm to 8 cm). The patient underwent surgical resection of the mass and was diagnosed with a high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). In this article, we describe a rare case of a rapidly growing GIST at a rate significantly greater than commonly reported rates.
Nutritional Strategies for Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Kim Sang Hoon
Published: December 2023

Patients with upper gastrointestinal tract cancers frequently develop severe malnutrition during treatment. Optimal nutritional management is imperative to enhance the efficacy of both chemotherapeutic and surgical interventions. In this article, various methods for nutritional screening and assessment, including a range of biochemical assays and decision-making frameworks relevant to clinical settings. We have described pre- and postoperative nutritional strategies and highlighted the established practical guidelines. Additionally, we investigated the key aspects of nutritional oversight during oncological treatment and emphasize the significance of a multidisciplinary approach that involves the services of physicians, dietitians, and nurses. We have outlined specific strategies to facilitate interprofessional collaboration in this setting.
Gut Microbiota and Obesity
Authors: Kim Seung Young
Published: December 2023

Obesity is a global health concern associated with a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and cardiovascular conditions. Recent studies highlight the significant role of gut microbiota in obesity. Research indicates notable changes in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in individuals diagnosed with obesity. The gut microbiota participate in energy metabolism, lipid synthesis, and regulation of inflammation and therefore play a key role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Therapeutic approaches based on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, Akkermansia muciniphila, and fecal microbiota transplantation have shown promise in animal studies as useful strategies against obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, further research is warranted to conclusively establish the specific strains, dosages, and mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of these novel strategies against obesity in humans.
Exploring the potential of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in bioactive natural product research: from DES to NaDES, THEDES, and beyond
Authors: Ruesgas Ramon Mariana , Durand Erwann , Garcia-Sosa Karlina , Peña-Rodríguez Luis Manuel
Published: December 2023

Background

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered significant interest in natural products research, owing to their green and natural attributes in comparison to conventional solvents. However, the approach of demonstrating that DESs are superior extractants has led to an underestimation of their full potential in this field. This perspective disregards crucial challenges related to their practical application and potential scalability, mainly the difficulty of target component separation from intermolecular network forming by DESs. Conversely, the DESs unique features can enhance aspects such as solubilization, stabilization, and storage of natural products, as well as improve their biological activities. By addressing key challenges and limitations, we aim to provide valuable insights into the potential of DESs in this domain.

Methodology

In this review, we conducted an exhaustive literature search to gather relevant articles about DESs and their applications in bioactive natural product research. The gathered literature was analyzed, and a systematic thematic categorization was performed, emphasizing studies where the use of DESs yielded relevant outcomes that could potentially present an advantage in the exploration of bioactive natural products. The approach in structuring this review aimed to provide an overview of the potential and challenges associated with DESs in the domain of bioactive natural product research, transcending their conventional role as mere extraction solvents.

Results

Through this critical analysis of the literature, this review delves into the potential of DESs as effective solvents for the solubilization, stabilization, and storage of bioactive natural products. In addition, it highlights the ability of DESs to improve the biological activities of natural products, as well as to be used as formulation media for the transport of pharmaceutical active ingredients. By revealing these advances, the review contributes to a more complete understanding of DESs and its applicability in the field of bioactive natural products research.

Conclusions

The studies compiled in this review underscore the expanded potential of DESs, beyond extraction, finding relevance in the realm of natural products research. Notably, they contribute to enhancing the desired attributes of the final product, signifying a promising avenue for future advancements in this field.
Upper extremity kinematics: development of a quantitative measure of impairment severity and dissimilarity after stroke
Authors: Zaidi Khadija F. , Harris-Love Michelle
Published: December 2023

Background

Strokes are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with many survivors experiencing difficulty in recovering upper extremity movement, particularly hand function and grasping ability. There is currently no objective measure of movement quality, and without it, rehabilitative interventions remain at best informed estimations of the underlying neural structures’ response to produce movement. In this article, we utilize a novel modification to Procrustean distance to quantify curve dissimilarity and propose the Reach Severity and Dissimilarity Index (RSDI) as an objective measure of motor deficits.

Methods

All experiments took place at the Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital; persons with stroke were recruited from the hospital patient population. Using Fugl-Meyer (FM) scores and reach capacities, stroke survivors were placed in either mild or severe impairment groups. Individuals completed sets of reach-to-target tasks to extrapolate kinematic metrics describing motor performance. The Procrustes method of statistical shape analysis was modified to identify reaching sub-movements that were congruous to able-bodied sub-movements.

Findings

Movement initiation proceeds comparably to the reference curve in both two- and three-dimensional representations of mild impairment movement. There were significant effects of the location of congruent segments between subject and reference curves, mean velocities, peak roll angle, and target error. These metrics were used to calculate a preliminary RSDI score with severity and dissimilarity sub-scores, and subjects were reclassified in terms of rehabilitation goals as Speed Emphasis, Strength Emphasis, and Combined Emphasis.

Interpretation

The modified Procrustes method shows promise in identifying disruptions in movement and monitoring recovery without adding to patient or clinician burden. The proposed RSDI score can be adapted and expanded to other functional movements and used as an objective clinical tool. By reducing the impact of stroke on disability, there is a significant potential to improve quality of life through individualized rehabilitation.
Genetic variability and population structure of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in the northern limit of its distribution
Authors: Sánchez-Murrieta Eduardo , Macías-Duarte Alberto , Castillo-Gámez Reyna A. , Varela-Romero Alejandro , Montoya Angel B. , Weaver James H. , Pacheco-Hoyos Nohelia G.
Published: December 2023

Restricted movement among populations decreases genetic variation, which may be the case for the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae), a small game bird that rarely flies long distances. In the northern limit of its distribution, it inhabits oak-juniper-pine savannas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Understanding genetic structure can provide information about the demographic history of populations that is also important for conservation and management. The objective of this study was to determine patterns of genetic variation in Montezuma quail populations using nine DNA microsatellite loci. We genotyped 119 individuals from four study populations: Arizona, Western New Mexico, Central New Mexico, and West Texas. Compared to other quail, heterozygosity was low (${\bar H_0}$ = 0.22 ± 0.04) and there were fewer alleles per locus (Ā = 2.41 ± 0.27). The global population genetic differentiation index RST = 0.045 suggests little genetic structure, even though a Bayesian allocation analysis suggested three genetic clusters (K = 3). This analysis also suggested admixture between clusters. Nevertheless, an isolation-by-distance analysis indicates a strong correlation (r = 0.937) and moderate evidence (P = 0.032) of non-independence between geographical and genetic distances. Climate change projections indicate an increase in aridity for this region, especially in temperate ecosystems where the species occurs. In this scenario, corridors between the populations may disappear, thus causing their complete isolation.
Revisão sistemática sobre o crédito rural no Brasil, com destaque para a operação barter
Authors: Henschel Daniely , De Queiroz Ricardo Guimarães , Gimenes Régio Marcio Toesca
Published: December 2023

O crédito rural é o grande impulsionador do setor agropecuário brasileiro, sendo a principal reivindicação do produtor rural para alavancar seu custeio e investimento dentro do estabelecimento rural. Não obstante, é notório o esgotamento desse modelo atual de crédito lastreado pelo governo federal, o que impõe a necessidade de novas fontes de crédito impulsionadas pela própria cadeia produtiva. Diante disso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar um estudo bibliométrico de natureza descritiva com análise de conteúdo sobre o tema crédito rural no Brasil com destaque para a operação barter, a fim de entender como a temática está sendo apresentada na comunidade acadêmica. Nesse contexto, os resultados indicam uma predominância de trabalhos voltados para: os efeitos da política de crédito; acesso ao crédito rural; fatores de risco; crédito rural para a agricultura familiar; e fontes alternativas de crédito. Ao passo que são incipientes os trabalhos voltados para a relação do crédito rural com as demais esferas da cadeira produtiva, políticas socioambientais e seguro rural, não havendo estudos suficientes sobre a operação barter, o que evidencia um vasto campo a ser explorado sobre essas temáticas tão contemporâneas e presentes no cotidiano do agronegócio brasileiro.
Factors affecting self-esteem and anxiety levels in high school students in Van Province Tusba District
Authors: Dağli Sinemis Çetin , Botan Emine Ulu , Çokluk Selin Tunali
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectionally study aimed to determine the self-esteem and anxiety levels of young people in socio-economically and socio-culturally lower regions of the country and to evaluate whether there is a relationship between self-esteem and anxiety levels. 602 students studying in high schools were included in the study. Rosenberg scale and Spielberg trait anxiety scale (SSAS) and a survey about socio-demographic characteristics were administered to the students. In the study, 53.7% (331) of the students were female and 46.3% (285) were male. Self-esteem was found to be high in 82.6% of the students and at medium level in 17.4%. There are no students with low self-perception. Self-esteem levels of those with poor income, those who smoke and use addictive substances, and those with low academic performance were found to be significantly lower. The students' SSAS mean score is 47.36±8.13. There is a negative correlation between SSAS score and self-esteem. Income status, perception of quality of life, health status, academic performance and SSAS score show a negative correlation. As a result, negative conditions increase the SSAS score and decrease self-esteem. It is important to improve the economic conditions of students, to teach them healthy lifestyle behaviors, to have regular health examinations, and to maintain their healthy condition. Increasing the academic performance of children who are unsuccessful in school will reduce their anxiety levels. Health is a whole physically, spiritually and socially.
Ergen Sporcuların Sportif Karakter Yapıları ile Hedef Yönelimleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: İLTER İbrahim , GÜL Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Bu araştırmada, ergen sporcuların sportif karakter yapıları ile hedef yönelimleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Ergenlik döneminde şekillenmeye başlayan karaktere spor da olumlu yönde etki etmektedir. Spor aracılığıyla oluşan karakter, bireylerin hedef yönelimlerinin pozitif yönde olmasını sağladığı öngörülmektedir. Araştırma, bu durumun ortaya çıkarılması açısından önemlidir. Bu kapsamda ortaöğretim seviyesinde öğrenim gören farklı branşlarda aktif lisanslı olarak spor yapan 15-18 yaş aralığındaki ergen sporculardan kolayda örnekleme yöntemi ile belirlenen toplamda 461 sporcu araştırma grubunu oluşturmaktadır. Bu araştırma betimsel nitelikte tarama yöntemi kullanılarak yapılan bir araştırmadır. Araştırma, değişkenlerin birlikte değişip değişmediği ve varsa meydana gelen değişmenin yönünü belirlemek amacıyla ilişkisel araştırma deseni ile yürütülmüştür. Ergen yaştaki sporcuların demografik özelliklerini belirlemek amacıyla “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” kullanılmıştır. Bununla birlikte bireylerin sportif karakter yapılarını belirlemek için “Spor Karakter Ölçeği” ve hedef yönelimlerini belirlemek için “Hedef Yönelimi Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada önce çıkan bulgulara göre, görev yönelimi alt boyutu ile merhamet (r=0,74) ve adalet (0,73) alt boyutları arasında pozitif düzeyde güçlü bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Buna ek olarak görev (dR2=0,62) ve ego yönelimi (dR2=0,46) alt boyutlarının sportif karakter yapısını açıkladığı tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak; hedef yönelimleri yüksek olan sporcuların sportif karakter yapılarının da yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Böylece sporcuların kendilerine belirgin hedefler koyması, sportif karakter yapılarının da güçlü olmasına katkı sağladığı söylenebilir.
Evaluation of Functional Capacity and Rate of Perceived Exertion through Six-minute Walk Test in Pre and Post-haemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alvi Zoha Badiuzzama , Shukla Manish Prannath
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects multiple organs, including the respiratory system. Haemodialysis is a commonly used treatment for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), but it can lead to respiratory issues, reduced muscle strength, decreased functional capacity, and lower quality of life. The Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) is widely accepted for assessing functional capacity in CKD patients. Aim: To evaluate the impact of haemodialysis on the functional capacity and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in patients with CKD by employing the 6MWT as a comprehensive measure. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis ward at MGM Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, from April 2020 to December 2021. A total of 73 patients were included in the present study. The primary outcome measure was the walked distance assessed using the 6MWT, and secondary outcomes are the RPE were evaluated using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS). Gait speed was also measured. Baseline demographic data, laboratory investigations, and associated co-morbidities were collected. The tests were performed before and immediately after the haemodialysis session. Data were analysed using the Student’s t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the statistical significance level was setup at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 44±8.25 years. The study found a significant reduction in walking distance (mean of 85 meters) after the haemodialysis session compared to the pre-session. The post-haemodialysis session showed a significant increase in RPE and fatigue levels (p=0.0001). Additionally, a significant difference in gait speed (p=0.0001) was observed between the pre and post-haemodialysis sessions. Conclusion: The present study findings indicate a significant decrease in walking distance and noteworthy increase in RPE and fatigue levels following haemodialysis sessions in CKD patients. These results emphasise the impact of haemodialysis on functional capacity and perceived exertion among individuals with this condition.
Seroprevalence of Human Parvovirus B19 in Haematological and Extra-haematological Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Siddiqui Tasneem , Sahu Chinmoy , Patel Sangram Singh
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) has an affinity for multiple organs and causes a myriad of clinical diseases depending on the host’s immunological and haematological status. The seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 has mostly been studied in haematological disorders, but there is still a lack of data on B19V seroprevalence in extra-haematological disorders. Aim: To study the seroprevalence of B19V in haematological and extra-haematological disorders. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Data was collected from September 2017 to September 2020, and data analysis was done from October 2020 to January 2021. A total of 702 serum samples from patients suspected of B19V infection were received over a threeyear duration for parvovirus B19 antibody testing. Of these, 674 serum samples were included in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence of B19V antibodies in different clinical disorders was investigated by collecting patient details like age, gender, underlying clinical disorder, and B19Vspecific Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies detected by quantitative enzyme immunoassay on all serum samples suspected of B19V infection using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 software. The Chi-square test was used to analyse statistically significant variables. Results: B19V-specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 35.7% (241/674) of the serum samples received over a three-year duration. The positivity rate was 94 (13.9%) for IgG, 108 (16%) for IgM, and 39 (5.8%) for both IgG and IgM. The positivity in adults aged 18 years and over (39.6% or 160/404) was statistically significantly higher compared to children aged 17 years and younger (30% or 81/270) (p=0.0109). Among the 241 B19V-positive patients, 126 (52.3%) had haematological disorders, and 115 (47.7%) had extra-haematological disorders. The total positivity of IgG plus IgM antibodies was highest in musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (33 (54.1%) and haematological disorders 126 (48.3%). Conclusion: The B19V seroprevalence was relatively low in the present study compared to most serological studies conducted in other regions. The present study provides information on the seroprevalence of B19V in both haematological and extrahaematological disorders simultaneously.
Metagenomics and Whole Genome Sequencing in Clinical Microbiology: A Narrative Review
Authors: Thakur Preeti , Verma Indira
Published: December 2023

The role of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in clinical microbiology is increasing and is not restricted to molecular epidemiology alone. With the advent of third-generation sequencing technologies, its applications in infectious disease diagnostics have further expanded to include the direct identification of microorganisms from primary clinical samples, prediction of antimicrobial resistance (including antiviral resistance) by detecting resistance genes, and detection of virulence genes. Untargeted metagenomic sequencing of clinical samples can provide a promising platform for the comprehensive diagnosis of infections. This article outlines the applications and scope of WGS and metagenomic sequencing in routine clinical microbiology, along with the challenges and practical issues in their implementation.