bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the quality of cream-white candy with the addition of fruit and berry paste during storage
Authors: Shydakova-Kameniuka Olena , Zagorulko Aleksey , Kasabova Kateryna , Zahorulko Andrii
Published: December 2023

One of the trends in modern nutrition is targeting people who care about their health. Confectionery made from sugar is in stable demand among people of different age groups, and research into their enrichment with vital nutrients is promising. One of the ways to implement such a task is the use of fruit and berry processing products, in particular in the form of pastes, during the production of candies. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the quality of cream-whipped candies with the addition of apple, quince and blackcurrant paste (40: 50: 10) during storage.

It was established that the process of hydrolysis of the lipid component of candies with paste occurs at a higher rate compared to the control. This is due to their higher acidity and moisture. However, the fats of candies with the addition of fruit and berry paste are less prone to the formation of peroxides, which is explained by the presence in their composition of a significant number of polyphenolic compounds with pronounced antioxidant properties (anthocyanins and catechins), which are absent in the control sample. In particular, on the 60th day of storage, the value of the peroxide value for the sample with the additive was 27.9 % less than that of the control product.

It has been established that candies with paste lose moisture more slowly due to the higher content of non-starch polysaccharides. Thus, on the 60th day, the moisture content of the control decreased by 11.33 %, and the product with paste decreased by 8.72 %. Smaller moisture losses ensure greater stability of their rheological characteristics during storage. It was noted that the strength and density of such candies increase more slowly than in the sample without the additive.

The results of the research indicate the compliance of cream-whipped candies with fruit and berry paste to the normative storage terms in terms of oxidative stability of the lipid complex, physico-chemical and sensory indicators
Experimental and numerical investigation of Engineered Injection and Extraction (EIE) induced with three-dimensional flow field
Authors: Asha Farsana M. , Sajikumar N. , Subaida E. A.
Published: December 2023

In situ groundwater remediation technique is a commonly adopted method for the treatment of contaminated groundwater and the porous media associated with it. Engineered Injection and Extraction (EIE) has evolved as an improved methodology for in situ remediation, where sequential injection and extraction of clean water around the treatment area enhances the spreading of treatment reagents by inducing additional flow fields. Conventional EIE studies were based on flow fields in two dimensions. There are only limited experimental and theoretical studies exploring the potential of inducing a three-dimensional flow field using EIE. The present study experimentally and numerically evaluates the effect of a three-dimensional flow field induced by partially screened wells. EIE experiments were conducted on a laboratory-scale aquifer model with laterite soil as the porous medium. Tracer transport in porous medium was studied by measuring the concentration at various observation points and enhanced dilution was observed when EIE was employed with partially screened wells. Experimental observations were also used to calibrate and validate the numerical model developed using Visual MODFLOW Flex. Enhancement in spreading was quantified in terms of concentration mass attenuation and maximum mass attenuation was observed when EIE was employed with partially screened wells.
Magnetic nanomaterials as an effective absorbent material for removal of fluoride concentration in water: a review
Authors: Panhwar Sallahuddin , Keerio Hareef Ahmed , Khokhar Nadar Hussain , Muqeet Muhammad , Ali Zouhaib , Bilal Muhammad , Ul Rehman Ajeeb
Published: December 2023

The rapid increases in industrialization and populations are significant sources of water contamination. The speed with which contamination of groundwater and surface water occurs is becoming a serious problem and poses a significant obstacle for water stakeholders. Heavy metals, organic, and inorganic contaminants in the form of suspended and dissolved materials are just a few of the contaminants that can be found in drinking water. One of the most common contaminants in the water is fluoride, which is responsible for numerous toxic diseases. Different traditional techniques, for example, coagulation, ion exchange, absorption, and membrane filtration are being used to dispose of fluoride from water. However, nanomaterials such as magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are very efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and stable materials to replace traditional water treatment techniques. There has been an increase in interest in the application of nanomaterials to the purification of drinking water over the past few decades. The use of magnetic NPs, such as metal and metal oxide NPs, to remove fluoride ions and organic matter from water is highlighted in this review article. Also, this section also discusses the properties, benefits and drawbacks, and difficulties of utilizing magnetic NPs in the process of purifying drinking water.
Exposure assessment of nitrate and phenol derivatives in Tehran's water distribution system
Authors: Hadi Mahdi , Bashardoust Parnia , Solaimany Aminabad Mehri , Nazmara Shahrokh , Rezvani Ghalhari Mohammad , Mesdaghinia Alireza , Hemmati Borji Saeedeh
Published: December 2023

The presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in drinking water is a global concern. Nitrate and phenol derivatives are examples of pollutants that could be of anthropogenic origin. They are associated with numerous health risks, underscoring the importance of monitoring their presence in drinking water. This study aimed to measure nitrate and phenol derivatives, including 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), Pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP), 2-Chlorophenol (2-CP), 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP), and phenol, in Tehran's water distribution system (WDS). The pollutants in Tehran's WDS were significantly and positively correlated with precipitation. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) of the detected pollutants were estimated. The results showed that the regional mean of nitrate and PCP in Tehran's WDS were 35.58±8.71mg L−1 and 76.14±16.93 ng L−1 lower than the guideline values of 50 mg L−1 and 1000 ng L−1, respectively. Some districts exhibited nitrate concentration exceeding the allowable limit by a factor of 1.2 to 2.3. Consequently, the nitrate intake in some districts constituted approximately 50% of the reference dose. While PCP as a phenol derivative with more health concerns was identified in Tehran's WDS, the likelihood of its health effects was determined to be negligible.
Land use and land cover change impact on characteristics of surface evapotranspiration in semi-arid environment of Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Saxena Dhruv , Choudhary Mahender , Sharma Gunwant
Published: December 2023

The development of the Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (IGNP) in western Rajasthan has significantly impacted land use and land cover (LULC) changes, which have hugely transformed the hydrologic cycle in recent decades. Hence, we investigate the surface evapotranspiration (ET) response to LULC changes in the IGNP for the period from 1990 to 2020. The Surface Energy Balance algorithm (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) was applied to the Landsat dataset along with local weather data obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department. A machine learning-based random forest classifier was applied to develop the LULC maps. The higher values of ET are mainly distributed in the northwest. Area covered by croplands has shown an increasing trend over the decades at a rate of 734.76 km2·a−1, urban settlements/ built-up areas increased at a rate of 14.67 km2·a−1, barren area decreased gradually at a rate of 751.67 km2·a−1, and area covered by the few water bodies showed minor fluctuations. Overall, the LULC changes have a smaller influence on ET rates but has a considerable impact on the total ET in the IGNP region due to an increase in the area covered by vegetation as a result of increased water availability.
Segurança alimentar e nutricional
Authors: Moura Edênia Raquel Barros Bezerra de , Mendes Mariane Louise Marinho , Omena Cristhiane Maria Bazílio de
Published: December 2023

Levantou-se um acervo bibliográfico apresentando a escola enquanto campo privilegiado de práticas alimentares saudáveis na promoção da segurança alimentar e nutricional. Utilizou-se dados eletrônicos da Scielo, fontes governamentais, literaturas não eletrônicas e estudos na língua portuguesa, publicados no período entre 2000 a 2020. Evidencia-se que o conceito de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional ainda se encontra em construção, evoluindo à medida que avança a humanidade, envolvendo saberes e ações políticas que a consagram como direito universal. Nesta concepção, vários métodos são utilizados para avaliar a dimensão de acesso aos alimentos, sobretudo a análise de renda e/ou consumo alimentar no intuito de contribuir na elaboração de políticas públicas promotoras de saúde no contexto escolar por ser um ambiente propício para a implementação das ações de segurança alimentar e nutricional. Assim, elenca-se a importância que a escola exerce na formação de hábitos alimentares saudáveis, tendo a alimentação escolar uma das vertentes dessa formação.
Promises and Pitfalls of Calcineurin Inhibitors in COVID-19: A
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Trials
Authors: Heydari Behrooz , Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Omrani Mohammad Ali , Azimi Saeed , Dehghani Mohammad Hossein , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Farman Farnoosh , Saghafi Fatemeh
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
causes a violent attack on the body that leads to multi-organ failure and death in
COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing literature
on the potential benefits of calcineurin inhibitors (CIs) as anti-vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) agents in improving the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

We searched various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science,
Google Scholar, Cochrane databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 31st December,
2019, to 3rd February, 2023, for relevant controlled trials. The quality of the evidence
was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
Software was used for the statistical analyses using a random-effects model.

Results:

Three trials enrolling 293 participants were reviewed in the present systematic
review and meta-analysis. The results showed CIs to lead to a significant reduction in
mortality rate [risk ratio (RR): 0.598, 95% CI: 0.404-0.885, P-value = 0.010] with a low
between-study heterogeneity (Cochrane Q test: I2 = 0.000%, P-value = 0.371). Pooled
analysis of two studies (84 patients) illustrated that CIs could not significantly increase
the rate of hospital discharge (RR: 1.161, 95% CI: 0.764-1.764, P-value = 0.485) and
heterogeneity was not significant (Cochrane Q test: I2 = 26.798%, P-value = 0.242).

Conclusion:

CIs are able to inhibit the virus nucleocapsid protein so that they can prevent
replication and respiratory tract tissue damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. Based on
the characteristics mentioned in detail, CIs can play a potential therapeutic role for
COVID-19 patients.
Antitumor Effects of Curcumin on Cervical Cancer with the Focus on
Molecular Mechanisms: An Exegesis
Authors: Govahi Ali , Zahmatkesh Neda , Pourbagherian Omid , Khas Neda Maleki , Salamzadeh Tala , Mehr Hasti Moshtagh , Babaei Esmaeil , Hajivalili Mahsa
Published: December 2023

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among females and is correlated with a
significant fatality rate. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer; however, it has a
low success rate due to significant side effects and the incidence of chemo-resistance. Curcumin, a polyphenolic
natural compound derived from turmeric, acts as an antioxidant by diffusing across cell membranes into the
endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus, where it performs its effects. As a result, it's been promoted
as a chemo-preventive, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic agent. As a consequence, the main goal of the
present review was to gather research information that looked at the link between curcumin and its derivatives
against cervical cancer.
Italian Guidelines for the Management of Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Vescini Fabio , Borretta Giorgio , Chiodini Iacopo , Boniardi Marco , Carotti Marina , Castellano Elena , Cipriani Cristiana , Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Giannini Sandro , Iacobone Maurizio , Salcuni Antonio Stefano , Saponaro Federica , Spiezia Stefano , Versari Annibale , Zavatta Guido , Mitrova Zuzana , Saulle Rosella , Vecchi Simona , Antonini Debora , Basile Michele , Giovanazzi Alexia , Paoletta Agostino , Papini Enrico , Persichetti Agnese , Samperi Irene , Scoppola Alessandro , Novizio Roberto , Calò Pietro Giorgio , Cetani Filomena , Cianferotti Luisella , Corbetta Sabrina , De Rimini Maria Luisa , Falchetti Alberto , Iannetti Giovanni , Laureti Stefano , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Madeo Bruno , Marcocci Claudio , Mazzaferro Sandro , Miele Vittorio , Minisola Salvatore , Palermo Andrea , Pepe Jessica , Scillitani Alfredo , Tonzar Laura , Grimaldi Franco , Cozzi Renato , Attanasio Roberto
Published: December 2023

Aim::

This guideline (GL) is aimed at providing a clinical practice reference for the
management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in adults. PHPT management in
pregnancy was not considered.

Methods::

This GL has been developed following the methods described in the Manual of the
Italian National Guideline System. For each question, the panel appointed by Associazione
Medici Endocrinology (AME) and Società Italiana dell’Osteoporosi, del Metabolismo Minerale
e delle Malattie dello Scheletro (SIOMMMS) identified potentially relevant outcomes, which
were then rated for their impact on therapeutic choices. Only outcomes classified as “critical”
and “important” were considered in the systematic review of evidence. Those classified as “critical”
were considered for the clinical practice recommendations.

Results::

The present GL provides recommendations about the roles of pharmacological and
surgical treatment for the clinical management of sporadic PHPT. Parathyroidectomy is recommended
in comparison to surveillance or pharmacologic treatment in any adult (outside of pregnancy)
or elderly subject diagnosed with sporadic PHPT who is symptomatic or meets any of
the following criteria:
• Serum calcium levels >1 mg/dL above the upper limit of normal range.
• Urinary calcium levels >4 mg/kg/day.
• Osteoporosis disclosed by DXA examination and/or any fragility fracture.
• Renal function impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min).
• Clinic or silent nephrolithiasis.
• Age ≤50 years.
Monitoring and treatment of any comorbidity or complication of PHPT at bone, kidney, or
cardiovascular level are suggested for patients who do not meet the criteria for surgery or are
not operated on for any reason. Sixteen indications for good clinical practice are provided in
addition to the recommendations.

Conclusion::

The present GL is directed to endocrinologists and surgeons - working in hospitals,
territorial services or private practice - and to general practitioners and patients. The recommendations
should also consider the patient’s preferences and the available resources and expertise.
Synergistic Effect of Bio-Nanocarbon Embedded Polymer Nanocomposite and its Applications
Authors: Molahalli Vandana , Joseph Jasmine , Bijapur Kiran , Sharma Aman , Soman Gowri , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: December 2023

For applications involving sustainable materials, bio-nanocarbon was examined as a material to improve the properties of fiber-reinforced nano-biocomposite. A thorough investigation has been conducted using nano biocarbon as a filler and reinforcing material. However, the composite's inferior mechanical, physical, and thermal properties are a result of a poor fiber-matrix interface. As a result, in this study, biocarbon nanoparticles were created and used as functional components to enhance the properties of polymeric composite materials. To emphasize the scientific and technological issues that need to be resolved in order to create artificial composites with bio-inspired structures, recent studies of bio-inspired nano-carbon composites are discussed in this study. These include the production techniques for resolving the nanocarbon dispersion problem and creating bio-inspired structures, as well as the microstructure and composite characteristics characterization. In order to reveal natural design principles and serve as a resource for future research, bio-inspired composites and their applications are thoroughly examined and explained.
influence of workload and compensation on employee performance at PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Pembangkitan Sumatera Bagian Selatan
Authors: Sari Ira Maya , Perizade Badia , Zunaidah Zunaidah , Hadjri Ichsan
Published: December 2023

This study investigates and analyzes the influence of Workload and Compensation on employee performance at PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Pembangkitan Sumatera Bagian Selatan (PLN UIKSBS). The research utilized primary data collected through questionnaires distributed to all 114 employees of PLN UIKSBS. The questionnaire served as the instrument to measure the variables under study. The collected data were then processed using statistical tools with multiple linear regression analysis. The research findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between Workload and employee performance at PLN UIKSBS and Compensation's vivacious and significant compensation employee performance. Recommendations for PLN UIKSBS include improving and enhancing employee performance by considering Workload, such as re-evaluating employee placements based on educational backgrounds, especially in high-risk job areas. Additionally, attention should be given to employee compensation by disseminating rules and policies regarding the company's incentive calculations and increasing efforts to provide opportunities for self-development through fair promotions to higher positions aligned with employee competencies and organizational needs.
Inovasi Kolaboratif pada Kepemimpinan Bapa Raja dalam Masa Krisis COVID-19 di Bumi Raja-Raja
Authors: Marsanty Dea Alita , Fitriati Rachma
Published: December 2023

Penyebaran virus COVID-19 yang begitu masif dan cepat telah menjadi teror yang mengerikan bagi masyarakat dunia. Berbagai literatur membuktikan, pentingnya peran pemimpin di level pemerintahan yang peling rendah (: kepala desa) sebagai garda terdepan untuk memutus mata rantai penyebaran COVID-19. Di Provinsi Maluku, Bapa Raja, bukan hanya sekedar tokoh adat dan tokoh masyarakat yang sehingga sangat dihormati dan disegani oleh masyarakat desa karena berhasil dipilih melalui mekanisme Pemilihan Kepala Desa (Pilkades), namun juga, Bapa Raja harus memiliki garis keturunan bangsawan kerajaan atau kesultanan. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pendekatan inovasi kolaboratif pada kepemimpinan Bapa Raja dalam masa krisis COVID-19 di Propinsi Maluku yang terkenal dengan istilah Bumi Raja-Raja. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data observasi, studi literatur, FGD, dan wawancara mendalam pada tahun 2020-2023. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Bapa Raja telah berhasil menjadi tokoh pendorong utama di desa dalam menghadirkan inovasi yang relevan dan efektif dalam penanganan COVID-19 di Provinsi Maluku melalui pendekatan pengintegrasian, pencari, pembela, dan pemicu inovasi. Inovasi kolaborasi yang kuat antara pemerintah dan berbagai pemangku kepentingan, serta partisipasi aktif masyarakat dengan berbasis kearifan lokal, merupakan kunci keberhasilan dalam menghadapi tantangan pandemi COVID-19. Rekomandasikan studi ini agar Pemerintah Pusat cq Kementerian Dalam Negeri dapat menjadikan Bapak Raja sebagai role model bagi daerah lain, karena keberhasilan pelayanan publik melalui pendekatan inovasi kolaboratif dalam penanganan bencana COVID-19.
Modelamiento matematico de la cinética de secado de café robusta (Coffea canephora)
Authors: García María Eugenia , Moreta Tania , Guerrero Luzuriaga Sebastián Alberto , Gaibor Chávez Juan
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de la investigación fue modelar la cinética de secado del café robusta (Coffea canephora). Se realizó la recolección, recepción, despulpado, limpieza del grano, pesado y posterior se sometió al proceso de secado. El estudio se realizó en una estufa marca Memmert a 104 °C durante 24 horas, se tomaron tres muestras de similar tamaño (6,49 g; 8,57 g; 7,78 g) con una humedad inicial de 36,64 % y humedad final de 1,04 %; 0,92 %; 1,00 %. También se ocupó un secador vertical de bandejas a escala de laboratorio a temperatura de 73°C tomando lecturas del peso durante 24 horas, obteniendo la humedad de equilibrio a las 13 horas. Las variables que se midieron fueron: humedad en base seca, humedad en base húmeda, humedad total, humedad en equilibrio, flujo de calor, cantidad de calor, velocidad de secado. Se notó que la velocidad de secado a mayores temperaturas favorece a la transferencia de masa y energía. El modelo que tuvo mejor ajuste para ambos casos fue el de Henderson y Pabis con un coeficiente de determinación de 99,196 % a 104 °C y 99,561 % a 73 °C. Concluyendo que la temperatura tiene un efecto en la variación de humedad de la materia prima a diferentes tiempos.

Palabras clave: Cinética, café robusta, secado, humedad en equilibrio, modelamiento matemático.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of School Closure in COVID-19–Related Syndromes From Community-Based Syndromic Surveillance: Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Chung Ping-Chen , Chen Kevin J , Chang Hui-Mei , Chan Ta-Chien
Published: December 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a school closure policy was adopted to prevent cluster transmission in schools and subsequent household transmission. However, the effectiveness of school closure is not consistent in studies conducted in different countries.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between school closure and the daily standardized incidence of COVID-19–related syndromes in an outpatient syndromic surveillance system.

Methods

We calculated the incidence of COVID-19–related syndromes derived from a community-based syndromic surveillance system between the first week of January and the second or fourth weeks after school closure in 2021 and 2022 in Taipei City, Taiwan. The effect of school closure on the standardized incidence of COVID-19–related syndromes was evaluated by interrupted time series analysis using an autoregressive integrated moving average with a distributed lag function. The exogenous variables were changes in human mobility measured by Google COVID-19 community mobility reports. Furthermore, the models quantified the influence of different age groups and the hierarchy of medical facilities, such as clinics or community hospitals.

Results

School closure was only negatively and significantly associated with the overall standardized incidence of COVID-19–related syndromes in 2021 for 2 weeks after the intervention (coefficient −1.24, 95% CI −2.40 to −0.08). However, in different age groups, school closure had a significantly negative association with the standardized incidence among people aged 13-18 years and ≥65 years for 2 weeks after the intervention in clinics in 2021. In community hospitals, school closure was significantly positively associated with the standardized incidence among people aged 19-24 years in 2021. In 2022, 2 weeks after the intervention, school closure had a significantly negative association with the standardized incidence among people aged 0-6, 7-12, and 19-24 years in community hospitals and aged >45 years in clinics. Furthermore, the standardized incidence was positively associated with movement change toward grocery and pharmacy stores in all age groups in 2022. In addition, movement changes toward residences were significantly positively associated with the standardized incidence among all age groups.

Conclusions

Overall, school closure effectively suppresses COVID-19–related syndromes in students owing to the reduction of physical contact. In addition, school closure has a spillover effect on elderly people who stay at home.
Performance Test of a Well-Trained Model for Meningioma Segmentation in Health Care Centers: Secondary Analysis Based on Four Retrospective Multicenter Data Sets (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Chaoyue , Teng Yuen , Tan Shuo , Wang Zizhou , Zhang Lei , Xu Jianguo
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have produced state-of-the-art results in meningioma segmentation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, images obtained from different institutions, protocols, or scanners may show significant domain shift, leading to performance degradation and challenging model deployment in real clinical scenarios.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to investigate the realistic performance of a well-trained meningioma segmentation model when deployed across different health care centers and verify the methods to enhance its generalization.

METHODS

This study was performed in four centers. A total of 606 patients with 606 MRIs were enrolled between January 2015 and December 2021. Manual segmentations, determined through consensus readings by neuroradiologists, were used as the ground truth mask. The model was previously trained using a standard supervised CNN called Deeplab V3+ and was deployed and tested separately in four health care centers. To determine the appropriate approach to mitigating the observed performance degradation, two methods were used: unsupervised domain adaptation and supervised retraining.

RESULTS

The trained model showed a state-of-the-art performance in tumor segmentation in two health care institutions, with a Dice ratio of 0.887 (SD 0.108, 95% CI 0.903-0.925) in center A and a Dice ratio of 0.874 (SD 0.800, 95% CI 0.854-0.894) in center B. Whereas in the other health care institutions, the performance declined, with Dice ratios of 0.631 (SD 0.157, 95% CI 0.556-0.707) in center C and 0.649 (SD 0.187, 95% CI 0.566-0.732) in center D, as they obtained the MRI using different scanning protocols. The unsupervised domain adaptation showed a significant improvement in performance scores, with Dice ratios of 0.842 (SD 0.073, 95% CI 0.820-0.864) in center C and 0.855 (SD 0.097, 95% CI 0.826-0.886) in center D. Nonetheless, it did not overperform the supervised retraining, which achieved Dice ratios of 0.899 (SD 0.026, 95% CI 0.889-0.906) in center C and 0.886 (SD 0.046, 95% CI 0.870-0.903) in center D.

CONCLUSIONS

Deploying the trained CNN model in different health care institutions may show significant performance degradation due to the domain shift of MRIs. Under this circumstance, the use of unsupervised domain adaptation or supervised retraining should be considered, taking into account the balance between clinical requirements, model performance, and the size of the available data.
Preventing Cognitive Decline in Older Latino Adults With HIV Through a Culturally Tailored Health Promotion Intervention: Protocol for a Single-Arm Pilot Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Jimenez Daniel E , Ross Emily J , Weinstein Elliott , Gouse Hetta , Pan Yue , Martinez Garza David , Burke Shanna L , Joo Jin Hui , Behar-Zusman Victoria
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Older Latino adults with HIV are at increased risk for mild cognitive impairment and earlier onset of aging-related cognitive decline. Improvements in cognitive functioning and cognitive outcomes are possible among people with HIV who adopt health promotion behaviors. However, health promotion interventions for older Latino adults with HIV have not been extensively used or widely recognized as viable treatment options. Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA) is a multicomponent, health promotion intervention that is uniquely tailored for older Latino adults with HIV.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted version of HOLA aimed at improving cognitive functioning among older Latino adults with HIV; (2) explore whether HOLA will produce changes in cognitive functioning; (3) explore whether HOLA will produce changes in activity, psychosocial functioning, or biomarkers of cognition; and (4) explore whether changes in activity, psychosocial functioning or cognitive biomarkers correlate with changes in cognition, while accounting for genetic risk for dementia.

METHODS

A single-arm pilot trial with 30 Latino (aged 50 years and older) men and women with HIV was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects on cognition. Participants were assessed at 2 time points (baseline and postintervention) on measures of neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning. In addition, blood samples were collected to determine biomarkers of cognition at baseline and postintervention. Successful recruitment was defined as meeting 100% of the targeted sample (N=30), with 20% (n=6) or less of eligible participants refusing to participate. Adequate retention was defined as 85% (n=25) or more of participants completing the postintervention assessment and acceptability was defined as 80% (n=38) or more of sessions attended by participants.

RESULTS

Participant recruitment began on February 22, 2022, and was completed on August 15, 2022. The last study visit took place on February 20, 2023. Data analysis is currently ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouraging findings from this exploratory study may provide a blueprint for scaling up the HOLA intervention to a larger cohort of older Latino adults with HIV who may be currently experiencing or are at risk for HIV-related cognitive challenges.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04791709; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04791709

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/55507
Evaluation of the Quality and Readability of Web-Based Information Regarding Foreign Bodies of the Ear, Nose, and Throat: Qualitative Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Ko Tsz Ki , Tan Denise Jia Yun , Fan Ka Siu
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Foreign body (FB) inhalation, ingestion, and insertion account for 11% of emergency admissions for ear, nose, and throat conditions. Children are disproportionately affected, and urgent intervention may be needed to maintain airway patency and prevent blood vessel occlusion. High-quality, readable online information could help reduce poor outcomes from FBs.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the quality and readability of available online health information relating to FBs.

METHODS

In total, 6 search phrases were queried using the Google search engine. For each search term, the first 30 results were captured. Websites in the English language and displaying health information were included. The provider and country of origin were recorded. The modified 36-item Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool was used to assess information quality. Readability was assessed using a combination of tools: Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning-Fog Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook.

RESULTS

After the removal of duplicates, 73 websites were assessed, with the majority originating from the United States (n=46, 63%). Overall, the quality of the content was of moderate quality, with a median Ensuring Quality Information for Patients score of 21 (IQR 18-25, maximum 29) out of a maximum possible score of 36. Precautionary measures were not mentioned on 41% (n=30) of websites and 30% (n=22) did not identify disk batteries as a risky FB. Red flags necessitating urgent care were identified on 95% (n=69) of websites, with 89% (n=65) advising patients to seek medical attention and 38% (n=28) advising on safe FB removal. Readability scores (Flesch Reading Ease score=12.4, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level=6.2, Gunning-Fog Index=6.5, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook=5.9 years) showed most websites (56%) were below the recommended sixth-grade level.

CONCLUSIONS

The current quality and readability of information regarding FBs is inadequate. More than half of the websites were above the recommended sixth-grade reading level, and important information regarding high-risk FBs such as disk batteries and magnets was frequently excluded. Strategies should be developed to improve access to high-quality information that informs patients and parents about risks and when to seek medical help. Strategies to promote high-quality websites in search results also have the potential to improve outcomes.
Geomorfositios de interés geoturístico del volcán monogenético Tajogaite, erupción de 2021 (La Palma, Islas Canarias, España)
Authors: Dóniz-Páez Javier , Becerra-Ramírez Rafael , Németh Karoly , Gosálvez Rafael U. , Escobar Estela
Published: December 2023

Las Islas Canarias (España) son un conjunto de islas volcánicas oceánicas localizadas en la placa africana y en la latitud subtropical. En los últimos 500 años han ocurrido dieciséis erupciones históricas y la última, la del volcán monogenético Tajogaite, tuvo lugar en La Palma en 2021 (19 de septiembre-13 de diciembre) y, además de sus profundos impactos negativos en la comunidad, generó un importante y diverso geopatrimonio volcánico con un enorme potencial para el geoturismo. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es identificar, seleccionar, caracterizar y valorar geomorfositios de elevado interés geoturístico que sean representativos del patrimonio natural y cultural tanto del paisaje previo afectado por la erupción, como del generado durante la misma y que puedan ser visitados in situ o de manera virtual. La metodología empleada se basa en trabajos de campo y vídeos y fotos de vuelos de dron registrados durante y después de la erupción y la evaluación de su geopatrimonio. Las principales geoformas están asociadas con los edificios volcánicos y los importantes campos de lava. También se han identificado formas de erosión y acumulación. Igualmente, la caída de piroclastos y la emisión de coladas de lava afectaron a zonas urbanas y rurales generando un importante patrimonio asociado a los efectos sobre viviendas, infraestructuras y cultivos. Se han seleccionado y estudiado dieciséis geomorfositios de los cuales seis se generaron durante la erupción y el resto están relacionados con los paisajes naturales y rurales previos a la misma. A partir de los geomorfositios las autoridades y empresas pueden diseñar geoitinerarios, reales y/o virtuales.
Una mirada a las raíces familiares de Francisco de la Maza
Authors: Sanchiz Javier
Published: December 2023

El artículo ofrece una revisión historiográfica de la biografía de Francisco de la Maza, en la que se detecta un gran vacío de información relativo a su grupo familiar. Dado que, por su origen, Francisco de la Maza fue considerado en diversas obras, un criollo. Este trabajo plantea como hipótesis que, teniendo raíces en México por el lado materno, ese criollismo era cuestionable. Se reconstruyeron las líneas genealógicas de los apellidos de sus cuatro abuelos: Maza, Cuadra, Gómez y García y la investigación sobre sus antepasados develó una línea de ascendencia establecida en Nueva España desde el siglo XVI de origen judeoconverso. Asimismo, al buscar líneas de parentesco con otros historiadores del Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas apareció también el origen indígena de la familia.
A siete décadas de Los retablos dorados de Nueva España: una revisión del estado de la cuestión
Authors: Neff Franziska
Published: December 2023

Los retablos dorados de Nueva España se puede considerar el texto pionero que esboza una historia de la producción retablística en la Nueva España, marcada por la noción de estilo y lo barroco. La presente revisión del estado de la cuestión de los estudios de la retablística novohispana en México parte de los enfoques y las temáticas del escrito de Francisco de la Maza, sus aportes vigentes y limitaciones, para ahondar en las investigaciones posteriores, sus alcances y retos pendientes. Se llama la atención hacia la necesidad de la catalogación del patrimonio y se aboga por una concepción compleja del fenómeno retablo.
Análisis comparado de la legislación sobre tráfico ilícito de bienes culturales en América latina y el Caribe
Authors: Levrand Norma Elizabeth , Cantar Nahir , Endere María Luz
Published: December 2023

El tráfico ilícito de bienes culturales es una de las causas principales de empobrecimiento del patrimonio cultural de los Estados y sus comunidades. La lucha internacional contra este delito es promovida por distintas organizaciones a través de medidas legales, políticas y judiciales. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la legislación de aquellos países de América Latina y el Caribe que ratificaron la Convención de la UNESCO sobre las medidas que deben adoptarse para prohibir e impedir la importación, la exportación y la transferencia de propiedad ilícitas de bienes culturales de 1970. Se utiliza la técnica de análisis comparado de las legislaciones nacionales de 27 países, en cuatro variables determinadas inicialmente como relevantes: definición de bienes culturales, régimen de propiedad, normas aplicables para la lucha contra el tráfico ilícito de bienes culturales y regulación del comercio de bienes culturales. Como resultado, se expone que la tasa de ratificación de las principales convenciones internacionales relacionadas al tráfico de bienes culturales como el desarrollo de la regulación nacional, evidencian la implementación de las disposiciones internacionales en el nivel subnacional. Asimismo, la legislación de los Estados de la región provee información relevante acerca de las posibilidades estatales para reclamar estos objetos ante la identificación de robo, hurto, sustracción o exportación ilegal.
El desvanecimiento de la política de asilo de la Unión Europea
Authors: Requena de Torre María Dolores
Published: December 2023

En el evento citado en la primera nota se puso de relieve la alarmante situación de las migraciones forzosas, y se evidenciaron muchas similitudes entre las estrategias migratorias desarrolladas en América y en la Unión Europea; pero también las particularidades del sistema europeo al desarrollar una política común. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una fotografía crítica de la política de asilo de la Unión Europea y su relación con las políticas de inmigración y gestión de fronteras. Las conclusiones no son positivas: la actual estrategia de desterritorialización de los controles migratorios supone un desvanecimiento de la política de protección internacional en favor del objetivo prioritario de lucha contra la inmigración irregular y la fortificación de fronteras. Si bien la respuesta dada por la Unión Europea en 2022 para la acogida de ucranianos supone una excepción en esta tendencia, la situación política y la actual propuesta de reforma, nos lleva a pensar que no se extenderá a otros flujos migratorios no europeos, tornándose una decisión discriminatoria. Esperemos estar equivocados.
Investigating The Spectral Response of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) for Temperature Sensor Applications
Authors: Jalil Muhammad Arif Bin
Published: December 2023

Abstract: In the field of sensor technology, the optical fibre sensor (OFS) has gained a lot of notoriety and prominence. It is frequently utilised to detect changes in the environment and react to outputs from other systems, such as those used in chemical analysis, industrial, and monitoring applications. A Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) is a type of device in which a brief segment of optical fibre with a particular wavelength is reflected with light, while the Bragg reflector begins to grow and transmit all other wavelengths. The developing features and behaviours of temperature and strain sensors working on Fibre Bragg Grating using computer modelling are the focus of the current project. The main objective of this work is to examine the behaviour and properties of temperature sensors operating on Fibre Bragg Grating. The temperature sensor is utilised to measure and identify any temperature anomalies operating on the Fibre Bragg Grating that may cause mishaps or fires. This will reveal how temperature sensors may be demonstrated using Fibre Bragg Grating.
Participación de las mujeres mayas en el aprovechamiento forestal y el patrimonio biocultural.
Authors: Sosa Varguez Silvia Angélica , García Ortega Martha , Navarro Martínez María Angélica , Ellis Edward Alan
Published: December 2023

La tendencia a incluir la perspectiva de género en la gestión de los recursos naturales va en aumento a nivel global. De ahí, la importancia de sumar estudios que den cuenta de las formas en que las mujeres se apropian y reproducen las prácticas productivas, sobre todo en entornos rurales donde persisten desafíos en materia so­ciocultural y económica. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar cómo se crean las oportunidades para el acceso y la participación de las mujeres en torno a la diversificación de las actividades productivas forestales, para contribuir a la conservación del patrimonio biocultural desde sus conocimientos y sus necesidades. Tal incur­sión, se desarrolla en medio de transformaciones del aprovechamiento comercial de las selvas y la reproducción social de su propio patrimonio biocultural. La información se levantó empleando técnicas antropológicas (etnografía, entrevistas a profundidad y un taller de Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades y Amenazas), que permitieron caracterizar el papel de las mujeres en actividades productivas forestales y su sesgada intervención en la toma de decisiones al respecto, lo cual se extiende a otras dimensiones de la vida familiar y comunitaria. Se encontró que la coexistencia entre el aprovechamiento forestal comercial y el tradicional prevaleciente, ubi­ca a las mujeres en el uso de los recursos naturales de bajo impacto, como la escala dominante de las prácticas de extracción de productos no maderables y aquellas relacionadas con los cuidados del hogar. Aunque algunas de ellas, tienen participación en la actividad comercial maderable, su labor es aún poco reconocida.
Análisis espacial de metales pesados en suelos agrícolas de la subcuenca Atoyac-Zahuapan y riesgos de salud pública.
Authors: Castro González Numa Pompilio , Calderón Sánchez Francisco , Pérez Marroquín Guillermo Jesuita
Published: December 2023

En la subcuenca del Alto Balsas en los estados de Puebla y Tlaxcala, los suelos agrícolas son irrigados con aguas residuales que han acumulado metales pesados. Estos compuestos representan un riesgo para la salud, debido a que pueden ser ingeridos, inhalados o absorbidos y generar enfermedades cancerígenas y no cancerígenas. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el contenido de Cd, Pb, Cr y As en suelos agrícolas de cuatro zonas irrigadas: Tepetitla de Lardizabal, Nativitas, Santa Isabel Tetlatlahuca y Tecamachalco, las determina­ciones fueron realizadas por medio de un ICP - OES. Se calculó el riesgo de salud para hombres, mujeres y niños utilizando las ecuaciones de la Unites Estates Enviromental Protection Agency (USEPA) y se calculó en términos porcentuales, el área de alcance de la contaminación de los suelos con metales pesados por medio de un análisis espacial. Se encontró que los mayores riesgos son para los adultos y fueron el Cd y Cr los metales más peligrosos para la población. La vía de exposición que representa el mayor riesgo fue oral en los niños y en adultos la vía dérmica. El riesgo de cáncer fue mayor en adultos, con orden descendente Cd>As> Cr>Pb. En cuanto a la dimensión de la afectación, 51 municipios de la subcuenca del Alto Balsas y canal de Valsequillo son afectados, donde el Cd, Pb y Cr fueron encontrados en todos, el As en 99% de la superficie total.
Avicultura de traspatio en las familias participantes del programa pesa (FAO) en Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla.
Authors: Pérez Ramírez Efraín , González Martínez Daniel , Díaz Ruiz Ramón , Escobedo Garrido José Sergio , Contreras Ramos Juan , Améndola Massiotti Ricardo Daniel
Published: December 2023

El objetivo fue determinar características de la avicultura de traspatio y la relación con la seguridad alimen­taria y pobreza de familias en comunidades rurales. Se aplicaron 86 encuestas a familias de 15 comunidades. Los datos se analizaron con estadísticos descriptivos y correlación múltiple. Todas las familias cuentan con alguna especie animal, gallinas (66%), guajolotes (22%), patos (10%) y cerdos (2%). Las amas de casa son las que atienden la unidad de producción (77.6%); las familias crían aves para autoconsumo (66.3%) y para producción de huevo y carne (88.2%). El principal alimento proporcionado a las aves es maíz entero (53%) y el pastoreo lo realizan las familias. Las enfermedades más comunes son gripe aviar y viruela, que son tratadas con antibióticos (33.3%) y productos locales como limón y jitomate (21.2%). Se concluyó que la cría de aves en traspatio representa una alternativa para la obtención de alimentos de alta calidad y costo bajo que puede generar ingresos económicos que ayudarían a mejorar la seguridad alimentaria y mitigar la pobreza.
Manzaneda en el modelo generacional de estaciones alpinas francesas: una interpretación de la única estación de esquí de Galicia (España)
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Manuel , Paül Valerià
Published: December 2023

Mountain-based tourism has been established in multiple ways, and a ski resort is just one of them. Most European snow tourism research has focused on the Alps, where a French Alpine model of generations of ski resorts, which uses the differential urban development of each generation as a marker, has been developed academically. This model has been used as a framework for this study with the goal of positioning Manzaneda within it. However, Manzaneda is the only winter resort in Galicia (Spain), and with more than 50 years of history, it seems to have had a controversial, problematic, and ambiguous development. This article also looks into the management, the effects of climate change, and the future visions of the winter resort by its main actors and local population.
Pautas de compostaje en casa: una estrategia de adaptación climática local
Authors: Chacón Chavarría Oscar
Published: December 2023

Desde la década de los setenta, Costa Rica ha seguido un modelo de recolección de residuos indiscriminado, independientemente del tipo de material. El modelo se centra en la recolección, transporte y disposición de los materiales recogidos en vertederos o botaderos. Aunque se ha promovido la recuperación de residuos valorizables, actualmente 60% de los residuos que llegan a estos sitios son de naturaleza orgánica. Estos residuos son responsables de la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI), como metano (CH4), óxido nitroso (N2O) y dióxido de carbono (CO2), los cuales contribuyen de manera significativa al cambio climático a través de la actividad microbiana durante su descomposición. Por ello, su adecuado tratamiento a través del compostaje busca reducir estas emisiones, además de favorecer la reintegración de nutrientes y material orgánico al suelo, enriqueciendo su capacidad productiva y fertilidad. El manejo adecuado de este tipo de residuos requiere un compromiso firme de todos los sectores, incluyendo gobiernos locales, organizaciones públicas y privadas, empresas y personas a nivel individual. El éxito de estas iniciativas está ligado a la promoción de una nueva cultura ambiental.