bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Virus-Free Manufacture of Recombinant Proteins Using CRISPR-Mediated Gene Disruption in Baculovirus-Infected Insect Cells
Authors: Bruder Mark R. , Aucoin Marc G.
Published: January 2023

The manufacture and downstream processing of virus-like particles (VLPs) using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is complicated by the presence of large concentrations of baculovirus particles, which are similar in size and density to VLPs, and consequently are difficult to separate. To reduce the burden of downstream processing, CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used to introduce insertion-deletion (indel) mutations within the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) gp64 open reading frame, which encodes the major envelope protein of AcMNPV. After comfirming the site-specific targeting of gp64 leading to reduced budded virus (BV) release, the gag gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 was expressed to produce Gag VLPs. This approach was effective for producing VLPs using the BEVS whilst simultaneously obstructing BV release.
Redspotted Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus and the Reassortant RGNNV/SJNNV In Vitro Susceptibility against a Commercial Peroxy-Acid Biocide under Different Conditions of Use
Authors: Volpe Enrico , Errani Francesca , Zamparo Samuele , Ciulli Sara
Published: January 2023

Aquaculture is a constantly growing sector. The intensification of fish production and the movement of aquatic animals could cause the spread of infectious diseases. Remarkably, the diffusion of viral agents represents the major bottleneck for finfish production, and viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is considered the most impacting disease for Mediterranean aquaculture. No effective therapies are available to contrast VER, and vaccination can be applied only in grow-out facilities. Hence, programs to minimize the sanitary risks in farms are paramount to implementing hygienic standards and biosecurity. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro virucidal activity of a peroxy-acid disinfectant (Virkon® S, DuPont, Sudbury, UK) towards the two NNV strains most widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. Remarkably, two protocols were applied to assess the virucidal activity under different conditions of use: the suspension test and the net test. The latter has been applied to evaluate the efficacy of the biocide on instruments, simulating the in-field application. The obtained results demonstrated the suitability of the tested biocide for NNV inactivation, being effective under some of the tested conditions. However, the presence of organic matter, the concentration of the product, and the application conditions can significantly affect the result of the disinfection procedure.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Vision in 2022
Authors:   Vision Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Mobile Sources Mixing Model Implementation for a Better Quantification of Hydrochemical Origins in Allogenic Karst Outlets: Application on the Ouysse Karst System
Authors: Viennet David , Lorette Guillaume , Labat David , Fournier Matthieu , Sebilo Mathieu , Araspin Olivier , Crançon Pierre
Published: January 2023

On the edge of sedimentary basins, karst aquifers can be fed by several water sources from both autogenic and allogenic recharge. In some cases, assessing water origins can be hard and cause some difficulties for water resource management. The main goal of this study is to show the implementation of the mobile sources mixing model approach. More precisely, this research develops how a monitoring method using a multi-proxy approach can be used to quantify waters sources contributions from several origins at the outlets of a karst system. The study site is the Ouysse karst system, located in western France. The site offers the opportunity to understand the mixing processes between allogenic and autogenic water recharges. The karst system covers a 650 km² watershed, and is fed by three different chemical facies: (i) Autogenic water from the direct infiltration on the karstified limestones with high HCO3− values (median: 436 mg.L−1); (ii) Water coming from sinking rivers fed by spring coming from igneous rocks with low mineralization but relatively higher K+ values (median: 4.2 mg.L−1); (iii) Highly mineralized water coming from deep evaporitic layers and feeding another sinking river with very high sulfate concentrations (median: 400 mg.L−1). Sliding window cross-correlation analyses and hydrochemical analyses during a flood event are performed to implement a mobile source mixing model approach. This approach shows significant differences with a simple fixed source mixing model and appears more reliable but requires more time and money to carry out. The results and conclusion of this study will be used for forecasting and managing operational actions for resource management.
Advanced Oxidation Processes for Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Water
Authors: Wang Huijiao , Wang Yujue , Dionysiou Dionysios D.
Published: January 2023

This Special Issue includes manuscripts on mechanistic understanding, development, and implementation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern in water and wastewater treatment. The main goal was successfully achieved under the joint effort of authors, anonymous reviewers, and editorial managers. Totally, one review and 15 research papers are included in the Special Issue. These are mainly focused on catalyst synthesis, reactor design, treatment performance, kinetic modeling, reaction mechanisms, and by-product formation during electrochemical, photocatalytic, plasma, persulfate, chlorine, ozone-based, and Fenton-related AOPs at different scales. This Special Issue received attention from researchers from different parts of the world such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, and the USA. The guest editors are happy to see that all papers presented are innovative and meaningful, and hope that this Special Issue can promote mechanistic understanding and engineering applications of AOPs for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern in water.
Fish Biomonitoring and Ecological Assessment in the Dianchi Lake Basin Based on Environmental DNA
Authors: Meng Han , Lin Yuanyuan , Zhong Wenjun , Zhao Zheng , Shen Liang , Ling Zhen , Zhao Kaisong , Xu Shan
Published: January 2023

Fish are among the main target groups when conducting biomonitoring and ecological assessment of aquatic environments. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding provides a unique opportunity to enhance biomonitoring throughput, precision, and standardization. However, few fish monitoring studies based on eDNA metabarcoding have been conducted at the basin scale. Taking Dianchi Lake and the three inflowing rivers (Panlong River, Baoxiang River, and Chai River) as research objects, this study monitored fish diversity via eDNA metabarcoding, and the Fish Index of Biological Integrity (F-IBI) was constructed and applied for the ecological assessment of the aquatic environment. Here, we detected 41 species belonging to 9 orders, 15 families, and 35 genera in the sampling areas, including 17 native fish species such as Hemiculter leucisculus, Cyprinus carpio, and Silurus soldatovi. Distinct diversity patterns were observed among Dianchi Lake and the three inflowing rivers. Particularly, the fish diversity of Panlong River was richer than that of Dianchi Lake, Baoxiang River, and Chai River. Water temperature (WT), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) significantly influenced the distribution of fish communities in most sampling sites of the Dianchi Lake basin (p < 0.05). Moreover, according to the F-IBI assessment system, 25% of the sampling sites were defined as ‘fine’ or above, and 75% were ‘impaired’ or below. This study provided insights into the ecological restoration and precise management of the aquatic environment of the Dianchi Lake basin.
Environmental Compliance through the Implementation of Effluent Treatment Plant at a Company in the Cosmetics Sector
Authors: Oliveira Neto Geraldo Cardoso de , Nakamura Sergio Yoshiyuki , Pinto Luiz Fernando Rodrigues , Santana José Carlos Curvelo
Published: January 2023

The current water crisis is a governmental and a third sector reason for concern. The government tends to intensify its regulatory power mainly on companies that use water as raw material and generate wastewater from the production process. The search for loss reduction on consumption and water treatment alternatives and reuse has been of increasing importance in the cosmetics sector. Thus, a case study was conducted with the aims of evaluating the environmental and economic benefits of the adoption of wastewater and water treatment plant to a cosmetics company and analyzing environmental compliance regarding water quality for release into the environment after the treatment process. The results indicate feasible economic gain from investment and operation costs with the adoption of a wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, environmental compliance regarding the existing regulations due to reduction of the environmental impact was recognized. Therefore, the cosmetics industry company must implement the wastewater treatment plant to avoid legal penalties and also be capable to operate it.
Alternate Wetting and Drying as Water-Saving Technology: An Adoption Intention in the Perspective of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Suburban Rice Farmers in Thailand
Authors: Suwanmaneepong Suneeporn , Kultawanich Kulachai , Khurnpoon Lampan , Sabaijai Phatchara Eamkijkarn , Cavite Harry Jay , Llones Christopher , Lepcha Norden , Kerdsriserm Chanhathai
Published: January 2023

The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) as water-saving technology aligns with the good agricultural practices (GAP) principles, particularly in the environmental management of water conservation. Thus, GAP adopters as farmer groups are seen as viable AWD adopters in the initial stages of scaling out the adoption in Thailand. However, the understanding of integrating AWD as water-saving management among GAP adopters remains scant. Using the case of rice GAP farmers in Thailand, the study found a higher probability of adoption intention among GAP compared to non-GAP. AWD perceived advantage, knowledge, and the suitability of rice farms for AWD adoption trials are positively associated with higher adoption intention. While higher fixed cost lowers the probability of adoption, variable cost is positively associated with higher adoption intention in the short-run production decision. In order to scale out the adoption of AWD, farmers’ understanding of the safe and proper application of AWD, together with assistance for crop insurance in the case of crop failure, will be crucial. Risks connected with the adoption decision continue to be the biggest barrier to adoption, especially among small-scale farmers.
Pressure-Flow Scour under a Bridge Deck in Clear Water Conditions
Authors: Abdelhaleem Fahmy Salah , Mohamed Ibrahim M. , Shaaban Ibrahim G. , Ardakanian Atiyeh , Fahmy Wael , Ibrahim Amir
Published: January 2023

The issues of scouring around a bridge have become prominent in recent research mainly due to recurrent extreme weather events. Thus, designing a bridge with the appropriate protection measures is essential to safeguard it against failure, which may take place due to scouring from high flows resulting from extreme weather events. Bridges may become partially or entirely submerged during extreme weather events such as large floods and are subject to pressure-flow scour, a condition where the flow is directed downward and under the bridge deck, creating an increase in flow velocity and a corresponding increase in bed scour. This study aims to explore the pressure-flow scour depth under a bridge deck without piers in the presence of two vertical wall abutments under clear water experiments. Sixty-six tests were conducted involving the approach flow depth, bed material size, contraction length, contraction width, and bridge opening for both pressure and free surface flow conditions. An empirical equation was deduced to determine the maximum scour depth, which could be applied as a preliminary design for bridges under pressure-flow conditions. The experimental data were used to determine the performance of the earlier models of pressure-flow scour. The results revealed that for pressure-flow conditions, the maximum scour depth increased by a factor between 2.15 and 9.81 times the maximum scour depth under free surface flow conditions. With same flow depth, when the relative bridge length was increased from 5 to 7.5 and 7.5 to 10, the maximum scour depth decreased by up to about 7.4% and 2.3%, respectively. When the relative bridge width was decreased from 5.5 to 5.2 and 5.2 to 4.4, the maximum scour depth increased by up to about 45.6% and 81.2%, respectively.
A Review of Spatial Variations of Multiple Natural Hazards and Risk Management Strategies in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Awais , Shuai Zhang , Moawwez Muhammad Aamir , Umar Tariq , Iqbal Muhammad Rashid , Kamran Muhammad , Muneer Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Natural hazards are dynamic and unpredictable events that are a continuous threat to global socio-economic development. Humans’ reactions to these catastrophes are influenced by their proximity to the hazards and their ability to anticipate, resist, cope with, and recover from their consequences. Due to climatic changes, the risk of multiple natural hazards is expected to increase in several regions of Pakistan. There is a pressing need to understand the spatial discrepancies of natural hazards due to climate change and identifying the regions that require special measures to increase resilience, achieve adaptation, and sustainable development goals. This paper synthesizes the related literature to understand spatial variations of natural hazards due to climate changes across Pakistan. The Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Landslide Catalog (NASA-GLC), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) are utilized to analyze spatial discrepancies and vulnerabilities to natural hazards. This study unveils that Pakistan’s current risk analysis and management strategies seem to be obsolete compared to global trends. Because of spatial variations of hazards, most research work on hazard risk assessments and risk management focuses on a single hazard, neglecting the co-occurrence impact of different natural hazards. Very limited studies are included in comprehensive multi-hazard risk strategies. Therefore, in Pakistan, risk management would require integrated multi-hazard risk assessment approaches to detect, analyze, measure, and evaluate various natural hazards, their effects, and interconnections. Moreover, the Pakistan governmental institutes dealing with natural hazards should focus on pre-disaster mitigation and resilience techniques instead of investing only in post-disaster relief activities.
Design of a Self-Supporting Liner for the Renovation of a Headrace Tunnel at Chivor Hydropower Project
Authors: del Río David A. , Caballero Johann A. , Muñoz Jessica T. , Parra-Rodriguez Nhora Cecilia , Nieto-Londoño César , Vásquez Rafael E. , Escudero-Atehortua Ana
Published: January 2023

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, as declared in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, requires both the inclusion of new renewable energy sources, and the renovation of existing hydropower infrastructure, since this resource is considered a key strategy to support flexibility in electric grids with high penetrations of variable generation. This paper addresses the design of a self-supporting lining for the renovation of a headrace tunnel, that has been affected by a buckling event, in order to extend the operating life of the Chivor Hydropower Project, located in Colombia. Studies performed by AES Corporation about the buckling events that affected the headrace tunnel and the condition assessment are first described. Then, the design alternatives to renovate this important part of the hydropower plant’s infrastructure are presented in a general way. The detailed design and construction planning for the selected alternative are then illustrated by showing some calculations used in hydropower design. Such a renovation project is one of the first of its class in Colombia and goes from studies of the buckling events to the design of a modern lining that will be constructed while keeping the 1000-MW (6% of Colombia’s demand) hydropower plant in operation conditions, in order to extend its life for 50 more years, which represents an example for managers and practitioners of large-scale hydraulic engineering projects.
Analysis of Charging Infrastructure for Private, Battery Electric Passenger Cars: Optimizing Spatial Distribution Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Fadranski Diego , Syré Anne Magdalene , Grahle Alexander , Göhlich Dietmar
Published: January 2023

To enable the deployment of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as passenger cars in the private transport sector, suitable charging infrastructure is crucial. In this paper, a methodology for the efficient spatial distribution of charging infrastructure is evaluated by investigating a scenario with a 100% market penetration of BEVs of (around 1.3 million vehicles) in Berlin, Germany. The goal of the evaluated methodology is the development of various charging infrastructure scenarios—including public and private charging—which are suitable to cover the entire charging demand. Therefore, these scenarios are investigated in detail with a focus on the number of public charging points, their spatial distributions, the available charging power, and the necessary capital costs. For the creation of these charging infrastructure scenarios, a placement model is developed. As input, it uses the data of a multi-agent transport simulation (MATSim) scenario of the metropolitan area of Berlin to evaluate and optimize different distributions of charging infrastructure. The model uses a genetic algorithm and the principle of multi-objective optimization. The capital costs of the charging points and the mean detour car drivers must undertake are used as the optimization criteria. Using these criteria, we expect to generate cost-efficient infrastructure solutions that provide high usability at the same time. The main advantage of the method selected is that multiple optimal solutions with different characteristics can be found, and suitable solutions can be selected by subsequently using other criteria. Besides the generated charging scenarios for Berlin, the main goal of this paper is to provide a valid methodology, which is able to use the output data of an agent-based, microscopic transport simulation of an arbitrary city or area (or even real driving data) and calculate different suitable charging infrastructure scenarios regarding the different optimization criteria. This paper shows a possible application of this method and provides suggestions to improve the significance of the results in future works. The optimized charging infrastructure solutions for the Berlin scenario show capital costs of between EUR 624 and 2950 million. Users must cover an additional mean detour of 254 m to 590 m per charging process to reach an available charging point. According to the results, a suitable ratio between the charging points and vehicles is between 11:1 and 5:1. A share of fast charging infrastructure (>50 kW) of less than ten percent seems to be sufficient if it is situated at the main traffic routes and highly frequented places.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of complex therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors:   Tashkent Medical Academy (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), Ismailova G. A. , Umurov F. F. ,   Bukhara Medical Institute (Bukhara, Uzbekistan), Abidova Z. M. ,   UZ, OOO Akfa Medline (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), Allanazarova M. O. ,   Tashkent Medical Academy (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of a new complex method of therapy for сutaneous leishmaniasis, especially its complicated forms, with the use of a derivative of gossipol of the drug gosalidone in combination with the administration of an antibiotic and enzyme drug by indirect endolymphatic means. This method is applicable in outpatient conditions, helps to increase therapeutic efficiency, accelerate the healing time of ulcerative elements and resorption of inflammatory infiltrates, as well as earlier elimination of the pathogen from lesions.
Teenagers and their computer addiction. General Practitioner alertness issues
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University», Krylov A. P.
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, computer and Internet addictions are becoming a worldwide problem. The article deals with aspects of computer addiction. Analyzed approaches to the correction of conditions caused by computer addiction in adults and adolescents. The need to use the Internet in the current reality requires not simply disconnecting adolescents from the global Internet, but their orientation towards more multifaceted forms of its use to increase their professional potential
As duas faces de xinjiang: a questão dos uigures no projeto de desenvolvimento chinês
Authors: Viana Thaisa da Silva , Alberto Felipe Vidal Benvenuto , Campbell Guilherme Marques
Published: January 2023

Após extenuante período de observação e identificação, grupos minoritários conseguiram ser oficialmente reconhecidos e hoje compõem as 56 etnias que dão forma à diversa população chinesa. Objetivando analisar como o avanço dos movimentos separatistas na região de Xinjiang reformulam as estratégias territoriais e o projeto desenvolvimentista chinês, este trabalho parte da premissa de que os eventos pró separatistas na região se tornam uma ameaça à unidade nacional pretendida pelo Partido Comunista da China. Tanto dentro do aspecto econômico, relacionado ao avanço de projetos de infraestrutura, quanto no âmbito da ameaça territorial, segundo o discurso chinês, de um projeto de estabilidade social, a situação é vista como extremamente delicada pelos detentores de poder na República Popular da China.
Role-playing como estratégia no desenvolvimento de habilidades para o atendimento em saúde mental na medicina
Authors: Martins Ariane Viana , Miyabara Renata Aparecida
Published: January 2023

O role-playing (RP) é uma metodologia ativa de aprendizado, comum no ensino superior e que propõe a encenação de uma situação real ou imaginária problemática, objetivando facilitar a compreensão da aplicabilidade das teorias relacionadas à prática. Na metodologia são reproduzidas situações reais ou imaginárias, para maior clareza do incremento de habilidades e da resolução de problemas enfrentados na prática do dia a dia ou em situações futuras. Metodologia: participação de 5 alunos por vez com os seguintes papeis: 1- médico ignorante, com comunicação agressiva com os pacientes; 2- paciente com esquizofrenia em surto, necessitando de um atendimento por achar que está infartando; 3, 4 e 5- profissionais de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde assustados por conhecerem o paciente de um outro surto que teve. Resultados: os discentes levantaram as ideias de como deveria ser o atendimento de um paciente com transtorno mental, ressaltando a postura da equipe e as habilidades necessárias. Quanto aos fins, considera-se uma pesquisa descritiva. Objetivo: desenvolver habilidades de comunicação e empatia para o atendimento de pacientes na área da saúde mental.
Controle motor como estratégia para reabilitação de lombalgia
Authors: Silva Ramon Costa da , Santos Joice dos , Pereira Angelica Teixeira , Silva Helena Costa da , Frankenfeld Stephan Pinheiro
Published: January 2023

Considerando o número de brasileiros sedentários e tendo a lombalgia como uma das consequências do sedentarismo, o objetivo desse trabalho é analisar exercícios de controle motor como estratégia para reabilitação de lombalgia. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa utilizando as plataformas Scielo e Google Acadêmico nas quais os artigos selecionados foram classificados e agrupados de acordo com sua temática central e aqueles que descreviam exercício físico ou exercício de controle motor foram analisados. A análise nos levou a concluir que os exercícios de controle motor podem ser uma boa estratégia para redução de dor lombar e recuperação da capacidade funcional.
Técnicas educacionais para o desenvolvimento das competências 4.0
Authors: Junior Lucio Garcia Veraldo , Santos Giovana Botelho P. dos , Galam Luiz Rogério , Neto Paulo França Barbosa , Morais Suelen Cristian de Freitas
Published: January 2023

Diferente das anteriores, a quarta Revolução Industrial é considerada revolucionária não apenas pelo termo referente à realização técnica, como os métodos de produção, formas de trabalhar das pessoas, mas também à capacidade de enfrentar os desafios atuais e futuros. Este artigo tem como objetivo aplicar um survey para avaliação das competências da Industria 4.0, estabelecer as competências mais relevantes por especialistas da área, aplicar o Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), método voltado para a decisão multicritério para a definição da técnica educacional mais eficiente. Os resultados obtidos apresentam que para as competências técnicas as práticas profissionais são mais eficientes enquanto para as competências comportamentais são as práticas acadêmicas.
Doença de crohn: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Franco Carlos Augusto Santos , Marques Sílvia Fernanda Pereira , Gomes Eriston Vieira
Published: January 2023

Introdução: A Doença de Crohn (DC) foi descrita no ano de 1932 pelo Dr Burril B. Crohn na cidade de Nova York. Trata-se de uma condição inflamatória afetando o sistema digestivo, principalmente íleo e cólon intestinais. Acomete de maneira difusa o trato gastrointestinal, podendo gerar estenose, fístula e perfuração. Há, portanto, uma alteração do mecanismo de controle do sistema imune da mucosa intestinal, aumentando de maneira significativa os sinais pró-inflamatórios e consequentemente danos teciduais. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura com o intuito de abordar a história da doença de Crohn e sua fisiopatologia. Resultado:  A DC, também denominada de colite granulomatosa, é capaz de afetar o sistema digestivo, desde a boca ao ânus, acometendo mais frequentemente o íleo e cólon intestinal, além de manifestar em outros órgãos proximais. As partes afetadas possuem aspecto de paralelepípedos intercalados por segmentos sadios. Tal condição decorre da integração entre fatores genéticos, ambientais e enteropatógenos que modificam a microbiota intestinal do indivíduo acometido. Consequentemente, sinais e sintomas como cólica abdominal, diarreia, perda ponderal, êmese e febre são notáveis. A doença se desenvolve de maneira lenta e progressiva, afetando, principalmente, os homens. Na DC, ocorrem alterações no intestino delgado, provenientes do processo inflamatório tais como obstrução e edema, formando uma parede intestinal espessa, com passagem mais estreita. Em casos de obstrução em alça fechada, é recomendado o tratamento cirúrgico imediato. Conclusão: A partir do reconhecimento das características físicas e clínicas da DC, é possível obter um diagnóstico precoce e assertivo, consequentemente, uma intervenção e tratamento adequados e melhor qualidade de vida ao paciente.
Nomofobia: um problema emergente do mundo moderno
Authors: Cunha Maria Luiza Hajjar , Pedrosa Ricardo Lima , Alves Luis Eduardo Braz de Moraes , Lopes Renata Gonçalves , Ratz Azril Chune Yoine , Pereira Gabriel de Oliveira , Sena Miguel Ângelo Amorim , Da Fonseca Neto Hugo Francisco , Spagnoly Yago Gabriell Loiola , Alves Wanessa Gonçalves , De Sena Janainny Lisboa , Almeida Ana Laura Carvalho
Published: January 2023

O termo nomofobia ou nomophobia em inglês, é uma abreviação de “No Mobile Phone Phobia” e consiste numa condição psicológica em que as pessoas sentem medo de estarem afastadas de seus smartphones ou de estarem desligadas da conectividade proporcionada por eles. A prevalência global da nomofobia é de cerca de 70% para casos moderados a graves e 20% para casos graves, sendo os estudantes universitários e adultos jovens os grupos mais afetados por esta condição. Nesse contexto, objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e elucidar aspectos importantes acerca da nomofobia no cenário mundial atual. Para a elaboração dessa pesquisa, foram realizadas buscas em bases de dados e selecionados inicialmente 28 artigos, dentre os quais 13 se enquadraram nos critérios pré-estabelecidos. Após uma rigorosa análise da literatura, concluiu-se que a nomofobia é um problema de saúde pública emergente globalmente e que pode acarretar em diversos malefícios para seus portadores, dentre eles uma importante ansiedade e irritabilidade.
Use of the ovariectomy technique in female marmosets of the Callithrix spp. gender
Authors: De Alvarenga Júnior Adriano , Setim Fabíola Eloisa , Rego Mario Antônio Ferraro
Published: January 2023

In Brazil, the surgical sterilization procedures performed in marmosets from the Callithrix spp. gender are relatively common, since these species are particularly popular as pets and the São Paulo State Infrastructure and Environment Secretariat (Secretaria de Infraestrutura e Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo-SIMA/SP) requires that all of them are sterilized before selling. Due to this reality, a study was conducted in order to determine the efficiency of the ovariectomy technique in these procedures, providing means of making the recovery period easier for the patients. This way, thirty females were submitted to the procedure and monitored until they were sold, providing evidence that the technique brings satisfactory results related to the pre, trans e postoperative periods.
Deep Contrastive Learning Network for Small-Sample Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Liu Quanyong , Peng Jiangtao , Zhang Genwei , Sun Weiwei , Du Qian
Published: January 2023

Recently, deep learning methods have been widely used in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification and achieved good performance. However, the performance of these methods may be limited because of the scarcity of labeled samples in HSI data. To solve the small-sample classification problem, a deep contrastive learning network (DCLN) method is proposed in this paper. The proposed DCLN method first constructs contrastive groups and trains the network through contrastive learning. Then, it uses the trained network to extract spectral–spatial features of HSI pixels and generates pseudo-label for each unlabeled sample based on the spatial–spectral mixing distance. Finally, the pseudo-labeled samples with higher confidence are selected and added to the original training set to retrain the network. By gradually increasing pseudo-labeled samples and refining the contrastive learning network, the model shows good feature learning ability and classification performance with the limited labeled samples. Experimental results on 4 public HSI datasets demonstrate that the proposed DCLN method can achieve better performance than existing state-of-the-art methods.
The Model of Employee Presenteeism: A Systematic Review of Studies with a Meta-Synthesis Approach
Authors: Dehghanan Hamed , Amiri Maghsoud , Yazdanshenas Mehdi , Ghafoorifard Mahdi
Published: January 2023

Background. The health of employees and the work environment is important for any organization, but some organizational phenomena challenge this issue. One of the emerging organizational phenomena is presenteeism, which causes an employee to decide to be at work despite being sick (physical or mental) and feeling unwell. The aim of the current research is to provide a model of employee presenteeism based on factors affecting this behavioral phenomenon. Methods. In this study, by Meta-synthesis method, all the researches of reliable databases that were related to the research topic from 1991 to 2022 were systematically examined and finally, following the entry and exit criteria, 78 articles were identified and analyzed. Results. The results showed that the most important factors affecting employee attendance can be designed in the form of a three-dimensional model with 13 core categories and 60 components. In this model, three main dimensions include behavioral, structural and contextual dimensions. 13 core categories also include organizational characteristics and procedures, job characteristics, human resources management of the organization, organizational culture, health status of the individual, employee's attitude and perception towards the consequences of absenteeism or presenteeism, Organizational communications and interactions, Individual characteristics, Individual personality, Job and organizational attitude, Cultural and social factors, Economic factors of society and Legislation and infrastructure. Conclusion. The results of the synthesis and analysis of 78 articles in this research showed that presenteeism is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that is caused by various factors, and the correct management of this behavior in the organization depends on careful attention to the pattern identified in this research.
Patterns of Hba1c Levels in Normoglycemic Offspring of T2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Taiwo Emmanuel O. , Thanni Lateef O. , Taiwo Oyesimisola P.
Published: January 2023

Background: The risk of developing diabetes mellitus for an individual with a positive family history of the disease is two- to fourfold higher in an offspring of a diabetic compared with offspring of non-diabetic shown by serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. There is paucity of data on pre-diabetes in our environment. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the baseline HbA1c levels of normoglycemic offspring of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Ijebu-ode, Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of offspring of T2DM patients (ODP) and those of offspring of non-diabetic parents (ONDP). Diabetic offspring were exempted from the study. FBS was determined using enzymatic hexokinase method to determine glucose concentrations and exclude diabetes. Serum HbA1c was measured using standard method. Height and weight were measured using standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: There were 100 ODP and 100 ONDP aged 16 to 40 years. The most populated aged group was 21 to25 years which is 44% (n=88). 6% (n=12) of the study group were obese. 19% were overweight (n=38). The mean weight of ODP was significantly higher than that of ONDP (P=0.020). Also, the mean HBA1c of ODP was significantly higher than that of ONDP (P<0.001). Conclusion: The serum HbA1c level was significantly higher among ODP than ONDP. The mean weight was significantly higher in ODP than ONDP.
Strategies for Improving the Diagnosis and Prevention of Malaria During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Afolabi Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika , Bello Ayomide Esther
Published: January 2023

The African continent is a known malaria-endemic region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19/malaria co-infection is of critical importance in Africa due to the similarities in the manifestation of their symptoms. To avert compromising the health status of individuals on the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic, this commentary sought to examine the link between COVID-19 and malaria, outlining strategies for improving the diagnosis and prevention of COVID-19 and malaria in Africa. A scale-up of malaria-focused care should be considered to ensure adequate reporting of COVID-19 cases in Africa. Likewise, individuals who present for malarial testing should be linked to COVID-19 testing and treatment care in Africa. Also, surveillance activities should be scaled up to ensure accurate COVID-19 case reporting and improved case notification. Regular refresher trainings should be organized for healthcare workers to promote healthcare service delivery.
Managing Neurosurgery in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aminmansour Bahram , Shafiei Mehdi , Sabouri Masih , Mahmoodkhani Mehdi , Hematzadeh Mehrnaz , Sheibani Tehrani Donya
Published: January 2023

Background: COVID-19 quickly spread around the world as an epidemic with potentially unknown hazards. Like its impacts on various occupations, neurosurgery has undergone changes due to the virus, including changes in surgical planning, inpatient and outpatient clinics, emergency management, and even academic activities. Objectives: The present study was performed to determine neurosurgery challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted as a mixed qualitative and quantitative study in 2021. In the qualitative section using the targeted sampling method, 11 members of the target community were selected using the available sampling method and completed a questionnaire. The qualitative part was conducted in two stages of reviewing texts and interviewing experts and in the quantitative part we evaluated the validity of the structure and the reliability of the questionnaire. Results: This study examined in detail all aspects of the effects of COVID-19 on neurosurgery. 9 dimensions and 61 items were identified as the challenges of neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order of importance, the aspects were: treatment outcome, manpower, management psychological and physical diseases, education and research, tools and physical space, ethics, financial implications and information technology. Conclusion: The outbreak of epidemics has different risks for specialties, among them neurosurgery. Accordingly, to observe patien
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Protective Effect of Educational Attainment on Chronic Pain
Authors: Assari Shervin , Darvishi Mona , Rahmani Arash , Khatami Seyedeh Mohaddeseh , Najand Izadrad , Najand Babak , Zare Hossein
Published: January 2023

Background: The broad scientific community generally associates high socioeconomic status (SES) with better health. However, the protective effects of high educational attainment on health may be weaker for racial and ethnic minorities than non-Latino White individuals. It is important to study whether this difference holds for chronic pain among Black and Latino individuals. Objectives: To compare the association between educational attainment and chronic pain in the US, considering the racial and ethnic background of individuals. Methods: The current study used baseline data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH-Adults) study. All participants were 18+years old. A total number of 28204 Non-Latino, Latino, White, and Black individuals were enrolled. The outcome was chronic pain treated as a continuous measure. The predictor was educational attainment. Moderators were race and ethnicity. Results: Our linear regressions in the pooled sample showed that higher educational attainment was associated with a lower level of chronic pain; however, this association was weaker for Latinos and Blacks compared to non-Latino and White individuals. Our stratified models also showed that higher educational attainment was more consistently associated with a lower level of chronic pain for non-Latino White individuals than racial and ethnic minorities. Conclusion: The presumed protective effect of educational attainment against chronic pain among individuals varies between different racial and ethnic groups. Future research should test the role of stressful jobs and working conditions in weakening the protective effects of SES against chronic pain for Blacks and Latinos compared to non-Latino White individuals.
Serum Vitamin D, Renal Biomarkers, Protein Profile and Some Electrolytes in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With a Clinical Trial of Vitamin D Therapy
Authors: Yassin Maged M. , Al-Ghora Said S. , Laqqan Mohamed M. , Mwafy Saleh N. , Abdallah Soha A.
Published: January 2023

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is involved in a broad spectrum of diseases including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: This study was designed to assess serum vitamin D, renal biomarkers, protein profile, and electrolytes in CKD patients with a clinical trial of vitamin D therapy. Methods: This case-control follow-up interventional study comprised 42 CKD patients and 42 apparently healthy controls. Patients and controls were matched for age and gender. Patients were assigned to receive, a weekly oral dose of vitamin D3 (50000 IU) for 3 successive months. The follow-up therapy was conducted under direct and full physician supervision. Results: Vitamin D was significantly lower in CKD patients compared to controls (29.6±12.4 versus 35.2±9.9 ng/dL, P=0.033). Significant increases were shown in the urea, creatinine, and uric acid in patients compared to controls whereas glomerular filtration rate (GFR), total protein, albumin, and calcium were significantly lower in patients. A significant improvement was noted for vitamin D and calcium where they registered mean values of 43.8±9.1 ng/dL and 9.65±0.70 mg/dL at the end of the therapeutic period compared to 29.6±12.4 ng/dL and 8.61±0.77 mg/dL in patients before vitamin D therapy (P=0.028 and P=0.033, respectively). Conclusion: General amelioration of the metabolic profile of CKD patients in response to vitamin D therapy has been shown. Besides a significant improvement in vitamin D and calcium. Consequently, vitamin D is a useful candidate in clinical settings for the improvement of renal function and controlling of CKD, and more importantly its complications.
Determined the Frequency of Neurosurgeries Canceled Due to the Asymptomatic COVID-19 in the Patients
Authors: Mahmoodkhani Mehdi , Najafi Soroush , Shafiei Mehdi , Jafari Shohreh
Published: January 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe complications, deaths, and damage to societies, and the disease course is unpredictable and ranges from asymptomatic infections to multi-organ failure and death. Objectives: The present study determined the frequency of neurosurgeries canceled owing to the asymptomatic COVID-19 in the patients. Methods: The present study was descriptive-analytical and was conducted on all neurosurgeries in Kashani hospital, Isfahan, Iran in 2021. Moreover, 116 (52.5%) out of 2100 neurosurgeries were canceled, among which 41 cases (35.4%) were related to asymptomatic COVID-19. The necessary data were extracted from the information in the patients’ medical files and were included in the data collection forms. The data were analyzed in SPSS 22 after collection. Results: Among 41 people, whose neurosurgery was canceled, 7 had asymptomatic COVID-19 with few or mild symptoms, and 34 were asymptomatic. The patients of the two groups with asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 were significantly different in age, albumin level, C-reactive protein, and serum creatinine (P<0.05) as the mean age, albumin, and C-reactive protein levels were lower, and serum creatinine was higher in the group of patients with asymptomatic COVID-19. Conclusion: The prevention of asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections played a crucial role in the unhindered transmission of this virus and was the turning point in controlling the pandemic.
Diagnostic efficacy of novel cephalometric parameters for the assessment of vertical skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Gandhi Kaveri Kranti , Rai Anshu
Published: January 2023

Background. An accurate diagnosis of vertical skeletal abnormalities presents several challenges. Specific cephalometric parameters can be effectively used for this purpose; however, the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters has not been entirely ascertained. This study examines the effectiveness of two novel cephalometric parameters for diagnosing vertical dysplasia. Methods. In this retrospective study, orthodontic patients were distributed into three study groups: average growth (AGG), horizontal growth (HGG), and vertical growth (VGG). The efficacies of the sum of angles (maxillary, mandibular, and ramal) and the height ratio (lower anterior facial height [LAFH]/upper anterior facial height [UAFH]) in identifying different growth patterns were examined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to assess the diagnostic precision quantitatively. Results. A total of 150 patients were included and divided equally among the three study groups. The ramal and mandibular angles varied across AGG, HGG, and VGG; however, the maxillary angle and the sum of these three angles did not vary significantly. There was a substantial variance in LAHF, UAHF, and their ratio in the three groups. The height ratio had 88% and 92% sensitivity to diagnose VGG and HGG, with cut-off values of 46 and 34, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion. Height ratio values varied considerably depending on the facial growth patterns, suggesting its efficacy as a diagnostic tool for skeletal dysplasia, with greater reliability for positive treatment outcomes.
Balance Performance of Iranian Children Aged 7-12 Years Based on Functional Reach Tests
Authors: Sarhady Mohsen , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Sadegh , Nurani Gharaborghe Sahar , Panahian Mahdi , Sarlak Nazanin
Published: January 2023

Background. The current study was conducted to investigate the balance performance of 7-12-year-old Iranian children based on functional reach tests. Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 483 male and female students from the first to sixth grades. After measuring the height, weight, and length of the upper and lower limbs, the functional reach test was evaluated with the dominant limb, and the initial amount of the functional reach test was recorded by the examiner, and subsequently, the same protocol was used for the non-dominant limb, as well as two limbs. The final amount of functional reach was recorded, and the difference between the two was recorded in the test sheet. This process was repeated three times, and the average of these three attempts was recorded as the final score. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and its descriptive and inferential statistics were extracted. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to measure the correlation of anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body length. Results. In this study, 483 elementary school students with an average age of 9.53 years (minimum of 7 years and maximum of 12 years) and the average height of 138.217, as well as an average body mass index of 17.43 in the first to sixth grades, were evaluated. The normative scores for right, left, and two-handed functional reach tests were 20.45±7.87 cm, 22.46±8.09 cm, and 18.60±7.89 cm, respectively. The right and left lateral reach test scores were 14.68±6.01 cm and 14.90±6.01 cm, respectively. These scores significantly correlated with each other (p<0.001) and anthropometric characteristics. Conclusion. The results of the current study revealed that on 483 students from the first to the sixth-grade evaluation of functional reach and lateral reach, tests is vital for clinical use and assessing the balance of Iranian children. Due to the lower balance functional level of Iranian children than their peers in some other countries, there is a need for planning to increase physical activity and sports in school programs and at the community level. Practical Implications. The data obtained from functional reach tests in this study can be used to measure the balance performance of Iranian school-age children.