bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the plasmonic properties of a bi-metallic eccentric ring-disk nanostructure
Authors: He Xinyu , Sun Cheng
Published: December 2023

This work reports on the plasmonic properties of an eccentric nanostructure consisting of a silver ring and a gold disk, in the frequency regime of several hundreds of TetraHertz. In the structure, a gold nanodisk is located in a silver nanoring, with the centers of the two metals being set apart. As the radius of the gold disk, the separation between the centers, the light polarization, and the refractive index of the surrounding dielectric material are respectively varied, the normalized scattering cross section of the system is numerically simulated, using the finite difference time domain method. Multiple plasmonic resonances are observed, the plasmonic coupling effect between the ring and the disk is revealed, and the corresponding electromagnetic field distributions are demonstrated. The resonance peak associated with the coupling is found to possess a Fano-like lineshape, and it is well fitted to a model that employs a Fano function. The resonance frequency, the spectral width, as well as the characteristic q factor are determined from the best fit parameters, and the plasmonic characteristics of the eccentric nanostructure are quantitatively probed. The results in this work may be of significance in designs of plasmonic devices that are based on bi-metallic eccentric structures.
Digital clinical decision support to improve pharmacotherapy in (morbidly) obese patients: a prospective intervention study.
Authors: Keyany Ala , Groenen Ilse , Saini Sarbjit , Maat Barbara
Published: December 2023

Background In (morbidly) obese patients standard medication dosing is suboptimal and requires adjustments to body mass index (BMI) or body weight (BW). Digital clinical decision support (eCDS) may help optimise this.
Aim To assess the effect of eCDS on adjustments to BMI/BW in pharmacotherapy in hospitalised (morbidly) obese patients.
Method This prospective intervention study included hospitalised patients ≥18years with a BMI ≥30kg/m² and/or BW ≥90kg from 01.01.2022-30.09.2022 (pre-eCDS) and from 10.10.2022-25.11.2022 (post-eCDS). Post-eCDS, pharmacy recommended dose adjustments to physicians based on eCDS, a tool that selected patients whose medication order(s) needed adjustment to BMI/BW. Study outcomes were prevalence of medication orders adjusted to BMI/BW pre-eCDS versus post-eCDS, prevalence of post-eCDS patients with ≥1 medication order(s) with a recommendation for adjustment, physician acceptance rate, including reasons for rejection, and occurrence of treatment failure/adverse events.
Results In post-eCDS patients (n=804) pharmacotherapy was significantly more often adjusted to BMI/BW than in pre-eCDS patients (n=4,428): 77.7% (912/1,173 medication orders) post-eCDS versus 58.2% (3,519/6,049 medication orders) pre-eCDS (p<0.0001). Post-eCDS, 328 patients had ≥1 medication order(s) resulting in 349 pharmacotherapeutic recommendations. The acceptance rate by physicians was 53.3% (186/349 for 167 patients). The recommendations mainly concerned nadroparin [92.8% (324/349)] and antibiotics [6.9% (24/349)]. The main reason for rejecting a recommendation was near discharge [90.8% (148/163)]. No treatment failures and four possible adverse events occurred.
Conclusion Implementation of eCDS significantly increased the prevalence of medication orders adjusted to BMI/BW in hospitalised (morbidly) obese patients and is useful to optimise treatment for this growing population.
The Upper Crustal Thermal Structure of The Cameli Basin And Its Surrounding (SW Anatolia, Turkey) By The Fractal Based Centroid Method Of Aeromagnetic Data and Its Relationship With Earthquakes Occurring In The Region
Authors: Akar Fahriye
Published: December 2023

The Cameli Basin and its surroundings are located at the southwestern Anatolia of Turkey, and one of the tectonically active regions in western Turkey. The Curie point depth of continental crust can help us to determine the regional tectonic and geothermal structures. The aeromagnetic magnetic data of the study region were used to determine the Curie Point Depth estimates. The fractal based centroid method used for this purpose. The fractal approach removes the effect of fractal magnetization in the power spectrum. The depth to the bottom of the deepest magnetic sources in the study region range between 6.9 and 14.05. The estimated thermal gradient varies from 41.28°C/km to 89.23°C/km and average value is 58.59°C/km (580°C for magnetite). The distributions of earthquakes are compatible with NW-SE trending estimated Curie depth anomalies. Interpretation indicates that the depth to the Curie isotherm is considerably shallower than the Moho depth.
Discriminative Reward Co-Training
Authors: Altmann Philipp , Ritz Fabian , Zorn Maximilian , Kölle Michael , Phan Thomy , Gabor Thomas , Linnhoff-Popien Claudia
Published: December 2023

We propose discriminative reward co-training (DIRECT) as an extension to deep reinforcement learning algorithms. Building upon the concept of self-imitation learning (SIL), we introduce an imitation buffer to store beneficial trajectories generated by the policy, determined by their return. A discriminator network is trained concurrently to the policy to distinguish between trajectories generated by the current policy and beneficial trajectories generated by previous policies. The discriminator’s verdict is used to construct a reward signal for optimizing the policy. By interpolating prior experience, DIRECT is able to act as a reward surrogate, steering policy optimization towards more valuable regions of the reward landscape, thus, towards learning an optimal policy. In this article we formally introduce the additional components, their intended purpose and parameterization, and define a unified training procedure. To reveal insights into the mechanics of the proposed architecture, we provide evaluations of the introduced hyperparameters. Further benchmark evaluations in various discrete and continuous control environments provide evidence that DIRECT is especially beneficial in environments possessing sparse rewards, hard exploration tasks, and shifting circumstances. Our results show that DIRECT outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in those challenging scenarios by providing a surrogate reward to the policy and directing the optimization towards valuable areas.
The influence of environmental factors on ecological beliefs and ecological behaviour of energy-efficient appliance purchase
Authors: Sai-Keong Chan  , Farzana Quoquab  , Rohaida Basiruddin
Published: December 2023

Previous ecological behaviour studies have focused on personal factors only, and thus ignored the impact of environmental factors on ecological behaviour. In addition, there are criticism on the complexity of belief component in the value-belief-norm theory. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effect of environmental factors and to assess the mediating role of ecological beliefs on energy-efficient appliance purchasing. This study utilised a questionnaire survey among 592 Malaysian consumers. The partial least squares technique was utilised to analyse the data and to test the study hypotheses. The findings show that environmental factors have a positive influence on both ecological beliefs and ecological behaviour; ecological beliefs are positively related to ecological behaviour. Additionally, ecological beliefs mediate the relationship between environmental factors and ecological behaviour. This holistic research framework helps to elaborate on the existing knowledge of environmental factors and an individual’s belief, in the context of energy-efficient appliance purchase.
Effects of brand awareness, religious belief, and brand trust on purchase intentions of halal products among young consumers
Authors: M. Anwarul Islam K. , M. Shahabuddin A. , Omeish Fandi , Bashar Bhuiyan Abul , Islam Serajul
Published: December 2023

Halal brands are gaining popularity among Muslim consumers across the world. This study aims to explore the effect of brand awareness, religious belief, and brand trust on young Muslim consumers’ willingness to purchase halal-branded products. The electronic questionnaires were distributed to participants through Google Forms via a popular social media platform. The survey sample consisted of university students from Bangladesh who identified as Muslims. The paper utilized a purposive sampling technique to select participants for the study, resulting in a total of 517 respondents being included in the sample. Finally, 479 responses were found usable for this study, with a response rate of 92.70%. Among 479, 300 participants were male, while 179 students were female university students. The latest edition of the software SPSS has been employed to examine hypotheses and correlations, with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed a significant impact of brand awareness, religious belief, and brand trust on purchase willingness. Moreover, it indicates that consumers’ brand awareness about halal products (β = 0.392) has a greater effect on their purchase willingness. These findings have the potential to provide valuable insights for halal brands, as they can have a substantial impact on the purchasing choices of young Muslim consumers, particularly regarding their religious and halal concerns.
COMPARISON OF SPHERICAL TRIGONOMETRY METHOD, JEAN MEEUS ALGORITHM AND GOOGLE QIBLA FINDER IN DETERMINING OF THE QIBLA DIRECTION OF ISLAMIC HOSPITAL
Authors: Sari Firda Yunita , Yusuf Ababil Achmad Fachril , Nafis Urwatun , Ardelia Nita , Khasanah Rofina Muti'atun , Ulinnuha Nurissaidah , Hamid Abdulloh
Published: December 2023

Accuracy in facing the Qibla is an essential part of performing prayers. This vital value is evident when many mosques are built in public places. This article is qualitative with field data sources, namely coordinate points at the Jemursari Islamic Hospital mosque, Surabaya Islamic Hospital, and Al-Irsyad Hospital Surabaya. Once collected, the data was analyzed using three methods for calculating Qibla direction, namely Spherical Trigonometry, Jean Meeus, and Google Qibla Finder. This article found that the three methods obtained the same results at the Jemursari Islamic Hospital at 294°3'5", at the Surabaya Islamic Hospital at 294° 3'6", and at the Al-Irsyad Surabaya Hospital at 294°3'5 ". However, there is a difference between calculations and field measurements of 2°–7°, including within the Qibla deviation tolerance. It can be concluded that these three methods can accurately determine the Qibla direction in various locations. However, re-checking is required if the measurements exceed the tolerance limits.
Effect of Stabilizing Solution on Specific Activity and Thermal Stability of Rennet Preparations
Authors: Prosekov Alexander , Grishkova Anastasiya , Belov Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

Milk coagulation time is one of the main factors in cheese production as it affects both clot formation and final quality. To control this factor, milk producers apply solutions with a specific pH level as part of milk-converting enzyme preparations before the coagulation stage. This measure ensures a more complete transition of chymosin and pepsin into the solution, activates enzyme preparations, and solves the problem of poor-quality water. In this research, a stabilizing solution increased the milk-clotting activity of enzyme preparations and stabilized them against the thermal treatment during the milk coagulation stage of cheese production. Lower amount of enzyme introduced for milk coagulation purposes could reduce the cheese production costs.
Neural Networks in Designing Control Systems for Agro-Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Grachev Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

The paper introduces a comprehensive review of various approaches to using neural networks in the design of control systems for closed-end agricultural facilities. The empirical part of the study featured technical statistics of agro-industrial enterprises. It applied trained neural networks to agricultural enterprise data for prediction purposes. The resulting root mean square error was 0.120, and the standard deviation did not exceed 0.093. Neural networks proved efficient as part of specialized software for monitoring technical objects of the agro-industrial complex and predicting their development.
Improved monthly runoff time series prediction using the CABES-LSTM mixture model based on CEEMDAN-VMD decomposition
Authors: Xu Dong-mei , Liao An-dong , Wang Wenchuan , Tian Wei-can , Zang Hong-fei
Published: December 2023

Accurate runoff prediction is vital in efficiently managing water resources. In this paper, a hybrid prediction model combining complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise, variational mode decomposition, CABES, and long short-term memory network (CEEMDAN-VMD-CABES-LSTM) is proposed. Firstly, CEEMDAN is used to decompose the original data, and the high-frequency component is decomposed using VMD. Then, each component is input into the LSTM optimized by CABES for prediction. Finally, the results of individual component predictions are combined and reconstructed to produce the monthly runoff predictions. The hybrid model is employed to predict the monthly runoff at the Xiajiang hydrological station and the Yingluoxia hydrological station. A comprehensive comparison is conducted with other models including back propagation (BP), LSTM, etc. The assessment of each model's prediction performance uses four evaluation indexes. Results reveal that the CEEMDAN-VMD-CABES-LSTM model showcased the highest forecast accuracy among all the models evaluated. Compared with the single LSTM, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the Xiajiang hydrological station decreased by 71.09 and 65.26%, respectively, and the RMSE and MAPE of the Yingluoxia hydrological station decreased by 65.13 and 40.42%, respectively. The R and NSEC of both sites are near 1.
A robust simulator of pressure-dependent consumption in Python
Authors: Chambon Camille , Piller Olivier , Mortazavi Iraj
Published: December 2023

Modeling of pressure-dependent users’ consumption is mandatory to simulate accurately the hydraulics of water distribution networks (WDNs). Several software solutions already exist for this purpose, but none of them actually permits the easy integration and testing of new physical processes. In this paper, we propose a new Python simulator that implements a state-of-the-art pressure-dependent model (PDM) of users’ consumptions based on the Wagner’s pressure–outflow relationship (POR). We tested our simulator on eight large and complex WDNs, for different levels of users’ demands. The results show similar precision and efficiency to the ones obtained by the authors of the original model with their MATLAB implementation. Moreover, in case of fully satisfied users’ demands, our simulator provides the same results as EPANET 2.0 in comparable computational times. Finally, our simulator is integrated into the open-source, collaborative, multi-platform, and Git versioned Python framework OOPNET (Object-Oriented Python framework for water distribution NETworks analyses); thus, it can be easily reused and/or extended by a large community of WDN modelers. All this work represents a preliminary step before the incorporation of new processes such as valves, pumps, and pressure-dependent background leakage outflows.
Annual, seasonal, and monthly baseflow trend in an arid area in Loss Plateau, China
Authors: Sun Yanwei , Xu Cundong , Ma Mingwei , Liu Xuemei , Liu Lei , Yu Furong
Published: December 2023

Baseflow is a vital water source for environmental and economic growth. To reveal the changes in baseflow in an arid area, Loss Plateau, China, we analyzed the annual, seasonal, and monthly baseflow fluctuations in 1981–1990 and 2006–2010. We discussed the effects of PET (potential evapotranspiration), precipitation, HI (humidity index), and temperature might have on baseflow in the basin. Results showed that the annual baseflow decreased significantly, and seasonal baseflow and baseflow index (BFI) were distributed differently in the four seasons. Baseflow and BFI were stable during the winter, but during May and June, baseflow was unstable while BFI remained stable. During 1981–1990, January and December exhibited a slight variation in baseflow, while January, May, and June exhibited a slight variation in BFI. From 2006 to 2015, baseflow was stable, with limited fluctuations in January, February, March, April, May, November, and December. The correlations between baseflow and PET, precipitation, HI, and temperature were neither statistically significant nor robust. Increases in PET, precipitation, HI, and temperature did not result in a corresponding increase or decrease in baseflow from the annual, seasonal, and monthly time scales.
Adsorption and desorption processes of trihalomethanes on different granulated activated carbons in a full-scale advanced water treatment plant
Authors: Guinea Ana Urkiaga , García Jonatan , Cabero Julen , Paunero Santos , Bartolomé Mikel , Hernando Luis María , Maeso Patricia , Benito Vanesa
Published: December 2023

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are one of the main disinfection by-products generated in drinking water (DW). To control health risks caused by THMs several countries have established a maximum content of these chemicals in DW. THMs can be removed by granular activated carbon (GAC) and their adsorption processes have been studied by different authors. However, there are few studies on their desorption from GAC and no data are available on their desorption at a full scale. This paper summarises the results obtained in the monitoring of the adsorption and desorption processes of THMs at a full-scale DW plant considering different types and stages of GACs, as well as several types of influent waters. This research was carried out during 3 years in a full-scale advanced DW plant (6.25 m3·h−1) that can use four different pre-oxidants. An increase on THMs concentration in the outlet of the AC filters due to desorption processes were checked, although the obtained doses were always far below the established European limit (100 μg/L).
Caracterização palinológica de amostras superficiais da floresta estacional semidecidual (SC, Brasil)
Authors: Borger Jaqueline , Carbonera Mirian , Graeff Ademar , Leite de Lima Primam Gisele , Nunes Radaeski Jefferson , Gouvêa Redin Cristina
Published: December 2023

O espectro palinológico de amostras atuais pode refinar interpretações de materiais fósseis, pois fornece um panorama robusto da composição da vegetação atual. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar amostras superficiais da floresta estacional semidecidual (FES) no estado de Santa Catarina. Para isso, três amostras foram coletadas, processadas e analisadas de acordo com tratamento tradicional para análise palinológica. Os táxons identificados no registro palinológico foram cruzados com a lista de espécies do Inventário Florístico Florestal de Santa Catarina (IFFSC) para a FES e calculou-se sua porcentagem de representação, comparando com a chuva polínica. Também se avaliou a síndrome de polinização do material preservado no sedimento, visto que a via de polinização pode impactar na sub-representação ou super-representação de grupos. Os resultados indicam predominância de palinomorfos de vegetação campestre, embora a amostragem estivesse localizada em área de floresta. Em relação à síndrome de polinização, predomina no espectro polínico o pólen anemófilo, majoritariamente por Poaceae. Ao comparar a porcentagem somente do registro palinológico com a dos táxons presentes no IFFSC e na chuva polínica, observa-se um padrão de representatividade, portanto, os dados do IFFSC colaboram para compreender o registro palinológico atual. Tais resultados auxiliarão na interpretação paleoecológica de estudos em desenvolvimento no oeste catarinense.
Museu Histórico de Campos dos Goytacazes e os desafios para sua implementação
Authors: Cruz Aguiar Bárbara , Teixeira Simonne , Dos Santos Portilho Aline
Published: December 2023

A trajetória do Museu Histórico de Campos dos Goytacazes é apresentada neste artigo a partir dos anos de 1990 até a sua implementação em 2012 e tendo por base a história do Solar do Visconde de Araruama. O propósito é conhecer e entender o processo político-cultural de Campos dos Goytacazes que possibilitou a criação do Museu. Para narrar esse percurso foi feito levantamento bibliográfico em jornais locais, documentos e entrevista. A conclusão é de que a falta de preservação para com o solar gerou mobilização em setores da população campista, culminando na inauguração do Museu uma década depois.
O discurso autorizado do patrimônio e a fabricação do Patrimônio Cultural em contextos contemporâneos
Authors: Laurajane Smith  , Ana Gabriela Cardoso  , Helena Stringari Gonçalves  , Lucas Henrique da Silva Lima  , Fernando Cesar Sossai
Published: December 2023

Nesta palestra, revi meus argumentos sobre o patrimônio como um processo de significação regulado por diferentes discursos enquadrados pela natureza e pelas consequências do Discurso Autorizado do Patrimônio (DAP). Sugiro que o patrimônio pode ser melhor entendido como uma prática performática que ajuda as sociedades e uma série de grupos sociais e comunidades a mediar mudanças e conflitos sociais, econômicos e culturais. Quando enquadradas pelo DAP, essas práticas tendem a defender narrativas históricas nacionais consensuais e a manter o status quo social e político. Porém, quando enquadrado por outros discursos patrimoniais que visam desafiar o DAP ou se estabelecer fora do discurso dominante, o patrimônio pode ser usado para afirmar e defender leituras progressistas da história, que configuram aspirações e agendas esperançosas para o futuro. Da mesma forma, discursos alternativos que se baseiam no DAP podem ser utilizados para defender leituras populistas de direita da história e legitimar suas perspectivas de futuro. A fabricação do patrimônio é sempre política e está diretamente implicada numa política de reconhecimento e redistribuição. Entender como é feita a fabricação do patrimônio e identificar quem dela se beneficia e quem é esquecido ou marginalizado nesse processo é importante para compreender as consequências do patrimônio em contextos contemporâneos. A palestra é ilustrada com dados etnográficos coletados em comunidades e com visitantes de patrimônios na Austrália, Inglaterra e EUA.
Perceived Impact of Plastic Pollution on Bio-ecological Environment and
Human Health: A Cross-sectional Survey among Nursing Students in United
Arab Emirates
Authors: Ravi Ramya Kundayi , Edwin Vimala , Jaison Aleena Mary , Fatima
Published: December 2023

Background::

Plastics have become an inevitable part of life. Healthcare workers play an ineluctable role in creating enduring solutions to plastic pollution and
mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on human health and well-being.

Aim::

The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of plastic consumption and the perception of the bioecological and health impact of plastic
pollution among undergraduate nursing students.

Materials and Methods::

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 200 undergraduate nursing students recruited through a convenient sampling
technique. Data were collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 26. A p-value of less than 0.05
was taken as statistically significant.

Results::

The mean age of the students was found to be 20.12± 6 years. Though more than half (65.7%) of them reported using plastic products daily, 63.3%
of the students reported willingness to reduce the use of plastic products. Bottled water (152,72.4%), followed by bags (131,62.4%) were the most
frequent modality of plastic used. Only 47.6% of them were aware of the difference between 100% biodegradable versus recyclable plastics. The
perceived impact of plastic pollution on bio-ecological environments and human health was found to be low among most (66.7% and 43.7%
respectively) of the students

Conclusion::

Awareness regarding the direct and indirect hazards of plastic pollution and available sustainable alternatives to plastic needs to be strengthened
among the study population.
Synthesis and Gas Permeation Properties of Functionalized Norbornene-Based
Polymers
Authors: Onchi Alejandro , Corona-García Carlos , Santiago Arlette A. , Téllez Arias Mercedes Gabriela , Alfonso Ismeli , Vargas Joel
Published: December 2023

Functionalized polynorbornenes are very important specialty materials for a wide
variety of practical and industrial applications. In the membrane technology field, polynorbonene
derivatives play a main role in gas transport since they can be systematically and
easily functionalized, thus affecting the membrane performance in gas separation processes.
Thus, several methodologies have been employed to yield macromolecular architectures
with tailored gas permeation properties. This review is intended to provide different synthesis
routes of substituted polynorbornenes as well as the effects of the polymer chemical
structures on their gas permeation properties, among others.
Knockdown of miR-135a-5p Promotes Mitophagy by Regulating FoxO1/PINK1/Parkin Signaling in Hepatoma Cells Exposed to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhenchang Wang , Wenfu Zhang , Shanshan Wu , Lei Yang
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Excessive oxidative stress is always associated with hepatic disease, including
hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite this, the intricate molecular
processes driving hepatocyte apoptosis due to oxidative stress remain incompletely comprehended.

Aim:

Consequently, we aimed to explore the role of miR-135a-5p in hepatoma cells (HepG2/3B).

Methods:

The assessment of protein expression was conducted through western blotting. Furthermore,
miR-135a-5p expression was evaluated through RT-qPCR, and apoptosis detection was performed
using a flow cytometry assay.

Result:

The findings suggest a connection between miR-135a-5p and mitochondrial-driven apoptosis
through caspase signaling pathways. Furthermore, miR-135a-5p suppression inhibited the apoptotic
response triggered by H2O2, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as the decrease
in mitochondrial membrane potential.

Conclusion:

Additionally, miR-135a-5p knockdown promoted mitophagy by regulating
FoxO1/PINK1/Parkin signaling via targeting FoxO1. To conclude, our study implied that miR-
135a-5p might function as a probable regulator that protects cells against oxidative stress.
Membranes Containing Nanoparticles Incorporated with Metronidazole for Improved Permeability to Promote Periodontal Tissue Recovery
Authors: Chen Yongshi , Wu Hao , Lu Geng , Zhu Yi , Ban Junfeng , li XiaoFang
Published: December 2023

Background:

Infection is the main reason for the failure of the clinical application of
guided tissue regeneration (GTR).

Objective:

The aim of this study is to develop a membrane containing nanoparticles incorporated
with the antimicrobial drug metronidazole (MTZ-NPs Membrane) to enhance drug permeation
delivery into cells and promote periodontal tissue recovery and regeneration.

Methods:

We prepared membranes containing nanoparticles incorporated with metronidazole
(MTZ-NPs Membrane) and characterized the properties, such as mechanical properties, physicochemical
properties, and release. Coumarin-6 was used to prepare a membrane containing
nanoparticles incorporated with Coumarin-6 (C6-NPs Membrane) to evaluate the efficiency of
the nanoparticles-loaded membranes on transmembrane entry into cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments
were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the membrane.

Results:

MTZ-NPs membrane had suitable mechanical strength; the drug was released by diffusion.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),
and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the existence of metronidazole might be in the
amorphous state in the membrane and had good compatibility with polymers. The in vitro cytotoxicity
assays showed that the MTZ-NPs membrane was biocompatible. Cellular uptake of the
C6-NPs membrane was significantly higher than that of the C6 membrane (p < 0.0001), signifying
that encapsulating the drug in nanoparticles increases drug permeability and improves drug
transport efficiency across the cellular membrane. The histological analysis showed that the
MTZ-NPs membrane could promote periodontal tissue recovery.

Conclusion:

MTZ-NPs membrane can improve drug penetration delivery into the cells and has
a good prospect for the treatment of periodontal disease.
In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Models for Neuroinfectious Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Badawi Ahmad Hussein , Mohamad Nur Afiqah , Stanslas Johnson , Kirby Brian Patrick , Neela Vasantha Kumari , Ramasamy Rajesh , Basri Hamidon
Published: December 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex, dynamic, and adaptable barrier between the peripheral blood system and the central nervous system. While this barrier protects the brain and spinal cord from inflammation and infection, it prevents most drugs from reaching the brain tissue. With the expanding interest in the pathophysiology of BBB, the development of in vitro BBB models has dramatically evolved. However, due to the lack of a standard model, a range of experimental protocols, BBB-phenotype markers, and permeability flux markers was utilized to construct in vitro BBB models. Several neuroinfectious diseases are associated with BBB dysfunction. To conduct neuroinfectious disease research effectively, there stems a need to design representative in vitro human BBB models that mimic the BBB's functional and molecular properties. The highest necessity is for an in vitro standardised BBB model that accurately represents all the complexities of an intact brain barrier. Thus, this in-depth review aims to describe the optimization and validation parameters for building BBB models and to discuss previous research on neuroinfectious diseases that have utilized in vitro BBB models. The findings in this review may serve as a basis for more efficient optimisation, validation, and maintenance of a structurally- and functionally intact BBB model, particularly for future studies on neuroinfectious diseases.
Multimodalidade expressiva em música e o impulso intercultural apontamentos sobre a experiência musical do Fado em contexto Chinês
Authors: Martins José Oliveira
Published: December 2023

This essay investigates the ability of subjects to feel and understand the expressive multimodalities called for by an intercultural experience through music, namely in the appreciation of Portuguese Fado in a Chinese context, particularly in Macao. The work is organized into three sections: a suggestive theoretical-poetic framework for the transculturality and cognitive transdimensionality of music; a collection of representations of the experience of Fado, as a performative song and musical genre, in a Chinese context; and a critical analysis of a recent empirical work that addresses the expressive reception by Chinese subjects of the fado “Gaivota”, sung by Amália Rodrigues.
Identidades Patrimoniais de uma Paisagem Urbana em Mutação Macau do séc. XIX ao séc. XXI
Authors: Campinho Regina
Published: December 2023

In the context of the inclusion of the Historic Center of Macao in the UNESCO World Heritage List, decided in July 2005, after the transfer of sovereignty to China, this paper proposes to analyze the Macanese experience regarding the heritagization of the city : the beginning of this process under the operational and legal guidance of the Portuguese administration, its appropriation (or translation) by the Special Administrative Region (SAR) in the early 2000s, but also how it subsists and adapts today, almost twenty years after classification, namely in the face of the ever-growing urban development pressure. In the light of new information regarding the evolution and sedimentation of this urban landscape, particularly in the nineteenth century, the purpose is to highlight the heritage value of its mixed identity, hopefully contributing to the dissolution of frontiers and to the restauration of a cohesive city.
Desenvolvimento e Prática do Modelo de Ensino Intercultural no Curso Elementar de Português como Língua Estrangeira para o Estudante Universitário
Authors: Liao Yiran
Published: December 2023

Currently, although there has been extensive discussion on the importance of intercultural competence, there are few studies on the development of intercultural competence in the teaching of Portuguese as a foreign language. Based on the characteristics and difficulties of the basic Portuguese course in higher education, this study builds a “four in one”intercultural teaching model from four aspects, including teaching objectives, pedagogical contents, teaching strategies and evaluation methods. This study also verifies the effect of the model based on dates collected during a teaching experience in a Portuguese course for beginners, in a Chinese university, during two semesters. The results of quantitative and qualitative analysis demonstrate that this teaching model has achieved the objectives outlined, developing both linguistic competence and intercultural competence.
Evaluation of a photoplethysmography heart rate sensor: reliability and accuracy of the Fitbit Charge 4 in ecological conditions. (Preprint)
Authors: Ceugniez Maxime , Devanne Hervé , Hermand Eric
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate (HR) sensors has been quickly increasing over the recent years. Wearables could be useful for researchers and individuals for their simplicity to set up and use. However, only a limited number of studies investigated the reliability and accuracy of these devices in non-laboratory controlled conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the accuracy and reliability of the PPG based HR sensor of the Fitbit Charge 4 (FC4) in ecological condition; (2) to quantify the potential variability caused by the nature of the activity.

METHODS

HR was simultaneously collected during various sport sessions with the FC4 and a Polar H10, as criterion. Skin tone was assessed with Fitzpatrick Scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman test determined reliability and accuracy of the sensor.

RESULTS

HR data of 26 students aged 21.1±5.8 years on averaged were recorded during 77.47 hours of physical activity. ICCs (and CCCs) for running and orienteering running were 0.900 (0.999) and 0.801 (0.932) respectively, whereas for badminton, tennis, bike and soccer, they were 0.365 (0.778), 0.421 (0.884), 0.658 (0.971) and 0.487 (0.809), respectively. Highest biases were found for badminton and soccer, whereas smallest was found for running.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers and individuals should not use the FC4 for measuring HR because of its LOA width and sensitivity to motion artifacts.
Implementation of a Parent Training Program During Community-Based Dissemination (From In-Person to Hybrid): Mixed Methods Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: McGrane Minton Heather , Murray Linda , Allan Marjorie J , Perry Roslyn , Bettencourt Amie F , Gross Deborah , Strano Lauri , Breitenstein Susan M
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Parent training interventions support and strengthen parenting practices and parent-child relationships and improve child behavior. Between March 2018 and February 2020, a community-based parenting program conducted 38 in-person Chicago Parent Program (CPP) groups. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we modified the delivery of the in-person CPP to hybrid delivery using the self-administered, web-based version of the CPP (ezParent) paired with web-based, videoconferenced group sessions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the delivery transition and implementation outcomes of the hybrid delivery of the CPP (ezParent+group) during community-based dissemination.

METHODS

This single-group, mixed methods retrospective evaluation examined the implementation outcomes using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. We report on data from hybrid ezParent delivery between September 2020 and August 2022. Parents completed pre- and postprogram surveys that included motivation to participate and perceived changes in parent-child behavior. Digital analytics captured ezParent completion. Facilitators completed fidelity assessments and participated in postintervention interviews.

RESULTS

In total, 24 hybrid ezParent groups (n=240 parents) were delivered by 13 CPP-trained facilitators. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and improvements in their feelings of parenting self-efficacy and their child’s behavior following their participation in hybrid ezParent. On average, parents completed 4.58 (SD 2.43) 6 ezParent modules. The average group attendance across the 4 sessions was 71.2%. Facilitators found the hybrid delivery easy to implement and reported high parent engagement and understanding of CPP strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the hybrid ezParent intervention is a feasible and effective way to engage parents. Lessons learned included the importance of academic and community-based organization partnerships for delivering and evaluating robust programs. Implementation facilitators and barriers and future research recommendations are discussed.

CLINICALTRIAL
A.I. Psychiatry: Building Connection in the Digital Age (Preprint)
Authors: Price Maxwell Zachary , Price Richard Louis
Published: December 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The following is a case of a general outpatient psychiatry practice in New York that has successfully integrated machine learning and artificial intelligence into its workflow to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes and reduce current clinical and administrative burdens.
Green Synthesis of New Heterocyclic Surfactant Compounds by Multicomponent Reactions and Their Antibacterial and Corrosion Inhibitor, Study on Carbon Steel Alloy in Acid Media 2 M HCl
Authors: Al-Hilfi Raneen Salim , Al-Ameri Najlaa Zaki , Al-Asadi Mouhanad Jwad
Published: December 2023

Heterocyclic 1,4-di(1,3,5-dithiazinan-5-yl)benzene (D) and two heterocyclic-cationic Gemini surfactant 5,5'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-decyl-1,3,5-dithiazinan-5-ium)bromide (E) and 5,5'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-tetradecyl-1,3,5-dithiazinan-5-ium)bromide (F) were prepared and identified by FTIR, 1H-NMR spectroscopies, and GC–MS. Then, they were tested as corrosion inhibitors against carbon steel corrosion in 2.0 M aggressive HCl medium at 25 and 50 °C. They have different carbon chain tails, i.e., E (10 carbons), and F (14 carbons). These new heterocyclic and surfactant categories as corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion process has been studied electrochemically (Tafel Plot). The inhibition efficiency clarified that the decrease in IE(%) is in the order of F > E > D. The biological activity of compounds D and F was investigated using the aforementioned drilling procedure with a cork drill. At a dosage of 3000 mcg/mL, the biological action of compound D demonstrated effective resistance against the two types of negative bacteria. The cation has a diameter of 20 mm against E. coli and 19 mm against S. epidermis bacteria. At the same concentration, the chemical F is solely effective against E. coli with an inhibition diameter of 14 mm.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of New Oleander Complexes against Bacteria Found in Polluted Water
Authors: Abdulsada Zainab Sabeer , Hassan Sahar Sabeeh , Awad Sanaa Hitur
Published: December 2023

Natural polymers are often non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and safe. A novel ligand was synthesized as a natural polymer using chitosan and oleander plant extract [(2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-(acetoxyamino)-4-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl) methyl (16R)-3-(((2S,4S,5R)-4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy-10,13,16-trimethyl-17-(5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-yl) hexadecahydro-14H-cyclopenta [a] phenanthren-14-yl) phthalate] (Chitosan-Ph-Oleander). This ligand and its complexes with several metals (Cr+3, Mn+2, Fe+3, Ni+2, Cu+2, Zn+2) were characterized using FTIR, UV-visible and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, as well as by molar conductivity, magnetic moment, and TGA analysis. The biological activity for the prepared polymer and its complexes was studied to inhibit the effectiveness of some bacteria found in polluted water taken from hospitals wastewater. The effectiveness of inhibition was tested on Fusarium oxysporum fungus, which causes wilting, rotting and seedling death diseases in various types of plants. The elemental and spectral investigation results showed that all prepared compounds had octahedral geometry. Compared to the free ligand, all metal complexes showed discernible antibacterial activity. The zinc(II) complex, in comparison to other metal complexes, showed higher antibacterial activity against Faecal streptococci bacteria (G+) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (G−). In addition, the inhibition rate of the effectiveness of the F. oxysporum fungus reached ~50%.
Synthesis, Characterization and Breast Anti-cancer Activity of Iron(II), Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes with a Hexadentate Schiff Base Ligand Derived from 2,5-Dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone with 5-Amino-2-methylphenol
Authors: Ibrahim Riyam Baqer , Saad Suad Taha
Published: December 2023

The complexes of Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) Schiff base ligand derived from 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone and 5-amino-2-methylphenol were synthesized. The ligand was synthesized by the reaction between the mentioned ketone and amine in 1:2 molar ratio, respectively. The four metal complexes were synthesized by refluxing the ligand with the related metal(II) chloride salts. The synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, UV-visible, 1H-NMR, conductivity, atomic absorption, magnetic susceptibility, and thermogravimetric analysis. According to the results, the chelation between metals and ligand occurs with the imine groups and the deprotonated hydroxyl groups of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone and 5-amino-2-methylphenol in the ligand. The conductivity test of the four complexes shows the non-electrolytic nature of them. The magnetic susceptibility values of Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes are 4.20, 4.11, 2.97, and 2.34 B.M, respectively. The thermogravimetric and atomic absorption analyses suggest the general chemical formula for the complexes is [M2(L)(H2O)6]. In addition, the ligand and one of its metal complexes (Co(II) complex) were examined against breast cancer cells, and they gave the IC50 of 101.24 and 129.2 µg/mL, respectively. This result suggests that Co(II) complex is a better anti-cancer agent in comparison with the ligand.
MANAJEMEN PASIEN DENGAN HOARSENESS PASKATIROIDEKTOMI TOTAL DIPACU
Authors: Kusuma Danur Adi , Pratomo Bhirowo Yudo , Jufan Akhmad Yun
Published: December 2023

Seorang perempuan usia 51 tahun dengan Ca papillar tiroid paska tiroidektomi total dan RND. Bila melihat klinis pasien yang muncul serak setelah ekstubasi, suara menjadi pelan lirih, kemampuan batuk yang tidak kuat namun laju respirasi yang masih normal 18 kali/menit dengan saturasi 98% maka kemungkinan yang cidera adalah sisi unilateral. Secara patofisiologinya serak bisa ada kemungkinan akan adanya cidera baik pada saraf laryngeus superior bilateral atau saraf laringeus rekuren (RLN) unilateral. Maka kemungkinan yang cidera adalah unilateral RLN unilateral pada pasien ini. Idealnya untuk mendiagnosis banding suara serak pasca operasi memerlukan pemeriksaan seperti dengan laringoskopi sederhana, stroboskopi atau elektromiografi intra dan ekstralaringeal.Pada prakteknya sulit untuk membedakan antara kerusakan yang diakibatkan oleh factor operasi tiroid dan anestesi. Ada beberapa faktor terkait anestesi yang dapat menimbulkan serak pada pasien ini seperti risiko dua kali pada pasien yang diintubasi selama 3-6 jam (pada pasien 3,5 jam). Hal ini dapar disingkirkan andaikan kita dapat mengukur tekanan cuff ET selama operasi. Sedang dari faktor pembedahan ada beberapa faktor risiko seperti pembedahan pada area leher (operasi tiroid), ekstensi leher yang berlebihan selama operasi, tertariknya RLN sehingga menyebabkan cidera. Pada operasi yang lalu posisi leher terekstensi, untuk RLN pada laporan operasi telah diidentifikasi. Penilaian fungsi pita suara lebih baik dinilai sebelum ekstubasi seperti pemeriksaan cuff leak test atau insersi flexible intubation scope melalui lumen pipa ET.
Tatalaksana Peningkatan Tekanan Intra Kranial (TIK) pada Operasi Craniotomi Evakuasi Hematom yang disebabkan oleh Hematom Intracerebral
Authors: Yusuf Hisam  , Sudadi  , Sri Rahardjo
Published: December 2023

Kami laporkan menejemen anestesi pada pasien seorang laki-laki 50 tahun dengan diagnosa ICH regio parietal dextra ec stroke hemoragik yang dilakukan craniotomi evakuasi hematom, dengan status fisik ASA II. Pasien sebelum dilakukan operasi dirawat di unit stroke selama 10 hari GCS E4M5V5dan hemiparesissinistra dengan keluhan utama nyeri kepala. Di Unit stroke telah dilakukan usaha-usaha penatalaksanaan stroke hemoragik dan penatalaksanaan peningkatan tekanan intrakranial.

Operasi dilakukan dengan general anestesi, prosedur menjaga keadaan stabil dan mempertahankan tekanan intrakranial tetap dalam kondisi yang optimal. Hemodinamik dijaga dengan mempertahankan MAP bekisar 80 mmHg. Operasi berlangsung selama 3 jam, post operasi dirawat dan dievaluasi di ICU selama 2 hari, kemudian pindah ke bangsal.Penatalaksanaan tekanan intrakranial sangat penting dalam perioperatif, baik sebelum dilakukan operasi, selama maupunsetelah operasi pada pasien craniotomi evakuasi hematom.
Hematotoraks Kontralateral Paska Pemasangan Kateter Vena Sentral (KVS)
Authors: Rinaldi Tri Frisianto  , Bhirowo Yudo Pratomo
Published: December 2023

Latar Belakang. Pemasangan kateter vena sentral didefinisikan sebagai pemasangan kateter ke dalam pembuluh darah vena besar. Akses ke pembuluh vena sentral termasuk vena cava superior, vena cava inferior, vena brakhiocephalica, vena jugularis interna, vena subclavia, vena iliaka dan vena femoralis. Ujung kateter dapat menyebabkan perforasi di dinding atrium yang tipis dan menghasilkan perdarahan serta tamponade kordis. selain itu juga dapat menyebabkan hematotoraks dan pneumothoraks.

Kasus. Kami laporkan pasien laki-laki 32 tahun dengan ileus obstruktif direncanakan dilakukan laparotomi eksplorasi. Pasien dilakukan prosedur pemasangan central venous catheter di vena subclavia kiri dengan pendekatan infraclavicula. dengan tujuan untuk pengawasan kecukupan cairan intravaskular. Pada pasien dilakukan anestesi umum dengan intubasi endotrakheal tube. Paska operasi, pasien diekstubasi dan mengalami sesak napas di ruang pemulihan. Hasil rontgen paska operasi menunjukkan gambaran opak semihomogen di hemitorak dekstra curiga perdarahan. Pasien dipasang water seal drainage dan didapatkan produk darah 700 ml. Pasien membaik selama perawatan dan diperbolehkan pulang.