bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Fibrosis Followed by Severe Pneumonia in Patients with COVID- 19 infection: A Prospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Chae Ganghee , Kim Won-Young , Chung Chi-Ryang , Cho Young‑Jae , Lee Jinwoo , Jegal Yangjin , Joh Joon-Sung , Park Tae Yun , Hwang Jung Hwa , Nam Bo Da , Yoon Hee-Young , Song Jin Woo
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds
: The management of lung complications, especially fibrosis, after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia, is an important issue in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era. We aimed to investigate risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis development in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methods
Clinical and radiologic data were prospectively collected from 64 patients who required mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19 pneumonia and were enrolled from eight hospitals in South Korea. Fibrotic changes on chest computed tomography (CT) was evaluated by visual assessment, and extent of fibrosis (mixed disease score) was measured using automatic quantification system.
Results
Sixty-four patients were enrolled, and their mean age was 58.2 years (64.1% were males). On chest CT (median interval: 60 days [interquartile range, IQR; 41–78 days] from enrolment), 35 (54.7%) patients showed ≥ 3 fibrotic lesions. The most frequent fibrotic change was traction bronchiectasis (47 patients, 73.4%). Median extent of fibrosis measured by automatic quantification was 10.6% (IQR, 3.8–40.7%). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, which included nine variables with a p-value of < 0.10 in an unadjusted analysis as well as age, sex, and body mass index, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–7.11) and higher initial sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.37) were independently associated with pulmonary fibrosis (≥ 3 fibrotic lesions).
Conclusion
Our data suggests that male gender and higher SOFA score at intensive care unit admission were associated with pulmonary fibrosis in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.
The effect of disease activity on lumbar paraspinal muscles, psoas muscle volume and fatty degeneration in patients with ankylosing spondylitis Disease activity effects on muscles volume and fatty degeneration in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Toprak Murat , Toprak Nursen
Published: January 2024

Background In AS, the paravertebral muscles can deteriorate due to reduced spinal mobility, leading to muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration.Objective To identify the effects of disease activity on lumbar paraspinal muscles (multifidus, erector spinae) and psoas muscle volume and fatty infiltration in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.Methods The study involved 35 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 25 healthy controls. Pain, disease activity, and functional status were assessed using VAS, BASDAI, and BASFI respectively. MR imaging compared CSA and fat infiltration at L5 level of paraspinal muscles (multifidius, erector spinae) and psoas major muscles between AS and healthy groups.Results The mean age of the patients included in the study was 31.54 ± 11.04 in the AS group and 29.04 ± 7.26 in the HC group (p > 0.005). The mean disease duration in the AS group was 3.81 ± 2.82 years. There was no significant difference in age, body weight, height and body mass index between the AS group and healthy control group. There was a significant difference between the right MF, ES and left ES in the AS group compared to the HC group in terms of CSA measurements of the paraspinal muscles.Conclusion Inflammation, fibrosis, immobilization and postural changes in low back pain in ankylosing spondylitis contribute to atrophic changes in the paravertebral muscles.
Impact of Socio-Economic and Behavioural Factors on the Health Care Expenditure Growth of Middle-East Region
Authors: Singh Shailender , Kumar Nishant , Kaul Meenakshi , Rawandale Chandrashekhar J
Published: January 2024

The inexorable rise in health expenditure as a share of GDP over the years has been a source of concern among policy makers. This study provides empirical evidence to the drivers of health expenditure growth in the Middle-East region for the time period of 2004 to 2020. Consequently, the objective of the study is to investigate the major drivers of health expenditure growth among the socio-demographic, economic and health system capacity constructs and how it changes with the subsequent introduction of the behavioural construct as a moderator, inter-alia. Data obtained from the World Development Indicators is analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The empirical evidence suggests that the three constructs drive up health expenditure growth in the Middle-East region. Further, the introduction of moderation improves the fitness of the model, though it has no direct statistically significant effect on health expenditure growth. Conversely, the moderation effect is significant through the socio-demographic, economic and health system capacity indicators. Overall, the socio-demographic transition has been the major driving force for the exponential growth in health care expenditure. The findings suggest that combining set of related variables may help in better understanding of the determinants of health care expenditure growth and ultimately offer informed policy advice that will eventually improve health outcomes.
Alstonia scholaris Leaves: A Biochemical Marvel for Eco-friendly Copper Nanoparticles Synthesis
Authors: Labaran Ahmad Nasir , Zango Zakariyya Uba , Tailor Giriraj , Alsadig Ahmed , Usman Fahad , Mukhtar Muhammad Tukur , Garba Alhassan Muhammad , Alhathlool Raed , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan , Aldaghri Osamah A.
Published: January 2024

The utilization of plants for the production of metallic nanoparticles is gaining significant attention in research. In this study, we conducted phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) leaves extracts using various solvents, including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water. Our findings revealed higher proportions of flavonoids and alkaloids in both solvents compared to other phytochemical species. In the methanol, extract proteins, anthraquinone and reducing sugar were not detected. On the other hand, the aqueous extract demonstrated the presence of amino acids, reducing sugar, phenolic compounds, anthraquinone, and saponins. Notably, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest levels of bioactive compounds among all solvents. Intrigued by these results, we proceeded to investigate the antibacterial properties of the leaf extracts against two major bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). All extracts exhibited significant zones of inhibition against both bacterial isolates, with S. aureus showing higher susceptibility compared to E. coli. Notably, the methanol extract displayed the most potent I hibitory effect against all organisms. Inspired by the bioactivity of the methanol extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The synthesized Cu-NPs were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed color changes confirmed the successful formation of Cu-NPs, while the FTIR analysis matched previously reported peaks, further verifying the synthesis. The SEM micrographs indicated the irregular shapes of the surface particles. From the result obtained by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analysis, Cu has the highest relative abundance of 67.41 wt.%. confirming the purity of the Cu-NPs colloid. These findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.
Ethics of Informed Consent in Medical settings: A qualitative study of clinicians managing patients presenting with self-harm in Pakistan
Authors: Memon Rakhshi , Asif Muqaddas , Shah Bushra Ali , Kiran Tayyeba , Khoso Ameer B , Tofique Sehrish , Miah Jahanara , Ahmad Ayesha , Chaudhry Imran B , Chaudhry Nasim , Husain Nusrat , Edwards Sarah JL
Published: January 2024

Background
informed consent is considered to be the standard method for respecting the autonomy of individual participants in research and is thought to be based on several conditions: 1) providing information on the purpose of the research or a specific treatment, what it will entail, 2) the participants being mentally competent to understand the information and weigh it in the balance, and 3) the participants to be free from coercion. While there are studies of informed consent in other countries, especially Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), this study explored the role of cultural norms in the process of obtaining informed consent by clinicians in healthcare settings in general and mental health in particular, specifically focusing on the tension between contexts of Western autonomy and collectivist values in cultures such as Pakistan.
Methods
Qualitative interviews with 20 clinicians in Pakistan to explore consent processes in participant recruitment in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), using a topic guide to gain an understanding of the consent process in Pakistan when recruiting participants in RCTs and decision-making regarding treatments and the influence of cultural norms’ impact on attitudes and beliefs in the collectivist culture.
Results
The interviews revealed that shared decision making was more morally important than individual autonomy, the role of the family played a dominant part in the consent-taking procedure, the decision of the elder and/or family patriarch took prominence, and that clinicians and researchers encountered significant challenges in consent process in Pakistan. Four distinct themes emerged which were 1) Family deciding for patients, 2) Benefits of involving family in consent process, 3) Gender disparity in consent process, 4) Challenges experienced by clinicians during consent process in Pakistan.
Conclusions
The concept of consent is generally considered important in many cultures, however, there are two strands of understanding. There seems to be consensus that participant agreement is necessary to protect the participant but with regards to autonomy there are significant cultural differences whether it is the right for autonomy of the individual (western) or family, community, or expert authority in other cultures, in Pakistan clinician-researchers sometimes preferred one approach and sometimes the other as they appreciated the interests of the patient to be.
Phytoextracts and hypoglycemic potential of I. sonorae, C. limetta, and B. media
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Iza F. , Rubio-Rodríguez Julio C. , Salgado Luis M. , Mora Ofelia , González-Dávalos María L , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía
Published: January 2024

In Mexican traditional medicine, several herbs are used for their potential antidiabetic effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antihyperglycemic effects of I. sonorae, C. limetta, and B. media. Aqueous extracts of these herbs demonstrated a consistent reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy rats during a starch oral tolerance test. Notably, B. media and I. sonorae exhibited significant in vitro inhibitory effects against alpha-amylase activity (20.5 and 25.4%, respectively), while B. media enhanced glucose uptake in adipocytes by 4.0-fold, which was related to the overexpression of key genes involved in insulin signaling cascade including Glut4, Irs1, and Pi3k (2.9-, 2.6-, and 3.2-fold, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis highlighted that hydroxybenzoic acid hexoside and feruloylquinic acid were linked to their alpha -amylase inhibitory activity, while 17 distinct polyphenols were associated with the insulin mimetic activity. These findings propose a potential application of these herbs in the development of herb-based functional beverages with promising anti-diabetic attributes.
A Research on Club Performances in Esports: The Example of the League of Legends 2022 World Cup
Authors: KARACA Burak , Pancar Zarife , Anarefe Buğra , Şenoğlu Mehmet
Published: January 2024

The achievements of the clubs in the last 16 round of the 2022 World Cup of League of Legends, which has made a great impact in esports, were analyzed with performance analysis methods used in sports sciences. In the study, the teams in the 2022 League of Legends World Cup were divided into two groups as the top 16 teams, top 8, and top 8 teams and examined from seven variables. The data of the World Cup were created by analyzing match analyses and online match statistics. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparisons between two independent group means to assess the level of differentiation of the data. Statistical results were evaluated at the 95% confidence level and p<0.05 significance. Statistically significant differences were found between the first and last teams in the parameters of the number of Baron Nashors killed in each game, the number of dragons killed in each game, the number of control totems placed per minute, the percentage of first tower destroyed, the number of Rift Heralds killed in each game, and the gold difference in the first 15 minutes. As a result, our study showed that performance analysis methods can be used for esports competitions.
TOSQ: Transparent object segmentation through query based transformer
Authors: Ma Bin , Ma Ming , Li Ruiguang , zheng Jiawei , Li Deping
Published: January 2024

Sensing transparent objects has many applications in human daily life, including robot navigation and grasping. However, this task presents significant challenges due to the unpredictable nature of scenes that lay beyond transparent objects. This paper aims to solve the transparent object segmentation problem based Transformer. We design a Query Parsing Module (QPM) that formulates the transparent object segmentation task into a dictionary look-up problem and a set of learnable class prototypes as query inputs. Based QPM, we propose a high-performance transformer-based end-to-end segmentation model Transparent Object Segmentation through Query (TOSQ). TOSQ’s encoder is based on the Segformer’s backbone, and its decoder consists of a series of QPM modules. On the Trans10K-V2 dataset, TOSQ significantly outperforms almost all CNN-based and transformer-based methods, fully demonstrating the unique advantages and great potential of TOSQ to solve the semantic segmentation problem of transparent objects in daily human life. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/ldepn/tosq.
The surprising relationship between CD38 and lipid metabolic in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shi Cong , Gong Shengping , Ma Chao , Zhang Yi , Yan Xiao , Zou Duobing , Chen Ying , Liu Yanqing , Niu Tingting , Ouyang Guifang , Mu Qitian
Published: January 2024

Background
CD38 is a surface protein playing a pivotal role in the initiation, relapse, and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the meanwhile, CD38 catalyzes the conversion of NAD, which is required for mitochondrial fatty acid and amino acid oxidation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between CD38 and lipid metabolism in AML.
Methods
A total of 268 samples from newly diagnosed AML patients excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) were collected and analyzed retrospectively to investigate the expression profile and predict the effectiveness of CD38 in AML. Then, qRT-PCR was applied to analyze the expression of enoyl-CoA hydratase short chain 1 (ECHS1) in AML bone marrow.
Results
The result demonstrated that high CD38 level was an independent beneficial prognostic factor for AML patients (p = 0.017). Moreover, CD38 showed significant negative correlation with ECHS1 in AML (r = -0.498, p = 0.0002). ECHS1 overexpression was associated with decreased OS (p = 0.007), and in the multivariable analysis, elevated ECHS1 level was also an independent poor prognostic factor (p = 0.023).
Conclusions
Our study indicates that CD38 overexpression could be a favorable prognostic factor for newly diagnosed AML patients. CD38 is negative associated with lipid metabolic gene ECHS1 expression. This study provides new basis for anti-metabolite treatment and prognosis judgment of AML.
The substitution effect of financial and non-financial incentives at different income levels in physician recruitment: evidence from medical students in China
Authors: Li Xinyan , Zhang Yue , Han Youli
Published: January 2024

Background
Understanding how individual responses to financial and non-financial incentives is crucial for the recruitment and retention of health workers. However, both incentives are integrated in working practice, and existing theoretical studies have suggested that various income levels may influence the substitution effect of both incentives, while the empirical evidence is lacking. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the intrinsic motivation. This study aimed to explore the substitution effect of extrinsic incentives at different income levels, also taking intrinsic altruism into account.
Methods
We used the behavioral data from Zhang et al.’s experiment on medical students. The data combined job choice set through DCEs and altruism quantified by a lab-like experiment. We separated the choice set based on the actual income and distinguished the medical students on altruism. The willingness to pay (WTP) was used to estimate the substitution effect of incentives.
Results
There was significant substitution effect between non-financial and financial incentives. As the income increased, the non-financial incentives such as excellent work environment, sufficient career development become relatively more important. The impact of the increase in income on the substitution effect was more pronounced among individuals with higher altruism. Concerning the non-financial incentive work environment, in contrast to growth of 546 CNY observed in low-altruism group, the high-altruism group experienced a growth of 1040 CNY in the substitution effect.
Conclusions
The increase in the income level exerted an influence on the substitution effect of non-financial incentives and financial incentives, especially in high-altruism medical students. Policymakers should attach importance to a favorable environment and promising career prospects on the basis of ensuring a higher income level.
Monitoring COPD patients: systemic and bronchial eosinophilic inflammation in a 2-year follow-up
Authors: Pignatti Patrizia , Visca Dina , Zappa Martina , Zampogna Elisabetta , Saderi Laura , Sotgiu Giovanni , Centis Rosella , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Spanevello Antonio
Published: January 2024

Background
High blood eosinophils seem to predict exacerbations and response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate for 2 years, blood and sputum eosinophils in COPD patients treated with bronchodilators only at recruitment.
Methods
COPD patients in stable condition treated with bronchodilators only underwent monitoring of lung function, blood and sputum eosinophils, exacerbations and comorbidities every 6 months for 2 years. ICS was added during follow-up when symptoms worsened.
Results
63 COPD patients were enrolled: 53 were followed for 1 year, 41 for 2 years, 10 dropped-out. After 2 years, ICS was added in 12/41 patients (29%) without any statistically significant difference at time points considered. Blood and sputum eosinophils did not change during follow-up. Only FEV1/FVC at T0 was predictive of ICS addition during the 2 year-follow-up (OR:0.91; 95% CI: 0.83–0.99, p = 0.03). ICS addition did not impact on delta (T24-T0) FEV1, blood and sputum eosinophils and exacerbations. After 2 years, patients who received ICS had higher blood eosinophils than those in bronchodilator therapy (p = 0.042). Patients with history of ischemic heart disease increased blood eosinophils after 2 years [p = 0.03 for both percentage and counts].
Conclusions
Almost 30% of mild/moderate COPD patients in bronchodilator therapy received ICS for worsened symptoms in a 2 year-follow-up. Only FEV1/FVC at T0 seems to predict ICS addition during follow-up. Blood and sputum eosinophils were not associated with worsened symptoms or exacerbations. History of ischemic heart disease seems to be associated with a progressive increase of blood eosinophils.
Operating under the influence: The effect of alcohol on operative performance using a virtual robotic training platform - an experimental comparative cohort study
Authors: Muensterer Oliver J. , Apelt Nadja , Schnorpfeil Corinna , Kaufmann Thomas , Goedeke Jan
Published: January 2024

Background: An elevated percentage of medical personnel reports using alcohol to relieve stress. Levels of alcohol addiction are almost double that of the general population. Robotic surgery is becoming more widespread. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of alcohol ingestion on performance of a standardized curriculum using a robotic training platform.
Materials and Methods: Surgeons and surgical trainees were recruited. Candidates performed 4 standardized exercises (Vitruvian Operation (VO), Stacking Challenge (SC), Ring Tower (RT), Suture Sponge (SS)) at 0.0 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), followed by testing in the elimination phase at a target BAC of 0.8‰. Learning effects were minimised through prior training.
Results: A total of 20 participants were recruited. Scores for RT and SS exercises were significantly worse under the influence of alcohol [instruments out of view (SS (z=2.012; p=0.044), RT (z-score 1.940, p=0.049)), drops (SS (z=3.250; p=0.001)), instrument collisions (SS (z=2.460; p=0.014)), missed targets (SS (z=2.907; p=0.004)]. None of the scores improved with alcohol consumption, and there were measurable deleterious effects on the compound indicators risk affinity and tissue handling.
Conclusion: Despite the potential mitigating features of robotic surgery including tremor filtration, motion scaling, and improved three-dimensional visualization, alcohol consumption was associated with a significant increase in risk affinity and rough tissue handling, along with a deterioration of performance in select virtual robotic tasks. In the interest of patient safety, alcohol should not be consumed prior to performing robotic surgery and sufficiently long intervals between alcohol ingestion and surgical performance are mandatory.
Deep Learning Techniques for Predicting Student’s Academic Performance on Virtual Learning Environments: A Review
Authors: Alnasyan Bayan , Basheri Mohammed , Alassafi Madini
Published: January 2024

With advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the increasing volume of online educational data, Deep Learning techniques have played a critical role in predicting student’s academic performance. Recent developments have assisted instructors in determining the strengths and weaknesses of student’s academic achievement. This understanding will benefit from adopting the necessary interventions to assist students in improving their performance, helping at-risk students, and preventing dropout rates. In this review, 46 studies between 2019 and 2023 that apply one or more Deep Learning (DL) techniques, either alone or in combination with Machine Learning (ML) or Ensemble Learning techniques, have been reviewed and analyzed. Moreover, the review has examined utilizing datasets from public (MOOCs), private (LMSs), and other platforms. Four categories were used to group the features: demographic, previous and current academic performance, and learning behavior/activity features. Therefore, the analysis has demonstrated that the DNNs and CNN-LSTM models were the most commonly used techniques. Moreover, it has been noted that the studies that have used DL techniques such as CNNs, DNNs, and LSTMs, performed well by achieving high prediction accuracy above 90%; other studies achieved accuracy ranging between 60% and 90%. For datasets used within the reviewed studies, even though 44% of the studies have used LMSs datasets, it is found that OULAD was the most used dataset from MOOCs. For the grouped features, the results of the analysis indicate that the best features for prediction are the learning behavior and activity features, which outperform other feature categories.
Islamic Financial Development, FDI and Economic Growth in MENA and East Asia and the Pacific: Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Study
Authors: MTIRAOUI Abderraouf Ahmed , HAMDAOUI Mekki , MHIRI Rania
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to study the interaction between Islamic financial development, FDI and economic growth. To do this, we are conducting regressions on simultaneous equation models for the region MENA and East Asia and the Pacific. First, we support a direct relationship between "Islamic financial development and economic growth". Next, our study highlights the indirect effects of Islamic financial development on economic growth through FDI. Finally, our results support significant effects of financial development in improving socio-economic conditions over the period 1990-2018.
JEL classification : C23, E44, O16.
Entrepreneurship between Quality of Governance and Economic Growth in the MENA Region
Authors: MTIRAOUI Abderraouf Ahmed , TALBI Najoua , SLIMENE Nadia , LASSOUED Mongi
Published: January 2024

The objective of this paper is to study the interactions between “the quality of governance”, “entrepreneurship”and “economic growth” according to the examination of the direct and indirect impacts of the quality of governance on economic growth through the indicator of total entrepreneurial activity. Early entrepreneurial “Total early stage entrepreneurial activity” noted (LNTEA) and entrepreneurial activities on growth through the governance quality indicator “governance quality indicator” noted (QGI). We introduce a conditional information matrix to control the variables that affect long-term economic growth, namely “rated economic growth (GDP) over the period 1996-2019 for the MENA region.
JEL classification : F29, C23, O16.
Genus Potentilla L. im Altmarkkreis Salzwedel (Sachsen-Anhalt)
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: January 2024

Im Altmarkkreis Salzwedel sind elf Taxa des Genus Potentilla L. ermittelt worden. Hinzu kommen noch die ausgegliederten Arten Comarum palustre L. und Dasiphora fruticosa (L.) Rydb., die in die Betrachtung einbezogen wurden. Auf ihre Verbreitung im Kreisgebiet wird eingegangen, wobei bei häufigen Arten lediglich Pauschalaussagen getroffen werden. Bei seltenen Spezies werden die Fundorte mitgeteilt, außerdem wird die meist über mehrere Jahrzehnte verfolgte Populationsdynamik vorgestellt. Bei Sippen mit Verwechslungspotenzial wird auf die bei der Determination verwendeten Merkmale verwiesen.
Aster alpinus L. an den Kleinen Rabenklippen oberhalb der Rappbodetalsperre nördlich von Trautenstein (Landkreis Harz)
Authors: Meier Tim
Published: January 2024

Die kleine und isolierte Population von Aster alpinus konnte an den Kleinen Rabenklippen im Harz wiederbestätigt werden. Erstmalig wurden Vergesellschaftung, Populationsgröße, Wachstum und Fitness der Art an diesem Standort dokumentiert und diskutiert.
Análise de Previsão de Geração Fotovoltaica na Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza Usando Técnicas de Aprendizado de Máquina: Um Estudo de Caso
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo Adriano , Lima Romulo , Santos José Daniel
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a case study for analysis and prediction of photovoltaic generation in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza-CE, applying machine learning techniques in the paradigms of time series prediction and system identification. Computational simulations were performed using linear (least squares) and non-linear (artificial neural networks and kernel methods) estimators that are part of the state-of-the-art in machine learning. In time series scenario, using only power measurements, the best results were obtained with the MLP network, with a prediction horizon of seven days ahead. In system identification, using power and solar radiation measurements, the least squares estimator achieved the best performance among all tested estimators, even in the free simulation scenario, i.e., infinite steps ahead.
Comparative Analysis of Deseasonalization and Detrending Methods in Energy Consumption Forecasting
Authors: Coimbra Tainá , Boccato Levy , Siqueira Hugo , Attux Romis
Published: January 2024

Energy consumption forecasting is a valuable tool for management decision-making that can lower expenses and enhance efficiency in a power system. Several time series prediction models can address this issue, ranging from statistical models to complex neural networks. With the purpose of increasing prediction accuracy, we tackle the problem of time series stationarity by considering an Autoregressive (AR) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model. This paper presents a comparative analysis of both models regarding different deseasonalization and detrending methods, which converts the time series to stationary. This is a necessary condition for linear statistical models such as Autoregressive (AR). Our focus is to investigate whether it also improves neural network performance and which stationarity method produces the best result. For this study, we address an energy consumption series from the southeast region of Brazil. The computational results reveal that removing the trend by differencing and removing seasonality by normalization leads to the lowest errors.
Deep Learning and Satellite Images for Photovoltaic Power Forecasting: A Case Study
Authors: Buzzi Luiz Henrique , Weihmann Lucas , Jaskowiak Pablo
Published: January 2024

The growing demand for renewable energy resources presents a supply management challenge, as photovoltaic (PV) energy exhibits intermittent generation due to meteorological factors. The unpredictability of these variations leaves power grids vulnerable to instability, quality, and balance issues. In this context, accurate forecasting of PV power generation can improve management through generation planning, allowing for the balancing of different energy sources, which is crucial for achieving widespread PV energy adoption. The rapid development and significant advancements in deep learning present new possibilities for the use of satellite imagery in PV power forecasting. In this work we build and evaluate several deep learning models in the context of PV power forecasting, aiming at 30 and 60 minutes horizons. Our models are built for the prediction of the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) component which, due to its strong correlation with PV power generation, can be employed not only to derive the actual PV plant output, but also as a measure generation potential, regardless of the actual PV plant. The models take as input images from the GOES-16 satellite and ground-based meteorological measurements, which are considered as desired outcomes. Several model configurations demonstrated the viability of GHI forecasting based on satellite imagery, with the best models achieving relative root mean squared errors (rRMSE) of 15.6% and 17.2% for 30-minute and 60-minute forecast horizons, respectively.
THE ELECTROSTATIC FORCE APPLIED TO TEACHING ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES
Authors: Firme Caio
Published: January 2024

The unique fundamental force related to chemical bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions is the electromagnetic force, where the electrostatic force plays the major role. But, to our knowledge, no paper so far has explored the use of the electrostatic force explicitly to account for any molecular property (boiling point, solubility, etc.), except for the book Introductory Organic Chemistry and Hydrocarbons.1 This work uses the electrostatic force applied to chemistry to explain some molecular properties in organic chemistry. It also evaluates the understanding of Brazilian undergraduate students with respect to some topics of organic chemistry based on the electrostatic force. One questionnaire was applied to chemistry undergraduate students about Coulomb’s law and its application to organic chemistry, and the results indicate that most undergraduate students understand the electrostatic force equation applied to chemical education.
Exploring Energy-Efficient Techniques and Chemical Kinetics in Reactive Nitrogen Species Production with Ambient Air Plasma for Plasma-Activated Water
Authors: Berlatto Érica , Khalaf Péricles
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the chemical kinetics of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) formation in plasma-activated water (PAW) using ambient air and evaluates its energy efficiency. A singular plasma/liquid reactor was used, with discharge power varying between 16.4 to 27.0 W and agitation speeds set at 0 and 750 rpm. The reactor operated across temperatures from 5.00 to 35.00 °C during a consistent 180 min plasma activation. Analysis encompassed ionic strength effects, hydronium activity, conductivity, and iodide as a redox indicator for PAW. Findings suggest reactive species predominantly originate in the gas phase and move to the liquid through the gas-liquid interface. HNO3 production in PAW demonstrated a zero-order, temperature-dependent reaction. From activation parameters and ionic strength effects, a determinant step for aqueous HNO3 production was proposed. The influence of discharge power and agitation on HNO3 and HNO2 production was associated with heightened rates due to increased mass transfer and electric field strength. The research highlighted a trade-off between energy efficiency and nitrate production rate, emphasizing an efficiency peak of 72.33 nmol J-1 in PAW, pivotal for cost and operational benefits.
Plasma fibrinogen and C-reactive protein in dogs
Authors: José Costa Carneiro Mário , Karoline Gomes do Nascimento Kelly , de Araujo de Andrade Elane , de Jesus Cardoso Rosekelly , Abel Isis , Cesar Magalhães Matos Paulo , da Silva e Silva Silveira Natália
Published: January 2024

Complementary tests are essential for defining the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. White blood count is the most common laboratory method for identifying and evaluating inflammatory processes in small animals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate plasma fibrinogen and C-reactive protein as supplementary tools for diagnosing inflammatory processes in dogs, correlating them with the results of the white blood count and the clinical condition of the animal. The sample size was calculated considering the estimated population of dogs living in the rural area of Curuçá, PA, Brazil. The sample included randomly selected healthy and unhealthy dogs. The animals underwent a clinical examination and complete blood count, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein tests. Of a total of 149 animals, 17.4% (26/149) had hyperfibrinogenemia, 39.6% (59/149) were C-reactive protein positive, and 48.3% (72/149) had leukocytosis. Of the cases of leukocytosis, 63.8% (46/72) were due to neutrophilia. The analysis of the plasma protein: fibrinogen ratio in animals with hyperfibrinogenemia showed that the increased results were related to inflammatory processes in 84.6% (22/26) of these dogs. The results showed that fibrinogen and C-reactive protein are promising tools to identify inflammatory processes in dogs even before the presence of clinical signs; therefore, they are considered supplementary routine care methods to detect recent inflammatory processes not yet identified in the white blood count.
Motivação para aprender e causas de evasão de estudantes de ciências da saúde
Authors: Romero José Renato , Pina-Oliveira Alfredo Almeida , Puggina Ana Cláudia
Published: January 2024

Este estudo objetivou correlacionar os motivos de evasão com a motivação para aprender de estudantes de ciências da saúde e correlacionar a motivação para aprender e os motivos de evasão com a idade, sexo e horas de sono. Realizou-se um estudo transversal quantitativo. Participaram 481 estudantes. Foram encontradas correlações entre motivação para aprender e os motivos de evasão (r=-0,25; p=0,00); entre a idade e a motivação extrínseca (r=-0,15; p≤0,00), motivação intrínseca (r=0,11; p=0,01), e o motivo de evasão relacionado ao suporte (r=0,09; p≤0,05); entre a variável horas de sono e os motivos de evasão relacionado as questões institucionais (r=0,15; p≤0,00), vocacionais (r=-0,10; p=0,02), e desempenho (r=0,11; p=0,01). Concluiu-se que os estudantes demonstraram boa motivação geral para aprender e tendência baixa a moderada para evasão. A motivação influenciou positivamente e diminuiu a intensidade dos motivos para evasão.
Concept and Evolution in 3D Printing for Excellence in Healthcare
Authors: Sinha Priyank , Lahare Preeti , Sahu Meena , Cimler Richard , Schnitzer Marek , Hlubenova Jana , Hudak Radovan , Singh Namrata , Gupta Bhanushree , Kuca Kamil
Published: January 2024

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained popularity among scientists and
researchers in every field due to its potential to drastically reduce energy costs for the
production of customized products by utilizing less energy-intensive machines as well
as minimizing material waste. The 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing
approach that uses material layer-by-layer fabrication to produce the digitally specified
3D model. The use of 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical sector has the potential
to revolutionize research and development by providing a quick and easy means to
manufacture personalized one-off batches, each with unique dosages, distinct substances,
shapes, and sizes, as well as variable release rates. This overview addresses the
concept of 3D printing, its evolution, and its operation, as well as the most popular types
of 3D printing processes utilized in the health care industry. It also discusses the application
of these cutting-edge technologies to the pharmaceutical industry, advancements in
various medical fields and medical equipment, 3D bioprinting, the most recent initiatives
to combat COVID-19, regulatory frameworks, and the major challenges that this
technology currently faces. In addition, we attempt to provide some futuristic approaches
to 3DP applications.
Association of CirAEs and Efficacy in NSCLC Patients Treated with PD-1/PD-L1: A Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Lu Junru , Zhu Jiaming , Jiang Guan
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

To systematically evaluate the relationship between cutaneous immunerelated
adverse events (cirAEs) and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 in the treatment of non-small
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to provide an evidence-based reference for the clinical application
of PD-1/PD-L1 and safety evaluation.

Methods:

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane
Library) were screened systematically to collect prospective or retrospective cohort studies on
the correlation between cirAEs and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 in the treatment of NSCLC.

Results:

A total of 3514 participants were included in 13 cohort studies (enclosing an ambidirectional
cohort study). Outcomes revealed that compared with those patients with non cirAEs, patients
suffering cirAEs were associated with significantly higher objective response rate (ORR)
[risk ratio (RR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42–2.14, P<0.00001], longer progressionfree
survival (PFS) [RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.45–0.60, P<0.00001], and longer overall survival (OS)
[RR:0.46, 95% CI: 0.38–0.56]. Sensitivity analyses through the exclusion of one study at a time
did not significantly influence the outcomes, indicating that the meta-analysis results were relatively
robust. Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed consistent results in the study design
(prospective or retrospective cohort studies), as well as in the endpoint results (PFS and OS) of
Kaplan–Meier curves or Cox proportional hazards regression for evaluable patients.

Conclusion:

Currently, evidence reveals that cirAEs development may be associated with a good
prognosis and can be an early predictor of the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 in the treatment of
NSCLC patients.
A Green and Convenient Approach for the Synthesis of
Indole-acrylonitrile and Indole-coumarin Hybrids in Aqueous Media
Authors: Zonouz Adeleh Moshtaghi , Moghani Davoud
Published: January 2024

Indole–acrylonitrile hybrids were synthesized via a catalyst-free reaction of aromatic aldehydes
and 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole in aqueous media. Also, indole-coumarin hybrids were synthesized
via a domino reaction of salicylaldehyde derivatives and 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole in the presence
of ammonium acetate in aqueous media. The advantages of the present protocol are high yields,
short reaction times, mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, and environmentally benign,
and also there is no need to purification of products.
Present Scenario and Future Prospects in the Management of Retinoblastoma: A Review
Authors: Shrivastava Vikas , Kumar Sharma Pramod , Pant Kamal , Banik Rahul
Published: January 2024

:

Retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric ocular cancer. This cancer occurs due to
malignancy in retinoblast cells, which are precursors of photoreceptors, horizontal cells, amacrine
cells, muller cells, and retinal progenitor cells in the retina of the eye. Genetic correlation has been
observed in most cases of retinoblastoma. It is caused due to the suppression or mutation of the retinoblastoma
1 gene (RB1 gene), which is located at the 14th band of both alleles of the 13th human
chromosome. RB1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene responsible for regulating cell growth and controlling
abnormal cell division. In the last two decades, as accurate identification of characteristic features
of cancer cells at various stages of retinoblastoma has been made, we can now plan more advanced
and personalized management of the disease due to improved and focused therapeutic effects
of cryotherapy, thermotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions. These efforts
can lead to a better survival rate with reduced damage to the non-cancerous cells in the eyeball, promoting
better visual performance (better visual acuity and visual axis alignment). Based on studies
published in PubMed and Google Scholar till 2023, current treatment options at various stages of retinoblastoma
are reviewed to suggest the most promising treatment options. Based on this information,
a clear treatment flowchart has been prepared. This review article can assist researchers, eye
specialists, geneticists, and cancer specialists in determining the most promising method for treating
retinoblastoma at various stages.
Current State of Deepfake Detection and Generation: A Review
Authors: Chauhan Ruby , Kansal Isha , Popli Renu , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: January 2024

Employing machine learning algorithms to produce synthetic media, known as deepfake
technology, has garnered considerable interest in contemporary times owing to its capacity
for both favorable and unfavorable implications. The paper thoroughly examines deepfake technology,
encompassing its creation and identification methods and its legal, ethical, and societal
ramifications. The article commences by presenting a comprehensive summary of the technology
behind deepfake and its fundamental machine-learning algorithms. The subsequent discourse
pertains to the basic metrics employed in assessing deepfake generation, the identification methodologies,
and the prevalent benchmarks and datasets utilized for evaluating these algorithms.
The study thoroughly examines deepfake technology, encompassing its methods of generation
and detection, metrics for evaluation, datasets for benchmarking, and the challenges and constraints
associated with its use. The review scrutinizes diverse techniques for generating deep
fakes, encompassing Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), autoencoders, and neural networks.
Style transfer, alongside their corresponding metrics for evaluation, namely Peak Signalto-
Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Fréchet Inception Distance (FID),
and Inception Score (IS). The text delves into an analysis of deepfake detection techniques, encompassing
image and video-based methodologies and the corresponding evaluation metrics.
These metrics include accuracy, recall, F1 score, accuracy, AUC-ROC, and AUC-PR. The article
additionally examines the benchmarks and datasets employed to evaluate the efficacy of deepfake
detection algorithms. These include the Deepfake Detection Challenge (DFDC), the FaceForensics++,
Celeb-DF, and DeeperForensics-1.0 datasets. This paper presents an overview of the
challenges and limitations of generating and detecting deepfakes.
Modeling the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) Area Flood Control System Using EPA SWMM 5.1
Authors: Ulumuddin Muhammad Ihya , Istiarto Istiarto , Wignyosukarto Budi Santoso
Published: January 2024

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is a new airport that operates in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, located in Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency. The presence of the airport will undoubtedly bring various benefits, such as increasing economic activities in the area around the airport. However, the location has a problem, namely the risk of flooding. Flooding can affect activities around the airport, such as freight forwarding activities and access to or from the airport. Based on this problem, efforts are needed to prevent the flood that occurs does not have an impact on the activities of YIA airport and the surrounding area. In this case, the researcher used the EPA SWMM program in modeling the drainage system at the site under study. Modeling the point of occurrence of flooding will make it easier to normalize and add embankments to the channel. Modeling with EPA SWMM 5.1 requires input data such as rain distribution data, watershed characteristics, and the transverse appearance of the drainage channel. The results showed an overflow in the 15 drainage channels studied. The causes of overflow are high surface runoff and sedimentation based on channels and backwaters. Efforts to overcome by normalizing and adding embankments are sufficient to overcome flooding in several channels. Meanwhile, for channels that are still experiencing flooding, other countermeasures, such as retention ponds, are needed.
Modification of Used Rubber Tire Mortar with Fly Ash Addition
Authors: Faizah Restu , Pratama Putra Andhika Dwi , Wibowo Prio Arif , Prasetyo Nugroho Budi , Darmawan Muhammad Harris , Prasetya Aryansyah Aditiya , Setioningsih Retnowati
Published: January 2024

Used tire rubber mortar has been studied for its physical, mechanical, and dynamic properties. Adding used tire rubbers to the mortar is considered effective in improving the brittle properties of the mortar, as well as increasing the mortar's elasticity and damping ability. However, the higher the tire rubber content, the lower the strength of the mortar. Therefore, the use of tire rubber mortar has some limitations. This study investigates the possibility of fly ash as an admixture in tire rubber mortar to enhance its compressive strength. The compressive strength test follows the provisions of ASTM C-109, with a cube-shaped test object measuring 5x5x5 cm3. The specimen type consists of normal mortar, 30%, and 40% tire rubber mortar. Variations in fly ash content are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, respectively. Compressive strength tests were conducted when the mortar was 14, 28, and 56 days. With five specimens for each variation, 245 specimens were tested. The test results show that adding fly ash can be recommended to increase the compressive strength of tire rubber mortar, with a maximum content of 20% by weight of cement. The tire rubber mortar with fly ash mixture experienced a significant strength in 28 – 56 days due to the escalation of fly ash adhesion between the rubber paste and cement.