bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital rough cut capacity planning in a General Surgery service
Authors: Sánchez Suárez Yasniel , Marqués-León Maylín , Hernández-Nariño Arialys , Santos-Pérez Orlando
Published: March 2023

Hospital services constitute a fundamental pillar in the development of society. The objective of this article is to provide medium-term capacity planning improvements in a General Surgery service. A procedure was designed for capacity planning based on process analysis and design as well as the patients’ clinical characteristics. Some of the main results were: the demand of the Major Diagnostic Categories was predicted, the rooms were identified as the limiting resource in this kind of service, where an 82.82 % of them were used, the necessary wards reservations were calculated for the year 2021, with a rate of 163, 96 and 59 times for incisional, inguinal and umbilical hernia surgeries respectively, and a system of capacity improvement actions which were projected. The analysis of capacity using the proposed heuristic method makes possible to identify limiting resources, enhance performance and devise strategies to meet the demand.
“Becoming Muslim”
Authors: Insoll Timothy
Published: March 2023

Archaeology is in a unique position to offer a material culture based perspective on Islamization and conversion to Islam, particularly in regions where historical sources might be limited or absent. This is explored with reference to two archaeological areas, Gao in Mali, and Harlaa in Ethiopia to assess if similar material markers can recur archaeologically through evaluating mosques, Muslim burials and Arabic epigraphy, settlement structure and domestic architecture, animal and plant remains, ceramics, and miscellaneous artifacts potentially suggestive of Islamization in both regions, primarily for the period between the 11th–13th centuries CE. It is concluded that the evidence from Gao and Harlaa attests the variety of interpretations of Islam that exist, but, correspondingly, through the recurrence of key markers such as mosques, Muslim burials, and Arabic epigraphy, also affirms material similarity, yet without having to make course to a unitary and erroneous concept of “African Islam.”
Brahmin Felon and the Wise Thief
Authors: Lubin Timothy
Published: March 2023

I begin by analysing Mimamsa hermeneutics as employed in Visvarupa’s and Vijñanesvara’s commentaries on Yajñavalkya Dharmasastra 2.21, which proclaims principles for dealing with conflicts of smrti-rules, taking as an illustration the problem of self-defence against a Brahmin attacker (quoting Manava Dharmasastra 8.348–51). I then examine Bharuci’s and Medhatithi’s arguments on Manava Dharmasastra 8.314–18 (the example of the ‘wise thief’ who seeks the king’s punishment as a penance). The commentators situate the legality of the king’s interests and judicial authority in relation to Veda-based, otherworldly considerations such as sin and expiation. Punishments and penances serve different purposes, are prescribed by different authorities, and occupy distinct sections in textual sources. The case of the Brahmin felon strains the distinction: it asserts that even a Brahmin (otherwise exempt from capital punishment) may be killed if engaged in the worst crimes, but this conflicts with the rules requiring expiation for killing a Brahmin. The ‘wise thief’ is the contrived exception that proves the rule that punishment and penance are distinct; the efficacy of the act hinges on the wrong-doer’s initiative, so that the king-executioner is more instrument than agent of purification, and at his own spiritual peril. The commentators discuss these cases in terms of the relation between Dharmasastra and Arthasastra, subordinating the latter to the former.
Asvatantra
Authors: Chebrol Madhulika
Published: March 2023

Traditionally considered timeless and static, dharma is necessarily rooted in the customs of people and, therefore, a function of changing times and beliefs. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how medieval Brahmanical scholars understood, justified, and interpreted dharma within the scholastic tradition and whether it was possible to reinterpret various prescriptive rules to suit the social milieu of their times. These reinterpretations, if they can be sufficiently attested through scholarship, must have their roots in historical realities. Whether the tradition wishes to accommodate change or resist it, scholarly readings and commentaries provide a valuable insight into how law was read and interpreted by the Brahmanical scholastic tradition. This paper studies the dharmic norms relating to the dependence (asvatantrya) of women as interpreted by the tenth-century commentator Medhatithi, writing on the Manavadharmasastra. Medhatithi’s lengthy commentary on controversial points suggests a vibrant scholastic debate in which interpretations varied and certain historical realities had been taken into account.
Święte obrazy na blasze malowane
Authors:   Instytut Archeologii i Etnologii PAN Polski Instytut Studiów nad Sztuką Świata, Skwirowska Marta
Published: March 2023

The article Saint images painted on tin contains the description of retablo painting in Mexico. This genuine branch of Mexican folk art ultimately widely recognized by many specialists of Mexican art now can be found in many art galleries and museums around Mexico and the United States. The author focuses on the retablos santos and retablos ex-votos giving the wide description of these two types of Mexian retablos. The text is accompanied by the wild bibliography, pictures and observation from the field research. The retablo painting flourished in 19th century mainly in the central states of Mexico and there are known two types of it: retablos santos and retablos ex-votos known as milagros. This object of a private devotion with the images of saints or the Holy Family, were very popular in the turn of the 19th and the 20th century. Naïve artist presented in their works their love for the decorative ornaments trying to obtain grand manner effect. Rules of anatomy and perspective were rather unknown to the artist and persons or articles portrayed were reduced to the simple shapes. Retablo paintings were widely common till the beginning of the 20th century when sacred pictures printed on paper replaced them and the coloured lithographs appeared on the market. Contrary to the retablos santos, ex-votos still are present in the in the religious space of its believers. Mexican milagros tell the unusual stories of their donors who being grateful for the received mercies give thanks to la Virgen de Guadalupe, Santo Niño de Atocha or some saint. The contemporary votive painting still remain its traditional form dived in two parts: painted part which includes a „mirackle-maker” and a scene, and a written one which is text describing the scene and a miracle received. Ex-votos, contrary to retablos santos, are a very fine example of direct relation between people and supernatural powers. Having been a very important source of people’s religious sensitivity, they give a true visible testimony of faith and gratitude for the received miracles. They have their autonomous force of expressing human emotions.
Responses of Colchicum speciosum L. populations to conventional and nano-fertilizers of nitrogen through changes in morphological and biochemical attributes
Authors: BABAIE NAEIJ Masoud , PEYVANDI Maryam , ABBASPOUR Hossein , NOORMOHAMMADI Zahra , ARBABIAN Sedighe
Published: March 2023

There is an increasing interest in the use of nano-fertilizer as an alternative to traditional fertilizers, in order to increase the secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to observe the changes in morphological and biochemical properties of three populations of Colchicum speciosum L., from Iran (Filband, Sangdarka, and Kelerd), upon conventional (1.1 and 2.2 mg L-1) and nano-N (1.5 and 3 mg L-1) fertilizers based on completely randomized design (CRD). The anthocyanin and phenolic contents of leaves and corms were determined with a spectrophotometer and corm colchicine was extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results represented different responses of morphological and biochemical attributes to populations due to their different origins. Filband with higher altitude showed increased leaf area, plant length, corn weight and diameter when treated with N fertilizers. Increased total phenolic component (TPC) in leaves and corm and also leaf total flavonoids component (TFC) were reported in Filband upon N fertilizers. All fertilizers led to decreased leaf anthocyanin when N fertilizers were applied. A noticeable increase in colchicine was obtained in Kelerd and Sangdarka when plants were treated with 1.5 mg L-1   nano-N fertilizer. Heat map analysis of corm anthocyanin, leaf anthocyanin, leaf TPC, leaf TPC, and colchicine amount showed higher variability under the treatments. According to principal component analysis (PCA), corm TPC, leaf TFC, corm TFC, leaf area, and corm weight were specific traits of Kelerd. In conclusion, different responses of morphological and biochemical traits were reported between populations, and N fertilizers exerted diverse effects on these traits. The population from higher altitudes showed higher phenolic content and lower anthocyanin accumulation under conventional and nano-N fertilizers.
Variations in seed oil and chemical composition among the safflower genotypes (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: TONGUÇ Muhammet , ÖNDER Sercan , ERBAŞ Sabri
Published: March 2023

Seeds of oil crops are both important sources of edible oils and bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to determine variations in oil content, bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, xanthophyll and tocopherol) and fatty acid compositions in the seeds of 20 safflower genotypes. Relationships among these parameters were also examined with correlation and principal coordinate analysis. Significant differences for seed oil content and bioactive compounds were detected among the safflower genotypes. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the genotypes ranged from 5.10-14.55 mg g-1 and from 4.60-7.25 mg g-1, respectively. Total carotenoid and xanthophyll contents of seeds ranged from 3.75-19.17 mg g-1 and from 5.25-20.13 mg g-1, respectively. Total tocopherol content of safflower genotypes was between 43.56-76.42 mg 100 g-1. Oil content of the genotypes were between 24.07-34.53% with average value of 29.22%. Fatty acid analysis revealed that 16 genotypes were linoleic and 4 were oleic type and they had generally high palmitic acid content ranging from 5.6-12.89%. Total unsaturated/total saturated fatty acids ratios were between 4.55-11.59, and ‘Olas’ and ‘Linas’ had the highest values. Correlation analysis revealed 45 correlations, four were positively and 7 were negatively correlated with each other. Principal coordinate analysis showed that some genotypes were clustered separately based on their seed contents. Our results also confirmed that seed oil content, fatty acid compositions and seed chemical compositions among the safflower genotypes varied significantly and could be exploited for higher oil yield and oil quality.
Smart Microfluidics: Synergy of Machine Learning and Microfluidics in the Development of Medical Diagnostics for Chronic and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Authors: Madukwe David Uche Promise , Mike-Ogburia Moore Ikechi , Nduka Nonso , Nzeobi Japhet
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, emerging/re-emerging infections as well as other non-communicable chronic diseases, highlight the necessity of smart microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic (POC) devices and systems in developing nations as risk factors for infections, severe disease manifestations and poor clinical outcomes are highly represented in these countries. These POC devices are also becoming vital as analytical procedures executable outside of conventional laboratory settings are seen as the future of healthcare delivery. Microfluidics have grown into a revolutionary system to miniaturize chemical and biological experimentation, including disease detection and diagnosis utilizing μPads/paper-based microfluidic devices, polymer-based microfluidic devices and 3-dimensional printed microfluidic devices. Through the development of droplet digital PCR, single-cell RNA sequencing, and next-generation sequencing, microfluidics in their analogous forms have been the leading contributor to the technical advancements in medicine. Microfluidics and machine-learning-based algorithms complement each other with the possibility of scientific exploration, induced by the framework's robustness, as preliminary studies have documented significant achievements in biomedicine, such as sorting, microencapsulation, and automated detection. Despite these milestones and potential applications, the complexity of microfluidic system design, fabrication, and operation has prevented widespread adoption. As previous studies focused on microfluidic devices that can handle molecular diagnostic procedures, researchers must integrate these components with other microsystem processes like data acquisition, data processing, power supply, fluid control, and sample pretreatment to overcome the barriers to smart microfluidic commercialization.
Newspapers in Science Communication: A Content Analysis on Science and Technology News
Authors: DÖNMEZ İsmail
Published: March 2023

Science communication describes the connection between science and society in various ways. Written media and media tools contribute to strengthening science communication. The aim of this research was to examine the science and technology news in daily newspapers published in Turkey. Three newspapers in Turkey (Hürriyet, Sabah, and Posta), and their publications between August 28th and September 21st, 2019, were selected in this study. Some reviews have been made into how often these newspapers include science and technology events occurring in Turkey and around the world, what type of scientific news there is, and in what way the socio-scientific contents are presented in newspapers. The content analysis method was used in the study and the news items were presented in categories. As a result of the research, it was observed that science and technology news is given little space in these newspapers and is generally presented in the small columns on the last pages. It was seen that newspapers are an important tool in presenting scientific content and socio-scientific issues to society, but these depictions made are in certain patterns.
The Impact of External Factors on Accounting Information System (AIS) Usage
Authors: Ramli Ainon
Published: March 2023

The study focused on external factors of training, experience and internal expertise of the use of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) in three, four, and five star rated hotels. The data from the survey were collected through a postal questionnaire to senior accounting managers in three, four, and five star rated hotels. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS), which is the PLS-Graph Beta version 3.0. It was found that experience and internal expertise influenced the usage of the AIS, however, training was not significant to AIS users in the hotel industry in Malaysia. Using an extension of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study reveals the wide use of computerized accounting systems.
Role of Transformational Leadership in Enhancing Followers' Psychological Empowerment
Authors: Ibrahim Nurshahira , Ismail Azman , Yusuf Munirah Hanim , Ab. Hamid Siti Ngayesah
Published: March 2023

According to recent literature on organizational leadership, the ability of leaders to implement a transformational process appropriately may lead to enhanced followers? psychological empowerment in organizations. Although this relationship is significant, the role of transformational leadership as an important predicting variable has not been given sufficient emphasis in the organizational leadership model. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and followers? psychological empowerment using 86 usable questionnaires gathered from employees at a multinational company in Sarawak, Malaysia. The results of the SmartPLS path model analysis confirm that idealized influence, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation act as important predictors of followers? psychological empowerment. Additionally, discussion, implications and conclusion are presented in detail.
Analysis of the of training and test data distribution for audio series classification
Authors: Kholiev Vladyslav , Barkovska Olesia
Published: March 2023

The effectiveness of machine learning algorithms for any given task largely depends on the training and test datasets. This manifests itself not only in the amount of data, but also in its content (that is, its relevance for the task at hand), as well as in its organization. Generally, the common approach is to split the dataset into training and testing sets to avoid model overfitting. In addition, to achieve better metrics for the selected criteria (accuracy, learning rate, etc.) of model performance, different ratios of training and test sets are used in the partitioning. The goal of this paper is to analyze methods of data set partitioning for use in training neural networks and statistical models. One of the reviewed methods, specifically the cross-validation method, was applied to a dataset developed from the LibriSpeach corpus, an open English speech corpus based on the LirbiVox project of voluntarily contributed audio books. The result of applying the selected data partitioning method on the selected data set is demonstrated.
Zastosowania dronów w badaniach rzeźby terenu, struktury i tekstury osadów na przykładach z Polski Środkowej
Authors: Kossowski Maciej
Published: March 2023

Drony (bezzałogowe statki powietrzne – BSP) wraz z rozwojem technologii są coraz częściej wykorzystywane do rozwiązywania problemów naukowych. Dotyczy to w szczególności nauk o Ziemi i środowisku, w tym geomorfologii, geologii strukturalnej i sedymentologii. Obok kwestii sprzętowo-technicznych, równoległy rozwój programów fotogrametrycznych oraz systemów służących do zwiększania precyzji pomiarów przebiegu lotu dronów, przyczyniają się do możliwości tworzenia zarówno map terenu, jak i modeli 3D o coraz większej dokładności. W niniejszej pracy opisano możliwości wykorzystania dronów wyposażonych w niemetryczną kamerę RGB lub sensor termalny do badania przemian morfologicznych terenu na podstawie analizy zdjęć, ortofotomap i modeli 3D. Badania testowe przeprowadzono w dolinach Warty i Pilicy w rejonie sztucznych zbiorników oraz na wysoczyznach morenowych i płaskowyżach – głównie w kopalniach odkrywkowych. Wynika z nich, że odpowiednie zaplanowanie lotu i konfiguracja pracy kamery statku powietrznego gwarantują uzyskanie właściwych danych niezbędnych do późniejszej obróbki w oprogramowaniu, np. GIS. Do najważniejszych parametrów zaliczono: określenie obszaru planowanego nalotu, wysokość lotu nad poziomem gruntu, prędkość statku powietrznego, prędkość powtarzalności kamery oraz dokładność generowanego materiału.
Post-COVID ethics of work as a perspective for the development of self-employment in Russia
Authors: Sadovaya Viktoria
Published: March 2023

The article discusses the process of transferring the financial and economic activities of most self-employed entrepreneurs to the digital space, which was forced by the conditions of the remote work format during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the established legislative framework during the period of self-isolation. The analysis of the current legislative framework, which is included in the article, makes it possible to identify general trends in removing barriers to engage a larger group of entrepreneurs in a new format of working, as well as immersing the main financial instruments in the Internet. On the basis of empirical data obtained in the course of quantitative (data analytics of queries in Yandex.Direct) and qualitative sociological research (content analysis of financial applications) the features of registration and registration procedures in the digital space were formed, the online platforms of the Federal Tax Service and the largest banking organizations for servicing financial and economic activities for the self-employed were analyzed, including financial instruments. A number of main aggregators and marketplaces are distinguished by industries of the activity sphere of the self-employed according to the criterion of popularity in Internet search engines. The specificity of web analytics of the dynamics and content of search queries allows us to draw conclusions about the most pressing topics, both for the self-employed and for those interested in this topic for the purpose of subsequent registration and use of financial instruments on the Internet. Based on these requests, there is a surge of interest in self-employed entrepreneurship, the criteria for registering self-employment during the pandemic and post-pandemic, an active study of the specifics of tax liabilities and financial and economic activities, typical characteristics of search behavior and priority online platforms in the Yandex.Direct system have been formed.
Problems of the family institution in the youth environment
Authors: Romanovich Nelly
Published: March 2023

The problems of the family institution are reflected in the family values transformation. The patterns of family and marriage relations which are traditional for historical Russia come into conflict with modern realities. This transformation affects primarily the youth environment, putting young people in front of a tough choice between socially approved career growth and a quiet feat inconspicuous to the world within family relationships. The all-Russian study “Self-regulation of the Life of Young People in a Changing Social Reality”, conducted in the fall of 2020, revealed problematic aspects of marital relations. The traditional values of the family, which are historically common for Russia, are opposed to a set of modern values characteristic of the liberal model and sometimes inferior to the latter. The course laid down by the founders of communism to eliminate the monogamous family as an economic unit of society gives its late shoots refracting in the individualization of society, leveling the significance of official marriage unions and reducing the number of children in families. The results of the all-Russian sociological survey of young people make it possible to identify the real marital status of young people in Russia and to consider its models. The article analyzes the prevalence of so-called “civil marriages” and the correction of attitudes towards them by official bodies. The author gives the rationale for the growing popularity of the “Japanese model” in marital relations, as well as the reasons that push young people to short-term marriage unions fraught with loneliness. The nature of young people relationship with their parents is considered and different generations of youth are compared. The idea of the respondents about the meaning of the family is investigated and the main motives for marriage are established. The number of children in modern youth families is revealed and trends in various social groups are analyzed. Conclusions are drawn about the instability of the family institution in the modern world and the need to protect it by the state.
Defining the Most Generalized, Natural Extension of the Expected Value on Measurable Functions
Authors: Krishnan Bharath
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we will extend the expected value of the function w.r.t the uniform probability measure on sets measurable in the Caratheodory sense to be finite for a larger class of functions, since the set of all measurable functions with infinite or undefined expected values forms a prevalent subset of the set of all measurable functions, which means "almost all" measurable functions have infinite or undefined expected values. Before we define the specific problem in section 2, we will outline some preliminary definitions. We'll then define the specific problem (along with a partial solution in section 3) to visualize the complete solution. Along the way, we will ask a series of questions to clarify our understanding of the paper.
Microfactory for Valorization of E-waste Plastics (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, Polycarbonate, and Polypropylene) on Additive Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Moure Abelenda Alejandro , Aiouache Farid
Published: March 2023

Less than half of e-waste plastics is sorted worldwide and this rate is likely to decline as major processing countries have banned importation of e-waste plastics. This forces the development of decentralized processing facilities, also known as microfactories. The present work investigates the recyclability of different grades of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, which were found to be very abundant in a recycling site in the UK. The determination of the matrix relied on the resin identification code imprinted in the e-waste plastic and subsequent FTIR analysis. The melt-blend extrusion technology enabled the valorization of the wasted thermoplastics as 3D filament without significant degradation of the polymers. The recycled materials maintained the tensile strength around 2.5 MPa in agreement with the specifications offered by virgin polymers. Further characterization was done by means of laser microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and XRF to determine the commercial viability of the recycled filament. A modified solvent-based method was developed with acetone to remove the brominated flame retardants: 25g/100mL, 30 minutes of contact time, and 4 extraction steps. The FTIR results show that the degradation of the rubbery dispersed phase corresponding to the butadiene can be accumulated in the less soluble fraction of the waste ABS.
Hearing Assistive Technology Facilitates Sentence-in-Noise Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Xu Suyun , Fan Juan , Zhang Hua , Zhang Minyue , Zhao Hang , Jiang Xiaoming , Ding Hongwei , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Hearing assistive technology (HAT) has been shown to be a viable solution to the speech-in-noise perception (SPIN) issue in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, little is known about its efficacy in tonal language speakers. This study compared sentence-level SPIN performance between Chinese children with ASD and neurotypical (NT) children and evaluated HAT use in improving SPIN performance and easing SPIN difficulty. Methods: Children with ASD (n=26) and NT children (n=19) aged 6-12 performed two adaptive tests in steady-state noise and three fixed-level tests in quiet and steady-state noise with and without using HAT. Speech recognition thresholds (SRT) and accuracy rates were assessed using adaptive and fixed-level tests, respectively. Parents or teachers of the ASD group completed a questionnaire regarding children’s listening difficulty under six circumstances before and after a ten-day trial period of HAT use. Results: Although the two groups of children had comparable SRTs, the ASD group showed a significantly lower SPIN accuracy rate than the NT group. Also, a significant impact of noise was found in the ASD group’s accuracy rate, but not in the NT group’s. There was a general improvement in the ASD group’s SPIN performance with HAT and a decrease in their listening difficulty ratings across all conditions after the device trial. Conclusion: The findings indicated inadequate SPIN in the ASD group using a relatively sensitive measure to gauge SPIN performance among children. The markedly increased accuracy rate in noise during HAT-on sessions for the ASD group confirmed the feasibility of HAT for improving SPIN performance in controlled laboratory settings, and the reduced post-use ratings of listening difficulty further confirmed the benefits of HAT use in daily scenarios.
Spatial-Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Interrelationship of Sulfur and Iron Compounds in Sediments: A Model Study in the Closed-Section of Mikawa Bay, Japan
Authors: Waku Mitsuyasu , Sone Ryota , Inoue Tetsunori , Ishida Toshiro , Suzuki Teruaki
Published: March 2023

This study examined the spatial-temporal distribution of sulfur and iron compounds (dissolved sulfide, iron sulfide, and ionized iron) in sediments from April 2015 to March 2016 at four stations in Mikawa Bay, Japan. Seasonal changes were observed in dissolved sulfide, iron sulfide, and ionized iron in the upper part of the sediment (0–4 cm depth) at all stations. The maximum concentration in the upper part of the central bay was 2.8 mmol L-1. The maximum values of dissolved sulfide (ranging from 1.4 to 8.1 mmol L-1) at stations located in a water way varied among stations. The iron sulfide concentration in the upper part of the sediment at a station where dissolved sulfide concentration in the waterway was relatively low exceeded that at other stations in the waterway during spring to summer. Ionized iron concentration was highest at the station where the dissolved sulfide concentration was low. The study results suggest that iron plays an important role in determining the magnitude of dissolved sulfide accumulation in sediments by binding with dissolved sulfide. The results imply the possibility of mitigating the accumulation of free sulfides, which causes extreme hypoxia, by artificially adding sufficient iron to the seabed.
From Cell to Symptoms: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Cytopathic Effects in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Long COVID
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia Pablo , Fiorillo Moreno Ornella , Peñate Eloina Zarate , Calderón-Villalba Alejandro , Pacheco Lugo Lisandro , Hoyos Antonio Acosta , Camacho Jose Luis Villarreal , Quiroz Roberto Navarro , Londoño Leonardo Pacheco , Aroca Martinez Gustavo , Moares Noelia , Gabucio Antonio , Fernandez-Ponce Cecilia , Garcia-Cozar Francisco , Navarro Quiroz Elkin
Published: March 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers various events from molecular to tissue level, which in turn is given by the intrinsic characteristics of each patient. Given the molecular diversity characteristic of each cellular phenotype, the possible cytopathic, tissue and clinical effects are difficult to predict, which determines the heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on various cell types, focusing on the development of COVID-19, which in turn may lead, in some patients, to a persistence of symptoms after recovery from the disease, a condition known as long COVID. We describe the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-host interactions, including alterations in protein expression, intracellular signaling pathways, and immune responses. In particular, the article highlights the potential impact of these cytopathies on cellular function and clinical outcomes, such as immune dysregulation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and organ damage. The article concludes by discussing future directions for research and implications for the management and treatment of COVID-19 and Long-COVID.
The Influence of Micro to Nano-Cellulose-Clay on the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Polypropylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Muhammad Imran Syed , Iqbal Ihsan , Hussain Manwar
Published: March 2023

It is important to add second- or third-phase materials to improve the physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. A unique hybrid bio-nanocomposite was fabricated using microparticle cellulose powder from wastepaper with a polypropylene (PP) polymeric matrix using a low-shear chaotic mixing method. A small amount (2-5%) of layered micro clay was also added to investigate the hybrid effect of nanocomposite fabrication on the mechanical properties. A low-shear chaotic melt mixing method induces the formation of nano cellulose structures and layered clay nanoparticles by via exfoliation. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Mechanical properties such as the flexural strength (FS) and tensile strength (TS) were investigated using an Izod impact tester (IZ), and a dynamic mechanical testing analyzer (DMTA). Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure of the nanocomposite. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to investigate the crystallinity and degradation of the samples, respectively. The addition of wastepaper cellulose powder below 2.5 wt. % did not improve the mechanical properties, however, improvements were observed when more than 5wt.% wastepaper cellulose powder was added. With the addition of a small amount of nano-clay, the mechanical properties were significantly improved, and a synergistic effect could be noticed. The observed results were then compared with PP-clay nanocomposites used in automotive industries to replace cellulose nanocomposites. The application areas can also cover lead production in paper cups and vacuum foaming.
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration in post-traumatic stress disorder: an integrative review
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: March 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that occurs following exposure to traumatic events. The prevalence of PTSD is estimated to be 5-10% worldwide, and it is associated with significant distress and disability. Recent evidence suggests that PTSD may be a risk factor for the development of subsequent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Identification of biomarkers known to be associated with neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD would shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these disorders, and would also help in the development of preventive approaches aimed at reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in PTSD. In the current review, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies aimed at identifying genetic, biochemical, neuroimaging or behavioral markers associated with neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD. Out of a total of 342 citations retrieved, 29 relevant studies were identified for inclusion in the review. The results of these studies suggest that several potentially relevant biological markers, including cerebral cortical thinning, disrupted white matter integrity, specific genetic polymorphisms, immune-inflammatory alterations, vitamin D deficiency, metabolic syndrome and parasomnias, may be associated with an increased risk of neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD. Though many of these results need replication, they highlight a number of biological pathways that plausibly link PTSD with neurodegenerative disorders, and suggest potentially valuable avenues for prevention and early intervention in this patient population.
Effect of Snowmelt on Groundwater Bacterial Community Composition and Potential Role of Surface Environments as Microbial Seed Bank in Two Distinct Aquifers from the Region of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Villeneuve Karine , Turcotte-Blais Valérie , Lazar Cassandre Sara
Published: March 2023

Events of groundwater recharge are associated with changes in the composition of aquifer microbial communities but also abiotic conditions. Modification in the structure of the community can be the result of different environmental condition favoring or hindering certain taxa or due to the introduction of surface-derived taxa. Yet, in both cases, the local hydrogeochemical settings of the aquifer is likely to affect the amount of variation observed. Therefore, in our study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess how microbial communities change in response to snowmelt and the potential connectivity between subsurface and surface microbiome in two distinct aquifers located in the region of Vaudreuil-Soulange (Québec, Canada). At both sites, we observed an increase in groundwater level and decrease in temperature following the onset of snow melt in March 2019. Bacterial community composition of each aquifer was significantly different (p < 0.05) between samples collected prior and after groundwater recharge. Furthermore, microbial source tracking results suggested low contribution of surface environments to groundwater microbiome except for months associated with recharge (March 2019 and April 2019). Overall, despite differences in soil permeability between both sites, the period of snow melt was followed by important changes in the composition of microbial communities from aquifers.
A Three-step Process to Isolate Large Quantities of Bioactive Sesquiterpene Lactones from Cichorium intybus L. Roots and Semi-synthesis of Chicory STLs Standards
Authors: Ruggieri Francesca , Hance Philippe , Gioia Bruna , Biela Alexandre , Roussel Pascal , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Willand Nicolas
Published: March 2023

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are a large group of terpenoids most commonly found in plants of the Asteraceae family, e. g. in chicory plants, displaying a wide range of interesting biological activities. However, further studies on the biological potential of chicory derived STLs and analogues are challenging as only four of these molecules are commercially available (as analytical standards), and to date there are no published or patented simple extraction-purification processes capable of large scale STLs isolation. In this work we describe a novel three-step large scale extraction and purification method for the simultaneous purification of 11,13-dihydrolactucin (DHLc) and lactucin (Lc) starting from a chicory genotype rich in these STLs and in the corresponding glycosyl and oxalyl conjugated forms. After a small-scale screening on 100 mg of freeze-dried chicory root powder, the best results were achieved with a 17 h water maceration at 30°C. With these conditions we managed to increase the content of DHLc and Lc, at the same time favouring the hydrolysis of their conjugated forms. On a larger scale, the extraction of 750 g of freeze-dried chicory root powder, followed by a liquid-liquid extraction step and a reversed-phase chromatography, allowed the recovery of 642.3 ± 76.3 mg of DHLc and 175.3 ± 32.9 mg of Lc. The two pure STLs were subsequently used in the context of semi-synthesis to generate analogues for biological evaluation as antibacterial agents. In addition, other described chicory STLs that are not commercially available were also synthesized or extracted to serve as analytical standards for the study. In particular, lactucin-oxalate and 11,13-dihydrolactucin-oxalate were synthesized in two steps starting from Lc and DHLc, respectively. On the other hand, 11β,13-dihydrolactucin-glycoside was obtained after a MeOH/H2O (70/30) extraction, followed by a liquid-liquid extraction step and a reversed-phase chromatography. Together, this work will help facilitate the evaluation of the biological potential of chicory derived STLs and their semisynthetic analogues.
Digital transformation: Towards process automation in a cloud native architecture
Authors: Oppermann Alexander , Eickelberg Samuel , Meiborg Manuel
Published: March 2023

Introducing new information systems in organizations often result in information sinks that disrupt people's productivity and prevent a successful change management process. In this paper, the Operation Layer is presented, a Cloud Native concept to break up data silos, to streamline workflows and to centralize IT services while maintaining the department's workflows. This concept will simplify the IT maintenance while flattening the change management curve at the same time. This is demonstrated by implementing a complete digital calibration certificate workflow.
Analysis of biofilm and bacterial communities in the towel environment with daily use
Authors: Kato Haruro , Okino Nagisa , Kijitori Hiroki , Izawa Yoshifumi , Wada Yasunao , Maki Masataka , Yamamoto Takako , Yano Takehisa
Published: March 2023

Towels differ remarkably from other textile products in their fibre structure and usage, and microbial behaviours on towels remain underexplored. Thus, we evaluated biofilm formation on towels during use for 6 months in daily life and analysed its relationship with odour, dullness, and laundry habits. The towels exhibited odour and dullness after 2 months of use and biofilm structures were observed over the 6 months, especially in the ground warp part. Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and viable counts on the towels increased over time. The microbiota was significantly different from that on human skin and clothing. Several species of Alphaproteobacteria were correlated with dullness intensity and the quantity of biofilm components. Therefore, bacterial species that specifically adapt to the towel fibre environment could form biofilms. Our results demonstrate bacterial diversity in textile products and suggest careful consideration of the textile fibre material, structure, and usage pattern to control bacterial communities.
Volatile fatty acids, proxies for methane production in ruminant animals
Authors: Washaya Soul , Mupangwa John , Mapfumo Lizwell , Muchenje Voster
Published: March 2023

Determining enteric methane, produced by grazing extensively managed cattle is practically impossible. The objective of this study was to determine enteric methane yield from beef cows using VFAs as proxies. A total of 24 cows were randomly selected for the study. The animals were grouped and identified according to their parity: P1-P4. Rumen liquor samples were collected every fortnight for 12 months through a stomach tube, and VFA analysis was done using gas chromatography. The effect of parity and season (wet, dry and cold) on the mean concentrations of the VFAs and methane was analysed. Parity and season were considered as fixed factors while each individual cow was regarded as a random variable. The result indicates that parity and season influenced (P < 0.05) the acetate, isobutyric and isovaleric acid concentrations. A Parity x season interaction significantly influenced the propionate, butyric and valeric acid production (P < 0.05). There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between parity and season on methane production, animals in P3 had the highest methane values compared to other parities during the wet and cold seasons. It can be concluded that parity and season influence VFA and methane production, and VFAs can be used to predict enteric methane production for grazing animals.
Etiology of Acute Febrile Illness in the Peruvian Amazon as determined by modular formatted quantitative PCR: A Protocol for RIVERA, a Health Facility-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Peñataro_Yori Pablo , Paredes_Olórtegui Maribel , Schiaffino Francesca , Perez Karin , Curico_Huansi Greisi , Flynn Thomas , Zhang Jixian , Ramal_Asayag Cesar , Meza_Sanchez Graciela , Silva_Delgado Hermann , Casapia_Morales Martin , Casanova Wilma , Jiu Bruce , Munayco_Escate Cesar , Silver Rachel , Henao Olga , Cooper Kerry K. , Liu Jie , Houpt Eric , Kosek Margaret N , Colston Josh M , Oberhelman Richard , Pinedo_Vasquez Tackeshy , Garcia_Bardales Paul F , Shapiama_Lopez Wagner Valentino , Zegarra_Paredes Loyda Fiorella
Published: March 2023

Background: The study of the etiology of acute febrile illness (AFI) has historically been designed as a prevalence of pathogens detected from a case series. This strategy has an inherent unrealistic assumption that all pathogen detection allows for causal attribution, despite known asymptomatic carriage of the principal causes of acute febrile illness in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We designed a semi-quantitative PCR in a modular format to detect bloodborne agents of acute febrile illness that encompassed common etiologies of AFI in the region, etiologies of recent epidemics, etiologies that require an immediate public health response and additional pathogens of unknown endemicity. We then designed a study that would delineate background levels of transmission in the community in the absence of symptoms to provide corrected estimates of attribution for the principal determinants of AFI.
Methods: A case-control study of acute febrile illness in patients ten years or older seeking health care in Iquitos, Loreto, Peru, was planned. Upon enrollment, we will obtain blood, saliva, and mid-turbinate nasal swabs at enrollment with a follow-up visit on day 21-28 following enrollment to attain vital status and convalescent saliva and blood samples, as well as a questionnaire including clinical, socio-demographic, occupational, travel, and animal contact information for each participant. Whole blood samples are to be simultaneously tested for 32 pathogens using TaqMan array cards. Mid-turbinate samples will be tested for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Influenza B. Conditional logistic regression models will be fitted treating case/control status as the outcome and with pathogen-specific sample positivity as predictors to attain estimates of attributable pathogen fractions for AFI.
Discussion: The modular PCR platforms will allow for reporting of all primary results of respiratory samples within 72 hours and blood samples within one week, allowing for results to influence local medical practice and enable timely public health responses. The inclusion of controls will allow for a more accurate estimate of the importance of specific, prevalent pathogens as a cause of acute illness.
Study Registration: Project 1791, Registro de Proyectos de Investigación en Salud Pública (PRISA), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú.
Mobile app for eucalyptus bucking - value chain optimization for smallholders
Authors: Kaakkurivaara Tomi , Korpunen Heikki , Kaakkurivaara Nopparat
Published: March 2023

Eucalyptus plantations are a notable source of income for smallholders and private landowners in Thailand. The main uses of eucalyptus are for energy purposes and as pulpwood, sawn timber, and veneer. Among private eucalyptus forest owners there is a need for decision support tools that can help in optimizing tree bucking, according to the available properties of the site and bucking patterns. The precise characterization of plantation properties is key to delivering appropriate timber assortment to markets and optimizing timber value. Our study has developed and tested dynamic programming models for optimizing the tree bucking of eucalyptus trees. To achieve this, tree taper curves for use in volumetric models were defined for optimization. Our results indicate that both the tree spacing and the increment of diameter of breast height are significant factors when estimating profitability. The income would be significantly higher if bucking timber in different assortments were used, instead of the current approach of selling as bulk based on mass. For implementation, we created a free mobile application for android phones (EVO—eucalyptus value chain optimization) to utilize the study results at the grass root-level.