bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weld pool boundary detection based on U-Net algorithm and weld seam tracking in plasma arc welding
Authors: Lu Jidong , Yamane Satoshi , Wang Weixi , Li Ning , Wang Siqi , Xia Yuxiong
Published: October 2024

Plasma arc welding (PAW)can achieve high-quality welding joints in high-strength manufacturing fields such as aviation and automotive and improve production efficiency. The plasma keyhole arc welding(K-PAW) can be used for butt welding in thick plates since the plasma arc is more concentrated than Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding. The weld pool can effectively reflect the welding melt state. To make robot automatic welding, it is important to observe the weld pool in real-time. The K-PAW will be stable to ensure the welding quality if the weld line can be taught accurately. However, the electrodes of the plasma welding torch cannot be observed from the outside. Teaching the weld line to torch in real-time from human sight will be difficult. In this study, the Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) camera fixed on the welding torch with an interference filter was utilized to observe the weld pool. Estimate the weld line position in real-time by image processing techniques based on deep learning. The control of seam tracking was performed to avoid misalignment using the weld line position. Specifically, the authors employed the U-Net autoencoder, a deep learning technology to create a training model and then used the training model to detect the boundary area from the weld pool image observed by a camera in the welding process. The model demonstrates sufficient prediction which the accuracy reached 99.5% for the training data and 96.5% on the test data recognition. Moreover, the authors discussed a control method that utilized weld line position estimated from the boundary area to verify the effectiveness of this prediction model from 3mm within the deviation of 1 mm in controlling process. It is important to improve the quality of KAW welding in this study. Combining vision sensing technologies and deep learning methods will provide new technologies to enable greater welding precision and improve welding quality. It could also accelerate the development of welding technology in the intelligent manufacturing field.
Tumor innervation in cervical cancer: More is worse
Authors: Chen Guoqiang , Ji Qingqing , He Ruihua , Chen Yunxia , Pan Zhouyuan , Zhou Yuqing , Wei Zhihong , Sun Hao , Zheng Zhen , Feng Lixia
Published: October 2024

Background: The nervous system plays a significant role in tumor growth and metastasis. However, the low frequencies of perineural invasion reported in previous studies on human cervical cancer — ranging from 7.0% to 35.1% of cases — may overlook the active role that nerves play in cervical cancer progression. Neurosecretory factors can promote tumor migration and invasion, even in cases classified as “PNI-negative”. Therefore, this study aims to clarify whether tumor innervation influences tumor progression and patient outcomes.
Methods: We evaluated the gene signatures of human myelinating Schwann cells using the IPAS scoring system to predict the degree of tumor innervation in 304 cervical cancer patients from the TCGA database. Subsequently, we constructed a myelin-associated risk prognostic signature by LASSO regression analysis. Finally, we obtained a risk score by a quantitative formula and divided all samples into high- and low- risk score groups.
Results: Our results indicated that tumor innervation in cervical cancer was associated with poor patient survival. Higher levels of innervation correlated with an impaired immune response and reduced expression of immune checkpoints, including PD-1. The prognostic model demonstrated excellent consistency between predictions and actual survival outcomes.
Conclusions: Tumor innervation plays a crucial role in the regulation of prognosis in cervical cancer, and the identified risk prognostic signatures offer a valuable tool for risk stratification and prognostic prediction in clinical practice.
A urine patch model for evaluating tactical management strategies for reducing nitrogen leaching loss from pasture- based dairy farms
Authors: Adams Christopher , Kok Jacobus , Beukes Pierre C. , Amer Peter
Published: October 2024

Animal urine and urine patch characteristics are import drivers of nitrogen leaching in pasture-based dairy systems and their manipulation offers opportunities to mitigate these losses. We developed a model, based on previous work, to investigate the effect of applying tactical management strategies to reduce nitrogen leaching from urination events during different times of the year. Our model predicted that reducing pasture height or increasing the volume per urination event to increase the spread of individual urine patches may not reduce nitrogen leaching at paddock scale, most likely due to the opposing effect of increasing the proportion of overlapping urine patches. In contrast, decreasing dietary nitrogen intake by 30% or increasing total daily urination volume by 40% reduced nitrogen leaching by 16% and 4%, respectively. Furthermore, decreasing nitrogen intake by 30% during targeted times of the year (January to May) still reduced the nitrogen leaching loss by a considerable amount relative to applying this strategy for the whole year (10% versus 16%, respectively). Our modelling indicates that management strategies can be applied tactically during key times of the year to reduce the nitrogen leaching risk. This is important for dairy producers who can add substantial reductions to N leaching from their farm systems, while reducing the management effort and costs by focussing on two key urine characteristics and only during a limited time of the farm season.
Exploring the Impact of Dosiomics Features on DQA Results in TomoDirect based Radiotherapy
Authors: Kim Jinseon , Mun Chi-Woong , Choi Byung-Ock , Kim Jina , Kang Young-nam
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the correlation between dosiomics features and Delivery Quality Assurance (DQA) results in TomoDirect radiotherapy treatments, aiming to enhance DQA accuracy and efficiency. Dosiomics features, such as shape characteristics, statistical properties, and texture metrics (e.g., GLCM, GLSZM), were extracted from RT Dose DICOM files of patients treated with TomoDirect on the Radixact X9 system. Regions of interest (ROI), such as the planning target volume (PTV), were used to isolate dose values for feature extraction. The DQA results were classified using gamma analysis (3%/3mm criteria), and statistical methods like correlation, group comparison, and regression analysis were applied to assess the relationship between these features and DQA outcomes. The analysis identified several key predictors of DQA success. Shape features, including surface area and object size, along with texture features like GLCM autocorrelation and GLDM high gray-level emphasis, showed significant correlations with DQA pass rates. The multivariate regression model explained 79.7% of the variance in DQA outcomes, emphasizing the potential of dosiomics features to predict DQA results. Additionally, features related to dose uniformity and complexity, such as firstorder_10th Percentile and GLCM contrast, significantly impacted gamma pass rates. This study demonstrates that dosiomics can enhance the predictability of DQA outcomes in TomoDirect treatments. The identified features can support the development of predictive models to streamline DQA processes, improve treatment accuracy, and reduce manual verification efforts. Future research should explore integrating additional parameters and expanding these methods to other radiotherapy techniques and machines for broader applicability.
The regioselectivity in the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of alcohols: A full DFT study on carbene versus non-carbene mechanisms
Authors: Tavakol Hossein , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: October 2024

The mechanistic study of in the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of alcohols or amine tethered-vinylidenecyclopropanes has been performed using high-level DFT calculations to find the reasons of the observed selectivity of the products. Two possible pathways were observed, which in the first product, during the cyclization process, the vinylidenecyclopropane moiety converts to methylidenecyclopropane-containing product (P1) via an ionic (non-carbene) intermediate and in the second product, converts to cyclobutene-containing product (P2) via a carbene intermediates. In all six examined derivatives (containing different alkyl group at C1 allenic carbon) P2 was the major product by both thermodynamic (the more stability of P1 than P2) and kinetic (the smaller barrier for producing P2 versus P1) criteria in both gas phase and solvent (THF, using PCM model) media. However, in the derivatives with low-strain allenic group (R), I1 (which leads to P1) is more stable than I3 intermediates (which leads to P2) by 0.6–4.2 kcal/mol in the gas phase and 1.0-3.1 kcal/mol in the solvent and the derivatives with high-strain allenic group, I3 is more stable than I1 by 2.1–2.5 kcal/mol in the gas phase and 3.5–4.2 kcal/mol in the solvent. Therefore, both gas phase and solvent data show that because of the different hinderance between alkyl group and gold cation complex, the selectivity of the reaction is yielded by the favorability of I1 or I3 intermediates. Interestingly, another evidence was provided by atomic charges in the reactants using NBO calculations. These calculations showed that when the atomic charge of C1 allenic carbon was higher than C3, the gold cation prefers to produce I1, leading to P1, and when the atomic charge of C3 allenic carbon was higher than C1, the gold cation prefers to produce I2, leading to P2.
Prerequisites for creating programmable structures based on stimuli-sensitive hydrophilic polymers
Authors: Suleimenov Ibragim , Kabdushev Sherniyaz , Yermukhambetova Bayana , Irmukhametova Galiya , Bakirov Akhat , Mun Grigoriy
Published: October 2024

It has been shown that the neural network properties of systems based on stimuli-sensitive hydrophilic polymers make it possible to raise the question of creating programmable structures based on such materials. It has been shown that the phenomenon of multidimensional hysteresis can occur in systems based on stimulus-sensitive polymers, the behaviour of which significantly depends on more than one thermodynamic variable. In this case, the dependence of the parameters characterising the system's state on the control thermodynamic variables is described by a complex folded surface on which areas corresponding to abrupt phase transitions can be identified. It is shown that the system's state in which multidimensional hysteresis is realised depends not only on the current values of thermodynamic variables but also on the path along which the representing point moves in the space of control parameters. On this basis, it has been proven that analogues of neural networks can be implemented in which information is recorded by submitting the same code sequences to all inputs of the first layer of the network. Physically, this corresponds to the fact that the programming of structures of the type under consideration is carried out using macroscopic influences expressed in the form of changes in thermodynamic variables according to a given law. Simple and illustrative model examples built based on standard stimuli-sensitive polymer systems are considered, proving the possibility of implementing neural networks of this type.
SCFI-ESeg: Enhancing Semantic Segmentation with Spatial and Content Feature Integration
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Xudong , Li Bo , Yuan Baohua , Yang Gaochao
Published: October 2024

In recent years, with the development of deep learning technologies, significant progress has been made in the field of semantic segmentation. However, existing models still face challenges in utilizing spatial information and capturing multi-level and multi-scale information. To address this, this paper proposes a novel semantic segmentation model called SCFI-ESeg, built on the Segmenter framework. By integrating spatial information and content features, SCFI-ESeg significantly enhances segmentation accuracy. The SCFI-ESeg model introduces the Spatial Feature Enhancement Module (SFEM), Multi-Stage Attention Module (MStA), and Dense Continuous Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (DCASPP), effectively improving the model's ability to express spatial and semantic information. The SFEM module leverages the encoder's query features to specifically enhance spatial information, thereby improving the model's perception of image details. The MStA module strengthens the interaction between high-level and low-level features through multi-stage feature fusion, effectively enhancing the integration of features at different levels. The DCASPP extracts features under varying receptive fields and merges them with pooling results, improving the network's understanding of multi-scale information. Experimental results demonstrate that SCFI-ESeg exhibits excellent performance on the public datasets ADE20K and Pascal Context, particularly in complex scenarios. Various experimental variants achieve an average improvement of 1.6\% over the baseline model on the ADE20K dataset, and a 2.5\% improvement when using the ViT-tiny configuration. Additionally, the model maintains a low computational cost and parameter count, showcasing its practicality.
3D printing individualized spacer prosthesis and acetabular implant for the treatment of Crowe type III developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Chen Beibei , Liang Hairui , Yang Lei , Duan Siyu , Xu Rongda , Zhou Xueting , Cai Zhencun
Published: October 2024

Background
In patients with Crowe III developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), surgery presents challenges such as severe bone defects and inadequate acetabular cup coverage. This study compares the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed personalized spacer prostheses with conventional femoral head reshaping and structural bone grafting in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with Crowe III DDH.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 Crowe III patients. The 3D group (26 cases) used 3D printing technology combined with computer simulation to design personalized spacer prostheses. Preoperative models were printed to simulate the surgical procedure, and high-porosity porous structured spacer prostheses and acetabular cup layers were printed using titanium alloy powder. The non-3D group (26 cases) underwent traditional femoral head reshaping and structural bone grafting. The study compared the differences in lower limb length, the horizontal and vertical distances of the hip joint rotation center from the teardrop line, acetabular cup abduction angle, acetabular cup coverage, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time to mobilization, time to hospital discharge, Harris hip scores during follow-up, and complications between the two groups.
Results
In the 3D group compared to the non-3D group, intraoperative blood loss (261.92 ± 14.70 vs. 313.85 ± 20.02 ml, P < 0.05), time to mobilization (1.27 ± 0.45 vs. 4.85 ± 1.05 days, P < 0.05), and time to discharge (2.77 ± 0.65 vs. 5.85 ± 0.92 days, P < 0.05) were significantly lower, as was the limb length discrepancy on the first postoperative day (0.25 ± 0.21 cm vs. 0.48 ± 0.28 cm, P < 0.05). The acetabular cup coverage rates on the first postoperative day and at 3 months postoperatively (1 ± 0.00 vs. 0.93 ± 0.07; 1 ± 0.00 vs. 0.83 ± 0.11, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the 3D group. The Harris hip scores at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were also higher in the 3D group than in the non-3D group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The use of 3D-printed personalized spacer prostheses in THA offers an innovative treatment option for Crowe III DDH patients, providing personalized care, enhancing surgical precision, and improving treatment outcomes.
Using a Theory of Change to integrate digitalised lived experience stories into the Youth Friendship Bench, a psychological intervention for treating common mental disorders in young people in Zimbabwe
Authors: Kamvura Tiny Tinashe , Chrisikopoulou Marina , Shoniwa Leeroy Tafadzwa , Mboweni Sandra Ngonidzashe , Munetsi Mary Wadzanai , Dambi Jermaine , Barkoczi Istvan Daniel , Takaona Tapiwa Leslie , Jongwedzvuku Providence , Ponciano Karen , Motsi Kudzanai , Lunde Victoria , Zamchiya Lena , Westerheim Jimmy , Chibanda Dixon
Published: October 2024

Background
Advances in multimedia technologies' capabilities and accessibility have made it possible for stories to be digitally recorded, stored, and shared with a much wider audience. In mental health, digitalised lived experiences have been used to promote self-management and recovery during therapy, mental health awareness and literacy, and social relationships. In this paper, we describe the theory of change process we used to integrate The Human Aspect’s digitalised lived experiences (videos) into the Friendship Bench intervention.
Results
There was consensus from the stakeholders that digitalised lived experiences could be used as in-session and between-session resources for promoting the subjective psychological well-being of Friendship Bench clients. The stakeholders were of the same view that the digital videos be used as both an in-session and between-session intervention. Clients would be given the opportunity to choose the modality that works for them. It was agreed that the digitalised lived experiences stories could potentially be used to increase mental health awareness, improve mental health literacy, reduce mental health-related stigma and help facilitate recovery in Friendship Bench clients.
Conclusions
Theory of Change can be used to build consensus on how to integrate digitalised lived experiences into an existing evidence-based mental health intervention. There is now a need to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the integration as well as evaluate its effectiveness in reducing common mental disorders symptoms through an adequately powered study.
The decreased requirement for haem or iron results in artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium
Authors: Sun Jun , Guo Fujiang , Fang Chuantao , Liu Chuang , Si Wenwen , Chen Bo , Xu Wenyue , Li Jia , Du Xiling , Sun Jia
Published: October 2024

Artemisinin resistance is often associated with mutations in the Pfkelch13 gene (K13), which lead to decreased hemoglobin endocytosis and activation of artemisinin. However, certain non-K13 mutations linked to artemisinin resistance are also connected to hemoglobin endocytosis or degradation. This coincidence suggests that the development of artemisinin resistance is related to hemoglobin degradation. Here, we report that the stages most susceptible to artemisinin utilize the highest levels of haem and iron while also engaging in DNA replication. Notably, haem degradation releases iron, which facilitates DNA synthesis. Additionally, artemisinin can form adducts with haem and disrupt hemozoin aggregation, thereby interfering with haem and iron utilization. Furthermore, the addition of haem or iron (HI) weakened, rather than enhanced, the antimalarial effect of artemisinin, strongly suggesting that artemisinin kills malaria parasites by sequestering haem and impeding HI utilization rather than primarily by producing free redicals. We also observed that the K13 mutant strain, P. falciparum 3D7C580Y, exhibited downregulation of genes related to haem, iron, and DNA synthesis, indicating a decrease in HI utilization and reproduction compared with P. falciparum 3D7WT. Notably, prolonged iron supplementation decreased, rather than increased, its resistance to artemisinin, suggesting a restoration of sensitivity when high iron requirements of the K13 mutant strain are met. Taken together, decreased hemoglobin degradation reduces HI supply, leading to diminished HI utilization ability, ultimately resulting in insensitivity to HI deficiency caused by artemisinin, while the K13 mutation represents one of the mechanisms that decrease HI requirement and utilization.
A workflow for clinical profiling of BRCA genes in Chilean breast cancer patients via targeted sequencing
Authors: González Evelin , Salinas Rodrigo Moreno , Muñoz Manuel , Herrera Soledad Lantadilla , Morales Mylene Cabrera , Jullian Pastor , Durrels Waleska Ebner , Stari Gonzalo Vigueras , Ramos Javier Anabalón , Miquel Juan Francisco , Jara Lilian , Moraga Carol , Genova Alex
Published: October 2024

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally and in Chile. Mutations in the tumor-suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of developing cancer, with the probability rising by more than 50%. Identifying pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment. Targeted panels, which focus on medically relevant subsets of genes, have become essential tools in precision oncology. Beyond technical and human resource factors, standardized bioinformatics workflows are essential for the accurate interpretation of results. We developed a robust bioinformatics pipeline, implemented with Nextflow, to process sequencing data from targeted panels to identify germline variants.
Results: We developed an automated and reproducible pipeline using Nextflow for the targeted sequencing of BRCA1/2genes. The pipeline incorporates two variant callers, Strelka and DeepVariant, both of which have demonstrated high performance in detecting germline SNVs and indels. The runtime is efficient, with a median execution time of less than 3 minutes per task. We sequenced and processed 16 samples from breast cancer patients. In our analysis, we identified 8 nonsynonymous mutations in BRCA1 and 9 in BRCA2. Of the total reported germline mutations, 97% were classified as benign, 1% as pathogenic, 1% as of uncertain significance, and 1% as unknown. The allelic frequencies observed in our cohort closely resemble those of Admixed American and South Asian populations, with the greatest divergence observed in comparison to African individuals.
Conclusion: We successfully analyzed the BRCA1and BRCA2 genes in 16 breast cancer patients at a public hospital in Chile. A custom Nextflow pipeline was developed to process the sequencing data and evaluate the pathological significance of the identified genetic variants. By employing multiple variant-calling methodologies, we were able to detect and mitigate potential false positives, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of variant detection through cross-verification. A pathogenic variant was identified in one patient, while benign or likely benign variants were found in the remaining 15. Expanding the number of oncogenes sequenced per patient could improve the detection of actionable variants.
Exploring CO 2 -laser drilling: Potential for Enhanced Mass and Thermal Diffusion in Banana (Musa sapientum) Dehydration
Authors: Silva-Vera Wladimir Enrique , Begoña Giménez , Tian Xiaojing , Romina Abarca O. , Sergio Almonacid A. , Gabriela Sandoval-Hevia. , Ricardo Simpson R.
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the efficacy of CO2-laser drilling as a pre-treatment method to enhance water diffusion in banana slices during air drying, aiming to mitigate the energy and time consumption associated with traditional hot air drying in the food industry. Drilling with CO2-laser resulted in a higher rate of water diffusion, inferred from the higher values in the effective diffusivity coefficient in drilled samples (up to 1.7-fold), attributable to the increased surface area to volume ratio and energy absorption. Consequently, there was a significant reduction in dehydration time, up to 40% (from 169 min in control samples to 102 min in drilled samples). After dehydration process, banana slices drilled at the largest focal distance showed an increased stiffness according to the higher effective Young's modulus and maximum force observed attributable. Therefore, combining CO2-laser drilling with air-drying will represent a promising strategy for reducing dehydration times in the food industry, providing a potential solution for food dehydration.
Gut microbiome community dynamics in captive juvenile chum salmon: the influences of development, diet, and seawater transition
Authors: Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Wong Marty Kwok-Shing , Hyodo Susumu , Hamasaki Koji
Published: October 2024

Background The development of host-associated microbiota evolves from birth to adulthood, with distinct microbial signatures influencing host biological processes. This study aims to analyze how bacterial communities in the digestive tracts of chum salmon are structured during the first 90 days post-hatching (DPH), encompassing the embryonic stage, feeding, and the transition from freshwater to seawater under controlled conditions. Results Gut microbiota was analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Our results indicated that bacterial communities were highly dynamic, with significant shifts occurring after feeding began (35 DPH), as diet heavily influenced gut microbiota stability. Upon transferring to seawater, dominant taxa shifted to include Aliivibrio, Colwellia, Bartonella, and Enterococcus, signifying the establishment of a marine microbial population. Core taxa, including Bartonella, Enterococcus, and Acinetobacter, were consistent across almost all fish samples regardless of the freshwater or seawater environment, suggesting these microbes may perform essential functions for the host. Notably, seawater taxa appeared in the gut as fish adapted to the hyperosmotic environment, yet the proportion of diet- and water-derived bacteria declined over time. Conclusions These findings indicate a strong host selection process in community assembly, highlighting the importance of active interactions in shaping gut microbiota, alongside passive environmental uptake. This study provides critical insights into the stability of the gut microbial community during the early development of chum salmon, with implications for aquaculture practices, particularly in hatchery programs, and the potential modification of gut microbiota through probiotics.
Relevance of the oxidative balance score and red cell distribution width/albumin ratio in diabetic retinopathy: A mediation analysis in the NHANES
Authors: Zeng Yining , Zhang Jingqi , Wu Hao , Kang Xinzi , Xiang Junjie , Liu Aonan , Shen Tao , Zhang Tao , Duan Junguo
Published: October 2024

Background: As a comprehensive indicator of the body's overall oxidative stress status, the oxidative balance score (OBS) can reflect the body's antioxidant capacity and is associated with a myriad of diabetes-related complications. The red cell distribution width/albumin ratio (RAR) is recognized as a novel indicator of diabetes-related complications. At present, no studies have yet revealed the relationships among OBS, RAR and diabetic retinopathy (DR). We aimed to elucidate the relationship between OBS and DR risk, and the mediating function of RAR between them.
Methods: A total of 1,961 subjects from the 2005 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this cross-sectional study. Weighted adjusted multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between OBS and DR risk. Weighted restricted cubic splines (RCS), mediation analysis and subgroup analysis were used to further elucidate these associations.
Results: According to the multivariate logistic regression model, a significant negative association was found between OBS and DR risk after adjusting for all covariates (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99; P=0.007). When OBS were transformed into quartiles, participants in OBS quartile 4 (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.22-0.80, P=0.009) presented a significantly lower risk of DR than did those in OBS quartile 2 and OBS quartile 3. The RCS results further revealed a nonlinear association between OBS and DR, after adjusting for all covariates (P for nonlinearity <0.01). The results of the subgroup analysis revealed that the association between OBS and DR remained stable over most subgroups (p for interaction >0.05), except for smoking status (p for interaction = 0.017).
Conclusion: OBS is negatively associated with DR. There is a nonlinear relationship between OBS and DR, which may be mediated partly by RAR.
RETRACTED: A Comparison Between the Bowel Ultrasound Score and International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score Based on Ileocolonoscopy in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Yuksel Ilhami , Cagir Yavuz , Durak Muhammed Bahaddin , Atay Ali , Ergul Mucahit , Ozturk Oguz , Keskin Emir Tugrul , Fedai Ahmet Burak , Ince Muhammed Mustafa , Deniz Erdogan , Kilic Zeki Mesut Yalin
Published: October 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
High prevalence of hepatitis B virus in TB patients in Kwara State, Nigeria: a call for informed management
Authors: Ilochi Ifeanyichukwu , Awolere Ezekiel , Akanbi Olusola Anuoluwapo , Opaleye Oluyinka Oladele
Published: October 2024

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are major global health problems, while there currently limited data on HBV infection among TB patients. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HBV in tuberculosis patients and evaluate the effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs and HBV infection on the liver.
Methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected from TB-positive patients attending selected TB clinics in Kwara State, and 227 patients were followed-up. Participants were assessed at start and after 6 months. Sero-markers for HBV infection was detected using Micropoint 5-panel kit, and liver enzymes were evaluated using Randox Kit following manufacturer’s instructions. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 22.0.
Results: Of the 258 patients recruited, 227 were followed-up, and 24 (10.5%) had detectable HBsAg/HBeAb/HBcAb or HBsAg. A comparison of initial liver enzymes and at 6months showed significant difference (p≤0.00), and no associations were observed between educational background (X2= 0.425, p=0.547), sex (X2 =0.212, p=0.616) or HBV/TB coinfection. High-risk factors included the use of illicit drugs (OR 95% CI; 2.3, 0.9-5.0), having multiple sexual partners (OR 95% CI; 4.1, 0.9-3.8), having a history of STIs (OR 95% CI; 1.6, 0.7-3.7), and consuming alcohol (OR 95% CI; 1.5, 0.4-4.8).
Conclusion: In this study we found 10.5% prevalence of HBV/TB coinfection which may have led to elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST), while total bilirubin was only affected when it has progressed to liver failure and cirrhosis. Routine HBV screening is recommended before treatment in TB patients.
Prognostic and Immunological Analysis of Disulfidoptosis-Related Ferroptosis Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Zichen , Yan Rongdi , Luo Yingxv , Zhang Xin , Zheng Xin
Published: October 2024

Disulfidoptosis, a newly identified form of regulated cell death (RCD), significantly influences the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study identified 340 ferroptosis-related genes strongly correlated with disulfidoptosis through correlation analysis. By intersecting these genes with those from module genes selected via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 31 genes were found. In the TCGA-LUAD cohort, Kaplan-Meier(KM) survival analysis initially screened these genes, leading to the selection of 6 Disulfidoptosis-Related Ferroptosis (DRF) genes (IL33, SLC2A1, CDCA3, KIF20A, FANCD2, RRM2) through further screening with Random Forest and SVM-RFE. Based on the expression levels of DRF genes, two distinct groups with differing prognostic and immune characteristics were identified. A machine learning-driven signature (MLS) of 24 DRF-related genes was then constructed using the RSF + SuperPC algorithm and validated in the TCGA-LUAD and GSE31210 datasets. Compared with 77 other signatures, MLS demonstrated superior performance in both datasets. A low MLS score was associated with immune activation, higher tumor mutation burden, and better survival probability. Conversely, a high MLS score correlated with poorer prognosis and reduced potential benefit from immune therapy, although treatments like Doramapimod might still offer benefits. The cell cycle pathway was a key factor distinguishing high from low MLS groups. Overall, MLS shows promise for predicting prognosis in LUAD patients and identifying those who might benefit from immune therapy. Additionally, DRF genes have potential clinical value for diagnosing and treating other cancers, as indicated by pan-cancer analysis. q-PCR experiments targeting select DRF genes confirmed their feasibility as diagnostic markers for LUAD.
Prevalence and Psychosocial Factors Influencing Substance Use Among Students of Abia State Polytechnic: Implication for Policy Makers
Authors: Nwaoru Chiamaka R. , Iloma David O. , Programme Abuja. Charles C. Uwazie Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Labo , Ijere Ignatius N
Published: October 2024

The issue of drug use has escalated into a critical global concern, demanding immediate attention from researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders. The widespread misuse of drugs among students is becoming increasingly problematic and a health concern in many countries, including Nigeria. This study's objective is to assess the prevalence and psychosocial factors responsible for substance use among undergraduate students of Abia State Polytechnic. The findings of this study have significant implications for the broader public health and education systems, as they highlight the urgent need for intervention programs to address the high prevalence of drug use among students.
Method: The study adopted a snowball sampling design to recruit four hundred and seventy-two (472) students from the five (5) schools that comprise all the Abia State Polytechnic Departments. A study-developed questionnaire called Substance Use and Psychosocial Factors Checklist (SUPSF) was adopted from DUDIT and AUDIT and validated. Three hypotheses were advanced, and data was analyzed via IBM SPSS-23.
Results: Descriptive results showed a high prevalence of psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students, with the highest substance being Marijuana, with a prevalence of 71.61%. Multi-linear regression revealed that psychosocial factors significantly predicted the criterion variable (β= -.66; t = -19.02; p<0.05). Also, among the demographic variables, age was the best predictor of psychoactive substance use, with 17.1% out of the 19.6% combined variance, F(1,471) = 97.03, p<0.05.
Conclusion: In line with the findings, we concluded that the school's management should, as a matter of urgency, introduce drug test programs. These programs can help identify students at risk of substance use early, allowing for timely intervention. We stress the need for the establishment of a functional counseling unit and course advisers to address possible psychosocial factors that may pressure a student into using psychoactive substances. The need for these intervention programs is crucial, and their successful implementation could significantly reduce the high prevalence of drug use among students, offering hope for a healthier future.
Navigating Power Dynamics in Acute Care: Enhancing Nursing Autonomy and Implementing Evidence-Based Practice Through Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: Ominyi Jude , Beryl Nwedu Aaron , Agom David A
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study explores the impact of power dynamics between nurses and physicians in acute care settings, focusing on how these dynamics influence nursing autonomy and the implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs). It aims to identify strategies that promote interprofessional collaboration, enhance nurse leadership, and support shared decision-making to improve patient outcomes.
Design: An exploratory qualitative methodological approach grounded in the philosophy of social constructivism was utilised in this study.
Methods: Data were collected through non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis across two large NHS acute care hospitals in the Midlands. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s framework, was used to identify key themes related to hierarchical barriers, nursing autonomy, and interprofessional collaboration. The participants included 37 staff nurses, ward managers, nurse managers, and physicians.
Findings: The study revealed that hierarchical power imbalances, particularly medical dominance, significantly limit nursing autonomy and hinder EBP implementation. Nurses reported limited decision-making authority and were often excluded from critical care discussions. However, interprofessional collaboration, leadership development, and shared governance models were identified as effective strategies to reduce these power imbalances. Nurses who engaged in leadership training and participated in nurse-led initiatives experienced increased autonomy and reported improved patient care outcomes.
Conclusion: Power imbalances hinder the implementation of EBPs by nurses in acute care settings. Enhancing nursing leadership, promoting interprofessional collaboration, and adopting shared governance models can empower nurses, improve autonomy, and enhance patient outcomes.
Impact: The findings highlight the importance for healthcare organisations to invest in nursing leadership development, implement collaborative governance models, and foster interprofessional teamwork to support EBP implementation and improve patient care quality.
Reporting Method: The study adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.
Patient/Public Contributions: Patients and the public were not directly involved in this study. However, the study’s focus on nurse-led initiatives has significant implications for improving patient care quality.
The impact of fused deposition modeling nozzle types on the structure of 3D printed fibers
Authors: Diak Viktorija , Diak Andrii
Published: October 2024

When engaging in polymer printing, the structure and quality of 3D printed samples are contingent upon numerous adjustable parameters. The focus of this paper is to examine the disparities in the capabilities of 3D printer head nozzles employing fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, while also considering the influence of software/technical methods that regulate filament extrusion. The study in question delves into the intricacies of how the structure/material of said nozzles (including composite variations) impact their performance, ability to print abrasive materials, and danger of clogging. The primary objective of this research endeavor is to attain the thinnest possible thickness of the printed fiber for each respective material (PLA and TPU-CF). Additionally, the shape of cross-section, uniformity of the fiber, distance to the print bed, and instances of breakage are taken into account. It is worth noting that the refinement of the fiber structure frequently correlates with the temperature range during filament extrusion, thereby affecting its flowability. It has also been substantiated that there are techniques that effectively assist in achieving finer structures that are unobtainable through standard printing methods. The acquired results are classified to facilitate the understanding of the connections between different nozzle types and printing parameters, while also highlighting their optimal performance regarding fine detail and quality. In essence, the findings have reassured that the adjustment and balance of the entire system in attaining the established objectives wield a significantly greater influence than individual components.
Vom Wert der Natur
Authors: Hahn Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Der Mensch nutzt die Natur ganz selbstverständlich - und übersieht dabei, wie abhängig er von ihr ist. Das Konzept der Ökosystemleistungen versucht, das zu ändern.
So geht bio!
Authors: Bannert Theresa , Becker Alexander
Published: October 2024

In der Gärtnerei des Palmengartens werden einige Zierpflanzen biologisch herangezogen und gepflegt. Als wertvolle Helfer erweisen sich dabei Nützlinge, für die eigens Blühstreifen in den Gewächshäusern angelegt wurden.
Massive scalar clouds and black hole spacetimes in Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: van Gemeren Iris , Hinderer Tanja , Vandoren Stefan
Published: October 2024

We study static black holes in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet (sGB) gravity with a massive scalar field as an example of higher curvature gravity. The scalar mass introduces an additional scale and leads to a strong suppression of the scalar field beyond its Compton wavelength. We numerically compute sGB black hole spacetimes and scalar configurations and also compare with perturbative results for small couplings, where we focus on a dilatonic coupling function. We analyze the constraints on the parameters from requiring the curvature singularity to be located inside the black hole horizon r_hrh and the relation to the regularity condition for the scalar field. For scalar field masses m r_h \gtrsim 10^{-1}mrh≳10−1, this leads to a new and currently most stringent bound on sGB coupling constant \alphaα of \alpha/r_h^2\sim 10^{-1}α/rh2∼10−1 in the context of stellar mass black holes. Lastly, we look at several properties of the black hole configurations relevant for further work on observational consequences, including the scalar monopole charge, Arnowitt–Deser–Misner mass, curvature invariants and the frequencies of the innermost stable circular orbit and light ring.
The effect of fixed capital formation rate on gross domestic product in Iraq
Authors: Siham Dawood Sameer , Kadhim Haidar Bilal , Ghazi Nussaif Jasim Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The total fixed capital formation is one of the main and influential determinants of production function through its impact on production costs, competitiveness, and profits. The Iraqi gross domestic product depends on one sector (the oil sector) in financing the government budget, which may lead to crises in case of oil price collapse. Therefore, the study aims to clarify the imbalance in the production function and the real output of the Iraqi economy and to indicate the role of the total fixed capital formation in this imbalance. The econometric methods were used to measure the degree of influence of the total fixed capital formation (independent variable) on the gross domestic product (dependent variable) from 2004 to 2020. The results showed a robust relationship between fixed capital formation and gross domestic product, where the independent variable affects the dependent variable by 4.5%, while the oil sector dominated the total value added by its acquisition of the total fixed capital formation by 47.45%, and the productive sectors of agriculture and industry achieved value added of 3.8%. The study concluded that the distribution of total capital formation by sector has an impact on the gross domestic product. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute the total fixed capital formation to the productive and production-supporting sectors to achieve economic growth and diversify the structure of the gross domestic product.
Trace Determination of Hormones in Peptide Powders Based on Multi-Molecular Infrared Spectroscopic and Multivariate Data Fusion
Authors: Yang Jiewen , Wang Song , Lin Xiaowen , Xu Changhua
Published: October 2024

A direct, high-throughput and accurate method, multi-molecular infrared spectroscopic (MMIR) data fusion, was established for the detection of trace of estrone, diethylstilbestrol, betamethasone and prednisone acetate in peptide powders based on near-infrared and mid-infrared fusion datasets. Tri-step MMIR with progressively improved resolution captured key fingerprint features of hormones in the regions of 3430-3250, 2950-2850, 1750-1550 and 1335-1050 cm-1 which were exclusively selected as the datasets. The back propagation neural network (BPNN) model with the best performance used a mid-level fusion strategy and achieved excellent root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP, 1.101 mg kg-1) and residual prediction deviation (RPD, 9.890). Compared to those of single dataset models, the RMSEP was reduced by more than 82.03%. This method had remarkable practical significance for the direct and accurate quality evaluation of peptide powder products with favorable limit of detection (LOD) but without pretreatment and chemical agents, verifying the feasibility of multiple analytical instruments for rapid and comprehensive detection of powdered foods.
Pemanfaatan Teknologi dalam Pembelajaran di PAUD Kelompok Usia 2-3 Tahun di Labschool UNNES
Authors: Choirunnisa Silvya , Muyasaroh Ulya , Farda Aniqotul , Hartati Yuni Setya , Umiyati Umiyati
Published: October 2024

Pendidikan hingga kini masih dipercaya sebagai media yang sangat ampuh dalam membangun kecerdasan sekaligus keperibadian anak manusia menjadi lebih baik. Pemanfaatan Teknologi dalam Pembelajaran di PAUD  ini menjadi sarana dalam meningkatkan stimulasi perkembangan anak secara optimal. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendapatkan informasi mengenai pemanfaatan teknologi dalam pembelajaran di PAUD kelompom usia 2-3 tahun. Metode penelitian pendekatan kualitataif, jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian,seiring dengan perkembangan zaman dan teknologi, saat ini banyak aplikasi-aplikasi yang bisa digunakan dalam proses belajar mengajar anak usia dini. Seperti canva, PPT, capcut dan lain lain bahkan ada beragam game edukasi menarik yang dapat guru gunakan pada saat proses belajarengajar.Aplikasi aplikasi tersebut sangat berguna apabila bisa dioperasikan dengan baik.
Canonical regulation of family and marriage issues in Christian denominations: Comparative analysis
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Zhadunova Natalia V. , Koval Ekaterina A. ,   National Research Mordovia State University,   Russian State University of Justice, Sychev Andrey A. ,   National Research Mordovia State University
Published: October 2024

The paper is focused on the issues of canonical regulation of marriage and family relations in various Christian denominations. The objective of the paper is to identify the models of normative regulation of the family and marriage in Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism, as well as the changes that have taken place in this area. Based on the analysis of normative documents (collections of canons, encyclicals and letters of the popes, doctrinal documents of Protestant denominations, social doctrines and concepts of various confessions), it is shown that in Catholicism an evolutionary mechanism is used, which is expressed in the creation of new formal canons binding on all church members. A flexible response to a change in the system of values in Protestantism is based on a revolutionary mechanism that allows for various interpretations of biblical provisions. Orthodoxy, using the ancient canons, retains the traditional mechanism of norm-creating, makes attempts to adapt them creatively to contemporary reality, and relies on the principle of economy. Guidelines in this process are new regulations adopted at the local level. Understanding the peculiarities of the ecclesiastic law regulations of marriage and family relations can contribute to the establishment of interfaith dialogue and the search for a cross consensus that contributes to the joint solution of contemporary social problems.