bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemias da história e o potencial epidémico das zoonoses
Authors: Fernandes Ema Cândida Branco , Bragança Maria do Rosário
Published: October 2024

Após a identificação dos primeiros casos de Covid-19 seguiu-se a declaração de pandemia pela OMS a 11 de Março, o que suscitou o interesse em saber quantas pandemias ocorreram na história da humanidade. As pandemias mais devastadoras descritas são a Peste Bubónica, a Varíola, a Cólera, a Gripe por Influenza A, o HIV/SIDA e as doenças causadas pelo Coronavírus. Com excepção da Varíola e da Cólera, as restantes enquadram-se no grupo das zoonoses. Os factores implicados no potencial epidémico das zoonoses são a dinámica da doença no reservatório animal, a exposisão do homem ao agente etiolófico, a susceptibilidade do homem e a capacidade de transmissão da doença homem-homem. Esta depende da capacidade do agente etiológico sobreviver fora do reservatório animal e da sua disseminação. O registo da elevada morbimortalidade relaciona-se com o conhecimento sobre o agente etiológico, a transmissibilidade e a história natural da doença. A invenção do microscópio, a observação das bactérias e a criação dos antibióticos contribuíram para o controlo das pandemias. O postulado de Kock, o método epidemiológico de investigação, a identificação dos vírus e a descoberta da vacina foram outros contributos relevantes. No séc. XX, todas as pandemias se enquadram no grupo das zoonoses, com quadro clínico respiratório resultante das mutações do vírus Influenza A. O início deste século é marcado por três pandemias por coronavírus, que também é uma zoonose. É urgente a criação de um sistema de vigilância epidemiológico multisectorial que inclua o registo e controlo de doenças no homem, nos animais domésticos e selvagens.
Covid-19 e o Sigilo Profissional: Análise Bioética e Jurídica dos Dilemas em Contexto de Pandemia
Authors: Alfredo Edson Joaquim Mayer  , Catumbela Emanuel , Albuquerque Aline
Published: October 2024

O mundo hoje está confrontado com a pandemia da doença causada pelo coronavírus (COVID 19). Em muitos meios especula-se que a resposta das autoridades chinesas terá sido lenta, por ter negligenciado e até mesmo silenciado denuncias feitas por profissionais da saúde locais, na véspera do início do surto. O presente artigo tem como objectivo discutir os princípios éticos, bioéticos e jurídico-legais, envolvidos na divulgação de uma pandemia numa comunidade por uma profissional de saúde e a atitude das autoridades policiais em prendê-la.O código de ética da Ordem dos Médicos de Angola estabelece o princípio da colaboração com a autoridade sanitária, prestar o auxílio necessário. A Lei Constitucional de Angola estabelece o princípio da liberdade de expressão reforçada pela Declaração Universal sobre Bioética e Direitos Humanos. Apesar do aparente conflito entre os direitos e deveres profissionais e sociais, a atitude de divulgação de informação privilegiada deve obedecer o bom senso. As medidas de coacção devem adequadas ao risco de fuga e à conturbação do processo na fase de investigação.
Nesta ambiente de pandemia devemos ser guiados pelas normas legais vigentes, guisados com o bom senso. Atitudes intempestivas podem colocar mais confusão do que ajudar a controlar o problema.
Prevalence of Precipitating Factors of Hepatic Encephalopathy at Nangarhar Regional Hospital
Authors: Razai Ameerullah , Safi Ismail Khan , Saidi Said Abdul Jamil , Saidi Said Inam
Published: October 2024

‌Backgroud: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) or portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) is a satiuation of disordered in central nervous system’s functions characterrized by the failure of the liver to detoxify noxious substances of gastrointestinal origin due to hepatocellular dysfunction and portosystemic shunting. HE is a complication of chronic liver disease brought on by a number of precipitating circumstances and factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the precipitating factors of HE in cases seen in the Infectious Diseases Ward of Nangarhar Regional Hospital. Materials and Mehtods: A non-interventional hospital based descriptive study was conducted on 50 HE patients in the Infective Ward of Nangarhar Regional Hospital during May 2021 – December 2021. This study also included patients with liver cirrhosis developing HE, known as acute fulminant hepatitis. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed for a better data collection. Detailed clinical history of the patients were taken regarding the present and past diseases. All patients were carefully examined with special attention to anemia, jaundice, asterixes, fever and ascites. Laboratory examinations that recommended for these diseases were also investigated. Results: The results revealed that most of the patients were aged between 40 – 70 years old (82%). The highest frequency of HE disease was recorded in the age of 60-69 (42%). There were four classes of patients according to the classification. Majority of the patients were in fourth class (52%), followed by second class (20%), third class (16%) and first class (12%) of hepatic encephalopathy. It is found that the most crucial exacerbating factors were including infections, constipation and gastrointestinal bleeding. Among them, infections were more frequent which were recorded in 22 patients (44%), followed by constipation in 10 patients (20%) and gastrointestinal bleeding in 6 patient (12%). Among the type of infections the urinary tract infections were accounted for 19% followed by gastrointestinal tract infections (16%) and respiratory tract infections (12%). Conclusion: To determine which precipitating factor is responsible for HE in the eastern region of Afghanistan, frequency of several precipitating factors was examined. Knowing the primary triggering factor makes it simple to develop a plan of action to significantly reduce the incidence of HE. In our investigation, gastrointestinal bleeding, constipations, and infections were the most typical precipitating factors. Due to the fact that hepatitis C is the main and leading cause of liver cirrhosis in Afghanistan.
Clinical Profile of Patients with Mitral Stenosis in Nangarhar University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Rahimee Salahuddin , Sahak Shukrullah , Zafarzai Kamran , Jabarkhil Abdul Nasir , Mulavizada Habibullah
Published: October 2024

Background: Mitral valve stenosis is strongly associated with rheumatic heart disease. Patients with mitral stenosis may have better prognoses if they receive the right care. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize the characteristics of patients with mitral stenosis in the Nangarhar University Teaching Hospital's respiratory and valvular heart disease ward. An earlier detection of mitral stenosis can be expected. This enables the quick administration of the proper medicine and the avoidance of subsequent complications. Materials and Methods: The inpatient medical records of patients diagnosed with mitral stenosis from echocardiography in the respiratory and valvular heart disease ward of the Nangarhar University Teaching Hospital between June 2021 and March 2022 were used for this descriptive retrospective study, which used a cross-sectional approach and accidental sampling method. The variables included the patients' age, gender, degree of illness, and place of residence. SPSS version 16 and Microsoft Excel were used to process the data. Findings: According to the inclusion criteria, sixty-two patients were included in this study. Next, the patients were divided into groups based on their age, gender, disease severity, and location. According to the study's findings, the majority of participants were between the ages of 50 and 59 (51.6%), females predominated (67%), the majority of patients had serious illnesses (51.6%), and the majority of patients were from the province of Nangarhar (46.3%). Conclusion: The bulk of patients with severe mitral stenosis were female, in their productive years. Medication is not available to treat mitral valve stenosis. As a result, the physicians might recommend medicine to treat your problems. If a cardiologist concludes that a mitral valve replacement or repair is necessary, both surgical and nonsurgical alternatives may be taken into consideration.
Pemanfaatan 3D Website Sketchfab.com dalam Memfasilitasi Pembelajaran yang Menarik di Era Digitalisasi
Authors: Afifah Faradina , Nurhayati Wakhida , Suciati Suciati
Published: October 2024

Artikel ini membahas pemanfaatan teknologi digital, khususnya media 3D dari Sketchfab.com, dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini di TK Aya Sophia 2. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dan observasi lapangan berbasis praktik baik, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana teknologi dapat meningkatkan pengalaman belajar anak, terutama dalam memahami dan menghargai alam serta makhluk hidup. Melalui penggunaan media 3D, anak-anak diberikan kesempatan untuk berinteraksi dengan objek-objek yang sulit dihadirkan secara fisik di dalam kelas, sehingga menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang menarik dan menyenangkan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media 3D tidak hanya merangsang imajinasi dan kreativitas anak, tetapi juga membantu mereka mengembangkan keterampilan berpikir kritis dan kemampuan berkolaborasi. Pendidik berperan penting dalam memfasilitasi pembelajaran yang bermakna dengan memberikan pertanyaan pemantik dan menyediakan benda konkrit yang relevan. Selain itu, artikel ini menyoroti pentingnya peran orang tua dan pendidik dalam menciptakan lingkungan yang kaya akan rangsangan, sehingga anak dapat mengeksplorasi potensi mereka secara optimal. Dengan demikian, pemanfaatan teknologi digital dalam pendidikan anak usia dini terbukti efektif dalam mendukung capaian pembelajaran, seperti menghargai alam dan merawat makhluk hidup. Penelitian ini memberikan wawasan bagi pendidik dan orang tua untuk mengintegrasikan teknologi secara bijak dalam proses pembelajaran, serta mempersiapkan anak-anak menghadapi tantangan di masa depan.
Clinical and Immunologic Profile of Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Losses in the Philippine General Hospital
Authors: Mondragon Alric , Agcaoili-De Jesus Maria Socorro , Alentajan-Aleta Lara Theresa
Published: October 2024

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1-5% of women with most cases due to autoimmune causes and around 40-50% are idiopathic. Commonly associated with RPL is antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Investigations haverevealed that several patients present only with pregnancy morbidities alongside antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). In the Philippines, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society has released its practice guidelines on RPL; however, local studies on RPL have been lacking.
Methodology: A retrospective review was performed on both in-patient and outpatient medical records relating to the patients’ pregnancies. Patients included were those referred to the Allergy and Immunology service for suspicion of APS, aPL positivity, or history of pregnancy loss during the period of January 2010 to August 2015 with at least 2 previous spontaneous pregnancy losses and with at least one work-up for aPL.
Results: We reviewed the clinical features and immunologic profile of 78 patients with a history of at least two pregnancy losses from 2010 to 2015 followed up at our institution. The mean age of patients was 32.24 ± 5.52 years (range: 20 to 43; median: 34). There was a total of 263 previous pregnancies among the patients, 181 (68.82%) of which were abortions and 43 (16.35%) were preterm deliveries. Comorbidities present in these patients were hypertension (15), diabetes mellitus (DM) (11), asthma (6), Polycystic ovary syndrome (5), and systemic lupus erythematosus (2). Repeat test determination was only done in 18 patients; only three patients fulfilled the Sydney criteria, two in category I, and one in category IIa. Among those with single determination for aPL, 35 were reactive for LAC, 10 for aCL, and 1 for anti-β2GPI. Clinical features were not significantly associated with any obstetric complication. Single positivity of any of the aPLs was not associated with any obstetric complication.
Conclusion: This study shows a high incidence of aPL positivity among RPL patients. Although clinical factors such as hypertension and prior late pregnancy losses appeared to have an association with poor obstetric outcomes, these were not significant. Positivity to any of the aPLs also did not have a significant association with obstetric outcomes. Although largely discussed in this study is the connection of RPL and APS, several other unexplained factors of RPL could be involved in the study population.
Marching in Parallel with the Times
Authors: Capulong Regina
Published: October 2024

The Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) has come a long way since its founding 50 years ago with 11 allergists. Through the years, the Society has been able to keep up with the various changes in health and medical research and technological developments. It is with this that we would like to introduce the Philippine Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s 1st online edition.
With these developments, PSAAI has continued to stay loyal to its aims. In promoting awareness, prevention, and management of allergic and immunologic diseases, this issue consists of studies regarding atopic dermatitis, asthma, and reproductive immunology. To uphold excellent standards in training and teaching, PSAAI has regularly held scientific meetings in discussing cases managed by our fellows-in-training and consultants. One of which is a case report on Behçet’s disease, which is included in this issue. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, PSAAI has been at the forefront of initiating and formulating position statements and doing reviews on COVID-19 management, vaccination, and adverse events following immunization. One of these reviews done by PSAAI on COVID-19 vaccination (An interim review of the efficacy and safety of the second COVID-19 booster dose for young, healthy, immunocompetent adults aged 60 and below) is found in this issue.
This issue is only the beginning of our journey as a peer-reviewed online journal. Learning does not stop here as we continue to fulfill the Society’s aims in response to the changing times. Learning is a process that invites collaboration with others. With that, we are looking forward to publishing studies that extend beyond PSAAI’s membership. We hope to contribute to the continuous developments in allergy and immunology in pursuit of new scientific knowledge.
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) Unveiled
Authors: Doria Irson Thurs , Ang Maria Carmen , Orcasitas Jessie
Published: October 2024

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare and severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) characterized by the rapid onset of widespread small sterile pustules on erythematous skin. It is only estimated to occur in 1 to 5 cases per million annually worldwide. It is distinguishable from other SCARs based on the time interval between drug intake and the onset of symptoms. This characteristic time interval is a key factor in differentiating AGEP from other skin reactions.
This case series presents three distinct cases of AGEP in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Davao City, Philippines. Our cases demonstrate the diverse clinical presentations and triggers of AGEP, primarily involving antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam, clindamycin, and amoxicillin. The three cases share similarities in demographic profiles, with patients being female in the 26 to 60 age group; however, they exhibit variations in the onset of symptoms relative to drug exposure, notably appearing 1 day, 4 days, and 24 days following antibiotic use. All patients had no mucosal and organ involvement. Treatment strategies of our patients involved identification and discontinuation of the offending medication, application of topical steroids, and providing supportive care. All three patients had resolution of the skin lesions.
Because AGEP exhibits a distinctive and rapidly evolving clinical presentation, it is primarily diagnosed based on clinical findings. All three patients presented rapid eruption of multiple, small, non-follicular pustules on a background of an erythematous exanthem following drug exposure. The most commonly implicated agents causing AGEP include antibiotics. Beta-lactams are the main offenders in this case series. This case series underscores the importance of recognizing AGEP as a potential adverse reaction to antibiotics and the need for prompt identification, withdrawal of the offending medication, and timely initiation of treatment to ensure favorable outcomes.
Z czego jest haczyk (w powieści 2666 Roberta Bolaño)? Spekulacja narratologiczna (What is the hook in Roberto Bolaño’s novel 2666? A narratological speculation)
Authors: Żychliński Arkadiusz
Published: October 2024

The starting point of the article is the assumption that the novel 2666 is - contrary to popular belief - a complete and meticulously thought out work even despite the un-finished editorial work due to the author’s premature death. The thorough considera-tion of the plot and also poetic aspects is evidenced by a series of 'hooks' – deliberately used techniques – that effectively capture the attention of discerning readers. The article briefly characterizes some of the relevant solutions adopted by the author – from the title and the structure of the novel to the different genres of its various parts – and then focuses on perhaps the most intriguing theme, namely the enigma of the ambiguous and elusive narrative. The question of narration in Roberto Bolaño’s last novel has not yet been discussed in detail, although it deserves a thorough analysis because of its impact on the overall interpretation of the work, which represents the main thesis of the article.
Structure of human PIEZO1 and its slow inactivating channelopathy mutants
Authors: Shan Yuanyue , Guo Xinyi , Zhang Mengmeng , Chen Meiyu , Li Ying , Zhang Mingfeng , Pei Duanqing
Published: October 2024

PIEZO channels transmit mechanical force signals to cells, allowing them to make critical decisions during development and in pathophysiological conditions. Their fast/slow inactivation modes have been implicated in mechanopathologies, but remain poorly understood. Here, we report several near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structures of fast-inactivating wild-type human PIEZO1 (hPIEZO1) and its slow-inactivating channelopathy mutants with or without its auxiliary subunit MDFIC. Our results suggest that hPIEZO1 has a more flattened and extended architecture than curved mouse PIEZO1 (mPIEZO1). The multi-lipidated MDFIC subunits insert laterally into the hPIEZO1 pore module like mPIEZO1, resulting in a more curved and extended state. Interestingly, the high-resolution structures suggest that the pore lipids, which directly seal the central hydrophobic pore, may be involved in the rapid inactivation of hPIEZO1. While the severe hereditary erythrocytosis mutant R2456H significantly slows down the inactivation of hPIEZO1, the hPIEZO1-R2456H-MDFIC complex shows a more curved and contracted structure with an inner helix twist due to the broken link between the pore lipid and R2456H. These results suggest that the pore lipids may be involved in the mechanopathological rapid inactivation mechanism of PIEZO channels.
I-Spin live, an open-source software based on blind-source separation for real-time decoding of motor unit activity in humans
Authors: Rossato Julien , Hug François , Tucker Kylie , Gibbs Ciara , Lacourpaille Lilian , Farina Dario , Avrillon Simon
Published: October 2024

Decoding the activity of individual neural cells during natural behaviours allows neuroscientists to study how the nervous system generates and controls movements. Contrary to other neural cells, the activity of spinal motor neurons can be determined non-invasively (or minimally invasively) from the decomposition of electromyographic (EMG) signals into motor unit firing activities. For some interfacing and neuro-feedback investigations, EMG decomposition needs to be performed in real time. Here, we introduce an open-source software that performs real-time decoding of motor neurons using a blind-source separation approach for multichannel EMG signal processing. Separation vectors (motor unit filters) are optimised for each motor unit from baseline contractions and then re-applied in real time during test contractions. In this way, the firing activity of multiple motor neurons can be provided through different forms of visual feedback. We provide a complete framework with guidelines and examples of recordings to guide researchers who aim to study movement control at the motor neuron level. We first validated the software with synthetic EMG signals generated during a range of isometric contraction patterns. We then tested the software on data collected using either surface or intramuscular electrode arrays from five lower limb muscles (gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis, vastus lateralis and medialis, and tibialis anterior). We assessed how the muscle or variation of contraction intensity between the baseline contraction and the test contraction impacted the accuracy of the real-time decomposition. This open-source software provides a set of tools for neuroscientists to design experimental paradigms where participants can receive real-time feedback on the output of the spinal cord circuits.
Minimal twister sister (TS)-like self-cleaving ribozymes in the human genome revealed by deep mutational scanning
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Hong Xu , Xiong Peng , Wang Junfeng , Zhou Yaoqi , Zhan Jian
Published: October 2024

Despite their importance in a wide range of living organisms, self-cleaving ribozymes in the human genome are few and poorly studied. Here, we performed deep mutational scanning and covariance analysis of two previously proposed self-cleaving ribozymes (LINE-1 and OR4K15). We found that the regions essential for ribozyme activities are made of two short segments, with a total of 35 and 31 nucleotides only. The discovery makes them the simplest known self-cleaving ribozymes. Moreover, the essential regions are circular permutated with two nearly identical catalytic internal loops, supported by two stems of different lengths. These two self-cleaving ribozymes, which shape like lanterns, are similar to the catalytic regions of the twister sister ribozymes in terms of sequence and secondary structure. However, the nucleotides at the cleavage site have shown that mutational effects on the two twister sisterlike (TS-like) ribozymes are different from the twister sister ribozyme. The discovery of TS-like ribozymes reveals a ribozyme class with the simplest and, perhaps, the most primitive structure needed for self-cleavage.
Interaction of GAT1 with sodium ions: from efficient recruitment to stabilisation of substrate and conformation
Authors: Lazzarin Erika , Gradisch Ralph , Skopec Sophie MC , Alves da Silva Leticia , Sebastianelli-Schoditsch Chiara , Szöllősi Dániel , Maier Julian , Sucic Sonja , Roblek Marko , Kanner Baruch I , Sitte Harald H , Stockner Thomas
Published: October 2024

The human GABA transporter (GAT1) is a membrane transporter that mediates the reuptake of the neurotransmitter GABA from the synaptic cleft into neurons and glial cells. Dysregulation of the transport cycle has been associated with epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders, highlighting the crucial role of the transporter in maintaining homeostasis of brain GABA levels. GAT1 is a secondary active transporter that couples the movement of substrate to the simultaneous transport of sodium and chloride ions along their electrochemical gradients. Using MD simulations, we identified a novel sodium recruiting site at the entrance to the outer vestibule, which attracts positively charged ions and increases the local sodium concentration, thereby indirectly increasing sodium affinity. Mutations of negatively charged residues at the recruiting site slowed the binding kinetics, while experimental data revealed a change in sodium dependency of GABA uptake and a reduction of sodium affinity. Simulation showed that sodium displays a higher affinity for the sodium binding site NA2, which plays a role in stabilisation of the outward-open conformation. We directly show that the presence of a sodium ion bound to NA2 increases the stability of the closed inner gate and restrains motions of TM5. We find that sodium is only weakly bound to NA1 in the absence of GABA, while the presence of the substrate strengthens the interaction due to the completed ion coordinating shell, explaining cooperativity between GABA and sodium.
Proteogenomic analysis of air-pollution-associated lung cancer reveals prevention and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Zhang Honglei , Liu Chao , Wang Shuting , Wang Qing , Feng Xu , Jiang Huawei , Zhang Yong , Su Xiaosan , Li Gaofeng
Published: October 2024

Air pollution significantly impact lung cancer progression, but there is a lack of a comprehensive molecular characterization of clinical samples associated with air pollution. Here, we performed a proteogenomic analysis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in 169 female never-smokers from the Xuanwei area (XWLC cohort), where coal smoke is the primary contributor to the high lung cancer incidence. Genomic mutation analysis revealed XWLC as a distinct subtype of LUAD separate from cases associated with smoking or endogenous factors. Mutational signature analysis suggested that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is the major risk factor in XWLC. The BaP-induced mutation hotspot, EGFR-G719X, was present in 20% of XWLC which endowed XWLC with elevated MAPK pathway activations and worse outcomes compared to common
EGFR
mutations. Multi-omics clustering of XWLC identified four clinically relevant subtypes. These subgroups exhibited distinct features in biological processes, genetic alterations, metabolism demands, immune landscape, and radiomic features. Finally,
MAD1 and TPRN
were identified as novel potential therapeutic targets in XWLC. Our study provides a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians to explore prevention and treatment strategies for air-pollution-associated lung cancers.
Cardiac afferent signals can facilitate visual dominance in binocular rivalry
Authors: Veillette John P , Gao Fan , Nusbaum Howard C
Published: October 2024

Sensory signals from the body’s visceral organs (e.g. the heart) can robustly influence the perception of exteroceptive sensations. This interoceptive–exteroceptive interaction has been argued to underlie self-awareness by situating one’s perceptual awareness of exteroceptive stimuli in the context of one’s internal state, but studies probing cardiac influences on visual awareness have yielded conflicting findings. In this study, we presented separate grating stimuli to each of subjects’ eyes as in a classic binocular rivalry paradigm – measuring the duration for which each stimulus dominates in perception. However, we caused the gratings to ‘pulse’ at specific times relative to subjects’ real-time electrocardiogram, manipulating whether pulses occurred during cardiac systole, when baroreceptors signal to the brain that the heart has contracted, or in diastole when baroreceptors are silent. The influential ‘Baroreceptor Hypothesis’ predicts the effect of baroreceptive input on visual perception should be uniformly suppressive. In contrast, we observed that dominance durations increased for systole-entrained stimuli, inconsistent with the Baroreceptor Hypothesis. Furthermore, we show that this cardiac-dependent rivalry effect is preserved in subjects who are at-chance discriminating between systole-entrained and diastole-presented stimuli in a separate interoceptive awareness task, suggesting that our results are not dependent on conscious access to heartbeat sensations.
The value of initiating a pursuit in temporal decision-making
Authors: Sutlief Elissa , Walters Charlie , Marton Tanya , Hussain Shuler Marshall G
Published: October 2024

Reward-rate maximization is a prominent normative principle commonly held in behavioral ecology, neuroscience, economics, and artificial intelligence. Here, we identify and compare equations for evaluating the worth of initiating pursuits that an agent could implement to enable reward-rate maximization. We identify two fundamental temporal decision-making categories requiring the valuation of the initiation of a pursuit—forgo and choice decision-making—over which we generalize and analyze the optimal solution for how to evaluate a pursuit in order to maximize reward rate. From this reward-rate-maximizing formulation, we derive expressions for the subjective value of a pursuit, i.e. that pursuit’s equivalent immediate reward magnitude, and reveal that time’s cost is composed of an
apportionment
, in addition to, an
opportunity
cost. By re-expressing subjective value as a temporal discounting function, we show precisely how the temporal discounting function of a reward-rate-optimal agent is sensitive not just to the properties of a considered pursuit, but to the time spent and reward acquired outside of the pursuit for every instance spent within it. In doing so, we demonstrate how the apparent discounting function of a reward-rate-optimizing agent depends on the temporal structure of the environment and is a combination of hyperbolic and linear components, whose contributions relate the apportionment and opportunity cost of time, respectively. We further then show how purported signs of suboptimal behavior (hyperbolic discounting, the Delay effect, the Magnitude effect, the Sign effect) are in fact consistent with reward-rate maximization. Having clarified what features are and
are not
signs of optimal decision-making, we analyze the impact of the misestimation of reward rate-maximizing parameters in order to better account for the pattern of errors actually observed in humans and animals. We find that error in agents’ assessment of the apportionment of time that underweights the time spent outside versus inside a considered pursuit type is the likely driver of suboptimal temporal decision-making observed behaviorally. We term this the Malapportionment Hypothesis. This generalized form for reward-rate maximization and its relation to subjective value and temporal discounting allows the true pattern of errors exhibited by humans and animals to be more deeply understood, identified, and quantified, which is key to deducing the learning algorithms and representational architectures actually used by humans and animals to evaluate the worth of pursuits.
The value of initiating a pursuit in temporal decision-making
Authors: Sutlief Elissa , Walters Charlie , Marton Tanya , Hussain Shuler Marshall G
Published: October 2024

Reward rate maximization is a prominent normative principle commonly held in behavioral ecology, neuroscience, economics, and artificial intelligence. Here, we identify and compare equations for evaluating the worth of initiating pursuits that an agent could implement to enable reward-rate maximization. We identify two fundamental temporal decision-making categories requiring the valuation of the initiation of a pursuit—forgo and choice decision-making—over which we generalize and analyze the optimal solution for how to evaluate a pursuit in order to maximize reward rate. From this reward rate maximizing formulation, we derive expressions for the subjective value of a pursuit, i.e. that pursuit’s equivalent immediate reward magnitude, and reveal that time’s cost is composed of an
apportionment
, in addition to, an
opportunity
cost. By re-expressing subjective value as a temporal discounting function, we show precisely how the temporal discounting function of a reward rate optimal agent is sensitive not just to the properties of a considered pursuit, but to the time spent and reward acquired outside of the pursuit for every instance spent within it. In doing so, we demonstrate how the apparent discounting function of a reward-rate optimizing agent depends on the temporal structure of the environment and is a combination of hyperbolic and linear components, whose contributions relate the apportionment and opportunity cost of time, respectively. We further then show how purported signs of suboptimal behavior (hyperbolic discounting, the “Magnitude” effect, the “Sign” effect) are in fact consistent with reward rate maximization. In clarifying what features are, and are not signs of optimal decision-making, we then analyze the impact of misestimation of identified reward rate maximizing parameters to best account for the pattern of errors actually observed in humans and animals. We find that errors in agents’ assessment of the apportionment of time inside versus outside a considered pursuit type is the likely driver of suboptimal temporal decision-making observed behaviorally, which we term the ‘Malapportionment Hypothesis’. By providing a generalized form for reward rate maximization, and by relating it to subjective value and temporal discounting, the true pattern of errors exhibited by humans and animals can now be more deeply understood, identified, and quantified, being key to deducing the learning algorithms and representational architectures actually used by humans and animals to evaluate the worth of pursuits.
The non-HDL-C to APOB ratio as a predictor of inaccurate LDL-C measurement in patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and jaundice: a retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Yongjiang , Ye Jingyan , Huang Junyuan , Wang Yang
Published: October 2024

Background

Cholestasis is characterized by the accumulation of bile in the liver or biliary system due to obstruction or impaired flow, necessitating lipid profiling to assess lipid metabolism abnormalities. Intrahepatic cholestasis, being the most significant type of cholestasis, further complicates the assessment of lipid abnormalities. However, the accuracy of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) measurement in intrahepatic cholestasis patients remains uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of the homogeneous assay and the Friedewald formula in detecting LDL-C levels and identify factors influencing LDL-C test results in intrahepatic patients with cholestasis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of laboratory data was conducted on intrahepatic cholestatic patients. Correlations between LDL-C values obtained using the homogeneous method (LDL-C(D)) and the Friedewald formula (LDL-C(F)), as well as associations between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), LDL-C(D) and LDL-C(F), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify diagnostic indicators for inaccurate LDL-C measurements in intrahepatic cholestatic patients.

Results

Compared to patients with intrahepatic cholestasis without jaundice, the correlation between LDL-C(F) and LDL-C(D) was weaker in those with jaundice. Additionally, HDL-C exhibited a strong correlation with ApoA1 in both jaundice and non-jaundice cholestasis cases. Elevated non-HDL-C to APOB ratio (NH-C/B Ratio) levels (>4.5) were identified as a reliable predictor of inaccurate LDL-C measurements in patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis accompanied by jaundice.

Conclusions

LDL-C measurement reliability is moderately weaker in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis accompanied by jaundice. Elevated levels of the NH-C/B ratio serve as a significant predictor of inaccurate LDL-C measurements in this chronic patient population, highlighting its clinical relevance for diagnostic assessments.
Crescimento e desenvolvimento socioeconômico nas Regiões Geográficas Intermediárias do Brasil
Authors: Canquerino Yogo Kubiak , Ferrera de Lima Jandir
Published: October 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o comportamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento socioeconômico nas Regiões Geográficas Intermediárias (RGI) do Brasil. O procedimento metodológico consistiu na estimativa do coeficiente de convergência, tendo como parâmetros o Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita dos setores primário, secundário e terciário, e o Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal. O período de análise foi entre os anos 2005 e 2017. Os resultados demonstraram uma maior convergência do crescimento no setor primário entre as RGI do Brasil. O setor terciário foi o que apresentou as maiores disparidades regionais. Já no desenvolvimento socioeconômico, observou-se uma convergência para os aspectos Educação, Saúde, e Renda e Emprego. A análise evidenciou uma convergência dos padrões de desenvolvimento socioeconômico e uma maior divergência sob os aspectos econômicos. Porém, ambas as dimensões precisam produzir mais assimetrias a longo prazo para a manutenção do ritmo de crescimento e desenvolvimento econômico regional no Brasil.
Towards an integrated approach to amphibian conservation: a case study of the Littlejohn's tree frog (Litoria littlejohni)
Authors: Upton Rose , Klop-Toker Kaya , Nolan Nadine , Wallace Samantha , Ibbotson Anne , Stock Sarah , Patel Roshan , Jobling Phil , Clulow John , Mahony Michael , Callen Alex
Published: October 2024

The climate crisis adds multiple threats to the already long list of stressors on global biodiversity. The result is a paucity of resources and a growing list of species in need of conservation programs to secure their future. Conservation actions that deal with persistent and pervasive threats must focus on trying to understand the biology of the organism, its ecology and response to such threats without being paralysed by inaction due to gaps in knowledge. Following the devastating 2019/20 mega-fires across the east coast of Australia, a major effort to combine complementary conservation approaches to monitor and recover populations of threatened amphibians was mobilised. For one species, the cryptic Littlejohn's tree frog (Litoria littlejohni), this integrated conservation framework combined traditional ecological approaches including population monitoring, habitat creation, captive breeding and translocation, with established and emerging biotechnologies such as genetic analysis, biobanking, assisted reproduction and biomarkers of individual health. Littlejohn's tree frog was recently uplisted to Endangered, due to increased threat of extinction resulting from the fires, whilst already suffering from disease and reduced genetic diversity. Our integrated conservation approach attempts to accelerate recovery of a species threatened with multiple landscape persistent stressors that are not mitigated by singular conservation actions. Presented here as a case study, we argue this integrated approach used for Littlejohn's tree frog could be adopted for other species facing perilous population declines.
A Study on Influence of Select Variables on Mediation of Green Information Technology Capital in Mining Industry
Authors: Suwandi  , Hapsari Ira Maya , Subroto Setyowati , Amalia Mei Rani
Published: October 2024

Aims: The primary objective of the paper is to investigate the influence of Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR), Organizational Culture (OC), and Top Management's Commitment (TMC) on Environmental Performance (EP) in the mining industry. The study specifically examines how Green Information Technology Capital (GITC) mediates the relationships between these variables. The research aims to provide insights into how mining companies can effectively integrate sustainability strategies into their operations to reduce negative environmental impacts.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the mining industry sector over a period of six months.
Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research method using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with data collected from a sample of mining industry companies over a period of six months. The research design is quantitative, aiming to test known hypotheses regarding the relationships between ECSR, OC, TMC, GITC, and EP. The analysis was conducted using Smart PLS software, which is a popular tool for SEM in the context of partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. The study contributes to the understanding of how ECSR, OC, and TMC interact with GITC to influence EP in the mining industry, providing insights for sustainable business practices and environmental sustainability strategies.
Results: The analysis revealed that ECSR has a positive but insignificant influence on EP (P > 0.05), while it significantly negatively influences GITC (P < 0.05). GITC, in turn, shows a significant positive influence on EP (P < 0.05), underscoring the importance of green information technology in improving environmental performance. Organizational Culture (OC) did not have a significant direct impact on EP (P > 0.05) but had a significant positive influence on GITC (P < 0.05), which then positively impacted EP. Top Management's Commitment (TMC) did not have a significant direct effect on EP (P > 0.05) and had a significant negative influence on GITC (P < 0.05). The mediating role of GITC was significant for the effects of ECSR and OC on EP, but not for TMC.
Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of Green Information Technology Capital (GITC) as a mediator in enhancing environmental performance within the mining industry. While Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR) and Organizational Culture (OC) contribute positively to environmental performance through GITC, Top Management's Commitment (TMC) requires further exploration due to its complex interaction with GITC. These findings emphasize the necessity for companies to invest in green technology to achieve better environmental outcomes.
Evaluation of Agronomic Performance and Resistance to Cercospora (Cercospora sojina) Leaf Spot of Selected Soya bean Genotypes in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Abadi Assefa , Araya Goiteom , Negash Weres , Belay Yirga , Baraki Fisha , Atsbha Alem , Grmay Dargie
Published: October 2024

Aim of the current study was to evaluate soya bean genotypes for yield and yield traits and cercospora (Cercosporasojina) leaf spot disease under field condition. Field experiment was conducted at Humera district during 2018 cropping season using 16soya bean genotypes. Treatments were evaluated with RCBD and replicated three times.  Number of days from planting to days of flowering and days of maturity, number of pod per plant, pod shattering, seed yield and cercospora leaf spot disease were showed a significant (P<0.01) variation among genotypes. All varieties were moderately resistance to pod shattering except PN13-1 (3.1) was moderately susceptible and Parc-3, Parc-5 and PN13-10were resistance. Highest yields were recorded from genotypes PN13-2 at 20.32q/ha and PN13-9 at 19.77q/ha. On the other hand, the lowest yields were recorded from genotypes PN13-3 at 7.49q/ha and PN13-1 at 9.95q/ha. Genotypes PN13-2 and PN13-7 have been identified as displaying resistance to Cercospora leaf spot. Highest disease severity recorded in genotypes Awassa 04 and PN13-1. Further research is needed in future to cover a wide range of environments and genotypes to screen high yielder and cercospora leaf spot disease resistance.
Development of Spirulina-incorporated Milkshake and Its Sensory Evaluation on Standard Scale
Authors: KasthuriThilagam R , S Sanjay , Bhavithra P.
Published: October 2024

Spirulina, a nutrient-dense algae, is known for its high protein content, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it an ideal candidate for fortifying everyday food products. This study investigated the preparation method and sensory evaluation of spirulina-incorporated milkshakes, focusing on four formulations: T0 – (Control), T1 (spirulina milkshake), T2 (Spirulina-banana milk shake), and T3 (Spirulina-cardamom milkshake). Each milkshake was prepared using 50 ml toned milk, vanilla powder 2.5%, xanthan 0.1% and sugar 10%. The spirulina powder was first evaluated by incorporating at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% levels and the most acceptable and significant level 0.5% was used in all three formulations. The sensory characteristics of the formulations were evaluated through a panel of judges using a standardized scoring system. The results indicated that the 0.5% spirulina-cardamom milkshake received the highest sensory ratings, suggesting a favourable flavour profile. This study demonstrates the potential of incorporating spirulina into dairy products, contributing to nutritional enhancement while maintaining sensory appeal.
Evaluating the Performance of Rice in Different Intercropping Systems under Aerobic Rice Cultivation
Authors: Gami M. R. , Patel D. A. , Patel P.B. , Naik V. R. , Vala J. R.
Published: October 2024

The investigation entitled Evaluating the performance of rice in different intercropping systems under aerobic rice cultivation was conducted during kharif seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at MRRC, NAU, Navsari. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with four replication. Results revealed that growth parameters of different intercrops were slightly affected by different intercropping system as compared to sole crop. Yield attributes like panicle length, panicle weight and 1000 grain weight of sole rice crop were significantly higher as compared to other intercropping system but which was at par with treatment Rice + Sorghum (6:2) and Rice + Soybean (6: 2) for panicle length. Grain and straw yield of sole rice were recorded significantly higher as compared other intercropping system during individual year as well as pooled analysis. Significantly higher rice equivalent yield was recorded under treatment T1: Rice + Sorghum (6:2) over rest of the treatments.
Influence of Different Rootstocks on Vine Growth, Cane Storage, and Yield in Crimson Seedless Grapevine
Authors: AS Thutte , JK Dhemre , RG Somkuwar , PH Nikumbhe , PK Lokhande , MN Bhalekar
Published: October 2024

The study investigated the influence of different rootstocks (Dogridge, 110R, 140Ru, and 1103P) on vine growth, cane storage, and yield in Crimson Seedless grapevines during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at ICAR-NRC Grapes, Pune. Growth parameters, including pruned biomass, leaf area, and stock: scion ratio, were significantly impacted by the rootstocks, with Dogridge rootstock recording the highest values. Dogridge also resulted in greater shoot length, shoot diameter, and minimum internodal length. Cane biochemical content, such as total phenol, tannin, proline, and carbohydrates, was highest in vines grafted on Dogridge, while 1103P rootstock showed the highest cane protein levels. Yield parameters, including average bunch weight and yield per vine, were superior in vines grafted on Dogridge. The study concluded that Dogridge rootstock significantly enhanced cane storage, biochemical composition, and yield, making it a suitable choice for Crimson Seedless grapevines in tropical conditions.