bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of row spacing and weed management practices on dry direct-seeded spring rice
Authors: Sharma Jaishi Devraj , Sah Rajan , Bhandari Sagar , Marahatta Santosh
Published: November 2023

Weeds are the major burden for rice-growing farmers in the case of direct-seeded rice due to the preemptive competition of weed in the species early seedling stage. A field experiment was carried out during the spring season in 2021 to evaluate the effect of different weed management practices and row spacing on dry directed-seeded spring rice under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) at Rice Super Zone, Kanchanpur, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a two-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with twelve treatments and three replications. The highest number of effective tillers per m2 was obtained in weed-free plots (531.67), which is statistically similar to Pretilachlor fb 1HW (505.42). Row spacing of 10 cm showed a significantly higher number of effective tillers per square meter (521.94). A higher grain yield was observed in weed-free plots (6397.87 kg.ha-1), which is followed by Pretilachlor fb 1HW, which is statistically similar to other management practices except for weed check. All the management practices were found effective in reducing weed parameters such as weed density, weed dry weight, and weed index as compared to weed checks. A positive relation was recorded between plant height at 90 DAS and grain yield, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield, and a negative relation was recorded between weed density, weed dry biomass, and grain yield. It is recommended to apply Pretilachlor fb 1HW with 10 cm row spacing for effective weed control and to increase the yield of dry direct-seeded rice.
Insights into the Mechanism of Osteoporosis and the Available Treatment
Options
Authors: Muniyasamy Rajeshwari , Manjubala Inderchand
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis, one of the most prevalent bone illnesses, majorly affects postmenopausal
women and men over 50 years of age. Osteoporosis is associated with an increased
susceptibility to fragility fractures and can result in persistent pain and significant impairment in
affected individuals. The primary method for diagnosing osteoporosis involves the assessment of
bone mineral density (BMD) through the utilisation of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
(DEXA). The integration of a fracture risk assessment algorithm with bone mineral density
(BMD) has led to significant progress in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Given that osteoporosis is
a chronic condition and multiple factors play an important role in maintaining bone mass,
comprehending its underlying mechanism is crucial for developing more effective pharmaceutical
interventions for the disease. The effective management of osteoporosis involves the
utilisation of appropriate pharmacological agents in conjunction with suitable dietary
interventions and lifestyle modifications. This review provides a comprehensive understanding
of the types of osteoporosis and elucidates the currently available pharmacological treatment
options and their related mechanism of action and usage.
Emerging Role of Non-collagenous Bone Proteins as Osteokines in
Extraosseous Tissues
Authors: Jawich Kenda , Hadakie Rana , Jamal Souhaib , Habeeb Rana , Al Fahoum Sahar , Ferlin Alberto , De Toni Luca
Published: November 2023

Bone is a unique tissue, composed of various types of cells embedded in a calcified extracellular
matrix (ECM), whose dynamic structure consists of organic and inorganic compounds
produced by bone cells. The main inorganic component is represented by hydroxyapatite, whilst
the organic ECM is primarily made up of type I collagen and non-collagenous proteins. These proteins
play an important role in bone homeostasis, calcium regulation, and maintenance of the hematopoietic
niche. Recent advances in bone biology have highlighted the importance of specific
bone proteins, named “osteokines”, possessing endocrine functions and exerting effects on nonosseous
tissues. Accordingly, osteokines have been found to act as growth factors, cell receptors,
and adhesion molecules, thus modifying the view of bone from a static tissue fulfilling mobility to
an endocrine organ itself. Since bone is involved in a paracrine and endocrine cross-talk with
other tissues, a better understanding of bone secretome and the systemic roles of osteokines is expected
to provide benefits in multiple topics: such as identification of novel biomarkers and the development
of new therapeutic strategies. The present review discusses in detail the known osseous
and extraosseous effects of these proteins and the possible respective clinical and therapeutic significance.
The Expression and Molecular Mechanisms of Matrix Metalloproteinase- 9 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Lin Shujun , Lin Wenshan , Zhong Zhiqing , Zhong Hongzhen , Zhou Tianbiao , Weng Wenjuan
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To explore a new approach for the treatment of renal interstitial
fibrosis (RIF), we detected the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods:

Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 2-
week normal control (2NC) group, 4-week NC (4NC) group, 2-week unilateral ureteral
obstruction (2UUO) group, and 4-week UUO (4UUO) group. We performed left ureteral
ligation on UUO groups. Then, we sacrificed the rats of the 2NC group and 2UUO
group at 2 weeks and the other groups at 4 weeks after the surgery.
Immunohistochemistry and western blot were applied to detect the expression of
MMP9, VEGF, fibronectin (FN), type IV collagen (Col-IV), and transforming growth
factor-β1 (TGF-β1). MMP9 levels reduced after UUO surgery. Its expression was less
in the 4UUO group than in the 2UUO group (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF, TGF-
β1, FN, and Col-IV was higher in UUO groups than in NC groups (P<0.05). The
expression of these indicators was higher in the 4UUO group than in the 2UUO group
(P<0.05).

Results:

In the correlation analysis, MMP9 levels in UUO groups had a negative
correlation with the expression of TGF-β1, VEGF, Col-IV, FN, and RIF index (all
P<0.05). In UUO groups, VEGF levels had a positive correlation with the expression of
TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN, and RIF index (all P<0.05).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, with the aggravation of RIF lesions, MMP9 levels
decreased, and VEGF levels increased. Whether there is a mutual inhibition
relationship between them remains to be confirmed by further experiments.
Melatonin Alleviates High Glucose-induced Oxidative Stress and
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chondrocytes
Authors: Mehrzadi Saeed , Hassani Shokoufeh , Hosseinzadeh Azam
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hyperglycemia triggers mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes, potentially
contributing to cell damage and the onset of osteoarthritis.

Objective:

This study is undertaken with the objective of examining the protective properties of melatonin
against toxicity induced by high glucose in C28I2 human chondrocytes.

Methods:

To determine non-cytotoxic concentrations of melatonin, various concentrations (10, 25,
50, 75, 100, 500, and 1000 μM) were assessed over different time periods (24, 48, and 72 hours) for
their impact on C28I2 cell viability. Following this, cells underwent a pretreatment with melatonin
(10 and 100 μM) for 6 hours. This was followed by subjecting the cells to a high concentration of
glucose (75 mM) for 48 hours. Oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS)
and malondialdehyde (MDA), alongside the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide
dismutase, and catalase were quantitatively assessed. To assess mitochondrial function, we evaluated
the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio and measured the mitochondrial
membrane potential (MMP).

Results:

Elevated glucose levels significantly increased ROS and MDA levels, accompanied by reduced
MMP, an elevated ADP/ATP ratio, and altered antioxidant enzyme activity. Pretreatment with
melatonin effectively reversed the mitochondrial toxicity induced by high glucose (75 mM).

Conclusion:

These results indicate that melatonin exhibits a protective influence against hyperglycemia-
induced toxicity in chondrocyte mitochondria.
The Perspective of Physiome Modelling in Systems Biology: New Horizon
Authors: Parvatikar Prachi P. , Bagali Shrilaxmi , Kanthe Pallavi S. , Patil Aravind V. , Das Kusal K.
Published: November 2023

Scientific understanding has rapidly expanded in the new biological age,
with the rapid advancement of genomic science and molecular biology, It is a challenge
to reintegrate the enormous quantity of information and data that was generated from
works related to genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in order to
effectively explain the organism and connect molecular processes with higher-level
biological phenomena. Scientific understanding has expanded quickly in the new
biological age due to the rapid advancement of genomic science and molecular biology.
This inspired contemporary interest in systems biology, which investigates organisms
as integrated systems made up of dynamic and interconnected genetic, protein,
metabolic, and cellular components using biology, mathematics, biophysics,
biochemistry, bioinformatics, and computer science. Systems biology is the key
concept underlying Physiome, a mathematical measure of how an organism functions
in normal and pathologic states which is based on morphome. The simulation models
based on mathematical expressions and physics can aid in the interpretation and
encapsulation of biological phenomena in a computable and repeatable manner.
Researchers have created tools and standards to allow the reproducibility and reuse of
mathematical models of biological systems, as well as tools and guidelines to promote
semantic representation of computational models and repositories where models can be
archived, shared, and discovered.
Livestock Viral Diseases and Insights into Systems Biology
Authors: Dey Debajit , Hazarika Zaved , Kumar Pandey Akhilesh , Borkotoky Subhomoi
Published: November 2023

With the increasing human population, livestock farming has been
intensified over the years to support different products from farm animals. Hence, the
requirement to monitor livestock diseases becomes critical. In particular, outbreaks due
to viral diseases are a major concern for the livestock industry worldwide. It has been
observed that close interaction of humans-livestock could lead to transboundary
diseases. Hence detection of potential viral pathogens requires a deeper understanding
of the livestock virome. The rapid development of bioinformatics and computational
tools, as well as advances in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, has
opened up new options for infectious disease surveillance in terms of both quality and
scale. The phrase “systems biology” has just been recently adopted to define cutting-edge cross-disciplinary biology research. Synthetic biology, integrative biology,
systems biomedicine, and metagenomics are some of the growing post-genomic
domains that intersect with systems biology. Systems biology represents a paradigm
shift in biology and medicine from many perspectives by incorporating a new culture
that acknowledges the dynamic and interdependent interactions of the complex
network of genes and their associated proteins in order to gain a systematic
understanding of biology, health, and disease. By enhancing our understanding of viral
disease development, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy, the application of systems
biology to human and veterinary medicine has the potential to transform healthcare.
The current chapter focuses on examples of various viral diseases associated with
livestock animals and the role of systems biology approaches to understand them.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Leading Export Commodities of Plantations in Indonesia: The Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Muslima Fahma , Kharisma Bayu
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe plantation sector is a sector that has an important and strategic role in development. This is reflected in the role of the plantation sector as a provider of employment opportunities, meeting the domestic industry's needs for consumption and raw materials and achieving added value through increased competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the effect of the real exchange rate and volatility on Indonesia's leading plantation export commodities to trade partner countries from 1997 to 2016. The research method used is the estimated gravity model with fixed or random effects. The results showed that the exchange rate and volatility positively and negatively affected plantation exports. Thus, the Government must adopt policies to increase the competitiveness of domestic products and anticipate competition between domestic exporters. In addition, exchange rate stabilization policies are needed to control volatility to reduce uncertainty's impact on Indonesia's plantation exports.Keywords: Exchange Rate, Leading Estate Crops, Export, Panel Data, Gravity Model
The Determination of the Factors Affecting Financial Technology Use Behavior of Students
Authors: Ria Reny , Widihastuti Widihastuti
Published: November 2023

AbstrakPenelitian ini dilakukan untuk menyelidiki dampak simultan dan parsial dari faktor-faktor penentu terhadap perilaku penggunaan teknologi finansial (tekfin). Selanjutnya, desain kuantitatif deskriptif digunakan dengan pendekatan kausal dengan sampel sebanyak 139 siswa SMK Negeri di Kota Madiun. Pengumpulan data juga dilakukan melalui pemberian kuesioner, dan analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan structural equation modeling (SEM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa niat perilaku, kondisi yang memfasilitasi, dan kebiasaan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap perilaku penggunaan tekfin secara simultan dan parsial. Kata kunci: Kondisi Yang Memfasilitasi, Niat, Penggunaan Tekfin, Perilaku
The Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies
Authors: Lavadenz Magaly , Armas Elvira G.
Published: November 2023

This book presents a validated observation instrument to support and develop the pedagogic expertise of teachers of English Learners in US schools. With real examples of classroom observations, it offers teachers, researchers and policymakers a tool for professional development, classroom research and program improvement.
Assessing the readiness and confidence of 4th–year University of Notre Dame, Sydney medical students to prescribe effectively
Authors: Vora Archit , Mezrani Carmel , King Dane , Carroll Peter
Published: November 2023

Prescribing is a well-known source of anxiety and perceived weakness for graduating medical students. Fourth-year medical students at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney tested a learning tool designed to assess students’ confidence in prescribing. The study results show that students performed significantly better in topics that had previously been formally taught. All of the students who completed the post-survey found the learning tool useful. The results support the need for greater emphasis on prescribing and pharmacology teaching in the clinical years of the medical curriculum
A rapid review of quality of health information on TikTok
Authors: Hill Georgia , Manuell Aaron , Willemsen Annabelle
Published: November 2023

TikTok has become an immensely popular platform globally where users share information, ideas, and personal guidance on many topics, including health-related information. This rapid review identified several key findings: viewers should use caution when accessing health-related content on TikTok for health guidance; the content quality of videos produced by healthcare providers is significantly higher than those produced by general users; and 42 per cent of videos assessed contained questionable information. Due to the limitations of the DISCERN and PRMAT-AV tools for this content form, a new objective scoring system needs to be developed to assess quality in healthcare-related short-form videos.
Interpreting volatility in quarterly labor productivity
Authors: Fenaroli Gianna
Published: November 2023

Labor productivity—defined as output per hour—exhibited a notable degree of volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic recession and its aftermath. This article focuses on this aspect of quarterly labor productivity data, discussing its underlying sources, ways to interpret it, and alternate measures that offer additional perspective on quarter-to-quarter changes.
Effect of Artemisia vulgaris L. Aqueous Extract on Some Germination Properties and Seedling Growth of Wheat
Authors: M. K. Al-Awsi Raghad , Hassan Dalia S.
Published: November 2023

A laboratory experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2021 in the
Seed Technology Laboratory - College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences /
University of Baghdad to find out the allopathic effects of aerobic and terrestrial
aqueous extracts of artemisia on the seed germination and seedling growth of
wheat. A factorial experiment according to a completely randomized design
(C.R.D.)at three replicates was used; the first factor included the type of aqueous
extract for plant parts, which were aerobic (stems and leaves) and terrestrial (root
and rhizomes), while the second factor included five concentrations for each
aqueous extract of plant part (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). The results showed a significant effect of aqueous extract types on the studied traits; the terrestrial aqueous extract gave the highest germination percentage (70.00%) and radicle dry
weight (0.0487 g). Also, the concentration of 50% of artemisia aqueous extract
was significantly superior and achieved the highest germination percentage
(80.00%) and shoot dry weight (0.0500 g). In contrast, the concentration of 25%
was significantly superior in the shoot length (7.47 cm) and radicle dry weight
(0.0567 g), while the concentration of 75% was significantly superior in the radicle length (4.17 cm). The interaction between the two factors significantly affected the radicle length and dry weight only.
Keywords: Artemisia, weed, allopathic effects, phenolic compound
FSCN1 Gene Expression Influence on Breast Cancer in Iraqi Patients
Authors: Rifaat Rifaat M. , I. Nader Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Our investigation aim was to ascertain how the Fascin actin-bundling protein 1
(FSCN1) gene affected breast cancer patients and how it affected the molecular
type of the disease (Luminal A, Luminal B, Triple negative, Enrich Her2).By collecting blood samples from sixty patients with Breast cancer from many hospitals
in Baghdad/Iraq between the periods (October 2021 to August 2022) and collecting forty volunteers heaths as Control. The volunteer's blood samples were collected and tested with Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) to confirm absent breast
cancer. The blood and control samples from these patients were collected, the
RNA was extracted, and molecular methods using PCR and primers targeting the
FSCN1 gene were used. The results showed that genes found in all patient samples have overexpression compared to healthy volunteers, and we also discovered
differences in expression between the molecular types of breast cancer. We discovered that Triple-negative breast cancer is more affected than Luminal A, B,
and Enrich Her2.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Molecular classification breast cancer, Fascin Actin
Bundling protein 1 genes
Effect of date kernels treated in various ways fed to broilers in dilution on some productive traits.
Authors: Razzaq Hussain Zahra'a , Jodi Shahid Muhammad
Published: November 2023

This experiment was conducted at the poultry field, Agricultural Research and
Experiments Station, College of Agriculture and the Marshes, Thi Qar University,
from 11/1/2021 to 12/12/2021 to determine the effect of diluting the feed with date
kernels treated in different ways on some productive traits of broilers. A total of
270, one day, 40 gm chicks of Rose-308 were used. Chicks were randomly distributed to the five experimental treatments with three replicates (18 birds for each
replicate); the diets were provided from the beginning of the second week until the
end of the sixth week. The treatments were as follows: T1: Standard control diet
(without dilution); T2: control diet diluted by 20% regular date seed pods for 7-42
days; T3: basal diet diluted with 20% date kernels, cooked for 7-42 days; T4: basal
diet diluted with 20% vinegar-treated seed for 7-42 days; T5: basal diet diluted by
20% seed germinated for 7-42 days. The results indicated a significant improvement when diluting the feed with date kernel powder compared to the control
treatment in all the studied productive traits; the dilution of feed with cultivar date
kernel powder gave the best results in a significant way compared to the other
treatments.
Keywords: feeding dilution, date kernels, productive traits, broilers.
Analyzing the Impact of a Formula Including a Partial Purified
Aspergillus Niiger Protease
Authors: Rasheed Hiba T.
Published: November 2023

Aspergillus niger protease has attracted the attention of experts in environmental
biotechnology since fungi can grow on low-cost substrates and secrete vast quantities of the enzyme into the culture medium. In this study, the samples of Aspergillus niger were collected from bread and onion and then identified and screened
for protease production using skim milk agar. The production of media has followed components in gm/100 ml –casein 1 g; yeast extract 0.6 g; urea 0.6 g;
NH4H2PO4 0.6 g; (NH4)2SO4 0.6 g; NH4Cl 0.6g; DDW 100 ml; glucose 1 gm; and
pH 8.5 for protease production, the produced protease in crud extract was partial
purified with solid (NH4)2SO4 was added to it by continuous mixing on ice bag
(80% saturation) and the protease activity was 640 AU/ml with specific activity of
1280 AU/mg. The formula containing the partially purified protease was prepared.
The protease produced from A. niger applied in the formula was investigated by
using skim milk agar, wells containing the protease-containing formula showed a
significant clear zone, and this ensures the activity of this formula.
Keywords: Protease; Skim milk agar; Iraq.
Wearable Artificial Intelligence for Detecting Anxiety: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abd-alrazaq Alaa , AlSaad Rawan , Harfouche Manale , Aziz Sarah , Ahmed Arfan , Damseh Rafat , Sheikh Javaid
Published: November 2023

Background

Anxiety disorders rank among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. Anxiety symptoms are typically evaluated using self-assessment surveys or interview-based assessment methods conducted by clinicians, which can be subjective, time-consuming, and challenging to repeat. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for using technologies capable of providing objective and early detection of anxiety. Wearable artificial intelligence (AI), the combination of AI technology and wearable devices, has been widely used to detect and predict anxiety disorders automatically, objectively, and more efficiently.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the performance of wearable AI in detecting and predicting anxiety.

Methods

Relevant studies were retrieved by searching 8 electronic databases and backward and forward reference list checking. In total, 2 reviewers independently carried out study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment. The included studies were assessed for risk of bias using a modified version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–Revised. Evidence was synthesized using a narrative (ie, text and tables) and statistical (ie, meta-analysis) approach as appropriate.

Results

Of the 918 records identified, 21 (2.3%) were included in this review. A meta-analysis of results from 81% (17/21) of the studies revealed a pooled mean accuracy of 0.82 (95% CI 0.71-0.89). Meta-analyses of results from 48% (10/21) of the studies showed a pooled mean sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.57-0.91) and a pooled mean specificity of 0.92 (95% CI 0.68-0.98). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the performance of wearable AI was not moderated by algorithms, aims of AI, wearable devices used, status of wearable devices, data types, data sources, reference standards, and validation methods.

Conclusions

Although wearable AI has the potential to detect anxiety, it is not yet advanced enough for clinical use. Until further evidence shows an ideal performance of wearable AI, it should be used along with other clinical assessments. Wearable device companies need to develop devices that can promptly detect anxiety and identify specific time points during the day when anxiety levels are high. Further research is needed to differentiate types of anxiety, compare the performance of different wearable devices, and investigate the impact of the combination of wearable device data and neuroimaging data on the performance of wearable AI.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023387560; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=387560
Community-Based Digital Contact Tracing of Emerging Infectious Diseases: Design and Implementation Study With Empirical COVID-19 Cases (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Chi , Lin Ting-Yu , Yao Yu-Chin , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yang Chang-Jung , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Yeh Yen-Po
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Contact tracing for containing emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 is resource intensive and requires digital transformation to enable timely decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

This study demonstrates the design and implementation of digital contact tracing using multimodal health informatics to efficiently collect personal information and contain community outbreaks. The implementation of digital contact tracing was further illustrated by 3 empirical SARS-CoV-2 infection clusters.

METHODS

The implementation in Changhua, Taiwan, served as a demonstration of the multisectoral informatics and connectivity between electronic health systems needed for digital contact tracing. The framework incorporates traditional travel, occupation, contact, and cluster approaches and a dynamic contact process enabled by digital technology. A centralized registry system, accessible only to authorized health personnel, ensures privacy and data security. The efficiency of the digital contact tracing system was evaluated through a field study in Changhua.

RESULTS

The digital contact tracing system integrates the immigration registry, communicable disease report system, and national health records to provide real-time information about travel, occupation, contact, and clusters for potential contacts and to facilitate a timely assessment of the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The digitalized system allows for informed decision-making regarding quarantine, isolation, and treatment, with a focus on personal privacy. In the first cluster infection, the system monitored 665 contacts and isolated 4 (0.6%) cases; none of the contacts (0/665, 0%) were infected during quarantine. The estimated reproduction number of 0.92 suggests an effective containment strategy for preventing community-acquired outbreak. The system was also used in a cluster investigation involving foreign workers, where none of the 462 contacts (0/462, 0%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS

By integrating the multisectoral database, the contact tracing process can be digitalized to provide the information required for risk assessment and decision-making in a timely manner to contain a community-acquired outbreak when facing the outbreak of emerging infectious disease.
The Efficacy of an mHealth App in Facilitating Weight Loss Among Japanese Fitness Center Members: Regression Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Eguchi Akifumi , Kawamura Yumi , Kawashima Takayuki , Ghaznavi Cyrus , Ishimura Keiko , Kohsaka Shun , Matsuo Satoru , Mizuno Shinichiro , Sasaki Yuki , Takahashi Arata , Tanoue Yuta , Yoneoka Daisuke , Miyata Hiroaki , Nomura Shuhei
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Self-tracking smartphone apps have emerged as promising tools to encourage healthy behaviors. In this longitudinal study, we used gym use data from members of a major fitness club that operates gyms throughout Japan from January 2014 to December 2019.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the extent to which a health and fitness self-tracking mobile app introduced to gym members on January 1, 2018, contributed to their weight loss. The app allows users to input information regarding diet, sleep, weight, and gym exercise so that they can receive personalized feedback from an artificial intelligence chatbot to improve their health behaviors.

METHODS

We used linear regression to quantify the association between app use and weight loss. The primary outcome of the study was the weight loss achieved by each gym user, which was calculated as the difference between their initial and final weights in kilograms, as recorded in the app. Individuals who did not attend the gym or failed to use the mobile app at least twice during the study period were excluded from the analysis. The model accounted for age, gender, distance between the gym and the member’s residence, average weekly number of times a member used the gym, user’s gym membership length in weeks, average weekly number of times a member input information into the app, and the number of weeks that the app was used at least once.

RESULTS

Data from 26,589 participants were analyzed. Statistically significant associations were detected between weight loss and 2 metrics related to app use: the average weekly frequency of use and the total number of weeks in which the app was used at least once. One input per week was found to be associated with a loss of 62.1 (95% CI 53.8-70.5) g, and 1 week of app use was associated with 21.7 (95% CI 20.5-22.9) g of weight loss from the day of the first input to that of the final input to the app. Furthermore, the average number of times that a member used the gym weekly was also shown to be statistically significantly associated with weight loss: 1 use per week was associated with 255.5 (95% CI 228.5-282.6) g of weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This empirical study demonstrated a significant association between weight loss among gym members and not only the frequency of weekly gym use but also the use of a health and fitness self-tracking app. However, further work is needed to examine the mechanisms through which mobile apps affect health behaviors and to identify the specific app features that are most effective in promoting weight loss.
Tác động của giá dầu đến khả năng sinh lời của các ngân hàng thương mại Việt Nam
Authors: Lê Thông Tiến
Published: November 2023

Phương pháp Bayes được sử dụng trong nghiên cứu để xem xét ảnh hưởng của giá dầu đối với khả năng sinh lời của các ngân hàng thương mại, được đại diện bởi tỷ suất sinh lời trên tổng tài sản hay ROA (Return On Asset). Dữ liệu nghiên cứu được thu thập tại 28 ngân hàng thương mại trong giai đoạn 2011-2021. Kết quả nghiên cứu xác suất hậu nghiệm hoàn toàn ủng hộ tác động ngược chiều của giá dầu đối với ROA. Tỷ lệ thu nhập lãi ròng và tỷ lệ thu nhập ngoài lãi có ảnh hưởng cùng chiều đối với ROA; trong khi đó, hệ số an toàn vốn, tỷ lệ chi phí trên thu nhập và tỷ lệ thanh khoản có tác động ngược chiều. Ảnh hưởng của quy mô đến ROA chưa thể xác nhận trong bài viết. Ngoài ra, kết quả nghiên cứu đã cung cấp những bằng chứng thống kê có ý nghĩa về tác động của giá dầu cũng như các yếu tố nội tại đến khả năng sinh lời trong hoạt động ngân hàng.
Đặc điểm hình thái - nông học và kiểu gen của 29 giống lúa rẫy canh tác ở điều kiện đồng bằng sông Cửu Long
Authors: Huỳnh Kỳ , Nguyễn Văn Mạnh , Đỗ Thị Thanh Thoảng , Nguyễn Khánh Duy , Trần In Đô , Chung Trương Quốc Khang , Tống Thị Thuỳ Trang , Nguyễn Thanh Dự , Phạm Ân Tình , Nguyễn Lê Đức Huy , Huỳnh Như Điền , Phạm Thị Bé Tư , Nguyễn Lộc Hiền , Lê Thị Hồng Thanh
Published: November 2023

Lúa rẫy là cây trồng có thể thích nghi với điều kiện sống thiếu nước, cùng với đó do đặc tính vùng miền và vùng sinh thái khác nhau nên lúa rẫy rất đa dạng về hình thái cũng như phẩm chất hạt gạo.Nghiên cứu đặc điểm hình thái nông học và kiểu gen của 29 giống lúa rẫy canh tác ở điều kiện đồng bằng sông Cửu Long được thực hiện. Qua các chỉ tiêu đánh giá về hình thái và chất lượng với các chỉ tiêu như hàm lượng amylose, độ bền thể gel, nhiệt trở hồ và mùi thơm, kết hợp với đánh giá kiểu gen bằng dấu chỉ thị phân tử SSR. Kết quả đã khảo sát được các đặc điểm hình thái và chất lượng của 29 giống lúa. Nghiên cứu đã chọn ra được 3 giống lúa Pum Pán Đăm, Tẻ Thơm, Lúa Bắc 1 và 2 giống nếp Khẩu Hút Lài (Nếp) và Nếp Nin Lương có đặc điểm hình thái, năng suất cao, chất lượng tốt thuộc nhóm mềm cơm (hàm lượng amylose dưới 20%, độ bền thể gel trên 60 mm, nhiệt trở hồ thuộc cấp 5,6) và có mùi thơm nhẹ phù hợp với nhu cầu chọn giống hiện nay. Cùng với đó cả 5 giống đều mang kiểu gen chống chịu với điều kiện khô hạn. Kết quả này giúp cung cấp nguồn vật liệu di truyền cho các nghiên cứu tiếp theo.
Thành phần hóa học của lá cây lý (Syzygium jambos (L.)), họ sim (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Huỳnh Kim Yến , Nguyễn Trọng Tuân , Nguyễn Quốc Châu Thanh , Trần Thanh Mến
Published: November 2023

Lá cây Lý được sử dụng làm thuốc trong y học cổ truyền để điều trị các bệnh về tiêu chảy, rối loạn tiêu hóa, lợi tiểu, hạ sốt và các bệnh về phổi. Trong nghiên cứu này, lá cây Lý được thu hái tại Kiên Giang. Cao tổng ethanol được chiết phân đoạn lần lượt với dung môi n-nexane và ethyl acetate. Bằng phương pháp sắc ký cột đã phân lập được 4 hợp chất gồm Stigmasterol (1), 2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (2), Chavicol β-D-glucopyranoside (3), rutin (4). Cấu trúc các hợp chất được xác định dựa trên phân tích phổ NMR và so sánh với các dữ liệu trong tài liệu tham khảo. Hợp chất (2) và (3) lần đầu tiên được phân lập từ loài thực vật này.
Năng suất sinh sản của gà ác mái chân có lông và chân không có lông giai đoạn 22-29 tuần tuổi
Authors: Lê Thanh Phương , Phạm Tấn Nhã
Published: November 2023

Nghiên cứu này nhằm đánh giá năng suất sinh sản của gà ác mái chân có lông và không lông ở giai đoạn 22-29 tuần tuổi. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện tại trại gà huyện Phong Điền thành phố Cần Thơ từ tháng 10 đến tháng 12 năm 2022. Có tất cả 60 gà ác mái 22 tuần tuổi được bố trí với 2 nghiệm thức, mỗi nghiệm thức lặp lại 30 lần, mỗi lần lập lại là một gà mái được nuôi trong chuồng lồng cá thể. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy gà ác có tỉ lệ đẻ, khối lượng trứng, tiêu tốn thức ăn, tiêu tốn thức ăn/trứng và hệ số chuyển hóa thức ăn (feed conversion ratio-FCR) khác biệt không có ý nghĩa thống kê giữa các nghiệm thức (P>0,05). Tuy nhiên, tỉ lệ đẻ và FCR ở tuần tuổi 27 khác biệt có ý nghĩa thống kê (P<0,05) giữa hai dòng gà, gà mái chân có lông có tỉ lệ đẻ (69,77%) cao hơn dòng gà mái chân không có lông (59,22%), ngược lại FCR ở dòng gà mái chân có lông (2,55) thấp hơn dòng không có lông chân (3,75).
At home in the tropics: seasonal niche-tracking by the Yellow-green Vireo, Vireo flavoviridis, an intratropical migrant
Authors: Ochoa-Gonzále Alejandra , Rojas-Soto Octavio R. , Prieto-Torres David A. , Arizmendi María del Coro , Navarro-Sigüenza Adolfo G.
Published: November 2023

Migratory birds move geographically by tracking specific climatic conditions through time. However, we lack information about the climatic conditions birds are tracking, especially in intratropical migrants, whose movements are contained inside the tropics. The Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis is an intratropical migrant whose migration patterns remain only partially documented and understood. Using GBIF presence records and WorldClim monthly climatic layers, we reconstructed ecological niche for Yellow-green Vireo’ reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. Then, we used a niche overlap analysis, based on a PCA-env approach and similarity tests, to assess overlap in climatic niches between seasons. We also projected climatic niches onto their spring and fall migration to evaluate the climatic conditions tracked by the species in transitional months. Overall, models revealed significant geographic inter-prediction between seasons. Similarity analyses showed high niche overlap between seasons; however, they failed to reject the null hypothesis of niche similarity. As expected by the hypothesis of niche conservatism in the tropics, Yellow-green Vireo is a niche follower. This information will help to clarify evolution of intratropical migration and provide ecological information for future conservation plans.
Various Remedial Measures for Dam Siltation
Authors: Rashid Inayat , Pandit Dr. B. A.
Published: November 2023

Siltation, the gradual accumulation of fine sediments, poses a significant threat to water quality, ecological balance, and sustainable resource management. This paper explores the various remedial measures and strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of siltation on reservoirs created by the construction of dams, particularly earthen dams. A range of remedial measures and management strategies are discussed. These include physical interventions, such as sediment removal techniques, sediment traps, and erosion control measures, as well as biological methods like the use of vegetation to stabilize riverbanks and improve sediment retention. Furthermore, we examine the role of sustainable land use practices, watershed management, and legislative policies in preventing and managing siltation. Through the implementation of these remedial measures, we can contribute to the preservation of our natural environment and improve the overall well-being of society.
First Nations' Prescribed Burning in British Columbia
Authors: Parminter John
Published: November 2023

The Indigenous peoples of British Columbia (BC) have a long and deep tradition of cultural burning. It was an important component of many of BC’s ecosystems until colonial authorities systematically discouraged the practice from the 1870s onwards. Eventually the beneficial role of fire was recognized, particularly in dry interior (NDT 4) ecosystems. To help validate those traditional practices, this article draws on settler and Indigenous accounts of First Nations cultural burning in BC.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA PARTICIPAÇÃO DO CIRURGIÃO DENTISTA NO ALEITAMENTO MATERNO: uma revisão narrativa da literatura
Authors: Flor Marcella Lara Caetano , França Mayra  Maira Coury de
Published: November 2023

Breastfeeding is essential for newborns and is unfortunately neglected by countless mothers, especially those who have their first children. In many cases, weaning occurs early due to a series of popular opinions that must be combated by a team multidisciplinary. Among these, dental surgeons play a very important role since these professionals work in one of the areas that can suffer serious consequences due to the act of early weaning. The objective of this research was to carry out a literature review on the importance of the dentist in promoting breastfeeding as well as benefits and advantages. Especially: identify the advantages and benefits of breastfeeding; Describe the dentist's participation in breastfeeding; describe the importance of promoting breastfeeding. A descriptive narrative literature review was carried out using as a bibliographic basis scientific articles available in the online databases BVSalud, PUBMed, Lilacs Scielo and Google Scholar, published between 2005 and 2023 and available in Portuguese and English. It is concluded that breastfeeding is extremely important for adequate development of the baby's stomatognathic system and this very important process must be encouraged by both the dentist and the entire multidisciplinary team that accompanies the woman pre- and postpartum.
Nostalgia in Social Media and the Construction of the “Southern” Identity of the Adenis
Authors: Slepukhina O. P.
Published: November 2023

Changes in political sentiment among the inhabitants of the former South Yemen, an increase in calls for independence, and rethinking of the Southern identity are accompanied by a rise in nostalgia for the past among the inhabitants of the former South Yemen. Based on the materials collected by the methods of digital ethnography, the article analyzes the role of nostalgic processes in the construction of local identities among Adeni social media users. Nostalgic moods are mainly focused on the time of the British presence (1839–1967) and the existence of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (1967–1990). Through a nostalgic prism, these historical periods are often perceived by the Adenis in the same way and merge into one image of the lost «Belle Epoque», while the socio- political contradictions and economic diffi culties that existed back then are being forgotten. The image of the unattainable past becomes a space for the construction of the Southern identity in the present with the Adenis comparing their current reality with bygone times, uniqualizing their historical experience and opposing themselves to the inhabitants of North Yemen.
Islamic Law on Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Tugushev R. A.
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a brief explanation of the block chain and the concept of “crypto currency”, followed by an analysis of Bitcoin for permissibility from the point of view of Shari‘ah. The decisions of well-known houses of fatwas were considered, and a number of criteria were developed and adopted with the help of which the Shari‘ah position of a particular crypto currency can be assessed. The article identifi es provisions and decisions that can become the basis for issuing fatwas related to issues that concern many Muslims who care about the permissibility of their earnings.
A relativistic discrete spacetime formulation of 3+1 QED
Authors: Eon Nathanaël , Molfetta Giuseppe Di , Magnifico Giuseppe , Arrighi Pablo
Published: November 2023

This work provides a relativistic, digital quantum simulation scheme for both 2+1 and 3+1 dimensional quantum electrodynamics (QED), based on a discrete spacetime formulation of theory. It takes the form of a quantum circuit, infinitely repeating across space and time, parametrised by the discretization step Δt=Δx. Strict causality at each step is ensured as circuit wires coincide with the lightlike worldlines of QED; simulation time under decoherence is optimized. The construction replays the logic that leads to the QED Lagrangian. Namely, it starts from the Dirac quantum walk, well-known to converge towards free relativistic fermions. It then extends the quantum walk into a multi-particle sector quantum cellular automata in a way which respects the fermionic anti-commutation relations and the discrete gauge invariance symmetry. Both requirements can only be achieved at cost of introducing the gauge field. Lastly the gauge field is given its own electromagnetic dynamics, which can be formulated as a quantum walk at each plaquette.
Gender diversity in Italian listed companies: Female directors’ roles and corporate performance
Authors: Tenuta Paolo , Cambrea Domenico Rocco
Published: November 2023

The study examines gender diversity in a sample of Italian listed companies. Specifically, we study the effect of the percentage and the role of women directors in the boardroom in affecting firm performance. Using data from Italian listed firms during the period 2006–2015, the aim is to show the effect arising from the introduction of Italian Law 120/2011, which forces the listed companies to reserve a mandatory quota for female directors on the board. The results show that increasing the percentage of female directors leads to superior financial performance. However, focusing on the roles of female directors, we observe that the percentage of executive female directors is not correlated with firm performance. Diversely, companies with a higher percentage of independent female directors are associated with better firm performance.
Applying ChatGPT as a new business strategy: A great power comes with great responsibility
Authors: Limna Pongsakorn , Kraiwanit Tanpat , Jangjarat Kris , Shaengchart Yarnaphat
Published: November 2023

ChatGPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) is currently the most sophisticated chatbot. It can create impressive prose in seconds, unlike other chatbots, and it has generated a lot of hype and doomsday predictions when it comes to student assessment in higher education and a variety of other topics (Rudolph et al., 2023). Nonetheless, despite its impressive capabilities, various reports on ChatGPT have consistently revealed significant remaining challenges (Bang et al., 2023). This study aims to explain the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT. A qualitative approach was conducted. In-depth interviews were used with ten key informants, employing purposive sampling. Content analysis and NVivo were utilised to analyse the data. The findings revealed that ChatGPT is a natural language processing (NLP) tool that has the potential to revolutionise the way we communicate. This artificial intelligence (AI) technology can generate text, allowing users to easily create personalised content, and it has gained widespread popularity. However, the reaction has been mixed, with praise for its benefits and potential applications offset by criticism of its limitations and potential drawbacks. Furthermore, ChatGPT is an extremely effective tool. However, it cannot replace human thought and, if not properly fine-tuned, it has the potential to produce biased or insulting content. Thus, it is critical to bear ethical considerations in mind when implementing this technology.
No evidence of a relationship between regular physical exercise and cardiac interoception
Authors: Yoris Adrian , Ciria Luis , Luque-Casado Antonio , Salvotti Caterina , Tajadura-Jiménez Ana , Avancini Chiara , Sanabria Daniel , Perakakis Pandelis
Published: November 2023

Cardiac interoception, the ability to sense and process cardiac afferent
signals, has been shown to improve after a single session of acute
physical exercise. However, it remains unclear whether repetitive
engagement in physical exercise over time leads to long-term changes in
cardiac interoceptive accuracy and neural activity associated with the
processing of afferent cardiac signals. In this study, we aimed to
investigate this hypothesis through two cross-sectional studies,
categorizing participants as high or low fit based on physical fitness
(Study I) or self-reported physical activity levels (Study II).
Interoception was assessed using the Heart-Evoked Potential (Studies I
and II), the Heartbeat Counting task (Study II), and the Rubber Hand
Illusion (Study II). Despite consistent between-group differences in
electrocardiogram recordings in both studies, there were not
statistically significant between-group differences in any of the
measures of interoception. Consequently, our results do not provide
evidence to support the notion that regular physical exercise leads to
an increase in cardiac interoception.
A Reliability-Based Construction Approach for Wide-Area Backup Protection Systems Utilizing Phasor Measurement Units in Smart Grids
Authors: Jia Huibin , Hou Weiran , Zheng Tao , Wan Siqi , Gai Yonghe
Published: November 2023

Reliability is a fundamental requirement of wide-area backup protection
(WABP) systems, and it is one of the most crucial performance indicators
for such a WABP system. Two definitions are introduced: the reliability
of WABP systems and the undetectable probability of a power line. They
are determined by the specific placement of communication links (CLs)
and phasor measurement units (PMUs). A simultaneous optimization model
is formulated to minimize the construction cost of WABP systems by
optimizing the partitioning and placement of PMUs, protection centers
(PCs), and CLs. The model takes into account several constraints,
including latency, regional balance, and system reliability. To reduce
computational complexity, a cluster-based genetic algorithm is developed
to determine the optimal solution. Finally, numerical simulations are
conducted using IEEE test cases. Results demonstrate that the proposed
method can minimize the construction costs of WABP systems while
increasing their reliability.