bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preeclampsia-eclampsia como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica.
Authors: Fontalvo Díaz Norlys Margoth , Torres Zavala Boris Marcelo , Vélez Páez Jorge Washington
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Preeclampsia-eclampsia is a prevalent systemic disorder of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, a sign of renal dysfunction. Little is known about its long-term effects on the kidney, either in terms of physical damage measured by albuminuria or proteinuria, development of chronic arterial hypertension, functional impairment measured by reduced glomerular filtration rate, or end-stage renal failure.
Methods: In the present analytical and retrospective study, data were taken from the medical records of patients with a history of preeclampsia-eclampsia treated in the gynecology and obstetrics service of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín diagnosed from January 2008 to December 2018 (group exposed), and healthy pregnant women during the same period (non-exposed group), once randomized, follow-up is performed to establish the prevalence of some degree of chronic kidney disease in the groups.
Results: 201 cases were included in the preeclampsia group (GPE) and 201 in the control group (CG). Age of 29.5 ± 6.8 years in GPE and 31.4 ± 6.5 in CG, P=0.30. Hispanic ethnicity 191 (95.0%) in GPE and 196 (97.5%) in CG, P=0.90. Higher education is in 93 (46.3%) of GPE and 94 (46.8%) of CG. CKD (Stage 1-5) OR=3.725 (95% CI 1.935 – 8.381), P=0.0002. CKD (Stage 5) OR=1.764 (0.75 – 239.5), P=0.077. Mestizo ethnicity OR= 3.911, (95% CI 2.21 – 10.91) P=0.0001. Development of arterial hypertension 2.041 (CI95% 1.038 – 6.317) P=0.0413. Development of proteinuria OR= 2.193 (95% CI 1.164 – 15.083) P=0.0283.
Conclusions: Women with a history of preeclampsia-eclampsia in their pregnancies had a higher risk of developing any degree of CKD.
Effect of Root Pruning on the Root Growth Potential (RGP) of Three Philippine Native Tree Species
Authors: Burcer Paola Andrea , Carandang Wilfredo , Gascon Antonio , Tiburan Jr. Cristino
Published: November 2022

Root growth potential (RGP) is the plant’s capacity to grow new roots, an important trait for seedlings to be used on any reforestation program. In the Philippines, these kinds of programs often end up in failure, as low-quality seedlings are usually chosen due to unfamiliarity with attributes that indicate good outplanting performance, narrow sources of high-quality seeds, and the lack of a reliable quality assessment method. This study aimed to determine the RGP of three native species – namely, bignai (Antidesma bunius), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), and molave (Vitex parviflora) – and find its correlation with other morphological parameters. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design (CRD) with taproot pruning lengths (1-cm pruning, 2-cm pruning, and no root pruning) applied as treatments for each species. The morphological parameters measured included the relative growth rate (height and diameter), number of leaves, root collar diameter (RCD), biomass (root, shoot, and total) and length of taproot while root-shoot ratio, sturdiness quotient, and seedling quality index (SQI) were calculated. In general, taproot pruning had no significant effects on the seedling morphological attributes of all species. Excluding molave, the two other species had mostly responded well to root pruning and can be recommended as a treatment to induce root growth development. RGP had generally complemented the results from the other parameters, indicating how root development was associated with the morphological growth of the species. The study shows how RGP can also be relied on for testing seedling health and the status of native species. For a more comprehensive result, future research could increase experiment duration or use younger seedlings. A field performance assessment could also be performed to supplement the RGP study
Recombinant Expression of Alkane-1-Monooxygenase (AlkM) and Catechol 1,2-Dioxygenase (CatA) from Environmental Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Tan Adrian Paul , Aquino Vermando , Hedreyda Cynthia
Published: November 2022

Genes for the hydrocarbon-degrading enzymes – alkane 1-monooxygenase (AlkM) and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (CatA) – were amplified from three environmental strains of Acinetobacter baumannii from Pasig River and oil sludge sample. Each gene has been previously cloned into a pBAD/Thio-TOPO plasmid expression vector and the recombinant pBAD/Thio-TOPO plasmids were introduced into E coli TOP10 cells via transformation. This study was conducted to determine if AlkM and CatA proteins will be expressed by the recombinant E coli TOP10 cells, to determine the optimized conditions for protein expression, and to perform purification of expressed AlkM and CatA fusion proteins. The pilot expression resulted in the production of the putative 62 kDa AlkM-thioredoxin and the 50 kDa CatA-thioredoxin fusion proteins, and the identity of the expressed proteins was verified to be AlkM and CatA using western blotting. The study showed that best AlkM and CatA expression was observed when recombinant cells were grown in Super broth using 6-h post-induction time with at least 0.2% arabinose. Purified AlkM and CatA fusion proteins were obtained using affinity chromatography and subsequent size exclusion chromatography with Sephadex G-75 column. The preliminary activity of the purified CatA fusion enzyme observed at 1.128 units/mg was much lower than activities reported for other species, while an AlkM activity assay could not be performed because AlkM fusion proteins from recombinant E coli did not solubilize after purification. These suggest the need to perform an extensive study to address AlkM solubility problem and optimize parameters for enzyme activity of expressed CatA and AlkM. Successful expression of AlkM and Cat A genes from a human bacterial pathogen in non-pathogenic E coli host cells is an initial step to the possible use of recombinant cells in producing AlkM and CatA enzymes from a pathogenic bacterial species in addressing problems of oil contamination
Investigating Visual Attention-based Traffic Accident Detection Model
Authors: Juan Caitlienne Diane , Bat-og Jaira Rose , Wan Kimberly , Cordel II Macario
Published: November 2022

Spotting abnormal or anomalous events using street and road cameras relies heavily on human observers which are subject to fatigue, distractions, and simultaneous attention limit. There are several proposed anomalous event detection systems based on complex computer vision algorithms and deep learning architectures. However, these systems are objective-agnostic, resulting in high false-negative cases in task-driven abnormal event detection. A straightforward solution is to use visual attention models. However, these are based on low-level features integrated with object detectors and scene context, rather than on the observers' object of gaze. In this paper, we explore a task-driven visual attention-based traffic accident detection system. We first examine the human fixations in free-viewing and task-driven goals using our proposed, first task-driven, fixation dataset of traffic incidents from different road cameras called TaskFix. We then used TaskFix to fine-tune the visual attention model, in this work called TaskNet. We evaluated the proposed fine-tuned model with quantitative and qualitative tests and compared it with other visual attention prediction architectures. The results indicate the potential of the visual attention models in abnormal event detection. The dataset is available here: https://bit.ly/TaskFixDataset
Elementos a considerar en la elaboración de materiales impresos para el autoestudio
Authors: Acosta Mirian
Published: November 2022

Un texto destinado al aprendizaje a distancia que cubra el programa de un curso debe considerar, además de los contenidos contemplados en dicho curso, una serie de recursos didácticos que faciliten el aprendizaje de los alumnos. Es por ello que al momento de producir un texto autoinstructivo se deben considerar todos aquellos elementos que puedan facilitar el aprendizaje. Se deben considerar también las características de este tipo de texto, las cuales van a ser diferentes de las características de los textos literarios o comerciales por la finalidad que persiguen de generar un determinado efecto educativo.
Neuere Forschung zu parasozialen Interaktionen und Beziehungen
Authors: Schramm Holger , Liebers Nicole , Biniak Laurenz , Dettmar Franca
Published: November 2022

The number of studies on parasocial interactions and relationships of a media nature has exploded in recent years. This book provides reports on more than 250 studies published between 2016 and 2020 as well as a review of the recent findings and trends in research on parasocial phenomena. It enables the reader to find studies according to his/her individual focus of research and provides benchmark data on theory, methods and results for each of these studies. In doing so, this book aims at facilitating the first steps into parasocial research as well as the conceptual design of advanced studies in this eclectic field.
Die Differenzierung von Pflege
Authors: Reichert Dorothea
Published: November 2022

For care professionals, the motor skills, cognition, psyche and constitution of the person in need of care are just as important as the social environment, the spatial surroundings and the expected development of the need for care for coping with outpatient care situations. In contrast to the quantitative differentiation of the need for care according to SGB XI, it is important for care professionals how easy or difficult the need for care can be managed. In addition, the attitudes, expectations and wishes of all participants and their relationship and communication are significant. The theoretical assumptions are based on interviews with care professionals, which are analyzed by the content analysis (inductive categories) and path models.
Extraction and Identification Techniques for Quantification of Carbamate Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Md Nur ’Aqilah Nasir , Husna Erna Kana , Merillyn Vonnie Joseph , Rovina Kobun
Published: November 2022

The usage of carbamate pesticides in agriculture is increasing year by year. Carbamate pesticides are thioesters and esters, which are derived from aminocarboxylic acid. Carbamates are commonly utilized to improve agricultural production and protect humans and animals from disease. They were also used to control and prevent agricultural pests. However, carbamate can be highly toxic if not applied properly. Therefore, carbamate pesticides need to be monitored in fruits and vegetables. Sensitive and selective detection of carbamate pesticides using nanotechnology helps overcome the drawback of conventional methods of detecting carbamates. Nowadays, the demand for rapid, highly sensitive, and selective pesticide detection techniques is expanding to facilitate detection without complicated equipment. Due to this, this chapter focuses on nanotechnology and current detection methods for detecting residual carbamate pesticides in fruits and vegetables more precisely and faster.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN)
Authors: Hernández-Esquivel Rosa-Alejandra , Navarro-Tovar Gabriela , Zárate-Hernández Elvia , Aguirre-Bañuelos Patricia
Published: November 2022

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are nanocarriers in the 10–1000 nm range of a solid core, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients. SLNs are composed of well-tolerated and biodegradable solid lipids such as mono-, di-, and triglycerides, fatty acids, waxes, and steroids, as well as lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsifying agents. This composition of biocompatible molecules makes SLNs one of the most successful options for the administration of drugs with different routes of administration. To determine its size, morphology, and surface charge, laser diffraction spectroscopy techniques, dynamic light scattering, coulter counter, scanning ion occlusion sensing, and advanced microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy are some of the most widely used methods. Surface morphology and length can be measured by electron microscopy, while dynamic light scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy determine particle size and size distribution. In addition, colloidal stability can be determined by zeta potential analysis, indirect measurement of surface charge, and differential scanning calorimetry to characterize particles and drug interactions.
Observatory of Sustainable Development in Postgraduate Study Programs in Baja California
Authors: Martinez-Gutierrez Rodolfo , Marcela Solis-Quinteros Maria , Esther Ibarra-Estrada Maria , Ernesto Jimenez-Bernardino Angel
Published: November 2022

The scientific research project to build an observatory of sustainable development in postgraduate study plans in Baja California, as an initial phase. It will allow a systemic analysis to be carried out in higher education institutions that incorporate the dimension of sustainability in their study plans, through teaching, research, and university management. To establish the variables for the development of an electronic survey that yields information as a tool for the analysis of the culture of sustainability and inclusion in the current university model. The project has three objectives: (1) determine the level of culture of sustainable development, (2) evaluate the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDG) in postgraduate study plans, and (3) design the prospective variables for an observatory of sustainable development. The United Nations 2030 Agenda promotes sustainable development; the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To promote in society culture and awareness of learning about sustainable development and the benefits for quality of life and comprehensive development in society. Research-based on the Systemic Fifth Helix Methodology [QHS in Spanish], involving sectors of Government, Academia, Companies, Organizations–Associations, and specialized consultants.
Diversity of Natural Bioactive Compound in Plant Origin
Authors: Mollik Murshida , Islam Hamidul
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have claimed that people are now greatly relying on synthetic drug without considering any side effect; however, all the synthetic drugs have been formulated commercially by following the invention of an authentic source of crude drug; hence, people are still directly or indirectly dependent on natural source of medicine. Recently, I have completed a research work on black pepper (Piper nigrum), and piperine (in a crystal form) was isolated as a mother bioactive compound from black pepper through a plenty of in vitro investigations. After that, I have experimented some in vitro analysis to evaluate the antioxidant power of that pure compound, and it was found that the crystal compound has strong antioxidant power. After doing some theoretical analysis, it has been identified that piperine may exist in other medicinal plants also, and many plants belonging to the same species can able to show multiple types of biological activities, which actually reflected the diversity of bioactive compounds in nature. People can benefit from different types of bioactive compounds, such as piperine, if we biosysthesize and use them commercially.
Perspective Chapter: Novel Diagnostics Methods for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Yanyan
Published: November 2022

A novel coronavirus of zoonotic origin (SARS-CoV-2) has recently been recognized in patients with acute respiratory disease. COVID-19 causative agent is structurally and genetically similar to SARS and bat SARS-like coronaviruses. The drastic increase in the number of coronavirus and its genome sequence has given us an unprecedented opportunity to perform bioinformatics and genomics analysis on this class of viruses. Clinical tests such as PCR and ELISA for rapid detection of this virus are urgently needed for early identification of infected patients. However, these techniques are expensive and not readily available for point-of-care (POC) applications. Currently, lack of any rapid, available, and reliable POC detection method gives rise to the progression of COVID-19 as a horrible global problem. To solve the negative features of clinical investigation, we provide a brief introduction of the various novel diagnostics methods including SERS, SPR, electrochemical, magnetic detection of SARS-CoV-2. All sensing and biosensing methods based on nanotechnology developed for the determination of various classes of coronaviruses are useful to recognize the newly immerged coronavirus, i.e., SARS-CoV-2. Also, the introduction of sensing and biosensing methods sheds light on the way of designing a proper screening system.
Accelerated Atherosclerosis in SLE: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Future Directions
Authors: Semalulu Teresa , Tselios Konstantinos
Published: November 2022

The bimodal mortality rate in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well documented, with atherosclerosis identified as a leading cause of late-stage death. Multiple mechanisms are responsible for accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE, ultimately resulting in endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, arterial wall thickening, and plaque formation. This leads to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular accidents, and peripheral arterial disease. SLE patients are not only impacted by traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (age, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes), but additionally nontraditional risk factors (prolonged corticosteroid use, disease activity and chronic inflammation). Identifying the impact of traditional risk factors and mediating nontraditional risk factors in SLE are vital to reduce morbidity and mortality related to atherosclerosis. SLE-specific screening methods should be established in the routine care of these patients, including the use of validated modified risk scores and imaging modalities. Furthermore, the utility of disease-specific biomarkers and anti-atherosclerotic therapies should be elicited. This chapter will provide an overview of considerations for the mechanisms, impact, and prevention of atherosclerosis in SLE patients.
Designing Artificial Neural Network Using Particle Swarm Optimization: A Survey
Authors: Mazaheri Pooria , Rahnamayan Shahryar , Asilian Bidgoli Azam
Published: November 2022

Neural network modeling has become a special interest for many engineers and scientists to be utilized in different types of data as time series, regression, and classification and have been used to solve complicated practical problems in different areas, such as medicine, engineering, manufacturing, military, business. To utilize a prediction model that is based upon artificial neural network (ANN), some challenges should be addressed that optimal designing and training of ANN are major ones. ANN can be defined as an optimization task because it has many hyper parameters and weights that can be optimized. Metaheuristic algorithms such as swarm intelligence-based methods are a category of optimization methods that aim to find an optimal structure of ANN and to train the network by optimizing the weights. One of the commonly used swarm intelligence-based algorithms is particle swarm optimization (PSO) that can be used for optimizing ANN. In this study, we review the conducted research works on optimizing the ANNs using PSO. All studies are reviewed from two different perspectives: optimization of weights and optimization of structure and hyper parameters.
Quality Management System in Medical Assisted Reproductive Technology (MART)
Authors: Hutanu Delia , Rugescu Ioana
Published: November 2022

A quality management system (QMS) refers to an organization’s broader approach to minimize deficiencies and errors, to meet regulatory compliance standards, and to satisfy a specified set of inherent characteristics during the health care services provided to patients. According to the European directives and recommendations (European Commission, 2006a, c, 2012; Council of Europe, 2013), working in compliance with a QMS is mandatory. The requirements cover the organization, management, personnel, equipment and materials, facilities/premises, documentation, records, and quality review. The IVF clinics should consider total quality management (TQM) as an option, especially in these days when escalating regulatory scrutiny increases the pressure for professional accreditation. TQM is an integrative philosophy of management for continuously improving the quality of services and processes and includes quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), quality improvement (QI), and risk assessment and risk management. QMS must become an essential topic for those who are working in MART.
“Interleukin” – An Essential Mediator of the Pathophysiology of Periodontitis
Authors: Das Avishek , Mondal Debajyoti
Published: November 2022

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial polymicrobial disease caused by a complex interaction between periodontal pathogens and host immune response. This interaction is largely regulalated by a group of signaling molecules called Interleukins. Initially, investigators believed that interleukins were made chiefly by leukocytes to act primarily on other leukocytes, and for this reason they named them interleukins, meaning “between leukocytes”. The majority of interleukins are synthesized by helper CD4+ T lymphocytes, as well as through monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Interleukins provide information to various inflammatory cells to produce essential proteins which exert pro inflammatory as well as anti inflammatory responses. This chapter will emphasize the role of interleukins in the pathophysiology of periodontitis.
The Changing Roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in Development in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Tshiyoyo Michel
Published: November 2022

Given the changing environment of public administration, the roles played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will continuously evolve. NGOs are considered to be major role players in this era of governance as; in some instances, they fill the vacuum created by governments’ inability to honor the social contract, particularly in developing countries. However, the role of NGOs in the development process does not come easily, as they are faced with a number of challenges and opportunities. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the changing roles of NGOs in development, focusing on the case of a country like South Africa. Using a qualitative method, the chapter relies on a review of the available literature on the roles of NGOs in developing countries with a specific reference to South Africa. Explanatory case studies are considered to ascertain the role NGOs play in development. Specific cases of NGOs operating in local government in South Africa are examined with the aim of highlighting their contribution to the development and also identifying some of the challenges and opportunities available to them. The chapter concludes by suggesting some avenues that could be explored to enhance the role of NGOs in development in South Africa.
The Nonlinear Dynamic Impact of Development-Inequality in the Prudential Policy Regime in Emerging Economies: A Bayesian Spatial Lag Panel Smooth Transition Regression Approach
Authors: Talent Zungu Lindokuhle , Nomusa Nkomo Yolanda , Prince Makhoba Bongumusa , Greyling Lorraine
Published: November 2022

A panel data analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of economic-development in a macroprudential policy regime was conducted in a panel of 25 emerging markets who were grouped together based on their regions: 10 African countries, 8 Asian countries, and 7 European countries covering the period 2000–2019. The paper explored the validity of the Kuznets hypothesis in a prudential policy regime as well as the threshold level at which economic-development reduces inequality, using the Bayesian Spatial Lag Panel Smooth Transition Regression model. This model was adopted due to its ability to address the problems of endogeneity, heterogeneity, and time and spatial-varying in a nonlinear framework. We found evidence of a non-linear effect between the two variables, where the threshold was found to be US$15,900, above which reduces inequality in the African emerging markets; while for emerging Asian and emerging European markets, we documented a U-shape relationship with an optimal level of economic-development estimated at US$17,078 and US$19,000, respectively. Unconventional and macroprudential policies were found to trigger development-inequality relationships. The result supported the S-curve relationship in these regions. Our evidence largely suggests that policymakers ought to formulate policies aiming at increasing agricultural productivity through land redistribution, investment, trade, and promoting human development. Policymakers should also be cautious when implementing macroprudential and unconventional monetary policies.
Crop Residue Burning in India: Potential Solutions
Authors: Kaur Kawaljeet , Singh Preetpal
Published: November 2022

With its second-largest agro-based economy and year-round crop production, India produces a lot of agricultural waste, including crop residues. Because India lacks effective sustainable management methods, an estimated 92 seems like a very small quantity of metric tons of crop waste burned each year, causing excessive particulate matter emissions and air pollution. Burning crop residue has grown into a serious environmental problem that threatens human health and causes global warming. Composting, making biochar, and mechanization are a few effective sustainable solutions that can assist in resolving the issue while maintaining the nutrients found in the agricultural residue in the soil. In order to promote environmentally friendly management practices, the Indian government has launched a number of programs and campaigns.
The Implications of Arab Milieu on Arab-Palestinian Society in Israel
Authors: Khaizran Yusri
Published: November 2022

Until recent years, the Arab Palestinian minority in Israel was completely absent from the concerns of their surroundings in the Arab world, despite the fact that the Arab surroundings have maintained a strong presence in forming the political consciousness and intellectual and ideological tendencies in Israeli Arab society for the past 70 years. It can be accurately said that Arab society in Israel considered itself a part of the Arab surroundings in every sense of the word, and it still sees its existence as a social, existential, and cultural extension of these Arab surroundings. This communicative situation, at the level of consciousness and sentiments, has cast a shadow on the relationships and positions of Arab citizens in the state, and there have always been views towards the Arab surroundings as a source of moral strength and intellectual inspiration. All of the intellectual and ideological transformations that the Arab world has experienced have reflected on the conditions of Arabs in Israel, starting with pan-Arabism, following through to the reframing of national identities, and ending with the extension of Islamism and resorting to pre-state frameworks against the backdrop of the logic of fragmentation that was brought about by the Arab Spring.
Perspective Chapter: Effect of Laser Key Parameters on the Ignition of Boron Potassium Nitrate with a Changing Working Distance
Authors: Ilyes Ghedjatti , Shiwei Yuan , Haixing Wang
Published: November 2022

The need to realize more effective ignition systems and exploit their full potential in aerospace propulsion applications has led to significant developments in laser and power systems. This work aims to investigate experimentally and describe mathematically the effectiveness of laser systems based on varying key parameters and their related effects on the sensitivity, ignition threshold, and combustion performance of boron potassium nitrate, then to define the key variables with the most significant influence on the overall system. Understanding the physics and chemistry behind the combined system of laser power source and optics system, and the considered medium as well as the interaction in between, led to a better apprehension of how an optimal and viable solution can be achieved in terms of ignition delays, burning times, and combustion temperatures, considering laser wavelength, power and energy densities, and the focal length displacement over a changing working distance. This is of paramount importance when operating amid difficult conditions in aerospace propulsion applications or during outer space missions, particularly those involving manned missions, not only in terms of performance and efficiency but also safety, engineering, and economic feasibility.
Root Cause Failure Analysis of Castings: A Case Study of a Brake Rotor
Authors: A. Awe Samuel
Published: November 2022

A premature failure of a vehicle brake rotor was investigated and reported. The brake rotor was manufactured from a grey cast iron material and had covered about 10 670 miles before it failed. The failure-generated tremendous concern for the autoparts manufacturer due to the warranty claims from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This chapter, however, intends to describe the methodical approach used to identify the failure’s main cause using a root cause failure analysis technique and offer suggestions to prevent a similar failure from re-occurring. The results of this investigation showed that the disc’s early failure was caused by oxide inclusions that were accidentally entrapped into the disc’s neck region. The eventual disc failure was initiated by micro-cracks developed within the inclusion particles and propagated through the weakest interface between flaky graphite and the pearlitic matrix. To ensure that nonmetallic inclusions are kept out of cast components, several solutions for improving casting quality were proposed.
Managing Quantities and Units of Measurement in Code Bases
Authors: McKeever Steve
Published: November 2022

Quantities in engineering and the physical sciences are expressed as units of measurement (UoM). If a software system fails to maintain the algebraic attributes of a system’s UoM information correctly when evaluating expressions then disastrous problems can arise. However, it is perhaps the more mundane unit mismatches and lack of interoperability that over time incurs a greater cost. Global and existential challenges, from infectious diseases to environmental breakdown, require high-quality data. Ensuring software systems support quantities explicitly is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. While there are technical solutions that allow units of measurement to be specified at both the model and code level, a detailed assessment of their strengths and weaknesses has only recently been undertaken. This chapter provides both a formal introduction to managing quantities and a practical comparison of existing techniques so that software users can judge the robustness of their systems with regards to units of measurement.
Reconfigurable Antennas Based on Plasma Reflectors and Cylindrical Slotted Waveguide
Authors: Sadeghikia Fatemeh , Karami Horestani Ali , Himdi Mohamed
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we focus on the application of plasma structures to realize reconfigurable antennas. Several approaches are presented to dynamically control the beamwidth and radiation gain of circularly polarized helical antennas based on plasma reflectors. Ideas and design principles were discussed and confirmed by full-wave simulations and measurements of realized prototypes. It is shown that plasma reflectors can be effectively used to design reconfigurable helicone antennas with controllable gain and beamwidth. The chapter also presents a reconfigurable slotted antenna using a plasma tube inside the metallic waveguide. It is shown that the radiation pattern of the antenna can be readily reconfigured by changing the state of the plasma column. In short, it is shown that in contrast to conventional methods based on electronic or mechanical devices, reconfigurable antennas based on plasma media benefit from simple and relatively low-cost structures as well as high performance.
Metformin in Non-Diabetic Conditions: An Overview
Authors: Husain Talib Shafaat , Quadri Umar , Patel Sachin , Barapatre Pranita
Published: November 2022

Metformin has been proven to be one of the most safe and effective antihyperglycemic agent. Jean Sterne in 1957 first used metformin for treatment of diabetes mellitus type II. The main effect of this drug from the biguanide family is to acutely decrease hepatic glucose production, mostly through a mild and transient inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. The drug is an insulin sensitizer, leading to reduction in insulin resistance and significant plasma fasting insulin levels. Additionally, the resulting decrease in hepatic energy status activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular metabolic sensor, having action on hepatic gluconeogenesis. It depicted marvelous non-glycemic related effects. The drug because of positive charge, can only partially cross the plasma membrane by passive diffusion. Its intracellular pathways are mediated by different isomers of organic cation transporters (OCT 1 for liver tissues and OCT 2 in the kidneys). These effects include modulation of different points of cancer timeline, weight reduction, cardiovascular health, thyroid diseases, polycystic ovaries disease and many other medical conditions. The aim of this review is to familiarize the effects of metformin in non-diabetes related medical disorders, advances in our understanding of this drug and its pathways in health and diseases.
Typhoid in Less Developed Countries: A Major Public Health Concern
Authors: Gashaw Tigist , Jambo Abera
Published: November 2022

Typhoid fever remains a major public health concern in less developed countries. The disease is transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with feces containing Salmonella Typhi. Salmonella is a genus of the family Enterobacteriaceae with over 2450 species. Typhoid is more common in impoverished areas with unsafe drinking water sources and poor sanitation. These problems are further exacerbated by political instabilities, displacement, and war in the regions. Each year, 17.8 million cases of typhoid fever are reported in lower-income countries. Typhoid was expected to be most common in western Africa, followed by a few countries in Central, South, and Southeast Asia. In most cases, the incidence peaked between the ages of under 5 years. Recently, many Salmonella species had developed resistance to several antibiotics which call for serious prevention and control efforts that integrate several high-impact interventions targeting facilities and infrastructure, together with parallel efforts directed at effective strategies for use of typhoid conjugate vaccines. Hence, a multisector collaboration and approach from a different perspective have to be advocated for the containment of typhoid. The clinical and public health concerns and the strategies to stem the growing flows associated with typhoid are going to be discussed.
Perspective Chapter: Access to Rural Water and Sanitation Services in Cameroon within the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Dang Mvongo Victor , Blaise Mabou Paul , Defo Célestin , Fabrice Nguema Paul , Kumar Mishra Anil , Ombolo Auguste
Published: November 2022

This chapter examines the situation of rural water and sanitation services in Cameroon within the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs), to establish whether Cameroon is on right track of meeting the SDG, and proposes actions to be taken to achieve universal access for water and sanitation. Based on the analyzed data obtained from national surveys and the Joint Monitoring Program for 2021, it argues that Cameroon is unlikely to reach universal access to water and sanitation in rural area by 2030. Factors contributing to poor access to rural water and sanitation services include the poor application of the policy and legal framework, the poor coordination of interventions between the actors involved in the sector, the low financial viability of the sector, the low efficiency of expenditure related to water and sanitation, and the lack of human resources in the sector. The implementation of the policy and legal framework, the stability of the institutional framework, the reaffirmation of the major role of the State of the changed Ministry of water, and the collaboration of all the actors of the sector within the mechanisms provided for this purpose are of fundamental importance to achieve SDG 6.1 and 6.2 in Cameroon.
Single-Cell Genomics for Uncovering Relationships between Bacteriophages and Their Hosts
Authors: Džunková Mária
Published: November 2022

Microbial single-cell genomics represents an innovative approach to study microbial diversity and symbiosis. It allows us to recover genomes of microbes possessing specific features of our interest, or detect relationships between microbes found in close proximity to each other (one microbe inside of the other or microbes attached to each other). It can be used for linking phages with their bacterial hosts in different kinds of environmental samples, which often contain an enormous diversity of yet uncultured bacterial species and novel bacteriophages. In the typical microbial single-cell genomics workflow, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is used to collect bacterial cells of interest, based on their cell size, internal granularity, or fluorescence. Femtograms of DNA from each sorted particle are then amplified up to the quantities required by the standard sequencing library preparation kits. Single-cell assemblies then reveal presence of phages in sorted bacterial cells. In case of highly abundant viral species, single-cell genomics can be coupled with metagenomics (shotgun sequencing of the total microbial community), which can provide insights into the bacteria-bacteriophage population fluctuations in time or space. In this chapter, we explain the details of uncovering relationships between bacteriophages and their hosts coming from so-called viral or bacterial dark matter.
Erosion Control at Downstream of Reservoir Using In-stream Weirs
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , Jia Yafei , Yeh Keh-Chia , Liao Chung-Ta
Published: November 2022

As low-head hydraulic structures, instream weirs are built across rivers to control the upstream water surface elevation and the downstream flow conditions. This chapter presents a study of erosion control using instream weirs at downstream of a reservoir; JiJi Weir was built across the longest river in Taiwan, Chuoshui Creek, a mountainous river with steep slopes. Due to the easy-to-be-eroded fine lithology layers of mud, shiver, and sandstones on channel bed, the downstream of JiJi Weir had suffered from severe channel incision and head-cut development problems, which greatly threatens the integrity of the dam. To protect the JiJi Weir and its downstream channel from serious channel erosions, the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of Taiwan proposed erosion control plans that multiple instream weir structures were to be installed along the downstream channel of JiJi Weir. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model, CCHE3D model with capabilities of simulating bedrock erosions, was used to evaluate those erosion control plans and thus explore for the optimal design.
Summer Gifts from the Hive: Botanical Origin, Antioxidant Capacity, and Mineral Content of Hungarian Honeys
Authors: Kocsis Marianna , Bodó Alexandra , Gaál Krisztián , Farkas Ágnes
Published: November 2022

Although Hungary is one of the biggest honey producers in the EU, there is little information on diagnostic traits, nutritional value, and potential health benefits of the honeys produced in this Central European country. The aim of this study was to perform a complex analysis of eight Hungarian summer honeys, focusing on melissopalynology, antioxidant measurements with three different assays, and the macro- and microelement profile. Light-colored honey types included a multifloral honey and unifloral phacelia, milkweed, and linden honeys; dark-colored honeys were represented by unifloral goldenrod, sunflower, and chestnut honeys and a dark multifloral honey. Pollen analysis and sensory traits confirmed the botanical origin of each unifloral honey, while the dominance of Tilia- and Lamiaceae-pollen was observed in the light- and dark-colored multifloral honeys, respectively. The total reducing capacity (TRC) assay and the microelement content clearly separated the light- and dark-colored honeys. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay highlighted the strong antioxidant activity of linden honey, comparable to that of dark-colored honeys. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed correlations between antioxidant assays, color, and mineral content of honeys. The results contribute to establishing unique character sets for each honey type, aiding proper identification and quality control of these natural products.
Hybrid Transforms
Authors: Urynbassarova Didar , Urynbassarova Altyn
Published: November 2022

Hybrid transforms are constructed by associating the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) with widely-known signal processing tools, such as fractional Fourier transform, linear canonical transform, offset linear canonical transform (OLCT), and their quaternion-valued versions. We call them hybrid transforms because they combine the advantages of both transforms. Compared to classical transforms, they show better results in applications. The WVD associated with the OLCT (WVD-OLCT) is a class of hybrid transform that generalizes most hybrid transforms. This chapter summarizes research on hybrid transforms by reviewing a computationally efficient type of the WVD-OLCT, which has simplicity in marginal properties compared to WVD-OLCT and WVD.
Trauma and the Periodontal Tissues: A Narrative Review
Authors: Grace Umesh Santo , Ramachandran Lakshmi , Karthikeyan Janani , M. Shankar Sindhuja
Published: November 2022

The health of the periodontium including the soft tissues – gingiva and periodontal ligament; and the hard tissues – cementum and alveolar bone is of key importance in the overall homeostasis of the dentition. Injury to the periodontal tissues in any form such as microbial, physical, thermal, chemical, mechanical, occlusal and habitual injury affects the harmony of the periodontal attachment apparatus thereby altering the entire functioning of the dentition. The type of tissue damage when trauma is unintentional and iatrogenic tends to be acute and self-limiting. On the other hand, mechanical and occlusal forces could result in chronic damage. This book chapter provides a review on the various forms of non-microbial trauma to the periodontal tissues, their clinical manifestations and its management.
Research Progress on Virulence Factors ofVibrio alginolyticus: A Key Pathogenic Bacteria of Sepsis
Authors: Cai Hongyan , Yu Jiaying , Li Qiu , Zhang Youyu , Huang Lixing
Published: November 2022

As an opportunistic pathogen, V. alginolyticus is commonly found in people with weak immune systems or open wounds. The history of seafood exposure is a major feature of V. alginolyticus infection. V. alginolyticus can infect marine economic animals such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish, and is also one of the key pathogens that cause sepsis in human. Because of its rapid progress and extremely high mortality after the infection, it has received more and more attention in clinical practice. At present, there is no effective method to completely control the incidence of V. alginolyticus. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms of V. alginolyticus. This article reviews recent studies on virulence factors of V. alginolyticus, such as quorum sensing, virulence proteins, ferroportin hemolysin, flagella, lipopolysaccharide system and biofilm formation, with the hope of providing further insights into aquaculture and public health.
Recombinant Interferon Gamma: Influence on the Cytotoxic Activity of NK Cells in Patients with Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Authors: A. Rakityanskaya Irina , S. Ryabova Tatiana , A. Kalashnikova Anastasija
Published: November 2022

NK cells play an important role in combating viral infections. In this study, we examined the effect of therapy with recombinant interferon gamma (Ingaron) on cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Sixty patients with chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection (CEBVI) were examined. All patients were treated with Ingaron at a dose of 500,000 IU every other day IM. Initially, they received 10 injections of Ingaron followed by a 10-day break to assess the dynamics of clinical and laboratory parameters. Then, the treatment was continued with five injections of Ingaron. In total, each patient received 15 injections or a total dose of 7,500,000 IU. The administration of recombinant interferon gamma at a total dose of 5,000,000 IU stimulated spontaneous and induced degranulation of NK cells in patients with CEBVI. After a full course of 7,500,000 IU of recombinant interferon gamma, CD107a expression on NK cells decreased but remained higher than before the onset of therapy and exceeded reference values. Thus, the maximum activity of NK cells in the peripheral blood of patients with CEBVI was reached 10 days after the administration of Ingaron at a total dose of 5,000,000 IU.
Behavioral and Cytological Differences between Two Parkinson’s Disease Experimental Models
Authors: Rosa Avila-Costa Maria , Luis Ordoñez-Librado José , Luisa Gutierréz-Valdez Ana , Sanchez-Betancourt Javier , Teresa Ibarra-Gutiérrez Ma , E. Reyna-Velázquez Patricia , Anaya-Martínez Verónica , Alfonso Garcia Caballero Cesar , Montiel-Flores Enrique , Dorado-Martínez Claudia , Reynoso-Erazo Leonardo , Rodríguez-Lara Vianey , Tron-Alvarez Rocío
Published: November 2022

The knowledge about the biochemical and behavioral changes in humans with PD has allowed proposing animal models for its study; however, the results obtained so far have been heterogeneous. Recently, we established a novel PD model in rodents by manganese chloride (MnCl2) and manganese acetate (Mn (OAc)3) mixture inhalation. After inhaling, the rodents presented bilateral loss of SNc dopaminergic neurons. Later, we conclude that the alterations are of dopamine origin since L-DOPA reverted the alterations. After six months, SNc significantly reduced the number of cells, and striatal dopamine content decreased by 71%. The animals had postural instability, action tremor, and akinesia; these symptoms improved with L-DOPA, providing evidence that Mn mixture inhalation induces comparable alterations that those in PD patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the alterations in two different PD experimental models: 6-OHDA unilateral lesion and Mn mixture inhalation through open field test, rotarod performance and the number of SNc dopaminergic neurons. The results show that the Mn-exposed animals have motor alterations and bilateral and progressive SNc neurons degeneration; in contrast, in the 6-OHDA model, the neuronal loss is unilateral and acute, demonstrating that the Mn exposure model better recreates the characteristics observed in PD patients.
Nanodiamonds and Its Applications
Authors: Thekkedath Aiswarya , Sridharan Karthiyayini
Published: November 2022

One of the most futuristic and unique carbon materials which is formed from detonation method is nanodiamond. Nanodiamonds below 100 nm size popularly known as attracting crystal or ultrafine dispersed diamonds (UDD) have exceptional optical, mechanical, and biological properties. The structure of nanodiamonds resembles diamond structure. Due to the peerless properties, Nanodiamonds make itself potential to several applications. Nanodiamonds became demand in medical field. Currently, Nanodiamonds acquired substantial recognition in all areas particularly nanomedicine. This chapter opens a detailed review about the evolution of Nanodiamonds, their properties, applications and future perspectives in research. Researchers are still doing their studies on nanodiamonds to make an effective tool in various sectors.