bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and practices associated with occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa; A scoping review
Authors: Kimani Moses Karanja
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Urinary Tracts Infections remain a major public health challenge with a particular higher burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. There remains a dearth of information in literature regarding patterns of risk factors and practices associated with Urinary Tract Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review aimed at documenting the risk factors and practices associated with Urinary Tract Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
A systematic search of databases was done under the guidelines outlined by Joanna Brigs Institute to retrieve original articles that met inclusion criteria. Standard bibliographic information for articles that met the inclusion criteria was recorded in an Excel spreadsheet and then exported to SPSS version 21for statistical analysis. Biographic information, risk factors, and practices findings from statistical analysis were presented in tables, bar graphs and charts, followed by a summarized narrative account of the risk factors and practices that emerged. Reporting was conducted in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).
Results
Out of the 794 studies identified, 31 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies included in this review were distributed in 9 countries, Ethiopia leading with 38.7% (n = 12), Nigeria followed with 25.8% (n = 8), Uganda 9.7% (n = 3), Cameroon and Kenya each contributed 6.5% (n = 2), and Ghana, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Zambia each contributed 3.2% (n = 1). Twenty one risk factors and three practices were identified to be associated with Urinary Tract Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion
The current evidence demonstrated the dire need for future studies to lay more emphasis on methodological and statistical rigor. Particularly, this scoping review identified the need to further investigate practices which wee underinvestigated. Further, methodological and statistical rigor should be emphasized by future studies.
Anais VII Workshop de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia, V Encontro de Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva e Bioética, Encontro de Egressos do Programa de Pós-Graduação Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia - 30 Anos
Authors: Saliba Tânia Adas , Moimaz Suzely Adas Saliba , Martins Ronald Jefferson , Custódio Lia Borges de Mattos , Chiba Fernando Yamamoto
Published: March 2024

Editorial

 Nos dias 3 a 5 de agosto de 2023 foi realizado, com muito sucesso, o “VII Workshop de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia e V Encontro de Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva e Bioética”, na Unesp - Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba - FOA. Nesta sétima edição do evento foram comemorados os 30 anos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia e o cinquentenário da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público do município de Araçatuba, com homenagens à Profª. Titular Dra. Nemre Adas Saliba, pela criação do Programa de Pós-graduação e ao Profº. Titular Dr. Orlando Saliba, pela implantação da fluoretação no município. Compuseram a mesa de abertura representantes das três esferas do governo, a Consultora Técnica da Coordenação Geral de Saúde Bucal do Ministério da Saúde, Dra Sandra Cartaxo, a Coordenadora Estadual de Saúde Bucal de São Paulo, Dra Maria Fernanda Tricoli; a Secretária de Saúde, Carmem Guariente, representando também o prefeito de Araçatuba Dilador Borges; o vereador Antônio Edwaldo Dunga Costa, da Câmara Legislativa Municipal, Dom Sergio Krzwy, Bispo Diocesano de Araçatuba, a homenageada Profa Titular Nemre Adas Saliba, o Diretor da FOA, Prof. Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem e a Coordenadora do Programa de Pós-graduação, Profa. Tânia Adas Saliba. O Workshop reuniu 277 participantes, entre pesquisadores, docentes, discentes, e gestores do serviço público de 90 municípios. Foram apresentados 100 trabalhos científicos sobre temas variados, além da realização de conferências, mesas redondas e cursos.

Comissão Organizadora

VII Workshop de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia, V Encontro de Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva e Bioética, Encontro de Egressos do Programa de Pós-Graduação Saúde Coletiva em Odontologia - 30 Anos
National and foreign experience in administering personal income tax
Authors: Kravchenko Olena , Puhovkina Julia
Published: March 2024

The tax policy of any country is a significant component of the economic sphere, and Ukraine is no exception. The process of integration of the national economy into the global economy, optimization of the tax system, improvement of its elements and instruments is a priority for most politicians and economic experts. They analyze the positive and negative aspects of domestic and foreign experience in managing tax policy. Despite a significant amount of academic research and practical experience, improving the existing tax system remains a pressing issue that requires further systematic, objective and in-depth scientific study. This research aims to examine one of the most important components of tax policy - the personal income tax. For this purpose, we analyzed the share of revenues from this tax in the total tax revenues of the consolidated budget in Ukraine and their dynamics during 2018-2022. It was determined that among the direct tax revenues to the budget of Ukraine, the PIT is the leader, confirming its not only fiscal but also social importance in the country. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, and the United States were chosen as foreign experience. The analysis of foreign experience has shown an example of a progressive system of PIT collection to the budget. The object of this research is the mechanism for regulating the process of collecting personal income tax. The subject of analysis is the legislative framework governing the taxation of personal income, in particular in the context of domestic and foreign practice. For a thorough consideration of this topic, the author used general scientific research methods which contributed to the systematization and generalization of legislative aspects of personal income taxation. The study analyzes foreign experience and compares it with the national approach. The author uses a dialectical approach with a systematic methodology to identify the problems and prospects of the mechanism for collecting personal income tax.
Adsorption’s regularities of radionuclides on adsorbents from solutions
Authors: Mammadov Khagani Farzulla
Published: March 2024

The object of research: The object of research is the uranium isotopes were found in the soil of the locations of numerous thermal and cold springs in the Kalbajar region of Azerbaijan in the same proportions as in natural uranium deposits.

Investigated problem: Uranium isotopes were transferred from soil samples to solutions. İnvestigated problem of scientific work is study of regularities of adsorption of uranium isotopes from solutions on the surfaces of various adsorbents.

The main scientific results: It is defined high adsorption properties of DOWEX HCR granular elastomer, activated carbon and expanded clay on the result of researches. The activation’s energy of desorption of uranium isotopes from the surface of adsorbents were determined. Relatively low values (22.1–26.3 kJ/mol) of the activation’s energy of desorption of uranium isotopes from the surface of adsorbents indicate the absence of the chemical nature of sorption and the presence of only weak van der Waals forces between the absorbed isotopes and the surface of the adsorbents.

The area of practical use of the research results: The regularities of adsorption of uran isotopes on adsorbent masses from aqueous solutions can be used as an original cleaning method of the drain water of the physical stage of crude oil refining or other radiochemical processes to the norms for waste water.

Innovative technological product: It was determined based on the research, that the concentration of radon in the waters of most springs of the “Istisu” deposit is below the regulatory permissible value (60 Bq/l), which indicates the suitability of these spring waters for use in medical treatment procedures.

Scope of the innovative technological product: It is planned to resume (prevented more than 40 years ago due to global regional problems) the production of the original trademark – “Istisu” medicinal water, with the concentration of radon below the standard value. Considering the two-fold decrease in radon concentration in water over four days, the waters of the individual sources examined, with a 100-fold high radon content, after a certain time (several months) can also be used for use in medical procedures, which allows their transportation to large distances
The use of technology to facilitate teaching and learning in studio-based spaces in the aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Mhungu Blessed
Published: March 2024

Education technology has become increasingly important in South African higher education institutions. However, the efficacy of these technological innovations has not been unanimously acknowledged in the departments of Applied Design and Multimedia at CPUT. Lecturers and students have experienced difficulty in integrating education technology systems into all facets of studio-based learning. Aim: This study investigated the role of education technology tools in arts education and the extent, to which learning management systems (LMSs), such as Blackboard, are used in studio-based teaching and learning environments at CPUT. Methods: Owing to the exploratory nature of this study, the researcher adopted a qualitative approach in the form of a multiple case study as the study’s research design. Data analysis was used to analyse the data that was obtained from the interviews and relevant supporting documents. Results: The findings revealed that several lecturers were reluctant to make extensive use of education technology systems due to their perceptions of the primacy of traditional face-to-face teaching methods. Implications: The findings may provide vital information for education technologists, policy makers, and curriculum and instructional designers looking to benefit from education technology in the current fourth industrial revolution. Recommendation: The study recommends extensive use of education technology tools in discipline-specific settings, such as studio-based spaces, and close collaboration between lecturers and instructional designers when developing education technology systems for studio-based courses. The study also concluded that the e-learning system, used at the time of the study, needed to be optimally designed to meet the needs of studio-based disciplines. It is highly likely, that failure to do so would preclude the possibility of successfully integrating future technological innovations into studio-based teaching and learning environments in the post-COVID-19 era and a debilitating failure to prepare students to work in technologically advanced environments would be an inevitable consequence.
Entrepreneurship programmes' effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship. A South African university of technology inquiry
Authors: Omoyajowo Joseph , Iwu Chux Gervase , Tengeh Robertson
Published: March 2024

Entrepreneurship programmes are supposedly designed to encourage and support individuals in starting and growing new businesses. However, whether these programs effectively promote entrepreneurial intent among participants is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programs in fostering actual entrepreneurial intention, practice, and outcomes. This study used qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect data from university students in the third and fourth years of an entrepreneurial programme. One hundred thirty-six out of one hundred and seventeen-three students in both groups participated, with 126 students taking the quantitative survey and 10 students engaging in the interviews. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, while the qualitative data was categorised according to themes. In as much as the participants and respondents acknowledge the usefulness of the skills acquired, they did not believe that entrepreneurship education on its own would positively influence their intentions to start a business, let alone make it a career. This research provides insight into entrepreneurship programs' efficacy and informs future efforts to promote entrepreneurship
Comparative analysis of economic sectors: competitiveness and business performance in the altas montañas, veracruz strategic context
Authors: Hernández-Cortes Rigoberto , Enríquez-Corona Rocio , Palomec-Guzmán Jerónimo , Gutiérrez-Córdobas Lourdes , Montesinos-González Salvador
Published: March 2024

This article presents the results of a study, conducted in the Altas Montañas region of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, aimed at assessing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in different sectors. The study utilized a Development Competitiveness Map, which consists of nine variables: strategic planning, supply of materials, quality assurance, marketing, accounting and finance, human resources, hiring external companies, social responsibility, and environmental management. The results indicate that the commercial sector is the largest, accounting for 37 % of SMEs in the region, followed by the industrial sector (35 %) and the service sector (28 %). The service sector performed highest in several variables: strategic planning, accounting and finance, and human resources. The commerce sector performed well in hiring external companies, while the industrial sector lagged in most variables, except environmental management. The study also revealed that the service sector had a younger average age of managers compared to the other sectors. Women's participation was highest in the industrial sector, while university education was relatively balanced across sectors. The article discusses the specific results for each variable in each sector, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Marketing, hiring external companies, and environmental management were identified as opportunities to enhance regional competitiveness. The study suggests implementing public and private policies to support SMEs in these areas. The findings provide valuable insights into the current competitiveness among SMEs in the Altas Montañas region and offer recommendations for fostering their growth and development. However, the study acknowledges some limitations, such as the limited sample size and potential bias due to non-participation by some businesses.
Implementing school-based violence interventions from an ethics of care perspective: educators’ experiences
Authors: Shoko Ratidzai , Dwarika Veronica
Published: March 2024

Even though numerous measures have been implemented to combat this issue, school violence still poses a significant challenge in South African schools. School violence is not just a challenge in regular schools, special schools also have to deal with it. Educators’ experiences with school violence interventions are covered in this article. This empirical paper uses the results from my doctoral thesis, which examined strategies for reducing school violence in a special needs school. An interpretive paradigm and a phenomenological case study design were used to perform a qualitative investigation. Five educators and 10 learners from a school with learners with disabilities were specifically chosen to participate in the doctoral study. Semi-structured interviews, qualitative questionnaires, and documents were employed to collect the data. The study found that because the participants believed their efforts were not appreciated, they lacked the motivation to contribute to the reduction of school violence. They believed that the present interventions were ineffective, and some participants complained that the educational system was overly forgiving of the learners. Additionally, they said that the Department of Basic Education and the parents were not providing them with enough support.
Mozambican commercial bank liquidity and its determinants
Authors: Fombang MccPowell , Wanzala Richard Wamalwa
Published: March 2024

Despite the Central Bank of Mozambique's best efforts to assist commercial banks through a range of policies and regulations, the majority of these banks have been unable to satisfy their liquidity obligations on time, resulting in unacceptably large losses that have forced mergers or necessary resolutions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors that affect Mozambican commercial banks' liquidity using bank-specific and macroeconomic data from 2013 to 2022. Data was analysed using unbalanced panel regression analysis (PRA). Specific bank data were gathered from a sample of eight commercial banks, which control 95 % of the market share in the banking system bank's annual report, which was accessible on their websites, while macroeconomic data were gathered from World Bank reports and Central Bank of Mozambique’s reports from 2013 to 2022 (10 years). Financial statements from the commercial banks were used for all statistical calculations for the years 2013 – 2022. The research findings show that bank liquidity was significantly and positively impacted by the GDP, inflation, loan interest rates, amount of non-performing loans, capital adequacy, and bank profitability. There was no statistically significant variation in bank size when it came to the decrease in liquidity. According to the report, Mozambican commercial banks should be more focused on deposit mobilization to preserve a healthy liquidity buffer and enhance liquidity performance. Therefore, by presenting results on the current liquidity position and the macroeconomic and bank-specific factors influencing the liquidity of commercial banks in Mozambique, this study hopes to add to the body of current literature. The research study suggests strengthening the fiscal and monetary policies to improve bank liquidity control and monitoring systems in compliance with Basel III regulations.
Series of rare cases of breast tumour: 8-year review at mankweng Breast Oncology clinic, Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Bhuiyan Mirza M. Z. U.
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in many parts of the world, particularly for women. In March 2015, a Breast Oncology clinic for breast cancer patients was established at Mankweng Hospital. Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common (87 %) tumour found in Limpopo, and occasionally, another rare tumour of the breast is presented in the Breast Oncology clinic.

The aim: The main objective is to share the experience of a rare tumour of the breast came across over the past 8 years since the establishment of the Breast Oncology clinic.

Material and Method: Series of rare case reports of Breast tumours and literature review from the Mankweng Breast Oncology Clinic.

Result: Rare tumour encountered in Breast Oncology clinic: adenomyoepithelioma, micro-papillary carcinoma of the breast, primary malignant melanoma of the breast, primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the bilateral breast, advanced breast cancer in a case of Down's syndrome, primary neuroendocrine invasive breast carcinoma, sarcoma of the breast.

Conclusions: Most of these rare cases are presented to the Breast Oncology clinic in the advanced stage. Breast cancer awareness campaign is highly important for women in Limpopo, particularly when attending primary health care for any other conditions.
No Matter How Close: Relationships of the Circassians with the State Apparatus in Turkey
Authors: DOGAN Setenay Nil
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to analyze Circassian relationships with the state apparatus in Turkey which are claimed to be close since the Ottoman Empire. It explores how Circassian activists and intellectuals in Turkey define and narrate their relationships and experiences with the state. Circassian activists in Turkey employ several narratives to explain their relationships with the state and these narratives do not necessarily exclude one another. Despite the popular –and also academic- belief that Circassians relationships with the state are different, harmonious and advantageous, when compared to the relationships of other ethnic groups in Turkey, especially Kurds, relationships with the state are narrated not as a homogenous and complete spectacle of harmony in the Circassian accounts. This study aims to reflect on the multiplicity and heterogeneity of Circassian narratives on the relationships with the state apparatus in Turkey and unease the comfort of the monolithic account of Circassians as the loyal element without any problems with the state apparatus. In these narratives, the relationships of the Circassians with the Turkish state include not only bonds of loyalty, embeddedness and harmony, but also a wide range of strategies, maneuvers, resistance, surveillance and fear for various actors.
Práticas de Enfermagem e Indicadores de Qualidade em Terapia Nutricional Enteral: Revisão de escopo
Authors: Stamm Bruna , Behetto Mariur Gomes
Published: March 2024

O presente tem por objetivo sumarizar achados de publicações sobre os Indicadores de Qualidade em Terapia Nutricional diretamente relacionados às práticas de enfermagem no cuidado a pacientes adultos hospitalizados. Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo que selecionou artigos originais, de 2000 a 2023, em português, inglês ou espanhol, no PubMed, Cochrane, BDENF, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science e Google Scholar. Em relação aos resultados, dos 26 estudos incluídos, a maioria é nacional (96,1%), publicados entre os anos 2018–2023 (65,3%), todos com pelo menos uma nutricionista como autora, apenas em dois com autoria de enfermeiras e realizados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (65,3%). O indicador relacionado às práticas de enfermagem mais descrito na literatura foi “Frequência de diarreia em pacientes em Terapia Nutricional Enteral” (73%); e o que apresentou menor adequação à meta foi “Frequência de episódios de constipação em pacientes em Terapia Nutricional Enteral”. Como conclusão do estudo, apesar de os Indicadores de Qualidade em Terapia Nutricional relacionados às práticas de enfermagem serem descritos frequentemente na literatura, na autoria dos estudos, a enfermagem não assume posição protagonista. Tanto o indicador mais descrito quanto o que menos atingiu a meta foram relacionados às eliminações.
Relação entre qualidade do sono materno e estado nutricional infantil
Authors: Dos Santos Lainy Ribeiro , Landim Yroan Paula , Martins Marcia Caroline Nascimento Sá Ewerton , Dos Santos Fabrícia Silvana Sarmento , Dos Santos Leonardo Hunaldo , Santos Neto Marcelino , Santos Floriacy Stabnow , Costa Ana Cristina Pereira de Jesus
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre qualidade do sono materno e estado nutricional infantil. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado com mães e crianças de uma instituição pediátrica privada de um município maranhense, entre março e dezembro de 2020. Os dados coletados levantaram peso, altura e índice de massa corporal infantil, e questões sociodemográficas, perinatais e de qualidade do sono materno. A análise utilizou estatística descritiva e modelos de regressão logística para associações entre características perinatais e estado nutricional infantil quanto à qualidade do sono materno. Resultados: 54,5% das crianças eram do sexo feminino, 80,6% com idade de 6 a 24 meses; 62,4% das mães era casada, com média de idade de 29 anos (DP± 5,7287). Não houve associação significativa entre estado nutricional infantil e má qualidade do sono (p>0,05). Conclusão: Não há relação entre qualidade do sono materno e estado nutricional infantil. Isto é, as mães mau dormidoras não representam risco aumentado para influenciar no estado nutricional infantil inadequado. Implicações para a prática: A utilização do índice de qualidade do sono de Pittsburg, enquanto tecnologia assistencial, colabora na melhoria da assistência à saúde das mães e seus filhos, ampliando as possibilidades de recursos para a atuação da enfermagem.
Procesos de descomposición de cerdos desmembrados (Sus scrofa domestica) dentro de sacos plásticos en Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: Miranda Zamora Jacinto , Anaya Escalante Miguel , Valverde Castro Cesar
Published: March 2024

La tafonomía forense hace uso de las técnicas de antropología y arqueología en la investigación de los factores y procesos que afectan los restos de un individuo. Además, se apoya en disciplinas como la entomología forense ―el estudio de los insectos asociados a un cuerpo muerto― para determinar el intervalo post mortem (IPM). En esta investigación se documentó el proceso de descomposición de cuatro cadáveres de cerdos (Sus scrofa domestica) en un fragmento de bosque seco tropical ubicado en la Universidad del Magdalena. Tres de ellos fueron desmembrados y colocados en sacos plásticos de manera individual y aleatoria, y uno, sin alterar, se dejó al aire libre. El muestreo se realizó diariamente durante 15 días, cada cinco horas, registrando las temperaturas corporal y ambiental y la humedad relativa del lugar. Se recolectaron insectos con redes entomológicas y se almacenaron en frascos completamente rotulados con alcohol etílico al 70 %. Al analizar las muestras se obtuvo la cronosecuencia de los insectos de importancia forense en diferentes condiciones ambientales, documentando los tiempos y los cambios en las fases de descomposición para determinar el IPM en cada caso. Se observó que la descomposición de las partes de los cerdos contenidas en sacos fue más rápida que la del cerdo control, a pesar de que este último estuvo expuesto al aire libre, facilitando el acceso de los insectos. Se concluye que el proceso de descomposición de un cadáver varía según factores ambientales, climáticos, agentes físicos, causas de muerte y alteraciones post mortem. Esta información es importante a la hora de esclarecer investigaciones medicolegales ya que ayuda a establecer el IPM en cuerpos encontrados en lugares y condiciones similares.
«Dispuesto a hacer lo que sea». Aproximación a las dinámicas laborales de los/as migrantes venezolanos/as en las plataformas digitales de reparto en la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Ibarra Maryoly
Published: March 2024

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo explorar las dinámicas, los escollos y las estrategias de acceso al mercado laboral de las personas migrantes venezolanas en Buenos Aires en relación con las tendencias de trabajo en el capitalismo informacional, como la plataformización. También se analizarán las consecuencias de la aplicación de tecnologías digitales sobre el mundo del empleo y los desafíos que esto plantea dentro de los procesos migratorios y la inserción a la labor de reparto de una comunidad que presenta características de vulnerabilidad. Su abordaje metodológico se basa en la articulación de fuentes secundarias, como informes sobre el panorama laboral de los/as repartidores/as en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, y experiencias obtenidas a través de un trabajo etnográfico. Si bien el análisis de la problemática migratoria tiene un vasto desarrollo en América Latina, especialmente desde la perspectiva de los estudios laborales, este artículo ofrece una primera mirada a un fenómeno migratorio relativamente reciente por su novedad en la región y su vínculo con nuevas formas de empleo que permiten abrir la discusión sobre las implicancias del proceso de expansión de las plataformas de reparto en Argentina.
La legítima inquietud: ¿puedo saber cómo otros usuarios de redes sociales obtuvieron mis datos personales publicados en sus perfiles?
Authors: Bolaños Vainstein Gabriela G. , Iriarte Ahon Erick Américo
Published: March 2024

El artículo examina si el derecho a la autodeterminación informativa resultaría exigible a la actividad (tratamiento) que los usuarios de redes sociales realicen sobre datos personales ajenos. Asimismo, se responde a la inquietud sobre si un titular de los datos personales puede exigir a un tercero revelar la fuente de obtención de sus datos personales publicados por tal tercero en su perfil de usuario.
Samotny smakosz albo krótki przewodnik po komiksowych przedstawieniach konsumpcji
Authors: Traczyk Michał
Published: March 2024

The Solitary Gourmet, or a Short Guide to Comics Depictions of Food Consumption
Depictions of food consumption in comic books are quite numerous but they rarely stick in the minds of readers, especially when they serve as the background for the unfolding story. If the authors, however, decide to depict food, they do so in large part to achieve a few specific purposes: emphasize the characteristics of the characters, deconstruct the seriousness of the narrative, and introduce humorous elements. All of this takes place on two levels: aesthetic (from realistic to cartoonish) and existential (eating is one of the most ordinary day-to-day activities). The article aims to show the various possibilities of using representations of food consumption and discuss their meaning using selected examples.
Prozaiczna codzienność superbohaterów, czyli analiza komiksowej serii Karla Ferdona
Authors: Czaja Justyna
Published: March 2024

The Prosaic Everyday Life of Superheroes, or Some Remarks About Karl Ferdon’s Comic Series
The article discusses a parody comic series by Chilean cartoonist Karlo Ferdon which depicts American superheroes in prosaic day-to-day situations. The author shows how placing iconic pop culture characters in an unexpected context can lead to their deconstruction and demythologization.
Unending War: Combat Trauma in Joss Whedon’s "Firefly"
Authors: Komorowska Joanna , Kliszcz Aneta
Published: March 2024

The article discusses the long-term effects of combat trauma as portrayed in Joss Whedon’s Firefly series, focusing on the issues of trust, identity, and belonging. In doing so, it highlights the image of warrior and war in popular culture.
No rastro da educação em Zygmunt Bauman
Authors: Manfio João Nicodemos Martins
Published: March 2024

O trabalho a seguir objetiva encontrar as relações entre o pensamento de Bauman e a educação. Para tanto se debruça sobre livros, artigos, entrevistas e traça um caminho possível para auxiliar pesquisadores interessados em promover diálogos entre o autor e outros especialistas do tema ou mesmo ampliar a discussão e a reflexão sobre o que tratou quando se debruçou sobre o assunto. Cotejando sua análise desde a modernidade sólida até a modernidade líquida e com base no que se encontra a respeito da educação nela, sugerimos e apresentamos uma versão do que se pode chamar de educação em Bauman. Ao encontrar esses rastros e levantar as possibilidades de utilizar seu trabalho para ampliar os debates nessa área, sentimo-nos encorajados a construir uma possibilidade de conexão com outros autores. Desse desafio resultou proposta, ainda inicial, de conexão entre Bauman (2007), Freire (2011), Gimonet (2007).
SGPocket: A New Graph Convolutional Neural Network for
Ligand-protein Binding Site Prediction
Authors: Crampon Kevin , Bourrasset Cedric , Baud Stephanie , Steffenel Luiz Angelo
Published: March 2024

Background:

Drug research is a long process, taking more than 10 years and
requiring considerable financial resources. Therefore, researchers and industrials aim to
reduce time and cost. Thus, they use computational simulations like molecular docking
to explore huge databases of compounds and extract the most promising ones for further
tests. Structure-based molecular docking is a complex process mixing surface exploration and energy computation to find the minimal free energy of binding corresponding
to the best interaction location.

Objective:

Our work is developed in the ligand-protein context, where ligands are small
compounds like drugs. In most cases, no information is known about where on the protein surface the ligand will bind. Thus, the whole protein surface must be explored,
which takes a huge amount of time.

Methods:

We have developed SGPocket (meaning Spherical Graph Pocket), a binding
site prediction method. Our method allows us to reduce the explored protein surface using deep learning without any information about a ligand. SGPocket uses the spherical
graph convolutional operator working on a spherical relative positioning of amino acids
in the protein. Then, a final step of clustering extracts the binding sites.

Results:

Tested and compared (with well-known binding site prediction methods) on a
hand-made dataset, our method performed well and can reduce the docking computing
time.

Conclusion:

Thus, SGPocket allows the reduction of the exploration surface in the
molecular docking process by restricting the simulation only to the site(s) predicted to
be interesting.
Regulating Triplet Excitons of Organic Luminophores for Promoted Bioimaging
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Du Rui , Feng Xiaodi , Wang Zhengshuo , Wang Tianjie , Xie Zongzhao , Yuan Hua , Tan Yeqiang , Ou Hanlin
Published: March 2024

Afterglow materials with organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP)
or thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) exhibit significant potential in biological
imaging due to their long lifetime. By utilizing time-resolved technology, interference
from biological tissue fluorescence can be mitigated, enabling high signal-tobackground
ratio imaging. Despite the continued emergence of individual reports on
RTP or TADF in recent years, comprehensive reviews addressing these two materials
are rare. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of several typical
molecular designs for organic RTP and TADF materials. It also explores the primary
methods through which triplet excitons resist quenching by water and oxygen. Furthermore,
we analyze the principal challenges faced by afterglow materials and discuss
key directions for future research with the hope of inspiring developments in afterglow
imaging.
Altitude effect on Propofol Pharmacokinetics in Rats
Authors: Li Lijun , Wang Xuejun , Wang Sheng , Wen Li , Zhang Haopeng
Published: March 2024

Background:

Propofol is an intravenous agent for clinical anesthesia. As the influence of the hypobaric-
hypoxic environment (Qinghai-Tibetan region, altitude: 2800-4300 m, PaO2: 15.1-12.4 kPa) on the
metabolism of Propofol is complex, the research results on the metabolic characteristics of Propofol in high-
-altitude areas remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Propofol
in a high-altitude hypoxic environment using animal experiments.

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into three groups: high-altitude, medium-altitude, and plain groups.
The time of disappearance and recovery of the rat righting reflex was recorded as the time of anesthesia induction
and awakening, respectively. The plasma concentration of Propofol was determined by gas chromatography-
mass spectrometry. A pharmacokinetic analysis software was used to analyze the blood-drug concentrations
and obtain the pharmacokinetic parameters.

Results:

We observed that when Propofol anesthetizes rats, the anesthesia induction time was shortened, and
the recovery time was prolonged with increased altitude. Compared with the plain group, the clearance of
Propofol decreased, whereas the half-life, area under the concentration-time curve, peak plasma concentration,
and average residence time extension increased.

Conclusion:

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Propofol are significantly altered in high-altitude hypoxic
environments.
Predicting the Efficacy of Novel Synthetic Compounds in the Treatment of
Osteosarcoma via Anti-Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand
(RANKL)/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB (RANK) Targets
Authors: Zhang Wenhua , Xu Siping , Liu Peng , Li Xusheng , Yu Xinyuan , Kang Bing
Published: March 2024

Background:

Osteosarcoma (OS) currently demonstrates a rising incidence, ranking as
the predominant primary malignant tumor in the adolescent demographic. Notwithstanding this
trend, the pharmaceutical landscape lacks therapeutic agents that deliver satisfactory efficacy
against OS.

Objective:

This study aimed to authenticate the outcomes of prior research employing the HM and
GEP algorithms, endeavoring to expedite the formulation of efficacious therapeutics for osteosarcoma.

Methods:

A robust quantitative constitutive relationship model was engineered to prognosticate the
IC50 values of innovative synthetic compounds, harnessing the power of gene expression programming.
A total of 39 natural products underwent optimization via heuristic methodologies within the
CODESSA software, resulting in the establishment of a linear model. Subsequent to this phase, a
mere quintet of descriptors was curated for the generation of non-linear models through gene expression
programming.

Results:

The squared correlation coefficients and s2 values derived from the heuristics stood at
0.5516 and 0.0195, respectively. Gene expression programming yielded squared correlation coefficients
and mean square errors for the training set at 0.78 and 0.0085, respectively. For the test set,
these values were determined to be 0.71 and 0.0121, respectively. The s2 of the heuristics for the
training set was discerned to be 0.0085.

Conclusion:

The analytic scrutiny of both algorithms underscores their commendable reliability in
forecasting the efficacy of nascent compounds. A juxtaposition based on correlation coefficients
elucidates that the GEP algorithm exhibits superior predictive prowess relative to the HM algorithm
for novel synthetic compounds.
Preliminary Test of Candidate Rapid Diagnostic Test for the Detection of 38 kDa Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Antigen in Saliva
Authors: Mardining Raras Tri Yudani , Rahmadani Nabila , Arthamin Maimun Zulhaidah , Rizki Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Identifying tuberculosis (TB) in pediatric cases is a major challenge in developing countries, as children have problems with expelling sputum, making specific diagnostics crucial. The objective of the study was to develop a rapid test using polyclonal antibodies to detect antigen 38kDa from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the saliva of TB patients.

Materials and Methods

The recombinant protein Ag38 was purified using the Ni-NTA purification kit. Polyclonal antibodies were generated in BALB-c mice using 50 µg/ml of purified Ag38 recombinant protein. A Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) was constructed, employing 5 mg/mL colloidal gold-labelled polyclonal antibody anti-Ag38 in the test line to capture the conjugates, while goat anti-mouse IgG was used in the control line. The LFA was tested in 5 TB patients and 7 healthy person served as negative control .

Results

The recombinant protein achieved 95% purity. The rapid test kit, with a detection limit of 5.3 µg/mL, successfully identified Ag38 protein in TB patient saliva (positive control) and not in healthy human serum (negative control). While reproducibility was confirmed for TB patients, results were inconsistent for healthy individuals.

Conclusion

The Lateral Flow Assay using polyclonal antibody Ag38 displays promise in detecting M tuberculosis antigen in the saliva of TB patients. Further validation with more TB patient saliva samples is needed to determine LFA sensitivity and specificity.
A Study of Machine Learning Algorithms Performance Analysis in Disease Classification
Authors: B Jai Kumar , R Mohanasundaram
Published: March 2024

Background

Because there are no symptoms, it might be difficult to detect CKD in its early stages. One of the main causes of CKD is diabetes mellitus (DM), and early detection of the condition can assist individuals in obtaining prompt treatment. Because this illness has no early signs and is only discovered after the kidneys have gone through 25% damage, early-stage prediction is not very likely. This is the key factor driving the need for early CKD prediction.

Objective

The objective of the paper is to find the best-performing learning algorithms that can be used to predict chronic kidney disease (CKD) at an earlier stage.

Methods

This research aimed to compare different machine learning algorithms used in different disease predictions by various researchers. In this comparative study, machine learning algorithms like Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbor, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network, Random Forest, Composite Hypercube on Iterated Random Projection, Naïve Bayes, J48, Ensembling, Multi-Layer Perceptron, Deep Neural Network, Autoencoder, and Long Short-Term Memory are used in disease classification.

Results

Each classification model is well tested in a different dataset, and out of these models, RF, DNN, and NB classification techniques give better performance in Diabetes and CKD prediction.

Conclusion

The RF, DNN, and NB classification algorithms worked well and achieved 100% accuracy in predicting diseases.
Proportion of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Candida albicans in Early Childhood Caries: Evaluation by qPCR
Authors: Agustin Tri Putriany , Sutadi Heriandi , Bachtiar Boy M , Rizal Mochamad Fahlevi
Published: March 2024

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common diseases in children. It is associated with oral microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by a reduced beneficial oral microbiome and an increased pathogenic oral microbiome.

Objective

This study aims to detect and quantify S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and C. albicans in dental plaque samples from caries-free and ECC groups of children using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Materials and Methods

Supragingival plaque samples were collected from 30 children aged 2 to 5 divided into three groups: 15 caries-free children, 7 ECC, and 8 S-ECC. The abundance of microorganisms was determined by qPCR. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (post hoc Bonferroni) and the Pearson and Spearman correlation tests.

Results

The S-ECC group had a higher proportion of S. mutans and C. albicans. The proportion of S. sanguinis was higher in the ECC and had a positive correlation (P < 0.05) with S. mutans in this same group.

Conclusion

The proportion of S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and C. albicans differed between the caries-free, ECC, and S-ECC groups, and they correlated with each other in the occurrence of ECC.
Efficacy of Smartphone-based Fundus Photo in Vision Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Nursalamah Mia , Karfiati Feti , Ratnaningsih Nina , Widihastha Sri Hudaya
Published: March 2024

Background

Vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) is a microvascular retinal complication caused by diabetes mellitus, which may lead to blindness if left untreated. One of the most effective methods to prevent diabetic-related ocular complications is through diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. The community rarely carries out diabetic retinopathy-related eye examinations because using non-portable fundus photographs as its gold standard is costly and impracticable. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of smartphone-based fundus photographs as a practical and affordable tool for VTDR screening in developing countries.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a consecutive technique at Cicendo National Eye Hospital, Indonesia. Patients with diabetes mellitus aged ≥20 years were evaluated for two-field mydriatic fundus photos using a non-portable fundus photo and a smartphone- based fundus photo utilizing the i-Spot fundus adapter. Results were analyzed to determine diagnostic test parameters.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen two-field mydriatic fundus photos were obtained from 139 patients. Smartphone-based fundus photography demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.4% (CI 96.6–100%), a specificity of 87.1% (CI 75.3–98.9%), a positive predictive value of 97.9% (CI 95.9–99.9%), a negative predictive value of 90.0% (CI 79.3–100%), and an accuracy of 96.8% (CI 94.5–99.8%).

Conclusion

The use of smartphone-captured fundus images proves to be a reliable screening method for VTDR. This tool has the potential to effectively screen the population, helping prevent future visual loss attributed to the disease.
Unraveling Skin Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Examination of Diagnosis, Treatment Strategies, and Emerging Therapeutic Avenues in Skin Cancer
Management
Authors: Bhadouria Namrata , Alam Aftab , Kaur Awaneet
Published: March 2024

Cancer that begins in the skin is by far the most common kind of skin cancer found everywhere
in the globe. It is further subdivided into groups, such as basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous
squamous cell carcinoma, in addition to other, less common types of skin cancer. In this article,
the diagnostic aspects that need to be taken into consideration when utilizing these new guidelines,
go over the essential features of cutaneous SCC, conduct an analysis of recent changes in the category
of cutaneous SCC, and speak about recent advancements in the categorization of cutaneous
SCC. Over the course of the past decade, photodynamic therapy has developed into a potentially effective
treatment for a variety of solid tumors that may be found in people. The combination of metallic
nanoparticles and phytoconstituents as a therapy for skin cancer has the potential to be more
successful than each treatment used independently. In this article, the various treatment modalities
for skin cancer were examined. This included excision surgery, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy,
and immunotherapy. These were then followed by targeted therapy or immunotherapy, in addition
to surgery, radiation, or photodynamic therapy. Since excision surgery is the most typical procedure
used to eradicate skin cancer, we concentrate on it in particular.
A Study on the Steady and Dynamic Performance of Dry Gas Seals with
Combined Superelliptical Grooves and Holes on the End Face
Authors: Li Yushi , Chen Yuan , Li Yuntang , Li Xiaolu , Wang Bingqing , Jin Jie
Published: March 2024

Background:

Enhancing the stability and leakage control of Dry Gas Seals (DGS) under
high parameters has been a crucial research focus. The design of end-face groove structures and
surface texture shapes has been an essential aspect of DGS studies aimed at improving performance.

Objective:

The proposed end-face gas seal utilizes superelliptical grooves and holes to improve its
performance, aiming to obtain a patent. The use of superelliptical curves allows for a more precise
and efficient geometric representation, resulting in a better sealing effect.

Methods:

A theoretical analysis model for the steady and dynamic behavior of the seal is established
using the lubrication theory and perturbation methods. The study investigates the distribution
patterns of gas film pressure on the sealing end-face and gas flow characteristics within the
film. This approach provides a new perspective for understanding seal performance and offers a
theoretical basis for optimizing seal design.

Results:

The results indicate that the combined end-face structure with grooves and holes ensures
good sealing stability and effectively enhances leakage control performance. By optimizing the design
of the superelliptical groove and holes on the end face, the performance of DGS can be significantly
improved.

Conclusion:

Within the parameter range studied, better steady-state performance is achieved for
θ=40~80°, v=1.3~1.4, u=1~2, β=0.6~0.7, and λ=1.0~1.5. In addition, better dynamic performance
is observed for θ=80~120°, v=1.1~1.2, u=2~3, β=0.9~1.0, and λ=2.0~2.5.