bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitual Tea Consumption Increases the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals
Authors: Yu Shasha , Wang Bo , Li Guangxiao , Guo Xiaofan , Yang Hongmei , Sun Yingxian
Published: March 2023

In middle-aged and elderly individuals, the relationship between tea consumption and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still unclear. Therefore, this study intends to figure out the relationship between tea-drinking frequency and MetS in rural middle-aged and older Chinese residents. In the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study, 3632 middle-aged or older individuals (mean age 57 ± 8, 55.2% men) without MetS were included at baseline during 2012–2013 and were followed up on between 2015–2017. Participants showing differential tea consumption frequency were divided into the following classes: non-habitual tea drinkers, occasional tea drinkers, 1–2 times/day drinkers, and ≥3 times/day drinkers. Data showed that non-habitual tea drinking was more common among women. The frequency of tea consumption was higher in ethnic groups other than Han and among singles, as well as in concurrent smokers and drinkers and individuals with primary or lower educational status. The increasing tea consumption was in line with baseline elevations in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and AST/ALT ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that occasional tea drinking increased the incidence of low HDL-C [OR (95% CI): 1.268 (1.015, 1.584)], high waist circumference [OR (95% CI): 1.336 (1.102, 1.621)], and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.284 (1.050, 1.570)]. In addition, 1–2 times/day tea drinking increased the cumulative incidence of high TG [OR (95% CI): 1.296 (1.040, 1.616)], high waist circumference [OR (95% CI): 1.296 (1.044, 1.609)] and MetS [OR (95% CI): 1.376 (1.030, 1.760)]. We demonstrated that regular tea consumption is correlated with a greater incidence of metabolic disorders and MetS. Our findings may help clarify the contradictory association reported between tea drinking and MetS development in middle-aged and older residents of rural China.
Adaptive Weighted K-Nearest Neighbor Trilateration Algorithm for Visible Light Positioning
Authors: Wang Kaiyao , He Yi , Huang Xinpeng , Hong Zhiyong
Published: March 2023

An adaptive weighted K-nearest neighbor (AWKNN) trilateration positioning algorithm fused with the channel state information (CSI) is proposed to optimize the accuracy of the visible light positioning. The core concept behind this algorithm is to combine the WKNN algorithm with ranging based on the CSI. The direct path distance estimated by the CSI is utilized to construct a position set consisting of multiple positions and a corresponding distance database containing multiple distance vectors. The error parameters of the weighted combinations of different distance vectors are calculated iteratively to evaluate the impact of different K-values and weights on the positioning accuracy. The proposed algorithm can achieve high-precision trilateration positioning by adaptively selecting the K-value and weight. A typical 4 m × 4 m × 3 m indoor multipath scene with four LEDs is established to simulate the positioning performance. The simulation results reveal that the mean error of the CSI-based AWKNN algorithm achieves 1.84 cm, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.13 cm. Compared with the CSI-based least squares (LS) method, the CSI-based nonlinear LS method, and the CSI-based WKNN method, the average error of this method is decreased by 29%, 16%, and 17%, whereas the RMSE is reduced by 35%, 14%, and 19%.
Optimization of Sampling Mode in Macro Fourier Ptychography Imaging Based on Energy Distribution
Authors: Jiang Runbo , Shi Dongfeng , Wang Yingjian
Published: March 2023

Fourier ptychography imaging technology is a method developed in recent years to achieve high-resolution imaging. In the traditional macro Fourier ptychography technology, the scanning method when the camera captures low-resolution images mostly uses the rectangular linear grid format. These acquired images contain a small amount of complementary information, and a large number of low-resolution images are needed to achieve high-resolution imaging. Redundant measurements will extend the sampling and reconstruction time, and require more computing resources. In this paper, we propose to obtain the target image spectral energy distribution by pre-sampling. And according to the energy distribution, we use irregular and non-uniform sampling modes to restore the target image. With the same number of samples and same reconstruction time, higher resolution imaging can be achieved compared with traditional methods. Simulation and experimental studies are carried out in this paper, and the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Compared with the traditional sampling mode, the two sampling modes proposed in this paper increase the resolution from 4.49 lp/mm to 5.66 lp/mm and 5.04 lp/mm respectively.
Cowpea Constraints and Breeding in Europe
Authors: Lazaridi Efstathia , Bebeli Penelope J.
Published: March 2023

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume with a constant rate of cultivation in Southern European countries. Consumer demand for cowpea worldwide is rising due to its nutritional content, while Europe is constantly attempting to reduce the deficit in the production of pulses and invest in new, healthy food market products. Although the climatic conditions that prevail in Europe are not so harsh in terms of heat and drought as in the tropical climates where cowpea is mainly cultivated, cowpea confronts with a plethora of abiotic and biotic stresses and yield-limiting factors in Southern European countries. In this paper, we summarize the main constraints for cowpea cultivation in Europe and the breeding methods that have been or can be used. A special mention is made of the availability plant genetic resources (PGRs) and their potential for breeding purposes, aiming to promote more sustainable cropping systems as climatic shifts become more frequent and fiercer, and environmental degradation expands worldwide.
Washing Bottom Sediment for The Removal of Arsenic from Contaminated Italian Coast
Authors: Muscetta Marica , Bianco Francesco , Trancone Gennaro , Race Marco , Siciliano Antonietta , D’Agostino Fabio , Sprovieri Mario , Clarizia Laura
Published: March 2023

Among various forms of anthropogenic pollution, the release of toxic metals in the environment is a global concern due to the high toxicity of these metals towards living organisms. In the last 20 years, sediment washing has gained increasing attention thanks to its capability to remove toxic metals from contaminated matrices. In this paper, we propose a Response Surface Methodology method for the washing of selected marine sediments of the Bagnoli-Coroglio Bay (Campania region, Italy) polluted with arsenic and other contaminants. We focused our attention on different factors affecting the clean-up performance (i.e., liquid/solid ratio, chelating concentration, and reaction time). The highest As removal efficiency (i.e., >30 μg/g) was obtained at a liquid/solid ratio of 10:1 (v/w), a citric acid concentration of 1000 mM, and a washing time of 94.22 h. Based on these optimum results, ecotoxicological tests were performed and evaluated in two marine model species (i.e., Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Aliivibrio fischeri), which were exposed to the washing solutions. Reduced inhibition of the model species was observed after nutrient addition. Overall, this study provides an effective tool to quickly assess the optimum operating conditions to be set during the washing procedures of a broad range of marine sediments with similar physicochemical properties (i.e., grain size and type of pollution).
Monitoring PM2.5 at a Large Shopping Mall: A Case Study in Macao
Authors: Lei Thomas M. T. , Chan Yan W. I. , Mohd Nadzir Mohd Shahrul
Published: March 2023

Employees work long hours in an environment where the ambient air quality is poor, directly affecting their work efficiency. The concentration of particulate matters (PM) produced by the interior renovation of shopping malls has not received particular attention in Macao. Therefore, this study will investigate the indoor air quality (IAQ), in particular of PM2.5, in large-scale shopping mall renovation projects. This study collected on-site PM data with low-cost portable monitoring equipment placed temporarily at specific locations to examine whether the current control measures are appropriate and propose some improvements. Prior to this study, there were no measures being implemented, and on-site monitoring to assess the levels of PM2.5 concentrations was non-existent. The results show the highest level of PM2.5 recorded in this study was 559.00 μg/m3. Moreover, this study may provide a reference for decision-makers, management, construction teams, design consultant teams, and renovation teams of large-scale projects. In addition, the monitoring of IAQ can ensure a comfortable environment for employees and customers. This study concluded that the levels of PM2.5 concentration have no correlation with the number of on-site workers, but rather were largely influenced by the processes being performed on-site.
Why Research Retraction Due to Misconduct Should Be Stigmatized
Authors: Hu Guangwei , Xu Shaoxiong Brian
Published: March 2023

Many of us may remember Hester Prynne, the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, who was stigmatized for conceiving a daughter out of wedlock [...]
Backward Deep BSDE Methods and Applications to Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Yu Yajie , Ganesan Narayan , Hientzsch Bernhard
Published: March 2023

We present a pathwise deep Backward Stochastic Differential Equation (BSDE) method for Forward Backward Stochastic Differential Equations with terminal conditions that time-steps the BSDE backwards and apply it to the differential rates problem as a prototypical nonlinear problem of independent financial interest. The nonlinear equation for the backward time-step is solved exactly or by a Taylor-based approximation. This is the first application of such a pathwise backward time-stepping deep BSDE approach for problems with nonlinear generators. We extend the method to the case when the initial value of the forward components X can be a parameter rather than fixed and similarly to also learn values at intermediate times. We present numerical results for a call combination and for a straddle, the latter comparing well to those obtained by Forsyth and Labahn with a specialized PDE solver.
Infiltration Approach of Green Environmental Protection Education in the View of Sustainable Development
Authors: Su Yawen , Zhao Hongxia
Published: March 2023

In today’s world, global ecological environment problems are increasingly serious, and human beings have gradually realized the importance of protecting the ecological environment. With the continuous deepening of the concept of sustainable development, the concept of green education has also aroused great attention in the education sector; moreover, its concept has gradually been applied to education and teaching. However, there are many problems in the application of green education. For example, the current green education system is not sound, the importance of green education in schools is not obvious, and there is no effective green teacher training program. In order to improve the current application of green education, this paper proposes to integrate the concept of sustainable development into the teaching of green environmental protection education. Through the construction of a sound green education system and green education classrooms, green ecological ideas would thus be infiltrated into many aspects of education and teaching. Due to the uneven distribution of educational resources in many regions, the quality of education in these regions is also uneven. In order to improve this situation, this paper also constructs an educational resource distribution model. Furthermore, this paper also analyzes the educational resource allocation model by using a differential evolution algorithm. From the experimental results, under the algorithm in this paper, the average student–teacher ratio of each county was 4.93, and the average number of books per student was 38.92. The average running time of teacher resources and book resources allocated by the model was found to be 1.47 s and 1.39 s, respectively. Under the traditional algorithm, the average student–teacher ratio in each county was 5.93, and the average number of books per student in each county was 31.8. The average running time of teacher resources and book resources allocated by the model was 2.36 s and 2.58 s, respectively. It can be seen from the above data that the algorithm in this paper can effectively optimize the allocation rationality of the educational resource allocation model and shorten the running time of resource allocation.
Approach to Applying Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in Community Enterprise Management towards Sustainability
Authors: Mettathamrong Jakret , Upping Phetphrairin , Deeudom Somchad
Published: March 2023

Sustainability is essential for every business and organization, but how can it be achieved? This work is a study of sustainability based on the sufficiency economy philosophy, a valuable concept introduced by the Thai people. We apply it to the notion of sustainability in 400 agricultural community enterprise owners in Thailand, who participated in this study. An oblique rotation component analysis was performed, finding that the variables on the same side are related, and a confirmative component analysis with structural equation models was conducted. The results showed that the approach to applying the sufficiency economy philosophy among community enterprises consists of 11 components, as follows: (1) financial control, (2) planning, (3) member management, (4) morals, (5) prevention plan, (6) moderation, (7) knowledge and expertise, (8) market development, (9) care, (10) quality control and (11) value of investment. The confirmative component analysis with structural equation modeling was consistent with the empirical data. Agricultural community enterprises and entrepreneurs focus on the moral component, conduct business with honesty to avoid causing problems for others, value justice without taking advantage with diligence and adhere to moral principles in life, because all of the above will lead to sustainability in the future.
Toxic Elemental Impurities in Herbal Weight Loss Supplements; A Study Using ICP-OES Microwave-Assisted Digestion
Authors: Al-Thani Ghanim , Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Alomairi Mohammed , Salman Baher I. , Hegazy Mostafa M. , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , El Deeb Sami
Published: March 2023

The tendency of using weight loss herbal preparations is continuously increasing, especially for the widespread consumption of junk food that is characterized by high calories. Weight loss herbal preparations are considered a type of food supplement product, and, as such, the regulations governing their quality control might be minimal. These products could be locally formulated in any country or internationally imported. Being non-controlled products, the herbal weight-loss products may contain high levels of elemental impurities that might exceed the permissible ranges. Moreover, these products contribute to the total daily intake (TDI) of such elements, which might represent concerns about their potential toxicological danger. In this research, the elemental contents in such products were investigated. The inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the levels of 15 elemental contents, namely, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, As, Co, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb. The results showed that seven micro-elements, namely Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, Li and Cu, were either not detectable or at a concentration much lower than their tolerable limits. However, all studied macro-elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg), together with Fe, were found at considerable, yet safe levels. On the other hand, Mn, Al and As contents showed perturbing levels in some of the studied products. Finally, a conclusion was highlighted for the necessity for stricter surveillance of such herbal products.
Modulatory Role of Autophagy in Metformin Therapeutic Activity toward Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Antar Samar A. , Abd-Elsalam Marwa , Abdo Walied , Abdeen Ahmed , Abdo Mohamed , Fericean Liana , Raslan Nahed A. , Ibrahim Samah F. , Sharif Asmaa F. , Elalfy Amira , Nasr Hend E. , Zaid Ahmed B. , Atia Rania , Atwa Ahmed M. , Gebba Mohammed A. , Alzokaky Amany A.
Published: March 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a frequent chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various malignant tumors. One of the key factors that diminish its therapeutic importance is DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. The first-line oral antidiabetic drug is metformin (Met), which also has antioxidant properties. The purpose of our study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms for the potential protective effects of Met on DOX-triggered nephrotoxicity. Four animal groups were assigned as follows; animals received vehicle (control group), 200 mg/kg Met (Met group), DOX 15 mg/kg DOX (DOX group), and a combination of DOX and Met (DOX/Met group). Our results demonstrated that DOX administration caused marked histological alterations of widespread inflammation and tubular degeneration. Notably, the DOX-induced dramatic up-regulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B/P65 (NF-κB/P65), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), 8-hydroxy-2′ -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and Beclin-1 in renal tissue. A marked increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) tissue level and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also recorded in DOX-exposed animals. Interestingly, Met could minimize all histopathological changes as well as the disruptions caused by DOX in the aforementioned measures. Thus, Met provided a workable method for suppressing the nephrotoxicity that occurred during the DOX regimen via the deactivation of the Beclin-1/LC3B pathway.
Gastrointestinal Polyparasitism in Bushmeat in Zadie Department in Northeast Gabon
Authors: Maganga Gael Darren , Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Boundenga Larson , Maganga Landjekpo Hurlis Nesla , Bangueboussa Felicien , Ndong Mebaley Telstar , Mounioko Franck , Gbati Oubri Bassa
Published: March 2023

Wild animals harbor pathogens that can be infectious agents for humans, including parasites. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites and assess their prevalence and the potential risk for humans associated with consuming these animals. The research was conducted from August to December 2019. Parasitological analyses were carried out on the feces and intestines of 113 wild animals, including antelopes (24), duikers (58), porcupines (18), small monkeys (Cercopithecus) (8), nandinia (2), pangolin (1), genet (1), and a crocodile (1), from the Zadié Department in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo in the northeast of Gabon. The results revealed 15 taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, including nine nematodes: Strongylids (61/113), Strongyloides spp. (21/113), Ascaris spp. (21/113), Trichuris spp. (39/113), Capillaria spp. (9/113), Protostrongylus spp. (5/113), Enterobius spp. (8/113), Toxocara spp. (7/113) and Mammomonogamus spp. (5/113); three species of protozoa, namely Balantidium spp. (12/113), Eimeria spp. (17/113), and Entamoeba spp. (9/113); two species of trematodes, namely Fasciola spp. (18/113) and Paramphistomum spp. (21/113); and cestode species, Taenia spp. (1/113). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in these animals was 85.84% (97/113). In addition, among these parasitic taxa, some are potential pathogens for humans, such as Ascaris spp., Balantidium spp., Entamoeba spp., and Taenia spp. The consumption of games, particularly offal, infested by these parasites, could threaten human health.
Tekstas kaip gyvatvorė
Authors: Subačius Paulius V.
Published: March 2023

Text as ahedgerow Text, what it is and what it is like, has always been a topic of discussion in philology. In turn, the variety of description of text and the interconnected definitions of work and document have been enormous, and specifying them never ends. As we operate in abstract nouns qualifying human activity, the conceptual metaphor that we choose considerably affects the direction of thinking. The article proposes a critical overview of commonly used images of text: net, structure, fluid water, forest, garden etc., and suggests a new metaphor, ‘text as a hedgerow’. This concept differs particularly from former organicist imagination drawing on the vitality of a wild plant, in that it directs the view to the meeting point of spontaneity and reasoning, the involuntary and the planned, the natural and the acculturated or tamed. Besides the spontaneous pull towards the sun (in the case of literature, towards fame), the image of a hedgerow implies conscious grafting, orderly pruning, and planned shaping. Even more important is the tension between the function prescribed by the author, the editor or the reader, and uninhibited and unpredictable growth. The natural structures of branching out and leafing, determined by vegetative conditions that enact the tendencies of syntactic connectivity, and the tension of form imposed by the pruner, are always complicated.
Lietuvių kalba kaip kalbos politikos objektas Prūsijos Karalystėje: XVIII a. pradžios diskursas
Authors: Aleknavičienė Ona
Published: March 2023

THE LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE AS AN OBJECT OF THE POLICY ON LANGUAGE IN THE KINGDOM OF PRUSSIA: THE DISCOURSE OF THE EARLY 18th CENTURY The article deals with the philological polemics that took place in the Kingdom of Prussia in the 1710s as the first discourse recorded in writing that addressed matters of using the Lithuanian language in social life, covering, among other things, aspects of the policy on language and language planning. Since the process concerning the public language had the involvement of governmental officials who acted in the name of the Prussian Church and the King, and had the authority to adopt different decisions, the Lithuanian language became an object of policy on language in a specific sense. The first language policy makers who in the 18th century recognised and advocated the problems of the quality of the public Lithuanian language and took to making decisions to have the public involved in the resolution of the language matters were as follows: (1) Friedrich Deutsch (1657–1709), comptroller of Prussian churches and schools, chief preacher of the palace, and theology professor at Königsberg University; (2) Johann Berent (1658–1712), councillor of the court of the palace of Königsberg and former law professor at Königsberg University; (3) George Friedrich von Kreitzen (1639–1710), chancellor of the Kingdom of Prussia as a member of the government.
Self-reported adherence of healthcare workers to infection prevention and control practices during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt
Authors: El-Ghitany Engy Mohamed , Elrewany Ehab , Omran Eman A. , Farghaly Azza Galal , El-Moez Azzam Nashwa Fawzy Abd
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Considering the absence of effective treatment, the World Health Organization had recommended stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to reduce its transmission. The non-adherence of healthcare workers (HCWs) to these measures had been reported as a major cause of infection. Aim: To assess the level of self-reported adherence of HCWs to IPC measures during their social life and work time. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 559 HCWs (411 females and 148 males) working at 39 hospitals across different Egyptian governorates. A predesigned structured questionnaire about COVID-19 IPC measures was completed by trained interviewers. Results: Washing hands before eating (98.2%), using soap for hand wash (97.9%), washing hands after returning home (96.6%), and wearing a face mask when going outside in public places (83.7%) were the commonest daily-life practices among the 559 studied HCWs, while the least common was social distancing (46.0%). Less than half of the studied HCWs were adherent to the proper duration of handwashing (P < 0.01). Only 5.9% of the studied HCWs usually wore full personal protective equipment (PPE) at work (P = 0.051). The highest percentages of HCWs working at outpatient clinics and laboratories (98.1% each) ‘sometimes’ used PPE (P = 0.017). There was a significant difference in self-reported adherence to wearing face masks at hospitals according to specialties (P < 0.01). HCWs working at intensive care units (ICUs) recorded the highest attendance rates at IPC training (53.8%, P = 0.012). A relatively higher percentage of HCWs at COVID-19 isolation hospitals wore PPE (15.7%) versus 2.2–4.7% in other hospitals (P = 0.015). Conclusion: The majority of HCWs sometimes complied with wearing PPE (93.6%). HCWs were more adherent to wearing masks at hospitals (94.6%) compared to community settings (42.9%). Older age and female gender were significantly associated with self-reported adherence to some IPC measures. Hand hygiene training session emphasizing the proper duration of hand wash is mandatory.
Les pouvoirs « périphériques » des présidents d'Europe post-communiste : symboles ou pouvoirs réels ?
Authors: Frison-Roche François
Published: March 2023

The "peripheral" powers of presidents in post-communist Europe: Symbolic or real?

The constitutions of post-Communist countries in Europe grant to the president of the republic a panoply of constitutional powers of the sort found in several Western constitutions. A majority of these presidents are elected directly through universal suffrage and have powers (said to be "peripheral" herein since their importance is not obvious) enabling them to play an essential role in politics. These constitutionally granted powers - over the army, intelligence services and national security council, and in emergencies - expose the ambiguity of the persons and parties involved in the post-Communist transition during the 1990s. Most of them wanted to arrange for a sharing of power through the adoption of a mixed (semi- presidential) institution rather than to establish a truly parliamentary or presidential system.
L'institutionnalisation des compétences implicites du Président russe et leur rôle dans le fonctionnement du pouvoir présidentiel
Authors: Startsev Yaroslav
Published: March 2023

Institutionalizing the Russian president's "implicit" powers: The exercise of presidential power

The "implicit" powers of the president of Russia are not described in the constitution or are mentioned in very general, ambiguous terms. Alongside classical presidential prerogatives, the president has the power, for instance, to create advisory organs, head certain ministries and administrations, make appointments to major positions and give instructions to various authorities. This scope of action has considerably expanded the presidency. The contents of these "implicit" powers, their institutionalization since 1990 and the effect of administrative practices from the Soviet era in exercising them are analyzed. The effects of these powers on the Russian political system are examined.
Logiques et acteurs du présidentialisme au Kazakhstan. La « Famille », les technocrates et les oligarques
Authors: Peyrouse Sébastien
Published: March 2023

Cet article constitue une analyse des principaux traits du système présidentialiste mis en place au Kazakhstan depuis le début des années 1990. Après avoir rapidement retracé la formation du régime politique kazakhstanais, l'auteur se concentre sur les acteurs de ce système où intérêts politiques et économiques sont étroitement imbriqués, en particulier les rapports de concurrence qui opposent les membres de la « Famille » présidentielle, les technocrates de l'Administration présidentielle et les oligarques. En mettant en lumière les logiques sous-jacentes, il cherche à montrer combien l'accès aux ressources et le contrôle des richesses accumulées se trouvent au cœur des luttes politiques qui entourent la future succession présidentielle.
Le développement rural en Lituanie : entre désengagement de l'État, émergence d'une société civile et apprentissage des outils européens
Authors: Maciulyte Jurgita
Published: March 2023

Rural development in Lithuania: Between government withdrawal, the emergence of "civil society" and learning how to use European policy tools

Dismantling the collectivistic model in the 1990s has led to strong social differentiation in rural societies and disrupted operations there. The generalized bankruptcy of the farms formed out of the privatization of kolkhozes and sovkhozes has resulted in unemployment and poverty. It has also destroyed social and cultural infrastructures, and seriously affected living conditions in the countryside. Despite this worrisome social and economic situation, rural policies have, during the first decade after the country's return to independence, exclusively focused on farming and modernizing commercial farms. Since Lithuania joined the EU in 2004, the government has been forced to formulate a policy in line with the EU's, which provides financial and technical support mainly through the LEADER initiative (Links between Actions for the Development of the Rural Economy). After an initial experimental phase (2004-2006) centered around funding educational projects, the program has, for the period 2007-2013, adopted a broad policy of diversifying economic activities and renovating villages by drawing on projects worked out by local action groups — the new public and private actors touted by the EU. A lack of democracy and institutional shortcomings at the district level limit this transfer of the European model. Light is shed on the growing importance of the "rural communities" and local action groups that sprung up in the countryside during the 1990s in reaction to reduced government support.
Clinical, laboratory features and some genetic abnormalities in childhood acute leukemia at Hue Central Hospital, Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa , Phan Hung Viet , Tran Kiem Hao
Published: March 2023

Background: Acute leukemia is the most common malignant disease in children. Some genetic abnormalities have been recognized to have prognostic or therapeutic relevance. Objective: To analyze the clinical presentations, laboratory features, and genetic abnormalities in childhood acute leukemia patients. Materials and methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study on childhood acute leukemia patients who admitted to the hospital between November, 2017 and May-2022. Results: There were 83 new patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (70.3%) and 35 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (29.7%), the ratio of male to female was 1.51:1. The median age was 5.8 ± 4.0 years. The most common symptoms were anemia (87.3%), hepatomegaly (48.3%), enlarged lymph nodes (44.9%), fever (44.9%), splenomegaly (41.5%),
bleeding (39.8%) and bone pain (21.2%). Regarding laboratory features, white blood cell (WBC) median is 12.3x109/l, there is 28.8% of the patients with WBC ≥ 50x109/l. Platelet (PLT) median is 43,5x109/l, there is 75.4% patients with PLT <100x109/l. Hemoglobin (Hb) mean is 8.0 ± 2.3 g/dl, there is 78.9% patients with Hb < 10 g/dl. In ALL, genetic analysis showed that 18.1% patients have NUDT15 polymorphism, 6.9% patients have TPMT polymorphism, 12.1% patients have TEL/AML1, 4.8% patients with BCR/ABL1, 2.4% patients with MLL/AF4, 3.6% patients with E2A/PBX1 and 1.2% patient with SET/NUP214. In AML, the percentage of AML1/ETO, AML1/ETO+BCR/ABL1, PML/RARA, MLL/AF6 and KMT2A/MLLT10 were 14.2%, 2,9%, 8.6%, 5.7% and 2.9% respectively. Conclusions: The most common clinical presentations were anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding and bone pain. Some genetic abnormalities help classification,
prognosis and treatment for childhood acute leukemia.
Key words: Acute leukemia, children, genetic abnormalities.
Results of design and teaching 3D virtual reality model of human anatomy
Authors: Nguyen Sanh Tung , Nguyen Huu Tri , Le Van Chung , Nguyen Hoang , Nguyen Ba Luu , Nguyen Thanh Phuc , Duong Hieu , Tran Anh Hung , Le Hoang Gia Ngoc , Nguyen Minh Tam
Published: March 2023

Background: Digital learning media have been proven useful tools to meet the increasing needs of students, especially on human anatomy learning. Aims of the study: The study was to evaluate the initial results of the designing and applying in teaching a 3D virtual reality model of human anatomy at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to survey the evaluation of 2nd-year general medical students, at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in the last two consecutive academic years, including 428 students learning the anatomy of the respiratory and circulatory system with traditional method and 406 students learning with 3D virtual reality model designed
by us. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors. Results: For the 3D virtual model, 83.5% of students rated it attractive and stimulating; 80.0% enjoy learning with 3D modeling; 77.3% think that it is a useful learning resource and 70.9% of learners feel that they can actively self-study with this virtual model. Besides, when learning with the 3D virtual model, the level of stress from learning accounted for less than 16.3% of the learners and the test scores compared to learning with the traditional model were statistically higher, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Our 3D virtual reality model was initially well received by learners and contributed to the improvement of learning for medical students
Key words: anatomy, virtual model, 3D model.
Intussusception causing bowel obstruction in a child due to ectopic pancreas: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Nguyen Viet Thu , Nguyen Quynh Giang , Nguyen Van Anh
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Ectopic pancreas is a congenital anomaly in which the pancreatic tissue is located abnormally, lacking anatomical continuity with the main pancreas. This is not an uncommon anomaly, however the preoperative diagnosis is difficult and the majority of cases are diagnosed histologically after surgery. Ectopic pancreas is commonly found in the upper gastrointestinal tract (including stomach, duodenum and jejunum); rarer in the ileum. The main symptoms of ectopic pancreas in children include gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting, recurrent abdominal pain, and intussusception. In this article, we report a case of a 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with ectopic pancreas causing intussusception complicated by bowel obstruction. The patient was treated by laparotomy and recovered uneventfully. Case report: 4-year-old girl with a history of recurrent intussusception admitted with abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography showed an intussusception complicated by bowel obstruction. The child underwent laparotomy with segmental intestinal resection and was diagnosed with intussusception due to ectopic pancreatic tissue in the ileal wall based on histopathological findings. After surgery, the child recovered uneventfully. Conclusion: Ectopic pancreas is common in the gastrointestinal tract, difficult to diagnose by imaging modalities. Most of cases are diagnosed histologically after sugery. Imaging methods, particularly abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, play an important role in diagnosing the complications of ectopic pancreas such as intussusception and bowel obstruction.
Key words: ectopic pancreas, recurrent intussusception, bowel obstruction
Centering ability of waveone gold and protaper next rotary file systems in stimulated resin root canals
Authors: Do Phan Quynh Mai , Phan Anh Chi , Le Thi Ngoc Anh
Published: March 2023

Background: The combination of NiTi alloy with rotary instrument is a turning point in clinical endodontics that helps to keep the original shape of the canal, reduce the errors such as displacement of the root apex, perforation,... This study aimed to compare the enlargement, canal transportation and centering ratio of two nickel-titanium file systems, WaveOne Gold and Protaper Next. Materials and method: In this in vitro study, forty L-shaped root canals in resin blocks curvatures 400 were divided randomly into two equal groups. The root canals of one group were prepared using Protaper Next files, and the other using WaveOne Gold files. Pre-instrumentation and post-instrumentation imaging were taken for all teeth and stacked on top of each other. The enlargement, canal transportation and centering ratio were evaluated at 1 to 9 levels from the apex. Results: In the apical and middle thỉds, canals prepared with WaveOne Gold files had a greater extension than those prepared with Protaper
Next files; in coronal third, the Protaper Next group had a greater extent than the WaveOne Gold group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Root canal transportation and centering ratio were no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Both of groups were less centered in the canal at levels in curvature of the canal. Conclusion: Both of WaveOne Gold and Protaper Next were same in centering ability.
Key words: WaveOne Gold, Protaper Next, centering ability.
Programmed cell death and its role in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Nguyen Thi Huyen , Phan Thi Minh Phuong
Published: March 2023

Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death that plays a vital role in removing the redundant cells, damaged cells, or virally infected cells to help maintain homeostasis in tissues. There are three initiating pathways of apoptosis activation including the intrinsic via mitochondrial, extrinsic via death receptor, and perforin/granzyme pathway. Apoptosis is considered as a protective mechanism in the host but when this disordered program causes pathological outcomes. In SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis are associated with ORF3a and 7a proteins, respectively. Many studies showed that inappropriate apoptosis is involved in different pathogenicity and severity of COVID-19. Therefore, understanding apoptosis mechanism helps us to have new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of SARSCoV- 2 virus infection and be able to decrease the damage caused by excessive immune responses
Key words: programmed cell death, apoptosis, caspase, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19.
Superior Energy and Power Density Realized in Pb(Hf

1-
x

Ti

x

)O
3
System at Low Electric Field
Authors: Ge Peng-Zu , Tang Xin-Gui , Liu Qiu-Xiang , Jiang Yan-Ping , Guo Xiao-Bin
Published: March 2023

The development of antiferroelectric materials with large energy density and fast discharge speed makes dielectric capacitors possess great prospects for applications in pulsed power technology. Here, the PbHfO
3
-based ceramics with compositions of Pb(Hf

1-
x

Ti

x

)O
3
(PHT, 0.01 ≤
x
≤ 0.05) were synthesized, and their antiferroelectricity and phase transition behavior were studied. According to the tests of x-ray diffraction, dielectric spectrum, and polarization–electric field hysteresis loops, PHT ceramics gradually transition from an orthorhombic symmetric antiferroelectric phase to a hexagonal symmetric ferroelectric phase at room temperature as Ti
4+
concentration increases. The forward phase switching field of antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition can be markedly regulated by the introduction of Ti
4+
, and the optimal energy storage performance was obtained in Pb(Hf
0.98
Ti
0.02
)O
3
ceramics with a large recoverable energy storage density of

W
rec

~ 4.15 J/cm
3
and efficiency of
η
~ 65.3% only at a low electric field of 190 kV/cm. Furthermore, the outstanding charge–discharge properties with an ultrafast discharge time (71 ns), remarkable discharged energy density (2.84 J/cm
3
), impressive current density (1,190 A/cm
2
), and ultrahigh power density (101 MW/cm
3
) at a low electric field of 170 kV/cm were obtained in studied ceramics. The excellent energy storage performance of PHT ceramics provides a promising platform for the application of dielectric capacitors.
Fine-tuning Bacterial Cyclic di-AMP Production for Durable Antitumor Effects Through the Activation of the STING Pathway
Authors: Jiang Yu , Li Xiyuan , Qian Fenghui , Sun Bingbing , Wang Xiyuan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Deqiang , Geng Meiyu , Xie Zuoquan , Yang Sheng
Published: March 2023

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein is an important and promising innate immune target for tumor therapy. However, the instability of the agonists of STING and their tendency to cause systemic immune activation is a hurdle. The STING activator, cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (CDA), produced by the modified
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917, shows high antitumor activity and effectively reduces the systemic effects of the “off-target” caused by the activation of the STING pathway. In this study, we used synthetic biological approaches to optimize the translation levels of the diadenylate cyclase that catalyzes CDA synthesis in vitro. We developed 2 engineered strains, CIBT4523 and CIBT4712, for producing high levels of CDA while keeping their concentrations within a range that did not compromise the growth. Although CIBT4712 exhibited stronger induction of the STING pathway corresponding to in vitro CDA levels, it had lower antitumor activity than CIBT4523 in an allograft tumor model, which might be related to the stability of the surviving bacteria in the tumor tissue. CIBT4523 exhibited complete tumor regression, prolonged survival of mice, and rejection of rechallenged tumors, thus, offering new possibilities for more effective tumor therapy. We showed that the appropriate production of CDA in engineered bacterial strains is essential for balancing antitumor efficacy and self-toxicity.
Uso de Dieta Cetogénica en Epilepsia Resistente a Farmacoterapia
Authors: Rodriguez Arroyo Daniela , Sequeira Quesada Carlos , Jiménez Rivera Ariel , Santillán Zúñiga Juan , Alvarado Arguedas José Julián
Published: March 2023

La epilepsia es una enfermedad multifactorial ampliamente estudiada. Existen subgrupos de pacientes en quienes la clásica terapia farmacológica anticrisis no proporciona un adecuado control, aproximadamente un 30% de los portadores de la enfermedad. Algunos de estos pacientes se podrían beneficiar de una intervención quirúrgica como tratamiento curativo para su enfermedad. Cuando se encuentra con una persona resistente al control con anticrisis, se puede iniciar la dieta cetogénica como alternativa terapéutica paliativa. Esta opción consiste en una alimentación rica en grasas y en menor proporción proteínas y carbohidratos. Existen diferentes subtipos de dietas cetogénicas, con diferente nivel de restrictividad y se puede seleccionar una u otra dependiendo de los objetivos plantados y del trinomio paciente-sistema de salud-personal médico. Hasta un 50% de los sujetos afectados han experimentado una reducción significativa en las crisis. La mayoría de los efectos adversos se presentan a corto plazo y son previsibles por lo cual estos no tienen un peso significativo en abandono al tratamiento, respecto a los efectos a largo plazo, se necesita una ampliación en los estudios al respecto ya que no hay una posición completamente establecida al respecto.
Model Pembelajaran Think Pair Share untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa
Authors: Ulfa Andi Yurni , Halijah  , Akbar Fauzan , Mutiah Haerul , Azis Suhartini
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan model pembelajaran Think Pair Share untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar IPA siswa kelas VIIB MTs Sehati Ulutedong. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 24 orang siswa kelas VIIB. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah soal tes hasil belajar siklus I dan siklus II. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam peneli­ti­an ini menggunakan teknik tes dan observasi. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif yang ditunjukkan dalam bentuk persentase. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian secara bersiklus maka pada siklus I hasil belajar siswa yang hasil belajarnya tuntas dari siklus I (37,5%) ke siklus II (100%) dan yang tidak tuntas menurun dari siklus I (62,5%) ke siklus II (0%) Ketuntasan hasil belajar pada siklus II mencapai 100% dan telah memenuhi nilai ketuntasan klasikal yaitu 85%.Nilai rata-rata hasil belajar IPA siswa pada siklus I adalah 66,45 berada pada kategori rendah dan meningkat pada siklus II dengan nilai rata-rata 85,20 berada pada kategori tinggi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan pembahasan maka disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran Think Pair Share dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar IPA siswa kelas VIIB.
Implementasi Model Problem Based Instruction (PBI) dalam Upaya Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa
Authors: Arsyah Rahmatul Husna , Jalinus Nizwardi , Abdullah Rijal , Indah Juwita Astri
Published: March 2023

The main problem in this study is how to improve student learning outcomes by using the Problem Based Instruction (PBI) learning model. The purpose of this study is to improve student learning outcomes on network infrastructure administration material. The results of the initial condition research using interviews, observation and item analysis, class XI students of SMK N 2 Padang City as research subjects, have an average learning achievement score that is below the minimum completeness criteria (KKM). This research is a Classroom Action Research (CAR) with a procedural model developed by Kemmis and Mc. Taggart is a spiral research model that is commonly used and consists of two cycles. Each cycle consists of four stages, namely: 1) the planning stage 2) the acting stage, 3) the observing stage and 4) the reflection stage. The number of research subjects consisting of 22 students. From the research results, it was obtained data that the PBI model can improve learning outcomes in network infrastructure administration (AIJ). This is indicated by the value of the results given in the initial conditions, from 22 students, the results obtained were 55% of students who did not complete. After the action was taken in cycle 1, student learning outcomes increased to 50% of students who completed, and continued to increase in the second cycle, with a completeness percentage of 81%.