bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusing Self-Attention and Scene Prior for Text Super-Resolution
Authors: Zhou Ying , Yu Changhui , Yi Yaohua , Peng Jibing , Lin Liyu
Published: April 2024

In urban scenes, street scene text images often contain rich semantic information, which is a key cue for perceiving and understanding the scene. Recovering high-resolution text image from low-resolution text image is a challenging task due to the complex background of street scene text images, irregular text shapes, image blurring, distortion and deformation. Existing approaches mainly use recurrent neural networks to mine text-specific contextual information, which cannot effectively capture long-range correlations in text images and fail to effectively utilize the semantic information of text images. In addition, they tend to have weak generalization when dealing with cross-linguistics. Aiming at the above problems, we propose a text-image super-resolution method that fuses self-attention and scene prior. Firstly, a text recognition network and a semantic segmentation network are used to extract prior features, which are fused with the image visual features through a prior interpreter to realize the effective utilization of text semantic and visual information. Then the recursive information in the text line is extracted by Transformer, and the sequence information is extracted by using the global visibility of multi-head attention to establish the correlation between the front and back characters, to solve the problem of performance degradation when the model is processing long text. Finally, the ability of the model to extract text contour and process deformed text is enhanced by gradient profile loss and text structure-aware loss. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of our method in TextZoom's three types of test sets is higher than that of the baseline model TSRN 4%, and the average values of the metrics in PSNR and SSIM reach 21.34 and 78.39, which effectively improves the application effect of the text super-resolution model in real scenes.
From Pixels to Prepositions: Linking Visual Perception with Spatial Prepositions far and near
Authors: R Krishna Raj S , V Srinivasa Chakravarthy , Sahoo Anindita
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Human language is influenced by sensory-motor experiences. Sensory experiences gathered in a spatiotemporal world are used as raw material to create more abstract concepts. In language, one way to encode spatial relationships is through spatial prepositions. Spatial prepositions that specify the proximity of objects in space, like far and near or their variants, are found in most languages. The mechanism for determining the proximity of another entity to itself is a useful evolutionary trait. From the taxic behavior in unicellular organisms like bacteria to the tropism in the plant kingdom, this behavior can be found in almost all organisms. In humans, vision plays a critical role in spatial localization and navigation. This computational study analyzes the relationship between vision and spatial prepositions using an artificial neural network.
Methods: For this study, a synthetic image dataset was created, with each image featuring a 2D projection of an object placed in 3D space. The objects can be of various shapes, sizes, and colors. A Convolutional Neural Network is trained to classify the objectin the images as far or near based on a set threshold. The study mainly explores two visual scenarios: objects confined to a plane (grounded) and objects not confined to a plane (ungrounded), while also analyzing the influence of camera placement.
Results: The classification performance is high for the grounded case, demonstrating that the problem of far/near classification is well-defined for grounded objects, given that the camera is at a sufficient height. The network performance showed that depth can be determined in grounded cases only from monocular cues with high accuracy, given the camera is at an adequate height. The difference in the network’s performance between grounded and ungrounded cases can be explained using the physical properties of the retinal imaging system.
Conclusions: The task of determining the distance of an object from individual images in the dataset is challenging as they lack any background cues. Still, the network performance shows the influence of spatial constraints placed on the image generation process in determining depth. The results show that monocular cues significantly contribute to depth perception when all the objects are confined to a single plane. A set of sensory inputs(images) and a specific task (far/near classification) allowed us to obtain the aforementioned results. The visual task, along with reaching and motion, may enable humans to carve the space into various spatial prepositional categories like far and near. The network’s performance and how it learns to classify between far and near provided insights into certain visual illusions that involve size constancy.
Bacillus multifaciens sp. nov., isolated from the baobaoqu fermentation environment for producing Wuliangye baijiu
Authors: Luo Qingchun , Lu Yanping , Liu Duotao , Li Yuzhu , Zhao Dong , Zheng Jia
Published: April 2024

An aerobic, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated as WLY-B-L8T, was isolated from the air of Wuliangye baobaoqu production workshop for producing Wuliangye baijiu in Yibin city (Sichuan province, China). The strain was strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-positive with straight or somewhat with rod shape cells 1.2-1.9 μm wide and 1.7-4.8 μm long, arranged singly or in pairs. The isolate was able to grow at temperatures of 20-42°C (optimum growth at 40°C), at pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum growth at pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum growth with 1% NaCl). Ribose, xylose, arabinose, mannose, glucose and galactose were the major cell-wall sugar. The meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) was the diagnostic amino acid. The main polar lipids of WLY-B-L8T included diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified aminolipids (UAL 1-2), unidentified aminophospholipid (UAPL), unidentified aminoglycolipid (UAGL) and unidentified lipid (UL). MK-7 was predominant menaquinone and iso-C15:0 (23.0%) was the major fatty acid. Comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that WLY-B-L8T was most closely related to Bacillus rhizoplanae JJ-63 DSM 12442T (98.71%), Bacillus pseudomycoides DSM 12442T (98.21%) and Bacillus cytotoxicus NVH 391-98T (98.14%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values strain WLY-B-L8T and the three type strains mentioned above were 88.24%, 80.57% and 78.70%. Additionally, the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between them is 36.7%, 26.1% and 23.9%. The genomic DNA G+C content was 35.97%. Based on the evidence presented here, WLY-B-L8T (CICC 25210T = JCM 36284T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, designated as Bacillus multifaciens sp. nov, that could produce volatile flavor components, such as 2-pipendinone, phenylethyl alcohol, hydrocinnamic acid and acetoin.
Efficient and Robust Power System Contingency Screening
Authors: Lindi Teshome , Shewarega Fekadu
Published: April 2024

The increasing contribution of renewable resources and the electricity market liberalization creates variety of scenarios’ that may lead power systems close to their operation limits. Online dynamic security assessment of the power systems is thus needed, in order to provide operators with a clear insight of the present system state. The online application of dynamic security assessment to a network requires fast and accurate methods to screen contingencies. This paper introduces a fast and robust contingency screening method. Based on the most current system snapshot, a list of credible contingencies are simulated by using Adaptive step-size Differential Transformation method (AsDTM) and severity indices are evaluated as the weighted sum of squares of error from the simulation results of both state variables and complex bus voltages and normalized for each contingency in the list. Based on these severity indices critical contingencies are screened and listed. This novel approach not only reduces the time performances but also improves the accuracy of resulting indices The proposed method is tested on IEEE 9-bus and New England 39-bus test systems. Capered with classical differential transformation and Fourth Order Rangkutta(Rk4) based simulation and contingency screening methods, the proposed method improves the performance speed by 35% − 92.26% for IEEE 9 bus test system and 35.29%- 90.77% for 39bus test system respectively. Therefore, the simulation and analysis results reveal that the proposed method is faster, robust and can be used with an online dynamic security assessment tools. .
A new fourth-order difference scheme with a temporal graded mesh for a nonlinear partial integrodifferential equation with the multi-term weakly singular kernels
Authors: Li Caojie , Zhang Haixiang , Yang Xuehua
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider a new fourth-order difference scheme for solving a nonlinear partial integrodifferential equation with the multi-term weakly singular kernels. First, we obtain a temporal semi-discrete scheme by using the Crank-Nicolson (C-N) method, product-integration (P-I) rule and linear interpolation. Then, we employ the reduced order method and two compact operators to discretize the spatial direction, and finally obtain a linearized fully discrete difference scheme on a graded mesh with the convergence of second-order in time and fourth-order in space. The main contribution of this paper is improve the theoretical and numerical results in [1, 2] and only the linear systems are solved. We prove the theoretical properties of our established scheme, where the existence, uniqueness and convergence are obtained. At the end of the paper, two examples are given, where the numerical results are in line with our theoretical expectations.
Correlations between photoreceptor cell and retinal blood flow parameters in low to moderate myopia by adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yingfan , Liu Changgeng , Ming Shuai , Guo Qingge , Lei Bo , Liu Qian
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To study the association between photoreceptor cell and blood flow parameters of low to moderate myopia via novel adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO).
Design: A prospective study.
Methods: The 158 subjects were divided into three groups according tospherical equivalent. AOSLO was used to quantify the spatial characteristics of photoreceptor cell, including density, spacing, regularity, and dispersion; to measure fundus vascular blood flow, including vessel wall thickness (VW), lumen diameter (LD), vessel diameter (VD), the wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR), the cross-sectional area of the vascular wall (WCSA), and blood flow velocity; and to evaluate the association between cells and blood flow parameters using ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.
Results: With the increase of diopter, the significant difference of photoreceptor cell spacing increased gradually (P<0.001), and was positively correlated with axial length (AL) and LD, it was negatively correlated with spherical equivalent (SE), cell density and WLR. The differences of LD, VD and WCSA increased with the increase of diopter (P=0.007; P=0.008; P=0.038). There was a positive correlation between LD, AL, VW, VD, WCSA, blood flow velocity and velocity standard deviation. LD, VD and WCSA were negatively correlated with SE.
Conclusions: Photoreceptor cell spacing, LD, VD, and WCSA exhibited positive correlations with AL, while displaying negative correlations with SE. Cell spacing demonstrated a negative correlation with cell density. There was significant positive correlation between LD, VD, VW and WCSA, and they were positively correlated with blood flow velocity; whereas VD and WCSA were significantly positively with gender. The findings may help to understand the occurrence and development mechanism of myopia, and have potential value in clinical assessment of pathological changes in myopic retinopathy.
Nonlinear Step Responses and How to Find Them
Authors: Mrazík Lukáš , Mareš Jan , Friess Karel
Published: April 2024

The unit step response is a~standard tool for experimental identification; its shape is equivalent to a solution of an appropriate governing equation. In this study, we investigate two variants of non-linear first-order governing equations, y′ = 1 − yβ and y′ = (1 − yβ)/β. We explore a~continuum of response shapes, ranging from constant zero to constant one, including standard shapes such as 1 − exp(−t) and arctanh(t), but also uncommon shapes such as a part of the logarithmic integral. Two methods for estimating the parameter β are proposed: one based on analyzing the curvature of a~single response and the other based on analyzing initial slopes for multiple responses while varying the amplitude of the step. Our investigation is conducted in the context of gas permeation through a~homogeneous porous medium, where nonlinear response shapes have been observed. This context allows for a~meaningful interpretation of the results, consistent with expectations for specific thermodynamic processes. However, neither methods is constrained by this context, and either might be considered for any first-order system that fails to have amplitude-scale invariance or for which the shapes seem to exhibit an effect of saturation.
Rehabilitating workers aged 55 and over: professionals’ perspectives and solutions
Authors: Durand Marie-José , Coutu Marie-France , Lecours Alexandra , Léonard Guillaume , Lederer Valérie , Nastasia Iuliana , Carrière Junie , Paquette Marie-Andrée
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Work disability affects a growing number of workers aged 55 and over (W55+). While rehabilitation programs have demonstrated efficacy for workers with an average age of 42, they often have not been designed to meet unique needs of aging workers. This study aimed to describe the difficulties encountered by work rehabilitation professionals and explore their solutions for improving services offered to W55+.
Methods
This study used a simple descriptive design with purposive sampling. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists were mainly recruited in private clinics. An interview guide based on the Work Disability Paradigm, was pretested and used with the participants. Qualitative interviews were conducted with work rehabilitation professionals and then transcribed. A thematic analysis was performed.
Results
The sample consisted of fourteen (15) participants (average age 38 years) with near equal representation across genders and disciplines. Difficulties were identified in relation to the (1) characteristics of W55+, (2) work environment, (3) compensation system, and (4) communication among stakeholders. Five solutions were proposed to improve the services offered: provide healthcare professionals with access to tools and training, implement communication mechanisms, integrate a return-to-work coordinator, develop a joint action plan for managing W55+, and implement an integrative prevention approach in workplaces.
Conclusions
Our results represent a first step in mapping various stakeholders’ needs to ensure better support for W55 + with work disabilities. These results delineate a roadmap for future research that should expand upon these stakeholders’ perspectives to provide a more comprehensive description of their needs and potential solutions.
A Novel Multi-Level Perceptron-Based Controller Design Used in Wind Turbine Output Power Stability
Authors: Civelek Zafer
Published: April 2024

Controllers are very used devices in industry. Basically, they can be divided into two main classes, classical and modern controllers. Classical controllers are controllers created in the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) basic structure. Modern controllers are controllers that have fuzzy logic, neural network and heuristic optimization methods in their inside. In addition, controllers with a hybrid, which are a mixture of classic and modern controllers, can be considered as a third class. In this study, one of the modern control methods, neural network-based, online-trained multi level perceptron (MLP) controller is proposed. In this study, along with online training as new, the error of the controlled system was used to train the MLP network. The application of the developed controller has been used to limit the energy output of the turbine at wind speeds above the rated wind speed by controlling the blade pitch angles of a wind turbine. The simulations were conducted in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The results show that the new MLP controller can successfully control the outputs of the wind turbine.
RETRACTED: Occupational exposure to heavy metal dust and its hazardous effects on non-ferrous foundry workers' health
Authors: Fahim Yosri A. , Hasani Ibrahim W. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Abdelhakim Heba K. , Sharaf Nevin E. , Lasheen Noha N
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Factors predicting suicidality in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Chen Jen-Ping , Cheng Chih-Ming , Li Cheng-Ta
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Suicide is a serious complication for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there has not been a broadly accepted scoring system for the assessment of suicidal risk in these patients. This study developed a new model to estimate the risk of suicide in patients with MDD through clinical and sociodemographic factors.
Methods: A total of 288 patients with MDD who made their first visit to our outpatient department were enrolled. Objective variables were thoroughly assessed and evaluated. Suicidal ideation was used as the dependent variable. Univariable logistic regression was used for the selection of variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for the selected variables to build our model, and an ROC curve was generated for analysis.
Results: Past suicidal attempt (p<0.001), number of failed antidepressant categories (p=0.001), disease onset earlier than 25 years old (p=0.011), high disease severity (p=0.002), previous psychiatric ward admission (p=0.001), and recurrent MDD (p=0.045) were found to lead to higher suicide risks. A six-item model including these factors was then derived from the multivariable logistic regression (area under curve = 0.768, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Six clinical variables were included in our model. This model can serve as a valuable reference to prompt the modification and invention of alternative rating scales in the future.
Role of Circulating Inflammatory Proteins in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
Authors: Lin Na , Chen FengLin
Published: April 2024

Background: Alterations in circulating inflammatory proteins are strongly associated with the progression of chronic hepatitis B (Chon B); however, the nature of this causal relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the association between circulating inflammatory proteins and CHB.
Methods: Data for 91 circulating inflammatory proteins, including interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and two CHB databases were sourced from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) catalog and International Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS project, respectively. MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting and several robustness, heterogeneity, and directionality checks, including MR-Egger, Cochran’s Q, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and Steiger analyses. The variability of MR estimates for overlapping circulating inflammatory proteins across CHB datasets were evaluated using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) annotations of genes potentially linked to CHB infection.
Results: We identified 4,044 SNPs associated with CHB and circulating inflammatory proteins; nine proteins correlated with CHB in the ebi-a-GCST90018804 dataset, whereas seven associated with CHB in the bbj-a-99 dataset. Heterogeneity assessment in both datasets excluded proteins with significant heterogeneity and confirmed the hypothesized direction of causality using Steiger’s test. Meta-analysis revealed that IL-13 was associated with an increased CHB risk, whereas monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3) was associated with a decreased risk; these effects were consistent across the two datasets. An additional 32 genes associated with CHB infection were identified.
Conclusion: IL-13 and MCP-3 demonstrate a causal relationship with CHB; they hold promise as inflammatory markers of CHB risk and potential targets for future therapeutic strategies against this disease.
Effect of bedside ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided transvenous cardiac temporary pacing in children with bradyarrhythmia
Authors: Wang Yefeng , Zuo Chao , Wang Xiang , Xiao Yunbin , Zeng Min , Yang Yufang , Chen Zhi
Published: April 2024

To compare the efficacy and safety of bedside ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided transvenous cardiac temporary pacing in the treatment of bradyarrhythmia in children. Children treated by temporary intravenous cardiac pacing from January 2016 to June 2023 in Hunan Provincial Children's Hospital were enrolled, and the characteristics and data of the cases were summarized. Patients were divided into bedside ultrasound-guided group (ultrasound group) and fluoroscopy-guided group (fluoroscopy group) according to the implantation guidance methods. The efficacy, safety and incidence of complications in children were compared, and follow-up analysis was carried out. A total of 30 children were enrolled, including 18 males and 12 females, with a median age of 5.5 (2.9, 10.0) years and a median weight of 18.7 (12.7, 32.7) kg. The most common primary diseases were fulminant myocarditis (13/30 cases) and congenital high-grade AVB (10/30 cases). Among them, the proportion of congenital high AVB in the fluoroscopy group was significantly higher than that in the ultrasound group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.007). The implantation process was successful in all 30 children. From the time of pacing decision to implantation, the median time of ultrasound group was 56 (30,60) min, and that of fluoroscopy group was 154 (78,180) min, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). A total of 5 cases developed complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with traditional fluoroscopic temporary pacing, bedside ultrasound-guided temporary pacing technology can effectively shorten the operation time and reduce the occurrence of complications, and has become a better choice for children's emergency and critical care treatment. The right internal jugular vein is preferred for intravenous implantation.
A Miniaturized Enhanced Gain Wideband Metamaterial Loaded Planar Inverted F-L Implant Antenna
Authors: Salama Sanaa , ZYOUD D. , Abuelhaija Associate , Saleh Associate
Published: April 2024

The antenna presented in this work is a planar inverted F-L (PIFLIA) implant antenna. The PIFLIA characteristics are improved by loading it with a metamaterial. A metamaterial is an artificial material engineered having properties that are unavailable in nature. The metamaterial is designed using an H-shaped split rectangular resonator as the unit cell. Unit cells are the main element of metamaterials. The antenna is constructed on a substrate material of RO3010. To reduce the antenna's size and enhance its bandwidth, a 2x2 array of the metamaterial unit cell is printed on the opposite side of the substrate. While, the planar inverted F-L antenna is on the upper side of the substrate. This arrangement results in a compact antenna structure. The size of the metamaterial-loaded PIFLA antenna is specified as 16 × 10 × 1.28 mm³. The structure and simulation of the proposed antenna are performed using CST (Computer Simulation Technology) software, a popular tool for electromagnetic simulations. The relative permittivity, ε_r, relative permeability, μ_r, and refractive index, n of the metamaterial unit cell are determined from the scattering parameters and plotted using Matlab, a high-level programming language commonly used for numerical simulations and data analysis. The simulated S_11 of the antenna indicates excellent performance with less than -32 dB return loss in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band and the medical implant communication services (MICS) band. Additionally, the antenna supports a wide frequency bandwidth, including the MICS band [393.3 – 412.64 MHz], the ISM band [2 – 2.6 GHz], and two additional frequency bands: [1.2 – 1.3 GHz] and [2.8 - 3.6 GHz]. The introduced metamaterial-loaded PIFLA implant antenna is implemented, and the measurements were in consistent with the simulation results.
Exchange prices shocks and inflation rate persistence for north African countries: a fractional cointegration relationship
Authors: BENKHELOUF Rachid , SAHED Abdelkader
Published: April 2024

This study aims to analyse the relationship between exchange rate and inflation rates persistence in North African countries (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco) to determine the extent of inflation persistence in face to exchange rate shocks from January 1987 to April 2023 using the recently developed Fractional Cointegration Model. This topic was chosen due to its significance for monetary policymakers, investors, financial analysts and academics in understanding the dynamics of inflation persistence in North African countries. Our results also showed that Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco has a co-integration relationship between exchange rate and the inflation rate, As exchange rate shocks cause permanent inflation persistence in Algeria and the variation in the inflation rate in Tunisia will persistence for a longer period due to the shock of exchange rate before eventually fading away and the change in the persistence of inflation rate in a Morocco due to an exchange rate shock will fade away within a short period.
Interplay of Natural and Anthropogenic Inputs on the Groundwater Contamination of Beenaganj-Chachura Block
Authors: Murthy Yogesh Iyer , Ahirwar Sanjeev , Samaiya Nitin
Published: April 2024

The present research work investigates the impact of natural and anthropogenic inputs on the chemistry and quality of the groundwater in the Beenaganj-Chachura block of Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 50 groundwater samples were examined for Nitrates, Fluoride, chlorides, TDS, Calcium, Magnesium, pH, total hardness and conductivity and their impact on Entropy Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) and Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG) was investigated via the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using the Central Composite Design (CCD). According to analytical findings, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Chloride ions (Cl−), Sulphate ions (SO42−), and Nitrate ions (NO3−) exceed the Desired Limit (DL) and permitted limit (PL) set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to PIG findings, 76%, 16%, and 8% of groundwater samples, respectively, fell into the insignificant, low, and moderate pollution categories. The regression coefficients of the quadratic RSM models for the experimental data provided excellent results. Thus, RSM provides an excellent means to obtain the optimized values of input parameters to minimize the PIG values.
Longitudinal study of foot-and-mouth disease virus in Northern Nigeria: implications for the roles of small ruminants and environmental contamination in endemic settings
Authors: Gubbins Simon , Brown Emma , Wungak Yiltawe , Oyekan Olumuyiwa , Adedeji Adeyinka J. , Ijoma Sandra I. , Atai Rebecca B. , Oguche Moses O. , Samson Mark , Dogonyaro Banenat B. , Rosso Fabrizio , Hicks Hayley , Wood Britta A. , Wadsworth Jemma , Knowles Nick , King Donald P. , Ludi Anna B. , Colenutt Claire , Shaw Andrew E. , Limon Georgina , Ehizibolo David O.
Published: April 2024

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed ungulates. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the role of small ruminants and environmental contamination in the epidemiology and endemicity of FMD. A longitudinal study was conducted between March 2021 and October 2021 in northern Nigeria, where monthly samples were collected from five households, one livestock market and one transhumance location in two local government areas (LGA) identified as being at high risk of FMD. Serum samples (n = 783), oral swabs (n = 424) and environmental swabs (n = 458) were collected and tested for the presence of FMDV RNA by rRT-PCR. Serum samples (n = 780) were also tested for the presence of antibodies against FMD virus (FMDV) non-structural proteins. The proportion of FMDV RNA positive samples increased in all sample types collected in one LGA during the period when an FMD outbreak was reported in the same LGA. In contrast, sero-positive samples did not differ by month but differed between LGAs and amongst species. The force of infection (FOI) estimated from age-seroprevalence data for each household was significantly lower in goats compared with both cattle or sheep. Five O/EA-3 topotype sequences were obtained from selected FMDV RNA positive samples; findings which support the use of environmental swabs to detect circulating FMDV strains in endemic settings. These results show oral and environmental swabs are suitable sampling methods for early detection at animal and herd level respectively, and provide insights on the role of small ruminants on FMD epidemiology.
HOLISTIC POLICY MAKING AND GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AS A DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR POVERTY ERADICATION SUCCESS IN UGANDA 1986 - 2020
Authors:   Senior Lecturer of Governance Kabale University P.O. Box 317 Kabale, Uganda., Mucunguzi (PhD) Abel
Published: April 2024

The degree of poverty eradication outcomes of any poverty eradication policy intervention depends on the nature of the poverty eradication policy formulated and on the governance environment within which the policy is formulated and implemented. The more holistic a poverty eradication policy is, the more likely it is to produce positive and sustainable poverty reduction outcomes and vice versa but also conditional to the extent of good governance so accorded in the policy making environment. The study was conducted in Uganda covering the governance period 1986â€“ 2020 and it employed a multiple case study design as well as a combination of quantitative and qualitative research designs.
A CLINICAL CASE OF A PRIMARY PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA PRESENTING WITH HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM
Authors:   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Ismail Zahra , Amar Sidebatt ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Rafi Sana ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., El Mghari Ghizlane ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., El Ansari Nawal ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco.
Published: April 2024

Primary empty sella (PES) is a rare condition characterized by the herniation of the subarachnoid space into the sellaturcica, with variable filling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We present a clinical case of a 19-year-old male with primary partial empty sella who presented with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition typically observed in females at an older age. The patient exhibited delayed puberty with characteristic hormonal abnormalities and bilateral atrophic testicles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a partial empty sella with preserved pituitary function. Hormonal replacement therapy was initiated, leading to improved virilization however, fertility induction was unsuccessful despite intervention. The etiology of PES remains unclear, with proposed mechanisms involving sellar and pituitary factors. Genetic studies have identified candidate genes associated with PES development. Hormonal replacement therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, aiming to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in male patients with PES, with consideration for comprehensive therapeutic approaches, including fertility induction where appropriate.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON MARMA THERAPY ANDAGNIKARMA THERAPY
Authors:   Asst. Professor, Rachana Sharir, Late B.V. Kale &ManjaraAyurved College & Hospital, Latur., Anand Pawar Sumol , Turak Shubham ,   PG Scholar, Rachana Sharir, Late B.V. Kale &ManjaraAyurved College & Hospital, Latur.
Published: April 2024

This abstract explores the research on Marma Therapy and Agnikarma Therapy, two traditional Ayurvedic healing modalities, in great detail. Marma Therapy emphasizes harmony in the body, mind, and spirit through the manipulation of essential energy points for overall health. Agnikarma Therapy uses heat applications to treat pain and musculoskeletal problems. The review delves into their concepts, historical underpinnings, effectiveness as treatments, and incorporation into contemporary healthcare. Though they have Ayurvedic roots, Marma and Agnikarma offer unique perspectives on focused pain management and holistic wellness, respectively. Comprehending their distinct characteristics facilitates a sophisticated evaluation of these treatments within the framework of complementary and alternative medicine.
INTERRELATION BETWEENCARDIAC CONDUCTION ANOMALIES AND RADIOLOGICALFEATURES OF FAHRS SYNDROME: AFACT OR COINCIDENCE? CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITTERATURE
Authors:   Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital Souissi, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Ziani G. , Azouzi R. EL ,   Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital Souissi, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Doghmi N. ,   Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital Souissi, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Cherti M. ,   Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital Souissi, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:Fahrs syndrome is a rare, slowly progressive, neurodegenerativedisorder, characterized by extensive, bilateral, and symmetrical basal ganglia calcification. It isassociatedwithneuropsychiatric manifestations and gradually progressive cognitive impairment. Fahrs syndrome is the secondaryform of brain calcification thatiscaused by variousmetabolic, infectious, or degenerativediseases. Case report:An old manwasadmittedto ourdepartmentwithrecurrentepisodes of syncope. An electrocardiogramrevealedcomplete AV block.Laboratoryresultsdisclosedhypocalcemia, pseudo hypoparathyroidism, and hyperphosphatemia. Computedtomographyrevealedintracranial calcifications suggestiveofFahrs syndrome. Conclusion:Fahrs syndrome is a rare anatomo-clinical and radiologicalentity, with multiple clinical and etiological aspects. The pathophysiologicalmechanism of the lesionsremainspoorlyunderstood, even more cardiacfeaturesthatmaycause, but is set to benefitfromadvances in functionalneuroimaging.
FOREST AND ITS RESOURCES IN PRE-COLONIAL MIZORAM
Authors:   Associate Professor, Dept. of History, Govt. J. Thankima College, Aizawl, Mizoram, India., Vanlalruati C. , V.L. Thlanga Samuel ,   Associate Professor, Dept. of History, Govt. Aizawl West College, Aizawl, Mizoram, India.
Published: April 2024

Northeastern Indias Mizoram state is landlocked and surrounded by Bangladesh on the west and Myanmar on the east and south. It shares boundaries with Manipur and Assam to the north, and with Tripura to some extent to the west. The hill forests are an essential resource that indigenous groups rely on for their way of life. Because of the biomass these trees produced and the occasional removal of those woods for farming, Mizorams livelihoods were formerly totally depended on those forests. More precisely, jhuming was the only source of income for the pre-colonial Lushai civilization, with some hunting and gathering providing additional support. Thus, forest land is a pivot around which the peoples lives revolve their hunting, festivals, farming, and migration patterns all center on the area they own. People in traditional societies rely heavily on wild plants for sustenance, medicine, and leisure. That was especially true during the pre-colonial era, when the majority of items used were made of vegetative materials that could be found in the nearby forest. The sociocultural resource domain appeared to be limitless to the early inhabitants. There was not much competition for space because of the incredibly low population density.
Lógicas institucionais e organizações no contexto brasileiro: contribuições possíveis e em busca de uma agenda de pesquisa eclética, ecumênica e sincrética
Authors: Adamoglu de Oliveira Samir , Crubellate João Marcelo , Rossoni Luciano
Published: April 2024

Introdução e problematização da edição especial “Lógicas institucionais e organizações no contexto brasileiro”, considerando o potencial do enfoque cultural da, apostando ser esse um caminho promissor para a renovação dos Estudos Organizacionais de matriz local.
Wearable health monitoring: wave of the future or waste of time?
Authors: Hudock Nicholas L , Hughes Hunter , Shaheen Nour , Ramadan Abdelraouf , Parikh Kinna , Anamika FNU , Jain Rohit
Published: April 2024

Background: Atrial fibrillation is responsible for over 400,000 hospitalizations in the United States (US) each year. This costs the US health system over 4 billion each year. New smartwatches can constantly monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and even heart rhythm. The FDA has provided clearance for select smartwatches to detect arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.
Findings: These devices are not currently widely implemented as diagnostic tools. In this review, we delve into the mechanism of how smartwatches work as healthcare tools and how they capture health data. Additionally, we analyze the reliability of the data collected by smartwatches and the accuracy of their sensors in monitoring health parameters. Moreover, we explore the accessibility of smartwatches as healthcare tools and their potential to promote self- care among individuals. Finally, we assess the outcomes of using smartwatches in healthcare, including the limited studies on the clinical effects and barriers to uptake by the community.
Conclusion: Although smartwatches are accurate for the detection of atrial fibrillation, they still face many hurdles, including access to aging populations and trust in the medical community.
Plant as Potential Resources for Efficacious Essential Oils: Underpinning Aromatherapy Evolution
Authors: Misra Pragati , Pandey Ghanshyam , Pandey Shambhavi , Singh Atul , Chaurasia Arun K. , Lal Eugenia P. , Agnihotry Shikha , Srivastav Ajeet Kumar , Shukla Pradeep Kumar
Published: April 2024

The basis of healthcare has been medicinal plants from the dawn of
humanity. For over 4000 years, people have carefully documented and passed down
through generations the various ways in which these have been utilized. The Indian
Vedic literature, which dates to roughly 2000 BC, contains a list of around 700 compounds. Cinnamon, spikenard, ginger, myrrh, coriander, and sandalwood are a few of
these. Since ancient times, aromatic plant parts and oils have been used for their
therapeutic and culinary characteristics, as well as to produce incense, perfumes,
cosmetics, and for incense sticks. Ritual use was widespread in early cultures, where it
served both sacred and therapeutic objectives that were intricately intertwined. Since
prehistoric times, plant essential oils have been utilized in foods, aromatherapy,
perfumes, cosmetics, spices, and alimentation. They have also been applied in other
medical procedures and phytotherapy. In the current era of pharmaceutical science,
interest in herbal medicines has grown relative to conventional or synthetic treatments
because they are more affordable, more widely accepted, compatible with human
physiology, and have fewer adverse effects. The medicinal properties and applications
of an expanding number of emerging essential oils have been researched and
documented by pharmacists. The interest in analysing their bioactivity has progressed
owing to their widespread use, particularly the recently investigated antibacterial,
antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. The traditional Indian or Ayurvedic
system of medicine, as well as other ecumenical customary systems, would be
transformed if plant predicated knowledge were to be incorporated. The uses of
numerous plants for therapeutic, medical, aesthetic, psychological, olfactory, massage,
aromatherapy, and other associated issues are examined in this chapter.
Essential Oils Toxicity and Conflicts
Authors: Shukla Archana , Kushwaha Angel , Sanju Suman , Spring Priyanka , Kumar Ashwani , Misra Pragati , Shukla Pradeep Kumar
Published: April 2024

The importance of medicinal plants in enhancing people's lives all around
the world is undeniable. The primary metabolites of therapeutic plants are essential
oils, which are widely used in a variety of businesses since their biological qualities
were first identified in mythology. The biological effects of essential oils include
insecticidal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. These distinctive
qualities raise their attraction and favourability in several international businesses.
They are crucial as scent providers in the cosmetics business and have been employed
as food preservatives in the food sector. Surprisingly, some components of essential
oils are used in medicine since research has shown that some plant-based essential oils
may be able to prevent, delay, or even reverse the growth of cancerous cells, the current
focus is on investigating aromatherapy's potential in terms of Essential Oils biological
qualities. This chapter's goal is to present a short and in-depth examination of Essential
Oils’ cytotoxicity, activity, therapeutic and pharmacological potential, and common
misunderstandings regarding these issues.
Advances in Microbial Study for Crop Improvement
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Mishra Neelam , Thomas Sherin , Narasanna Rahul , Jambaladinni Kalant , Kagolla Priscilla , Gautam Ashish , Thakur Anamika , Vishwakarma Abhaypratap , Agsar Dayanand , Pandey Manish K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: April 2024

Now and in the future, meeting the global demand for healthy food for the
ever-increasing population is a crucial challenge. In the last seven decades, agricultural
practices have shifted to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to achieve higher
yields. Despite the huge contribution of synthetic fertilizers in agronomy, their adverse
effects on the environment, natural microbial habitat, and human health cannot be
underrated. Besides, synthetic fertilizers are manufactured from non-renewable sources
such as earth mining or rock exploitation. In this context, understanding and exploiting
soil microbiota appears promising to enhance crop production without jeopardizing the
environment and human health. This chapter reviews the historical as well as current
research efforts made in identifying the interaction between soil microbes and root
exudates for crop improvement. First, microbial consortium viz. bacteria, algae, fungi,
and protozoa are briefly discussed. Then, the application of bio-stimulants followed by
genome editing of microbes for crop improvement is summarized. Finally, the
perspectives and opportunities to produce bioenergy and bio-fertilizers are analyzed.
Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Adults: Observational Study Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Han Sujeong , Oh Bumjo , Kim Ho Jun , Hwang Seo Eun , Kim Jong Seung
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reflects an individual's perception of their physical and mental health over time. Despite numerous studies linking physical activity to improved HRQoL, most rely on self-reported data, limiting the accuracy and generalizability of findings. This study leverages objective accelerometer data to explore the association between physical activity and HRQoL in Korean adults.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between objectively measured physical activity using accelerometers and HRQoL among Korean adults, aiming to inform targeted interventions for enhancing HRQoL through physical activity.

METHODS

This observational study included 1298 participants aged 19-64 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VI, who wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire, and physical activity was quantified as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity accelerometer-total (MVPA-AT) and accelerometer-bout (MVPA-AB). Data were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the odds ratio (ORs) for low HRQoL, adjusting for socioeconomic variables and mental health factors.

RESULTS

Participants with higher HRQoL were younger, more likely to be male, single, highly educated, employed in white-collar jobs, and had higher household incomes. They also reported less stress and better subjective health status. The high HRQoL group had significantly more participants meeting MVPA-AB ≥600 metabolic equivalents (P<.01). Logistic regression showed that participants meeting MVPA-AB ≥600 metabolic equivalents had higher odds of high HRQoL (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.11-2.17). Adjusted models showed consistent results, although the association weakened when adjusting for mental health factors (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.09).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates a significant association between HRQoL and moderate to vigorous physical activity sustained for at least 10 minutes, as measured by accelerometer. These findings support promoting physical activity, particularly sustained moderate to vigorous activity, to enhance HRQoL. Further interventional studies focusing on specific physical activity domains such as occupational, leisure-time, and commuting activities are warranted.

CLINICALTRIAL
Study on the English-Chinese Translation of Linguistic Terms From the Perspective of Skopos Theory
Authors: Xiao Xinyue
Published: April 2024

The development of linguistics in China is closely related to the terminology of the discipline and its translation. With the increasing number of linguistic terms, the translation of terms is bound to be inconsistent and even chaotic. Based on an overview of the characteristics of linguistic terms and their translation bottlenecks, the translation and clarity of linguistic terms are crucial in interpreting complex linguistic theories. Therefore, it is imperative to explore, identify and correct the translation of linguistic terms and put forward the feasible ways of translation. As far as the translation of linguistic terms is concerned, hermeneutic theory is operable in this application, and many problems in the translation of linguistic terms can be reasonably explained and caused by hermeneutic theory. Based on the translation practice of linguistic terms, this paper discusses the translation methods of linguistic terms from the perspective of Skopos theory, combining the theoretical research of Skopos theory with the author’s translation practice.