bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baeckea frutescens L.: A Review on Phytochemistry, Biosynthesis, Synthesis, and Pharmacology
Authors: Huong Do Thi Lan , Xuan Duc Dau , The Son Ninh
Published: July 2023

Background

In traditional medicine of Southeast Asian countries, Baeckea frutescens L. (family Myrtaceae) has a long history of use. Numerous research projects have shown that this plant contains metabolites with remarkable medicinal value. No review document, to date, has given an insight into the role of B frutescens constituents in pharmacological development.

Objective

The current review briefly offers crucial information on the phytochemistry, biosynthesis, synthesis, and pharmacology of B frutescens.

Methods

B frutescens is the most meaningful keyword to search for literature data. It was used either on its own or in combination with other keywords. References have been gathered from various resources such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, and PubMed. More than 50 electronic references were collected from the 1960s.

Results

Approximately 130 metabolites have been isolated and structurally determined from this medicinal plant. They included phloroglucinols, phloroglucinol-based meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, chromones, 5-membered ring compounds, and others. B frutescens fresh tissues were thought to be a rich resource of essential oils. Tasmanone is a precursor in the biosynthesis of various B frutescens compounds, while phloroglucinol derivatives can be seen as initial compounds in the synthetic procedures of various B frutescens molecules. B frutescens plant extracts and compounds isolated from them possess a variety of pharmacological properties, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatoid, skin protective, and mosquito larvicidal activities.

Conclusion

More experimental reports on phytochemistry and pharmacology are required. In vivo pharmacological studies on the mechanisms of action of the active compounds are urgently required since most of the results obtained so far have been from in vitro assays.
Laughing at Politicians to Make Justice: The Moral Component of Humor in Appraising Politicians
Authors: Mendiburo-Seguel Andrés , Alenda Stephanie , Páez Darío , Navia Patricio
Published: July 2023

A recent line of research in the field of humor has proposed the existence of two morally based comic styles. One of them, corrective humor (or satire), seeks to ridicule and mock to establish justice. In contrast, benevolent humor attempts to correct deviances using humor in a friendly manner understanding human imperfections. Considering their focus on correcting what is perceived as morally wrong, in this study we seek to examine how these styles can affect the evaluation that is made of politicians after being exposed to humor that attacks them. To achieve this, we conducted an experiment in which three groups had to evaluate two politicians after being exposed to different stimuli (memes that ridiculed them, images with the same content without its humorous content, or no exposure; total n = 160). Our results demonstrate that it is corrective humor and not benevolent humor that influences the evaluation and that it does so positively; people with higher scores in corrective humor have a better evaluation of politicians after seeing memes with anti-politician content. We discuss possible explanations for this finding and implications for political psychology and humor studies.
Knowledge and Misconceptions of Orthognathic Surgery: A Quick Poll Survey of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network
Authors: Catlin Kaylie A. , Dammling Chad W. , Kinard Brian E.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Orthognathic surgery is an underutilized resource in the treatment of congenital, developmental, and post-traumatic skeletal abnormalities in addition to obstructive sleep apnea. Despite the documented volume of patients who would benefit from orthognathic surgery, most fail to receive appropriate treatment.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes within the dental community regarding orthognathic surgery via an anonymous electronic survey, and to explore whether misconceptions about orthognathic surgery represent potential barriers to care.

Methods:

This preliminary 5-question cross-sectional study was conducted via a “quick poll” distributed by the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN).

Results:

The final sample size was 280 general dentists and dental specialists. The majority of respondents agreed that orthognathic surgery could correct malocclusions affecting a patient’s speech, function, and long-term dental health. However, few respondents agreed that orthognathic surgery is an evidence-based treatment for obstructive sleep apnea or positively affects upper airway size.

Conclusions:

Our survey demonstrates that while most dental providers consider orthognathic surgery as an effective treatment for the surgical correction of dentofacial deformities, many fail to recognize its potential role in the treatment algorithm for obstructive sleep apnea.
Identifying local climate change measures and blockades in a tested DBCA-diagram to stimulate learning between cities
Authors: Sanders Fred , Oliveira Claudia
Published: July 2023

Most of the world's cities are coastal, and most of them face the increasing threats associated with climate change. Coastal cities are also growing the fastest, which makes them a risk for millions of people. This increasing threat occurs when sea level rises, compounded by heavy rainfall and high river levels occurring simultaneously (Sanders 2020a). While measures to address climate change in coastal cities are being taken, or are in preparation and/or planning, along with measures for mitigation and adaptation (Sanders & Oliveira 2020), these measures all too often run into blockages, sometimes physical, but often also due to local special circumstances or a lack of financial resources. These are the results of the H2020 Marie Curie 'SOS Climate Waterfront' 2019-2023 research project, in which researchers exchanged their observations on European coastal cities. To make their insights available to other cities in the EU and beyond, the diagram of the 2020 study has been expanded, in line with the recommendations of this study. Observed blockages have also been added to the diagram concerning heritage protection, lack of finances, or opposition from the commons. Subsequently, the diagram was worked out for each of the six cities of the 'SOS Climate Waterfront' project to investigate whether they can be matched on the basis of their diagrams in order to learn from each other. As the research shows, many of the blockages could have been identified earlier in order to lift them in time, so that well-prepared measures could have been implemented. Only then can a city and its citizens become resilient.
The impact of a “Back to Bedside” initiative on resident education
Authors: Seth Nikhil , Riaz Maryam , Sikka Anika , Martinez George
Published: July 2023

Background: Back to Bedside is an American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) sponsored program with the goal of giving trainees a chance to find deeper meaning in their clinical work. As technological advances have decreased the amount of time trainees are spending with patients, a program was started that gives residents the opportunity to explore their patient interaction and communication skills. Observations: Residents spent one week on an elective during which they had uninterrupted time during ten patient encounters and were able to address multiple factors. They assisted with goals of care discussions, education on illness, education on medications, and practiced their communication skills.Conclusion: Thirty-one residents participated and completed a survey after the elective. This elective proved to be of great benefit to residents in many areas. They found personal growth in their ability to communicate medical findings in an easy-to-understand format, an improvement in general communication skills, and an improvement in understanding routine and complex pathology. As effective communication is key to patient safety, this study proves that communication curricula can improve physician-patient interactions. Keywords: Communication, medical education, medical curriculum
Landwirtschaft und Braunkohlentagebau
Authors: Heck Birgit
Published: July 2023

Mit dem großflächigen Tagebau im Rheinischen Braunkohlenrevier gehen für die dort lebenden Menschen und die Umwelt starke Veränderungen einher. Besonders betroffen ist die Landwirtschaft, die mit dem Bergbau einen Flächennutzungskonkurrenten erhält. Sukzessiver Wegfall der Produktionsflächen und in vielen Fällen die bevorstehende Umsiedlung beeinträchtigen die Wirtschaftsweise der Landwirte. Nur in Ausnahmefällen erfolgt die Umsiedlung landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe im Zuge geschlossener Umsiedlungen. Neue Hofstandorte finden sich in Weilern und Gruppensiedlungen. Hiermit verbindet sich die Bewirtschaftung von Neuland, rekultivierten Flächen, deren Neuordnung und Rückgabe im Rahmen von Flurbereinigungen erfolgt.
Polskie wątki w życiu Michaiła Hellera
Authors: Piekara Jędrzej
Published: July 2023

Książka jest rezultatem kilkuletnich studiów nad życiem i twórczością Michaiła Hellera – urodzonego w Związku Sowieckim historyka o żydowskim pochodzeniu, emigranta szczególnie blisko związanego z Polską, polskimi instytucjami emigracyjnymi oraz Polakami w kraju i za granicą. Michaił Heller, poprzez swe relacje osobiste, formalne i naukowe, był jednym z niewielu Rosjan, dla których Polska – zarówno mu współczesna, jak i ta z kart historii – nie była jednym z potencjalnych terytoriów rosyjskich, ale wspaniałym ośrodkiem cywilizacji łacińskiej, o bogatej kulturze i historii, jedynym krajem, z którym Rosja była tak silnie związana. Heller mawiał, że „jedyna historia Rosji, jaką jesteśmy w stanie napisać, to historia rosyjsko-polska” oraz uważał, że normalizacja stosunków pomiędzy Polakami a Rosjanami powinna być jednym z najważniejszych celów obu emigracji po drugiej wojnie światowej. To właśnie idea pogodzenia Polski i Rosji była głównym, obok krytyki komunizmu, obiektem zainteresowania Hellera przez ponad trzydzieści lat, które spędził na emigracji we Francji. Był związany z dwoma polskimi ośrodkami emigracyjnymi: Instytutem Literackim Jerzego Giedroycia i wydawnictwem Overseas Publications Interchange Andrzeja Stypułkowskiego. W środowisku polskim odnalazł bliskich przyjaciół, przede wszystkim Józefa Czapskiego, którego uważał za najwybitniejszego przedstawiciela „srebrnego wieku”, łączącego idealne cechy Rosjanina, Polaka i Europejczyka. Michaił Heller, nieustępliwy antykomunista, zagorzały krytyk pierestrojki i Michaiła Gorbaczowa, badacz problematyki „homo sovieticusa”, utalentowany historyk, literaturoznawca i kronikarz-publicysta, dokumentujący z właściwą sobie ostrością pióra rzeczywistość Związku Sowieckiego, był wielkim przyjacielem Polski, a niniejsza książka ma na celu opowiedzenie historii tej przyjaźni. Publikacja powstała na podstawie pracy magisterskiej nagrodzonej w III edycji konkursu Stowarzyszenia Instytut Literacki Kultura i Fundacji Kultury Paryskiej na najlepsze prace doktorskie i magisterskie związane z historią i dorobkiem Instytutu Literackiego w Paryżu.
What’s New in Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Authors: Lane Joseph M. , Witayakom Witchaporn
Published: July 2023

Update

This article was updated on April 10, 2024, because of a previous error. On page 1304, the term “protein” that appeared incorrectly three times in the text that had read as “Their studies did reveal that metabolites from the protein pump inhibitor ingestion may directly and indirectly influence bone density through plasma metabolites involved in the sex hormone pathway. This article plus others have broadened the possible altered pathways related to protein pump inhibitor use. Regardless, these commonly used agents will compromise bone health. Clinicians should be alerted to this possibility when protein pump inhibitors are ingested.,” has now been replaced with the term “proton” so that the text now reads as “Their studies did reveal that metabolites from the proton pump inhibitor ingestion may directly and indirectly influence bone density through plasma metabolites involved in the sex hormone pathway. This article plus others have broadened the possible altered pathways related to proton pump inhibitor use. Regardless, these commonly used agents will compromise bone health. Clinicians should be alerted to this possibility when proton pump inhibitors are ingested.”

An erratum has been published: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 May 15;106(10):e24.
deterioro del crecimiento económico y la falta de transparencia en Bolivia
Authors: Vargas Díaz César , Delgadillo Dorado Hernán , Villca Copali Eloy Wilson
Published: July 2023

El objetivo de este artículo, es ofrecer una visión general del deterioro del crecimiento económico de Bolivia, en el período 2013 al 2022, principalmente de estas variables macroeconómicas de estudio como son la exportación del gas natural, las reservas internacionales netas, la deuda externa y las importaciones de carburantes de diésel y gasolina, cada una de estas variables son dependientes de la moneda extranjera dólares. En este entendido, el deterioro se debe principalmente por la caída de la exportación de gas, las reservas y el incremento de la deuda externa y la importación de carburantes, tal como nos reflejan los datos históricos y donde identificamos las cuatro etapas de inflexión. En la última etapa, se caracterizó con una escasez de dólares y una alta demanda de la misma por los ciudadanos y el gobierno, sumada la falta de transparencia en la divulgación de información de las reservas internacionales netas y depender de los recursos no renovables da como resultado un deterioro del crecimiento económico. Además, Bolivia se caracteriza por no potenciar la ciencia, el conocimiento, el capital humano cualificado, la investigación, desarrollo y la innovación tecnológica, lo que desemboco en un alto nivel laboral informal y con una insuficiente sostenibilidad productiva en moneda extranjera.
gestión de las contrataciones directas y su impacto en la adquisición de implementos médicos durante la pandemia en la PNP
Authors: Hinojosa Pérez José Adolfo , Acostupa Huamán Juan José
Published: July 2023

El objetivo de este trabajo de investigación es el de establecer en qué medida la gestión de las contrataciones directas han impactado desfavorablemente en la adquisición de implementos médicos durante la pandemia en la Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP). Para lo cual se ha aplicado el método de investigación de tipo cuantitativo. La población bajo estudio fueron los funcionarios y servidores de las Unidades Ejecutoras de la PNP de Lima y Lambayeque, y los funcionarios de la Contraloría General de la República asignados al Órgano de Control Institucional de la PNP. Los resultados obtenidos expresan que las contrataciones directas al ser un método de contratación, sin ejecutar ningún procedimiento de selección, debido a la agilización y aceleración de formalidades, implicaron que dichos actos no se lleven a cabo respetando los códigos de ética de la gestión administrativa, ni tampoco haber obtenido las mejores condiciones de precio y calidad establecidas por la Ley N° 30225. Finalmente, la conclusión general de este trabajo de investigación es que la gestión de las contrataciones directas han impactado negativamente en la adquisición de implementos médicos durante la pandemia en la PNP.
Fall From Height Accidents in the Construction Industry in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mahmoud Abubakar Sadiq , Sanni-Anibire Muizz , Alsafwani Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Falls from height (FFH) are considered the most dangerous accident in the global construction industry, especially in emerging economies like Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the causative factors responsible for FFH accidents in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. The approach used by the study entailed a review of the extant literature to identify the main causes of FFH accidents. The identified causes were used to develop a questionnaire survey, which was administered to construction professionals in Saudi Arabia. Useable feedback from ninety-one responses was obtained and consequently analysed using the Relative Agreement Index (RAI). The results revealed that the top three causes include “lack of training”, “no safety inspection”, and “no safety meeting and seminar between stakeholders”. The causes were also categorized into three groups including “unsafe acts”, “unsafe conditions”, “communication barriers”, and “management commitment”, where “unsafe acts” was the most influential category. The significance of this study is its potential to help control the occurrence of FFH in the construction industry through the adoption of relevant controls, safety training, and risk-based decision-making in the planning and execution of construction works.
Impact of Variable Technological and Quality Factors on the Efficiency of Filtration Processes Using Dynasand Filters and Lamella Separator
Authors: Wiewiórska Iwona
Published: July 2023

The paper presents the influence of the quality of water subjected to treatment on the filtration process, using self-cleaning DynaSand filters with contact coagulation. Technological factors directly influencing the filtration process and filtrate quality were identified, e.g. variable flows, retention time on filter bed and filtration speed. In addition, the purification process of rinse water in the Lamella separator and its impact on the filtration process were investigated. The Lamella separator combined with the flocculation tank, in which the coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes are carried out, is an excellent solution to the problem involving the formation of large amounts of rinse water after washing the sand bed of DynaSand filters. The rinse water of fast filters is cleaned on the Lamella separator and returned to the beginning of the filtration system, before DynaSand filters. This solution allows to minimize water losses in the discussed WTP.
Dampak Microtransaction pada Kepuasan Pemain di PUBG Mobile
Authors: Saputra Pramana
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana pemain PUBG Mobile di Indonesia mempersepsikan dan terlibat dalam mikrotransaksi, serta bagaimana transaksi tersebut memengaruhi pengalaman dan kepuasan mereka dalam bermain game. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah wawancara yang diperuntukkan untuk pemain PUBG Mobile di Indonesia. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis dengan menggunakan teknik kualitatif untuk menginterpretasikan nilai pengalaman maupun kepuasan dari para pemain. Hasil dari penelitian ini dapat memberikan pemahaman yang lebih dalam mengenai pola perilaku pemain dalam melakukan mikrotransaksi, serta pengaruhnya terhadap pengalaman dan kepuasan bermain game di PUBG Mobile.
Pengaruh Penerapan Kompensasi Non-Finansial Terhadap Trunover Intention Tenaga Relawan Pendidik pada Organisasi Non Profit (Studi Pada Komunitas Lentera Negeri)
Authors: Yakin Ikram , Meutianingrum Farah Juniati
Published: July 2023

Organisasi Non-Profit banyak memberi manfaat secara langsung dalam kehidupan masyarakat, secara tidak langsung dapat berkontribusi membantu suatu pemerintahan melakukan perbaikan-perbaikan diberbagai sektor, sumbangsi ini tidak lepas dari Sumber daya manusia yang bekerja dalam organisasi yang disebut sebagai relawan. Penelitian ini ingin menguji pengaruh kompensasi Non-finansial dalam organisasi Non-profit terhadap Trunover Intention tenaga relawan. Subyek penelitian ini adalah tenaga relawan pendidik komunitas lentera negeri yang berjumlah 30 orang yang ditetapkan secara simple random sampling dari 157 tenaga relawan pendidik. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan Kompensasi Non-Finansial memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap Trunover Intention tenaga relawan pendidik dengan nilai 90,3%.
Pengaruh Motivasi, Etos Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama Jakarta
Authors: Karsim Karsim
Published: July 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh Motivasi, Etos Kerja dan Disiplin Karyawan terhadap Produktivitas Kerja pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama. Metode penelitian menggunakan eksplanatori research dengan pendekatan Kuantitatif. Populasinya adalah karyawan PT. Danayasa Arthatama, Jakarta. Jumlah total sampel sebanyak 120 responden dengan probability sampling secara stratified sampling, untuk pengambilan data melalui kuesioner dan observasi, serta analisis data dengan menggunakan SPSS 25. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa (1) Motivasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Produktivitas Kerja pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama. (2) Etos Kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Produktivitas Kerja pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama. (3) Disiplin Kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Produktivitas Kerja pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama. (4) Motivasi, Etos Kerja dan Disiplin Karyawan secara simultan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Produktivitas Kerja pada PT. Danayasa Arthatama.Kata kunci: Motivasi, Etos Kerja, Disiplin Kerja, Produktivitas Kerja, Karyawan.
Typing myalgic encephalomyelitis by infection at onset: A DecodeME study
Authors: Bretherick Andrew D. , McGrath Simon J. , Devereux-Cooke Andy , Leary Sian , Northwood Emma , Redshaw Anna , Stacey Pippa , Tripp Claire , Wilson Jim , Chowdhury Sonya , Lewis Isabel , Almelid Øyvind , Baby Sumy V. , Baker Tom , Becher Hannes , Boutin Thibaud , Clyde Malgorzata , Garcia Diana , Ireland John , Kerr Shona M. , McDowall Ewan , Perry David , Samms Gemma L. , Vitart Veronique , Wolfe Jareth C. , Ponting Chris P.
Published: July 2023

Background: People with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) experience core symptoms of post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairment. Despite numbering 0.2-0.4% of the population, no laboratory test is available for their diagnosis, no effective therapy exists for their treatment, and no scientific breakthrough regarding pathogenesis has been made. It remains unknown, despite decades of small-scale studies, whether individuals experience different types of ME/CFS separated by onset-type, sex or age. Methods: DecodeME is a large population-based study of ME/CFS that recruited 17,074 participants in the first 3 months following full launch. Detailed questionnaire responses from UK-based participants who all reported being diagnosed with ME/CFS by a health professional provided an unparalleled opportunity to investigate, using logistic regression, whether ME/CFS severity or onset type is significantly associated with sex, age, illness duration, comorbid conditions or symptoms. Results: The well-established sex-bias among ME/CFS patients is evident in the initial DecodeME cohort: 83.5% of participants were females. What was not known previously was that females tend to have more comorbidities than males. Moreover, being female, being older and being over 10 years from ME/CFS onset are significantly associated with greater severity. Five different ME/CFS onset types were examined in the self-reported data: those with ME/CFS onset (i) after glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis); (ii) after COVID-19 infection; (iii) after other infections; (iv) without an infection at onset; and, (v) where the occurrence of an infection at or preceding onset is not known. Among other findings, ME/CFS onset with unknown infection status was significantly associated with active fibromyalgia. Conclusions: DecodeME participants differ in symptoms, comorbid conditions and/or illness severity when stratified by their sex-at-birth and/or infection around the time of ME/CFS onset.
What Applied Physical Chemistry Can Contribute to Understanding Cancer: Toward the Next Generation of Breakthroughs
Authors: Schanen Parker , Petty Howard R.
Published: July 2023

Living systems, whether healthy or diseased, must obey the laws of chemistry. The purpose of this review is to identify the interpretive limits of cellular biochemistry using, largely, the tools of physical chemistry. We illustrate this approach using two major concepts in cancer: carcinogenicity and cancer recurrences. Cells optimize the chemical performance of enzymes and pathways during cancer recurrences. Biology has been primarily concerned with the analysis of high affinity interactions, such as ligand–receptor interactions. Collective weak interactions (such as van der Waals forces) are also important in determining biosystem behaviors, although they are infrequently considered in biology. For example, activity coefficients determine the effective concentrations of biomolecules. The in vivo performance of enzymes also depends upon intracellular conditions such as high protein concentrations and multiple regulatory factors. Phase separations within membranes (two dimensions) and nucleoli (three dimensions) are a fundamental regulatory factor within cells, as phase separations can alter reactant concentrations, local dielectric constants, and other factors. Enzyme agglomeration also affects the performance of biochemical pathways. Although there are many examples of these phenomena, we focus on the key steps of cancer: carcinogenicity and the biochemical mechanism of cancer recurrences. We conjecture that oxidative damage to histones contributes to carcinogenicity, which is followed by nucleolar phase separations and subsequent DNA damage that, in turn, contributes to the redistribution of enzymes mediating metabolic changes in recurrent breast cancer.
Mechanical Property Research for CSIP Thin-Wall Box-Beams
Authors: Li Lei , Uddin Nasim , Zhao Xianxian , Tian Limin
Published: July 2023

Composite structural insulated panels (CSIPs) are eco-friendly, high-performance materials, which not only good have mechanical properties, but also good waterproof, moisture-proof, fire-proof, and anti-corrosion characteristics, so they have been used to build envelope structures in recent years. However, how to improve stiffness of CSIPs remains unsolved. The poor stiffness is one of the biggest obstacles for the application of CSIPs in the load-bearing members of civil engineering. In this study, the layout of glass–polypropylene (PP) laminate layers is designed to enhance its stiffness, and this study applies CSIPs as load-bearing members of civil engineering for the first time. Thus, the bend model of CSIP thin-wall box-beams under uniform loading is built, based on Timochenko’s theory. The deflection curve equation is presented, considering shearing deformation. The expressions for the bending of normal strain flanges of the beam and the equation considering principal shearing strain at the beam’s web are obtained, respectively. Finally, mechanical properties of the thin-wall box-beam under uniformly distributed loads were performed by FE. FE results are entirely consistent with the theoretical results, thereby making the theoretical method applicable for the design of thin-wall box-beams, which are made of composite materials. Different from other beams, the shearing deformation is a critical factor that influences the deformation of thin-walled box-beams.
Molecular Characterisation of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates from Cattle Slaughtered in Adamawa and Gombe States, North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Damina Sadiq Mohammed , Barnes David Atomanyi , Inuwa Bitrus , Ularamu Gulak Hussaini , Bello Mohammed , Okaiyeto Olu Solomon , Kudi Ayuba Caleb , Thapa Jeewan , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

Bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria with control measures as provided by the laws of the country being minimally enforced mostly at the abattoirs only. This study focused on bovine tuberculosis in Adamawa and Gombe States. Tuberculosis lesions were observed in 183 of 13,688 slaughtered cattle in the regions between June and December 2020. Analysis of tissue samples resulted in 17 Mycobacterium bovis isolates, predominantly from Gombe State. Spoligotyping identified four spoligotypes, including SB0944, SB1025, SB1104, and one novel pattern. MIRU-VNTR analysis further differentiated these spoligotypes into eight profiles. All isolates belonged to the Af1 clonal complex. The study emphasises the need for broader coverage and more isolates to comprehensively understand the molecular epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Nigeria. To enhance research and surveillance, a cost-effective approach is proposed, utilising a discriminatory VNTR panel comprising five or nine loci. The five-locus panel consists of ETR-C, QUB26, QUB11b, MIRU04, and QUB323. Alternatively, the nine-locus panel includes ETR-A, ETR-B, QUB11a, and MIRU26. Implementing this approach would provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of M. bovis strains in Nigeria. These findings are crucial for developing effective control measures and minimising the impact of bovine tuberculosis on both animal and human health.
Improving Forest Canopy Height Estimation Using a Semi-Empirical Approach to Overcome TomoSAR Phase Errors
Authors: Luo Hongbin , Yue Cairong , Yuan Hua , Chen Si
Published: July 2023

Forest canopy height is an important forest indicator parameter. Synthetic aperture radar tomography (TomoSAR) is an effective method to characterize forest canopy height and describe forest 3D structure; however, the residual phase error of TomoSAR affects the focus of the relative reflectance and can lead to errors in forest canopy height estimation. Therefore, this paper proposes a semi-empirical method to overcome the residual phase effects on forest canopy height estimation. In this study, we used airborne multi-baseline UAVSAR data to estimate forest canopy height via TomoSAR techniques and applied a semi-empirical method to improve forest canopy height estimation without phase calibration to mitigate the effects of phase error. The process is divided into three stages: the first step uses a semi-empirical method to initially determine the optimal relative reflectance loss threshold (K) by excluding the inverse extremes; in the second and third steps, the percentile height was used to gradually reduce the height interval between the upper and lower envelopes to minimize overestimation of extreme values and the lower vegetation. When the root mean square error (RMSE) was minimized, the percentile combinations were determined between the inversion results and a LiDAR dataset of the area. The results show that the canopy height estimation results are not satisfactory when relying solely on the K value to estimate the height difference between the envelope at the top of the forest and the ground; the best result was obtained when K = 0.4, but the corresponding R2 value was only 0.13, and the RMSE was 15.23 m. In our proposed method, the K value is determined as 0.3 by excluding the extreme values of the inversion result in the initial step—the corresponding R2 and RMSE values were 0.59 and 10.73 m, respectively, representing an RMSE decrease of 29.54% relative to the initial K value. After two steps of correction overestimation, the inversion accuracy was significantly improved with an R2 value of 0.65 and an RMSE of 9.69 m, corresponding to an RMSE decrease of 36.38%. Overall, the findings of the study represent an important reference for optimizing future spaceborne TomoSAR forest canopy height estimates.
Impact of New Combined Treatment Method on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of MICP-Improved Sand
Authors: Zeitouny Jude , Lieske Wolfgang , Alimardani Lavasan Arash , Heinz Eva , Wichern Marc , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: July 2023

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a green bio-inspired soil solidification technique that depends on the ability of urease-producing bacteria to form calcium carbonate that bonds soil grains and, consequently, improves soil mechanical properties. Meanwhile, different treatment methods have been adopted to tackle the key challenges in achieving effective MICP treatment. This paper proposes the combined method as a new MICP treatment approach, aiming to develop the efficiency of MICP treatment methods and simulate naturally cemented soil. This method combines the premixing, percolation, and submerging MICP methods. The strength outcomes of Portland-cemented and MICP-cemented sand using the percolation and combined methods were compared. For Portland-cemented sand, the UCS values varied from 0.6 MPa to 17.2 MPa, corresponding to cementation levels ranging from 5% to 30%. For MICP-cemented sand, the percolation method yielded UCS values ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 MPa, while the combined method achieved 3.7 MPa. The strength obtained by the combined method is around 3.7 times higher than that of the percolation method. The stiffness of bio-cemented samples varied between 20 and 470 MPa, while for Portland-cemented sand, it ranged from 130 to 1200 MPa. In terms of calcium carbonate distribution, the percolation method exhibited higher concentration at the top of the sample, while the combined method exhibited more precipitation at the top and perimeter, with less concentration in the central bottom region, equivalent to 10% of a half section’s area.
Fluid Properties Extraction in Confined Nanochannels with Molecular Dynamics and Symbolic Regression Methods
Authors: Angelis Dimitrios , Sofos Filippos , Papastamatiou Konstantinos , Karakasidis Theodoros E.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose an alternative road to calculate the transport coefficients of fluids and the slip length inside nano-conduits in a Poiseuille-like geometry. These are all computationally demanding properties that depend on dynamic, thermal, and geometrical characteristics of the implied fluid and the wall material. By introducing the genetic programming-based method of symbolic regression, we are able to derive interpretable data-based mathematical expressions based on previous molecular dynamics simulation data. Emphasis is placed on the physical interpretability of the symbolic expressions. The outcome is a set of mathematical equations, with reduced complexity and increased accuracy, that adhere to existing domain knowledge and can be exploited in fluid property interpolation and extrapolation, bypassing timely simulations when possible.
Exploring the Impact of Technological Innovation on the Development of Electric Vehicles on the Bibliometric Perspective of Innovation Types
Authors: Chen Shieh-Liang , Chen Kuo-Liang
Published: July 2023

Innovation has always been the driving force behind social progress. Enterprises will adopt different types of technological innovations according to their goals, resources, and market strategies. The industry generally pays attention to the development and application of electric vehicle technology innovation, but a single method may not be able to fully explain the innovation of electric vehicle technology. Furthermore, the results of technological innovation must be presented in terms of market benefits. Otherwise, insufficient cash flow will lead to innovation interruption. Therefore, this study uses the innovation matrix proposed by Rothaermel to classify the matrix formed by the market and technology. This study collects 43 periodicals and special publications published in 2010–2022 and 40 related electric vehicle literature that can be downloaded, summarizes the literature content according to the innovation matrix using literature bibliometric perspective and analysis, and obtains (1) most of the innovative technologies of electric vehicles originated from the extension of previous technologies and (2) batteries and power supplements that are the key items of electric vehicles. The proportion of radical technological innovation is relatively high, and they are also the main factors of market sales. Theoretically, this study can provide a basis for studying the combination of Rothaermel’s “innovation matrix” and Ansoff’s “expansion matrix”. In practice, this is the first time the electric vehicle industry is taken as an example, combining the two models, aiming at technology/production/market/performance for electric vehicle industry managers, the technological innovation direction, and the formulation of market strategy operations and advanced deployment.
“If You Didn’t Exercise during Lockdown, What Were You Even Doing?”: Young Women, Sport, and Fitness in Pandemic Times
Authors: Thorpe Holly , O’Leary Grace , Ahmad Nida , Nemani Mihi Joy
Published: July 2023

Sports and physical activity organizations around the world have expressed concern that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted girls and young women’s participation, with relatively fewer young women returning to sport post-lockdowns than their male counterparts. The purpose of this research is to understand how young women’s experiences of sport and physical activity were impacted by extended and repeated lockdowns, considerable social disruption, and ongoing risks of contagion. Our research draws upon interviews and focus groups with 44 young women (16–24 years) living in Aotearoa New Zealand during the pandemic. Recognizing that young women’s opportunities and experiences of sport and fitness (before, during and after the pandemic) vary considerably based on a range of socio-cultural factors, our sample was intentionally diverse, inviting young women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, from rural and urban settings, and with a range of pre-pandemic sport and fitness experiences. Engaging an intersectional and affective sensibility, we reveal the complex ways that the pandemic impacted the young women’s embodied, relational and affective experiences of sport and fitness. Contrary to recent concerns about young women dropping out from sport and physical activity, our research reveals the varied ways the pandemic shifted young women’s relations with their own and others’ moving bodies, transforming their relationships with sport and fitness, with renewed understandings of the importance of physical activity for joy, connection, and wellbeing.
Síndrome de Burnout em estudantes universitários trabalhadores e não trabalhadores
Authors: Carlotto Mary Sandra , Gonçalves-Câmara Sheila
Published: July 2023

Burnout Syndrome has been considered a social problem of increasing importance among researchers and the practical community due to its negative impact on the well-being and performance of students. Working during the university course can be a risk factor for developing the syndrome, due to the overload of activities and roles.  Thus, the objective of the study was to identify similarities and differences in the prediction of sociodemographic and academic variables and academic stressors for the Burnout Syndrome in a non-probabilistic sample of 417 working students and 596 non-working students.  As instruments, the Burnout Syndrome Assessment Scale in University Students, a sociodemographic and academic questionnaire, and a questionnaire of academic stressors were used. The groups presented similar predictors such as perceiving the relationship with professors as a stressor, reconciling study and leisure, carrying out extracurricular work, and relationships with the institution, and differed in the variables gender, age, type of university, current semester, and stressors such as many subjects to attend, taking tests and assignments, and relationships with colleagues. Thus, the groups differ in terms of sociodemographic and academic variables and academic stressors, and similarities occur with academic stressors. In this sense, the results obtained suggest the need for differentiated interventions for both groups.
РОЛЬ ГОСУДАРСТВА В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ "ЗЕЛЁНОЙ" ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors: Барташевич А.А.
Published: July 2023

Актуальность материала данной темы имеет знак бесконечность, процесс совершенствования жизнеобеспечивания населения стремительно растёт, улучшается качество жизни, увеличивается производство в отраслях, именно это является причиной дисбаланса экосистем. Принципам развития экономики в ракурсе "зелёной", уделяется большое внимание на всех уровнях управления. Общество так же имеет стремление к гармоничному развитию экономики и экологической безопасности.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF VARIOUS FORCE-TIME INDICATORS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FINGER AND SHOULDER GIRDLE STRENGTH IN CLIMBING
Authors: Michailov Michail , Baláš Jiří
Published: July 2023

The rate of upper limb force development (RFD) is one of the important performance factors in sport climbing. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of various force-time indicators for the assessment of finger and shoulder girdle strength in climbing. Ten male lead climbers (climbing ability: advanced; IRCRA: 22 ± 2) performed two RFD and two maximal strength tests for the finger fl exor and shoulder girdle muscles (one-arm finger hangs and lock-off s, respectively). The maximal strength tests were used to assess maximal force (Fmax). The RFD tests were used to assess: peak force (Fpeak); time for reaching force representing 25%, 50%, and 75% of the body weight (T25%BW, T50%BW, T75%BW ); and absolute and relative RFD indicators (e.g., RFD at 200 ms and 95% Fpeak, respectively). The reliability of the finger fl exor RFD indicators was high (intrasession intraclass correlation coefficients - ICC between .760 and .973; intersession ICC between .883 and .955). Intersession reliability of the finger fl exor T50%BW and T75%BW reached excellent values (ICC = .949 and ICC = .978, respectively). Reliability of the finger fl exor and lock-off Fpeak and Fmax was also high (ICC between .850 and .966). Consistency between Fpeak and Fmax was not satisfactory, though. These variables differed significantly (p = .035) in the finger flexor tests, and ICC was moderate (.605) in the lock-off tests. Most of the lock-off force-time indicators had moderate or poor reliability. Finger flexor and lock-off Fmax/kg and T50%BW correlated significantly (p < .05) with the climbing ability (R = .805, R = .653, and R = -.703, respectively), while lock-off force-time indicators did not. T50%BW was the most reliable and valid force-time indicator in advanced climbers. RFD indicators were reliable, but muscle strength appeared more important than RFD in advanced climbers
EFFECTS OF A NORDIC WALKING INTERVENTION ON WALKING IN NORMAL ADULTS
Authors: Nakagawa Kazumasa , Okazaki Shin
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare and examine gait parameters, hip joint angle, and lower extremity muscle activity during normal walking before and after Nordic walking (NW) intervention. Nineteen healthy male participants (age 26.3 ± 2.4 years) were included in the study. During walking, we measured gait parameters using the footprint-measuring gait analysis system. Аngular changes of the hip joint were measured with an IMU-type portable three-dimensional motion analyzer and the EMG activity of each muscle. The measurements above were performed before and after a one-hour NW training course. The hip joint angle, muscle activity, and gait parameters were compared before and after the intervention with the same participants. In gait parameters, the stride length and walking speed were significantly greater after the intervention, while the cadence decreased significantly. Both hip flexion and extension angles were significantly greater after the intervention. In terms of muscle activity, the rectus abdominis, the tibialis anterior, and the gastrocnemius were very different after the intervention. According to previous reports, employing a large stride length during NW would affect the normal gait after the training. The use of the Nordic pole may have stimulated a substantial forward movement in the lower extremities using the large range of motion of the hip joints. The benefits of NW include enhanced forward propulsion during gait and additional stability during the stance phase due to the greater support surface provided by the poles.
Histopathological Outcome of Colonoscopic Biopsies in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria: A 7-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Oguntoye Oluwatosin Oluwagbenga , Oguntoye Oluwafunmilayo Adenike , Adeniyi Olawale Morenikeji , Jegede Oluwatosin Samson
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim:

Colonoscopy with histopathological analysis of mucosal biopsy samples remains the gold standard procedure for diagnosing lower gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to determine the pattern of histopathological findings of mucosal biopsies obtained at colonoscopy over a 7-year period and to correlate the histological findings with the clinical profile of the patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted in a healthcare facility in southwestern Nigeria. The Histology reports from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022, were retrieved from the histopathology department of the institution to obtain the following information for analysis: age, gender, year of the test, presenting complaint, provisional clinical diagnosis, colonoscopy diagnosis, and histological diagnosis.

Results:

The data of a total number of 81 patients were analyzed; 51 males (63.0%) and 30 females (37.0%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7–1. The age range of the patients was 30–86 years with a mean (±standard deviations) age of 59.87 ± 14.44. The most common indication for colonoscopy was hematochezia (23 (28.4%)) followed by change in bowel habit (16 [19.8%]), constipation (11 [13.6%]), and tenesmus (10 [12.3%]). Large bowel masses suggestive of cancers were the most common colonoscopy finding in the study subjects (36 [44.4%]). Colorectal cancer was the most common histologic abnormality in the study subjects (26 [32.1%]) followed by chronic nonspecific colitis (8 [9.9%]), polyps (7 [8.6%]), adenomas (5 [6.2%]) and acute on chronic colitis (5 [6.2%]). Twenty-two (27.2%) patients had normal histologic findings. Patients aged between 45 and 64 years had the highest prevalence of colorectal cancer (13 [50.0%]).

Conclusion:

Colorectal cancer was the most common histopathological finding in this study and the patients were mostly within the middle-age group. Early screening colonoscopy is therefore recommended and histopathological analysis of the mucosal specimens obtained is essential for early detection of premalignant lesions.
Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Young: An Institutional Registry Analysis
Authors: Menon Girish , Macharla Aparna , Srinivasan Siddharth , Santosh Sonin , Pai Ashwin , Nair Rajesh , Hegde Ajay
Published: July 2023

Background:

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) accounts for about 10–15% of all strokes. Generally, it is a disease of the elderly; worldwide, the incidence of SICH in the young is showing an increasing trend, especially in India and the Asian continent. An attempt is also made to analyze the presence of factors, which may predict the risk of SICH among young hypertensives.

Methods:

A six-year retrospective review of patients aged below 50 years who presented with SICH was included in the study. Patients with bleeds secondary to an identifiable cause such as tumor, trauma, vascular malformations, and coagulopathy-induced bleeds were excluded from the study. The outcome was measured at 90 days using the modified ranking scale, and predictors of outcome (good outcome modified ranking score (mRS): 0–3; poor outcome mRS: 4–6) were analyzed.

Results:

SICH in the young accounted for 28.4% of all intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients admitted during the study period (344/1210). The mean age of our male-dominant (78.5%) cohort was 42.9 ± 6.24 years, and the median Glasgow coma score (GCS) on presentation was 11 (IQR: 8–14). A prior history of hypertension (HTN) was obtained in 51.2% (176), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was documented in 237 (68.9%) patients. The basal ganglia was the most common location of the bleed (62.2%). At 90 days, 200 patients (58.1%) had good outcome and 144 (41.9%) had poor outcome with an overall mortality of 75 (21.8%). Independent predictors of poor outcome were poor GCS, larger volume, and high serum creatinine values.

Conclusion:

The incidence of SICH among the young accounts for nearly 30% of admitted ICH. Poor outcome and mortality are high with HTN being the single most important modifiable risk factor in the cohort.