bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrollment, Engagement, and Effectiveness of a Large-Scale Diabetes Prevention Program Using Synchronous Distance Technology
Authors: Collins Casey , McCallum Erin , Nordby Kelly , Aggarwal Surabhi , Griffith Emily , Thomas Cathy , Dunn Carolyn
Published: December 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that individuals with prediabetes are significantly less likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they participate in a lifestyle change program that results in at least 5% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The CDC recognizes distance learning as an effective delivery mode for lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess enrollment, engagement, and effectiveness of a type 2 diabetes prevention program (DPP) using synchronous distance technology. Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes (ESMMPD) is an intensive 12-month DPP delivered using synchronous distance technology. Throughout 26 lessons, participants focused on healthy eating, physical activity, and mindfulness behaviors. Study findings showed a significant decrease in A1C (-0.24 p<.0001). Weight loss averaged 5.66% for those who completed the program. Based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, participants demonstrated statistically significant changes in self-reported confidence in their ability to perform all 18 health-promoting behaviors assessed (p<.0001). Participation in the program also resulted in the adoption of health promoting behaviors. A DPP using synchronous distance technology is an effective delivery mode to help participants adopt healthy behaviors, increase physical activity, and achieve the weight loss necessary to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Recent Advances in “pH and Redox Responsive Polymer-Nano- Composites for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gaddimath Shivalingayya , Payamalle Shivanand , CP Keshavananda Prabhu , Hur Jaehyun
Published: December 2023

In recent years, cancer therapy has witnessed significant advancements, with a focus on personalized and targeted treatment strategies. One promising approach involves the use of stimuli-responsive biomaterials for site-specific drug release. Among these biomaterials, pH, and redox-triggered polymer-nano composites have gained immense attention due to their ability to respond to the specific tumor microenvironment, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing off-target effects. Cancer cells often exhibit anomalous biochemical properties, attributed to lower cytosolic pH (acidic) and elevated redox potential through the epitomized upregulation of undesired genes. Such biological process substantially imbalance the level ions (protons) and biological thiols glutathione (GHS) in the cytoplasm as well as in the subcellular organelles. Superfluous accumulation of ions and redox imbalance is associated with proliferation, invasion, and growth of tumor. Because of high surface area, deep tissue penetration capability, higher hydrophilicity, hydrophobic interior for drug/gene efficient loading, biocompatibility and site-specific targeting efficiency, functionalized polymer nanocomposites are superior to conventional small molecular materials. Paradoxically conventional methods of drug delivery aided therapeutics accompanied with inherent drug/genes are encapsulated in biocompatible carrier or suitable transfecting agents generally suffered with low bioavailability, uncontrolled drug release, low cellular penetration, cellular internalization, toxicity, and poor drug loading efficiency. To overcome these issues, recently various multifunctional nanomaterials were developed, based on synergistic stimuli responsive aided drug release in a specified cellular or subcellular system. High therapeutic efficacy, of nanoparticles (NPs) mainly associated with surface functionalization through biocompatible polymeric materials, site-specific targeting units accompanied with stimuli responsive components. Followed by therapeutically important drug or genetic materials were loaded into NPs either in covalent or non-covalent approach. Intriguingly, combined pH and redox dual stimuli based functional materials specially based on polymeric nanocomposites for cancer therapeutics scarcely reported. This article provides the recent progress in pH and redox-responsive polymer-nano composites for site-specific drug delivery in cancer therapy. It explores design principles, fabrication methods, mechanism of action, and prospects of these dual-stimuli responsive biomaterials.
Formulation, Biochemical Characterization and Shelf-Life Study of YoAlp® Whey Based Beverage Containing Fruits Juices Produced in Aosta Valley
Authors: Merlet Mathieu , Flutto Tania , Pramotton Rita , Zenato Simona , Vernetti-Prot Luca , Valentini Sabina
Published: December 2023

Background: Functional beverages are ordinary foods with components or ingredients able to provide specific health effects other than purely nutritional effect. Aim: This study aims to formulate a new functional beverage obtained from the recovery of YoAlp® whey, a bovine fermented milk obtained using autochthonous starter cultures, added with Renetta Canada/Golden Delicious-Raspberry (YWL), Renetta Canada-Aronia (YWA) and Ravèntse (YWR) fruit juices to improve the functionality of the beverage. Methods: Microbiological analysis and chemical characterization, by a proteomic approach and spectrophotometric microassay, have been conducted on beverages to investigate the expected shelf-life and potential health promoting effects. Results: The microbiological assessment confirmed the safety of the beverages and the probiotic bacteria vitality over a shelf life of seven days. Biochemical analysis performed highlight the presence of different bioactive peptides (ACE inhibitory and antioxidant), and the betacasomorphin 9 (BCM-9), marker of A2 variant of β-casein typically present in Aosta Valley cattle breeds. Moreover, high amounts of total polyphenols, which concur to the antioxidant activity values observed, have been found. Furthermore, ACE inhibitory activity is well correlated to the bioactive peptides detected. Finally, a consumer test confirmed the YoAlp® whey-based beverages appreciation. Conclusions: The production of these beverages could represent a huge opportunity for Aosta Valley’s farms to increase their income and competitiveness, creating a circular economy by recovering a by-product like whey and following sustainability and healthy trends, which are driving the food sector.
Restructuring of the Environmental Impact Process (EIA) AFTER Brexit for Incompleteness
Authors: Kempton Robert
Published: December 2023

The inherited ‘EIA’ process at Brexit is based on a ‘Project’ period from Inception tothe start of construction works. The ‘Incompleteness’ of the process covers andidentifies stages that will impact on the environmental cycle: construction period,operational life, de-commissioning and a return to acceptable environmental footprint.A master environment structure-plan framework is required to commence with theupgrading of the complete ‘EIA’ process, embracing separate limbs for the UK’spriority environmental targets for climate change, and other major adverse effectswhich result in serious ‘harm’ to the UK environment. The identification of the processfor ‘incompleteness’ requires effective sustainability, and inclusion of effectivemanagement tools, for the essential ‘monitoring/control/recording’ proceduresthroughout the project life and the natural environmental cycle. This will allow theopportunity for a new approach to a structured ‘Suite of EIAR Directives’, to enable a‘EIAR’ regime that ‘will remain fit and proper for UK purpose’.
Nature - Based Solutions: Restoring Mangroves for Shoreline Protection and Other Ecosystem Services at Gazi Bay, Kenya
Authors: Kinya Gladys , Kairo James Gitundu , Nyoike Rossa Ngendo , Gachoki Josphat Nguu , Githinji Brian Kiiru , Githaiga Michael Njoroge
Published: December 2023

Debates on climate change challenges around the world are moving in favour of nature-based solutions (NBS) as potential mitigation and adaptation options. Mangroves and associated blue carbon ecosystems are nature-based solutions against sea level rise and other coastal hazards. As such, protecting the existing mangrove forests and restoration of the degraded areas is integral in this aspect. However, conventional mangrove restoration approaches in high-energy areas result in poor performance due to the removal of seedlings by waves. Here, we assessed the efficacy of using modified Riley Encasement Methods in the restoration of eroding intertidal areas of Gazi Bay, Kenya. Vegetation and soil baseline data were collected in 49 square plots of 100m2; established along belt transects perpendicular to the waterline. The following mangrove vegetation data was collected; species composition, tree height (m), and stem diameter (cm); from which the importance value index (IV), basal area and standing density (stems/ha) were derived. Sediment cores were made in the center of each square plot for carbon and grain size analysis. Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) planting adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in which the planting area was divided into three blocks (A, B, C). Within each block, treatments (bamboo and different-sized PVC pipes) were randomly assigned locations. Results show that seedlings grown within PVC encasements had high survival and growth rates, surpassing bamboo and control groups. This implies that PVC pipes offer better protection from external factors. These findings are critical in highlighting potential enhancements for the effectiveness of PVC pipes in mangrove restoration. They also reinforce on the need to consider the incorporation of PVC encasements as an alternative mangrove restoration technique in high-energy locations.
System-Level Assessment of Massive MIMO With RIS in C-RAN and IoT Networks in Sub-6 GHz, MM-Wave and THz Bands
Authors: Pavia João Pedro , Velez Vasco , Souto Nuno , Silva M. Marques da , Correia Américo
Published: December 2023

In this paper we investigate in different scenarios the feasibility of using massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) to boost the throughput and coverage performances with high energy efficiency, considering sub-6 GHz, mmWave and THz bands. With that objective, a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) suitable for beyond fifth generation (B5G) systems is considered, where we integrate the base stations (BSs) with multiple RISs and devices or user equipment. RISs with a large number of quasi-passive reflecting elements constitute a low-cost approach capable of shaping the radio wave propagation and improve wireless connectivity. We consider a scenario where multiple RISs are combined with mMIMO in the uplink in order to provide connectivity to Smart City (thousands of active low power devices) wirelessly, in the 3.6GHz and 28GHz bands. We also address a scenario where RISs are adopted with mMIMO in the downlink so as to offer connectivity to a Stadium with Pitch, (thousands of active user equipment) in the 28GHz band. Finally, we have also studied the connectivity at 100GHz of a Factory where several RIS panels replacing most of the BSs equipped with mMIMO assure improved throughput and coverage. We concluded that RISs are capable of improving the performance in any of these analyzed scenarios at the different frequency bands, justifying that they are a key enabling technology for 6G.
Body-Camera: Teacher Identity through Video Elicitation and Video Essay to Create Shared Heritages
Authors: Barrera-García Ángela , Álvarez-Rodríguez Dolores
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an approach to teacher identity heritage as result of the implementation of a research device created through Arts-based Research (ABR) methods, specifically with video elicitation and video essay used as research tools. Two main objectives were raised. The first one, to establish the real relevance of focusing performance on teacher identity. The second one, testing a new methodological proposal specifically designed for this purpose, but still useful in other contexts where heritage identity is as present as in teaching. The device, Body-camera, involves a process that allows new ways to understand the creation of identities using video to encourage the production of new meanings by visual and oral data. The participants were teachers in training during their internship period. Some notions about teachers' identity heritage were revealed, and also preserved, firstly, through personal perspectives by video elicitations and secondly, through collective perspectives by video essays. Both are video structures used in ABR which mix creative experience, memories, life experiences, relationships and links that shape the teachers’ professional identity.
Delusional Misidentification Syndrome in Parkinson’s Dementia Resolved with Rivastigmine
Authors: d'Angremont Emile , Berghuis Johan , Sommer Iris
Published: December 2023

In advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), and especially in PD related dementia (PDD), psychotic symptoms are common. One of the manifestations of psychosis in PD is delusional misidentification syndrome, a phenomenon in which the patient believes the identity of a person, object or location has been duplicated or altered. Our patient, a 75-year-old female, was diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease at the age of 68. Recently, her cognition deteriorated and she developed the believe that she lived in a replica of her real home. The delusion resolved completely with rivastigmine patches. Also visual hallucinations improved on treatment. This suggests that the dysfunctional connections were likely to be cholinergic.
Topology of Saliva
Authors: Tozzi Arturo , Peters James
Published: December 2023

Physical properties like shape, volume and size affect the dynamics of biological systems. Along these lines, we focus on the topological properties of biological fluids and their biochemical and physiological outcomes. We take as a paradigmatic example the salivary fluid and describe how its topological features may affect the physiopathology of the oral cavity. Topological approaches assess the general properties of saliva, ignoring small-scale physical details such as density, flow rate, stiffness, viscosity. Specifically, the mucin aggregates scattered in the salivary fluid can be tackled in terms of topological holes, i.e., vortical clusters that modify the direction, flow, impulse, local rate-of-change and velocity of saliva. While the current methodological approaches are inclined to remove the effects of impurities assessing systems as homogeneous structures, we argue that the occurrence of mucins breaks up the salivary fluid’s homogeneity, leading to unexpected biophysical modifications. We suggest that every collected salivary sample is not reliable for accurate clinical and experimental investigation, since it displays highly local as well as variable chemical, physical and biological features, not reflecting the current physiological state of the oral cavity. Therefore, the assessment of a single salivary sample is not fully reproducible and cannot provide information about the biophysical, enzymatic and microbiological content of the whole saliva. In sum, the very topological features of the saliva - such as volume, shape, antipodal cells, vortex area, whirling fluid mass, segmentation, discretization, triangulation, node numbering - produce unnoticed biological consequences and network connectivity features with intriguing operational implications.
Challenges in the Forecasting of Severe Typhoon Koinu in 2023
Authors: Chan P.W. , He Y.H.
Published: December 2023

Hong Kong was under the direct hit of Severe Typhoon Koinu (2314) on 8 and 9 October 2023, necessitating the issuance of the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal, No. 9. Koinu was a very challenging case for TC forecasting and warning services due to its compact size and erratic movement over the northern part of the South China Sea. This paper reviews the difficulties and challenges on the forecasting aspect of the severe typhoon. The predicted tropical cyclone track and intensity from both conventional models and emerging artificial intelligence models are examined, as well as local wind and rainfall forecast. Experience in this case study showed that while deterministic global models only performed moderately and were not able to adequately support early warning, a regional model and AI models could more effectively support decision making for operational tropical cyclone warning service.
Urinalysis Results and Resistance to Hospital Treatment with Injectable Antimalarials in Angola
Authors: Sacomboio Euclides Nenga Manuel , Paulo Telma Patrícia Pereira , Cassinela Edson Kuatelela , Sebastião Cruz dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Background: Resistance to antimalarial drugs often used in emerging countries, including combination therapies, has forced scientists to search for and develop drugs with novel mechanisms of action, especially resistance to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, which are highly prevalent in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
Objective: evaluate whether there is a relationship between urinalysis and resistance to in-hospital treatment of malaria in Angola.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study with a quantitative approach.
Results: of the 214 patients, the resistance rate was 24.1%, men (53.6%), between 21 and 40 years old (72.7%), employees (46.4%), from peri-urban regions (77.7%), treated with artemether (90.9), with high parasitemia (57.7%) and after 5 days of treatment, remained hospitalized (61.4%). Was a significant relationship between resistance in unemployed individuals [OR: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.29), p =0.003] and high levels of parasitemia [OR: 1.09 (95% CI: 1.09-3.95), p=0.040], remained hospitalized for more than 5 days [OR: 5.28 (95% CI: 0.65-43.1), p=0.121] and death [OR: 2.59 (95% CI: 0.32-20.9), p=0.371] when compared with other subgroups. Was a significant relationship between resistance to clear urine [OR: 5.55 (95% CI: 0.72-42.7), p =0.016], few urinary crystals [OR: 11.3 (95% CI: 5.07-25.3), p <0.001] and who presented some microorganisms that were not bacteria or fungi [OR: 3.02 (95% CI: 1 .32-6.90), p=0.009].
Conclusion: urine results, especially the appearance of cloudy urine, the presence of few crystals, and the presence of other microorganisms that are not bacteria or fungi, may be clear signs of resistance to hospital treatment with injectable antimalarials.
The Conventional and Breakthrough Tool for the Study of L-glutamate Transporters
Authors: Takahashi Kanako , Sato Kaoru
Published: December 2023

In our recent report, we clarified the direct interaction between excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1/2 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by applying electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques to Xenopus oocytes. Xenopus oocytes have a long history of use in the scientific field, but they are still attractive experimental systems for neuropharmacological studies. We will therefore summarize the pharmacological significance, advantages, (especially in the study of EAAT2), and experimental techniques that can be applied to Xenopus oocytes; our new findings concerning L-glutamate (L-Glu) transporters and PUFAs; and the significant outcomes of our data. The data obtained from electrophysiological and molecular biological studies of Xenopus oocytes have provided us with further important questions, such as whether or not some PUFAs can modulate EAATs as allosteric modulators and to what extent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects neurotransmission and thereby affects brain functions. By combining Xenopus oocyte experiments and more translational approaches, we can clarify the functions of proteins that are difficult to examine using cultured cells and the physiological roles of these proteins in brain functions. These approaches can lead to the development of the new central nervous system (CNS) drugs targeting molecules and investigations of their effectiveness.
Model Simulation and Rheological Research on Crosslinking Behavior of Polyethylene Resin
Authors: Chen Xuelian , Huang Qigu
Published: December 2023

The crosslinking behavior of polyethylene (PE) determines its exceptional performance and application. In this study, we investigated the crosslinking behaviors of different PE resins through model simulation and rheological methods. Specifically, the mathematical equation of "S" model was established for PE resin. According to this equation, the optimal maximum gel content for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was found to be around 85%. Moreover, the maximum crosslinking degrees for different PE resins depended largely on their density and molecular weight. The melt viscosities before crosslinking in PE resins were highly influenced by their melt index. The higher melt indexes resulted in the lower storage moduli, improving melt processability during processing. In addition, the crosslinking rates of PE resins were strongly influenced by peroxide concentration, independent of PE resin structures. For high molecular weight and low-density PE resins, they exhibited decreased ti values, increased A0 values, and decreased k6 values. However, there were no noticeable variations in the values of k2 and phi among different PE resins. And all simulated modeling outcomes showed the remarkable consistency with the experimental rheological data. These findings are of utmost significance in the industrial manufacture of PE resin.
Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) of Infection into Macrophages Validates the Importance of HERV-K102 Particle Production for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Laderoute Marian
Published: December 2023

Historically, macrophages have been long implicated in the control of the severity of infectious diseases. This has been based on the observations of a higher risk of severe disease and death upon rechallenge with viral variants due to antibody dependent enhance-ment (ADE) of infection into macrophages. The question remains as to what can account for this potent heterologous protection in macrophages? Here it is argued that the elusive defense mechanism of M1-like pro-inflammatory macrophages may pertain to a novel virus anti-virus response. This system initiates with high replication of human endogenous retrovirus K102 (HERV-K102), a non-pathogenic, protector foamy retrovirus of humans which generates M1-like pro-inflammatory foamy macrophages, glycolysis, and epigenetic changes, all characteristic of trained immunity. This virus-anti-virus system kills virally infected cells by several mechanisms, amplifies the innate interferon response via ‘viral mimicry’, has many unique components that interfere with exoge-nous virus replication, and may be especially adept at neutralizing enveloped exogenous pandemic viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1. The goal of this treatise is to introduce the multifaceted HERV-K102 protector system, to illustrate how SARS-CoV-2 may target the HERV-K102 protector system by ADE, and to explore how this innate defense system may be exploited for pandemic preparedness.
Metagenomic of Liver Tissue Identified at Least Two Genera of Totivirus-Like in Molossus molossus Bats
Authors: Couto Roseane da Silva , Ramos Endrya do Socorro Foro , Abreu Wandercleyson Uchôa , Rodrigues Luis Reginaldo Ribeiro , Marinho Luis Fernando , Morais Vanessa dos Santos , Villanova Fabiola , Pandey Ramendra Pati , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric , Costa Antonio Charlys da , Leal Elcio
Published: December 2023

The Totiviridae family of viruses has a unique genome consisting of double-stranded RNA with two open reading frames that encode the capsid protein (Cap) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRpol). Most virions in this family are isometric in shape, approximately 40 nm in diameter, and lack envelope. There are five genera within this family, including Totivirus, Victorivirus, Giardiavirus, Leishmaniavirus, and Trichomonasvirus. While Totivirus and Victorivirus primarily infect fungi, Giardiavirus, Leishmaniavirus, and Trichomonasvirus infect diverse hosts, including protists, insects, and vertebrates. Recently, new totivirus-like species have been discovered in fish and plant hosts, and through metagenomic analysis, a novel totivirus-like virus (named Tianjin totivirus) has been isolated from bat guano. Interestingly, Tianjin totivirus causes cytopathic effects in insect cells but cannot grow in mammalian cells, suggesting that it infects insects consumed by insectivorous bats. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing and identified totivirus-like viruses in liver tissue from Molossus molossus bats in the Amazon region of Brazil. Comparative phylogenetic analysis based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region revealed that the viruses identified in Molossus bats belong to two distinct phylogenetic clades, possibly comprising different genera within the Totiviridae family. Notably, the mean similarity between Tianjin totivirus and the totiviruses identified in Molossus bats is less than 18%. These findings suggest that the diversity of totiviruses in bats is more extensive than previously recognized and highlight the potential for bats to serve as reservoirs for novel toti-like viruses.
Game-based Assessment of Students’ Digital Literacy Using Evidence-Centered Game Design
Authors: Li Jiayuan , Bai Jie , Zhu Sha , Yang Harrison Hao
Published: December 2023

This study measured secondary students’ digital literacy using a digital game-based assessment system that was designed and developed based on the Evidence-Centered Game Design (ECGD) approach. A total of 188 secondary students constituted the valid samples in this study. Fine-grained behavioral data generated from students’ gameplay processes were collected and recorded with the assessment system. The Delphi method was used to extract feature variables related to digital literacy from the process data, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to construct the measurement model. The assessment results of the ECGD-based assessment had a high correlation with standardized test scores, which have been shown to be reliable and valid in prior large-scale assessment studies.
Unlocking the Sustainable Workplace Equality Policy (SWEP): Evidence From an Emerging Country
Authors: Hossain Mohammed , Tahat Yasean A , AbuGhazaleh Naser
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the current status of the Sustainable Workplace Equality Policy (SWEP) in an emerging country—Kuwait—and how it impacts firms’ financial and market performance. The study included companies listed in the Kuwait Boursa (Boursa Kuwait is the operator of the Kuwait Stock Exchange) in the period between 2012 and 2020. A disclosure index was prepared for SWEP based on guidelines provided by a combination of various sources and standards such as the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) standard, S&P global corporate sustainability assessment, Dow Jones sustainability index, United Nations global compact, and KPMG sustainability reporting standards. Time series regression analysis was used to examine the study hypotheses. The analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between the SWEP disclosure and firm measures of financial performance. The results indicate that SWEP is value-relevant and affects firms’ market value, suggesting that investors should consider firms’ disclosure of the SWEP when making investment decisions. The results of the current study are of interest to several stakeholders, especially investors and policymakers. Specifically, the study is relevant to the Kuwaiti Government, which has defined a clear path for sustainable growth with the Vision 2035/New Kuwait that is aimed at transforming the country into a financial and commercial hub for the region by 2035.
Amentoflavone: Exploring Potential Therapeutic Applications for Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ferrari Ivan Vito , Di Mario Mauro
Published: December 2023

Diabetes mellitus is acknowledged as a significant contributor to severe complications. The present work has explorated the potential role amentoflavone as an aldose reductase inhibitor through Docking Simulations. From these results this compound has shown excellent results with this enzyme with a high binding energy of -11 kcal/mol. If amentoflavone,a natural biflavonoid, proves effective in inhibiting aldose reductase, it could hold therapeutic promise for managing diabetic complications. However, it's crucial to emphasize that while computational studies offer valuable insights, experimental validation is essential to confirm the actual inhibitory effects and to establish the safety and efficacy of amentoflavone for this purpose. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to fully understand and harness the potential therapeutic benefits of amentoflavone in the context of diabetes.
BBN Constraints and Indications for Beyond Standard Model Neutrino Physics
Authors: Kirilova Daniela , Panayotova Mariana , Chizhov Emanuil
Published: December 2023

We use Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) to probe Beyond Standard Model physics in the neutrino sector. Recently the abundances of primordially produced light elements D and He-4 were determined from observations with better accuracy. The good agreement between the theoretically predicted abundances of primordially produced and derived from observations light elements allows to update the BBN constraints on Beyond Standard Models (BSM) physics. We provide numerical analysis of several BSM models of BBN and obtain precise cosmological constraints and indications for new neutrino physics. Namely, we derive more stringent BBN constraints on electron neutrino-sterile neutrino oscillations corresponding to 1% uncertainty of the observational determination of the primordial He-4. The cosmological constraints are obtained both for the case of zero and non-zero initial population of the sterle neutrino state. Then in a degenerate BBN model with neutrino νe↔νs oscillations we analyze the change of the cosmological constraints in case lepton asymmetry L is big enough to suppress oscillations. We obtain constraints on the lepton asymmetry L . We discuss a possible solution to the dark radiation problem in degenerate BBN models with νe↔νs oscillations in case L is large enough to suppress neutrino oscillations during BBN epoch. Interestingly, the required value of L for solving DR problem is close to L indicated by EMPRESS experiment and close to the value of lepton asymmetry necessary to relax Hubble tension.
DESIGNING AND EVALUATING DL-MODEL FOR VULNERABILITY DETECTION IN SMART CONTRACTS
Authors: Shmatko Oleksandr , Kolomiitsev Oleksii , Rekova Nataliia , Kuchuk Nina , Matvieiev Oleksandr
Published: December 2023

Task features. Smart-contracts are programs that are stored in a distributed registry and execute code written in them in response to transactions addressed to them. Such smart- contracts are written in the Solidity programming language, which has a specific structure and syntax. The language was developed for the Ethereum platform. Having a specific structure, such languages are prone to certain vulnerabilities, the use of which can lead to large financial losses. Task statement. In this paper, a Deep Learning (DL) model is used to detect the vulnerabilities. Using the chosen approach and a properly specified input data structure, it is possible to detect complex dependencies between various program variables that contain vulnerabilities and bugs. Research results. Using well-defined experiments, this approach was investigated to better understand the model and improve its performance. The developed model classified vulnerabilities at the string level, using the Solidity corpus of smart-contracts as input data. The application of the DL model allows vulnerabilities of varying complexity to be identified in smart-contracts. Conclusions. Thus, the pipeline developed by us can capture more internal code information than other models. Information from software tokens, although semantically incapable of capturing vulnerabilities, increases the accuracy of models. The interpretability of the model has been added through the use of the attention mechanism. Operator accounting has shown significant performance improvements.
A METHOD OF PROTECTING INFORMATION IN CYBER-PHYSICAL SPACE
Authors: Dzheniuk Nataliia , Yevseiev Serhii , Lazurenko Bogdan , Serkov Oleksandr , Kasilov Oleg
Published: December 2023

The subject of the study is the processes of ensuring the reliability and security of information in cyber-physical space. The objective is to develop recommendations for the implementation of a method of information security in cyber-physical space. The development is based on the technology of ultra-wideband signals circulating in wireless communication channels. The task is to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the airborne wireless mobile communication network, which is the main component of cyberspace and its most vulnerable link to destructive influences. Methods used: methods of analytical modelling and time-position pulse coding. The following results were obtained. It is shown that in order to ensure high quality of wireless network operation, it is necessary to expand its bandwidth, which is limited by the physical resource of the radio frequency spectrum. It is proposed to overcome this contradiction by applying the technology of ultra-wideband signals, the base of which is much larger than one. In this case, the information signal is emitted without a carrier frequency simultaneously in the entire frequency band, provided that the signal level is lower than the noise level.  The method of positional-time coding is used, in which each information bit is encoded by hundreds of ultra-short chip pulses arriving in a certain sequence. In such wireless communication systems, the use of autocorrelation reception of modulated ultra-wideband signals is proposed. A comparative analysis has shown that the wireless network with the best reliability and noise immunity is the one where the time separation of the reference and information signals is applied. During the first half of the bit interval, the switch closes the transmitter output directly to the ultra-wideband signal generator, forming a reference signal.  In the middle of the bit interval, the switcher switches the output to one of two possible positions depending on the signal "zero" or "one", forming the information part of the signal. Conclusions. Systems with autocorrelation reception and separate transmission of reference and information signals provide a high level of structural
Análise de impacto orçamentário de dispositivos contraceptivos na saúde suplementar brasileira
Authors: Mainka Felipe , Netto Harli , Souza Gislaine , Böger Beatriz , Fiebrantz Anne , Lind Jolline , Aguiar Bianca , Ramos Moacir , Rocha Jaime
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto orçamentário da adoção de dispositivos contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração em uma operadora de plano de saúde localizada no Sul do Brasil. Especificamente, analisamos a incorporação do implante subdérmico de etonogestrel (Implanon®) como alternativa ao sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (DIU Mirena® ou DIU Kyleena®), ao longo de um período de 15 anos. Métodos: Realizamos uma análise do impacto orçamentário incremental, considerando a inclusão gradual do implante subdérmico de etonogestrel. Foram considerados dados de uma operadora de planos de saúde com mais de 600.000 beneficiários. O horizonte temporal de 15 anos permitiu uma avaliação abrangente dos efeitos financeiros. Resultados: Identificamos 5.345 pacientes elegíveis para a utilização de contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração. No cenário em que somente o sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel era adotado, projetou-se um impacto orçamentário total de R$ 746.379.857,80 ao longo de 15 anos. No cenário alternativo, com a incorporação gradual do implante subdérmico, o impacto orçamentário total foi calculado em R$ 689.800.196,83. Isso resultou em um impacto orçamentário incremental negativo de -R$ 56.579.660,97 ao longo doperíodo. Conclusão: A análise de impacto orçamentário realizada indica um potencial benefício financeiro ao adotar o implante subdérmico de etonogestrel como alternativa ao sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel para contracepção. Esse achado sugere possíveis reduções de custos na área de saúde suplementar no Brasil, reforçando a importância de avaliar opções economicamente viáveis.
Implante transcateter de valva aórtica para o tratamento da estenose aórtica grave: uma revisão sistemática de estudos de avaliação econômica completa
Authors: Amato Joan , Meirelles Isandra , Braga Andressa , Pinto Márcia
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Comparar o implante transcateter de valva aórtica (TAVI) ao tratamento conservador em pacientes inoperáveis ou à cirurgia de troca valvar (SAVR) em pacientes com risco cirúrgico alto ou intermediário conforme a Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), por meio de uma revisão sistemática de avaliações econômicas completas. Avaliar a variabilidade de modelos econômicos, parâmetros, pressupostos e sua influência nos resultados finais. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca da literatura nas bases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SciELO e International HTA Base e busca manual. Foram incluídas análises econômicas completas baseadas em modelos econômicos publicadas entre 2011 e 2022, em português, inglês e espanhol. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada usando o instrumento QHES (Quality of Health Economic Studies). Resultados: Foram incluídos 36 estudos, majoritariamente análises de custo-utilidade (64%), da Europa (41%), utilizando dados de eficácia dos estudos PARTNER. O modelo de Markov (61%) foi predominante. O custo da prótese do TAVI foi um parâmetro de impacto na análise de sensibilidade nos três grupos. Os estudos alcançaram uma boa qualidade no instrumento QHES. Conclusão: O TAVI tendeu a ser custo-efetivo em relação aos comparadores. Os modelos não foram homogêneos nos parâmetros, horizontes temporais e taxa de desconto, podendo impactar a custo-efetividade do TAVI e dificultar a comparação dos resultados entre diferentes países e perspectivas.
Impacto econômico da implementação de políticas públicas para distúrbios de sono no Brasil: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Finkelstein Beny , Medeiros Miguel , Silva Douglas , Albertini Claudia , Eckeli Alan Luiz , Drager Luciano
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Identificar estudos sobre políticas públicas, ações de saúde e análises econômicas relacionados aos distúrbios de sono no Brasil e discutir os seus resultados para o sistema de saúde, gestores de políticas públicas e a sociedade. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados Lilacs (via BVS), SciELO e PubMed (via Medline), incluindo estudos publicados nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, entre os anos de 1960-2023; foram excluídos estudos que não apresentaram a perspectiva brasileira ou aqueles cuja versão integral não estava disponível (seja gratuitamente ou na versão paga). Resultados: A busca retornou 536 resultados, dos quais apenas dois atendiam aos critérios de inclusão e mais cinco trabalhos foram incluídos manualmente, após consulta com especialistas de sono (todos abordaram apneia obstrutiva do sono, sendo: um relato sobre alteração na legislação de trânsito focada em prevenção de acidentes por sonolência excessiva; uma revisão de escopo sobre análises de custo-efetividade do tratamento da doença com uso de CPAP; dois relatos sobre linha de cuidado em um município e outros três em Secretarias Estaduais de Saúde). Conclusões: A revisão integrativa encontrou poucas evidências acerca do tema e aponta para a necessidade de futuros estudos que visem a suprir essa lacuna científica e de que seja necessário o desenvolvimento de futura linha de cuidado que amplie o acesso ao tratamento de doenças do sono no Sistema Único de Saúde.
Investigating the Influence of Precursor Concentration on the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue using Biosynthesized ZnO from Pometia pinnata Leaf Extracts
Authors: Rini Ari Sulistyo , Rati Yolanda , Putri Seliana , Dewi Rahmi
Published: December 2023

The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized at various precursor concentrations i.e. 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 M by biosynthesis method based on Pometia pinnata Leaf Extracts. Initial nanoparticle concentration influenced the optical bandgap, shape, and structure of nanoparticles. The photodegradation process was carried out under UV illumination. The efficiency of MB degradation was determined by measuring the decrease in MB concentration and by analyzing the optical absorption at 663 nm recorded by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited efficient photodegradation of MB, with a maximum degradation rate of 80% after 90 minutes of exposure to UV-C light. The study highlights the potential of Pometia pinnata leaf extracts as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles for use in environmental remediation processes
Alfabetização e letramento
Authors: Narciso dos Santos Rosemari , Nunes Barbosa Cesa Nazaré
Published: December 2023

Alfabetização é algo imprescindível na vida de qualquer indivíduo, no entanto, é um processo bastante complexo. Neste cenário, muitos são os desafios enfrentados pelos professores alfabetizadores; desafios estes que se agravaram sobremaneira durante a pandemia trazida pelo novo coronavírus. Em resposta a esta demanda, a prefeitura do município de Abelardo Luz solicitou o apoio do setor pedagógico do Campus Abelardo Luz para, juntos, buscarem estratégias que viessem a auxiliar os alunos em relação aos problemas de aprendizagem. Diante disso, este trabalho visa descrever as ações do projeto de alfabetização, desenvolvido de julho a dezembro de 2022, numa parceria entre essas duas instituições. A equipe de trabalho contou com professores do IFC – Instituto Federal Catarinense, uma aluna bolsista do curso de pedagogia e, ainda, professores da rede municipal de educação. No total, o projeto atendeu a 126 alunos do 1º ao 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Os resultados mostraram um aproveitamento considerável dos alunos em relação à melhoria,à leitura e à escrita. Constatou-se que as estratégias utilizadas foram fundamentais nesse processo, uma vez que fortaleceram o aproveitamento individual e em grupo, aumentaram o interesse em aprender e, principalmente, por conta do melhor desempenho linguístico, ampliaram significativamente a autoestima das crianças participantes.
O caminho para florescer
Authors: Soares Moleiro Parmejani Rebeca , Batista Mariana
Published: December 2023

Os transtornos mentais são, atualmente, a principal causa de incapacidade dos indivíduos. Estimou-se que 129 milhões de pessoas no mundo desenvolveram depressão e/ou ansiedade no primeiro ano da Pandemia. O transtorno misto de depressão e ansiedade é caracterizado pela presença de sintomas de ambas as condições, sem uma distinção precisa entre eles. É comum que pessoas com esse transtorno apresentem dificuldades interpessoais e intrapessoais. Assim, intervenções que integram a ACT e FAP para o manejo dessas dificuldades tendem a favorecer a promoção da flexibilidade psicológica. Este estudo buscou apresentar a evolução de um quadro clínico misto. Utilizou-se a Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton e o Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) para mensurar os índices de ansiedade e depressão. Os resultados forneceram evidências preliminares para apoiar a eficácia do modelo integrado FAP e ACT no tratamento de quadros mistos.
Class-Incremental Learning for Generative Classifiers based on Class Enhancement
Authors: Lu Huibin , Li Yan , Wen Shuhuan , Gao Le , Li Zhuoyi
Published: December 2023

Incremental learning of new classes by neural network models would lead to catastrophic forgetting of old classes. To address this problem, this paper proposes a class-incremental learning method for generative classifiers based on class enhancement. First, in order to increase the gap between old and new classes, we train an independent conditional variational auto-encoder for each class that arrives at each stage and reserve the trained weights to record the information of that class. Second, for complex natural image datasets, we incorporate a feature extractor to transform pixel replay into feature replay, making the retained information more representative. Finally, we use importance sampling and the Bayesian criterion for classification to obtain reliable classification results. The experimental results on the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets show that the proposed method can improve the classification accuracy of images and effectively reduce the impact of catastrophic forgetting by using batch learning for class-incremental learning. Furthermore, for the CORe50 and OpenLORIS-Object datasets, the proposed method can well adapt to the changes of the real-time environment by using online learning for continuous target recognition, showing its robustness.
Deep sea treasures - insights from museum archives shed light on coral microbial diversity within deepest ocean ecosystems
Authors: Ricci Francesco , Leggat William , Pasella Marisa , Bridge Tom , Horowitz Jeremy , Girguis Peter , Ainsworth Tracy
Published: December 2023

Deep sea benthic habitats are low productivity ecosystems that host an abundance of organisms within the Cnidaria phyla. The technical limitations and the high cost of deep sea surveys have made exploring deep sea environments and the biology of the organisms that inhabit them challenging. In spite of the widespread recognition of Cnidaria's environmental importance in these ecosystems, the microbial assemblage and its role in coral functioning have only been studied for a few deep water corals. Here we explored the prokaryotic diversity of deep sea corals by recovering nucleic acids from museum archive specimens. Firstly, we amplified and sequenced the V1-V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene of specimens held in museum archival storage and utilised these to shed light on the microbial diversity associated with seven families of corals collected from depth in the Coral Sea (depth range 1,309 to 2,959 metres) and Southern Ocean (depth range 1,401 to 2,071 metres) benthic habitats. Most surprisingly, Cyanobacteria sequences were consistently associated with six out of seven coral families from both sampling locations, suggesting that these bacteria are potentially ubiquitous members of the microbiome within these cold and deep sea water organisms. Additionally, we show that Cnidaria might benefit from symbiotic associations with a range of chemosynthetic bacteria including nitrite, carbon monoxide and sulfur oxidizers. Consistent with previous studies, we show that sequences associated to the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Acidobacteriota dominated the microbial community of corals in the deep sea. We also explored genomes of the genus Mycoplasma, which we identified as associated with specimens of three deep sea coral families, finding evidence that these bacteria may aid the host immune system. Importantly our results show that museum specimens retain components of host microbiome that can provide new insights into the diversity of deep sea coral microbiomes (and potentially other organisms), as well as the diversity of microbes writ large in deep sea ecosystems.