bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Fusion with Supervised Deep Analysis Dictionary Learning for Kinship Verification
Authors: Maggu Jyoti
Published: August 2023

Consider the new challenge of determining the relationship or kinship between two people based on the face photographs that are provided. Although it can be difficult, finding kin ties between matched images across big datasets is crucial in numerous computer vision applications. We present a novel knowledge fusion-based supervised deep analysis dictionary learning architecture for face kinship verification using recent advancements in deep learning and dictionary learning and then solve the optimization problem. Three datasets for kinship verification serve as examples of the experimental effectiveness. Results reveal that our suggested solution outperforms challenging state-of-the-art algorithms by a wide margin.
Facilitating access to primary care for people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances in Belgium through community health workers: towards a conceptual framework
Authors: Masquillier Caroline , Cosaert Theo
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Inspired by examples in low- and middle-income countries, 50 community health workers (CHWs) were introduced in Belgium to improve access to primary care for people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances. This article aims to explore the ways in which community health workers (CHWs) support people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances in their access to primary care.
Methods
The qualitative research focuses on the first year of implementation of this pioneer nationwide CHW programme in Belgium. To respond to the research aim, thirteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances. In addition, a photovoice study was conducted with fifteen CHWs comprising four phases: (1) photovoice training; (2) participatory observation with each CHW individually; (3) an individual semi-structured in-depth interview; and (4) three focus group discussions.
Results
The qualitative results show that the CHWs’ outreaching way of working allows them to reach people living at the crossroads of different vulnerabilities that are intertwined and reinforce each other. They experience complex care needs, while at the same time they face several barriers that interrupt the continuum of access to primary care – as conceptualised in the theoretical access-to-care framework of Levesque and colleagues [1]. Study findings suggest that CHWs adapt their support to the unique interplay between health system barriers and individual barriers people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances might experience along the access-to-care continuum. However, important to note is that the qualitative results show that the way in which CHWs support people is also impacted by the broader health system, such as long waiting times and unwelcoming healthcare professionals after referral from a CHW.
Discussion
CHWs can thus play a valuable bridging role between the Belgian healthcare system and people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances who have little to no access to regular healthcare. The conceptual model of CHW-facilitated access to primary care developed in this article explores the way in which CHWs support people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances in their access to primary care in Belgium.
Determinants of First-year Students' Career Path in Ghana
Authors: Kissi-Abrokwah Bernard , Krog Soezin , Tutu-Danquah Cecilia , Akumbuno Alexander , Acheampong Ebenezer , Asare Kotor , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Hammond Pearl Nana Yaa Adubea
Published: August 2023

A successful career chosen by the student is the essential component in academic success. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of first-year students' career paths in Ghana. The study was underpinned by Trait and Factor Theory (TFT), Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The study was based on interpretive philosophical assumptions, and a qualitative approach was used to investigate the factors that influence the choice of career path of first-year university students in Ghana. All in all, 36 students were purposefully selected in three focus groups. The study found that socioeconomic, educational, sociocultural, and individual factors were the key determinants of a student’s career path. The study concluded that students from wealthy backgrounds have greater flexibility in choosing career paths that align with their interests than those from lower-income backgrounds. Again, it was revealed that students’ personal values and desires have a positive impact on their career paths.
Subunit epitope vaccine prediction against SARS-CoV-2 using Transmembrane and C-terminal domains of envelope protein
Authors: Nawaz Rabia , Sarwar Aqsa , Arif Muhammad Ali , Noor Faiqa , Ahmad Zainab , Ajmal Anum , Ahad Ammara , Qazi Mehreen , Shahid Muhammad , Afzal Samia , Mehmood Uqba , Idrees Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Background:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic in recent times. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped beta-coronavirus. Epitope prediction against viruses for subunit vaccine development using immunoinformatic approaches is becoming a common practice. Currently available vaccines are designed against entire proteins. However, in present study, two domains of enveloped protein, named Transmembrane (TM) and C terminal domain (CTD) of the Delta variant were targeted for their potential immunogenic responses.
Methods:
Proteomic Sequences for both domains for the years 2020-2022 were retrieved and subjected to conservation and mutational analyses. Their physio-chemical characteristics were also determined. The epitopes for T Cell, B Cell, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte were predicted and checked for allergic properties Phosphorylation & glycosylation sites were determined. Secondary and tertiary structural conformations were predicted and screened for potential cleavage sites. Finally, a vaccine construct was designed using the selected peptides based on their best antigenicity, immunogenicity, conservation, and physiochemical properties.
Results:
A total of 102 residual substitutions were found, including 3, 4, and 95 for the sequences of years 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively. The residual and atomic composition of domains sequences were analyzed. The maximum amino acid flexibility was found at residue 60 (serine), and the maximum transmembrane tendency was found at positions 14, 15, and 16 (alanine, phenylalanine, & valine). Physio-chemical analysis confirmed the probable antigenicity and absence of allergenic properties of our predicted epitopes. Primarily, a total of 34 B Cell, 20 T Cell, and 3 CTL epitopes were predicted. Following rigorous validations like antigenicity and allergenicity assessment, 15 B Cell, 14 T Cell and 2 CTL epitopes were selected. These conserved and potential antigenic epitopes were then combined to create a vaccine construct, which can be used independently or alongside some other subunit/peptide cocktail formulation to address the challenges associated with using whole protein regions of the virus or mRNA-based vaccines.
Conclusion:
This study suggested that TM & CTD domains of envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 might serve as potential antigens and proposed an effective alternative vaccine approach using smaller viral domains cocktail to avoid post-vaccination complications associated with whole viral protein-based vaccines.
Why Do Some Adults Who are Smoking Perceive E-cigarettes to be More Harmful than Combustible Cigarettes?
Authors: McKeganey Neil , Notley Sophie , Coyle Joanne , Barnard Gabriel
Published: August 2023

Whilst e-cigarettes have been characterised by respected public health bodies as being substantially less harmful than combustible tobacco products, nevertheless research has shown that a significant minority of adults, including those who are smoking, perceive e-cigarettes to be as harmful or more harmful than combustible cigarettes. In this paper we draw upon qualitative data from interviews with U.K. adults who are smoking to look at the reasons why e-cigarettes may be viewed as more harmful than combustible cigarettes. The belief that e-cigarettes may be more harmful than combustible cigarettes was based on a complex array of knowledge, belief, reasons, fears, predictions, reactions, and judgements covering such topics as the technological i.e. non-natural nature of e-cigarettes, uncertainties as to the content of e-liquids, perceptions that these devices expose the user to greater harm resulting from their being used with greater frequency than combustible tobacco products, fear around long-term harm of e-cigarettes, scare stories in the media and concerns around addiction. There is an important need for clear communication from responsible public health bodies and the media conveying the important information to those adults who are continuing to smoke that e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful than combustible tobacco products, and that those adults who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking using validated means of smoking cessation should consider switching to e-cigarettes or other non-combustible tobacco products as a way of reducing the harms they are being exposed to as a result of continuing to smoke.
SpykProps: An Imaging Pipeline to Quantify Architecture in Unilateral Grass Inflorescences
Authors: Ortiz Joan Barreto , Hirsch Candice N. , Ehlke Nancy Jo , Watkins Eric
Published: August 2023

Background
Inflorescence properties such length, spikelet number, and their spatial distribution across the rachis, are fundamental indicators of fitness and seed productivity in grasses, and have been a target of selection throughout domestication and crop improvement. However, quantifying such complex morphology is laborious, time-consuming, and commonly limited to human-perceived traits. These limitations can be exacerbated by unfavorable trait correlations between inflorescence architecture and seed yield that can be unconsciously selected for. Computer vision offers an alternative to conventional phenotyping, enabling higher throughput and reducing subjectivity. These approaches provide valuable insights into the determinants of seed yield, and thus, aid breeding decisions.
Results
Here, we described SpykProps, an inexpensive Python-based imaging system to quantify morphological properties in unilateral inflorescences, that was developed and tested on images of perennial grass (Lolium perenne L.) spikes. SpykProps is able to rapidly and accurately identify spikes (RMSE < 1), estimate their length (R2 = 0.96), and number of spikelets (R2 = 0.61). It also quantifies color and shape from hundreds of interacting descriptors that are accurate predictors of architectural and agronomic traits such as seed yield potential (R2 = 0.94), rachis weight (R2 = 0.83), and seed shattering (R2 = 0.85).
Conclusions
SpykProps is an open-source platform to characterize inflorescence architecture in a wide range of grasses. This imaging tool generates conventional and latent traits that can be used to better characterize developmental and agronomic traits associated with inflorescence architecture, and has applications in fields that include breeding, physiology, evolution, and development biology.
Detection Tampering in Digital Video in Frequency Domain using DCT with Halftone
Authors: Alwan Wafaa H. , Alturfi Sabah M.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the rapid technological development and the emergence of mobile devices, cameras, etc., in addition to the availability of video production, editing, and formatting programs, made it easy to edit, manipulate, and fake or tamper video. As they know that pictures or videos give more information than texts; Video is a very important medium for transferring information from one place to another. One of the important types of evidence in road accidents and theft crimes. Moreover, when forensic analysis is essential for any video, the availability of origin video may be rare therefore the forensic experts must establish decisions based on the present video (under surveillance) and decide if this video is fake (tampered) or not fake. There are multiple methods to tamper video, including active and blind passive methods. In this research, we tried to combine the behavior of active methods in the process of embedding the halftone current frame of video in the DCT Coefficients of next frame of the same video with the behavior of passive methods by comparing the information embedded after extracting with the information of the current frame to determine whether there is a fake in the video or not & which frame contains tamper. The experimental results of the submitted method showed a huge level of success in locating frames in which falsification or tampering occurred through copying, deletion or insertion, or even if copy-move regions. Also, in proposed method we attempted to post-processing the fake frames using the information included in the subsequent frame, if it is not faked. Finally, the original video, the embedded halftone video, and the tamper (fake) video after post processing were compared using PSNR and SSIM similarity scales. At last, the accuracy & precision scores of tampered & non tampered frames are computed.
Effect of Solvents on the Physical and Structural Parameters of Nano Biopolymer
Authors: Alhuthali Abdullah M. S. , Elhaes Hanan , Ibrahim Medhat A.
Published: August 2023

Functionalized polymers, especially in the nano scale, have a wide range of applications. In this sense, chitosan was prepared in our lab via the deacetylation of chitin obtained from shrimp. The molecular structure of the prepared chitosan was investigated by FTIR which confirmed that it is similar to commercial chitosan. The first step in the functionalization of chitosan for further applications is to dissolve it. Consequently, a DFT:B3LYP/3-21g* model was utilized to study the effect of different solvents on structural and physical properties of chitosan. Total dipole moment (TDM), HOMO/LUMO band gap energy, and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) were used as physical descriptors to follow up the effect of solvation on nano chitosan. Results indicated that solvation increased the reactivity of chitosan in terms of TDM, HOMO/LUMO band gap energy and MESP. Also, solvation resulted in slight changes in the structural parameters. For experimental verification of the obtained theoretical results, chitosan was dissolved in different solvents then the FTIR spectrum of each solution was recoded and compared with raw (undissolved) chitosan. Results demonstrated no change in the molecular structure under the effect of solvation.
A computational model for sample dependence in hypothesis testing of genomic data
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Chu Sang-Ho , Park Yong-Jin , Lee Chnag-Yong
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigate sample dependence in statistical hypothesis testing, where samples are assumed and required to be independent. We show that dependent samples produce lower $p$ values than independent samples; thus, they are more likely to produce a false positive in the test than independent samples. To account for sample dependence in hypothesis testing, we use graph theory to quantify the degree of dependence in terms of graph density and model the variance of graph density as a function of sample size. Using the model, we propose a computational method for estimating the adjusted sample size, which can be used as additional information for the dependent samples in hypothesis testing. To support the validity of the proposed method, we simulate model-free and model-based data sets to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. We then apply the method to rice genomic data sets of genetic variants across diverse accessions and estimate the adjusted sample size as a guide to account for sample dependence in hypothesis testing.
Carbon-Graphene hybrid supporting Platinum-Tin electrocatalyst to enhance ethanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Bastos Tarso L. , Gelamo Rogério V. , Colmati Flavio
Published: August 2023

Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is promising source for mobile and portable applications, but the electrocatalysts are based on metal noble alloys or doping elements to minimize the incomplete ethanol oxidation and poisoning effect. While the main problem persists, this study describes the enhancement of ethanol oxidation reaction by adding graphene (G) to Vulcan XC-72R carbon black (C) metal support, with different C/G ratios. The Graphene were prepared from exfoliated graphite following dry in cool plasma under vacuum. The 60 wt% graphene hybrid support enhances the current density at 5% cyclic voltammetry (CV) and 127% chronoamperometry (CA) higher than carbon pure support in acid electrolyte. Whereas in alkaline, graphene (60 wt%) showed the highest electrochemical activity with an increase of current 82% (CV) and 130% (CA). Therefore, we demonstrated the enhancement of the catalyst electrochemical activity in both electrolytes through a simple synthesis method. The 40 wt% carbon and 60 wt% graphene hybrid support achieving higher performance in ethanol oxidation, evidencing a potential application in DEFC.
Integrating Deep and Handcrafted Features forEnhanced Decision-Making Assistance in BreastCancer Diagnosis on Ultrasound Images
Authors: Abhisheka Barsha , Biswas Saroj Kumar , Purkayastha Biswajit , Das Soumen
Published: August 2023

The classification of breast cancer has emerged as a significant concern in thehealthcare sector in recent times. This is primarily due to its status as the sec-ond leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among women. Prior research inthe field of breast cancer classification has mainly focused on either traditionalMachine Learning (ML) based models or employing Deep Learning (DL) mod-els. However, both approaches solely fail to capture the complete spectrum offeatures necessary for accurate classification. Therefore, this paper introduces aclassification model named Hybrid Breast Cancer Prediction System (HBCPS),which utilizes a combination of features derived from deep Convolutional Neu-ral Network (CNN) model and handcrafted features, to improve classificationperformance. The proposed HBCPS uses the pre-trained ResNet50 network toextract the deep features, while the handcrafted features are obtained using His-togram Orientation Gradient (HOG). For classification the proposed approach uses Support Vector Machine (SVM). In addition, the proposed method inte-grates the Block Matching and 3D (BM3D) denoising filter. This filter efficientlyreduces multiplicative noise such as speckle noise from Breast Ultrasound (BUS)images, resulting in improved image quality. This enhancement technique hassignificantly contributed to improve the overall performance of the system. Theproposed framework is evaluated using a widely used Breast Ultrasound Image(BUSI) dataset. The proposed HBCPS exhibited satisfactory performance withan accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, specificity, and AUC values of 89.02%,87.67%, 87.17%, 87.36%, 83.87%, and 0.8717, respectively. These metrics indicatethe robustness and reliability of the proposed method and offer a comprehensiveframework for breast cancer classification using BUS images.
Bilateral variation of human pulmonary fissure: a study in Korean cadaver
Authors: Jeong Eun-A , Bae An-Na , Park Jong-Ho , Lee Jae-Ho , Heo Yu-Ran
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the variation found in human lung fissures for clinical benefit. The lungs are a pair of respiratory organs located on either side of the chest cavity. The right lung is usually divided into three lobes by the oblique fissure and horizontal fissure, and the left lung into two lobes by the oblique fissure. In this study, lung fissure variation was found in both lungs of a 96-year-old formalin-fixed Korean male cadaver. These fissures of the lung were observed to be additional, complete, incomplete or absent. The right lung was observed an absent horizontal fissure and an incomplete accessory fissure, and the left lung was observed an incomplete oblique fissure and an accessory fissure, the left minor fissure. From a clinical standpoint, it is important for clinicians to possess an awareness of variations in lung fissures. Incomplete lung fissures, for instance, have the potential to facilitate the spread of diseases like pneumonia to adjacent lobes. Moreover, accessory fissures can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions such as pleural scars or blisters, necessitating careful differentiation.
An Intricate relationship between Microbes and Metabolites leads of Novel PCOS Biomarkers
Authors: Niranjan Vidya , Eshwar Sunil , S Pooja , Uttarkar Akshay , S Likitha
Published: August 2023

Background: Globally 14% of women are affected and 70% of women remain undiagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This is an Etiopathogenesis which attributes of hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammations.
Challenges: The patients are asymptomatic until the severity increases, this could occur due to varied symptoms among PCOS patients. Long-term exposure to ovarian cysts could lead to hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and endometrial cancer.
Objectives: 16sr.RNA amplicon-sequenced data was analysed for identify the microorganisms prevailing the vaginal region which also alters the metabolites in the system that causes PCOS. To identify novel biomarkers.
Results: Thus, omics box analysis assisted to identify the healthy microbes which include Lactobacillus sp in symbiosis with Bifidobacterium. While Streptococcus, Porphymorsus, Fusobacterium, Gardenella, Prevoletta, Suterella and Clostridiumwhich affects the hormonal level and certain metabolites which adversely affect the healthy environment.
Conclusion: The metabolites such as DHEA, Salicylic acid and Cortisol can be reported as novel biomarkers.
Sustainable Astronomy: A comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Off-grid Hybrid Energy Systems to supply large Telescopes
Authors: Viole Isabelle , Shen Li , Camargo Luis Ramirez , Zeyringer Marianne , Sartori Sabrina
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Supplying off-grid facilities such as astronomical observatories with renewable energy-based systems (RES) instead of diesel generators can considerably reduce their environmental impact. However, RES require oversized capacities to counter intermittency and comply with reliability requirements, hence shifting the environmental impact from operation to construction phase. We assess whether 100% RES scenarios are favorable from an environmental point of view, and discuss the trade-offs in systems with backup fossil generators versus 100% renewable ones.
Methods
In this comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), we study various RES supply systems to power a new telescope in the Atacama desert, Chile. We compare six setups, including 100% RES scenarios, namely photovoltaics (PV) with batteries and hydrogen energy storage; high-renewable scenarios, with fossil fuel power generation next to RES and storage; and a system combining PV with diesel generation. We base system sizing on a techno-economical optimization for the start of operation in 2030. Foreground data stem from recent life cycle inventories of RES components and 2030 electricity mix assumptions of production places. We assess environmental impact in the categories climate change, mineral resource depletion and water use.
Results and discussion
We find that 100% RES and high-renewable scenarios result in emissions of 0.077-0.115kg CO2e/kWh supplied, compared to 0.917kg CO2e/kWh in the reference case with solely diesel generation. 100% RES scenarios have a lower CO2e impact than high-renewable scenarios. However, the latter lower the mineral resource depletion and water use by about 27% compared to 100% RES scenarios. Applying hybrid energy storage systems increases the water use impact, while reducing the mineral resource depletion.
Conclusions
None of the six energy systems we compared was clearly the best in all environmental impacts considered. Trade-offs must be taken when choosing an energy system to supply the prospective off-grid telescope in Chile. We find high-renewable systems with some fossil generation as the better option regarding power reliability, mineral resource depletion and water use, while inducing slightly higher greenhouse gas emissions than the 100% RES scenarios.
As remote research facilities and off-grid settlements today are mainly supplied by fossil fuels, we expect to motivate more multifaceted decisions for implementing larger shares of RES for these areas. To advance the LCA community in the field of energy systems, we should strive to incorporate temporal and regional realities into our life cycle inventories. To ease the path for upcoming studies, we publish this work’s inventories as detailed activity level datasets.
A semi-automated approach to policy-relevant evidence synthesis: Combining natural language processing, causal mapping, and graph analytics for public policy
Authors: Hooper Rory , Goyal Nihit , Blok Kornelis , Scholten Lisa
Published: August 2023

Although causal evidence synthesis is critical for the policy sciences – whether it be analysis for policy or analysis of policy – its repeatable, systematic, and transparent execution remains challenging due to the growing volume, variety, and velocity of policy-relevant evidence generation as well as the complex web of relationships within which policies are usually situated. To address these shortcomings, we developed a novel, semi-automated approach to synthesizing causal evidence from policy-relevant documents. Specifically, we propose the use of natural language processing (NLP) for the extraction of causal evidence and subsequent homogenization or normalization of the varied text, causal mapping for the collation, visualization, and summarization of complex interdependencies within the policy system, and graph analytics for further investigation of the structure and dynamics of the causal map. We illustrate this approach by applying it to a collection of 28 articles on the emissions trading scheme (ETS), a policy instrument of increasing importance for climate change mitigation. In all, we find 300 variables and 284 cause-effect pairs in our input dataset (consisting of 4524 sentences), which are reduced to 70 unique variables and 119 cause-effect pairs after normalization. We create a causal map depicting these and analyze it subsequently to obtain systemic perspective as well as policy-relevant insight on the ETS that is broadly consistent with select manually conducted, previous meta-reviews of the policy instrument. We conclude that, despite its present limitations, this approach can help synthesize causal evidence for policy analysis, policymaking, and policy research.
Colored Shade Nets Affect Growth but Not Flowering of Four Greenhouse-grown Potted Ornamental Species
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Dunn Bruce L. , Fontanier Charles , Singh Hardeep
Published: August 2023

The color of horticultural shade nets is known to influence crop growth and quality because of variations in the amount and quality of light. Four ornamental plant species (celosia, begonia, gerbera, and fountain grass) were grown under aluminet, pearl, and red shade nets plus black as the control at 50% shade intensity for 8 weeks. Black had the least transmittance (∼10% to 30% of ambient) within the red spectrum (620–750 nm), whereas red had the greatest at ∼70% to 80%. Aluminet and pearl resulted in a similar reduction in photosynthetic photon flux at ∼50% to 55% and ∼55% to 65% of ambient, respectively. Aluminet increased the shoot dry weight for begonia and celosia, whereas no differences among shade nets were seen for gerbera or fountain grass. The chlorophyll concentration was greatest under aluminet for each species except begonia. Shade net color did not affect flower number.
The Effect of Online-Delivered Guided Imagery Relaxation on Stress and Well-Being of Primary School Children
Authors:   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Chean Wei Lim , Othman Azizah ,   Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Hashim Hairul Anuar ,   School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: August 2023

Background: In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, effectively coping with daily stressors is crucial for children who experience restrictions on physical movement and social activities. We examined the effects of the online-delivered guided imagery relaxation (GIR) technique on the stress and well-being of primary school children. Methods: Thirty-four (N = 34) 11-year-old students were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 17) or waitlist-control (n = 17) groups. The participants from the intervention group were required to attend a 4-week online GIR session and practice the techniques daily for 5 min–10 min. The Stress in Children (SiC) questionnaire, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent Reported (SDQ-PR) and tracking form were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: Eleven (64.7%) participants attended all sessions and eight (47.0%) completed daily practices. Mixed-model ANOVA indicated no significant difference between participants from intervention and waitlist-control groups across pre- and post-intervention time points, with P-values greater than 0.05 for stress and well-being. Conclusion: Issues regarding online intervention, including managing children’s activities from a distance, Internet connectivity, and time limitations might have affected their adherence and the research outcome. Nonetheless, the online-delivered GIR technique is a promising intervention modality. However, its implementation should be improvised to be more impactful.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends on Suicidal Ideation
Authors:   School of Human Resource Development and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia, Mohamad Farok Nurul Hidayah , Mahmud Norashikin ,   School of Human Resource Development and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
Published: August 2023

Suicide cases have increased drastically over the years, while the upsurge has inevitably spiked society’s concerns. Suicidal behaviours such as suicidal ideation have received special attention from professionals due to the harmful and irreversible consequences of possible suicide attempts. There is increasing concern that a more complete understanding of suicidal ideation trends is necessary to achieve scientific insights into suicidal behaviours through future integrated advanced research efforts. Thus, this paper aims to observe research patterns through publication outputs and co-authorships among authors and affiliated countries, besides co-occurrences of author keywords from the Scopus database. Using ‘suicidal ideation’ as the keyword on Scopus,this bibliometric analysis explored the global pattern of suicidal ideation research published between 1960 and 2020 and retrieved 3,061 records. Seven out of 15 most productive universities from the world’s top 100 best universities were found in the leading countries lists. The United States was found as dominating the research area with 80% of the publications. In conclusion, the study found that researchers have made significant progress in the research area of suicidal ideation over the years; however, the topic still warrants further analysis to understand suicidality from a broader perspective.
A Microbiological Assessment of Stethoscopes Used by Clinicians in a Tertiary Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Ehondor Ogie Tada , Ibadin Ephraim Ehidiamen ,   Medical Microbiology Division, Medical Laboratory Services, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Published: August 2023

Background: The hospital environment serves as a niche for pathogenic microorganisms, so efforts are constantly being made to identify the potential mode of microbial pathogen transmission causing clinical infections. Objective: The aim of this study was to microbiologically examine the stethoscopes used by clinicians at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 106 clinicians’ stethoscopes were cleaned using cotton-tipped swabs dampened with normal saline. This included both earpieces along with the diaphragm (three samples per stethoscope). The samples were then sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of UBTH and processed immediately as per the standard guidelines. The emergent colonies were subsequently identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed. Results: A total of 114 (35.8%) bacterial isolates were recovered, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (33.3%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (33.3%), Bacillus spp. (22.8%), Acinetobacter spp. (5.3%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (1.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (3.5%). Diaphragms had the highest yield of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (46.2%) and CoNS (17.9%). Age (P = 0.0387) and cadre of clinician (P = 0.0043) were risk factors for contamination, whereas clinicians who never cleaned their stethoscopes (P = 0.0044) or cleaned only the earpieces (P = 0.0001) had more contaminated stethoscopes. Conclusion: The contamination rate of stethoscopes used by clinicians in Benin City was 56.6%. There is a need to establish proper stethoscope cleaning practices for all cadres of personnel in clinical practice to minimise health risks to patients and healthcare workers (HCW).
Farklı Moleküler Ağırlıklı Kitosan Katkılı Hidroksiapatit/Kitosan Biyokompozit Kaplamaların Araştırılması
Authors: DİLSİZOĞLU Tuncay , KARAHAN İsmail Hakki , TOZAR Ali
Published: August 2023

Kemiğin yapısına en yakın olan kalsiyum fosfat; (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) oranının olduğu hidroksiapatittir (HA). Ancak polimer katkısıyla hidroksiapatitin (HA) mukavemet ve sertlik gibi mekanik özelliklerinin arttırıldığı bilinmektedir. Düşük toksiklik ve yüksek biyouyumluluk özelliklerinden dolayı kitosan (CTS) polimer olarak kullanıldı. HA/CTS kaplamaları yapılırken orta moleküler ağırlıklı (MMW) ve yüksek moleküler ağırlıklı (HMW) olmak üzere iki farklı moleküler ağırlıklı kitosan kullanıldı. Orta ve yüksek moleküler ağırlıklı kitosan katkılanarak HA/CTS biyokompozit kaplamalarının etkisi incelendi. Kaplamalar ultasonik destekli elektroforetik yöntemle üretildi. Kristalografik, morfolojik yapıları FT-IR, XRD ve SEM ile incelendi. Yüksek moleküler ağırlıklı kitosan değeri arttıkça numunenin yapısının daha homojen olduğu belirlendi.
Türkiye Metal Sektöründe Yaşanan İş Kazalarının Rassal Orman Algoritmasıyla Tahminlenmesi
Authors: KARAKAYA ÖZKAN Ekin , ULAŞ Hasan Basri
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı (ÇSGB) tarafından kayıt altına alınan, 2013-2018 yılları arasında metal sektöründe gerçekleşen, ölümlü ve uzuv kayıplı ulusal iş kazası verilerini kullanarak makine öğrenimi (ML) yöntemiyle bir tahmin algoritması geliştirmektir. İş kazası nedenlerinin detaylı bir şekilde sınıflandırılması ve tahmin edilmesi kazaları azaltmak için gereklidir. Literatürde; iş kazalarını azaltma amacıyla kaza ile ilgili faktörleri araştırmak ve etkili tahmin modelleri oluşturmak için çeşitli ML algoritmaları kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, iş kazası nedenlerini ve sonuçlarını tahmin etmek amacıyla ML yöntemlerinden birisi olan Rassal Orman (RF) algoritması kullanılmıştır. Modelin doğrulaması için 10 katlı çapraz doğrulama modeli kullanılmış ve modelin doğruluk değeri %4.7 oranında arttırılmıştır. RF algoritmasının doğruluk değeri 0.9172 olarak bulunmuştur. Metal sektöründe iş kazası nedenlerini etkileyen önemli faktörlerin analizinde özyinelemeli olarak özellik seçme (Recursive Feature Elimination - RFE) metodu kullanılmış ve en önemli özellikler kazanın ikincil tehlike kaynağı, iş günü kaybı ve kaza sebebi sapma kodu olarak bulunmuştur
‘There is water available and so our hearts are at peace’: exploring the impact of access to safe water on women's subjective well-being in Ghana
Authors: Ahiabli Prosperous , Adatara Peter , Cross Ruth
Published: August 2023

Women from Kordorwukope and Gbegbevia had to travel about 2 km to access safe water, until 2018 when International Needs Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation, extended piped water to each of the two communities. Since the extension of water to the communities, no study had been carried out to ascertain the effects of access to safe water on the well-being of women living in those communities. This study therefore aimed at exploring the effects of physical access to safe water on the well-being of women living in the Gbegbevia and Kordorwukope Communities. A qualitative research design was used. The study population included seven women who had lived in the study communities for at least 2 years before the water project was implemented. Five key themes were apparent in the data: challenges women encountered before gaining access to safe water; physical well-being; mental well-being; social well-being; and career and financial well-being. The results of this study show that the extension of piped water to the study communities brought about significant improvement in physical, mental, social, career, and financial well-being of women in the study communities.
Sunlight photolysis of SARS-CoV-2 N1 gene target in the water environment: considerations for the environmental surveillance of wastewater-impacted surface waters
Authors: Dunn Fiona B. , Silverman Andrea I.
Published: August 2023

Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has been used around the world to supplement clinical testing data for situational awareness of COVID-19 disease trends. Many regions of the world lack centralized wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure, which presents additional considerations for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, including environmental decay of the RT-qPCR gene targets used for quantification of SARS-CoV-2 virions. Given the role of sunlight in the environmental decay of RNA, we evaluated sunlight photolysis kinetics of the N1 gene target in heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 with a solar simulator under laboratory conditions. Insignificant photolysis of the N1 target was observed in a photosensitizer-free matrix. Conversely, significant decay of the N1 target was observed in wastewater at a shallow depth (<1 cm). Given that sunlight irradiance is affected by several environmental factors, first-order decay rate models were used to evaluate the effect of water column depth, time of the year, and latitude on decay kinetics. Decay rate constants were found to decrease significantly with greater depth of the well-mixed water column, at high latitudes, and in the winter. Therefore, sunlight-mediated decay of the N1 gene target is likely to be minimal, and is unlikely to confound results from wastewater-based epidemiology programs utilizing wastewater-impacted surface waters.
TRIM65 Suppresses oxLDL-induced Endothelial Inflammation by
Interaction with VCAM-1 in Atherogenesis
Authors: Ma Xiao-Feng , Zhou Yi-Ren , Zhou Zhi-Xiang , Liu Hui-Ting , Zhou Bo-Bin , Deng Nian-Hua , Zhou Kun , Tian Zhen , Wu Ze-Fan , Liu Xi-Yan , Fu Ming-Gui , Jiang Zhi-Sheng
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective:

Endothelial cell activation, characterized by increased
levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), plays a crucial role in the
development of atherosclerosis (AS). Therefore, inhibition of VCAM-1-mediated inflammatory
response is of great significance in the prevention and treatment of AS. The tripartite
motif (TRIM) protein-TRIM65 is involved in the regulation of cancer development,
antivirals and inflammation. We aimed to study the functions of TRIM65 in regulating
endothelial inflammation by interacting with VCAM-1 in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results:

In vitro, we report that human umbilical vein endothelial cells
(HUVECs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) significantly upregulate
the expression of TRIM65 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of
TRIM65 reduces oxLDL-triggered VCAM-1 protein expression, decreases monocyte adhesion
to HUVECs and inhibits the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,
IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α as well as endothelial oxLDL transcytosis. In contrast, siRNA-mediated
knockdown of TRIM65 promotes the expression of VCAM-1, resulting in increased
adhesion of monocytes and the release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,
IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and enhances endothelial oxLDL transcytosis. In vivo, we measured
the high expression of TRIM65 in ApoE-/- mouse aortic plaques compared to
C57BL/6J mouse aortic plaques. Then, we examined whether the blood levels of
VCAM-1 were higher in TRIM65 knockout ApoE-/- mice than in control mice induced by
a Western diet. Furthermore, Western blot results showed that the protein expression of
VCAM-1 was markedly enhanced in TRIM65 knockout ApoE-/- mouse aortic tissues compared
to that of the controls. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the expression
of VCAM-1 was significantly increased in atherosclerotic plaques of TRIM65-/-/ApoE-/-
aortic vessels compared to ApoE-/- controls. Mechanistically, TRIM65 specifically interacts
with VCAM-1 and targets it for K48-linked ubiquitination.

Conclusion:

Our studies indicate that TRIM65 attenuates the endothelial inflammatory
response by targeting VCAM-1 for ubiquitination and provides a potential therapeutic target
for the inhibition of endothelial inflammation in AS.
Advances on the Role of Ferroptosis in Ionizing Radiation Response
Authors: Wang Fang , Dai QingHui , Xu Luhan , Gan Lu , Shi Yidi , Yang Mingjun , Yang Shuhong
Published: August 2023

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death mode that is distinct from other cell death modes, and radiation is able to stimulate cellular oxidative stress and induce the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen radicals, which in turn leads to the accumulation of lipid peroxide and the onset of ferroptosis. In this review, from the perspective of the role of ferroptosis in generating a radiation response following cellular irradiation, the relationship between ferroptosis induced by ionizing radiation stress and the response to ionizing radiation is reviewed, including the roles of MAPK and Nrf2 signaling pathways in ferroptosis, resulting from the oxidative stress response to ionizing radiation, the metabolic regulatory role of the p53 gene in ferroptosis, and regulatory modes of action of iron metabolism and iron metabolism-related regulatory proteins in promoting and inhibiting ferroptosis. It provides some ideas for the follow-up research to explore the specific mechanism and regulatory network of ferroptosis in response to ionizing radiation.
Lentiviral Transduction-based CRISPR/Cas9 Editing of Schistosoma
mansoni Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Du Xiaofeng , McManus Donald P. , French Juliet D. , Sivakumaran Haran , Johnston Rebecca L. , Kondrashova Olga , Fogarty Conor E. , Jones Malcolm K. , You Hong
Published: August 2023

Background:

Recent studies on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in Schistosoma mansoni
have shed new light on the study and control of this parasitic helminth. However, the gene editing
efficiency in this parasite is modest.

Methods:

To improve the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in schistosomes, we used lentivirus,
which has been effectively used for gene editing in mammalian cells, to deliver plasmid DNA
encoding Cas9 nuclease, a sgRNA targeting acetylcholinesterase (SmAChE) and a mCherry fluorescence
marker into schistosomes.

Results:

MCherry fluorescence was observed in transduced eggs, schistosomula, and adult worms, indicating
that the CRISPR components had been delivered into these parasite stages by lentivirus. In
addition, clearly changed phenotypes were observed in SmAChE-edited parasites, including decreased
SmAChE activity, reduced hatching ability of edited eggs, and altered behavior of miracidia hatched
from edited eggs. Next-generation sequencing analysis demonstrated that the lentiviral transductionbased
CRISPR/Cas9 gene modifications in SmAChE-edited schistosomes were homology-directed repair
predominant but with much lower efficiency than that obtained using electroporation (data previously
published by our laboratory) for the delivery of CRISPR components.

Conclusion:

Taken together, electroporation is more efficient than lentiviral transduction in the delivery
of CRISPR/Cas9 into schistosomes for programmed genome editing. The exploration of tactics for
enhancing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing provides the basis for the future improvement of programmed
genome editing in S. mansoni.
Rational Design and Synthesis of Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives as Potential β-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Xu , Sun Ge , Li Fengxing , Feng Xia , Jia Tongguan , Luo Cheng , Chen Shijie , Chen Hua
Published: August 2023

Background:

β-Glucosidase has a variety of biological functions. A structural model for a potential β-glucosidase inhibitor has been proposed in the previous studies.

Objective:

A series f new diaryl derivatives linked through benzimidazole have been randomly and rationally designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against β-glucosidase (almond). The proposed structural model provides a new strategy for the design of potent β-glucosidase inhibitors.

Methods:

According to the model, a series of benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their inhibitory activity, Ki value, inhibitory type, and binding mode analysis (PDB ID: 2J7C) on β-glucosidase (almond) were evaluated.

Results:

Two compounds 7b and 7d were the best inhibitors with IC50 values of 7.86 M and 3.52 μM, respectively. Their Ki values were calculated to be 9.91 μM and 5.81 μM, respectively.

Conclusion:

The SAR analysis suggested that such benzimidazole derivatives might bind to the active site of β-glucosidase mainly through hydrogen bonds on o-trihydroxyphenol; the additional phenyl ring on the other side towards the solvent-exposed region played a very important role in improving their inhibitory activity against β-glucosidase
Gut-Gonad Perturbations in Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus: Role of Dysbiosis,
Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Energy-Dysbalance
Authors: Panghal Archna , Jena Gopabandhu
Published: August 2023

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder that affects people of all age
groups throughout the world. It is responsible for the alterations in male gonadal physiology in experimental
models as well as in clinical cases. On the other side, diabetes mellitus has also been associated
with perturbations in the gut physiology and microbiota dysbiosis. The accumulating evidence
suggests a link between the gut and gonad as evident from the i) experimental data providing
insights into type 1 diabetes mellitus induced gut perturbations, ii) link of gut physiology with alterations
of testicular health, iii) role of gut microbiota in androgen metabolism in the intestine, and
iv) epidemiological evidence linking type 1 diabetes mellitus with inflammatory bowel disease and
male infertility. Considering all the pieces of evidence, it is summarized that gut dysbiosis, oxidative
stress, inflammation and energy dys-balance are the prime factors involved in the gonadal
damage under type 1 diabetes mellitus, in which the gut contributes significantly. Identification of
novel biomarkers and intervention of suitable agents targeting these prime factors may be a step
forward to restore the gonadal damage in diabetic conditions.