bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenium level and parameters of diabetes and insulin resistance in middle-aged women
Authors: Schneider-Matyka Daria , Cybulska Anna Maria , Rachubińska Kamila , Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Panczyk Mariusz , Grochans Elżbieta , Ćwiek Dorota , Barczak Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Selenium is a trace element essential for selenoprotein synthesis. Selenoproteins are known for their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. The mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and diabetes have not so far been fully elu-cidated. A certain role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes is attributed to oxidative stress, which became the basis for studying the association between the level of selenium and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the selenium level in the context of diabetes and insulin resistance parameters in middle-aged women.
(2) Methods: The study included 387 middle-aged women. It consisted of three stages: questionnaire-based survey, anthropometric measurements, and analysis of the biological material (blood) for the levels of glycemia, insulin, HbA1c (%), HOMA-IR, and selenium.
(3) Results:The mean level of selenium was 99.33 ± 19.79 µg/l, glucose—85.60 ± 12.43 mg/dl, insulin―9.79 ± 5.60 µIU/ml, and HbA1c―5.41 ± 0.45%. (4) Conclusions: In the study group of women, selenium levels and parameters of diabetes and insulin resistance were within the normal range.
WITHDRAWN: Performance evaluation of an automated Terminal Aerodrome Forecast verification tool over Indian Meteorological Watch Offices
Authors: Singh Neeti , Mishra Anoop Kumar , Tomar C. S. , Kumar Gajendra
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on performance evaluation of an automated Aviation Forecast Verification System (AFVS) over Indian Meteorological Watch Offices, verification has been carried out for TAF as per ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines for four MWO (Meteorological Watch Office) stations viz. Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. This automated tool is customized as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. The performance evaluation of the tool has been carried out for six meteorological parameters including wind direction, wind speed, visibility, precipitation, cloud amount and cloud height for the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 against Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR). Validation results with METAR observations show the verification percentage of 93.62%, 99.56%, 99.11%, 83.62%, 67.59%, 54.77% for precipitation, cloud amount, cloud height, wind speed, visibility, and wind direction, respectively. This performance is as per ICAO standard except for wind direction and visibility. Non-compliance of TAF accuracy against ICAO threshold for wind direction and visibility may be attributed to the dynamic nature of these parameters. Furthermore, it has been reported that wind speed, precipitation, cloud amount, and cloud height provide better verification results than ICAO recommended values. Results reported in this study highlights the importance of implementation of an automated verification tool for the efficient verification of TAF for the application in flight management system.
Computational Drug Discovery for Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting LRRK2 in Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Authors: emmanuel adetobi , oluwamayowa akinsuyi , victoria Oladosu , babtunde shofolu , ogunmola temitope , moses ohi
Published: March 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. The development of novel pharmacotherapies targeting specific molecular pathways implicated in PD pathogenesis is crucial for disease management. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its involvement in both familial and sporadic forms of PD. In this study, we employed computational drug discovery techniques to identify potential small molecule inhibitors targeting LRRK2 for PD treatment. The binding affinities of virtual test compounds with the LRRK2 drug target were assessed, revealing a range of affinities from − 6.8 to -10.2 kcal/mol. Lead compounds, including Compound 7, 14, and 15, exhibited the highest binding affinities (-10.2, -10.1, and − 10.1 kcal/mol, respectively), surpassing those of standard ligands. Molecular docking analysis elucidated the inhibitory properties of selected lead compounds, with C7, C14, and C15 identified as the most potent LRRK2 inhibitors. These compounds demonstrated favorable interactions with specific amino acid residues within the LRRK2 receptor, indicating their potential therapeutic efficacy. The validation of the docking protocol confirmed the accuracy of the computational methodology employed, ensuring reliable predictions of ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, the ADMET profile analysis provided insights into the drug-like characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties of selected lead compounds. Despite variations in lipophilicity, water solubility, and bioavailability scores, most test compounds exhibited moderate to high GI absorption potential and skin permeation values, suggesting their suitability for oral administration and blood-brain barrier penetration. Toxicity profile predictions highlighted potential hepatotoxicity and mutagenicity risks associated with selected lead compounds, emphasizing the importance of further experimental validation and optimization. Overall, this study contributes to the identification and characterization of novel small molecule inhibitors targeting LRRK2 for PD treatment, offering valuable insights into the rational design of potential disease-modifying therapies.
Primary outcomes of robot-assisted mediastinal surgery in the early postoperative period: Its advantage in large mediastinal masses at early stage
Authors: Dong Zheng , Liu Daoquan , Cheng Nitao , Wang Xianguo , Huang Jingyu , Li Changsheng , Liu Jun , Hu Weidong
Published: March 2024

Aims
Current study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for sizable mediastinal masses with a minimum diameter ≥ 6 cm, compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open surgery.
Method
This study enrolled 273 patients with non-invasion mediastinal tumors in Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, including 54 patients who underwent RATS, 167 patients who underwent VATS and 52 patients who underwent open surgery. After classifying based on mass size and whether it has invaded or not, we compared their clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes.
Results
There was no significant difference in age, gender, mass size, myasthenia gravis, mass location, pathological types and presence of invasion (p > 0.05) in three groups. No obvious difference was discovered in the average postoperative length of stay, operation duration, chest tube duration and average postoperative day 1 drainage output between RATS group and VATS group (p > 0.05), while intraoperative blood loss in RATS group was significantly lower than VATS group (p = 0.022). Moreover, the postoperative length of stay, operation duration, chest tube duration and intraoperative blood loss in RATS group were significantly lower than open surgery group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
RATS is a secure and efficient approach for removing large mediastinal masses at early stage. In comparison with VATS, RATS is associated with lower intraoperative blood loss. Compared with open surgery, RATS is also associated with shorter postoperative length of stay, operation duration, chest tube duration and intraoperative blood loss.
Research on optimal design of 6in offshore flange connector’s sealing structure
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, 010051 Hohhot, China, Qin Jianguo , Ji Minghui , Gong Haixia , Guo Sijia , Zhang Yanfeng , Li Yejiang , Cen Haitang
Published: March 2024

Taking the maximum contact pressure as the objective function for, the optimal design model of the offshore flange connector was established to analyze the impact of the flange cone's angle and the curvature radius of the lenticular gasket's contact surface on the sealing performance of the connector. An optimized three-dimensional model of the offshore flange connector was constructed using the MATLAB software's fmincon function to obtain the optimal size of the cone angle and curvature radius. The maximum contact pressure and maximum equivalent stress values of the non-optimized and optimized offshore flange connectors under the cross combination of two design pressures and six operating temperatures were analyzed by Workbench software, and the sealing performance of the non-optimized and optimized offshore flange connectors was compared according to the sealing judgment basis. The results show that compared with the previously studied offshore flange connector, the sealing structure of optimized offshore flange exhibits maximum increase in contact pressure increase but maximum decrease in equivalent stress. Under actual operating circumstances, the optimized offshore flange connection performs better in sealing and is less prone to breakage.
Towards a New Timocracy
Authors: Padilla Gálvez Jesús
Published: March 2024

Od Antike se timokracija definira kao vladavina bogatih. Timokracija je nastala kao degenerirani oblik aristokracije. Timokrati su bili protiv demokracije jer su je smatrali »vladom siromašnih«. Bogate klase uvijek su se odlučivale za autokratske ili oligarhijske vlade. U posljednjem desetljeću Italija, Sjedinjene Američke Države i Engleska iskusile su utjecaj vladara koji pripadaju klasi milijardera i koji namjerno djeluju protiv demokratskog sustava. Svakoj društvenoj skupini dodjeljuju ulogu i predlažu smanjenje poreznog opterećenja bogatih klasa. Smanjuju prava građana tako što ih ukidaju. Otežavaju pristup znanju i visokom obrazovanju. Privatiziraju i kapitaliziraju socijalne usluge i mirovine. Putem medijskih kampanja diskreditacije i laži (fake news) otežavaju sudjelovanje građana na izborima. U pravosuđu su skloni reakcionarnim idejama koje ograničavaju prava manjina. U izvršnoj vlasti nastoje povećati potrošnju na vojni sustav u korist investitora iz više klase. Ova će politika biti okarakterizirana kao timokratska prema definicijama predstavljenim u grčkoj političkoj misli.
A History of Croatian Committee on Ethics in Science and Higher Education from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Smiljanić Vlatko
Published: March 2024

Autor se u radu bavi povješću Odbora za etiku u znanosti i visokome obrazovanju Republike Hrvatske od 2014. do 2018. iz pluriperspektivnoga filozofijskoga i povijesnoga gledišta destrolucije, neosikofantizma i teorije postkomunističkoga kaosa. Donose se relevantni medijski odjeci o radu Odbora i njegova čelnika te najznačajniji predmeti rada Odbora koji su dospjeli do javnosti putem medija. Rad predstavlja studiju slučaja zloporabe etičkih tijela i načela na primjeru u hrvatskoj znanstvenoj i sveučilišnoj zajednici u zadanome vremenskomu razdoblju.
¿La valencia emocional modifica la eficiencia de la atención y la memoria de trabajo con la edad?: Una revisión descriptiva
Authors: López-González Elissa , Caballero-Sánchez Ulises , Román-López Talía V. , Méndez-Díaz Mónica , Prospero-García Oscar E. , Ruiz Contreras Alejandra Evelyn
Published: March 2024

Conforme pasa la edad, se reportan varios cambios funcionales, anatómicos y conductuales en funciones cognitivas, como la atención y memoria de trabajo. Sin embargo, parece que la valencia emocional de los estímulos tiene un efecto en el procesamiento de información. El objetivo de la presente revisión es exponer la hipótesis de que los mecanismos atencionales de amplificación de información relevante y supresión de información irrelevante repercuten sobre la eficiencia en la memoria de trabajo, y proponer que estos mecanismos pudieran ser vulnerables al efecto de la valencia emocional de los estímulos. En esta revisión se expondrán los diferentes modelos de atención que permitan comprender el concepto de filtrado de la información para realizar tareas de competencia emocional. También, se discutirá el efecto de los distractores neutros y con valencia emocional sobre la eficiencia en la memoria de trabajo, contrastando la evidencia existente entre adultos jóvenes vs. adultos mayores. Finalmente, se plantea la hipótesis de los mecanismos atencionales y su impacto en la memoria de trabajo. Hasta donde es nuestro conocimiento, se desconoce cómo cambian estos mecanismos atencionales a lo largo de la vida adulta, cómo la valencia emocional impacta estos mecanismos y, potencialmente, la eficiencia de la memoria de trabajo. Los adultos mayores presentan una disminución en el mecanismo de supresión en comparación con los jóvenes, efecto no observado para el mecanismo de amplificación. Conforme la edad avanza, la valencia emocional impacta diferencialmente la captura atencional. Se presume que los cambios tanto en los mecanismos atencionales como en la valencia emocional tienen un potencial efecto sobre la memoria de trabajo.
Assessment of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling for selected crops in the Kohima district, Nagaland, India
Authors: Patle Ghanshyam T. , Panggeng Tome
Published: March 2024

This study was done to examine agricultural water and irrigation schedules for key crops grown in Kohima area of Nagaland, India, which has a humid subtropical climate. Climatic data over 16 years (2006–2021) were used to estimate crop water requirements using CROPWAT 8.0 model. Rice, maize, soybean, potato, cabbage, dry bean, ginger, and naga chili are the most common crops. ET0 was calculated using the FAO Penman–Monteith method and ranged from 1.41 to 3.65 mm/day. The USDA SCS approach calculated effective rainfall. The average annual ETC for rice, maize, ginger, soybean, bean (dry), potato, cabbage, and naga chili were 537.1, 305.7, 342.7, 292.2, 288.1, 364.3, 190.6, and 141 mm, respectively. Rice, maize, ginger, soybean, bean (dry), potato, cabbage, and naga chili require an average of 251.7, 54.9, 26, 73.1, 21.3, 21.9, 121.9, and 14.5 mm of irrigation each year, respectively. The crop irrigation schedules were created with 70% efficiency. The study emphasizes that irrigation must be adjusted to each crop's individual needs, whether through strategic scheduling or modifying net and gross irrigation volumes, to enhance water management and maximize crop production in the region.
Adsorption of the fungicide carbendazim on activated carbon: analysis of isotherms, kinetics, rapid small-scale column tests, and impacts of the presence of organic matter
Authors: Almeida Ian Rocha de , Keller Geovana Eliza Maria , Tavares Lígia Conceição , da Silva Salatiel Wohlmuth , Benetti Antônio Domingues
Published: March 2024

The adsorption of the fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) on granular activated carbon (GAC) made from bovine bone was investigated in deionized water (DW) and DW with the addition of natural organic matter (DWNOM). The study included tests of isotherms, kinetics, and rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCT). The Freundlich model represented better the adsorption of the fungicide in both matrices, while the pseudo-second-order model fitted better in DW. The isotherm and kinetic studies showed the interference of NOM in the adsorption of CBZ through changes in the parameters of the applied models. In RSSCT, the breakthrough time was faster in DWNOM than in DW. Nevertheless, the CBZ concentrations of both matrices were considered statistically similar for most contact times in RSSCT. In the fixed-bed experiments, the organic matter did not cause significant changes in the adsorption of CBZ in GAC. The NOM presence may have improved the efficiency of GAC in adsorbing CBZ in kinetic and RSSCT tests. There is no knowledge of a similar approach to studying the adsorption of CBZ on GAC in Brazil, mainly using fixed-bed studies. In this way, the present work contributes to a better understanding of the adsorption of carbendazim through the methods used.
Influência da geração solar fotovoltaica no fator de potência de unidades consumidoras do grupo A: um estudo de caso na UFERSA – Campus Mossoró
Authors: Freitas de Moura Adriano Aron , Pereira da Rocha Ednardo , de Paula Brandão Aguiar Victor , Ferreira Clemente Thyago Lucas
Published: March 2024

Os sistemas fotovoltaicos conectados à rede (On-grid) em sua maioria de geração distribuída, em que sua geração é próxima do consumo, apresentam influência sobre a rede elétrica na vizinhança do local de instalação. Com o crescimento desse tipo de geração, a implementação de uma grande quantidade de sistemas fotovoltaicos previamente não esperados pela concessionária podem sobrecarregar os transformadores de potência mais próximos, além de outros efeitos na rede elétrica de energia. Este artigo tem como objetivo a análise dos impactos no fator de potência (FP) ocasionados por sistemas fotovoltaicos de geração distribuída em Unidades Consumidoras (UCs) de alta tensão (grupo A), especificadamente na Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, campus Mossoró. Também cabe ao artigo revisar conceitos importantes ligados às modalidades tarifárias existentes, a tarifação dos consumidores do grupo A e a produção e crescimento do sistema fotovoltaico na UFERSA - Campus Mossoró. Serão mostrados e avaliados os valores de fator de potência, fornecidos pela instituição através do arquivo de memória de massa de um medidor do campus e será discutido a influência na rede local e os métodos compensatórios para correção desse fator.
Simulação de conversor buck-boost com RPMP por P&O aplicado a módulos fotovoltaicos
Authors: Dantas dos Santos Manoel Lucas , Queiroz Lemos Herick Talles , Freitas de Moura Adriano Aron , Pereira da Rocha Ednardo , Dantas Lopes Nogueira Gabriel Luiz
Published: March 2024

O baixo índice de eficiência dos módulos fotovoltaicos e a busca pelo seu melhor aproveitamento ainda é um fator alvo de pesquisas. Fatores que influenciam a eficiência do sistema fotovoltaico podem ter origens externas, como irradiação e temperatura, e internas, como a utilização de algoritmos rastreadores do ponto de máxima potência (PMP) associados aos conversores de potência. Esses algoritmos apresentam técnicas que alteram o nível de tensão e corrente, atuando diretamente na potência extraída do sistema. Dentre as principais técnicas estão a de tensão constante, perturba e observa (P&O) e a condutância incremental. A finalidade deste trabalho, sendo assim, é realizar um estudo e simulação de um conversor CC-CC buck-boost utilizando o método P&O aplicado para rastrear o PMP. Foram apresentados cálculos para a determinação dos parâmetros do conversor e sua modelagem física do painel, utilizando um software de simulação. A simulação realizada mostrou resultados satisfatórios, dos quais extraiu-se as formas de onda da corrente, tensão e a potência do módulo, no qual, os resultados alcançados da análise comparativa dos valores atingidos nas formas de onda indicaram erros de simulação de 2,91%, 8% e 2,55% para a corrente de MPPT, tensão de MPPT e potência do conversor, respectivamente.
Estudo dos impactos da implantação de usinas eólicas no município de Jandaíra/RN
Authors: Matias Vital Luis Victor , Pereira da Rocha Ednardo , de Oliveira Martins Varella Fabiana Karla
Published: March 2024

A nível global observa-se uma notável expansão na transição para fontes de energia limpa e renovável, impulsionando a crescente demanda por energia eólica, reconhecida por sua eficiência e relevância econômica. A geração eólica vem ganhando predominância devido à sua vantagem como fonte de energia renovável, gradativamente reduzindo a dependência de modelos centralizados de geração, como usinas hidroelétricas e termoelétricas. Esta característica preconiza um contínuo crescimento no uso da geração eólica. No contexto brasileiro, a energia eólica é valorizada, especialmente na região Nordeste, dada sua propícia localização geográfica e clima favorável para tal implementação. Logo, o trabalho desenvolvido tem como objetivo realizar uma análise abrangente dos impactos econômicos e energéticos decorrentes da introdução de parques eólicos no Município de Jandaíra, situado no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Como resultados, observou-se que a pesquisa evidenciou uma contribuição significativa para o crescimento econômico da região, manifestada por meio da criação de empregos diretos e indiretos, bem como pelo aumento dos recursos disponíveis nos fundos públicos.
Explorando horizontes: a importância da mobilidade internacional no Programa de Extensão em Engenharia Elétrica e Engenharia Mecânica da UFERSA
Authors: Peres Gramacho Kátia
Published: March 2024

A globalização e a interconexão de diferentes culturas têm transformado o cenário acadêmico, destacando a importância da mobilidade internacional para estudantes universitários. No âmbito dos cursos em Engenharia Elétrica e Engenharia Mecânica da UFERSA, isto se revela como uma oportunidade enriquecedora, capaz de proporcionar aos alunos experiências únicas e impactantes em suas trajetórias acadêmicas.
Políticas públicas
Authors: Derossi Adriana , Grosch Maria Selma
Published: March 2024

A análise das políticas públicas para a educação nacional e suas orientações para a formação continuada de professoras/es são objetos de estudo deste artigo. Com abordagem qualitativa, realizamos pesquisa bibliográfica, para sustentação teórica, e pesquisa documental, no intuito de compreender as diretrizes e normativas para a formação continuada no âmbito nacional. Temos como objetivo analisar as legislações nacionais, suas proposições e implicações para a formação continuada de professoras/es ao longo dos anos, e como influenciam as práticas pedagógicas docentes. Oportunizando refletir se pela formação das/os professoras/es perpassa a formação das/os educandas/os, é necessário pensarmos que educadoras/es estamos formando, evidenciando a função política e social do ato de ensinar e aprender. A pesquisa demonstrou que as políticas públicas atrelam a educação de qualidade a uma formação consistente de professoras/es, no entanto, estas políticas públicas revelam lacunas e insuficiências, quanto a implementação e oferta de formação efetiva e de qualidade.
O espaço educacional como materialização de concepções e princípios
Authors: Vieira Marili Moreira da Silva , Moll Jaqueline , Abrunhosa Eduardo Castedo
Published: March 2024

Como espaços educacionais contribuem para experiências de aprendizagem que favoreçam o ingresso na cultura letrada e para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos de acesso ao saber elaborado e sistematizado? Na perspectiva de teorias educacionais democráticas, argumentamos a favor de uma concepção de inovação que requer ruptura com aspectos da cultura escolar estabelecida e reinterpretação constante das teorias e práticas educacionais. Defendemos que a escola brasileira necessita de mudanças estruturais de concepções, postulados e espaços, para que se vivenciem concepções de educação e desenvolvimento já preconizadas, mas impossibilitadas pelo engessamento das estruturas simbólicas e dos edifícios escolares.
The Hepatoprotective Effects of Ginsenoside from Ginseng: A Review of
Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Taha Seyed Reza , Fazlollahpour-Naghibi Andarz , Zadeh Mahdieh Shariat , Bagheri Kimia , Youshanlouei Hamed Rahmani , Mosaddeghi-Heris Reza , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Khalaji Amirreza , Alavi Seyedeh Shaghayegh , Fattahi Payam , Mehrtabar Saba
Published: March 2024

Treatment of hepatic diseases presents a significant challenge due to their diverse
nature. Ginsenosides, bioactive compounds derived from the root of Panax ginseng and widely
used in traditional Chinese medicine, offer multifaceted protection to various organs in the body.
Their versatile effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and more, make
them a promising approach for addressing hepatic disorders. This review explores the intricate
molecular mechanisms and properties of ginsenosides in the prevention and treatment of liver
ailments, from mild conditions to severe damage and liver fibrosis. Given the increasing prevalence
of hepatic disorders, this article sheds light on the significant pharmaceutical potential of
ginsenosides in the realm of hepatic disease management.
An Insight into Herbal Interventions for Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive
Review
Authors: Shukla Nishi , Usmani Shazia , Siddiqui Sahabjada , Prakash Om , Wahab Shadma , Khatoon Shabana
Published: March 2024

New therapies for life-threatening ailments like breast carcinoma are urgently required to
relieve the ever-increasing burden of the mortality associated with it. The very specific feature associated
with life-giving natural products is their lesser toxicity concerning existing strategies viz
chemotherapy or adjuvant modalities. In our review, we have tried to compile the existing data on
exploring herbal extracts and bio-actives through various in vitro and in vivo techniques. An attempt
has been made to accumulate data for a scrupulous literature review retrieved via pertinent keywords
in authentic records. Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. The major keywords included
herbal extract, in vitro, anticancer, and metastasis. A comprehensive exploration unveiled an imperative
role against malignancies of various tissues, but we focussed on breast cancer cell lines. Still,
extensive reports on herbal alternatives and their bio-active mechanism are highly implicated in tapping
their potential as standardized regimens. Scientific evidence, correlations, and proper safety data
may substantiate interventions in cancer therapy.
Clinical Application of Automatic Assessment of Scoliosis Cobb Angle Based on
Deep Learning
Authors: Ni Lixin , Zhang Zhehao , Zou Lulin , Wang Jianhua , Guo Lijun , Qian Wei , Xu Lei , Xu Kaiwei , Zeng Yingqing
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

A recently developed deep-learning-based automatic evaluation model provides reliable and efficient Cobb angle measurements for scoliosis
diagnosis. However, few studies have explored its clinical application, and external validation is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the
value of automated assessment models in clinical practice by comparing deep-learning models with manual measurement methods.

Methods:

The 481 spine radiographs from an open-source dataset were divided into training and validation sets, and 119 spine radiographs from a private
dataset were used as the test set. The mean Cobb angle values assessed by three physicians in the hospital's PACS system served as the reference
standard. The results of Seg4Reg, VFLDN, and manual measurement were statistically analyzed. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and
the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) were used to compare their reliability and correlation. The Bland-Altman method was used to compare
their agreement. The Kappa statistic was used to compare the consistency of Cobb angles at different severity levels.

Results:

The mean Cobb angle values measured were 35.89° ± 9.33° with Seg4Reg, 31.54° ± 9.78° with VFLDN, and 32.23° ± 9.28° with manual
measurement. The ICCs for the reliability of Seg4Reg and VFLDN were 0.809 and 0.974, respectively. The PCC and MAD between Seg4Reg and
manual measurements were 0.731 (p<0.001) and 6.51°, while those between VFLDN and manual measurements were 0.952 (p<0.001) and 2.36°.
The Kappa statistic indicated VFLDN (k= 0.686, p< 0.001) was superior to Seg4Reg and manual measurements for Cobb angle severity
classification.

Conclusion:

The deep-learning-based automatic scoliosis Cobb angle assessment model is feasible in clinical practice. Specifically, the keypoint-based VFLDN
is more valuable in actual clinical work with higher accuracy, transparency, and interpretability.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Gastrointestinal Health: A Mini Review
Article
Authors: Khayyat Yasir M , Aljahdali Salma M , Alzahrani Shroq H , Jaha Rahaf K , Kalifih Ola A , Malayoo Baraah O
Published: March 2024

Introduction::

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular topic in the medical and fitness
fields because it helps reduce weight, improve metabolic health, and protect against diseases. In
this short review, we summarized some of the current aspects of IF in relation to the gastrointestinal
tract and highlighted the knowledge gap that may outline possible future research in this
field.

Methods::

The PubMed database was used to conduct narrative research of studies related to humans
and mice regarding IF and its effect on five different aspects.

Results::

First, the studies reported conflicting results; some supported the role of IF in promoting
weight loss, while others concluded that the intervention, rather than IF itself, leads to weight
reduction. Second, IF was shown to positively affect secretory immunoglobulin A, cell regeneration,
and the gut microbiome. Third, IF was shown to improve the immune response. Fourth, IF
was shown to promote stem cell-based regeneration; fifth, studies showed that IF has no effect
on gastric or stool pH levels. We also mentioned normal gut motility and the migrating motor
complex.

Conclusion::

In conclusion, these results suggest that IF has a positive effect on these different
aspects, even though there is a lack of human trials, which would be a fruitful area for further
studies.
El capitalista y el emprendedor en la teoría económica de Joseph Schumpeter
Authors: Amaro António Rafael
Published: March 2024

Este trabajo pretende contribuir a la comprensión del papel del emprendedor innovador dentro de la teoría económica de Joseph Schumpeter. El modelo teórico de Schumpeter destaca la importancia del emprendedor y de las innovaciones en su teoría de la evolución económica, a partir de una recuperación de conceptos doble y significativa: por un lado, Schumpeter sacó al emprendedor y a su capacidad de innovar de la zona de penumbra a la que la teoría clásica y neoclásica los había sometido y, por otro lado, ayudó a liberar al empresario innovador de su función capitalista, destinándolo al rol especulativo de acumulación de capital.
Reseña. Santa Bárbara de Las Cabezas. La gran hacienda del Caribe colombiano 1742–1942. Adolfo Meisel Roca. 2023. Editorial Uninorte. 248 p.
Authors: Ocampo Gloria Isabel
Published: March 2024

Adolfo Meisel viene de publicar el libro Santa Bárbara de Las Cabezas. La gran hacienda del Caribe colombiano 1742–1942. Con ello, agrega una pieza de singular importancia al mosaico que va configurando la historiografía de esta región, especialmente la del mundo rural y la ganadería. Para mí es muy grato escribir esta reseña por distintas razones, y una de ellas es que aún recuerdo el estímulo que significó la lectura de su ensayo Esclavitud, mestizaje y haciendas en la Provincia de Cartagena, 1533-1850 cuando adelantaba mi trabajo sobre la hacienda Marta Magdalena en el Sinú. Con la investigación sobre Santa Bárbara, Meisel retoma uno de sus intereses intelectuales originarios.
Terapijski pristup psorijazi – drugi dio
Authors: Sopta Dora , Hlača Nika , Vičić Marijana
Published: March 2024

Psorijaza je kronična, upalna, imunosno posredovana bolest kože i drugih organskih sustava, koja zahvaća 2-3 % cjelokupne svjetske populacije i predstavlja značajan javnozdravstveni problem. Poželjno je da suvremena terapija psorijaze ima dugoročnu učinkovitost i dobar sigurnosni profil, a danas obuhvaća upotrebu lokalne i sustavne terapije, kao i fototerapije i fotokemoterapije. Fototerapija se provodi izlaganjem sunčevoj svjetlosti te ultraljubičastom A i B zračenju, dok konvencionalna fotokemoterapija podrazumijeva zajedničku upotrebu ultraljubičastog zračenja i fotosenzibilizirajućeg lijeka. Oba su se oblika terapije pokazala iznimno učinkovitima, posebice pri njihovoj kombiniranoj primjeni s određenim lokalnim ili sustavnim lijekovima. U današnje vrijeme je, također, sve više zastupljen holistički pristup liječenju psorijaze poput balneofototerapije, zahvaljujući kojoj su brojne zemlje postale poznata odredišta lječilišnog turizma.
Misdiagnosed Geographic Tongue - a Case Report
Authors: Burja Vladić Monika , Brailo Vlaho
Published: March 2024

Aim: This case report presents unnecessary diagnostic procedures performed on a patient with a morphological variation of the tongue called geographic tongue. Case report: In this case, patient presented with discomfort on the left side of the tongue, dry mouth and lesions on the dorsal side of the tongue that lasted 3-4 months. After clinical examination by specialists in otorhinolaryngology and dermatology department, the patient was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, where he was given a final diagnosis of geographic tongue. Conclusion: Geographic tongue is a benign condition that does not require any special treatment, only follow-ups.
Koštica trešnje kao uzrok ileusa kod stenozirajućeg karcinoma kolona - prikaz slučaja
Authors: Sabol Marija , Matana Kaštelan Zrinka , Grubešić Tiana , Petrović Nikša , Miletić Damir
Published: March 2024

Cilj: Cilj ovog rada je podići svijest o tome kako koštice trešnje mogu uzrokovati opstrukciju crijeva kod pacijenata koji boluju od karcinoma debelog crijeva. Prikaz slučaja: Muškarac starosti 68 godina javio se u hitnoći s anamnezom konstipacije i boli paraumbilikalno lijevo. Nativni radiogram abdomena u stojećem stavu pokazuje aerolikvidne nivoe tankog i debelog crijeva koji upućuju na ileus te se indicira CT pregled na kojem se potvrdi distenzija vijuga tankog i debelog crijeva s aerolikvidnim nivoima te stenozirajuća neoplazma silaznog kolona. Uzak, nepravilan lumen tumora bio je opstruiran okruglim stranim tijelom. Na CT pregledu okruglo strano tijelo ima hipodenzno ovoidno središte i hiperdenzni pokrov, što po opisu odgovara koštici trešnje. Napravljen je kirurški otvor na trbušnoj stijenci kroz koji je izveden segment crijeva (anus praeter) te je pacijent nakon oporavka otpušten iz bolnice. Dva mjeseca kasnije pacijent je zaprimljen na odjel kirurgije. Nakon učinjene prijeoperacijske obrade pristupilo se planiranom operacijskom zahvatu. Međutim, intraoperacijski je pronađena karcinoza peritoneuma te se odustalo od planiranog radikalnog zahvata. Upućen je na Kliniku za radioterapiju i onkologiju gdje su uvedeni ciklusi kemoterapije. Iduće godine u rujnu pacijent dolazi na aplikaciju 12. ciklusa. Osjećao se dobro te je otpušten kući uz preporuku da nastavi s dosadašnjom terapijom. Zaključak: Ileus izazvan košticom trešnje rijetko je stanje, ali treba biti uključeno u diferencijalnu dijagnozu u pacijenata s rizičnim čimbenicima kao što je zloćudna novotvorina debelog crijeva. Karcinom debelog crijeva ozbiljna je bolest koja zahtijeva pažljivu prehranu i brigu o prohodnosti crijeva.
The Regional Labor Market in the Field of Tourism and the Hotel Industry in the Context of the Transformation of the Russian Economy
Authors: Tomakova I. A. , Fedorova A. R. , Bredikhin V. V.
Published: March 2024

The relevance. The departure of foreign companies, combined with the growth of domestic demand, has created positive prerequisites for the development of domestic hotel chains and domestic tourism. These objective processes have led to the need to assess the labor market in the tourism and hotel industry in order to identify problems and ways to solve them with the increasing demand of enterprises in this field for qualified specialists.

   The purpose of the study is to study and analyze the current situation and problems in the labor market in the tourism and hotel industry of the Kursk region.

   The objectives were to assess the job market in the region, requests and offers from employers, the structure of vacancies and the activity of applicants.

   Methodology. The research methodology is based on the analysis of statistical information contained in the all-Russian federal database of vacancies and resumes of specialists in the tourism and hotel industry.

   Results. The data of Russian online recruitment platforms are analyzed and systematized. Based on the results of the analysis of the composition and structure of the labor market of specialists in the hospitality sector, the comparison of supply and demand indicators in it, the analysis of wages in the field under consideration and the dynamics of its change, measures were proposed, the implementation of which will ensure the sustainable development of the industry.

   Conclusions. Despite some problems and shortcomings in the hospitality sector of the Kursk region, this industry continues to develop and grow. With the growing number of tourists and an increase in the volume of services provided, the labor market in this area is becoming more competitive and attractive for qualified specialists. Regular monitoring of the labor market and analysis of changes in personnel qualification requirements will improve the quality of services provided and meet the growing demand for hospitality workers.
Calendarios preliminares del comportamiento fenológico de árboles francos de caucho (Hevea brasiliensis) en San Roque, Antioquia
Authors: Córdoba Gaona Oscar de Jesús , Gil Restrepo Juan Pablo , Huertas Beltrán Ruddy Lizette , Guerra Hincapié Juan José
Published: March 2024

El caucho natural extraído de Hevea brasiliensis es una materia prima esencial para la industria de llantas y más de 50000 productos que requieren elasticidad como uno de sus atributos. El 92 % del caucho natural se produce en el sureste de Asia, 6 % en África y 2 % en Latinoamérica. El mal suramericano de las hojas causado por Pseudocercospora ulei que genera defoliaciones repetidas de los árboles, reducción en el rendimiento y puede causar la muerte de los árboles, ha tenido una gran inuencia en la distribución actual del cultivo de H. brasiliensis ya que su presencia se restringe al continente americano, pero podría convertirse en una amenaza real al suministro de caucho natural en el mundo si llegara a las plantaciones de Asia y África (Priyadarshan, 2017). A partir de los cinco años de edad los árboles de caucho entran en un periodo de defoliación y refoliación anual que puede tener una interacción con los ataques de enfermedades foliares. El desconocimiento de los factores ambientales encargados de la inducción de procesos fenológicos como la defoliación, refoliación, oración y fructicación dicultan la planeación de labores culturales en plantaciones comerciales e imposibilitan la realización de pronósticos de producción de látex, recolección de semillas y toma de decisiones para mitigar temporadas de bajo rendimiento o ataques severos de enfermedades. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar los calendarios fenológicos para denir el periodo de defoliación-refoliación anual y su relación con la presencia de las enfermedades foliares causadas por P. ulei, Colletotrichum spp., Thanatephorus cucumeris y Phyllacora huberi, en árboles francos de caucho, en el municipio de San Roque, Antioquia.
Diagnóstico del estatus de bienestar animal en sistemas productivos ovinos del caribe húmedo colombiano: resultados preliminares
Authors: Salcedo Erica , Lozano Monica , Medina Diego , Mejía Jorge , Suárez Emiro , Cubides Jaime , Aguayo Ulloa Lorena
Published: March 2024

En Colombia, se desconoce el estatus de bienestar en el que se encuentran los ovinos provenientes de diferentes climas y sistemas productivos. El trópico húmedo de la región Caribe se caracteriza por tener sistemas productivos a pastoreo con elevadas temperaturas y humedad relativa del aire, las que pueden ser factores que afecten el bienestar animal desde distintos puntos de vista. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el estado de bienestar de los ovinos en sistemas productivos del Caribe Húmedo colombiano.
Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Subthreshold Depression Among Older Adults in Institutional Long-Term Care Settings: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kong Fanqian , Yu Libo , Hou Yanbin , Zhu Lijie , Zhou Jing , Huang Lingjie , Lv Yueer , Wang Li , Zhang Li , Yang Yiling , Ying Yuchen
Published: March 2024

Background

Subthreshold depression (sD) is prevalent in older populations in long-term care (LTC) settings, but psychological therapy in LTC settings in China is not readily available. Thus, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) may be suitable for this population, but research on the efficacy of ICBT for older adults with sD, especially those living in LTC settings, is limited.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of ICBT treatment for sD among LTC residents in China. We also examined whether ICBT is as effective as group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating sD in this population.

Methods

We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, which included 18 LTC institutions. A total of 354 participants were randomized to ICBT, group-based CBT, or a waiting list and were followed up for 12 months. The primary outcome was self-reported depressive symptoms on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Secondary outcomes were the scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A mixed-effects model was used to assess the efficacy of ICBT.

Results

The ICBT group showed a significant improvement in self-reported depressive symptoms, which was maintained at the 12-month follow-up (all P<.001). The ICBT group exhibited a significantly larger reduction in the scores of the CES-D (Cohen d=0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.09; P=.01), PHQ-9 (d=0.30, 95% CI 0.28-0.33; P<.001), GDS (d=0.10, 95% CI 0.08-0.13; P<.001), and GAD-7 (d=0.19, 95% CI 0.17-0.22; P<.001) compared with a waiting list at postintervention. ICBT had significantly stronger effects than CBT on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at postintervention (d=0.15, 95% CI 0.13-0.17; P<.001 and d=0.21, 95% CI 0.19-0.23; P<.001, respectively), 6-month follow-up (d=0.18, 95% CI 0.16-0.21; P<.001 and d=0.18, 95% CI 0.15-0.21; P<.001, respectively), and 12-month follow-up (d=0.15, 95% CI 0.11-0.19; P<.001 and d=0.18, 95% CI 0.14-0.21; P<.001, respectively).

Conclusions

ICBT is a relatively effective and acceptable intervention for reducing depressive symptoms among Chinese LTC residents with sD. These findings indicate the usefulness of ICBT application for sD in LTC settings.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000030697; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=50781
Adaptive Robust Tracking Control of Robotic Manipulator based on SMC and Fuzzy Control Strategy
Authors: Mary Ali Hussien , Al-Talabi Ahmad , Kara Tolgay , Muneam Dina Saadi , Almuhanna Mohammad Yahya , Mayyahi Laith Awda Kadhim
Published: March 2024

In recent years, robotic systems have been widely used in different applications, and this has motivated researchers to develop different control methods.  A model-free, intelligent, robust control method for a nonlinear robotic manipulator system is proposed in this work. This paper presents a novel solution for the major drawbacks of the sliding mode control scheme, which are chattering. Prior knowledge is needed about the dynamic model of the controlled system and the upper bound of uncertainty. In this paper, a fuzzy-like PD controller with SMC (FLPDSM) is proposed. The fuzzy-like PD controller was designed according to fuzzy rules and membership functions based on the nominal model of the robot manipulator. A robust control term was added to the control signal to compensate for the system uncertainty, and external disturbances are compensated by adding an auxiliary robust term to the SMC control law. Two methods for designing robust control terms are proposed. The first proposed method assumes that the upper bound of system uncertainty is known although it cannot be exactly determined due to external disturbances and uncertainty. Hence, a second method was proposed that assumes this bound to be unknown, and an adaptive gain based on Lyapunov theory was used to derive the adaptation law. The Lyapunov second method was used to ensure the stability of the closed loop system. Performance tests on the proposed methods were implemented through simulation studies for the two-link robotic manipulator, and the test results were compared with the standard SMC to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. A good trajectory tracking with a high robustness against parameter variations and external disturbances was observed under the presented control scheme.
Perceived Impact of Personality Traits on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology
Authors: Achor Emmanuel E. , Ejeh Esther E. , Kayode Babatunde S. , Adache Veronica F.
Published: March 2024

The study examined the perceived impact of personality traits on the academic performance of biology students in Makurdi, a local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions were raised and two hypotheses were also formulated and tested. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey design. The study sample comprises 384 students who were randomly selected from the total population of 9,748 students of the 20 government secondary schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The instruments used for data collection in this study were the Five-Factor Inventory Questionnaire (FFIQ) for personality traits and “The Biology Performance Test (BPT)” for academic performance. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while ANOVA statistics and t-tests were used to test the hypotheses at a .05 significance level. The findings revealed that there was no significant mean difference in the five personality traits of students and the personality traits of Biology students had no significant relationship with their performance in the subject. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean performance of students in each of the five personality traits based on gender. The findings further revealed no significant difference in students’ personality traits according to gender and no significant difference in the performance of students who were offered biology according to gender. This study recommends that Special attention be paid to improving the performance of students in Biology in Makurdi to strike an association between the traits. Also, male and female students should be given equal opportunities in biology since there is no gender difference in their personality traits and academic performance.
Arturo Reque Meruvia, corresponsal gráfico de guerra. El dibujo como metáfora de lo real
Authors: Pérez Segura Javier
Published: March 2024

La guerra civil española (1936-1939) creó un aluvión de imágenes, las cuales constituyen desde entonces uno de los mayores repositorios visuales de este género que existen en el mundo. Si bien aquéllas fueron de todo tipo, naturaleza y técnicas, principalmente se debieron a una legión de fotógrafos, fotomontadores y dibujantes, mientras que el volumen de óleos y esculturas alcanzó cifras mucho menores.
Al unir su intención de ser, al mismo tiempo, testimonio de lo real y transmisor de fuerte carga ideológica, resulta incuestionable la importancia que el dibujo llegó a asumir como medio privilegiado de creación de un universo que, desde el bando republicano o el sublevado, llenó miles de páginas de periódicos, revistas, folletos y carteles.
Sin embargo, los códigos de construcción de la imagen que se emplearon muestran un abanico de opciones muy amplio, que van de la caricatura a la descripción naturalista o de los ecos del surrealismo (en forma y fondo, centrado en la exhibición impúdica de la violencia ejercida sobre el cuerpo humano) a la representación épica y de herencia clasicista.
Este artículo presenta por primera vez de forma sistemática cuál y cómo fue la intensa producción de un artista latinoamericano que continúa siendo uno de los grandes desconocidos en todo ese relato: el boliviano Arturo Reque Meruvia (1906-1969). A partir de una investigación centrada en el archivo militar de Ávila, en los fondos de la Biblioteca Nacional de España y en los del Museo ABC, se realiza un análisis de su destacada labor como dibujante de guerra en numerosas publicaciones periódicas, vinculadas en su mayoría a Falange.
Reque Meruvia se convirtió así en uno de los artistas más notorios de esos años en el bando sublevado, y fue capaz de crear un estilo personal, en el que supo combinar la descripción de escenarios y soldados con una dimensión más conceptual, incluso más metafórica, del conflicto que asoló España a finales de los años treinta.