bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL CONTRA CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES EM ESCOLAS DA ZONA RURAL NO TOCANTINS
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina Serafim da , Lopes Mírian Carvalho
Published: May 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar as características da violência sexual em escolas da zona rural numa cidade de médio porte na região central do Tocantins. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório de caráter qualitativo. Foram identificadas 5 escolas no perímetro rural e foi aplicado um questionário, mediante aviso prévio. Foi utilizada a análise descritiva e Análise Temática. Os casos de violência sexual identificados na escola são de abuso sexual intrafamiliar, todas de meninas. Os participantes relataram não terem tido formação para trabalhar com a temática na escola e apresentaram entendimentos diversos acerca da legislação, do manejo dos casos e da rede de proteção. Percebe-se a urgência e necessidade de capacitação e formação continuada dos participantes. Ademais, em que pese, o fato de serem escolas do perímetro urbano, conforme relatado, a dificuldade é maior, no que se refere ao suporte organizacional.
A Review of the Effects of Integrated Language, Science and Technology Interventions in Elementary Education on Student Achievement
Authors: Rhodes Miriam J. , Visscher Adrie J. , van Keulen Hanno , Gijsel Martine A. R.
Published: May 2024

This systematic literature review presents a review of the effects of integrated language arts, science and technology (ILS&T) instruction, with an inquiry- or design-based pedagogy, in elementary schools on student achievement. To this end, an overview of the characteristics of the 19 included studies and their interventions is first presented. Second, the effects of interventions in relation to the study characteristics and outcome variables were examined, by comparing the mean effect sizes. The findings demonstrate positive effects of ILS&T instruction for all reported student learning outcome variables. Third, the relation between characteristics of the intervention and effect sizes was analysed. Interventions with higher levels of integration, a short duration, and teacher professional development activities produce higher effect sizes. These findings are relevant for the design of ILS&T interventions. The analysis was challenged by a lack of detailed information in study and intervention descriptions, which prompts a call for scholars to provide more comprehensive information in their intervention studies.
Bilateral Half-Box Image Filtering
Authors: Fukatsu Miku , Yoshizawa Shin , Takemura Hiroshi , Yokota Hideo
Published: May 2024

Because edge-aware filtering has been widely used for image-based automation technologies, developing a practical, fast algorithm for its use is important. This letter proposes a simple and fast computational method for edge-aware image filtering based on bilateral half-box regions. Our filter consists of a weighted average of only eight color sums within each half-box region adjacent to a given pixel, where the tonal weights are similar to those obtained with bilateral filtering. The eight sums are efficiently obtained by a single fast box filter using the relative coordinate relationship between the pixel and each half-box center. We examined the performance of our filter based on comparisons with conventional methods.
Gestión de riesgos operacionales en el transporte primario de aguacate Hass
Authors: Cañas Osorio Marcela , Serna Grisales Alejandro , Chud Pantoja Vivian Lorena , Osorio Gómez Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo presentar una propuesta para gestionar, identificar y priorizar los riesgos operacionales en el transporte primario del aguacate Hass. Dadas las condiciones de la industria frutícola y hortícola en Colombia, se busca gestionar las cadenas agro y reducir las pérdidas de alimentos. Se selecciona el aguacate Hass, por ser uno de los productos agrícolas con mayor acogida dinámica de crecimiento. Para lograr que la cadena de suministro sea más eficiente, es fundamental gestionar los riesgos operacionales, es decir, aquellos eventos inesperados que pueden afectar el desempeño de la cadena y que se asocian a las personas, equipos, procesos y algunos eventos externos. De esta manera, se identificaron los riesgos en cadenas hortofrutícolas con un enfoque de cuestionario, se seleccionaron los riesgos operacionales en el transporte primario del aguacate Hass en una región de Colombia mediante la matriz de probabilidad e impacto y se priorizaron mediante la aplicación del método Despliegue de la Función de Calidad Difuso. Los principales riesgos fueron fallas técnicas en los vehículos, flotas inapropiadas y malas prácticas en el cargue y descargue. Si bien el trabajo se orienta a una actividad específica dentro de la cadena del aguacate, puede extenderse a otros eslabones y cadenas agroalimentarias.
Empleo del software RStudio para la validación analítica Pb en suelo urbano
Authors: Leal Eliany Nicado , Corral Avitia Alba Yadira , Santana Contreras Laura Elena , Torres Pérez Jonatan , Quiñonez Martínez Miroslava , Flores Margez Juan Pedro
Published: May 2024

La validación de los métodos analíticos es un requisito importante en la práctica del análisis químico, por lo que cada vez que se desea realizar un control de calidad de una medición, es necesario llevarlo a cabo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo validar analíticamente la determinación de Pb en suelo urbano por espectrometría de absorción atómica en horno de grafito (GF-AAS por sus siglas en inglés), ya que en un futuro se desea medir el impacto que pueden causar las deposiciones atmosféricas en los suelos, debido a las emisiones de material particulado de las ladrilleras artesanales de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. En breve se obtuvo valores de alta calidad, ya que se usaron técnicas y análisis estadísticos más robustos y en menos tiempo que una validación convencional.
Perspectiva de la oxidación electroquímica de colorantes sintéticos en aguas residuales artificiales: Rol del material anódico
Authors: Rubí Juárez Humberto , Morales Galicia Linda Estefany , Soto Padilla Marisela Yadira , Vázquez Galvez Felipe Adrián
Published: May 2024

El intensivo uso de colorantes que realiza la industria textil en la operación de teñido aporta un poco más de la mitad del agua residual coloreada (54 %) al medio ambiente en el mundo. El impacto negativo se produce en cuerpos acuáticos perjudicando la cadena alimenticia, la actividad fotosintética, la cantidad de oxígeno disuelto y otros aspectos. Los seres humanos expuestos también pueden contraer enfermedades desde dermatitis hasta problemas del sistema nervioso central. El tratamiento de aguas residuales coloreadas es entonces un requisito que puede realizarse por las vías física, química o biológica convencionalmente. El método electroquímico alternativo que ha propiciado interés es la oxidación electroquímica inducida con electrolitos añadidos y materiales electródicos diversos. Las publicaciones recientes indican que los electrodos de diamante dopado con boro, platino, grafito, PbO2 dopado, PbO2 sin dopar y dimensionalmente estables, alcanzan remociones de color sobresalientes superiores al 90 % y en algunos casos alrededor de 60 % de materia orgánica, cuantificada como DQO o COT, que se limitó por la presencia de subproductos orgánicos. El aumento del empleo de nanotecnología factible para configurar características electrocatalíticas mejores con base en nanopartículas o nanoestructuras incorporadas al electrodo se vislumbra como posible tendencia futura.
EVALUATING MSME FINANCING PRACTICES DURING COVID-19: EVIDENCE FROM ISLAMIC BANK ANNUAL REPORTS
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Darma Auwalu Isah
Published: May 2024

This study assesses the MSME financing practices of Islamic banks in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examines the annual reports of Bangladeshi Islamic banks between 2020 and 2021. This study found Islamic bank financing for cottage, small and medium enterprises (CMSME) through agent banking was effective during the pandemic. Banks also launched various programs, products, and schemes easily accessible to CMSMEs in the country, including special programs supporting women entrepreneurship and CMSMEs in rural areas. Overall, the performance of MSME financing of Islamic banks in the country was impressive and effective measured by the amounts disbursed to CMSMEs, the number of beneficiaries, new branches opened, and employment of bank staff to handle the enterprises’ financial requests over the period. The findings can help the government and regulatory agencies, particularly Bangladesh Bank, during the revision of regulations to enhance CMSME financing by scheduled banks in the country.
Unaccountable Adaptation: The Asian Development Bank’s overstated claims on climate adaptation finance
Authors: Acharya Sunil , Sørensen Rasmus Bo , Dejgaard Hans Peter
Published: May 2024

Despite positioning itself as the ‘climate bank of Asia and the Pacific’, it is difficult to ascertain the Asian Development Bank’s claims of climate adaptation finance. Oxfam analysed the bank’s 2019–2023 climate finance portfolio and conducted a detailed assessment of 15 climate adaptation projects, comprising 43% of reported adaptation finance for FY 2021 and 2022. Oxfam found that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) hugely overstates the reported amounts with potential over-reporting of 44% in average for the assessed projects. This briefing paper calls for a transformative shift in the ADB’s adaptation finance strategies. The ADB must improve the accuracy and transparency of climate finance reporting and realign financial flows with the needs of the region's most vulnerable communities.
A-to-I RNA editing of CYP18A1 mediates transgenerational wing dimorphism in aphids
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wei Rui , Hua Wenjuan , Li Lu , Zhang Wenlin , Liang Pei
Published: May 2024

Wing dimorphism is a common phenomenon that plays key roles in the environmental adaptation of aphid; however, the signal transduction in response to environmental cues and the regulation mechanism related to this event remain unknown. Adenosine (A) to inosine (I) RNA editing is a posttranscriptional modification that extends transcriptome variety without altering the genome, playing essential roles in numerous biological and physiological processes. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum by using PacBio long HiFi reads and Hi-C technology. The final genome assembly for M. dirhodum is 447.8 Mb, with 98.50% of the assembled sequences anchored tonine chromosomes. The contig and scaffold N50 values are 7.82 and 37.54 Mb, respectively. A total of 18,003 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 92.05% were functionally annotated. In addition, 11678 A-to-I RNA-editing sites were systematically identified based on this assembled M. dirhodumgenome, and two synonymous A-to-I RNA editing sites on CYP18A1 were closely associated with transgenerational wing dimorphism induced by crowding. One of these A-to-I RNA editing sites may prevent the binding of miR-3036-5p toCYP18A1, thus elevating CYP18A1 expression, decreasing 20E titer, and finally regulating the wing dimorphism of offspring. Meanwhile, crowding can also inhibit miR-3036-5p expression and further increase CYP18A1 abundance, resulting in winged offspring. These findings support that A-to-I RNA editing is a dynamic mechanism in the regulation of transgenerational wing dimorphism in aphids and would advance our understanding of the roles of RNA editing in environmental adaptability and phenotypic plasticity.
Knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders toward HIV prevention among young people in a resource-limited setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Murungi Tom , Kunihira Irene , Oyella Pamela , Mugerwa Moses , Gift Peruth , Aceng Mercy Jane , Abolo Lydia , Puleh Sean Steven
Published: May 2024

Background:
Currently, 410,000 new HIV infections among youth occur worldwide, which is a significant public health issue. Members of the clergy can be trustworthy allies in the reduction of HIV infections among the youth. However, little is known regarding their knowledge as well as the perceptions they hold towards HIV prevention among young people. Thus, we explored the knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders regarding HIV prevention among young people (15–24 years) in Lira district.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted among 20 religious leaders in March 2021 in Lira district. Religious leaders were sampled purposively and recruited from modern religions (beliefs influenced by Christianity or Islam) in Lira district. Guides for key informant interviews were utilized to gather information. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVivo version 12 software, and the data was then ready for analysis. The main themes were determined using thematic analysis.
Results:
Although a few individuals had some misconceptions, the majority of participants had good knowledge about the transmission and prevention of HIV. Participants knew awareness creation, abstinence, and faithfulness in marriage as HIV prevention strategies and held positive perceptions. Perceived barriers to HIV prevention involvement were lack of knowledge and training, and inadequate resources whereas motivating factors were; being respected, and trusted, and having easy access to young people.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, religious leaders show limited HIV prevention knowledge due to religious beliefs, but understand the importance of measures like abstinence. Despite challenges, their involvement is crucial. Addressing knowledge gaps and providing support is vital. Future efforts should emphasize both behavioral measures and interventions like condom use, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Quantifying the Economic Effects of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Global Value Chain Approach
Authors: Peng Siyi , Zhong Daocheng
Published: May 2024

Limited literature studies the economic effects of the Belt and Road Initiative considering the rising trend of fragmented production. By distinguishing between intermediates and final goods in a general equilibrium model and estimating asymmetric trade costs, we quantify the economic impacts of the initiative. We find that the Belt and Road Initiative has welfare gains worldwide especially for Malaysia and Vietnam. China, the initiative's proponent, has moderate welfare gains. Some non-members experience slight welfare loss, such as 0.008% for Germany. The initiative's trade effects are more pronounced in final goods than intermediates. To figure out the direction of value-added, we distinguish the perspective of forward- (as a supply-side for sales) and backward-linkages (as a demand-side for use). Furthermore, members of the initiative participate more in GVCs at both forward- and backward-linkage. The change in the GVC position index reveals that the initiative reshapes members' positions in production chains. Both forward- and backward-linkage production lengths within members become longer, implying more complex chains and tighter linkages between members. Counterfactuals show that if Germany were to join the initiative, it would yield improved economic effects for itself and its members. Additionally, we employ more counterfactuals to demonstrate the role of asymmetric trade costs, input-output linkages, and industry heterogeneity. Through quantification of the initiative, we aim to provide insights for policymakers from the perspective of global value chains.
JEL Classification：D5, F10, F11, F13, F14, F17
A Contemporary Meta-analysis on Sex Differences in Surgical Mortality and Neurodevelopment in Congenital Heart Defects.
Authors: Crain Alyssa K. , Lim Zhia N. , Sarfatis Chloe J. , Arias Magela , Holder Travis , Moreira Alvaro G. , Corno Antonio F. , Findley Tina O.
Published: May 2024

Need and purpose of review
Given the increasing survival rates among congenital heart disease (CHD) patients and increasing awareness in sex-related disparities in CHD, there is a need to assess the impact of surgical interventions on neurodevelopmental outcomes and to explore potential differences in surgical mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes between male and female patients.
Methods
In this systematic review, we adhered to PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration. We searched articles published from 2015 to 2021 using MeSH descriptors in three major databases. Study selection criteria focused on pediatric CHD patients undergoing primary cardiac surgery. We reviewed 163 articles that met inclusion criteria. The definition and assessment of neurodevelopmental impairment, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and statistical analysis methods were adhered by blinded reviewers.
Main conclusions
Previous studies have reported higher rates of early childhood mortality in female patients and higher rates of neurodevelopmental impairment in male patients with CHD requiring surgery. Our meta-analysis suggests that these differences may no longer be valid in contemporary surgical cohorts. It is unclear if sex-related risk factors have truly been mitigated with current surgical and medical approaches. Our meta-analysis does underscore the need for further research considering sex and investigating neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Optimal Allocation and Sizing of DSTATCOM and PV-DG in the Distribution Network Considering the Uncertainty in Generation and Consumption
Authors: Ebrahimi Ahad , Moradlou Majid , Bigdeli Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Following the latest technological advances in power distribution networks, optimum operation of power networks has drawn considerable attention. Considering the huge costs of the installation and development of power networks, any solution to increase efficiency, lower loss of power, enhance voltage deviation, and enhance voltage stability is a great opportunity. Distributed generation (DG) and shunt compensators such as DSTATCOM can be employed for such purposes. Optimal allocation and sizing of DSTATCOM and photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) were studied. Teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm was used for solving the proposed optimization problem using the IEEE 33-bus standard test system. Due to the random production nature of renewable DG units and the random nature of the consumption load, the uncertainty of production and consumption was analyzed using stochastic programming methods. In addition, the Monte Carlo method was employed to select the most probable scenario (among three scenarios including load-PV generation certainty, load certainty-PV generation uncertainty, and load-PV generation uncertainty). The results were used in the objective function on the basis of the defined indicators. The simulation results indicated that the voltage stability index increased, voltage deviation decreased, and power loss declined through optimal allocation and sizing of DSTATCOM compensating devices and photovoltaic distributed generation.
The role of Aspartate in immune function in sepsis
Authors: Lee Min Ji , Kim Bo Mi , Choi Se Rin , Kim Seongmin , Park Ye Jin , Kim Yun-seok , Choi Kihwan , Yune Chang June , Chung Tae Nyoung , Bae Jinkun , Yun Nam Joo , Jeon Jiwon , Lee Han A Reum , Kim Jiewan , Noh Ji Heon , Park Chungoo , Choi Sangchun , Lee Choong Hwan , Kim Kyuseok
Published: May 2024

Background: Sepsis carries a high risk of mortality, with immune suppression being a crucial aspect of its immunological pathophysiology. Immune cells are highly dependent on the ATP generation, nucleotide synthesis, and redox balance, in which amino acids including aspartate (ASP) play important role.
Methods: We performed metabolomics and transcriptomics study using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in cecal slurry model in rats. We conducted both in vivo and in vitro sepsis studies to investigate the effects of ASP on immune function. In in-vivo study, the effects of ASP were seen in terms of survival rate, bacterial clearance, acute kidney injury, and the immune response. We also used rat PBMC phagocytosis model to confirm the effects of ASP. We compared ASP level in PBMC between septic patients and healthy volunteers.
Results: In metabolomics study, we found that intracellular ASP level is decreased in the status of immune suppression. Administering ASP in the animal sepsis model resulted in increased survival, less kidney injury, and improved immune function. In an in-vitro model, inhibiting ASP production induced immune suppression, partially mitigated by ASP supplementation. In septic patients, the ASP level in PBMCs was decreased.
Conclusions: ASP is a key metabolite in immune function, and its deficiency is associated with immune depression, which could be reversed by ASP supplementation. Consequently, we suggest that ASP could serve as a new biomarker and therapeutic target for immune suppression in sepsis.
Integrated Analysis Reveals NLRC4 as a Potential Biomarker in Sepsis Pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Jiang Chunhui , Chen Jiani , Xu Jiaqing , Chen Chen , Zhu Hongguo , Xu Yinghe , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2024

Sepsis remains a significant global health burden and contributor to mortality, yet the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the immune response are not fully elucidated. To gain insight into this issue, we performed a comprehensive analysis using a variety of techniques including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.We performed enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in sepsis and healthy individuals by utilizing Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and indicated significant enrichment of immune-related response. Following Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) were used to identify key immune-related hub genes and validated by ELISA to show that NLRC4 is highly expressed in sepsis. Additionally, an analysis of scRNA-seq data from newly diagnosed sepsis, sepsis diagnosis at 6 hours, and healthy samples demonstrates a significant increase in both the expression levels and proportions of NLRC4 in sepsis monocytes and neutrophils. In addition, using pySCENIC we identified upstream transcription factors that regulate NLRC4. Our study provides valuable insights into the identification of NLRC4 in peripheral blood as a potential candidate gene for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
The use of combined remote electronic monitoring and blood concentrations of antipsychotics for assessment of therapeutic adherence in patients with schizophrenia: Results of a prospective study
Authors: Šilhán Petr , Hýža Martin , Ambroš Samuel , Dostálek Petr , Schwarzová Jana , Skřont Tomáš , Perničková Denisa , Baarová Pavla , Augustynek Martin , Kacířová Ivana , Uřinovská Romana
Published: May 2024

Background: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, the pharmacological treatment of which comprises primarily the use of antipsychotics. However, non-adherence to their use and its reliable determination present a serious clinical and economic problem. This study aimed to determine therapeutic adherence in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders by combining short-term electronic monitoring of dispenser opening with the measurement of antipsychotic blood concentrations.
Methods: A total of 55 patients underwent a week-long electronic monitoring of dispenser opening and measurement of blood concentrations before and after monitoring. Patients who correctly opened the dispenser at least in 80% of scheduled time points during the weekly interval and, at the same time, did not show a change in blood concentration of the antipsychotic by more than 30% in any direction, were considered adherent.
Results: 69.1% of the patients met the adherence criteria, which was less than that determined by the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinician Rating Scale (CRS). 7.3% of the patients took less than 80% of the prescribed doses and a change in blood concentrations of the antipsychotic by more than 30% was detected in 25.4% of the patients. In 70.9% of patients, the detected concentrations were within the recommended therapeutic reference interval. The groups of adherent and non-adherent patients did not differ statistically significantly in the severity of their illness as determined by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Conclusions: The combined method of evaluating adherence in schizophrenia patients confirmed the results determined by other methods. The benefits of this approach are described in the paper.
Forming analysis and process design of hydroforming with axial-circumferential feeding of heavy truck axle housing
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Liandong , Wang Xiaodi , Song Xiliang
Published: May 2024

In the bulging-pressing forming process of heavy truck axle housing, the technology of hydroforming with axial-circumferential feeding solves the problems of large wall thickness thinning rate in the middle part and cracking on the rear cover. However, there exsits some defects of depressions and squeezed marks on the upper side of the preformed tube in practical application, and the reasons are not clear. In this paper, the causes of the defects in the hydroforming were revealed through analyzing the forming quality of the tube blank. According to that, the design methods of the D-shaped cross section preformed tube and the non-equal width control die were given.The influences of height coefficient, beam coefficient and width coefficient of upper control die on forming quality of preformed tube blank were revealed by finite element simulations, and then the reasonable ranges of the three coefficients were determined. The D-shaped cross section preformed tube was successfully prepared by the preparation experiment of heavy truck axle housing tube, whose hidden dangers of depressions and squeezed marks were eliminated, and the simulation results were consistent with the experimental results. The pressing-forming experiment was carried out, and all dimensions meet the design requirements of the axle housing tube.
Effect of Lid-Wiper Epitheliopathy on the Corneal Epithelial Thickness Distribution: A Novel Semiautomatic Quantitative Method
Authors: Ye Jingjian , Lin Meng , Lin Jue , Ma DI , Liu Ziya , Hu Liang
Published: May 2024

Purpose
To explore a novel semi-automatic quantitative method for detecting lid-wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and analyze its impact on the distribution of corneal epithelial thickness (CET).
Methods
A total of 36 eyes from 36 adults were included in this study. The lid wipers were stained with lissamine green strips, and the stained areas were recorded using a digital slit-lamp biomicroscopy and analyzed using ImageJ software. Factors such as age, sex, and refraction were included as variables that influenced LWE. The CET was divided into 25 regions and recorded using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
Results
Methodological consistency and repeatability were verified through intra- and inter-operator intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), with values of 0.889 and 0.922, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and spherical equivalent refraction (SER), a negative correlation was observed between LWE and epithelial thickness. Specifically, negative correlations were observed in the nasal, subnasal, and inferior regions within the 2–5 mm range; subnasal and infratemporal regions within the 5–7 mm range; and the infratemporal region within the 7–9 mm range.
Conclusion
This study validated a novel method for assessing the severity of LWE by quantitatively analyzing the LWE area. Additionally, LWE is associated with thinning of the inferior corneal epithelium.
Exosomal C5orf46 gene: a Potential Prognosis Risk Indicator with Implication in KIRC included Pan-cancer Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Ma Wenxia , Wang Xuzhi , Yang Huijun , Yang Zhiqing , Shen Ningning , Liu Siying , Miao Lei , Du Juan , Gao Lifang , Wang Chen
Published: May 2024

Background
Exosomes have been important particles that mediate not only cellular communication, but also participate in multiple critical processes of cancer development. The aim of the study is to explore the role of a specific exosome C5orf46 gene in the development of human pan-cancer for potential clinical application.
Methods
The study started with the physicochemical property, and then gene expression as well as alteration patterns of C5orf46 in cancers, followed by post transcription modulation of the gene and then survival analysis in cancers. Moreover, the correlation between C5orf46 and multiple critical cancer parameters including angiogenesis, cancer stemness, DNA repair, and immune infiltration were in succession explored, which were partly validated using local hospital KIRC samples.
Results
Firstly, physicochemical properties of C5orf46 were computed including its aminoacid composition, estimated molecular weight and protein half life. Then, based on gene expression as well as survival analysis result, C5orf46 was shown to be up-regulated in KIRC included various human cancers which was partly due to DNA methylation modulation. And of more clinical significance, the changed expression correlated with worse patients survival. Moreover, the association between C5orf46 and multiple critical cancer traits including microenvironment angiogenesis, immune infiltration, extra cellular matrix (ECM) degradation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were validated. Further, C5orf46 gene was indicated to correlate with the sensitivity of several chemotherapy related drugs.
Conclusions
Based on TCGA pan-cancer data and local hospital samples experiments, we discovered that exosome containing C5orf46 potentially works as an oncogene which was associated with multiple important clinical cancers traits. Although more detailed experiments are needed to validate the gene function, the study shall reveal valuable strategy concerning the role of C5orf46 gene in the development of human cancers.
Perception of Premium Services Based on the Evolution of Hyper-service Network in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Liu Zhizhong , Chu Dianhui , Zhao Meiyue
Published: May 2024

Recently, massive services from multiple domains are available on the network with the rapid development of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology. These various services construct a service network through services' collaboration, which can provide users with rich resources at anytime and anywhere. However, in MEC, due to the proliferation of services, as well as the dynamics of Quality of Service (QoS), it becomes more and more difficult for users to discover the premium services effectively, which seriously impacts users' satisfaction and the utilization of resources. Therefore, how to proactively perceive the emergence of premium services in the service networks has become an challenge. To tackle this issue, we propose a method for perception of the premium services based on the evolution of hyper-service network (named as PPSHSN). First, based on the hypergraph theory, we construct a hyper-service network with the optimal connection method; Then, we develop the evolution mechanism of the hyper-service network and optimize the hyper-service network with the hyperdegree premium value evolution algorithm, thus to conduct the evolution of the service networks. Next, we devise the evaluation indexes based on the topological characteristics of hypergraphs, which are updated according to the evolution of the hyper-service network. Finally, we complete perception of premium services based on the evolution results of the hyper-service network. The effectiveness and feasibility of our proposed method are verified through extensive simulation experiments.
Quantifying the Waning Effect of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions with Case Study in COVID-19
Authors: Cao Hu , Cao Longbing , Jin Shiqiang
Published: May 2024

The multiple pandemics of illnesses like COVID-19 over human history have caused significant threats to public health. To combat such pandemics, stringent control measures, including non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), play a critical role, while their waning effect on containing infectious diseases still requires quantitative and explainable research. Most NPI-related studies represent NPI effect by a steady value or a probability distribution, which often regard the impact of NPI as a fixed process. In reality, the effectiveness of NPI is time-varying and influenced by external factors. An increasing number of studies recognize the phenomenon of NPI's waning effect. To mathematically depict the decreasing process of the NPI effect, an innovative pandemic model called SVEIC-NLC is proposed, taking into account the changing nature of NPI effect. The diminishing effectiveness of NPIs is characterized by a physical law called Newton's Law of Cooling (NLC), representing the first attempt at applying NLC to epidemics. To validate SVEIC-NLC, we conduct experiments using COVID-19 as a case study in Germany, Greece, and the Philippines. The experiments illustrate that the effectiveness of NPI decays over time. Further, SVEIC-NLC is compared with six other cutting-edge methods in predicting cases for three states in the US. These show the necessity of evaluating and incorporating the waning effect of NPI in reasonably preparing a control strategy and containing a disease.
Isolated Q-learning for Offline Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Han Xu
Published: May 2024

Conventional online reinforcement learning (RL) systems interact with their environments to gather data, aiming to develop an optimal policy that maximizes a predefined cumulative reward. Nevertheless, the applicability of online RL is limited under conditions where cost and safety are critical concerns. Offline RL emerges as a solution by leveraging previously collected datasets to derive an effective policy without further interacting with the environment. A significant hurdle in offline RL is the propensity to overestimate the values of actions not represented in the data (out-of-distribution, or OOD actions), often due to insufficient exploration of the state-action space. Prior works tend to add to the algorithm complexity to improve the performance, however, this paper halves the algorithm computation as well as gaining performance improvement.In this paper, we delve into the inaccuracies associated with isolated critic training, devoid of policy enhancement typically driven by actor training. We hypothesize that the dataset's inherent Q-values (behavior Q-values) may be more accurate than those derived from actor-critic cycles, which are susceptible to overestimation and volatility.Upon validating the dataset Q-values' reliability, we propose pre-training models to capture these values before commencing offline training, potentially streamlining algorithmic efficiency across various models and reducing computational demands.Moreover, by harnessing precise dataset Q-value estimations, we advocate for a conservative approach to offline training, which demonstrably mitigates value overestimation.Our methodologies have the potential to be generalized among offline RL and may show a new perspective on the ways of optimizing the offline learning.
Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Associated Organochlorine Resistance in Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Anopheles subpictus): Systematic Reviews Study
Authors: Abbasi Ebrahim , Daliri Salman
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Anopheles subpictus is one of the main vectors of malaria in East Asia, and Australia. One of the important obstacles to fighting against this vector is knockdown resistance, which prevents the effectiveness of insecticides. Based on this, the present study was conducted to survey the resistance of Anopheles subpictus against organochlorine insecticides in the world in a systematic review.
Material and methods: This study was conducted in the field of knockdown resistance, and related mutations in Anopheles subpictusagainst organochlorine insecticides by systematic review method. In the international databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Bioone, ProQuest, and Embase, all articles published until the end of May 2023 were extracted, and reviewed.
Results: Four articles on KDR in the Anopheles subpictuswere included in the systematic review process. Based on the findings, kdr in Anopheles subpictus was reported against organochlorine toxins in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, but no resistance was observed in Mekong Delta. In this vector, the range of the kdr ratio was between 70 and 90%. Resistance to organochlorine pesticides was originally noted in India and then spread to Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to the L1014F mutation.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, a lot of proportion of Anopheles subpictus has resistance to organochlorine insecticides and this resistance has spread to other areas where this vector operates. Hence, it is necessary to use combined insecticides to fight this vector.
Performance optimization of Gaussian mixture algorithms in mathematical analysis
Authors: Čajić Elvir , Rešić Sead , Omerovic Maid , Shabani Elmi
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates performance optimization of Gaussian mixture algorithms in the context of mathematical analysis. Using advanced optimization methods, adapted to the specific requirements of mathematical problems, we investigate how to improve the efficiency and precision of Gaussian mixture algorithms. Through experimental results and analyses, we demonstrate the benefits of these optimizations on various applications of mathematical analysis.
In addition, we focus on developing new techniques to address challenges arising from the application of Gaussian mixture algorithms in mathematical analysis, such as overlearning and scalability problems. Through detailed experiments on different data sets and mathematical analysis problems, we provide deeper insight into the performance and applicability of the optimized algorithms. Our work also highlights the importance of the adaptability of algorithms in different contexts of mathematical analysis and the need for continuous improvement of optimization methodologies in order to adequately respond to the dynamic demands of the research community..
Constraining the neutron star equation of state : a deep learning approach
Authors:   , Soma Shriya
Published: May 2024

In this thesis we focus on developing deep learning (DL) algorithms to constrain the equa- tion of state (EoS) of dense matter. These algorithms rely on observations of neutron stars (NSs), like masses (M), radii (R) and tidal deformabilities (Λ). We also provide an overview of how the developed algorithms in this thesis can be employed in future research endeavours. We discuss possible extensions of these methods and scopes for improvement.
Digitale Medien im inklusiven Unterricht – Evaluation eines Seminars zur Förderung medien- und sonderpädagogischer Kompetenzen bei Lehramtsstudent:innen
Authors: Menzinger Jule , Sura Ines , Mahlau Kathrin
Published: May 2024

Der Artikel befasst sich mit der Evaluation eines Seminarkonzepts für Lehramtsstudent:innen als Teil des Forschungsprojekts „Digitale Medien im inklusiven Unterricht“. Die Studie unter­sucht im Mixed-Methods-Design anhand quantitativer und qualitativer Daten, wie angehende Lehrkräfte auf Medienarbeit im inklusiven Setting vorbereitet werden können. Medienpädagogi­sche Kompetenz sowie positive Einstellungen und Selbstwirksamkeit in Bezug auf Inklusion werden dabei als Basis für den zielführenden Einsatz digitaler Medien im inklusiven Unterricht konzipiert und ihre Veränderung quantitativ mittels Fragebögen gemessen. Das Seminarkon­zept sieht theoretische und praktische Einheiten vor, in denen die Student:innen Wissen aus der Sonder- und Medienpädagogik erwerben, welches sie durch die Planung und Durchführung einer eigenen Medienbildungsmaßnahme mit inklusiven Lerngruppen in die Praxis transferie­ren. Eine abschließende Reflexion der Projekte innerhalb der Seminargruppe bildete die Grundlage für die qualitative Betrachtung der studentischen Kompetenzentwicklung. Die Ergeb­nisse der quantitativen Analysen lassen darauf schließen, dass sich medienpädagogische Kompetenzen sowie Selbstwirksamkeit in Bezug auf Inklusion im Laufe des Seminars positiv entwickelten. Die Reflexionen geben tiefergehende Einblicke in die Wahrnehmung der studenti­schen Kompetenzentwicklung und liefern Anhaltspunkte für die weitere Ausgestaltung von Seminaren mit dem Ziel, medienpädagogische Arbeit im inklusiven Setting umzusetzen.
Abstract
The article deals with the evaluation of a seminar concept for student teachers as part of the research project "Digital Media in Inclusive Education". Using a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data, the study investigates how student teachers can be prepared for media use in an inclusive setting. Media pedagogical competence as well as positive attitudes and self-efficacy related to inclusion are conceptualized as the basis for an effective use of digital media in inclusive teaching and their change measured quantitatively by means of questionnaires. The seminar concept provides theoretical and practical units for stu­dents to acquire knowledge about special- and media education, transferring those into practice by planning and implementing their own media educational project in an inclusive setting. A final reflection of the projects within the seminar group formed the basis for qualitative analyses of the student competence development. Results of the quantitative analyses suggest that media pedagogical competences as well as self-efficacy related to inclusive teaching increased throughout the seminar. The students’ reflections provide deeper insights into the perception of their competence development and provide clues for further seminar concepts with the goal of implementing media pedagogical work in an inclusive setting.
ANGIOMATOUS URETHRAL CARUNCLE LEADING TO POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING RARE CAUSE: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   MBBS. MS [OBGY] FICOG, HOD CPS DGO Senior Consultant P.C. Sethi Hospital., Vijayawargiya Komal , Choudhary Apoorva ,   MBBS. DNB [GENERAL SURGERY] Fiages, Trained In Laparoscopy., Khalil Khan Abdul ,   MBBS. CPS DGO Senior Resident P.C.Sethi Hospital.
Published: May 2024

The Urethral Carruncle Is A Benign Vascular Tumor Which Usually Arises From The Posterior Lip Of The Urethal Meatus. It Represent The Most Common Lesion Of The Female Urethra And Occurs Primarily In Post Menopausal Women.[1] Most Casesare Asymptomatic, But Sometimes,Patients Feel A Lump Or Bleeding At The Urethral . Symptoms Are Dysuria, Dyspareunia, Hematuria,Retention Of Urine And Reraly A Sensation Of Pressure In The Perineal Region.[2] Giant Urethral Caruncle Presenting As Genital Prolapse.[3] And As A Cause Of Acute Urinary Retention.[2] Has Been Described In Literature.
A percepção do migrante haitiano situado na região fronteiriça franco-brasileira sobre cidadania
Authors: Rogerio Marcele Scapin
Published: May 2024

O Brasil, desde 2010, para milhares de haitianos, se tornou espaço da mobilidade transnacional, seja como rota de passagem ou permanência, e, desde então, o fluxo da migração é contínuo. Além de fronteiras geográficas, a migração perpassa entre fronteiras culturais, simbólicas, linguísticas, as quais favorecem o contato de indivíduos e culturas muito diferentes. A interação promovida pelo trânsito entre nações também revela distintos modos de vida dos migrantes que nem sempre se ajustam aos modelos padrões e institucionais do país em que se encontram. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar qual a percepção do migrante haitiano situado na região fronteiriça franco-brasileira sobre cidadania. A pesquisa justifica-se porque a compreensão sobre quais seriam seus direitos parece não envolver a dimensão da cidadania definida no Brasil. Em vista do projeto de vida dos haitianos e das dinâmicas de mobilidade, a relação com a cidadania e o acesso aos espaços públicos que envolvem participação, deliberação e reivindicação, muitas vezes restringe-se às oportunidades: oportunidade de trabalho e de livre-circulação entre os territórios. A hipótese é que os direitos, para os migrantes, parecem adquirir outra feição, mais simplificada do que a compreensão da cidadania conhecida pelos brasileiros. A pesquisa etnográfica foi realizada em Oiapoque-AP, fundamentada com pesquisa bibliográfica.
Monitoramento das sentenças da corte interamericana de direitos humanos: Reflexões acerca da efetividade no cumprimento das condenações impostas ao Brasil
Authors: Campos Juliana Rose Ishikawa da Silva , Moreno Junior Agamenon Alcântara
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo possui o seguinte problema de pesquisa: Os mecanismos disponíveis no Brasil são suficientes para verificar o cumprimento e a efetividade das sentenças proferidas pela Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos contra o Estado brasileiro? Para responder a este questionamento, o texto faz uma incursão nos meios existentes para dar cumprimento às decisões da Corte no Brasil. Por meio da análise de bibliografia, objetiva-se refletir acerca dos mecanismos disponibilizados tanto pela Corte quando pelas instituições brasileiras para o efetivo cumprimento das decisões condenatórias. Assim, o artigo analisa os processos nos quais o Brasil foi condenado e como se encontra o cumprimento destas decisões até o ano de 2023. Na conclusão, indica-se se as decisões estão de fato sendo cumpridas e se os mecanismos contemporâneos são suficientes ou não para garantir a efetividade das sentenças da Corte e a promoção dos direitos humanos no país.
A Comparative Study Using UV-Vis, NIR, and FTIR Spectral Fingerprinting in Yerba Mate Leaves through Mixture Design Extractions and ASCA Models
Authors: Marcheafave Gustavo , Pauli Elis , Wendling Ivar , Rakocevic Miroslava , Scarminio Ieda , Bruns Roy
Published: May 2024

Analysis of variance (ANOVA)-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) is a method of choice for factorial design studies of environmental impacts on plant metabolomes and can be used to quantitatively carry out this comparative analysis. The impacts of seven mixture design extractor systems made up of ethanol, dichloromethane, and hexane and their 1:1 binary and 1:1:1 ternary solvents for several replicate experiments (n = 3, 4, 5) were assessed using ASCA models determined from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), near-infrared (NIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements on yerba mate leaf extracts. This analysis considered two-factor effects: secondary sexual dimorphism (male and female plants) and cultivation systems (monoculture and agroforestry), as well as their interaction effect. The three binary solvents were found to be more efficient extractor systems for all four detectors as they found 83 main and interaction effects significant at or above the 95% confidence level compared with only 47 for the pure solvent extracts. Binary solvent extracts resulted in averages between 44.04 and 86.61% for the ASCA total effect variances compared with 40.62 to 71.07% for pure extractors. Of the 60 significant effects found for experiments with 5 repetitions 53 or 88% were obtained with only triplicate determinations. The choice of spectroscopic technique and solvent system have large impacts on metabolomic analysis results.