bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CASE OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE DUE TO PLACENTA ACCRETA DIAGNOSED BY ANATOMOPATHOLOGY EXAM
Authors:   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital., Meziane J. , Elghali H. ,   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital., Lamzouri O. ,   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital., Taheri H. ,   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital., Saadi H. ,   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital., Mimouni A. ,   Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Mohammed IV University Hospital.
Published: May 2023

Placenta accreta is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in which the placenta invades the myometrium of the uterus. It is more common in women with a history of previous cesarean delivery, placenta previa, or uterine surgery. The diagnosis of placenta accreta can be challenging and is often madeintraoperatively or postoperatively. A 36-year-old gravida 4 para 3 woman presented with postpartum hemorrhage due to placenta accreta that was diagnosed by an anatomopathology exam. The management of postpartum hemorrhage typically involves several steps to stabilize the patient and control bleeding. In this case, the patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids and blood transfusions, given uterotonic medications, and underwent emergency laparotomy to remove her uterus. An anatomopathology exam confirmed the diagnosis of placenta accreta, which had not been suspected during the initial assessment. The patients postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. The management of PPH due to placenta accreta requires a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, anesthesiologists, hematologists, and interventional radiologists. The initial management of PPH involves resuscitation and stabilization of the patient. The next step is to control bleeding by uterine massage and administration of uterotonic agents. If bleeding persists despite uterine massage and administration of uterotonic agents, surgical intervention should be considered, which includes uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy, and conservative management. The choice of surgical management depends on the severity of bleeding, hemodynamic stability, and the extent of placental invasion. Early diagnosis and management of placenta accreta are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes, and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the successful management of this condition.
EFFECT OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM ON MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOME
Authors:   SpecialistDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hamad Medical Corporation, Alkhor, Qatar., Zeba Aalami , Arun Abhishek ,   Associate Professor Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Atariya, Sitapur, India.
Published: May 2023

Background:Adverse maternal outcomes and perinatal complications are closely associated with overt maternal hypothyroidism, but whether these complications occur in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy remains controversial.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SCH on maternal and perinatal outcomes during pregnancy. Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted by examining the pregnant women who applied to the Gynaecology Department of Hind Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital at their 6th to 14th gestational weeks and had antenatal follow-ups between February 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Results: The TSH concentration was significantly lower in the first trimester than in the third trimester (P,0.001). The fT4 concentration was higher in the first trimester than in the second and third trimesters (P,0.001). The incidences of GH and PROM were significantly higher in women with SCH than in euthyroid women (5% vs. 1.57%, P= 0.020 10% vs. 5%, P= 0.002).IUGR was more frequent in women with SCH than in euthyroid women (7.5% vs. 1.3%, P,0.001). More LBW infants were delivered in the SCH group than in the euthyroid group (12.5% vs. 5%, P,0.001). Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that pregnant women with SCH had increased risks of GH and PROM, and their foetuses and infants had increased risks of IUGR and LBW. Thus, routine maternal thyroid function testing is necessary to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.
EFFECT OF INTERNAL HEAT AND VARIABLE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY ON CONVECTIVE MHD FLOW ALONG A VERTICAL ISOTHERMAL PLATE
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014, Assam, India., Jyoti Borborah Sourave , Chakraborty Shyamanta ,   UGC-HRDC, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014, Assam, India.
Published: May 2023

The study investigates convective MHD flow of incompressible fluid of low Prandtl number along a vertical non-conducting plate in porous medium at constant temperature where fluid is sucked through a vertical plate with a constant suction velocity under the action of small internal volumetric heat generation and transverse magnetic field applied externally. The electrical conductivity of the fluid is considered to be temperature dependent variable. Incorporating the Boussinesqs approximation for the boundary layer flow and considering the action of local specific dissipation of mechanical energy due to permeability of the medium, numerical values of various flow parameters such as velocity, temperature, skin-friction, heat transfer etc. are calculated numerically, analysed graphically and conclusions are drawn.
A REVIEW ON THE TOXIC EFFECT OF NICKEL INDUCED STRESS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN RICE SEEDLING (ORYZA SATIVA L.)
Authors:   Student of M.Sc, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata- 700114, West Bengal, India., Chatterjee Shatavisha , Choudhury Bhaskar ,   Associate Professor, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata-700114, West Bengal, India.
Published: May 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main food of different countries in the world. Currently, the demand for food is increasing along with the increase in population in the world therefore, the demand for rice is constantly increasing due to rice being the staple food of various countries. As the population and human need increase, the environment is continuously polluted. In order to grow good crops, we mix various chemicals in the soil, besides, many harmful heavy metals mixed in the soil from various factories and household waste. One of the most harmful heavy metals is nickel. Nickel comes into contact with rice plants and plant seeds. A certain amount of nickel is good for plant growth but above this level it causes physiological and chemical process changes as well as morphology of the plant, like germination rate plant root and shoot height, weight all decrease, the activity of various enzymes required for growth cycle of rice plant is inhibited. For this increasing nickel concentration level nitrogen metabolism may not function properly because the changes of amount of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium. Elevated levels of Nickel cause damage the biological and chemical pathway of rice plants which are very harmful for them lifecycle. This review aims to summarize the different responses of rice like physiological, morphological, molecular and biochemical changes when nickel concentration increased rapidly.
Board characteristics and firm value: The moderating role of capital adequacy
Authors: Saeed Jagirani Tahir , Chee Chee Lim , Binti Kosim Zunarni
Published: May 2023

The global financial crisis increased corporate world uncertainties. Therefore, to meet these challenges, firms take a more proactive approach to tackling various corporate governance and firm value initiatives and policies. This study aims to explore the moderating effect of capital adequacy on the relationship between board characteristics and the firm value of listed banks in Pakistan. To obtain a more robust empirical model and results, this study incorporates moderator and control variables. This study is based on half-yearly secondary data of 560 sample observations from 2009 to 2021. Multiple regression and panel data estimation techniques were employed for the analysis. The study used firm value as a dependent variable, proxied by Tobin’s Q, along with five independent variables, one moderating variable, and two control variables. The results of this study indicate that a higher capital adequacy ratio (CAR) increases firm value and has a moderating effect on board characteristics and firm value. Low proportions of women and independent directors on board affect firm value. The presence of risk management and audit committees in listed Pakistani banks, on the other hand, increases firm value. The banks in Pakistan have no problem with CEO duality. The study also found that bank size has a positive relationship with firm value, while bank age has a negative relationship with firm value.
The impact of infrastructure investments on the country’s economic growth
Authors: Ibrahimov Zohrab , Hajiyeva Sakina , Seyfullayev İlgar , Mehdiyev Umid , Aliyeva Zanura
Published: May 2023

This study aims to assess the positive impact of infrastructure investments on the dynamics of economic growth. The sample includes ten countries (Azerbaijan, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Georgia, Mexico, Moldova, Serbia, and Turkey) for 2011–2020 that meet the following criteria:

belong to upper-middle-income economies (according to the World Bank Atlas method);
the OECD statistical database contains data on investment volumes in infrastructure development of road, railway transport, inland waterways, sea, and airports (by all financing sources). The primary focus was put on the analysis of this issue in Azerbaijan.

GDP per capita growth was selected as the resulting parameter; the main dependent variable was infrastructure investment volumes (total inland and infrastructure road, rail, and air investment), and additional dependent variables were a foreign direct investment (net inflows) and gross domestic investment. Shapiro-Wilk test (for checking normal data), Spearman and Pearson methods (for correlation estimation), Granger test (for detecting causal relationships), and Arellano-Bond dynamic panel-data estimation (for influence formalization) were used. As a result, the following parameters exert the greatest influence on economic growth level: value of gross domestic investment (its growth by 1% causes GDP per capita growth to increase by 0.54% without a time lag); value of infrastructure investment inland (total) (by 1.51% with a three-year lag); value of infrastructure road investment (by 0.41% with a three-year lag). These results can help future research and decision-making at different management levels to strengthen economic growth through infrastructure investment.
Features of the course of stable exertional angina against the background of iron deficiency anemia in outpatient practice
Authors: Simion A. Yu. , Budnevsky A. V. , Ovsyannikov E. S. , Nekhaenko N. E. , Ostroushko N. I. , Brazhnikov N. O.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Iron-deficiency accompanies many diseases, including cardiovascular pathology, so timely diagnosis and correction of this condition is necessary.

Aim. To study the features of the course of stable exertional angina against the background of iron deficiency anemia before and after correction with iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide in patients in primary health care using a computerized patient register.

Materials and methods. 1210 patients with stable exertional angina aged 50–85 years (309 men, 901 women) were included. A special computer program was created for data analysis. In 500 out of 1210 patients, IDA was detected (385 women, 115 men). Mild anemia – 410 patients, moderate – 75, severe – 15. The main group – patients with stable exertional angina and Irondeficiency anemia (the first subgroup – patients treated with iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide and the second subgroup – patients who did not receive the drug iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide due to refusal of treatment or contraindications) and the control group – patients with stable exertional angina without Iron-deficiency anemia. All patients received standard therapy recommended for the treatment of stable exertional angina (the main group additionally received iron (III) polymaltose hydroxide).

Results. In the first subgroup of the main group, after treatment with iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose, there was a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels by 11,7%, hematocrit by 5%, erythrocytes by 4%, serum iron by 112,8%, and an improvement in exercise tolerance by 48,7%, episodes of ST segment depression by 30,2%. In the second subgroup and the control group, there were no significant changes in the above parameters.

Conclusion. Iron-deficiency anemia contributes to the severe course of stable exertional angina, which is confirmed by the high frequency of III-IV functional class exertional angina, a decrease in tolerance to exercise stress. Correction of Iron-deficiency anemia reduces the frequency of episodes of transient myocardial ischemia in the main group.
Improving sewage sludge treatment and utilisation in China: a German perspective on barriers to and measures for the dissemination of innovative technologies
Authors: Rohrbach Michaela , Zimmermann Martin
Published: May 2023

In China, there is enormous development potential for resource recovery from sewage sludge. Government plans indicate that there will be greater investment in sewage sludge treatment, recycling and associated new technologies. Expert interviews and an expert workshop with representatives of German firms and institutions were held in order to identify barriers to and possible measures for the dissemination of technologies geared towards the utilisation of sewage sludge, such as anaerobic digestion, thermal hydrolysis and hydrothermal carbonisation. The following measures were identified as crucial: influence and support for the development of suitable regulations for sewage sludge in China, improvement in the processes and practices within specialised authorities, improved knowledge transfer, the development of appropriate business or operator models and persuasion of decision-makers within public authorities. German companies cannot implement most of these measures easily.
Lipid extraction in the primary sludge generated from urban wastewater treatment: characteristics and seasonal composition analysis
Authors: Villalobos-Delgado Felipe de Jesus , Reynel-Avila Hilda Elizabeth , Mendoza-Castillo Didilia Ileana , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrian
Published: May 2023

A seasonal study of the lipid composition of a primary sludge (dry and dewatered base) obtained from an urban wastewater treatment plant located in Aguascalientes (Mexico) is reported. This study assessed the variability in sludge composition to establish its potential as a raw material for biodiesel production. Lipid recovery was achieved by extraction using two solvents. Hexane was employed for lipid extraction from dry sludge, whereas hexane and ethyl butyrate were used for comparison with dewatered sludge. The formation (%) of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) was determined using extracted lipids. The extraction results from the dry sludge showed 14 and 6% of recovered lipids and their conversion to biodiesel, respectively. For the dewatered sludge, the lipid recovery and biodiesel formation were 17.4 and 60% using hexane, and 23 and 77% for ethyl butyrate, respectively, on a dry basis. Statistical data indicated that lipid recovery depended on the physicochemical characteristics of sewage sludge, which were related to seasonal changes, population activities, and changes in plant configuration, among other factors. These variables must be considered in the design of large-scale extraction equipment for the application and commercial exploitation of biomass waste in biofuel production.
Potential Role of Novel Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Pediatric Patients
with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Duarte Abreu Maria Augusta , de Castro Pedro Alves Soares Vaz , Moreira Fernanda Rocha Chaves , de Oliveira Ferreira Henrique , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: May 2023

Background:

Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in adult and pediatric
patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple
pathways. As Inflammatory mechanisms play a critical role in the vascular disease of CKD pediatric patients,
there are several biomarkers related to inflammation strongly associated with this comorbidity.

Objective:

This review provides available evidence on the link between several biomarkers and the
pathophysiology of heart disease in patients with CKD.

Methods:

The data were obtained independently by the authors, who carried out a comprehensive and
non-systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and SciELO databases. The search terms were
“Chronic Kidney Disease”, “Cardiovascular Disease”, “Pediatrics”, “Pathophysiology”, “Mineral and
Bone Disorder (MBD)”, “Renin Angiotensin System (RAS)”, “Biomarkers”, “BNP”, “NTproBNP”,
“CK-MB”, “CXCL6”, “CXCL16”, “Endocan-1 (ESM-1)”, “FABP3”, “FABP4”, h-FABP”, “Oncostatin-
M (OSM)”, “Placental Growth Factor (PlGF)” and “Troponin I”.

Results:

The pathogenesis of CKD-mediated cardiovascular disease is linked to inflammatory biomarkers,
which play a critical role in the initiation, maintenance, and progression of cardiovascular
disease. There are several biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease in pediatric patients, including
BNP, NTproBNP, CK-MB, CXCL6, CXCL16, Endocan-1 (ESM-1), FABP3, FABP4, Oncostatin-
M (OSM), Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), and Troponin I.

Conclusion:

The pathogenesis of CKD-mediated cardiovascular disease is not completely understood,
but it is linked to inflammatory biomarkers. Further studies are required to elucidate the pathophysiological
and potential role of these novel biomarkers.
Clinical Features, Socioeconomic Status, Management, and Outcomes of
Acute Heart Failure: PEACE MENA Registry Phase I Results
Authors: AlBackr Hanan , Alhabib Khalid F. , Sulaiman Kadhim , Jamee Amal , Sobhy Mohamed , Benkhedda Salim , Dada Sobhi , Hammoudeh Ayman , Gamra Habib , Al-Motarreb Ahmed , Alkindi Fahad , Amin Mohammad I , Yousif Magdi G. , Farhan Hasan A. , Fellat Nadia , Almahmeed Wael , Jarallah Mohammad Al , Panduranga Prashanth , Abdelhamid Magdy , Ghaly Ihab , Djermane Dahlia , Chibane Ahcene , Skouri Hadi , Jarrah Mohamad , Amor Hassen , Alsagheer Nora K. , Hozayen Mohammed A. , Ahmed Hosameldin S. , Ali Muhammad , Ullah Anhar , Saleh Ayman Al , Zannad Faiez
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

PEACE MENA (Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac
Events in the Middle East and North Africa) is a prospective registry in Arab countries for in-patients
with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we report the baseline characteristics
and outcomes of in-patients with AHF who were enrolled during the first 14 months of the
recruitment phase.

Methods:

A prospective, multi-centre, multi-country study including patients hospitalized with AHF
was conducted. Clinical characteristics, echocardiogram, BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide), socioeconomic
status, management, 1-month, and 1-year outcomes are reported

Results:

Between April 2019 and June 2020, a total of 1258 adults with AHF from 16 Arab countries
were recruited. Their mean age was 63.3 (±15) years, 56.8% were men, 65% had monthly income
≤US$ 500, and 56% had limited education. Furthermore, 55% had diabetes mellitus, 67% had hypertension;
55% had HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction), and 19% had HFpEF (heart failure
with preserved ejection fraction). At 1 year, 3.6% had a heart failure-related device (0-22%) and 7.3%
used an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (0-43%). Mortality was 4.4% per 1 month and 11.77%
per 1-year post-discharge. Compared with higher-income patients, lower-income patients had a higher
1-year total heart failure hospitalization rate (45.6 vs 29.9%, p=0.001), and the 1-year mortality difference
was not statistically significant (13.2 vs 8.8%, p=0.059).

Conclusion:

Most of the patients with AHF in Arab countries had a high burden of cardiac risk factors,
low income, and low education status with great heterogeneity in key performance indicators of AHF
management among Arab countries.
Prevalence of Transmitted Drug Resistance among HIV-1 Patients in the
Aegean Region: Results from the Western Part of Turkey
Authors: Tekin Duygu , Sertoz Ruchan , Erensoy Selda , Biceroglu Servet , Kaptan Figen , Köse Sukran , Ozkan Hulya , Cetin Banu , Türken Melda , Gokengin Deniz
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the antiretroviral drug resistance in antiretroviral
treatment-naïve HIV-positive patients in the Aegean Region of Turkey from 2012 to 2019.

Methods:

The study included 814 plasma samples from treatment-naïve HIV-positive patients.
Drug resistance analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing (SS) between 2012-2017 and by
next-generation sequencing sequencing (NGS) between 2018-2019. SS was used to analyze resistance
mutations in the protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) gene regions using a ViroSeq
HIV-1 Genotyping System. PCR products were analyzed with an ABI3500 GeneticAnalyzer (Applied
Biosystems). The sequencing of the HIV genome in the PR, RT, and integrase gene regions
was carried out using MiSeq NGS technology. Drug resistance mutations and subtypes were interpreted
using the Stanford University HIV-1 drug resistance database.

Results:

Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) mutation was detected in 34/814 (4.1 %) samples. Nonnucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
(NRTI), and protease inhibitor (PI) mutations were identified in 1.4 % (n =12), 2.4 % (n =20), and
0.3 % (n = 3) of samples, respectively. The most common subtypes were B (53.1 %), A (10.9%),
CRF29_BF (10.6%), and B + CRF02_AG (8,2%). The most common TDR mutations were E138A
(3.4%), T215 revertants (1.7%), M41L (1.5%), and K103N (1.1%).

Conclusion:

Transmitted drug resistance rate in the Aegean Region is compatible with national and
regional data. Routine surveillance of resistance mutations may guide the safe and correct selection
of initial drug combinations for antiretroviral therapy. The identification of HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant
forms in Turkey may contribute to international molecular epidemiological data.
Adverse Effects Post COVID-19 Vaccination and its Association with Age,
Gender and Comorbid Disease in Basrah City Southern of Iraq
Authors: Abdul-Nabi Zainab Najim , Mohamed-Jawad Noor Kadhim , Fareed Noor Yousif , Neamah Nadheerah Falih , Shari Falah Hassan
Published: May 2023

Background:

Vaccination against COVID-19 virus is the most valuable tool available
for protection during the pandemic of coronavirus. The clinical manifestation post-vaccination is a
barrier to vaccination for many people in Iraq and worldwide.

Objective:

The objective of this study is identifying various clinical manifestations occurring after
receiving vaccines among individuals in Basrah Governorate. Moreover, we examine its association
with respondents’ demographics and the type of vaccine they received.

Methods:

A cross-section study was conducted in Basrah, southern Iraq. Research data were collected
through an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and analytic
statistical tools using the SPSS program.

Results:

Most of the participants (86.68%) received the vaccine. The side effects were reported in
71.61% of vaccinated individuals. Fever and muscle pain were the two most experienced clinical
manifestations, while lymph node enlargement and disturbances in taste and/or smell sensations
were reported infrequently. Adverse effects were mostly reported with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine
receiver. Females and those in the younger age group also reported a significantly higher incidence
of side effects.

Conclusion:

Most adverse effects related to the COVID-19 vaccine were minor and could be tolerated
without the need for hospital admission.
IDRnet: A Novel Pixel-enlightened Neural Network for Predicting Protein Subcellular Location Based on Interactive Pointwise Attention
Authors: Zou Kai , Wang Ziqian , Zhu Suwan , Wang Simeng , Yang Fan
Published: May 2023

Background:

Traditional approaches to protein subcellular pattern analysis are primarily based on feature concatenation and classifier design. However, highly complex structures and poor performance are prominent shortcomings of these traditional approaches. In this paper, we report the development of an end-to-end pixel-enlightened neural network (IDRnet) based on Interactive Pointwise Attention (IPA) for the prediction of protein subcellular locations using immunohistochemistry (IHC) images. Patch splitting was adopted to reduce interference caused by tissue microarrays, such as bubbles, edges, and blanks. The IPA unit was constructed with a Depthwise and Pointwise convolution (DP) unit, and a pointwise pixel-enlightened algorithm was applied to modify and enrich protein subcellular location information.

Methods:

IDRnet was able to achieve 97.33% accuracy in single-label IHC patch images and 88.59% subset accuracy in mixed-label IHC patch images, and outperformed other mainstream deep learning models. In addition, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was adopted to visualize the spatial information of proteins in the feature map, which helped to explain and understand the IHC image's abstract features and concrete expression form.

Results:

IDRnet was able to achieve 97.33% accuracy in single-label IHC patch images and 88.59% subset accuracy in mixed-label IHC patch images, and outperformed other mainstream deep learning models. In addition, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was adopted to visualize the spatial information of proteins in the feature map, which helped to explain and understand the IHC image's abstract features and concrete expression form.
In Silico Design and Evaluation of a Novel Therapeutic Agent
Against the Spike Protein as a Novel Treatment Strategy for
COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Sarmadi Soroush , Rahbar Mohammad Reza , Najafi Hamideh , Chukwudozie Onyeka S. , Morowvat Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2023

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory disease
that is associated with severe damage to other human organs. It causes by a novel
coronavirus, and it is spreading all over the world. To date, there is some approved vaccine
or therapeutic agent which could be effective against this disease. But their effectiveness
against mutated strains is not studied completely. The spike glycoprotein on the surface of
the coronaviruses gives the virus the ability to bind to host cell receptors and enter cells.
Inhibition of attachment of these spikes can lead to virus neutralization by inhibiting viral
entrance.

Aims:

In this study, we tried to use the virus entrance strategy against itself by utilizing virus
receptor (ACE-2) in order to design an engineered protein consisting of a human Fc antibody
fragment and a part of ACE-2, which reacts with virus RBD, and we also evaluated
this interaction by computational methods and in silico methods. Subsequently, we have
designed a new protein structure to bind with this site and inhibit the virus from attaching
to its cell receptor, mechanically or chemically.

Methods:

Various in silico software, bioinformatics, and patent databases were used to retrieve
the requested gene and protein sequences. The physicochemical properties and possibility
of allergenicity were also examined. Three-dimensional structure prediction and
molecular docking were also performed to develop the most suitable therapeutic protein.

Results:

The designed protein consisted of a total of 256 amino acids with a molecular
weight of 28984.62 and 5.92 as a theoretical isoelectric point. Instability and aliphatic index
and grand average of hydropathicity are 49.99, 69.57 and -0.594, respectively.

Conclusions:

In silico studies can provide a good opportunity to study viral proteins and
new drugs or compounds since they do not need direct exposure to infectious agents or
equipped laboratories. The suggested therapeutic agent should be further characterized in
vitro and in vivo.
A Review on Soft Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation
Authors: Tang Dedong , Lv Xin , Zhang Yongde , Qi Lingzhi , Shen Chengcheng , Shen Wenshuo
Published: May 2023

Background:

How to enhance the quality of life for the elderly has emerged as a key issue in many nations due to the ageing population. Stroke is the most prevalent disease among the elderly; specifically, the hand dysfunction caused by stroke is also a powerful obstacle to the daily life of the elderly. Soft Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation (SEHRs) have become a major trend for the future due to the increasing demand for hand rehabilitation.

Objective:

To provide a reference for readers in this field by introducing the most recent research developments in the field of SEHR, including their classification and properties.

Methods:

By reviewing different types of hand rehabilitation exoskeleton research papers and patents, the advantages and disadvantages, differences, and applications of various SEHRs were summarized.

Results:

According to the driving mode and realizing the function of SEHRs, the structure characteristics of SEHRs are analyzed and compared. The key problems and future development trends of SEHRs were expounded.

Conclusion:

According to the driving method, the research shows that SEHRs can be divided into Air-Driven Soft Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation (ADSEHRs), Motor-Driven Soft Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation (MDSEHRs), and Hybrid-Driven Soft Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation (HDSEHRs). Future research is required to further optimize the flexibility and adaptability of soft exoskeletons, improve their accuracy and sensitivity, and enhance human-machine interaction with the human hand.
Trust Computational Model for IoT using Machine Learning
Authors: Marigowda Chikkade Krishnegowda , J Thriveni , Subrahmanyam Gowrishankar , Rajuk Venugopal Kuppanna , A Muthyamala
Published: May 2023

Aims and Background:

The Internet of Things has evolved over the years to a greater extent,
where objects communicate with each other over a network. Heterogenous communication between
the nodes leads to a large amount of information sharing, and sensitive information could be
shared over the network. It is important to maintain privacy and security during information sharing to
protect devices from communicating with malicious nodes.

Objectives and Methodology:

The concept of trust was introduced to prevent nodes from communicating
with malicious nodes. A trust computation model for the IoT based on machine learning concepts
was designed, which evaluates trust based on the Trust Marks. There are three trust marks, out
of which two are evaluated. The three trust marks are knowledge, experience, and reputation.
Knowledge trust marks are evaluated separately based on their trust property mathematical formulations,
and then based on these properties, machine learning-based algorithms are applied to train the
model to classify the objects as trustworthy and untrustworthy.

Results:

The effectiveness of the Knowledge Trust Mark is measured by a simulation and confusion
matrix. The accuracy of the trained model is shown by the accuracy score. The trust computational
model for IoT using machine learning shows higher accuracy in classifying the objects as trustworthy
and untrustworthy.

Conclusion:

The experience trust mark is evaluated based on its properties, and the behaviour of the
experience is shown over time graphically.
Antimicrobial Compounds from Microorganisms-Associated with Selected
Desert Flora
Authors: Tawfik Kamilia , AlBekiry Daliah , Hamdan Eman , Ayas Mahria , Almousa Amal
Published: May 2023

Background:

The immense genetic variety found in plants and microbes provides a plethora of opportunities for human advancement in the creation of medicine. Microorganisms have been exceptionally rich sources of drugs. Nowadays, the emergence of new infectious diseases and the resistance of some pathogenic microbes necessitates further attempts to find new antimicrobial agents in the fight against infections.

Objective:

The main goal of this study was to explore and evaluate the biologically active secondary metabolites from selected desert flora-associated microorganisms.

Methods:

This was achieved through the isolation of bacteria and fungi associated with plants selected from diverse parts of the Saudi Arabian desert. This study was directed to test the optimal microbial culture composition for the production of biologically active metabolites against pathogenic microbes.

Results:

The produced secondary metabolites showed profound antibiosis activities. Some of which were comparable to or more potent than some of the currently used antibiotics.

Conclusion:

These findings lay the foundation for further discoveries of new metabolites that are urgently needed to face the uprising microbial resistance and mutations that the whole world is continuously suffering from.
Differences in the Use of Cosmetic Products Depending on Pregnancy Status
Authors: ATEŞ Elif , AKSU ARICA Deniz , ARAN Turhan , BAYKAL SELÇUK Leyla , SET Turan
Published: May 2023

Method: This cross-sectional study which was performed between May 2017 and January 2018 at a family medicine, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic, evaluated differences in the use of nine cosmetic procedures, and 38 different cosmetic and personal care products depending on pregnancy status. Results: The pregnant group and the non-pregnant comparison group both consisted of 219 women. The two most frequently used products in the pregnant group were toothpaste and shampoo (99.1% and 98.1% respectively). The frequencies of use of all the examined products were lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women, except for hair gel, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and vaginal cleansing agents. Compared to a pregnant group, being non-pregnant increases the risk of using ten or more cosmetic products 5.8 times fold. Our findings indicated that pregnant women’s use of products declined, except for general hygiene products. Discussion and conclusion:Knowing which products are used most often and which products pregnant women intend to continue to use can guide physicians in terms of advising pregnant women and investigating product exposure.
Elementen voor de sociologische ontleding van de sociale zekerheid
Authors: Deleeck Herman
Published: May 2023

Sedert Bismarcks tijd is de sociale zekerheid gegroeid van een bescheiden reeks sociale verzekeringen tot het specifiek systeem van algehele bestaanszekerheidswaarborging van de industriële samenleving, integraal element tevens van de arbeidsverhoudingen. Naast de juridische en economische aspecten van deze evolutie verdienen de sociologisch en institutionele determinanten ervan te weinig aandacht. Uit onderzoek (1976) blijkt dat, ondanks het grote volume der ingezette middelen, een vrij groot deel van de bevolking financieel bestaansonzeker blijft, d.w.z. een inkomen heeft beneden inductief opgestelde minimum-inkomensnormen. Deze bestaansonzekerheid is bovendien bepaald door de bestaande sociale stratificatie (determinantenmodel). De relatieve ondoelmatigheid van de sociale zekerheid (anders gezegd : van het inkomensverherdelingssysteem) kan verklaard worden, sociaal, door de levenswijze van de onderscheiden categorieën die leidt tot ongelijke deelname aan het stelsel der sociale voorzieningen; politiek door de inhoud en de vorm van het proces van besluitvorming dat leidt tot een systeem van sociale voorzieningen veeleer gericht op de brede middenlagen van de bevolking dan op de onderste lagen. Dit is een illustratie van het zgn. Mattheuseffect. Deze interpretatie van het sociale zekerheidsgebeuren leidt tot een bepaalde visie op het beleid inzake de hervorming ervan.
Godsdienst, religie en zingevingssystemen
Authors: Dobbelaere Karel
Published: May 2023

Dit artikel wordt aangetoond dat de aard van de definitie van godsdienst die de socioloog gebruikt niet “de gustibus” is. Naargelang van de door hem gekozen sociologische aanpak, een culturele of een structurele, werkt hij met een substantiële of een functionele definitie ; en de definitie kan ook een fundamentele invloed hebben op de interpretatie van de resultaten van zijn studie. Een période van sociale verandering vraagt om een structurele aanpak, maar daartoe voldoen de gebruikelijke functionele definities van godsdienst niet. Dergelijke definities zijn immers inclusief en nominaal. Daarom wordt geopteerd voor een substantiële definitie die exclusief en reëel is : godsdienst is een bijzonder zingevingssysteem met het bovennatuurlijke als overkoepelend symbolisch referentiekader. In crisissituaties en in het dagelijkse leven gebruiken de mensen ook andere zingevingssystemen. Dit doet vragen rijzen omtrent de eventueel verschilfende functies van de diverse zingevingssystemen, naargelang van hun overkoepelend symbolisch referentiekader. De auteur trekt hieruit ook enkele onderzoekstechnische besluiten.
Zelfmoord en de economische crisis
Authors: Matthijs Koenraad
Published: May 2023

Gedurende de periode 1973-80 is het aantal officieel geregistreerde zelfmoorden in België met ongeveer 40 % gestegen. De toename is grotet voot vrouwen (60 %), dan voor mannen (30 %), en groter voor de middelbate leeftijdsgroepen dan voor de andere groepen. Regionaal gezien is er een heterogeen beeld merkbaar met nochtans een trend dat de arrondissementen met de laagste initiële zelfmoordscores (1973-74) de sterkste toename te zien geven. Op het niveau van de sociologische duiding kan moeilijk worden voorbijgegaan aan de relevantie van de actuele economische crisis als verklaringsgrond. De negatieve relatie tussen economische conjunctuur en zelfmoordfrequentie is immers herhaaldelijk empirisch gedocumenteerd. Meestal wordt daar aan toegevoegd dat de meest conjunctuurgevoelige groepen de sterkste toename te zien geven. Nochtans zou het van kortzichtigheid getuigen om de volledige toename op rekening van de conjunctuurbeweging te schrijven. De hedendaagse zelfmoordevolutie is immers ook de gedeeltelijke voortzetting van een algemeen waarneembare opwaartse trend sinds de jaren 50. Blijkbaar heeft de economische depressie zich geënt op deze reeds vroeger bestaande suicidogene krachten en fungeert als versterker ervan. Globaliserend kunnen voor deze “suicidogene krachten” 2 alternatieve modellen onderkend worden, één van sociologische signatuur en één van epidemiologische aard. Beide modellen zetten vruchtbare lichtbakens uit, maar roepen anderzijds ook fundamentele problemen op.
De makro-sociologie van Immanuel Wallerstein
Authors: Van Habberney Guy
Published: May 2023

Gelet op de groeiende belangstelling voor de Historische Sociologie, wil dit artikel het werk van één van haar belangrijkste Protagonisten, namelijk Immanuel Wallerstein, wat nader onderzoeken. Radicaal brekend met analyses over staatsvormingsprocessen vanuit een strikt nationaal perspectief, vertrekt deze auteur als het ware aan de andere kant van het spectrum, namelijk vanuit de Wereldsysteem benadering. Alhoewel dit resulteert in een aantal interessante beschrijvingen, blijft de verklarende waarde van een dergelijke makro-sociologische analyse zeer gering. Met betrekking tot het debat over de produktiewijze volgt Wallerstein bovendien een welbepaalde methode, die in navolging van Weber klassen uitsluitend analyseert in termen van hun marktmacht.
Proeve van onderzoek naar de kwaliteit van gegevens bekomen via het survey-interview
Authors: Loosveldt Geert
Published: May 2023

In dit artikel wordt nagegaan in welke mate dat binnen een bepaald onderzoek de doelstelling van het survey-interview nl. het op betrouwbare wijze bekomen van geldige informatie, gerealiseerd werd. Uit veronderstellingen omtrent de aard van een interview werden hiervoor drie diagnostische momenten afgeleid : interviewer-variantie, analyse van de interviewduur en de rangorde van de interviews.
De afhankelijke variabelen die in de analyses werden gebruikt zijn : het aantal sporten dat men het laatste jaar beoefend heeft, het aantal ooit beoefende sporten en het aantal sporten waarvoor men ooit belangstelling heeft gehad.
Uit de resultaten bleek dat de interviewer op zichzelf en kenmerken van interviewers zoals ervaring, snelheid en eigen rapportering van aktuele en vroegere sportbeoefening en belangstelling een zekere verklaringskracht hebben ten aanzien van deze drie basisvariabelen.
De vaagheid van de vraagstelling - met daaraan verbonden de grotere mogelijkheid voor interpretatief gedrag in funktie van eigen rapportering van de interview - en een negatieve kosten-batenanalyse konden daarmee in verband gebracht worden.
Erving Goffmans kaderanalyse: een negatie van Herbert Blumers symbolisch interactionisme
Authors: Verhoeven Jef
Published: May 2023

Goffmans sociologie wordt dikwijls symbolisch interactionistisch genoemd. Om dit probleem te onderzoeken werd het werk van Goffman vergeleken met de visie van Blumer over het symbolisch interactionisme.
Er wordt aangetoond dat Goffmans kaderanalyse, uitgewerkt in Frame Analysis (1974), reeds in zijn vroegere werken aanwezig was en dat deze benadering een andere bedoeling heeft dan het symbolisch interactionisme.
In het artikel wordt verduidelijkt dat beide auteurs vertrekken van een gedeeltelijk verschillende visie op werkelijkheid, mens en maatschappij. Bijgevolg nemen zij ook andere opties bij de bepaling van het voorwerp van de sociologie en bij de méthodologie. De werkelijkheidsopvatting van beiden is gekenmerkt door ambiguïteit: filosofisch idealisme en realisme. Voor Goffman impliceert dit een positivisme en een situationeel 'verstehen'; Blumer valt terug op de studie van de werkelijkheid als een produkt van individuele zingeving.
Goffman ziet de maatschappij als een emergente werkelijkheid, Blumer redueeert haar tot een geheel van interacterende Individuen. Methodologisch wordt dit omgezet in een anaskopische en kataskopische opstelling bij Goffman en een anaskopische opstelling bij Blumer.
Deze visies hebben voor de voorwerpbepaling van de sociologie de volgende consequenties: Goffman zoekt naar de structurele en organisatorische kenmerken van het sociale handelen, terwijl Blümer de nadruk legt op het sociale handelen als produkt van zingevende actors.
Onderzoeksmatig vertaalt dit zich in een zeer verschillende werkwijze. Blümer verwerpt de klassieke onderzoeksprotocols. Hij wil langs participerende observatie komen tot een juiste probleemstelling, rekening houdend met de individuele zingeving. Goffman gebruikt etnografisch materiaal, films, romans, enzomeer en zoekt daarin naar de 'kaders', die de actors gebruiken om de vraag 'wat gebeurt er hier ?' te beantwoorden.
Poging tot multidisciplinaire benadering van de fiscale fraude
Authors: Geeroms Hans , Wilmots Hendrik
Published: May 2023

Het probleem van de fiscale fraude is ruimer dan belastingontduiking alleen. Het omvat ook belastingontduiking, dat weliswaar niet strafbaar is, maar dat verder dezelfde motieven en consequenties heeft als ontduiking. Beide problemen worden hier tesamen behandeld.
De theorievorming geschiedt zowel vanuit de sociologie als vanuit de économie als vanuit de speltheorie. De referentiegroeptheorie die zowel speltheoretiseh als sociologisch onderbouwd is, de houding tegenover wetten en overheidsinstellingen en het element van de "rechtvaardige gelijkheid" dat zowel in de economie als in de sociologie wortelt bieden de nieuw aangebrachte verklaringen voor fraude en worden naast de traditioneel economische geplaatst: de pakkans, de boete en de marginale aanslagvoet. Het empirisch luik van de studie is gebaseerd op een enquête, waar elementen van de attitude-leer uit de psychologie gebruikt werden om tot onvertekende antwoorden te komen. De a priori verwachte verbanden worden bevestigd. Als de referentiegroep positief staat tegenover fraude stijgt de fraudeneiging. Wie afwijzend staat tegenover officiële instellingen fraudeert ook meer, evenals wie vindt dat hij door de overheid niet billijk behandeld wordt. De marginale aanslagvoet is positief gecorreleerd met ontwijking, maar niet met ontduiking, hetgeen tegen de intuïtie ingaat maar theoretisch voorspelbaar was. Het inkomen (achtergrondvariabele) is positief gecorreleerd met ontwijking, maar niet met ontduiking, hetzelfde geldt voor de scholing. Het ontwijken is dus het privilege voor de rijkeren en voor de hooggeschoolden, terwijl ontduiken de enig mogelijke belastingbesparing is voor de lagere sociale klassen. Een verhoging van de pakkans reduceert de ontduiking maar niet de ontwijking. De economische variabelen zijn belangrijker als determinanten voor de ontduiking en worden belangrijker naarmate het inkomen stijgt. Vrije beroepen en handelaars frauderen meest en op het politieke spectrum scoren de "rechtse" kiezers het hoogst inzake fraude.
De belangrijkste beleidsconclusies zijn dat een rechtvaardige aanpak van de fraude vereist dat eerst de gaten in de fiscale wetgeving die de ontwijking toestaan, gestopt worden en dat een manipuleren van de economische variabelen alleen ineffectief is om de fraude te ontmoedigen.
Dynamiek van organisationeel innoveren
Authors: Breda Jef
Published: May 2023

Organisationele innovaties worden in de sociologie veelal voorgesteld als het resultaat van een bewust organisatiebeleid en -opbouw en/of van een gericht overheidsbeleid.
In een onderzoek over innoveren in de algemene sociale welzijnszorg tonen wij aan dat hier integendeel sprake is van een zich herhalend diffusieproces waarin welbepaalde organisaties steeds als eersten innoveren en andere organisaties de rol van volgers toebedeeld krijgen. Organisatiegrootte, politieke voorkeur en in mindere mate de hulpverleningskennis van de voorzitter vormen de basis waarop deze toebedeling van rollen in het diffusieproces plaats vindt. Innoveren is aldus een autonoom proces dat zich voor alles afspeelt op het niveau van een welbepaalde maatschappelijke sector.
Regio's en innovatie: een gevalstudie
Authors: Goorden Lieve
Published: May 2023

Dit artikel wil, ten bate van het innovatiebeleid van de overheid, aandacht vragen voor de continue en ruimtegebonden momenten in het verloop van het innovatieproces. Innovatie is in die optiek een voorzichtig selectieproces dat voortbouwt op verworvenheden uit het verleden, door de link te leggen tussen lokale initiatieven tot vernieuwing enerzijds en elders aanwezige "high tech" informatie anderzijds. Aan de hand van de variabalen - zelfstandige aanzetten tot produktvernieuwing in de regio, kleinschalig versus grootschalig organiseren (in de zin van meer of minder taal- en bestuurlijke autonomie in de plaatselijke vestiging), netwerkvorming versus isolement en afhankelijkheid, al dan niet benutte van plaatselijk voorhanden kwalificatiepotentieel - wordt vervolgens nagegaan inhoeverre een typisch lokaal gegroeide activiteit in een bepaalde streek (de papierverwerkende en grafische sector in Turnhout-Beerse) toegang krijgt tot innovatie en zelf ontvankelijk blijkt te zijn voor innovatie.
Ontwikkelingssociologische modellen voor de analyse van medisch sociologische vraagstukken in derde wereldlanden
Authors: Develtere Patrick
Published: May 2023

Sinds enige tijd vertoont de medische sociologie meer en meer aandacht voor de problematiek van de gezondheid(szorg) in Derde Wereldlanden. Zelden worden daarbij de bestaande sociologische theorieën over de ontwikkelingsproblematiek ter hand genomen. Toch kunnen die van groot nut zijn. In dit artikel worden de drie belangrijkste ontwikkelingssociologische paradigmata geschetst : moderniseringstheorieën, onderontwikkelingstheorieën en de neo-marxistische theorieën. De gezondheidsproblematiek van de Derde Wereld wordt telkens in het licht van deze theorieën bekeken. Eigen onderzoeksmateriaal wordt geanalyseerd vanuit de derde benadering. Dit materiaal biedt ook de basis voor een discussie over de beleidsrelevantie van de besproken ontwikkelingssociologische kaders.