bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of malaria in southern Iran: How could manage this disease?
Authors: khammarnia Mohammad , Peyvand Mostafa , Barfar Esagh , Setoodehzadeh Fatemeh , Kargar Shiva , Rokni Iman
Published: October 2023

Background
Iran is considered one of the countries with high rates of malaria, particularly in its southern and southeastern regions. In 2009, Iran initiated a program aimed at eliminating malaria by 2025. Proper management of the disease requires a complete knowledge of the disease. The objective of this study was to examine the malaria situation in southern Iran from 2016 to 2023.
Method
A cross-sectional study was carried out in Sistan-Baluchistan province as the second largest province of Iran in 2023. The clinical and demographical data were collected for the three medical universities from March 2016 to March 2023. The census method for selecting the study population was used. Demographic, population, parasitology, and epidemiology variables were investigated. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 25. Analytical tests such as T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. A 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05 were considered.
Results
According to the results, from 2016 to March 2023 about 8389 cases of malaria were diagnosed by the health care system in the southeast of Iran. Most of these cases (77.4%) were reported in the southernmost region of Iran. َAlso, 78% of malaria cases occurred in individuals of Iranian nationality. An overwhelming majority of patients (94.7%) had no prior history of malaria infection. The highest occurrence of the disease was in men and this difference was significant (P = 0.001). Furthermore, 44.8% of the patients were border drivers. The occurrence of malaria cases in the region was relatively low between 2016 and 2018. However, it started to increase from 2019 onwards and reached the highest rate in 2022. The most of malaria cases during the last Iranian year were concentrated in the border cities of Rask and Saravan, which are adjacent to Pakistan. Additionally, 80% of the patients were infected with the Plasmodium vivax type of malaria parasite.
Conclusion
To effectively manage malaria in malaria-prone areas like Sistan-Baluchistan province, health decision-makers should focus on prompt treatment of malaria patients, prevention of mosquito circulation, raising awareness about malaria symptoms (especially among men working at borders), and monitoring the health of individuals who frequently travel to Pakistan.
A corpus-based study on the influence of different Chinese proficiency levels on the types of lexical errors in Korean students’ Chinese writing
Authors: Wen Ziying
Published: October 2023

Corpus linguistics has been widely used in interlanguage research, and most of the interlanguage corpus studies on error analysis studies focus on one-word, lexical categories of individual words, or lexical categories of individual countries. In the process of international students learning Chinese, the acquisition of Chinese vocabulary will be different at different levels of Chinese proficiency. Therefore, this study will be conducted by this research field by selecting the Chinese writing annotation error analysis texts and related corpus data of international and Korean students with different Chinese proficiency levels from the Global Chinese Interlanguage Corpus. Through linear regression analysis, it is found that there is a certain correlation between Chinese proficiency and the frequency of some lexical deviations, including two types of lexical deviations, namely, missing words and incomplete constituents. Among them, missing word is the type of lexical error in writing that distinguishes Korean students from other international students. Through textual analysis, the dynamic development of Korean international students' Chinese interlanguage system is further explored.
Influence of Franz Keldysh Effect on the Modulation depth and Distortion Characteristics of Transistor Laser
Authors: Ramya R. , Piramasubramanian S. , Madhan M Ganesh
Published: October 2023

Numerical analysis of a Transistor Laser is carried out to investigate the influence of Franz-Keldysh Effect on the non-linear distortion characteristics such as intermodulation (IM). The device considered for the study incorporates a GaAs absorber layer in the collector–base junction of a TL emitting around 980 nm. The base current threshold is obtained as 39 mA for the collector to base voltage of 1 V and it is discerned that the threshold current of TL is dependent on electric field in addition to the bias current. The analytical solution of rate equations at steady state is derived and compared with the numerical simulation and the same is plotted for VCB = 1 V. Moreover, maximum optical light output loss of 12 mW and 1.37 mA additional current is contributed to the collector current for collector base voltage of 3 V under various base currents due to F-K effect. The modulation bandwidth (f− 3dB) of TL under voltage modulation is obtained as 9.63 GHz while, under current modulation, it is found as 8.38 GHz respectively. A maximum modulation depth of 86% is obtained for IB=1.06Ith, at 2.4 GHz. The frequency components related to intermodulation product, IMD3 (2.15 GHz) magnitudes are obtained as − 10.26dBc, − 12.37 dBc, − 13.54 dBc and − 15.92 dBc for VCB voltage value of 0V, 1V, 2V and 3V respectively. The intermodulation product, IMD5 (2.05 GHz)magnitudes are obtained as − 18.89 dBc,−25.76 dBc, − 28.22 dBc and − 36.05 dBc for the collector bias voltage (VCB) value of 0V, 1V, 2V and 3V respectively.
Involvement of prohibitins in an oncogenic protein complex in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gallet Paul-Francois , Ikhlef Lea , Franklin Valar Roamio , D'Santos Clive , Gachard Nathalie , Dmytruk Natalya , Jauberteau Marie-Odile
Published: October 2023

Prohibitins (PHB1 and PHB2) are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed proteins that are mainly localized in the mitochondria. They have been reported to have multiple functions, which can vary depending on their cellular localization and cell type. They are implicated in several critical cellular processes, including proliferation, functional integrity of mitochondria, cell survival, and apoptosis. Recently, research has highlighted the potential role of prohibitins in cancer pathogenesis, notably in some hematological malignancies. However, their mechanisms of action remain largely misunderstood. In this study, we report the involvement of prohibitins in a previously identified oncogenic protein complex in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) involving NTSR2, a low-affinity G protein-coupled receptor for neurotensin, and TrkB, a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We evidenced the overexpression of prohibitins in CLL patients B cells compared to healthy donors PBMCs and demonstrated the interaction of PHB1 and PHB2 with the oncogenic protein complex. We also showed that prohibitins regulate NTSR2 expression, potentially via its interaction with transcription factors and that selective prohibitin inhibition affects downstream NTSR2/TrkB signaling. Overall, these findings suggest a role of prohibitins in CLL pathogenesis and their potential as disease biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
A scoping review of factors influencing prosthesis selection for knee and hip arthroplasties: perspectives of surgeons in high income countries
Authors: Allen Michelle J , Selim Shayma Mohammed , Senanayake Sameera , Brain David , Blythe Robin , Hinchcliff Reece , McCreanor Victoria , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Elliott Lana , McPhail Steven M
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Hip and knee arthroplasties in high income countries are common and costly. A substantial proportion of the costs associated with these surgeries are attributable to the prosthesis chosen by surgeons. The objective of this scoping review was to identify ‘What are the factors influencing surgeons’ prosthesis selection for knee and hip arthroplasty in high-income countries?’
Methods
Four databases of peer reviewed literature (Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and two grey literature searches (Policy Commons and Overton) were conducted. Papers were included if they evaluate opinions or experiences of surgeons concerning prosthesis selection for hip or knee arthroplasty and published in English. Factors influencing prosthesis selection were categorised into the domains of patient advantage, surgeon-related, prosthesis quality, vendor or service-related, cost considerations, and information source.
Results
A total of 2572 unique articles were identified and screened, four studies were eligible for inclusion. Consideration of cost and patient benefit were noted across included studies. Several other factors were outlined including familiarity with prostheses, relationship with the vendor, or prosthesis reputation, but the relative extent to which these factors contribute to decision making is unclear.
Conclusion
Despite a relative scarcity of studies investigating factors influencing surgeon’s prosthesis selection choices, multiple factors were identified for further exploration. A greater understanding the perspectives of surgeons is needed for the effective development and implementation of any hospital or system-level policies for reducing arthroplasty costs and improving patient outcomes.
THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN THE CONDITIONS OF A STRESS TEST IN JUNIOR FEMALE STUDENTS WITH MANIFESTATIONS OF PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL IMBALANCE
Authors: Ovchar Anna , Levchenko Valerii , Sytnytska Halyna , Lesitskyi Mykhailo , Bublyk Serhii
Published: October 2023

Introduction. The purpose of the study is to assess the state of the functional reserves of the cardiovascular system in junior female students with manifestations of maladaptation and excessive anxiety in conditions of stress.
Research materials and methods. At the initial stage, 70 female students were examined using standardized questionnaires by Cohen and Spielberger. Based on the results of the survey, the main group of girls (n = 26) with signs of maladjustment and excessive anxiety, and the control group with negative survey results (n = 12) were formed. Female students in both groups were of the same age and had the same body mass index. At the second stage of the study, indicators of the cardiovascular system were studied among girls of both groups at the height of the cardiac stress test (CST) test according to the Cornell protocol. At the same time, the heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the stroke volume (CV), minute blood volume, and the index of the chronotropic and inotropic reserves of the heart were determined.
Research results. It was established that the girls of the main group had a decrease in the tolerance of the CST to (103.85 ± 4.43) W, against the average indicator of (147.92 ± 6.86) W in the control group. The result obtained in the main group was accompanied by an early increase in HR, minute blood volume, SBP, and a decrease in indicators of inotropic and chronotropic reserves, a double product, which indicated the presence of hidden disorders of the regulatory mechanisms of the stress-limiting system. Changes in hemodynamics detected in female students of the main group correlated with low stress resistance, excessive anxiety. At the same time, in the control group of female students, hemodynamic indicators underwent changes at the late stage of the SCT, which indicated a better state of neurohumoral reserves.
Conclusion. Timely detection of homeostasis disorders in adolescence and their consequences through the use of diagnostic tests and functional tests will make it possible to detect adaptation disorders and possible psychosomatic conditions in adolescent girls and to develop ways to prevent them or reduce clinical manifestations and improve the quality of life, including the learning process and further professional activity.
Mapping capabilities of geometric EM induction sounding in southern Yakutia permafrost
Authors: Neradovskii L. G.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the article is to consider the possibilities of the geophysical method in solving the problem of quantitative estimation of the strength of sedimentary rocks that form the basis of engineering structures at the Kyurgellakh station of the Amur-Yakutsk Railway located 572 km away from the town of Neryungri, which is an administrative center of southern Yakutia (Russia). The problem is solved using the method of geometric electromagnetic induction sounding and a new technique that explored the attenuation of the harmonic field induced by a vertical magnetic dipole in the inhomogeneous anisotropic geological medium at the frequencies of 1.125 and 0.281 MHz in the intermediate separation zone of  5–100 m. A comparative analysis has determined a good agreement in changes of geological and geophysical estimates of the average strength of laboratory water-saturated samples and sedimentary rock mass predicted in the same state at the comparable depth of 6–12 m. The measure of agreement when using the most adequate equation of the power function is high and equals 0.815 according to the normalized coefficient of multiple determination. This means that strength is the most important factor among the frozen ground characteristics affecting the electromagnetic field attenuation at the frequencies and spacing specified, contributing no less than 80 %. The tested geophysical method can thus correctly map the distribution boundaries of different strength sedimentary rocks. The crushed and fissured rocks with the strengths below 40–35 MPa are confined to the tectonic fractures of varying directions with a polygon-like structure. Geophysical data clearly delineate the structure at the depths of 12.3–27.5 m where predominate the rocks with high strengths (50–120 MPa). The geometric EM induction sounding is recommended to use at all stages of geotechnical investigations to map the development areas of southern Yakutia by rock strength classes.
Assessing crop–livestock water productivity in mixed-farming systems across climatic zones of Burkina Faso
Authors: Sanou Charles Lamoussa , Agodzo Sampson Kwaku , Bessah Enoch , Antwi-Agyei Philip
Published: October 2023

Climate change adversely impacts food and feed production, depletes water, and increases the vulnerability of the people living within arid and semi-arid areas. The current study aims to assess crop–livestock water productivity within such drought-recurrent or water-stressed regions. This was done through secondary data collection and interviews from 589 households across the Sudan, Sudan–Sahel, and Sahel climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The findings confirm that the feeding strategies of livestock were based essentially on natural pasture, crop residues, and agricultural by-products. Moreover, crop–livestock total water productivity (TWP) was found generally higher in the Sudan zone (0.29 ± 0.02 $US/m3) characterized by more favorable climatic conditions than the Sudan–Sahel and Sahel regions that experienced a similar TWP (0.21 ± 0.01 $US/m3). The research gives insight into the valuation of virtual water contained in livestock feeds. Improving the accessibility in quantity and quality of such feeds through informed policy actions could enhance returns on transpired water. Additionally, other water harvesting and conservation methods are also essential to sustain more productive crop–livestock systems within water-stressed regions like Burkina Faso.
Magnetic treatment of irrigation water and its effect on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Kishore Gottam , Singh Ranjay Kumar , Saxena C. K. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Heddam Salim
Published: October 2023

Magnetic water treatment (magnetic treatment device (MTD)) has long been a contentious procedure for domestic water treatment. This study examines the pros and cons of using different water types with and without a magnetic field treatment for growing French bean crop irrigation. The MTD used in this experiment works by ionizing the dissolved solid using a cathode and anode, electrolysing water using a dynamic pulse current at 50 kHz, and energizing the cations using a 7,000 Gauss magnet. The MTD of normal, waste and saline water enhanced the yield by 12.7, 16.9, and 20.07% over their respective control plots. Contrarily, seed protein (22.52 g/100 g), vitamin A (687.09 IU), potassium (212.44 mg/100 g), vitamin K (14.32 mg/100 g), and calcium (39.93 mg/100 g) reached their peak values when French bean plants were irrigated by magnetically treated wastewater. Na concentration in pods was significantly reduced when 3,000 mg/L of magnetically treated saline water was used to irrigate French bean plants. The MTD of irrigation water has also improved N and K desorption from colloidal soil complexes, which significantly helped make these two elements easily available to the plants and promoting better plant growth and yield. Overall, using the MTD, the overall characteristics of French bean were improved.
Improving the Legislation on Public-Private Partnerships in Environmental Protection in the BRICS Countries
Authors: Kvanina V. , Kovalenko E. , Vypkhanova G.
Published: October 2023

The Concept of Sustainable Development is one of the basic principles of the modern world. An increasing number of fields are coming under regulation governed by this concept. Recent updates to the environmental agenda have resulted in growing demands for increased environmental responsibility on the part of states and businesses. The global nature of environmental problems, their diversity and scale, and, at times, the irreversibility of the consequences of the negative environmental impact of the economy often provide for the consolidation of efforts by the state and business, particularly, through the implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms. This article focuses on the pros and cons of legislation in the BRICS countries in the area of PPP practice in general and in environmental protection in particular. The data and PPP practices have been collected from the World Bank, UNCITRAL, and other official national sources related to PPP. An analysis of the legislation on PPPs in the BRICS countries indicates a lack of uniformity in the legal regulation of the relationships arising from this partnership, as well as a lack of specific legislation on PPPs specifically addressing environmental protection. The analysis shows that only those BRICS countries using the common law system (South Africa and India) have the instruments available to allow potential investors to fully assess the PPP model as it currently exists in a particular country. This practice developed as a result of a more flexible approach to the regulation of public relations. Undoubtedly, one of the many advantages of this approach is the ability to adjust the PPP system and model all of the known forms and types of PPPs in accordance with the specific needs of society and the state. The lack of flexibility, for example, of the Russian legislation on PPP regulation, has led to the limited forms or types and objects of PPPs, which is inconsistent with the modern needs of society and the state to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Bilateral Relations Between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China: Their Legal Evolution from the Second World War to the Special Military Operation
Authors: Mateykovich M. , Skorobogatko A.
Published: October 2023

The relationship between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China goes back more than seventy years and has undergone considerable changes over the decades. This article attempts to shed light on the evolution of the two countries’ bilateral relations over the decades, analyze the background and future of certain phenomena in those relations, such as the economic connections that exist in the Sino- Russian relations, and examine the strengthening of Moscow’s and Beijing’s ties in light of the Special Military Operation. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the treaties and agreements concluded between the two countries, with a particular focus on the documents of the post-Soviet period, while making extensive references to Russian judicial practice in the implementation of these treaties and agreements. By doing so, the article hopes to contribute to the understanding of two of the world’s most important countries’ relationship which has steadily been gaining importance on the international stage and is poised to bear strong influence on global politics in the 21 st century.
Review on the Drug Intolerance and Vaccine Development for the
Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kumari Priya , Mamud Afrin , Jha Anupam Nath
Published: October 2023

Leishmaniasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a zoonotic disease of
vector-borne nature that is caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania. This parasite is transmitted
by the vector sandfly into the human via a bite. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also called kala-azar,
is the most fatal among the types of leishmaniasis, with high mortality mostly spread in the East
Africa and South Asia regions. WHO report stated that approximately 3.3 million disabilities occur
every year due to the disease along with approximately 50,000 annual deaths. The real matter
of concern is that there is no particular effective medicine/vaccine available against leishmaniasis
to date except a few approved drugs and chemotherapy for the infected patient. The current selection
of small compounds was constrained, and their growing drug resistance had been a major worry.
Additionally, the serious side effects on humans of the available therapy or drugs have made it
essential to discover efficient and low-cost methods to speed up the development of new drugs
against leishmaniasis. Ideally, the vaccine could be a low risk and effective alternative for both
CL and VL and elicit long-lasting immunity against the disease. There are a number of vaccine
candidates at various stages of clinical development and preclinical stage. However, none has successfully
passed all clinical trials. But, the successful development and approval of commercially
available vaccines for dogs against canine leishmaniasis (CanL) provides evidence that it can be
possible for humans in distant future. In the present article, the approaches used for the development
of vaccines for leishmaniasis are discussed and the progress being made is briefly reviewed.
Socio-anthropological exploration of Saudi youth identity formation in domestic and social spaces
Authors: Trimeche Maher , Zidi Mongi , Al-Shalaki Turki , Alnair Alnair Mohammed Ali , SaadAshwal Elyas Saeed , Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamed Hassan , Megahed Ashraf Abd El-Hakim Mohamed
Published: October 2023

This comprehensive research examines the formation of social identity among Saudi youth within the domains of bedrooms, homes, and Istiraha, a traditional communal gathering space. Drawing inspiration from Western studies on room culture and societal dynamics, the primary objective of this research is to scrutinize the socio-cultural transformations occurring within Saudi society, as reflected in the interactions of its youth in these distinct spaces. Departing from the conventional functional and moralistic framing of Saudi youth as social issues, this study adopts a socio-anthropological perspective. It perceives young individuals as active agents in the process of shaping their identities within a unique cultural milieu, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology. Fieldwork was conducted in late 2022, involving the administration of questionnaires to a randomly selected sample of 384 students at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia, in addition to focus group discussions with 37 students. These methods were utilized to explore students' perceptions, activities, and attitudes within the specific social environments under investigation. The study's findings reveal that Saudi youth employ their bedrooms, homes, and Istiraha spaces to delineate their identities through three distinct social strategies: Autonomy, Reproduction, and Integration. Additionally, this research uncovers a gender-based distinction in the prevalence of room culture among the youth, contrary to Western findings. Istiraha, as an ancient cultural tradition, assumes a significant role as a gathering space for Saudi youth, affording them an opportunity to distance themselves from societal and familial constraints. In light of these discoveries, this research recommends an expansion of studies concerning the anthropology of spaces and social milieus in relation to the ongoing social transformations in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it suggests an examination of room culture and Istiraha culture among Saudi youth from the perspective of their parents to gain insights into how these phenomena are perceived, their attitudes towards them, and the resulting behaviors. This exploration can illuminate aspects of generational continuity and disruption within the Saudi social fabric.
Analiza struktury oferowania rozkładowych linii lotniczych w krajach Europy Środkowej Część druga
Authors: Serafin Marek
Published: October 2023

STRESZCZENIE Okres postpandemiczny jest szczególnie ważny dla europejskiego rynku lotniczego. Możemy obserwować nowe trendy zmian, które będą go kształtowały przez kolejnych wiele lat. Widzimy już wyraźnie, że region Europy Środkowej ma swoją specyfikę, odróżniającą go od Europy Zachodniej. W przypadku naszego kraju analizowanie sytuacji i prognozowanie przyszłości jest szczególnie ważne, gdyż podejmowane są obecnie decyzje dotyczące ogromnych inwestycji infrastrukturalnych. Struktura liczby oferowanych przez rozkładowe linie lotnicze foteli oraz zmiany w niej zachodzące są bardzo dobrymi indykatorami strategii przewoźników lotniczych, najważniejszych uczestników gry rynkowej. Słowa kluczowe: oferowanie, przewoźnicy sieciowi, tanie linie, trendy zmian
Centralny Port Komunikacyjny – zasady ustalania lokalizacji
Authors: Wieczorek Anna , Sowa Mariusz
Published: October 2023

W 2018 r. uchwalono ustawę o Centralnym Porcie Komunikacyjnym, znaną pod skróconą nazwą ustawa o CPK. Jest to kolejna w naszym systemie prawnym tzw. specustawa, na podstawie której lokalizuje się inwestycje celu publicznego z pominięciem przepisów ogólnie obowiązujących. Mianem Centralny Port Komunikacyjny ustawodawca określa szereg zadań, nazywanych Przedsięwzięciami, w szczególności budowę lotniska użytku publicznego oraz obsługujących je dróg i linii kolejowych. Celem artykułu jest uświadomienie czytelnikom, jak bardzo skomplikowana jest ustawa o CPK oraz że obowiązujące przed jej uchwaleniem przepisy prawa umożliwiały lokalizację Centralnego Portu Komunikacyjnego, a wkład pracy potrzebny do przygotowania potrzebnych do tego dokumentów nie byłby większy. Słowa kluczowe: Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, specustawa, Inwestycja, Inwestycje Towarzyszące, lotnisko użytku publicznego, relokacja
The Value of Applying Machine Learning in Predicting the Time of Symptom Onset in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Feng Jing , Zhang Qizhi , Wu Feng , Peng Jinxiang , Li Ziwei , Chen Zhuang
Published: October 2023

Background

Machine learning is a potentially effective method for identifying and predicting the time of the onset of stroke. However, the value of applying machine learning in this field remains controversial and debatable.

Objective

We aimed to assess the value of applying machine learning in predicting the time of stroke onset.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane were comprehensively searched. The C index and sensitivity with 95% CI were used as effect sizes. The risk of bias was evaluated using PROBAST (Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool), and meta-analysis was conducted using R (version 4.2.0; R Core Team).

Results

Thirteen eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis involving 55 machine learning models with 41 models in the training set and 14 in the validation set. The overall C index was 0.800 (95% CI 0.773-0.826) in the training set and 0.781 (95% CI 0.709-0.852) in the validation set. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.76 (95% CI 0.73-0.80) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.82) in the training set and 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.90) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.89) in the validation set, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the accuracy of machine learning in predicting the time of stroke onset within 4.5 hours was optimal (training: 0.80, 95% CI 0.77-0.83; validation: 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.86).

Conclusions

Machine learning has ideal performance in identifying the time of stroke onset. More reasonable image segmentation and texture extraction methods in radiomics should be used to promote the value of applying machine learning in diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022358898; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=358898
Characterizing Precision Nutrition Discourse on Twitter: Quantitative Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Batheja Sapna , Schopp Emma M , Pappas Samantha , Ravuri Siri , Persky Susan
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

It is possible that tailoring dietary approaches to an individual’s genomic profile could provide optimal dietary inputs for biological functioning and support adherence to dietary management protocols. The science required for such nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic profiling is not yet considered ready for broad application by the scientific and medical communities; however, many personalized nutrition products are available in the marketplace, creating the potential for hype and misleading information on social media. Twitter provides a unique big data source that provides real-time information. Therefore, it has the potential to disseminate evidence-based health information, as well as misinformation.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to characterize the landscape of precision nutrition content on Twitter, with a specific focus on nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. We focused on tweet authors, types of content, and presence of misinformation.

METHODS

Twitter Archiver was used to capture tweets from September 1, 2020, to December 1, 2020, using keywords related to nutrition and genetics. A random sample of tweets was coded using quantitative content analysis by 4 trained coders. Codebook-driven, quantified information about tweet authors, content details, information quality, and engagement metrics were compiled and analyzed.

RESULTS

The most common categories of tweets were precision nutrition products and nutrigenomic concepts. About a quarter (132/504, 26.2%) of tweet authors presented themselves as science experts, medicine experts, or both. Nutrigenetics concepts most frequently came from authors with science and medicine expertise, and tweets about the influence of genes on weight were more likely to come from authors with neither type of expertise. A total of 14.9% (75/504) of the tweets were noted to contain untrue information; these were most likely to occur in the nutrigenomics concepts topic category.

CONCLUSIONS

By evaluating social media discourse on precision nutrition on Twitter, we made several observations about the content available in the information environment through which individuals can learn about related concepts and products. Tweet content was consistent with the indicators of medical hype, and the inclusion of potentially misleading and untrue information was common. We identified a contingent of users with scientific and medical expertise who were active in discussing nutrigenomics concepts and products and who may be encouraged to share credible expert advice on precision nutrition and tackle false information as this technology develops.
The Value of Applying Machine Learning in Predicting the Time of Symptom Onset in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Feng Jing , Zhang Qizhi , Wu Feng , Peng Jinxiang , Li Ziwei , Chen Zhuang
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Machine learning is a potentially effective method for identifying and predicting the time of the onset of stroke. However, the value of applying machine learning in this field remains controversial and debatable.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the value of applying machine learning in predicting the time of stroke onset.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane were comprehensively searched. The C index and sensitivity with 95% CI were used as effect sizes. The risk of bias was evaluated using PROBAST (Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool), and meta-analysis was conducted using R (version 4.2.0; R Core Team).

RESULTS

Thirteen eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis involving 55 machine learning models with 41 models in the training set and 14 in the validation set. The overall C index was 0.800 (95% CI 0.773-0.826) in the training set and 0.781 (95% CI 0.709-0.852) in the validation set. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.76 (95% CI 0.73-0.80) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.82) in the training set and 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.90) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.89) in the validation set, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the accuracy of machine learning in predicting the time of stroke onset within 4.5 hours was optimal (training: 0.80, 95% CI 0.77-0.83; validation: 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning has ideal performance in identifying the time of stroke onset. More reasonable image segmentation and texture extraction methods in radiomics should be used to promote the value of applying machine learning in diverse ethnic backgrounds.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42022358898; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=358898
Comparison of reliability of Bluetooth connectivity between two interoperable continuous glucose monitoring systems: Comparison study (Preprint)
Authors: Scott Greg , Cole Jean-Pierre , Covington Kendall
Published: October 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

This study evaluates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity in modern continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) for diabetes management. With a focus on FreeStyle Libre 3 and Dexcom G7, the research examines reliability during daytime and nighttime wear by analyzing data gaps in BLE transmission between the sensor and receiver. A sample of 12 participants provides insights into prevalence, duration, and potential implications of these gaps. Results show that L3 achieved an average BLE transmission rate of 93.5% compared to G7's 69.3%, with G7 exhibiting greater variation. Furthermore, G7 experienced significantly more frequent and longer data gaps, highlighting potential limitations in signal reliability. These findings suggest the importance of consistent and reliable data transmission for informed medical decisions and alarm systems. The study underscores the need for patient awareness and future studies to assess the impact of BLE connectivity on patient safety, particularly in the context of integrating CGMs with insulin pumps.
Formulation and Evaluation of Luliconazole nanosponge gel using Experimental design
Authors: Malothu Narender , Noothi Sadhana , Areti Anka Rao , Pulavarthy Vishnu
Published: October 2023

Different approaches are being in the practice for the topical application of antifungal drugs, although in a few cases, they have been found less efficient because of their poor cutaneous availability and permeability. Luliconazole (LUL) is one of the antifungal medications that is being used for the treatment of various superficial infections. The poor permeability of LUL is regarded to be a factor for its reduced efficacy. Hence, the current study aimed to develop a nanosponge hydrogel that would improve dermal availability and permeability. A set of nanosponge formulations (L1-L18) were designed with the help of central composite design (Design Expert 13, state ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). L1-L18 was prepared by using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The nanosponges were characterized for drug-excipient compatibility (FTIR, P-XRD, and DSC), and particle size, polydispersibility index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), and in vitro drug release; further optimized. The optimized nanosponge formulation (L18) was taken to produce six hydrogels (LF1-LF6) of LUL by varied proportions of the gelling agent. In this process, initially, the gel was constituted with Carbopol 934/ sodium CMC/HPMC. Later, attained hydrogel texture was evaluated for its viscosity, swelling, and membrane permeability, followed by in vitro drug release, and antifungal efficacy study. The nanosponge formulations (L1-L17) had an average particle size of 109±0.45 to 386±0.34 nm, entrapment efficiency of 35.45±0.46- 89.65±0.37 % with 84.67±0.54 -99.65±0.48 % of drug release for 8 h. The formulation L18 was predicted with better responses in particle size,  EE, and drug release i.e., 378±0.25 nm,  84.65±0.45%, and of 96.18±0.54%, respectively for 8 h. Out of six formulated nanosponge gels (LF1-LF6),  LF2 showed an optimal viscosity (25.69 ±0.45 pa.S), pH (6.87±0.56) and % drug release (80.65 ±0.64%) in 8 h. Drug release was governed by non-fickian diffusion mechanisms and zero-order. Developed nanosponge hydrogel was found as stable and had a high rate of permeation with better retention which can be effective enough in topical applications.
De Eendaagsche Express: Kereta Api Cepat di Pulau Jawa, 1929–1942
Authors: Sylvia Dara
Published: October 2023

This study discusses about the history of railway in the early 20th century. At the time, the existence of transportation that offered speed and accuracy became a necessity for most people, including in big cities in Java. This is related with massive mobility activities. The number of high speed transportation is limited. Staatsspoorwegen as the state railway company has a idea to operate a high speed railway that can cover a distance of up to 827 kilometers in one day, which became known as the Eendaagsche Express. This article uses historical research methods. In the process, this research uses primary and secondary historical sources, including colonial government documents, magazines, newspapers, advertising catalogs, and other contemporary references. This study founds that the train became a symbol of modernization of transportation in Java, because it was able to revolutionize distance, time, and movement.
Machine Learning-Based Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of C9ORF72-Associated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Sam C Hans Elkan
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration. This research article explores the use of machine learning algorithms to diagnose ALS by analyzing mutations and insertions/deletions (indels) in the C9orf72 gene. The study utilizes a dataset to predict three stages of ALS: normal, intermediate risk, and full mutation. Three machine learning algorithms, Random Forest, SVM, and k-NN, were employed for diagnosis. Results indicate high accuracy in identifying ALS stages, with Random Forest and SVM achieving perfect accuracy when considering mutations in the Allele2. The findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning in early ALS diagnosis, offering insights for improved patient care and genetic understanding of the disease.
Qual o lugar da natureza na teoria da produção do espaço de Henri Lefebvre? Algumas reflexões
Authors: Pereira Cláudio Smalley Soares
Published: October 2023

É notório como a teoria da produção do espaço elaborada na década de 1970 por Henri Lefebvre se tornou uma das principais abordagens sobre os estudos urbanos nas últimas décadas. Embora as contribuições dadas por ele vigorem até hoje em múltiplas interpretações no Norte e no Sul global, há uma miríade de temas inter-relacionados à teorização lefebvriana que merecem atenção maior. A proposta deste artigo é problematizar a relação entre a teoria da produção do espaço e a ecologia, com base na hipótese de que há na referida teoria um conceito de natureza que é fundamental para a compreensão da política do espaço e que, portanto, possibilita a apreensão de uma politização da natureza e da ecologia. Este artigo consiste em uma primeira aproximação do tema da natureza na obra de Lefebvre, buscando tecer os fios que ligam a discussão da teoria da produção do espaço e a conceituação de natureza.
On a dramaturgical marginalium of the 1920s
Authors:   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Akhmetova M. V.
Published: October 2023

The paper analyzes anonymous handwritten corrections in a copy of a propagandist play, “Darkness” (T’ma, 1927), by T. M. Martynov. The author suggests that the anonymous editor worked in the Nizhny Novgorod Krai’s Department of Public Education (Nizhkraiono), which was responsible for overseeing theatrical work. The author distinguishes factographic, stylistic and ideological emendations. The latter include the elimination of derogatory remarks about the main character (a peasant woman) in the speech of positive characters, as well as a radical change in the ending. In the new version, the heroine’s husband does not abandon her, but only threatens to do so unless she learns to read and write, and asks the village healers for help. The author concludes that the handwritten corrections corresponded to two key tenets of the epoch. According to the first one, the peasants were not as responsible for their ignorance as was the “old regime”, and thus their misdeeds deserved indulgence (this idea, in particular, was reflected in so called agitation trials). On the other hand, criticism of the backwardness of the Soviet countryside should be accompanied by demonstration of the peasantry’s transition to a new life; this idea can be observed in numerous guides for sel’kors (‘village correspondents’). Therefore, the corrections to the play smoothed out the critical angles of the original play and suggested its approximation to the current ideological attitudes.
Projectional images in theatre: Modes of (media)presence
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Baulina P. V.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the phenomenon of (media)presence as a projectional embodiment of objects in theatre. The aim is to describe techniques of using projectional surfaces and devices in performances, using as material Western European productions of the 2000s and 2010s. We attempt to identify and elucidate the modes of presence through the use of projectional images in theatre. The theoretical and methodological framework employed in the article includes a set of ideas at the intersection of theatre, visual, and media studies. Such a framework makes it possible to define performance as a visual event — the act of looking, and to shift the focus from technological artifacts to the processes of mediation of presence by projectional images. We introduce the concept of “(media)presence” as relevant for a productive description of the phenomenon. (Media)presence is the effect of being in the perceptual field of objects of perception, when their physical absence is compensated for by the presence of their screen substitutes. The use of projectional technologies in theatre allows one to achieve the effect of (media)presence through mediation of “life” performances. The ways in which directors utilize projectional surfaces and devices activate several modes of performative embodiment of perceptional objects through projectional images: “absent”, “composite” and “augmented” (media)presence. The text offers a complex analysis of practices of using projectional images in contemporary theatre aimed at achieving the effect of (media)presence.
On the question of the origin of legends about Melusine and Madame White Snake
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Starostina A. B.
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the origins of two legends that are close in structure and content: the Western European tale of Melusine and the Chinese tale of the White Snake. The author accepts Ding Naitong's conclusion about the genetic link between the ancient story of the taming of a shape-shifting empousa (witch or lamia) by Apollonius of Tyana in the 3rd century biography written by Lucius Flavius Philostratus and a) late medieval Chinese tales of the White Snake, beginning with the story of Feng Menlong in the 17th century, and b) Western European stories of marriages with demonic women from the 12th and 13th centuries, including Walter Map’s Henno cum dentibus. On this basis, and with the help of additional data, mainly a fragment of Nizami’s Iskandar-nāmeh and two stories from Hong Mai’s (1123–1202) collection Yijian zhi (“Records of Yi Jian”), an attempt has been made to clarify the relationship between all these plots, as well as between them and the Melusine legend. The article raises the question of a possible connection between the figure of Xu Xuan, who was the protagonist of Feng Menglong’s tale, and Apollonius of Tyana as a character in a mythological narrative.
Evaluación de la calidad en la prestación del servicio del Programa de Alimentación Escolar de la Institución Educativa Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes-Sardinata (Norte De Santander)
Authors: Velásquez Camargo Ruth Milena , Cardona A Diego A. , Luna Pereira Henry Orlando
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo es una revisión objetivo evaluar la calidad en la prestación del servicio del Programa de Alimentación Escolar (PAE) desde la perspectiva de los padres de familia, representantes, docentes y manipuladores de alimentos y el rector de la institución educativa Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes-Sardinata (Norte de Santander) y su relación con el cumplimiento de los objetivos del programa. El mismo se ubicará en un estudio mixto concurrente y en el marco de este descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra está constituida por 158 padres de familia y representantes, así como informantes claves (docentes, dos manipuladores de alimentos y el rector) de dicha institución. Para la recolección de datos se aplicará un instrumento inicial tipo encuesta escala Likert con cinco alternativas de respuesta para los datos cuantitativos y una entrevista semiestructurada para los datos cualitativos
Regreso progresivo a la presencialidad en tiempos de post-pandemia: el caso de un programa de Licenciatura en Lenguas Modernas de una Universidad Pública Colombiana
Authors: García Botero Jacqueline , Vela Saavedra Jonathan , Sarmiento Giraldo Jairo Andrés
Published: October 2023

El presente estudio de caso cualitativo tuvo como objetivo describir el regreso progresivo a la presencialidad desde la visión de los docentes de un programa de Licenciatura en Lenguas Modernas. En un primer momento se indagó sobre las estrategias metodológicas utilizadas y los recursos físicos y tecnológicos con los que contaron para el desarrollo de sus clases en el marco de una “nueva normalidad” que incluía protocolos de bioseguridad que cambiaban las dinámicas de la clase - tal es el caso del aforo permitido en las aulas y el distanciamiento social-. En un segundo momento se identificaron las actitudes y percepciones de los docentes en cuanto a este regreso a la presencialidad, permitiendo una reflexión sobre los procesos de enseñanza en tiempos de crisis sanitaria. Los resultados encontrados evidencian el “aula espejo” como una metodología útil para alcanzar los resultados de aprendizaje si se cuenta con la infraestructura tecnológica necesaria para su desarrollo. Por otro lado, la metodología “b-learning” destaca desafíos importantes para los docentes quienes, si bien resaltan sus bondades, lo posicionan como una estrategia muy demandante que requiere de un diseño y organización cuidadosos para alcanzar los objetivos pedagógicos trazados. En cuanto a estrategias metodológicas, sigue siendo el trabajo grupal una de las más utilizadas por los docentes de lenguas extranjeras por la importancia de la interacción en los procesos de formación bilingüe. Finalmente, y resaltando las percepciones de los docentes, el retorno a las aulas representó un reto que, aunque difícil, trajo consigo muchas enseñanzas que impactaron en su práctica docente.