bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Gene Expression Patterns of IL-1 Family Members in Parkinson's Disease: Results from Bayesian Regression Model
Authors: Jafariaghdam Negin , Khoshmirsafa Majid , Zamani Alireza , Talebi-Ghane Elahe , Moradi Shadi , Shahba Faezeh , Mazdeh Mehrdokht , Eftekharian Mohammad Mahdi
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease, the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder lacking a recognized etiology, is influenced by oxidative stress and alterations in inflammatory cytokine levels. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of Interleukin(IL)1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), IL1β, IL1α, IL33, and IL36 genes in blood cells and serum IL-1β levels in Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls (HCs).
In this case-control study, 44 Parkinson's disease patients and 44 age- and sex-matched HCs were included. Gene expression levels were assessed using Quantitative Real-time PCR, and serum IL-1β levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Advanced statistical analyses using the Bayesian regression model in R software were employed.
Parkinson's disease patients exhibited elevated expression levels of IL-1RAcP and IL1β genes  but decreased levels of IL1α, IL33, and IL36 compared to HCs. Age-based differences were not significant. Regarding gender, IL33 transcript levels were significantly higher in males, and serum IL-1β levels were increased in patients. Subgroup analysis by gender indicated alterations in IL1β and IL-1RAcP expression in both genders, while IL1α, IL33, and IL36 showed reduced expression only in males. Remarkably, only female patients displayed significantly higher serum IL-1β levels than female HCs.
These findings suggest that dysregulation of immune-related factors plays a crucial role in Parkinson's disease.
Biological markers of sepsis
Authors: Radygina Lubov V. , Mochalova Larisa V.
Published: February 2024

Currently, the issues of early sepsis diagnosis, assessment of the effectiveness of therapies conducted, and disease prognosis are extremely relevant. In the case of sepsis, timely medical assistance is complicated by the ambiguity of symptoms and the absence of a specific diagnostic test. Therefore, the search for sepsis biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential is underway in medical centers worldwide. This review summarizes research results regarding the diagnostic values of sepsis biomarkers – their sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic value – as presented in scientific publications indexed in international databases.
EFECTIVIDAD DE CEPAS DE Trichoderma spp., Y Lecanicillium spp., EN EL CONTROL DE LA ROYA (Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley & Broome) EN EL CULTIVO DEL CAFÉ EN NAYARIT, MÉXICO
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-LUCIO ROBERTO , GONZÁLEZ-GAONA ERNESTO , PADILLA-RAMÍREZ J. SAÚL , GALLEGOS-ROBLES MIGUEL ÁNGEL , GONZÁLEZ-SALAS URIEL , GÓMEZ-JAIMES RAFAEL , DE LIRA RAMOS KARLA VANESSA
Published: February 2024

La principal enfermedad del café a nivel mundial es la roya (Hemileia vastatrix), que ocasiona pérdidas hasta del 40 % en la producción. El control biológico con hongos antagonistas representa una opción de manejo compatible con el ambiente. Se aislaron y evaluaron en condiciones de campo cepas de Trichoderma y Lecanicillium nativas de la zona cafetalera de Nayarit. En general las cepas de Lecanicillium presentaron mejor desempeño que las de Trichoderma con excepción de la cepa 39 en la protección de las hojas de café contra la roya con efectividades del 80 % y reducciones en la escala de daño a 1 y 2. Por lo anterior, estas cepas representan una buena opción en el control biológico de Hemileia vastatrix, en el área de estudio. Por otra parte, si no se aplican medidas de combate los porcentajes de infestación llegan al 85 % y los niveles de daño son del 3 y 4, provocando graves pérdidas en la producción del cultivo del café.
The Moderating Effect of Resilience on the Relationship between Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Taekwondo Instructors
Authors:   The World Society of Taekwondo Culture, Jeong Kwon-Hyuk , Jung Myung-Kyu
Published: February 2024

This study aims to clarify the causal relationship between job stress and job satisfaction among Taekwondo instructors, with a focus on the moderating effect of resilience. Based on the results verifying the set research hypotheses, the study concludes that the negative impact of job stress on job satisfaction among Taekwondo instructors can be mitigated depending on their level of resilience. Furthermore, the findings suggest that Taekwondo Gym directors should make significant efforts to enhance the psychological resilience of their instructors against job stress by applying effective leadership tailored to their characteristics, emphasizing the significant role of gym directors in enhancing resilience.
A Structural Analysis of Positive Psychological Capitals and Post Traumatic Growth and Stress of Collegiate Taekwondo Athletes
Authors:   The World Society of Taekwondo Culture, Nam Yunbae
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to test the structural relationship between positive psychological capital, post traumatic growth, and post traumatic stress among university taekwondo athletes. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with 291 university taekwondo sparring athletes, and data were collected. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results revealed several key findings. First, within positive psychological capital, self-efficacy and resilience had a positive impact on post traumatic growth. Second, within positive psychological capital, self-efficacy and resilience had a negative impact on post traumatic stress. Third, post traumatic growth had a negative impact on post traumatic stress. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of attitudes toward using trauma as an opportunity for growth, as well as positive psychological capital elements such as self-efficacy and resilience, in preventing and coping with post traumatic stress among university sparring athletes.
Relationship among Taekwondo Coaches Roles, on Parents Satisfaction and Parents Consumption Behavior When Choosing an Gym for Children
Authors:   The World Society of Taekwondo Culture, Park Sookyung
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among Taekwondo coaches roles, on parents satisfaction and parents consumption behavior. In order to achieve this, a sample of 188 was drawn out of the parents who send their children to Taekwondo gym in Gyeonggi-do (Anyang, Bundang, Seongnam). The acquired data was analyzed through the descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling analyses from the SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 program. The results were as follows. First, it was found that Taekwondo coaches roles had a positive effect on parents satisfaction. Second,it was found that Taekwondo coaches roles had a positive effect on parents consumption behavior. Third, it was found that parents satisfaction had a positive effect on parents consumption behavior.
Mediation Effects of Burnout in the Relationship between Injury Anxiety, Exercise Adherence, and Dropout Intention of University Taekwondo Demonstrators
Authors:   The World Society of Taekwondo Culture, Lee Changmin , Yang Yunkyung , Woo Seunghwan
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between injury anxiety, intention for exercise persistence, intention for dropout, and university taekwondo demonstration athletes. Participants were 261 university taekwondo demonstrators(188 males and 73 females), and the collected data were analyzed descriptive statistics, correlations, and structural equation models using SPSS and AMOS. As a result first, injury anxiety was to have positive effect on burnout. Second, injury anxiety was found to have a negative effect on the intention to continue exercise. Third, it was found that injury anxiety had a positive effect on the intention to dropout. Fourth, burnout was found to have a negative effect on the intention to continue exercise. Fifth, burnout was found to have a positive effect on dropout intention. Sixth, it was confirmed that burnout had a negative effect in the relationship between injury anxiety and exercise continuity intention. Seventh, it was confirmed that burnout had a positive partial mediating effect in the relationship between injury anxiety and dropout intention. This means that higher the injury anxiety of the demonstration members the more likely they are to experience burnout which can negative change the intention to dropout and the intention to continue exercise.
The Relationship among the Reasons for College Admission, Career Maturity, and Career Preparation Behavior in Adolescents
Authors:   The World Society of Taekwondo Culture, Song Ju-Been , Song Ju-Been
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among the reasons for college admission, career maturity, and career preparation behavior in adolescents. The subjects of the study were 112 high school sophomores. The research tools used were scales for the variables. Data analysis involved frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and path analysis. The results of the study are as follows: First, in the relationship between reasons for college admission and career maturity, social advancement and certainty showed a negative impact, while peer admission and certainty showed a positive impact. Second, in the relationship between reasons for college admission and career preparation behavior, the desired occupation positively influenced information gathering, while peer admission negatively influenced it. Third, in the relationship between career maturity and career preparation behavior, planning, certainty, and independence positively influenced information gathering. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Indicators, Theory of Change and Impact Pathways in Climate-smart Agriculture for Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review
Authors: Girma G.T. , Petros W.W.
Published: February 2024

Climate change is among the pressing global challenges affecting sustainable development, especially in the rain-fed-based agriculture of developing countries. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) approach answers this question by ensuring high productivity, creating an improved adaptive capacity and reducing GHG emissions. This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of the indicators, theory of change and impact pathways of CSA that lead to sustainable development. Using a systematic research method, four stages of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) namely, identification, eligibility, screening and included were used for selecting the articles reviewed. A total of 37 articles were then used for this study. CSA interventions measured by the behavioral changes resulting from different stakeholders (producers, consumers, extension workers, policymakers and institutions, civil society and the private sector) can play a significant role in sustainable development.
Role of Honeybees to Crop Pollination in Ethiopia: A Review
Authors: Tirfie Abebe Melese , Getachew Awraris
Published: February 2024

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male organ (anther) of a plant to the female organ (stigma). To transfer pollen, flowers completely depend on the vector. An abundance of pollinators creates a high and more uniform harvest with a higher quantity as well as the quality fruit and crops. Honeybee plays a central role in agriculture as pollinators. Thus, the current review aimed to provide the role of honeybees to crop pollination in Ethiopia. Honeybees pollination maximizes agricultural crop production and increases the honey yield harvested from the hive because honeybees collect more nectar and pollen while they pollinate the flowering. About 53 significant crops are cultivated in Ethiopia, of these 33 are dependent on biological pollinators while honeybees are contributing 80% of the total pollination services. A lot of crops are benefited from honeybees worldwide in general and particularly, in Ethiopia from which, Niger, linseed, sunflower, coffee, faba beans, groundnut, cotton, red pepper, mangoes, chick peas, rape seed, lentils, onion, avocados and others. The economic value of pollination service was estimated to be $ 814.6 million dollars (17.1 billion ETB) in the 2015/16 production season. Now a day, pollination service loses due to human-induced impacts such as habitat destruction, land-use change, use of chemicals (pesticides and herbicides), climate change and invasive species. So to mitigate the challenges regarding to pollination service awareness creation about role of honeybees on agricultural crop pollination is recommended.
Genetic Diversity and Yield Component Analysis in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss.]
Authors: Saha Samita , Dasgupta Tapash , Sawarkar Ashutosh , Maity Satyaki Nandan , Roy Anirban
Published: February 2024

Background: Researchers in Indian mustard have made minimal progress in breaking the yield barrier due to limited genetic resources. To increase productivity, a combination of molecular markers and morphological features is advised to boost productivity. The purpose of current work is to characterise polymorphic SSR markers, determine genotype variability, identify suitable parents for hybridization and understand key yield factors. Methods: In 2020-21, twenty-eight Indian mustard varieties and advance breeding materials were evaluated at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute’s experimental field in Narendrapur, West Bengal, using statistical techniques to assess genetic estimates and molecular diversity using twenty identified polymorphic SSR primers out of thirty tested primers. Result: The study found that the number of siliqua per plant and primary and secondary branches are crucial yield components determined by correlation and path analysis. The high heritability of ten traits was observed. Genotypes were divided into four clusters with both Mahalanobis’s D2 and molecular diversity analysis, with 1000 seed weight and plant height showing the highest degree of divergence. But the composition of genotypes varied in two types of clusters. Ra1F09 and Ra2B02, SSR markers, showed greater PIC values and heterozygosity among the twenty polymorphic SSR primers. Hybridization between PM25 and high oil content genotypes from cluster I, such as Sanjukta Asech and Kranti, is proposed to produce segregants with high yield, oil content and early maturity.
Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (MSPSS): propiedades psicométricas en universitarios peruanos
Authors: Nicho-Almonacid Tracy Lucyana , Melendrez-Ugarte Dayanna Solange , Palacios-Mizare Maria Georgina , Arias-Gutierrez Midory , Olivas-Ugarte Lincol
Published: February 2024

El presente estudio de diseño instrumental tuvo como finalidad analizar las evidencias psicométricas de la Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (MSPSS) para su aplicación en estudiantes universitarios de Lima Metropolitana. Participaron 520 estudiantes, 292 mujeres (56%) y 228 hombres (44%), entre 18 a 61 años (M = 24.89, DE = 5.17). El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró valores aceptables para el modelo bifactor: χ2/gl = 4.645, CFI = .99, TLI = .98, SRMR = .027, RMSEA = .084 (90% I.C., .072, .096) y WRMR = .99. Adicionalmente, se obtuvo en el factor general un valor de H = .945, PUC = .727, ECV = .695 y el ωH = .85. La validez convergente se examinó con la Escala de Autoeficacia General (EAG) (r = .50; r2 = .25) y la validez divergente con el inventario de ansiedad ante exámenes-estado (TAI-Estado) (r = -.32; r2 = .10). Además, la confiabilidad se determinó a través del coeficiente omega ordinal para la escala general (ω = .97) y sus tres factores respectivamente: (ω = .90), (ω = .96) y (ω = .93). Finalmente, el análisis de invarianza factorial mostró evidencias de equidad por sexo (ΔCFI<.010, ΔRMSEA <.015). En conclusión, la MSPSS reúne adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para cuantificar la variable apoyo social percibido en universitarios limeños.
Словарь терминов в торакальной визуализации
Authors: Тюрин И. Е. , Авдеев С. Н. , Гаврилов П. В. , Есаков Ю. С. , Зяблова Е. И. , Ильина Н. А. , Калинин П. С. , Карташов М. Н. , Кастарнов А. В. , Лукина О. В. , Манакова Я. Л. , Мершина Е. А. , Першина Е. С. , Примак Н. В. , Соколина И. А. , Сперанская А. А. , Стальков М. Н. , Синицын В. Е. , Терпигорев С. А.
Published: February 2024

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Are customers ready to be smart? designing smart hotel experiences
Authors: BARTALONI Cecilia , ALDERIGHI Marco
Published: February 2024

Purpose – Even if it is often accepted that smart hotels are built on networks of technological devices, there is currently no consensus among researchers as to what level of technology is required to define a smart hotel. Based on the above-mentioned assumption that smart hotels are built on a network of technological devices, this paper aims to understand how smart hotels can be conceptualised based on customer preferences. Methodology/Design/Approach – To achieve this goal, the paper conceptualises smart hotels as a service network in which the customer comes into contact with a variety of technological and traditional touchpoints on site. This conceptualisation allows the researcher to observe customer preferences at different touchpoints and identify the technologies that are central to the development of the customer experience. Findings – The results show that the ideal customer journey includes both traditional and technological touchpoints and that artificial intelligence is of central importance for the development of the smart hotel concept. Originality of the research – The methodological approach taken in this paper enables researchers and practitioners to easily visualise and identify important patterns in the customer journey, facilitating the task of identifying the most relevant touchpoints in complex service networks, such as smart hotels.
Species diversity and catch per unit effort of fish in a perturbed tropical lake, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ayoade Adedolapo A. , Owolabi Omotolani M. , Patience Omolayo T. , Adeduntan Oluwatobi R. , Kujooro Praise
Published: February 2024

Eleyele Lake serves the purpose of domestic water supply, transportation, and fisheries; therefore, it is a source of food and livelihood to the artisanal fishers in Ibadan. However, various reports indicated the perturbed state of the lake, which can have adverse effects on the ecosystem services including fisheries. Therefore, this study investigated the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of fish in the Eleyele Lake and some physicochemical parameters in order to establish the status of the fisheries of the lake. Water samples were collected from the lake and analyzed. The fish catches, effective fishing effort (EFF), and CPUE of the lake were determined. The dissolved oxygen and transparency levels were not within the recommended permissible limits. Fish encountered in the lake during the study period belong to nine families and fifteen species. Cichlidae, Polypteridae, and Clariidae were the most frequently encountered families. Shannon-Weiner (2.23), Margalef (2.14) diversity indices, and Evenness (0.87) were highest during the sampling period in 2019. The EFF was 0.37 kW day−1. The mean CPUE increased from 9.55 ± 1.67 kg·kW day−1 in 2019 to 38.07 ± 30.89 kg·kW day−1 in 2021 and declined to 6.44 ± 3.02 kg·kW day−1 in 2023. The forage /carnivore ratio was 0.70 in 2019, 0.35 in 2021, and 54 in 2023 by number indicating an imbalance in the fish population. This study implies that effective management and sustainable exploitation of the fisheries in the Eleyele Lake require improvement of water quality and enforcement of a closed season.
Limits of Detection Analysis of Advanced Technologies for Bacterial Detection in Food Samples: Review & Future Perspective
Authors: Zhao Xinyi , Bhat Abhijnan , O’Connor Christine , Curtin James , Singh Baljit , Tian Furong
Published: February 2024

Foodborne illnesses can be infectious and dangerous and most of them are caused by bacteria. Some types of common food-related bacteria exist widely in nature and pose a serious threat to both humans and animals, and can cause poisoning, diseases, disabilities and even death. Rapid, reliable and cost-effective methods for bacteria detection are of paramount importance in food-safety and environmental monitoring. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) and electrochemical method have been widely used in food-safety and environmental monitoring. In this paper, the recent developments (2013-2023) covering PCR, LFIA and electrochemical method for various bacteria detection (Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)) considering different foods types, analytical performances and the reported limit of detection (LOD) are discussed. It is found that the bacteria type and food sample type contribute significantly to the analytical performance and LOD. Detection by LFIA has higher average LOD (24 CFU/ml) than detection by electrochemical method (12 CFU/ml) and PCR (6 CFU/ml). Salmonella and E. coli in the Pseudomonadota domain usually have low LODs. LODs are usually lower for detection in fish and eggs. LFIA with gold and iron nanoparticles are prominent in the majority of articles of 26 CFU/ml and 12 CFU/ml respectively. Electrochemical method reveals that the average LOD is highest for cyclic voltammetry (CV) of 18 CFU/ml), followed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of 12 CFU/ml and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) of 8 CFU/ml. LOD usually decreases when replicate number increases until it remain unchanged. Exponential relations with (R2>0.95) between LOD of Listeria in milk by LFIA and electrochemical method with replicate number have been obtained. Finally, the review discusses the challenges and future perspectives (including the role of nanomaterials/advanced materials) to improve the analytical performance for bacterial detection.
Fibrin-Based Hydrogels with Reactive Amphiphilic Copolymers for Mechanical Adjustments Allow for Capillary Formation in 2D and 3D Environments
Authors: Wein Svenja , Schemmer Carina , Al Enezy-Ulbrich Miriam Aischa , Jung Shannon Anna , Rütten Stephan , Kühnel Mark , Jonigk Danny David , Jahnen-Dechent Wilhelm , Pich Andrij , Neuss Sabine
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on enhancing controllable fibrin-based hydrogels for tissue engineering, addressing existing weaknesses. By integrating a novel copolymer, we improve the foundation for cell-based angiogenesis with adaptable structural features. Tissue engineering often faces challenges like waste disposal and nutrient supply beyond the 200 µm diffusion limit. Angiogenesis breaks through this limitation, allowing the construction of larger constructs. Our innovative scaffold combination significantly boosts angiogenesis, resulting in longer branches and more capillary network junctions. The copolymer attached to fibrin fibers enables precise adjustment of hydrogel mechanical-dynamic properties for specific applications. Our material proves effective for angiogenesis, even under suppression factors like suramin. In our study, we prepared fibrin-based hydrogels with and without the copolymer PVP12400-co-GMA10mol%. Using a co-culture system of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we analyzed angiogenetic behavior on and within the modified hydrogels. Capillary-like structures were reproducibly formed on different surfaces, demonstrating the general feasibility of three-dimensional endothelial cell networks in fibrin-based hydrogels. This highlights the biomaterial's suitability for in vitro pre-vascularization of biohybrid implants.
ARFI of the Liver and of the Spleen, Combined with Spleen Dimension and Platelet Count in New Ratio Scores, Identifies Cirrhotic Patients with High-Risk Oesophageal Varices
Authors: Vainieri Antonio F.M. , Brando Elisa , De Vincentis Antonio , Di Pasquale Giulia , Flagiello Valentina , Gallo Paolo , Barone Francesca , Massaro Cenere Teresa , Di Matteo Evelyn , Picardi Antonio , Galati Giovanni , Altamura Claudia , Altomare Carlo , Balestrieri Paola , Carpenito Myriam , Cortese Livio , Costa Fabio , Ferrini Alessandro , Maggi Daria , Lelli Diana , Grasso Antonella , Mega Simona , Pacella Giuseppina , Palermo Andrea , Piccolo Claudia L. , Scarlata Simone , Schiavoni Lorenzo , Stigliano Serena
Published: February 2024

Acoustic Radiation Forced Impulse (ARFI) is an ultrasound integrated method, measuring stiff-ness by point shear wave elastography. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ARFI of the liver and of the spleen, combined with spleen dimension and platelet count, in predicting clinical events in cirrhosis, a prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2017 and February 2021. The following ratio scores with ARFI measurements were performed: ALSDP (ARFI Liver-Spleen Diameter-to-Platelets ratio score), ASSDP (ARFI Spleen-Spleen Diam-eter-to-Platelets ratio score), ASSAP (ARFI Spleen-Spleen Area-to-Platelets ratio score), ALSAP (ARFI Liver-Spleen Area-to-Platelets ratio score). In 100 enrolled subjects, spleen ARFI, ASSDP, ASSAP, were significantly associated with high-risk oesophageal varices (HRVs) in the prospec-tive short- and long-term follow-up and in the cross-sectional study (p 0.7). ARFI-ratio scores can predict, in cirrhotic patients, the risk of developing HVRs in short and long-term period.
Understanding Community (Social) Disaster Resilience in Serbia: Demographic and Socio-Economic Impacts
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir M. , Šišović Vanja
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the results of quantitative research examining the impacts of demographic and socioeconomic factors on community resilience to disasters. The survey was carried out utilising a questionnaire distributed and subsequently collected online from 321 participants during January 2024. The study employed an adapted version of the '5S' social resilience framework, encompassing five sub-dimensions – social structure (10 variables), social capital (9 variables), social mechanisms (17 variables), social equity and diversity (13 variables), and social belief (13 variables). This customized framework includes 62 indicators, providing a thorough assessment of community (social) disaster resilience in the research context. To explore the relationship between predictors and community (social) disaster resilience in Serbia, their attitudes towards the mentioned five sub-dimensions, as well as their engagement in preventive measures and their perception of resilience to various disasters with a particular focus on demographic and socio-economic impacts, statistical methods including t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multivariate linear regression were employed. The results of the multivariate regressions across various community disaster resilience subscales indicate that age emerged as the most significant predictor for the social structure subscale. At the same time, education stood out as the primary predictor for the social capital subscale. Additionally, employment status proved to be the most influential predictor for both social mechanisms and social equity-diversity subscales, with property ownership being the key predictor for the social beliefs sub-scale. Despite being considered in the analyses, gender, marital status, income level, and number of household members did not emerge as the most significant predictors across the investigated community (social) disaster resilience subscales. The determined mean value of the community (social) disaster resilience index is M = 2.62, and the findings reveal that participants assigned the highest ratings to the social beliefs subscale (M = 2.76), while the lowest values were observed in the social structure subscale (M = 2.46). Findings can be used to create strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities in Serbia by addressing the intricate interplay between demographic characteristics, socio-economic factors, and their ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from different disasters.
Transcriptome Analysis of Coffee Coffea arabica L. Drought Tolerant Somatic Embryogenic Line, Mediated by Antisense Trehalase
Authors: VALENCIA-LOZANO ELIANA , BARRAZA-CELIS AARON , IBARRA-RENDON JORGE , CABRERA-PONCE JOSE LUIS
Published: February 2024

Coffee Coffea arabica L. depends on abundantly distributed rainfall and drought impacts their development, fruit production, bean quality, and ultimately, beverage quality.
Plant Biotechnology by means of genetic manipulation and plant regeneration by the somatic embryogenic process is an alternative technology to overcome these prob-lems. In the present work we used the molecular approach of the trehalose/trehalase role in plant surviving in extreme drought/salt environments.
We used a cassette containing the antisense C. arabica L. trehalase gene under the RD29 promoter from A. thaliana and the NOS terminator to genetically modified an em-bryogenic coffee C. arabica L. cv typica line under osmotic stress supplemented with mannitol (0.3M) and sorbitol (0.3M) containing medium.
Drought resistant SE lines were recovered and regenerate plants. Resistant SE lines showed a higher rate of competence to induce secondary SE capacity. A transcrip-tome analysis was performed from high competent SE lines to understand the acquired molecular mechanisms to developed SE.
From the up-regulated genes, a PPI network made by STRING v12.0 with high confidence (0.700) revealed the presence of the 10 modules. The cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, somatic embryogenesis, oxidative stress, generic transcription pathway, carbon metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, trehalose biosynthesis, proline bio-synthesis and glycerolipid metabolism.
Current and Emerging Treatment Options in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mavridi Artemis , Bompou Maria Eleni , Redmond Aine Margaret , Archontakis-Barakakis Paraschos , Vavougios George D. , MITSIKOSTAS DIMOS-DIMITRIOS , Mavridis Theodoros
Published: February 2024

Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), characterized by the onset of multiple sclerosis before the age of 18, is gaining increased recognition. Approximately 5 percent of MS cases manifest before the age of 18, with less than 1 percent occurring before the age of 10. Despite its rarity, pediatric MS exhibits distinct characteristics, with an association between younger age at onset and a comparatively slower disease progression. Despite this slower progression, individuals with POMS historically reach disability milestones at earlier ages than those with adult-onset multiple sclerosis.
While various immunomodulatory agents demonstrate significant benefits in MS treatment, such as reduced relapse rates and slower accumulation of brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the majority of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) commonly used in adult MS lack evaluation through pediatric clinical trials. Current evidence is predominantly derived from observational studies. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profiles, and recommended dosages of available DMTs specifically in the context of pediatric MS. Furthermore, the review outlines recent advancements and explores potential medications still in developmental stages, providing a thorough overview of the current landscape and future prospects for treating POMS.
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Radwan Mohamed M. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Hazekamp Arno , ElSohly Mahmoud A.
Published: February 2024

Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest plants utilized by humans for both economic and medical purposes. Although the use of cannabis started millennia ago in the Eastern part of the hemisphere, its use has moved and flourished in the Western Nations in more recent centuries. C. sativa is the source of psychoactive cannabinoids that are consumed as recreational drugs worldwide. The C21 aromatic hydrocarbons are restricted in their natural occurrence to cannabis (with a few exceptions). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis with many pharmacological effects and various approved medical applications. However, a wide range of side effects are associated with the use of Δ9-THC, limiting its medical use. In 1966, another psychoactive cannabinoid, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) was isolated from marijuana grown in Maryland but in very low yield. Δ8-THC is gaining increased popularity due to its better stability and easier synthetic manufacturing procedures compared to Δ9-THC. Passing the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018 led to an increase in the sale of Δ8-THC in the United States. The marketed products contain Δ8-THC from synthetic sources. In this review, methods of extraction, purification, and structure elucidation of Δ8-THC will be presented. The issue of whether Δ8-THC is a natural compound or an artifact will be discussed, and the different strategies for its chemical synthesis will be presented. Δ8-THC of synthetic origin is expected to contain some impurities due to residual amounts of starting materials and reagents as well as side products of the reactions. The various methods of analysis and detection of impurities present in the marketed products will be discussed. The pharmacological effects of Δ8-THC, including its interaction with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in comparison with Δ9-THC, will be reviewed.
Info-Geometric Analysis of Gamma Distribution Manifold with Gamma Distribution Impact to Advance Satellite Earth Observations
Authors: A Mageed Dr Ismail
Published: February 2024

This study aims to reveal the revolutionary Gamma Distribution Manifold (GDM) info-geometric analysis combined with potential Gamma distribution (GD) applications to advance Satellite Earth Observations (SEOs). An exposition of the GDM Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) was undertaken, together with the analytic investigation of the existence of FIM’s inverse. The derivation of GDM’s Geodesic Equations (GEs) is undertaken. The solution of the obtained Geodesic Equations is optimally complicated, and it provides more extensions to numerous open problems. Notably, the current paper provides a first-time unification between three multi-interdisciplinary fields, namely, information geometry theory, probability theory, and Satellite earth observations. Looking at the other side of the coin, the provided revolutionary approach in this current work reports the significant impact of info-geometric analysis on the probabilistic dynamics as well as the influential role of information geometry on satellite and space industry. This poses numerous open issues that initiates a new form of contemporary unification between these inter-disciplinaries to discover another visionary thinking out of traditional statistical frames. In other words, refraining ourselves from using classical statistical frames of thinking and delving into a new info-geometric vision of statistical distributions as well as examining real life applications of information geometry to advance satellite earth observations. The curtain is drawn on this paper by providing several challenging open problems in combination with a concluding remark and the next phase of research.
Early versus Delayed Ballon Kyphoplasty Intervention for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Treatment
Authors: Miyamoto Akiyoshi , Parihar Umesh , Kumawat Chetan , Askar Abd El Kader Al , Tanaka Masato , Gunjotikar Sharvari , Taoka Takuya , Komatsubara Tadashi , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Uotani Koji , Arataki Shinya
Published: February 2024

Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of early ballon kyphoplasty (BKP) intervention compared with late intervention for osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Background: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures, can lead to kyphotic deformity, severe back pain, depression, and disturbances in activities of daily living (ADL). BKP has been widely utilized to treat symptomatic OVFs and has proven to be a very effective surgical option for this condition. BKP is relatively a safe and effective method due to less acrylic cement leakage and greater kyphosis correction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted at our hospital for patients who underwent BKP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the time frame between January 2020 and December 2022. Ninety-nine patients were included in this study, patients were classified into two groups: 36 patients underwent early BKP intervention (EI)
Involvement of Glucosamine 6 Phosphate Isomerase 2 (GNPDA2) Overproduction in β-Amyloid and Tau P301L-Driven Pathomechanisms
Authors: Lachen-Montes Mercedes , Cartas-Cejudo Paz , Cortés Adriana , Anaya-Cubero Elena , Peral Erika , Ausín Karina , Díaz-Peña Ramón , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative olfactory disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Alterations in the hexosamine or glucose-related pathways have been described through AD progression. Specifically, an alteration in glucosamine 6 phosphate isomerase 2 (GNPDA2) protein levels has been observed in olfactory areas from AD subjects. However, the biological role of GNPDA2 in neurodegeneration remains unknown. Using mass-spectrometry, multiple GNPDA2 interactors were identified in human nasal epithelial cells (NECs) mainly involved in intraciliary transport. Moreover, GNPDA2 overexpression induced an increment in NEC proliferation rates, accompanied by transcriptomic alterations in Type II interferon signalling or cellular stress responses. In contrast, the presence of beta-amyloid or mutated Tau-P301L in GNPDA2-overexpressing NECs induced a slow-down in the proliferative capacity in parallel with a disruption in protein processing. The proteomic characterization of Tau-P301L transgenic zebrafish embryos demonstrated that GNPDA2 overexpression interfered with collagen biosynthesis and RNA/protein processing, without inducing additional changes in axonal outgrowth defects nor neuronal cell death. In humans, a significant increase in serum GNPDA2 levels was observed across multiple neurological proteinopathies (AD, Lewy body dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, mixed-dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) (n=187). These data shed new light on GNPDA2-dependent mechanisms associated to the neurodegenerative process beyond the hexosamine route.
The Work Ability Index (WAI) in the Healthcare Sector. A Cross-Sectional/Retrospective Assessment of the Questionnaire
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Meraglia Igor , Viti Giacomo , Borghese Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is the most widely used questionnaire for the self-assessment of working ability. Because of its different applications, shorter versions, and widespread use in healthcare activities, it is worthwhile assessing its characteristics. The WAI was distributed online among the workers of a healthcare company; the results were compared with data contained in the workers' personal health records and with absence registers. 340 out of 575 workers (59.1%) participated; 6.5% of them reported poor work ability. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the one-factor version best described the characteristics of the WAI. The scores of the complete WAI, the shorter form without the list of diseases, and the minimal one-item version (WAS) had equal distribution and were significantly correlated. The WAI score was inversely related to age and significantly lower in women than in men, but it was higher in night workers than in colleagues due to the probable effect of selective factors. The WAI score was also correlated with absenteeism, but no differences were found between males and females in the average number of absences, suggesting that cultural or emotional factors influence the self-rating of the WAI. Workers tended to overreport illnesses in the online survey compared to data collected during occupational health checks. Musculoskeletal disorders were the most frequently reported illnesses (53%). Psychiatric illnesses affected 21% of workers and had the greatest impact on work ability. Multilevel ergonomic and human factor intervention seems to be needed to recover the working capacity of healthcare workers.
The Evolutionary Mapping of Intrinsic Disorder and Evolved Protein Multi-functionality (Commentary)
Authors: Aftab Asifa , Basu Anirneya , Nath Seema , Basu Sankar
Published: February 2024

The evolution of human society over the course of decades and centuries has led to an ever-increasingly complex modern life, one of the hallmark of which is the need for multi-tasking, both individually and collectively. Does this macroscopic evolution of the human societal dynamics have an empirical mapping to the microscopic evolution of the functional molecular units within cells and their manifold cross-talks? The relatively new wealth of knowledge coming from recent research on protein intrinsic disorder, fold-switching, domain shuffling, moonlighting, hub proteins etc. has given us new insights into the relationship between protein structure and function. This has led to a paradigm shift in protein science, clearly diverging from the traditional idea of 'one sequence – one structure – one function' to a more complex understanding of protein functionality. This paradigm shift has caused scientists to delve deeper into the subject, exploring the philosophical as well as the scientific basis of evolved protein multi-functionality, expressed by various evolutionary toys and tools to fit the cumulative multi-functional requirements within proteins. This commentary covers the different evolutionary arsenals to achieve the growing multi-functionality and attempts to connect intrinsic disorder in proteins as probably the sharpest weapon of all.
Off-grid Solar Energy Storage System Using Repurposed Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Batteries in NPUST: A Case Report
Authors: Chung Hsien-Ching
Published: February 2024

An off-grid solar energy storage system (ESS) in National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) was built and officially operated on Jun. 16th 2022. The system is installed in a 40' general container with PV panels of solar power 8250 Wp on top of the container. The ESS is made by repurposed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries of 20 kWh capacity, where a battery management system (BMS) is adopted to ensured the safety of the battery system. An energy management system (EMS) is built to receive, process, analyse, store, and output the energy information. In this manuscript, a brief engineering report about the system is given.
Leveraging the Sensitivity of Plants with Deep Learning to Recognize Human Emotions
Authors: Kruse Jakob Adrian , Ciechanowski Leon , Dupuis Ambre , Vazquez Ignacio , Gloor Peter A.
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in artificial intelligence combined with behavioral sciences have led to the development of cutting-edge tools for recognizing human emotions based on text, video, audio, and physiological data. However, these data sources are expensive, intrusive, and regulated, unlike plants which have been shown to be sensitive to human steps and sounds. A methodology is proposed to use plants as human emotion detectors. Electrical signals from plants are tracked and labeled based on video data. Labeled data are then used for classification. MLP, biLSTM, MFCC-CNN, MFCC-ResNet, and additionally, Random Forests, 1-Dimensional CNN, and biLSTM without windowing models are set using a grid search algorithm with cross-validation. Finally, best-parameterized models are trained and used with the test set for classification. The performance of this methodology is measured with a case study with 54 participants, who were watching an emotionally charged video, as ground truth their facial emotions were simultaneously measured using face emotion analysis. The Random Forest model shows the best performance, particularly in recognizing high-arousal emotions, achieving an overall weighted accuracy of 55.2% and demonstrating high weighted recall in emotions such as fear 61.0% and happiness 60.4%. The MFCC-ResNet model offers decently balanced results, with Accuracy(MFCC-ResNet)=0.318 and Recall (MFCC-ResNet)=0.324. With the MFCC-ResNet model fear and anger are recognized with 75% and 50% recall respectively. Thus, using plants as an emotion recognition tool seems worth investigating, addressing both cost and privacy concerns.
CFD Simulations and Phenomenological Modelling of Aerodynamic Stall Hysteresis of NACA 0018 Wing
Authors: Sereez Mohamed , Abramov Nikolay , Goman Mikhail
Published: February 2024

Computational simulations of three-dimensional flow around a NACA 0018 wing with an aspect ratio of AR=5 are carried out using the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations with the Shear-Stress Transport turbulence model closure. Simulations were performed to capture the aerodynamic stall hysteresis using a developed Pseudo-Transient Continuation (PTC) method based on a dual time step approach in the CFD code OpenFOAM. The flow was characterized by an incompressible Mach number of M=0.12 and a moderate Reynolds number Re=0.67×10^6. The results obtained indicate the presence of a noticeable aerodynamic hysteresis in the static dependencies of the force and moment coefficients, as well as the manifestation of bi-stable flow separation patterns, accompanied by the development of asymmetry in the stall zone. The URANS simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained for the NACA 0018 finite aspect ratio wing from the low-speed wind tunnel under the same test conditions. A new phenomenological bifurcation model of aerodynamic stall hysteresis under static and dynamic conditions is formulated, which is proven to be able to closely match the experimental data.
Performance of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Oncopediatric Patients in an Oncology Unit in Cali, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Jiménez Ángela María , Santa Valeria , Guerrero Manuel , Guerrero Benitez Angie Carolina , Romo-González Tania , Botero Carvajal Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Background: In 2020, the incidence of cancer was 844,778 cases among the population aged 0 to 19 years. Ninety percent of the population under 18 years of age lives in low- and middle-income countries, where cancer survivors report adverse outcomes. disease, which negatively impacts individuals’ general health, emotional state and external factors such as academic performance. Therefore, the objective of this article was to report the performance of the WCST and the sociodemographic characteristics of oncopediatric patients from Cali, Colombia. We report the reliability of the WCST instrument and indicate the association between the type of cancer and executive functioning in patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, 24 oncopediatric patients were interviewed and evaluated via the WCST. Results: The mean age was 12.08 years (3.98), 20.8% were women, 70.8% had a diagnosis of leukemia, 8 patients had acquired brain deficits, and more than 75% had adequate functioning in terms of the indicators of executive functions. Robust statistics were used to explore the differences between the types of diagnoses and performance in executive functions, and no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.156). We accumulated evidence that the WCST has a reliable Cronbach's α of 0.804 and that oncopediatric patients without brain deficits had high scores for executive functions (p = 0.002) with a moderate effect size (0.727). Conclusions: The WCST is reliable for discriminating executive function among pediatric cancer patients. The evidence suggests that there are no differences between the types of cancer evaluated and executive functioning in the participants.