bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quality-of-life Study in Patients with Anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera Venom in Iran
Authors: Bemanian Mohammad Hasan , Heidari Maryam , Tavakol Marzieh , Nabavi Mohammad , Ramezani Kashal Fatemeh , Gholami Maryam , Bemanian Bita
Published: February 2024

Little is known about the quality of life of patients with anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera venom. The Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ) is commonly used to assess the psychological burden of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of VQLQ.
In this cross-sectional study, VQLQ was translated into Persian according to expert recommendations.  The final translated version of VQLQ was then administered to 115 patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy at an asthma and allergy clinic in Iran.
More than half of the participants were between 20 and 40 years of age, and 60% were male. Fear, anxiety, and outdoor activities had the most significant impact on the quality of life of patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy. Additionally, quality of life was more affected in women than in men, while no correlation was found with age. Furthermore, the quality of life was affected by a history of acute anaphylactic shock due to Hymenoptera venom.
The Persian version of VQLQ enables the measurement of quality of life in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy in the Iranian population. The inclusion of VQLQ in the initial evaluation of these patients may potentially guide allergist in providing support for venom-specific immunotherapy.
Measurement of the Neutrophils Count and Oxidative Burst in Neutrophils of Patients with Sanjad Sakati Syndrome
Authors: Abolnezhadian Farhad , Aminzadeh Majid , Iranparast Sara , Dehnavi Sajad , Dousti Fatemeh , Sharifat Moosa , Moradzadegan Hamid
Published: February 2024

Sanjad Sakati Syndrome (SSS) is categorized as a neuroendocrine-related disease due to disorders of the nervous and hormonal systems. Since hormonal changes in these patients may affect the nature and function of the immune system. Thus, in this study, cell count and phagocytotic function of neutrophils were evaluated which may be influenced by changes in the hormonal rate and growth factors.
In this study, the neutrophil count value and the oxidative burst were evaluated in six patients diagnosed with SSS and six healthy individuals.
There was a significant reduction in the neutrophil count observed in SSS patients compared to healthy controls (37.41±7.93 percent vs. 66.5±6.8 percent). However, there was no significant difference in neutrophil oxidative index between patients with SSS and control subjects (172.33±55.08 vs. 217.00±77.38).
We concluded that in patients with SSS, the phagocytic activity of neutrophils was not affected by hormonal changes, while the number of neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) index were decreased.
Use of Fuzzy Logic in Cyber Security System: Cyber Threat Intelligence
Authors: Sharma Ramesh Kumar , Singh Dharmendra Kumar , Kumar Avinash , Burnwal A. P.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of the study: Fuzzy logic is a mathematical concept that allows for the handling of uncertain or imprecise data. In cyber security, fuzzy logic can be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of security systems. Cyber threat intelligence plays a crucial role in modern cybersecurity by enabling organizations to proactively identify, analyse, and respond to potential cyber threats. With the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber threats, effective cyber threat intelligence has become a critical component of modern cybersecurity. Traditional approaches often struggle to handle the inherent uncertainties and complexities in threat intelligence data.

Methodology: Through a comprehensive literature review, examines the current state of cyber threat intelligence and the principles of fuzzy logic. The paper presents a detailed analysis of how fuzzy logic can be applied to various aspects of cyber threat intelligence, including threat modelling, detection and classification, risk assessment, and decision support systems.

Main Findings: The findings highlight the benefits of using fuzzy logic in cyber threat intelligence and pave the way for further research and development in this promising field. The future prospects and challenges of integrating fuzzy logic with other advanced technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Applications of this study: The proposed approach has the potential to significantly improve the analysis and decision-making processes in agriculture, helping farmers to make more informed decisions about crop treatments and ultimately increasing crop yields.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The outcomes of this research contribute to advancing the field of cyber threat intelligence and provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of fuzzy logic for better threat analysis and mitigation strategies.
Detection of hydrolases of different subclasses in cell-free fractions of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups using radial enzymatic diffusion in agarose gel
Authors: Kozlov Stanislav N. , Markov Evgeny Yu. , Nikolaev Valery B. , Urbanovich Lyudmila Ya. , Mironova Lylia V.
Published: February 2024

Cholera remains an actual infection worldwide, which dictates the need for a comprehensive study of its pathogens and, in particular, their hydrolytic enzymes that interact with the cells of the macroorganism. We determined the presence of hydrolases from different subclasses in preparations of cell-free fractions obtained from 58 strains of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups of different epidemic significance and origins using radial enzyme diffusion in agarose gels with various substrates. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in enzyme activity depending on the origin and epidemiological significance of the original strain. We found that preparations obtained from non-toxigenic strains had increased activity of proteases and chitinolytic enzymes, while those from toxigenic strains showed high activity of mucinases, lipolytic enzymes, and nucleases. These data can be applied in the microbiological diagnosis of cholera as an additional biochemical characterization of Vibrio cholerae strains, as well as contribute to the understanding of the role of enzymes in the pathogenesis and adaptation of cholera pathogens.
Исследование бесклеточных фракций Vibrio cholerae O1 и O139 серогрупп на наличие гидролаз разных подклассов методом радиальной энзимодиффузии в агаровом геле
Authors: Козлов С. Н. , Марков Е. Ю. , Николаев В. Б. , Урбанович Л. Я. , Миронова Л. В.
Published: February 2024

Проведено исследование препаратов бесклеточных фракций, полученных из 58 генетически гетерогенных штаммов Vibrio cholerae O1 и O139 серогрупп разной эпидемической значимости и происхождения на наличие гидролаз разных подклассов в реакции энзимодиффузии в агарозных гелях с различными субстратами. По результатам анализа выявлены статистически достоверные различия в активности ферментов в зависимости от происхождения и эпидзначимости исходных штаммов. Установлено, что препараты, полученные из нетоксигенных штаммов, отличаются повышенной активностью протеаз и хитинолитических ферментов, а у препаратов из токсигенных штаммов отмечена высокая активность муциназ, липолитических ферментов и нуклеаз. Эти данные могут найти применение в микробиологической диагностике холеры в рамках дополнительной биохимической характеристики штаммов холерных вибрионов и могут внести вклад в понимание роли ферментов в процессах патогенеза и адаптации возбудителя холеры.
Bacteria-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles under photo-irradiation and their efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Malik Hafiza A. , Saleem Shehar yar , Usama Muhammad A. , Fatima Noor-ul-ain
Published: February 2024

Over the last few decades, morbidity and mortality rates from infectious diseases have increased due to antibiotic resistance. Community-acquired and nosocomial-related methicillin-resistant bacterial strains are proliferating, which makes the discovery of new antibiotics and the search for new approaches to fight pathogenic bacteria an urgent task. One of the new promising classes of antimicrobials is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The goal of this study was to investigate the bacteria-mediated synthesis of AgNPs and evaluate their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Indigenous bacteria from soil samples from Multan (Pakistan) were isolated and three strains – Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter freundii, and Bacillus cereus – were selected for the synthesis of AgNPs under photo-irradiation. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The AgNPs obtained in our experiments showed strong antibacterial activity against MRSA isolated from patients with community-acquired skin infections (from the dermatology ward of Jinnah Hospital Lahore) with 15 mm to 25 mm zones of inhibition (ZOI) according to the well diffusion method. The results of this project showed that microbial reduction of AgNO3 under photo-irradiation produces AgNPs that are highly active against MRSA.
Formy promocji biblioteki i czytelnictwa Miejskiej i Powiatowej Biblioteki Publicznej im. Stefana Żeromskiego w Kutnie w latach 2019–2022
Authors: Gabara Agata
Published: February 2024

Głównym celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie przeglądu form promocji biblioteki i czytelnictwa jednej z prężnie działających instytucji kultury w województwie łódzkim, czyli Miejskiej i Powiatowej Biblioteki Publicznej im. Stefana Żeromskiego w Kutnie. Pragnąc osiągnąć założoną koncepcję, poddano analizie inicjatywy podjęte w latach 2019–2022. W tym celu wykorzystano metodę analizy i krytyki piśmiennictwa źródeł, statystyczną oraz komparatystyczną.
Kreowanie wizerunku medialnego sportowca w mediach społecznościowych. Analiza porównawcza profili Stephena Curry’ego i Lebrona Jamesa na Instagramie
Authors: Kaźmierczak Pola
Published: February 2024

Celem pracy była ocena wizerunku kreowanego przez sportowców w mediach społecznościowych na przykładzie kont Stephena Curry’ego i Lebrona Jamesa. W artykule posłużono się metodą analizy mediów oraz metodą dedukcyjną.

Artykuł rozpoczęto od zagadnień teoretycznych będących podstawą do analizy badanego zagadnienia. Zdefiniowano pojęcia wizerunku, wizerunku medialnego i marki osobistej. Scharakteryzowano sylwetki i kariery koszykarskie Stephena Curry’ego i Lebrona Jamesa. W celu oceny kreowanego przez sportowców wizerunku zastosowano analizę porównawczą profili Curry’ego i Jamesa na Instagramie. Ustalono częstotliwość udostępnianych treści oraz ich rodzaje. Następnie oceniono skuteczność działań prowadzonych przez obydwu koszykarzy w serwisie społecznościowym.

Najważniejszym wnioskiem było stwierdzenie, że treści udostępniane przez zawodników pozytywnie wpływają na ich wizerunek. W toku badań ustalono, że Lebron James jest sportowcem, który skuteczniej buduje zaangażowanie z użytkownikami portalu społecznościowego Instagram.
Archiwizacja cyfrowa dziedzictwa. Wybrana terminologia
Authors: Kurek vel Kokocińska Stanisława , Bartos Julita , Biesiacka Justyna , Figlewicz Antoni , Graczyk Karolina , Janikowska Nina , Koperska Kamila , Kubicki Kacper , Lewandowska Karolina , Moszumański Miłosz , Pakrzywa Krzysztof , Róg Karolina , Sobczak Julia , Szymański Marcin , Wawrzyńczyk Dominik , Witczak Karolina , Woicka Weronika
Published: February 2024

Opracowanie zawiera wybraną terminologię z zakresu archiwizacji dziedzictwa, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zagadnień archiwizacji cyfrowej. Jako materiały do słownika rzeczowego obejmuje hasła w grupach: (1) dziedzictwo piśmiennicze utrwalone na nośniku tradycyjnym, (2) stan zachowania dziedzictwa piśmienniczego: badania i przeciwdziałanie zagrożeniom, (3) rodzaje dziedzictwa i jego chronienie, (4) archiwa: rodzaje, cechy, cele, (5) dziedzictwo cyfrowe: nowe wyzwania, (6) systemy, standardy, formaty zapisu/opisu plików. Podstawą do sporządzenia haseł była literatura naukowa (opracowania), treści zamieszczone w serwisach ważnych instytucji oraz dokumenty urzędowe. Przyczynkowe opracowanie powstało jako praca zbiorowa w toku zajęć konwersatoryjnych, realizowanych zgodnie z założeniami programu oraz efektami uczenia się przedstawionymi w sylabusie przedmiotu Metody archiwizacji cyfrowej.
Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Infection and Immunopathological Changes in Animals: A Review
Authors: Kumar M. , Chaubey K.K. , Dayal D. , Singh S.V. , Sharma S. , Goyal U. , Tyagi S. , Pramanik A.
Published: February 2024

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a chronic granulomatous intestinal disease and causative agent of Johne’s disease (JD) in domestic and wild ruminants. This study explores the intricate dynamics of the host immune response in MAP infection and its implications for disease progression and control. Our investigation revealed the pivotal role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in mediating the communication between the host’s innate and adaptive immunological responses. IL-10 inhibits interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion, altering the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses. In the early stages, a robust Th1 response marked by increased IFN-γ production is observed, but as the disease progresses, a shift towards a humoral Th2 response occurs. Furthermore, we found that IL-10 exerts suppressive effects on macrophage (Mφ) anti-mycobacterial action, leading to increased intracellular survival of mycobacteria. IL-10 also hampers Mφ antimicrobial activity by suppressing the production of essential cytokines such as IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), crucial for activating natural killer (NK) cells and inducing differentiation of CD4+ T lymphocytes into Th1 effector cells. Importantly, our study sheds light on the intricate interplay between past infections or concurrent active co-infections and their influence on the immune response to unrelated pathogens in the context of paratuberculosis. This review underscores the multifaceted role of IL-10 in the immunopathological manifestation of MAP infection and host immunomodulation. These findings provide valuable insights for both animal and human research in the fight against MAP infection, emphasizing the importance of balancing immune responses and considering the influence of concurrent infections in disease progression.
TREND ANALYSIS OF UGANDA’S COFFEE SECTOR
Authors: ATEGEKA STEWART
Published: February 2024

Coffee (Coffea arabica and C. canephora) is an important commercial crop globally, and the second most traded global commodity by developing nations after oil. Uganda is among the top 10 coffee exporters worldwide, and second in Africa. The total export amounted to 301,366 tons of “green” coffee in 2021, forming the second-largest commodity export, and contributing about 12.4% to Uganda’s total formal exports. However, the country’s overall performance over time remains unclear given the fluctuations in production and export prices.   This study aimed to evaluate the production and export trends of Uganda’s coffee sector by: (i) defining the overall direction of coffee production and export value, (ii) assessing the market variability, and (iii) evaluating the global cross-cutting issues regarding coffee production and export. Data was extracted from FAOSTAT and Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) databases. Trends were analysed using the Mann-Kendall and Sen’s Slope test, while market variability was analyzed using the fixed base index (FBI) and coefficient of variation. VOSviewer software was used to analyze literature from the Web of Science database to highlight cross-cutting issues. Results indicated a significant positive increase in coffee production and export value (p = 0.0001, Slope = 1736.67 tons and p = 0.001, Slope = 4.44 million USD) respectively. Among the top ten coffee producers, Uganda presented the third worst unstable coffee export value with a 20.1% coefficient of variation. Fairtrade, climate change, and certification were the most outstanding global cross-cutting issues. Market stabilization mechanisms should be developed through value addition by establishing coffee processing and roasting plants, as well as strategic governance and policy support to counter emerging global challenges such as climate change.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PEOPLES’ LIVELIHOOD AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN UGANDA
Authors: Wafana Ivan
Published: February 2024

Livestock sector in Uganda contributes significantly towards individual household income and food security and even though peoples’ dependance on livestock production for survival in Uganda is a reality, it’s also undeniable that livestock, which provides food and revenue on a worldwide scale, would be vulnerable to the direct or indirect consequences of climate change. Agriculture contributed 24.1% of the Uganda’s GDP in the financial year (FY) 2021–2022 and according to the Uganda bureau of standards (UBOS), agriculture employs over 70% of Uganda's working population. The purpose of this present study was to to evaluate the impact of climate change on peoples’ livelihood and livestock production in Uganda. Bibliometric analysis was the quantitative technique used for reviewing and describing published publications that assisted in evaluating academic works from secondary data obtained on digital databases in the context of this study. The VOS viewer software was used as a tool to perform the co-occurrence analysis, and then to realize the visualization of the impact of climate change on peoples’ livelihood and livestock production in Uganda using articles analysed on platform research with associated references from the Web of Science database. The visualisation highlighted topical areas that reflect the impacts of climate on peoples’ livelihood and livestock such as diseases, drought, coping strategies, greenhouse gases, drought, vulnerability, dry lands, mobility among pastoral communities, low productivity, reduced forage resources, elevated temperature extra all of which negatively affects the economic levels of individuals and the national income from livestock either directly or directly. Conclusively, interventions that are aimed at improving climate smartness in Uganda’s livestock farming communities may have significant food security and income benefits for different livelihoods.
 
Keywords: climate, livestock animals, livelihood, income
THE PROFIT EFFICIENCY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA PRODUCTION IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Kehinde Ayodeji
Published: February 2024

This study examined the profit efficiency of Moringa oleifera production by farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 150 respondents. Multistage sampling procedure was used for selecting respondents. The data were analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and stochastic frontier production function. The findings revealed that male predominate moringa enterprise with about 55.3% male, most producers fall between the age bracket 41-50years with a mean age of 44.92 (± 13.168) years and the average farm size is 0.3 hectares whilst indicating that most producers had less than 0.1 hectares of land. Moringa production had a benefit cost ratio of ₦5.852, profit margin of ₦0.182, expense structure ratio of ₦0.107, net return on investment ₦4.857, rate of return of ₦5.482 and profitability ratio of ₦0.981. The average profit efficiency of moringa producers was 18.73% on the profit frontier.  Family labour, hired labour and transport cost were significant and had positive coefficient while the seed cost, pesticide cost, level of education and farm size are also significant but bears negative coefficient. The level of education and farm size are amongst the inefficiency variables considered. This study concludes that Moringa oleifera production is highly profitable but producers have not been able to maximize profit efficiency. It therefore recommends that producers improve on adding value to moringa products and extend their channels of distribution considering the cost incurred on transportation.
Digital Tax Policy and Tax Revenue Collection in Cameroon
Authors: Derrick Fossong , Mc Moi Ndi Ashu , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Many African countries have made significant progress in digitalising tax administration. Recent research has shown promising evidence around the impact of digital solutions, such as electronic filing, on tax compliance and revenue generation. Very little, however, is known about how digitalisation could strengthen local tax administration, and how subnational government levels could benefit from broader national digitalisation reforms. The case of Cameroon illustrates how local tax administrations can struggle to benefit from technology. The digital tax policy (DTP) was adopted in Cameroon in 2014 and went fully into effect in 2016. The reform introduced an online declaration and payment system, accessible through the web portal of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT), the national tax administration. The reform also heavily focussed on pre-filling tax returns. With the information it has on taxpayers’ business activities, income and assets, the tax administration automatically issues a pre-filled tax return form. In turn, taxpayers, accessing the pre-filled form online, only have to confirm the information on it if they find it is accurate. If not, they have to amend the form online. Further, the web portal permits taxpayers to make their payments digitally, through a bank or electronically. Summary of African Tax Administration Paper 33.
Ativos fiscais diferidos, qualidade de lucros e seus efeitos nos resultados dos bancos: Evidências no Brasil
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo Ferraz de , Monte-mor Danilo Soares
Published: February 2024

Contextualização: Os Ativos Fiscais Diferidos (AFD) podem tornar a qualidade de lucros poluída pelo seu uso, pois, os lucros apresentados estarão inflados por esses ativos, resultantes de operações financeiras discricionárias. 
Objetivo: Esse estudo teve por objetivo identificar os efeitos dos AFD na perspectiva de qualidade de lucros dos bancos, sendo utilizadas as proxies persistência de lucros, alisamento de lucros e Earning Response Coefficient (ERC). 
Método: Os testes empíricos tiveram por base as informações dos relatórios financeiros dos bancos, Banco Central do Brasil (BACEN), Bloomberg e Economatica® de 2017 a 2021, sendo estimados por dados em painel. 
Resultados: Os resultados sugerem que, quanto maiores os AFD, maiores serão a persistência de lucros e os lucros inesperados pelo ERC e, menor será o alisamento de lucros. 
Conclusões: A perspectiva de qualidade de lucros exibida nos resultados evidencia a validação dos modelos propostos, contribuindo não somente para o tema AFD e a qualidade de lucros, mas, também, a associação do uso discricionário desses ativos como geradores de resultados poluidores dos bancos, sendo constatados, nesse estudo que, os médios apresentaram significância no uso dos AFD para a persistência de lucros, e os pequenos para a persistência e o alisamento de lucros, sendo beneficiados quanto às movimentações de empréstimos concedidos e de estoques de AFD, tornando-os mais persistentes e alisados ao longo do período amostral.
An innovative approach to support social groupwork
Authors: Lee Cheryl D. , Montiel Eliette del Carmen , Atchison Jamie , Flory Paul , Liza Jessica , Valenzuela John
Published: February 2024

This article discusses a creative endeavor to establish a university social groupwork club affiliated with the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, an international professional association. The club’s purposes were: 1) to nurture social groupwork; 2) to engage students, practitioners and academics in a collaborative groupwork experience, and; 3) to link members to an international social work organization that supports all aspects of groupwork. The planning, stages, mutual aid and evaluation of the club are described. A longitudinal survey design was used to evaluate members’ perceptions of the club. Feedback questionnaires (N = 129) were analyzed for a one-year period. Results indicated that club members benefited from mutual aid and experienced professional growth.
Propiedades psicométricas de las escalas de competencias investigativas: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Tapullima-Mori Calixto , Livia Segovia José , Pizzán Tomanguillo Nieves del Pilar , Pizzán Tomanguillo Sandra Lucero , Iñipe Cachay Milagros , Saenz Chisquipama Astrid Irene , Gómez Sangama Fiorella
Published: February 2024

El estudio tuvo como finalidad explorar las propiedades psicométricas de las escalas de competencias investigativas publicados en la literatura científica en siete (7) Bases de datos: Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Embase, EBSCO, PubMed y SciELO entre el 2014 y junio del 2023. Se sistematizaron 13 documentos, donde se encontró 11 escalas que midieron la validez de contenido utilizando índices como el S-CVI, V de Aiken y correlaciones ítem test. De igual manera, los resultados de los análisis factoriales exploratorios (AFE) y confirmatorios (AFC) presentaron adecuados índices de ajuste como CFI, GFI, TLI, SRMR y RMSEA que validaron la estructura factorial. La confiabilidad se evaluó mayoritariamente a través del coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, arrojando valores altos y consistentes. Además, se han empleado coeficientes como Omega de McDonald, Omega ordinal, Guttman y Spearman Brown, todos reflejando un valor por encima de .70 y consistencia interna en las mediciones. En síntesis, los instrumentos como el RCS, SRCS, RPCS, SPRDS, EAHIF, AHABI, ERL, cuestionarios de autopercepción y rúbricas han demostrado ser herramientas eficaces en la evaluación y desarrollo de habilidades investigativas. En ese sentido, estas escalas pueden mejorar la evaluación y desarrollo de habilidades investigativas en estudiantes universitarios, y se espera que futuras investigaciones las utilicen para evaluar enfoques pedagógicos y contextos internacionales.
Efecto de un programa de intervención neuropsicológica en el desarrollo de las habilidades académicas en los primeros años escolares
Authors: Ayala Arango Astrid Yamile
Published: February 2024

Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de un programa de intervención neuropsicológica en las habilidades académicas en lectura, escritura y matemáticas en un grupo de niñas y niños de primer grado de básica primaria de la institución educativa Cadena Las Playas del municipio de Apartadó, Antioquia, Colombia, con edades entre los 5 y 6 años, pertenecientes a una condición socioeconómica baja. Se conformaron dos grupos, el experimental y el control, cada uno con 19 estudiantes. Se aplicó a cada participante pruebas de medición en lectura, escritura y aritmética, posteriormente al grupo experimental se le aplicó un programa de intervención neuropsicológica durante siete meses, constituido por un entrenamiento grupal mediante el programa NeuronUP kids, al finalizar, se aplicaron nuevamente mediciones en las habilidades académicas de ambos grupos. A nivel pretest no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos a excepción de la subprueba de escritura de palabras y no palabras a favor del grupo experimental. La valoración postest evidenció diferencias significativas que señalan que el grupo experimental tuvo un mejor desempeño en la lectura de silabas, palabras, no palabras, oraciones, palabras con error de lectura en voz alta y velocidad de lectura en voz alta y en la escritura de sílabas (p>0,05), en aritmética no se encontraron diferencias significativas. En conclusión, la utilización de un programa de estimulación neuropsicológica aportó favorablemente al desarrollo de habilidades académicas como la lectura y la escritura, representando una oportunidad para implementar en el escenario escolar y específicamente en el aula de clases, programas de base neuropsicológica que cumplan un objetivo preventivo que favorezca los procesos de aprendizaje en la población escolar que se encuentra en entornos menos enriquecidos.
Cyberbullying Among Emerging Adults: The Role of Parental Practices and Morality
Authors: Zhang Melody , Konishi Chiaki
Published: February 2024

Parental figures provide significant guidance in their children’s behavior to facilitate positive moral development. However, little is known about the moral implications of parental practices and its association with cyberbullying among emerging adults. The present study explored the potential mediating role of shame- and guilt-proneness in the association between parental practices and moral disengagement, and subsequently, the associations with cyberbullying behavior. Participants included postsecondary school students in Canada (N = 449; Mage = 21.85). Results from structural equation modeling revealed that guilt-proneness was a significant partial mediator between perceived psychological control and moral disengagement, which, in turn, was associated with cyberbullying perpetration. Overall, this study highlights the implications of social-emotional contexts beyond adolescence, especially its associations with moral and aggression outcomes among emerging adults.
Finding Negative Associations from Medical Data Streams Based on Frequent and Regular Patterns
Authors: Budaraju RajaRao , Jammalamadaka Sastry Kodanda Rama
Published: February 2024

Medical data flows in streams as the data related to clinical tests and administered drugs by the doctors flows continuously. The doctors must be immediately alerted if negative associations are found among the drugs they prescribe. Data streams are to be processed in single scans as it is not possible to re-scan the data for any iterative processing. To detect negative drug connections, regular and frequent drug patterns must be processed. Negative correlations between disease-curing medications might create adverse responses that kill patients. This paper proposes an algorithm that finds the negative associations among regular and frequent patterns mined from medical data streams. The negative associations mined are the most effective and reduce the negative associations, which are more critical by 50%.
A Quest for Survival: a Review of Early Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer and the Most Effective Approaches at Present
Authors: Bestari Muhammad Begawan , Joewono Ignatius Ronaldi , Syam Ari Fahrial
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal type of cancer, it has the lowest 5-year survival rate among all other types of cancers. More than half of PC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to PC’s insidious and non-specific symptoms. Surgery remains the most efficacious treatment option currently available, but only 10-20% of PC cases are resectable upon diagnosis. As of now, the sole biomarker approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) for PC is carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9); however, its use is limited use for early diagnosis. An in-creasing number of studies have investigated a combination of biomarkers. Lately, there has been considerable interest in the application of a liquid biopsy, including the utilization of microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Screening for PC is indicated for high-risk patients; studies on new diagnostic models combined with biomarkers for early detection have also shown promising results for the ability of these models and biomarkers to aid clinicians in deciding on whether to start screening. This review seeks to provide a concise overview of the advancements in existing biomarkers and explore novel strategies for the early detection of PC.
Intelligence and the Value of Forensic Science
Authors: Speaker Paul J
Published: February 2024

Recent literature has seen a rapid expansion in the reference to front-end forensics as an indication of the untapped value of forensic science. While some of these contributions have centered on development of forensic intelligence from a single area of investigation, others call for a more fundamental change in the relationship between crime laboratories and policing, particularly relating early laboratory analysis with big datasets to provide leads to investigators. We highlight several recently implemented tactical strategies of crime laboratories that contribute to the body of forensic intelligence. Beyond the scientific gains from these tactical applications, the corresponding details on associated efficiencies, costs, time savings, and quality improvements offer insights towards patterns of success for the community of crime laboratories. Further details expand an interpretation of what constitutes success with an eye on the contributions of the crime laboratory towards public health, safety, and protection of the innocent in addition to societal gains from conviction of the guilty. The economic interpretation of the value provided by the forensic laboratory assists in the cost-benefit review of strategic and tactical decisions and supports the justification for laboratory public funding with measures of the return on investment from public support of the forensic laboratory
Synthesis and Biological Activities of Some Metal Complexes of Peptides: A Review
Authors: Marinova Petja Emilova , Tamahkyarova Kristina Dimova
Published: February 2024

Peptides, both natural and synthetic, are well suited for a wide range of purposes and offer versa-tile applications in different fields such as biocatalysts, injectable hydrogels, tumor treatment, and drug delivery. The rising prominence of therapeutic peptides encompasses anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-neurodegenerative properties. The metals Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo are ten of the twenty elements that are considered essential for life. Crucial for under-standing the biological role of metals is the exploration of metal-bound proteins and peptides. Aside from essential metals, there are other, non-essential metals that also interact biologically, exhibiting either therapeutic or toxic effects. Irregularities in metal binding contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s, neurodegenerative disorders, Wilson's, and Menkes disease. Certain metal com-plexes have potential applications as radiopharmaceuticals. The examination of these complexes was done by preforming UV-Vis, IR, EPR, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis.
Genome-Wide Identification of Cucumber TDC Genes and Analyses of Their Expression and Functions under Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yiqiu , Li Qiuxia , Liu Yu , Wan Shubei , Li Shuzhen
Published: February 2024

Melatonin is a crucial regulator of plant growth and development as well as stress tolerance. However, we only have a limited understanding of the functions of endogenous melatonin. Tryp-tophan decarboxylase (TDC) serves as the initial rate-limiting enzyme in the melatonin synthesis pathway. Unfortunately, no cucumber TDC gene has been cloned and characterized. In this study, we identified two TDC genes (CsTDC1 and CsTDC2) in the cucumber genome. The subcellular localization analysis indicated CsTDC1 and CsTDC2 are predominantly localized in the cyto-plasm and plasma membrane. Tissue-specific expression analyses revealed that CsTDC1 and CsTDC2 are expressed in both vegetative and reproductive organs. Many cis-elements related to stress, hormone, and light responses as well as development were identified in the CsTDC pro-moter regions. Furthermore, the expression of CsTDC1 and CsTDC2 was strongly induced by treatments with various abiotic stresses and exogenous hormones. The transient overexpression of CsTDC1 and CsTDC2 in tobacco leaves resulted in increases in the TDC activity and melatonin content, which may be related to the enhanced ability of tobacco leaves to tolerate salt, drought, and low-temperature stresses. Notably, the overexpression of CsTDC2 had a more pronounced effect than the overexpression of CsTDC1. Accordingly, both CsTDC genes, but especially CsTDC2, may be important for regulating cucumber growth, development, and stress tolerance. The study findings provide a theoretical basis for future functional analyses of endogenous melatonin in cucumber.
Negative Temperature Coefficient Properties of Natural Clinoptilolite
Authors: Schiavo Loredana , Aversa Lucrezia , Verucchi Roberto , Castaldo Rachele , Gentile Gennaro , Carotenuto Gianfranco
Published: February 2024

Electronic negative temperature coefficient (NTC) materials are usually based on ceramic semiconductors. A new type of NTC-material is represented by zeolites. Indeed, zeolites are single-charge carrier ionic conductors with a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. In particular, electrical transport in zeolite is due to the monovalent charge-balancing cations, like K+, capable of hopping between negatively charged sites in the silico-aluminate framework. Owing to the highly non-linear electrical behavior of the traditional electronic NTC-materials, the possibility to have alternative types of materials, showing linearity in the electrical behavior, is very desirable. Among different zeolites, the natural clinoptilolite has been selected for investigating the NTC behavior since it is characterized by high zeolite content, convenient Si/Al atomic ratio, good mechanical strength, due to its compact microstructure, and low toxicity. Clinoptilolite has shown a rapid and fully reversible impedance change with heating, characterized by a linear dependence on temperature. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis has been used for the chemical characterization of the natural clinoptilolite sample as it provides important information on the cationic content and framework composition. In addition, since electrical transport takes place in the free-volume of zeolite, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis has been also provided.
An Efficient Conditional Privacy-Preserving Authentication for
VANETs
Authors: Zhang Lu , Tan Wuzheng , Wang Xinru
Published: February 2024

With the rapid development of intelligent transportation, Vehicle Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is becoming increasingly important.As a critical component of intelligent transportation systems, the Conditional Privacy-Preserving Authentication (CPPA) scheme plays a significant role in ensuring drivers' privacy and security.However, current CPPA schemes still face limitations in terms of security and efficiency, with these schemes either imposing higher computational overhead for enhanced security or compromising some level of security to reduce overhead. Motivated by this challenge, we propose a CPPA scheme that strikes a better balance between efficiency and security.By leveraging the token mechanism to achieve multiple authentication and minimizing information leakage. Furthermore, our performance analysis demonstrates that our ECC-based algorithm can significantly reduce overhead, with pseudonymous generation requiring only 0.0039ms.
A Low Power Injection-Locked CDR Using 28 nm FDSOI Technology for Burst-Mode Applications
Authors: Mao Yuqing , Charlon Yoann , Leduc Yves , Jacquemod Gilles
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a low-power Injection-Locked Clock and Data Recovery (ILCDR) using 28nm FDSOI technology is presented. The back-gate auto-biasing of UTBB-FDSOI transistors allows us to create a QRO (Quadrature Ring Oscillator) reducing both size and power consumption. By injecting a digital signal into this circuit, we realize an Injection-Locked Oscillator (ILO) with low jitter. Thanks to the good performance of this oscillator, we propose a low power ILCDR with fast locking time and low jitter for burst-mode applications. The main novelty consists in the implementation of a complementary QRO based on back-gate control using FDSOI technology to realize a simple and efficient ILCDR circuit. With a Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence (PRBS7) at 868Mbps, the recovered clock jitter is 26.7ps (2.3%UIp-p) and the recovered data jitter is 11.9ps (1%UIp-p). With a 0.6V power supply, the power consumption is 318μW. The estimated Chip area is around 6600μm².
Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Data-Driven Nanocarbon Genome: Unleashing Novel Neural Pathways, Elucidating Growth-Property Relationships, and Enabling Inverse Design
Authors: Lukin Alexander , Gülseren Oğuz
Published: February 2024

The swift progress in low-dimensional nanocarbons, specifically in the realm of the authentic one-dimensional carbon chain featuring sp1 hybridization, has unveiled exciting prospects for integrating them into cutting-edge technologies across diverse industries. To fully harness their potential, precise control over the growth process is necessary to obtain desired nanostructure and functionality. However, optimizing properties through traditional approaches has been challenging due to complex interactions. To address this, we implement a focused data-driven strategy for nanocarbon inverse design by leveraging a state-of-the-art data-driven nanocarbon genome approach (NCGA). By uncovering relationships between growth parameters and resultant traits, this serves as an expedient catalyst in engineering nanostructures with tailored attributes. We introduce an extensive array of technological approaches aimed at precisely controlling the growth process. These methods encompass stimulating and precisely adjusting synergistic effects, coordinating atomic vibrations at a collective level through the implementation of multilayer nano-interfaces, harnessing the potential of active screen plasma surface engineering, utilizing nano-patterning and allotropic phase transformations, incorporating heteroatom doping, and effectively directing self-assembly. These aim to unlock nanomaterials' latent potential and reveal novel neural pathways within the data-driven NCGA, enhancing its predictive capabilities. Specifically, triggering self-organization during growth can potentially unlock previously unexplored neural pathways. The data-driven NCGA offers a paradigm shift, accelerating discovery and design of nanocarbons with optimized, application-specific properties.
Severe asthma in children: is it possible to control the disease?
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Kolosova N.G. ,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, Moscow, Russian Federation, Malakhov A.B. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, Moscow, Russian Federation, Geppe N.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Malakova-Kapanadze M.A. ,   Kolomna District Central Hospital, Kolomna, Russian Federation, Gerebeneva I.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Denisova V.D. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Research Clinical Institute of Childhood of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

The management of severe asthma in children is challenging due to the risks associated with an uncontrolled disease progression, which significantly increases the likelihood of acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and even adverse outcomes. In this case, targeted immunobiological agents, particularly omalizumab, may be used to improve disease control. Objective. This open-label prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in children with uncontrolled persistent asthma in clinical practice. Patients and methods. The study included 82 children aged 6 to 18 years (mean age: 12.2 ± 1.4 years) with moderate to severe asthma uncontrolled with medium- or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in combination with long-acting beta-2-agonists (LABAs). Omalizumab was prescribed considering the level of IgE and body weight, and the frequency of administration was once a month. Follow-up duration was 12 months. Asthma control (frequency of exacerbations, need for systemic CS during exacerbations, volume of standard therapy) and adverse events were assessed at baseline and 12 months after the initiation of therapy with omalizumab. Results. After 12 months of omalizumab therapy, we revealed a significant reduction in the frequency of exacerbations by 67% (p < 0.005), including the number of exacerbations requiring systemic CS administration (by 75% from baseline, p < 0.001). There was also a reduction in the volume of standard therapy in 48% of patients and in the use of short-acting beta-2-agonists (SABAs), which was reflected in improved asthma control (the percentage of patients with controlled asthma increased from 0 to 42.6 and 65.8 after 3 and 6 months of therapy, respectively). Conclusion. Omalizumab significantly improves the course of severe asthma in patients with allergic phenotype. Key words: children, bronchial asthma, targeted immunobiologic therapy
The structure of cardiovascular disorders in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors:   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Nugmanova A.M. , Dikanbaeva S.A. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kuandykova A.A. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Sadvakasova S.M. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Auezkhanov B.M. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Eshankulov Kh.S. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Zhumagulova Z.E. ,   Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: February 2024

Objective. To study the structure of cardiovascular pathology in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients and methods. 74 children were examined, including 40 patients on dialysis and 34 patients at the predialysis stage of CKD. The following parameters were determined: the thickness of the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle (LV), the final systolic and final diastolic LV size, shock volume, ejection fraction. The myocardial mass index (LVMI) and the relative wall thickness (RWT) of the LV were calculated according to the following formulas. Results. According to echocardiography data in children receiving dialysis, LV myocardial hypertrophy was observed in the majority of children – 17 (42.5%, p < 0.001), of which in 35.3% of cases (6 children) concentric remodeling was detected (RWT ≥0.45, LVH within 90 g/m2), in 41.2% of cases (in 7 patients), concentric hypertrophy was determined (RWT ≥0.45, LVMI 111.7 ± 11.4 g/m2), eccentric hypertrophy was detected in 23.5% of patients (in 4 – RWT ≤0.45, IMLJ 115.6 ± 11.9 g/m2); systolic dysfunction was found in 10 (25%) children with stage 5d CKD, in 8 (20%) – diastolic dysfunction, in 5 (12.5%) – the valvular damage. In 19 (55.9%) children with the predialysis stage, there is a normal LV geometry (RWT <45 with normal LV), in 15 (44.1%) – concentric remodeling (RWT >45 with normal LVMI). Conclusion. CKD in children, as in adults, is associated with the highest risk of accelerated development of cardiovascular pathology. Cardiovascular pathology in CKD is manifested mainly by LV myocardial hypertrophy. LV hypertrophy, being an important risk factor for arrhythmias and heart failure, is especially characteristic of patients with dialysis for,m of CKD. Key words: cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease