bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paeonol Represses A549 Cell Glycolytic Reprogramming and Proliferation by Decreasing m6A Modification of Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Wu Lihua , Zhu Xiangrui , Mei Jian , Chen Yingli
Published: July 2023

Aberrant glycolytic reprogramming is involved in lung cancer progression by promoting the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Paeonol, as a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a critical role in multiple cancer cell proliferation and inflammation. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACADM) is involved in the development of metabolic diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is important for the regulation of messenger RNA stability, splicing, and translation. Here, we investigated whether paeonol regulates the proliferation and glycolytic reprogramming via ACADM with m6A modification in A549 cells (human non-small cell lung cancer cells). Cell counting kit 8, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, flow cytometry analysis, western blotting and seahorse XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer assays showed that paeonol had a significant inhibitory effect against A549 cell proliferation and glycolysis. Mechanistically, ACADM was a functional target of paeonol. We also showed that the m6A reader YTH domain containing 1 plays an important role in m6A-modified ACADM expression, which is negatively regulated by paeonol, and is involved in A549 cell proliferation and glycolytic reprogramming. These results indicated the central function of paeonol in regulating A549 cell glycolytic reprogramming and proliferation via m6A modification of ACADM.
Effect of Aging and Thermocycling on Flexural Strength of PEEK as a Provisional Restoration for Full Mouth Rehabilitation – An in Vitro Study
Authors: Priya Dhivya J , Lambodharan R , Balakrishnan Sivasaranya , Muthukumar R , Selvaraj Sabarinathan , Ramalingam Sridharan
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

To compare the flexural strength of autopolymerizing poly methyl methacrylate resins (PMMA) resin, CAD/CAM milled PMMA and CAD/CAM milled poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) when used as provisional restorative materials for long span situations in full mouth rehabilitation after aging and thermocycling.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty samples (25 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm) were fabricated using autopolymerizing PMMA resin (GROUP I), CAD/CAM milled PMMA (GROUP II) and PEEK (GROUP III). The groups were subdivided into A and B and subjected to 7 days of aging and 500 cycles of thermocycling (subgroup A) and 14 days of aging and 1000 cycles of thermocycling (subgroup B), respectively, and flexural strength was evaluated using a three-point bend test. The data were analyzed with student t test and pair-wise comparison of mean values was done by ANOVA.

Results:

The flexural strength of PEEK subjected to 7 days of aging and 500 cycles of thermocycling (III (A) - 6628.70 MPa) was the highest among all groups followed by PEEK subjected to 14 days of aging and 1000 cycles of thermocycling (III (B) - 3760.50 MPa).

Conclusion:

The mean flexural strength of PEEK was statistically significant than the other two materials tested and hence can be recommended for use as a provisional restorative material for long span situations in full mouth rehabilitation. However, the mean flexural strength of PEEK reduced approximately by 44% when subjected to further aging.
Development and Psychometric Validation of the Orthodontic Health Literacy Tool
Authors: Marella Yamuna , Chandu Viswa Chaitanya , Almalki Abdullah , Bommireddy Vikramsimha , Lanka Devikanth , Kandikatla Pradeep
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Over the past few years, there has been increasing emphasis on context-specific health literacy. However, no such context-specific psychometric tools are available with regard to oral health literacy. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an Orthodontic Health Literacy Tool (Orth-HLT).

Materials and Methods:

After development of initial item pool, the items were assessed for content validity. The final tool consisted of 22 items in the four domains of functional, communicative, critical orthodontic health literacy, and orthodontic knowledge. Orth-HLT was administered to a convenience sample of 642 subjects. The data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using IBM SPSS Version 20.0 software and IBM SPSS Amos 26.0, respectively. Pearson's correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were performed.

Results:

Orth-HLT demonstrated good face and content validity. The domain-specific internal consistency reliability values were optimal. Exploratory factor analysis on the items in all four domains resulted in a single factor solution. Four models were evaluated in the confirmatory factor analysis; the correlated factors model showed best model fit indices. Each domain of Orth-HLT showed moderate to strong positive correlation with Indian Oral Health Literacy Measure in Telugu indicating the convergent validity of the tool.

Conclusion:

Orth-HLT is the first context-specific oral health literacy tool and demonstrates strong psychometric properties, which could be used to evaluate orthodontic health literacy and articulate orthodontic health education materials in an informed manner.
An Insight Performance of Zirconia Implant Abutment
Authors: Thakare Vrushali , Chaware Sachin , Kakatkar Vinay , Darekar Abhishek
Published: July 2023

To determine the clinical performance of zirconia abutment (ZA) by comparing with a titanium abutment (TA) and sub-mucosal-modified zirconia abutment. A systematic search was conducted to retrieve eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from Medline, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A search was further divided in two parts. Part I comprises eligible RCTs between zirconia abutment and titanium abutment, and part II included RCTs of zirconia abutment with sub-mucosal modified, pink-veneered glass ceramic versus non-veneered zirconia abutment. Esthetic, biological, and abutment survival was a primary outcome, and technical complications were included as an additional outcome. Fifteen eligible RCTs (Part I: N = 9 and Part II: N = 6) were evaluated, and a total of 362 abutments in 364 subjects were analysed for outcome variables. A sub-group meta-analysis reported no significant difference for Esthetic outcome. However, the overall mean (p =0.03) was higher for zirconia group in those of thin gingival phenotype. Spectrophotometric evaluation of peri-implant mucosal Esthetic does not show any significant difference. Similarly, pink-veneered versus non-veneered group reported no significant difference for thin (<2 mm) and thick (>2 mm) mucosal attachment. Biological outcome does not show any significant difference for comparable groups in both parts. There is marginally lower abutment survival for internally connected zirconia abutment (ZA: 95.4% TA: 100%). Zirconia abutment exhibited excellent Esthetic compared to titanium abutment in those of thin gingival phenotype. Sub-mucosa veneering of zirconia abutment with pink glass ceramic does not show any favourable Esthetic outcome compared to the non-veneered surface.
Evaluation of Root Canal Cleaning Efficacy of Selfadjusting Files, Protaper Rotary, and Manual K-Files in Primary Teeth - An in Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Challagulla Anusha , Chandrappa Vinay , Akurathi Ratnaditya , Mrudula K J N , Vemagiri Charan Teja , Thote Kiranmayi
Published: July 2023

Background:

The success of pulpectomy depends on complete eradication of microbial load by cleaning and shaping the primary root canals that is difficult to achieve because of anatomical intricacy of primary pulp dentin complex. Numerous instruments were tried, however, they proved to be inadequate. Selfadjusting file (SAF) is a newer file system that facilitates less dentin removal with maximal cleansing of root canals.

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the in vitro root canal cleaning efficacy with SAF, Protaper Universal, and Hand K-files in primary teeth.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted primary anterior teeth were randomly divided into three groups by lottery method. Access cavity was prepared, the canals were enlarged up to 20 K file, and an Indian ink was injected into each canal. Then the Group I (n = 20) was treated with SAF, Group II (n = 20) with Rotary Protaper Universal and Group III (n = 20) with Hand K-files and the root canal cleaning efficacy was evaluated based on the amount of Indian ink remaining in the canal walls under stereomicroscopy. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis one way ANOVA test and post hoc Tuckey test for intragroup and intergroup comparison, respectively.

Results:

A statistically highly significant difference was observed with SAF (mean = 1.5), Protaper (mean = 2.5), and Hand K-files (mean = 2.9). However, there was no significant difference in root canal cleaning efficacy with Protaper Universal and Hand K-files.

Conclusion:

The SAFs had shown superior cleaning efficacy compared with rotary Protaper Universal and manual K files.
Comparison of Fracture Resistance of Simulated Immature Teeth Using Four Different Commercially Available Apexification Materials - An in Vitro Study
Authors: Zanjad Supriya R. , Justin Robert M. , Patil Pranjali N. , Sarda Aditi S. , Srivastava Himanshu M. , Darade Lalit D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth using four different apical plug materials, i.e. Pro- Root MTA, Neo- MTA Plus, Biodentine, and Bioactive Glass.

Materials and Methods:

80 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided into 4 groups for this study. They were prepared using Peeso reamers to simulate immature teeth and to mimic Cvek's stage 3 of root development. A 5 mm apical barrier was placed using different materials. The remaining canal was obturated using gutta-percha and AH plus sealer. The final samples were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 4 weeks. Fracture resistance of the teeth was measured in Newtons using a universal testing machine. The comparison of fracture resistance between the four groups was done using Kruskal Walis ANOVA followed by post hoc Mann Whitney U test for pairwise comparison.

Results:

Biodentine group showed the highest fracture resistance as compared to the other three groups and the difference was highly significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Biodentine can be advocated over MTA as an effective material for the management of teeth with wide open apex. Bioactive glass also has shown promising results in increasing the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.
Knowledge, attitude, and awareness of tooth stem cell banking among dentists
Authors: Fathima I. Afreen , Rohini S. , Aparna S , Kumar P. D. Madan
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

In the rural population of South India, tooth loss affects 48.7% of people. In addition, there are now more patients with more than five congenitally missing adult teeth. This may cause a person’s quality of life to decline and cause them to experience both physical and psychological discomfort.

Materials and Methods:

The current cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of month using a questionnaire-based survey (February 2022). Using G-POWER software version 3.1, the minimum sample size was calculated as 100 people, considering a study with an 80% power and a = 0.5.

Results:

Around 59.6% have answered right when asked about the source of dental stem cells (DSCs). 13.5 percentage have no idea about sourcing of stem cells, 6.7% state dental pulp stem cell, a very small population state periodontal tissue to be the source, while a minor group state it to be from apical papilla, <1% have no idea.

Conclusion:

Data of this study indicate that although there is typically good awareness regarding DSCs origins, uses, and clinical research best practises, there is not a comprehensive comprehension of these topics. The respondents have shown a quite favorable attitude toward improving their understanding of DSCs.
Prevalence and pattern of approximal caries among Nigerian adults in a teaching hospital
Authors: Ekaniyere Edetanlen Benlance , Didi Blessing Oluchi , Lawani Ufadime , Akpata Osagie
Published: July 2023

Background:

The prevalence and pattern of presentation of approximal dental caries are yet to be well-characterized worldwide due to its visual diagnostic challenges.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of approximal caries in Nigerian adult patients in a teaching hospital.

Methods:

This was a prospective cross-sectional study on patients that underwent simple teeth extractions following dental caries of the posterior teeth from April 2021 to May 2022. Data collected comprise age of patients, gender, level of education, jaw involved, side of the jaw, teeth involved, and surface of teeth. The diagnoses of approximal caries were made from intraoral plain radiographs. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed. All the data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 146 patients were diagnosed with approximal caries of the 1143 patients that had simple teeth extraction following dental caries given a prevalence of 12.8%. The mean age of the patient was 39.8 ± 16.0 years. There were more 65.8% females. The majority (83.6%) of the patients that had approximal caries had tertiary level of education. More than two-third (83.6%) of the patients had approximal caries in the maxillary jaws. The highest (43.8%) proportion of the second premolars was affected more and this was followed (24.7%) by first premolars and least (6.8%) proportion was on second molars. More than half (64.4%) of the approximal caries were located on the distal surfaces of the posterior teeth.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of approximal caries was relatively high among Nigerian adult patients. It is higher on the distal surface of maxillary premolars of the female patients that had tertiary level of education.
Impact of T-Cell Engagers on COVID-19–Related Mortality in B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Receiving B-Cell Depleting Therapy
Authors: Lee Chan Mi , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kang Chang Kyung , Jo Hyeon Jae , Kim Nam Joong , Yoon Sung-Soo , Kim Tae Min , Park Wan Beom , Oh Myoung-don
Published: July 2023

Purpose B-cell depleting therapies, including T-cell engager (TCE), are increasingly used for patients with hematologic malignancies, including during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between TCE therapy and COVID-19–related outcomes among patients with COVID-19 and B-cell lymphomas receiving B-cell depleting therapy.Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with B-cell lymphoma, who were admitted to Seoul Natio-nal University Hospital with COVID-19 between September 2021 and February 2023, and received B-cell depleting therapy before COVID-19 diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with severe to critical COVID-19 and COVID-19–related mortality.Results Of 54 patients with B-cell lymphomas and COVID-19 who received B-cell depleting therapy, 14 were treated with TCE (TCE group) and 40 with rituximab (RTX group). COVID-19–related mortality was higher in the TCE group than in the RTX group (57.1% vs. 12.5%, p=0.002). In multivariable analyses, TCE therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 38.76; p=0.024) and older age (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13; p=0.035) were associated with severe to critical COVID-19. TCE therapy (aOR, 8.98; 95% CI, 1.48 to 54.40; p=0.017), older age (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.022), and prior bendamustine therapy (aOR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.17 to 51.65; p=0.034) were independent risk factors for COVID-19–related mortality.Conclusion B-cell lymphoma patients treated with TCE had significantly worse outcomes from COVID-19 than those treated with RTX. TCE therapy should be used with caution in B-cell lymphoma patients during the COVID-19 epidemic.
El ambiente lumínico y su influencia sobre tipos funcionales de plantas y producción en pastizales naturales
Authors: Silveira D. , García Favre J. , Cadenazzi M. , Nabinger C. , Boggiano P.
Published: July 2023

Es importante estudiar la adaptación de los pastizales naturales a diferentes niveles de sombra, ya que los sistemas silvopastoriles brindan muchos servicios ecosistémicos y beneficios de producción. Con el objetivo de analizar el efecto de la sombra artificial sobre la producción, distribución estacional de forraje de pastizales y composición botánica a través de grupos funcionales se condujo un experimento durante tres años (desde marzo del 2019 hasta abril del 2022) en un pastizal natural de la zona noreste del Uruguay. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron: campo natural (CN) a pleno sol, CN con 35% de intercepción de la radiación solar (IRS), CN con 50% IRS, CN con 65% IRS y CN con 80% IRS. Se evaluó los tipos funcionales de plantas a través de años y estaciones, la producción de biomasa estacional y total acumulada. La composición en verano y otoño tendió a homogeneizarse con los años asociándose a gramíneas perennes estivales, independiente del nivel de intercepción de la radiación solar. En invierno y primavera la cobertura evolucionó hacia una mayor asociación con gramíneas perennes invernales, gramíneas anuales invernales y Cyperáceas+Juncáceas+Liliáceas en los niveles de mayor sombramiento. El incremento de los niveles de intercepción de la radiación solar aumentó la producción del campo natural. El efecto de la sombra a través del tiempo determinó respuestas estacionales diferentes en la producción de biomasa y composición de tipos funcionales de plantas.
Cambio climático, gestión territorial y gestión del riesgo de desastres
Authors: Menjívar Recinos Luis Eduardo
Published: July 2023

La investigación se desarrolló en el contexto de la gestión del riesgo de desastres y los efectos esperados del cambio climático global, con el objetivo de evidenciar que en las evaluaciones de riesgo de desastre deben incluirse las condiciones futuras del clima, ya sea como aporte a la gestión del territorio en las etapas de planificación o en los procesos de reducción del riesgo de desastre. Para ello, con base en la revisión bibliográfica realizada, se detallaron con cifras los daños ocasionados por los desastres en las últimas décadas y su relación con el crecimiento urbano y la planificación territorial. La ausencia de esta por muchos años, principalmente durante la expansión de las ciudades, aumentó la exposición a diferentes amenazas naturales. También, se abordaron los diferentes efectos del cambio climático a largo plazo y su relación con los componentes que se interceptan para la estimación del riesgo de desastre. Como resultado se identificaron los indicadores utilizados con mayor frecuencia en la evaluación del cambio climático, lo que puede contribuir a transitar de manera más acertada por las diferentes etapas de dicho proceso.
Performance Evaluation of an Automatic Tomato Paste-Making Machine
Authors: Olanrewaju Taofiq O. , Durojaiye Luqman O. , Wobo Idongesit G. , Abudu Suleiman
Published: July 2023

Tomato is a highly perishable fruits that deteriorates faster, hence, the need for immediate processing. Tomato paste is a common processed products mostly done manually that involves drudgery. To reduce drudgery and realize a quality tomato paste, an automatic tomato paste-making machine was developed and evaluated for its performance. The major performance evaluated was the sensory evaluation of the processed tomato paste. The machine was developed from stainless steels and PVC pipes that are non-contaminating local materials. The automatic electronic components were developed by soldering of Integrated Circuits, timers, relays, diodes, thermostats, blenders, heaters and plug in conformity with the designed circuit diagram. The machine was evaluated by running it with no load and when fed with 3 kg tomato fruits at varying steaming and blending times of 3, 4, 6 and 4, 6 and 10 minutes respectively. The sensory evaluation was then conducted through subjective evaluation of a 5-man taste panel employed to evaluate 45 samples of tomato pastes based on their homogeneity and smoothness/coarseness. Results revealed that the automatic components of the machine work satisfactorily to its design purpose. The best tomato pastes certified as extremely good by the panelists were produced at higher steaming time of 6 minutes and blending time of 4, 6 and 10 minutes. It was established that there was correlation of taste quality of tomato with steaming time and as well entwine with the blending time. As the steam time increases, blending becomes easier and quality of paste was also observed to improve.
Development of a Peak Flow Meter to Remotely Monitor Asthmatic Patients in Emergency Cases
Authors: Elesemoyo Isaac O. , Ogunniyi Julius O. , Oyewole Oyeyemi T. , Olowu Adekemi J. , Owodolu Opeyemi
Published: July 2023

There have been peak flow meter systems for monitoring asthma patients, however, there is a need to remotely carry out this monitoring to help the patients in case of emergency. This paper presents a mobile health device for tracking asthmatic patient locations during emergencies.  The system design consists of nodeMCU microcontroller, MPX5010DP pressure sensor, and a power pack system. The system makes use of the following technologies; Wi-Fi, GPS, Google Maps, and SMS for communication of signals and messages between the user’s device and devices of other components of the system.  The system allows the involvement of the patient’s next of kin and emergency personnel in the monitoring and tracking of asthmatic patients during emergencies. The C programming language was used to write code for the microcontroller, while the mobile application of the system was done using the Dart programming language. The expiratory flow rate value was used to measure the performance of the system.  A prototype of the system was successfully developed, and tested. The system works as expected, with each component responding well to signals received. This system can be used to monitor asthmatic patients, especially during health emergency conditions.
Development of Predictive Models for Estimating Female Students’ Dimensions Essential for Classroom Furniture Production
Authors: Oladapo Samuel O. , Akanbi Olusegun G.
Published: July 2023

Creating anthropometric databases require considerable resources like workforce, equipment and funds and thus, the design of classroom furniture (CF) is typically not based on anthropometric principles. This study addresses this challenge by developing models for predicting several female students’ dimensions essential for optimal CF production in secondary schools. An aggregate of 240 students participated in the study and brute-force search technique implemented in ANFIS was employed to select the two most influential of the five input measurements. Regression analyses were employed in modelling the anthropometric data obtained. Out of the 18 developed models, 8 were quadratic while 5 each exhibited two factors interactions [  and linear relationships [ . Adjusted R2 values obtained ranged from 0.902-0.999, 0.876-0.997, 0.881-0.999, 0.993-0.998, 0.950-0.999 and 0.983-0.995 for KH (Knee Height), EH, P, SHH (Shoulder Height), PBL and HW (Hip Width) respectively. The ANOVA results show that the models satisfactorily predicted the needed dimensions for optimal production of CF.
Thermodynamic Parameters: An Alternative Determinant for Viral Infection Diagnosis
Authors: Iweriolor Sunday , Festus Isaac O. , Iweriolor Sandra N.
Published: July 2023

Viral particles and its mechanism of interaction in contact with human blood cells were studied. Thermo-energetic concept was employed to analyze the evidences such as viral loads, increase in CD4 count caused by the administered drugs interfering in the binding process between the virus and blood cells as adopted in the medical field to establish patient’s response to drug treatment. Glycerin was used as the probe liquid and was dropped at the surface of the prepared slides. It was observed that the contacted angles of infected cells (63.4o) were lowered upon the administration of the antiretroviral drugs.  Ritonavir reduced the contact angle to 56.6 ±5.25 o,Lamiduvine lowered it to 56.5±3.3o,Didanosine gave a contact angle of 56.8±3.03owhile Azidothymidine were able to lower the contact angle of infected blood samples to 56.3±4.32o.The surface energy was decreased owing to viral activities in the blood cells from 44.35±1.90 mJ/m2 for the uninfected blood sample to33.54±2.31 mJ/m2 when the sample got infected. The administered drugs were able to increase the surface energies of the treated cells from 38mJ/m2 to 40 mJ/m2as against the surface energy of infected which was between 31 mJ/m2 to 39 mJ/m2.Energy of adhesion was increased by the viral-blood interactions from -12.99±1.75 mJ/m2 for the uninfected blood sample to -23.22±2.22 mJ/m2 for the infected sample. The treatments given recorded the energy of adhesion to a range from -18.34 mJ/m2 to -18.75 mJ/m2which still falls a little lower than that of the infected without treatment(-23.222mJ/m2). The inability of the drugs administered to revert the negative signs of adhesion energy in the treated samples signifies bonding between the virus and the blood cells. Design expert software was employed to generate mathematical model that accurately predict the variables in the interacting medium for the infected blood sample.
Development of a Sustainable Automated Hand Washing System with an Installed Water Recycling Device
Authors: Bello Kazeem A. , Ayeye Thomas O. , Bolaji Bukola O. , Omoyi Cordelia O.
Published: July 2023

— Hand washing has become a new normal in our society to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. As a result of the need to comply with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on hand washing to reduce the risk of infection transmission, an automated hand washing system with an installed water recycling device was developed. The integration of recycling water ensures effective energy resource management and reduces environmental pollution. The conceptual architectural design of the automated hand washing machine was established using AutoCAD software and the Arduino microcontroller panel. The operation of the hand washing systems consists of assembling relevant sensors to automate the liquid soap, water, hand dryer and sanitiser dispenser. A filtration reactor was used to convert the wastewater to clean water. The clean water is then pumped to the overhead tank by a submersible pump inside the lower tank for reuse. The water treatment was achieved by adding 5g of aqueous  and  into 1000g of used water. The water samples were then analysed in the laboratory to ascertain their purity, and results were obtained. The purification of the recycled water ranges from 82% to 83%, and the salvage volume of the recovered clean water is 80%. The microcontroller was successful in coordinating the various activities of the automated system. The automatic washing machine will reduce water waste, eliminate environmental pollution and curb disease transmission.
Biochemical and Histopathological Effects of Exposure to Diesel Fumes on Vital Organs of Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)
Authors: Okoh Hilary I. , Odoh Ikenna M. , Ahmed Jamila , Adewemimo Tolulope , Nwana Aaron O. , Akano Olalekan A.
Published: July 2023

Diesel is a volatile petrochemical product and exposure to diesel fumes may be harmful to normal body physiology by increasing serum lipid peroxidation, creatine, and PCV levels. In this study, the effect of diesel fumes inhalation on Wistar rats was assessed. Twenty Wistar rats were clustered into 4 groups (A, B, C, and D) each containing 5 rats after acclimatisation for 2 weeks. Groups B, C, and D were exposed to diesel fumes for 1, 3, and 6 hours per day, five times a week for 8 weeks respectively, while rats in group A served as unexposed control. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from rats in each group and haematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed using automated hematological and chemical analyzers respectively. Histopathological analyses of the kidney, liver, and lungs were done following tissue sectioning and staining. There was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the packed cell volume and leucocytes of rats exposed to diesel fumes as compared to the control. Exposure to diesel fumes also caused elevated levels of the liver and kidney biomarkers. Histopathological studies showed diffuse tubular degeneration and congestion of the renal cortex; mild portal congestion and periportal connective tissues in the liver and mild congestion at the pulmonary interstitium in the lungs. The results from this study highlights the negative effects of exposure to diesel fumes and the need for safer alternatives like solar energy for power generation.
A Fuzzy K-Nearest Neighbour-based Model for detecting Lameness in Cattle
Authors: Adanigbo Opeyemi O. , Oyewole Oyeyemi T.
Published: July 2023

In Africa, cattle are reared for meat and milk production and lameness is considered a major problem in modern dairy farming. Several studies have attempted to explicate automatic lameness detection systems using different techniques. However, these detection techniques are easily impacted by the physiological attributes of individual cows, ensuing in imprecise lameness detection. Consequently, this study presents a description and assessment of the performance of a fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN)-based classification system for automatic lameness detection from sensor data with a view to improving cattle lameness detection accuracy by reducing the rates of false-positive alerts. In order to further improve the model detection accuracy, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in projecting the features on to a lower dimension on which the optimal FKNN model was formulated. The proposed system was tested using Classification Accuracy(Acc), sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve (AUC) as performance metrics.
Comparative Assessment of Two Estimates of the Bernoulli Distribution Parameters in the Analysis of Short-Term Rainfall Intensity
Authors: Asani Morufu A. , Oke Adesola I.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an application of the maximum likelihood method and the Bernoulli distribution of selected rainfall intensity data. The parameter of the density of Bernoulli distribution was estimated by the maximum likelihood method (MLM), and Microsoft Excel Solver (MES). The calculated probabilities using the estimated parameter were evaluated statistically (analysis of variance (ANOVA), relative error, model of' selection criterion (MSC), Coefficient of Determination (CD) and Correlation coefficient (R). The study revealed that the Bernoulli probability distribution’s parameter (p) is the mean of the natural logarithm of rainfall intensity using the MLM estimator. The parameter were 0.665 and 0.535 for Makurdi, 0.695 and 0.478 for Abeokuta using MLM and MES, respectively. The relative errors were 0.479 and 0.743, and 1.141 and 1.509 for Makurdi and Abeokuta using MLM and MES, respectively. The correlation coefficient for Makurdi and Abeokuta using MLM and MES were 0.876 and 0.800, and 0.269 and 0.341, respectively. It was concluded that the MLM parameter was better than MES based on the values of MSC, CD, relative error and R. MLM predicted Weibull probability of rainfall intensity better than MES. There is a need to evaluate MLM and other probability distributions
Tri-Hybrid Naive Bayes Classification Model for Early Cardiovascular Disease Detection
Authors: Umar Zulkiflu , Gabi Danlami , Ibrahim Nurudeen M.
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular disease is a major global health problem affecting people around the globe. Although modern medicine has contributed in providing significant data to help mitigate cardiovascular disease, however, there is still needs to provide an ideal solution that will help in detecting early cardiovascular diseases. As a result, existing researchers have proposed several hybrid cardiovascular disease detection techniques using both machine learning and deep learning approaches. However, most solution requires improvement especially in term of accuracy detection. In this paper, a tri-hybrid Naïve Bayes classification algorithm for accuracy prediction of early cardiovascular disease detection is developed. In the developed algorithm, the strength of the conventional Naïve Bayes classification algorithm is improved with that of decision tree approach to achieve better accuracy. To further enhance its accuracy, Neural Network (NN) procedure is later incorporated into the improved Naïve Bayes classification algorithm. Implementation of the developed tri-hybrid algorithm is carried out on Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) and evaluated using dataset from the kaggle website that contain instances of 1025 and 14 attributes. Experimental results based on confusion matrix for performance evaluation indicates the developed tri-hybrid Naïve Bayes algorithm has achieved high classification accuracy and recall rates of 98.54 and 99% respectively when compared with that of the benchmarked schemes. The performance of the proposed solution deployed can help cardiologist make better prediction in the diagnosis of the heart disease. Although several machine learning algorithms as seen in the literatures are trained on historical data, these algorithms may not be able to accurately predict the risk of heart disease in patients who are exposed to new or emerging risk factors.  Further research is to experiments a wider range of algorithms with a build in model that can detect early cardiovascular diseases as well improve accuracy.
Fer-COCL: A Novel Method Based on Multiple Deep Learning Algorithms for Identifying Fertility-Related Proteins
Authors:   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi’an, China, Zhang Shengli , Li Xinjie ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi’an, China, Shi Hongyan ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi’an, China, Jing Yuanyuan ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi’an, China, Liang Yunyun ,   School of Science, Xi’an Polytechnic University, Xi’an, China, Zhang Yusen ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University, Weihai, China
Published: July 2023

The survival of species depends on the fertility of organisms. It is also worthwhile to study the proteins that can regulate the reproductive activity of organisms. Since biological experiments are laborious to confirm proteins, it has become a priority that develop relevant computational models to predict the function of fertility-related proteins. With the development of machine learning, pertinent various algorithms can be the key to identifying fertility-related proteins. In this work, we develop a model Fer-COCL based on deep learning. The model consists of multiple features as well as multiple deep learning algorithms. First, we extract features using Amino acid composition (AAC), Dipeptide composition (DPC), CTD transition (CTDT) and deviation between the dipeptide and the expected mean (DDE). After that, the spliced features are fed into the classifier. The data processed jointly by convolutional neural network and long short-term memory is input to the fully connected layer for classification. After evaluating the model using 10-fold cross-validation, the accuracy of the two data sets reaches 97.1% and 98.3%, respectively. The results indicate that the model is efficient and accurate, facilitating biologists' research on biological fertility. In addition, a free online tool for predicting the function of fertility-related proteins is available at http://fercocl.zhanglab.site/.
Qualitative Analysis of the Minimal Higgins Model of Glycolysis
Authors:   Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Slovenia, Ferčec Brigita , Mencinger Matej ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Slovenia, Petek Tatjana ,   Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics, Slovenia, Aybar Orhan Ozgur ,   Piri Reis University, Turkey, Aybar Ilknur Kusbeyzi ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yeditepe University, Turkey
Published: July 2023

Glycolysis, one of the leading metabolic pathways, involves many different periodic oscillations emerging at positive steady states of the biochemical models describing this essential process. One of the models employing the molecular diffusion of intermediates is the Higgins biochemical model to explain sustained oscillations. In this paper, we investigate the center-focus problem for the minimal Higgins model for general values of the model parameters with the help of computational algebra. We demonstrate that the model always has a stable focus point by finding a general form of the first Lyapunov number. Then, varying two of the model parameters, we obtain the first three coefficients of the period function for the stable focus point of the model and prove that the singular point is actually a bi-weak monodromic equilibrium point of type [1, 2]. Additionally, we prove that there are two (small) intervals for a chosen parameter a > 0 for which one critical period bifurcates from this singular point after small perturbations
PRIMENA BALANCED SCORECARD MODELA U BANKARSKOM POSLOVANjU
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Palević Milan
Published: July 2023

The process of market globalization has reduced the importance of national borders and enabled banks to internationalize their operations. When performing on the foreign market, the management of the bank faces certain changes, because the domestic and foreign markets are significantly different in terms of cultural characteristics, economy systems and legal regulations. It is necessary for the bank’s management to implement a model that includes tangible and intangible assets, in order to apply an integrative and holistic approach and to look at the bank’s operations in a comprehensive way. The Balanced Scorecard model represents a modern control mechanism and consists of four perspectives: the financial perspective, the customer perspective, the perspective of internal business processes and the learning and growth perspective. Each perspective contains a large number of business indicators, which help the bank’s management when formulating and implementing a business strategy, which should enable successful and profitable business. The aim of the paper is to define and list the most significant features of the Balanced Scorecard model, as well as to connect the perspective of learning and growth with the financial perspective, where the impact of the skills and competencies of employees, represented by the intellectual capital (VAIC) and the bank’s human capital (HCE) on some of the most important financial indicators, the rate of return on total invested assets (ROA) and the rate of return on total invested capital (ROE). Also, the emphasis will be on connecting the perspective of internal business processes with the perspective of customers, and for these purposes, and empirical survey was conducted using the survey method on the territory of the Republic of Serbia. A total of 218 respondents who are clients of certain banks took part in the survey and based on their answers, it is determined which are the most important determinants of electronic banking that affect client satisfaction. Due to the Ukrainian crisis, social unrest and instability of the financial market, the Balanced Scorecard model can be good solution for controlling the operations of banks, while due to the Covid-19 virus pandemic, electronic banking is gaining importance because it allows performing electronic transactions from home. Based on the above, the research takes into account current global developments and offers important practical implications for banking service providers.
CENTRALNA BANKA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI I U NEKIM UPOREDNIM PRAVIMA SA POSEBNIM POGLEDOM NA CENTRALNE BANKE ČLANICA EU I EVROPSKE CENTRALNE BANKE
Authors:   Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia, Milosavljević Nikov Jelena
Published: July 2023

The paper examines the Central Bank, first of all, its definition and conceptual definition, the tasks it performs, the bank's bodies, as well as the moment of acquiring its legal capacity, on the example of the National Bank of Serbia, the Central Bank of Switzerland, Slovenia and several other national banks. During the research, the normative method was used, by critically analyzing legal and by-laws relating to the central bank, and to a lesser extent, the comparative method. At the end of the paper, an appropriate conclusion was given, in which the common characteristics of all the central banks that were analyzed in the paper are shown, as well as their actions and the importance they have in the legal and economic system of their countries.
NESRETAN SLUČAJ U SPORTU – OD ANTIČKE GRČKE DO SUVREMENOG UGOVORA O OSIGURANjU SPORTAŠA
Authors:   Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka, Croatia, Bartulović Željko , Vojković Hrvoje ,   Gras Savoye Croatia d.d., Willis Towers Watson Group
Published: July 2023

In the first part of this paper, the authors deal with a preserved ancient source about an unfortunate case in sports in Antiphon's Second Tetralogy as proof of the existence mutual point of legal considerations and sport at that time. The question arises of the non/responsibility of an athlete who caused the death of another athlete on the practice field. In the second part of the paper, the contemporary insurance of athletes due to the consequences of an accident is analyzed, the obligation and voluntariness of insurance, the rights and obligations of the contracting parties, the characteristics of the insurance contract, the conclusion of the contract, insurable interest, risk, etc.
Hastane Dışı Acil Sağlık Personeline Yönelik Acil Obstetrik ve Yenidoğan Bakım (AOYB) Eğitim Programının Etkinliğinin Değerlendirilmesi: Ön Test ve Son Test Çalışması
Authors: AKGÜN Nilufer , YILMAZ ERGANİ Seval , ÇIKRIKÇI IŞIK Gülşah , USUL Eren , USTUN Yaprak
Published: July 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Acil Obstetrik ve Yenidoğan Bakımı (AOYB) konularında hastane dışı acil sağlık profesyonellerinin bilgi düzeylerinin ölçülmesi ve verilen eğitimin teorik bilgiye katkısını değerlendirmek amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç: 92 hastane dışı acil sağlık profesyonelinin yaş, cinsiyet, mesleki deneyimleri, hastane öncesi ortamda doğum veya obstetrik komplikasyonlarla karşılaşma sıklığı ve obstetrik aciller ile ilgili çoktan seçmeli sorulardan oluşan ön test uygulanmıştır. Üç gün süren teorik ve pratik eğitimin ardından aynı sorular son test olarak tekrar uygulanmıştır. Ön test ve son test puanları arasındaki farkları analiz etmek için Wilcoxon işaretli sıra testi kullanıldı. p < 0.05 değerleri istatistiksel olarak anlamlı kabul edildi.

Bulgular: Katılımcıların %52.2 (n=48)’i kadın, %47.8 (n=44)’ü erkek idi. Yaş ortalaması 35,97 ± 6,62 idi. Paramedikler % 52 (n=48) kişi ile popülasyonun en kalabalık grubunu oluşturdu. Katılımcıların meslekteki çalışma deneyimleri ortalama 14,8 ± 6,22 yıl idi. Hastane dışı ortamda doğum veya obstetrik komplikasyonlarla karşılaşma sıklığı katılımcılar arasında %52.2’idi. Katılımcıların % 79.3 (n =73)’ü kendini obsterik aciller ve doğum konusunda yetersiz hissetmekte olup %65.2 ( n=60)’ı bu konuda lisansüstü eğitim almamıştı. Kadın katılımcılar pre-testte istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde erkeklerden daha başarılı iken (p= .878), post-testte sorulara doğru cevap verme oranında cinsiyetler arasında farklılık saptanmadı (p=1.00). AOYB bilgi sorularına genel test puanlarının karşılaştırıldığında ise eğitim sonunda katılımcılar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde daha başarılı olduğu saptandı (p< 0,001).

Sonuç: AOYB eğitim programı ile ölçülebilir bir gelişme saptandı (p < 0,001). Maternal ve neonatal morbidite ve mortaliteyi azaltmak için eğitim kursları, kanıta dayalı bakım ihtiyacı konusunda artan farkındalık ve ekip çalışmasını teşviki, AOYB konusundaki bilgi düzeylerinin güncellenmesi önerilir.
NEURAL NETWORK SIGNAL PROCESSING: THE TASKS WITHOUT “DEEP LEARNING”
Authors: Slavutskii Leonid A. , Slavutskaya Elena V.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the possibility of using artificial neural networks for electrical signals processing. Methods. The application of a multilayer perceptron for these purposes as the simplest neural feed forward network is considered. Its difference as the basis of neural network algorithms is that when analyzing dynamic processes, signal processing should be carried out in a “sliding time window”. Results. It is shown that neural network processing makes it possible to approximate the shape of the signal with high accuracy and determine its parameters in real time. Using the example of periodic signals and transients in electrical circuits, accuracy assessments are made and the features of neural network processing are analyzed. The necessary sizes of the training sample of signals and the level of errors that occur when testing a neural network are discussed. Estimates of the required signal sampling frequency, the “sliding window” duration and the variation range of signal parameters when creating a training sample are given. Conclusions. It is shown that the proposed approach does not require “deep learning” of neural networks with complex architecture. It enables to create a signals training sample based on simple analytical formulas and to control the neural network algorithm quality at intermediate stages of calculations.