bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEMATICS OF LGBT ACCORDING TO MAQASID AL-SYARIAH WITH HIFDZ NASHL
Authors: Indah  , Nafiah  , Almas Syafa  , Siti Fatmala  , Musyaffa Amin Ash Shabah
Published: November 2023

This research reviews LGBT issues which are increasingly being discussed because everything seems to be something normal. This is due to the increasing access to globalization, reaching 8,013 cases in Bogor district where LGBT marriages are taking place. Thus this study analyzes the problems related to LGBT marriage to hifdz nashl. This research also uses qualitative methods with literature review, is library research which is literature review research by collecting various sources from both primary and secondary sources and uses library research methodology in analyzing secondary legal materials in the form of reading, analyzing, and collecting data from library research The results of the research are related to Islamic views which include the Qur'an and hadith as well as the consensus of the scholars who say that marriage is an act that is unlawful because of the impact of the LGBT community. In this case, the problems of LGBT marriages can have a major impact on hifdz nashl, as well as discussing how marriage in Islam should be carried out by a man and a woman and perform consent qobul between the man and the marriage guardian with two witnesses. So, when a man marries a man or vice versa it will be equated with adultery which is unlawful.
PUNISHMENTS FOR INTELLECTUAL ACTORS IN THE CRIME OF MURDER: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAMIC LAW AND POSITIVE LAW IN INDONESIA
Authors: Ma'as Muhammad Hanifan Musliman , Widigdo Mohammad Syifa Amin
Published: November 2023

The involvement of intellectual actors in criminal cases generally goes unpunished and does not receive much attention in academic studies. Positive law in Indonesia and Islamic law have clear provisions regarding punishment for criminal acts committed by intellectual actors, especially in cases of murder. Therefore, the article aims to understand the position of intellectual actors in murder cases in Islamic law and positive law. In Islamic law, the intellectual actor could receive the death penalty. Similarly, in the positive law,  the death penalty could also be applied to the intellectual actor of murder cases. This case of murder provides an important illustration of how Islamic law is, to a certain extent, accommodated in positive law in Indonesia. By examining primary and secondary sources on the issue of these intellectual actors in Islamic law (fiqh literature) and positive law (Kitab Undang-undang Hukum Pidana, KUHP), this article comparatively discusses the similarities and differences between Islamic law and positive law in providing legal opinion for intellectual actors in murder cases.
ANALYSIS OF PURCHASE INTENTION WITH ATTITUDE TOWARD HALAL PRODUCTS AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE IN THE INDONESIAN ICE CREAM INDUSTRY
Authors: Sumantri Dadan , Sakti Intan Widura , Gustiana Iyan
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed most industries, especially the food and beverage sector, where if companies are not careful, they can face mass layoffs and even bankruptcy and company closure due to the pandemic. One affected food and beverage industry is dairy food, namely the ice cream industry. The ice cream industry has been devastated by COVID-19 as industry experts believe that in addition to lockdown restrictions, sales of ice cream are affected by fears or misconceptions that ice cream makes a person vulnerable to COVID-19. To increase consumer buying interest, the Indonesian government created a program to help entrepreneurs get halal certificates more quickly and for free. Numerous research studies have examined consumer attitudes toward halal products because they positively influence their intention to purchase a product to determine whether these halal certifiers can boost purchase intention and attitudes toward them. After all, they positively influence their product buying to determine whether these halal certifiers can encourage purchase intention. The method used in this research is a quantitative approach, using a survey as the data collection method. The respondents of this study are 200. In this study it was successful in stating that the attitude toward halal products can influence purchase intention. In addition, attitude toward the halal product is significantly influenced by halal knowledge and brand trust, not by religiosity factors
THE INFLUENCE OF ZAKAT LITERACY AND TRUST ON DECISIONS AND AWARENESS OF PAYING ZAKAT THROUGH AMIL ZAKAT INSTITUTIONS USING THE SEM-PLS METHOD
Authors: Zuhri Muhammad , Sholahuddin Muhammad , Nasir Moechammad
Published: November 2023

This research aims to determine the influence of Zakat literacy and trust in its influence on decisions and awareness in paying zakat through zakat amil institutions. The type of research is quantitative. The data collection uses survey methods, and data analysis is based on primary data obtained from the questionnaires distributed regarding the influence of Zakat literacy and trust on people's decisions in paying zakat through zakat amil institutions mediated by awareness and techniques. The sampling uses purposive sampling. The sample in this study consisted of 141 district residents of Sukoharjo who have made or are currently paying zakat through amil zakat institutions and must be at least 25 years old. The data analysis technique uses SEM PLS analysis and is analyzed using SmartPLS software, and descriptive analysis is carried out on the test result data. The results of hypothesis testing show that zakat literacy significantly affects decisions with a p-value of 0.034, trust significantly affects decisions with a p-value of 0.011, and awareness significantly affects decisions with a p-value of 0.035. Then, zakat literacy obtained a p-value of 0.000, and a p-value of trust obtained 0.000, where these two variables significantly influence awareness. Zakat literacy and trust do not significantly influence the decision to pay zakat through awareness, with a p-value for zakat literacy of 0.064 and 0.080 for trust.
THE INFLUENCE OF GIVING LIME (Citrus Aurantifolia) WITH FE TABLETS TO INCREASE HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AMONG THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF ANEMIA PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Rahmawati Eva Silviana , Cholilla Nur , Nuraini Nanik , Susanti Retno
Published: November 2023

Background: Problems caused by anemia in pregnancy range from mild complaints to severe complications. To prevent anemia, every pregnant woman is expected to get iron tablets at least 90 tablets during pregnancy to increase hemoglobin. Lime contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin C helps iron absorption by up to 30%. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of providing lime juice assistance along with Fe tablets to increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with anemia in the third trimester. Method: The study design was a pre-post control group design. The population in this study were all 36 pregnant women with anemia in the third trimester at the Soko Community Health Center, using random sampling technique. The sample size is 32 respondens divided into two group. The treatment group given Fe tablets and lime for 14 days, and statistical analysis using Wilcoxon test. Result: The results of the study using SPSS for windows with a significance level of α = 0.005 obtained a value of p = 0.04 which was proven to be 0.031 <0.05, so H1 is accepted meaning there is an influence. Conclusion : There is an effect of providing lime juice accompaniment along with Fe tablets on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with anemia in the third trimester. For future researchers, this research can continue to be developed to create a product of economic value that can be utilized by the community
CORRELATION BETWEEN LBW HISTORY AND STUNTING INCIDENCE: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ramadhan Sherina , Amalia Rize Budi , Sudaryanti Lestari
Published: November 2023

Background: Indonesia is facing a significant nutrition problem characterized by a high prevalence of undernutrition cases. Malnutrition is a consequence of poor nutritional status. Stunting is one form of malnutrition associated with a history of inadequate nutrient intake, making it a chronic nutritional problem. One potential factor affecting child growth is a history of low birth weight (LBW). The study aims to analyze the correlation between a history of LBW (Low Birth Weight) and the occurrence of stunting. Method: This research used a literature review study design, using secondary data sourced from electronic databases, consisting of 111 Pubmed articles, 518 Google Scholar articles, and 138 Science Direct articles. Article searches were conducted using keywords related to low birth weight for gestational age, stunting, and children, resulting in 15 relevant articles. The searches using these keywords are limited ( the last 10 years) and then screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: Twelve of fifteen pieces of literature reinforce each other by finding low birth weight has a correlation with the occurrence of stunting. While some studies have confirmed a significant correlation between LBW and stunting, other studies have not found any such link. This suggests that the relationship between LBW and stunting is intricate, and there may be other factors that contribute to the occurrence of stunting. Conclusion: A history of LBW (Low Birth Weight) is a contributing factor in the occurrence of stunting in children.
THE EFFECT OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE ON REDUCING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Velia Putri Yulias Tanti  , Sebayang Susy Katikana
Published: November 2023

Background: Postpartum depression is a frequent health problem for women during the postpartum period and contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality. Postpartum depression continues to rise with the estimated prevalence in Indonesia is 11.76%  in 2021. Kangaroo Mother Care is care for premature babies with skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby. Kangaroo Mother Care has been utilized as a non-pharmacological intervention to prevent and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. The aim of the research is to assess the possibility of using Kangaroo Mother Care to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Method: This was a systematic review study reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Literature was searched in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Sage, and Scilit databases with criteria; article published in 2014–2023, published in English and open access, original research articles, includes postpartum mothers as subjects, includes discussion on the impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on postpartum depression. Exclusion criteria are duplicate articles and articles with titles that do not match the discussion. Result: Six articles that met the inclusion criteria were used in this study. Research and studies were conducted in Indonesia, Spain, and 2 studies in Iran and India. Five studies found that postpartum mothers who carried out Kangaroo Mother Care showed reduction in the risk of postpartum depression, while one study showed the opposite results. Conclusion: Kangaroo Mother Care is effective in reducing postpartum depression in postpartum mothers.
Review and challenges for the remanufacturing assembly quality with uncertainty
Authors: Liu Conghu , Zhu Qinghua , Mao Huiying
Published: November 2023

Remanufacturing businesses have difficulty in competing and expanding due to the unpredictable quality and performance of remanufactured products. It has turned into a problem area and a bottleneck for the growth of the remanufacturing sector. The control and management of remanufactured assembly quality (RAQ) is considered one of the key factors affecting the quality of remanufactured products. By reviewing existing literature, we have found that in remanufacturing assembly systems, the uncertainty of remanufacturing components, the volatility of remanufacturing assembly processes, the complexity of assembly control, and the diversity of assembly schemes are the main reasons for the difficulty in ensuring assembly quality. However, existing literature lacks research on data management, evolutionary mechanisms of RAQ, and multivariate control. To improve the stability of RAQ and improve the quality of remanufactured products, we propose the construction of an intelligent reasoning mode for precise RAQ control and a tailored, intelligent control method for individual components, providing support for the intelligent control of remanufactured assembly functional modules. This study provides a basis for implementing high-performance assembly technology for remanufactured products. Our findings should encourage the industry’s modernization for remanufacturing.
Duality Principles and Numerical Procedures for a Large Class of Non-convex Models in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Botelho Fabio
Published: November 2023

This article develops duality principles and numerical results for a large class of non-convex variational models. The main results are based on fundamental tools of convex analysis, duality theory and calculus of variations. More specifically the approach is established for a class of non-convex functionals similar as those found in some models in phase transition. Finally, in some sections we present concerning numerical examples and the respective softwares.
Family Functioning Influences on Smartphone Addiction among Muslim Adolescents in Southern Thailand
Authors: Kim Yejin , Dhammasaccakarn Wanchai , Laeheem Kasetchai , Rinthaisong Idsaratt
Published: November 2023

This study examines the prevalence and determinants of smartphone addiction (SA) in a sample of 825 Muslim secondary school students from three provinces along the southern border of Thailand. Employing purposive sampling, the research highlights a concerning 70% rate of SA, surpassing the rates observed in other Asian demographics. The investigation reveals a robust link between parental education levels and smartphone usage among adolescents. Utilizing a structural equation model (SEM), family functioning dimensions such as ‘Emotional Status’ and ‘Discipline’ are shown to have a considerable impact on SA. Contrary to expectations, enhanced ‘Family Support’ has emerged as a potential risk factor, suggesting nuances in family dynamics that may contribute to SA. The findings advocate for the reinforcement of family functioning and call for initiatives to improve digital literacy and foster open communication between parents and children. However, the reliance on self-reported measures and the cross-sectional nature of the study underlines the necessity for more expansive future research to validate these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
Application of Convolutional Neural Network Coupled with Hyperspectral Imaging to Determine the Viability of Peanut Seeds and Its Comparison with Conventional Machine Learning Methods Based on UV-Vis Spectroscopy
Authors: Rajabi-Sarkhani Mohammad , Gilandeh Yousef Abbaspour- , Moinfar Abdolmajid , Tahmasebi Mohammad , Cruz-Gámez Eduardo De La , Hernández-Hernández Mario , Hernández-Hernández José Luis
Published: November 2023

Seeds can maintain their quality for a limited time; after that, they will lose their germination ability and vigor. Some physiological and physicochemical changes in the structure of the seeds during storage can decrease the quality of the seeds which is known as aging. Therefore, detection of the strong young seeds from the old ones is a vital issue in the modern agriculture. Conventional methods of detection of the seed viability and germination are destructive, time-consuming and costly. In this research, two peanut cultivars, namely North Carolina 2 (NC-2) and Florispan were selected and three artificial aging levels were induced to them. Hyperspectral images (HSI) of the samples were acquired and the seed viability was evaluated using two pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) image processing models, AlexNet and VGGNet. The noise of the reflection spectra of the samples was relatively resolved and modified by combining Preprocessing techniques of moving average (MA) and standard normal variate (SNV). Using principal component analysis (PCA), the dimensions were declined and three principal components (PC) were extracted. These PCs were then used as variables in the classification of support vector machine (SVM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The results showed the high capability of CNN architectures such as AlexNet and VGGNet in detection of the seed viability based on the HIS with no pre-processing and feature extraction. The mentioned architectures reached the accuracy of 0.985 and 0.986, respectively. The combination of feature extraction method of PCA with LDA and SVM classifiers showed that the use of a limited number of PCs instead of all wavelengths can decrease the complexity of modeling, while enhancing the efficiency of the models such that LDA and SVM classifiers achieved the accuracy of 0.983 and 0.986 in classification of peanut sees, respectively.
Asymmetry of Motifs Conservation within Homotypic Composite Elements Differentiates DNA-Binding Domains of Target Transcription Factors in ChIP-Seq Data
Authors: Levitsky Victor G. , Raditsa Vladimir V. , Tsukanov Anton , Mukhin Aleksey M. , Merkulova Tatyana I
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Transcription factors (TFs) are main regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. The cooperative binding of at least two TFs to genomic DNA is the widespread mechanism of transcription regulation. Massive analysis of co-occurrence of overrepresented pairs of motifs (composite elements, CEs) for different target TFs studied in ChIP-seq experiments can clarify the mechanisms of TF cooperation. (2) Methods: We focused on homotypic CEs representing the same motif models and considered only CEs with spacers. We improved the capability of the Motifs Co-Occurrence Tool (MCOT) to predict asymmetric homotypic CEs in which one of par-ticipating motifs has higher conservation than the other. We categorized the target TFs from the data of M. musculus ChIP-seq and A. thaliana ChIP-seq/DAP-seq according to the structure of DNA-binding domains (DBDs) into classes. (3) Results: For all TF classes the predominance of asymmetric CEs over both symmetric and those with no enrichment in both directions was re-vealed. Target TFs from classes Basic helix-loop-helix factors (bHLH) and Basic leucine zipper factors (bZIP) showed the highest fractions of datasets with asymmetric CEs. We showed that pioneer TFs, despite their DBD types, have a higher significance of asymmetry within homotyp-ic CEs compared to other TFs. (4) Conclusion: Asymmetry within homotypic CEs is a promising new feature decrypting the mechanisms of gene transcription regulation.
Impact of Coastal Walking Outdoor and Virtual Reality Indoor Walking on Heart Rate, Enjoyment Levels and Mindfulness Experiences in Healthy Adults
Authors: Greco Gianpiero , Centrone Claudio , Poli Luca , Silva Ana Filipa , Russo Luca , Cataldi Stefania , Giustino Valerio , Fischetti Francesco
Published: November 2023

Outdoor exercise is beneficial for psychophysical well-being. Limited studies have compared outdoor and virtual reality (VR) indoor physical activities, especially in coastal settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of outdoor coastal walking and indoor walking in a VR simulation with a similar environment on physiological and psychological variables in healthy adults. Twenty-six subjects (14M and 12F; age 25.2 ± 2.5 years) voluntarily participated in this crossover randomized controlled and counterbalanced study and were allocated under three conditions: VR indoor walking (INVR), outdoor walking (OUT) and standard indoor walking (IN). IN and INVR conditions were performed on a treadmill (speed 4.5 Km/h) and the OUT was per-formed on a seaside pedestrian road. The same outdoor environment was displayed in the visor during the INVR. Heart rate (HRmean/max), Physical Activity Enjoyment (PACES-It) and State of Mindfulness for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) were assessed at the end of each condition. The OUT condition showed significantly greater PACES-It scores and HRmean than IN and INVR (p<0.001) and greater SMS-PA scores and HRmax than IN (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). No significant dif-ferences were found between OUT and INVR regarding HRmax and SMS-PA scores (p>0.05). Findings suggest that physical activity in an immersive technology may lead to physiological loads comparable to the outdoor environment. OUT is more enjoyable than IN and INVR but exhibits a mindfulness response comparable to INVR. Therefore, INVR could be an alternative to OUT for those who cannot engage in outdoor activities for various reasons.
Using YOLO Object Detection to Identify Hare and Roe Deer in Thermal Aerial Video Footage—Possible Future Applications in Real-Time Automatic Drone Surveillance and Wildlife Monitoring
Authors: Povlsen Peter , Bruhn Dan , Durdevic Petar , Arroyo Daniel Ortiz , Pertoldi Cino
Published: November 2023

Wildlife monitoring can be time-consuming and expensive, but the fast-developing technologies of uncrewed aerial vehicles, sensors, and machine learning pave the way for automated monitoring. In this study we trained YOLOv5 neural networks to detect Points of Interest, hare (Lepus europaeus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in thermal aerial footage and proposed a method to manually assess the parameter mean average precision (mAP), compared to the number of actual false positive and false negative detections in a subsample. This showed that a mAP close to 1 for a trained model does not necessarily mean perfect detection and provided a method to gain insights into the parameters affecting the trained models' precision. Furthermore, we provided a basic, conceptual algorithm for implementing real-time object detection in uncrewed aircraft systems equipped with thermal sensors, with high zoom capabilities, and a laser rangefinder. Real-time object detection is becoming an invaluable complementary tool for the monitoring of cryptic and nocturnal animals with the use of thermal sensors.
Vaccinating Against a Novel Pathogen: A Critical Review of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Evidence
Authors: Black Bernard , Thaw David B
Published: November 2023

We study here what can be learned from our experience with COVID-19 vaccination for an initially naïve population, that can inform planning for vaccination against the next novel, highly transmissible pathogen. We focus on the first two pandemic years (wild strain through Delta), because after the Omicron wave in early 2022, few people were still SARS-CoV-2-naïve. Almost all were vaccinated, infected, or often both. We review the evidence on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE), waning effectiveness over time, and what we should expect about VE and waning from a future pathogen. As a basis for our analysis, we conducted a PRISMA-compliant review of all studies on PubMed through August 15, 2022 reporting VE against four endpoints: any infection, symptomatic infection, hospitalization, and death, for the four principal vaccines used in developed Western countries (BNT162b2, mRNA1273, Ad26.CoV2.S, and ChAdOx1-S). The mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA1273) had high initial VE against all endpoints but protection waned after approximately six months, with BNT162b2 declining faster than mRNA1273. Both mRNA vaccines initially outperformed the viral vector vaccines. A third “booster” dose, roughly six months after the primary doses, substantially reduced symptomatic infection, severe disease, and mortality, and in hindsight should be seen as part of the normal vaccination schedule.
Radiomics and Artificial Intelligence in Radiotheranostics: A Review of Applications for Radioligands Targeting SSTR and PSMA
Authors: Yazdani Elmira , Geramifar Parham , Karamzade-Ziarati Najme , Sadeghi Mahdi , Amini Payam , Rahmim Arman
Published: November 2023

Radiotheranostics refers to pairing of radioactive imaging biomarkers with radioactive therapeutic compounds that deliver ionizing radiation. Given the introduction of very promising radio-pharmaceuticals, the radiotheranostics approach is creating a novel paradigm in personalized, targeted radionuclide therapies (TRTs), also known as radiopharmaceuticals (RPTs). Radiother-apeutic pairs targeting somatostatin receptors (SSTR) and prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA) are increasingly used to diagnose and treat patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and prostate cancer.
In parallel, radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) as important areas in quantitative image analysis are paving the way for significantly enhanced workflows in diagnostic and theranostic fields, from data and image processing to clinical decision support, improving patient selection, personalized treatment strategies, response prediction, and prognostication. Furthermore, AI has the potential for tremendous effectiveness in patient dosimetry which copes with complex and time-consuming tasks in the RPT workflow.
The present work provides a comprehensive overview of radiomics and AI application in radio-theranostics, focusing on pairs of SSTR- or PSMA‑targeting radioligands, describing the funda-mental concepts and specific imaging/treatment features. Our review includes ligands radio-labeled by 68Ga, 18F, 177Lu, 64Cu, 90Y, and 225Ac. Specifically, contributions by radiomics and AI towards improved image acquisition, reconstruction, treatment response, segmentation, restag-ing, lesion classification, dose prediction, and estimation as well as ongoing developments and future directions are discussed.
Numerical Analysis of Ice-Structure Impact: Validating Material Models and Yield Criteria for Enhanced Prediction of Impact Pressure
Authors: Jang Ho-Sang , Hwang Seyun , Yoon Jaedeok , Lee Jang Hyun
Published: November 2023

This study explores the application of numerical analysis and material models to predict ice impact loads on ships and offshore structures operating in polar regions. An explicit finite element analysis (FEA) approach was employed to simulate an ice and steel plate collision experiment conducted in a cold chamber. The pressure and strain history during the ice collision were calculated and compared with the experimental results. Various material model configurations were applied to the FEA to account for the versatile behavior of ice—whether ductile or brittle—its elastic-plastic yield criteria, and its dynamic strain rate dependency. In addition to the standard linear elastic perfectly plastic and linear elastic-plastic relationships, this study incorporated the crushable foam and Drucker-Prager models, based on the specific ice yield criteria. Considering the ice’s strain rate dependency, collision simulations were conducted for each yield criteria model to compute the strain and reaction force of the plate specimens. By comparing the predicted pressures for each material model combination with the pressures from ice collision experiments, our study proposes material models that consider the yielding, damage, and behavioral characteristics of ice. Lastly, our study proposes a combination of ice material properties that can accurately predict collision force.
Bacterial Community in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Streets and Open-Air Markets of Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Sane Sarbanding , Tene Sophie D. , Diouara Abou Abadallah Malick , Coundoul Seynabou , Mbengue Malick , Dieye Yakhya
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of set of fruits and vegetables sold on stalls in the streets and open markets of Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Samples purchased in seven sites were analyzed to isolate E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. Some primary samples with a positive microbiological culture were subjected to DNA extraction and subsequent metagenomic analysis. A total of 240 fresh fruit and vegetable samples were collected including lettuce (n=40), tomatoes (n=40), mango slices (n=40), onion slices (n=40), mint leaves (n=40), strawberries and grapes (respectively n=20). Of these samples, 50.83% (122/240) and 60.41% (145/240) was contaminated with Escherichia coli and Vibrio spp. respectively, while Salmonella was not isolated in any product. Levels of contamination with both E. coli (1.3 103 to 6 106 CFU/g) and Vibrio spp. (4.55 102 to 8.73 106 CFU/g) were significantly above the thresholds acceptable for human consumption. The most contaminated samples were lettuce with a prevalence of 98% (39/40) for E. coli and for Vibrio spp. followed by mint leaves with 100% (40/40) and 93% (37/40) of the samples containing for E. coli and Vibrio spp. respectively. Out of 46 samples sequenced, metagenomic analysis revealed high contamination rates for E. coli, Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. with 100%, 67.39% and 93.47% of prevalence respectively. On the other hand, the alpha diversity analysis shows a high bacterial diversity in lettuce and mint leaf samples while beta diversity analysis highlighted the presence of two major clusters. Our results stress the need of a surveillance system that extends this investigation to a national scale while increasing the number of sampling sites and products analyzed.
Effects of Probiotics in Elderly Hospitalized Tube-Fed Patients with Antibiotic Use
Authors: Hsia Chu-Hsuan , Su Hsiu-Yueh , Chen Yue-Hwa , Chuang Han-Chuan , Chien Yi-wen
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of probiotics in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients undergoing antibiotic therapy for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Probiotics were administered to 29 patients, with twice-daily doses for 7 days following the completion of antibiotic treatment. In the probiotic group, while stool form showed no significant change, there was a significant decrease in stool frequency. Conversely, the control group exhibited improved stool form but not frequency. The probiotic group maintained a significant difference in stool form during the follow-up period. Additionally, the control group showed a positive correlation between stool form, frequency, antibiotic therapy, and intensive care unit admission, which was not observed in the probiotic group. These findings suggest that supplementing with probiotics can effectively normalize stool form in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients undergoing antibiotic treatment for CDAD, highlighting the potential benefits of probiotic intervention in this specific population.
Prolonged Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Bestows an Antiaging Effect, Improves Blood Lipid Profile and Spinal Deformities, and Protects Vital Organs of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) against Age-Related Degeneration: Two-Years Consumption Study
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hyun , Bahuguna Ashutosh , Kang Dae-Jin , Kim Ji-Eun
Published: November 2023

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is renowned for its diverse therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the consequences of extended dietary intake of OSO have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Herein, the effect of 2-year dietary supplementation of OSO was examined on the zebrafish survivability, obesity, skeletal deformities, swimming behavior, and liver, kidney, ovary, and testis function. Results showed that the zebrafish feed supplemented with 20% (wt/wt) OSO for 2 years emerged with higher survivability and body weight management compared to sunflower oil (SO) and normal diet (ND) supplemented zebrafish. Radio imaging (X-ray) based analysis revealed 2.6o and 15.2o lower spinal curvature in the OSO-supplemented groups than in SO and ND-supplemented groups; consistently, OSO-supplemented zebrafish showed better swimming behavior. The histology analysis of the liver revealed a least fatty liver change and interleukin 6 (IL-6) generation in the OSO-supplemented group. Additionally, a significantly lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic, and senescent cells were observed in the liver of the OSO-supplemented zebrafish. Also, no adverse effect on the kidney, testis, and ovary morphology was detected during 2 years of OSO consumption. Moreover, lower senescence with diminished ROS and apoptosis was noticed in the kidney and ovary in response to OSO consumption. The OSO supplementation was found to be effective in countering age-associated dyslipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and elevating high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C)/TC levels. Conclusively, prolonged OSO consumption showed no adverse effect on the morphology and functionality of vital organs; in fact, OSO supplementation displayed a protective effect against age-associated detrimental effects on spinal deformities, vital organ functionality, cell senescence, and survivability of zebrafish.
A Few Examples of Cis Trans Isomerization in Complexes Involving the Oxamide Function
Authors: Costes Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2023

Synthesis of heterodinuclear 3d transition metal complexes in which two metal ions are introduced in equivalent coordination sites of a ligand is quite uncommon. We have previously shown that the application of the cis-trans isomerization of the oxamido group was able to furnish such a possibility. In the present paper we demonstrate that this synthetic pathway, relying on the possibility of changing the conformation (cis vs trans) of the oxamido group, can be extended to other ligands. Although we have not been able to structurally characterize these complexes, EPR and magnetic data do confirm the efficiency of this reaction pathway. We also demonstrate that the cis-trans isomerization of the oxamido group is not due to a particular property of the ion involved in the reaction. In fact, isomerization is governed by the basicity of the reaction medium. According to the reaction condition, it is possible to favor or not this phenomenon, and to increase the accessibility to a larger number of novel genuine complexes. But the oxophilic character of the lanthanide ions impedes this isomerization in 3d-4f complexes. The very weak magnetic interactions observed in these Cu-Gd complexes can be explained thanks to spin polarization.
Process Parameters of High Frequency Welding
Authors: Rogale Dubravko , Firšt Rogale Snježana , Knezić Željko , Fajt Siniša , Veličan Daniel Časar , Jukl Nikolina
Published: November 2023

So far, scientific studies on high frequency welding (HF) have observed the three main parameters: anode current, welding time and pressure of upper electrode. Some authors have also observed and studied the welding frequency, the power, and the values of the dielectric constants of the materials or the angle of dielectric losses. Due to the complex effects that the parameters have on the quality of the welded joint, it is necessary to extend the research and study the mutual relationships between a large numbers of process parameters on the welded joint in order to achieve satisfactory strength of the welded joint. In this research, the number of considered parameters is increased to 17, each of which is relevant to the processes of HF welding, and their mathematical equations are presented. The research is carried out on a HF welding machine improved with a linear pneumatic actuator for lowering the upper electrode and regulating the compressive force, and a measuring machine with the appropriate measuring method for determining the breaking forces with a tension gage and performing the „T“ test is made. Numerous researches were carried out on the functional changes of the process parameters of the percentage share of the values of the coupling capacitor, the anode current and the welding time on the values of the breaking forces of the welded joints. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the optimization of the process parameters of HF machine must be performed before the welding process, which is determined by a certain amount of energy that must be introduced into the material. These parameters are the capacity of the output capacitor, i.e., the value of the electric current flowing through the material and the time for the development of the operating power to produce welded joints with a certain strength and quality of welded joints for a specific material used in the process.
Novel Perspectives on Amentoflavone's Influence on Cell Cycle and Apoptosis: Exploring Theoretical Modulation of Serine/Threonine-Kinases
Authors: FERRARI IVAN VITO
Published: November 2023

Docking results suggest that Amentoflavone has a higher affinity for investigated Serine/threonine-protein kinases, indicating potential interactions that may influence the activities of these kinases. The negative values of the binding energies signify strong and stable interactions, suggesting that Amentoflavone could be a key molecule in modulating the functions of these kinases, which play crucial roles in cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.
Synephrine and Its Derivative CpdA: Common and Specific Biological Effects
Authors: Dodonova Svetlana A. , Zhidkova Ekaterina , Kryukov Alexey A. , Valiev Timur , Kirsanov Kirill I. , Kulikov Evgeny P. , Budunova Irina V , Yakubovskaya Marianna G. , Lesovaya Ekaterina A.
Published: November 2023

This review is focused on synephrine, the principal phytochemical found in bitter orange and other medicinal plants, and widely used as a dietary supplement for weight loss/body fat reduction. We examine different aspects of synephrine biology, delving into its established and potential molecular targets, as well as its mechanisms of action. We present an overview of the origin, chemical composition, receptors, and pharmacological properties of synephrine, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity in various in vitro and animal models. Additionally, we conduct a comparative analysis of the molecular targets and effects of synephrine with those of its metabolite, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) Compound A (CpdA), which shares a similar chemical structure with synephrine. SEGRA, including CpdA, have been extensively studied as glucocorticoid receptor activators that have a better benefit/risk profile than glucocorticoids due to the reduced adverse effects. We discuss the potential of synephrine usage as a template for the synthesis of new generation of non-steroidal SEGRA. The review also provides insights into the safe pharmacological profile of synephrine.
Decreases and Pronounced Geographic Variability in Antibiotic Prescribing in Medicaid
Authors: Aguilar Alexia G. , Canals Priscilla C. , Tian Maria , Miller Kimberly A. , Piper Brian J
Published: November 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a persistent and growing concern. Our objective was to analyze antibiotic prescribing in the United States (US) in the Medical Expenditure Panel System (MEPS) and to Medicaid patients. We obtained total MEPS prescriptions for eight antibiotics from 2013 to 2020. We extracted prescribing rates per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees for two years, 2018 and 2019, for four broad spectrum (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin) and four narrow spectrum (amoxicillin, cephalexin, doxycycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) antibiotics. Antibiotics in MEPS decreased from 2013 to 2020 by -38.7% with a larger decline for broad (-53.7%) than narrow (-23.5%) spectrum. Antibiotic prescriptions in Medicaid decreased by -6.7%. Amoxicillin was the predominant antibiotic followed by azithromycin, cephalexin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. Substantial geographic variation in antibiotic prescribing existed with 2.8-fold between the highest (Kentucky = 855/1,000) and lowest (Oregon = 299) states. The South prescribed 52.2% more antibiotics (580/1,000) than the West (381/1,000). There were significant correlations across states in antibiotic prescribing. This study identified sizable disparities by geography in prescribing rates of eight antibiotics with over three-fold state level differences. Areas with high antibiotic prescribing rates, particularly for outpatients, may benefit from stewardship programs to reduce potentially unnecessary prescribing.
Assessment of the One Health Status in Romania From the Livestock Farming Perspective
Authors: Socol Claudia Terezia , Maerescu Cristina Maria , Criste Florin Leontin , Lup Florin Gheorghe , Chereji Aurelia Ioana , Coroian Aurelia , Șonea Cristinel Gigi , Belc Nastasia , Mierliță Daniel
Published: November 2023

In the context of globalization One Health enables and concurs to the achievement of Global Health. One Health approach involves wide knowledge and understanding of its critical factors, next to an adequate implementation, also in farm animal sector. Moreover, animal farming and breeding shows particularities depending on country. Therefore, well-defined and specific strategies are still needed to be developed and adapted to the current conditions found in various countries for ensuring a well implementation, thus driving to better and healthier global outcomes and security. This paper will explore the One Health status in Romania, highlighting the current progress registered until now and the future perspectives based on its potential, in the context of the livestock farming framework and challenges. Our findings may help to disclose the challenges of putting in practice One Health in Romania, alongside to the pathways showing potential to enhance sustainability in livestock farming.
Dividing Time – An Absolute Chronological Study of Material Culture from Early Iron Age Urnfields in Denmark
Authors: Rose Helene , Meadows John
Published: November 2023

Chronological frameworks based on artefact typologies are essential for interpreting the archaeological record, but they inadvertently treat transitions between phases as abrupt events and disregard the temporality of transformation processes within and between individual phases. This study presents an absolute chronological investigation of a dynamic material culture from Early Iron Age urnfields in Denmark. The chronological framework of Early Iron Age in Southern Scandinavia is largely unconstrained by absolute dating, primarily due to it coinciding with the so-called ‘Hallstatt calibration plateau’ (c.750 to 400 cal BC), and it is difficult to correlate it with Central European chronologies due to a lack of imported artefacts. This study applies recent methodological advances in radiocarbon dating and Bayesian chronological modelling, specifically a statistical model for wood-age offsets in cremated bone and presents the first large-scale radiocarbon investigation of regional material culture from Early Iron Age in Southern Jutland, Denmark. Dated material is primarily cremated bone from 111 cremation burials from three urnfields. The study presents absolute date ranges for 16 types of pottery and 15 types of metalwork, which include most of the recognised metalwork types from the period. This provides new insights into gradual change in material culture, when certain artefact types were in production and primary use, how quickly types were taken up and later abandoned, and distinguishing periods of faster and slower change. The study also provides the first absolute chronology for the period, enabling correlation with chronologies from other regions. Urnfields were introduced at the Bronze-Iron Age transformation, which is often assumed to have occurred c.530-500 BC. We demonstrate that this transformation took place in the 7th century BC, however, which revives the discussion of whether the final Bronze Age period VI should be interpreted as a transitional phase to the Iron Age.
Progressive Collapse Resistance Assessment of Multi-Column Frame Tube Structure with Assembled Truss Beam Composite Floor under Different Column Demolition Conditions
Authors: Zhao Rongguo , Chen Guangfei , Zhang Zaihua , Luo And Wei
Published: November 2023

To estimate the progressive collapse resistance capacity of a multi-column frame tube structure with the assembled truss beam composite floor (ATBCF), the pushdown analysis, and the nonlinear dynamic analysis as well, are conducted for such a structure by using the alternate load path (ALP) method. The bearing capacities of the remaining structures at three different work conditions, which are the side middle column failure, the edge middle column failure, and the corner column failure, are individually studied, and the collapse mechanism for the remaining structures is analyzed from the aspects of the internal force redistribution and the failure mode of the second defense line. Simultaneously, the influence of the column failure time on the dynamic response of the remaining structure and the dynamic amplification coefficient are discussed. The results show that the residual bearing capacity of the remaining structure with the bottom corner column failure is higher than that of the one with the side or edge middle column failure, while the latter has a stronger plastic deformation capacity. When the ALP method is adopted to operate the progressive collapse analysis, it is reasonable to take the column failure time as 0.1 times of the first-order vertical vibration period of the remaining structure, and it is suitable to set the dynamic amplification coefficient as of 2.0, which is the ratio of the maximum dynamic displacement to the static displacement of the remaining structure under the transient loading condition.
Assessment of E‐Waste Pollution Level in Soil and Water and Its Impact on Human Health: A Review
Authors: Bhardwaj Laxmi Kant , Rath Prangya , choudhury Moharana
Published: November 2023

E-waste is considered the fastest-growing global waste stream and has become an emerging environmental challenge. The widespread usage of digital devices has generated a large amount of e-waste. According to the Ministry of Commerce, India annually generates ~14.5 lakh metric tons of e-waste and recycles only ~5 % of e-waste. Annually, the global production of e-waste has been expected to increase by 4–5 %. Advancements in IT and communication divisions have improved the usage of electronic equipment. Heavy metals such as (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), tin (Sn), and organic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are subsequently released from e-wastes and contaminates soil and water sources. These toxic compounds are hazardous to human health and the environment. They are capable of entering various biological systems and causing alterations in respiratory functions of the lungs, DNA damage, impaired functioning of the thyroid, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. Such concerns raise the quintessential need to manage e-waste to prevent future hazards. This manuscript critically reviews the sources, health and environmental impact, disposal techniques, recycling, and regulation of e-waste.
A Comparison of Two Connectivity Reduction Methods for Spiking Neural Networks with Memristive Plasticity
Authors: Rybka Roman , Davydov Yury , Vlasov Danila , Serenko Alexey , Sboev Alexander , Ilyin Vyacheslav
Published: November 2023

Memristive spiking neural networks are a promising emerging technology in the field of deep learning. These models can be implemented using neuromorphic hardware and therefore offer low power consumption and low latency, crucial to edge-computing applications. These systems, however, pose several challenges, including on-chip training and connectivity reduction. The latter is essential to ease the manufacturing complexity of the system. On-chip training can be realized using synaptic plasticity enabled by memristors. In this work, we compare two methods of connectivity reduction applicable to memristive spiking networks: an ensemble-based approach and a probabilistic sparse connectivity approach. We evaluate both of these methods in conjunction with a three-layer spiking neural network on the handwritten and spoken digits classification tasks using two memristive plasticity models and a classical time-dependent plasticity rule. On the handwritten digits recognition task, both methods achieve the F1-score of 0.89–0.93, and yield the 0.80–0.96 F1-score on the spoken digits recognition task.