bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BORDER OF TWO TYPES OF FOLK CULTURE AND RURAL HOUSES NEAR SZCZECIN BEFORE THE MID-NINETEENTH CENTURY
Authors:   Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technologiczny/Szczecin/Polska Wydział Architektury, Katedra Projektowania Architektonicznego, Arlet Piotr Krzysztof , Petryshyn Halyna ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine Institute of Architecture, Department of Urban Planning and Design
Published: February 2023

This paper presents research findings on historical vernacular half-timbered architecture. The study covered the general area of Szczecin and extended to older-generation buildings constructed before the mid-nineteenth century. Ethnological maps from the first half of the twentieth century that depicted the border of two large areas with differing vernacular culture characteristics served as a basis for discussion. This difference concerned not only the forms of houses, but most importantly manifestations of folk culture. A description of the historical fishing village of Mścięcino, located between Szczecin and Police, proved crucial to the investigation. The research showed that there had been attempts to create recreational villages in the vicinity of Szczecin at the turn of the twentieth century.
THIRA – TOWNS ON A VOLCANO
Authors:   Politechnika Krakowska. Wydział Architektury. Poland, Kurek Jan
Published: February 2023

The architecture of the cities and towns of the Greek isles is characterized by an individuality and picturesqueness of forms. The historical, massive stone structures are currently being replaced by new, attractive forms, subjected to the requirements of contemporary life and serving heavy tourist traffic, especially during summer months. This also requires the introduction of modern technologies that are necessary for them to function – this applies to waste and water management and power supply. The entirety is characterized by a unique, harmonious visuality and organicity of forms.
INDICATORS OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CITY BASED ON SPATIAL DATABASES
Authors:   Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography, Michalska Zuzanna , Pluto-Kossakowska Joanna ,   Warsaw University of Technology, Poland Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography
Published: February 2023

The subject of the study is the analysis of using the Topographic Objects Database (BDOT10k) and the Local Data Bank (BDL) to monitor sustainable development and quality of life in the city. The usefulness of this data was tested on the example of quality of life indicators in the city of Kielce and its neighborhood. The databases were analyzed in terms of their scope, relevance, and level of spatial aggregation. The study used the hierarchical analysis (AHP) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method. The issue under consideration was presented in the form of a hierarchy, with a quality of life at the top. The lowest level of the hierarchy is formed by selected indicators defined in the standard ISO 37120. The methodology for calculating and visualization of each indicator is presented illustrating the diversity of life quality in the Kielce Functional Area.
THE CONSTRUCTION LAYER OF THE GARDEN. FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING COMPOSITION
Authors:   Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, Poland Wydział Budownictwa i Inżynierii Środowiska, Katedra Sztuki Krajobrazu, Myszka Izabela , Augustyniak Katarzyna ,   Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, Poland Wydział Budownictwa i Inżynierii Środowiska, Katedra Sztuki Krajobrazu
Published: February 2023

The garden has always been understood as a place sanctified by values that cause excitement and rapture in man. He became a character or a background, a scenery for other plays. The garden as a work has its frame - a structure on which all other garden elements, both decorative and functional, are 'hung'. Construction layer considerations include a fencing with an entrance, secondary fencing, a road, a house as the center, and dead trees. Understanding the priority we give to construction in garden design, and the function and importance of the elements in this layer, organizes thinking about the garden composition and allows you to understand the content encoded in the works of garden art and inspired by the garden.
Mid-Libertarianism
Authors: Block Walter E. Block
Published: February 2023

Mid-libertarianism is the new kid on the libertarian block. Torpman (2021) is critical of what he calls “classical libertarianism” and attempts to improve it with the introduction of his new perspective, “mid-libertarianism.” The present paper maintains that the good, old-time philosophy of plain libertarianism is invulnerable to his criticisms of it, that his “mid-libertarianism” has problems of its own, and thus there is no reason to substitute the one for the other.
Transição de via de linezolida endovenosa para via oral: uma análise de custo-minimização
Authors: Carmo Tatiane , Silva Darlyani , Carvalho Cláudia , Figueiredo Rosely
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: Comparar custos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com os custos da terapia iniciada por via endovenosa com transição para via oral após 72 horas, como estratégia de intervenção em programas de gestão de antimicrobianos. Métodos: Avaliação econômica de custo-minimização comparando custos diretos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com a terapia endovenosa seguida de transição para via oral em cenário simulado, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), com árvore de decisão como modelo para tomada de decisão. Resultados: A alternativa englobando a transição de via mostrou-se a mais econômica em todos os cenários analisados. Para 28 dias de tratamento com linezolida, houve redução de 22% nos custos, considerando o paciente internado. Ao considerar alta após o sexto dia de tratamento, a redução de custos variou de 26%, com financiamento pelo SUS do restante do tratamento, a 84%, com financiamento do tratamento pós-alta pelo paciente. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a transição de via de linezolida é uma importante estratégia nos programas de gerenciamento de antimicrobianos, capaz de gerar economia significativa para a instituição. As avaliações econômicas de custo-minimização, nesse contexto, são uma importante ferramenta para demonstrar o aspecto econômico com potencial para sensibilizar gestores e tomadores de decisão.
El conocimiento geográfico en los tiempos de la educación basada en competencias. Retos de las perspectivas teóricas provenientes de la sociología de la educación y de la Didáctica de la Geografía
Authors: Bagoly-Simó Péter
Published: February 2023

La introducción de un sistema educativo basado en competencias en una serie de paisas del mundo aceleró la pérdida de la disciplinariedad de varias asignaturas escolares. En la didáctica de la geografía, perspectivas provenientes de la sociología de la educación han contribuido a una nueva discusión acerca del conocimiento geográfico y su enseñanza. El presente artículo se analizan los currículos de geografía de seis países europeos ante dos perspectivas teóricas provenientes desde la sociología de la educación y de la didáctica de la geografía. Los resultados basados en el análisis de contenido demuestran la necesidad de ampliar la perspectiva anglosajona tanto en términos de la tipología curricular como en la arquitectura curricular en la geografía escolar.
Proyecto Geo-inquiry: aportes conceptuales y didácticos para el razonamiento geográfico
Authors: Araya Palacios Fabian , Oberle Alex
Published: February 2023

El desarrollo del razonamiento geográfico constituye uno de los temas más relevantes de la educación geográfica actual. Según la literatura científica, esta temática es clave para la formación de ciudadanos geográficamente informados. Sin embargo, faltan estudios empíricos relacionados con el desarrollo del razonamiento geográfico. El objetivo del artículo es presentar los resultados de una investigación diseñada como un estudio de caso, cuya finalidad fue comprender los aportes conceptuales y didácticos para el desarrollo del razonamiento geográfico, a través de la aplicación del proyecto Geo-Inquiry promovido por National Geographic Society (NGS). Se trabajó con una muestra de establecimientos educacionales de la Región de Coquimbo, Chile. Metodológicamente, se realizó un análisis de los trabajos elaborados por los estudiantes. Entre los principales resultados, se aprecia que el proceso de aplicación del proyecto Geo-Inquiry facilita el proceso de razonamiento geográfico en el ámbito escolar.
El Proyecto de innovación docente los “Cabezos de Huelva”. Educando en el activismo ciudadano: algunos resultados
Authors: Morón Monge Mª Carmen , Morón Monge Hortensia , Trabajo Rite Mónica
Published: February 2023

La presente contribución recoge algunos de los resultados derivados de la ejecución de un Proyecto de Innovación docente universitaria (2021-2022) dentro de una asignatura de 4º curso del Grado de Educación Primaria. Este proyecto intenta dar respuesta a una problemática socioambiental local, los Cabezos de Huelva, a partir de la concienciación medioambiental y el diseño de propuestas didácticas por parte de los maestros en formación. Los Cabezos de Huelva son elementos singulares del Paisaje onubense; son reconocidos por el Inventario Andaluz de Georrecursos (2011) por su valor científico, didáctico y turístico. Así, ponemos el acento en la necesidad de la alfabetización científica, en la participación ciudadana a través de la escuela y en la formación de docentes como medio para visibilizar dichos elementos. Desde un enfoque indagativo de la enseñanza, a partir de aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP) y haciendo uso de las salidas fuera del aula como escenario de aprendizaje, se realiza este proyecto de innovación docente. Los resultados del proyecto están recogidos en función de sus distintas fases desarrollo, haciendo hincapié en los datos aportados por el cuestionario inicial, las propuestas didácticas diseñas por los alumnos, y algunas de las valoraciones que dicho alumnado realizó a través de una bitácora grupal.
Aprendizaje activo en el aula universitaria actual: una experiencia de aprender haciendo
Authors: Rodríguez Rodríguez Mercedes de los Angeles
Published: February 2023

En este artículo se exponen, primeramente, diversas consideraciones teóricas en torno al concepto de aprendizaje activo y al significado del mismo en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje en la universidad, para posteriormente presentar una experiencia educativa desarrollada en la asignatura Técnicas Cualitativas del Grado en Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio en la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (España), exponiéndose sus objetivos, contexto, procedimiento y resultados. Se utiliza como metodología rectora la de aprender haciendo, un aprendizaje presente en muchas de las técnicas activas que están transformando las aulas en la actualidad. En concreto, centramos nuestro análisis en el Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos Colaborativos (ABPC). Se concluye que el aprender haciendo mediante el ABPC facilita la obtención de competencias y de un aprendizaje contextualizado, da coherencia temática a la asignatura, incrementa la motivación, convierte al alumnado en el principal artífice de su aprendizaje, estimula la vocación investigadora y genera sentimiento de participación, colaboración y relevancia. La práctica desarrollada pone en valor la importancia de la tutorización, la evaluación continua, la coordinación docente y la temporalización de tareas como elementos importantes en el éxito educativo en la enseñanza universitaria.
Revisión teórica acerca del conocimiento geográfico potente. Un nuevo enfoque conceptual en la Educación Geográfica
Authors: Flores Chicón Casandra Saraí , De la Cruz Flores Gabriela , Domínguez Herrera Eduardo , Pérez Alcántara Bonifacio Doroteo
Published: February 2023

Esta revisión teórica busca dar cuenta del análisis realizado sobre la discusión de la literatura que sustenta el enfoque conceptual identificado en su idioma original como “Powerful Knowledge Geography”, el cual aquí se trabaja como Conocimiento Geográfico Potente (CGP) para reconocer el nivel de desarrollo de dicho planteamiento y analizar su pertinencia en la educación geográfica. Se encontraron diversas posturas sobre lo que puede significar el CGP y un punto de encuentro en el que su enseñanza debe ser a través de un proceso de recontextualización, como parte de la reivindicación al acceso democrático de este conocimiento y como derecho de justicia social para los estudiantes. La indagación se realizó a partir de una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura publicada en diversas bases de datos entre los años 2007 y 2021. Se analizaron 80 resultados considerados pertinentes que dan cuenta del acervo teórico del tema. Este artículo refiere los aportes correspondientes al CGP, con respecto a su base teórica, el Conocimiento Poderoso (CP), para profundizar en la discusión de los trabajos que analizan el nivel de desarrollo de este enfoque. La investigación permite reconocer las fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad que este planteamiento aporta a la educación geográfica.
Recruitment of plasma cells to the bone marrow in primary and secondary immune reactions
Authors: Ferreira-Gomes Marta , Durek Pawel , Chen Yidan , Rincon-Arevalo Hector , Heinrich Frederik , Szelinski Franziska , Guerra Gabriela , Stefanski Ana-Luisa , Niedobitek Antonia , Wiedemann Annika , Bondareva Marina , Ritter Jacob , Lehmann Katrin , Hardt Sebastian , Hipfl Christian , Hein Sascha , Hildt Eberhard , Matz Mareen , Mei Henrik , Cheng Qingyu , Dang Van Duc , Witkowski Mario , Lino Andreia , Kruglov Andrey , Melchers Fritz , Perka Carsten , Schrezenmeier Eva , Radbruch Andreas , Dörner Thomas , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin
Published: February 2023

Bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) emerge as a consequence of immune reactions and are considered the source of antibodies that protect against recurrent infectious diseases throughout life. Despite their importance, it remains unclear if these cells reflect different activation environments or the differentiation/maturation stages of their precursors. Here we track the recruitment of plasma cells, generated in primary and secondary immune reactions to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccines, to the human bone marrow. Trajectories based on single cell transcriptomes and antigen-receptor clonotypes of antibody-secreting cells exiting the immune reaction and of those residing in the bone marrow, allow to follow the evolution of the immune response to these vaccines, leading to sequential colonization of these cells to different compartments (clans) of BMPC, and their establishment as long-lived (memory) plasma cells. In primary immune reactions, both CD19low (clans 1 and 4) and CD19high (clan 0) BMPC are generated. In secondary immune reactions, mostly CD19high BMPC of the largest compartment (clan 0) are generated, resulting from the reactivation of memory B lymphocytes. The latter is also observed in vaccinated convalescent individuals and upon recall vaccination against diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP). Thus, humoral immunological memory, i.e. serum antibodies secreted by long-lived memory BMPC, is generated already in the primary immune response, more so in the secondary, and it represents the evolution of the immune response.
A Reliable Diabetic Retinopathy Grading via Transfer Learning with Quadratic Weighted Kappa Metric
Authors: Chilukoti Sai Venkatesh , Shan Liqun , Maida Anthony S , Hei Xiali
Published: February 2023

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), the most prevalent eye condition in diabetic patients, can be brought on by diabetes. It may result in reduced eyesight or possibly complete blindness. Early detection can help prevent eye damage, but it can be challenging because symptoms might not show up right away. To grade diabetic retinopathy and identify all stages of DR, many predictive models based on machine learning and deep learning have been proposed. However, the majority of the diabetic retinopathy grading models now in use cannot identify all stages. For DR grading, the most used metrics, including as accuracy, f1-score, precision, recall, and AUC-ROC score, are unreliable. Since they do not consider the level of disagreement between target and predicted labels and the ordinality of target labels, which helps classify all DR stages. To address these issues, we developed the customized EfficientNet b3. The Quadratic Weighted Kappa (QWK) was chosen as the primary evaluation metric since the distinct stages of diabetic retinopathy are ordinal. The degree of discrepancy between the actual and expected labels is also taken into consideration. We were able to achieve a higher QWK score of 0.87 by recognizing all the DR stages after aggregating the predictions from the efficientnet-b3 model, which was trained for 30 and 60 epochs, respectively. This result is state-of-the-art. DR grading must identify each stage in order to provide patients with the greatest care available. Our Confusion matrix of ensembled efficientnetb3 shows, which is state-of-the-art, that all DR stages are identified with higher probabilities.
Is it safe to commercialize ornamental plants irrigated with antimicrobial-contaminated water?
Authors: Rocha Camila Silva , Kochi Leticia Yoshie , Brito Julio Cesar Moreira , Kitamura Rafael Shinji Akiyama , Carneiro Daniella Moreira , Reis Michele Valquíria dos , Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa
Published: February 2023

Enrofloxacin (Enro) has been widely encountered in natural water sources, and that water is often used for irrigation in crop production systems. Due to its phytotoxicity and accumulation in plant tissues, the presence of Enro in water used for crop irrigation may represent economical and toxicological concerns. Here, we irrigated two ornamental plant species (Zantedeschia rehmannii and Spathiphyllum wallisii) with water artificially contaminated with the antimicrobial enrofloxacin (Enro; 0, 5, 10, 100 and 1000 µg L− 1) to evaluate its effects on ornamental plant production, as well as its accumulation and distribution among different plant organs (roots, leaves, bulbs, and flower stems), and examined the economic and environmental safety of commercializing plants produced under conditions of pharmaceutical contamination. The presence of Enro in irrigation water was not found to disrupt plant growth (biomass) or flower production. Both species accumulated Enro, with its internal concentrations distributed as following: roots > leaves > bulbs > flower stems. In addition to plant tolerance, the content of Enro in plant organs indicated that both Z. rehmannii and S. wallisii could be safety produced under Enro-contaminated conditions and would not significantly contribute to contaminant transfer. The high capacity of those plants to accumulate Enro in their tissues, associated with their tolerance to it, indicates them for use in Enro-phytoremediation programs.
Development of a Neonatal Incubator for Community Health Care Centres in Ghana
Authors: Shankar Srinivasan Balapangu , Amoako Emmanuel , Gavi Vanessa Naki , Dzidah Ebenezer , Razak Nana Ayisha Abdul , kumordzi Prince , Narh Sosi Alaric , Kuuziile Mark Konyele
Published: February 2023

A newborn baby less than 28 days is considered a neonate, according to the World Health Organization. A child has the greatest chance of dying within the first 28 days of life. This is due to the fact that a newborn's body is still developing. Neonatal have respiratory problems and can't regulate their body temperatures. In Ghana, neonatal deaths account for around half of all pediatric mortality. Most of these fatalities occur at nearby medical facilities. This is because incubators are now too expensive and challenging to access in such places. The most well-known modern methods—the heated cot and kangaroo mother care—have drawbacks but are nonetheless widely used today. With this research, a low-cost neonatal incubator will be created for Ghanaian community healthcare facilities. The incubator generates heat from LED stripes, which may be operated by a minimum voltage of 19V, rather than the heated filament found in conventional incubators. In order to keep the infant alive, this created the correct humidity and temperature conditions. For use during power outages, load shedding, or interruptions, a power bank was constructed using a simple laptop battery. Temperature and humidity levels are maintained via the incubator's central cooling system, which consists of a fan and an atomizer. Last but not least, the housing of the incubator was created utilizing widely accessible and inexpensive bamboo and acrylic. Adopting this plan will therefore aid in lowering Ghana's high infant mortality rate in rural communities.
Comparison of the macular vascular densities between molecularly confirmed MODY patients with GCK variants and age-matched healthy controls
Authors: Çavdarli Cemal , Büyükyılmaz Gönül , Çavdarlı Büşranur , Çomçalı Sebile , Yılmaz Pınar Topçu , Alp Mehmet Numan
Published: February 2023

Background: Several structural, vascular density and perfusion studies were conducted in type 1 and 2 diabetes, even in the absence of retinopathy. The current study is the first to compare macular vessel densities (VD) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) patients and healthy controls.
Methods: The macular VD of superficial, deep retina, and choriocapillaris, and central macular thickness (CMT), foveal avascular zone area (FAZ), FAZ perimetry, VD of total retina at 300µm around the FAZ (FD), acirculatory index (AI) measurements were captured by the OCTA, which operates with built into software (RTVue-XR100-2 Avanti, Angiovue), and were compared between molecularly confirmed (GCK mutations) MODY patients and controls.
Results: Twenty-five MODY patients and 30 controls were included. Mean plasma HbA1c level of the MODY group was 6.39±0.38 (min:5,4 max:6,9, %). Average age was 13.8±2.1 in the MODY group, and was 12.6±2.5 years among controls. There was no significant difference in terms of age, superficial and deep retinal VD, FAZ, FAZ perimetry, CMT, FD, and AI between groups. Significant increase of VD only at the parafoveal and perifoveal regions of choriocapillaris in the MODY group was observed (P=0.034 and P=0.009).
Conclusion: No significant difference of macular VD was observed between non-retinopathic MODY patients and controls, except VD of choriocapillaris at the parafovea and perifovea. Previous thickness and VD results were distributed in a wider range suggesting not yet defined factors may be affecting the choroidal vasculature independent of glycemia or as a contributing factor.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple negative and Her2+ve breast cancer: striving for the standard of care
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Hallet Julie , Nguyen Lena , Coburn Natalie , Wright Frances C. , Gandhi Sonal , Jerzak Katarzyna , Eisen Andrea , Hong Nicole J Look
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for triple negative (TN) and Her2 positive (HER2) breast cancers is supported by international guidelines as it can decrease extent of surgery, provide prognostic information and allow response-driven adjuvant therapies. Our goal was to describe practice patterns for patients with TN and HER2 breast cancer and identify factors associated with the receipt of NAC versus surgery as initial treatment.
Methods
A retrospective population-based cohort study of adult women diagnosed with stage I-III TN or HER2 breast cancer (2012-2019) in Ontario was completed using linked administrative datasets. The primary outcome was NAC as first treatment. The association between NAC and patient, tumour, and practice-related factors were examined using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results
Of 12,881 patients included, 22.9% (n = 2952) underwent NAC as first treatment. Patients who underwent NAC were more likely to be younger, have larger tumors, node positive disease and stage 3 disease. Of patients who underwent surgery first, 8.4% were seen by a medical oncologist prior to surgery. On multivariable analysis, increasing tumor size (T2 vs T1/T0: 2.63 (2.13 - 3.25)) and node positive (N1 vs N0: 3.60 (2.88 - 4.50)) disease were both associated increased odds of receiving NAC.
Conclusion
A considerable proportion of patients with TN and HER2 breast cancer do not receive NAC as first treatment. Of those, most were not assessed by both a surgeon and medical oncologist prior to initiating therapy. This points towards potential gaps in multidisciplinary assessment and disparities in receipt of guideline-concordant care.
Automatic generation of water distribution networks using central street lines.
Authors: Frota Artemisa Fontinele , Costa Luis Henrique Magalhães , Costa José Nilton de Abreu , de Castro Marco Aurélio Holanda
Published: February 2023

This paper puts forth a dedicated algorithm for automatic generation of water distribution networks based solely on street layouts designed in a CAD environment. In the model, any detected street boundaries are converted into lines that are subjected to a mathematical treatment via parametric representation. These central street lines are extended to generate intersections, which are then used to determine the location of the network’s nodes and later the pipes connecting the nodes. Two different layouts were used to ascertain the efficacy of the model, one hypothetical and one real. The algorithm was considered to yield satisfactory results as it automatically generated the entire grid plan in an EPANET input file for both layouts.
CT features of eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Shanshan , Niu Junqiao , Wang Jia , Li Xiaojuan , Li Jingjing , Wang Yan
Published: February 2023

Background
This study aimed to investigate the features and diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) in eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG).
Methods
Twenty patients pathologically diagnosed with EG by gastroscopy and enteroscopy were retrospectively analyzed to determine the imaging features of EG.
Results
Among the patients diagnosed with EG in this study, fifteen demonstrated a predominantly mucosal type, nine of whom had EG involving the gastric wall. CT findings showed gastric wall thickening, submucosal edema, and intraluminal granuloma mimicking a polyp. Six of the patients had EG involving the small bowel, presenting as bowel wall thickening and “araneid-limb-like” sign. One patient had muscular type EG found in the ileocecus, with CT revealing luminal narrowing with obstruction, mimicking a soft tissue mass, and a small amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. One patient had serosal type EG observed in the colon, with CT revealing pronounced wall thickening of the hole in the colon with evident contrast enhancement of the outer layers, “comb sign,” increased enhancement of the mesentery and fat tissue of the small bowel, and little amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. In three patients with mixed type EG, lesions were patchy and multiple and localized or diffuse, and irregular wall thickening of multiple inhomogeneous reinforcement, with skipped areas, and mural stratification and multi-circumferential enhancement were observed.
Conclusions
Considering that each type of EG has characteristic CT appearance, combined with typical clinical features and peripheral blood eosinophilia, establishing an appropriate diagnosis of EG is significant.
Production, large-scale extraction and purification of phycocyanin by potential of different strains of cyanobacteria isolated from various environments
Authors: Hajiyeva SONA , CANKILIC Meral Yılmaz , SARIÖZLÜ Nalan Yılmaz
Published: February 2023

Blue-green cyanobacteria, which have attracted great interest in recent years due to their potential applications in biotechnology, have an essential ability to synthesize natural pigments of different colors. The chosen study is aimed at investigating the strain with the highest phycocyanin yield among the five cyanobacterial strains isolated from the wastewaters of Porsuk river, thermal springs, and boron-bearing waters of Eskişehir county of Turkey, and optimized studies, purification, and characterization for increasing the phycocyanin yield. At the initial stage, the phycocyanin yield was analyzed by applying four different extraction methods - freeze-thawing, sonication, homogenization, and treatment with lysozyme - to the selected strains. The most appropriate strain sonication method was selected and thermophilic Geitlerema sp was obtained with 116 ± 0.18 mg g− 1 phycocyanin. The crude extract obtained following the optimized studies was first purified by solid ammonium sulfate precipitation/dialysis at 50% and 75% saturation, and then by ion-exchange chromatography using two anionic resins (DEAE -cellulose, and Q -sepharose). The purity rate determined in the spectrum was recorded as 4.12 with 48.9% recovery (A620/A280). The molecular weights of the α and β subunits were found to be 17 kDa to 19 kDa, respectively, by characterization using the SDS-PAGE method. In addition, the effect of purified thermal phycocyanin at different temperatures was examined, the CR value of its pigment was determined to be stable by resisting at high temperatures up to 60Cº. Generally, in the study, a thermostable C-phycocyanin was purified from Geitlerema sp, which may be differentiated commercially from other mesophilic species.
Perceived health-related quality of life among patients living with cancer at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi
Authors: Banda Jonathan Chiwanda , Bula Agatha , Tsidya Mercy , Udedi Michael , Muula Adamson Sinjani
Published: February 2023

Patients living with cancer and their families experience several challenges that affect their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Perceived factors affecting quality of life (QOL) among people living with cancer have rarely been studied. We aimed at exploring the factors perceived to be associated with health-related quality of life among people living with cancer attending to a National Cancer Centre at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi. Between May and June 2022, we conducted a qualitative study to assess perceptions and the in-depth lived experiences for people living with cancer, caregivers and healthcare workers at the cancer center on health-related quality of life. We purposively selected and interviewed thirteen participants. Interviews were transcribed, coded using NVivo 12 and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two broad categories of emerging themes of quality of life were identified. These included: (a) individual level factors such as experiences with diagnosis and treatment, changes on physical, psychological and social health, support received, benefits and challenges, (b) facility level factors such as availability of resources, relationship with providers, satisfaction with cancer care, facility organization, facilitators and barriers to improved quality of life. This study has highlighted the importance of physical, psychological, and social factors as key determinants perceived to be affecting health-related quality of life among patients living with cancer and their caregivers at the National Cancer Centre, Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi. The QOL challenges experienced by patients and their caregivers, implied that cancer care interventions should consider a holistic approach to cover for all dimensions of life in order to improve health-related quality of life among patients living with cancer.
Evidence of Lightning and Gravity wave signatures produced by the Hunga-Tonga Volcanic eruption on Global geomagnetic data
Authors: Chandrasekhar N. Phani , Archana R. K. , Arora Kusumita
Published: February 2023

Global disruptions were noticed after the Hunga-Tonga volcanic eruption on January 15th 2022, which released an enormous amount of mass and energy into the atmosphere. Since there are many facets associated with this event, the primary focus of this investigation is on the following: (i) changes in the Schumann resonance (SR) modes as a result of the discharge of lightning strikes and (ii) global geomagnetic disturbances due to acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs). The results of our analysis show the noticeable changes in SR frequency modes (i.e. 7 to 21 Hz), between 04:15 and 05:45 UT hours in the high-frequency 64Hz scalar magnetic field (F) data derived from Induction coil magnetometer at Patiyasar (Himalayan region) and the propagation velocity of geomagnetic disturbances is found to be 269.68 ± 5 m/s, corresponding to the acoustic-gravity wave velocity, derived from the scalar magnetic field from the fluxgate magnetometers from 20 geomagnetic observatories (18 INTERMAGNET and 02 non- INTERMAGNET) world-wide located between 800 and 16000 km away from Tonga volcano. By comparing the lag time between the observed Schumann resonance and the negative bay, this study confirmed the velocity of the acoustic-gravity wave (296.76 ± 5 m/s, which closely corresponds to the estimated AGWs velocity: 269.68 ±5 m/s) with a delay of 11.48 ± 0.25 UT hour from a single geomagnetic observatory, Patiyasar (15000 km from Tonga). The variance in velocities could be attributed to the role of atmospheric-ionospheric winds and different ionosphere conditions.
WBE joins AI: improving WBE protocols to support the construction of predictive ML models
Authors: Bonifácio Carmen L.C , Krempser Eduardo , Pedroso Marcel , Porto Fábio
Published: February 2023

Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) supports sanitary surveillance enablingan early identification of viral spread. The procedure involves the genome copy(GC) of SARS-CoV-2 capture from sewage samples infected by symptomatic andasymptomatic people. During the pandemic of COVID-19 in Brazil(2020/2021)the WBE studies followed different guidelines still incipient, revealinglow concern for a common agreed-upon procedure. As a result, when compilingthe available WBE data for the training of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models forCOVID-19 number of cases prediction, we found few quantity, obtained throughdifferent adopted procedures and difficult to co-related to extra information. Thelack of a common WBE procedure makes it hard to build useful predictiveMachine Learning (ML) models. In this context, guidelines that link ML andWBE are explored here. We aim at raising an alert highlighting the relevance onthe design of useful strategies to join WBE and IA. The proposal aims atstandardization and consistency without any detriment to the initial objective ofsurveillance. The approach includes processes related to: the definition of samplecollection approach, sampling frequency, related information, physical andtemporal sample characteristics, laboratory methods for genes amplification anddetection and results dissemination.
Spatio-temporal assessment of extreme precipitation events in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Simões José Victor Orlandi , Pedra George Ulguim , Alves Lincoln Muniz , Barreto Naurinete de Jesus da Costa
Published: February 2023

Climate change is a phenomenon directly attributed to human activity due to greenhouse gas emissions and changes in land use and land cover. In this way, climate change has and will have direct and indirect impacts on the components of the climate systems, including the hydrological cycle, through an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, such as heavy rains or droughts, which impact natural systems, groups, and human systems, as well as on economic activity, such as the energy, agricultural and water sectors that are directly dependent on the variables of the hydrological cycle. The southeast region of Brazil (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo) produces 60\% of the national wealth and much of the country's electricity, in addition to housing 80 million people. Extreme weather events have hit this region in recent decades, causing an increasing number of natural disasters. Good examples are the 2014/15 water crisis and the occurrence of heavy rains, particularly in the summers. Given the importance of this theme, the present study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation over southeast Brazil through the Generalized Extreme Values (GEV) distribution. To this end, seasonal variability and changes in the patterns of precipitation extremes in the period 1981-2020 were analyzed, based on data obtained from the CPC (Climate Predict Center). This research revealed that the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events have been changing, notably decreasing during winter.
Using a Co-Construction Participatory Modeling Approach to Understand the Complexity in Collaboratively Managing Knowledge for Multi-Morbid Chronic Disease Patients on Advance Care Plan
Authors: Tulinayo Fiona P. , Ortega-Gil Ana , González Nerea , Erreguerena Irati , Perea Bárbara López , Saralegui Iñaki , Zubeltzu Beñat , Fullaondo Ane , Verdoy Dolores , de Manuel Esteban
Published: February 2023

Across the globe, the healthcare sector is experiencing transformations (cultural, social, digital and economic). This is due to the age and varying patient needs that are driving a shift in the healthcare landscape. At the same time, chronic diseases, social determinants and resource limitations continue to add pressure. Healthcare has thus shifted from paternalistic mode of care to patient centered care (PCC). The growing multiple divergent medical cases denote a need to collaboratively understand clinical issues and effectively determine the best course of action. With PCC, a patient is recognized as a unique human being before forming a diagnosis. This implies that there is a need for multifaceted decision-making. In this study, we use a co-construction participatory modeling approach to understand the complexities in collaboratively managing knowledge for multi-morbid chronic patients on Advance Care Plan (ACP). To achieve this, focus group discussions (FGD) with 12 participants (five healthcare professionals, three health managers and three healthcare key decision makers) from Basque Public Health System (Osakidetza), in Spain were involved in identifying the key challenges and developing a systemic thinking model. As a result, three key challenges were identified i.e. 1) culture (citizens are not willing to talk about death, 2) healthcare professionals’ challenge to change attitude and perspectives, and 3) changing the current system towards holistic and a shared care model. From the developed Causal loop diagrams (CLDs), it is noted that perpetuation of fragmented and paternalistic care is likely to get worse without recognition of the ACP as a social need and a crucial part of the clinical practice part change.
Evaluation of Axial Length and Refractive Results in Patients Undergoing Phacovitrectomy Due to Dense Vitreous Hemorrhage: A Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Ozturk Yucel , Ağın Abdullah , Gencoglu Aysun Yucel
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the axial length (AL) measurement and refractive results in patients who underwent phacovitrectomy due to dense vitreous hemorrhage and to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) biometry in this patient group.
Methods: In this single-center study, patients with cataract and dense vitreous hemorrhage (VH) who underwent combined phacovitrectomy procedure (Group 1) and patients with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification procedure as control group (Group 2) were included. AL and biometry were performed with US in group 1 and IOL Master 500 in group 2. Postoperatively, AL and biometry of the patients in group 1 were performed with both US and IOL Master 500. Main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative AL measured by US and IOL Master and refractive outcomes including refractive prediction error (PE), and absolute prediction error (APE).
Results: Median preoperative AL measured by US was 23.33 mm (I), median postoperative AL measured by IOL Master 500 was 23.18 mm (II), and median postoperative AL measured by US (III) was 23.44 mm in group 1 (p=0.04, I- II; p=0.01, I- III; p<0.01, II- III). Preoperative US and postoperative IOL Master 500, and preoperative US and postoperative US AL measurement showed a statistically significant strong positive correlation with a high-reliability coefficient. Median PE and APE were similar between the two groups (p=0.25, p=0.99, respectively).
Conclusions: US biometry can be used easily, safely, and effectively in patients with dense vitreous hemorrhage with near the optimal refractive results.
Percutaneous mesh-container-plasty versus percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of Kümmell's disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yimin , Qian Yunfan , Shen Guangjie , Tang Chengxuan , Zhong Xiqiang , He Shaoqi
Published: February 2023

Background Both percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and percutaneous mesh-container-plasty (PMCP) were important procedures for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of PKP and PMCP for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. Methods This study included patients with Kümmell's disease treated at our center between January 2016 and December 2019. A total of 256 patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical treatment they received. Clinical, radiological, epidemiological, and surgical data were compared between the two groups. Cement leakage, height restoration, deformity correction, and distribution were evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and short-form 36 health survey domains “role-physical” (SF-36 rp) and “bodily pain” (SF-36 bp) were calculated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 1-year postoperatively. Results The VAS and ODI scores improved in the PKP [preoperative: 6 (6–7), 68.75 ± 6.64; postoperative: 2 (2–3), 23.25 ± 3.50, respectively] (p < 0.05) and the PMCP [preoperative: 6 (5–7), 67.70 ± 6.50; postoperative: 2 (2–2), 22.24 ± 3.55, respectively] groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups. The mean cost in the PKP group was lower than that in the PMCP group (3697 ± 461 vs. 5255 ± 262 USD,p < 0.05). The cement distribution in the PMCP group was significantly higher than that in the PKP group (41.81 ± 8.82% vs. 33.65 ± 9.24%,p < 0.001). Cement leakage was lower in the PMCP group (23/134) than in the PKP group (35/122) (p < 0.05). The anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVBHr) and Cobb’s angle improved in the PKP (preoperative: 70.85 ± 16.62% and 17.29 ± 9.78°; postoperative: 80.28 ± 13.02% and 13.05 ± 8.40°, respectively) and PMCP (preoperative: 70.96 ± 18.01% and 17.01 ± 10.53°; postoperative: 84.81 ± 12.96% and 10.76 ± 9.23°, respectively) groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in vertebral body height recovery and segmental kyphosis improvement between the two groups. Conclusions PMCP had advantages over PKP in terms of pain relief and functional recovery for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. Moreover, PMCP is more effective than PKP in preventing cement leakage, increasing cement distribution, and improving vertebral height and segmental kyphosis, despite its higher cost.
Food Safety Technology Based on Cold Atmospheric Plasma Brush Effect on Different Bacterial Spectrums
Authors: Khatami Shohreh , pour Ghobad Behzadi , aval Sedigheh Fekri
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this work was to design a large-scale cold atmospheric plasma brush (LSCAPB) that can produce a perfectly homogenous large area capable of producing plasma with a length of about 5 cm for studying the inactivation effect of plasma on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that commonly implicated in Food infections. Gram-positive (L. Monocytogenes, B. Cereus) and Gram-negative (S. Typhi, V. Cholerae) bacteria with an initial population density of 1.5×108 CFU mL− 1 were treated, and their survivability with plasma exposure was examined. The effect of plasma exposure in the reduction of bacteria population was investigated using OD600 absorbance, and changes in cell structure and membrane were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Comet assay analysis was used for studying the effect of plasma exposure on DNA damage, and changes in chemical bond were analyzed by FTIR analysis. So, the best destruction is obtained at the voltage of 25 kV for all types of bacteria. This study indicates that the inactivation effect of LSCAPB correlates with the kind of bacteria. We demonstrated LSCAPB can be one of the most efficient methods for the inactivation of different types of bacteria.
Trends in meniscus surgery by patient age and societal changes in Korea from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Kim Yong-Beom , Choi Hyung-Suk , Park Suyeon , Kim Jinjae , Seo Gi-Won
Published: February 2023

Background
Surgery related to the meniscus can be divided into three categories: meniscectomy, meniscal repair and meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). Meniscus injury is closely related to osteoarthritis, and the patient's age affects the choice of surgical method. As Korean society is rapidly changing into an aging society, the trend of meniscus treatment is expected to change according to the change in age structure.
Methods
This study analyzed longitudinal trends in meniscus surgery (e.g., meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and MAT) in Korea from 2010 to 2020 according to age distribution, hospital size, and region. Data were collected from the Korean Statistical Information Service and the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
Results
During the 2010–2020 study period, the rate of MAT per 1,000,000 people increased from 7.206 to 10.303 (time trend = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.025). The rate of meniscus repair per 1,000,000 people increased from 179.251 to 331.031 (time trend = 1.054; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07; P < 0.001). The rate of meniscectomy per 1,000,000 people decreased from 1301.616 to 1243.763, but the difference was not statistically significant (time trend = 0.991; 95% CI: 0.975–1.006, p = 0.260).
Conclusions
The number of patients presenting for MAT increased during the study period; it significantly increased among individuals aged 10–19 years and 50–59 years. The overall rate of meniscus repair increased; the increase was greatest in general hospitals and orthopedic surgery clinics. The overall rate of meniscectomy did not significantly increase or decrease, although the rate tended to decrease in tertiary hospitals and Seoul.
Energy Intake Equalization During Pregnancy of Obese Mothers: Efects on the Maternal Energy Balance and Fetal Development
Authors: Luz Jacqueline , Ribeiro-Silva Neila , Nejm Mariana Bocca , Silva Sylvia Maria Affonso , Cravo Sergio L
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE: The effects of maternal obesity on fetal development are controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of energy intake equalization during pregnancy on the maternal energy balance and fetal development.
METHODS: Female rats were mated 30 days following the bilateral lesion of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) divided into three groups: CONTROL (C) – false lesionated (sham) fed ad libitum; OBESE (OB) - lesionated fed ad libitum; OBESE PAIR-FED (OBP) - lesionated fed on the equalized C ingestion. Cesarean was made on the 20th day of pregnancy. Maternal and pups carcass, feces and food were submitted to calorimetric measurement for energy balance determination. Body composition and plasmatic levels of hormones and lipids were determined. Body weight, food intake and fat content were increased in obese animals following experimental lesion of the VMH.
RESULTS: During pregnancy, obese animals showed higher metabolizable energy intake and energy expenditure compared to the control and pair-fed animals, in which food-equalization reduced net body weight gain, metabolizable energy intake, energy gain, and gross food efficiency, compared to control and obese animals. Maternal obesity did not alter hormone and lipid profiles, body weight, energy content and body composition of the offspring, except for a reduction of lipid content in OBP newborns.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that at birth the fetuses were preserved of deleterious effects of maternal obesity. Hence, unlike the expected, caloric equalization imposed during the gestational period to previously obese pregnant seems to exert negative effects on the offspring.