bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of insomnia in patients with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Junwei , Lin Aitao , Tan Qingjing , Dou Weihua , Wu Jinyu , Zhang Yang , Lin Haohai , Wei Baoping , Huang Jiemin , Xie Juanjuan
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

Stroke is a serious threat to human life and health, and post-stroke insomnia is one of the common complications severely impairing patients’ quality of life and delaying recovery. Early understanding of the relationship between stroke and post-stroke insomnia can provide clinical evidence for preventing and treating post-stroke insomnia. This study was to investigate the prevalence of insomnia in patients with stroke.

Methods

The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were used to obtain the eligible studies until June 2023. The quality assessment was performed to extract valid data for meta-analysis.

The prevalence rates were used a random-efect. I2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies.

Results

Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, with 1,193,659 participants, of which 497,124 were patients with stroke.

The meta-analysis indicated that 150,181 patients with stroke developed insomnia during follow-up [46.98%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 36.91–57.18] and 1806 patients with ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) developed insomnia (47.21%, 95% CI: 34.26–60.36). Notably, 41.51% of patients with the prevalence of nonclassified stroke developed insomnia (95% CI: 28.86–54.75). The incidence of insomnia was significantly higher in patients with acute strokes than in patients with nonacute strokes (59.16% vs 44.07%, P < 0.0001).

Similarly, the incidence of insomnia was significantly higher in the patients with stroke at a mean age of ≥65 than patients with stroke at a mean age of <65 years (47.18% vs 40.50%, P < 0.05). Fifteen studies reported the follow-up time. The incidence of insomnia was significantly higher in the follow-up for ≥3 years than follow-up for <3 years (58.06% vs 43.83%, P < 0.05). Twenty-one studies used the Insomnia Assessment Diagnostic Tool, and the rate of insomnia in patients with stroke was 49.31% (95% CI: 38.59–60.06). Five studies used self-reporting, that the rate of insomnia in patients with stroke was 37.58% (95% CI: 13.44–65.63).

Conclusions

Stroke may be a predisposing factor for insomnia. Insomnia is more likely to occur in acute-phase stroke, and the prevalence of insomnia increases with patient age and follow-up time. Further, the rate of insomnia is higher in patients with stroke who use the Insomnia Assessment Diagnostic Tool.
Prognostic nomogram for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using Thailand nation-wide cross-sectional studies
Authors: Lertwanichwattana Teeraboon , Suwannahitatorn Picha , Mungthin Mathirut , Rangsin Ram
Published: April 2024

Background

Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and limited hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels examination are a burden in community hospitals in Thailand. The nomogram from the patients’ information might be a practical solution to identify a high-risk group of diabetic complications. Thus, this study aimed to establish an effective prognostic nomogram for patients with uncontrolled T2DM.

Methods

Sequential nationwide cross-sectional studies of T2DM patients in 2018 and 2015 were utilized for development and validation groups, respectively, with this chronological order aiming to capture recent trends during development and assess the nomogram’s robustness across diverse timeframes. The predictive outcome was uncontrolled T2DM, defined as HbA1c ≥9%. The model was determined by multivariable regression analysis and established an effective prognostic nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was applied to evaluate the performance of the nomogram.

Results

In 2018, 24% of the 38,568 participants in the development group had uncontrolled T2DM (defined as Hba1c ≥9%). The predictive nomogram of uncontrolled diabetes consisted of demographic characteristics, prescription medications, history of diabetic complications, and laboratory results (C-statistic of 0.77). The goodness of fit test and DCA showed good agreement between the result and clinical application for T2DM.

Conclusion

The predictive nomogram demonstrates simplicity, accuracy, and valuable prediction to enhance diabetic care in resource-limited countries, including Thailand.
The agricultural carbon reduction effect of digital rural construction under the dual carbon target
Authors: Guo Haihong
Published: April 2024

The exploration of the agricultural carbon emission reduction effect of digital rural construction offers a promising path towards achieving dual carbon goals. This study establishes an evaluation system for digital rural construction and analyzes its impact on agricultural carbon emissions using various creative techniques including panel fixed effects, mediation effects, threshold effects, and spatial Durbin models based on provincial panel data from 2011 to 2021.It is found that: (1) The impact of digital rural construction on agricultural carbon emissions exhibits a "inverted U-shaped" pattern, with a nonlinear effect on emissions through promoting agricultural green total factor productivity and adjusting agricultural structure.(2) Digital rural construction has both promoting and inhibiting effects on agricultural carbon emissions, both locally and in adjacent areas. It also demonstrates a threshold effect, with rural human capital as the sole threshold. Once the threshold value 8.830 is surpassed, the agricultural carbon emission reduction effect becomes prominent.(3)Digital rural construction has a dual effect on local agricultural carbon emissions in terms of both promoting and then restraining the emissions, which has a spatial spill-over effect in the neighboring areas. This study contributes to our understanding of carbon reduction pathways by highlighting the comprehensive utilization of digital rural construction and expanding research on the dynamic context of its impact on carbon emissions.
An averaging model for analysis and interpretation of high-order genetic interactions
Authors: Katagiri Fumiaki
Published: April 2024

While combinatorial genetic data collection from biological systems in which quantitative phenotypes are controlled by active and inactive alleles of multiple genes (multi-gene systems) is becoming common, a standard analysis method for such data has not been established. The currently common approaches have three major drawbacks. First, although it is a long tradition in genetics, modeling the effect of an inactive allele (a null mutant allele) contrasted against that of the active allele (the wild-type allele) is not suitable for mechanistic understanding of multi-gene systems. Second, a commonly-used additive model (ANOVA with interaction) mathematically fails in estimation of interactions among more than two genes when the phenotypic response is not linear. Third, interpretation of higher-order interactions defined by an additive model is not intuitive. I derived an averaging model based on algebraic principles to solve all these problems within the framework of a general linear model. In the averaging model: the effect of the active allele is contrasted against the effect of the inactive allele for easier mechanistic interpretations; there is mathematical stability in estimation of higher-order interactions even when the phenotypic response is not linear; and interpretations of higher-order interactions are intuitive and consistent—interactions are defined as the mean effects of the last active genes added to the system. Thus, the key outcomes of this study are development of the averaging model, which is suitable for analysis of multi-gene systems, and a new, intuitive, and mathematically and interpretationally consistent definition of a genetic interaction, which is central to the averaging model.
AMSD: The Australian Message Stick Database
Authors: Kelly Piers , Lei Junran , Bibiko Hans-Jörg , Barker Lorina
Published: April 2024

Message sticks are wooden objects once widely used in Indigenous Australia for facilitating important long-distance communications. Within this tradition an individual wishing to send a message would carve a stick and apply conventional symbols to its surface. The stick was entrusted to a messenger who carried the object into the territory of another community together with a memorised oral statement. Between the 1880s and the 1910s, settlers and international scholars took great interest in message sticks and this was reflected in efforts to document, collect and store them in museums worldwide. However, by this period, the practice was already undergoing profound changes, having been abandoned in many parts of the continent and transformed in others. While message sticks were still being used in a traditional way in Western Arnhem Land up until at least the late 1970s, today they feature in public interactions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, in art production and in oral narrations. Accordingly many questions concerning the history, pragmatics and global significance of message stick communication remain unanswered. To address this we have compiled the Australian Message Stick Database, a new resource hosted at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, and The Australian National University, Canberra. It contains images and data for over 1500 individual message sticks sourced from museums, and supplemented with information derived from published and unpublished manuscripts, private collections, and from field recordings involving contemporary Indigenous consultants. For the first time, knowledge about Australian message sticks can be evaluated as a single set allowing scholars and Traditional Owners to explore previously intractable questions about their histories, meanings and purposes.
The proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial communities in industrial wastewater treatment plant treating N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) by AAO process
Authors: Gao Xuan , Xu Longhui , Zhong Tao , Song Xinxin , Zhang Hong , Liu Xiaohui , Jiang Yongbin
Published: April 2024

The excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in the contamination of the environment with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), posing a significant threat to public health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are known to be reservoirs of ARGs and considered to be hotspots for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between bacterial communities. However, most studies focused on the distribution and dissemination of ARGs in hospital and urban WWTPs, and little is known about their fate in industrial WWTPs. In this study, collected the 15 wastewater samples containing N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) from five stages of the anaerobic anoxic aerobic (AAO) process in an industrial WWTPs. The findings revealed a stepwise decrease in DMF and chemical oxygen demand (COD) content with the progression of treatment. However, the number and abundances of ARGs increase in the effluents of biological treatments. Furthermore, the residues of DMF and the treatment process altered the structure of the bacterial community. The correlation analysis indicated that the shift in bacterial community structures might be the main driver for the dynamics change of ARGs. Interestingly, observed that the AAO process may acted as a microbial source and increased the total abundance of ARGs instead of attenuating it. Additionally, found that non-pathogenic bacteria had higher ARGs abundance than pathogenic bacteria in effluents. The study provides insights into the microbial community structure and the mechanisms that drive the variation in ARGs abundance in industrial WWTPs.
An alternating-intervention pilot trial on the impact of an informational handout on patient-reported outcomes and follow-up after lung cancer screening
Authors: Triplette Matthew , Kross Erin K. , Snidarich Madison , Shahrir Shahida , Hippe Daniel S. , Crothers Kristina
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce lung cancer mortality; however, poor understanding of results may impact patient experience and follow-up. We sought to determine whether an informational handout accompanying LCS results can improve patient-reported outcomes and adherence to follow-up.

Study design

This was a prospective alternating intervention pilot trial of a handout to accompany LCS results delivery.

Setting/Participants

Patients undergoing LCS in a multisite program over a 6-month period received a mailing containing either: 1) a standardized form letter of LCS results (control) or 2) the LCS results letter and the handout (intervention).

Intervention

A two-sided informational handout on commonly asked questions after LCS created through iterative mixed-methods evaluation with both LCS patients and providers.

Outcome measures

The primary outcomes of 1)patient understanding of LCS results, 2)correct identification of next steps in screening, and 3)patient distress were measured through survey. Adherence to recommended follow-up after LCS was determined through chart review. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and control group using generalized estimating equations.

Results

389 patients were eligible and enrolled with survey responses from 230 participants (59% response rate). We found no differences in understanding of results, identification of next steps in follow-up or distress but did find higher levels of knowledge and understanding on questions assessing individual components of LCS in the intervention group. Follow-up adherence was overall similar between the two arms, though was higher in the intervention group among those with positive findings (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

There were no differences in self-reported outcomes between the groups or overall follow-up adherence. Those receiving the intervention did report greater understanding and knowledge of key LCS components, and those with positive results had a higher rate of follow-up. This may represent a feasible component of a multi-level intervention to address knowledge and follow-up for LCS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05265897.
News media coverage of LGBT identities over 10 years in a 400-million-word corpus
Authors: Ng Reuben , Chow Ting Yu Joanne , Yang Wenshu
Published: April 2024

Background

This study is the first to analyze LGBT portrayals in a news media dataset over a decade (2010–2020). We selected Singapore as a country of interest, emblematic of a nation grappling with state-encouraged heteronormativity and a remnant colonial law against homosexuality (377A), fraught with calls for its repeal that was only enacted in 2022. Our study is interested in this period bookended by challenge and change, particularly in newspaper portrayals of LGBT narratives. Newspapers are an important source of current information and have the power to shape societal perceptions. We lay the groundwork and provide a framework to analyze news media narratives of other Commonwealth nations with colonial pasts and inherited laws criminalizing LGBT communities.

Objectives

This study analyzes LGBT portrayals in a 400-million-word news media dataset over a decade (2010–2020). First, we aimed to track the volume of LGBT media coverage over time and elucidate differences in coverage of different identity markers. Second, we aimed to track sentiments on LGBT portrayals. Third, we aimed to track salient narratives circulated about LGBT stories.

Methods

The study leveraged a 400-million-word corpus from news media in Singapore, identifying the following target keywords:LGBT,Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,Pink Dot(a local Pride event),377A. First, coverage volume was tracked using annual changes in keyword mentions per million, elucidating differences in coverage of different sub-groups. Second, sentiment analysis on a valence scale was conducted on LGBT collocates. Third, we distilled salient narratives about LGBT identities using thematic labelling of top-frequency collocates.

Results

First, overall coverage of LGBT steadily increased over the decade, though Gay identities evidenced asymmetrical coverage—outstripping ‘Bisexual’ keywords by seven times, ‘Lesbian’ by four, ‘Transgender’ by two. Second, sentiment scores forPink Dot (a local pride event)were most positive;Lesbian,Gay,LGBT,Transgenderwere neutral;Bisexualand377Adipped slightly negative. Third, topics differed across the four identities: uniquely, ‘Lesbian’ collocates related to sensationalized cinema; ‘Gay’ about hate crimes; ‘Bisexual’ about population surveys; ‘Transgender’ about challenges (transitioning, alienation, suicide).

Conclusions

Practically, we presented a decade-long barometer of LGBT sentiments and themes on a national level, providing a framework to analyze media for more effective communication strategies—applicable to Commonwealth countries with similar inherited colonial laws. Salient repetition through media association may unwittingly frame certain issues negatively; caution is prudent in representing each sub-group adequately, rather than portraying the LGBT identity as monolithic.
Prevalence, genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira species in small mammal communities in urban parks Lyon city, France
Authors: Garcia-Lopez Marta , Lurier Thibaut , Bouilloud Marie , Pradel Julien , Tatard Caroline , Sepulveda Diana , Anfray Gwendoline , Dussert Julie , Bourhy Pascale , Charbonnel Nathalie , Djelouadji Zouheira
Published: April 2024

Rodents are recognized as the main reservoirs of Leptospira spp. Rats, in particular, serve as hosts for the widely predominant Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, found worldwide. Several studies have shown the importance of other reservoirs, such as mice or hedgehogs, which harbor other leptospires’ serovars. Nevertheless, our knowledge of circulating Leptospira spp. in reservoirs other than rats remains limited. In this context, we proposed an eco-health approach to assess the health hazard associated with leptospires in urban green spaces, where contacts between human/small mammals and domestic animals are likely. We studied the prevalence, the diversity of circulating strains, and epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira species in small terrestrial mammal communities (rodents and shrews), between 2020–2022, in two parks in Lyon metropolis, France. Our study showed a significant carriage of Leptospira spp. in small terrestrial mammals in these parks and unveiled a global prevalence rate of 11.4%. Significant variations of prevalence were observed among the small mammal species (from 0 to 26.1%), with Rattus norvegicus exhibiting the highest infection levels (26.1%). We also observed strong spatio-temporal variations in Leptospira spp. circulation in its reservoirs. Prevalence seems to be higher in the peri-urban park and in autumn in 2021 and 2022. This is potentially due to differences in landscape, abiotic conditions and small mammal communities’ composition. Our study suggests an important public health relevance of rats and in a lesser extent of other rodents (Apodemus spp., Clethrionomys glareolus and Mus musculus) as reservoirs of L. interrogans, with rodent species carrying specific serogroups/serovars. We also emphasize the potential hazard associated between the shrew Crocidura russula and L. kirschneri. Altogether, these results improve our knowledge about the prevalence of leptospirosis in an urban environment, which is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of prevention of associated risks.
Digital economy, innovation factor allocation and industrial structure transformation—A case study of the Yangtze River Delta city cluster in China
Authors: Chang Xinfeng , Yang Zihe , Abdullah
Published: April 2024

The attainment of regional high-quality development necessitates the critical role of the digital economy in facilitating the transformation of industrial structures. This study intends to investigate the effect of the digital economy on industrial structure transformation from the perspective of innovation factor allocation using a panel dataset of 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region for the period from 2011 to 2020. This paper considers four dimensions to measure the level of industrial structure transformation i.e. industrial structure servitization, industrial structure upgradation, service industry structure upgradation and industrial interaction level. The results of the study suggest that the digital economy can significantly improve industrial structure transformation. The results remain consistent even after several robustness checks. Further, the analysis of the mechanism of action shows that the digital economy can promote industrial structure transformation by optimizing the innovation factor allocation. The study provides several policy implications for the digital economy and its role in the promotion of industrial structure transformation.
Spatial ecology of moose in Sweden: Combined Sr-O-C isotope analyses of bone and antler
Authors: Armaroli Elena , Lugli Federico , Cipriani Anna , Tütken Thomas
Published: April 2024

The study of spatial (paleo)ecology in mammals is critical to understand how animals adapt to and exploit their environment. In this work we analysed the 87Sr/86Sr, δ18O and δ13C isotope composition of 65 moose bone and antler samples from Sweden from wild-shot individuals dated between 1800 and 1994 to study moose mobility and feeding behaviour for (paleo)ecological applications. Sr data were compared with isoscapes of the Scandinavian region, built ad-hoc during this study, to understand how moose utilise the landscape in Northern Europe. The 87Sr/86Sr isoscape was developed using a machine-learning approach with external geo-environmental predictors and literature data. Similarly, a δ18O isoscape, obtained from average annual precipitation δ18O values, was employed to highlight differences in the isotope composition of the local environment vs. bone/antler. Overall, 82% of the moose samples were compatible with the likely local isotope composition (n = 53), suggesting that they were shot not far from their year-round dwelling area. ‘Local’ samples were used to calibrate the two isoscapes, to improve the prediction of provenance for the presumably ‘non-local’ individuals. For the latter (n = 12, of which two are antlers and ten are bones), the probability of geographic origin was estimated using a Bayesian approach by combining the two isoscapes. Interestingly, two of these samples (one antler and one bone) seem to come from areas more than 250 km away from the place where the animals were hunted, indicating a possible remarkable intra-annual mobility. Finally, the δ13C data were compared with the forest cover of Sweden and ultimately used to understand the dietary preference of moose. We interpreted a difference in δ13C values of antlers (13C-enriched) and bones (13C-depleted) as a joint effect of seasonal variations in moose diet and, possibly, physiological stresses during winter-time, i.e., increased consumption of endogenous 13C-depleted lipids.
Putting theory to the test: An integrated computational/experimental chemostat model of the tragedy of the commons
Authors: Lynn Bryan K. , De Leenheer Patrick , Schuster Martin
Published: April 2024

Cooperation via shared public goods is ubiquitous in nature, however, noncontributing social cheaters can exploit the public goods provided by cooperating individuals to gain a fitness advantage. Theory predicts that this dynamic can cause a Tragedy of the Commons, and in particular, a ‘Collapsing’ Tragedy defined as the extinction of the entire population if the public good is essential. However, there is little empirical evidence of the Collapsing Tragedy in evolutionary biology. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this outcome in a microbial model system, the public good-producing bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in a continuous-culture chemostat. In a growth medium that requires extracellular protein digestion, we find that P. aeruginosa populations maintain a high density when entirely composed of cooperating, protease-producing cells but completely collapse when non-producing cheater cells are introduced. We formulate a mechanistic mathematical model that recapitulates experimental observations and suggests key parameters, such as the dilution rate and the cost of public good production, that define the stability of cooperative behavior. We combine model prediction with experimental validation to explain striking differences in the long-term cheater trajectories of replicate cocultures through mutational events that increase cheater fitness. Taken together, our integrated empirical and theoretical approach validates and parametrizes the Collapsing Tragedy in a microbial population, and provides a quantitative, mechanistic framework for generating testable predictions of social behavior.
Molecular identification of Hymenopteran insects collected by using Malaise traps from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Abid , Kakar Asmatullah , Naseem Mahrukh , Kamran Kashif , Ullah Zafar , Shehla Shehla , Obaid Muhammad Kashif , Ahmed Nazeer , Khan Qaiser , Liaqat Iram
Published: April 2024

The order Hymenoptera holds great significance for humans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, due to its role as a pollinator of wild and cultivated flowering plants, parasites of destructive insects and honey producers. Despite this importance, limited attention has been given to the genetic diversity and molecular identification of Hymenopteran insects in most protected areas. This study provides insights into the first DNA barcode of Hymenopteran insects collected from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park (HCNP) and contributes to the global reference library of DNA barcodes. A total of 784 insect specimens were collected using Malaise traps, out of which 538 (68.62%) specimens were morphologically identified as Hymenopteran insects. The highest abundance of species of Hymenoptera (133/538, 24.72%) was observed during August and least in November (16/538, 2.97%). Genomic DNA extraction was performed individually from 90/538 (16.73%) morphologically identified specimens using the standard phenol-chloroform method, which were subjected separately to the PCR for their molecular confirmation via the amplification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The BLAST analyses of obtained sequences showed 91.64% to 100% identities with related sequences and clustered phylogenetically with their corresponding sequences that were reported from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, India, Israel, and Pakistan. Additionally, total of 13 barcode index numbers (BINs) were assigned by Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), out of which 12 were un-unique and one was unique (BOLD: AEU1239) which was assigned for Anthidium punctatum. This indicates the potential geographical variation of Hymenopteran population in HCNP. Further comprehensive studies are needed to molecularly confirm the existing insect species in HCNP and evaluate their impacts on the environment, both as beneficial (for example, pollination, honey producers and natural enemies) and detrimental (for example, venomous stings, crop damage, and pathogens transmission).
Does wealth equate to happiness? an 11-year panel data analysis exploring socio-economic indicators and social media metrics
Authors: Huang Feng , Ding Huimin , Han Nuo , Li Fumeng , Zhu Tingshao
Published: April 2024

The Easterlin paradox questions the link between economic growth and national well-being, emphasizing the necessity to explore the impact of economic elasticity, income inequality, and their temporal and spatial heterogeneity on subjective happiness. Despite the importance of these factors, few studies have examined them together, thus ongoing debates about the impact of economics on well-being persist. To fill this gap, our analysis utilizes 11 years of panel data from 31 provinces in China, integrating macroeconomic indicators and social media content to reassess the Easterlin paradox. We use GDP per capita and the Gini coefficient as proxies for economic growth and income inequality, respectively, to study their effects on the subjective well-being expressed by citizens on social media in mainland China. Our approach combines machine learning and fixed effects models to evaluate these relationships. Key findings include: (1) In temporal relationships, a 46.70% increase in GDP per capita implies a 0.38 increase in subjective well-being, while a 0.09 increase in the Gini coefficient means a 1.47 decrease in subjective well-being. (2) In spatial relationships, for every 46.70% increase in GDP per capita, subjective well-being rises by 0.51; however, this relationship is buffered by unfair distribution, and GDP per capita no longer significantly affects subjective well-being when the Gini index exceeds 0.609. This study makes a synthetic contribution to the debate on the Easterlin paradox, indicating that economic growth can enhance well-being if income inequality is kept below a certain level. Although these results are theoretically enlightening for the relationship between economics and national well-being globally, this study’s sample comes from mainland China. Due to differences in cultural, economic, and political factors, further research is suggested to explore these dynamics globally.
Isolation and characterization of cellulase producing bacteria from forest, cow dung, Dashen brewery and agro-industrial waste
Authors: Demissie Mulugeta Samuel , Legesse Negash Hailu , Tesema Aderajew Adgo
Published: April 2024

The continuous accumulation of waste, particularly from industries, often ends up in landfills. However, this waste can be transformed into a valuable resource through innovative methods. This process not only reduces environmental pollution but also generates additional useful products. This study aims to screen novel high-efficiency cellulose-degrading bacteria from cow dung, forest soil, brewery waste, and agro-industrial waste in the Debre Berhan area for the treatment of cellulose-rich agricultural waste. The serial dilution and pour plate method was used to screen for cellulolytic bacteria and further characterized using morphological and biochemical methods. From eleven isolates cow dung 1 (CD1), cow dung 6 (CD6) and cow dung (CD3) which produced the largest cellulolytic index (3.1, 2.9 and 2.87) were selected. Samples from forest soil, and spent grain didn’t form a zone of clearance, and effluent treatment and industrial waste (IW9) shows the smallest cellulolytic index. Three potential isolates were then tested for cellulolytic activity, with cow dung 1 (CD1) displaying promising cellulase activity. These bacterial isolates were then identified as Bacillus species, which were isolated from cow dung 1 (CD1) with maximum cellulase production. Cow dung waste is a rich source of cellulase-producing bacteria, which can be valuable and innovative enzymes for converting lignocellulosic waste.
Measuring high-speed train delay severity: Static and dynamic analysis
Authors: Li Bing , Wen Chao , Yang Shenglan , Ma Mingzhao , Cheng Jie , Li Wenxin
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on optimizing the management of delayed trains in operational scenarios by scientifically categorizing train delay levels. It employs static and dynamic models grounded in real-world train delay data from high-speed railways. This classification aids dispatchers in swiftly identifying and predicting delay extents, thus enhancing mitigation strategies’ efficiency. Key indicators, encompassing initial delay duration, station impacts, average station delay, delayed trains’ cascading effects, and average delay per affected train, inform the classification. Applying the K-means clustering algorithm to standardized delay indicators yields an optimized categorization of delayed trains into four levels, reflecting varying risk levels. This static classification offers a comprehensive overview of delay dynamics. Furthermore, utilizing Markov chains, the study delves into sequential dynamic analyses, accounting for China’s railway context and specifically addressing fluctuations during the Spring Festival travel rush. This research, combining static and dynamic approaches, provides valuable insights for bolstering railway operational efficiency and resilience amidst diverse delay scenarios.
Mathematical models of drug-resistant tuberculosis lack bacterial heterogeneity: A systematic review
Authors: Fuller Naomi M. , McQuaid Christopher F. , Harker Martin J. , Weerasuriya Chathika K. , McHugh Timothy D. , Knight Gwenan M.
Published: April 2024

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) threatens progress in the control of TB. Mathematical models are increasingly being used to guide public health decisions on managing both antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and TB. It is important to consider bacterial heterogeneity in models as it can have consequences for predictions of resistance prevalence, which may affect decision-making. We conducted a systematic review of published mathematical models to determine the modelling landscape and to explore methods for including bacterial heterogeneity. Our first objective was to identify and analyse the general characteristics of mathematical models of DR-mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis. The second objective was to analyse methods of including bacterial heterogeneity in these models. We had different definitions of heterogeneity depending on the model level. For between-host models of mycobacterium, heterogeneity was defined as any model where bacteria of the same resistance level were further differentiated. For bacterial population models, heterogeneity was defined as having multiple distinct resistant populations. The search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines in five databases, with studies included if they were mechanistic or simulation models of DR-mycobacteria. We identified 195 studies modelling DR-mycobacteria, with most being dynamic transmission models of non-treatment intervention impact in M. tuberculosis (n = 58). Studies were set in a limited number of specific countries, and 44% of models (n = 85) included only a single level of “multidrug-resistance (MDR)”. Only 23 models (8 between-host) included any bacterial heterogeneity. Most of these also captured multiple antibiotic-resistant classes (n = 17), but six models included heterogeneity in bacterial populations resistant to a single antibiotic. Heterogeneity was usually represented by different fitness values for bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic (61%, n = 14). A large and growing body of mathematical models of DR-mycobacterium is being used to explore intervention impact to support policy as well as theoretical explorations of resistance dynamics. However, the majority lack bacterial heterogeneity, suggesting that important evolutionary effects may be missed.
Assessment of the technological efficiency of production and consumption of EU countries in the context of circular economy
Authors: Gedvilaite Dainora , Ginevicius Romualdas
Published: April 2024

The intensive use of non-renewable production resources and the associated growing environmental pollution forces us to look for new methods of halting these negative trends. Circular economy is one such method. This phenomenon is the subject of numerous studies attempting to assess its condition at both the micro and macro levels, the implementation of circular economy strategies, its environmental impact, the context of waste generation, etc. On the other hand, little attention is paid to assessing its efficiency. Technological efficiency, i.e., the relationship between material footprint and waste generation, is of particular importance, since the amount of waste generated primarily depends on the technology used at the time of production. Thus, this paper aims to analyse and assess the development of technological efficiency over a certain period of time. Further, it is necessary not only to build on the results of development at the end of this period, but also to assess the extent of the changes that have taken place during it in order to reflect the actual state of affairs. Thus, the final result takes into account both the intensity of the development of technological efficiency and the importance of its current state to the overall development process.
Measuring national economic resilience through industrial portfolios
Authors: Montrimas Andrius , Bruneckienė Jurgita , Navickas Valentinas , Martinkienė Jurgita
Published: April 2024

Even though the importance of economic resilience has increased as economic shocks have become more frequent in the world, there is still a knowledge gap on how to measure it. In search for effective ways to measure national resilience, this article identifies and mathematically proves the existence of direct correlation between resilience and competitiveness through time-specific global correlation rate. This research proposes an economic performance evaluation method that measures the competitiveness of countries facing economic shocks and recovering from them. A quantified method for identification of global economic shocks through industrial portfolio is proposed as well. The holistic approach internalises most externalities and a nation’s resilience is pared down to its ability to compete in the international trade, linking the main determinants of resilience to the basics of human behaviour. The proposed methodology can be used effectively for national and global economic performance estimations. It also opens a range of new possibilities for economic resilience studies.
Delimitação de Áreas de Preservação Permanente em Cursos D’água para Fins de Gestão no Estado do Rio Grande Do Sul: uma Abordagem Indireta com Técnicas de Hidrologia e Geoprocessamento
Authors: Scottá Fernando Comerlato , Scapin Bruno Alvarez , Manara Eduardo , Schuster Raíza , Kaliski Aline Duarte , Pelinson Dieyson , Meirelles Fernando Setembrino Cruz
Published: April 2024

O objetivo do trabalho é propor um modelo de regressão para delimitar as Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs) das faixas marginais dos cursos de água para as bacias hidrográficas do Rio Grande do Sul a partir de técnicas de hidrologia e geoprocessamento. A metodologia consiste em determinar uma equação de regressão relacionando a largura média dos cursos d’água com a área de drenagem e, a partir da equação gerada, estimar uma aproximação para o tamanho das APPs dos cursos d’água com softwares de geoprocessamento. Foi possível ajustar e validar um modelo de regressão que delimitou a largura das APPs das faixas marginais de todos os cursos hídricos do RS. A avaliação indica que a metodologia possui rápido processamento e é válida para estudos em escala de âmbito regional, como, por exemplo, em estudos de planejamento de bacias hidrográficas. O cruzamento das APPs geradas pela equação em uma bacia hidrográfica com o mapa de uso e ocupação do solo permitiu quantificar a proporção das APPs com usos adequados e inadequados, sendo uma ferramenta válida para fins de diagnóstico da situação dos recursos hídricos. Limitações intrínsecas da acurácia posicional da Base Cartográfica do Rio Grande do Sul em escala de 1:25.000, do modelo de regressão e erros oriundos do processamento são os fatores limitantes da metodologia quanto à acurácia das APPs delimitadas. Dessa forma, o método apresentado deve ser utilizado com ressalvas em situações localizadas ou para estudos e processos que exijam valores precisos.
Entrevista com Farid El-Askary
Authors: El-Askary Farid , Oliveira Ana Paula Ayres , Giannini Marcelo
Published: April 2024

Farid El-Askary é professor de Dentística Operatória na Universidade Ain Shams desde 2012. Graduou-se na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade do Cairo em 1988. Concluiu o mestrado em Dentística Operatória pela Universidade do Cairo, em 1995. Seu doutorado foi em Odontologia Conservadora em 2001, pela Universidade Ain Shams. Ele foi o chefe do Departamento de Dentística Operatória e o Vice-Reitor de Educação e Assuntos Estudantis da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Ain Shams. Foi bolsista na Sheffield University, Reino Unido, em 2008, sendo a bolsa do Ministério do Ensino Superior e Pesquisa Científica do Egito. Ele foi Professor Clínico Visitante Honorário na Universidade de Sheffield em 2008, e professor especialmente indicado na Universidade de Osaka em 2017. Como ex-Vice-Reitor, ele foi o chefe do comitê de educação e assuntos estudantis da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Ain Shams. Ele foi membro do conselho do comitê de ética, membro dos comitês de educação e assuntos estudantis e de ensino superior e pesquisa científica, e membro do conselho do comitê do corpo docente da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Ain Shams. Ele é membro da IADR, do Grupo de Materiais Dentários da IADR, e da Associação Egípcia de Pesquisa Odontológica. Ele também é membro da Academia de Materiais Dentários. Ele participou de vários congressos da IADR e ADM. Durante a sua participação nessas organizações científicas, apresentou vários estudos de investigação científica com investigadores do Egito e de outros países. Seus interesses residem nas áreas de Odontologia Adesiva, resina composta direta, colagem de pinos de fibra, compósito e cerâmica CAD/CAM e cimento de ionômero de vidro. Suas publicações são focadas, principalmente, em adesivos e adesão, colagem de pinos de fibra ao canal radicular, reparo de restaurações adesivas e propriedades mecânicas de materiais restauradores. Publicou vários artigos científicos, como autor principal ou coautor, desde 2006. Concluiu mais de 40 teses científicas, como orientador principal ou coorientador, durante sua jornada científica e tem mais de dez teses em andamento na área de Dentística Operatória e Materiais Dentários.
A primeira clínica odontológica do Brasil certificada em arquitetura saudável está em Brasília
Authors: Bollman Caroline
Published: April 2024

Todo espaço construído, seja residencial ou comercial, deve ter o foco no usuário, nas pessoas que habitam ou trabalham nele. Essa é a principal premissa do Healthy Building Certificate (HBC), instituição internacional que certifica espaços construídos, produtos da construção civil e também capacita profissionais da área da Arquitetura para certificarem seus projetos e obras com o selo de construção saudável.
Um legado para o inconformismo
Authors: Furquim Bruno
Published: April 2024

Inconformismo é uma palavra que pode ser interpretada de diferentes formas. Para alguns, pode ser algo que remete a um temperamento intempestivo ou reacionário. Para outros, um sentimento em que se busca aperfeiçoamento ou reagir ao comodismo de maneira geral. Fato é: nos últimos cinco anos sobraram reflexões sobre o status quo dos profissionais atuais, venerando-se o inconformismo com algumas das práticas clínicas atuais e uma verdadeira guerra à acomodação — em todos os aspectos possíveis.
O certo não sai de moda
Authors: Sakamoto Junior Antonio Setsuo
Published: April 2024

O certo é certo, certo?! Eu fui criado assim, fazer as coisas corretamente e bem feito, mesmo sem ter alguém vendo. “Mas TODO MUNDO está fazendo dessa forma, facetando os dentes pra deixar eles mais claros e corrigir as imperfeições”… Como diriam nossas mães: “Mas você não é todo mundo”. Mães têm o sexto sentido muito apurado, elas sempre estão certas. Esse princípio de fazer bem feito também deve ser aplicado na Odontologia. Vi isso na prática desde pequeno. Isso mesmo que você leu, estou na Odontologia desde meus 10 anos de idade. Meu pai é dentista, e eu e minhas irmãs nos revezávamos para auxiliá-lo. Na época, não gostava muito de ficar no consultório, porque tinha que ajudar a lavar os instrumentais, varrer, passar pano no chão e atender telefone. Meu pai foi muito esperto e sábio e, hoje, vejo quão importante foi essa conduta, agora que sou pai de duas meninas.
Design Ottoboni
Authors: Alencar Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Todo projeto de interiores corporativo é um novo desafio. Afinal, um ambiente comercial, normalmente, deve atender às necessidades de quem ali permanece, e às de quem por ali passa. Nesse caso em específico, buscamos ressignificar os tradicionais consultórios odontológicos, trazendo uma proposta ousada, por meio do design, das tecnologias e por meio de experiências tanto sensoriais quanto visuais — essas que, de fato, já eram premissas dos clientes quando nos chamaram para desenvolver esse projeto.
Incisivo central escurecido unitário: um dos maiores desafios na Odontologia Restauradora estética
Authors: Decurcio Rafael de Almeida , Hojo Fábio , Almeida Letícia Nunes de , Cardoso Paula de Carvalho , Oliveira Salma Maria Gomide Leite de , Chaves Gustavo Silva , Magalhães Ana Paula Rodrigues
Published: April 2024

Introdução: Restaurar um incisivo central unitário escurecido é um desafio para os clínicos, devido à necessidade de copiar a cor, características ópticas incisais e textura do dente vizinho. Objetivo: Apresentar um relato de caso com reabilitação estética de um dente unitário escurecido e com restauração insatisfatória, destacando o uso de uma faceta de cerâmica feldspática como estratégia restauradora. Relato de caso: Paciente com 31 anos de idade, sexo feminino, compareceu ao consultório com o incisivo central superior direito apresentando restauração de resina composta insatisfatória e uma pequena alteração na inclinação. Como o dente apresentava vitalidade pulpar, foi realizado um preparo para faceta, criando espaço para uma cerâmica em espessura de aproximadamente 0,8 mm, adequada para se obter a cor desejada. A faceta foi confeccionada com cerâmica feldspática (Vintage Halo®, Shofu) na técnica estratificada, para se obter naturalidade e detalhes compatíveis com o dente vizinho. Após a cimentação, um resultado extremamente positivo foi observado, com o dente restaurado apresentando características muito semelhantes às dos dentes adjacentes, como volume, inclinação e cor, mesmo após um ano de acompanhamento. Conclusão: O dente foi restaurado de forma satisfatória, com o mínimo de preparo necessário, mantendo a vitalidade pulpar e obtendo um bom resultado estético. Para incisivos centrais escurecidos unitários, a cerâmica feldspática é uma excelente escolha, devido à sua capacidade de reproduzir as características cromáticas dos dentes adjacentes, com um perfil de emergência periodontal compatível.
A importância da Medicina do Sono no tratamento restaurador estético: relato de caso
Authors: Miotto Alice Vanzela , Serpa José Felipe Grassi , Ioris Matheus Dalmédico , Leão Danilo de Vasconcelos , Ilkiu Rodrigo Ehlers
Published: April 2024

Introdução: A queixa estética decorrente do desgaste dentário é comum nos consultórios odontológicos, sendo o bruxismo sua principal causa. O bruxismo é definido como uma atividade da musculatura mastigatória que ocorre em diferentes fases do ciclo circadiano: durante a vigília (bruxismo em vigília, BV), caracterizado pelo contato repetitivo ou contínuo dos dentes e/ou segurar e empurrar a mandíbula sem necessariamente haver contato dentário; e durante o sono (bruxismo do sono, BS). De acordo com o fator etiológico, o bruxismo pode ser gerado no sistema nervoso central (BS primário) ou ser secundário a outras condições (BS secundário), como a Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (AOS). Objetivo: O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar um relato de caso e discutir a abordagem restauradora utilizando resinas compostas para reanatomização dos dentes desgastados e a abordagem clínica para conduzir ao diagnóstico e controle do bruxismo do sono secundário à AOS, além de apresentar as indicações de uso do aparelho intraoral de avanço mandibular (AIOam), por meio de questionários validados e dois exames de polissonografia. Resultados: Ao fim do tratamento, os parâmetros respiratórios, como índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH de 20,6 para 5,7), índice de despertar e saturação de oxi-hemoglobina (total de dessaturações durante o sono de 42 para 27), ronco (de 8,5 para 4,1 episódios/hora) e sonolência diurna (escala de Sonolência Epworth de 15 para 3), tiveram melhora significativa. Conclusão: O tratamento proposto diminuiu o risco de trincas e fraturas dentárias, melhorando a qualidade do sono, aliando saúde e estética ao fim do tratamento restaurador.