bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Anticancer Compound Producing Marine Paenibacillus lentimorbus SAGM 3 Collected from a Sea Anemone, Heteractis species
Authors: Vinothkumar Nagamuthu , Pugalendhi Pachaiappan
Published: April 2023

Sea anemone-associated bacteria were considered promising candidates for the synthesis of many novel bioactive compounds. Thus culturable symbiotic bacteria that exist in the sea anemones met much attention when compared to other benthic marine dwellers. In this study, an attempt was made to explore the anticancer potentials of symbiotic bacteria isolated from a sea anemone, Heteractis species. Nine symbiotic bacteria were isolated, pure cultured and screened for their anticancer potential using two breast cancer cell lines. Among the strains, SAGM 3 showed appreciable growth inhibition activity of 43.1% and 47.1% against the studied cell lines, viz. MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 and this strain was selected for further studies. Based on the 16S rRNA molecular profiling, the SAGM 3 isolate was noted as Paenibacillus lentimorbus and the sequence of SAGM 3 was deposited in GeneBank with the accession number MW737456.1. During the growth kinetics profiling, maximum bacterial growth rate and anticancer activities were recorded from 60 to 96 hrs of incubation. The present investigation provides baseline data understanding the pharmaceutical significance of a symbiotic marine bacterium procured from the sea anemone, Heteractis species.
Isolation and Characterization of Protease Inhibitors with Antimicrobial Activity from Sirisa (Albizia lebbeck) Seed Protein Extract
Authors: Thete Rutwika S. , Roushani Shahriar , Shaikh Faiyaz K. , Kulkarni Jyoti , H. L Raghavendra
Published: April 2023

The present study aimed to identify protease inhibitors (PIs) with antimicrobial activity from sirisa (Albizia lebbeck) seed protein extracts that may be a natural alternative to overcome multi-drug resistance, toxicity, and side effects of existing antimicrobial drugs. The crude PIs were extracted from seeds of A. lebbeck in 1% PVP and further partially purified by ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 fractionation. The total protein content was found to be high in 0-30 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated protein fraction F1 (7.3 ± 0.17 mg/ml). Reasonably high PI activity towards trypsin was observed in 60–90 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated fraction F3 assessed by the agar well diffusion method and in vitro solution assay. Electrophoretic profiling of proteins from the F3 fraction showed nine bands on the gel with differential mobility. The presence of a zone of inhibition (ZOI) for different concentrations of F3- 60–90 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated PIs on agar plate demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E.coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 100 ± 5 µg/ml, 100 ± 4 µg/ml, and 90 ± 3 µg/ml respectively. Our results indicate that PIs from seeds of sirisa display potent antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms and could be investigated further in the future use in designing or formulating natural antimicrobial drugs to treat microbial infection-related diseases.
Potential of Molecular Plant Breeding for Sustaining the Global Food Security
Authors: Mahajan Ritu , Kapoor Nisha
Published: April 2023

New alleles are continuously added to bring novel traits which are selected using genetic manipulations. Understanding the genes responsible for a particular phenotype involves recent genomic approaches which are to be integrated with conventional breeding programs for the crop improvement. Use of biotechnological tools merged with the conventional breeding practices has resulted molecular plant breeding which has significant contributions to food production, despite the presence of narrow genetic base in current materials used for breeding purposes. Use of molecular markers along with high-throughput genome sequencing efforts, have dramatically augmented our information to characterize the elite germplasm for the production of hybrids and improved populations. This review focuses on possibilities for the need and application of molecular breeding tools in the genetic improvement of the crop plants which can ensure sustainable food production for the increasing global population.
Monitoring of Microalgae (Selenastrum Capricornutum) Growth Inhibition Following Exposure to Pond Water: Monitoring Pond Toxicity
Authors: Okpashi Victor Eshu
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT: Bio-indicators are organisms, that can be used to determine the state of health and biogeographic changes in the environment. Microalgae, are also used as bioindicators to assess the health of natural ecosystems such as pond water and are utilized to evaluate the media in which a biological system operates, as well as the molecules within it. They serve as a symbol of the high quality of their surroundings. Microalgae respond quickly to changes in the environment, making them an excellent biomarker for evaluating the quality of ponds and water pollutants. This work was designed to monitor the onset of pond water toxicity using Selanastrum capricornutum. During the present study, fish were grown in a pond, with old water being replaced every five days or more. The hazardous metabolites in the pond water were examined for the beginning or build-up of harmful metabolites. The Algaltoxkit approach was used for five days. Selanastrum capricornutum, a microalga, was grown as a bio-indicator of pond toxicity. The pond water was collected without dilution from day one to 5th day. The microalgae test was conducted for 72 hours, with minor deviations from ISO guideline 8692. Microalgae growth inhibition varied among the days monitored, according to the results, findings imply that pond water poisoning begins on 2nd to 5th day. Findings shows that hazardous compounds in the pond water at 5th day may be affecting the fish's ability to grow and develop normally. The Algaltoxkit kit could also be a useful, quick test instrument for detecting the beginning of hazardous metabolites in a fish pond.
Preparation and In vitro Characterization of Valerianic Acid Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Pasha S. Imam , Meraj Aliya , Meraj Arshiya , Mohammed Arwa , Tanzil Akifa , Fatima Anam , Koneru Anupama
Published: April 2023

This article describe the preparation of valerianic acid loaded HPMC nanoparticles (NPs) using the nano-precipitation method. Objective of this study include enhancement of the dissolution rate of the poorly water soluble drug(Valerenic acid obtained from Valerianawallichii), and further more to look into the in vitro properties, zeta potential and surface characteristics of nanoparticles (percent yield of nanoparticles, percent encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release characteristics).In phosphate buffer medium at pH 6.8, the cumulative drug release from the original drug and nanoparticles were up to about 12% and 35%, respectively. Valerianic acid release can be enhanced by the use of nanoparticles loaded with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), that also enhances bioavailability and patient compliance.
In Silico Prediction of Antidiabetic Activity of Phytoconstituents of Pterocarpus Marsupium Targeting α-Amylase Enzyme
Authors: Danao Kishor , Kale Shruti , Rokde Vijayshri , Nandurkar Deweshri , Mahajan Ujwala , Dumore Nitin , Bendale Atul R. , Naphade Vaishali , Tatode Amol
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT: Background Diabetes is characterized by a metabolic imbalance of blood sugar levels. α-amylase enzyme hydrolyzed starch into glucose units. Current therapy has significant side effects. Current investigation of in silico antidiabetic evaluation of phytoconstituents of Pterocarpus marsupium targeting α-amylase. Methods In silico studies were investigated to determine the binding affinity of phytoconstituents of Pterocarpus marsupium in additional with the crystal structure of α-amylase (PDB ID: 3BC9) with help of Pyrx in autodock vina software. Further, investigate the amino acid interaction residue and impacts on the inhibitory potential of the active phytoconstituents. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics and SwissADME and pkCSM were used as online servers for the toxic effects research. Further, studied the pocket region of amino acid for the binding of phytoconstituents using the Ramachandran plot. Result Molecular docking results proposed that pterostilbenes and liquirtigenin (-8.1 kcal/mol) had best docked against α-amylase as related to native ligand (-5.6 kcal/mol) and metformin (-5.3 kcal/mol). The active phytoconstituent has actively participated in interaction with the amino acid residue leads to blockage of α-amylase activity. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and In ADMET investigations, the phytoconstituents toxicological values are within allowable ranges. Conclusion The most promising outcome was revealed by the phytoconstituents of Pterocarpus marsupium that bind to α -amylase. However, it encourages the traditional practice of Pterocarpus marsupium and delivers vital information in drug development and clinical treatment. It promotes traditional approach of Pterocarpus marsupium and provides crucial knowledge for medical research and therapeutic care.
How to Avoid local Complications during Primary and Revision surgery of Trochanteric fractures: Advices and Tricks for operation tactics and Trouble-shooting
Authors: Tiemann Andreas Heinrich Hugo , Gahr Ralf Herbert
Published: April 2023

Background: Hip fractures belong to the most frequent fractures of elderly people. The treatment follows a specific algorithm that focuses on the medical as well as the social situation of these patients. Despite modern operative techniques and implants complications may occur. They may be distinguished into two groups: local complications and systemic complications Especially local complications (cut out of the femoral head screw) are the reason for revision surgery. Surgery (“salvage procedures”) may only be performed after critical analysis of the local situation and individual planning of the revision procedure. This article outlines the tactical course of action in these cases. Keywords: Hip fractures – complication – salvage procedure – therapeutic algorithm.
Terrorist Bomb Blasts: Emergency department management of multiple incidents
Authors: Minhas Muhammad Saeed , Mahmood Kashif , Effendi Jahanzeb , Kumar Ranjeet , Bhatti Anisuddin
Published: April 2023

Objective: To assess the preparedness of the hospital emergency system and medical personnel’s in dealing trauma victims of terrorist bomb blasts in Accident and Emergency. Patients and Methods: Four major terrorist bomb blasts incidents occurred in Karachi from December 2012 to May 2014. All patients of these 4 incidents were brought to Accident and emergency of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. Place and type of bomb blast, their initial search and rescue, transfer and transportation noted. Data collected of these patients at Accident and emergency of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, regarding triage, primary and secondary survey with adjuncts performed. Data was also collected from emergency operation theatres, Intensive care unit and admissions in wards. Time taken for early and effective management and disposal to different departments noted. Results: Total victims of these four bomb blast incidents were 179. Nineteen were brought dead, 8 more died within two hours, due to multiple system involvement which made total deaths 27 (15%). The patients were triaged with color coding, 44% of these patients were red and yellow, and 41% patients were of minor injuries and were labeled green. Total 67 (41.8%) underwent damage control surgery within two hours of arrival at accident and emergency. Most of the admissions were of Orthopedics and Chest surgery. Conclusion: Effective and early disposal of patients from Accident and Emergency needs collaborative efforts of hospital administration following comprehensive disaster plan & preparedness. Trained triage team with quick surgical response needs trauma training, disaster management courses and drill exercises for doctors and health workers. Keywords: Terrorist bombing, Preparedness, Triage, mass casualties, management.
Forecasting atmospheric turbulence conditions from prior environmental parameters using artificial neural networks
Authors: Grose Mitchell G. , Watson Edward A.
Published: April 2023

Atmospheric turbulence (C
n
2) modeling has been proposed by physics-based models, but they are unable to capture the many cases. Recently, machine learning surrogate models have been used to learn the relationship between local meteorological conditions and turbulence strength. These models predict C
n
2 at time t from weather at time t. This work expands modeling capabilities by proposing a technique to forecast 3 h of future turbulence conditions at 30 min intervals from prior environmental parameters using artificial neural networks. First, local weather and turbulence measurements are formatted to pairs of the input sequence and output forecast. Next, a grid search is used to find the best combination of model architecture, input variables, and training parameters. The architectures investigated are the multilayer perceptron and three variants of the recurrent neural network (RNN): the simple RNN, the long short-term memory RNN (LSTM-RNN), and the gated recurrent unit RNN (GRU-RNN). A GRU-RNN architecture that uses 12 h of prior inputs is found to have the best performance. Finally, this model is applied to the test dataset and analyzed. It is shown that the model has generally learned the relationship between prior environmental and future turbulence conditions.
Generalized multi-cavity laser self-mixing interferometry based on scattering theory
Authors: Jha Ajit , Cenkeramaddi Linga Reddy , Royo Santiago
Published: April 2023

We present a generalized mathematical model and algorithm for the multi-cavity self-mixing phenomenon based on scattering theory. Scattering theory, which is extensively used for travelling wave is exploited to demonstrate that the self-mixing interference from multiple external cavities can be modelled in terms of individual cavity parameters recursively. The detailed investigation shows that the equivalent reflection coefficient of coupled multiple cavities is a function of both attenuation coefficient and the phase constant, hence propagation constant. The added benefit with recursively model is that it is computationally very efficient to model large number of parameters. Finally, with the aid of simulation and mathematical modelling, we demonstrate how the individual cavity parameters such as cavity length, attenuation coefficient, and refractive index of individual cavities can be tuned to get a self-mixing signal with optimal visibility. The proposed model intends to leverage system description for biomedical applications when probing multiple diffusive media with distinct characteristics, but could be equally extended to any setup in general.
Network analysis of the human structural connectome including the brainstem
Authors: Salhi Salma , Kora Youssef , Ham Gisu , Zadeh Haghighi Hadi , Simon Christoph
Published: April 2023

The underlying anatomical structure is fundamental to the study of brain networks, but the role of brainstem from a structural perspective is not very well understood. We conduct a computational and graph-theoretical study of the human structural connectome incorporating a variety of subcortical structures including the brainstem. Our computational scheme involves the use of Python DIPY and Nibabel libraries to develop structural connectomes using 100 healthy adult subjects. We then compute degree, eigenvector, and betweenness centralities to identify several highly connected structures and find that the brainstem ranks highest across all examined metrics, a result that holds even when the connectivity matrix is normalized by volume. We also investigated some global topological features in the connectomes, such as the balance of integration and segregation, and found that the domination of the brainstem generally causes networks to become less integrated and segregated. Our results highlight the importance of including the brainstem in structural network analyses.
Childhood cancer survival in the highly vulnerable population of South Texas: A cohort study
Authors: Wu Shenghui , Liu Yanning , Williams Melanie , Aguilar Christine , Ramirez Amelie G. , Mesa Ruben , Tomlinson Gail E.
Published: April 2023

This study examines childhood cancer survival rates and prognostic factors related to survival in the majority Hispanic population of South Texas. The population-based cohort study used Texas Cancer Registry data (1995–2017) to examine survival and prognostic factors. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for survival analyses. The 5-year relative survival rate for 7,999 South Texas cancer patients diagnosed at 0–19 years was 80.3% for all races/ethnicities. Hispanic patients had statistically significant lower 5-year relative survival rates than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients for male and female together diagnosed at age≥5 years. When comparing survival among Hispanic and NHW patients for the most common cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the difference was most significant in the 15–19 years age range, with 47.7% Hispanic patients surviving at 5 years compared to 78.4% of NHW counterparts. The multivariable-adjusted analysis showed that males had statistically significant 13% increased mortality risk than females [hazard ratio (HR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.01–1.26] for all cancer types. Comparing to patients diagnosed at ages 1–4 years, patients diagnosed at age < 1 year (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.36–2.09), at 10–14 year (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20–1.68), or at 15–19 years (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20–1.64) had significant increased mortality risk. Comparing to NHW patients, Hispanic patients showed 38% significantly increased mortality risk for all cancer types, 66% for ALL, and 52% for brain cancer. South Texas Hispanic patients had lower 5-year relative survival than NHW patients especially for ALL. Male gender, diagnosis at age<1 year or 10–19 years were also associated with decreased childhood cancer survival. Despite advances in treatment, Hispanic patients lag significantly behind NHW patients. Further cohort studies in South Texas are warranted to identify additional factors affecting survival and to develop interventional strategies.
Using discrete wavelet transform for optimizing COVID-19 new cases and deaths prediction worldwide with deep neural networks
Authors: Sperandio Nascimento Erick Giovani , Ortiz Júnia , Furtado Adhvan Novais , Frias Diego
Published: April 2023

This work aims to compare deep learning models designed to predict daily number of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 for 183 countries, using a daily basis time series, in addition to a feature augmentation strategy based on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The following deep learning architectures were compared using two different feature sets with and without DWT: (1) a homogeneous architecture containing multiple LSTM (Long-Short Term Memory) layers and (2) a hybrid architecture combining multiple CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) layers and multiple LSTM layers. Therefore, four deep learning models were evaluated: (1) LSTM, (2) CNN + LSTM, (3) DWT + LSTM and (4) DWT + CNN + LSTM. Their performances were quantitatively assessed using the metrics: Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Normalized Mean Squared Error (NMSE), Pearson R, and Factor of 2. The models were designed to predict the daily evolution of the two main epidemic variables up to 30 days ahead. After a fine-tuning procedure for hyperparameters optimization of each model, the results show a statistically significant difference between the models’ performances both for the prediction of deaths and confirmed cases (p-value<0.001). Based on NMSE values, significant differences were observed between LSTM and CNN+LSTM, indicating that convolutional layers added to LSTM networks made the model more accurate. The use of wavelet coefficients as additional features (DWT+CNN+LSTM) achieved equivalent results to CNN+LSTM model, which demonstrates the potential of wavelets application for optimizing models, since this allows training with a smaller time series data.
Predicting Iran’s achievement to Sustainable Development Goal 3.2: A systematic analysis of neonatal mortality with scenario-based projections to 2030
Authors: Ebrahimi Narges , Shahin Sarvenaz , Koolaji Sogol , Ghanbari Ali , Mehdipour Parinaz , Masinaei Masoud , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Rezaei Negar , Ghamari Azin , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Rezaei Nazila , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Larijani Bagher , Khosravi Ardeshir , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: April 2023

Background

Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 (SDG 3.2) is to reduce Under-5 and neonatal mortality rates (U5MR and NMR), two major health systems’ performance indicators, globally by 2030. We aimed to report Iran’s U5MR and NMR status during 2010–2017 and its achievement of SDG 3.2 by 2030, using scenario-based projection.

Study design

To estimate the national and subnational levels of U5MR and NMR, we applied an Ensemble Bayesian Model Averaging (EBMA) with Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Spatio_temporal models. We used all available data sources including: 12-year data from the Death Registration System (DRS), two censuses, and a demographic and health surveys (DHS). This study employed two approaches, Maternal Age Cohort (MAC) and Maternal Age Period (MAP), to analyze summary birth history data obtained from censuses and DHS. In addition, we calculated the child mortality rate directly from DHS using the complete birth history method. National and subnational NMR was projected up to 2030 with a scenario-based method using average Annual Rate of Reduction (ARR) introduced by UN-IGME.

Results

In 2017, national U5MR and NMR were 15·2 (12·4–18·0) and 11·8 (10·4–13·2), with an average ARR of 5·1% (2·1–8·9) and 3·1% (0·9–5·8) during 2010–2017, respectively. According to our projection scenarios, 17 provinces have not fulfilled SDG 3.2 for NMR yet, and the current trend (the current trend of NMR improvement in Iran) will not result in reaching SDG for some provinces by 2030; However, if each province has the same neonatal mortality annual reduction rate as the best-performing province in the same region, besides achieving SDG, the national NMR will be reduced to 5·2, and almost 92,000 newborn lives will be saved.

Conclusions

Iran has achieved SDG3.2 regarding U5MR and NMR; however, there are provincial inequalities. For all provinces to reach SDG3.2, health policies should focus on reducing provincial inequalities by precise planning for neonatal health care.
Social and mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic among health professionals of Gandaki Province, Nepal: A mixed method study
Authors: Paudel Shishir , Poudel Sujan , Khatri Dhurba , Chalise Anisha , Marahatta Sujan Babu
Published: April 2023

Background

The frontline health workers are the key players in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, however, several incidences of attacks, stigmatization, and discrimination towards them have been reported throughout the world during the peak of infection. The social impact experienced by health professionals can alter their efficiency and also lead to mental distress. This study aimed to examine the extent of social impact experienced by health professionals currently working in Gandaki Province, Nepal along with the factors associated with their depression status.

Methods

This was a mixed-method study where a cross-sectional online survey was executed among 418 health professionals followed by in-depth interviews with 14 health professionals of Gandaki Province. The bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the factors associated with depression at 5% level of significance. The information collected from the in-depth interviews was clustered into themes by the researchers.

Results

Out of 418 health professionals, 304 (72.7%) expressed that COVID-19 has impacted their family relationships, whereas 293 (70.1%) expressed that it impacted their relationships with friends and relatives, and 282 (68.1%) expressed it impacted their relationships with community people. The prevalence of depression among health professionals was noted at 39.0%. Being a female (aOR:1.425,95% CI:1.220–2.410), job dissatisfaction (aOR:1.826, 95% CI:1.105–3.016), COVID-19 impact on family relation (aOR:2.080, 95% CI:1.081–4.002), COVID-19 impact on relationship with friends and relatives (aOR:3.765, 95% CI:1.989–7.177), being badly treated (aOR:2.169, 95% CI:1.303–3.610) and experiencing moderate (aOR:1.655, 95% CI:1.036–2.645) and severe fear (aOR:2.395, 95% CI:1.116–5.137) of COVID-19 were found to the independent predictors of depression. It was noted that the pandemic has an effect on the social relations of health professionals in multiple ways.

Conclusion

This study noted that there is a significant impact of COVID-19 on health professionals in terms of their social and mental health aspects. The social impact experienced by health professionals is an important predictor of their mental health. The mental health and well-being of these vital workforces can be enhanced by focusing on the social aspect during the pandemic.
Is information provided within chronic subdural haematoma education resources adequate? A scoping review
Authors: Gillespie Conor S. , Khanna Samuel , Vivian Mark E. , McKoy Samuel , Yanez Touzet Alvaro , Edlmann Ellie , Stubbs Daniel J. , Davies Benjamin M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is becoming increasingly prevalent, due to an aging population with increasing risk factors. Due to its variable disease course and high morbidity, patient centred care and shared decision making are essential. However, its occurrence in frail populations, remote from specialist neurosurgeons who currently triage treatment decisions, challenges this. Education is an important component of enabling shared decisions. This should be targeted to avoid information overload. However, it is unknown what this should be.

Objectives

Our objectives were to conduct analysis of the content of existing CSDH educational materials, to inform the development of patient and relative educational resources to facilitate shared decision making.

Methods

A literature search was conducted (July 2021) of MEDLINE, Embase and grey literature, for all self-specified resources on CSDH education, and narrative reviews. Resources were classified into a hierarchical framework using inductive thematic analysis into 8 core domains: Aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology; natural history and risk factors; symptoms; diagnosis; surgical management; nonsurgical management; complications and recurrence; and outcomes. Domain provision was summarised using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests.

Results

56 information resources were identified. 30 (54%) were resources designed for healthcare professionals (HCPs), and 26 (46%) were patient-orientated resources. 45 (80%) were specific to CSDH, 11 (20%) covered head injury, and 10 (18%) referenced both acute and chronic SDH. Of 8 core domains, the most reported were aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology (80%, n = 45) and surgical management (77%, n = 43). Patient orientated resources were more likely to provide information on symptoms (73% vs 13%, p<0.001); and diagnosis (62% vs 10%, p<0.001) when compared to HCP resources. Healthcare professional orientated resources were more likely to provide information on nonsurgical management (63% vs 35%, p = 0.032), and complications/recurrence (83% vs 42%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The content of educational resources is varied, even amongst those intended for the same audience. These discrepancies indicate an uncertain educational need, that will need to be resolved in order to better support effective shared decision making. The taxonomy created can inform future qualitative studies.
Spatial distribution of the Shannon entropy for mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Xu Lili , Kikushima Kenji , Sato Shumpei , Islam Ariful , Sato Tomohito , Aramaki Shuhei , Zhang Chi , Sakamoto Takumi , Eto Fumihiro , Takahashi Yutaka , Yao Ikuko , Machida Manabu , Kahyo Tomoaki , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: April 2023

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows us to visualize the spatial distribution of molecular components in a sample. A large amount of mass spectrometry data comprehensively provides molecular distributions. In this study, we focus on the information in the obtained data and use the Shannon entropy as a quantity to analyze MSI data. By calculating the Shannon entropy at each pixel on a sample, the spatial distribution of the Shannon entropy is obtained from MSI data. We found that low-entropy pixels in entropy heat maps for kidneys of mice had different structures between two ages (3 months and 31 months). Such changes cannot be visualized by conventional imaging techniques. We further propose a method to find informative molecules. As a demonstration of the proposed scheme, we identified two molecules by setting a region of interest which contained low-entropy pixels and by exploring changes of peaks in the region.
Epidemic versus endemic West Nile virus dead bird surveillance in California: Changes in sensitivity and focus
Authors: Foss Leslie , Feiszli Tina , Kramer Vicki L. , Reisen William K. , Padgett Kerry
Published: April 2023

Since 2003, the California West Nile virus (WNV) dead bird surveillance program (DBSP) has monitored publicly reported dead birds for WNV surveillance and response. In the current paper, we compared DBSP data from early epidemic years (2004–2006) with recent endemic years (2018–2020), with a focus on specimen collection criteria, county report incidence, bird species selection, WNV prevalence in dead birds, and utility of the DBSP as an early environmental indicator of WNV. Although fewer agencies collected dead birds in recent years, most vector control agencies with consistent WNV activity continued to use dead birds as a surveillance tool, with streamlined operations enhancing efficiency. The number of dead bird reports was approximately ten times greater during 2004–2006 compared to 2018–2020, with reports from the Central Valley and portions of Southern California decreasing substantially in recent years; reports from the San Francisco Bay Area decreased less dramatically. Seven of ten counties with high numbers of dead bird reports were also high human WNV case burden areas. Dead corvid, sparrow, and quail reports decreased the most compared to other bird species reports. West Nile virus positive dead birds were the most frequent first indicators of WNV activity by county in 2004–2006, followed by positive mosquitoes; in contrast, during 2018–2020 mosquitoes were the most frequent first indicators followed by dead birds, and initial environmental WNV detections occurred later in the season during 2018–2020. Evidence for WNV impacts on avian populations and susceptibility are discussed. Although patterns of dead bird reports and WNV prevalence in tested dead birds have changed, dead birds have endured as a useful element within our multi-faceted WNV surveillance program.
Associations of habitual physical activity and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity; a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lear Rebecca , Metcalf Brad , Brailey Gemma , Nunns Michael , Bond Bert , Hillsdon Melvyn , Pulsford Richard
Published: April 2023

The aim of this review was to understand the association between habitual physical activity (hPA) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in an ostensibly healthy adult population. Searches were performed in MEDLINE Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases published up to 01/01/2022 (PROSPERO, Registration No: CRD42017067159). Observational English-language studies assessing the relationship between cfPWV and hPA (measured via self-report or device-based measures) were considered for inclusion in a narrative synthesis. Studies were excluded if studying specific disease. Studies were further included in pooled analyses where a standardised association statistic for continuous hPA and cfPWV was available. 29 studies were included in narrative synthesis, of which 18 studies provided sufficient data for pooled analyses, totalling 15,573 participants. A weak, significant, negative correlation between hPA and cfPWV was observed; partial r = -0.08 95%CI [-0.15, -0.01]; P = 0.045. Heterogeneity was high (I2= 94.5% P<0.001). Results did not differ across sub-group analyses, however the high heterogeneity within pooled analyses was largely explained by studies utilizing self-reports of PA exposures, being of poor methodological quality or providing only univariate analyses. Overall this systematic review identified a weak negative beneficial association between hPA and cfPWV suggesting that higher levels of hPA benefit vascular health even amongst an asymptomatic population. However, the variation in PA metrics reported (restricting ability to complete meta-analysis), and the heterogeneity within pooled analyses suggests that findings should be interpreted with a degree of caution. The development of methods to precisely quantify day-to-day movement behaviours should support future high-quality research in this field.
What undergraduate students know and what they want to learn about in climate change education
Authors: Jordan Rebecca C. , Sorensen Amanda E. , Gray Steven A.
Published: April 2023

Climate change education is of great interest to many in higher education. What is missing, however, is a sense of how students view climate change especially with respect to specific impacts such as changes to food systems. We designed a survey, which focused on climate change, food systems, and GMOs. We administered this survey in a large introductory undergraduate environmental science class and compared responses to demographic information. We found that students were knowledgeable in some areas more than others; especially when considering climate change drivers and mitigating factors. We also found that students were largely concerned about climate change impacts and wanted to understand the socio-environmental solutions that might help to mitigate potential impact. These same students, however, seemed optimistic that solutions could be found and implemented. Finally, while little demographic trends emerged, students who were more knowledgeable in one area (e.g., GMOS) tended to be knowledgeable in other areas.
Perceptual Illusions in Relation to Perceptual and Electrical Noise
Authors: Titleman Mark
Published: April 2023

This proposal incorporates three experiments concerning perceptual disturbances: one analyzing eye movement and associated electrical activity in hallucinating patients, another assessing dream recall in patients exposed to weak pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF), and finally the examination of phosphene induction via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and associated electrical activity. The direct link between perceptual noise, noise in the brain’s electrical activity, and perceptual disturbancescan be established via the analysis of eye movement and EEG readings and the examination of their differences between the treatment and control groups. Another direct link can be uncovered between the generation of electrical noise via pulsed EMF and perceptual disturbances in the form of improved dream recall. Finally, the effects of TMS on reducing perceptual disturbancesand inducing phosphenes can be compared within the treatment group and related to the control group.
POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Authors: Petric Domina
Published: April 2023

Turmeric has been scientifically investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and cardiovascular-protective effects. Available evidence supports the thesis that turmeric might have such effects, mostly attributable to curcumin, which has poor bioavailability, and therefore, it should be combined with piperine in order to achieve better pharmacokinetic profile. Data from clinical trials are scarce, but signalize that curcumin may be useful as a nutritional support in various diseases, such as depression, neurovascular and cardiovascular disorders, but further clinical research is mandatory before any firm clinical-nutritional recommendations can be made.
Statistical Comparison among Brain Networks with Popular Network Measurement Algorithms
Authors: Pran Rakib Hassan
Published: April 2023

In this research, a number of popular network measurement algorithms have been applied to several brain networks (based on applicability of algorithms) for finding out statistical correlation among these popular network measurements which will help scientists to understand these popular network measurement algorithms and their applicability to brain networks. By analyzing the results of correlations among these network measurement algorithms, statistical comparison among selected brain networks has also been summarized. Besides that, to understand each brain network, the visualization of each brain network and each brain network’s degree distribution histogram have been extrapolated. Six network measurement algorithms have been chosen to apply time to time on sixteen brain networks based on applicability of these network measurement algorithms and the results of these network measurements are put into a correlation method to show the relationship among these six network measurement algorithms for each brain network. At the end, the results of the correlations have been summarized to show the statistical comparison among these sixteen brain networks.
Don't Count on Us Dying: Carceral Accuracy and Trans-of-Color Life Beyond Hate Crimes
Authors: Hwang Ren-yo
Published: April 2023

This article explores the phenomenon of “carceral accuracy” in order to index how minoritarian participation into state antiviolence measures continues to reproduce and prioritize social scientific, criminological, and quantitative data-driven efforts to rationalize crime and punishment as a necessity for disrupting bias-motivated violence. In Los Angeles from 2014 to 2015, in the span of just five months the premature and violent deaths of three transgender women of color would exacerbate longstanding political rifts in the trans and queer community. These rifts formed along the lines of either divestment or reinvestment in criminal policy and legislation via a call for prosecution of “anti-trans hate crimes.” Considering that over the last four decades Los Angeles has been lauded for its progressive LGBT policies and inclusive policing reforms, this article traces how trans and queer community safety agendas have become so easily conflated with policing and imprisonment technologies that presume to speculate, track, manage, and inoculate social risk. Focusing on examples such as former LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) Chief Charlie Beck's 2012 LGBT Police Forum proclamation of a “transgender progressive paramilitarism” to the LAPD's 2015 “Transgender Walk of Remembrance,” these instances of “trans inclusive” pro-policing efforts demonstrate how antiviolence coalitions remain tied to carceral outcomes by way of routinized and compulsory participation in criminological discourse and technologies cloaked in the rhetoric of public safety. In conclusion, this article asks how carceral coalitions are maintained through law enforcement agencies’ control of select community partnerships that prioritize how we count crime and who is represented in crime data. Carceral accuracy thus wrestles with the shared cultural preoccupation with upholding a mythos that “cold calculations,” such as the counting of trans deaths, can provide any relief or disruption to anti-trans violence. In the end, what remains unshakeable in the wake of such violence is a heteropatriarchal and white supremacist possessive investment in improving criminal data.
Sensory Engagement with the Rhetoric of Science: Creationist Copia at the Discovery Center for Science and Earth History
Authors: Bloomfield Emma Frances
Published: April 2023

The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) opened the Discovery Center for Science and Earth History in Dallas, Texas in September 2019. Through immersive exhibits and advanced technology, the museum communicates what ICR purports to be the truth of creation science. Informed by the rhetorical concept of copia, I argue that the Discovery Center deploys sensory evidence to support creationism through the rhetorical strategies of rotation, immersion, and interruption. These material strategies use the senses as vehicles to communicate multiple arguments simultaneously, direct museumgoers’ attention, and amplify lived experiences as valid ways of knowing and evaluating the science of human origins. I conclude by noting the role of sensory rhetorical strategies in other scientific controversies and encouraging additional scholarship into how sensory evidence offers convincing challenges to scientific knowledge.
SPRATAMA MODEL FOR INDONESIAN PARAPHRASE DETECTION USING BIDIRECTIONAL LONG SHORT-TERM MEMORY AND BIDIRECTIONAL GATED RECURRENT UNIT
Authors: Siswantining Titin , Pratama Stanley , Sarwinda Devvi
Published: April 2023

Paraphrasing is a way to write sentences with other words with the same intent or purpose. Automatic paraphrase detection can be done using Natural Language Sentence Matching (NLSM) which is part of Natural Language Processing (NLP). NLP is a computational technique for processing text in general, while NLSM is used specifically to find the relationship between two sentences. With the development Neural Network (NN), nowadays NLP can be done more easily by computers. Many models for detecting and paraphrasing in English have been developed compared to Indonesian, which has less training data. This study proposes SPratama Model, which models paraphrase detection for Indonesian using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), namely Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU). The data used is "Quora Question Pairs" taken from Kaggle and translated into Indonesian using Google Translate. The results of this study indicate that the proposed model has an accuracy of around 80% for the detection of paraphrased sentences.
EKSEKUSI JAMINAN FIDUSIA PRODUK KREASI PADA PEGADAIAN CABANG KOSAMBI TANGERANG
Authors: Umami Fadli , Badriyah Siti Malikhatun , Irawati Irawati
Published: April 2023

Pegadaian as a credit institution established by the government and held on the basis of a lien law. Pegadaian became an institution that helped improve the economy by giving loans based on pawning laws to small communities, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Pegadaian has several products, one of which is interesting is the Fiduciary Collateral Credit (KREASI). The method used in this article is the empirical juridical approach. Data collection method is done by interview and literature study. Fiduciary guarantees for pawnshop creations at Pegadaian apply throughout Indonesia, so that research is carried out anywhere based on the same regulations and the same SOP. Fiduciary collateral objects for Pawn Creation products in Pegadaian are limited to four or more wheeled motorized vehicles, both black plates and yellow plates, and two-wheeled motorized vehicles. Execution is carried out if for three consecutive months the debtor is in arrears in installments then the Branch Manager has been given a Warning Letter I to Warning Letter III but there has been no response from the Debtor, the Pawnshop has the right to take the collateral to be auctioned later.Keywords: fiduciary mortgage loans; the object; execution; pawnshopAbstrakPegadaian sebagai lembaga kredit yang didirikan oleh pemerintah dan diselenggarakan atas dasar hukum gadai. Pegadaian menjadi lembaga yang ikut meningkatkan perekonomian dengan cara memberikan uang pinjaman berdasarkan hukum gadai kepada masyarakat kecil, khususnya Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah. Pegadaian memiliki beberapa produk, salah satu yang menarik menarik adalah Kredit Agunan Fidusia (KREASI). Metode yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah metode pendekatan yuridis empiris. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara dan studi pustaka. Jaminan fidusia pada produk pegadaian kreasi di Pegadaian berlaku untuk seluruh Indonesia, sehingga penelitian dilakukan dimanapun didasarkan pada peraturan yang sama dan SOP yang sama. Objek yang menjadi jaminan fidusia pada produk Gadai Kreasi di Pegadaian hanya terbatas pada pada kendaraan bermotor roda empat atau lebih, baik plat hitam, maupun plat kuning, dan kendaraan bermotor roda dua. Eksekusi dilakukan apabila selama tiga bulan berturut-turut debitur menunggak angsuran kemudian oleh Manajer Cabang telah diberi Surat Peringatan I sampai Surat Peringatan III tetapi tidak ada tanggapan dari Debitor, maka Pegadaian berhak mengambil barang jaminan untuk selanjutnya dilelang.Kata kunci : kredit agunan fidusia; objek; eksekusi; pegadaian
On the dynamics of grounded shallow ice sheets: Modeling and analysis
Authors: Piersanti Paolo , Temam Roger
Published: April 2023

In this article, we formulate a model describing the evolution of thickness of a grounded shallow ice sheet. The thickness of the ice sheet is constrained to be nonnegative. This renders the problem under consideration an obstacle problem. A rigorous analysis shows that the model is thus governed by a set of variational inequalities that involve nonlinearities in the time derivative and in the elliptic term, and that it admits solutions, whose existence is established by means of a semi-discrete scheme and the penalty method.
Bibliotheken 2040: Mit der Szenario-Methode über die Zukünfte von Bibliotheken nachdenken
Authors: Seidl Tobias , Vonhof Cornelia
Published: April 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt Zukunftsbilder Öffentlicher Bibliotheken in Deutschland im Jahr 2040 in Form von explorativen Szenarien vor. Diese werfen den Blick in mögliche Zukünfte. Szenarien dienen als Denkwerkzeuge, die helfen, in Alternativen zu denken. Sie sind aber weder Vorhersagen noch Prognosen, sondern bestehen aus plausiblen Annahmen und Trends, die kombiniert werden. Die Entwicklung der vier Szenarien folgt einem mehrstufigen methodischen Vorgehen, das auf einer qualitativen Erhebung von Trends unter den Leitungspersonen deutscher Bibliotheken basiert. Ziel der hier vorgestellten Szenarien ist es, zur Diskussion anzuregen und dazu einzuladen, die eigene Perspektive durch das Denken in Alternativen zu erweitern.
Veränderungen im bibliothekarischen Zeitschriftenwesen des DACH-Raumes: Eine Auswertung von Daten zu den Jahren 2001, 2011 und 2021
Authors: Schuldt Karsten
Published: April 2023

Die präsentierten Daten stammen aus einer Vollerhebung der Beiträge, welche in bibliothekarischen Zeitschriften des DACH-Raumes in den Jahren 2001, 2011 und 2021 erschienen. Mit ihnen werden Entwicklungen, aber auch Konstanten dieses Publikationswesens aufgezeigt, insbesondere ein Rückgang von lokalen oder auf spezialisierte Themen fokussierte Zeitschriften, die Zunahme von Diamond-Open-Access-Zeitschriften sowie der Anzahl von Autor*innen, aber auch die gleichbleibende Bedeutung von Verlagspublikationen oder die weitgehend ähnliche Zusammensetzung der Autor*innenschaft dieser Zeitschriften.
Kulturgutbesitz und digitale Weltbibliothek: Bibliotheken als Dritte Orte und Nicht-Orte
Authors: Rapp Andrea
Published: April 2023

Ausgehend von (populär-)kulturellen Darstellungen von Bibliotheken wird das Verhältnis von physischen Räumen und Artefakten und Digitalisaten und digitaler Nutzung betrachtet. Eine Möglichkeit der Verknüpfung von Nutzenden mit der Bibliothek ist die genaue digitale Nachahmung der physischen Bibliothekssituation, eine zweite richtet die digitale Nutzung radikal auf maschinelle Nutzung aus und emanzipiert sich vom menschlichen Nutzenden.