bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting age at onset of childhood obesity using regression, Random Forest, Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbour—A case study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Salem Hamoud , Abdollahian Mali , Tafakori Laleh , Almulaihan kheriah Ahmed , ALruwili Salman Mutarid , ALenazi Omar Falleh
Published: September 2024

Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity are one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. A range of genetic, family, and environmental factors, and health behaviors are associated with childhood obesity. Developing models to predict childhood obesity requires careful examination of how these factors contribute to the emergence of childhood obesity. This paper has employed Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) models to predict the age at the onset of childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia (S.A.) and to identify the significant factors associated with it. De-identified data from Arar and Riyadh regions of S.A. were used to develop the prediction models and to compare their performance using multi-prediction accuracy measures. The average age at the onset of obesity is 10.8 years with no significant difference between boys and girls. The most common age group for onset is (5-15) years. RF model with the R2 = 0.98, the root mean square error = 0.44, and mean absolute error = 0.28 outperformed other models followed by MLR, DT, and KNN. The age at the onset of obesity was linked to several demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors including height and weight, parents’ education level and income, consanguineous marriage, family history, autism, gestational age, nutrition in the first 6 months, birth weight, sleep hours, and lack of physical activities. The results can assist in reducing the childhood obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia by identifying and managing high-risk individuals and providing better preventive care. Furthermore, the study findings can assist in predicting and preventing childhood obesity in other populations.
Hardware optimization for effective switching power reduction during data compression in GOLOMB rice coding
Authors: Sakthivel R. , Vijayalakshmi Ch. , Vanitha M. , AboRas Kareem M. , Abdelfattah Waleed Mohammed , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Rami Reddy Ch.
Published: September 2024

Loss-less data compression becomes the need of the hour for effective data compression and computation in VLSI test vector generation and testing in addition to hardware AI/ML computations. Golomb code is one of the effective technique for lossless data compression and it becomes valid only when the divisor can be expressed as power of two. This work aims to increase compression ratio by further encoding the unary part of the Golomb Rice (GR) code so as to decrease the amount of bits used, it mainly focuses on optimizing the hardware for encoding side. The algorithm was developed and coded in Verilog and simulated using Modelsim. This code was then synthesised in Cadence Encounter RTL Synthesiser. The modifications carried out show around 6% to 19% reduction in bits used for a linearly distributed data set. Worst-case delays have been reduced by 3% to 8%. Area reduction varies from 22% to 36% for different methods. Simulation for Power consumption shows nearly 7% reduction in switching power. This ideally suggest the usage of Golomb Rice coding technique for test vector compression and data computation for multiple data types, which should ideally have a geometrical distribution.
On fuzzy Henstock-Stieltjes integral on time scales with respect to bounded variation function
Authors: Li Juan , Li Yubing , Shao Yabin
Published: September 2024

In present paper we will investigate the basic theory of fuzzy Henstock-Stieltjes Δ-integral with respect to a bounded variation function on time scale. Firstly, we define the notion of fuzzy Henstock-Stieltjes Δ-integral (or briefly FHS-Δ-integral) on time scales, and propose some basic properties and several necessary and sufficient conditions for fuzzy Henstock-Stieltjes Δ-integrable functions. Secondly, we present a characterization theorem of fuzzy Henstock-Stieltjes Δ-integrable function by using the embedding theorem of fuzzy number space. Therefore, this paper complements and enriches the theory of fuzzy integral, and the results of this paper will contribute to establishing discontinuous fuzzy dynamic equations on time scales.
The power to (detect) change: Can honey bee collected pollen be used to monitor pesticide residues in the landscape?
Authors: Carlson Emily A. , Melathopoulos Andony , Sagili Ramesh
Published: September 2024

Analysis of trapped honey bee pollen for pesticide residues is the most widely used method of monitoring the amount of pesticide entering colonies and its change over time. In this study, we collected and analyzed pollen from 70 sites across four bee-pollinated crops over two years to characterize the variation in pesticide detection across sites, crops and at different periods during bloom. Hazard Quotient, HQ, is the most common way that pesticide residues are aggregated into a single pesticide hazard value in the current literature. Therefore, change in pesticide hazard (HQ) was quantified in composite pollen samples collected from pollen traps and in pollen color subsamples separated into pollen from the target crop being pollinated and pollen from other plant species. We used our estimates of the variation in HQ to calculate the number of sample location sites needed to detect a 5% annual change in HQ across all crops or within specific crops over a 5-year period. The number of sites required to be sampled varied by crop and year and ranged between 139 and 7194 sites, costing an estimated $129,548 and $3.35 million, respectively. The HQ values detectable for this cost would be 575 and 154. We identified additional factors that complicate the interpretation of the results as a way to evaluate changes in pest management practices at a state level. First, in all but one crop (meadowfoam), the pollen collected from outside the crop honey bee colonies were pollinating comprised a major percentage of the total pollen catch. Moreover, we found that when the overall quantity of pollen from different pollen sources was taken into account, differences in HQ among crops widened. We also found that while HQ estimates remain consistent across the bloom period for some crops, such as cherry, we observed large differences in other crops, notably meadowfoam. Overall, our results suggest the current practice of interpreting pesticides levels in pollen may come with limitations for agencies charged with improving pesticide stewardship due to the high variation associated with HQ values over time and across crops. Despite the limitations of HQ for detecting change in pesticide hazard, there remains a potential for HQ to provide feedback to regulators and scientists on field-realistic pesticide hazard within a landscape.
Impact of pyrazinamide usage on serious adverse events in elderly tuberculosis patients: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Yoon Joon Young , Kim Tae-Ok , Kim Ju Sang , Kim Hyung Woo , Lee Eung Gu , Jung Sung Soo , Oh Jee Youn , Kim Jin Woo , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Seunghoon , Kim Sun-Hyung , Park Yeonhee , Min Jinsoo , Kwon Yong-Soo
Published: September 2024

Background

Pyrazinamide (PZA) usage has been associated with adverse drug reactions, prompting its avoidance in treating elderly tuberculosis (TB) patients. This study aims to examine whether the administration of PZA is associated with poor outcomes during TB treatment among elderly individuals.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken on data collected from a prospective cohort conducted between July 2019 and June 2023, which involved tuberculosis patients from 18 institutions across the Republic of Korea. The study aimed to assess the impact of PZA on the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs), medication interruptions, and becoming loss to follow-up (LTFU) during standard short courses of TB treatment in elderly (≥65 years old) patients.

Results

PZA was administered to 356 of 390 elderly patients (91.3%), and 98 of the 390 (25.1%) experienced SAEs. Treatment success was significantly lower in patients not treated with PZA compared to those who received PZA (64.7% vs 89.9%, p < 0.001). The incidence of SAEs, medication interruption, or LTFU was higher in patients not given PZA compared those who received PZA (52.9% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.002). A multivariate logistic regression analysis, factoring in covariates such as age, comorbidities, and baseline laboratory data, revealed that PZA was not a risk factor for SAEs, medication interruption, or LTFU in TB treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.457, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.201–1.041).

Conclusion

Treating elderly TB patients with PZA did not increase the incidence of SAEs, medication interruptions, or LTFU during the standard short course of TB treatment. Therefore, considering its potential advantages, incorporating PZA into the treatment regimen for elderly TB patients may be advisable.
Feasibility and assessment of a comprehensive emergency department-based intervention for patients at risk of HIV
Authors: Osman Khaldia , Rodgers Joel , Fordham Michael , Covington Whitney , Hand Delissa T. , Ross-Davis Kelly , Walter Lauren A.
Published: September 2024

Behavioral factors increase the risk of contracting HIV. A comprehensive prevention services (CPS) intervention includes risk assessment and referral for those with confirmed risk. This project sought to assess the feasibility of an emergency department (ED)-based CPS program. A prospective cross-sectional assessment was conducted from October, 2021 through May, 2023, at a single ED in Birmingham, Alabama. Either of two screening methods were subjected to HIV negative adults: 1) manual chief complaint review or 2) objective electronic medical record (EMR) query. Manual and EMR screening methods considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or a positive urine drug test (to observe for commonly injectable drugs) within 12 months of current ED visit. Identified patients were approached in the ED (manual review) or via phone (EMR alert). Persons confirmed at risk for HIV following engagement questionnaire completion were made aware of their risk and offered referral to local CPS clinics. Primary outcome was CPS linkage. Descriptive analysis was performed. Of 184 patients approached, 147 agreed to engagement (79.9%), 117 in-person and 30 via phone; 125 (85.1%) were confirmed at risk for HIV; majority were white (66.4%), male (63.2%), between the ages of 30 and 49 (64.8%), uninsured (78.4%), and without a primary care provider (93.6%). Sexual behavior was identified as a recent (within six months) risk factor in 97 (77.6%) patients. Injection drug use was identified as a recent (within six months) risk factor in 71 (56.8%) patients. Fifty-four (43.2%) expressed interest in obtaining CPS follow-up. To-date, ten patients (18.5%) have connected with a CPS counsellor via phone and five (9.3%) have had a subsequent follow-up appointment to discuss CPS with a medical provider. Thirty at-risk patients (24.0%) received ED-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone. Targeted screening tools can aid in the identification of persons at risk for HIV in the ED; further, subsequent engagement and CPS implementation amongst this cohort is feasible. CPS clinic linkage may be challenging however, a CPS definition inclusive of ED-initiated medication for opioid use disorder, may offer opportunity for increased uptake.
Correcting visual acuity beyond 20/20 improves contour element detection and integration: A cautionary tale for studies of special populations
Authors: Keane Brian P. , Silverstein Steven M. , Papathomas Thomas V. , Krekelberg Bart
Published: September 2024

Contrary to popular lore, optimal visual acuity is typically better than 20/20. Could correcting acuity beyond 20/20 offer any benefit? An affirmative answer could present new confounds in studies of aging, development, psychiatric illness, neurodegenerative disorders, or any other population where refractive error might be more likely. An affirmative answer would also offer a novel explanation of inter-observer variability in visual performance. To address the question, we had individuals perform two well-studied visual tasks, once with 20/20 vision and once with optical correction, so that observers could see one line better on an eye chart. In the contour integration task, observers sought to identify the screen quadrant location of a sparsely defined (integrated) shape embedded in varying quantities of randomly oriented “noise” elements. In the collinear facilitation task, observers sought to detect a low-contrast element flanked by collinear or orthogonal high-contrast elements. In each case, displays were scaled in size to modulate element visibility and spatial frequency (4–12 cycles/deg). We found that improving acuity beyond 20/20 improved contour integration for the high spatial frequency displays. Although improving visual acuity did not affect collinear facilitation, it did improve detection of the central low-contrast target, especially at high spatial frequencies. These results, which were large in magnitude, suggest that optically correcting beyond 20/20 improves the detection and integration of contour elements, especially those that are smaller and of higher spatial frequency. Refractive blur within the normal range may confound special population studies, explain inter-observer differences, and meaningfully impact performance in low-visibility environments.
Belonging through meaningful activity in the transition from unhoused to housed
Authors: Plett Patti , Gewurtz Rebecca , Oudshoorn Abe , Forchuk Cheryl , Marshall Carrie Anne
Published: September 2024

Background

Belonging is closely associated with well-being, yet individuals with experiences of being unhoused are likely to experience social exclusion and challenges with developing a sense of belonging. Engagement in meaningful activity has been linked to belonging; however, there are no focused studies exploring experiences of how engaging in meaningful activities influences belonging. Meaningful activities are things we do that bring value to our lives.

Purpose

To explore how engaging in meaningful activities may influence experiences of belonging following homelessness through a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews.

Method

Using interviews conducted in a community-based participatory action study exploring the transition to housing following homelessness (n = 19), we conducted a thematic analysis using the method described by Braun and Clarke. Participants were recruited through communication with local organizations supporting individuals with lived and living experiences of being unhoused as well as through presentations at drop-in organizations. An intentional effort was made to recruit diverse participants regarding housing status, age, and gender. Inductive analysis was used to conduct initial coding, focusing on belonging and engaging in meaningful activities. We then analyzed the codes abductively, using Bourdieu’s Social Capital Theory to inform this analysis.

Findings

The overarching essence generated in our analysis was: “I don’t feel like I belong…everything in the world is not for me…it’s for people with…enough money to…enjoy those things”. Within this overall essence, we generated three themes: 1) Human connection: “being where I am with people who care about me, I actually feel good”; 2) Social exclusion: being a “regular member of society”; and 3) Non-human connection: “my cats…are like my kids to me.” Participants described numerous contextual factors that challenged them as they sought belonging following homelessness, including financial limitations and other societal factors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that meaningful activity was an important pathway to belonging for participants in this study.
Impact of sinus surgery in people with cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis in the era of highly effective modulator therapy: Protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: Liu Christine M. , Fischer Jakob L. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Bodner Todd E. , Chowdhury Naweed I. , Getz Anne E. , Hwang Peter H. , Kimple Adam J. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Soler Zachary M. , Goss Christopher H. , Taylor-Cousar Jennifer L. , Saavedra Milene T. , Beswick Daniel M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is commonly complicated by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Despite highly effective management options, CRS in people with CF (PwCF+CRS) may be refractory to medical therapy, eventually requiring endoscopic sinus surgery. The impact of sinus surgery on pulmonary, quality of life (QOL), and other outcomes in PwCF+CRS in the expanding era of highly effective modulator therapy has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to determine if endoscopic sinus surgery can offer superior outcomes for PwCF+CRS when compared to continued medical treatment of CRS.

Methods and analysis

This multi-institutional, observational, prospective cohort study will enroll 150 adults with PwCF+CRS across nine US CF Centers who failed initial medical therapy for CRS and elected to pursue either endoscopic sinus surgery or continue medical treatment. To determine if sinus surgery outperforms continued medical therapy in different outcomes, we will assess changes in pulmonary, CF-specific QOL, CRS-specific QOL, sleep quality, depression, headache, cognition, olfaction, productivity loss, and health utility value after treatment. The influence of highly effective modulator therapy on these outcomes will also be evaluated. This study will provide crucial insights into the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery for PwCF+CRS and aid with development of future treatment pathways and guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by each institution’s internal review board, and study enrollment began August 2019. Results will be disseminated in conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04469439).
Signal-sensing triggers the shutdown of HemKR, regulating heme and iron metabolism in the spirochete Leptospira biflexa
Authors: Imelio Juan Andrés , Trajtenberg Felipe , Mondino Sonia , Zarantonelli Leticia , Vitrenko Iakov , Lemée Laure , Cokelaer Thomas , Picardeau Mathieu , Buschiazzo Alejandro
Published: September 2024

Heme and iron metabolic pathways are highly intertwined, both compounds being essential for key biological processes, yet becoming toxic if overabundant. Their concentrations are exquisitely regulated, including via dedicated two-component systems (TCSs) that sense signals and regulate adaptive responses. HemKR is a TCS present in both saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira species, involved in the control of heme metabolism. However, the molecular means by which HemKR is switched on/off in a signal-dependent way, are still unknown. Moreover, a comprehensive list of HemKR-regulated genes, potentially overlapped with iron-responsive targets, is also missing. Using the saprophytic species Leptospira biflexa as a model, we now show that 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) triggers the shutdown of the HemKR pathway in live cells, and does so by stimulating the phosphatase activity of HemK towards phosphorylated HemR. Phospho~HemR dephosphorylation leads to differential expression of multiple genes, including of heme metabolism and transport systems. Besides the heme-biosynthetic genes hemA and the catabolic hmuO, which we had previously reported as phospho~HemR targets, we now extend the regulon identifying additional genes. Finally, we discover that HemR inactivation brings about an iron-deficit tolerant phenotype, synergistically with iron-responsive signaling systems. Future studies with pathogenic Leptospira will be able to confirm whether such tolerance to iron deprivation is conserved among Leptospira spp., in which case HemKR could play a vital role during infection where available iron is scarce. In sum, HemKR responds to abundance of porphyrin metabolites by shutting down and controlling heme homeostasis, while also contributing to integrate the regulation of heme and iron metabolism in the L. biflexa spirochete model.
The I7L protein of African swine fever virus is involved in viral pathogenicity by antagonizing the IFN-γ-triggered JAK-STAT signaling pathway through inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT1
Authors: Li Meilin , Liu Xinyuan , Peng Dingkun , Yao Meng , Wang Tao , Wang Yijing , Cao Hongwei , Wang Yanjin , Dai Jingwen , Luo Rui , Deng Hao , Li Jiaqi , Luo Yuzi , Li Yongfeng , Sun Yuan , Li Su , Qiu Hua-Ji , Li Lian-Feng
Published: September 2024

Cell-passage-adapted strains of African swine fever virus (ASFV) typically exhibit substantial genomic alterations and attenuated virulence in pigs. We have indicated that the human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells-adapted ASFV strain underwent genetic alterations and the I7L gene in the right variable region was deleted compared with the ASFV HLJ/2018 strain (ASFV-WT). A recent study has revealed that the deletion of the I7L-I11L genes results in attenuation of virulent ASFV in vivo, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that the deletion of the I7L gene may be related to the pathogenicity of ASFV in pigs. We generated the I7L gene-deleted ASFV mutant (ASFV-ΔI7L) and found that the I7L gene deletion does not influence the replication of ASFV in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Using transcriptome sequencing analysis, we identified that the differentially expressed genes in the PAMs infected with ASFV-ΔI7L were mainly involved in antiviral immune responses induced by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) compared with those in the ASFV-WT-infected PAMs. Meanwhile, we further confirmed that the I7L protein (pI7L) suppressed the IFN-γ-triggered JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Mechanistically, pI7L interacts with STAT1 and inhibits its phosphorylation and homodimerization, which depends on the tyrosine at position 98 (Y98) of pI7L, thereby preventing the nuclear translocation of STAT1 and leading to the decreased production of IFN-γ-stimulated genes. Importantly, ASFV-ΔI7L exhibited reduced replication and virulence compared with ASFV-WT in pigs, likely due to the increased production of IFN-γ-stimulated genes, indicating that pI7L is involved in the virulence of ASFV. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that pI7L is associated with pathogenicity and antagonizes the IFN-γ-triggered JAK-STAT signaling pathway via inhibiting the phosphorylation and homodimerization of STAT1 depending on the Y98 residue of pI7L and the Src homology 2 domain of STAT1, which provides more information for understanding the immunoevasion strategies and designing the live attenuated vaccines against ASFV infection.
Development of Glycan-masked SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccines against SARS-related coronaviruses
Authors: Liang Zuxin , Li Chunhui , Gong Xiaohua , Ye Guoguo , Jiang Yushan , Shi Huiping , Hussain Abid , Zhao Mengyuan , Li Mengjun , Tian Yuxin , Zhao Wei , Yang Yang , Huang Yuanyu , Shen Chenguang , Yang Minghui
Published: September 2024

Emerging and recurrent infectious diseases caused by coronaviruses remain a significant public health concern. Here, we present a targeted approach to elicit antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 variants and other SARS-related coronaviruses. By introducing amino acid mutations at mutation-prone sites, we engineered glycosylation modifications to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, thereby exposing more conserved, yet less accessible epitopes. We developed both messenger RNA (mRNA) and recombination subunit vaccines using these engineered-RBDs (M1, M2) and the wild-type RBD as immunogens. The engineered-RBD vaccines elicited robust neutralizing responses against various SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as SARS-CoV and WIV1-CoV, and conferred protection in mice challenged with the XBB.1.16 strain. Furthermore, We highlighted that glycan masking is a decisive factor in antibody binding changes and RBD-conserved antibody response. Additionally, the glycan-engineered RBD mRNA vaccines stimulated stronger cell-mediated immune responses. Our glycan modification strategy significantly enhances broad-spectrum neutralizing efficacy and cellular immunity, providing valuable insights for the development of vaccines against a wide range of SARS-related coronaviruses.
Structure-guided in vitro evolution of nanobodies targeting new viral variants
Authors: Ye Gang , Bu Fan , Pan Ruangang , Mendoza Alise , Yang Ge , Spiller Benjamin , Wadzinski Brian E. , Du Lanying , Perlman Stanley , Liu Bin , Li Fang
Published: September 2024

A major challenge in antiviral antibody therapy is keeping up with the rapid evolution of viruses. Our research shows that nanobodies - single-domain antibodies derived from camelids - can be rapidly re-engineered to combat new viral strains through structure-guided in vitro evolution. Specifically, for viral mutations occurring at nanobody-binding sites, we introduce randomized amino acid sequences into nanobody residues near these mutations. We then select nanobody variants that effectively bind to the mutated viral target from a phage display library. As a proof of concept, we used this approach to adapt Nanosota-3, a nanobody originally identified to target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of early Omicron subvariants, making it highly effective against recent Omicron subvariants. Remarkably, this adaptation process can be completed in less than two weeks, allowing drug development to keep pace with viral evolution and provide timely protection to humans.
Expediente
Authors: Nery de Oliveira Leandro
Published: September 2024

Expediente
The Strategic Role of Human Resource Management in Business Performance
Authors: Adeniyi Adetomiwa , Damilola Ayobamidele
Published: September 2024

In today’s dynamic business environment, Human Resource Management (HRM) has transcended its traditional role to become a key contributor to organizational strategy. Effective HRM practices are essential for managing talent, fostering employee engagement, and developing leadership capabilities—all of which are crucial for improving organizational performance and gaining a competitive edge. This paper explores the integration of HRM into the strategic management of businesses, emphasizing how it can enhance organizational resilience and innovation. Through an analysis of existing literature and empirical studies, this paper identifies the key HRM practices that contribute to business success, including talent management, leadership development, and employee motivation. The research also highlights the methods employed by businesses to align HRM with broader corporate goals and the resulting positive impacts on organizational productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The study concludes by offering recommendations for future HRM strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptive, technology-driven HR solutions to address evolving workforce needs.
Physical Propagation of Consciousness
Authors: Tian Ming
Published: September 2024

This article applies the knowledge of set in mathematics to study binary oppositions, and deduces that consciousness changes a thing through its opposite. The author assumes that a life’s flash forms a spherical divergent field; the center of the field is the material world perceived by the life; the field is space generated by the propagation of flash. So this article reveals the origin of space. When the propagation mode of flash is applied to mass, the formula for universal gravitation is derived, which confirms the rationality of the above hypothesis. When the propagation mode of flash is applied to static electricity, Coulomb’s law is derived, which also confirms the hypothesis. Therefore, universal gravitation and Coulomb force are essentially manifestations of flash propagation.
Investigating Factors Limiting Girls' Aspiration and Interest In Technology At Dilla High School in Dilla Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Eldana M.
Published: September 2024

This study explores the factors limiting girls' aspirations and participation in technology at Dilla High School, Dilla town, Ethiopia, based on a sample of 160 students.A mixed-methods approach was used, combining survey data, which were analyzed through descriptive and frequency analysis, and interview data, which were examined using qualitative analysis.While 60% of respondents expressed a strong interest in technology, only 37.5% participated in related extracurricular activities, highlighting a gap between interest and engagement. Key barriers identified include limited access to resources, insufficient parental support, and persistent gender stereotypes, with 47.5% of respondents perceiving technology as more suited to boys. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive technology programs, increased parental involvement, and community efforts to break down gender barriers. These measures are essential for improving girls' engagement and sustained participation in technology fields.
Analytical design and implementation of a sequential display signboard
Authors: O. Daniel T. , Ochola D. , O. Edaogbogun G. , K. Olawale O. , E. Okobi P.
Published: September 2024

This study is aimed at the analytical design of a lighting system called a sequential display signboard to create a special illumination effect, which can be used in cock tail, disco halls, offices door, theatre and signboards using relevant mathematical equations and physics relations. The sequential display signboard consists of power supply unit connected to an arrangement of oscillator and switching circuits that triggered the light emitting diodes (LED) to display the words which are written inform of a message display. The system consists of 555 timers which functions as an Astable Multivibrator to generate pulses and transistors acting as switches thereby aiding the display of the message. With an input pulse from the 555 timer, the 4017 IC will cycle through its ten count sequence, lighting up each LED one at a time and recycling back to the first LED which results in a visual pleasing sequence of flashing lights in form of a message display.
Full mouth rehabilitation with fixed teeth supported prosthesis following hobo twin stage technique – A Case Report
Authors: Singaravel Chidambaranathan Ahila , Tah Rajdeep , Kumar Balasubramanium Muthu
Published: September 2024

Background: Worn dentition is a common problem encountered by most people in the last decade. Rehabilitation of a full mouth needs individual attention and proper treatment planning, which is very challenging for partial edentulous cases where bilateral teeth are missing and collapsed vertical dimension leaves inadequate restorative space. Treatment of these cases is complex and needs to apply standard principles while designing and fabricating prostheses. Case presentation: A 41-year-old female presented with a history of difficulty in chewing and poor appearance. Examination revealed that the patient had missing teeth in the maxilla (12, 13, 14, 15, 23, and 24), in the mandible (46 and 47), and in teeth 11, 21, 22, 25, 36, 37, 43, 44, and 45 were root canal treated, of which 21, 22, and 25 did not have any coronal structure and 36 had a discharging sinus. The periodontal condition of the remaining teeth was good and the vertical dimension was reduced. This patient had multiple missing and badly damaged anterior teeth. Hence, Hobo and Takayama twin stage method was used to re-establish the anterior guidance for full mouth rehabilitation. Conclusion: Worn dentition requires a very careful and calculative approach due to its complex nature. Hobo twin stage technique is based on case studies from which the mathematical values for anterior guidance and posterior disocclusion are determined and thus minimizes the clinical procedure duration and produces good masticatory function.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein α (CEBPA) Polymorphisms and Mutations in Healthy Individuals and in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease, Ischaemic Heart Disease and Hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Fuchs Ota , Kostečka A. , Provazníková D. , Krásná B. , Kotlín R. , Staňková M. , Kobylka P. , Dostálová G. , Zeman M. , Chochola M.
Published: September 2024

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, encoded by the intronless CEBPA gene, is a transcription factor that induces expression of genes involved in differentiation of granulocytes, monocytes, adipocytes and hepatocytes. Both mono- and bi-allelic CEBPA mutations were detected in acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. In this study we also identified CEBPA mutations in healthy individuals and in patients with peripheral artery disease, ischaemic heart disease and hyperlipidaemia. We found 16 various deletions with the presence of two direct repeats in CEBPA by analysis of 431 individuals. Three most frequent repeats included in these deletions in CEBPA gene are CGCGAG (493-498_865-870), GG (486-487_885-886), and GCCAAGCAGC (508-517_907-916), all according to GenBank Accession No. NM_004364.2. In one case we identified that a father with ischaemic heart disease and his healthy son had two identical deletions (493_864del and 508_906del, both according to GenBank Accession No. NM_004364.2) in CEBPA. The occurrence of deletions between two repetitive sequences may be caused by recombination events in the repair process. A double-stranded cut in DNA may initiate these recombination events in adjacent DNA sequences. Four types of polymorphisms in the CEBPA gene were also detected in the screened individuals. Polymorphism in CEBPA gene 690 G>T according to GenBank Accession No. NM_004364.2 is the most frequent type in our analysis. Statistical analysis did not find significant differences in the frequency of polymorphisms in CEBPA in patients and in healthy individuals with the exception of P4 polymorphism (580_585dup according to GenBank Accesion No. NM_004364.2). P4 polymorphism was significantly increased in ischaemic heart disease patients.
Impairment of Sox9 Expression in Limb Buds of Rats Homozygous for Hypodactyly Mutation
Authors: Liška František , Šnajdr P. , Stricker S. , Gosele C. , Křenová D. , Mundlos S. , Hubner N.
Published: September 2024

Rat hypodactyly (hd) is an autosomal recessive mutation manifesting in homozygotes as reduction or loss of digits II and III. We mapped the hd allele to a short segment of chromosome 10, containing 16 genes. None of these genes has been shown to influence limb development yet. In situ hybridization showed no changes in several important patterning genes (Shh, Fgf8, Bmp2, 4, 7). However, we found that expression of cartilage condensation marker Sox9, and Bmp receptor Bmpr1b (acting as an upstream activator of Sox9 expression) is absent from the subepithelial mesenchyme of the digit condensations II and III. The failure of the chondrogenic condensations to extend towards the subepithelial mesenchyme may reduce the size of digit primordia and underlie the subsequent loss of phalanges and reduction of metacarpals/metatarsals in hd rats.
Interferencia por macrocomplejos B12: hacia una detección eficaz e interpretación correcta de la hipo e hipervitaminemia
Authors: Delgado Jose Antonio , Pastor María I. , Costa Gemma , Márquez Nuria , Bauça Josep Miquel
Published: September 2024

Objetivos

Los resultados indicativos de hipervitaminemia B12 pueden deberse a la presencia de macro B12. Las biomoléculas de alto peso molecular se pueden eliminar mediante precipitación con polietilenglicol (PEG). Sin embargo, con esta técnica, se pueden coprecipitar moléculas “libres,” por lo que es necesario establecer nuevos valores de referencia para el resultado post precipitación. Los objetivos principales del presente estudio son: 1) Establecer intervalos de referencia (IR) post-PEG para la vitamina B12. 2) Comparar los dos criterios establecidos en la literatura para determinar la presencia de macro B12; 3) Evaluar la utilidad conjunta del porcentaje de recuperación de vitamina B12 post PEG y de los intervalos de referencia post PEG, para determinar el estado real de vitamina B12 en el organismo; y 4) Proponer comentarios para facilitar la interpretación de los resultados.

Métodos

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el que se analizaron 488 muestras séricas de individuos “sanos” para determinar el porcentaje de recuperación y los intervalos de referencia tras la precipitación con PEG. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis retrospectivo para evaluar la utilidad conjunta de ambas definiciones ante la sospecha de la presencia de macro B12. Se incluyó un total de 297 casos.

Resultados

La recuperación y los IR post-PEG, determinados con la plataforma Alinity i oscilaron entre el 60 % y el 107 % y entre 118 y 506 pmol/L, respectivamente. La prueba de McNemar reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos criterios a la hora de estimar la interferencia. Sin embargo, ambas metodologías mostraron un elevado nivel de concordancia. En los 27 casos, la presencia de macro-B12 coincidió con hipervitaminemia de B12 confirmada. En ningún caso, la presencia de macro B2 coincidió con un déficit de B12.

Conclusiones

Se debería incluir en los informes analíticos la concentración total de vitamina B12, el porcentaje de recuperación y la concentración de vitamina B12 post PEG, así como sus IR ajustados, con el fin de poder evaluar con mayor precisión el estado de la vitamina en el organismo.
Social Transition and Modernization of Eurasian Countries
Authors: Sun Zhuangzhi
Published: September 2024

Unlike political and economic transitions, the social transition of Eurasian countries exhibits a certain degree of passivity. Eurasian countries prioritize solving political and economic issues, with strict control over social aspects leading to a relatively delayed modernization of the social sector. The market-oriented economic transitions have resulted in a disparity in wealth among the populace, and political transformation has generated various conflicts and social divisions, which pose significant challenges to the simultaneously initiated social transformation. Currently, some Eurasian countries are still undergoing systemic reforms aimed at modernization, implemented as a long-term national strategy. The progress and prospects of these reforms depend on the interplay of multiple factors, and their future trajectory warrants continuous attention. The modernization of Eurasian countries is destined to follow a development path different from that of other countries, determined by their unique cultural traditions, social structures, and specific national conditions. Meanwhile, the social changes over more than 30 years of independence have profoundly altered the cultural and social characteristics of Eurasian countries. While preserving traditions, they need to incorporate valuable experiences from the modernization of other countries and seek development paths best suited to their own contexts.
Production of sustainable concrete with treated cement kiln dust and iron slag waste aggregate
Authors: Abd Fatimah K. , Khalil Wasan I. , Jaber Ali A.
Published: September 2024

Blast furnaces create iron and steel from pig iron, which in turn produces iron slag. Iron ore is the primary raw material for these transformations. Slag aggregate, a byproduct of the iron and steel industry, is a sustainable building material. In order to produce more environmentally friendly and cost-effective concrete, this study evaluated the effect of inclusion of two waste materials in concrete including, 10% treated cement kiln dust (TCKD) as cement weight replacement with different volumetric contents (15, 25, and 35%) of iron slag coarse aggregate (ISCA) as a replacement to natural coarse aggregate. Microstructure, static modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and workability were among the many concrete qualities studied. There was an improvement in oven-dry, splitting tensile, flexural, compressive, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and static modulus of elasticity as ISCA content rose, as shown in the results. Increasing the ISCA concentration reduces thermal conductivity. Depending of the ISCA content, increasing the compressive strength by 1.43–12.4% and the splitting tensile strength by 0.4–5.34% were both possible. There was an additional increase of 1.3–9.15% in flexural strength. From the experimental results, it can be observed that innovative and potent method for producing structural sustainable concrete is provided in this study by inclusion of two waste materials, including TCKD and ISCA. The sustainable concrete produced has high strength and low thermal conductivity relative to concrete not containing these waste materials, which can be used in different construction projects. Moreover, the use of these waste materials in concrete has a benefit of reducing the environmental pollution. All the above-mentioned results conforms the goal of this study.
Characterizing sliding wear behavior of A1100/AlFe (p) composites produced via repeated fold-forging and annealing
Authors: Tseng Yu-Fong , Liu Chao-Hwa , Lin Ching-Bin
Published: September 2024

Aluminum matrix/aluminum-iron intermetallic composite materials pose challenges in plastic processing due to the susceptibility of hard intermetallic compound particles to fracture. This study introduces a novel fabrication method involving pure iron mesh, hot-dip aluminum plating, and solidification. Through ten consecutive folding, forging, and intermediate annealing cycles, aluminum matrix and iron undergo diffusion, leading to the formation of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 interface reaction layers, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsequent forging cycles cause the breakage or detachment of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 particles from the interface, resulting in the formation of large-sized Fe2Al5 and small-sized Fe2Al5 intermetallic particles. FeAl3 intermetallic particles are observed via microscopic examination. These particles can be uniformly dispersed within the aluminum matrix through plastic flow, enabling the successful fabrication of A1100/Fe2Al5 and AlFe3 composite sheets. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of intermetallic compound content, sliding speed, and forward load on the dry sliding wear of A1100/FeAl composites. It is found that Fe2Al5 and AlFe3 intermetallic compound particles effectively mitigate adhesive wear, plowing, and oxidative wear of the composites. With an AlFe intermetallic compound content of 4.3 wt.%, the volume wear rate remains low under conditions corresponding to PV = 56.652 (equivalent to a normal load of 19.6 kPa and a sliding speed of 2.87 m s−1).
Ta11Pt4 − a new coloring variant of the σ-phase
Authors: Baldauf Jasper Arne , Kösters Jutta , Janka Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: September 2024

Well-shaped single crystals of Ta11Pt4 formed through crucible attack during phase analytical studies in the Ca–Pt–Zn system. Phase-pure Ta11Pt4 was subsequently obtained from the pure elements by arc-melting. The crystal structure of Ta11Pt4 was refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: P42/mnm, a = 992.94(8), c = 516.59(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0672, 576 F
2 values and 27 variables. Ta11Pt4 is a new coloring variant in the large family of sigma phase compounds. Of the five crystallographically independent sites, four are occupied by tantalum and the fifth one by platinum in a fully ordered manner. The platinum atoms have distorted icosahedral coordination by 11 tantalum and 1 platinum atom. Two of these Ta@Ta11Pt icosahedra are condensed by interpenetration forming a Pt2 pair with 275 pm Pt–Pt distance. These double-icosahedra are the monomeric building unit of the Ta11Pt4 structure and further condense via common edges to a three-dimensional dense sphere packing. The Ta–Ta distances cover a broader range from 256 to 329 pm, comparable to the structure of bcc tantalum. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility studies indicate Pauli paramagnetism.
Finding Integration in a Splintered World: Contemporary Psychoanalytic Thoughts on Clinical Work
Authors: Bachant Janet L. , Richards Arnold D.
Published: September 2024

Practitioners interested in the process of helping people change are confronted today with such a burgeoning array of perspectives, theories, and treatment modalities that even the most diligent can feel overwhelmed by the number of choices. This plethora of approaches calls into question whether there is anything that can tie them together. Asking if the psychoanalytic field is destined to be splintered into fragments that defy cohesion or if it is possible to generate a way of thinking and working that is more inclusive, this paper takes a historical and integrationist approach, grounded in a clinical focus on mental organization and Leo Rangell's total composite theory. It discusses trends in the development of psychoanalysis and argues for the importance of integration of the findings from neuropsychology and neuropsychoanalysis into psychoanalytic clinical work.
Direito coletivo do trabalho: atuação sindical no cenário pandêmico
Authors: Barbosa Nogueira Bernardo Gomes , Rocha Martins Islane Archanjo , Alves Juliana Araújo
Published: September 2024

Quando a pandemia do coronavírus eclodiu no Brasil e no mundo, os sindicatos se viram diante de óbices significativos para sua concreta atuação, mais especificamente, os sindicatos que representam os profissionais da saúde. Posto isso, a presente pesquisa visa investigar os problemas objetivos que envolvem a atuação sindical na pandemia. Objetivo: Identificar os principais impasses pragmáticos que influíram no exercício do direito sindical na pandemia. Metodologia: Realização de pesquisa qualitativa por meio de análise bibliográfica e documental, com método hipotético-dedutivo do material designado. Resultados: Após os estudos realizados, tem-se que a Constituição Federal de 1988 representou um significativo avanço para o direito sindical, principalmente no que diz respeito à liberdade de tais entidades, apesar dos precedentes históricos. Nesse sentido, diante de todas as dificuldades trazidas pela pandemia, destacam-se como principais objeções para a atuação sindical dos representantes dos trabalhadores, em âmbito sanitário, a evidente necessidade de laboração desses profissionais, bem como a falta de informações seguras e precisas sobre as reais condições de trabalho no cenário pandêmico. Conclusão: Dessarte, conclui-se que tais impasses afetam diretamente a atuação do exercício sindical, de forma que os profissionais da saúde se encontram prejudicados nesse sentido, uma vez que a representação sindical encontra tais impasses para a efetiva atuação prática.
Blockchain em jogos digitais
Authors: Fantini Laiane Maris Caetano , Magalhães Rodrigo Almeida
Published: September 2024

O artigo busca demonstrar a relevância jurídica do tema para o mundo atual dos jovens que traz peculiar relação entre jogos digitais, bens digitais, blockchain e direito, explorando suas fronteiras. A partir do estudo de literatura especializada em cada uma dessas áreas, são apresentadas noções gerais para melhor compreensão do problema, que busca responder à pergunta se é, de fato, possível aplicar blockchain de forma a garantir a efetiva propriedade dos ativos adquiridos ou conquistados dentro de um jogo digital. Analisado tais aspectos, buscar-se-á confirmar a hipótese, no sentido que as aplicações em blockchain games, embora num primeiro momento não tenham apresentado importantes diferenciais para o desenvolvimento e comercialização dos jogos, cada vez mais essa tecnologia tem mostrado seu potencial disruptivo para provocar um novo olhar sobre o mercado de bens digitais e a indústria de jogos. Para fundamentar tal opinião, adotou-se o método qualitativo dedutivo por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica.