bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of traditional numerical characteristics of lognormal distribution laws of a one-dimensional random variable in conditions of large volume statistical data
Authors: Lapko A. V. , Lapko V. A.
Published: April 2024

The efficiency of estimating the numerical characteristics of a family of the lognormal distribution law of a onedimensional random variable under conditions of large volumes of statistical data is considered. To circumvent the problem of large samples, methods of discretization the range of values of a random variable based on the formulas of Sturges, Brooks-Carruthers, Heinhold-Gaede and the formula proposed by the authors of this article are used. Data arrays have been generated that make it possible to evaluate the numerical characteristics of the laws of distribution of random variables, taking into account their discrete values. Based on the transformed data arrays, estimates of the mathematical expectation, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis coefficients were calculated. Estimates of the numerical characteristics of the considered distribution laws under the conditions of a continuous and discrete random variable are compared for different volumes of initial statistical data. The effectiveness of methods for estimating the numerical characteristics of the family of the lognormal distribution law based on the initial statistical data and on the results of transformations of these data using known discretization formulas has been established. The reliability of the comparison of the effectiveness indicators of the studied methods was confirmed by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion. It is shown that the discretization formula proposed by the authors of this article is better and more effective compared to traditional methods.
Catalonia within the Spanish Monarchy: from the Catholic Kings to the War of the Spanish Succession
Authors:   Institute of the World History of the Russian Academy of Science., Filatov Georgy
Published: April 2024

Catalonia maintained broad autonomy for 200 years after the unification of Castile and Aragon at the end of the 15th centu-ry. It was determined both by historical background and by the political situation on the Iberian Peninsula. Ever since joining the Crown of Aragon in the 12th century, Catalonia had self-government, which was guaranteed after the marriage of Isabella of Castile and Fernando of Aragon. Their and their successors’ attempts to unify the subject lands were not con-sistent, since there was no urgent need for the centralization. Castile and its colonies provided sufficient resources for for-eign policy. After the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War, these resources were no longer enough, and the Spanish monarchs began to pursue a more active centralization policy. Catalonia responded with an uprising, which led to its transition under the French rule. After ten years of struggle, Philip IV managed to win back almost the entire rebellious region. Despite the treason, the Spanish monarchy decided to maintain Catalan privileges in order to ensure the loyalty of the region in the face of the ongoing confrontation with France.
Copper face of ancient America: representation of Mesoamerican civilizations in American pulp-magazine Weird tales in the interwar period
Authors:   The State Academic University for the Humanities, Lapaev Nikita
Published: April 2024

In the Interwar period different form of Ancient civilization had been one the most frequent theme in American popular culture. Lost Indian civilization wasn’t exception, but this is-sue is still poorly investigate in the popular culture’s field. The article examines, based on John Cavelti's theory of for-mular fiction and John Saler’s “imaginary worlds”, the repre-sentation of pre-Columbian civilizations in one of the most significant American pulp magazines, Weird tales, and the ways in which their heritage is appropriated by American popular culture. We come to conclusion that representation of pre-Colombian indian civilization was within the general nar-rative of the ancient (like Egypt and Babylon), but had differ-ence in tropes. This concerned attention to the phenomenon of sacrifices. Also, the authors were anxious about issues of race, since the racist view of Latin Americans was a constitu-tive stereotype for many Americans. To prevent this problem from interfering with the appropriation of the Indian ancient heritage as uniquely American, the writers excluded the in-termediary in the person of a modern resident of Mexico. Mexico was represented as a poor, unstable country, just an epigone of its magnificent ancestors.
Agrarian development of Argentina in the second half of the XIXth – the beginning of the XXth centuries
Authors:   Institute of the World History of the Russian Academy of Science., Kazakov Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The work is devoted to the final stage in the formation of agrarian regime in Argentina. The foundation for contempo-rary Argentina was built at that time On the Argentina pampas a significant change took place. A land that had produced cat-tle useful only for hides, tallow and salted beef was trans-formed into cultivated fields and pastures where fences closed stock into alfalfa pastures. The rise of the farming and sheep ranching accompanied this shift in the cattle economy. Frigorificos – plants for production of chilled beef made it possible to be sold in markets of Great Britain. Argentina be-came one of the world’s leading exporters of wheat, corn, beef mutton and wool. It indicates that behind this economic accomplishment lies land structure – the predominance of large ownership – latifundia. Argentina had no homestead act or other long-seal land distribution plan that wood root immi-grants to the nation by granting them ownership of the soil. The Argentina landed elites owned most of the good land with the result that immigrants became tenants on short term leases. The farming developed primary as servant to the predom-inant sheep and cattle interests. The result was a pampa without settler filled with migrant tenant farmers a land exploited but not possessed. The predominance of latifundia and the land tenant system retarded the intensification of agrarian sector: Argentina failed to build a modern agrarian economy.
Prostate Cancer Gleason Score Classification Using Transfer Learning Models
Authors: Mona Chavda  , Dr. Sheshang Degadwala
Published: April 2024

This research discusses the application of transfer learning models in the classification of prostate cancer based on Gleason scores. Gleason scoring is crucial in determining the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, guiding treatment decisions. Transfer learning, a technique where knowledge from one task is applied to another, has gained traction in medical image analysis. This study explores the efficacy of transfer learning models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in accurately classifying Gleason scores from histopathological images. Leveraging pre-trained CNNs like ResNet and VGG, the research demonstrates significant improvements in classification accuracy compared to traditional machine learning approaches. The methodology involves fine-tuning these pre-trained models on a dataset of prostate cancer histopathological images annotated with Gleason scores. Experimental results showcase promising performance metrics, including high accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, highlighting the potential of transfer learning in enhancing prostate cancer diagnosis and prognostication. This work contributes to the growing body of research utilizing deep learning techniques for improving cancer classification and personalized treatment strategies.
USAID PROGRAM GRANTS FOR THE GRAIN BUSINESS IN INCREASE OF GRAIN STORAGE AND DRYING CAPACITIES IN CONDITIONS OF WAR
Authors:   Lviv University of Trade and Economics, Kobelia-Zvir Mariana , Zvir Yurii ,   Lviv University of Trade and Economics
Published: April 2024

The article examines in detail the USAID Program for Agrarian and Rural Development (AGRO) in the direction of "Supporting MSMEs in the grain sector in increasing grain storage and drying capacities" in wartime conditions. The study demonstrates the goals and priorities of the Program, namely: to expand opportunities for grain processing enterprises to increase the number of small and medium-sized producers who benefit from improved services. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the goal of the AGRO Program initiative is to increase the capacity and power of economic entities that provide MSMEs with drying, storage and processing of grain and technical crops. It was established that a distinctive feature of the program is its budget of 270 million UAH, which is planned to be distributed between 10-15 projects, and the amount of grant funding for one project can be from 18,000,000 to 36,000,000. These funds can be directed to cover such costs: purchase of grain processing, drying and storage equipment; purchase of laboratory equipment for determining quality indicators of grain. The expected results of the activities of the grantees have been demonstrated, namely: approximately 70 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) should receive additional services related to finishing, drying or storage of grain, these services should be expanded by at least 20 thousand tons annually, and/or provided services of grain drying for at least 50,000 tons annually, at least 50% of the total volume of grain processing, drying or storage services will be provided to MSMEs that cultivate (rent) land plots with an area of less than 500 hectares. The research revealed the specifics, as well as features of participation in the grant competition. A number of recommendations have been developed for applicant organizations, the consideration of which will contribute to obtaining grant funding, namely: it is necessary to provide specific data and arguments to strengthen your conclusion, you should ensure a high degree of specificity and confirmation of your statements to strengthen your position in the competition, budget planning should demonstrate a high level transparency and financial responsibility, activities should actively contribute to the creation of equal opportunities and social integration for all categories of the population.
Photovoice Analysis of Healthcare Access Challenges among Women Living with Disability’s in Nairobi’s Informal Settlement during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   LVCT Health, Kenya, Kihiu Mercy Wairimu , Njoroge Inviolata Njeri ,   LVCT Health, Kenya, Nyauchi Bernard ,   LVCT Health, Kenya
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed greatly existing health care inequalities experienced by persons living with disabilities. Many persons living with disabilities in Kenya’s informal areas experienced numerous inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this was exhibited in their difficulty accessing employment as a result of mass layoffs, education, and health services. This qualitative study explored the health and well-being of women living with disabilities in informal settlements in Nairobi during the COVID-19 pandemic. The photovoice technique was used to collect data from six purposively sampled participants that represented the vulnerable persons with disabilities living in the informal settlements of Korogocho and Viwandani in Nairobi. Additionally, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to further highlight how common the experiences described by the Photovoice participants were. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated to English, and coded using NVivo. Through thematic analysis of the transcripts, three main barriers were identified: challenges with access and affordability of health services for women living with disability; social and self-stigma as a contributing factor in access to health services for women living with disability; and the built and physical environment as a challenge in access to healthcare services for women living with disability. Attitudinal factors were explored, and unfavorable health-seeking behavior was found to be a barrier to access to healthcare for some participants during the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, women living with disability, informal settlements, photovoice, access to healthcare
The Labour Market Behaviour of Working-Age Women in Surat City
Authors:   School of Commerce and Business Management, Vanita Vishram Women’s University, India, Raval Dr. Neha
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Female labour force participation has always been associated with the socioeconomic development of a country. India being one of the most progressive economies of recent times, it is important to understand gender parity in the workforce of the country and its implications, especially for the strata of highly educated individuals. Though many studies examine female labour force participation in India, the need for domestic study is recommended considering the unique socio-economic fabric of that place. Surat being one of the major economic hubs of western India, understanding labour market behaviour of highly educated working-age women in this city brings fresh prospective to the labour market potential for the future economic progress of the city. This study examines the labour market behaviour of highly educated working-age women from Surat city with reference to social, economic, academic, and infrastructural factors. The present study being descriptive in nature, data were collected from 796 female respondents, working-age women (16–59 years) from Surat city. Data were collected through a digital survey from women who have received a graduation, master, or more than a master degree from Surat city. Though the women respondents included in this study had a high education level, 34.6% of highly educated women are still not working. In social factors, gaining financial independence (55%) turned out to be one of the major driving forces for being a part of labour force; in financial factors, having financial independence (55%) and the responsibility to run a family (24.3%) turned out to be major reasons to work. 63.2% of respondents recommended the need for a more practical-oriented course structure for higher education degrees. 16.8% of respondents are not satisfied with the infrastructure facilities available at the workplace. Though it is difficult to alter the socio-economic fabric of the place, offering relatively equal pay, female-friendly HR policies, and appropriate infrastructural facilities can encourage highly educated females to be a part of the labour force. Keywords: Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP), working age, labour force, Indian labour force
Premio FIL de Literatura en Lenguas Romances. David Huerta 2019
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Huerta Bravo David , Vázquez Badillo Felipe , Palacios Rojas Béronica , de Aguinaga Zuno Luis Vicente
Published: April 2024

Luis Vicente de Aguinaga, Felipe Vázquez y Berónica Palacios nos ofrecen un panorama de la vida y obra de David Huerta. Sin duda, la obra poética de David Huerta es, en su conjunto, como lo dice Jorge Fernández Granados, “una de las estaciones centrales de la literatura hispanoamericana contemporánea. Como lector, la frecuento, y como escritor la reconozco en tanto un punto de referencia insoslayable. Tanto por su amplitud como por su complejidad sería insuficiente clasificarla en unas cuantas frases, pero, sin duda, uno de sus atributos inmediatos, desde el primero hasta el más reciente de sus libros, es la riqueza verbal”.
Smartphone addiction, fluid intelligence and working memory in Mexican students
Authors:   Universidad Veracruzana, Esquivel Gámez Ismael , Guerrero Posadas Martín ,   Tecnológico Nacional de México-Sede San Luis Potosí, Berthely Barrios Julio Cesar ,   Universidad Veracruzana
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this article was to determine the association of the level of smartphone addiction with working memory in university students and fluid intelligence in high school graduates. For this purpose, initial measurements were made with an adaptation of the smartphone addiction scale to measure the former, with complex scope tasks for working memory and with Raven’s progressive matrices for fluid intelligence. For this purpose, a descriptive and cross-sectional study was implemented in three groups of Mexican institutions that receive a public subsidy. The sample consisted of 154 participants in total: 65 high school and 89 university students. The average age of high school students was 15.9 years, while the average age of university students was 20.9 years. Of the participants in general, 23% perceived themselves to be addicted, with the most prevalent symptoms tolerance and withdrawal syndrome, and the least prevalent being disregard for the consequences. The results indicate that there was no association between perceived addiction and working memory capacity or fluid intelligence. These findings lead to the development of new studies to determine other harmful effects on the daily lives of Mexican adolescents and young adults.
Acceptance and use of computerbased assessment in university students
Authors:   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Torres Kauffman Julián Gerardo , Olmos Pineda Iván , González Calleros Juan Manuel
Published: April 2024

The rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has opened new possibilities for teaching and assessment practices in higher education, including computerbased assessment (CBA). Since the effective development of this depends on student acceptance, the present study analyzed the constructs that affect the intention to use CBA through the computer-based assessment acceptance model (CBAAM) at a private university in Mexico. The methodology was quantitative and divided into two phases: 1) application of an assessment with multiple-choice questions with automatic grading, and 2) testing of the measurement and structural model of the CBAAM instrument with 84 first-semester engineering students. The results indicate that playful perception has a direct effect on the use of CBA, while facilitating conditions, computer self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, goal expectation, social influence, and content only have indirect effects. The acceptance model studied explains approximately 47% of the variation in the intention to use. It is recommended to investigate other variables that affect the purpose of use and to apply the model in other contexts for further confirmation.
The destructive sampling conundrum and guidelines for effective and ethical sampling of herbaria
Authors: Davis Charles
Published: April 2024

The use of herbaria for science and conservation is revolutionizing the discovery, exploration, and protection of biodiversity at unprecedented scopes and scales. The Global Metaherbarium—a digitally interlinked, open-access resource—is stimulating these efforts and helping to facilitate massive investigations that utilize aggregated digital derivatives of physical herbarium specimens. Simultaneously, the growing use of this virtual resource is expanding the use of physical collections by researchers from many scholarly domains who increasingly are sampling specimens for multiomic investigations (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and microbiomics). These investigations are leading to new scientific insights and supporting the development of conservation actions, but they come with a substantial cost: the (partial) destruction of priceless and often irreplaceable specimens, which constitute a global heritage that should be permanently safeguarded for future reference. The absence of a comprehensive set of “best practices” for destructively sampling herbarium specimens leads to confusion and uncertainty from researchers and institutions alike and risks over-exploitation of precious collections when the research is executed. Here, we provide a set of best practices aimed at reducing these uncertainties and creating a framework for sustainably and ethically sampling herbarium specimens. Our recommendations are intended for two complementary but overlapping audiences—users and stewards—who together build, use, and protect herbarium collections.
Extracting Insoluble Inorganic Phosphorus from Organic Farm Soils in Mountains: Identifying Effective Organic Acid Extractants
Authors:   School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam (Barapani) -793 103, Meghalaya, India.  E-mail: pritishapatgiri@gmail.com, Patgiri Pritisha , Swami Sanjay ,   School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam (Barapani) -793 103, Meghalaya, India.  E-mail: sanjayswamionline@gmail.com, Yumnam Ventina ,   School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam (Barapani) -793 103, Meghalaya, India.  E-mail: ventinayumnam19961@gmail.com
Published: April 2024

Phosphorus, among others, is quite a vital nutrient for the life of a plant. Because of the dominance of iron and aluminium oxides in acidic soils, they facilitate the fixation of phosphorus which results into phosphorus deficiency in large amounts. Hence, proper replenishment of the soil phosphorus (P) is very much important to cater the need of plant P requirement for better yield and development. The agricultural soils of Meghalaya (India) are by default rich in organic contents and organic P pool contributes 15-80% of the total plant P nutrition. Moreover, a different nature of nutrient pools is present in organic farming system compared to the conventional farming system. Lack of knowledge of these pools results in an imbalanced manuring plan, which hinders successful production system. The dynamic fraction of P cannot represent the correct status of phosphorus in soils under organic production systems, as the conventional soil testing protocols do not take into account the potentially available inorganic pools of phosphorus. Hence, a different extractant that can extract such potentially available P in an acidic soil under organic production system is highly required. The mineralization, solubilization and extraction (of the potentially available P pool) by using various organic acids produced through the beneficial soil microorganisms can serve this purpose. Therefore, the present research work was carried out to identify the best suitable P extractant to extract such potentially available inorganic P pool. The result of the present investigation revealed that out of 6 different extractants selected, 2% citric acid and double lactate extractants were found to be strongly correlated to the total P of the selected sites. Conventional Bray 1 extractant was taken as a check extractant. The outcome of the research is to develop a proper recommendation of fertilizer dose and an appropriate soil testing protocol for phosphorus being used in organic cultivation.
The moderating effects of the industry competition level and industry diversification on the relationship between the transaction price of mergers and acquisitions and corporate value
Authors: Abuzaid Ahmad Nasser , Al-Qatawenh Aymn Sulieman , Madadha Saif-aldeen Marwan , Alateeq Manal Mohammad
Published: April 2024

This study delved into the moderating impact of industry diversification and competition intensity on the relationship between merger and acquisition transaction prices and enterprise value. Using panel data on corporate mergers and acquisitions in Jordan between 2017 and 2022, this study applied a fixed effect model and performed robust regression to test hypotheses. A total of 402 observations for 108 companies were included in the estimation, and year dummies were incorporated into the model to control for year-specific effects. The findings revealed that transaction prices had a significantly negative impact on the firm’s future value. However, this negative effect was mitigated in the opposite direction if the acquirer faced highly competitive intensity. Moreover, in the case of mergers and acquisitions between companies in different industries, this mitigating effect became even more pronounced. The study carries several theoretical implications. It quantitatively demonstrated that the effects of corporate mergers and acquisitions, particularly the effects of transaction prices, influence the corporation’s value. These effects are moderated by the corporation’s competitive environment and the characteristics of the merger and acquisition, including whether it involves companies in different industries. The research also has significant implications for practical corporate merger and acquisition applications. Practitioners should analyse synergies and fair values with target companies and comprehensively consider the competitive intensity of the company's markets that can be effectively accessed through mergers and acquisitions when anticipating the effects of mergers and acquisitions.
The sci-tech libraries: Challenges and trends in the digital era
Authors:   State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences Siberian Branch, Lizunova Irina V. , Novikova Natalya V. ,   State Public Scientific and Technical Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences Siberian Branch
Published: April 2024

The authors characterize the status of sci-tech libraries within the State System of Scientific and Technical Information (GSNTI), analyze the key factors of current transformations. As the case study of RAS SB SPSTL, they explore the information resources, unified platform-based digital services of research and sci-tech interaction that make the essential part of Russian information market and GSNTI key component. The authors also focus on the open access resources and the related navigators, including the proprietary one. They formulate the common challenges of the developing academic communication and STI system, and suggest options to meet them, and review the prospects with allowance for external and internal factors.
Republican Library for Science and Technology as the core center of sci-tech information on engineering and industrial technologies in Belarus: In times of change
Authors:   Belarus Republican Library for Science and Technology, Sukhorukova Raisa N.
Published: April 2024

The author examines the experience of Republican Sci-tech Library as the core agency of scitech information in the Republic of Belarus, with the focus on its role and challenges as the main depositary of STI resources. The main problems, prospects and vectors of development at the current stage are discussed.
Дослідження особливостей та напрямів розвитку корпоративної соціальної відповідальності агрохолдингу в умовах воєнногочасу
Authors: Чорна О. Ю. , Сбітнєва К. І.
Published: April 2024

У статті досліджено сутність поняття та основні складові корпоративної соціальної відповідальності (далі КСВ) з позиції загальноіснуючих теоретичних поглядів вітчизняних та зарубіжних науковців, надано визначення КСВ агрохолдингу. Обгрунтовано особливості і значення КСВ вітчизняних агрохолдингів для суспільства. Зазначено, що в умовах воєнного стану взаємодія з місцевими громадами стає ще більш важливою, оскільки стабільність та розвиток регіонів тісно пов'язані із КСВ агрохолдингів і підприємств. Ініціативи, спрямовані на соціальну підтримку та розвиток, сприяють позитивному впливу на імідж компанії та її стосунки зі споживачами, інвесторами та іншими зацікавленими сторонами. Такий підхід підкреслює необхідність взаємодії між підприємствами та громадами для спільного досягнення сталого розвитку.

З метою апробації дослідження у статті проведено оцінку корпоративної соціальної відповідальності та тенденції розвитку на ПрАТ «Миронівський хлібопродукт» (далі ПрАТ «МХП»), одного з найбільших українських виробників та експортерів сільськогосподарської продукції, що займає вагому конкурентну позицію на вітчизняному ринку. Проаналізовано впроваджувані агрохолдингом ПрАТ «МХП» проєкти соціальної відповідальності та підкреслено, що компанія активно впроваджує інноваційні стратегії, спрямовані на підтримку місцевих громад та їх сталий розвиток. Проведене дослідження довело, що стале зростання доходів агрохолдинга «МХП» протягом попередніх періодів створило міцний фундамент для забезпечення її активної КСВ та концентрації на соціальній складовій сталого розвитку в умовах воєнного стану. Попри повномасштабну війну та зменшення доходів у 2022 р. КСВ ПраТ «МХП» попри все почала набирати обертів, що свідчить про високу соціальну відповідальність агрохолдингу та гуманізм.

Здійснено аналіз вимог до КСВ в вітчизняному суспільстві та розроблено рекомендації щодо розширення соціальних програм, підвищення прозорості та співпраці з урядовими та громадськими структурами, які в подальшому сприяють сталому розвитку агрохолдингу і суспільсва.
El impacto de la digitalización en el marketing y como afecta el comportamiento del Consumidor
Authors: Penalba Vanesa
Published: April 2024

Este artículo se centra en un análisis bibliométrico donde se abordan preguntas sobre el E-Commerce y su influencia en el cambio de comportamiento, como el marketing digital ha influenciado en el consumidor y la evolución de las investigaciones publicados a partir del 2003 con el objetivo de identificar las metodologías utilizadas, vacíos en las investigaciones y reconocer nuevos campos de estudio. Dentro de estas bibliografías en gran parte se destaca la importancia de trabajar la confianza de los consumidores e implementar estrategias dentro de las empresas para evitar quedar rezagadas en el entono tecnológico.
A diabeteses neuropathia jelentősége és diagnosztikája a klinikai gyakorlatban
Authors: Sztanek Ferenc , Hernyák Marcell , Kempler Péter
Published: April 2024

A diabeteses neuropathia a cukorbetegség korán kimutatható microvascularis szövődménye. Leggyakrabban a distalis típusú szimmetrikus polyneuropathia tünetei alapján gondolhatunk jelenlétére, az autonóm idegrendszer károsodása pedig fokozott cardiovascularis mortalitással jár. A diabeteses neuropathia szűrése lényeges a klinikai gyakorlatban, mivel a cukorbetegséghez köthető idegi károsodás jelei már korai szakaszban kimutathatók és terápiás beavatkozásra is lehetőséget adnak. A betegellátásban szintén fontos a diabeteses neuropathia megfelelő diagnózisa és folyamatos követése. Az összefoglaló a diabeteses neuropathia jelentőségét és diagnosztikai lehetőségeit tárgyalja a klinikai gyakorlat szempontjából.
Modified Effect of Peptide Preparations on Spontaneous Motor Activity in Male Rats under the Conditions of Light Desynchronosis
Authors: Sharabanov A. V. , Batotsyrenova E. G. , Kashuro V. A. , Gasanov M. T. , Kuzmina N. V. , Shchepetkova K. M.
Published: April 2024

This study examined the effect of peptide extracts from the epiphysis-pituitary gland of Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and a delta sleep-inducing peptide, simulating a modified release of drugs, on the spontaneous motor activity of male rats under the conditions of light desynchronosis. The study revealed changes in spontaneous motor activity under the influence of extracts of a peptide nature and a delta sleep-inducing peptide under the following polar light regimes. Under the conditions of constant lighting and constant darkness, an increase and a decrease in activity was observed, respectively. Under normal lighting, peptide extracts showed increased efficacy. This method of pharmacological adjustment of the body’s circadian oscillators using modified-release peptides can be used to develop a scheme for correcting light desynchronosis.
Causal associations between human gut microbiota and osteomyelitis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng Wenxing , Wu Yuheng , Liang Xiaoye , Cun Dejun , Ma Luyao , Zhang Jingtao , Huang Feng , Jiang Ziwei
Published: April 2024

Background

Recent studies have emphasized the role of gut microbiota in the onset and progression of osteomyelitis. However, the exact types of gut microbiota and their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Additionally, there is a lack of theoretical support for treatments that improve osteomyelitis by altering the gut microbiota.

Methods

In our study, we utilized the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis to date from the MiBioGen consortium, involving 13,400 participants. The GWAS data for osteomyelitis were sourced from the UK Biobank, which included 4,836 osteomyelitis cases and 486,484 controls. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization framework for a detailed investigation into the causal relationship between gut microbiota and osteomyelitis. Our methods included inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode approaches. Additionally, we applied Cochran’s Q statistic to assess the heterogeneity of the instrumental variable.

Results

At the class level, Bacilli and Bacteroidia were positively correlated with the risk of osteomyelitis. At the order level, only Bacteroidales showed a positive association with osteomyelitis. At the genus level, an increased abundance of Butyricimonas, Coprococcus3, and Tyzzerella3 was positively associated with the risk of osteomyelitis, whereas Lachnospira was negatively associated. Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This study reveals that classes Bacilli and Bacteroidia, order Bacteroidales, and genera Butyricimonas, Coprococcus3, and Tyzzerella3 are implicated in increasing the risk of osteomyelitis, while the genus Lachnospira is associated with a reduced risk. Future investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms through which these specific bacterial groups influence the pathophysiology of osteomyelitis
Experimental estimation of sample entropy in a semiconductor laser with optical feedback for random number generation
Authors: Okuma Tomohiko , Kanno Kazutaka , Uchida Atsushi
Published: April 2024

Estimating the entropy rate of physical random number generators with uncertainty is crucial for information security applications. We evaluate the sample entropy of chaotic temporal waveforms generated experimentally by a semiconductor laser with time-delayed optical feedback. We demonstrate random number generation with uncertainty using a quantitative measurement of the entropy rate.
Evaluation of the ocean component on different coupled hurricane forecasting models using upper-ocean metrics relevant to air-sea heat fluxes during Hurricane Dorian (2019)
Authors: Aristizábal Vargas Maria F. , Kim Hyun-Sook , Le Hénaff Matthieu , Miles Travis , Glenn Scott , Goni Gustavo
Published: April 2024

In August 2019 Hurricane Dorian traveled through the Caribbean Sea and Tropical Atlantic before devastating the Bahamas. The operational hurricane forecasting models under-predicted the intensity evolution of Dorian prior to the storm reaching its maximum strength. Research studies have shown that a more realistic upper-ocean characterization in coupled atmosphere-ocean models used to forecast hurricanes has the potential to lead to more accurate hurricane intensity forecasts. In this work, we evaluated four ocean products: the ocean component from one NOAA operational hurricane forecasting model that used ocean initial conditions from climatology, the ocean components from two NOAA experimental models using ocean initial conditions from a data-assimilative operational ocean model, and one US Navy data-assimilative operational ocean model for reference. The upper-ocean metrics used to evaluate the models include mixed layer temperature, mixed layer salinity, ocean heat content and depth-averaged temperature in the top 100 m. The observations used are temperature and salinity profiles from an array of six autonomous underwater gliders deployed in the Caribbean region during the 2019 hurricane season. We found that, even though the four models have good skill in predicting temperature and salinity over the whole observed water column, skill significantly deteriorates for the upper-ocean metrics. In particular, the models failed to capture the barrier layer that was present during the passage of Hurricane Dorian through the glider array. We also found that even small differences in the mixed layer temperature along the storm track on the hurricane models evaluated, led to noticeable differences in the total enthalpy fluxes delivered from the ocean to the atmosphere throughout the storm’s synoptic history. These findings highlight the need to improve the upper-ocean initial conditions and representation in coupled atmosphere-ocean models as part of the larger efforts to improve the various modeling aspects that control the hurricane intensity forecast.
3-D forward modeling of shale gas fracturing dynamic monitoring using the borehole-to-ground transient electromagnetic method
Authors: Zhang Weihao , Xie Xingbing , Zhou Lei , Wang Xinyu , Yan Liangjun
Published: April 2024

The borehole-ground transient electromagnetic method enhances the detection range and resolution by placing the transmitter electrode within the borehole, allowing for close-proximity excitation of subsurface targets and compensating for the shortcomings of traditional ground-based methods. Utilizing an unstructured vector finite element method combined with a second-order backward Euler variable time-stepping difference scheme and the MUMPS solver, we have achieved three-dimensional forward modeling simulation of the transient electromagnetic field for a borehole-ground electric source. Based on the validation of its accuracy, we analyzed the effectiveness of this method for dynamic monitoring of shale gas reservoir fracturing. Through forward modeling, we examined the characteristics of the radial electric field response during shale gas reservoir fracturing monitoring and evaluated the effectiveness of the borehole-ground TEM method in dynamic monitoring of shale gas reservoirs. The research results indicate that this method can meet the requirements for reservoir fracturing dynamic monitoring and has a promising application prospect.
Proteomic biomarkers in seminal plasma as predictors of reproductive potential in azoospermic men
Authors: Fietz Daniela , Sgaier Raouda , O’Donnell Liza , Stanton Peter G. , Dagley Laura F. , Webb Andrew I. , Schuppe Hans-Christian , Diemer Thorsten , Pilatz Adrian
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Azoospermia, characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate, represents the most severe form of male infertility. While surgical sperm retrieval in obstructive azoospermia (OA) is successful in the majority of cases, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) show retrieval rates of only about 50% and thus frequently have unnecessary surgery. Surgical intervention could be avoided if patients without preserved spermatogenesis are identified preoperatively. This prospective study aimed to discover biomarkers in seminal plasma that could be employed for a non-invasive differential diagnosis of OA/NOA in order to rationalize surgery recommendations and improve success rates.

Methods

All patients signed written informed consent, underwent comprehensive andrological evaluation, received human genetics to exclude relevant pathologies, and patients with azoospermia underwent surgical sperm retrieval. Using label-free LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteomes of seminal plasma samples from fertile men (healthy controls (HC), n=8) and infertile men diagnosed with 1) OA (n=7), 2) NOA with successful sperm retrieval (mixed testicular atrophy (MTA), n=8), and 3) NOA without sperm retrieval (Sertoli cell-only phenotype (SCO), n=7). Relative abundance changes of two candidate markers of sperm retrieval, HSPA2 and LDHC, were confirmed by Western Blot.

Results

We found the protein expression levels of 42 proteins to be significantly down-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in seminal plasma from SCO NOA patients relative to HC whereas only one protein was down-regulated in seminal plasma from MTA patients. Analysis of tissue and cell expression suggested that the testis-specific proteins LDHC, PGK2, DPEP3, and germ-cell enriched heat-shock proteins HSPA2 and HSPA4L are promising biomarkers of spermatogenic function. Western blotting revealed a significantly lower abundance of LDHC and HSPA2 in the seminal plasma of men with NOA (SCO and MTA) compared to controls.

Discussion

The results indicate that certain testis-specific proteins when measured in seminal plasma, could serve as indicators of the presence of sperm in the testis and predict the success of sperm retrieval. Used in conjunction with conventional clinical assessments, these proteomic biomarkers may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility.
Experimental study and application of similar materials in thick coal seam mining
Authors: Liu Wei , Yin Shangxian , Thanh Hung Vo , Soltanian Mohamad Reza , Yu Qingyang , Lian Huiqing , Yang Songlin , Li Yarui , Dai Zhenxue
Published: April 2024

The orthogonal experiments of similar materials were optimized and analyzed in order to accurately simulate the mechanical properties and the fracture evolution law of thick coal seam overlying strata during mining in this study. The experimental results indicated that similar materials using gypsum and calcium carbonate as cementing agents had a wide range of compressive strength (173.80 kPa–425.95 kPa) and were suitable for simulating various rock properties. Adding an appropriate amount of calcium carbonate can improve the brittleness and mechanical properties of similar materials using gypsum as cementing agents. The failure mode of similar materials transitioned from shear to tensile failure with the increase of the mass ratio of aggregate to cementing agents and the mass ratio of calcium carbonate to gypsum. Moreover, the compressive strength of similar materials rapidly decreased with an increase in the mass ratio of aggregate to cementing materials. And the compressive strength showed an increasing trend with the decrease of the mass ratio of calcium carbonate to gypsum. Moisture content had a significant impact on the density of similar materials, other parameters had small impacts. A thick coal seam mining experimental model was designed based on the experimental results of similar materials, which showed that Qianjiaying Mine may experience basic roof collapse when mining reached 58.1 m. The recommended periodic weighting pace for face pressure on the working face was approximately 15.0 m. Appropriate measures are necessary to adopt to prevent disasters after mining to a length of 58.1 m, followed by every 15.0 m of mining.
Determinants of severity levels of anemia among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: multilevel analysis
Authors: Tirore Lire Lemma , Areba Abriham Shiferaw , Tamrat Habtamu , Habte Aklilu , Abame Desta Erkalo
Published: April 2024

Background

Anemia is a severe public health problem affecting 54% of pregnant women in SSA Yet, only a limited number of studies have provided a partial assessment of the pooled prevalence and related determinants of the severity levels of anemia in pregnant women in SSA. Therefore, this study provides the most recent estimates of anemia severity levels and related determinants.

Methods

The most recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS) dataset of 21 Sub-Saharan African countries which were collected between 2015 and 2022 were used. A total of 14,098 pregnant women were included. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was used.

Results

The pooled prevalence of anemia was 51.26%. Pregnant women who were in the old age groups, and who have attended secondary and higher education were less likely to be at higher levels of anemia. Those women who have given birth to >1 children in the last 5 years, pregnant women in second and third trimester and living in poorest households had greater odds of being at higher levels of anemia.

Conclusion

In Sub-Saharan Africa, anemia is a severe public health concern for pregnant mothers. When developing and implementing strategies for the prevention and control of anemia, it is imperative to take into account the individual and community circumstances. Programs for the prevention and control of anemia should incorporate the economic and educational empowerment of women.
Case report: Shingles-associated probable Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis with IgM anti-sulfatide positivity
Authors: Fu Xiaoxue , Zhan Qianli , Zhang Linjie , Tian Xiaoyan
Published: April 2024

Background

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare disease considered caused by acute demyelination of the brainstem, most often resulting from secondary autoimmune responses. To our knowledge, this is the first probable case report of shingles-associated BBE with anti-sulfatide IgM positivity.

Case presentation

We report the case of an 83-year-old woman with symptoms of progressive limb weakness, difficulty swallowing food, and disturbed consciousness that occurred 4 weeks following herpes zoster infection. Autoimmune anti-sulfatide antibodies were positive and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences revealed clear high signal intensity in pons and bilateral thalamus. Our patient’s condition improved markedly with glucocorticoid treatment. After 2 months of treatment, our patient was fully recovered. We considered that for her case, BBE is the most appropriate diagnosis.

Conclusions

We emphasize the importance of a careful medical history and assessment of clinical symptoms, performing MRI, testing autoimmune antibodies for rapid diagnosis, and ruling out differential diagnoses. Further studies involving more patients with BBE with IgM anti-sulfatide autoantibodies will increase the understanding of the clinical characteristics and advance the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome. Meanwhile, it is crucial for dermatologists to know about this severe neurological complication following shingles.
Short-term and long-term exposure to combined elevated temperature and CO2 leads to differential growth, toxicity, and fatty acid profiles in the harmful dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum
Authors: Vidyarathna Nayani K. , Smith Laura E. , Miller Katherine R. , Coyne Kathryn J. , Cohen Jonathan H. , Warner Mark E.
Published: April 2024

Ocean warming and acidification may significantly alter the distribution and intensity of harmful algal blooms as well as their effects on marine food webs. Estimating such effects rely, in part, on understanding the physiological response of individual algal species to controlled laboratory simulations of climate change conditions. Here we report the physiological response of the harmful dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum to the combined effects of elevated temperature and CO2 (29°C/1000 ppm CO2). We first examined these effects by comparing ambient control (25°C/441 ppm CO2) and elevated conditions under short-term (~20 generations) growth. Next, we compared the short-term elevated condition to a longer-term (~200 generations) growth scenario under the same elevated temperature and CO2. Under the short-term elevated conditions, K. veneficum growth declined, cell toxicity increased, and saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acid (FA) composition varied significantly from ambient conditions. Meanwhile, after ~ 200 generations of growth under elevated temperature and CO2, K. veneficum carbon assimilation, growth, and cell toxicity were significantly higher than the short-term elevated treatment. Further, while total saturated FA declined, essential fatty acids increased and likely represented an adaptive temporal response to long-term exposure to high temperature and CO2. Such shifts in FA profiles and cell toxicity may possibly alter K. veneficum nutritional quality as prey and its mixotrophic behavior, thereby affecting the energy and mass transfer through the marine food webs as well as bloom dynamics.