bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nestedness Promotes Stability in Maximum-Entropy Bipartite Food Webs
Authors: Li Zhening , Harte John
Published: August 2023

Food web topology and energy flow rates across food web linkages can influence ecosystem properties such as stability. Stability predictions from current models of energy flow are often sensitive to details in their formulation, and their complexity makes it difficult to elucidate underlying mechanisms of general phenomena. Here, within the maximum information entropy inference framework (MaxEnt), we derive a simple formula for the energy flow carried by each linkage between two adjacent trophic layers. Inputs to the model are the topological structure of the food web and aggregate energy fluxes entering or exiting each species node. For ecosystems with interactions dominated by consumer-resource interactions between two trophic layers, we construct a model of species dynamics based on the energy flow predictions from the MaxEnt model. Mathematical analyses and simulations of the model show that a food web topology with a higher matrix dipole moment promotes stability, where the \textit{matrix dipole moment} is a simple nestedness metric that we introduce. Since nested bipartite subnetworks arise naturally in food webs, our result provides an explanation for the stability of natural communities.
The nature and application of ethical principles in the e-Learning management system - With Africa case descriptions
Authors: Msomi A.M. , Davies T.C.
Published: August 2023

The field of e-Learning is growing at an electric pace, with the greatest advancement recorded during the period of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its accessibility and the convenience it offers to students in the Continent of Africa, inter alia, there are still several gaps in our knowledge of the use of e-Learning technology in terms of personalisation and effectiveness.
A brief and updated synthesis of the rapid development in the application of ethics in the e-Learning system during the pandemic years (2020 - 2022) and shortly thereafter, is presented, highlighting the advantages, but also taking a critical look at the ethical dilemmas that characterise the system. Different solutions to tackle these dilemmas are advanced. We undertook searches mainly covering the years 2020 to 2023 using well known electronic databases. By way of Africa case descriptions, we bring out the need for additional research to elucidate the relationships between technology, pedagogy, and ethics (TPE), and propose a modus operandi for conducting such work. Results from such studies should constitute the basis for formulation of measures for instilling among African stakeholders, a culture of commitment, upholding ethical integrity, and the maintenance of equity and sustainability in e-learning management systems.
Assessment of the prevalence of the use of artificial sweeteners for diabetic patients and awareness of their harms in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Alsuleman Loura , Ghazalah Sarah , Hammoud Taghreed
Published: August 2023

Background: The importance of the research lies in the fact that it sheds light on an important medical issue, which is the widespread use of artificial sweeteners, especially among diabetics, with the aim of clarifying the risks they carry in addition to their disadvantages, and sensing the amount of awareness among patients of these risks, which allows finding a solution formula that guarantees a diabetic patient a happy and low-morbidity life.
methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Damascus Hospital in the Syrian Arab Republic in the city of Damascus from February 2023 to July 2023. A paper questionnaire was conducted and the files of patients attending the Endocrinology Division in Damascus Hospital were followed up. The study sample included 400 randomly collected cases, and 64 cases were excluded.
Results: The majority of the participants were females (57.1%), and the age group was 42-56 years, with mean of 47 years. In view of diabetes, and as we mentioned above, that (100%) of the respondents had diabetes, the largest percentage was infected from more than ten years, with a second type, which is the most common.
The first of our relationships was about the type of industrial and natural sugar used by the sample groups separately, and the results showed that (46.7%) used saccharin, followed by 25.70% of stevia, and as for the natural sweetener (48.6%) used dates, followed by about (14%) who used natural honey alone. we presented a group of the damages of artificial sweeteners to the sample groups, and we conducted statistics on them to find out the extent to which patients are affected by such damages and how common they are, moving from the nervous system to the digestive, cardiovascular and vascular systems.
Conclusion: Awareness of the harms of artificial sweeteners was little, with a good spread of their negative effects on public health, and we managed to present useful results about the prevalence of artificial and natural sweeteners and the wrong application of them among diabetics in order to find solutions that reduce the severity of the disease and the spread of its negative effects.
Metaverse Neuromarketing: a competitive advantage in the metaverse
Authors: González-Morales PhD Antonio , Muñoz-Leiva PhD Francisco , Martín-López PhD Milagro , Barroso Alejandro Talaminos
Published: August 2023

The aim of this article is to explore the potential of neuromarketing in order to improve e-commerce in the metaverse. First, a search was carried out in various databases using the terms metaverse, neuromarketing, marketing and consumer neuroscience. Subsequently, articles that actually dealt with marketing, neuromarketing and metaverse for business were selected and analysed. It was then possible to show how neuromarketing could help the metaverse to improve e-commerce. Neuromarketing can be a neurodiscipline that can help in a very important way in business transactions in the metaverse. It is necessary to review marketing theories in order to apply them to the metaverse and create the Metaverse Marketing. Neuromarketing is a very important tool for this, giving rise to the Metaverse Neuromarketing, it could be a competitive advantage.
Colonialism, Institutional Quality, and the Resource Curse
Authors: Animashaun Jubril , Wossink Ada , Imai Katsushi
Published: August 2023

This paper tests the hypotheses that (1) European colonization indirectly hinders the development outcomes, namely GDP per capita growth, by lowering institutional quality and encouraging corruption in colonized oil-rich countries, and (2) better macro institutional quality mitigates the historically-rooted resource curse. We constructed the instrumental variable by categorizing countries based on the evidence of settlers’ mortality and the persistence of European colonial languages as official post-independence languages in oil-rich non-western countries. Also, we isolate the effect of giant oil discoveries with the depth of oil fields because of the plausible relationship with the geological characteristics of oil formation. We estimate a 2-Step GMM model that controls the lagged moments of GDP per capita using the data for 69 countries with at least a discovery of giant oil fields from 1960 to 2015. We show that oil-rich countries without colonial experience have better institutions, which translates to improving GDP per capita and reducing the corruption index. Our findings highlight the importance of historical factors associated with state origin when formulating policies to address the resource curse.
Eksplorasi Berpikir Aljabar Siswa Kelas 5 Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Pemodelan
Authors: Kusuma Ardi Sinta Devi , Masduki Masduki
Published: August 2023

Algebraic thinking is important for developing students' mathematical generalization abilities, and identifying patterns, shapes, and symbols. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach that aims to describe the profile of students' algebraic thinking in solving modeling problems. The subjects of this study were 158 fifth-grade students in two private schools in Surakarta, Central Java. The data collection instrument used was six test questions related to the modeling component adopted from Ralston. Prior to use, the instrument was validated by 3 elementary school mathematics learning experts and tested on 10 students who were not the subject of the study. Based on the test results, there were 12 students who scored in the high category. This study focuses on analyzing the algebraic thinking profile of students with high categories. The results showed that high-category subjects were able to demonstrate understanding related to modeling indicators in algebraic thinking, namely understanding the meaning of the equal sign (=) as an equivalence relationship, using variables to solve problems in the form of equations, and understanding the relationships between arithmetic operations. However, a small number of subjects still experience calculation errors and understanding errors in algebraic operations. Hence, it can be concluded that subjects with high categories are able to demonstrate algebraic thinking skills in the modeling component
Contratos inteligentes blockchain no pagamento por serviço ambiental no Bioma da Caatinga e no Semiárido da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Leal Yanara Pessoa , Barros Anderson Marinho Pontes , Souza Filho Guido Lemos de
Published: August 2023

A importância da proteção das florestas para o equilíbrio ecossistêmico, sobretudo por ser o maior sumidouro natural de gás carbônico do planeta, inclusive os desafios ambientais assumidos pelo Brasil no quesito desmatamento, impulsiona a utilização de tecnologias e mecanismos que possibilitem a recuperação da vegetação da Região Semiárida e dos demais biomas. Assim, o presente estudo apresenta a prática de pagamento por serviços ambientais aliada à tecnologia blockchain com pagamento em criptoativos como possibilidade para, através da captação de recursos para o reflorestamento e a manutenção de vegetação, propiciar um melhor ordenamento do solo, bem como combater o desmate ilegal, contribuindo para a diminuição do aquecimento do planeta, mitigando os efeitos das mudanças climáticas, além de obter a credibilidade e a confiança de investidores.
El liderazgo internacional de Colombia y Brasil: Análisis desde la Cooperación Sur-Sur del 2010 al 2018
Authors: Gallo Numpaque William Ferney , Marín Aranguren Erli Margarita
Published: August 2023

El liderazgo internacional ha sido un elemento clave que los Estados han querido alcanzar para lograr reconocimiento en la estructura internacional. Para ello, se valen de la Cooperación Sur-Sur (CSS), como una modalidad con la cual logran mostrar intereses, temáticas y cooperar. De esta forma logran liderar en áreas donde tienen experticia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue explicar cómo Colombia y Brasil han venido construyendo liderazgo internacional, a través de la CSS. Para ello, se estudió la narrativa de los gobiernos (entre 2010 y 2018) de cada Estado, a la luz del constructivismo social. La metodología fue cualitativa a través de un análisis de discurso, recurriendo a AtlasTi8 para el análisis de la información recolectada en los discursos oficiales y algunos medios de comunicación en lapso de estudio. Como resultado lo que emerge en este trabajo es que Colombia y Brasil han buscado liderazgo internacional recurriendo a la CSS en temas de seguridad, economía y participación en espacios políticos.  Esto ha sido posible mediante las ideas, intereses e identidades, las cuales son elementos claves en un contexto determinado. Este artículo revela los hallazgos más relevantes de la investigación.
Palabras clave: Cooperación Sur-Sur; Constructivismo; Liderazgo; Colombia y Brasil
Geografía del decrecimiento ambiental. La experiencia mexicana en la resiliencia comunitaria frente al cambio climático
Authors: Vannucchi Chiara
Published: August 2023

El artículo analiza los principios del decrecimiento desde una perspectiva medioambiental, ubicando el fenómeno dentro de cosmovisiones ancestrales, que de alguna manera inspiran las acciones de los movimientos sociales que han surgido en América Latina como respuesta al fracaso del desarrollo. El decrecimiento se presenta como una alternativa para contrarrestar los efectos destructivos del llamado disturbio antrópico, que constituye una de las causas del cambio climático que está llevando a la devastación del planeta y a la pérdida de la biodiversidad y de los recursos ambientales. Una posible solución podría ser restablecer la relación recíproca que existe entre el ser humano y los ecosistemas de los que forma parte, para restablecer un intercambio respetuoso, tal y como nos enseñan los pueblos indígenas que protegen el planeta. El artículo pone un ejemplo de conservación del patrimonio natural y cultural a través de la lucha de los mixtecos de Pinotepa de Don Luis (Oaxaca, México), que son los únicos en el mundo que han conseguido mantener una tradición milenaria de tinción con el color púrpura, ya que tienen un método que no mata a la especie y les permite utilizar el recurso natural de forma sustentable a lo largo de los siglos. Hoy en día, esta tradición está amenazada de desaparición por los efectos del disturbio antrópico, el cambio climático y la sobreexplotación de la tierra debido al turismo inconsciente. De lo anterior se concluye que, el decrecimiento se presenta como una oportunidad alternativa para elegir un consumo que sea limitado en la cantidad, pero sustancial en calidad. Un reto que hay que asumir en un momento histórico decisivo en el que las alternativas al desarrollo convencional son más urgentes que nunca.
Palabras clave: Cambio climático; conservación ambiental; biodiversidad; Cooperación para el desarrollo; Desarrollo alternativo.
Diálogos de Políticas Públicas y Cohesión Social: reflexiones y experiencias derivadas del Laboratorio de Cohesión Social ii México-Unión Europea
Authors: Salamanca Chávez Débora Jaél
Published: August 2023

El Laboratorio de Cohesión Social ii México-Unión Europea es un programa emanado de la relación bilateral entre México y la Unión Europea, como objetivo se planteó fortalecer la cohesión social en México por medio de la promoción de reformas estructurales que pudieran mejorar la igualdad de oportunidades en el acceso a la justicia, los derechos humanos, la seguridad, el empleo y los servicios públicos básicos. Bajo un esquema de cofinanciamiento este programa se suscribió en 2013 y finalizó en 2019; su implementación se ejecutó a nivel federal y en los estados de Oaxaca y San Luis Potosí. Siendo así, esta comunicación lleva por objetivo brindar una definición del LCS II y exponer una de las actividades implementadas en el estado de San Luis Potosí: los Diálogos de Políticas Públicas y Cohesión Social que tuvieron lugar entre 2017 y 2018 y contaron con la participación de las instancias gestoras de proyectos, sociedad civil y academia, esto con la finalidad de compartir algunas de las experiencias dentro de este programa. Esta investigación es un estudio de caso descriptivo, explicativo, cualitativo y empírico, para su realización, se parte de una aproximación analítica-interpretativa basada en técnicas de investigación documentales y trabajo de campo. Entre las conclusiones se destaca que los Diálogos resultaron un ejercicio enriquecedor para los actores involucrados, ya que expusieron parte de los productos resultados de la implementación del programa y el espacio creado abrió la oportunidad de intercambiar experiencias y buenas prácticas.
Palabras clave: Diálogos de políticas; México; Unión Europea; Cohesión social; Cooperación bilateral.
Development and Validation of Analytical Method by HPLC-PDA and Seasonality from Gallic Acid, Catechin, and Epicatechin in Leaf Extracts from Campomanesia adamantium
Authors: Cabral Raphael , Borges Leonardo , de Oliveira Matheus , Romano Camila , Fiuza Tatiana , de Paula José
Published: August 2023

Campomanesia adamantium is native of the Brazilian Cerrado, and its leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antiseptic in the urinary tract. This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method by high-performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous quantification and evaluation of the seasonal variability of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin, during 12 months, in C. adamantium leaf extracts. Chromatographic separations were performed with a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile and 0.05% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid solution, flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1, detection at 210 nm, C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and column oven temperature of 35 °C. The analytical method developed was selective, linear, precise, accurate, robust, and without matrix effect. The parameters obtained in the present study meet the requirements established by national and international guidelines. The best time for leaves harvesting, with the highest levels reached, was in September (0.0626%, m/v) and August (0.044%, m/v) for gallic acid, in June (0.3953%, m/v) and July (0.3804%, m/v) for catechin, and from May (0.1622%, m/v) and June (0.1415%, m/v) for epicatechin, in the dry season. Therefore, this study contributes by providing parameters for quality control of the raw material C. adamantium.
INFORMATION FLOW OF PROTEST MOBILIZATION IN THE RUSSIAN SEGMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Brodovskaya Elena , Davydova Maria ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Lukushin Vladimir ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

This article presents the results of applied political research dedicated to the analysis of information flows of protest mobilization in the Russian segment of the social media. The context of the research is conditioned by the increasing external information pressure, destructive activities of opposition political actors, as well as protest processes in neighboring countries, which are used to implement the technology of contagion and distribution of protest activity on the territory of the Russian Federation. The research methodology is based on the use of a hybrid strategy and a combination of modern methods of socio-media predictive analytics: cognitive mapping of digital content, automated social media analysis, social graph method, and oculometric (eye-track) analysis. According to the results of the study the authors made a conclusion about the significant impact of the special military operation in Ukraine on the level of protest potential in the society: at the start of the special operation the growth of protest sentiments was determined, in the process of implementation the decrease and growth of social consolidation. During 2022 the moderators of protest information flows, following the ‘catch-all’ strategy use a variety of triggers: violation of political rights and freedoms, social problems, new geopolitical challenges. Protest communities generating digital content aimed at protest audiences are characterized by high controllability and density of internal connections. The greatest mobilization efficiency was demonstrated by communities with a high proportion of opinion leaders. At the same time in the process of formation of protest information flows continues to use the technology of demonstration of ‘peaceful’ protest, which allows to scale the user audience. Users characterized by a restlessness, impulsiveness, risky behavioral patterns and an external locus of control demonstrated loyalty to protest content.
THE "REVOLVING DOORS" PRACTICE IN RUSSIA: MOVEMENTS FROM PUBLIC AUTHORITIES TO GR-MANAGEMENT OF COMPANIES (BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF BIOGRAPHIES)
Authors:   The Sociological Institute of the RAS - Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tev Denis
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the practice of transitions of public officials to the GR-management of companies and the factors that determine it. The empirical basis of research is a biographical database of 279 GR directors included in the ratings published in the Kommersant newspaper in 2010-2021. For each of them, a biographical questionnaire was filled out containing information about the date of birth, type of education and career path; which was then statistically processed. The sources of information were the websites of companies, authorities and other organizations, corporate reports, media materials, biographical Internet portals. The author makes a number of conclusions. Firstly, although work experience in state apparatus is quite widespread among GR managers, it is not an indispensable prerequisite for holding such positions. Secondly, most common among GR managers are figures with experience in the federal administration (especially in economic departments), while people from representative bodies, as well as from regional and local administrations, are much less common. Thirdly, most often people from public authorities work as GR managers in state-owned companies, and least often in foreign companies. In terms of industry, the most common political and administrative experience is among managers in industries that are highly subject to state regulation, such as the fuel and energy complex and metallurgy. At the same time, there is a tendency for officials to move to work in companies belonging to subordinate industries. The factors of transition of politicians and officials to the positions of GR managers are considered, in particular, such as career interests of statesmen, legislative restrictions on the employment of officials in business after resignation, the interest of firms in hiring people from the state apparatus. It is noted that the mass migration of public figures into business may create a conflict of interest.
POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SOUTH KOREA'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY TOWARDS NORTH KOREA
Authors:   Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the RAS, Pugacheva Oksana
Published: August 2023

The article investigates South Korea’s public diplomacy toward North Korea. The author analyzes the factors that determine the choice by a state of a model of public diplomacy — cooperative (consultative) or non-cooperative (advocating interests) — in relation to a particular foreign society. The key research question: to what extent it is possible to use the instruments of public diplomacy in inter-Korean relations, which are distinguished by a conflict and highly centralized interactions. The restrictions that prevent the ROK from using public diplomacy in relation to the DPRK are defined as well as solutions are proposed to overcome the limitations and search for opportunities for inter-Korean interaction in the long term. The possibilities of the ROK in conducting both cooperative and informational public diplomacy toward the DPRK are rather limited. Social and humanitarian exchanges require reciprocity from the North. South Korea’s offensive unification rhetoric and politics meets rejection from the DPRK and hinders the normalization of inter-Korean relations. The lack of consensus in the ruling circles of the ROK on the necessity and content of the broadcasting of “promises” to the North Koreans also serves as an obstacle to the implementation of public diplomacy with respect to the DPRK. Despite the difficulties and limitations, it would be politically expedient for South Korea to continue to search for formats of cooperation with North Korea in the social and humanitarian field and to conduct a discourse focused on normalizing inter-Korean relations. The social and humanitarian dimension offers promising opportunities for interaction since it is aimed at solving practical problems of mutual interest. South Korea’s public diplomacy towards North Korea should prioritize the engagement of the DPRK in the transnational links.
Política de informação
Authors: Unger Roberto
Published: August 2023

Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura cujo foco está voltado para aspectos históricos temporais da política de informação, não relacionando objetivamente com os numerosos estudos, definições e conceituações do tema. O objetivo está voltado para as facetas de poder, comunicação e controle que permeia boa parte da literatura encontrada, o que fortalece essa atividade eminentemente política como prática de governo. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados Web of Science, Science Direct, JStor, e o repositório informacional Google acadêmico.
Serão as Fake News informações?
Authors: Pascoal Valdirene Aparecida , Fernandes Guimarães Polonini Janaína , Conforto de Oliveira Carla
Published: August 2023

O contexto informativo está ameaçado pela ampla difusão e acesso de fake news – conteúdos falsos, que utilizam de características de notícias provenientes do jornalismo, para que os indivíduos que as recebam, acreditem que possuem cunho verídico, levando o leitor ao erro, devido sua má intencionalidade. Diante disso surge a questão: em que medida poderia uma fake news ser considerada informativa? Expõe-se neste artigo, planos da informação, que concentram algumas das principais teorias da informação. O artigo realizou uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa. O levantamento bibliográfico teve como foco os temas fake news e a teoria da informação e ocorreu na Scientific Electronic Library Online – SciELO, em artigos de revistas disponíveis em acesso aberto. Ressalta-se que a discussão sobre o potencial informativo das fake news ainda é controversa e deve ser continuada por pesquisadores da Ciência da Informação, dada a relevância do tema para a sociedade em termos sociais, políticos e econômicos.
An Overview of Nanotechnological Approaches for the Diagnosis and
Treatment of Allergic Illness
Authors: Sharma Bhupendra , Deshmukh Rohitas
Published: August 2023

Allergies are a major health issue. Allergen avoidance, antihistamines, and corticosteroids do not
treat the pathology's causes, therefore long-term therapy is essential. Long-term allergen-specific immunotherapy
builds immune tolerance to the allergen. Unfortunately, immunotherapies for all allergens are not available,
and adverse reactions during therapy, especially in severely allergic persons, remain a worry. In this regard, cell
and bio- or nanomaterial-based allergy treatments are promising. This overview covers the most important tactics
from these two strategies with examples. Nanotechnology encompasses science, engineering, and technology
at 1-100 nm. Due to their one-of-a-kind characteristics, nanomaterials can be used in healthcare. Small
molecules' chemical and physical properties are modified by the system's size, shape, content, and function.
Toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions need to be evaluated. Regulating the physico-chemical properties of numerous
accessible structures would make clinical diagnosis and therapy safer and more successful. Dendrimeric
antigens, nanoallergens, and nanoparticles can mimic carrier proteins, boost specific IgE binding, and improve
signal detection in allergy diagnosis. In immunotherapy, several allergenic structures like glycodendrimers,
liposomes, polymers, and nanoparticles have been used as adjuvants, protectors, or depots for allergens.
Nanotechnology has the potential to substantially improve both the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
Amisulpride Decreases Tau Protein Hyperphosphorylation in the Brain of
OXYS Rats
Authors: Molobekova Camilla A. , Kondaurova Elena M. , Ilchibaeva Tatiana V. , Rodnyy Alexander Ya. , Stefanova Natalia A. , Kolosova Nataliya G. , Naumenko Vladimir S.
Published: August 2023

Aim:

In this study, OXYS rats of three ages (1, 3, and 6 months), a proven model of
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), at various stages of disease progression were used to thoroughly study
the effects of amisulpride on behavior and tau protein phosphorylation.

Background:

With the growing number of patients with AD, the problem of finding a cure is very
acute. Neurodegeneration in AD has various causes, one of which is hyperphosphorylation of tau
protein.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate whether amisulpride would affect pathological tau phosphorylation
in AD.

Methods:

We assessed the influence of chronic administration of amisulpride (3 weeks, 3 mg/kg
per day, intraperitoneally)-a 5-HT7 receptor inverse agonist-on behavior and tau hyperphosphorylation
in OXYS rats (at ages of 1, 3, and 6 months).

Results:

Chronic administration of amisulpride dramatically decreased tau phosphorylation in the
frontal cortex and hippocampus of 3-month-old OXYS rats. Additionally, in 1- and 3-month-old
rats’ hippocampi, amisulpride diminished the mRNA level of the Cdk5 gene encoding one of the
main tau kinases involved in the 5-HT7 receptor-induced effect on tau phosphorylation.

Conclusion:

Thus, we propose amisulpride to have therapeutic potential against AD and that it can
be the most effective in the early stages of the disease. We found that chronic administration of amisulpride
could reduce pathological tau hyperphosphorylation while reducing anxiety.
Degree Descriptors and Graph Entropy Quantities of Zeolite ACO
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Arockiaraj Micheal , Paul Daniel , Clement Joseph , Zhao Xuemei , Tigga Sushil
Published: August 2023

Background:

Cheminformatics is a fascinating emerging subfield of chemical graph theory that studies quantitative structure-activity and property relationships of molecules and, in turn, uses these to predict the physical and chemical properties, which are extremely useful in drug discovery and optimization. Knowledge discovery can be put to use in pharmaceutical data matching to help in finding promising lead compounds.

Materials and Methods:

Topological descriptors are numerical quantities corresponding to the chemical structures that are used in the study of these phenomena.

Results:

This paper is concerned with developing the generalized analytical expression of topological descriptors for zeolite ACO structures with underlying degree and degree-sum parameters.

Conclusion:

To demonstrate improved discrimination power between the topological descriptors, we have further modified Shannon’s entropy approach and used it to calculate the entropy measures of zeolite ACO structures.
Types of Nursing Intervention on Improving Quality of Life among
Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alam Agung Samsu , Samiasih Amin , Mubin Mohammad Fatkhul , Pranata Satriya , Dhamanik Reina
Published: August 2023

Background:

Long-term treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major factor causing disease complications. DM complications mostly impact the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Only a few studies have been conducted summarizing the types of nursing interventions for improving the QoL of DM patients.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to explore the types of nursing interventions that can improve the QoL of DM patients

Methods:

The online databases, including ScienceDirect, Medline, Google Search, and Pro-Quest, were used to search for the relevant articles. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, and their level of evidence was determined and synthesized.

Results:

A total of 30 articles defining the types of nursing intervention on improving the QoL of DM patients were discovered, comprising the five types of nursing interventions, such as health education (15 articles), exercise (8 articles), WhatsApp/short message service (WA/SMS) gateway (3 articles), blood glucose control (3 articles), and black garlic herbal therapy (1 article).

Conclusion:

Sequentially, the most common types of nursing interventions to improve the QoL of DM patients was health education, followed by exercise, WA/SMS gateway, and glucose control. A personal approach to health education is a significant point in improving the QoL of DM patients in the future. The findings of this study might not be strongly generalized, so further randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies with larger samples are needed.
Introduction to Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Ameenuddin Irfan Sayed , Teoh Christopher , Hriday Bhoyar Priyanka
Published: August 2023

Machine learning, a rapidly growing subfield of computer science, has had a
significant impact on many industries and our lives. This chapter discusses the brief history of
machine learning, its widespread adoption as a de facto feature, and fundamental concepts such
as supervised and unsupervised learning, regression and classification, and underfitting and
overfitting. We also emphasize the importance of understanding machine learning through
numerical examples, which can bridge the gap between abstract mathematical theories and
practical applications of machine learning algorithms. By developing a strong foundation in
machine learning, readers/students can harness its potential to address challenges and
opportunities across diverse sectors.
As Termas Romanas de S. Pedro do Sul – Uma Proposta de Revisão Cronológica
Authors: Mendes Pinto Marcelo , Reis Maria Pilar
Published: August 2023

The roman baths of S. Pedro do Sul, animated by a thermal hot spring, began to be built in the fi rst half of the 1st century. The original building was demolished and replaced by another at the beginning of the second century, which has lasted until today. It has undergone several extensions and successive transformations over the centuries. We now present a proposal for the revision of its chronology, having into account the archaeological excavations carried out in recent years.
Does laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs prevent the development of uterine pathologies at a later age?
Authors: Wellens J. , Van Goethem B. , de Rooster H.
Published: August 2023

Ovariectomy and laparoscopic ovariectomy (lap OVE) are the routine spaying procedures in many countries. With these procedures, the uterus remains in situ and later in life, a uterine pathology such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra or uterine neoplasia, can potentially develop. The patient files of 308 clinically healthy dogs that underwent elective lap OVE, were retrospectively searched during a study period of twelve years. For 173 dogs (56%), the owners could be contacted for a telephone survey. The median age at the time of lap OVE was 1.2 years (range: 0.4-12.3 years) and median body weight was 17.0 kg (range: 2.0-65.0 kg). At a median follow-up period of 4.5 years (range: 0.2-12.3 years), in none of the dogs, any clinical signs developed related to a uterine pathology. In 14/173 dogs (median age 8.0 years (range: 2.1-11.5 years); median body weight 24.4 kg (range: 2.0-65.0 kg)), early-stage uterine changes (uterine cysts, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and/or uterine luminal collections) were visible at the time of lap OVE. Two of these fourteen dogs underwent an abdominal ultrasound, at respectively 1.3 and 3.5 years after lap OVE, that identified regression of previous pathologies to a normal uterus. In none of the remaining twelve dogs, any sign of a uterine pathology developed at a median follow-up of 3.9 years (range: 1.1-11.1 years). In this study, it was found that advanced age and even the presence of early-stage hormonally dependent uterine changes should not be considered contraindications to perform lap OVE in clinically healthy dogs.
A survey on Flemish veterinary practitioners’ experience with stem cell therapy to treat equine tendon injuries
Authors: Holemans S. , Meeremans M. , Oosterlinck M. , De Schauwer C.
Published: August 2023

Horses in all equestrian disciplines are suffering from tendon injuries followed by several months of rehabilitation. Additionally, the scar tissue formed after injury is of inferior quality, resulting in high re-injury rates. Conventional treatments include rest, controlled exercise and anti-inflammatory drugs administration. In order to improve tissue regeneration and prevent reinjury, biological treatments, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are gaining popularity. In this survey, the use of MSCs as treatment for tendon injuries by Flemish equine veterinary practitioners was evaluated. Although the respondents were in general unsatisfied with conventional therapy, it remains the preferred treatment. Approximately half of the survey population (47%) have already used MSCs therapy to treat tendon injuries. The other participants reported the high costs and complexity as major limitations. According to the respondents, the availability of strong scientific evidence of the mechanisms of action, accompanied by clear practical guidelines, could help to increase the practical application of MSC therapy.
De groeicurve van kittens van populaire raskatten tijdens de neonatale periode
Authors: Kiggen L. , Lannoo J. , Banchi P. , Domain G. , Van Leeuwenberg R. , Ali Hassan H. , Van Soom A.
Published: August 2023

Dit onderzoek had als doel de normale ontwikkeling en groeicurve van kittens in kaart te brengen. De studie werd uitgevoerd bij raskatten uit België en Nederland waarin kittens werden opgevolgd tijdens de eerste vier levensweken. Het grootste deel van de kittens werd gezoogd door hun moeder, slechts enkele kregen kunstmatige bijvoeding. De kittens met een laag geboortegewicht bleken een grotere kans te hebben op het “fading kitten”-syndroom, meer bepaald als het geboortegewicht lager lag dan 90 g. Het geboortegewicht werd beïnvloed door de pariteit van het moederdier. De leeftijd van het moederdier en het geslacht van de kittens leken geen invloed te hebben op het geboortegewicht van de kittens. De kittens kwamen gemiddeld 10 g per dag aan en verdubbelden hun gewicht op de tiende dag. Op basis van gewichtskwartielen is te zien dat de kittens uit kwartiel 1 een hogere gewichtstoename hadden na 48 uur dan kittens uit de andere kwartielen. Kleinere kittens groeiden sneller dan grotere kittens, waardoor de gewichtsverschillen de neiging hadden te verdwijnen na de eerste drie levensweken.
Model for speed performance of quantum-dot waveguide photodiode
Authors: Zhukov A. E.  , Kryzhanovskaya N. V.  , Makhov I. S.  , Moiseev E. I.  , Nadtochiy A. M.  , Fominykh N. A.  , Mintairov S. A.  , Kalyuzhyy N. A.  , Zubov F. I.  , Maximov M. V.
Published: August 2023

A model is proposed that makes it possible to analytically analyze the speed performance of a waveguide p-i-n photodiode with a light-absorbing region representing a multilayered array of quantum dots separated by undoped spacers. It is shown that there is an optimal number of layers of quantum dots, as well as an optimal thickness of the spacers, which provide the widest bandwidth. The possibility of achieving a frequency range (at the level of -3 dB) above 20 GHz for waveguide photodiodes based on InGaAs/GaAs quantum well-dots is shown Keywords: photodiode, quantum dots, speed.
A Web-Based Total Worker Health Intervention for Those Fighting Wildland Fires: Mixed Methods Development and Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Kuehl Kerry , Elliot Diane , DeFrancesco Carol , McGinnis Wendy , Ek Susanna , Garg Bharti
Published: August 2023

Background

Fire seasons are longer, with more and larger wildfires, placing increased demands and risks on those fighting wildland fires. There are multiple agencies involved with fighting wildland fires and unique worksite conditions make meeting these workers’ needs a challenge.

Objective

The aim of the study is to develop and establish the effectiveness of a web-based safety and health program for those fighting wildland fires.

Methods

This mixed methods project had 3 phases. The initial qualitative phase assessed the needs of 150 diverse firefighters through interviews and focus groups across 11 US sites to establish and prioritize program content. Interview transcripts were read for thematic content with iterative readings used to identify, code, and rank health and safety issues. The second phase used that information to build a comprehensive Total Worker Health program for those fighting wildfires. The program content was based on the qualitative interview data and consisted of 6 core and 8 elective 30-minute, web-based modules primarily done individually on a smartphone or computer. The final, third phase evaluated the program with a quantitative prospective proof-of-concept, usability, and effectiveness trial among wildland firefighter participants. Effectiveness was assessed with paired 2-tailed t tests for pre- and post-Likert agreement scale survey items, adjusted for multiple comparisons. In addition to assessing mean and SD at baseline and postsurvey, observed effect sizes were calculated (Cohen d). Usability and reaction to the program among firefighters who responded to postsurvey were also assessed.

Results

The qualitative themes and subthemes were used to inform the program’s content. For the effectiveness trial, 131 firefighters completed the presurvey, and 50 (38.2%) completed the postsurvey. The majority of the participants were White (n=123, 93.9%), male (n=117, 89.3%), with an average age of 41 (SD 12.9) years. Significant increases in knowledge and desired health and safety behaviors were found for both cancer (P<.001) and cardiovascular risk (P=.01), nutrition behaviors (P=.01), hydration or overheating (P=.001), binge drinking (P=.002), and getting medical checkups (P=.001). More than 80% (n=40) of postsurvey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the program was easy to use and would recommend it to others.

Conclusions

An innovative web-based safety and health promotion program for those fighting wildland fires was feasible, scalable, and usable. It improved the health and safety of those fighting wildland fires.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05753358; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05753358
Artificial Intelligence–Based Consumer Health Informatics Application: Scoping Review
Authors: Asan Onur , Choi Euiji , Wang Xiaomei
Published: August 2023

Background

There is no doubt that the recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) research will change the trajectory of next-generation health care, making it more approachable and accessible to patients. Therefore, it is critical to research patient perceptions and outcomes because this trend will allow patients to be the primary consumers of health technology and decision makers for their own health.

Objective

This study aimed to review and analyze papers on AI-based consumer health informatics (CHI) for successful future patient-centered care.

Methods

We searched for all peer-reviewed papers in PubMed published in English before July 2022. Research on an AI-based CHI tool or system that reports patient outcomes or perceptions was identified for the scoping review.

Results

We identified 20 papers that met our inclusion criteria. The eligible studies were summarized and discussed with respect to the role of the AI-based CHI system, patient outcomes, and patient perceptions. The AI-based CHI systems identified included systems in mobile health (13/20, 65%), robotics (5/20, 25%), and telemedicine (2/20, 10%). All the systems aimed to provide patients with personalized health care. Patient outcomes and perceptions across various clinical disciplines were discussed, demonstrating the potential of an AI-based CHI system to benefit patients.

Conclusions

This scoping review showed the trend in AI-based CHI systems and their impact on patient outcomes as well as patients’ perceptions of these systems. Future studies should also explore how clinicians and health care professionals perceive these consumer-based systems and integrate them into the overall workflow.
The Impact of Virtual Consultations on the Quality of Primary Care: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Campbell Kate , Greenfield Geva , Li Edmond , O'Brien Niki , Hayhoe Benedict , Beaney Thomas , Majeed Azeem , Neves Ana Luísa
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The adoption of virtual consultations, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the delivery of primary care services. Owing to their rapid global proliferation, there is a need to comprehensively evaluate the impact of virtual consultations on all aspects of care quality.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the impact of virtual consultations on the quality of primary care.

METHODS

A total of 6 databases were searched. Studies that evaluated the impact of virtual consultations, for any disease, were included. Title and abstract screening and full-text screening were performed by 2 pairs of investigators. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis of the results was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 30 studies (5,469,333 participants) were included in this review. Our findings suggest that virtual consultations are equally effective to or more effective than face-to-face care for the management of certain conditions, including mental illness, excessive smoking, and alcohol consumption. Overall, 4 studies indicated positive impacts on some aspects of patient-centeredness; however, a negative impact was noted on patients’ perceived autonomy support (ie, the degree to which people perceive those in positions of authority to be autonomy supportive). Virtual consultations may reduce waiting times, lower patient costs, and reduce rates of follow-up in secondary and tertiary care settings. Evidence for the impact on clinical safety is extremely limited. Evidence regarding equity was considerably mixed. Overall, it appears that virtual care is more likely to be used by younger, female patients, with disparities among other subgroups depending on contextual factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review demonstrated that virtual consultations may be as effective as face-to-face care and have a potentially positive impact on the efficiency and timeliness of care; however, there is a considerable lack of evidence on the impacts on patient safety, equity, and patient-centeredness, highlighting areas where future research efforts should be devoted. Capitalizing on real-world data, as well as clinical trials, is crucial to ensure that the use of virtual consultations is tailored according to patient needs and is inclusive of the intended end users. Data collection methods that are bespoke to the primary care context and account for patient characteristics are necessary to generate a stronger evidence base to inform future virtual care policies.

CLINICALTRIAL
Catalytic Decarboxylation of Palm Oil to Green Diesel over Pellets of Ni-CaO/Activated Carbon (AC) Catalyst Under Subcritical Water
Authors: Septriana Desy , Azis Muhammad Mufti , Wintoko Joko
Published: August 2023

There has been a considerable in converting palm oil to green diesel. Green diesel is a hydrocarbon compound similar to conventional diesel fuel's components. It is expected to substitute conventional diesel fuel in diesel vehicle engines. The process of producing diesel is also called the deoxygenation process. One of the deoxygenation processes is decarboxylation. The current study evaluates the performance of Ni-CaO/AC catalyst in the form of pellets by mixing a powder Ni-CaO/AC catalyst and phenolic resin. The aim of this study namely to evaluate the performance pellets of Ni-CaO/AC catalyst in the decarboxylation of palm oil under sub-critical water. This research includes catalyst activity carried out by decarboxylation in subcritical water with temperature variations: 300, 310, 320, and 330 °C using pellets of Ni-CaO/AC catalyst. The decarboxylation products obtained were analyzed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results obtained in this study showed that the highest percentage composition and selectivity of green diesel were obtained at a temperature of 330 °C, with values of 18.08 and 22.07, respectively. These results suggest that higher temperature promotes the hydrogenation-decarboxylation reaction of palm oil. Pellets of Ni-CaO/AC catalyst can increase the selectivity of green diesel if the phenolic resin is replaced with a binder that can provide physical strength to the catalyst but does not damage the function and cover much of the active surface area of the catalyst. We can conclude that pellets of Ni-CaO/AC catalysts have the potential to do hydrothermal decarboxylation if the increased operating condition.