bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative detection of Vibrio alginolyticus strain XSBZ14 by a newly developed RT-PCR method
Authors: Zhang Na , Yang Siyue , Zhang Xiang , Long Hao , Cai Xiaoni , Fu Yanan , Xie Zhenyu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Coral degradation is a worldwide ecological problem. Bacterial diseases are a great danger to coral health. The pathogenic bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus XSBZ14 isolated from diseased coral had been identified as the pathogenic bacterium of Porites andrewsi White syndrome (PAWS) in Xisha Archipelago on transmission experiment. To date, the molecular mechanism by which this pathogen causes disease is unknown, and molecular diagnostics for diseases caused by this bacterium have not been developed. In an effort to restore damaged coral ecosystems in the South China Sea, efforts are underway to transplant flat-branch shore corals. There is therefore an urgent need to further develop specific and rapid detection methods for V. alginolyticus XSBZ14 in order to prevent this epidemic and ensure the successful implementation of compilation transplants.

Methods

At first, a low sequence identity single-copy sequence S2 was selected from the genome by in-house Perl script. Using the designed specific primers, four different types of standard curves were subsequently plotted for the accurate quantification of the strain XSBZ14 in four different samples (DNA, bacterial suspension, coral tissue, seawater). Then, use the strain to infect the Galaxea fascicularis and test the strain in the coral culture water during the week.

Results

The rapid detection method of pathogenic bacteria by RT-PCR was established. The limit of detection (LOD) of the RT-PCR was 0.88 pg/reaction (0.44 pg/μL) in DNA, 2 CFU/reaction (1000 CFU/mL) in bacterial suspension, 2 CFU/reaction in coral tissue, and 20 CFU/reaction in seawater for the strain XSBZ14, respectively. In addition, according to the detection results of the RT-PCR, the strain XSBZ14 could survive in Galaxea fascicularis for a week, and the strain could also be detected from its reared seawater.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the RT-PCR detection method of a coral pathogenic strain XSBZ14 was established. The method is a robust tool for the rapid detection and quantification of the coral pathogen, XSBZ14, and is very useful for PAWS epidemiological survey and specific pathogen-free coral transplantation in the South China Sea. And other coral species and their habitats might act as an important reservoir for the strain XSBZ14 and mediated its horizontal transmission in coral reefs.
Production, statistical evaluation and characterization of chitosanase from Fusarium oxysporum D18
Authors: Abedin Rania M. A. , Abd Elwaly Doha R. M. , Abd El-Salam Ayat E.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The present research work focuses on the extraction of chitosanase enzyme from soil fungi. Chitosan hydrolysis by chitosanase is one of the most effective methods to produce chitosan oligosaccharides which are new biomaterials that have many biological activities such as antitumour, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial.

Method

A strain producing chitosanase was screened and identified as Fusarium oxysporum D18 with an accession number OL343607. Various physiological parameters (incubation type, carbon source, additive nitrogen source, statistical evaluation, solid state fermentation) were assessed to increase chitosanase production.

Results

Fusarium oxysporum D18 produced a considerable value of chitosanase (1.220 U/ml). After 7 days of incubation, the best carbon source was lactose, and the best nitrogen source was ammonium chloride. Statistical evaluation was carried out by using Plackett–Burman and Box-Behnken designs. The highest chitosanase production (1.994 U/ml) was induced by the medium composition g/l: KH2PO4 (1.5), MgSO4 (0.269), lactose (18), NH4Cl (1.26), pH (6.68), using a 5-day-old inoculum and chitosanase activity was 1.63 folds that of the original medium. The production of chitosanase by Fusarium oxysporum D18 in solid state cultures using different solid substrates was studied and the best solid substrate for higher chitosanase activity (2.246 U/ml) was raw shrimp heads and shells and chitosanase activity was 1.13 folds that of the optimized liquid cultures. An extracellular chitosanase was isolated and partially purified by using 75% saturation of ammonium sulphate. The highest chitosanase activity (3.667 U/ml) with a specific activity of 0.390 U/mg protein was obtained at enzyme protein concentration of 9.391 mg/ml, substrate concentration of 1.2 % (w/v), Vmax of the enzyme of approximately 0.430 U/mg protein, and KM of 0.26 % (w/v), at pH 5.6 and reaction temperature of 50 °C. The activity of the purified and characterized chitosanase increased by 3 times than that the original isolate activity. The enzyme was thermostable and retained about 55% of its original activity after heating at 70 °C for 15 min. The enzyme preparations were activated by Ca2+ ions and inactivated by Zn+2, Cu+2 ions, and EDTA.

Conclusion

An antitumour activity of chitooligosaccharides produced by the chitosanase was applied to the MCF-7 (breast carcinoma cells) and they had a cytotoxicity inhibitory effect against them about IC50 = 448 μg/ml.
CMV retinitis in patients on mycophenolate immunosuppression: a report of two cases
Authors: Patel Prem N. , Alkaliby Ahmed M. , Mehta Mitul C. , Wang Angeline L.
Published: August 2023

Background

The rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is increasing, likely secondary to aggressive immunosuppressive regimens for a variety of diseases. Transplant and rheumatological literature show growing evidence suggesting a unique relationship between CMV infection and mycophenolate in particular. This study reports two cases of CMV retinitis infection in patients on mycophenolate immunosuppression.

Case presentation

Case A was a 39-year-old African American woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with stage IV lupus nephritis who presented for bilateral retinal detachments with areas of moth-eaten and thin retina concerning for prior viral retinitis. Case B was a 53-year-old man who presented with floaters in the right eye status-post heart transplant since 2008 on immunosuppressive therapy. Fundoscopic examination of the right eye showed frosted branch angiitis with intraretinal hemorrhage and inner retinal thickening and disorganization, consistent with CMV retinitis infection. Both patients were on mycophenolate immunosuppression with the recommendation to reduce or discontinue mycophenolate.

Conclusion

Patients on mycophenolate immunosuppression may be more vulnerable to cytomegalovirus infection, including CMV retinitis. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this increased risk and consider reducing or discontinuing mycophenolate to promote viral clearance in these susceptible patients, in conjunction with the patient’s transplant or rheumatology teams.
Partitioning multi-layer edge network for neural network collaborative computing
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhou Ming-Tuo , Ren Tian-Feng , Jiang Cheng-Bin , Chen Yong
Published: August 2023

There is a trend to deploy neural network on edge devices in recent years. While the mainstream of research often concerns with single edge device processing and edge-cloud two-layer neural network collaborative computing, in this paper, we propose partitioning multi-layer edge network for neural network collaborative computing. With the proposed method, sub-models of neural network are deployed on multi-layer edge devices along the communication path from end users to cloud. Firstly, we propose an optimal path selection method to form a neural network collaborative computing path with lowest communication overhead. Secondly, we establish a time-delay optimization mathematical model to evaluate the effects of different partitioning solutions. To find the optimal partition solution, an ordered elitist genetic algorithm (OEGA) is proposed. The experimental results show that, compared with traditional cloud computing, single-device edge computing and edge-cloud collaborative computing, the proposed multi-layer edge network collaborative computing has a smaller runtime delay with limited bandwidth resources, and because of the pipeline computing characteristics, the proposed method has a better response speed when processing large number of requests. Meanwhile, the OEGA algorithm has better performance than conventional methods, and the optimized partitioning method outperforms other methods like random and evenly partition.
Blockchain based trusted execution environment architecture analysis for multi - source data fusion scenario
Authors: Yang Nan , Yang Li , Du Xingzhou , Guo Xunyi , Meng Fanke , Zhang Yuwen
Published: August 2023

Multi-source data fusion techniques are widely applied in dynamic target detection scenarios, such as target situational awareness, radar signal resolution, and feature fusion labeling. Currently, techniques including clustering, neural networks, Bayesian analysis, and machine learning have been applied to improve the success rate of multi-source data fusion in terms of interference data noise reduction. The research on data tampering prevention of multiple data sources is mainly based on the data distributed authentication technology. The research on performing data fusion process in a trusted execution environment is mainly based on cryptography and codec technology. This paper focuses on the technical application architecture that can effectively improve the comprehensive efficiency of multi-source data fusion processing under the constraints of business scenarios. Accordingly, this paper proposes a trusted execution environment architecture based on blockchain technology for multi-source data fusion scenarios. It integrates the strategy of trusted data source data verification in blockchain smart contracts into the typical multi-source data fusion application architecture. After comparison tests in a simulation environment, the trusted execution environment architecture based on blockchain technology has shown considerable improvements in fusion success rate with limited performance cost.
Energy security of the European Union and corruption in Central Asia as the main challenges for the European sustainable energy future
Authors: Vasić Bojana , Pekić Ivan , Šimić Goran
Published: August 2023

Background

The main goal of the paper is to define, analyze and assess the basic security, development and institutional challenges faced by the Central Asian countries after 2022. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, Europe faced problems in ensuring energy security, which were further complicated by its decision to stop importing natural gas from the Russian Federation. The Central Asian region is rich in energy resources, but at the same time, it is also a region of special geopolitical interest of often-conflicting parties, characterized by limited information and insufficient academic literature about development, various aspects of security, internal specificities and future challenges.

Methods

The research included qualitative and quantitative analyses carried out for Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Germany. Data processing was performed based on 16 selected indicators in the fields of economy, energy, governance and climate change, for the time period 2011 to 2021. Data processing was performed using correlation and regression analysis (ANOVA).

Results

The results showed that corruption represents one of the biggest problems faced by the countries of Central Asia, with the biggest variations in the calculated Standardized Confidence level, which shows that this indicator trend, in relation to the 16 indicators used, is the least predictable. This represents a significant problem for all countries that are supplied with energy products from this region, or plan to do so. Energy security is positive only in the case of Turkmenistan. Regression analysis shows that Kazakhstan reported the best positive trend for most indicators. Data for Germany show consistent values over the observed period.

Conclusions

The main conclusions of the paper indicate that the countries of Central Asia have certain specificities when it comes to sustainable development, where energy security, corruption and government efficiency can be considered the biggest problems. The European Union must find ways and mechanisms to overcome these and many other impediments if they decide to import energy products from the aforementioned region.
Investigation and evaluation methods of shallow geothermal energy considering the influences of fracture water flow
Authors: Deng Fengqiang , Pei Peng , Ren Yonglin , Luo Tingting , Chen Yixia
Published: August 2023

The energy replenishment and heat convection induced by fracture water flowing through the rock mass impact the shallow geothermal energy occurrence, transfer and storage mechanisms in it. In this article, a suitability evaluation and categorization system is proposed by including judgement indexes that are more closely aligned with the actual hydrogeological conditions in fracture developed regions; an assessment approach of regional shallow geothermal energy is proposed by coupling the influences of fracture water into the calculation methods of geothermal capacity, thermal balance and heat transfer rate. Finally, by taking two typical fracture aperture distributions as examples, the impacts of fracture water on the investigation and evaluation of shallow geothermal energy are quantitatively analyzed. Although the fracture apertures only share 1.68% and 0.98% of the total length of a borehole, respectively, in the two examples, the fracture water convection contributes up to 11.01% and 6.81% of the total heat transfer rate; and the energy replenishment potential brought by the fracture water is equivalent to the total heat extraction of 262 boreholes. A single wide aperture fracture can dominate the aforementioned impacts. The research results can support more accurate evaluation and efficient recovery of shallow geothermal energy in fracture developed regions.
Detecting heterogeneity parameters and hybrid models for precision farming
Authors: Ibidoja Olayemi Joshua , Shan Fam Pei , Sulaiman Jumat , Ali Majid Khan Majahar
Published: August 2023

Precision farming (PF) plays a crucial role in the field of agriculture to solve the challenges of food shortages in society. Heterogeneity, multicollinearity, and outliers are problems in PF because they can cause bias and lead to incorrect inferences. However, traditional methods typically assume it to be a homogenous model, and in machine learning, data scientists ignore heterogeneity. In this study, the aim is to identify the heterogeneity parameters and develop hybrid models before and after heterogeneity. Data on seaweed is collected using sensor smart farming technology attached to v-Groove Hybrid Solar Drier (v-GHSD). There are 29 drying parameters, and each parameter has 1914 observations. We considered the highest order up to the second order interaction, and the parameters increased to 435 parameters from 29 parameters. In high-dimensional data, the number of observations is less than the number of parameters. The authors proposed a method using the variance inflation factor to identify the heterogeneity parameters. Seven predictive models such as ridge, random forest, support vector machine, bagging, boosting, LASSO and elastic net are used to select the 15, 25, 35 and 45 significant drying parameters for the moisture content removal of the seaweed, and hybrid models are developed using robust statistical methods. For before heterogeneity, the hybrid model random forest M Hampel with 19 outliers is the best, because it performs better when compared to other models. For after heterogeneity, the hybrid model boosting M Hampel with 19 outliers is the best, because it performs better when compared to other models. These results are vital to seaweed precision farming. The study of heterogeneity will not only help us to comprehend the dynamics of the large number of the drying parameters, but also gives a way to leverage the data for efficient predictive modelling.
Ensemble size versus bias correction effects in subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) forecasts
Authors: Han Ji-Young , Kim Sang-Wook , Park Chang-Hyun , Son Seok-Woo
Published: August 2023

This study explores the ensemble size effect on subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) forecasts of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. The ensemble forecast skill and its sensitivity to the ensemble size are assessed for the troposphere and stratosphere, and compared with theoretical estimates under the perfect model assumption. The degree of skill improvement in ensemble-mean forecasts with increasing ensemble size agrees well with theoretical estimates in the troposphere. However, in the stratosphere, increasing the ensemble size does not yield as much of the skill improvement as expected. Decomposition of the mean square skill score reveals that the weak ensemble size effect in the stratosphere is primarily caused by a large unconditional bias, which exhibits no apparent decrease with increasing ensemble size. Removing such bias significantly improves the S2S forecast skill and ensemble size effect, suggesting that bias correction is crucial for S2S forecasts, especially in the stratosphere.
Crushed, uncooked egg in the oropharynx: a café coronary?
Authors: Mgbehoma A. I. , Soyemi S. S. , Obafunwa J. O.
Published: August 2023

Background

Obstruction of the upper respiratory airway can terminate in fatal asphyxia. Autopsy findings in asphyxial deaths as described in literature are not necessarily pathognomonic. A complete autopsy with ancillary studies is necessary to establish the cause, time, and manner of death.

Case presentation

The authors present a 44-year-old male who was found dead in his car. He had been remanded in prison for drug trafficking 1 year prior to his death. No other history or death scene findings were provided by the police. Autopsy revealed a crushed, uncooked egg in his oropharynx. Postmortem radiology and toxicology were not done due to nonavailability of the required facilities. Death was ascribed to asphyxia due to a crushed, uncooked egg in the oropharynx.

The manner of death could not be ascertained because pertinent information regarding the deceased’s medical records, locus report, and other ancillary investigations was not available.

Conclusions

This report presents an unusual cause of mechanical upper airway obstruction that has never been documented and discusses some of the deficiencies of autopsy practice in resource-limited countries.
Comparison of analgesic efficacy of perineural dexamethasone in rectus sheath block and intravenous dexamethasone with levobupivacaine in bilateral rectus sheath block for patients undergoing midline abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Singariya Geeta , Saini Pradeep Kumar , Choudhary Usha , Kamal Manoj , Bihani Pooja , Choudhary Kusum , Khatri Chanda
Published: August 2023

Background

Dexamethasone is used in regional analgesia to prolong the duration of analgesia and anaesthesia. The perineural and intravenous (IV) dexamethasone in fascial plane block have conflicting results. The study aimed to compare analgesic efficacy of perineurally and intravenously dexamethasone in rectus sheath block (RSB). This prospective, double-blinded, randomized control study was conducted in 105 patients, equally divided in three groups. All the patients received ultrasound-guided RSB block with 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine on each side. Additionally, in group A, 1-ml normal saline (NS) on each side in RSB block and 2-ml NS IV; in group B, 4-mg dexamethasone on each side in RSB block and 2-ml NS IV; and in group C, 1-ml NS on each side in RSB block and 8-mg dexamethasone IV.

The primary objective of the study was the duration of analgesia, and secondary objectives were total morphine consumption in the first 24 h, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and on cough, complications and patient’s satisfaction score.

Results

The duration of analgesia was maximum in group B (935.91 ± 121.82 min) and then in group C (730.31 ± 129.64 min) and group A (418.34 ± 29.22 min) (P < 0.0001). The morphine consumption and mean NRS score (at rest and cough) were lowest in group B and then group C and group A (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The perineural dexamethasone as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine prolongs the duration of analgesia with decreased analgesic requirements compared to intravenous dexamethasone in bilateral RSB in patients undergoing midline laparotomy surgery.
A quantum particle swarm optimization-based optimal LQR-PID controller for load frequency control of an isolated power system
Authors: Rene Ebunle Akupan , Fokui Willy Stephen Tounsi
Published: August 2023

One of the characteristics of a robust power grid is minimal variations in its frequency to load change or loss in generating unit(s). From the perspective of optimal control theory, the issue of load frequency control in the context of the interconnected functioning of power systems is investigated in this work, and a novel load frequency controller is proposed for a single area isolated power network. This novelty incorporates all the primary characteristics of the solutions that are based on a mixture of optimal controller designs by establishing a linear quadratic regulator optimized with quantum particle swarm optimization to design a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller unlike the conventional PID controller designs that are based on a combined Ziegler-Nichols and root locus (ZN-RL) method and manual tuning. The simulation results of the proposed controller using MATLAB show its efficacy in not only ensuring that there is no steady-state error in terms of the system frequency with load changes but also in achieving smoother transients. Following these landmark achievements, a transfer function model of the resulting power grid is constructed. The outcome of the model reveals that the system transients have been improved while keeping the intended steady-state characteristics. Furthermore, it is observed that the proposed load frequency controller has the best performance when compared with the combined ZN-RL method and the manual PID designs. This, therefore, demonstrates the superiority of the proposed design for load frequency control in power systems.
Effect of Roxadustat on Thyroid Function in Patients With Renal Anemia
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Hamamoto Yoshiyuki , Kuwata Hitoshi , Yamazaki Yuji , Nakatani Susumu , Hyo Takanori , Yamada Yuichiro , Yabe Daisuke , Seino Yutaka
Published: August 2023

Context

Roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor, a recently developed class of drugs for treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is reported to have a structure unlike that of other HIF-PH inhibitors but similar to that of triiodothyronine and bind to the thyroid hormone receptor in vitro. However, reports on the effects of roxadustat on thyroid function are limited and not detailed, and it remains unknown whether other HIF-PH inhibitors also affect thyroid function.

Objective

To compare the effect of roxadustat with daprodustat, another HIF-PH inhibitor, on thyroid function in patients with renal anemia in CKD.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included a total of 26 patients with anemia in CKD who were treated with roxadustat or daprodustat; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured before and after treatment with the drugs.

Results

After initiation of roxadustat, TSH showed a significant decrease (2.4732 [1.7858-4.9016] μIU/mL before treatment and 0.659 [0.112-2.005] μIU/mL after treatment, P < .05); FT4 showed a significant decrease (0.93 [0.84-1.05] ng/dL before treatment and 0.70 [0.53-0.85] ng/dL after treatment, P < .01). After daprodustat initiation, neither TSH nor FT4 showed a significant change (TSH: 3.044 [1.853-4.171] μIU/mL before treatment and 2.893 [1.866-4.894] μIU/mL after treatment, P = .635; FT4 was 0.93 [0.81-1.00] ng/dL before treatment and 0.97 [0.87-1.05] ng/dL after treatment, P = .328).

Conclusion

Roxadustat decreases TSH and FT4 levels while daprodustat does not.
The Mineralocorticoid Receptor Plays a Crucial Role in Macrophage Development and Function
Authors: Faught Erin , Schaaf Marcel J M
Published: August 2023

Stress and the attendant rise in glucocorticoids (GCs) results in a potent suppression of the immune system. To date, the anti-inflammatory role of GCs, via activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, has been well-characterized. However, cortisol, the primary GC in both fish and humans, also signals through the high-affinity mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), of which the immunomodulatory role is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MR is a key modulator of leukocyte function during inflammation. Using transgenic MR knockout zebrafish with fluorescently labelled leukocytes, we show that a loss of MR results in a global reduction in macrophage number during key development stages. This reduction was associated with impaired macrophage proliferation and responsivity to developmental distribution signals, as well as increased susceptibility to cell death. Using a tail fin amputation in zebrafish larvae as a model for localized inflammation, we further showed that MR knockout larvae display a reduced ability to produce more macrophages under periods of inflammation (emergency myelopoiesis). Finally, we treated wild-type larvae with an MR antagonist (eplerenone) during definitive hematopoiesis, when the macrophages had differentiated normally throughout the larvae. This pharmacological blockade of MR reduced the migration of macrophages toward a wound, which was associated with reduced macrophage Ccr2 signalling. Eplerenone treatment also abolished the cortisol-induced inhibition of macrophage migration, suggesting a role for MR in cortisol-mediated anti-inflammatory action. Taken together, our work reveals that MR is a key modulator of the innate immune response to inflammation under both basal and stressed conditions.
The impact of CBCT-head tilting on 3D condylar segmentation reproducibility
Authors: El Bachaoui Samy , Verhelst Pieter-Jan , de Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Shaheen Eman , Coucke Wim , Swennen Gwen , Jacobs Reinhilde , Politis Constantinus
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

To investigate whether variations in head positioning may influence the reproducibility of cone-beam CT (CBCT) three-dimensional (3D) segmented models of the mandibular condyle.

Methods:

Five fresh frozen cadaver heads were scanned in four different positions: reference position (RP) and a set of three tilted alternative head positions (AP) in anteroposterior direction (AP1: 2 cm anterior translation, AP2: 5° pitch rotation, AP3: 10° pitch rotation). Surface models of mandibular condyles were constructed and compared with the condylar reference position using voxel-based registration. Descriptive statistics and a linear mixed-effects model were performed to compare condylar volumetric differences and root mean square (RMS) distance between surfaces of AP vs RP.

Results:

The mean differences in condylar volumes of AP vs RP were 14.1 mm³ (95% CI [−79.3, 107.4]) for AP1, 1.0 mm³ (95% CI [−87.2, 89.2]) for AP2 and 0.1 mm³ (95% CI [−88.3, 88.4]) for AP3. Mean and absolute volumetric differences did not exceed earlier reported intraoperator differences of 30 mm³. The RMS distance values obtained per group were 0.12 mm (95% CI [0.05,0.20]) for AP1, 0.17 mm (95% CI [0.10, 0.22]) for AP2 and 0.17 mm for AP3 (95% CI [0.10,0.22]). The confidence intervals (CI) for RMS distance remained far below the threshold for clinical acceptability (0.5 mm).

Conclusions:

Within the limits of the present study, it is suggested that tilted head positions may affect the reproducibility of 3D condylar segmentation, thereby influencing outcome in repeated CBCT scanning. Nevertheless, observed differences are unlikely to have a meaningful impact on clinical patient diagnosis and management.
Risk factors of colorectal cancer – literature review
Authors: Urbańczyk Agnieszka , Rutkowska Julia , Skorek Klaudia , Babiak Rafał , Rzęsa-Tokarczyk Żaneta , Bajak Karolina , Gawęda Agnieszka , Grabek Agata , Czuchryta Paulina , Domańska Anastazja
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is very important to expand knowledge about this disease because it affects millions of people. Better understanding of the disease will help develop better prevention and treatment strategies. The aim of our work is to classify, analyze and describe colorectal cancer risk factors. This article was written based on articles found in the PubMed database.

State of knowledge: Colorectal cancer risk factors can be divided into two groups: modifiable and unmodifiable. Modifiable factors include: diet, low physical activity, smoking, alcohol, overweight and obesity. Unmodifiable factors include: age, sex, inflammatory bowel diseases, genetic factors, family history of colorectal cancer. Each of them increases the risk of developing the disease, the risk is the greater the more factors are present simultaneously. Modifiable factors seem to play a greater role in the development of the disease than unmodifable factors.

Summary: Studies of colorectal cancer risk factors may help in the development of prevention. It can also facilitate the personalization of preventive examinations and treatment. By influencing modifiable factors, we can reduce the risk of developing the disease, because following the principles of a healthy lifestyle can minimize the risk associated with genetic factors for the development of colorectal cancer.
Do emotions organize or disorganize action?
Authors: Marchewka Urszula , Suwała Zuzanna , Feja Krzysztof , Łuczak Ewa , Rektor Natalia , Minkner Mikołaj , Bienkowski Borys , Ostafin Kamil , Dobek Adam , Petryla Piotr
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION 

Emotions companions us in our everyday life and are still difficult to define. Among many functions, such as inducing physiological changes, availability to specific behaviors, the organizing or disorganizing influence of emotions is also distinguished. 

OBJECTIVE 

The aim of the article is to show the theory of emotions and answer the question whether they organize our actions or, on the contrary, promote disorganization. 

STATE OF THE ART. DESCRIPTION 

Among the many functions attributed to emotions are that they can direct our actions towards a given goal and sustain it, or vice versa. Emotion is, among other things, an expression of the action of instincts, it mobilizes the body, organizes action and performs an energizing function. Nowadays, attention is paid to the mobilizing aspects of emotions - weak or moderate emotions organize our functioning. Only a strong emotional state ceases to motivate, makes our actions disoriented. On the other hand, it is necessary to distinguish between emotional states and motivation. Watson shows emotions as a disorder of homeostasis along with numerous disorders of mental regulation. Clore, Clark, and Watson argue that dysfunctional are persistent, troublesome states that may be manifestations of affective or temperamental disorders rather than transient emotions. Speaking of emotion and its impact on action, it is worth mentioning and stopping at the issue of inhibition and expressing emotional states.   

CONCLUSION 

It is not possible to unequivocally determine that emotions either organize or disorganize our behavior, because a lot depends on the intensity of the experienced emotion and its direction
Energy drinks - product ingredients and their potential toxicity
Authors: Sekuła Michał Jakub , Kaleta Natalia , Pawłucki Piotr , Maciak Anna , Domagalski Łukasz , Andrasz Ewelina , Cuper Paulina
Published: August 2023

Energy drinks (NE) are popular stimulants among adolescents and adults. They are commercial, advertised, widely available products that contain increased amounts of caffeine, and are designed to reduce feelings of fatigue in favor of increased mental and physical performance. In addition to caffeine, various ingredients such as vitamins, dyes or substances that impart a certain flavor are added to NEs. Many cases have been described of the harmful effects of NE used alone and in combination with alcohol on the human body: including on the digestive system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system or kidneys. We decided to analyze and compare with each other the composition of NEs from the most popular manufacturers available in most Polish grocery stores. We then briefly described the most important substances available in NE and reviewed the literature on their potential toxicity.  It is reasonable for physicians and teachers to educate young people and their parents about the harmfulness of NE, especially when children are suspected of taking large amounts. Further observations and studies monitoring the harmfulness of NEs are needed, and the drinks themselves should be subject to special surveillance.
Importance of timely administration of dopaminergic medications to improve Parkinson's patients' clinical outcomes
Authors: Turnbull Katie , Murphy Kevin
Published: August 2023

This article explores the challenges posed when ensuring the effective management of patients with Parkinson's in the secondary care setting. The evidence base around the appropriate timing and administration of medications is explored and highlights key themes in the literature to support best practice and raise clinical awareness. Failure to follow prescribed treatments for patients with Parkinson's can have significant implications for both patients and nursing care.
Developing anti-racist undergraduate nursing education: themes and action
Authors: Playfair Catherine , Hunt Garfield , DaCosta Chrissie
Published: August 2023

The impact of racism on health is undeniable. However, undergraduate nurse education in the UK is not adequately addressing the racism within the profession. Literature on anti-racist nursing education was reviewed to uncover the most effective strategies for nurse educators to develop this approach. The literature describes a climate of denial and defensiveness among nurse educators. It urges nurse educators to develop racial literacy, and explores nursing curricula, recommending intersectionality as a way to teach about health disparities, with a move away from a culturalist perspective. There is growing recognition that institutions need to address issues around the retention of Black students, and robust reporting systems are required to respond to allegations of racism. Institutions also need to provide evidence-based anti-racist training for staff. The conclusion here is that, without institutional support, there is little nurse educators can do alone to change the culture of racism in nurse education. Thus, this review is a starting point for nurse educators interested in anti-racist nursing education.
Interview with Chris Taylor, curator of Shifting Borders: A Journey to the Centre of Our World(s)1
Authors: Tzanelli Rodanthi , Taylor Chris
Published: August 2023

Shifting Borders exhibits ‘traces’ of human mobility across millennia: of exploratory journeys, forced migrations, exilic arrivals at foreign lands and artistic schematizations of them based on memory and experience. The traces assume the form of maps, passports, photographs of people and locations, as well as actual diaries of movement produced by those who move or by institutions who regulate their movements. Crafted as a form of pilgrimage to these stories, the exhibition transcends binary understandings of hospitality as an inviolable norm and/or a secular pact conforming with the commercial rules of catering for strangers. Instead, the presentation of items in clusters produces variations of story-telling as a tribute to the presence of human otherness. Featuring styles of inscription and creative staging of particular mobility events, Shifting Borders showcases forms of movement vis-à-vis (‘psychic centres’): homes and homelands, memories of uprooting but also the excitement of travel and exploration in and of unknown territories. The exhibition’s simulation of such movements transforms artistic pilgrimage to a method of awakening conscience in regard to offering hospitality to others. The exhibition is hosted in the Parkinson Building, one of the heritage buildings of the University of Leeds, as part of the Brotherton Collections, curated by the University’s Libraries. Its rhizomatic story-telling of imaginaries of movement and homemaking reflects the overlapping biographies of its physical location: Leeds as a multicultural city with diverse migrant, exiled and diasporic communities, but also one of the foremost creative cities in the United Kingdom, and the University of Leeds as a pedagogical hub that hosts very diverse student populations from around the world.
Recurring patterns: An ethnographic study on the adoption of AI music tools by practitioners of electroacoustic, contemporary and popular musics
Authors: Kehagia Nina , Moriaty Manoli
Published: August 2023

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and art has been a topic of great interest in recent times. Driven by greater visibility of accessible AI applications within mainstream media, artists have increased their uptake of such tools as means of exploring and expanding their creative expressions. With the music industry also displaying similar levels of curiosity for AI tools, practitioners and audiences voice diverging opinions on the topics of artistic authenticity, creative labour and the threats posed by thinking machines on the future of musicians’ careers. This article aims to explore these topics through an ethnographic study conducted through interviews with five composers active in the areas of electroacoustic music, contemporary composition and experimental electronic music. The discussions reveal some of the software and methodologies currently popular among composers, the challenges faced and avenues presented when adopting AI tools, as well as the attitudes and discourse that permeate the niche circles of AI-generated music. The findings point towards the swift uptake of new technologies by curious artists and the slow development of trust in AI applications by traditionalist makers and listeners, suggesting a continuation of the patterns of behaviour evident since the emergence of music technology.
The NEFFIE project: Technological innovation, artistic co-creation and social augmented experience
Authors: Carraro Benedetta , Sanna Alberto , Pola Francesca , Zardin Matteo
Published: August 2023

This article presents the NEFFIE (which stands for ‘Neuroaesthetic Photography’) project, a contemporary reinterpretation of Franco Vaccari’s iconic artwork, presented 50 years ago at the 1972 International Venice Art Biennale and entitled Exhibition in Real Time No. 4: Leave on the Walls a Photographic Trace of Your Fleeting Visit. Thanks to today’s technological innovation, NEFFIE develops Vaccari’s idea from a more contemporary perspective. Vaccari’s original photo booth becomes a technologically revisited booth that uses an algorithm and wearable sensors to reshape the subjective emotional-cognitive responses derived from viewing particular images, thus generating the ‘cognitive photograph’ or ‘COFFIE metapicture’. These metapictures are subsequently minted as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) objects and then displayed on a virtual wall, the ‘COFFIE wall’, generating what can be defined as a Virtual Exhibition in Real Time, a hypothetical contemporary re-actualization of Vaccari’s artistic proposition. The NEFFIE project could be considered a pervasive media art proposal capable of promoting social cohesion, by encouraging creative participation and co-creation. The project is being developed in Milan, thanks to a fruitful interdisciplinary collaboration between the Research Center in Advanced Technology in Health and Well-Being of San Raffaele Hospital, and ICONE, the European Research Center in History and Theory of the Image of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. This multidisciplinary approach combines art-historical theoretical thinking with the world of technological innovation. In particular, the NEFFIE project integrates the visual and conceptual tools of photography with the methodologies and knowledge of biomedical engineering and computer science.
Between light and shadow: The impact of light augmentation on storytelling and audience engagement in urban, commercial and public spaces
Authors: Cedro Carmel , Matthews Justin
Published: August 2023

The exploration of light as a transformative and narrative tool in urban spaces has been traced from its historical roots in the 1800s to its contemporary application in creating ‘spatial augmented realities’. This evolution has been examined through the lens of advanced light projection technologies, which have been used to craft compelling narratives and transform public and private spaces. The role of audience engagement in constructing these narratives has been investigated, highlighting the importance of participation and interaction in creating meaningful stories through light technologies. This exploration has led to developing a theoretical model for ‘accordant’ and ‘discordant’ audience responses, providing a framework to understand the spectrum of audience engagement and its impact on the success of light-based narratives. The concept of light projection mapping has been further elucidated, revealing its potential to expand and transform existing spaces through the superimposition of digital representations. This process has been defined, and its technical aspects have been discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding of its application in various settings. Light art has been categorized based on its narrative function and application, with examples drawn from events and festivals that utilize light projection to celebrate heritage or culture. These examples demonstrate light art’s versatility and multifaceted nature in creating memorable and meaningful experiences. The social implications of light projection mapping on monuments have been discussed, positioning it as a medium for audiences to reflect on historical events and their impact on the present. This exploration contributes to the understanding of how light can be used to enhance spaces, tell stories, and engage audiences in urban environments and provides a theoretical basis for future research and practice in the field of light art.
A Divine Alternative to Zimmerman’s Emergent Dualism
Authors: Hershenov David B.
Published: August 2023

Dean Zimmerman argues for the existence of souls as they enable us to avoid certain vagueness-inspired, metaphysical puzzles that plague materialist accounts of the person. There are far too many overlapping material thinking candidates for being the referent of “I”. Zimmerman suggests that an emergent soul whose creation is overdetermined by overlapping material entities will avoid the unwelcome overpopulation of physical thinkers. I will argue that parallel problems plague Zimmerman’s emergent dualism, there are too many souls produced where we want just one.
Analisis Semiologi Roland Barthes pada Teks Lirik Lagu Nanatsu no Ko Karya Noguchi Ujo
Authors: Saifudin Akhmad , Noviana Fajria
Published: August 2023

Examining literary texts, especially poetry or song lyrics, is generally always related to the problem of meaning. This is a natural thing because poetry is always conveyed in indirect language. Nevertheless, poetry research should understand more than just the meaning of poetry; more critical is how to manage understanding, imagination, and the role of the plurality of texts in uncovering its significance. This research is in line with that. Namely, it aims to examine the significance and appreciation of the lyrical text of a children's song entitled Nanatsu no Ko by Noguchi Ujo. This study uses the text semiology approach or textual narrative analysis proposed by Roland Barthes. The data analysed is the Lexia, the units of reading that comprise the entire text. The lexias have been determined and then analysed using five narrative codes: hermeneutic, proaretic, semic, symbolic, and references codes. This study also uses significance analysis (denotation and connotation) to understand the semic code and connotation of the text. The results of this study found that the significance of the text is a message of criticism about the author's disappointment with Japan's modernisation policy which abandoned the original identity of the Japanese nation. This significance is obtained through the analysis of narrative codes which show the role of plural texts, even though they are conveyed in the form of children's song lyrics, with simple and easy-to-understand diction and arrangement.
Motivation to use digital educational content – differences between science and other STEM students in higher education
Authors: Flerlage Carolin , Bernholt Andrea , Parchmann Ilka
Published: August 2023

Digitalization leads to an increased importance of digital educational content for learning in higher education as well as in the sciences. The investigation of individual factors (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy, attitudes) influencing the intention to use digital educational content is a major research interest in design and implementation of suitable content (Hsu, J.-Y., Chen, C.-C., & Ting, P.-F. (2018). Understanding MOOC continuance: An empirical examination of social support theory. Interactive Learning Environments, 26(8), 1100–1118), yet to date without differentiation by discipline. A questionnaire following the Theory of Planned Behavior (Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2010). Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach. Psychology Press. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/alltitles/docDetail.action?docID=10462474) was developed to analyze relationships between STEM students’ individual beliefs and their personal motivation to use digital educational content. In November 2021, a total of 662 STEM students from 8 universities in Germany participated in the study. Analyses showed differences within the group of STEM students: science students rated their digital skills lower and expected more difficulties compared to other STEM students, but did not differ in terms of their motivation. For science students, unlike other STEM students, motivation was predicted only by attitudes and digital skills. Moreover, the present results suggest that, first, the focus of the design should be on learning environment rather than on digital tools, and second, the potential of collaboration is largely unrecognized by students.
Modeling fetal cortical development by quantile regression for gestational age and head circumference: a prospective cross sectional study
Authors: Marra Maria Chiara , Pietrolucci Maria Elena , Mappa Ilenia , Lu Jia Li Angela , Di Mascio Daniele , D’Antonio Francesco , Rizzo Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To develop charts for fetal brain cortical structures following a proposed standardized methodology and using quantile regression.

Methods

Prospective cross-sectional study including 344 low-risk singleton pregnancies between 19 and 34 weeks of gestation. The depth of Sylvian (SF), Parieto-occipital (POF) and Calcarine fissures (CF) were measured on ultrasound images using a standardized technique and their changes were evaluated by quantile regression as a function of gestational age (GA) interval or head circumference (HC).

Results

The measurements of SF, POF and CF depth significantly increased with gestation. Linear models better described the changes of cortical variables with GA and HC. When the fit of sulci depth with GA and HC were compared, a close relationship was highlighted for the latter variable.

Conclusions

We provided prospective charts of fetal cortical development using quantile regression and following a strict standardized methodology These new charts may help in better identifying cases at higher risk of abnormal cortical neurodevelopment.