bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated end-to-end chemical synthesis development with large language models
Authors: Ruan Yixiang , Lu Chenyin , Xu Ning , Zhang Jian , Xuan Jun , Pan Jianzhang , Fang Qun , Gao Hanyu , Shen Xiaodong , Ye Ning , Zhang Qiang , Mo Yiming
Published: May 2024

The rapid emergence of large language model (LLM) technology presents significant opportunities to facilitate the development of synthetic reactions. In this work, we leveraged the power of GPT-4 to build a multi-agent system to handle fundamental tasks involved throughout the chemical synthesis development process. The multi-agent system comprises six specialized LLM-based agents, including Literature Scouter, Experiment Designer, Hardware Executor, Spectrum Analyzer, Separation Instructor, and Result Interpreter, which are pre-prompted to accomplish the designated tasks. A web application was built with the multi-agent system as the backend to allow chemist users to interact with experimental platforms and analyze results via natural language, thus, requiring zero-coding skills to allow easy access for all chemists. We demonstrated this multi-agent system on the development of a recently developed copper/TEMPO catalyzed aerobic alcohol oxidation to aldehyde reaction, and this LLM multi-agent copiloted end-to-end reaction development process includes: literature search and information extraction, substrate scope and condition screening, reaction kinetics study, reaction condition optimization, reaction scale-up and product purification. This work showcases the trilogy among chemist users, LLM-based agents, and automated experimental platforms to reform the traditional expert-centric and labor-intensive reaction development workflow.
Magnetite Nanodiscs as Vortex-Enhanced MRI Contrast Agents: A Novel Approach in Medical Imaging
Authors: Koçar Elif , Di Gregorio Enza , Nizami Syed Bilal , Durán Toro Vicente , Ali Uzair , Signorelli Lorenzo , Giannattasio Teresa , Wasner Franziska , Stein René , Tietze Rainer , Sorrentino Marianna , Corrado Alessia , Conti Allegra , Toschi Nicola , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Gregurec Danijela
Published: May 2024

Magnetic nanoparticles can serve as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance sensitivity and improve imaging contrast. This study investigated anisotropic magnetite nanodiscs (MNDs) with vortex magnetization, which exhibit high saturation magnetization and low magnetocrystalline anisotropy. These properties contribute to the minimization of magnetostatic energy. The vortex magnetization grants these particles, which are over 100 nm in diameter, a zero net magnetization, thereby inducing superparamagnetic-like behavior. Due to these distinctive characteristics, MNDs have been explored as novel contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. The study demonstrated their ability to enhance transverse relaxation at 7 T and to act as T1 contrast agents at very low magnetic fields. Additionally, MNDs strongly influence the magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) of immobilized water present in biological specimens and tissues, enabling them to function as multimodal MRI contrast agents that not only work as relaxation-based contrast agents but also modify tissue MTC.
Lanthanide Binding Peptide Surfactants at Air-Aqueous Interfaces for Interfacial Separation of Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Ortuno Macias Luis E. , Jiménez-Ángeles Felipe , Marmorstein Jason G. , Wang Yiming , Crane Stephen A. , KT Surabh , Sun Pan , Sapkota Bikash , Hummingbird Eshe , Jung Woojin , Qiao Baofu , Lee Daeyeon , Dmochowski Ivan J. , Messinger Robert , Schlossman Mark L. , Radhakrishnan Ravi , Petersson E. James , Olvera de la Cruz Monica , Bu Wei , Bera Mrinal K. , Lin Binhua , Tu Raymond , Stebe Kathleen , Maldarelli Charles
Published: May 2024

We are developing an all-aqueous, bio-inspired approach using peptides as surfactants that selectively bind rare earth element (REE) cations and adsorb at the air/water interface to enable green capture and separation. REEs are essential components in modern electronic devices and clean energy technologies which must be separated from feedstocks of aqueous mixtures. Their selective capture is particularly challenging owing to their similarity in size and charge. Lanthanide binding tags (LBTs) are amphiphilic peptide sequences based on the binding loop in the evolutionarily conserved EF-hand metal binding motif. We study LBTs optimized for coordination to Tb$^{3+}$ using a suite of experimental methods including luminescence spectroscopy, surface tensiometry, x-ray reflectivity and x-ray fluorescence near total reflection, and find that these LBTs capture Tb$^{3+}$ in bulk and adsorb at the interface. Molecular dynamics show that the binding pocket remains intact upon adsorption. We find that, if the net negative charge on the peptide results in a negatively charged complex, excess cations are recruited to the interface by non-selective Coulombic interactions that compromise selective REE capture. If, however, the net negative charge on the binding loop is -3, resulting in a neutral complex, a 1:1 surface ratio of cation to peptide is achieved. We demonstrate selective interfacial extraction from an equimolar mixture of Tb$^{3+}$ and La$^{3+}$, validating an LBT-mediated interfacial separation of REEs.
Computational simulations of Ru(II) complexes with coordinated jaborandi ligands and their potential for interaction with Trypanosoma cruzi proteases
Authors: Alves de Sá Ézio Raul , Ramos Ricardo Martins , Alves Lima Francisco das Chagas
Published: May 2024

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, in which conventional treatment is based on medications such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, which have limitations, such as side effects and parasitic resistance. Thus, some metallopharmaceuticals have been studied as potential therapeutic agents, in this sense, the present in silico study predicts the interaction capacity of Ru(II) complexes formed with jaborandi alkaloid ligands, against the protozoan sterol 14α-demethylase and cruzain proteases. The physicochemical properties, ADME-Tox, druglikeness and biological activity of the in silico complexes, predicted from website databases, were also evaluated. The complexes with the best binding affinities after molecular docking were those with the target cruzain, with emphasis on [RuNO(bipy)2IPS]3+, [RuCl(bipy)2PS]+, [RuNO(bipy)2PS]3 + and [RuCl(bipy)2IPS]+, carrying out important chemical interactions with the amino acid residues Cys25, Gln19, Gly66, Gly23 and Trp26. Only [RuCl(bipy)2PS]+, [RuCl(bipy)2IPS]+ and [RuCl(bipy)2EPS]+ showed activities for antiprotozoal (Trypanosoma), anticarcinogenic and antitoxic actions. The complexes under study have good oral bioavailability, lipophilicity, aqueous solubility, permeability, absorption and absence of neurotoxicity. However, the proposed compounds still need to undergo in vitro and in vivo laboratory tests to carry out new studies.
Challenges reconciling theory and experiments in the prediction of lattice thermal conductivity: the case of Cu-based sulvanites
Authors: Caro Irene , González-Barrios Marta María , Dura Óscar J. , Fransson Erik , Plata Jose J. , Ávila-Brande David , Fdez. Sanz Javier , Prado-Gonjal Jesús , Márquez Antonio
Published: May 2024

The exploration of large chemical spaces in search of new thermoelectric materials requires the integration of experiments, theory, simulations, and data science. The development of high-throughput strategies that combine DFT calculations with machine learning has emerged as a powerful approach for discovering new materials. However, experimental validation is crucial to confirm the accuracy of these workflows. This validation becomes especially important in understanding the transport properties that govern the thermoelectric performance of materials since they are highly influenced by synthetic, processing, and operating conditions. In this work, we explore the thermal conductivity of Cu-based sulvanites using a combination of theoretical and experimental methods. Previous discrepancies and significant variations in reported data for Cu3VS4 and Cu3VSe4 are explained using the Boltzmann Transport Equation for phonons and by synthesizing well-characterized defect-free samples. The use of machine learning approaches for extracting high-order force constants opens doors to charting the lattice thermal conductivity across the entire Cu-based sulvanite family—finding not only materials with Kl values below 2 W/mK at moderate temperatures but also rationalizing their thermal transport properties based on chemical composition.
Biophysical Methods for Attomolar Detection of Compounds Acting on Protein Oligomer States
Authors: Lawless William , Sparks Robert , Eschenfelder Mark , Krzypkowski Stephanie , Daniel Kenyon , Guida Wayne
Published: May 2024

Few protocols exist today that demonstrate repeatable resolution of small molecule interactions with target proteins at extremely low analyte levels, particularly at sub-femtomolar levels. We have developed two approaches for rapid screening and biophysical analysis which leverage changes in protein oligomer states to study highly potent drug candidates. The first protocol employs microscale thermophoresis (MST) to measure competitive disruption of oligomerization following exposure of the target protein to its endogenous ligand. The second protocol engages dynamic light scattering (DLS) to measure the changes in physical size of oligomers after exposure endogenous ligand and/or analyte. We demonstrate the utilization of these methods through measurements of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) exposure to 2’,3’-cGAMP and the drug candidate clonixeril along with several analog compounds that were created for lead optimization.
How Cations - Silica Surface Interactions Affect Water Dynamics in Nanoconfined Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Khoder Hassan , Siboulet Bertrand , Ollivier Jacques , Baus-Lagarde Béatrice , Rébiscoul Diane
Published: May 2024

Probing electrolytes behavior at the atomic level provides valuable insights into understanding the reactive transport of electrolyte solutions in nanoconfinement and help explaining and predicting the macroscopic properties of industrial or natural nanoporous materials. In this study, we focused on the behavior of water and ions in 2.6 nm silica nanocylinders filled with electrolyte solutions, XCl at 1M with X = Li, Na and Cs, monovalent cations presenting various kosmotropic/chaotropic properties. Using a combination of experiments and theoretical modeling, we analyzed the water dynamics based on three primary effects: the confinement, the electrolyte, and the interfacial ions-porous material surface interaction. Comparing the water dynamics obtained with divalent cations previously studied by Baum et al., we highlight that monovalent cations present weaker interactions with silica surfaces than divalent cations. This significantly impacts the water dynamics in addition to the confinement and electrolyte effects. This study pinpoints the importance of ions behavior within the interfacial layer and its impact on water transport in nanoconfinement.
Sexual health of women using combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol and drospirenone: A prospective observational study
Authors: Orazov Mekan R. , Radzinskiy Viktor E. , Khamoshina Marina B. , Orekhov Roman E. , Ermakov Vasily V.
Published: May 2024

Aim. To evaluate the effect of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol and drospirenone on the sexual function of women using it.
Materials and methods. A total of 251 women aged 21–35 years (mean age, 25.30±2.82 years) referred for contraceptive fitting were included in the study (ICD-10: Z30.0 General contraceptive advice and counseling, Z30.4 Contraceptive drug monitoring). Women in the study cohort used the original formulation containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenone in a 24+4 regimen for contraceptive purposes, according to the current instructions. All female participants (n=251) were assessed for sexual function at baseline, 6 and 12 months using FSFI (The Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS-R (The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised) and SQoL-F (The Sexual Quality of Life-Female) scales.
Study design. An open, independent, prospective observational study.
Results. Women taking COC containing estetrol 15 mg and drospirenone 3 mg maintained a baseline high level of sexual satisfaction (p0.05) throughout the study, as assessed by FSFI, SQoL-F and FSDS-R scales.
Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that there is no negative effect of COC containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenonone on the sexual function of women. High contraceptive efficacy of the drug was confirmed.
Theoretical substantiation of system for organising preventive treatment of asphalt concrete road pavements
Authors: Petrusevich V. V.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Over the past 20 years, the fleet of vehicles in the Republic of Belarus has increased significantly, and, consequently, the intensity of traffic on roads with a proportional increase in wear and tear of their surfaces. The need to protect asphalt concrete pavements from premature destruction dictates the search for new technological solutions. To effectively protect asphalt concrete pavements from the complex effects of water and traffic loads in the autumn-winter and spring-winter periods, the author has developed and implemented one of the options for protecting asphalt concrete pavements of a highway – treating them with a hydrophobic preventive Protekt- 01composition.

Materials and methods. The research used theoretical and practical results from the implementation of the developed hydrophobic prophylactic composition.

Results. The article presents an overview of the state of the problem of preventing destruction of asphalt concrete pavements abroad and in the Republic of Belarus, an analysis of the measures taken to implement the developed hydrophobic preventive Protekt-01composition at transport infrastructure facilities, and also, based on the data obtained from production testing a ‘System for organizing preventive treatment’ has been proposed, which will be aimed at preventing the beginning and future destruction of the asphalt concrete pavement of highways and will be based on monitoring the technical condition of the control object, planning, organizing, implementing and managing preventive and repair measures using navigation equipment and software that makes it possible to optimize the balance of costs and road surface defects.

Originality. Thus, based on the theoretical substantiation and the results of practical implementation of the developed composition, the following are proposed:

- method for ensuring the operation of a control system for liquid road-building materials which enables to eliminate overconsumption of the distributed substance;

- ‘System for organizing preventive treatment’, which enables to increase the service life of asphalt concrete pavement by 1.2–1.5 times.
Advancing Privacy and Confidentiality in the Digital Healthcare Era: The Image Encryption Solution
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of CSE East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA, L Shammi
Published: May 2024

The rapid digitization of health care services has spurred exponential growth in medical image generation and exchange. Safe guarding the confidentiality and integrity of these sensitive E-Health care images is crucial for protecting patient privacy. This project proposes a robust solution within the AWS Cloud, implementing an efficient image encryption model. Advanced cryptographic techniques ensure that only authorized personnel can access and decrypt images, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data breaches. The project aims to advance secure E-Healthcare image sharing, facilitating improved collaboration among providers while prioritizing patient privacy and data integrity.
Computer Vision-Based Mobile Application for Visually Impaired
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Dept. of CSE East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA, U H Divya
Published: May 2024

In our society, there's a growing need for awareness and support, especially for individuals facing visual impairments. This endeavor revolves around creating a specialized mobile application precisely catering to their unique needs. Harnessing the capabilities of computer vision and deep learning, the app functions as a versatile aid, offering real-time support and enhancing accessibility for its users. Through the Smartphone’s camera, the application can identify and describe various objects, allowing users to gain a better understanding of their immediate environment. Furthermore, the integration of optical character recognition (OCR) technology enables the app to convert printed text into audio, providing users with access to a wide range of printed materials. The navigation assistance feature utilizes advanced algorithms to detect obstacles and provide users with alerts, ensuring safe and efficient navigation.
Weed Identification Using Deep Learning in Vegetable Farming
Authors:   Professor, Dept. of CSE East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA, H Dr.Chandramouli
Published: May 2024

Weed identification in vegetable plantation is more challenging than crop weed identification due to their random plant spacing. So far, little work has been found on identifying weeds in vegetable plantation. Traditional methods of crop weed identification used to be mainly focused on identifying weed directly; however, there is a large variation in weed species. This paper proposes a new method in a contrary way, which combines deep learning and image processing technology. Firstly, a trained CenterNet model was used to detect vegetables and draw bounding boxes around them. Afterwards, the remaining green objects falling out of bounding boxes were considered as weeds. In this way, the models focus on identifying only the vegetables and thus avoid handling various weed species. Furthermore, this strategy can largely reduce the size of training image dataset as well as the complexity of weed detection, thereby enhancing the weed identification performance and accuracy. To extract weeds from the background, a colour index-based segmentation was performed utilizing image processing. The employed colour index was determined and evaluated through Genetic Algorithms (GAs) according to Bayesian classification error. During the field test, the trained CenterNet model achieved a precision of 95.6%, a recall of 95.0%, and a F1 score of 0.953, respectively. These experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of using the proposed method for the ground-based weed identification in vegetable plantation.
Identification of a Passionate Personality as a Subject of the Formation of an Intangible Resource for the Restoration of Communities
Authors: Koltun Viktoriya , Matveeva Larysa
Published: May 2024

The paper analyses the process of identification of passionaries as an intangible resource for the recovery of communities. It is emphasized that finding the mechanisms to identify a passionarian has been a major and yet unresolved problem.

The purpose of the study is to interpret the phenomenon of passionary identification, to explicate the concepts of "ways of identification" and "identification methods" in order to activate the passionarity potential in communities. Moreover, for the further growth of scientific knowledge, it is extremely necessary to explore the methods of passionary identification, the reasons for choosing a particular method of identification of a passionarian; the factors that contribute to the actualization of a particular identification mechanism, and the ones that, on the contrary, prevent it.

The methods of personality identification have been analysed, according to the concepts developed by S. Freud, C.G. Jung, K. Horney, E. Fromm, J. Marcia, G. Meade et al.

It has been proved that in the context of constructivist structuralism, identification is considered as an ambivalent path: on the one hand, it is aimed at transforming the world around the individual, and on the other hand, it is aimed at changing the personality itself, conditioned by the social system.

G. Allport's cardinal disposition has been considered and it has been substantiated that its availability suggests the presence of passionary energy in a person.

Based on the analysis of the identification of the main actors of the conflict in accordance with the conflictological paradigm, it has been substantiated that such interaction most often reveals extraordinary personalities, often with passionary dispositions or traits.

It has been shown that there are two ways to identify a passionarian – an internal and external one. The internal way involves a rationally conscious formation of a person's own identity construction. The external method of identity construction is manifested under the influence of extrapersonal factors, while the constructed identity is irrational in most cases.
Analysis of The Impact of Interventional Nursing on The Therapeutic Effect, Negative Emotions, and Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Interventional Therapy
Authors: Niu Xiaohui
Published: May 2024

Objective: To explore the impact of interventional nursing on the therapeutic effect, negative emotions, and quality of life of patients undergoing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular interventional therapy. Methods: A total of 106 patients who underwent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular interventional treatment were collected and randomly divided into Group A (control) and Group B (observation), with 53 cases each. Group A received the routine nursing intervention and Group B received the interventional nursing intervention. The clinical efficacy, complications, negative emotions, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated. Results: The total clinical effective rate of Group B (52/98.12%) was higher than that of Group A (45/84.91%) (χ2 = 4.371, P < 0.05). The total incidence of complications in Group B (2/3.78%) was lower than that of Group A (9/16.98%) (χ2 = 4.970, P < 0.05). The self-rating anxiety (SAS) score and self-rating depression (SDS) of Group B were lower than those of Group A (P < 0.001). The quality of life of Group B was significantly higher than that of Group A (P < 0.001). The nursing satisfaction of group B (51/96.22%) was higher than that of group A (43/81.13%) (χ2 = 6.014, P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the care of patients undergoing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular interventional therapy, interventional nursing intervention effectively improved the patient’s clinical efficacy, reduced the incidence of complications, reduced negative emotions, improved the quality of life, and increased nursing satisfaction.
Analysis of The Impact of The Healthcare Roundtable Model on the Major Disease Perceptions and Competencies of Cardiovascular Medicine Nursing Staff
Authors: Liu Xianxiao
Published: May 2024

Objective: To analyze the impact of the healthcare roundtable model on the major disease perceptions and competencies of cardiovascular nursing staff. Methods: Forty female nursing staff working in the hospital from April to June 2023 were selected and were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 20 in each group. For 60 days, the control group used the conventional learning and communication model and the observation group used the medical and nursing roundtable model. The cognitive scores of cardiovascular disease-related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model before and after the implementation of the model in both groups were compared. Results: After the implementation, the cognitive scores related to cardiovascular disease- related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The healthcare roundtable model improved the knowledge and competence of cardiovascular internal medicine nursing staff in major diseases, and it is worth popularizing.
Inventário de fontes móveis para Maceió-AL – Análise atual e Cenários futuros
Authors: Gomes da Silva Anderson Jefferson
Published: May 2024

Os poluentes que são lançados na atmosfera e interagem com as condições meteorológicas determinam a qualidade do ar de uma região acarretando sérios problemas, tanto ao clima quanto a saúde dos seres vivos de modo geral.  Devido a isso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo elaborar um inventário de fontes móveis para os anos de 2014-2021 e analisar, projeções em possíveis cenários para a cidade de Maceió. Foram quantificadas as emissões dos poluentes monóxido de carbono (CO), óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx) e material particulado (MP) e hidrocarbonetos não metano (NMHC) de acordo com a metodologia proposta pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) onde se calculou as emissões dos poluentes totais em toneladas anuais para cada um dos três cenários apresentados: cenário 1 -crescimento constante da frota de veículos, cenário 2 - substituição de uma parcela de automóveis por ônibus urbano de linha e cenário 3 - substituição do uso do combustível principal da gasolina pelo etanol. Para o primeiro cenário foi observado um aumento de todos os poluentes, principalmente o CO. O cenário 2 de emissão é observado uma diminuição do poluente CO e NOx, porém ocorre um aumento nos demais poluentes (MP e NMHC); já o cenário 3 de emissão ficou com resultados próximos ao cenário 1.
Caracterização pedológica de duas vertentes na bacia do Rio Gurutuba, em Itaóca, SP
Authors: Cabral Douglas da Silva , Ladeira Francisco Sérgio Bernardes
Published: May 2024

O Brasil tem como principal causador de desastres naturais, os movimentos gravitacionais de massa e dentre estes, os deslizamentos se destacam. Nesse contexto, a região geomorfológica denominada Serra do Mar, entre os estados do Paraná e Rio de Janeiro, é cotidianamente afetada por desastres naturais e, principalmente, deslizamentos de solos. Desta forma, este trabalho busca, caracterizar pedológicamente diferentes encostas e determinar fatores que possam influenciar a ocorrência dos deslizamentos de forma não uniforme entre as vertentes. Para isso, o estudo baseou-se na caracterização de solos através de análises tátil-visual de campo e ensaios de caracterização geotécnica no município de Itaóca, SP, na região conhecida como Vale do Ribeira e inserida no domínio da Serra do Mar. A região foi selecionada devido sua geomorfologia com encostas íngremes e que registraram inúmeros deslizamentos planares no evento chuvoso ocorrido em janeiro de 2014, quando chuvas torrenciais nas bacias dos rios Guarda-Mão e Gurutuba, deflagaram um grande número de deslizamentos, ocasionando corridas de detritos e ceifando aproximadamente 25 vidas no munícipio. Assim, acredita-se ser possível analisar as características de diferentes solos de encostas próximas e que foram atingidas igualmente pelas chuvas, mas registraram um número desigual de deslizamentos.
Caracterização Sedimentar das Praias Arenosas da Ilha do Maranhão
Authors: De Lima Leonardo Gonçalves , Pereira Daniel de Matos , Parise Claúdia Klose , Franco Brunno Jansen
Published: May 2024

As praias arenosas da Ilha do Maranhão localizam-se em ambiente macromaré, confinadas entre falésias e desenbocaduras fluviais. A morfodinâmica destas praias varia em função do regime de precipitações da região, com periodicidade semi-anual tendo a ZCIT como principal sistema meteorológico. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os sedimentos do mesolitoral das praias arenosas oceânicas (Ponta da Areia, São Marcos, Calhau, Olho D’Água, Meio, Araçagy e Mangue Seco e Carimã) e abrigadas (Guia e Panaquatira) da Ilha do Maranhão. Para tal, coletou-se 125 amostras que foram submetidas a análises granulométricas. As análises levaram em consideração o diâmetro médio do grão (Φ), o selecionamento (σI), a assimetria (SKI) e curtose (KG). Os sedimentos praiais foram predominantemente do tamanho areia fina e muito fina, variando de bem a moderadamente selecionados, com assimetrias e angulosidade variadas, refletindo as dinâmicas de interações inerentes de cada compartimento praial, na dependência da orientação da linha de costa, suprimento sedimentar e da geologia antecedente. O morfotipo de barreira costeira, na qual encontram-se as praias arenosas da Ilha do Maranhão, exerce controle morfodinâmico, apontando setores com características erosivas em barreiras de praias anexadas, enquanto e as barreiras de esporões arenosos ligadas a cabeços de promontórios indicam características deposicionais.
Identificação de Áreas de Campos de Altitude do Perímetro Urbano de Poços de Caldas/MG pelo Sensoriamento Remoto e sua Contraposição ao Plano Diretor de 2022.
Authors: Silva Rafael de Souza Mendes da , Botezelli Luciana
Published: May 2024

Pertencente ao bioma Mata Atlântica a fitofisionomia Campos de Altitude é pouco estudada. No entanto, possui grande biodiversidade e espécies ameaçadas de extinção, além de ser fornecedora de diversos serviços ecossistêmicos. Os Campos de Altitude estão presentes no perímetro urbano de Poços de Caldas e são ameaçados por diversas atividades antrópicas como a urbanização e a invasão por gramíneas exóticas. Deste modo, decidiu-se averiguar a proteção desta fitofisionomia pelo macrozoneamento apresentado na revisão do Plano Diretor Municipal, em 2022. Isto foi realizado confrontando as zonas de proteção ambiental com as áreas de Campos de Altitude identificadas a partir da classificação supervisionada de imagens, importante técnica de geoprocessamento para identificação do uso e ocupação do solo. Verificou-se que apenas 4,98% dos Campos de Altitude são de fato protegidos pelo macrozoneamento urbano, o que indica permissividade na elaboração do Plano Diretor vigente e deste modo, são colocadas em risco a existência de diversas áreas desta fitofisionomia. Diante deste panorama, sugere-se incrementos na pesquisa técnico-científica, educação ambiental e a instituição de Unidades de Conservação como medidas contribuintes para a proteção dos Campos de Altitude.
ANÁLISE DO CUMPRIMENTO DAS METAS E EFICÁCIA DO ENQUADRAMENTO DE CORPOS D’AGUA DAS BACIAS HIDROGRÁFICAS DE CAXIAS DO SUL/RS
Authors: Menegat Daniela , Anderson Bortolin Taison , Elisabete Schneider Vania , Panizzon Tiago
Published: May 2024

As atividades humanas têm causado degradação dos corpos hídricos ao longo do tempo. Sendo assim, a criação de um plano de gestão de recursos hídricos, visando compreender os rios que existem atualmente e os rios que se deseja obter se torna ferramenta fundamental. O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de analisar o cumprimento das metas estabelecidas para enquadramento de corpos hídricos com base na legislação, através do cálculo do Índice de Conformidade ao Enquadramento (ICE) e do emprego da análise probabilística no período de 2012 a 2014 em comparação ao ano de 2022 em rios da área urbana do município de Caxias do Sul/RS. Foram analisados 11 pontos abrangendo as sub-bacias Faxinal, Maestra, Tega, Belo, Piaí e Pinhal. Para o cálculo do ICE foram analisados 14 parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos. Os resultados do ICE apontaram a não conformidade e/ou o afastamento do enquadramento proposto nos dois períodos de estudo, demonstrando a dificuldade de alcançar a meta proposta de enquadramento devido a contaminação por meio de efluentes industriais e domésticos com elevada carga orgânica no corpo hídrico. Com base nas curvas probabilísticas, foi possível constatar que os parâmetros que mais contribuíram com o afastamento do enquadramento foram coliformes termotolerantes e fósforo. A análise estatística permitiu ainda concluir que os períodos analisados não apresentam diferença significativa da qualidade da água. Isto expressa a importância da revisão dos enquadramentos com metas e fiscalizações progressivas para que se possa atingir a proposição de enquadramento proposta para o uso da água definido pela população.
Flora de remanescentes de floresta estacional da bacia do rio Catolé no nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Araújo Lais Oliveira Ferraz de , Cara Patricia Araújo de Abreu , Krause Leonhard , Machado Anderson Ferreira Pinto , Paula Alessandro de , Sá-Neto Raymundo José de , Correa Michele Martins
Published: May 2024

As florestas estacionais brasileiras apresentam elevada biodiversidade e altos índices de degradação, principalmente devido ao uso do solo para várias atividades humanas como expansão urbana e agropecuária. Como a elaboração de planos de conservação para florestas não é possível sem a utilização de dados disponíveis sobre a biodiversidade local, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a composição florística, as características ecológicas e o status de conservação das espécies vegetais de quatro remanescentes de floresta estacional da bacia do rio Catolé Grande, município de Itapetinga, Bahia, Brasil. No total foram registrados 232 indivíduos, pertencentes a 81 espécies de 24 famílias botânicas. A maioria (63,9%) das espécies vegetais dos remanescentes florestais é composta por espécies secundárias e duas espécies ameaçadas de extinção foram registradas, Apuleia leiocarpa (N=6) e Melanoxylon brauna, ambas enquadradas na categoria Vulnerável. A riqueza de espécies vegetal dos remanescentes é maior do que a registrada em outras florestas estacionais no estado da Bahia. Adicionalmente, o maior fragmento estudado possui as menores abundância e riqueza de espécies de todos os fragmentos. Os resultados demonstram que os remanescentes de floresta estacional da bacia do rio Catolé estão em estágio intermediário de regeneração e são importantes habitats para a sobrevivência de várias espécies arbóreas, inclusive ameaçadas de extinção, e precisam ser conservados.
MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECT OF BALANITES AEGYPTIACA FRUITS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: El Deib Maha M. , Ali Haytham A.
Published: May 2024

Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) is an anti-diabetic medicinal plant traditionally used in Egyptian folk medicine as alternative therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. No available studies revealed the mechanism(s) of the associated anti-diabetic effect especially at the molecular level. This study aimed to explore the possible molecular mechanism(s) that underline B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract administration in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Four equal groups (n=10) of albino rats were used. The prepared aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits was given orally (80 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks) to normal control and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg BW, i. p.) -induced-diabetic rats. Administration of B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract in diabetic rats significantly elevated the serum insulin (91%) and reduced serum glucose (54%), cholesterol (26%), triglycerides (16%) and LDL cholesterol (25%) compared to the diabetic control. Produced hypoglycemia in treated diabetic rats simultaneously accompanied at least by significant improving (p<0.05) of pancreatic insulin and α-amylase; hepatic insulin receptor A, glucose transporters (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4), and adipocyte leptin gene expressions. In conclusion: The anti-diabetic effect of B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract was achieved by increasing insulin level as well as stimulating endogenous insulin secretion and enhancing its action at the target tissues. So it covered at least most of the main therapeutic strategies of diabetes. More studies are needed for preparation of a standardized dose and dosage regimen of active constituents of this promising fruit that can play a significant role in the management of type 2 diabetes and related complications.
PREVALENCE AND PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF OVINE LUNGWORM IN NILE DELTA
Authors: Ali Abd El-Monem A. , Metwally Mohamed M.M. , El-sayed Nosseur M.
Published: May 2024

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to March 2018, to determine the prevalence of ovine lungworm infection, and to describe the related pathological lesions in naturally infected local breed sheep. A total of 200 whole lungs were collected from fifteen slaughter houses in Nile Delta, Egypt. The overall prevalence for ovine lungworm infection was 4.5%. The prevalence rates in Ossimi, Rahmani, and Barki breeds were 5.55, 4.28, and 2.5%, respectively. The only identified species of lungworms was Dictyocaulus filaria (D. filaria) (100%). Grossly, the fundamental lesions were multiple patchy consolidated pulmonary tissues with the presence of adult parasites mixed with foamy and sometimes mucous exudate in the lumens of trachea and bronchi. Histopathologically, alveolitis, obstructive bronchiolitis, bronchiolar hyperplasia, emphysema, granulomatous pneumonia, pleural thickening, peribronchiolar lymphoid hyperplasia and trapped different developmental stages and adult parasites besides degenerated and necrotic parasites in the pulmonary tissue were the hallmarks of the histopathological features. In conclusion, ovine lungworms were prevalent in sheep at Nile Delta, Egypt, causing significant damage to the lung and produce characteristic gross and microscopic lesions.
EFFECT OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FOOD COLORANTS ON SPERMATOGENESIS AND THE EXPRESSION OF ITS CONTROLLING GENES
Authors: Montaser Metwally , Abiya Rasha A.E. , Afifi Mohamed , Saddick Salina , Allogmani Ayed S. , Almaghrabi Omar A.
Published: May 2024

The use of food additives is controversial. However, data regarding their effects on fertility genes are still very sparse. The present study was designed to assess the effects of two coloring agents, carmoisine (synthetic) and curcumin (natural) on the expression of some genes with fertility impact. Sixty three male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were orally administered carmoisine and curcumin in three doses, acceptable daily intake (ADI), 5x- and 10x- ADI for 15, 30, and 45 days. Sperm analysis and testicular expression level of biomarkers Testin, Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor (c-KIT), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), A kinase anchor protein 3 (PRKA3), spermatogenesis associated 7 (Spata7), Stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA1) genes were measured and supported with histopathological studies on rat testes tissues. The recorded results revealed significant down regulation of the tested genes in rats supplemented with carmoisine in time and dose dependent manner. However, these declines were also observed after treatment with medium and high doses of curcumin. Sperm counts were significantly decreased after carmiosine treatment in a dose dependent manner, it was 74.6±6.36, 74.00±6.63, 49.00±0.28 and 147.00±3.2 for ADI, 5xADI, 10xADI and control group respectively, without any changes after curcumin treatment. Also, histopathological studies indicated deleterious effect with medium and high doses of carmiosine. In Conclusion, carmoisine induced hazardous effects on fertility at different levels when consumed in concentrations higher than the acceptable daily-authorized level (50 mg/kg b.wt). However, curcumin as a natural food color is saver than carmoisine up to certain levels.
HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS RESIDUES IN POULTRY MEAT RETAILED IN SHARKIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT
Authors: El Bayomi Rasha M. , Darwish Wageh S. , Elshahat Shimaa S.M. , Hafez Abdelsalm E.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to estimate the residual concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in muscles and livers of chicken (broilers and layers), turkeys and quails marketed in Egypt. Metal-metal correlations were further analyzed. Moreover, metal’s dietary intake and health risk assessment among Egyptian consumers were calculated. Livers had higher metal residues compared with the muscles in all species examined. The ranges (μg/g ww) of the elemental concentrations in the livers of the examined bird species were 0.03-0.46 (Cu), 1.77-10.33 (Zn), 0.05-1.09 (Pb), 0.02-0.15 (Cd) and 0.13-0.99 (Hg). Such ranges (μg/g ww) in the muscle samples were 0.007-0.60 (Cu), 0.69-4.64 (Zn), 0.01-0.55 (Pb), 0.02-0.13 (Cd) and 0.11-0.94 (Hg). Correlation analysis among metals revealed both tissue-dependent and inter-species differences for the accumulation patterns of metals. The potential risk assessment of all investigated metals in poultry meats revealed no significance risk on Egyptians. However, intake of repetitive small concentrations of metals may lead to severe toxicological implications.
Evaluasi Kepuasan Aplikasi Pelayanan Rakyat Online Denpasar+ Menggunakan End User Computing Satisfaction
Authors: Fridayanti Ni Putu Eka , Dantes Gede Rasben , Saskara Gede Arna Jude
Published: May 2024

Denpasar merupakan salah satu kota yang telah menerapkan aplikasi pelayanan publik online (PRO Denpasar+) yang saat ini dikenal dengan nama Denpasar Prama Sewaka atau DPS. Aplikasi ini terintegrasi secara vertikal pada instansi yang menjadi bagiannya. Namun, masih terdapat beberapa kendala, seperti belum teridentifikasinya tingkat kepuasan penggunaan di kalangan pengguna aktif. Metode End User Computing Satisfactionn(EUCS), yang berfokus pada lima variabel kepuasan yakni isi (content), akurasi (accuracy), tampilan (format), kemudahan penggunaan (ease of use) dan ketepatan waktu (timeliness) yang menjadi fokus penelitian ini, yang difokuskan pada analisis evaluasi aplikasi. dan ketepatan waktu aplikasi dalam kaitannya dengan kepuasan pengguna. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah pengguna aplikasi aktif yang berdomisili di Kota Denpasar sebanyak 30 responden dan 99 responden yang menggunakan prosedur pengujian purposive. menggunakan skala Likert berdasarkan skor rata-rata kepuasan pengguna untuk mengukur tingkat kepuasann masing-masing variabel dengan 14 pertanyaan. Berdasarkan rincian analisis data, rata-rata skor kepuasan masing-masing variabel adalah 4,24 untuk variabel isi, 3,73 untuk akurasi, 4,23 untuk format, 4,19 untuk keramahan pengguna, dan 4,08 untuk ketepatan waktu. Secara umum, temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa pengguna aplikasi sangat puas dengan penggunaannya. Namun, penerapannya masih perlu dilakukan penyempurnaan melalui revisi atau perbaikan pada aplikasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, disusun rekomendasi perbaikan aplikasi PRO Denpasar+ atau DPS dari capaian pada masing-masing variabel EUCS dengan mempertimbangkan skor responden yang menyatakan ketidaksetujuan atau sangat ketidaksetujuan serta masukan perbaikan yang diberikan oleh responden melalu kuesioner terbuka, dan secara keseluruhan disusun berdasarkan analisis SWOT dalam menyususn strategi pengembangan pada aplikasi dan ditindaklanjuti guna memberikan pelayanan prima untuk masyarakat.
Endoscopic Evaluation among Patients Presenting with Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding
Authors: Qadir Adnan , Younus Irfan , Kumar Prem , Lakho Shabana , Das Chaman , Sadiq Muneer
Published: May 2024

Background: Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is a critical medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Endoscopic evaluation plays a pivotal role in identifying the source of bleeding, determining its severity, and guiding appropriate interventions. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive endoscopic evaluation in patients who have presented with bleeding originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of Gastroenterology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi Pakistan. Duration: Study duration was 7 months from November 2021 to April 2022. Methods: Patients who were 18 years of age or older and presented with active or recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, regardless of gender, and were scheduled for endoscopic examination, were incorporated into the study. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed. The procedure was involving the direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using an endoscope. Any visible lesions or bleeding sources were documented. Data regarding the location and nature of bleeding sources and the endoscopic diagnosis were recorded in a standardized data collection form and analyzed by SPSS version 26. Results: The study included 59 patients with a mean age of 52.27 years. Esophageal endoscopic findings revealed "Grade I to III Esophageal varices (EV) being less common (3.4%, 11.9%, and 13.6% respectively). LAX LEs, esophagitis and Hiatus hernia were observed in 10.2%, 3.4%, and 6.8% of cases. Rarer findings, including Venules, Ecstatic vein, Candidiasis, and various combinations, each accounted for 1.7% of cases. Portal hypertension gastropathy was the most prevalent condition (20.3%), followed by Antral gastritis (45.8%), Erosive gastropathy (10.2%), and other less frequent conditions, such as fundal varices, GOVI varices, diffuse gastritis and Ulcer. Grade II and III EV, and PHTN gastropathy, were significantly more prevalent among males, while Antral gastritis was notably higher among females (p < 0.05). Although the endoscopic findings did not show any statistically significant differences based on gender (p > 0.05). Conclusion: PHTN gastropathy, antral gastritis, grade III EV and erosive gastropathy were the most common conditions among patients with Hematemesis, along with less frequent findings like grade I to III Esophageal varices, Venules, Ecstatic vein, Candidiasis, and combinations of these conditions.
Ser, pensar, actuar. Notas para repensar la universidad
Authors: Rosales Diego I.
Published: May 2024

Este artículo ofrece algunas claves para comprender la vocación de la universidad como un espacio crítico de pensamiento orientado al crecimiento radical de las personas. Para ello, introduciré el carácter no objetivo del destino de la existencia humana a partir de la caracterización que de ella hizo san Agustín. En segundo lugar, describiré la objetivación que han ejecutado las universidades contemporáneas a partir de ciertas lógicas productivas y de mercado. Por último, retomaré algunas ideas de Maurice Blondel para mostrar que la motivación no-cognoscitiva del conocimiento ha de ser prioritaria para recuperar la vocación originaria de la institución universitaria, especialmente a través de la conjugación de tres dimensiones de la existencia: ser, pensar y actuar.
FACTORS AFFECTING COSMETIC SURGERY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN MUMBAI
Authors: Shah Hhet Sanjeev , Solanki Kavya Jitesh , Shah Krish Paresh , Shah Manas Sonesh , Shah Purav Mitulkumar
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing the decision-making process of young adults in Mumbai regarding cosmetic surgery. By combining quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses, the research explores the impact of mental health, self-image consciousness, family support, social acceptance, and other variables on individuals' choices to undergo cosmetic procedures. The findings highlight the intricate interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors driving the rising popularity of cosmetic surgeries among young adults in Mumbai. The study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to comprehend these influences and suggests the development of targeted interventions to foster positive self-image and overall well-being in this demographic.