bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with rural-urban safe disposal of children stools in Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Martin Wiredu , Nyieku Florence Esi , Yeboah Sylvia Boamah , Frempong-Ainguah Faustina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The burden of children’s disease in many low-and middle-income countries is associated with poor sanitation, including unsafe disposal of children’s stool. Infants and toddler stools pose a greater public health risk than adults. Studies on stool disposal in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Ghana have focused on prevalence, patterns, and associated factors. Nevertheless, these studies have not focused on factors that independently influence rural and/or urban child stool disposal. This study, therefore, examines factors associated with safe child stool disposal in rural areas separately from urban areas towards Ghana’s readiness for ending open defaecation by 2030.

Methodology

We examined young children’s faecal disposal drawing on the sixth round of the nationally-representative Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2017/18. This study was restricted to children under two years, yielding a sub-sample of 3,476. Responses of caregivers or mothers who disposed of children less than two years faecal matter, their characteristics in addition to the child’s age in months were analysed. A binary logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with the safe disposal of young children’s stools.

Results

In the aggregated data, only 22% of households, regardless of their residence, dispose of their young children less than two years stools safely. From the disaggregated data, the rural analysis shows that 26% of young children’s stools were safely disposed of, compared to 16% in the urban analysis. The urban analysis shows that the child’s age, sex and caregiver’s marital status were significantly associated with safe disposal of stools. On the other hand, child’s age, caregiver listening to radio and household access to improved toilet facilities were significant in the rural analysis.

Conclusion

The safe practice of stool disposal was very low. The results of this study show that urgent and different policies and strategies are needed to address child stool disposal in urban residences compared to rural residences if we are to meet SDG targets of ending open defaecation.
Body lice: a vector for re-emerging disease outbreak in a rehabilitation camp in Northwestern Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Esmail , Moradi-Asl Eslam , Yusuf Mustapha Ahmed
Published: February 2024

Objective

The report of the outbreak of body louse in northwestern Iran after three decades reminds us again of the danger of the re-emerging of previous epidemics.

Results

The results of the study that nearly 70% of the patients in a rehabilitation Centre were infected with body louse. In this study, scientific measures were taken to prevent the spread of body lice to healthy people, including isolation of the patients, washing the clothes of those infected at high temperatures, and spraying the rest area, beddings, and blankets. This is a more recent report on an outbreak of body louse in Iran in 2023.
Kupffer cells abrogate homing and repopulation of allogeneic hepatic progenitors in injured liver site
Authors: Abbas Nasir , You Kai , Getachew Anteneh , Wu Feima , Hussain Muzammal , Huang Xinping , Chen Yan , Pan Tingcai , Li Yinxiong
Published: February 2024

Background

Allogeneic hepatocyte transplantation is an emerging approach to treat acute liver defects. However, durable engraftment of the transplanted cells remains a daunting task, as they are actively cleared by the recipient’s immune system. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the innate or adaptive immune cells-derived responses against allogeneic transplanted hepatic cells is the key to rationalize cell-based therapies.

Methods

Here, we induced an acute inflammatory regenerative niche (3–96 h) on the surface of the liver by the application of cryo-injury (CI) to systematically evaluate the innate immune response against transplanted allogeneic hepatic progenitors in a sustained micro-inflammatory environment.

Results

The resulting data highlighted that the injured site was significantly repopulated by alternating numbers of innate immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes and Kupffer cells (KCs), from 3 to 96 h. The transplanted allo-HPs, engrafted 6 h post-injury, were collectively eliminated by the innate immune response within 24 h of transplantation. Selective depletion of the KCs demonstrated a delayed recruitment of monocytes from day 2 to day 6. In addition, the intrasplenic engraftment of the hepatic progenitors 54 h post-transplantation was dismantled by KCs, while a time-dependent better survival and translocation of the transplanted cells into the injured site could be observed in samples devoid of KCs.

Conclusion

Overall, this study provides evidence that KCs ablation enables a better survival and integration of allo-HPs in a sustained liver inflammatory environment, having implications for rationalizing the cell-based therapeutic interventions against liver defects.
Particle-attached bacteria act as gatekeepers in the decomposition of complex phytoplankton polysaccharides
Authors: Wang Feng-Qing , Bartosik Daniel , Sidhu Chandni , Siebers Robin , Lu De-Chen , Trautwein-Schult Anke , Becher Dörte , Huettel Bruno , Rick Johannes , Kirstein Inga V. , Wiltshire Karen H. , Schweder Thomas , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Bengtsson Mia M. , Teeling Hanno , Amann Rudolf I.
Published: February 2024

Background

Marine microalgae (phytoplankton) mediate almost half of the worldwide photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation and therefore play a pivotal role in global carbon cycling, most prominently during massive phytoplankton blooms. Phytoplankton biomass consists of considerable proportions of polysaccharides, substantial parts of which are rapidly remineralized by heterotrophic bacteria. We analyzed the diversity, activity, and functional potential of such polysaccharide-degrading bacteria in different size fractions during a diverse spring phytoplankton bloom at Helgoland Roads (southern North Sea) at high temporal resolution using microscopic, physicochemical, biodiversity, metagenome, and metaproteome analyses.

Results

Prominent active 0.2–3 µm free-living clades comprised Aurantivirga, “Formosa”, Cd. Prosiliicoccus, NS4, NS5, Amylibacter, Planktomarina, SAR11 Ia, SAR92, and SAR86, whereas BD1-7, Stappiaceae, Nitrincolaceae, Methylophagaceae, Sulfitobacter, NS9, Polaribacter, Lentimonas, CL500-3, Algibacter, and Glaciecola dominated 3–10 µm and > 10 µm particles. Particle-attached bacteria were more diverse and exhibited more dynamic adaptive shifts over time in terms of taxonomic composition and repertoires of encoded polysaccharide-targeting enzymes. In total, 305 species-level metagenome-assembled genomes were obtained, including 152 particle-attached bacteria, 100 of which were novel for the sampling site with 76 representing new species. Compared to free-living bacteria, they featured on average larger metagenome-assembled genomes with higher proportions of polysaccharide utilization loci. The latter were predicted to target a broader spectrum of polysaccharide substrates, ranging from readily soluble, simple structured storage polysaccharides (e.g., laminarin, α-glucans) to less soluble, complex structural, or secreted polysaccharides (e.g., xylans, cellulose, pectins). In particular, the potential to target poorly soluble or complex polysaccharides was more widespread among abundant and active particle-attached bacteria.

Conclusions

Particle-attached bacteria represented only 1% of all bloom-associated bacteria, yet our data suggest that many abundant active clades played a pivotal gatekeeping role in the solubilization and subsequent degradation of numerous important classes of algal glycans. The high diversity of polysaccharide niches among the most active particle-attached clades therefore is a determining factor for the proportion of algal polysaccharides that can be rapidly remineralized during generally short-lived phytoplankton bloom events.
Comparative study: enhancing legibility of ancient Indian script images from diverse stone background structures using 34 different pre-processing methods
Authors: Jayanthi J. , Maheswari P. Uma
Published: February 2024

In recent times, there has been a proactive effort by various institutions and organizations to preserve historic manuscripts as repositories of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Leveraging digital media and emerging technologies has proven to be an efficient way to safeguard these invaluable documents. Such technologies not only facilitate the extraction of knowledge from historic manuscripts but also hold promise for global applications. However, transforming inscribed stone artifacts into binary formats presents significant challenges due to angle distortion, subtle differences between foreground and background, background noise, variations in text size, and related issues. A pivotal aspect of effective image processing in preserving the rich information and wisdom encoded in stone inscriptions lies in employing appropriate pre-processing methods and techniques. This research paper places a special focus on elucidating various preprocessing techniques, encompassing resizing, grayscale conversion, enhancement of brightness and contrast, smoothening, noise removal, morphological operations, and thresholding. To comprehensively assess these techniques, we undertake a study involving stone inscription images extracted from the Tanjore Brihadeeswar Temple, dating back to the eleventh century during the reign of Raja Raja Chola. This choice is informed by the manifold challenges associated with image correction, such as distortion and blurring. We undertake an evaluation encompassing a diverse array of stone background structures, including types like flawless-bright-moderately legible, dark-illegible, flawless-bright-illegible, flawless-dull, flawless-irregular-moderate, highly impaired-dark-legible, highly impaired-irregular-illegible, impaired-dark-moderate, impaired-dull-moderately legible, impaired-dusky dark-moderate, and very impaired-dusky dark-legible. Subsequently, the processed outputs are subjected to character recognition and information extraction, with a focus on comparing the outcomes of various pre-processing methods, including binarization and grayscale conversion. This study seeks to contribute insights into the most effective pre-processing strategies for enhancing the legibility and preservation of ancient Indian script images etched onto diverse stone background structures.
Lack of in vivo mutagenicity of carbendazim in the liver and glandular stomach of MutaMice
Authors: Iso Takako , Suzuki Kenichiro , Murata Yasumasa , Hirose Nozomu , Umano Takaaki , Horibata Katsuyoshi , Sugiyama Kei-ichi , Hirose Akihiko , Masumura Kenichi , Matsumoto Mariko
Published: February 2024

Background

Carbendazim (methyl 2-benzimidazolecarbamate, CASRN: 10605-21-7) exhibits spindle poisoning effects and is widely used as a fungicide. With respect to genotoxicity, carbendazim is deemed to be non-mutagenic in vitro, but it causes indicative DNA damage in vivo and chromosome aberrations in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we examined the mutagenicity of carbendazim in vivo.

Results

MutaMice were treated with carbendazim orally at doses of 0 (corn oil), 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg/day once a day for 28 days. A lacZ assay was used to determine the mutant frequency (MF) in the liver and glandular stomach of mice. MutaMice were administered up to the maximum dose recommended by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Test Guidelines for Chemicals No. 488 (OECD TG488). The lacZ MFs in the liver and glandular stomach of carbendazim-treated animals were not significantly different from those in the negative control animals. In contrast, positive control animals exhibited a significant increase in MFs in both the liver and glandular stomach.

Conclusions

Carbendazim is non-mutagenic in the liver and glandular stomach of MutaMice following oral treatment.
PbrWRKY62-PbrADC1 module involves in superficial scald development of Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.fruit via regulating putrescine biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhu Lijuan , Qian Ming , Jiang Li , Gu Peng , Jia Luting , Qian Chunlu , Luo Weiqi , Ma Min , Wu Zhangfei , Qiao Xin , Wang Libin , Zhang Shaoling
Published: February 2024

Putrescine plays a role in superficial scald development during the cold storage of pear fruit. However, the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon has not been un-fully clarified until recently. In this study, a conjoint analysis of metabolites and gene expression profiles in the putrescine-metabolic pathway of P. bretschneideri Rehd. fruit followed by experimental validation revealed that PbrADC1, forming a homodimer in the chloroplast, was involved in putrescine biosynthesis and thus fruit chilling resistance. Additionally, the substrate-binding residue Cys546 in PbrADC1, whose activity was modified by H2O2, played a crucial role in arginine decarboxylation into agmatine. Through a combined analysis of the distribution of cis-acting elements in the PbrADC1 promoter as well as the expression profiles of related transcription factors (TFs), several TFs were identified as upstream regulators of PbrADC1 gene. Further investigation revealed that the nuclear PbrWRKY62 could directly bind to the W-box elements in the PbrADC1 promoter, activate its expression, enhance putrescine accumulation, and thus increase fruit chilling tolerance. In conclusion, our results suggest that the PbrWRKY62-PbrADC1 module is involved in the development of superficial scald in P. bretschneideri Rehd. fruit via regulating putrescine biosynthesis. Consequently, these findings could serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding scald-resistant pear fruit.

Graphical Abstract
A new procedure for onboard calibration of star sensors installed on low Earth orbit satellite
Authors: Zhang Jing , Dong Huiguo , Zhao Qing
Published: February 2024

This paper suggests a new onboard calibration procedure for star sensors installed on low Earth orbit satellites. In this procedure, all the error factors are investigated, and an accurate model of the star sensor is presented. Then, a new scenario is proposed for producing real data from a star sensor installed on a satellite while the satellite is moving in orbit. These sensor data are entered into the unscented Kalman filter as measurement data, and the sensor parameters, including focal length and principal point, are estimated. In the following, the estimated parameters are entered into the linear Kalman filter, and the misalignment error is estimated. Finally, the proposed procedure is simulated, and its performance is checked. The simulation results show the high accuracy and convergence speed of the suggested algorithm.
Evolving Role of Proton Radiation Therapy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Howard Thomas P. , McClelland Shearwood , Jimenez Rachel B.
Published: February 2024

With the expansion of proton radiation therapy centers across the United States and a gradually expanding body of academic evidence supporting its use, more patients are receiving—and asking about—proton therapy than ever before. Here, we outline, for nonradiation oncologists, the theoretical benefits of proton therapy, the clinical evidence to date, the controversies affecting utilization, and the numerous randomized trials currently in progress. We also discuss the challenges of researching and delivering proton therapy, including the cost of constructing and maintaining centers, barriers with insurance approval, clinical situations in which proton therapy may be approached with caution, and the issue of equitable access for all patients. The purpose of this review is to assist practicing oncologists in understanding the evolving role of proton therapy and to help nonradiation oncologists guide patients regarding this technology.
Heart Rate Variability Thresholds: Agreement with Established Approaches and Reproducibility in Trained Females and Males
Authors: FLEITAS-PANIAGUA PABLO R. , MARINARI GABRIELE , RASICA LETIZIA , ROGERS BRUCE , MURIAS JUAN M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To determine in trained females and males i) the agreement between the gas exchange threshold (GET), lactate threshold 1 (LT1), and heart rate variability threshold 1 (HRVT1), as well as between the respiratory compensation point (RCP), lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and heart rate variability threshold 2 (HRVT2), and ii) the reproducibility of HRVT1 and HRVT2 during 2-min incremental step protocols.

Methods

Fifty-seven trained participants (24 females) completed a 2-min step incremental test to task failure. Nineteen participants (eight females) completed a second test to evaluate reproducibility. Gas exchange and ventilatory responses, blood lactate concentration, and RR time series were recorded to assess the oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and heart rate (HR) associated with the GET, RCP, LT1, LT2, HRVT1, and HRVT2.

Results

V̇O2-GET versus V̇O2-HRVT1 and HR-GET versus HR-HRVT1 were statistically different for females (29.5 ± 4.0 vs 34.6 ± 6.1 mL·kg−1·min−1; 154 ± 11 vs 166 ± 12 bpm) and for males (33.9 ± 4.2 vs 42.7 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1; 145 ± 11 vs 165 ± 9 bpm; P < 0.001). V̇O2 and HR at HRVT1 were greater than at LT1 (P < 0.05). V̇O2-RCP versus V̇O2-HRVT2 and HR-RCP versus HR-HRVT2 were not statistically different for females (40.1 ± 4.7 vs 39.5 ± 6.7 mL·kg−1·min−1; 177 ± 9 vs 176 ± 9 bpm) and males (48.4 ± 5.4 vs 47.8 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1·min−1; 176 ± 8 vs 175 ± 9 bpm; P > 0.05). V̇O2 and HR responses at LT2 were similar to HRVT2 (P > 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficient for V̇O2-HRVT1, HR-HRVT1, V̇O2-HRVT2, and HR-HRVT2 indicated good reproducibility when comparing the two different time points to standard methods.

Conclusions

Whereas HRVT2 is a valid and reproducible estimate of the RCP/LT2, current approaches for HRVT1 estimation did not show good agreement with outcomes at GET and LT1.
Industrial process optimisation using artificial intelligence
Authors: Μαλαμούση Κωνσταντίνα
Published: February 2024

Η ενσωμάτωση της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης (ΤΝ) στις βιομηχανικές διεργασίες αποτελεί μια εξέλιξη, η οποία αναδιαμορφώνει το τοπίο της σύγχρονης βιομηχανικής παραγωγής. Η παρούσα διατριβή, με τίτλο (Βελτιστοποίηση Βιομηχανικών Διαδικασιών μέσω της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης), επιχειρεί να αναδείξει το τεράστιο δυναμικό της ΤΝ στην ενίσχυση της αποδοτικότητας, ποιότητας και προσαρμοστικότητας διαφόρων βιομηχανικών διεργασιών. Ξεκινά με τη διαμόρφωση μιας βιβλιογραφικής βάσης στην ευρεία εφαρμογή της ΤΝ σε διάφορους τομείς, επισημαίνοντας πώς αυτές οι τεχνολογίες συγκρίνονται με τις παραδοσιακές πρακτικές μέσω βελτιωμένης λήψης αποφάσεων, προγνωστικής ανάλυσης και βελτιστοποίησης διαδικασιών. Η διατριβή στη συνέχεια στρέφει την προσοχή της σε μια συγκεκριμένη βιομηχανική διαδικασία, το θερμικό ψεκασμό μεγάλης ταχύτητας, μια τεχνολογία που ανήκει στο ευρύτερο πεδίο των επιφανειακών διεργασιών του κλάδου της τεχνολογίας υλικών. Αυτός ο τομέας, σημαντικός για το ρόλο του στην ενίσχυση των προϊόντων και τη λειτουργικότητα, βρίσκεται στην αρχή μιας μεγάλης αλλαγής χάρη στην ψηφιακή μεταμόρφωση που ωθείται από την ΤΝ και τις Βιομηχανικές Ψηφιακές Τεχνολογίες. Η μελέτη ανασκοπεί τα υπάρχοντα ψηφιακά εργαλεία, ταυτίζει κρίσιμες προκλήσεις και προτείνει πρωτοποριακές λύσεις βασισμένες στη μηχανική μάθηση για τη βελτιστοποίηση της απόθεσης επικαλύψεων, του ελέγχου παραγωγής και της παρακολούθησης των συστημάτων ψεκασμού κατά τη παραγωγή επικαλύψεων. Μια σημαντική ενότητα της διατριβής αφιερώνεται στην εφαρμογή προηγμένων μεθοδολογιών, όπως τα συνελικτικά νευρωνικά δίκτυα. Οι προτεινόμενες προσεγγίσεις αναδεικνύουν τις ανεξερεύνητες εφαρμογές της ΤΝ και σε συμπερασματικό επίπεδο, η διατριβή επικυρώνει αυτές τις καινοτόμες προσεγγίσεις της ΤΝ. Παρέχοντας τους κώδικες python για την εφαρμογή τους, η διατριβή αυτή προσπαθεί γεφυρώσει αποτελεσματικά το χάσμα μεταξύ θεωρητικής καινοτομίας και πρακτικής εφαρμογής. Θέλουμε να πιστεύουμε πως αυτή η εκτενής μελέτη συμβάλλει σημαντικά στον τομέα της βελτιστοποίησης βιομηχανικών διαδικασιών με τη χρήση τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, θέτοντας νέα πρότυπα και ανοίγοντας νέους δρόμους για έρευνα και εφαρμογή.
THE LINE CITY
Authors: Μαυρουδής Γιώργος , Μπαλάτσας Άγγελος
Published: February 2024

Στην εργασία μας θα παρουσιάσουμε την «The Line City» , η οποία θεωρείται ότι θα είναι η πόλη του μέλλοντος. Για να δημιουργήσουμε την εργασία μας συλλέξαμε πληροφορίες από έγκυρες ιστοσελίδες του διαδικτύου. Ο λόγος δημιουργίας αυτής της πόλης είναι ότι οι σημερινές πόλεις της Σαουδικής Αραβίας κοντεύουν να φτάσουν σε σημείο υπερπληθυσμού. Αρχικά θα περιγράψουμε πώς θα είναι η πόλη αυτή και έπειτα θα μιλήσουμε για τα πλεονεκτήματα της κατασκευής της, καθώς και τις διαφορές της με τις πόλεις του σήμερα, οι οποίες δεν είναι τόσο εξελιγμένες. Κάποια από τα πλεονεκτήματα αυτά είναι η αποκλειστική χρήση ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας, η γρήγορη μετακίνηση, η κάθετη αστικοποίηση.
Καθημερινότητα των εφήβων: η δική μας έρευνα
Authors: Μυλωνά Χρύσα , Ντάκου Νάνσυ , Ντουντούλα Ελένη , Παντουβάκη Δανάη
Published: February 2024

Η ζωή των μαθητών στη σημερινή εποχή είναι πολύ πιεστική. Πολλές φορές αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα που δεν ξέρουν πώς να διαχειριστούν. Για αυτόν τον λόγο αποφασίσαμε να πραγματοποιήσουμε μία έρευνα σχετικά με την καθημερινότητα των μαθητών. Στην έρευνα πήραν μέρος 24 άτομα, μαθητές/τριες Α’ Λυκείου. Οι μαθητές απάντησαν σε ένα ανώνυμο ερωτηματολόγιο σχετικά με την καθημερινότητα τους και τις συνήθειες τους. Το ερωτηματολόγιο που κλήθηκαν να απαντήσουν οι συμμαθητές μας αφορά κυρίως το διάβασμα και τη διαχείριση του προγράμματος τους.
ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΟΙ ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΣΤΕΣ
Authors: Παπαπολύζος Αντώνης , Σαλπάς Βασίλης , Σαλπάς Βαγγέλης , Σαραντουλάκης Βαγγέλης
Published: February 2024

Εμπνευσμένοι από την ταχύτατα εξελισσόμενη χρήση των ηλεκτρονικών μέσων και με αφορμή το θέμα του μαθητικού συνεδρίου, αποφασίσαμε να υλοποιήσουμε μια εργασία με θέμα τους ηλεκτρονικούς υπολογιστές. Οι ηλεκτρονικοί υπολογιστές είναι μία εφεύρεση που έχει επηρεάσει τον κόσμο ολοκληρωτικά αφού έχει κυρίαρχο ρόλο σε πολλά επίπεδα της ζωής. Για να πραγματοποιήσουμε την εργασία μας θα επιδοθούμε σε έρευνα στο διαδίκτυο αναλύοντας το περιεχόμενο και τη δομή.
ΟΙ ΝΟΜΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΝΕΥΤΩΝΑ ΜΕ ΜΙΑ ΑΛΛΗ ΜΑΤΙΑ
Authors: Πεσκελίδη Αναστασία , Πελεκίδου Αλίκη , Ριζάκος Νικόλας , Ράπτης Θάνος
Published: February 2024

Οι νόμοι του Νεύτωνα μπορούν να θεωρηθούν ως θεμελιώδης βάση της σύγχρονης Φυσικής. Είναι τρεις και δημιουργήθηκαν από τον Άγγλο φυσικό, μαθηματικό, αστρονόμο, φιλόσοφο, αλχημιστή και θεολόγο Σερ Ισαάκ Νεύτων. Στράφηκε ιδιαίτερα η προσοχή μας προς αυτό το θέμα διότι με την ένταξη μας στην σχολική βαθμίδα του λυκείου ήταν από τις πρώτες θεματικές ενότητες που ασχοληθήκαμε, στο μάθημα της φυσικής. Θεωρήσαμε όμως πως εκτός από την μαθηματική έννοια που έχουν με την χρήση των τύπων, υπάρχει και μια βαθύτερη πιο ουσιώδης, μιας και όλοι μας είμαστε μάρτυρες των νόμων του Νεύτωνα χωρίς μάλιστα να το αντιλαμβανόμαστε. Σκοπός της παρουσίασης μας είναι να δείξουμε μια διαφορετική οπτική γωνία των νόμων του Νεύτωνα, καθώς και να αποδείξουμε πως η Φυσική δεν αποτελεί μονάχα τύπους και πράξεις.
Ανανεώσιμες Πηγές Ενέργειας
Authors: Τσέτσος Γιάννης , Σταυράκης Μιχάλης , Σάλιος Οδυσσέας
Published: February 2024

Η εργασία μας εστιάζει στις ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας και την εφαρμογή που έχουν στην εποχή μας. Ο πρώτος στόχος της εργασίας είναι να αναφερθούμε στο τι είναι ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας, πως προέκυψε η ανάγκη για τη δημιουργία τους και πώς μπορούμε να επωφεληθούμε από αυτές. Η μεθοδολογία που θα ακολουθήσουμε για την υλοποίηση της εργασίας βασίζεται στην αναζήτηση επιστημονικών πηγών.
Ανάπτυξη Εργαστηρίων Δεξιοτήτων Δημοτικού βασισμένα στις ΤΠΕ και αξιολόγησή τους μέσω των στάσεων των εκπαιδευτικών
Authors: Κωστάκη Στέλα Μαρίνα , Λιναρδάκης Μιχάλης
Published: February 2024

Στο άρθρο παρουσιάζεται η κατασκευή και αξιολόγηση μιας σειράς δραστηριοτήτων για το Δημοτικό Σχολείο, οι οποίες σχεδιάστηκαν υπό το πρίσμα της προσέγγισης STEAM και εντάχθηκαν στο πλαίσιο των Εργαστηρίων Δεξιοτήτων στοχεύοντας στη βελτίωση των στάσεων των εκπαιδευτικών για τις ΤΠΕ. Οι δραστηριότητες απευθύνονται σε διαφορετικές τάξεις, ωστόσο φέρουν κοινά χαρακτηριστικά περιεχομένου, δομής και μεθοδολογίας. Ως εργαλείο μέτρησης στάσεων για τις ΤΠΕ αξιοποιήθηκε η κλίμακα UTAUT. Η επιβεβαιωτική παραγοντική ανάλυση κατέδειξε 5 παράγοντες της κλίμακας σε δείγμα 201 ατόμων. Οι παράγοντες αυτοί ελέγχθηκαν μη παραμετρικά σε δείγμα 21 ατόμων που απάντησαν στην κλίμακα πριν και μετά την εφαρμογή των δραστηριοτήτων. Οι έλεγχοι Wilcoxon κατέδειξαν στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση στις στάσεις της πειραματικής ομάδας. Επιπλέον, τα στοιχεία της έρευνας καταδεικνύουν δυσκολία υλοποίησης των Εργαστηρίων Δεξιοτήτων, η οποία εντείνει την αναγκαιότητα κατασκευής δραστηριοτήτων, πόρων και επιμορφώσεων κατάλληλων να εγείρουν το ενδιαφέρον των εκπαιδευτικών και, κατ’ επέκταση, να βελτιώνουν τις στάσεις τους για τις ΤΠΕ.
Optimization of binding affinities in chemical space with generative pre-trained transformer and deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Xu Xiaopeng , Zhou Juexiao , Zhu Chen , Zhan Qing , Li Zhongxiao , Zhang Ruochi , Wang Yu , Liao Xingyu , Gao Xin
Published: February 2024

Background The key challenge in drug discovery is to discover novel compounds with desirable properties. Among the properties, binding affinity to a target is one of the prerequisites and usually evaluated by molecular docking or quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models. Methods In this study, we developed SGPT-RL, which uses a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) as the policy network of the reinforcement learning (RL) agent to optimize the binding affinity to a target. SGPT-RL was evaluated on the Moses distribution learning benchmark and two goal-directed generation tasks, with Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the targets. Both QSAR model and molecular docking were implemented as the optimization goals in the tasks. The popular Reinvent method was used as the baseline for comparison. Results The results on the Moses benchmark showed that SGPT-RL learned good property distributions and generated molecules with high validity and novelty. On the two goal-directed generation tasks, both SGPT-RL and Reinvent were able to generate valid molecules with improved target scores. The SGPT-RL method achieved better results than Reinvent on the ACE2 task, where molecular docking was used as the optimization goal. Further analysis shows that SGPT-RL learned conserved scaffold patterns during exploration. Conclusions The superior performance of SGPT-RL in the ACE2 task indicates that it can be applied to the virtual screening process where molecular docking is widely used as the criteria. Besides, the scaffold patterns learned by SGPT-RL during the exploration process can assist chemists to better design and discover novel lead candidates.
A modified decontamination and storage method for sputum from patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Le Quang Nguyen , Dang Anh Thu Do , Pham Tien Trieu Le , Hong Hanh Nguyen , Huu Lan Nguyen , Thi Minh Ha Dang , Thwaites Guy , Thuy Thuong Thuong Nguyen , Walker Timothy M.
Published: February 2024

Background Collecting and storing large number of sputum samples with a view to culturing these in the future requires an efficient initial handling method. We devised a modified sputum digestion and decontamination method that maximised storage capacity and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) recovery from culture while minimising laboratory workload and risk of contamination. Methods We collected smear microscopy positive sputum samples from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The sputum samples were split and processed using both the standard N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH) method and our modified method before freezing and later culturing in BD BACTEC 960 Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT) system. We assessed the Time to Positivity (TPP) and Growth Unit (GU) data. Results We selected 22 sputum samples to compare two digestion and decontamination methods. The samples that underwent the modified method had longer TTP (p < 0.05) but similar GU in comparison to standard method. Overall, 1/22 samples failed to grow in MGIT after being processed by the modified method. We then applied the modified method to 348 sputum samples with Rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, which were frozen for between 1-25 months. The overall MGIT positive, negative, and contamination rate was 90.5%, 7.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in MGIT result when samples were grouped by duration of storage or positive smear grade. Conclusions Our modified method yielded acceptable M.tb recovery rate and low contamination risk while allowing us to collect and store thousands of sputum samples over a long period of time for future tests.
Insulin resistance and metabolic diseases - a review
Authors: Drabczyk Marta , Kosyra Kamila , Magda Inga , Marczyńska Zuzanna , Zyśk Antoni
Published: February 2024

Introduction: This review paper aims to discuss the effects of insulin resistance, and its association with various metabolic diseases. Insulin resistance (IR), characterized by diminished tissue responsiveness to physiological insulin levels, is a key component in various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

State of knowledge The consequences of IR are profound; in type 2 diabetes, it hinders glucose utilization by muscle cells, leading to hyperglycemia, muscle damage, and loss of mass and strength. IR also plays a central role in NAFLD, promoting lipid accumulation, hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and cell death.

Materials and methods: A review of chosen literature in the PubMed  and Google Scholar databases was conducted, using the following key words: „Insulin resistane”, „Insulin resistance in obesity”, „Obesity”, „Insulin resistance NAFLD”, „Diebetes”, „Insulin resistance CVD”

Summary: The consequences of insulin resistance are far-reaching. In the context of type 2 diabetes, it impedes glucose utilization by muscle cells, resulting in hyperglycemia and subsequent muscle cell damage, contributing to loss of mass and strength. Insulin resistance is also a central player in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fostering lipid accumulation, hepatic inflammation, and, ultimately, fibrosis and cell death.

Conclusions: In conclusion, understanding insulin resistance is paramount in addressing the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases globally Controlling insulin resistance emerges as a crucial aspect of managing these metabolic disorders and their complications. Further research into the mechanisms of IR formation and effective intervention strategies is imperative for improving public health outcomes.
HACIA UN AGENCIAMIENTO TEATRAL. UNA MODULACIÓN DESDE GILLES DELEUZE.
Authors: Perrone Nicolás
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo tiene por objeto el análisis de la noción de agenciamiento de Gilles Deleuze en el marco de la teatralidad. Para ello, se examina la distinción entre dispositivo y agenciamiento. La comprensión y modulación de estas nociones, permite postular los conceptos de dispositivo de visibilidad y agenciamiento teatral, los cuales adquieren una función metodológica en el contexto de un pensamiento sobre el teatro y su forma de composición. De acuerdo con esto, el análisis plantea que los diversos modos de producción de teatralidad se entienden como poéticas que funcionan como máquinas abstractas, esto es, como un diagrama que permite una distribución de la composición escénica. Esto determina un dispositivo de visibilidad en el teatro, el cual se efectúa a través de agenciamientos teatrales que dan una forma singular a la distribución sensible de los elementos escénicos.
LA INTERDEPENDENCIA EN EL PROCESO DE GENERACIÓN DE UN ESPACIO-LUGAR.
Authors: Coscarelli Comas Sara
Published: February 2024

La generación de un lugar habitable es un proceso en el cual intervienen diversos factores. A diferencia de la habitual dependencia que se considera que existe entre usuario habitador y espacio habitado, este ha ido siempre de la mano de un proceso de diseño llevado a cabo a partir de métodos diversos con el objetivo de obtener resultados satisfactorios para quienes lo habitan. En este sentido, existen una serie de variables desjerarquizadas que se retroalimentan entre sí y actúan en constante cooperación, tales como el usuario, el espacio preexistente, las actividades, el contexto, la percepción, o la experiencia, que juegan un papel determinante a la hora de lograr la conversión de un espacio en un lugar. Son diversos los teóricos de la arquitectura que han afrontado la crisis del Movimiento Moderno desde un posicionamiento crítico en pro de una alternativa fenomenológica, y que han sido figuras clave en el desarrollo de la trayectoria y evolución del espacio del S. XX. De este modo, y a través del análisis de su pensamiento, en relación con las variables anteriormente presentadas, se argumenta la existencia de una interdependencia, imprescindible para poder crear un espacio identitario, un lugar.
First-Order Algorithms Without Lipschitz Gradient: A Sequential Local Optimization Approach
Authors: Zhang Junyu , Hong Mingyi
Published: February 2024

Most first-order methods rely on the global Lipschitz continuity of the objective gradient, which fails to hold in many problems. This paper develops a sequential local optimization (SLO) framework for first-order algorithms to optimize problems without Lipschitz gradient. Operating on the assumption that the gradient is locally Lipschitz continuous over any compact set, SLO develops a careful scheme to control the distance between successive iterates. The proposed framework can easily adapt to the existing first-order methods, such as projected gradient descent (PGD), truncated gradient descent (TGD), and a parameter-free variant of Armijo linesearch. We show that SLO requires [Formula: see text] gradient evaluations to find an ϵ-stationary point, where Y is certain compact set with [Formula: see text] radius, and [Formula: see text] denotes the Lipschitz constant of the i-th order derivatives in Y. It is worth noting that our analysis provides the first nonasymptotic convergence rate for the (slight variant of) Armijo linesearch algorithm without globally Lipschitz continuous gradient or convexity. As a generic framework, we also show that SLO can incorporate more complicated subroutines, such as a variant of the accelerated gradient descent (AGD) method that can harness the problem’s second-order smoothness without Hessian computation, which achieves an improved [Formula: see text] complexity.

Funding: J. Zhang is supported by the MOE AcRF [Grant A-0009530-04-00], from Singapore Ministry of Education. M. Hong is supported by NSF [Grants CIF-1910385 and EPCN-2311007].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoo.2021.0029 .
Issues, Concepts and Applications for Sustainability
Authors: Rosen Marc A.
Published: February 2024

Humanity and societies today face important challenges related to sustainability and these are expected to become more significant in the future. Making societies and their development more sustainable requires the consideration of economic, social, environmental and other factors. Sustainability assessment tools are needed to evaluate how is the sustainability of a process or system, and how that is affected when a change is made. To account for all relevant factors, a comprehensive set of indicators is required, including both quantitative indicators which are measurable and practical and qualitative indicators where necessary. In this article, sustainability concepts and definitions are reviewed and the historical context for sustainability is briefly described. Then sustainability is discussed, focusing on its economic, environmental and social dimensions, and the related concept of sustainable development is examined. Issues related to sustainability are discussed throughout. Finally, assessment measures for sustainability are examined, and several applications are presented.
Research roundup
Authors: Jack Kathryn
Published: February 2024

A brief overview of recently published articles on hepatology
Management of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Springford Laurie R , Griffiths Megan , Bajaj Yogesh
Published: February 2024

Paediatric sleep-disordered breathing is a common condition which varies in severity from snoring to obstructive sleep apnoea. Paediatric sleep-disordered breathing is usually diagnosed clinically, with investigations such as polysomnography reserved for more complex cases. Management can involve watching and waiting, medical or adjunct treatments and adenotonsillectomy. National working groups have sought to standardise the pathway for surgery and improve the management of surgical and anaesthetic complications. Current guidelines use age, weight and comorbidities to stratify risk for these surgical cases. This article summarises these recommendations and outlines the important factors that indicate cases that may be more suitable for management in secondary and tertiary units. Appropriate case selection will reduce pressure on tertiary units while maintaining training opportunities in district general hospitals.
Empowering nurses to feel valued
Authors: Oxtoby Kathy
Published: February 2024

Professional nurse advocates talk to Kathy Oxtoby about their role and the benefits it can bring to nurses
Introducing the integrated healthcare model in primary health care for low-income families in community
Authors: Park Sun Young
Published: February 2024

Low-income families are at increased risk for developing chronic diseases due to the poorer social determinants of health. Traditional primary care approaches cannot address the underserved population’s chronic health problems effectively as their approach underestimates complex social problems’ impact on health. Moreover, chronic disease becomes more complicated as it co-exists with multiple comorbidities in modern society. The primary care practice approach using the integrated healthcare model addresses patients’ physical and mental health and social problems through the comprehensive and person-oriented multidisciplinary approach. An integrated healthcare model can be an innovative solution to improve population health and achieve holistic well-being for the vulnerable population in the community. This article describes the integrated healthcare model through primary care practice for low-income families in a rural area of Maryland.
Simple bone cysts of the proximal humerus presented with limb length discrepancy: A case report
Authors: Lin Cing Syue , Lin Shang Ming , Rwei Syang-Peng , Chen Chin-Wen , Lan Tsung-Yu
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Simple bone cysts (SBC) are benign tumor-like bone lesions typically identified in children. While SBC may lead to growth disturbances or growth arrest, such cases are uncommon. The mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear. Additionally, research on the etiology of SBC remains inconclusive, and there has been no consensus on the appropriate timing and methodology for treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we present our experience in the successful surgical management of a 10-year-old girl with SBC, who presented with a pathological fracture complicated by malunion of the displaced fracture, varus deformity, and limb length discrepancy. We hypothesized two possible etiologies for the patient’s growth arrest and subsequent humerus varus deformity: (1) Direct disruption of the physis by fluid from the cyst itself; and (2) damage to the epiphysis due to repetitive pathological fractures associated with SBC. In addressing this case, surgical intervention was undertaken to correct the proximal humerus varus deformity. This approach offered the advantages of simultaneously correcting angular abnormalities, achieving mild limb lengthening, providing definitive SBC treatment, and reducing the overall treatment duration.

CONCLUSION

As per current literature, acute correction of acute angular deformity in proximal humeral SBC is not well comprehended. However, in this specific case, acute correction was considered an optimal solution.
Postoperative abdominal herpes zoster complicated by intestinal obstruction: A case report
Authors: Dong Zhen-Yu , Shi Rui-Xian , Song Xiao-Biao , Du Ming-Yue , Wang Ji-Jun
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Intestinal obstruction is a common occurrence in clinical practice. However, the occurrence of herpes zoster complicated by intestinal obstruction after abdominal surgery is exceedingly rare. In the diagnostic and treatment process, clinicians consider it crucial to identify the primary causes of its occurrence to ensure effective treatment and avoiding misdiagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we present the case of a 40-year-old female patient with intestinal obstruction who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and developed herpes zoster after surgery. Combining the patient's clinical manifestations and relevant laboratory tests, it was suggested that the varicella zoster virus reactivated during the latent period after abdominal surgery, causing herpes zoster. Subsequently, the herpes virus invaded the visceral nerve fibers, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction and loss of intestinal peristalsis, which eventually led to intestinal obstruction. The patient was successfully treated through conservative treatment and antiviral therapy and subsequently discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Pseudo-intestinal obstruction secondary to herpes zoster infection is difficult to distinguish from mechanical intestinal obstruction owing to various causes. In cases of inexplicable intestinal obstructions, considering the possibility of a viral infection is essential to minimize misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.
Giant bile duct dilatation in newborn: A case report
Authors: Quan Dong-Wen , Li Peng-Gang , Xu Xiang-Hua , Liu Shi-Qi
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Giant congenital biliary dilation (CBD) is a rare condition observed in clinical practice. Infants born with this condition often experience a poor overall health status, and the disease progresses rapidly, leading to severe biliary obstruction, infections, pressure exerted by the enlarged CBD on abdominal organs, disturbances in the internal environment, and multiple organ dysfunction. The treatment of giant CBD using laparoscopy is challenging due to the high degree of variation in the shape of the bile duct and other organs, making it difficult to separate the bile duct wall from adjacent tissues or to control bleeding.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we present the details of an 11-d-old male newborn who was diagnosed with giant CBD. The patient was admitted to the neonatal surgery department of our hospital due to a history of common bile duct cyst that was detected more than 3 mo ago, and also because the patient had been experiencing yellowish skin for the past 9 d. The abnormal echo in the fetal abdomen was first noticed by the patient’s mother during a routine ultrasound examination at a local hospital, when the patient was at 24 wk + 6 d of pregnancy. This finding raised concerns about the possibility of congenital biliary dilatation (22 mm × 21 mm). Subsequent ultrasound examinations at different hospitals consistently confirmed the presence of a congenital biliary dilatation. No specific treatment was administered for biliary dilatation during this period. A computed tomography scan conducted during the hospitalization revealed a large cystic mass in the right upper quadrant and pelvis, measuring approximately 9.2 cm × 7.4 cm × 11.3 cm. Based on the scan, it was classified as a type I biliary dilatation.

CONCLUSION

The analysis reveals that prenatal imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, play a crucial role in the early diagnosis, fetal prognosis, and treatment plan for giant CBD. Laparoscopic surgery for giant CBD presents certain challenges, including difficulties in separating the cyst wall, anastomosis, and hemostasis, as well as severe biliary system infection and ulceration. Consequently, there is a high likelihood of converting to laparotomy. The choice between surgical methods like hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or hepaticoduodenostomy has not been standardized yet. However, we have achieved favorable outcomes using HJ. Preoperative management of inflammation, biliary drainage, liver function protection, and supportive treatment are particularly vital in improving children’s prognosis. After discharge, it is essential to conduct timely reexamination and close follow-up to identify potential complications.
Adult sigmoid intussusception resembling rectal prolapse: A case report
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Jung , Liu Yu Shih
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse arises from benign etiology. When symptoms of internal intussusception mirror those of rectal prolapse, a misdiagnosis is possible, especially under limited clinical presentation. It is crucial to recognize and differentiate rectal prolapse from internal intussusception because the two diagnoses have different prognoses. Here, we describe a case of adult sigmoid intussusception presenting as rectal prolapse.

CASE SUMMARY

A 64-year-old woman with no known medical history visited a gastrointestinal outpatient department due to hard bloody stool defecation for 1 wk followed by constipation for 3 d. Colonoscopy revealed a huge polypoid ulcerated tumor at the sigmoid colon with lumen stenosis. The patient was admitted due to post-procedural dull abdominal pain. Due to failed colonoscopy reduction and stent insertion, the patient underwent sigmoid colon resection with primary end-to-end anastomosis, with the transverse colostomy pathological report showing adenocarcinoma, pT3N0M0. She recovered well from the operation and was discharged with regular outpatient clinic follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Presentation and manifestation of sigmoid intussusception may resemble that of rectal prolapse, necessitating careful observation due to distinct prognostic implications.
Gigantic occipital epidermal cyst in a 56-year-old female: A case report
Authors: Wei Yao , Chen Peng , Wu Hao
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Gigantic epidermal cysts (GECs) are rare benign skin appendicular tumours also known as keratinocysts. GECs have a high incidence and their wall is made up of epidermis. Epidermal cysts can occur in any part of the skin; clinical manifestations include skin colour hemispherical swelling; cystic; mobile; 0.5 cm to several centimetres in diameter; and slow growth.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we report a case involving a 56-year-old female with a GEC in the occipitalia. On July 25, 2023, a patient with a GEC was admitted to the neurosurgery Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University. The phyma was shown to be a solid mass during the operation and was confirmed to be a GEC based on pathological examination.

CONCLUSION

Epidermal cysts are common cystic nodules on the surface of the body, the aetiology is unclear, the clinical manifestations can vary, and the misdiagnosis rate is high. However, giant epidermal cysts are rare. In most cases, however, the prognosis is satisfactory. This paper analyses and summarizes the population, location, clinical and pathological characteristics and pathogenesis of the disease to strengthen the understanding of this disease and improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis.