bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intention to Use Patient Portal and Its Predictors Among Diabetic Patients Enrolled in Referral Hospitals, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023: Utaut2 Modeling
Authors: Abebe Aschale Wubete , Tilahun Binyam Chakilu , Derese Masresha , Mekonnen Zeleke Abebaw
Published: August 2023

Background Patient portal technology is increasingly utilized in the health care system for diabetes management, as means of communication and information-sharing tools and it has the potential to improve access, quality, and outcomes for diabetic patients. However, its adaption is relatively low and patients’ intention towards patient portal is unknown. This study aims to fill this gap by determining the intention to use the patient portal and its predictors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Method An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1078 diabetes patients from April 3 to May 8 in eight referral hospitals Amhara region, Ethiopia 2023. Sample was proportionally allocated for each hospital and participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. The data were collected in the same period in all hospitals by using interviewer-administered questioner; by kobo collect mobile app. Descriptive statistics were done using SPSS version 26. The degree of association between exogenous and endogenous variables was assessed and validated using structural equation modeling by AMOS version 21. Result A total of 1037 (96.2% response rate) diabetic patients participated in the study. Of them 407(39.25%), 95% CI: [36.4–42.2] were found to have an intention to use patient portal. Digital literacy (β = 0.312, 95% CI: [0.154–0.465], p < 0.01) performance expectancy (β = 0.303, 95% CI: [0.185–0.420], p < 0.01) effort expectancy (β = 0.25 95% CI: [0.131–0.392], p < 0.01) facilitating condition (β = 0.22 95% CI: [0.081–0.36], p < 0.01) and habit (β = 0.111 95% CI: [-0.009-0.227], p < 0.05) were significantly associated with intention to use patient portal. Effort expectancy and facilitating condition were positively moderated by gender. Conclusion This study found that diabetes patient’s intention to use patient portal was low. Intervention in digital literacy, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and habit are needed to improve diabetic patient’s intention to use the patient portal.
Evaluation of the Influence of Interest Rates on Private Domestic Investment in Nigeria
Authors: Michael Eze Onyebuchi , Nnabu Eze Benard
Published: August 2023

The study evaluated the effect of interest rates on private domestic investment in Nigeria from 1986 to 2019. The paper employed the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag model in the analysis. To achieve robust results, the study conducted a structural break test in the time series and co-integration analysis. The main findings of the study were that interest rates had a negative and significant effect on private domestic investment in both the short run and the long run. It was also revealed that interest rates had multiple structural breaks in the years 2002, 2009 and 2014, respectively. The study recommended that the monetary authorities should utilize the monetary policy, the interest rate, in particular, to promote private domestic investment by keeping interest rates low. In so doing, private domestic investment will improve leading to increased employment, productivity, and growth of the economy.
CAGI6 ID-Challenge: Assessment of phenotype and variant predictions in 415 children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs)
Authors: Aspromonte Maria Cristina , Conte Alessio Del , Zhu Shaowen , Tan Wuwei , Shen Yang , Zhang Yexian , Li Qi , Wang Maggie Haitian , Babbi Giulia , Bovo Samuele , Martelli Pier Luigi , Casadio Rita , Althagafi Azza , Toonsi Sumyyah , Kulmanov Maxat , Hoehndorf Robert , Katsonis Panagiotis , Williams Amanda , Lichtarge Olivier , Xian Su , Surento Wesley , Pejaver Vikas , Mooney Sean D. , Sunderam Uma , Sriniva Rajgopal , Murgia Alessandra , Piovesan Damiano , Tosatto Silvio C. E. , Leonardi Emanuela
Published: August 2023

In the context of the Critical Assessment of the Genome Interpretation, 6th edition (CAGI6), the Genetics of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab in Padua proposed a new ID-challenge to give the opportunity of developing computational methods for predicting patient’s phenotype and the causal variants. Eight research teams and 30 models had access to the phenotype details and real genetic data, based on the sequences of 74 genes (VCF format) in 415 pediatric patients affected by Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs). NDDs are clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions, with onset in infant age. In this study we evaluate the ability and accuracy of computational methods to predict comorbid phenotypes based on clinical features described in each patient and causal variants. Finally, we asked to develop a method to find new possible genetic causes for patients without a genetic diagnosis. As already done for the CAGI5, seven clinical features (ID, ASD, ataxia, epilepsy, microcephaly, macrocephaly, hypotonia), and variants (causative, putative pathogenic and contributing factors) were provided. Considering the overall clinical manifestation of our cohort, we give out the variant data and phenotypic traits of the 150 patients from CAGI5 ID-Challenge as training and validation for the prediction methods development.
Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of Ski inhibits glial scar formation and promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Ran Rui , Ma Chun-Wei , Lv Jia-Yang , Zhou Sheng , Zhang Hai-Hong
Published: August 2023

The glial scar that forms at the site of injury after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important physical and biochemical barrier that prevents axonal regeneration and thus delays functional recovery. Ski is a multifunctional transcriptional co-regulator that is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes in humans. Previous studies by our group found that Ski is significantly upregulated in the spinal cord after in vivo injury and in astrocytes after in vitro activation, suggesting that Ski may be a novel molecule regulating astrocyte activation after spinal cord injury. Further studies revealed that knockdown or overexpression intervention of Ski expression could significantly affect the proliferation and migration of activated astrocytes. To further verify the effect of knockdown of Ski expression in vivo on glial scar formation and functional recovery after spinal cord injury, we prepared a rat spinal cord injury model using Allen's percussion method and used lentivirus as a vector to mediate the downregulation of Ski in the injured spinal cord. The results showed that knockdown of Ski expression after spinal cord injury significantly inhibited the expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap) and Vimentin, the hallmark molecules of glial scar, and increased the expression of Neurofilament-200 (Nf-200), a key molecule for axonal regeneration, and Synaptophysin, a key molecule for synapse formation. In addition, knockdown of Ski after spinal cord injury also promoted the recovery of motor function. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Ski is an important regulator of glial scar formation at the injury site and promotes axonal regeneration and synapse formation after spinal cord injury, and is a potential target for targeted therapy after spinal cord injury.
The prognostic significance of 1q21 gain/amplification in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma： a single‑center real world retrospective study of China
Authors: Li Ye , Deng Jing-jing , Chen Wen-ming
Published: August 2023

The gain or amplification 1q21(1q21+) is the most common abnormality in multiple myeloma, but their prognostic impact remains under debate in the era of novel agents. In addition, the prognosis of the 1q21 copy number is controversial. In this retrospective study, cytogenetic abnormalities detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and clinical outcomes of 375 newly diagnosed MM patients were analyzed. 1q21 + was detected in 164 (43.7%) patients, including 103 (27.5%) with 3 copies and 61(16.3%) with ≥4 copies. Patients with 1q21 were more likely to be accompanied by anemia and hypercalcemia and were also associated with the accompaniment of other high-risk cytogenetics abnormalities (HRCAs) such as t (4;14), t(14;16) (p༜0.001;p = 0.002 ). The median progression-free survival (PFS) of 1q21-, 1q21 gain, and 1q21 amp was not reached (NR), 35 months and 21 months, respectively (p < 0.001), and the median overall survival (OS) was NR, 56 months and NR, respectively (p = 0.049). And compared with 1q21gain, 1q21 amp has shorter PFS (p = 0.007), but not the OS (p = 0.258). Meanwhile, there was no difference outcome of survival between patients with 1q21gain alone,1q21amp alone, and FISH-. When accompanied by different HRCAs, 1q21 showed earlier disease progression than 1q21 + alone and FISH-. Combined application of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) and immunomodulators (IMiDs) could improve the poor prognosis of 1q21 partly, and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) could prolong the survival of 1q21 + patients (p༜0.001). Hence, when coexisted with other cytogenetics abnormalities (CAs), 1q21 showed a relatively poor prognosis, especially 1q21amp.
Effectiveness of an educational and support intervention to increase breastfeeding, improve nutrition and reduce environmental impact: The GREEN MOTHER-II Project, an intervention study protocol
Authors: Cabedo-Ferreiro Rosa Maria , Liutsko Liudmila , Cos-Busquets Judit , García-Sierra Rosa , Colldeforns-Vidal Margalida , Reyes-Lacalle Azahara , Vicente-Hernández Mª Mercedes , Masvidal Miriam Gómez , Montero-Pons Laura , Cazorla-Ortiz Gemma , Torán-Monserrat Pere , Violán Concepció , Falguera-Puig Gemma
Published: August 2023

Background: The effectiveness of the educational intervention on breastfeeding was shown in previous studies. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal educational and support intervention on exclusive breastfeeding rates from a holistic point of view. We will study the environmental impacts of three feeding types (exclusive breastfeeding, mixed and formula feeding), including accessories used, as well as the mother's diet and other relevant factors to reduce the carbon footprint.
Methods: This is a prospective multicenter intervention study (Phase II of the GREEN MOTHER project) that will last from 24 weeks of pregnancy until 4-6 weeks after birth, with additional observations of feeding types at 1, 3, 4 and 6 months. The results on rates of different lactation types and duration together with environmental impacts associated to diet and feeding will be compared between 2 groups: 1) an experimental group, which will receive a multimodal educational and support intervention on healthy and sustainable nutrition and breastfeeding, and environmental impacts associated with both; and 2) a control group, which will receive standard educational courses and care.
This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol i Gurina University Institute Foundation for Primary Health Care Research (IDIAP) under code 22/101-P dated 22/02/2023.
Discussion: To increase awareness of the environmental impacts of different types of lactation and mother’s diet will be disseminated among relevant professionals and stakeholders: community health worker associations and the general public.
ClusterDE: a post-clustering differential expression (DE) method robust to false-positive inflation caused by double dipping
Authors: Li Jingyi Jessica , Song Dongyuan , Li Kexin , Ge Xinzhou
Published: August 2023

In typical single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data analysis, a clustering algorithm is applied to find putative cell types as clusters, and then a statistical differential expression (DE) test is employed to identify the differentially expressed (DE) genes between the cell clusters. However, this common procedure uses the same data twice, an issue known as “double dipping”: the same data is used twice to define cell clusters as potential cell types and DE genes as potential cell-type marker genes, leading to false-positive cell-type marker genes even when the cell clusters are spurious. To overcome this challenge, we propose ClusterDE, a post-clustering DE method for controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) of identified DE genes regardless of clustering quality, which can work as an add-on to popular pipelines such as Seurat. The core idea of ClusterDE is to generate real-data-based synthetic null data containing only one cluster, as contrast to the real data, for evaluating the whole procedure of clustering followed by a DE test. Using comprehensive simulation and real data analysis, we show that ClusterDE has not only solid FDR control but also the ability to identify cell-type marker genes as top DE genes and distinguish them from housekeeping genes. ClusterDE is fast, transparent, and adaptive to a wide range of clustering algorithms and DE tests. Besides scRNA-seq data, ClusterDE is generally applicable to post-clustering DE analysis, including single-cell multi-omics data analysis.
External validation and biomarker assessment of a high-risk, data-driven pediatric sepsis phenotype characterized by persistent hypoxemia, encephalopathy, and shock.
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Bennett Tellen D. , Geva Alon , Faustino E. Vincent S. , Rogerson Colin M. , Lutfi Riad , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Bigham Michael T. , Nowak Jeffrey , Schwarz Adam J. , Baines Torrey , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Thomas Neal J. , Luo Yuan , Sanchez-Pinto L. Nelson
Published: August 2023

Objective
Identification of children with sepsis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) at risk for poor outcomes remains a challenge. Data-driven phenotyping approaches that leverage electronic health record (EHR) data hold promise given the widespread availability of EHRs. We sought to externally validate the data-driven ‘persistent hypoxemia, encephalopathy, and shock’ (PHES) phenotype and determine its association with inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers, as well as biomarker-based pediatric risk-strata.
Design:
We trained and validated a random forest classifier using organ dysfunction subscores in the EHR dataset used to derive the PHES phenotype. We used the classifier to assign phenotype membership in a test set consisting of prospectively enrolled pediatric septic shock patients. We compared biomarker profiles of those with and without the PHES phenotype and determined the association with established biomarker-based mortality and MODS risk-strata.
Setting:
25 pediatric intensive care units (PICU) across the U.S.
Patients:
EHR data from 15,246 critically ill patients sepsis-associated MODS and 1,270 pediatric septic shock patients in the test cohort of whom 615 had biomarker data.
Interventions:
None
Measurements and Main Results:
The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of the new classifier to predict PHES phenotype membership was 0.91(95%CI, 0.90–0.92) in the EHR validation set. In the test set, patients with the PHES phenotype were independently associated with both increased odds of complicated course (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] of 4.1, 95%CI: 3.2–5.4) and 28-day mortality (aOR of 4.8, 95%CI: 3.11–7.25) after controlling for age, severity of illness, and immuno-compromised status. Patients belonging to the PHES phenotype were characterized by greater degree of systemic inflammation and endothelial activation, and overlapped with high risk-strata based on PERSEVERE biomarkers predictive of death and persistent MODS.
Conclusions
The PHES trajectory-based phenotype is reproducible, independently associated with poor clinical outcomes, and overlap with higher risk-strata based on validated biomarker approaches.
Building MODFLOW Model in ModelMuse GUI For Bari Doab
Authors: Basharat Muhammad , Jawad Muhammad
Published: August 2023

This steady state groundwater model was developed in ModelMuse GUI developed by USGS, for irrigated areas of Bari Doab with an area of 2.95657 Mha (million hectares) GCA (gross command area). Under this study, the data of depth to watertable in all canal commands of Bari Doab was also collected and analyzed. Canal water supplies have recharged the aquifer and created a groundwater resource in the command areas. Continued abstraction and extensive exploitation of groundwater have resulted in the depletion of the ground watertable especially in fresh groundwater areas. Although there is clear evidence of groundwater over exploitation, in the form of falling watertables, even then, hundreds of new wells are being installed every year without knowing the sustainability of the aquifer for meeting this increased demand.
For this purpose, ModelMuse GUI (graphical user interface), which is downloadable without any fee, was used for building MODFLOW model for Bari Doab, which can be used for different scenario simulations such as climate change and re-allocation. Model was calibrated and graphs were prepared in Excel. According to the calibration results, farmers are pumping 50 to 60 % higher than canal and rainfall recharge to groundwater.
Epidemiology Of Hepatitis C In Hemodialysis Patients (A cross-sectional study)
Authors: Khdair Tarek , Alfawares Maamoun , Assaf Nihad
Published: August 2023

Background: Patients undergoing dialysis are at risk of infection with hepatitis C virus due to repeated blood transfusions, frequent hospitalizations and admissions to non-sterile dialysis units where hepatitis C virus prevalence is high, duration of dialysis and non-compliance with internationally recommended general precautions. A study of the prevalence of hepatitis C among hemodialysis patients in the dialysis unit in Damascus Hospitals and the Surgical College in Damascus.
Methods and materials: A retrospective cross-sectional study This study targeted the patients of Damascus Hospital and the College of Surgical Hospital in Damascus. Where the sample was randomly selected, about (200) patients were selected who met specific acceptance criteria, the most important of which is the presence of adequate information in the file, while all patients were excluded according to specific exclusion criteria.
Results: The sample included 200 patients (37% males), (63% females), the average age was (67 ± 19 years), and the age group most present in the study was (more than 60 years), and the percentage of smokers was 20%, and the average period of referral was in months 18 months and the percentage of patients with hepatitis C (24%).
Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between each of the values of (ALT, AST, ALP) and infection with hepatitis C, where the statistical significance was less than 0.05. There was a statistically significant relationship between each of the dialysis period, the value of Creatine, urea, history of renal transfusion, and infection with hepatitis C, where the statistical significance was less than 0.05.
MI²T-UNet: Integrating Multi-Scale Input Image and Top-hat Context for Infrared Small Object Segmentation
Authors: Shah Imad Ali , Khalil Ihsan Ullah , Shah Mian Ibad Ali , Mohamed Nachaat , Ali Enas , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: August 2023

The segmentation of small objects in the infrared spectrum, commonly referred to as Infrared Small Object Segmentation (ISOS), holds significant importance in many applications, including but not limited to target detection, surveillance, and autonomous navigation. The task of achieving precise image segmentation of objects of interest is formidable, owing to the diminutive size of the objects in question, the intricate nature of the background, and the limited contrast differential. This research introduces a novel mobile-UNet architecture with attention gates, namely MI2T-UNet, which leverages multi-scale input images and top-hat operation. The proposed methodology involves the implementation of architectural modifications to improve the scale adaptation of the model. Specifically, these modifications include concatenating down-scaled input images with corresponding encoder layers, utilizing multi-kernel top-hats in the encoders and attention gates, and integrating encoder outputs with subsequent encoder layers to facilitate progressive information flow. This article also compares the proposed architecture against the top-performing models on the SIRST and IRSTD datasets, utilizing metrics for pixel level such as IoU/NIoU, object level including Pd/Fa, and model level comprising F-Score/AUC. The experimental results demonstrate that MI2T-UNet outperforms state-of-the-art models in terms of segmentation, with an average margin of over 1±0.25% for evaluation metrics. This research contributes to the ISOS field by proposing a novel approach to enhance the discriminating ability of the network. Specifically, a modified mobile-UNet has been developed, tailored to the ISOS requirements. The proposed approach has the potential to make significant strides in infrared image analysis and streamline various applications that hinge on precise ISOS.
Blocked Cross–Validation: A Precise and Efficient Method for Hyperparameter Tuning
Authors: Merola Giovanni Maria
Published: August 2023

Hyperparameter tuning plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of predictive learners. Cross--validation (CV) is a widely adopted technique for estimating the error of different hyperparameter settings. Repeated cross--validation (RCV) has been commonly employed to reduce the variability of CV errors. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach called blocked cross--validation (BCV), where the repetitions are blocked with respect to both CV partition and the random behavior of the learner. Theoretical analysis and empirical experiments demonstrate that BCV provides more precise error estimates compared to RCV, even with a significantly reduced number of runs. We present extensive examples using real--world data sets to showcase the effectiveness and efficiency of BCV in hyperparameter tuning. Our results indicate that BCV outperforms RCV in hyperparameter tuning, achieving greater precision with fewer computations.
Evaluating Agile Neural Educational System for Effective Resource Management.
Authors: Missah Yaw Marfo , Inusah Fuseini , Ussiph Najim , Frimpong Twum
Published: August 2023

The major challenge of most schools is inadequate educational resources despite a conscious effort to constantly provide resources. This is a result of inaccurate data management leading to inappropriate predictions for effective planning. The actual efficiency of a system is determined by its ability to predict real-life data with speed and accuracy. In this work, the neural educational expert system (ES) is evaluated using mathematical models for predicting the availability of resources for the growing school-aged population using a criteria-based formative evaluation to know resource life and its effect on availability. This will help in the decision to add more resources by knowing when and how the resources should be added. Technical mathematical model generation through differential equations is used to fuse the factors affecting the availability of educational resources. The real-life data is used in prediction regarding the actual enrolment of learners and the availability of resources. The model is evaluated and critically analyzed to know the degree of accuracy and the steady state. The findings revealed that the resources decay and attrite at an exponential rate in the long run and the constant number of resources provided cannot cater for the rate of decay, resulting in inadequacy. A proposed algorithm for managing the resources is presented.
Inzidenz chirurgisch relevanter gastrointestinaler Komplikationen nach Bauchdeckenverschluss bei Gastroschisis und Omphalozele
Authors:   , Haghshenas Miriam
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study aims to define the extent of additional surgical procedures after abdominal wall closure (AWC) in patients with gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) with special focus on gastrointestinal related operations. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed including all operations in GS and OC patients in the first year after AWC (2010–2019). The risk for surgery was calculated using the one-year cumulative incidence (CI). Results: 33 GS patients (18 simple GS, 15 complex) and 24 OC patients (12 without (= OCL), 12 OC patients with liver protrusion (= OCL +)) were eligible for analysis. 43 secondary operations (23 in GS, 20 in OC patients) occurred after a median time of 84 days (16–824) in GS and 114.5 days (12–4368) in OC. Patients with complex versus simple GS had a significantly higher risk of undergoing a secondary operation (one-year CI 64.3% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.05). 86.5% of surgical procedures in complex GS and 36.3% in OCL + were related to gastrointestinal complications. Complex GS had a significantly higher risk for GI-related surgery than simple GS. Bowel obstruction was a risk factor for surgery in complex GS (one-year CI 35.7%). Conclusion: Complex GS and OCL + patients had the highest risk of undergoing secondary operations, especially those with gastrointestinal complications.
Prevenindo o suicídio: relato de projeto de extensão interdisciplinar em educação e saúde
Authors: LOIOLA Elainy Silva Camilo , SANCHES Elisabete Ferraz , CONZ Luciana Ribeiro
Published: August 2023

A prevenção do suicídio é uma questão de saúde pública que requer atenção e comprometimento da sociedade. Abrange diversas ações, sendo que profissionais da saúde, educação e mídias sociais são fundamentais nessas tarefas. Desenvolvemos um projeto de extensão para realizar atividades educativas com esse público, visando refletir e sensibilizar sobre diferentes perspectivas do suicídio. Ao longo de quatro encontros com cada grupo profissional, foram realizadas rodas de conversa e vivências grupais. Para isso, usamos recursos didáticos, dinâmicas e textos literários para tratar sobre os fatores de risco e proteção, considerando as especificidades da realidade local, a importância da abordagem do tema nas escolas e a regulação da veiculação de notícias sobre comportamentos suicidas. Além disso, o projeto encerrou com um colóquio que reuniu 252 pessoas e discutiu a prevenção do suicídio como um caminho interdisciplinar de cuidado. Portanto, essa experiência proporcionou espaços de escuta, diálogo e reflexão sobre a problemática do suicídio, além de reconhecer a importância da abordagem interdisciplinar para a prevenção desse fenômeno.
Fuzzy Min-Max Сlassifier: Review
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Sarin Konstantin S.
Published: August 2023

Online adaptation and interpretability have become one of the important requirements for machine learning models. Popular models such as artificial neural networks cannot fully implement them. Fuzzy classifiers of the Min-Max type are interpretable, thanks to the underlying fuzzy logic theory, and adaptable with the advent of new information. This article presents a comprehensive literature review on machine learning models based on fuzzy Min-Max classifiers. The architecture of the classifier and the principle of its operation are presented. A review of the modifications of the classifier is carried out and their effectiveness is evaluated. Applications of the classifier and its modifications in solving real problems are indicated. In conclusion, statements are drawn about the work of the classifier and the problems that have remained unresolved.
Prediction of the class of reliability of electronic equipment by the method of converting informative parameters into a discrete code
Authors:   Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR), Kaziuchyts Vladislav O. , Borovikov Sergei M. ,   Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR), Batura Mikhail P. ,   Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR), Shneiderov Evgeni N. ,   Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR)
Published: August 2023

A modification of the method of individual prediction of the reliability class of electronic products for a given operating time (K1 is the class of reliable, K2 is the class of potentially unreliable items) based on the control of informative parameters of products is proposed. The peculiarity of the modification is the transformation of informative parameters into a ternary code. This makes it possible to obtain a model for predicting the reliability class of single-type instances in the form of a logical table, as in the case of the basic method of the threshold logic based on converting informative parameters into a binary code. Unlike the basic threshold logic method, the new model provides higher reliability of forecasting results.
El psicoanálisis freudiano en la teoría mimética de René Girard
Authors: Vinolo Stéphane
Published: August 2023

En la construcción de la teoría del deseo mimético, Girard comenta en diversas ocasiones la obra de Freud. De hecho, casi la totalidad de los temas tratados por Girard tienen resonancia en el psicoanálisis; deseo, mimetismo, violencia, homicidio colectivo, el surgimiento de la cultura: cada uno de estos temas existe en la obra de Freud. Sin embargo, la lectura girardiana siempre opera un desplazamiento de estos conceptos para pensarlos a la luz de un mecanismo único que no introduce ninguna ruptura ni discontinuidad. En este texto muestro cómo, para Girard, los conceptos freudianos padecen de una dificultad originaria que yace en el hecho que Freud nunca pudo salir de una concepción objetual del deseo.
A Review of Research on the Education of Migrant Students with Special Needs
Authors: KOCAOĞLU Abdulkadir , ÇAYIR Ayşenur , GÜNER YILDIZ Nevin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Migrant students face various challenges when adapting to an educational system different from their own, encountering exclusionary/racist attitudes, learning the language and culture of the host country, integrating into new social environments, and understanding the education system and curriculum of the destination country. These difficulties can become even more complex when combined with special needs or disabilities, making it harder for students to adjust to the education system of the host countries.
Method: The study aimed to examine to examine research articles published between 2011 and 2022 regarding the education of migrant students with special needs (MSSN). The study examined various variables, including the publication year, country of origin, research purpose, research methodology, participants, data collection tools/techniques, and findings. To achieve this aim, a systematic review method was adopted, and searches were conducted in national and international databases based on the following criteria: (a) the research was published between 2011 and 2022, (b) the study included educators working with migrant students with any special needs diagnosis, with either the students themselves or their parents as participants, (c) the research focused on the education of MSSN, (d) the research was published in Turkish or English, (e) the research underwent a peer review and was published, and (f) the research met at least 90% of the criteria established by the quality assessment criteria developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for evaluating the methodological quality of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Nine research articles that met these criteria were analyzed.
Findings: Within the scope of the study, 34 research articles related to the education of MSSN were identified in the national and international literature. However, most of these studies (n = 25) were excluded as they did not meet the criteria (90%) set by the quality assessment criteria developed by the JBI. According to the findings of the study, the participant group in the research on MSSN generally consisted of parents and teachers of these students. All nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were designed using qualitative research methods. Additionally, the highest number of studies was conducted in the United States.
Discussion: The findings indicate that various research studies have been conducted on the education of MSSN, particularly from 2015 onwards. These studies predominantly relied on the perspectives of the families and educators of MSSN, highlighting that the most significant challenges in their education stem from language and cultural differences. Furthermore, most of the research reported in the national and international literature did not meet the criteria of quality assessment, suggesting a need for a more significant number of high-quality studies to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Modeling of discharge in compound open channels with convergent and divergent floodplains using soft computing methods
Authors: Bijanvand Sajad , Mohammadi Mirali , Parsaie Abbas , Mandala Vishwanadham
Published: August 2023

In this research, the estimation of discharge in compound open channels with convergent and divergent floodplains using soft computing methods, including the neural fuzzy group method of data handling (NF-GMDH), support vector regression (SVR), and M5 tree algorithm were performed. For this purpose, the geometric and hydraulic characteristics of the flow, including relative roughness (ff), relative area (Ar), relative hydraulic radius (Rr), relative dimension of the flow aspects (δ*), relative width (β), relative flow depth (Dr), relative longitudinal distance (Xr), convergent or divergent angle (θ) of the floodplain and longitudinal slope (So) of the bed were used as input variables and discharge was considered as the target (output) variable. The results showed that the statistical indices of the NF-GMDH in the testing stage are RMSENF-GMDH = 0.004, R2NF-GMDH = 0.923 and in the same stage for SVR are RMSESVR= 0.002 and R2SVR = 0.941 and finally for M5 tree algorithm are RMSEM5 = 0.002, R2M5= 0.931. The evaluation of the structure of the M5 tree algorithm showed that the most effective parameters are ff, Dr, Rr, δ*, and θ which confirm the important parameters specified by MARS, GMDH, and GEP algorithms used by previous researchers.
Rare earth ions (La3+, Nd3+) substituted cobalt–strontium spinel ferrites for photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes
Authors: Ahmad Iram , Safdar Muhammad , Yasmin Nazia , Iftikhar Aisha , Kalsoom Ambreen , Khalid Sadia , Shams Zil e , Mirza Misbah
Published: August 2023

In the industrial sector, productive and effective treatment of toxic dye-based color pollutants is a key issue. Lanthanum and neodymium substituted cobalt–strontium (Co–Sr) spinel ferrite (Co0.5Sr0.5RExFe2-xO4, x = 0.00 and 0.06) catalysts were synthesized and used to degrade Congo red and rhodamine B dyes from an aqueous solution mixture in this study. For this specific purpose, RE3+ ions substituted Co–Sr spinel ferrite nanoparticles with photocatalytic degradation ability were prepared through sol–gel method. The degradation of CR and RhB in recently synthesized nanoferrites was also examined. SEM and XRD were used to characterize the prepared samples. The optical band gap values of synthesized spinel ferrites were examined with the help of Tauc plots by using UV-visible absorption. It was determined that the energy bandgap ranged from 2.91 to 2.52 eV. For Co0.5Sr0.5Fe2O4, Co0.5Sr0.5La0.06Fe1.94O4, and Co0.5Sr0.5Nd0.06Fe1.94O4 nanoferrites, the rates of CR and RhB dye degradation were 73–90% and 45–85%, respectively, at pH 5–7. The kinetics models successfully described the degradation reaction as pseudo-first-order kinetics. It was, therefore, concluded that the prepared samples can be used as effective photocatalysts in order to eliminate hazardous pollutants present in wastewater.
Water quality characteristics of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi and Lake Victoria in Uganda
Authors: Niyongabo Alain , Guan Yiqing , Zhang Danrong , Ziyuan Wang
Published: August 2023

Water is necessary for all biological life and industrial, municipal, agricultural, and residential processes. It is challenging to imagine living without water. Unfortunately, human and natural activities are causing the sources of useable water to become contaminated. Despite having enormous and unique natural water resources, Africa has experienced unprecedented environmental pollution because of the abuse of these resources. Additionally, population increase and urbanization brought by technological advancements have significantly worsened water pollution in Africa. The significant causes of pollution for surface waterways are untreated effluents released into the environment by humans and machines. It is still being determined if the emission goals set by several African countries for surface water discharge have been fulfilled. Wells and boreholes are essential sources of drinking water for Africans. However, because of their location in sterile areas, the natural water quality of these groundwater sources could be better. The primary sources of water pollution in Africa include agricultural activities, mining, roadside discharges, trash from companies and workshops, landfills, and e-waste. Oil leaks are a severe problem in oil-rich African countries. Lake Tanganyika is East Africa's most significant freshwater reservoir, while Lake Victoria is the second-deepest lake in the world.
Effect of soil on leakage rates in water distribution pipes
Authors: Omar A. Alsaydalani Majed
Published: August 2023

This paper describes an experimental and analytical study that examined the effects of soil on leakage rate from defective water pipes. An experimental model was designed and constructed to simulate idealized cracks in defective water pipes discharging into a bed of granular materials. Tests were run on three different materials: LBS-B, LBS-A, and glass ballotini with different characteristics. The results reveal that the presence of bedding material surrounding a leaking pipe causes a significant change in the leakage rate versus free flow conditions. The bedding has a greater impact on larger defect openings. There was a significant drop in the values of the coefficient of discharge (Cd) when the pipe discharged into a soil bed versus free flow conditions; this value was 38% lower for coarse particles and 70% for finer particles. The results also showed that high leakage rates could flow from the defective pipe without fluidization of the bedding materials. An analytical model based on the method of fragments was presented to predict the leakage rate after which the predicted results were compared with values measured experimentally.
Study of the applicability of Sponge City concepts for flood mitigation based on LID (low impact development) measures: A case study in Conakry City, Republic of Guinea
Authors: Bah Alhassane , Hongbo Zhang , Bah Alseny , Jufang He , Zhumei Luo
Published: August 2023

Urban flooding is becoming a significant urban epidemic in many nations throughout the world as a result of land use and climate change, and regular heavy rains. In this study, we choose to investigate the viability of Sponge City concepts for flood mitigation based on low impact development (LID) strategies in a 26.66 km2 area situated in Guinea's capital city of Conakry. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM5) was used to simulate the impact of LID measures on the lowering of runoff peaks and node flooding. Simulation results before and after LID facilities are compared in order to understand how LID measures improve flood mitigation. The study showed that LID techniques effectively reduce runoff, which helps mitigate the effects of flooding. The study demonstrated that all LID, whether used singly or in combination, can lower runoff and flooding. However, when it comes to reducing runoff and flooding, LID-combinations perform better than individual LID implementations. For the five return periods (one, five, 20, 50, and 100 years), the LID-combination reduced runoff by 67.83, 65.02, 50.44, 40.18, and 35.88%, and reduced flooding by 85.32, 72.65, 54.05, 46.17, and 42.80%, respectively. Additionally, the reduction rate of overflow junctions is 100, 100, 80, 67, and 70%, respectively.
Quercetin Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain after Brachial Plexus Avulsion
via Suppressing Oxidative Damage through Inhibition of PKC/MAPK/
NOX Pathway
Authors: Huang Yanfeng , Zhang Xie , Zou Yidan , Yuan Qiuju , Xian Yan-Fang , Lin Zhi-Xiu
Published: August 2023

Background:

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) animally involves the separation of spinal
nerve roots themselves and the correlative spinal cord segment, leading to formidable neuropathic pain
of the upper limb.

Methods:

The right seventh cervical (C7) ventral and dorsal roots were avulsed to establish a neuropathic
pain model in rats. After operation, rats were treated with quercetin (QCN) by intragastric administration
for 1 week. The effects of QCN were evaluated using mechanical allodynia tests and biochemical
assay kits.

Results:

QCN treatment significantly attenuated the avulsion-provoked mechanical allodynia, elevated
the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the C7 spinal dorsal horn. In addition, QCN administration inhibited the
activations of macrophages, microglia and astrocytes in the C6 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and C6-8
spinal dorsal horn, as well as attenuated the release of purinergic 2X (P2X) receptors in C6 DRG. The
molecular mechanism underlying the above alterations was found to be related to the suppression of
the PKC/MAPK/NOX signal pathway. To further study the anti-oxidative effects of QCN, we applied
QCN on the H2O2-induced BV-2 cells in vitro, and the results attested that QCN significantly ameliorated
the H2O2-induced ROS production in BV-2 cells, inhibited the H2O2-induced activation of
PKC/MAPK/NOX pathway.

Conclusion:

Our study for the first time provided evidence that QCN was able to attenuate pain hypersensitivity
following the C7 spinal root avulsion in rats, and the molecular mechanisms involve the
reduction of both neuro-inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress via suppression of P2X receptors
and inhibition of the activation of PKC/MAPK/NOX pathway. The results indicate that QCN is a
natural compound with great promise worthy of further development into a novel therapeutic method
for the treatment of BPA-induced neuropathic pain.
Genome Mining: Recent Trends of Drug Discovery in Natural Products
Authors: Bharali Alakesh , Ghose Shatabdi , Laloo Damiki , Kalita Jun Moni , Das Gouranga , Kuldip Prasad Satyendra
Published: August 2023

Drug discovery relies on screening for bioactive components in natural
sources, such as bacteria, fungi, and plants. Bioactive natural products and secondary
metabolites provide the main source for developing new therapeutics, serving as new
antibiotics and anticancer agents. With identifying the first biosynthetic genes over the
last few decades, scientists now have the tool at their disposal to better understand the
genetics and logic behind these biosyntheses. In addition, in this genomic age, one can
have access to an increasing number of genomes for reproducible research outcomes.
Genome mining, in conjunction with synthetic biology, has become significantly more
relevant to drug discovery. In the current chapter, the main aim is to explore how the
recent trends of genome mining and synthetic biology approaches can be used to
discover novel natural products while highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of
these techniques. We also consider the adjacent methods for the validation of data after
genome mining. By reviewing the literature, an attempt was made to finally summarize
all-natural drugs obtained by genome-mining from fungi, bacteria, and other
microorganisms.
DNA Fingerprinting for Identification and Standardization of Herbal Drugs
Authors: Khabiya Rakhi , Dwivedi Akanksha , Pratap Choudhary Gajendra , Narayanrao Darwhejar Gajanan , Pandey Swati , Jain Vishal , Vyas Amber , Kumar Pandey Ravindra , Shukla Shiv Shankar
Published: August 2023

Herbal medicines are emerging as the bliss of the modern era for the
treatment and welfare of the population owing to their safety, and minimum or lack of
side effects. Keeping this perspective in mind, the quality of herbal medicines is
equally important as allopathic medicines. To thwart the adulteration of herbal
medicines with substandard or similar low-grade herbs is the prime objective of
standardization for the maintenance of the quality of herbal medicines. Assessment of
quality and purity of crude drugs using several parameters such as morphological,
microscopical, physical, chemical & biological evaluation can be performed through
standardization technique. A number of conventional standardization methods are
available, but owing to their lackings in one or more aspects, modern standardization
techniques are being opted for by many researchers nowadays. Amid all the novel
standardization techniques, DNA fingerprinting method is the most important in the
quality control of herbal medicines on account of its accuracy and consistency. DNA
fingerprinting defines barcode-like DNA fragment patterns generated by multilocus
probes after the electrophoretic parting of genomic DNA fragments. Hence, this
chapter primarily emphasizes on DNA fingerprinting method as a tool for the
standardization of herbal medicines.
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Glycosides
Authors: Shoba Subramanian , Kavimani Subramanian , Sathya Sellaperumal
Published: August 2023

Nature has bestowed our universe with a vast wealth of restorative and
curative plants. In the 21st century, medicinal plants' therapeutic effects have been
considered a promising future drug/medicine for managing health care. The
phytochemicals in herbs are the active ingredients that possess therapeutic activity and
are considered medicine or drug. The ever increasing demand for phytochemicals from
plant origin, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts, provided unlimited
opportunities for new drug leads. Seeking therapeutic drugs from natural products is of
particular interest throughout the world. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites,
which include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins and
volatile oils. One of the important phytochemicals to be discussed in this chapter is
glycosides. Glycosides play numerous important roles in living organisms. Many plants
store chemicals in the form of inactive glycosides. These can be activated by enzymatic
or acid hydrolysis leading to one or more sugar moieties along with non-sugar
moieties. The former is called glycone, and the latter is aglycone or genin. Based on
sugar moiety linkage, they are classified as C-glycosides, O-glycosides, S-glycosides
and N-glycosides. Due to the complexity of plant chemical constituents, pure
phytochemicals must be obtained using proper extraction and isolation techniques. This
chapter focuses on the analytical methodologies, which include the extraction,
isolation, identification and characterization of glycosides from medicinal plants.