bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of interleukin 17A and interleukin -18 cytokines during active and latent TB infection in Iraqi patients
Authors: Shandaway Al-Zamali Sarah Kassab , Tarrad AL-Khafaji Jawad Kadhim , Asmar Mankhi Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Despite international control programs, tuberculosis remains a public health issue.
People with latent TB infection (LTBI) significantly increase the number of active
tuberculosis (TB) cases and carry a lifelong risk of developing the disease. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the changes in cytokine production at two
phases during the development of active pulmonary and latent tuberculosis infection and to evaluate their role as predictive markers in active and latent infections.
Blood specimens were collected from 60 patients with active pulmonary TB, 60
cases with latent TB infection and 40 healthy controls to obtain serum. ELISA kit
for IL-17A and IL18 was used to determine the concentrations of IL-17A and
IL18 according to the manufacturer's instructions (Elabscience / China). The
current study found that the mean serum concentration of interleukin-18 was significantly higher in cases with Active pulmonary tuberculosis compared to cases
with latent TB infection and healthy control, respectively (P<0.001). Also, the
mean serum concentration of IL-18 was significantly higher in subjects with latent TB infection compared to healthy controls ( P<0.001). Also, The present study
found that the mean serum concentration of IL-17A showed an insignificant variation in cases with Active pulmonary TB compared to healthy control (P< 0.069).
In contrast, the mean serum concentration of IL-17A was significantly higher in
subjects with latent TB infection as compared to healthy control(P<0.002) and
Active pulmonary TB (P<0.001). A comparison of latent and active tuberculosis
cases may provide insight into factors that shield them from disease development
and new insights into the roles of interleukin -17A and interleukin -18 at two critical stages of the M. tuberculosis infection. These findings suggest that IL-17A and
IL18 play distinct roles in two phases of tuberculosis infection and can potentially
be used to develop novel diagnostics. The IL-18 ELISA results revealed a highly
significant difference between the three groups. This information allows us to distinguish TB patients and LTBI from healthy controls. Furthermore, the current
findings indicated that IL-17A could be an alternative biomarker for LTBI diagnosis.
Keywords: Interleukin 17A , Interleukin 18 , ELISA, Active TB, Latent TB.
Social Support–Seeking Strategies on Social Media at the Intersection of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Identity, Race, and Ethnicity: Insights for Intervention From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Gordon Jacob D , Whitfield Darren L , Mammadli Tural , Escobar-Viera César G
Published: October 2023

Background

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals experience a disproportionately higher prevalence of mental health challenges when compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Moreover, they exhibit increased engagement with social media platforms relative to their peers. Understanding the intersectional dynamics of their identities is crucial in elucidating effective and safe approaches to garnering social support through social media channels. This exploration holds significance for informing future research endeavors and shaping targeted interventions to address the unique mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used by Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White LGBTQ+ young adults to acquire social support from social media. The study aimed to examine how these strategies may differ by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with LGBTQ+ young adults aged between 18 and 30 years recruited in the United States from social media. Of 52 participants, 12 (23%) were Black, 12 (23%) were Hispanic, and 28 (54%) were non-Hispanic White. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data.

Results

The analysis uncovered both divergent and convergent strategies among participants of different races and ethnicities. Black and Hispanic young adults exhibited a preference for connecting with individuals who shared similar identities, seeking safety and tailored advice. Conversely, non-Hispanic White participants demonstrated minimal preference for identity-based advice. Seeking support from anonymous sources emerged as a strategy to avoid unwanted disclosure among Hispanic participants. Furthermore, all participants emphasized the importance of content filtering with family members to cultivate positive and supportive social media experiences.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the strategies used by LGBTQ+ individuals of different racial and ethnic backgrounds to seek social support from social media platforms. The findings underscore the importance of considering race and ethnicity when examining social support–seeking behaviors on social media in LGBTQ+ populations. The identified strategies provide valuable insights for the development of interventions that aim to leverage social support from social media to benefit the mental health of Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White LGBTQ+ young adults.
Usability of Augmented Reality Technology in Situational Telementorship for Managing Clinical Scenarios: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bui Dung T , Barnett Tony , Hoang Ha , Chinthammit Winyu
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Telementorship provides a way to maintain the professional skills of isolated rural health care workers. The incorporation of augmented reality (AR) technology into telementoring systems could be used to mentor health care professionals remotely under different clinical situations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the usability of AR technology in telementorship for managing clinical scenarios in a simulation laboratory.

METHODS

This study used a quasi-experimental design. Experienced health professionals and novice health practitioners were recruited for the roles of mentors and mentees, respectively, and then trained in the use of the AR setup. In the experiment, each mentee wearing an AR headset was asked to respond to 4 different clinical scenarios: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), pneumonia severe reaction to antibiotics (PSRA), and hypoglycemic emergency (HE). Their mentor used a laptop to provide remote guidance, following the treatment protocols developed for each scenario. Rating scales were used to measure the AR’s usability, mentorship effectiveness, and mentees’ self-confidence and skill performance.

RESULTS

A total of 4 mentors and 15 mentees participated in this study. Mentors and mentees were positive about using the AR technology, despite some technical issues and the time required to become familiar with the technology. The positive experience of telementorship was highlighted (mean 4.8, SD 0.414 for mentees and mean of 4.25, SD 0.5 for mentors on the 5-point Likert scale). Mentees’ confidence in managing each of the 4 scenarios improved after telementoring (P=.001 for the ACS, AMI, and PSRA scenarios and P=.002 for the HE scenario). Mentees’ individual skill performance rates ranged from 98% in the ACS scenario to 97% in the AMI, PSRA, and HE scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence about the usability of AR technology in telementorship for managing clinical scenarios. The findings suggest the potential for this technology to be used to support health workers in real-world clinical environments and point to new directions of research.
Physical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of White Bread with The Substitution of Coconut Dregs and Avocado Seed Flour
Authors: Oktarini Winda Dwi , Anjarwati Delsi , Setiawan Ari , Ulhaq Nabilla Dhiya , Putri Desiana Nuriza
Published: October 2023

Analysis of the relationship between physical properties and consumer acceptance, which is commonly influenced by sensory properties is crucial in delivering a high-quality food product. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of physical properties, including hardness, adhesiveness, dough expansion, specific volume, color intensity (L*, a*, b*, and °hue), browning index, and analysis of consumer acceptance by employing Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. The analysis focused on high-fiber white bread made by substituting coconut dregs and avocado seed flour with different ratios, denoted as P0 (control), P1 (90% wheat flour: 5% coconut dregs flour: 5% avocado seed flour), P2 (85% wheat flour: 10% coconut dregs flour: 5% avocado seed flour), P3 (80% wheat flour: 15% coconut dregs flour: 5% avocado seed flour), P4 (75% wheat flour: 20% coconut dregs flour: 5% avocado seed flour), and P5 (70% wheat flour: 25% coconut dregs flour: 5% avocado seed flour). The results showed that consumer preferences had a positive correlation with the physical properties of white bread, including hardness, adhesiveness, dough expansion, specific volume, as well as colors L*, and °hue, while, a*, b*, and had a negative correlation with the browning index. The circular correlation analysis between physical properties and consumer acceptance indicated that the substitution of 25% coconut dregs flour and 5% avocado seed flour in white bread was accepted by consumers.
Foldon fusion of RBD and S1 fragments of SARS‐CoV‐2 to stabilize the structure of subunit protein as a vaccine candidate
Authors: Purwanto Gracia Christine Lembong , Damai Fedric Intan , Agustiyanti Dian Fitria , Wisnuwardhani Popi Hadi , Fathurahman Alfi Taufik , Rubiyana Yana , Ramadani Ratna Dwi , Sidqi Muhammad Khairul Lisan , Prasetyaningrum Pekik Wiji , Septisetyani Endah Puji , Supriatna Dadang , Ningrum Ratih Asmana , Kusharyoto Wien , Pramanda Ihsan Tria , Wardiana Andri
Published: October 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic threatened public health around the world at the same time as highlighting the urgency of vaccine development. Subunit vaccines are safe and effective vaccine types that utilize parts of viruses to trigger the body’s immune response. Previous research has shown that fusion of the spike protein with the foldon domain (fd) achieved the trimeric form to increase the protein stability of the recombinant subunit protein spike from SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV, thus exceeding the immune response in the body. The study aims to observe the expression of RBD‐fd and S1‐fd recombinant proteins from the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 in CHO‐K1 mammalian cells and investigate the binding activity of those proteins with hACE2 receptors, expressed in HEK293T cells using immunofluorescence staining. The plasmids were transiently transfected into the cells, followed by antibiotic selection using G418 as an initial stage to select the positive stable transformants. Protein expression was confirmed by Western blotting and showed an estimated size for monomeric RBD‐fd of 35 kDa and S1‐fd of 55 kDa. However, the trimeric form of the proteins was not observed. In addition, immunofluorescence staining showed the binding activity between the RBD‐fd and S1‐fd proteins and hACE2 expressing cell line, revealing binding and an internalization process.
Editorial note
Authors: Kuteleva Anya
Published: October 2023

This issue of Politikon: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science features a diverse selection of articles exploring various political aspects. These contributions offer insightful analyses on topics ranging from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's populist discourse to the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, this issue introduces the Conversations section, a platform for diverse forms of academic engagement. This section is open to opinion essays, interviews, pedagogical discussions, film commentaries, and critical reflections on academic events within the realm of Political Science. It aims to expand the boundaries of Political Science to encompass creative interventions and interdisciplinary dialogue. In this issue, the Conversations section focuses on transnational collaborations in academia, with reflections on student engagement and academic publishing experiences.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Establishment of the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Authors: Capati Andrea
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented exogenous shock for the European Union (EU) and its Member States, one that demanded a joint response at the EU level rather than several differentiated responses at the Member State level. As such, the pandemic crisis opened up a “window of opportunity” for institutional change in the EU’s financial assistance regime. This change pertains to the development of a set of rules governing the disbursement and withdrawal of funding to Member States in the context of crisis management. The paper thus aims to answer the following question: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the EU’s financial assistance regime? Drawing on a revisited historical institutionalist framework that allows for the examination of different types of institutional development, the paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a “critical juncture” for the EU's financial assistance regime, resulting in a shift from intergovernmental coordination (with the European Stability Mechanism) to a form of limited supranational delegation (with the Recovery and Resilience Facility).
Transporte internacional de mercancías: Guía práctica con Incoterms
Authors: Soto Morales César
Published: October 2023

La guía consta de tres unidades y se relaciona con las asignaturas antecesoras seriadas y con la materia de Comercio internacional. En la primera se estudia la estructura y las funciones del departamento de tráfico de la empresa, en la segunda se explican los procedimientos logísticos de la cadena de transportación logística y, por último, en la tercera se llevan a la práctica los conocimientos adquiridos mediante la explicación de un caso práctico que incluye paso a paso el procedimiento para localizar mercados de exportación, realización de rutas, selección de transporte y cálculo de costos y riesgos.
Evaluating the Antibacterial Profile of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles – Vitamin E (CuO NPs-Vit E) Complex against Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Variyathody Haris , Arthanari Malarvizhi , Murugan Manohar , Kuppannan Gobianand
Published: October 2023

Millions of people die every year as a result of infections’ multidrug resistance (MDR) pathogens. Therefore, the creation of novel antibiotics is urgently required for the treatment of bacterial illnesses that are resistant to a variety of drugs. The current study concentrated on the development of copper oxide nanoparticles conjugated with Vitamin-E (CuO NPs-Vit E complex), which was evaluated using various approaches like FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction). The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity was investigated against MDR Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant properties of CuO NPs-Vit E complex were determined using DPPH and FRAP assay. The CuO NPs-Vit E complex showed excellent anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant activities. Moreover, it was found to be biocompatible and non-toxic to normal cells. Therefore, the synthesized CuO NPs-Vit E complex can be used for the creation of new drugs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Deformation and Shear Stress Analysis of Torsional Rod Used in Automobile in Various Materials Using Solidworks and Ansys: A Review
Authors: Kahar Tarun Kumar , Saini Ruchika , Satankar Rajesh
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Deformation and shear stress analysis are pivotal considerations in the design and performance evaluation of mechanical components, particularly in the automobile industry. The behaviour of torsional rods, critical load-bearing elements in many automotive systems, necessitates meticulous assessment to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. This review delves into the comprehensive study of deformation and shear stress analysis of torsional rods employed in automobiles. The investigation harnesses the capabilities of two industry-standard simulation tools, SolidWorks and ANSYS, to explore a spectrum of materials commonly used in automotive engineering. The juxtaposition of SolidWorks and ANSYS serves as a comprehensive approach to examining the behaviour of torsional rods across various materials, offering valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Through illustrative case studies and comparative analyses, this review sheds light on the unique attributes of different materials and simulation platforms, contributing to the advancement of automotive component design and analysis methodologies. Based on previous research the objective of this review paper is “Deformation and Static Stress Analysis of Torsional Rod Using Various Materials” Based on previous research the objective of this review paper is “Deformation and Shear Stress Analysis of Torsional Rod Using Various Materials”
Food Quality Control & Assurance Using Artificial Intelligence: A Review Paper
Authors: Bhatt Shobha
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This review article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the food industry and its impact on food safety. It explores several AI technologies that have been used to deliver quality products to customers. As people have gained knowledge over the years, their demands have grown, and this article clearly shows who AI brings into the picture. AI is more efficient than humans in terms of specification, classification and uniformity and has helped improve efficiency and reduce food costs. For example, ML (Machine Learning) and DL (Deep Learning) have been used to make various products such as fruit-based pastries, ketchup, juices etc. Food Associates now closely monitors every aspect of daily operations, from the formation of microorganisms and bacteria to the quality and size of the cookies. In this way, other sectors can also adopt and utilize the benefits of artificial intelligence in their production activities. Artificial intelligence helps gather graphical representation of data for better data optimization, which helps in forecasting growth, quality control and assurance. Further studies have shown a strong positive relationship between the independent variables Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), NLP improvement in SQ. Secondary journals have supported these findings, and AI technologies have been shown to improve the quality of services in the healthcare and food industries
Amazon Fine Food Review Analysis
Authors: Khandale Shreyas , Patil Prathamesh , Patil Rohan
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the Amazon Fine Food Reviews dataset, encompassing both descriptive and predictive analyses. The study involved employing various text mining techniques, dimensionality reduction approaches, and linear regression models to forecast review scores. Ultimately, a model was developed that achieved a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.0936, enabling accurate predictions for new reviews.
AppleGo: React Js (Web Application)
Authors: Garg Nehal , Chopra Jatin , Kumar Vinod , Aggarwal Krishna
Published: October 2023

Abstract: In today's digital landscape, users face the inconvenience of visiting multiple platforms to hunt for the best prices on Apple devices. However, "AppleGo" aims to be the solution to this problem. This innovative platform consolidates listings of nearby shops on a single platform, enabling users to effortlessly compare and discover the most favorable prices for their desired devices. "AppleGo" is a groundbreaking online platform designed to revolutionize the way users find Apple devices from nearby shops. It eliminates the need for physically searching multiple stores by offering a comprehensive list of available devices, complete with the best discounts. Users can conveniently identify the ideal option without the hassle of in-person visits. This platform also empowers local Apple shop owners, facilitating easy registration and the showcasing of services and packages to potential customers. By enhancing visibility and expanding their customer reach, "AppleGo" aids shop owners in growing their businesses. In essence, the platform bridges the gap between users and shop owners, creating a win-win solution that saves time and effort for users and boosts business prospects for local shops.
Sustainable environment in the classroom: Exploring environmental socioscientific issues (ESSI) using Mongabay online news site
Authors: Genisa Marlina Ummas , Angraini Erni
Published: October 2023

Environmental issues in online newspapers allow environmental course instructors to examine social scientific topics in a sustainable. However, it remains a problem for instructors to fully examine the dimensions of knowledge connected to the environment in online newspapers. The purpose of this research is to develop a fundamental framework for studying scientific information in online newspapers that can be integrated into the curriculum and utilized successfully to foster environmentally conscious young people. The exploratory process utilizes Robert N. Entman's framing analysis model combined with Bloom's taxonomy. According to Bloom's taxonomy, framing has two dimensions: environmental issue selection and issue emphasis, which is centered on the knowledge dimension. The findings indicate that the Mongabay media, in generating news about environmental concerns such as mangrove degradation can highlight the full aspects of environmental knowledge, allowing it to be utilized as a medium for environmental learning in the classroom. However, the information presented on Mongabay media reveals more of the dimension of knowledge at a factual level only. Therefore, it is still to enrich material especially that which is not presented in the news to explore conceptual and procedural dimensions.
Students’ achievement of the 21st century skills in the process of teaching and learning biology among science students
Authors: Pamungkas Rahmania , Hadi Suwono  , Herawati Susilo  , Ibrohim I. , Muhammad Saefi  , Reni Marlina  , Sari Tri Maniarta
Published: October 2023

Nearly one in five pupils in OECD nations do not possess the fundamental knowledge and abilities necessary to get by in today's communities (OECD, 2019), which is a sign of exclusion. There is an unfairness in that students from low socioeconomic origins are twice as likely to be low performers, suggesting that social or personal factors prevent them from fulfilling their educational potential. This study intends to investigate the achievement of the 21st Century Biology Skills Test (21CBST) and to compare it to students’ level of socio-economic status. The result (TIMSS) (2015) revealed that Indonesian students failed to achieve minimum standards in Science and Mathematics, with 33.3% achievement in science and 35% in mathematics for content domain and 33,3% in the cognitive domain. Comprising 37 multiple choice items, the 21st Century Biology Skills Test (21C-BST) includes representatives from five domains which are; i) Digital Age Literacy, ii) Inventive Thinking, iii) Effective Communication, iv) High Productivity, and v) Religion, Health and Civic. The respondents comprised 210 form students who took biology subject in school. The study revealed that students from high socio-economic status scored higher than their counterparts from low socioeconomic status. This paper concludes with some practical suggestions for improving students’ 21st-century skills, particularly within the context of biology teaching and learning.
Evaluación antihelmíntica de cuatro extractos de árboles forrajeros contra el nematodo Haemonchus contortus bajo condiciones in vitro
Authors: Santiago-Figueroa Itzel , Lara-Bueno Alejandro , González-Garduño Roberto , Mendoza-de Gives Pedro , Delgado-Núñez Edgar Jesús , Maldonado-Simán Ema De Jesús , Garedaghi Yagoob , Olmedo-Juárez Agustín
Published: October 2023

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto nematicida de cuatro extractos hidroalcohólicos (EHA) de Brosimum alicastrum (EHA-Ba), Guazuma ulmifolia (EHA-Gu), Erythrina americana (EHA-Ea) y Leucaena leucocephala (EHA-Ll) contra Haemonchus contortus. Se usaron las pruebas de inhibición de la eclosión de huevos (IEH) y mortalidad larval (larvas infectantes). Los tratamientos fueron los EHA´s a concentraciones de 6.25-50 mg/ml para IEH y de 25-100 mg/mlpara mortalidad larval, ivermectina (5 mg/ml, control positivo) y agua destilada (control negativo). Los datos se analizaron mediante un ANOVA y los tratamientos con efecto dependiente a la concentración se sometieron a un análisis de regresión para determinar las concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL90).  Además, se realizó un análisis fitoquímico a los extractos para identificar la presencia de los principales metabolitos secundarios.  La mejor actividad ovicida  y larvicida fue observada en  EHA-Gu con  un 96.78 % de IEH a 6.25 mg/ml y 57.2 % de mortalidad larval a 75 mg/ml. Seguido de EHA-Ba mostrando 90 % IEH a 6.25 mg/mly un 58.0 % de mortalidad larval a 75 mg/ml. Las CL50 y CL90 del EHA-Gu sobre la IEH fueron 2.7 y 4.4 mg/ml, respectivamente. Mientras que las CL´s de este mismo extracto sobre larvas fue de CL50=64 y CL90=125 mg/ml. El análisis fitoquímico indica que todos los extractos contienen taninos, cumarinas, flavonoides y terpenos. Las especies forrajeras G. ulmifolia y E. americana podrían ser plantas candidatas para el control de H. contortus.
Contaminación de alimento comercial seco para perro por Aspergillus flavus y aflatoxinas en Aguascalientes, México
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Lizbeth , Valdivia-Flores Arturo Gerardo , Quezada-Tristán Teódulo , Guerrero-Barrera Alma Lilián , Rangel-Muñoz Erika Janet , Arroyo Zúñiga Karla Isela , Álvarez-Días Fernanda , Signorini-Porchietto Marcelo Lisandro
Published: October 2023

El alimento comercial seco (ACS) para perro es una ración integral completamente mezclada y troquelada con calor y presión para darle forma de croqueta. El ACS está formulado con diversos ingredientes y subproductos agroindustriales de origen agrícola y pecuario. La contaminación por Aspergillus flavus y por aflatoxinas (AFs) en los alimentos se ha demostrado que es un problema global que causa daños a la salud humana y animal. El objetivo fue evaluar la presencia de microbiota fúngica y contaminación por AFs en el ACS. Una muestra aleatoria (n=77) de ACS comercializado se seleccionó en Aguascalientes, México. Las muestras fueron procesadas y cultivadas por diluciones seriadas, obteniendo aislados monospóricos, los cuales se caracterizaron morfológica, toxigénica (HPLC) y molecularmente (PCR).  La concentración de AFs en ACS se cuantificó por HPLC. En el 53.2 % de ACS se observó crecimiento fúngico y 7.8 % superaron el límite máximo permisible (LMP=106 UFC/g). Se encontraron los géneros Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Alternaria y Fusarium (69.4, 12.9, 9.4, 4.7, 1.7 y 1.1%, respectivamente). Todas las muestras de ACS mostraron contaminación por AFs (14.8 ± 0.3 µg/kg) y el 11.8 % excedió el LMP (20.0 µg/kg) sugerido por la normatividad; la contaminación se asoció significativamente (P<0.05) con algunos ingredientes empleados, humedad del ACS e inclusión de fungicidas y secuestrantes. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que el proceso de elaboración del ACS no elimina completamente la contaminación por hongos ni por las AFs presentes en los ingredientes empleados para su formulación; en consecuencia, éstos permanecen en el producto terminado poniendo en riesgo la salud de los perros y eficacia de la cadena alimenticia.
Efecto del uso de agua residual tratada sobre el suelo y cultivos forrajeros de Chenopodium quinoa Willd y Zea mays L.
Authors: Velasco-Cruz Ana Lilia , Velasco-Velasco Vicente Arturo , Ruiz-Luna Judith , Enríquez-del Valle José Raymundo , Martínez-Gutiérrez Aarón , Guzmán-Sebastián Karen Del Carmen
Published: October 2023

Ante la escasez del recurso hídrico para el uso agrícola, es necesario promover el uso del agua residual para la agricultura. En las localidades Capulálpam de Méndez e Ixtlán de Juárez, Estado de Oaxaca cuentan con plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) de tipo anaerobio. Se evaluó el crecimiento morfológico, producción de biomasa y contenido de N y P en dos especies forrajeras: Chenopodium quinoa Willd y Zea mays, regados con agua residual tratada (ART). Se estableció un diseño completo aleatorio (DCA) en cada municipio, dada la homogeneidad del suelo. Con arreglo factorial 2 x 2, esto es, dos cultivos forrajeros (Quinoa y maíz), y dos tipos de riego (agua dulce y agua residual tratada), con 4 repeticiones por tratamiento. Se realizaron análisis de varianza y pruebas de media Tukey (P≤0.05) de las variables estudiadas. En los suelos el nivel de pH fue “moderadamente acido” a “neutro” (5.1 a 7.3); la CE indicó “Efectos despreciables de la salinidad”; Materia orgánica en intervalos de “medio a alto”; y Textura Franco arcilloso arenoso en Ixtlán y Franco arcilloso en Capulálpam. Las variables de crecimiento (altura de planta, diámetro de tallo y número de hojas) y biomasa fueron significativamente mayores en plantas regadas con agua residual tratada en ambos cultivos forrajeros. El contenido de nitrógeno y fósforo fue significativamente mayor en plantas de quinoa y maíz que recibieron ART. El ART podría ser una alternativa que ayude a disminuir el uso de fertilizantes químicos, al ser una fuente importante de nutrimentos en los cultivos forrajeros.
Detección de patógenos de importancia epidemiológica en cerdos ferales de Chihuahua y Durango, México
Authors: Haro Tirado Mario Enrique , Fuentes Rodríguez José Martín , Chacón Zendejas Claudia , Lafón Terrazas Alberto , Lecuona Olivares Luis , Pineda Pérez Rodolfo , Carreon Napoles Rosalba
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar en cerdos ferales la presencia de Salmonella spp (Spp), el virus del síndrome reproductivo y respiratorio porcino (VPRRS), circovirus porcino tipo 2 (PCV2), virus de influenza porcina (VIP), virus de diarrea epidémica porcina (VDEP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) y Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App). Las muestras se obtuvieron de cerdos en los estados de Chihuahua y Durango, México. Las pruebas analizadas para los animales de Chihuahua fueron hisopado nasal para VIP, hisopado rectal para Spp y VDEP, suero para VPRRS y PCV2, pulmón, hígado y linfonodos para Spp, VIP, VPRRS y PCV2, así como suero para pruebas serológicas. De los animales del estado de Durango se recolectó hisopado nasal para VIP, hisopado rectal para Spp y VDEP, y suero para PCV2 para estudios moleculares y serológicos. Los resultados moleculares en ambos estados mostraron muestras positivas para PCV2, 73.3 % en Chihuahua y 91.3 % para Durango, de igual forma se obtuvieron dos muestras positivas para Spp en el estado de Chihuahua (13.3 %) y una en Durango (6.6 %), para VIP hubo dos positivas (8.7 %) en Durango. Para VPRRS y VDEP, las muestras fueron negativas en ambos estados. Los resultados serológicos en cerdos de los dos estados mostraron positividad para PCV2, Spp y App. Las muestras fueron negativas para VPRRS, VDEP y Mhyo en ambos estados. Es importante remarcar la detección molecular y serológica de cerdos ferales positivos a diversos agentes infecciosos importantes en la producción porcina con repercusiones zoosanitarias en la salud pública, que implica una relevancia epidemiológica de estos animales en el contexto de “una salud”.
Avaliação e intervenção do desequilíbrio musculoesquelético em tenistas infantojuvenis
Authors: Lima Dartel Ferrari , Lima Lohran Anguera , Dos Santos Daniel
Published: October 2023

A precocidade do diagnóstico e tratamento de desequilíbrios musculoesqueléticos em atletas, favorece a saúde e o rendimento do desportista. Crianças e adolescentes são mais acometidos à medida que se especializam precocemente no esporte. Este artigo mostra a organização de um processo de avaliação físico-funcional e de intervenção nos desequilíbrios musculoesqueléticos da cintura pélvica e dos membros inferiores de tenistas infantojuvenis, mediante ação transversal, em amostra de conveniência não probabilística. A avaliação procurou assimetrias da mecânica estrutural nos atletas. Participaram 23 tenistas de campo, de ambos os sexos, com idade de 9 a 17 anos. As assimetrias encontradas se acentuavam em relação direta com o maior tempo de prática do esporte, prevalecendo no hemicorpo não dominante dos atletas.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DAS HISTÓRIAS EM QUADRINHOS NA MOBILIZAÇÃO E DIVULGAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO CIENTÍFICO
Authors: Silva Taís Oliveira
Published: October 2023

O ensino das ciências precisa de reflexões, principalmente no tocante aos mecanismos de divulgação e aproximação delas. A matemática é um exemplo de ciência que historicamente é de difícil compreensão, causando resistência aos processos de ensino e aprendizagem. Considerando os aspectos supracitados, é perceptível que muitos métodos de ensino surgem a partir da tentativa de mobilizar a aprendizagem dessa ciência. Ao analisar esse cenário, percebeu-se que as Histórias em Quadrinhos são métodos potenciais, os quais, nas últimas décadas, têm contribuído nos processos de conhecimento, tendo em vista seu caráter cômico e atrativo que aproxima os estudantes da aprendizagem. Percebendo essa capacidade, foi pensada a elaboração de um projeto de extensão que fizesse uso das Histórias em Quadrinhos (HQ), visando a mobilização e a divulgação do conhecimento matemático. Para tanto, selecionou-se uma amostragem de dez alunos, a fim de que passassem por processos formativos, apropriação do instrumento didático (HQ) e do saber canônico, bem como disseminação do aprendizado. Desse modo, para exploração dos resultados, contou-se com o material produzido, o retorno obtido nos meios de comunicação (Instagram) e com a mobilização dos saberes dos estudantes participantes. Os resultados obtidos na averiguação foram promissores e acredita-se que contribuirão com novas pesquisas, no que se refere à utilização das HQ no ensino de ciências.
Image Segmentation in Aerial Imagery: A Review
Authors: Purwanto Ade , Budiarti Dewi Habsari , Purnamastuti Fithri Nur , Tanasa Irfansyah Yudhi , Guno Yomi , Yunata Aris Surya , Wibowo Mukti , Hidayat Asyaraf , Dirgahayu Dede
Published: October 2023

The problem of distinguishing objects has plagued researchers for many years because of low accuracy compared to human eyes’ capability. In the last decade, the use of Machine Learning in aerial imagery data processing has multiplied, with the technology behind it has also developed exponentially. One of those technologies is image-based object identification, which relies heavily upon data computation. To reduce the computational load, various data segmentation algorithm was developed. This study is focused on reviewing the various image segmentation technology in aerial imagery for image recognition. Literature from as far as 1981 from various journals and conferences worldwide was reviewed. This review examines specific research questions to analyze image segmentation research over time and the challenges researchers face with each method. Machine Learning has gained popularity among segmentation methods. However, Deep Learning has been aggressively put an essential role in it by overcoming many of its weaknesses. The advanced algorithm used in Deep Learning to process the segmentation may drive more efficient and accurate data processing.
Responding to Covid-19 Pandemics and Afflictions: A Sufi Perspective
Authors: Mohamed Meerasahibu Dheen Mohamed
Published: October 2023

This paper is an attempt to approach the Covid 19 pandemic from the vantage point of the Sufi tradition which is the spiritual dimension of Islam. Based on the guidance of the Qur’ān and the Prophetic examples, Sufis have contributed to the Islamic spiritual and psychological domains to the extent that their science, Tasawwuf, itself was termed by them Psychology, ʻilm al-nafs. Utilizing some of the basics of their tradition and employing analytic methodology accompanied by insights from semantics, philosophy, psychology, and history, the paper endeavours to present the Sufi approach to pandemics in simple language. The aim is to draw attention to this usually ignored approach in the context of this pandemic and to highlight some of what, I believe to be useful means of solace for the modern man who is caught between the rim and axis of this affliction. It also can provide him with some necessary inspiration as to how to free himself from depression and be optimistic, especially in times of pandemics and afflictions. The paper also seeks to remind the reader of the importance of the worldview one holds in any discussion related to human life and cosmic events.
Challenges in Applying a Student-Centred Approach to E-Learning for Islamic Education in Primary Schools during the Pandemic Covid-19: Preliminary Data Analysis
Authors: Tengku Kasim Tengku Sarina Aini , Mohd Noor Nur Eliza , Md Yusoff Yusmini
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world significantly in various sectors and industries, including the educational sector. For example, traditional classroom learning, which is more teacher-centred, is being replaced by e-learning, which takes a student-centred approach. However, this approach is considered distinct from the teaching and learning practice of Islamic Education taught in the classroom before the pandemic. This sudden shift presents a significant challenge to Islamic Education teachers to apply more student-centred e-learning. According to the literature review, several issues arose when Islamic Education e-learning was implemented, such as low student engagement, few active students, little student feedback, and high student dropout rates. Thus, this preliminary study examined the challenges of implementing the student-centred approach to e-learning for Islamic Education in primary schools. This study adopted a qualitative design with an in-depth interview involving Islamic Education teachers in primary schools. The study’s findings revealed that the research informants continuously implemented the student-centred approach even when the country was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, despite facing challenges, especially in student personality development. Moreover, the findings suggest that teachers must better comprehend and implement a more creative student-centred approach in e-learning to align with 21st-century education and fulfil their responsibility for students’ future personality development.
Critical Investigation on the Pandemic from the Islamic Perspective
Authors: Ramli Ahmad Faizuddin , Ramli Nusairah , Huda Miftachul , Hussain Liya Khaulah Asy-Syaimaa’ , Ramli Nur Isti’anah
Published: October 2023

Since the emergence of the global challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, its impact could be widely viewed in various human society aspects, such as education, business trading and also social interaction limit. Apart from many discussions on the pandemic from a wide range of such perspectives, scholarly attention is still rarely mainly in trying to elaborate the critical overview from an Islamic perspective following theological, historical, and sociological points of view. In this paper, the critical elaboration of the pandemic has been widely discussed by analysing the contents of sacred scriptures and responses from an Islamic point of view. The literature was critically conducted from religious sources such as the Qur’an and Hadith, and also related contemporary works. The finding reveals that the pandemic has been given full attention as stated in the Qur’an and narrated in Hadith by taking a lesson from pandemics and strategically battling the pandemic. The following attentions were addressed in order to strengthen the Muslim community and society in order to support the health protocols arranged by the local and international health organizations. The value is that religion’s clear comprehension could give continued support to encourage the Muslim community especially and general society at large in the attempts to battle the spreading pandemic.
PPC – A PROJECT TO CRITICAL REAPPRAISAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE MÜHL "COMMUNE".
Authors: Elisabeth Schäfer  , Paul Robert Anxionnaz  , Ida Clay
Published: October 2023

This open exposition was designed by Elisabeth Schäfer, Paul-Julien Robert, and Ida Clay as members of the PPC FWF PEEK project to critically examine the history of the Mühl "commune"/sect at Friedrichshof/Burgenland Austria.

Founded by the Viennese Actionist artist Otto Mühl in 1972 and dissolved by the Communards in 1990, the "AA Commune" was initially dedicated to raising awareness of habitualization through domination in everyday socio-cultural life practice and to liberating people from the sphere of influence of powerful social institutions. Their declared goal was to overcome authoritarian institutions such as the state, the church, the bourgeois family, capitalism, and patriarchy with the help of science, art, and liberated sexuality. The social experiment ended in a highly authoritarian system within a controlled community. Mühl was sentenced to seven years in prison for multiple sexual abuse.

Together with contemporary witnesses, the project strives for a re-examination and reappraisal of the commune and its effects through "research in and through the arts" by building a research space collaboratively designed by artists, contemporary witnesses and scholars as a reservoir for the joint exploration of individual and collective historical aspects of the AAO: (Re)writing of Reality Through Discourse.

This open exposition is one share of this (re-)writing through discourse. It presents an overview and excerpt from the three-year artistic research project in the form of a research landscape in which various formats can be visited as stages of research. In the form of a mapping we have embedded audio, video and text products into the research landscape of our project. Central locations of this landscape are the Friedrichshof in Burgenland, Austria, site of the former "commune"/sect & the Volkskunde Museum Vienna as national cooperation partner of the project.

Title of the project: PPC - Performing Primal Communism. (Re)writing of Reality Through Discourse

Principal investigator: Paul-Julien Robert
Project Team: Ida Clay, Thomas Marschall, Elisabeth Schäfer
Research location: Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (Institute of Fine Arts | IBK) | Karl-Schweighofergasse 3 | 1070 Vienna
Cooperation partner: Volkskundemuseum Wien

Funding: PPC is an FWF PEEK project [AR568] Project duration: 2020-2023
Host size overrides maternal effects on development of a secondary hyperparasitoid wasp
Authors: Shi Xianhui , Gols Rieta , Boer Jetske , Harvey Jeff
Published: October 2023

Offspring phenotype in most organisms is significantly mediated by
genetically-based traits inherited from both parents. For instance, in
many well-studied organisms, such as mammals, traits like body size and
morphology are heritable and are passed on from one generation to the
next. In invertebrates, such as arthropods, the situation is more
complex, because traits like growth rate and body size are often more
strongly correlated with biotic and abiotic parameters like food quality
and availability and temperature. Thus, growth and body size are less
based on heritability from parents (‘nature’) and more influenced by
short-term environmental factors (‘nurture’). Here, we evaluate maternal
and host size-related effects on the development of an asexually
reproducing (= female only) parasitoid, Gelis agilis on pre-pupae in
cocoons of its host, the primary parasitoid, Cotesia glomerata. Female
G. agilis from two adult size classes, ‘small’ (mean 0.7 mg) or ‘large’
(mean 1.2 mg) were allowed to parasitize cocoons of differing size along
a continuum from ~1.2 mg to ~4.0 mg and
the body size and development time of their offspring was measured. In
both body size classes of G. agilis mothers, offspring adult body size
correlated strongly with host cocoon size, whereas there was no maternal
effect on offspring size. Our results reveal that host quality
completely overrides any effects of maternal size on the development of
G. agilis. Given that parasitoids are under strong selection for optimal
exploitation, allocation and utilization of limited resources contained
in individual hosts, we argue that host quality is far more of a
constraint on parasitoid development and fitness than traits inherited
from one or both parents when producing sexually.
Are opioids effective analgesics and is physiological opioid dependence benign?: Revising current assumptions to effectively manage long-term opioid therapy and its’ deprescribing
Authors: Manhapra Ajay , Maclean Ross , Rosenheck Robert , Becker William
Published: October 2023

A reexamination of clinical principles of long-term opioid therapy
(LTOT) for chronic pain is long overdue amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
Most patients on LTOT report ineffectiveness (poor pain control,
function, and health), but still find deprescribing challenging.
Although prescribed as analgesics, opioids more likely provide pain
relief primarily through reward system actions (enhanced relief and
motivation) and placebo effect and less through anti-nociceptive
effects. The unavoidable physiologic LTOT dependence can automatically
lead to a paradoxical worsening of pain, disability, and medical
instability (maladaptive opioid dependence) without addiction due to
allostatic opponent neuroadaptations involving reward/anti-reward and
nociceptive/anti-nociceptive systems. This opioid induced chronic pain
syndrome (OICP) can persist/progress whether LTOT dose is maintained at
the same level, increased, decreased, or discontinued. Current
conceptualization of LTOT as a straightforward long-term analgesic
therapy appears incongruous in view of the complex mechanisms of opioid
action, LTOT dependence and OICP. LTOT can be more appropriately
conceptualized as therapeutic induction and maintenance of an adaptive
LTOT dependence for functional improvement irrespective of analgesic
benefits. Adaptive LTOT dependence should be ideally used for a limited
time to achieve maximum functional recovery and deprescribed while
maintaining functional gains. Patients on LTOT should be regularly
reevaluated to identify if maladaptive LTOT dependence with OICP has
diminished any functional gains or lead to ineffectiveness. Ineffective
LTOT (with maladaptive LTOT dependence) should be modified to make it
safer and more effective. An adequately functional life without opioids
is the ideal healthy long-term goal for both LTOT initiation and LTOT
modification.
Interactions between chaperone and energy storage networks during the evolution of Legionella pneumophila under heat shock
Authors: Liang Jeffrey , Faucher Sebastien
Published: October 2023

Waterborne transmission of the bacterium L. pneumophila has
emerged as a major cause of severe nosocomial infections of major public
health impact. The major route of transmission involves the uptake of
aerosolized bacteria, often from the contaminated hot water systems of
large buildings. Public health regulations aimed at controlling the
mesophilic pathogen are generally concerned with acute pasteurization
and maintaining high temperatures at the heating systems and throughout
the plumbing of hot water systems, but L. pneumophila is often
able to survive these treatments due to both bacterium-intrinsic and
environmental factors. Previous work has established an experimental
evolution system to model the observations of increased heat resistance
in repeatedly but unsuccessfully pasteurized L. pneumophila
populations. Here, we show rapid fixation of novel alleles in lineages
selected for resistance to heat shock and shifts in mutational profile
related to increases in the temperature of selection. Gene-level and
nucleotide-level parallelisms between independently-evolving lineages
show the centrality of the DnaJ/DnaK chaperone system in the heat
resistance of L. pneumophila. Inference of epistatic interactions
through reverse genetics shows an unexpected interaction between
DnaJ/DnaK and the polyhydroxybutyrate-accumulation energy storage
mechanism used by the species to survive long-term starvation in
low-nutrient environments.