bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTS AMONG ENGINEERING STUDENTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DARES SALAAM, TANZANIA
Authors:   Daud N. Mollel Faculty of Commerceand Business Studies, Department of Business and Administration Studies, St. Johns University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania., N. Mollel Daud , Gervas Gabriel ,   Gervas Gabries, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. School of Busines, Dares Salaam Campus College, Mzumbe University, Dares Salaam, Tanzania.
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to investigate the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among engineering students at the College of Engineering and Technology (CoET) in the University of Dar es Salaam. Understanding the factors influencing students intends to pursue entrepreneurial actions, the paper addresses the insights to adopt entrepreneurial attitudes built within engineering curricula that emphasized determinants to nurture entrepreneurial intentions among university students across different degree specializations. Demographic characteristics such as gender, family background, attitude, entrepreneurial support, and learning from role models were considered. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and secondary data was from the internet, journals, and books. A total of 124 (82.67%) questionnaires were duly filled out and returned. Data was analysed using SPSS V.25 to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics. Generally, the need for independence is the key factor in the entrepreneurial intent of future engineers. The study revealed that most students had entrepreneurial intentions emanating from attitudinal factors such as creativity, leadership, locus of control, the need for achievement, and government entrepreneurial support. Both age and family background have insignificant influence on entrepreneurial intention among engineering students. It is recommended that, various agents have to be involved in increasing the promotion towards the creation of business enterprises and encouraging more female students to enroll in engineering studies.
Case of delayed diagnosis of combined urogenita and pulmonary tuberculosis in a patient with abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Remneva O. V. , Belnickaya O. A. , Gorbacheva T. I. , Gerval’d V. Ya. , Glios A. P. , Chikmenev A. V.
Published: November 2024

According to the World Health Organization tuberculosis remains a global health issue for both adult and pediatric populations worldwide. Among women the peak incidence occurs during the active reproductive age, with pregnant women being 1.5–2 times more likely to be affected and experience more severe symptoms than non-pregnant women. In the Altai Region, the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis is characterized by instability, with the incidence rate among women reaching

30.5 per 100 000 of the corresponding population in 2022. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications, including fatal outcomes for both mother and fetus. This article describes a clinical observation of a case of urogenital and pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed three months after premature abdominal delivery. The course of pregnancy was complicated by acute pleuritis at 13–14 weeks, however, negative results of bacteriological culture of pleural fluid led to the absence of specific tuberculosis treatment and the development of chronic subcompensated placental dysfunction. Three months after delivery, a 34-year-old patient was admitted to the gynecological department of the emergency hospital with abnormal uterine bleeding. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology of an endometrial sample revealing tuberculous granulomas without caseous necrosis with epithelioid giant cells of Pirogov – Langhans. Subsequently, generalized tuberculosis was diagnosed in the preterm infant. The negative impact of undiagnosed combined urogenital and pulmonary tuberculosis on the course and outcome of pregnancy is demonstrated, including the development of anemia, placental dysfunction, preterm delivery, puerperal complications, and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Evidence-based medicine: Indole-3-carbinol and resveratrol in human papillomavirus-associated conditions
Authors: Enkova E. V. , Khoperskaya O. V. , Shamarin S. V. , Enkova V. V. , Aseev A. V.
Published: November 2024

Of all types of cancer in the female reproductive system, cervical cancer has the greatest social significance due to its impact on young patients, often even those who have not yet completed their reproductive function, and it is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Considering the lack of etiological therapy for human papillomavirus and associated diseases, the high demand for effective methods of medical therapeutic support, and the absence of a gold standard treatment apart from destructive and excisional methods, it seems reasonable to consider the use of nutrients with anticancer effects in the treatment of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia both as an addition to the watchful waiting strategy and in the use of ablative treatment methods, as well as their adjuvant appointment in the case of obligatory precancer. Based on domestic and foreign literature sources from electronic databases such as PubMed, CyberLeninka, and Elibrary, this review presents data on the use of trans-resveratrol and indole-3-carbinol in HPV-associated diseases. The combination of two mutually complementary anticancer antioxidants – indole-3-carbinol, which primarily has antiproliferative effects, and trans-resveratrol, which restores cellular apoptosis mechanisms, comprehensively affects the pathogenetic mechanisms of the virus-induced pathological process: it has been proven to reduce the expression of oncogenes E6 and E7, increase the expression of tumor suppressor proteins – p53, pRb, PTEN, and decrease markers of proliferation PCNA and Ki-67. The combination of 200 mg of indole-3-carbinol and 60 mg of trans-resveratrol for the prevention of persistent papillomavirus infection and the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has impressive potential; however, further research is needed to determine the most effective application schemes.
The diagnostic role of Lactobacillus spp. as representatives of the normal microbiome of the lower urogenital tract
Authors: Bakhtiyarov K. R. , Ignatko I. V. , Siniakova E. V. , Zueva A. S. , Kapyrina T. D.
Published: November 2024

Currently, scientific knowledge about various Lactobacillus species, which are representatives of the resident flora of the vagina, is actively expanding. We know, lactobacilli are an integral part of the female genital tract. Currently, about 20 different types of lactobacilli are known. Most of the lactobacilli already studied contribute to maintaining vaginal health by providing protection from pathogenic microorganisms, the development of dysbiosis, pregnancy complications, including premature birth. The protective function is provided primarily by the formation of Dand L-forms of lactic acid, which maintains an optimal  acidic pH, from the glycogen of the vaginal epithelium. Lactobacillus spp. also prevent adhesion and invasion of pathogens into epithelial cells, synthesize bacteriocins, and inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, to date, there is already evidence that not all representatives of lactobacilli have a positive effect on the health of the female body. Thus, patients with the CSTIII morphotype, dominated by L. iners, are especially predisposed to the development of vaginal dysbiosis, and the dominance of L. acidophilus in patients is probably associated with infertility. Currently, there is no reliable evidence of the positive and/or negative effects of many lactobacilli on the female body, and existing studies on a number of bacteria are limited and contradictory. In this regard, it is relevant to further study the characteristics and properties of Lactobacillus spp., colonizing the vagina, for a more accurate understanding of the role of lactobacilli in the vagina and the application of the knowledge gained in clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of various disorders of the normal vaginal microbiome.
Features of reproductive function and IVF programs in patients with overweight and obesity
Authors: Kraevaya E. E.
Published: November 2024

Obesity is a chronic multifactorial heterogeneous disease characterized by high prevalence, progressive increase in morbidity, high cardiometabolic risk. The prevalence of obesity is increasing from year to year and does not tend to decrease. Up to 60% of women of reproductive age are overweight, and a quarter of them are obese. In addition to cardiovascular pathology, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, oncological processes, obesity can affect the reproductive function of women, reduce fertility and be an independent cause of infertility, as well as reduce the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs. This paper analyzes studies on the problem of reproductive system disorders, the effectiveness and safety of assisted reproductive technology programs in patients with overweight / obesity. The review includes data from foreign and domestic articles in the Pubmed, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, e_library databases published over the past 10 years. As a result of the analyzed publications, it was concluded that the implementation of IVF programs in patients with overweight/obesity presents certain difficulties at each stage of the program: the duration and cost of ovarian stimulation increases, the number and quality of the obtained oocytes and embryos decreases, the displacement of the “implantation window” is more often noted, decreased endometrial receptivity, which together causes a decrease in the pregnancy rate (PR) in this category of patients. It should be noted that in women with visceroabdominal obesity, with more pronounced metabolic abnormalities – dyslipidemia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, reproductive disorders are expressed to a greater extent than in patients with a more favorable femoral phenotype type of obesity, which requires an individual approach to the treatment of infertility using IVF methods depending on the clinical and etiopathogenetic category of patients.
Educação financeira na gestão empresarial:
Authors: Mendonça Jhonatan Santos , Silva Mizael Araujo , Silva Elizabete Maria , Ramos Josefa Edileide Santos , Borba Marcelo Costa
Published: November 2024

Este trabalho tem o objetivo analisar a importância da educação financeira na gestão de micro e pequenos negócios no Município de Parauapebas/PA, visto a importância e relevância que esses pequenos negócios têm no município. Sendo está pesquisa exploratória descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. Com dados coletados por meio de questionário aplicados às micro e pequenas empresas (MPE) do Bairro Rio Verde. Os resultados mostram que os micro empresários possuem pouco conhecimento financeiro para alavancar o crescimento sustentado de seus negócios. Outro fator, refere-se ao não acompanhamento financeiro ou mesmo o uso tecnologias como aplicativos ou planilhas eletrônicas por falta de conhecimento tecnológico. A estudo alerta ainda para a falta de gestão a longo prazo que pode ocasionar problemas financeiros para as empresas visto que quando questionados sobre o futuro financeiro da empresa afirmaram não ter nenhum tipo de preocupação ou não possui um plano estratégico para a organização de sua propriedade.
A preliminary investigation into the relationship between municipal debt and the financial viability of waterboards in South Africa
Authors: Matlala Moloko , Photolo Mampolelo , Konar Len
Published: November 2024

The provision of water and sanitation services in South Africa is complex due to historical apartheid spatial planning whose remnants are still evident in the democratic country. The rural areas which are mostly occupied by black Africans still, on average, have water services backlog compared to urban areas. At a national level for South Africa to achieve the Sustainable Developmental Goal 6, the country must decisively deal with the backlog and a staggering more than R14 billion debt that the municipalities owe to the waterboards. The current study used the Municipal Strategic Self-Assessment and financial health (FH) check-up tools to determine if there is a causal relationship between the vulnerability of municipalities and the financial viability of waterboards. A linear regression was computed using the SPSS statistical programme to assess the relationship between the FH of the waterboards and the vulnerability index (VI) of the municipalities. It was found that a high VI was more prevalent in the rural municipalities than in the urban municipalities, pointing to a need to develop a differentiated financial framework for these rural municipalities. The study recommended that municipalities should implement remedial actions and waterboards should perform FH check-ups, and there must be consequence management.
Synthesis of bagasse-derived magnetic biochar for the removal of fluoride from water solution
Authors: Takele Deginet , Kalsido Adane Woldemedhin , Wotee Mohammed Wamolo
Published: November 2024

Fluoride levels in drinking water pose a significant environmental threat, and adsorption is a common technique. However, many adsorbent materials have drawbacks such as poor adsorption capabilities, extended contact times, high pH levels, and large dosages. A biochar-based magnetic composite adsorbent has been developed for water defluoridation using a chemical co-precipitation process to immobilize iron particles on the biochar surface. X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyse the composite. The central composite design was used to design laboratory tests, which included four input variables: solution pH, dosage, contact time, and initial concentration. The adsorbent dosage was 5.92 g/L, the aqueous pH was 5.79, the contact time was 66.48 min, and the initial fluoride concentration was 12.38 mg/L. The removal efficiency was predicted to be 98.61%, with a 98.55% removal efficiency at optimum conditions. The study concluded that the composite adsorbent can be a reliable and sustainable solution for fluoride removal from water.
Decision support tools for water reuse: a systematic review
Authors: Sampaio Vanda , Santos Ana Silvia Pereira , Lima Maria Manuela
Published: November 2024

This article provides a comprehensive review of decision support tools for water reuse (DST4WR), focusing on microbiological risk assessment (MRA), life cycle analysis (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A systematic review of 35 articles published between 2020 and 2024, plus one from 2019, was conducted. The studies were categorised based on the DST4WR applied, with each tool discussed individually. MRA tools assess public health risks in different case studies. LCA identifies key environmental indicators, and its integration with LCC facilitates comprehensive cost analysis. MCDA, applied in various case studies, uses criteria like environmental, social, economic, technical, public health, and functional aspects. Integrating DST4WR tools identifies synergies and trade-offs between criteria, aiding informed decision-making. Combining MRA, LCA/LCC, and MCDA is especially beneficial, as each tool provides a distinct perspective. Using these tools together offers a holistic view of water reuse management, ensuring that all relevant factors are balanced. This approach enhances decision-making and builds stakeholder confidence and acceptance by transparently addressing public health, environmental, economic, and social concerns.
Split wooden rods for novel wood-based boards in the construction sector
Authors: Burgert Ingo , Kegel Sebastian , Schnider Thomas , Achatz Julia , Stucki Sandro , Schubert Mark
Published: November 2024

Wood has been utilized as a building material for thousands of years. Nowadays, its renewable nature and carbon-storing capacity can become important factors in climate change mitigation efforts. This has led to a resurgence of timber engineering in recent years, with impressive multi-story timber buildings worldwide. However, it should not be overlooked that the wood sector will face several challenges in the coming years and decades to pave the way to a leading role of wood in the desired transition toward bioeconomy. Based on the assumption that an increasing demand for wood will make it a more precious resource, a couple of strains will emerge across the entire value chain of wood processing. This calls for innovations to address issues arising from predicted changes in resource provision, to increase material yields, and to promote reuse after the end of life. Our conceptual article proposes a new wood separation and processing method. This approach is inspired by the well-known production of wood shingles and is currently being developed for the implementation of new wood-based products.
Contraste del rendimiento de aserrado e ingresos económicos en aserraderos tradicionales y modernos en el norte de México
Authors: Rascón-Solano Joel , Aguirre-Calderón Oscar Alberto , Alanís-Rodríguez Eduardo , Jiménez-Pérez Javier , Treviño-Garza Eduardo , Nájera-Luna Juan Abel , Iniguez Jose
Published: November 2024

La transformación de madera en rollo a madera aserrada es crucial en México, donde la industria enfrenta desafíos en la calidad y cantidad de productos, requiriendo mejoras tecnológicas para minimizar desechos y mejorar la competitividad. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la producción de aserraderos tradicionales y modernos en función del coeficiente de aserrado, el rendimiento total del producto y los ingresos económicos generados. El estudio se realizó en Guachochi, Chihuahua, una región de bosques templados fríos. Se evaluaron dos tipos de aserradero: tradicional (empresa privada) y moderno (industrias ejidales). Se analizó el rendimiento de la madera aserrada, productos secundarios y residuos sólidos, asimismo, los ingresos generados por cada producto. Se empleó la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk (p < 0.05) para evaluar la normalidad de los datos y la prueba t de Student (p < 0.05) para contrastar rendimiento e ingresos entre tipos de aserradero. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p = 0.008) entre el rendimiento de madera aserrada de los ejidos (53.32%) y la de la empresa privada (45.82%). El rendimiento de aserrín generado por las industrias ejidales fue de 17.92% y de la empresa privada 25.00%, con un valor p = 0.009. Los ingresos variaron entre aserraderos, siendo superiores en los ejidos debido a su mayor rendimiento de madera aserrada (p = 0.012). Los residuos sólidos que presentaron diferencias fueron el palo de escoba y la leña con valores de p de 0.030 y 0.000, respectivamente. Se concluye que la industria moderna es más eficiente, por tal motivo, es necesario definir estrategias para mejorar la eficiencia de los aserraderos tradicionales.
Improving fog resource utilization with a dynamic round-robin load balancing approach
Authors:   Information Technology Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Alkayal Entisar S. , Alharbi Nesreen M. ,   Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Alwashmi Reem ,   Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ali Waleed ,   Information Technology Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Published: November 2024

In fog computing, load balancing is an important research problem. It focuses on efficiently assigning tasks to fog nodes and minimizing delay in real-time applications. The traditional round-robin algorithm assigns tasks in a rotating manner among fog nodes, but it can send tasks to the cloud too early, leading to increased delays. To solve this problem, this paper introduces an improved round-robin algorithm that takes a dynamic approach to balancing the use of fog resources. The new model aims to improve load balancing in fog computing by distributing tasks more evenly among fog nodes, reducing dependence on cloud computing, and making better use of fog resources. The improved algorithm helps fog computing systems run more efficiently, reduces delays in real-time applications, and lowers the costs associated with cloud use. The results show that the proposed load balancing algorithm is key to optimizing fog resource use, improving system efficiency, and reducing task completion times in distributed computing systems.
The impact of repeated reading on deaf and hard of hearing students: Current evidence-based practices
Authors:   Department of Special Education, College of Education, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, Alshubrumi Ahmed Saeed
Published: November 2024

Research shows that d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/DHH) students often face challenges in reaching grade-level literacy skills. Past systematic reviews involving d/DHH students highlight the need for high-quality experimental research in areas like reading comprehension and fluency. Studies have shown that repeated reading instruction positively impacts literacy for non-disabled students, second language learners, and hearing students with disabilities. In this systematic review, the author explored evidence on the effects of repeated reading instruction for d/DHH students. Ten studies across nine articles met the specified inclusion criteria, including nine intervention studies and one qualitative case study. Analysis of these studies suggests that repeated reading is a promising approach for enhancing literacy skills in d/DHH students. However, as noted in previous reviews, more rigorous experimental studies are necessary. Future research could investigate the long-term effects of repeated reading instruction.
Machine learning prediction model of prolonged delay to loop ileostomy closure after rectal cancer surgery：A retrospective study (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Jianying , Jiang Mengxiao , Chen Xiaoping , Ge Yonglan , Zheng Zongxin , Yang Xia , Zhou Wenhao , Zhang Huiting , Zheng Meichun , Luo Baojia
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Delayed closure of a temporary ileostomy in patients with rectal cancer may cause psychological, physiological, and socioeconomic burdens to patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning-based model to predict the delayed ileostomy closure after surgery in patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS

LASSO regression was used for feature screening, and XGBoost was used for machine learning model construction. Model performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve analysis, clinical decision curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1 score. The SHAP method was used to interpretate the results of the machine learning model.

RESULTS

A total of 442 rectal cancer patients who received a loop ileostomy were included in the analysis, included in this study, and 305 experienced delayed closure (69%). The XGBoost model area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the training set was 0.744 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.686-0.806) and of the test set was 0.809 (95% CI: 0.728-0.889). The importance of each variable, in descending order was body mass index (BMI), postoperative chemotherapy, distance from tumor to anal margin, depth of tumor infiltration, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and anastomotic stenosis. The importance of SHAP variables in the model from high to low was: ‘BMI’ ‘postoperative chemotherapy’ ‘distance of the tumor from the anal verge’ ‘depth of tumor infiltration’ ‘neoadjuvant radiotherapy’ ‘anastomotic stenosis’.

CONCLUSIONS

The XGBoost machine learning model we constructed showed good performance in predicting delayed closure of loop ileostomy in rectal cancer patients. In addition, the SHAP method can help better understand the results of machine learning models.
Correction of the clinical course of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kotsiubiichuk Z.Ya. , Antonіv A.A. , Rusnak-Kaushanska O.V. , Kanovska L.V.
Published: November 2024

Background. The relevance of finding optimal methods to treat patients with a comorbid non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that developed against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is due to the fact that these diseases have a number of common cause-and-effect mechanisms, and if diabetic kidney disease (DKD) develops, also mutual burden mechanisms. The purpose of the study was to find out the possible influence of a combination of metformin, rosuvastatin, essential phospholipids and quercetin on the clinical course of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as on the state of the blood lipids, parameters of carbohydrate metabolism compensation, the degree of insulin resistance, which are factors for the progression of NASH and diabetic kidney disease. Materials and methods. Studies were conducted on the dynamics of treatment in 60 patients with NASH, T2DM and DKD stage I–III: 48 (80.0 %) of them had mild NASH, and 12 (20.0 %) had moderate NASH. A comorbid disease in 100 % of patients was moderate type 2 diabetes: 15 (25.0 %) people were diagnosed with diabetes in the stage of compensation, 45 (75.0 %) had subcompensated disease. Results. The positive effect of quercetin was noted by us in relation to the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood that was increased by 1.8 times (p < 0.05) before the treatment: a decrease after it was 1.7 times (p < 0.05) in group 2 and 1.3 times (p < 0.05) in group 1. Comprehensive therapy with the inclusion of quercetin contributed to a probable increase in anti-atherogenic high-density lipoprotein (by 1.3 times, p < 0.05) with the normalization of the indicator after the treatment, while traditional therapy in this contingent did not lead to any probable changes. Conclusions. The combination therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and NASH with the addition of quercetin contributed to the elimination of the main clinical and laboratory symptoms of NASH exacerbation, a probable reduction in the liver inflammation (a decrease in markers of cytolysis, mesenchymal inflammation), reversal of hepatic steatosis due to the optimization of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the blood, a probable increase in high-density lipoproteins, normalization of glycemia, reduction of insulinemia, a decrease in the degree of insulin resistance. The effectiveness of treatment for DKD was also increased: the rate of proteinuria and the degree of hypercreatinemia decreased, and the glomerular filtration rate increased.
The role of histohematologic barriers and the possibility of using polarization biomedical optics methods in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Rohovyi Yu.Ye. , Bilookyi O.V. , Ushenko O.H. , Bilookyi V.V. , Semenenko S.B.
Published: November 2024

Background. Violation of the integrity of the histohematologic barriers (blood-brain, blood-testis, blood-ocular, blood-labyrinth, blood-thyroid) leads to autoimmune damage to these organs. One of the manifestations of the latter is autoimmune thyroiditis, the structural and quantitative changes of which can be more informatively accurately assessed by polarization biomedical optics. The purpose of the study was to substantiate the possibility of using polarization biomedical optics methods in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis based on the use of pathophysiological analysis of blood-brain barrier integrity disorders. Materials and methods. Two groups of patients were studied: control group 1 — healthy donors (n = 51), study group 2 — people with autoimmune thyroiditis (n = 51) who underwent a puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland for diagnostic purposes. Instrumental laser methods were used: polarization, interference, multifractal. The statistical parameters of polarization ellipticity maps, polarization ellipticity of phase and multifractal spectra of digital microscopic images of native thyroid histological sections in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were quantified: mean, dispersion, asymmetry, and kurtosis. The probability of differences compared to the controls, taken as 100 %, was evaluated using the Student’s parametric test (p < 0.05). Results. A significant increase in the mean and variance at inhibition of the asymmetry and kurtosis of polarization ellipticity, as well as in the mean and variance at reduction of the asymmetry and kurtosis of polarization ellipticity of phase digital microscopic images of thyroid native histological sections was revealed. There were a significant increase in dispersion and a decrease in the asymmetry and kurtosis of multifractal spectra of polarization ellipticity maps of digital microscopic images of native histological sections. Conclusions. A significant increase in the biophysical optical parameters of digital microscopic images of thyroid native histological sections from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis was found due to the growth of connective tissue in the interstitium as a result of an autoimmune inflammation. There was a significant inhibition of the asymmetry and kurtosis of the ellipticity of polarization of phase digital and multifractal spectra of polarization ellipticity maps of microscopic images of native histological sections in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis due to a decrease in the amount of colloids as a crystalline component caused by damage to the blood-thyroid barrier.
The method of determining abdominal obesity by waist circumference in Ukrainian children
Authors: Gromnatska N.M. , Marushko Yu.V. , Hyshchak T.V. , Belusova V.M.
Published: November 2024

Background. The prevalence of obesity in children has a trend of constant growth. A third of the pediatric population suffers from excess body weight and obesity, which are associated with such pathological conditions as hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MS) and early cardiovascular dysfunction. Waist circumference (WC) measurement is a simple noninvasive screening tool to identify children with abdominal obesity, MS, and increased cardiovascular risk. The purpose of the study was to develop age- and gender-specific WC percentiles for Ukrainian children aged 10–17 years and to determine possible WC cut-offs for detecting abdominal obesity. Materials and methods. 1566 children aged 10–17 were examined, 759 boys and 807 girls. According to the WHO protocol, WC was measured using a flexible centimeter tape in a standing position midway between the lower rib and the upper front edge of the ilium. The threshold point for detecting abdominal obesity was WC ≥ 90th percentile of the distribution according to age and sex (IDF Consensus, 2007). Results. Age and gender percentiles of WC and cut-off at the level of the 90th percentile in Ukrainian children and adolescents are presented. The importance of gender assessment of WC lies in the reliable difference of indicators in children aged 10–12 and 15–17 years and growth of parameters with age in both boys and girls. The need for age assessment of WC is due to increasing the 90th percentile indicators in girls aged 10–17 from 76 to 90.5 cm and in boys from 75.9 to 94 cm. The data obtained can serve as a source for screening and identifying children with abdominal obesity, increased metabolic risk and a better understanding of current trends in childhood obesity. It has been suggested that new WC reference values should be added to clinical examinations to help pediatricians and family physicians reduce cardiovascular risk in children. Conclusions. In the diagnosis of MS in children, it is recommended to use the proposed specific percentiles of WC for sex and age, the values of which ≥ 90th percentile of the distribution should be utilized for detection of abdominal obesity and further diagnosis of MS. Measuring and evaluating WC in routine pediatric examinations is important.
Institutional Response on Adaptation to the Effects of Climate Change in Selected Parts of Makueni County, Kenya
Authors: Moses Faith M. , Oludhe Christopher , Ouma Gilbert , Kisangau Patrick D.
Published: November 2024

Climate change has been experienced across the globe, with the most affected being smallholder farmers in least and moderately developed countries. Floods and drought which constitute some of the climatic extreme events have negative impacts on the socio-economic development, with devastating consequences on a country’s economy. The main objective of this study was to assess institutional response on adaptation to climate change and variability at the household level, in three agro-ecological zones in Makueni County, Kenya. The study used survey research design. The three agro-ecological sites were selected using stratified sampling, while simple random method was used to select 289 households for interview. Selection of key informants was done through purposive sampling method. Data was collected through administration of semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires to the selected households, and also through interview of key informants, focus group discussions, observation and photography. Findings indicated that there was significant correlation between the climate change and the agro-ecological zones studied (X2=13.3, df=2, P<0.01). The study established that CBOs were actively engaged in the campaign against climate change across the three agro-ecological zones. Among the reviewed institutional responses, disaster preparedness by the government and training/capacity building among smallholder farmers were found to have significant correlation with climate change and handling of extreme weather events (X2 =17.557, df=1, sig. 0.00). The study revealed that those who reported to have experienced extreme weather events agreed that there was some level of government mitigation in place, in form of disaster preparedness. The findings revealed that there was no significant correlation between the presence of institutions assisting to mitigate climate change and their distribution across the three agro-ecological zones (p-value > 0.05). The study established that, government disaster preparedness programs were statistically significantly associated with reduced exposure to climate change and extreme weather events.
Human Identification: Methods And Challenges in Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Dixit Pratik Pravin
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The identification of human remains in forensic anthropology, especially in legal context, is of paramount importance and is achieved through the use of different available methods in the justice system as well as through a number of challenges. This study is made possible by many disciplines working together, namely osteology, anthropology and genetics,to determine the identity of the skeletal remains of a person. This includes, among others, theexamination of skeletal characteristics – age, the sex, ancestry and stature of an individual, and the more technical aspects like genetic profiling and isotopic indicator. In progress of all the inventions in this field and improvement in methodology some challenges still exist. Assessments are complicated by the presence of the particularly, the decomposed, burned or fragmented remains and ethical issues such as patient consent and the treatment of the body are further complications. In addition to this, the distinct skeletal characteristics prevalent in different populations may result in misidentification. In this abstract, we stress the importance of further studies and new implementation strategies dueto existing challenges in the identification processes in forensic anthropology to ensure that justice is able to reach the grieving families.
A Review on: Rice Disease Prediction
Authors: Thakur Yash Nitin , Walke Mayuri Machindra , Vishwakarma Harsh Devising , Salunkhe Dinesh Anil , Dhakulkar Dr. Bhagyashree
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Rice disease prediction is an emerging technology that leverages machine learning and image processing techniques to forecast disease outbreaks in rice crops. Early and accurate prediction of diseases like rice blast, bacterial leaf blight, and sheath blight is critical for maintaining crop health, optimizing resource use, and enhancing yield quality. This paper explores the use of high-resolution imaging and data-driven models to identify early signs of disease in rice plants. By analyzing data from multiple sources, including aerial imagery and environmental sensors, these predictive systems enable targeted and timely interventions, reducing the spread of infections and minimizing the use of pesticides. The application of predictive technologies not only aids in sustainable farming practices by lowering environmental impact but also aligns with the goals of precision agriculture to support food security and increase productivity. As agricultural practices continue to evolve, predictive models for rice disease management offer a promising solution for addressing the challenges posed by crop diseases in a changing climate
Federated Learning for Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning: Decentralized Model Training with Enhanced Data Security
Authors: Monteiro Daryn , Mavinkurve Ishaan , Kambli Parth , Surve Prof. Sakshi
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence has found widespread use across various industries, from optimizing manufacturing workflows to diagnosing health conditions. However, the large volumes of data required to train AI models raise privacy concerns, especially when stored in centralized databases vulnerable to leaks. Federated Learning solves this problem by training models collaboratively by avoiding centralization of the sensitive data, preserving privacy while allowing decentralized models to be exported to edge devices. This paper explores Federated Learning, focusing on its technical aspects, algorithms, and decentralized architecture. By keeping raw data localized, Federated Learning enables global models while safeguarding individual privacy, fostering collaboration across sectors like healthcare, finance, and IoT. It also addresses challenges such as privacy vulnerabilities and model aggregation across devices, proposing solutions to strengthen Federated Learning's effectiveness. Ultimately, this study highlights Federated Learning's pivotal role in the future of AI, where privacy preservation and collaboration are key. By balancing model performance with data privacy, Federated Learning stands as a promising framework for responsible and inclusive AI development.
Plant Growing In Isolated Conditions
Authors: Daneshfar Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2024

This article presents a novel method for cultivating plants in isolated
environments, which significantly reduces water consumption in
agriculture. This solution has the potential to increase agricultural
production and food supply. Wheat, a staple food for humans, is
particularly important for addressing global food shortages and hunger.
The article introduces a new method for growing wheat using minimal
water in isolated conditions, emphasizing the importance of disinfection
and sterilization for successful grain growth.
Inhomogeneous Spatio-Temporal Epidemic-Type Aftershock Sequence Model Incorporating Seismicity-Triggering Slow Slip Events
Authors: Bañales Isaías , Nishikawa Tomoaki , Ito Yoshihiro , Kostoglodov Vladimir , Kazachkina Ekaterina , Santiago José Antonio
Published: November 2024

Clarifying the relationship between regular earthquakes and slow fault
slip is essential for understanding the mechanisms behind seismic
activity. We hypothesize that the background seismic activity around the
Guerrero seismic gap in Mexico is partially triggered by interplate
slow-slip events (SSEs). Consequently, we present an extension of the
spatio-temporal epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, which
incorporates background seismicity as a piecewise constant function over
time. In this study, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data is
employed to identify the occurrence periods of SSEs, thereby delineating
the intervals during which changes in background seismicity may occur.
Due to the technical complexity of performing inference with an
inhomogeneous ETAS model, this work employs a penalized maximum
likelihood inference method using the Expectation-Maximization (EM)
algorithm. This approach also permits the inference of the branching
process for aftershocks, thus enabling the estimation of the genealogy
between earthquakes. This information could be utilized to decluster
earthquakes. This study elucidates how the background seismicity
increases during the periods of the Guerrero SSEs, which allows for a
more comprehensive understanding of seismic activity and the
relationship between slow and fast earthquakes in Mexico. Our new model
can be applied not only in Mexico but also at plate boundaries worldwide
to quantify the impact of SSEs on seismic activity.
«Den øverste sjefen, det vil jeg ikke være» – nyutdannede barnehagelæreres ledervisjoner møter barnehagehverdagen
Authors: Selmer-Olsen Maria , Søraunet Gunn Anita , Schram Marianne
Published: November 2024

Artikkelen handler om barnehagelæreres visjoner og erfaringer i rollen som pedagogiske ledere. Den er basert på en intervjustudie med tolv nyutdannede barnehagelærere fra arbeidsplassbasert barnehagelærerutdanning (ABLU). Tre fokusgruppeintervju ble gjennomført på studentenes siste studiedag, og ett oppfølgingsintervju etter at de hadde arbeidet i halvannet år som pedagogiske ledere.
Problemstillingen er: Hvordan opplever nyutdannede barnehagelærere sammenheng mellom egne ledervisjoner og den erfarte hverdagen som leder det første året i arbeid? Funnene viser at deltakerne har bevissthet om betydningen av både faglige og relasjonelle sider ved lederrollen. Som nyutdannede ønsker de å synliggjøre sin faglige kompetanse, men er forberedt på å møte en likhetskultur og en svak faglig tradisjon i barnehagen. Samtidig er de bekymret for å bli oppfattet som «besserwissere». Etter halvannet år som pedagogiske ledere har de lykkes med å ivareta gode relasjoner, men har møtt utfordringer med å posisjonere seg faglig. De pedagogiske lederne blir stående i et spenn mellom faglige og relasjonelle hensyn, noe som diskuteres i lys av begrepene legitimitet, lojalitet og mot. Formålet med artikkelen er å utforske årsaker til at nyutdannede barnehagelærere møter utfordringer med å anvende sin faglige kompetanse, og artikkelen er slik et bidrag i profesjonsdebatten.
English abstract
ECEC Teachers’ Views of Leadership Compared With Experiences in Practice
This article deals with newly graduated ECEC teachers from Workplace-Based Early Childhood Teacher Education, and their views of their own leadership compared with their experiences in practice. It is based on qualitative data from four focus group interviews with a total of twelve participants. Three interviews were conducted on the students’ last day of study, followed up with one interview after they had worked for a year and a half.
The topic in question is: How do newly qualified ECEC teachers experience the connection between views of their own leadership and their experiences after their first year of practice? The participants are conscious of the importance of both professional and relational aspects of the leadership role. As recent graduates, they have faith in their own professional competence, a willingness to lead and are prepared to face a culture of equality which characterizes the kindergarten. However, after a year and a half in work, they report being hesitant to show their competence and stand out as professional leaders but have succeeded in maintaining good relationships. This article discusses these findings through the concepts of legitimacy, loyalty and courage (Sando, 2017; Ødegård, 2014), and the purpose is to investigate why newly graduated ECEC teachers face challenges in applying their professional competence.
Praksisstudiets flerstemmighet: relasjoners betydning i profesjonskvalifisering
Authors: Lyngtun Jannike , Jernes Margrethe
Published: November 2024

Praksisstudiet kan, sammen med undervisning på campus, bidra til studenters profesjonskvalifisering til barnehagelæreryrket. Denne artikkelen utforsker hvordan studenter erfarer og beskriver praksisstudiet, som del av egen profesjonskvalifisering, med utgangspunkt i en forståelse om at studenters profesjonskvalifisering utvikles i sosial samhandling mellom mennesker. Studien har et kvalitativt forskningsdesign og bygger ontologisk på antakelser om at menneskers fortolkninger, sosiale fellesskap, kulturelle tilhørighet og historiske bakgrunn danner grunnlaget for den virkeligheten som trer fram. Gruppeintervju med tredjeårs-studenter danner grunnlaget for denne studiens analyser og funn. Analysearbeidet er forankret i en fenomenologiskhermeneutisk forskningstilnærming med en dialektisk og gjensidig vekselvirkning mellom induktive og deduktive tilnærminger. Analysen viser at studenter opplever relasjonen til praksislærer som betydningsfull for egen læring i praksis. Resultatene blir drøftet gjennom temaene relasjoner og asymmetriske maktforhold, der Bakhtins begreper om ulike stemmer og polyfoni blir benyttet som teoretisk rammeverk for analysen. Studien kan utfordre rådende styringsdokumenter og operasjonaliseringen av disse i barnehagelærerutdanningens praksisstudium. Oppsummert tar vi også til orde for et større fokus på de relasjonelle forutsetningene i studenters læringsarbeid, som inkluderer både utøvelse og undersøkelse av studenters egne erfaringer når de er i praksis.
The Polyphony of Internship: The Value of Relations in Professional Qualification
Practice-based learning may, together with the campus-based educational activities, contribute to students’ professional qualification as an early childhood teacher. This article explores how students experience and describe practicum as part of their professional qualification, based on an understanding of professional qualification as an individual development that takes place in social interaction among humans and within contexts. The study is part of a larger qualitative observation and interview study, and has a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach. The student teachers’ perspectives on the phenomenon were collected through group interviews with a total of fourteen third-year students completing their final practicum period. The analysis is conducted through a thematic content analysis, revealing two themes: relations and asymmetrical power relationships, that were further analyzed through a deductive approach, using Bakhtin’s terms of different voices and polyphony as a theoretical lens. This study may challenge the prevailing national governing documents, which regulate the practicum study, as well as the operationalization of these regulations. Finally, we advocate a larger focus on the relational prerequisites that frame the learning environment when early childhood teacher students conduct their practicum periods.