bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HHI: How housing intervention programmes are improving health outcomes for children in New Zealand
Authors: Johnson Ellie , Pierse Nevil , Chisholm Chisholm
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesIt is estimated that around 30,000 New Zealand (NZ) children are hospitalised each year for preventable conditions related to poor-quality housing. To combat the high levels of housing-related illness in NZ, the Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI) was established. The HHI is a government-funded, multicomponent housing intervention programme operating with the aim of reducing the incidence of housing-related illness in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the HHI programme on health outcomes of participating families.
ApproachThe Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is a database of linked microdata maintained by Statistics NZ. Deidentified HHI referral data were linked to the IDI, and we used government administrative data to explore the impact of the HHI on health outcomes.
ResultsThe HHI dataset linked to the IDI provided referral information for over 21,000 participants of the programme. Characteristics of the cohort included a higher proportion of participants who identified as Māori or Pacific Islander and lower socio-economic status than the general NZ population. Odds ratios were calculated for all variables in the model and showed lower odds of hospitalisation associated with participation in the HHI programme.
ConclusionThis study demonstrates how housing-intervention programmes can improve health outcomes for those at risk of illness related to housing. These programmes are imperative for addressing the burden of disease and significant health inequities driven by exposure to substandard housing in NZ. This study shows how data linkage methods and administrative data can be used to evaluate large-scale government housing programmes.
ANÁLISE DO PERFIL CLÍNICO E EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA HANSENÍASE EM ANÁPOLIS-GO: UMA DÉCADA DE DADOS (2010-2021)
Authors: Silva Ricardo Carvalho , Santos Cleonice Beatriz Dias dos , Amaral Alliny das Graças , Peixoto Josana de Castro
Published: September 2024

O mal de Hansen é uma infecção crônica e contagiosa produzida pelo Mycobacterium leprae, que agride principalmente a pele e os nervos periféricos, representando uma considerável questão de saúde populacional em diversas regiões, principalmente em países com graves problemas sociais, incluindo o Brasil. Baseado nisso o presente artigo objetivou conhecer as principais características dos pacientes diagnosticados por hanseníase em Anápolis-GO, no período de 2010 a 2021. As análises partiram dos dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e disponibilizados pela homepage do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). No período de estudo foram confirmados 850 casos de hanseníase em Anápolis-GO, sendo, o perfil mais diagnosticado, o gênero masculino de cor parda e tendo uma faixa de escolaridade de 1ª a 4ª série do ensino fundamental incompleto. Por fim, pode se concluir que a hanseníase ainda é um problema relevante de saúde pública em Anápolis-GO, possui alta incidência e prevalência, principalmente da forma dimorfa. Sendo assim, é crucial intensificar as ações de vigilância epidemiológica, capacitar profissional e investir em campanhas de conscientização para garantir o diagnóstico prematuro e tratamento eficiente, visando reduzir a transmissão e prevenir incapacidades associadas à doença.
Eligibility Study of Targeted Electricity Subsidies Using DBSCAN on 450 VA and 900 VA Households at PLN UP3 Bandung
Authors: Suchardy Randy Zakya , Firmansyah Adi , Utama Nugraha Priya , Kesuma Rahman Indra
Published: September 2024

PT PLN (Persero), a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), is mandated by Law No. 30/2007 on Energy and Law No. 30/2009 on Electricity to provide subsidy funds for the poor. The objective of this study is to analyze eligibility criteria for electricity subsidy recipients for customers using 450 VA and 900 VA power groups, to target the electricity subsidy program better. The data used is postpaid customer data from UP3 Bandung in September 2023. The variables used are the amount of electricity consumption, the number of bills, late fees, installment fees, and 50 other variables. The method used in this research is DBScan Clustering which is applied to each power group. Within each group, we analyzed two normalized versions of the dataset standard version and the minmax version. Furthermore, to assess the optimal clustering results, we integrated various metrics, including the Davies-Bouldin Index and Silhouette Score with visual assessment. After that, the best factor suggestions were sought through decision trees, by performing different decision tree classifiers for each power group, using normalized versions of cluster labels. The results showed that among the 50 features available in the raw dataset, it was successful in identifying key features, such as late fees, installment fees, electricity consumption, and bill charges to be important criteria
Data Augmentation Using Test-Time Augmentation on Convolutional Neural Network-Based Brand Logo Trademark Detection
Authors: Suyahman Suyahman , Sunardi Sunardi , Murinto Murinto , Khusna Arfiani Nur
Published: September 2024

The detection and acknowledgment of logos holds significant importance in the corporate sphere, facilitating the detection of unauthorized logo usage and ensuring trademark uniqueness within specific industry sectors. Presently, convolutional neural networks powered by deep learning are widely utilized for image recognition. However, their effectiveness is dependent on a substantial volume of training images which may not always be readily available. This study suggests employing Test Time Augmentation to address dataset constraints by expanding the original dataset, thereby enhancing classification accuracy and preventing overfitting. Test-Time Augmentation is a method used to improve the accuracy of convolutional neural networks by creating numerous augmented variations of the test images and then merging their predictions. The research findings indicate that the application of TTA has the highest performance on the VGG16 model with 98% precision, 99% recall, and 98% F1-score, and 98.87% accuracy
Analysis of Social Vulnerability in Java Island using K-Medoids Algorithm with Variation of Distance Measurements (Euclidean, Manhattan, Minkowski)
Authors: Nur Indah Manfaati , Abdurakhman Abdurakhman
Published: September 2024

The Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) measurement to assess social vulnerability is only able to describe conditions in general, without being able to show which factors dominate the score. Therefore, the aim of this research is to fill this gap by applying a correlational approach with a clustering method to characterize the dominant factors of social vulnerability at the district level in Java and surrounding areas. The clustering method used in this study is the K-Medoids algorithm. This method is more powerful when there are outliers in the dataset used. In this study, we considered the use of 3 different distance methods, namely Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance, and Minkowski distance. As a result, the K-Medoids algorithm using Manhattan distance provides the best value based on the Davies Bouldin Index. This research found that social vulnerability exists in every region of Java Island and its surroundings.
Classification of Big Data Stunting Using Support Vector Regression Method at Stella Maris Medan Maternity Hospital
Authors: Chen Kelvin , Adriansyah R. A. Fattah , Juliandy Carles , Sinaga Frans Mikael , Liko Frederick , Angkasa Aswin
Published: September 2024

This study aims to classify big data related to stunting using the Support Vector Regression (SVR) method at Stella Maris Maternity Hospital, Medan. Stunting, a condition of impaired growth in children due to chronic malnutrition and repeated infections, affects physical and cognitive development. With increasing health data, big data processing methods are essential for accurate information. SVR was chosen for handling high-dimensional and non-linear data, providing precise results. The study uses medical information, nutritional history, and socio-economic factors collected from hospital patients. The research process includes data collection, pre-processing to address missing values and outliers, normalization, and SVR application. Final results use SVR with Voting Classifier combining Support Vector Classifier (SVC), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting (GB), achieving an accuracy of 91.67%. This approach effectively identifies main stunting factors, aiding clinical decision-making and intervention programs. The study showcases big data and machine learning's potential in healthcare, serving as a model for improving health services and monitoring children's health conditions.
Implementation of Augmented Reality of Laboratory Building and Room Using Fast Corner Detection Algorithm
Authors: Ilhami Ahmad Mika , Ikhsan Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The Laboratory Buildsing is one of the buildings in Campus IV UINSU which is used to carry out practicum activities, many of the lecturers students and the community do not know the location and also the rooms in the Laboratory building. This research aims to make this application can provide convenience for users such as students, lecturers and the public to obtain information about laboratory buildings. In this research, the method used is Marker Based Tracking where application users must scan the marker first in order to see 3D objects from a floor plan and laboratory building. The results of this study in the form of Augmented Reality applications using Android as an operating system, on the marker added with the Fast Corner Detection algorithm aims to speed up real-time computing time with the consequence of reducing the level of accuracy of corner detection.  The conclusion of AR and Fast Corner Detection can be implemented through a scan of the marker, the result obtained is that when scanning the marker a point from the FCD algorithm will appear indicating that the point on this marker is the result of the implementation of the FCD algorithm.
Classification of Football Players' Abilities Using The Naïve Baiyes Method
Authors: Nasution Riski Abdul Hakim , Ikhsan Muhammad
Published: September 2024

This study aims to classify the abilities of football players in the BRI Liga 1 Indonesia season 2023/2024 using the Naïve Bayes method. The player data used includes individual stats such as the number of goals, assists, passing accuracy, tackles, and overall performance in the match. The Naïve Bayes method was chosen because of its efficient ability to process data with independent features. In this study, players were classified into several ability categories, such as excellent, good, adequate, and poor, based on their performance during the current season. The results of this classification are expected to provide useful information for coaches and club management in determining strategies and player development. The study also provides insight into the key factors that affect a player's performance in the league. Model testing shows that Naïve Bayes' method has an adequate level of accuracy for the classification of football players' abilities in BRI Liga 1. The practical implications of this study are increased efficiency in the process of evaluating players and making strategic decisions in professional football teams.
The online information behaviour of first-year PhD students: addressing SDG 4
Authors:   University of Education Winneba, Department of Management Sciences, Winneba- Ghana, Bempah Edna Owusu-
Published: September 2024

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to contribute to sustainable development in higher education by exploring the online information behaviour (OIB) of first-year full-time PhD students. In the case of first year PhD students, there is a high demand for information to complete their tasks and to finalise their studies. The quality of the education these postgraduate students acquire is dependent on their ability to access quality information devoid of barriers. In other words, there seems to be a lack of research on the online information behaviour of postgraduates in their first year of doctoral studies. Design/methodology – The study examined this phenomenon through the case study method, using the interpretivism paradigm and the quantitative approach. Using convenient and purposive sampling methods, 10 first-year PhD students were sampled from the University of Ghana's student population for 2023. A structured interview schedule was used as the instrument for data collection from the participants of the study. Findings – First-year PhD students are faced with online information-seeking barriers such as poor internet connectivity, limited access to online databases and resources, inability to access the needed paid online resources due to financial constraints, information overload, difficulty in acquiring requisite information and lack of information literacy skills and financial resources. These challenges tend to influence the quality of education they receive negatively given the inequalities in their information literacy skills against the literacy skills of second to final-year PhD students. Practical Implications and Conclusion – The study will contribute to literature on the information-seeking behaviour of first-year PhD students. The lack of information on the subject in Ghana is an issue this study seeks to address. The study has shown that postgraduate students at the University of Ghana do not understand their information needs, although they depend heavily on information for their work and survival.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Local Carbon Materials and Warm Compaction Method on the Production of Current Collectors for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Applications
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA, Ahmad M.I.M
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of local carbon materials and the warm compaction method in the production of current collectors for light rail transit (LRT) applications. The problem here is that the current collectors used by the railway industry in Malaysia for the LRT are still imported from foreign countries which is very costly. Furthermore, the production method of commercial current collectors, namely C-Cu composites, is compact and sintered, which also results in relatively high costs. Therefore, this study focuses on replacing the old materials and methods of commercial current collector production with new materials and methods. This study used a local carbon, which is the kernel shell of oil palm as the main carbon for the production of current collectors. The compact and sintered production methods are then replaced by warm compaction and post-heating methods. The current collectors that had been produced are then cut into several samples to allow them to be tested in anumber of physical and mechanical tests. Based on the test results, when using these new materials and methods, the density and hardness were observed to be slightly lower at 1.81 g/cm3 and 122.6 HRR compared to the commercial current collectors, which have a density of 2.2 g/cm3 and 126.9 HRR. Meanwhile, in the transverse rupture strength (TRS) and resistivity tests, the warm compaction method based on oil palm kernel shell demonstrated higher values of 175.1 MPa and 1631 Ω-cm, respectively, compared to the commercial current collectors which showed values of 58.71 MPa and 598.77 Ω-cm. In conclusion, there are various advantages and disadvantages between the new current collectors and the commercial current collectors in terms of mechanical as well as physical characteristics. Therefore, various improvements and suggestions need to be made in order to produce physically and mechanically better current collectors to be used in LRT applications.
Peranan Biochar dan Kompos dalam Meningkatkan Retensi Air dan Produksi Jagung Manis (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) pada Tanah Bertekstur Kasar
Authors: Anwar Al Hidayati Maulana , Prasetyo Teguh Budi , Yulnafatmawita Yulnafatmawita
Published: September 2024

Kemampuan tanah meretensi air akan mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman. Tanah bertekstur kasar mempunyai kemampuan retensi air yang rendah sehingga tidak mampu menopang pertumbuhan tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peranan biochar dan kompos dalam meningkatkan retensi air tanah serta produksi jagung manis (Zea mays L. var. saccharata). Penelitian dilakukan di rumah kaca Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Andalas pada November 2022 hingga Juni 2023, dengan mengunakan bahan berupa tanah bertekstur kasar dari ordo Inceptisol yang diambil dari lahan di Nagari Aie Dingin, Kecamatan Lembah Gumanti, Kabupaten Solok, Sumatera Barat, biochar yang berasal dari kulit kopi, dan kompos yang berasal dari jerami jagung. Penelitian ini terdiri dari delapan perlakuan yaitu kombinasi antara biochar dan kompos yaitu A = 0 ton/ha biochar + 0 ton/ha kompos, B = 24 ton/ha biochar + 0 ton/ha kompos, C = 20 ton/ha biochar + 4 ton/ha kompos, D =16 ton/ha biochar + 8 ton/ha kompos, E = 12 ton/ha biochar + 12 ton/ha kompos, F = 8 ton/ha biochar + 16 ton/ha kompos, G = 4 ton/ha biochar + 20 ton/ha kompos, dan H = 0 ton/ha biochar + 24 ton/ha kompos dengan 3 ulangan. Satuan percobaan dialokasikan berdasarkan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL). Parameter yang dianalisis yaitu bahan organik tanah (BOT), berat volume (BV), total ruang pori (TRP), permeabilitas, retensi air, pori air tersedia, serta pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman jagung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dosis terbaik untuk meningkatkan retensi air, pori air tersedia, dan hasil tanaman jagung adalah 24 ton/ha biochar + 0 ton/ha kompos dengan peningkatan berturut-turut sebesar 23,18%, 85,5%, dan 633%. Namun, dosis terbaik untuk perbaikan sifat fisika tanah lainnya adalah 16 ton/h biochar + 8 ton/ha kompos yang ditandai dengan peningkatan BOT (9,2%), TRP (3,2%), permeabilitas (109%), stabilitas agregat (13,9%) dan penurunan BV (9,2%).
Factors influencing high-tech startup business model innovation in China: A systematic literature review
Authors: Lei Xing , Zakaria Nor Hidayati , Hamamurad Qasim Hamakhurshid
Published: September 2024

Business model innovation (BMI) has garnered substantial academic and corporate attention in recent decades. Researchers have not yet agreed on the most complicated BMI practices in the high-tech startups (HTS). Despite being the second-biggest economy in the world today, China has done little research on the practice of business model innovation in China’s high-tech startups. This study addresses the factors that impact the business model innovation of high-tech startups in China. Our study aims to fill the research gap by visualising and analysing, using systematic literature review (SLR) analyses and reviewing 36 in-depth articles, from 688 academic literature sources. Relevant publications from Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and the JDM e-library expose the current research status from 2013 to December 2023 without bias. We conducted a literature-based investigation to identify essential insights on the BMI factors in the literature and derived a high-tech startup’s BMI critical factor. Our study shows that three main factors affect the innovation of business models in high-tech startups in China. The findings raise managers’, entrepreneurs’, and executives’ knowledge of corporate resource bricolage and cognitive style constraints in business model innovation and their pros and cons. The findings will help Chinese academics understand enterprises’ institutional environment and resource bricolage as final suggestions and proposals for corporates, regulators, and policymakers are presented.
Estética de Schelling: Idea de Belleza en el Discurso de la Academia (1807)
Authors: Bosch Rabell Magdalena
Published: September 2024

La estética de Schelling, afín al pensamiento de Fichte y Hegel, presenta rasgos propios. A pesar de esta originalidad ha sido poco estudiada en comparación a su Filosofía de la Naturaleza, o en torno al Yo. En este artículo se analiza la idea de belleza en el texto de 1807: Sobre la relación de las artes plásticas con la naturaleza. En primer lugar, se da un contexto para hacer comprensible el contenido del Discurso y de nuestro estudio. La segunda sección muestra cómo surge la pregunta por la belleza dentro del texto que nos ocupa. A continuación, se analiza el modo en que se realiza la unidad de espíritu y materia, y cómo es la belleza quien la hace posible. La sección cuarta está dedicada a la Gracia, entendida como unión de alma y cuerpo. Finalmente se analizan otras cualidades de la belleza que componen el concepto completo.
La philosophie comme législation axiologique Platon nietzschéen?
Authors: Wotling Patrick
Published: September 2024

In Nietzsche’s view, Plato certainly is not just any philosopher. First and foremost because of what Nietzsche refers to as his particular « sphinx nature » (BGE, § 28), his insuperable and artistic « secrecy » (BGE, § 28), his ability to hide, and sometimes even to lie : which means that it is extremely difficult to ascribe to him any precise, indisputable philosophical position, doctrine or notion. As is apparent, Nietzsche’s Plato is therefore completely different from the character usually discussed by other philosophers. Why then, is he so intensely interested in Plato if he does not take his so-called major theories seriously ? A closer scrutiny of Nietzsche’s corpus reveals  that there is something really specific about Plato : his deep, mostly hidden, and sharp-sighted understanding of philosophy (and philosophers) ; namely not as a theoretical search for knowledge and truth, but as practical value creation and legislation, in other words as an activity intent on carving a new type of human life and being, very much akin to Nietzsche’s own analysis.
El desafío de escribir la tesis de posgrado
Authors: García Mejía Karina Paola , Alarcón Neve Luisa Josefina
Published: September 2024

Diversos estudios han mostrado que la escritura de tesis de posgrado representa un reto para los estudiantes, quienes experimentan dicha tarea como algo frustrante y en solitario, por lo que, muchas veces, terminan claudicando. Recientemente se han observado estrategias de acompañamiento para ese tipo de escritura de investigación, como es la revisión colaborativa entre pares dentro de Círculos de Escritura de Tesis. El objetivo principal del presente estudio es identificar el impacto de estos dispositivos de acompañamiento en los cambios de estrategias de escritura a través del análisis descriptivo-cualitativo de las respuestas dadas por tesistas de un círculo de escritura, en cuestionarios pre y post participación, respecto de su autopercepción como escritores de investigación. Los resultados muestran que el Círculo de Escritura de Tesis resulta efectivo para afrontar el desafío de la escritura, produciendo en los participantes más confianza y disfrute al escribir, volviéndolos más productivos y ayudándolos a tomar conciencia de su propia escritura y desarrollar nuevas estrategias para la elaboración de textos científicos. Así, los resultados nos brindan herramientas para continuar con la indagación de este tema y para evaluar las estrategias de fortalecimiento de la escritura de investigación en los posgrados.
New Mochlozetidae (Acari, Oribatida) from the Merida State, Western Venezuela
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: September 2024

Two new species of Mochlozetidae (Oribatida)—Dynatozetes asetosus n. sp. and Uracrobates (Uracrobates) paramasneri n. sp.—are described, based on materials collected from sweep sample in cloud forest in Venezuela. Dynatozetes asetosus n. sp. differs from all representatives of the genus in the presence of the prolamella and the morphology of the bothridial seta; Uracrobates (Uracrobates) paramasneri n. sp. differs from all representatives of the genus by the morphology of the notogastral porose area Aa. The genus Uracrobates is recorded in the Venezuelan fauna for the first time. Identification keys, distribution and habitat to the known species of Dynatozetes and Uracrobates are provided. The generic diagnosis of Dynatozetes is partially revised.
Transdermal carbon dioxide may accelerate hoof growth in healthy, sound horses in a short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rudnick Meredith J. , Stewart Holly L. , Burleson Modesty D. , Levine David G.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

Slow hoof growth poses a clinical challenge when hoof wear exceeds natural growth. Many treatment options have been reported without controlled prospective trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of transdermal CO2 on the rate of growth in treated hooves.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study of 14 Warmblood mares. Horses were randomly assigned a number and allocated for treatment of the front feet with room air or CO2 for 30 minutes 3 times per week, and groups were switched after 5 weeks. Hoof growth was measured on the dorsal midline and the quarters of each front foot. The distance from coronary band to lines made on the hoof wall was measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. The percentage of change in length at each location relative to baseline was evaluated at 5 weeks and 10 weeks using nonparametric analyses.

RESULTS

All treatments were successfully administered. The left front medial (P = .028) and right front lateral (P = .03) sites of the CO2-treated hooves increased growth compared to the room air group at the 5-week point.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that repeated, noninvasive transdermal application of CO2 may accelerate hoof growth in normal horses over a 5-week treatment period.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests that transdermal CO2 may increase the rate of hoof growth in normal horses. The mechanism of action of this treatment is unclear, and further studies are required to fully elucidate the potential effects.
Benefits of Upper-Extremity Strength Workout on Muscle and Fat-Free Mass Through Home-Based Lung Rehabilitation in COPD Patients
Authors: Tarigan A. H. , Tarigan A. P. , Pandia P. , Eyanoer P. C.
Published: September 2024

Background

COPD patients not only experience respiratory problems but can have fatigue, physical limitations and reduced overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the main non-pharmacological solution after pharmacological treatment based on COPD grouping. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of weight lifting strength training twice a week for 4 weeks for COPD patients using home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. It can be done independently by the patient, is easy to do anywhere and at any time and is free of cost. This can be one of the home-based pulmonary rehabilitation options that can be implemented in the future.

Methods

This research was a quasiexperimental study with 10 stable COPD patients. The patients underwent home pulmonary rehabilitation of twice-a-week weight-lifting strength exercises for 4 weeks. They were taught how to do the exercise during the initial visit at the hospital which they continued to do independently at home with the help of an instruction video containing the exercise movements. Muscle and fat-free mass measuring was conducted before and after the intervention. Patients were evaluated using videos which they sent to the researchers.

Results

COPD patients who concluded the home-based lung rehabilitation showed increase in muscle mass after the intervention (30.12 ± 3.83 SD, p = 0.017). Fat-free mass did not show any increase (49.13 ± 6.93 SD, p = 0.154).

Conclusion

Home pulmonary rehabilitation benefits patients as much as the traditional rehabilitation done at health-care centers. This was proven by the significant increase in muscle mass after the intervention despite no change found in fat-free mass, which could be remedied in the future by giving extra diet to meet patients’ nutrition needs.
Dose-response curves for the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. Optimizing the economic efficiency of supplementation
Authors: El-Raghi Ali Ali , Abu El-Naser Ibrahim A. , Amer Asem A. , Abdel-Warith Abdel-Wahab A. , Younis Elsayed M. , Davies Simon J. , Fath El-Bab Ahmed F.
Published: September 2024

A 14-weeks feeding trial was conducted to employ polynomial regression analysis to establish the optimal dosage of Lactobacillus plantarum (Lac) for enhancing the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and blood biochemical, redox balance, and immunity response of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp (initial body weight = 2.94 ± 0.03 g). A total of 240 healthy Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp were randomly distributed into four equal groups and were fed diets containing 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg Lac /kg diet respectively for 98 days. Increasing the levels of dietary Lac cubically improved growth performance and feed utilization (
p
<0.01), the optimal doses were established at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Muscles thickness decreased significantly in all treated group compared to the control (
p
<0.05). The dietary treatment quadratic ally affected total protein (
p
<0.0001), tri-glycerides (
p
<0.0001), and cortisol (
p
=0.0097), the optimal responses were observed at 650, 700, and 600 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Meanwhile the activities of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), the levels of blood urea and digestive enzymes (amylase and proteases) were cubically enhanced by the treatment, the optimal dosages were at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet for liver enzymes, and urea concentration, respectively and at 650 and 700 mg Lac/kg diet for the activities of amylase and protease, respectively. With regards to redox balance, increasing the levels of Lac caused a quadratic decrease in the levels of malondialdehyde (
p
=0.0398) and a cubic increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (
p
=0.0265), and catalase (
p
=0.0163), the corresponding dose–response curves showed that the optimal dose was at 650 mg/kg diet. However, the levels of total antioxidant capacity were in a quadratic increase (
p
=0.0372), maximizing at a level of 600 mg Lac / kg diet. Concerning the immunity response, both of lysozyme and IgM significantly affected by the dietary treatment (
p
=0.0002 and 0.0001, respectively), maximizing at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Dietary supplementation of Lac had significant and substantial impacts on the economic efficiency (
p
<0.0001). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of 600-700 mg Lac /kg diet can be used as an effective and practical feeding strategy to enhanced growth performance, feed efficacy, redox balance and nonspecific immune responses in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp.
Effect of Different Protein Sources on the Meat Quality of Złotnicka Spotted Pigs with Particular Emphasis of Slaughter Body Weight
Authors: Szyndler-Nędza Magdalena , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Żak Grzegorz , Tyra Mirosław , Mucha Aurelia , Małopolska Martyna , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Szulc Karolina , Skrzypczak Ewa
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of protein feeding from Fabaceae plants and the final slaughter weight on the quality of meat of native Złotnicka Spotted pigs. The experiment was carried out on 96 fattening pigs (48 barrows and 48 gilts) of the Złotnicka Spotted breed. Animals were divided into 4 feeding groups: group A – control cereal-soybean mixture, and 3 experimental mixtures containing different types of domestic protein sources (groups B – lupin, C – faba beans and D – peas). All diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic within the fattening phase, i.e. grower and finisher. In addition, pigs were fattened to 3 different slaughter weights: 120, 130 and 140 kg. The type of protein had no effect on fattening and slaughter traits. These traits (feed intake [kg], gaily gain during fattening [g/day], mean backfat thickness [mm]) were influenced by the body weight of the pigs at slaughter (P<0.01). A statistically significant interaction effect was found between feeding group and body weight on the fat, the fatty acid profile of meat (longissimus lumborum) and on oxidative stability (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances – TBARS) of meat. Increasing the slaughter weight to 140 kg affects increasing the fat content (P<0.05) of meat (longissimus lumborum) primarily in groups of pigs fed on cereal-soy mix (A) and faba beans (C). In addition, fat up to 140 kg and feeding with faba beans (C) and peas (D) has a beneficial effect by reducing the proportion of PUFA n-6/n-3 in meat (P<0.05). Finally, the benefit of feeding pigs with faba beans (C) up to a slaughter weight of 140 kg is the reduction of TBARS of meat (P<0,05). In conclusion, increasing the slaughter weight up to 140 kg and the use in the feed mixture of faba beans improves the nutritional value and oxidation durability of pork.
Impact of Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth, visceral and lymphatic organ weights, intestinal histo-morphology, and pathogenic bacteria of broilers
Authors: Khan Sajjad , Chand Naila , Hafeez Abdul , Ali Majid , Qattan Shaza Y. A. , Alam Mohammad , Siddiqui Shahrood A. , Nass Nada M. , AlMalki Fatemah , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Al-Gheffari Hawazen K. , Al-Shehri Mohammed , Moustafa Mahmoud , Kamal Mahmoud
Published: September 2024

This work aimed to examine the impacts of dietary Bacillus subtilis (BS) supplementation on several parameters. Twelve groups of six hundred-day-old male Ross chicks were created for the study. Each treatment was allotted into five replicates, with ten birds each. Four distinct diet treatments were provided for 42 days: diet A served as the control, whereas diets B, C, and D had 125, 250, and 500 mg of BS per kg of feed. Every diet was fed in three stages: continuous (days 1-42) and starter only (days 1–21), finisher only (days 22–42), and both. The results showed that the D-3 and C-3 groups had significantly higher feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability, and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF).juo09 The D-3 and C-3 groups also showed the largest relative weights of the liver, gizzard, pancreas, bursa, and spleen, as well as the enhanced weights of these organs. Groups D-3 and C-3 had high villus height, decreased crypt depth, and enhanced VH: CD in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum. The high levels of BS (D-3 and C-3) eliminated Salmonella, C. perfringens, and E. coli from the ileum, caecum, and colon. From the results above, a conclusion could be drawn that dietary BS supplementation could be a safe substitute for AGPs in broiler diets.
Utilizing pigs as a model for studying intestinal barrier function
Authors: Pieszka Marek , Szczepanik Kinga , Łoniewski Igor
Published: September 2024

Intestinal permeability has been extensively studied, particularly in gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy, visceral disease, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. These studies have established that changes in intestinal permeability contribute to the pathogenesis of many gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. While numerous works in the 20th century focused on this topic, it remains relevant for several reasons. Despite the development of new research techniques, it is still unclear whether changes in intestinal permeability are the primary mechanism initiating the disease process or if they occur secondary to an ongoing chronic inflammatory process. Investigating the possibility of stabilizing the intestinal barrier, thereby reducing its permeability preemptively to prevent damage and after the damage has occurred, may offer new therapeutic approaches. Increased intestinal permeability is believed to lead to reduced nutrient absorption, resulting in decreased immunity and production of digestive enzymes.
The feasibility of using white lupin meal in the feed of juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
Authors: Szczepański Adrian , Adamek-Urbańska Dobrochna , Kasprzak Robert , Wiechetek Wiktoria , Szudrowicz Hubert , Ostaszewska Teresa , Piotrowska Iwona , Gomułka Piotr , Kozłowski Michał , Woźniak Małgorzata , Bober Helena , Śliwiński Jerzy , Kwiatkowski Maciej , Kawalski Kacper , Martynow Jakub , Bujarski Patryk , Wild Rafał , Sobień Magdalena , Pruchniak Pola , Kamaszewski Maciej
Published: September 2024

As with other fishes farming, sturgeon farming depends on the use of well-balanced feed to maintain production. Commercial feeds available on the market are often based on soy protein, which, unfortunately, has many adverse effects on these fish. Therefore, alternative constituents are being sought that could be used in sturgeon fish farming. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of using diets containing white lupin meal at levels of 5% and 10% for juvenile Siberian sturgeon, compared to a formulated control group without lupin inclusion and a reference group fed commercial feed. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed, combined with digestive enzyme activity assays. This study showed that feeding with white lupin meal did not adversely affect the rearing parameters, histology, or enzyme metabolism of sturgeons. An increase in the length of intestinal folds in the anterior intestine was observed in the group with 10% lupin meal inclusion, while this trend was not present in the spiral intestine, which may be indicative of a compensatory physiological mechanism when fish are fed less digestible feed. Antioxidative mechanism impairment was also noted in the two experimental groups. However, further research is still required to determine the possibility of using white lupin meal in the feeding of sturgeon fish, especially for more mature specimens.
The Importance of Molecular Biological Analysis for the Laboratory Diagnostic of Homozygous Haemoglobin Malay
Authors: Bahar R , Zulkafli Z , Zulkeflee RH , Hassan MN , Rahman Wan S Wan Ab , Noor NH M , Ramli M , Hussin A , Abdullah AD , Iberahim S , Abdullah M , Yusoff S M
Published: September 2024

Haemoglobin (Hb) Malay is variant haemoglobin with a β++ thalassemia phenotype. The prevalence of Hb Malay in the Malaysian population was 5.5%. We describe a 58-year-old male who presented with symptomatic anaemia to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Further history revealed that the patient had anaemia since the age of 28, and on regular follow-up at other hospital. Physical examination revealed pallor, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. The full blood count and peripheral blood smear showed hypochromic microcytic anaemia with anisopoikilocytosis, and many target cells. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed a β thalassemia trait. However, the diagnosis does not alight with the patient’s condition. Bone marrow aspirate was completed and showed reactive changes and erythroid hyperplasia. A molecular test was then performed for β globin gene mutation detection using Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System (M-ARMS) PCR method. This revealed the result as homozygous codon 19 mutation or Hb Malay. Therefore, in this case report we would like to highlight the laboratory approaches, the challenges faced by the usual haematological investigations and the importance role of molecular testing in the diagnosis of severe anaemia.
The Spectrum and Frequency of Cystic Fibrosis Mutations in Albanian Patients
Authors: Kasmi I , Kasmi G , Basholli B , Sefa HS , Vevecka E
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease characterized by a wide spectrum of severity, resulting from the inheritance of a mutant allele of the gene for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The aim of the study was to present a CFTR mutation analysis among the Albanian population and to identify rare variants.

METHODS

We identified CFTR mutations in a representative cohort of CF patients comprising of Albanian patients and some Kosovo patients followed up by the Department of Pediatrics at the University Hospital Center “Mother Theresa” (UHCMT). Compiled clinical and genotypic data include 133 previously analyzed patients, of whom 116 have two identified mutations, 6 have only one known mutation, and 11 are unexamined.

RESULTS

The most frequent mutation is F508del (83.19%), followed by 621+1G>T (2.45%). Other mutations identified in decrease order are E822X, G85E, G542X, R1066C, R1070Q, R1158X, G1349D, N1303K, S466X, 1811+1G->C, E831X, CFTRdele2,3(21kb).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that most of these patients can benefit from new modulatory therapies targeting CFTR mutations, translating to very hopeful prospects for these patients.

The Albanian population would benefit from Cystic Fibrosis neonatal screening, since outcomes can be improved through early diagnosis.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Croatian Survey
Authors: Barišić A , Ergović Ravančić M , Majstorović D , Vraneković J
Published: September 2024

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection has spread uncontrollably worldwide. Among the most vulnerable groups in society are populations with multiple comorbidities, including individuals with Down syndrome (DS).

Aim

Our aim was to conduct an online survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on DS individuals in Croatia. We also explored the views of their parents and caregivers about the challenges they faced during COVID-19.

Methods

The anonymous online survey was launched in March 2022 and remained open until October 2022. Participants were conducted online through closed group on Facebook. The survey included questions about participant characteristics, medical information, clinical presentation of COVID-19, and challenges faced by the parents during COVID-19.

Results

A total of 268 surveys were collected and analysed. We found that age and body mass index of DS individuals were significantly and positively correlated with the clinical presentation of COVID-19. Lack of social activities, cancelled therapies, and psychological problems were the most frequently cited challenges during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Clinicians and caregivers should primarily be alert to the same COVID-19 signs and symptoms that occur in the general population (fever, cough, shortness of breath). Ongoing therapies, social activities, and psychological support should be cited as indispensable for maintaining physical health and emotional well-being in DS individuals.
Dual amylase/glucosidase inhibition, antilipolytic and antiproliferative potential of the aerial parts of Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia lentiscus and Pistacia terebinthus on a obesity related-colorectal cancer cell line panel
Authors: Hamlat Nadjia , Alqaraleh Moath , Kasabri Violet , Mizher Hussam , Hassani Aicha , Afifi Fatma , Alawi Sundos Al , Ouafi Saida , Khwaldeh Alia
Published: September 2024

Pistacia species (P. spp) have been used as a treatment for various diseases, including diabetes and inflammation. This study aimed to identify the main components of flavonoids in Pistacia species and evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of P. spp on pancreatic enzymes and on cancer cells associated with obesity in colon and rectum. HPLC was used to identify the major components of flavonoids. The potent inhibitory effect of Pistacia species against pancreatic α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase was examined. The antiproliferative efficacy of the plant extract against several colorectal cancer cell lines were then measured. The main flavonoids component found in Pistacia species are quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside, rutin, kaempferol and vitexin. The starch blockade IC50 (µg/mL) of Pistacia species in a descending order were: P. lentiscus leaves: 1.09±0.01; P. atlantica leaves: 0.96±0.09 and P. atlantica fruits: 0.48±0.02. Pistacia species exerted promising inhibition effect for pancreatic lipase (PL). Besides the aglycones of P. atlantica leaves, all the tested aqueous extracts exerted appreciably novel antiproliferative activity against the tested colorectal cancer cell lines. This study provides useful indication for the Pistacia species as a potential novel therapeutic agent against diabesity and cancer.
Sternalis muscle, a rare anatomical variation with clinical implications
Authors: Tomaszewski Marek , Sienko Cezary , Skorka Katarzyna , Cendrowska-Pinkosz Monika
Published: September 2024

The sternalis muscle is a rare variant of the anterior chest wall musculature. Although its frequency in general population worldwide has been reported from 2% to 8%, its prevalence depends on regions and populations. The aim of this paper is to describe one of the first cases of sternalis muscle found in Central Europe. An anterior chest wall of 64-year-old white male was dissected during a regular anatomy class at Department of Human Anatomy. A right unilateral sternalis muscle was revealed and described. The unilateral sternalis muscle laid between the pectoral and the superficial thoracic fascia. The muscle was long and wide. In addition, it had a massive tendon. According to the Snosek et al. Classification, it was a “simple unilateral” type. This report presents another case of the sternalis muscle among humans. Although the sternalis muscle serves a minor role in body movement, its occurrence gives several clinical implications. The awareness of variability in the thoracic region is important during diagnostic and treatment processes or in surgical operation planning.
Early Warning System for Debt Group Migration: The Case of One Commercial Bank in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Hung , Trinh Hoang Viet , Phuong Truong Viet , Ly Truong Thi Minh
Published: September 2024

This study utilizes machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Random Forest, in the early warning system for debt group migration in a Vietnamese commercial bank. In predicting customers’ overdue debt migration (B Score), the RF model achieves the highest accuracy of 81.84%. However, if the priority is to reduce Type I errors, SVM performs better with a recall of 91.48%, although the accuracy drops to 46.62%. When predicting customers’ debt group improvement (C Score), SVM proves to be the optimal model in terms of both accuracy and criteria based on Type II errors, with an accuracy of 71.6% and precision of 62.3%. When applied to new datasets, the evaluation criteria decrease, but SVM remains the most optimal model for both B Score and C Score. Additionally, the research results demonstrate that tuning the model parameters leads to a significant improvement in accuracy compared to the default parameters.
Demand and Equilibrium Price of Health Care: A Structural Equation Approach
Authors: Firano Zakaria , Elhamyani Abdelilah , El Marzouki Abdenbi
Published: September 2024

In this article, we propose a new approach to estimating health-care demand. The aim of this paper is to determine the production costs of health care from the demand function of care. To do this, we used an approach based on structural equations where consumption and demand are estimated to capture the dynamics of health costs within a self-managed public hospital. Following this approach, based on the equilibrium between supply and demand of health care, we used the social and professional characteristics of beneficiary to estimate the demand function, which will approximate the cost of health care. The results showed that the demand for care is largely dependent on economic, demographic, and perception factors. Also, the back testing and corroboration tests of the predictions affirm that the functions developed will allow a better cost forecast for the hospital unit, able to propose a budgetary and partial cost approach in the future. Some limitations can be mentioned in connection with the accessibility to accounting data and also the ignorance of time dimension or dynamic evolution of cost demand.