bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enhanced Energy Efficiency Routing for WSN based on Elephant Herding and Swarm Optimization Approaches
Authors: Abraham Robin , Vadivel M.
Published: February 2024

Energy utilization and inadequacy of sensor nodes are considered major drawbacks in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This is because the sensor nodes use the battery for recharging energy. To overcome this issue WSN utilized a clustering-routing algorithm. This protocol divides the adjacent sensor nodes into separate clusters to choose a cluster head. Thus, the cluster head gathers information from all clusters and transmits it to the base station. In this article, the proposed method used cluster-based routing protocols to enhance energy efficiency and network lifetime. Moreover, this paper follows three stages to maximize energy efficiency. Initially, the clustering process is performed using dolphin swarm optimization (DSO), where a group of clusters is formed. Then the second stage is composed of cluster head selection among the group of clusters by elephant herding optimization (EHO) strategy. Finally, the collected data are necessary to forward to the base station for transferring the information. A specified path (routing) is selected by chicken swarm optimization (CSO). By using these algorithms, the network nodes support the balance of energy utilization. Experimental analysis proves when evaluated with existing methods the proposed technique has improved energy efficiency with an increase in network lifetime.
Population characterization of mutations for sickle cell anemia and its treatment: One step towards personalized medicine for the disease
Authors: Cayupe Bernardita , Barra Rafael
Published: February 2024

La anemia falciforme (AF) es la enfermedad genética más frecuente del mundo. Hay países con programas de salud pública masivos para la detección temprana esta condición. Varios haplotipos específicos y polimorfismos de una sola base (SNPs) se han asociado en la literatura con la prognosis de AF.Objetivo: Demostrar la correlación significativa de SNPS relevantes para el diagnóstico y prognosis de AF entre diferentes grupos étnicos.Metodología: se analizaron las frecuencias poblacionales y correlaciones entre varios SNPs relevantes para la prognosis de AF (ej: niveles basales de hemoglobina fetal), respuesta a tratamiento con hydroxiurea y respuesta a otras drogas utilizadas en el tratamiento de AF. Los datos fueron obtenidos de bases de datos genómicos validadas entre diferentes grupos étnicos.Resultados: Los cálculos del equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg y la regresión logística fue exitosa en clasificar los grupos étnicos, Africano (0 = 0,78, 1 = 0,89), y con menor eficiencia; Americano (AMR) (0 = 0,88, 1 = 0,00), Asia del Este (EAS) (0 = 0,80, 1 = 0,00), Europeo (EUR) (0 = 0,79, 1 = 0,00), y Sud-Asiático (SAS) (0 = 0,80, 1 = 0,00).Conclusiones: Estos resultados, extienden los trabajos previos y muestran que el perfil de mutaciones de la mayoría de los SNPs analizados, presenta distribuciones estadísticamente significativas entre grupos étnicos generales, apuntando a la necesidad de realizar programas de testeo masivo de SNPs para AF en pacientes diagnosticados con esta patología. Se concluye que la aplicación de un programa amplio de genotipificación de mutación generara una respuesta más eficiente y personalizada en el tratamiento de AF.
Síntomas y problemas gastrointestinales en niños asistidos por equipos de cuidados paliativos pediátricos. Estudio observacional
Authors: Bernadá Scarrone María Mercedes , Le Pera Garófalo Valeria
Published: February 2024

Los síntomas y problemas gastrointestinales (SP-GI) frecuentemente causan molestia y sufrimiento en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades que amenazan y/o limitan sus vidas (EALV). Los profesionales de cuidados paliativos pediátricos (CPP) deben conocerlos y realizar un abordaje integral.Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de SP-GI en pacientes asistidos por unidades de CPP y describir las medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas prescriptas.Pacientes y Método: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico en pacientes portadores de EALV, asistidos por equipos de CPP de Uruguay. Las variables analizadas incluyeron: edad; sexo; procedencia; tipo de EALV; presencia de: mucositis, vómitos, trastorno deglutorio, dolor abdominal, estreñimiento, diarrea, sangrado digestivo, problemas con prótesis digestivas; tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico prescripto.Resultados: Participaron 10 de 16 equipos de CPP. Presentaron SP-GI: 96 de 436 pacientes asistidos (22%). La edad (mediana) fue de 4,2 años (1 mes-18 años). EALV: 65% neurológica, 7% oncológica. Los 96 pacientes presentaron 114 consultas; 50% tenían 2 o más SP-GI por consulta. SP-GI encontrados: trastorno deglutorio 57%, estreñimiento 53%, náuseas y/o vómitos 24%, problemas con la gastrostomía 17%, dolor abdominal 10%, sangrado digestivo 3%, diarrea 2%. Hubo prescripciones variables de medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, solo 50% de aquellos con trastorno deglutorio recibían atención fonoaudiológica.Conclusiones: Los SP-GI motivaron consultas en todos los escenarios de atención de CPP, frecuentemente por 2 o más SP-GI. Los trastornos deglutorios y las complicaciones de la gastrostomía son problemas frecuentes pero poco visibilizados en CPP. Acorde al abordaje integral, se implementaron medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas.
Punción Biopsia guiada por tomografía para el diagnóstico de Cryptococcosis pulmonar pediátrica
Authors: Bosch Fragueiro Juan José , Iudica Maria Macarena
Published: February 2024

La criptococosis pulmonar es la infección pulmonar causada por el hongo Cryptococcus, infrecuente en pediatría especialmente en inmunocompetentes. El diagnóstico suele ser un desafío debido a la baja especificidad de los síntomas, bajo índice de sospecha y limitado conjunto de recursos diagnósticos.Objetivo: Describir un caso de criptococosis pulmonar en un adolescente inmunocompetente detallando el abordaje diagnóstico realizado.Caso Clínico: Paciente de 15 años, previamente sano, oriundo de una localidad rural, que consultó por tos y dolor en puntada de costado de un mes de evolución, sin fiebre ni dificultad respiratoria, con dos imágenes de condensación en base pulmonar izquierda en radiografía de tórax. La Tomografía Computada mostró que las imágenes tenían aspecto nodular. Por sospecha de patología neoplásica se completó estudio con Tomografía por Emisión de Positrones que evidenció lesiones nodulares hipermetabólicas. Las características tomográficas, podrían corresponder a compromiso fúngico o granulomatoso. Teniendo en cuenta las imágenes y los factores epidemiológicos de riesgo como el origen rural y contacto con deposiciones de aves, se consideró la posibilidad de micosis. Se realizó punción biopsia pulmonar bajo guía tomográfica. Se identificó Cryptococcus neoformans en el cultivo microbiológico. Recibió tratamiento con itraconazol y fluconazol con buena respuesta clínica y de las imágenes a 10 meses de terapia y seguimiento.Conclusión: En pacientes inmunocompetentes con una presentación clínica inespecífica, las imágenes pueden orientar el diagnóstico de criptococosis pulmonar, siendo la búsqueda etiológica fundamental para confirmarlo. En nuestro caso la punción biopsia guiada por tomografía fue de gran utilidad diagnóstica.
Terapias, vínculos y calidad de vida de niños, niñas y adolescentes con parálisis cerebral: vivencias y percepciones de sus cuidadores durante la pandemia
Authors: Herrera Sterren Natalia , Fantini Francisco , Berra Silvina
Published: February 2024

La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó la salud de niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA). Las condiciones relacionadas al aislamiento podrían haber impactado no solo en la funcionalidad de NNA con parálisis cerebral (PC), sino también en su bienestar social y emocional, repercutiendo en su calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS).Objetivo: Analizar percepciones de afectación durante la pandemia y diferencias en las dimensiones de CVRS respecto a un registro previo en NNA argentinos con diagnóstico de PC desde la perspectiva de sus cuidadores.Sujetos y Método: Estudio observacional transversal en dos momentos (2019 y 2021) donde participaron 98 cuidadores. Utilizamos los cuestionarios KIDSCREEN-27 y CP-QOL para la valoración de la CVRS y una pregunta abierta respecto a la afectación de la pandemia sobre la salud del NNA, incluida en 2021. Comparamos puntuaciones medias de las dimensiones de los cuestionarios en ambas etapas (diferencias significativas: d de Cohen ≥ 0,3). Las respuestas a la pregunta abierta se analizaron vía codificación “abierta” y “axial”.Resultados: Las puntuaciones de las dimensiones Participación, Bienestar emocional, Bienestar social y Entorno escolar (CP-QOL) y Bienestar psicológico, Amigos, Entorno escolar e Índice general de CVRS (KIDSCREEN-27) fueron menores durante la pandemia (2021) respecto de 2019 (d > 0,3). Sobre el impacto percibido durante esa coyuntura, identificamos tres recurrencias principales: “afectación por la interrupción de terapias y tratamientos”, “deterioro del vínculo con pares” y “aumento y valoración positiva de la autoatención”.Conclusiones: La pandemia afectó dimensiones psicosociales de la salud. Datos cualitativos resaltan la valoración positiva de la autoatención.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВНІ НАПРЯМИ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ АГРАРНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ У КОНТЕКСТІ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ
Authors: Коляденко Світлана , Дзісь Олексій , Гайдей Владислав
Published: February 2024

У статті досліджено потенціал цифровізації в аграрному секторі України, в напрямі економічної безпеки підприємств. Вона визначає ключові напрями, що включають автоматизацію бізнес-процесів, удосконалення систем управління відносинами з клієнтами (CRM), інтеграція ІТ та використання інноваційних технологій, як IoT і штучний інтелект. В статті показано, що цифрові технології можуть підвищувати ефективність, стійкість та конкурентоспроможність аграрних підприємств, але також наголошується на ризиках та викликах, пов'язаних з цифровою трансформацією. Значну увагу приділено аналізу викликів у цифровізації, таких як недостатня готовність технічної інфраструктури та необхідність адаптації освіти в галузі. Розглядаються фактори, що впливають на продуктивність, стійкість та фінансову стабільність аграрних підприємств.
ТРАНСФЕРТНЕ ЦІНОУТВОРЕННЯ В ТРАНСНАЦІОНАЛЬНИХ КОРПОРАЦІЯХ: РИЗИКИ ДЛЯ ПОДАТКОВОЇ СИСТЕМИ УКРАЇНИ ТА ШЛЯХИ ЇХ МІНІМІЗАЦІЇ
Authors: Степаненко Олександра , Травінська Світлана , Михальська Олена
Published: February 2024

У сучасному світі економіки трансфертне ціноутворення має велике значення для транснаціональних корпорацій, зокрема у частині ефективного розподілу прибутку та оподатковуваної бази. Проте спроби ухилення від сплати податків зумовлюють виникнення конфліктів з країнами базування корпорацій. У статті розглянуто поняття трансфертного ціноутворення та трансфертної ціни, розглянуто схему ухилення від сплати податків на їх основі та досліджено наявні методи боротьби з шахрайськими схемами в Україні відповідно до чинного законодавства. Також розглянуто трирівневу структуру документації із трансфертного ціноутворення з метою здійснення контролю над операціями в межах міжнародних груп компаній, запропоновано заходи для посилення контролю над діяльністю транснаціональних корпорацій, що сприятиме забезпеченню податкових надходжень до бюджету та підтриманню стабільності фінансової системи країни.
ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ КАНАЛІВ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ СТРАХОВИХ ПОСЛУГ В ЕПОХУ ЦИФРОВИХ ІННОВАЦІЙ
Authors: Федорович Ірина
Published: February 2024

Стаття присвячена сучасних підходам до вдосконалення каналів реалізації страхових послуг в контексті епохи цифрових інновацій. Розглянуто сучасний стан функціонування страхового посередництва в Україні, зокрема досліджено динаміку кількості укладених договорів страхування та перестрахування, представлено суми їх комісійних винагород. Проаналізовано вплив новітніх технологічних досягнень на страховий ринок, оцінено потенційні можливості та виклики, які ці зміни несуть для страхових компаній та їхніх клієнтів. Закцентовано на потребі інтеграції цифрових та традиційних каналів продажу з метою створення адаптивних та ефективних систем, які б забезпечували високий рівень задоволеності клієнтів та сприяли б зростанню бізнесу. Наголошено на важливості глибокого розуміння нової цифрової реальності та необхідності балансування між інноваційними та традиційними підходами в страховій діяльності.
NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED Moringa oleifera SEED BEFORE AND AFTER OIL EXTRACTION FOR INCLUSION IN Clarias gariepinus BASED DIETS
Authors: HARUNA M.A. , ZANNAH U.B.
Published: February 2024

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of different processing methods on the nutrient and anti-nutrient profiles of Moringa oleifera seed before and after oil extraction. Four processing methods involving toasting at 10, 20 and 30mins, boiling at 30, 60 and 90mins, soaking at 8, 16 and 24 hours and combination of boiling (30, 60 and 90 minutes) and soaking for 72 hours were employed. The results showed that the three toasting treatments significantly increased the crude protein content while revealing a significant (p<0.05) increase in the crude protein (55.05±0.17) and ash (6.01±0.10) contents of the processed seed meal and significantly (p<0.05) lower fat (9.39±0.11), moisture (1.50±0.07) and crude fibre (3.93±0.05) contents after oil extraction. The anti-nutritional factors detected in the raw moringa seeds were (Oxalate, saponins, alkaloids, phytic acid, tannin, cyanide and phytate) with the following contents; 0.86±0.13, 1.50±0.06, 2.32±0.06, 269.84±1.62, 1.21±0.14, 0.56±0.04 and 69.82±0.86, respectively. Combination of boiling and soaking treatments (B30mins/S72hrs, B60mins/S72 hrs, B90mins/S72hrs) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the anti-nutritional factors. Processing, B60mins/S72hrs and B90mins/S72hrs were able to reduce all the anti-nutritional factors to acceptable levels with the exception of phytic acid which remained significantly (p<0.05) higher. All the toasting treatments significantly increased the crude protein content while boiling and soaking did not. However, displacement of oil after extraction greatly enhanced the crude protein level of the treated (B90mins/S72hrs) seed. It could be concluded that this processing method coupled with oil extraction could effectively improve on the crude protein content of the seed.
Sustainability Environmental Performance Future Investment for Company Value
Authors: Dwianto Agus , Puspitasari Diana , A'yun Annisa Qurrota , Sulistyawati Ardiani Ika , Pugara Ade
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the financial dynamics of 182 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2019 to 2022, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses a quantitative approach using SPSS for regression analysis. The dataset covers the turbulent years of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of companies during this period. This study reveals that while capital structure and dividend policy do not significantly affect firm value, firm growth, profitability and investment decisions exert a differential influence. Notably, environmental performance moderates the impact of growth and profitability on firm value, but does not significantly affect relationships involving capital structure, dividend policy, or investment decisions. This research contributes to the growing landscape of financial analysis by incorporating environmental considerations as a moderating factor. It underscores the importance of sustainable practices in improving financial performance and firm value, especially in the context of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ý định tiếp tục sử dụng dịch vụ tủ đồ thông minh của người dùng tại các đô thị lớn ở Việt Nam
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Nguyệt , Trần Thị Hoàng Hà
Published: February 2024

Mục tiêu của bài viết là tìm kiếm bằng chứng về các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến ý định tiếp tục sử dụng tủ đồ thông minh trong giao nhận hàng hoá chặng cuối. Mô hình nghiên cứu được xây dựng dựa trên lý thuyết xác nhận-kỳ vọng. Dữ liệu thu thập từ 193 khách hàng đang sử dụng dịch vụ tủ đồ thông minh. Khung nghiên cứu được kiểm định bằng phương pháp cấu trúc bình phương nhỏ nhất từng phần PLS-SEM. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy vai trò của xác nhận về mức độ đáp ứng của dịch vụ tủ khoá thông minh đối với sự hữu ích, sự hài lòng và ý định tiếp tục sử dụng của người dùng. Đồng thời, nghiên cứu cũng cung cấp bằng chứng về vai trò trung gian một phần của sự hài lòng trong mối quan hệ giữa nhận thức hữu ích và ý định tiếp tục sử dụng dịch vụ của người dùng. Một số hàm ý quản trị được đề xuất nhằm thúc đẩy ý định tiếp tục sử dụng dịch vụ tủ đồ thông minh của khách hàng trong giao nhận hàng chặng cuối trong tương lai.
Advances in the use of dried blood spots on filter paper to monitor kidney disease
Authors: Nicola Carla , Souza Vandréa de
Published: February 2024

Patients with kidney disease require frequent blood tests to monitor their kidney function, which is particularly difficult for young children and the elderly. For these people, the standard method is to evaluate serum creatinine or cystatin C or drug levels through venous sampling, but more recently, evaluation using dried blood spots has been used. This narrative review reports information from the literature on the use of dried blood spots to quantify the main markers used to detect kidney diseases. The ScienceDirect and PubMed databases were searched using the keywords: “dried blood on filter paper,” “markers of renal function,” “renal function,” “creatinine,” “cystatin C,” “urea,” “iohexol,” and “iotalamate.” Studies using animal samples were excluded, and only relevant articles in English or Spanish were considered. Creatinine was the most assessed biomarker in studies using dried blood spots to monitor kidney function, showing good performance in samples whose hematocrit levels were within normal reference values. According to the included studies, dried blood spots are a practical monitoring alternative for kidney disease. Validation parameters, such as sample and card type, volume, storage, internal patterns, and the effects of hematocrit are crucial to improving the reliability of these results.
A rare case of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus associated end-stage renal disease with cerebral abscess and hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Jee Hyun , Shin Jae Il , Kim Ji Hong , Lee Keum Hwa
Published: February 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs. More than half of the patients with SLE have kidney involvement, and up to 10% of patients with lupus nephritis develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in SLE occurs in 21% to 95% of patients. Severe neurological manifestations such as seizures, cerebrovascular disease, meningitis, and cerebrovascular accidents can develop in childhood-onset SLE, but cerebral infections, such as brain abscess and hemorrhage, are seldom reported in lupus nephritis, even in adults. Here, we report a rare case of childhood-onset SLE with ESRD, a cerebral abscess, and hemorrhage. A 9-year-old girl diagnosed with lupus nephritis was administered high-dose steroids and immunosuppressant therapy to treat acute kidney injury (AKI) and massive proteinuria. The AKI deteriorated, and after 3 months, she developed ESRD. She received hemodialysis three times a week along with daily peritoneal dialysis to control edema. She developed seizures, and imaging showed a brain abscess. This was complicated by spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage, and she became unstable. She died shortly after the hemorrhage was discovered. In conclusion, CNS complications should always be considered in clinical practice because they increase mortality, especially in those with risk factors for infection.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSING STUDENTS' HEALTH PERCEPTIONS AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIORS
Authors: ANUŞ TOPDEMİR Esra , SUNGUR Meltem , KÖLEOĞLU Şerife , BÜYÜKBAYRAM GENÇ Zeliha
Published: February 2024

Examine the effect of health perception on the health-seeking behaviors of nursing students. This descriptive-correlational study was made with a sample of 314 undergraduate nursing students. The Personal Introduction Form, Health Perception Scale, and Health-Seeking Behavior Scale were used to gather data. Kolmogorov Smirnov normality testing and Q-Q graphs were used to evaluate the data's normal distribution. Descriptive statistics, independent group t-tests, one-way variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used. Additionally, the Dunn-Bonferroni and Tukey tests were used. According to the students' overall health status, between the mean Accuracy sub-dimension scores, a significant difference was found (p
EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ANXIETY AND COVID-19 QUALITY OF LIFE ON COVID-19 BURNOUT IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSES
Authors: GÜN İbrahim , BOYACIOĞLU Nur Elçin , ENGİNKAYA Semra
Published: February 2024

Nurses are key professionals in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and they provide services beyond expectations. Although psychiatric nurses are suffering from anxiety and burnout they need to enhance and protect their quality of life. The major aim of the study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 anxiety on COVID-19 quality of life and COVID-19 burnout, and the impact of COVID-19 quality of life on COVID-19 burnout on psychiatric nurses. The descriptive-relational design was used. The sample consisted of 159 nurses working in a state psychiatric hospital in İstanbul, determined by convenience sampling method. The data of the study was collected by using the socio-demographic form, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, COVID-19 Life Quality Scale, and COVID-19 Burnout Scale. Statistically significant relationships were found between COVID-19 anxiety, COVID-19 life quality, and COVID-19 burnout. The increase in the anxiety of psychiatric nurses due to COVID-19 also increases the negative effect on their quality of life. COVID-19 anxiety positively affects burnout related to COVID-19. The increase in the negative effects of COVID-19 on the life quality of nurses causes an increase in burnout levels. The effect of COVID-19 on their life quality and the burnout based on COVID-19 was investigated in the research. Nurses are surpassing traditional boundaries, providing their services without constraints to confront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication knows no bounds as they work tirelessly to navigate through these difficult times, transcending conventional limits to offer essential care and support. Policymakers can alleviate the increasing physical and psychosocial burden of psychiatric nurses by providing financial and moral support. Additionally, medical, psychosocial, and legal resources should be provided to psychiatric nurses.
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell: An important yet often overlooked player in the liver fibrosis
Authors: Qu Jiaorong , Wang Le , Li Yufei , Li Xiaojiaoyang
Published: February 2024

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are liver-specific endothelial cells with the highest permeability than other mammalian endothelial cells, characterized by the presence of fenestrae on their surface, the absence of diaphragms and the lack of basement membrane. Located at the interface between blood and other liver cell types, LSECs mediate the exchange of substances between the blood and the Disse space, playing a crucial role in maintaining substance circulation and homeostasis of multicellular communication. As the initial responders to chronic liver injury, the abnormal LSEC activation not only changes their own physicochemical properties but also interrupts their communication with hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes, which collectively aggravates the process of liver fibrosis. In this review, we have comprehensively updated the various pathways by which LSECs were involved in the initiation and aggravation of liver fibrosis, including but not limited to cellular phenotypic change, the induction of capillarization, decreased permeability and regulation of intercellular communications. Additionally, the intervention effects and latest regulatory mechanisms of anti-fibrotic drugs involved in each aspect have been summarized and discussed systematically. As we studied deeper into unraveling the intricate role of LSECs in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, we unveil a promising horizon that pave the way for enhanced patient outcomes.
Widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid panzootic lineage in Uruguay is constrained by climate
Authors: Borteiro C , Laufer G , Gobel N , Arleo M , Kolenc F , Cortizas S , Barrasso DA , de Sá RO , Soutullo A , Ubilla M , Martínez-Debat C
Published: February 2024

The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a disease among the main causes of amphibian declines worldwide. However, Bd studies on Neotropical amphibians from temperate areas are scarce. We present a comprehensive survey of Bd in Uruguay, in temperate central eastern South America, carried out between 2006 and 2014. Skin swabs of 535 specimens of 21 native and exotic frogs were tested by PCR. We used individual-level data to examine the relationship between infection, climatic variables, and their effects on body condition and the number of prey items found in stomach contents. Infection was widespread in free-ranging anurans with an overall prevalence of 41.9%, detected in 15 native species, wild American bullfrogs Aquarana catesbeiana, and captive specimens of Ceratophrys ornata and Xenopus laevis. Three haplotypes of the Bd ITS region were identified in native amphibians, all belonging to the global panzootic lineage (BdGPL), of which only one was present in exotic hosts. Despite high infection frequencies in different anurans, we found no evidence of morbidity or mortality attributable to chytridiomycosis, and we observed no discernible impact on body condition or consumed prey. Climatic conditions at the time of our surveys suggested that the chance of infection is associated with monthly mean temperature, mean humidity, and total precipitation. Temperatures below 21°C combined with moderate humidity and pronounced rainfall may increase the likelihood of infection. Multiple haplotypes of BdGPL combined with high frequencies of infection suggest an enzootic pattern in native species, underscoring the need for continued monitoring.
Investigation of the Calciothermic Reduction of TiO2 for the Green Production of Ti and TiH2 Powders
Authors: Park Sung-Hun , Kang Jungshin , Sohn Ho-Sang
Published: February 2024

To develop an eco-friendly titanium (Ti) production process, the calciothermic reduction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) was investigated. The mechanism involved in the reduction of TiO2 using calcium (Ca) was examined. The influence of a molten salt, calcium chloride (CaCl2), on the calciothermic reduction was investigated by conducting experiments at 1123 – 1223 K in an argon (Ar) atmosphere for the duration of 0.5 – 9 h. When CaCl2 was used as a molten salt, the oxygen (O) concentration in Ti decreased to 0.162 mass% owing to the removal of calcium oxide (CaO) from the surface of the Ti particles. In addition, the use of a CaCl2 – lithium chloride (LiCl) molten salt decreased the reaction temperature to 1073 K and the O concentration in the obtained Ti reached 0.333 mass%. Furthermore, after the calciothermic reduction of TiO2 at 1173 K using a perforated crucible, the residual Ca-containing salt was sufficiently separated in-situ from the crucible, and a mixture of Ti and TiH1.924 was produced via hydrogenation at 1023 K by changing the atmosphere gas from Ar to hydrogen gas (H2). The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of the calciothermic reduction of TiO2 for the eco-friendly production of Ti and TiH2 powders.
Which pooling method is better: Max, Avg, or Concat (Max, Avg)
Authors: Doğan Yahya
Published: February 2024

Pooling is a non-linear operation that aggregates the results of a given region to a single value. This method effectively removes extraneous details in feature maps while keeping the overall information. As a result, the size of feature maps is reduced, which decreases computing costs and prevents overfitting by eliminating irrelevant data. In CNN models, the max pooling and average pooling methods are commonly utilized. The max pooling selects the highest value within the pooling area and aids in preserving essential features of the image. However, it ignores the other values inside the pooling region, resulting in a significant loss of information. The average pooling computes the average values within the pooling area, which reduces data loss. However, by failing to emphasize critical pixels in the image, it may result in the loss of significant features. To examine the performance of pooling methods, this study comprised the experimental analysis of multiple models, i.e. shallow and deep, datasets, i.e. Cifar10, Cifar100, and SVHN, and pool sizes, e.g. $2x2$, $3x3$, $10x10$. Furthermore, the study investigated the effectiveness of combining two approaches, namely Concat (Max, Avg), to minimize information loss. The findings of this work provide an important guideline for selecting pooling methods in the design of CNNs. The experimental results demonstrate that pooling methods have a considerable impact on model performance. Moreover, there are variances based on the model and pool size.
Komodifikasi Kehidupan di Desa pada Akun Instagram @hidupdidesa_
Authors: Wardani Ayu , Misbah Nuril Ashivah , Hayati Kumala
Published: February 2024

Platform instagram merupakan media yang digunakan untuk berbagi informasi dari penggunanya. Informasi yang dibagikan dalam setiap akun memiliki ciri khas dan tujuan masing-masing. Akun @hidupdidesa_ merupakan salah satu akun instagram yang menggunakan representasi kehidupan di desa sebagai ciri khasnya. Kehidupan alami di desa dengan ciri khas pertanian merupakan hal utama yang ditampilkan dalam setiap konten @hidupdidesa_. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk  menganalisis komodifikasi  kehidupan di desa pada akun instagram @hidupdidesa_ melalui analisis semiotika Roland Barthes. Dalam membedah komodifikasi yang digunakan oleh akun instagram @hidupdidesa_ digunakan metode analisis semiotika Roland Barthes. Komodifikasi merupakan suatu usaha yang digunakan untuk menciptakan suatu komoditas, yang kemudian berujung pada keinginan untuk mendapatkan keuntungan. Akun @hidupdidesa_ pada platform instagram menjadikan arena kehidupan di desa sebagai suatu bentuk komodifikasi konten. Di dalam unggahan @hidupdidesa_, direpresentasikan mengenai kehidupan di desa yang nyaman, subur, asri, dan jauh dari modernisasi perkotaan. Berdasarkan analisis penanda dan petanda (semiotika) Roland Barthes, ditemukan pemaknaan bahwa terdapat beragam pesan mengenai kehidupan pedesaan yang tak biasa pada konten instagram @hidupdidesa_, di mana pesan-pesan yang dikonstruksi dalam kehidupan pedesaan tersebut berujung pada makna pesan mengenai kehidupan yang berkelanjutan (sustainable). Adapun makna pesan kehidupan berkelanjutan tergambar dalam representasi gaya hidup cooking from scratch, Do It Yourself, serta gaya hidup ramah lingkungan.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice concerning Oral Cancer amongst Dental Undergraduates
Authors: Pawar Pawan , Bhangale Ashwini , Narwade Rohan
Published: February 2024

Oral cancer is an important aspect of dentistry and should be screened for daily in day to day practice. A systematic cross-sectional survey was conducted. 183 dental students participated in the study by answering a self- administered validated questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sixteen questions, relating to the knowledge, attitude and practice. The statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s chi-square testing.73.8 % of students had accurate overall knowledge regarding Oral Cancer, which was satisfactory. About 32.2% of students claimed to have adequate up-to-date knowledge regarding the prevention and detection of oral cancer. 81.4% students had appropriate attitude towards Oral Cancer. 88% of students employed apposite practice management skills with respect to examining patients for any cancerous lesions and took efforts for counselling the patient. Yet, 97.8% of students demanded additional training regarding identification and prevention of oral cancer.The study suggestively indicated that the dental students have satisfactory knowledge, attitude and are cognizant in examining for symptoms of oral cancer. No significant difference between knowledge /attitude/ practices about oral cancer amongst the three undergraduate years. Additionally, innovative and didactically orientated programmes should be reinforced to upsurge awareness which will aid in timely detection.The main objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, practice concerning oral cancer amongst undergraduate dental students of Maharashtra Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Dental College, Latur, Maharashtra, India.

Key-words: Attitude, Dental students, Knowledge, Oral cancer, Practice.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Antimicrobial Effi cacy of two Herbal Products as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Endodontic Infections
Authors: Dhall Sonam , Mittal Rakesh , Tandan Monika
Published: February 2024

AIM: To evaluate & compare antimicrobial efficacy of two herbal products as root canal irrigants in primary endodontic infections. MATERIALS&METHOD: 78 patients were selected, out of which only 66 patients met the inclusion criteria & were furtherrandomly divided into 3 groups (n=22 each), Group-1: 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite, Group – 2: Chitosan, Group – 3 : Propolis. Access cavity was prepared & working length was determined radiographically. A sterile paper point was inserted into the canal for 60 sec. Three samples were taken for each tooth. Biomechanical preparation was done upto master apical size #40 K-file. Irrigation was done with the respective irrigants. Post instrumentation sample (S2) was collected in the similar manner as S1. Microbiological samples (S1, S2) were preincubated for 30 minutes and plated on Brain heart infusion agar. Colonies were counted after 24 hours using classic bacterial counting method. Normality of data was checked using Shapiro wilk testand intra/intergroup comparison was done using Anova& Post hoc Tukey test RESULTS: The mean bacterial counts of Group- II were found to be lower than that of Group- III & Group- I. However, the difference was not statistically significant when compared to Group- I but the difference was statistically significant with Group- III. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that herbal products have shown significant antimicrobial activity in comparison to 2.5 % Sodium hypochlorite in primary endodontic infections in patients and can be recommended for use in clinical situations. KEYWORDS: Chitosan, Herbal irrigants, Irrigants, Propolis, Sodium Hypochlorite
RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF TWO HERBAL PRODUCTS AS ROOT CANAL IRRIGANTS IN PRIMARY ENDODONTIC INFECTIONS.
Authors: Dhall Sonam , Mittal Rakesh , Tandan Monika
Published: February 2024

AIM: To evaluate & compare antimicrobial efficacy of two herbal products as root canal irrigants in primary endodontic infections. MATERIALS&METHOD: 78 patients were selected, out of which only 66 patients met the inclusion criteria & were furtherrandomly divided into 3 groups (n=22 each), Group-1: 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite, Group – 2: Chitosan, Group – 3 : Propolis. Access cavity was prepared & working length was determined radiographically. A sterile paper point was inserted into the canal for 60 sec. Three samples were taken for each tooth. Biomechanical preparation was done upto master apical size #40 K-file. Irrigation was done with the respective irrigants. Post instrumentation sample (S2) was collected in the similar manner as S1. Microbiological samples (S1, S2) were preincubated for 30 minutes and plated on Brain heart infusion agar. Colonies were counted after 24 hours using classic bacterial counting method. Normality of data was checked using Shapiro wilk testand intra/intergroup comparison was done using Anova& Post hoc Tukey test RESULTS: The mean bacterial counts of Group- II were found to be lower than that of Group- III & Group- I. However, the difference was not statistically significant when compared to Group- I but the difference was statistically significant with Group- III. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that herbal products have shown significant antimicrobial activity in comparison to 2.5 % Sodium hypochlorite in primary endodontic infections in patients and can be recommended for use in clinical situations. KEYWORDS:Chitosan, Herbal irrigants,Irrigants, Propolis, Sodium Hypochlorite
Assessing the impact of gait speed on gait stability using multi-scale entropy fused with plantar pressure signals
Authors: Hu Zilei , Li Miaomiao , Wei Jiale , Zhao Jing , Tang Xiaojing , Wei Haicheng
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Walking speed can affect gait stability and increase the risk of falling.

Methods: In this study, we design a device to measure the distribution of the plantar pressure to investigate the impact of the walking speed on the stability of the human gait and movements of the body. We fused the entropy acquired at multiple scales with signals of the plantar pressure to evaluate the effects of the walking speed on the stability of the human gait. We simultaneously collected data on the motion-induced pressure from eight plantar regions to obtain the fused regional pressure. To verify their accuracy, we obtained data on the plantar pressure during walking by using the force table of the Qualisys system. We then extracted the peak points and intervals of the human stride from pressure signals fused over three regions, and analyzed the mechanics of their regional fusion by using the regional amplitude–pressure ratio to obtain the distribution of the plantar pressure at an asynchronous walking speed. Furthermore, we introduced multi-scale entropy to quantify the complexity of the gait and evaluate its stability at different walking speeds.

Results: The results of experiments showed that increasing the speed from 2 to 6 km/h decreased the stability of the gait, with a 26.7% increase in the amplitude of pressure in the region of the forefoot. The hindfoot and forefoot regions were subjected to the minimal pressure at a speed of 2 km/h, while the most consistent stress was observed in regions of the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. Moreover, the curve of entropy at a speed of 2 km/h exhibited a slow decline at a small scale and high stability at a large scale.

Discussion: The multi-scale entropy increased the variation in the stability of the synchronous velocity of walking compared with the sample entropy and the analysis of regional fusion mechanics. Multi-scale entropy can thus be used to qualitatively assess the relationship between the speed and stability of the gait, and to identify the most stable gait speed that can ensure gait stability and posture control.
The whack-a-mole governance challenge for AI-enabled synthetic biology: literature review and emerging frameworks
Authors: Undheim Trond Arne
Published: February 2024

AI-enabled synthetic biology has tremendous potential but also significantly increases biorisks and brings about a new set of dual use concerns. The picture is complicated given the vast innovations envisioned to emerge by combining emerging technologies, as AI-enabled synthetic biology potentially scales up bioengineering into industrial biomanufacturing. However, the literature review indicates that goals such as maintaining a reasonable scope for innovation, or more ambitiously to foster a huge bioeconomy do not necessarily contrast with biosafety, but need to go hand in hand. This paper presents a literature review of the issues and describes emerging frameworks for policy and practice that transverse the options of command-and-control, stewardship, bottom-up, and laissez-faire governance. How to achieve early warning systems that enable prevention and mitigation of future AI-enabled biohazards from the lab, from deliberate misuse, or from the public realm, will constantly need to evolve, and adaptive, interactive approaches should emerge. Although biorisk is subject to an established governance regime, and scientists generally adhere to biosafety protocols, even experimental, but legitimate use by scientists could lead to unexpected developments. Recent advances in chatbots enabled by generative AI have revived fears that advanced biological insight can more easily get into the hands of malignant individuals or organizations. Given these sets of issues, society needs to rethink how AI-enabled synthetic biology should be governed. The suggested way to visualize the challenge at hand is whack-a-mole governance, although the emerging solutions are perhaps not so different either.
Metabolic engineering of Streptomyces peucetius for biosynthesis of N,N-dimethylated anthracyclines
Authors: Hulst Mandy B. , Zhang Le , van der Heul Helga U. , Du Chao , Elsayed Somayah S. , Koroleva Arina , Grocholski Thadee , Wander Dennis P. A. , Metsä-Ketelä Mikko , Neefjes Jacques J. C. , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Daunorubicin and doxorubicin, two anthracycline polyketides produced by S. peucetius, are potent anticancer agents that are widely used in chemotherapy, despite severe side effects. Recent advances have highlighted the potential of producing improved derivatives with reduced side effects by incorporating l-rhodosamine, the N,N-dimethyl analogue of the native amino sugar moiety.

Method: In this study, we aimed to produce N,N-dimethylated anthracyclines by engineering the doxorubicin biosynthetic pathway in the industrial Streptomyces peucetius strain G001. To achieve this, we introduced genes from the aclarubicin biosynthetic pathway encoding the sugar N-methyltransferases AclP and AknX2. Furthermore, the native gene for glycosyltransferase DnrS was replaced with genes encoding the aclarubicin glycosyltransferases AknS and AknT. Additionally, the gene for methylesterase RdmC from the rhodomycin biosynthetic pathway was introduced.

Results: A new host was engineered successfully, whereby genes from the aclarubicin pathway were introduced and expressed. LC-MS/MS analysis of the engineered strains showed that dimethylated sugars were efficiently produced, and that these were incorporated ino the anthracycline biosynthetic pathway to produce the novel dimethylated anthracycline N,N-dimethyldaunorubicin. Further downstream tailoring steps catalysed by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase DoxA exhibited limited efficacy with N,N-dimethylated substrates. This resulted in only low production levels of N,N-dimethyldaunorubicin and no N,N-dimethyldoxorubicin, most likely due to the low affinity of DoxA for dimethylated substrates.

Discussion:S. peucetius G001 was engineered such as to produce N,N-dimethylated sugars, which were incorporated into the biosynthetic pathway. This allowed the successful production of N,N-dimethyldaunorubicin, an anticancer drug with reduced cytotoxicity. DoxA is the key enzyme that determines the efficiency of the biosynthesis of N,N-dimethylated anthracyclines, and engineering of this enzyme will be a major step forwards towards the efficient production of more N,N-dimethylated anthracyclines, including N,N-dimethyldoxorubicin. This study provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of clinically relevant daunorubicin derivatives, highlighting the importance of combinatorial biosynthesis.
Genetically stable kill-switch using “demon and angel” expression construct of essential genes
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Mori Hirotada
Published: February 2024

Genetic instability of synthetic genetic devices is a key obstacle for practical use. This problem is particularly critical in kill-switches for conditional host killing. Here, we propose a genetically stable kill-switch based on a “demon and angel” expression construct of a toxic essential gene. The kill-switch conditionally overexpresses the toxic essential gene. Additionally, the identical essential gene is deleted in the genome. The essential gene is expressed at a low level to maintain host survival in the OFF state and kills the host by the overexpression in the ON state. The single expression construct is responsible for both killing the hosts and maintaining viability, reducing the emergence of loss-of-function mutants. We constructed the kill-switch using the toxic essential gene encoding tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, tyrS, in Escherichia coli. The bacteria harboring the kill-switch were conditionally suicidal over 300 generations. Toxic overexpression of essential genes has also been found in other organisms, suggesting that the “demon and angel” kill switch is scalable to various organisms.
Enhancing blockchain scalability with snake optimization algorithm: a novel approach
Authors: Taher Shimal S. H. , Ameen Siddeeq Y. , Ahmed Jihan A.
Published: February 2024

Scalability remains a critical challenge for blockchain technology, limiting its potential for widespread adoption in high-demand transactional systems. This paper proposes an innovative solution to this challenge by applying the Snake Optimization Algorithm (SOA) to a blockchain framework, aimed at enhancing transaction throughput and reducing latency. A thorough literature review contextualizes our work within the current state of blockchain scalability efforts. We introduce a methodology that integrates SOA into the transaction validation process of a blockchain network. The effectiveness of this approach is empirically evaluated by comparing transaction processing times before and after the implementation of SOA. The results show a substantial reduction in latency, with the optimized system achieving lower average transaction times across various transaction volumes. Notably, the latency for processing batches of 10 and 100 transactions decreased from 30.29 ms to 155.66 ms–0.42 ms and 0.37 ms, respectively, post optimization. These findings indicate that SOA is exceptionally efficient in batch transaction scenarios, presenting an inverse scalability behavior that defies typical system performance degradation with increased load. Our research contributes a significant advancement in blockchain scalability, with implications for the development of more efficient and adaptable blockchain systems suitable for high throughput enterprise applications.
Ferroptosis and its current progress in gastric cancer
Authors: Yue Zhenqi , Yuan Yiwu , Zhou Qi , Sheng Jie , Xin Lin
Published: February 2024

Gastric Cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy within the digestive tract, ranking as the fifth most common malignant tumor worldwide. It is characterized by clinical features such as a tendency for metastasis and an unfavorable prognosis. Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of cell death, represents a novel mode of cellular demise that diverges from the traditional concepts of necrosis and apoptosis. Numerous studies have found that ferroptosis plays a significant role in the proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and microenvironment regulation within GC. This review summarizes the mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in the occurrence and development of GC cells. It provides examples demonstrating how various anti-tumor drugs can induce ferroptosis in GC cells. Additionally, it summarizes the potential application value of ferroptosis in the future treatment of GC.