bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus as Coloniser in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Zajmi Asdren , Shiranee Fathimath , Gee Hoon Tang Shirley , A.M. Alhoot Mohammed , Abdul Karim Sairah
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a common human pathogen that can cause mild superficial infections to deep-seated abscesses and sepsis. One of the characteristics of S. aureus is the ability to colonise healthy individuals while leaving them asymptomatic. These carriers’ risk harbouring an antibiotic-resistant strain that may be harmful to the individual and the community. S. aureus carriage in healthcare personnel is being studied extensively in many parts of the world. However, the relationship between colonisation and disease among those with no previous exposure to healthcare remains untouched. Colonisation of the nasal cavity and its surrounding by pathogenic organisms such as S. aureus leads to the increased risk of infection. Hospital-acquired infections associated with S. aureus infections are common and studies related to these types of infections among various study groups are largely documented. However, over the last decade, an increase in community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus has been noted, increasing the need to identify the prevalence of the organism among healthy individuals and assessing the antibiotic resistance patterns. Systemic surveillance of the community for colonisation of S. aureus and identifying the antibiotic-resistant pattern is critical to determine the appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment.
Evaluation Trials and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata: Technologies and Way Forward
Authors: Rao Gandhe Rajeshwar , Sekhar Ajin , Muthu Rajkumar
Published: January 2023

The Chapter focuses on two crops namely Pongamia pinnata and Jatropha curcas, their germplasm collection, evaluation trials including progeny trials, identification of superior germplasm for maximum yield of oil per unit area, mass multiplication, on-farm trials, carbon sequestration capacity, and successful agro-forestry models. Since India’s edible oil consumption needs are heavily dependent on imports, the only feasible way to augment biofuel production is through utilisation of non -edible tree borne oils. Indian demography (population size and population density) coupled with food-fuel competition warrants the use of only wastelands for cultivation with crops tolerant/resilient to severe environmental stress. P. pinnata and J. curcas are proven, ideal candidates that fit in the narrative and hence the chapter encompasses a holistic, multi-dimensional approach on biodiesel production technologies using P. pinnata and J. curcas and along with their future prospects.
Tricuspid Valve Repair
Authors: Sarper Türker Fevzi , Temiztürk Zeki , Azboy Davut
Published: January 2023

For the previous years, the tricuspid valve (TV), has been studied relatively less than the other heart valves diseases both about pathophysiology, management, surgical intervention, and treatment. However, recent advances in assessment and management of the TV disease have led to redirect the interest in this “forgotten valve.” Surgeons often had believed that quick solutions for the left ventricle problems would also improve the secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR). Every active surgeon has been preferred this quick solution in his whole surgery life many times. Medical treatment options aims to improve the underlying disease and the right ventricle failure. TV surgery have proven to yield good outcomes in surgery indicated patients. For patients who are not available for surgery, trans catheter intervention may be an alternative. Due to limited data, the best surgical techniques are still in question, with no clear answer, particularly for STR. Key factor in determining prognosis, timing for intervention and longer-term outcome is the right ventricular function at the time of prognosis.
New Strategies for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Xicohtencatl-Cortes Juan , A. Ochoa Sara , Cruz-Córdova Ariadnna , A. Flores-Oropeza Marco , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto
Published: January 2023

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading causal agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which present high morbidity and limitations in antibiotic treatments. UTIs can also manifest as recurrent (RUTIs) in children and adults and represent a severe public health problem, mainly because there are no treatment and control alternatives that are 100% effective. Patients with RUTIs have a decreased quality of life and are prone to significant complications of UTIs, such as pyelonephritis and urosepsis. Recently, we described UPEC clinical strains related to UTI that have a high profile of antibiotic resistance [multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)] and genes encoding several fimbrial adhesins, such as FimH of type 1 fimbriae, PapG of fimbriae P, and CsgA of Curli fimbriae. Recently, the expression of fimbrial adhesins (FimH, CsgA, and PapG) was shown to be involved in the release of the interleukins (IL) 6 and IL-8 in vitro. This work aims to present a broad overview and description of the pathogenic attributes of UPEC, including the infection processes, pathogenicity mechanisms, and host immune responses, as well as an integral perspective to generate new studies that would contribute to the implementation of preventive strategies against UTI.
Well-Being and Happiness Feelings in Sports-Active and Sports-Inactive Adolescents
Authors: Peráčková Janka , Peráček Pavol
Published: January 2023

The benefits of sports activities and all kinds of physical activities for well-being and feelings of happiness are important to investigate at various times of life. We studied adolescents to broaden the knowledge of well-being and feelings of happiness in the sample of sports-active and sports-inactive boys and girls. The EPOCH questionnaire was used for the research. We found statistically significant differences in the comparison of the individual qualities of social and emotional well-being: Engagement, perseverance, optimism and connectedness versus quality Happiness between sports-active and sports-inactive girls, sports-active and sports-inactive boys, between the level of sporting activity, where the level of sports does not matter because any sport brings significantly greater feelings of happiness for people who do sports in any way compared to people who do not do sports and do not engage in these activities. It is interesting to note that those who play sports six times a week experienced the greatest degree of happiness, and in the other qualities of well-being with the qualities of engagement, perseverance, optimism and connectedness, they reached statistically significantly better feelings than individuals without sports activities in their lives.
Advances in Clinical Application of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers
Authors: Li Junyan , Yuan Niuniu , Wang Huizhen , Qingzhong Wang
Published: January 2023

Bone mineral density is the main basis for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The measurement methods of bone mineral density include dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computer tomography (QCT), quantitative ultrasound (QUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and so on. Currently, bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are biochemical products that reflect the activity of bone cells and the metabolic level of bone matrix, and they reflect the dynamic changes of bone tissue in the whole body earlier than bone mineral-density, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) is sensitive BTMs, widely used in clinical practice, and can predict the occurrence of fractures. Some new markers such as Periostin, AGEs/RAGE, Gelsolin, and Annexin A2 provide new clues for exploring the mechanism of osteoporosis. The combination of the two can better carry out the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of multiple metabolic bone diseases, evaluate the therapeutic response of anti-osteoporotic medicines, and predict fracture risk.
Drug Delivery of Corticosteroids
Authors: S. El-Khooly Mohamed
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we will study how we were able to place drugs from the family of corticosteroids in the places where the drug is intended to be affected during the surgery. It was also possible to control the release of accumulated quantities of dexamethasone by coating it with some soluble polymers such as chitosan. We used samples of bioglass grafted with chitosan polymer to which different percentages of dexamethasone (Dexa) were added (5, 10, and 15%). In addition, the cumulative doses emitted from the samples were calculated by means of statistical functions and using the ultraviolet device. This was also tested on the plasma fluid of the human-simulating body fluid (SBF), and it was confirmed that the appropriate amounts of Dexa were emitted over a period of (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 21, and 33) days. Due to its shown efficacy in simulating in liquid of the human body (SBF), we aim to put it within the human body as soon as feasible.
Review of Slurry Bed Reactor for Carbon One Chemistry
Authors: Meng Fanhui , Asif Nawaz Muhammad
Published: January 2023

The slurry bed reactor has many advantages, which make it very suitable for gas-to-liquid processes, especially for the highly exothermic reactions. This chapter reviews three types of slurry bed reactors and their comparisons, including the mechanically stirred slurry reactor, bubble column slurry reactor and three-phase fluidized bed reactor. The application of the slurry bed reactors in carbon one (C1) chemistry for syngas conversion to different valuable chemicals is presented, which includes four typical exothermic reactions, that is, the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to oil, methanol synthesis, dimethyl ether synthesis and synthetic natural gas synthesis. The operation parameters and performance of slurry bed reactor, fixed bed reactor and fluidized bed reactor are compared while discussing the reasons of catalyst deactivation. Since, the development trend of slurry bed reactor for C1 chemistry is finally proposed.
Emerging Hallmarks of Mitochondrial Biochemistry in Cardiac Trabecular Morphogenesis and Left Ventricular Noncompaction (LVNC)
Authors: Mahendran Gowthami , A. Schwarz Margaret
Published: January 2023

Functioning as a pivotal platform for energy production and transduction, mitochondria generate ATP to meet the dynamic demands of embryonic development. Consequently, disruption or alteration in mitochondrial activity influences not only cellular status, but also can impact organ formation. Disrupted mitochondrial performance not only impairs cardiovascular function but can also disrupt cardiac maturation through prevention of the myocardium’s transition between the trabeculation to the compaction phase. During embryonic development, proliferating cardiomyocytes create a trabecular mesh network. Gradual compaction of this network transforms the intra-trabecular spaces into the capillaries of the coronary circulation. Achievement of functional compaction and ultimately normal cardiac function is dependent in part on mitochondrial well-being with failure to complete remodeling of the inner trabecular layer contributing to disrupted endocardial vasculature and fibrosis, left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). LVNC, commonly associated with mitochondrial genetic alterations, is speculated to occur due to an interruption during the process of compaction at the early developmental stages of the left ventricle (LV). Mitochondrial mutations, remain the common etiology of LVNC with a wide spectrum of these genes associated with other cardiomyopathies related to LVNC. Understanding the impact that mitochondrial genetic alterations have on the evolution of cardiac noncompaction could provide new treatment opportunities.
A Summary of the Introduction and Importance of Quantum Plasmas
Authors: Jyoti
Published: January 2023

In this chapter, we will discuss the quantum plasmas that have their applications mainly in miniaturized semiconductors, optical fibers, waveguides, nanoplasmonics, and astrophysical systems. Quantum plasmas are the least explored field owing to the astronomical applications of classical plasmas. In this chapter we will discuss how quantum plasmas can be studied and which system of equations will be easier to follow. We will discuss the easiest method possible and more popular way to explore the quantum plasmas for the sake of understanding of a new reader to this subject.
3D Printing for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kasturi Meghana , Mathur Vidhi , Agarwal Prachi , Srinivasan Varadharajan , S. Vasanthan Kirthanashri
Published: January 2023

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field and 3D bioprinting has emerged to be the holy grail to fabricate artificial organs. This chapter gives an overview of the latest advances in 3D bioprinting technology in the commercial space and academic research sector. It explores the commercially available 3D bioprinters and commercially printed products that are currently available in the market. It provides a brief introduction to bioinks and the latest developments in 3D bioprinting various organs. The chapter also discusses the advancements in tissue regeneration from 3D printing to 4D printing.
New Insight into the Immunity during Echinococcus Granulosus Infection
Authors: Faris Ali Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Echinococcus granulosus is a causative agent of cystic echinococcosis disease which represents a real challenge of health and economic sectors by threatening human and animal life. In E. granulosus-infected intermediate hosts, the local immune responses represent by balance between T helper-1 (Th1)/Th2 responses and involving of IL-10-secreting CD8+ T cells, as well as induction of antigen presentation and production of antibodies were suggested. Spill out of hydatid cyst fluid from ruptured cysts can induce deadly anaphylactic reactions. Although the host promotes effective immune responses against E. granulosus infection, the parasite can be survived, suggesting exist of mechanisms of immune evasion that help E. granulosus to grow and develop. Several mechanisms of immune evasion have been suggested during E. granulosus infection including; antigenic variation that lead to produce useless antibodies, alteration of Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, anti-apoptotic process, molecular mimicry and interfering with Antigen presentation, as well as fibrosis of hydatid cysts can be occurred in chronic cases. Furthermore, as an efficient drug against E. granulosus infection still not available, immunization of hosts could be necessary. Interestingly, combination of multiple EG95 proteins of oncospheres from the different isomers could possibly maximize the EG95 vaccine efficacy.
Evaluation of Rare Earth Element Mine Sites for Environmental Impact
Authors: T. Aide Michael
Published: January 2023

Rare earth elements are critical elements in the modern economy. Mining of rare earth elements has significantly intensified in the last several decades and studies of the environmental impact are in their infancy. In trace amounts, rare earth elements may support plant growth and development. At greater concentrations, rare earth elements are increasingly recognized as having a degree of mammalian toxicity; however, the mammalian toxicity potential may not be as acute as that for some heavy metals. The toxicity of rare earth elements requires detailed research to showcase toxicity thresholds for a wide range of ecosystem health. This study reveals case studies demonstrating that investigators rely on pollution indices, which do indicate that mining and ore processing possess environmental challenges. Further research has been identified to evaluate pollution indices for rare earth elements, especially concentrating on their biological availability.
Do Engineers Need Intercultural Competence?
Authors: Drobot Irina-Ana
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present, from the perspective of intercultural communication, how foreign languages, and especially English, could be taught to students at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, Romania. Starting from what they claim their expectations with respect to how foreign languages would help them in their future jobs, we could devise lessons following several aspects. Among these, the fact that English is a lingua franca, and also the language of intercultural competence at the world level, shows why most students opt to study English. Another aspect has to do with skills that can be taught during foreign language seminars. What is more, awareness of differences among cultures and cultural-specific features could also be included. Last but not least, organizational culture also matters, since in their future jobs, students will need to establish business cooperation and may also need to communicate efficiently with an international team.
Roads of Drug Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia – Is It a Dead End?
Authors: Davidkova Yanitsa , Jagurinoski Milan , Balatzenko Gueorgui , Guenova Margarita
Published: January 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous neoplasm, which is characterized by abnormal proliferation, impaired apoptosis, and differentiation of leukemic immature cells. Nowadays, the first line treatment of AML is the chemotherapy regimen, which combines both cytosine arabinoside and anthracycline. Despite that complete remission (CR) can be achieved in 40–80% of patients depending on age, a considerable number will eventually relapse (acquired resistance) or have refractory disease (primary resistance). Finally, the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) is less than 30%. Recent investigations reveal various mechanisms, responsible for drug resistance leading to AML persistence and recurrence. In order to improve clinical outcomes and develop successful therapeutic strategies, it is necessary to better explore the major adverse factors for escape from treatment, as well as to explore ways to predict and prevent or target drug resistance.
Intercultural Differences in Road Safety Performance and Support for Road Safety Policy Measures
Authors: Van den Berghe Wouter
Published: January 2023

Road safety policy measures are meant to improve road safety, i.e., to reduce the number of people injured or killed in road traffic crashes. Despite the obvious benefits of such policy measures, often public support is low, because often such measures require road users to give up some of their freedom of movement. In this chapter, it is shown how differences in national culture are associated with differences in the level of public support for a range of policy measures. National culture can be operationalized into several dimensions. Using data from a recent update of two of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (labeled as “Independent” and “Confucianist”), it is first shown that these dimensions are strongly associated with economic indicators and road safety performance. Subsequently, it is illustrated that these dimensions can also be good predictors for public support for several road safety measures, in particular when these are perceived to restrict freedom of movement.
In Silico Drug Repurposing: An Effective Tool to Accelerate the Drug Discovery Process
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Kareti , Subash P.
Published: January 2023

Repurposing “old” drugs to treat both common and rare diseases is increasingly emerging as an attractive proposition due to the use of de-risked compounds, with potential for lower overall development costs and shorter development timelines. This is due to the high attrition rates, significant costs, and slow pace of new drug discovery and development. Drug repurposing is the process of finding new, more efficient uses for already-available medications. Numerous computational drug repurposing techniques exist, there are three main types of computational drug-repositioning methods used on COVID-19 are network-based models, structure-based methods and artificial intelligence (AI) methods used to discover novel drug–target relationships useful for new therapies. In order to assess how a chemical molecule can interact with its biological counterpart and try to find new uses for medicines already on the market, structure-based techniques made it possible to identify small chemical compounds capable of binding macromolecular targets. In this chapter, we explain strategies for drug repurposing, discuss about difficulties encountered by the repurposing community, and suggest reported drugs through the drug repurposing. Moreover, metabolic and drug discovery network resources, tools for network construction, analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis to enable drug repurposing to reach its full potential.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Overview of the Disease
Authors: J. Khatib Ahed
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease following Alzheimer’s disease. Its prevalence is increasing over time, and it is expected to reach a peak in 2030. The aim of the present study was to review the literature for various aspects of PD including general characteristics of the disease, its pathology, clinical features, therapeutic clinical trials, and animal models used to study PD. The results of this study showed that no curative therapy for PD has so far been developed. Altogether, PD is still a very hot area in medicine to be studied and to have new therapeutic options.
Stem Cell Therapies for Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Yousefpour Mitra , Jahanbakhsh Zahra , Momenzadeh Mahmoud
Published: January 2023

Context: Spinal cord injury (SCI), a debilitating and catastrophic condition, leads to sensory motor impairments, paralysis, and high mortality. It consists of initial physical insult and secondary injury. Despite much research on SCI treatment, it is still one of the incurable damages because of its complex pathophysiology and limited neuronal regeneration ability. In recent years, stem cell therapy has been a promising and exciting strategy for SCI treatment. Evidence Acquisition: In this review, the articles published in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus from 2000 to 2022 were collected using keywords such as spinal cord injury, stem cell therapy, neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, neurotrophic factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and neural cell death. The articles whose full texts were available and met the inclusion criteria were examined. According to the inclusion criteria, 30 articles were analyzed. Results: Stem cell therapy can promote neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration in the damaged spinal cord. Grafted cells can reconstruct nerves and create new circuits after SCI. Stem cell transplantation can also replace lost oligodendrocytes, thus promoting axon remyelination. Many neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines are secreted by transplanted stem cells to decrease secondary injury and neural cell death, thus inhibiting the glial scar formation after SCI. Stem cells also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Grafted stem cells can block microglial activation and astrocyte reactivity and enhance revascularization. Conclusions: Stem cells isolated from different tissues can be promising candidates and attractive options for treating the injured spinal cord. Despite remarkable progress in animal studies, cell transplantation's clinical efficacy and adequacy for SCI remain limited and dubitable. Many essential challenges must be considered in translation to the clinic. It is hoped that the invention of new methods and the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and neuronal repair properties of stem cells can effectively improve the sensorimotor function of patients with SCI.
C-Met Receptors Deficiency Was Involved in Absence Seizures Development in WAG/Rij Rats
Authors: Amiri Mona , Ghorbani Samira , Zavvari Fahime , Hosseini Ravandi Hassan , Karimzadeh Fariba
Published: January 2023

Background: A variety of receptors may be involved in the pathogenesis of absence seizures. The c-Met receptors have a critical role in modulating the GABAergic interneurons and creating a balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, sensorimotor gating, and normal synaptic plasticity. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the changes of the c-Met receptor during the appearance of absence attacks in the experimental model of absence epilepsy. Methods: A total of 48 animals were divided into four groups of two- and six-month-old WAG/Rij and Wistar rats. Epileptic WAG/Rij rats showing SWP in electrocorticogram (ECoG) were included in the epileptic group. The two-month-old WAG/Rij rats as well as two- and six-month-old Wistar rats not exhibiting SWP in ECoG were selected as the non-epileptic. Gene (RT-PCR) and protein expression (western blotting) of c-Met receptors as well as c-Met protein distribution (immunohistochemistry) in the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus were assessed during seizure development of the absence attacks. Results: According to the study findings, a lower c-Met gene and protein expression, as well as a lower protein distribution, were observed in the hippocampus (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively) and cortex (P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) of the two-month-old WAG/Rij rats compared to the same-age Wistar rats. Moreover, the data revealed a reduction of hippocampal and cortical c-Met protein expression (P < 0.001, for both) in six-month-old WAG/Rij rats compared to two-month-old ones. Six-month-old WAG/Rij rats had a lower cortical c-Met gene (P < 0.05) and protein expression (P < 0.001) as well as lower hippocampal and cortical protein distribution (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) than the same-age Wistar rats. Conclusions: In sum, the c-Met receptor was found to play a significant role in the development of absence epilepsy. This receptor, therefore, may have been considered as an effective goal for absence seizure inhibition.
Immune Status for Hepatitis B and Risk for Occupational Exposure Virus Among Italian Nurses
Authors: Coppeta Luca , Balbi Ottavia , Pietroiusti Antonio , Biondi Giorgia , Baldi Savino , Magrini Andrea
Published: January 2023

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered at higher risk for hepatitis B virus infection compared to the general population, due to their potential contact with blood or body fluids and possible needle stick injuries. In turn, infected HCWs may be a risk for patients. Hepatitis B vaccination programs represent a strategic approach to control the infection. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serological status of HCWs employed at the teaching hospital of Rome Tor Vergata and their risk of occupational injuries after the adoption of directive 2010/32/EU. Methods: Medical records of 539 HCWs were evaluated during their occupational medical examination at the Tor Vergata teaching hospital (PTV). All subjects were screened for specific viral markers: Hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs IgG), antibodies to hepatitis core antigen (anti-HBc IgG), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Data regarding needlestick injuries were collected by the prevention service team during the same year. Results: In this sample population, we found five subjects (0.9%) positive to the HBsAg, and most of them (four) were born in foreign countries. Moreover, seven subjects (1.3% of our population) were HBsAg-positive and anti-HBc-positive. A protective anti-HBs titer was found in 462 out of 527 (85.7%) subjects. The risk of being serologically unprotected was higher in males and subjects aged 40 years or older. The nurses were more protected than other healthcare professionals considering the anti-hepatitis B surface antibody titer. In 2018, 16 needlestick injuries were reported among our population of HCWs, with a global risk of 2.9% per year. Conclusions: Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rate among HCWs was similar to that of the general population, the risk of HBV transmission in HCWs was likely to be high due to suboptimal vaccination coverage.
The Usefulness of 99m Tc Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetate (DTPA) or Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) Renal Perfusion Scan in Assessing Chronic Renal Complications of COVID-19
Authors: Malek Hadi , Hedayati Raheleh , Yasemi Mohamadjavad
Published: January 2023

Background: Imaging departments worldwide are exploring different ways to help manage chronic complications of COVID-19 after two years. Objectives: Renal complications following acute kidney injury in the acute phase of COVID-19 or exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are crucial. Methods: This article presented the role of 99m Tc diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) or mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) renal perfusion scan in managing chronic renal complications following COVID-19 by submitting the relevant techniques and available radiopharmaceuticals. Results: Renal perfusion scan with 99m Tc DTPA and MAG3 could evaluate profusion and function in acute and chronic settings and manage these renal complications. Conclusions: Based on the results, 99m Tc DTPA or MAG3 renal perfusion scan could detect, monitor, and evaluate response to treatment in COVID-19-related renal chronic damages and complications.
Comparative Analysis of Data Mining Techniques to Predict Cardiovascular Disease
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of science and technology, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nayim Md. Al Muzahid , Alam Fahmidul , Rasel Md. , Shahriar Ragib , Nandi Dip
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. In recent days, most people are living with cardiovascular disease because of their unhealthy lifestyle and the most alarming issue is the majority of them do not get any symptoms in the early stage. This is why this disease is becoming more deadly. However, medical science has a large amount of data regarding cardiovascular disease, so this data can be used to apply data mining techniques to predict cardiovascular disease at the early stage to reduce its deadly effect. Here, five data mining classification techniques, such as: Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest and Decision Tree were implemented in the WEKA tool to get the best accuracy rate and a dataset of 12 attributes with more than 300 instances was used to apply all the data mining techniques to get the best accuracy rate. After doing this research people who are at the early stage of cardiovascular disease or probably going to be a victim can be identified more accurately.
A study of Santals as children of nature in the light of Santal folktales
Authors: Hembrom Thadeus
Published: January 2023

South Asian nations are home to the Santal tribe. Even though they are dispersed over several nations, most of the Santal are found in India and Bangladesh. The Santal people describe themselves largely as natural beings. This assertion has found support from some scholars who have analysed the Santal rituals and festivals. However, very few studies have tried to define the identity of the Santals from a literary perspective. Therefore, by examining their folktales, this article aims to demonstrate the idea that the Santal are children of nature. The study was guided by The National Folklore Theory, Cultural Functional Theory, and Theory of Reality. The qualitative research was based on a textual analysis of 27 Santal folktales. The rationale of this paper is that Santal folktales serve as a repository of knowledge about their customs, cultures and identities. From the study findings, it is clear that the Santals live in and through nature. They have such intimate relations with nature as one would have with a parent or sibling. They emulate the simplicity of nature in their lifestyle. Even the spirits they worship and revere are thought to reside in nature. Therefore, the Santal are born from nature and exist in mutually beneficial and shared spaces with other creatures in nature.
A critique of baby making supermarts: Surrogacy clinics in Kishwar Desai’s Origins of Love (2012)
Authors: Mehta Aparna , Saraswat Surbhi , Paul Meenakshi F.
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the exploitation of commercial surrogates at the hands of the various stakeholders and agents of the fertility industry in Kishwar Desai’s novel Origins of Love (2012). It begins with a brief description of the advances in the field of infertility treatment and the tailored options of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) for conceiving a child. It then traces the practice of surrogacy in mythology and explores how it is different from present day surrogacy. It further points out why ARTs is preferred over adoption by prospective parents and how this preference has led to the emergence of fertility clinics as the new baby supermarts, from where the parents can ‘buy’ egg, sperm and customised babies. The paper also throws light on how this trend of baby shopping makes fertility clinics operate akin to any other commercial industry and how in the novel Desai has depicted the inherent flaws of this phenomenon of baby shopping. It critically examines the rapid expansion of Reproductive Tourism due to transnational commercial gestational surrogacy and the huge popularity of India as a surrogacy hub, as depicted in Desai’s novel. The paper illustrates how surrogacy not only involves exploitation of women’s reproductive capacity but also encompasses physical, emotional, psychological and economic exploitation. The paper ends with a scrutiny of the blatant violation of medical ethics in the field of ARTs and the potentially dangerous long-term implications that these technological advancements can have on women’s health and the society at large.
Mengenal Sunnah, Bid’ah dan Inkar Sunnah dalam Perspektif Hukum Islam
Authors: Arum Nugroho Meysita , Amsori Amsori
Published: January 2023

Pendahuluan: Manusia dalam hidupnya membutuhkan berbagai macam pengetahuan. Sumber dari pengetahuan ada dua macam yaitu naqli dan aqli. Sumber bersifat naqli ini merupakan pilar dari sebagian besar ilmu pengetahuan yang dibutuhkan oleh manusia. Dan sumber yang sangat otentik bagi umat Islam dalam hal ini adalah Al-Qur’an dan Hadits Rasulullah. Tujuan: Mengetahui pengertian sunnah, bid’ah dan inkar sunnah dalam perspektif hukum islam. Metode: Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dan studi literatur atau library research. Hasil Pembahasan: As-Sunnah adalah suatu (perintah) yang berasal dari Nabi SAW namun tidak bersifat wajib. Bid’ah berasal dari kata bada’a yang artinya sesuatu perkara yang baru. Ingkar artinya tidak mengakui dan tidak menerima baik di lisan dan di hati, bodoh atau tidak mengetahui sesuatu dan menolak apa yang tidak digambarkan dalam hati. Kesimpulan: bid’ah adalah menciptakan sesuatu yang baru dan tidak ada contoh dari nabi sebelumnya baik sebelum nabi diangkat menjadi Rasul maupun setelah menjadi Rasul, hanya saja diantaranya ada yang baik dan ada yang buruk. Sedangkan ingkar sunnah terdiri dengan tiga paham yang berbeda, yaitu; mereka yang menolak hadis Rasulullah secara keseluruhan, mereka yang menolak hadis-hadis Rasulullah kecuali hadis yang mengandung ajaran yang ditemukan nashnya dalam Al-quran, dan mereka yang menolak hadis aahad dan hanya menerima hadis mutawatir.
PKM Pelatihan Penggunaan Turnitin dalam Menghindari Plagiasi Bagi Mahasiswa STEBI Badri Mashduqi
Authors: Moh. Rofiki  , Fathor Rohman  , Eka Diana  , Hidayatullah Hidayatullah , Ahmad Rifki Harianto  , Syaiful Hadi
Published: January 2023

Abstrak

Dewasa ini, berbagai artikel dapat dicari dan diunduh melalui platform yang terkoneksi dengan internet dengan bebas dimana saja dan kapan saja. Akan tetapi kemudahan tersebut tidak dibarengi dengan pengetahuan dan etika dalam menulis karya ilmiah sehingga terindikasi plagiasi. Berdasarkan observasi yang dilakukan tim, masih terdapat sebagian besar mahasiswa dalam penyusunan karya tulis ilmiah baik makalah dan artikel asal jiplak tanpa menuliskan sumbernya, tidak melakukan parafrase serta tidak melakukan pengecekan dengan aplikasi turnitin sehingga terdeteksi plagiasi. Pengabdian ini dilakukan dengan metode ceramah, diskusi dan pendampingan melalui lima tahapan yaitu observasi, perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pendampingan serta evaluasi. Hasil pengabdian yang telah dilaksanakan menunjukkan bahwa dengan adanya pelatihan memberikan pengetahuan dan pemahaman peserta terhadap penggunaan turnitin sebagai alat dalam pengecekan tingkat kesamaan sehingga terhindar plagiasi. Hal tersebut didasarkan atas perbandingan hasil pre test dan post test peserta pelatihan yang dilaksanakan sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan.
Pengenalan Kewirausahaan Melalui Festival Tapai Siantar Bagi Generasi Millenial di Kota Pematangsiantar
Authors: Samyel Saragih  , Fernaendi Girsang  , Resnewi Sitanggang  , Aulia Pranata Yusuf  , Rully Marbun  , Putri Ayu Mai Evi
Published: January 2023

Festival dapat diartikan sebagai hari atau pekan gembira dalam rangka peringatan peristiwa penting atau bersejarah. tujuan dan maksud dari kegiatan ini yakni untuk mengembangkan tapai agar lebih dikenal oleh masyarakat luas dengan varian yang berbeda dan juga agar dapat dikembangkan kembali supaya masuk dalam UKM, dan juga membuka peluang bagi generasi millenial untuk mengenal usaha yang berpeluang besar.Dengan adanya festival sayembara atau perlombaan/kompetisi, maka para mahasiswa melakukan festival untuk melakukan perlombaan/kompetisi yang dilakukan antar SMA. Kegiatan ini dilakukan oleh mahasiswa/i dari Fakultas Ekonomi Prodi Pembangunan dan Dosen Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Simalungun Pematang Siantar. Kegiatan ini dilakukan pada tanggal 1 Desember 2022 di Universitas Simalungun. Adapun tujuan dan maksud dari kegiatan ini yakni untuk mengembangkan tapai agar lebih dikenal oleh masyarakat luas dengan varian yang berbeda dan juga agar dapat dikembangkan kembali tapai supaya masuk dalam UKM selain . Kegiatan perlombaan ini diikuti oleh 10 tim, di mana  1 tim terdiri dari 3 orang  dari SMA/SMK yang ada di Kota Pematang Siantar. Perlombaan yang dilakukan yaitu membuat makanan dari berbahan dasar tapai, dengan ini siswa/i ditantang untuk membuat makanan dari bahan dasar tapi dengan sekreatif mungkin. Tim dari pelaksana kegiatan ini berjumlah 18 orang dari Fakultas Ekonomi Prodi Pembangunan Universitas Simalungun.
The Heart Is at Risk: Understanding Stroke-Heart-Brain Interactions with Focus on Neurogenic Stress Cardiomyopathy—A Review
Authors: Ziaka Mairi , Exadaktylos Aristomenis
Published: January 2023

In recent years, it has been convincingly demonstrated that acute brain injury may cause severe cardiac complications—such as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC), a specific form of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of these brain-heart interactions is complex and involves sympathetic hyperactivity, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as immune and inflammatory pathways. There have been great strides in our understanding of the axis from the brain to the heart in patients with isolated acute brain injury and more specifically in patients with stroke. On the other hand, in patients with NSC, research has mainly focused on hemodynamic dysfunction due to arrhythmias, regional wall motion abnormality, or left ventricular hypokinesia that leads to impaired cerebral perfusion pressure. Comparatively little is known about the underlying secondary and delayed cerebral complications. The aim of the present review is to describe the stroke-heart-brain axis and highlight the main pathophysiological mechanisms leading to secondary and delayed cerebral injury in patients with concurrent hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke and NSC as well as to identify further areas of research that could potentially improve outcomes in this specific patient population.
Practical Nomogram Predicting Apixaban or Rivaroxaban Concentrations from Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Anti-Xa Values: Special Interest in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Brakta Charlyne , Stépanian Alain , Reiner Peggy , Delrue Maxime , Mazighi Mikaël , Curis Emmanuel , Siguret Virginie
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using a direct oral factor-Xa anticoagulant (DOAC) during the last 48 hours, a fixed plasma heparin-calibrated anti-Xa activity (0.5 IU/mL) was proposed as a threshold below which patients could be eligible for thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. Besides, specific DOAC-calibrated anti-Xa thresholds up to 50 ng/mL have been proposed. However, specific DOAC assays are not widely available contrarily to low-molecularweight heparin (LMWH) anti-Xa activity. We developed and validated a nomogram for predicting apixaban and rivaroxaban concentrations based on LMWH anti-Xa assay.Methods Our prospective study included apixaban (n=325) and rivaroxaban (n=276) patients. On the same sample, we systematically measured specific DOAC concentration and LMWH anti-Xa activity, using STA®-Liquid-Anti-Xa (Stago) and specific DOAC- or LMWH-calibrators, respectively. The nomogram was built using quantifiable values for both assays on the derivation cohorts with a log-linear regression model. Model performances including sensitivity, specificity, and true positive rate for different thresholds were checked on the validation cohorts.Results The models built from the derivation cohorts predicted that values <30 ng/mL and <50 ng/ mL DOAC thresholds corresponded to LMWH-anti-Xa values <0.10 IU/mL and <0.64 IU/mL for apixaban; <0.10 IU/mL and <0.71 IU/mL for rivaroxaban. The model accurately predicted apixaban/ rivaroxaban concentrations in the validation cohort.Conclusions This easy-to-use nomogram, developed with our reagent, allowed accurately predicting DOAC concentrations based on LMWH-anti-Xa results in emergency situations such as AIS when drug-specific assessments are not rapidly available. Using DOAC <50 ng/mL equivalent threshold, instead of the fixed LMWH <0.5 IU/mL one, would allow proposing thrombolysis to more patients.
Implications of Digital Communication Control on New Public Governance Processes in Tanzania
Authors:   University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), Bebia Yulli J. , Mallya Ernest T. ,   Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar es Salaam
Published: January 2023

Digital governance constitutes a new era of public governance driven by the forces of digital communication and the multiplicity of actors in the governance arena. Digital communication has accorded governance stakeholders not only more access to the public sphere but also improved policy outcomes because of its participatory nature. While the transformational power of digital communication is still at its infancy stage in Tanzania, a paradox of state recentralization through obstacles to information access, limits on content and violation of user rights has been observed. This case study deploys in-depth interviews and document review to probe into the implications of these forms of control on the effectiveness of governance processes in Tanzania. It divulges a number of implications of digital communication control, including heightened government opacity, self-censorship, and digital activism. Through the Critical Political Economy of Communication approach, the paper concludes that digital communication control has weakened the effectiveness of governance processes in Tanzania.
Housing and monetary policy: Fresh evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yun
Published: January 2023

We empirically address the effects of monetary policy on the housing market in China using a novel Time-Varying Parameter VARX model. We show that an expansionary monetary has positive effects on the housing market, while during COVID-19, the effects are approaching to zero or even negative. In addition, the effects of the LPR policy are strong and even larger than that of COVID-19. Relative impulse response functions in the shorter and longer time horizons are dynamic and especially during COVID. This paper also contributes to the housing literature to show that COVID-19 can block the transmission of monetary policy.
The realization path and effect measurement of ecological value transformation to promote the common prosperity of urban and rural areas
Authors: Tao Zhe , Liu Simeng , Li Jingyi
Published: January 2023

On the basis of the background of the global green development wave, this paper studies the mechanism between ecological value transformation and urban-rural common prosperity as well as selects 24 data indicators in relation to ecological value transformation, i.e., green development level from 2008 to 2017, calculate the comprehensive score of China's green development level by entropy method, measures the gap between the rich and the poor between urban and rural areas by urban-rural income ratio, and using correlation analysis, she examines the relationship between green development level and the urban-rural income ratio. Moreover, through empirical analysis, there is a significant negative correlation between the level of green development and the ratio of urban to rural income, according to the findings. The improvement of the level of green development will assist narrow the income gap between urban and rural residents as well as achieve common prosperity.
Pathology Data–Based Risk Group Stratification Is Equivalent to That Obtained by Oncotype DX Testing in Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Renavikar Pranav S. , LaGrange Chad A. , Lele Subodh M.
Published: January 2023

Context.—

Low-risk (Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6) and intermediate-risk (Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7) prostate carcinoma cases diagnosed on needle biopsies are frequently referred for gene expression studies such as Oncotype DX to help validate the risk. Risk assessment helps in determining prognosis and therapeutic decision making.

Objective.—

To determine if addition of molecular testing is necessary, by evaluating its correlation with risk stratification provided by pathology report (Gleason score, Grade Group, proportion of positive cores) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

Design.—

Our institutional database was searched for cases that had Oncotype DX testing after prostate biopsy. The final risk category determined by molecular testing was compared to the risk stratification predicted by the pathology report and serum PSA levels. Cases were classified as concordant if they fell under the same National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk and recommended initial therapy group. Follow-up information on discordant cases was obtained and used to determine if risk stratification by molecular testing was superior to that obtained from the clinicopathologic data.

Results.—

A total of 4967 prostate biopsies (2015–2020) were screened. Of these, 131 prostate carcinoma cases (2.6%) had Oncotype DX testing and 111 of 131 cases (85%) had follow-up information. There was risk stratification concordance in 93 of 111 cases (84%). All 18 of 111 cases (16%) that were discordant had a follow-up course that matched the risk predicted by pathology data and serum PSA.

Conclusions.—

Risk stratification provided by information in the pathology report on routine biopsy assessment coupled with the serum PSA level is equivalent to that obtained by Oncotype DX testing.