bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of AI Chatbots in higher education: the problem of plagiarism
Authors: Prokhorova Yeliena , Gujrati Rashmi , Uygun Hayri
Published: May 2024

Background: The use of ChatGPT in the learning process is becoming a common practice. Researchers identify opportunities to improve the learning process using AI tools. At the same time, there are many unresolved problems and threats from the use of ChatGPT. These include unreliable information, false information, lack of references to primary sources, lack of intellectual property protection, and especially the problem of plagiarism in academic texts.
Objectives: The purpose of the study is to summarise the results of published research on the benefits and threats of using ChatGPT in higher education and to analyse the experience of using AI to write academic assignments by university students in compliance with the requirements of academic integrity.
Methods: A survey was conducted among Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (KNEU) students about their experience of using ChatGPT in performing academic tasks and the degree of satisfaction with this tool.
Results: The survey involved 58 KNEU students. We have analysed how satisfied students are with using ChatGPT for different learning purposes. Students are most satisfied with using ChatGPT to quickly find information and translate texts. The majority of respondents said that ChatGPT does not always provide accurate and reliable information. Students also pointed to the problem of violating academic integrity when using ChatGPT to complete their assignments.
Conclusions: The study shows the general advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in higher education. Particular attention should be paid to the level of borrowing in academic texts prepared with the help of ChatGPT.
Competência da Justiça do Trabalho e o incidente de desconsideração da personalidade jurídica
Authors: Bebber Júlio César
Published: May 2024

Este artigo analisa a competência da Justiça do Trabalho para deliberar sobre a desconsideração da personalidade jurídica de sociedades empresárias em recuperação judicial e falidas em demandas trabalhistas.
Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark History, Myth and Land
Authors: Belli Vedat Evren , Lesnes Elisabeth , Jones Andrew , Alpago Hasan , Çetin Seda , Güler Abdurrahim , Esperante Raúl , Patterson Ross , Abbaszadeh Mohammad , Moskala Jiří
Published: May 2024

The Effects of Noah’s Ark Search Studies at Mount Ararat and Its Surroundings on Belief Tourism and
Regional Development
Faruk KAYA
Kalus Castle and the Kurgans
Oktay BELLİ
Randall W. YOUNKER
Vedat Evren BELLİ
Gods, Mountains and Temples
Elisabeth LESNES
Randall W. YOUNKER
The Quest for Ancient Inscriptions: The Results of a Challenging Exploration of The Turkish-Iranian Border in Search of Ancient Inscriptions Possibly Related to Noah’s Ark
Andrew JONES
The Effects of Ararat Mountain on The Economic and Cultural Structure of Society
Hasan ALPAGO
Seda ÇETİN
Exploring Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Subjective Well-Being Among Afghans in Ağrı
Abdurrahim GÜLER
Faruk KAYA
The Origin of The Idea of ‘Deep Time’ in Geology
Raúl ESPERANTE
Üzengili Site - Candidate for Noah’s Ark
Ross PATTERSON
Understanding the Traces of Sociological Themes in The Poem “Aghri” by Bahman Nasirzadeh
Mohammad ABBASZADEH
The Biblical Flood Story
Jiří MOSKALA
Integration of Ground-Penetrating Radar, LiDAR, and Empirical Field Studies: A Multifaceted Analysis Comparing 1987 and 2019 field studies of the Durupinar Boat Formation known as “Noah’s ark”
Andrew JONES
Calibration Weighting With a Blended (Probability and Nonprobability) Sample: Mean and Variance Estimation When Errors Can Come from Both Samples
Authors: Kott Phillip S. , Ridenhour Jamie
Published: May 2024

We show how calibration weighting can be employed to combine a probability and a nonprobability sample of the same population in a statistically defensible manner. This is done by assuming that the probability of a population element being included in the nonprobability sample can be modeled as a logit function of variables known for all members of both samples. Estimating these probabilities for the members of the nonprobability sample with a calibration equation and treating their inverses as quasi-probability weights is a key to creating composite weights for the blended sample. We use the WTADJX procedure in SUDAAN® to generate those weights and then measure the standard errors of the resulting estimated means and totals as well as assess the potential for bias in those estimates. The appendix contains the SAS-callable code for the SUDAAN procedures used in this paper.
Evaluación de las Propiedades Químicas y Funcionales, Actividad Antioxidante y Cuantificación de Flavonoides de la Pulpa de Yaca Liofilizada (Artocarpus Heterophyllus)
Authors: Moreno Zaragoza Josue , Moctezuma García Gonzalo , Gama Gálvez María de los Ángeles , Gabriel Salmerón Beatriz , Catalán Cardeño Yolanda
Published: May 2024

En el país al año se producen aproximadamente 30,000 ton de yaca, de las cuales el 90 % son del estado de Nayarit. Es el fruto más grande del mundo, además es una fuente rica en carbohidratos, proteína, compuestos antioxidantes como las vitaminas A y B. Sin embargo, es poco el aprovechamiento de todas sus propiedades, debido a que es un fruto traspatio, gran parte de esto se debe a la falta información científica. Debido a la problemática de salud pública que hay en obesidad, diabetes y enfermedades cancerígenas. Existe la gran necesidad de incrementar la ingesta de los alimentos nutracéuticos, por lo que abre un sector de investigación donde se requiere caracterizar nuevas alternativas de alimentos que puedan además de aportar nutrientes, dar un control y prevención de enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar las propiedades químicas, funcionales y actividad antioxidante de la pulpa de yaca liofilizada. Para obtener mayor rendimiento de los compuestos antioxidantes se optó por usar liofilización para el secado de la pulpa. Se destacó un aumento del 50.21 % en carbohidratos totales y del 11 % en lípidos con respecto a estudios publicados por otros autores. Se cuantificaron los (ácidos urónicos=103.2098 mg Equivalentes de Ácido Galacturónico/g b.s., taninos condensados=4.4154 mg Equivalentes de Catequina/g b.s. y fenoles totales=58.6910 µg Equivalentes de Ácido Gálico/ g b.s.), se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante por los ensayos DPPH• (59.74 % de inhibición) y  ABTS•+   (67 %  de inhibición) para el método por ABTS•+ se analizaron los factores tiempo-temperatura vs disolvente donde las condiciones óptimas de extracción con metanol fueron (70º C; 12 min) y con agua (60 ºC; 5min), el contenido de flavonoides fue de 0.100 mg Equivalentes de Quercetina / g b.s. A partir de lo anterior, se considera que la pulpa de yaca contiene los compuestos característicos de un alimento nutracéutico para poder ser aprovechados en la industria alimentaria en darle valor agregado al fruto y poder potenciar su comercialización en México.
Gamificación como Técnica de Aprendizaje en la Estimulación de las Inteligencias Múltiples en el Nivel de Inicial II
Authors: Recalde Drouet Elizabeth Magdalena , Arias Pintado Jenny Alexandra , Uzhca Salto Lucia , Pérez Heras Rosa Hortencia
Published: May 2024

El objetivo general del presente artículo es estudiar la gamificación como técnica de aprendizaje en la estimulación de las inteligencias múltiples en niños y niñas del nivel de Inicial II. La metodología de estudio fue de tipo documental y de campo, con un enfoque mixto ya que manejó ambos horizontes: cualitativo y cuantitativo. Las técnicas utilizadas fueron: la entrevista, realizada a dos especialistas; y la encuesta, aplicada a una muestra de 55 docentes. Como resultados, se obtuvo que los docentes de las instituciones educativas de la Red de aprendizaje de la Zona 2, Distrito 17D11 perciben a la gamificación como una técnica que beneficia el proceso de aprendizaje, sin embargo, no todos la integran dentro de sus planificaciones. Por otra parte, la herramienta más usada es el PowerPoint debido a que no siempre tienen acceso a internet, igualmente la mayoría de los docentes indican que no reciben capacitación para la creación y elaboración de actividades gamificadas. De manera que si se desea obtener un mayor potencial y estimulación de parte de los niños, se deben poner en práctica todas la habilidades y destrezas posibles, y para ello se recomienda la aplicación eficiente de la gamificación, el cual garantizará un aprendizaje eficaz.
Escoliosis idiopática del adolescente
Authors: Damazo Carmen , Da Silva Manuel
Published: May 2024

La escoliosis idiopática del Adolescente (EIA) es una deformidad tridimensional de la columna vertebral que aqueja de diversas formas la condición de vida de quien la padece, afectando el desarrollo físico y psicológico del paciente. Proponemos evaluar el resultado clínico, radiológico y el componente de calidad de vida de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente con EIA, en el servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Jesús Yerena del Lídice. Se evaluó patrón de la curva, clasificación según Lenke, ángulo de Cobb pre y postquirúrgico, edad de tratamiento quirúrgico, grado de corrección, calidad de vida según cuestionario SRS-22 pre y postquirúrgica, valoración funcional mediante la escala de discapacidad de Oswestry (ODI) y complicaciones postoperatorias. Se estudiaron 22 casos (95 % femenino), el principal grupo etario fue de 11-14 años (55 %), la escoliosis tipo 1 fue la predominante (60 %), el ángulo de Cobb inicial fue mayor a 50° (50 %) y la madurez esquelética principal fue Risser 3 (55 %). La edad de resolución quirúrgica predominante fue entre 15-18 años (60 %), el grado de corrección postoperatorio fue de 75-100 % (73 %) y la densidad de los tornillos pediculares fue de 1.4-1.7 (64 %). En el cuestionario SRS-22, hubo mayor afectación en las dimensiones de autoimagen con una media de 1.8 y la valoración por ODI mostró un índice de incapacidad mínima, que fue mejorando en los controles sucesivos. Concluimos que la cirugía correctiva temprana en la EIA ofrece a una mejoría clínica, radiológica y de la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.
Continuous positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with hypertension
Authors: Hoang Anh Tien
Published: May 2024

Aims: To assess the prevalence and general characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with hypertension, investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and blood pressure, and the effectiveness of continuous positive pressure ventilation treatment after 1 month in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up after 1 month in hypertensive patients treated at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital with respiratory polygraphy from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were given history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, Lipid profile test, intravenous glucose, Epworth scale assessment, CPAP treatment and re-evaluated after 1 month.

Results: 134 patients were registered for the study from 01/2021 to 06/2023. Hypertensive patients with OSAS were 73.13%. BMI in the OSAS (+) group was 22.84 ± 3.04 kg/m2 and was statistically significantly greater than the OSAS (-) group: 22.79 ± 3.07 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Neck circumference in the OSAS (+) group was 37.45 ± 2.44 cm, which was statistically significantly larger than the OSAS (-) group: 36.36 ± 1.57 cm (p<0.05). The rate of loud snoring during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in the OSAS patient group was statistically significantly higher than in the group without this syndrome (p<0.05 and p<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure in the OSAS (+) group was 154.79 ± 13.32 mm Hg and was statistically significantly higher than the OSAS (-) group (p<0.01). AHI has a moderate positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.45, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.34, p<0.01). CPAP treatment improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure and symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Conclusion: There is a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension. CPAP treatment improves blood pressure and daytime sleepiness.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Re-Developing the Defunct Panguna Copper Deposit in Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Authors: Ken Ail Kaepae , Kolotein Peter , Morinagu Immanuel , Barou Johnny
Published: May 2024

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been obliged to devise socially inclusive mining legislation and policies that were realised through enactment of Mining Act (2015). It recognises community ownership of minerals found in predominantly maternal system of land ownership. The enactment of a separate mining legislation from that of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a response to socio-political and environmental legacies associated with former Panguna mine. The cost benefit analysis (CBA) study was conducted using historical data from former Panguna mine and conceptual model of redeveloping the defunct Panguna resource. The results show redevelopment of the remaining copper resource could exceed the net benefits of the former mine. The historical and conceptual efficiency ratios (CBR) being greater than 1 depicted that monetary benefits could exceed production and opportunity costs of mining. Despite excluding social and environmental costs of mining, the positive NPV and IRR create opportunities to forge workable partnerships to enhance low-risk options to reduce net costs and maximize the benefits of mining. A major finding of the CBA study was that despite the local ownership of minerals, the mining lease permits and land access are competitive, similar to regalian ownership system. Also, the benefit redistribution structure was found to be similar to PNG’s regalian system where local ownership of minerals may not be a direct form of nationalisation.
The Evolution of ‘A Sentimental Journey, by a Lady’ in
The Lady’s Magazine
Authors: GORING PAUL
Published: May 2024

This article reassesses the long serial publication ‘A Sentimental Journey, by a Lady’ (1770-1777) and attempts to liberate it from Robert Mayo’s damning judgment in the early 1960s, which, together with problems of accessibility, has led to the serial being largely unread. The article serves, in part, as an introduction to the little-known work while its main purpose is to chart the relationship between Sterne’s fiction and the narrative produced by the ‘Lady’ as it developed across seven years of monthly publication. It shows how the early embrace of Sterne as an inspiration was largely jettisoned in the later phases of the serial. Without claiming that ‘A Sentimental Journey, by a Lady’ is a great work, the article suggests that it deserves better than condemnation and neglect and that acknowledging it as a popular and enduring part of 1770s literary culture can enrich our understanding of both Sterneana and early magazine fiction.
Sexual Ethics and Stoic First Movements in
A Sentimental Journey
Authors: RAMSAY WILL
Published: May 2024

This essay argues that Laurence Sterne uses the Stoic theory of first movements to defend sexual feeling in
A Sentimental Journey.
In support of this thesis, the essay provides a short overview of Stoicism in eighteenth-century Britain, expounds the Stoic theory of first movements and its reception in later European thought, shows the presence of the theory in some of Sterne’s favourite writers, and provides a reading of ‘The Conquest’, the key chapter in Sterne’s defence of sexual desire.
Writing War in the Age of Sterne: The Seven Years’ War and
A Sentimental Journey
Authors: CSENGEI ILDIKO
Published: May 2024

This essay proposes to read
A Sentimental Journey
as a piece of warwriting, in the context of first-hand accounts of life during the Seven Years’ War written by soldiers, civilians and travellers. While Sterne’s account focuses on Yorick’s mental and emotional journey, I will read a range of primary sources from the period to uncover what the novel strives to suppress: the immediate experience (physical and emotional) of war on those who participated in it or observed it, as well as the state of Europe (especially England and France) during this time of conflict.
The Good Humour Club or Doctors’ Club and Sterne’s
Political Romance
Authors: WILLIAMS HELEN
Published: May 2024

This essay argues that Sterne’s satire in
A Political Romance
pokes fun not just at the disagreement between lawyer Francis Topham and Dean of York John Fountayne, as is well known by Sterne scholars, but also at the role of a convivial club in that disagreement. Through analysing an early manuscript minute book of an eighteenth-century gentleman’s club previously unknown to scholars, the Good Humour Club of York (c.1724-1800), it will be demonstrated that nine of the club’s ninety-nine identified members were known to Sterne and that four of those were central to the pamphlet wars which climaxed with Sterne’s
Political Romance
in 1759. Sterne’s self-reflexivity in the
Romance,
through which he deconstructs his own satirical project and creates the self-consciousness perceived by scholars as anticipating the humour of
Tristram Shandy,
can be seen as a response to, and a satire of, the Good Humour Club’s involvement in local ecclesiastical affairs.
The Trade in Knowledge in
Tristram Shandy
Authors: WALSH MARCUS
Published: May 2024

The trend to discussion of literature in the light of historical and material cultures, while enlightening in itself, runs counter to some significant aspects of Sterne’s own humanist and literary positions. Sentimental commerce is a central theme of
A Sentimental Journey,
and at some points of
Tristram Shandy.
In the latter, however, Sterne takes a less positive view of material commerce, and is suspicious of the reduction of human experience, learning, and understanding to the quantifiable and fungible objects of trade. Commerce and trade are persistent and developed tropes in Sterne’s discussions of the obsessions of Toby and, especially, of Walter Shandy. In this regard, as so often, Yorick is regularly presented as a necessary and humane counterpoise.
Italian Letters
Authors: DE VOOGD PETER
Published: May 2024

The identity of the anonymous first Italian translation of Sterne’s
Letters of Yorick to Eliza
has long been a mystery, which is solved in this note.
Lydia Sterne Meets Marquis de Sade
Authors: WALLIS RICHARD
Published: May 2024

Two Sterne letters make one wonder about a meeting about which one would like to know more.
Making and Unmaking Man: Further Reflections on Sterne’s Allusions to Charron’s
Of Wisdome
Authors: GREGORI FLAVIO
Published: May 2024

This article reconsiders the role that the allusions to Pierre Charron’s treatise
De la sagesse,
in its English translation by Samson Lennard
, Of Wisdome,
have in
Tristram Shandy.
Charron was a disciple of Montaigne and an advocate of philosophical scepticism in early seventeenth-century France. He was influential, especially in the Jansenist circles, but his reception was, and still is, not uniform, as some regarded him as an anti-dogmatic apologist of Christian values, while for others he was simply an impious free thinker. After an overview of Sterne’s references to Charron, noticed by Francois Pellan and Melvyn New, the article concentrates on a further possible allusion to
Of Wisdome
in the last chapter of volume 9 of
Tristram Shandy
that mentions Plato and Diogenes together. The article maintains that the odd coupling of those two ancient philosophers might have derived from a chapter in
Of Wisdome
that Sterne already used in the famous incipit of his
Tristram Shandy.
In this view, beginning and end of
Tristram Shandy
appear to join in calling attention to two of the main themes that run through it, thus providing a sort of ideal denouement to a story that set the duty of caring and nurturing against men’s instinct for ‘undoing and killing one another [and] ruining and destroying our own kind’, as Montaigne had said and Charron, and then Sterne, restated in their own ways.
A Translator’s Seething Brain: Guy Jouvet’s Translation of Sterne’s Works
Authors: GRANT MADELEINE DESCARGUES
Published: May 2024

Guy Jouvet has translated Sterne’s works in a highly idiosyncratic way, which is here analysed and discussed.
Yorick’s Regional Jargon: Sentimentality, Sterne, and the Cumberland Book Trade
Authors: LEW DANA
Published: May 2024

The Sterne-related versifications in Ewan Clark’s 1779
Miscellaneous Poems
are here introduced, transcribed, and annotated for the first time. The introduction features the fullest modern biography of the minor Cumbrian poet, provides a detailed overview of his regional publishers and their reformist politics, and examines the volume’s subscription list, which includes several political grandees with radical Whig affiliations. This essay offers critical analysis about Clark’s Sternean adaptations, surveys his prominent sentimentalist aesthetic, and considers his political aims in relation to transatlantic news networks established by his publishers and rising tensions in parliament at the height of the American Revolution.
Daniel Chodowiecki’s Sentimental Dozen
Authors: DE VOOGD PETER
Published: May 2024

Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki is well-known for his twelve illustrations of
Tristram Shandy
first published in the 1776 Hamburg edition of Bode’s translation. Far less known is the fact that he also designed twelve fine illustrations of
A Sentimental Journey
in 1783, most of which never found their way in a book. They are here reproduced with commentary.
Patronage, Performance, and Reputation in Sterne’s Early Clerical Career, 1737–1742
Authors: REED DANIEL
Published: May 2024

Whereas current research into Sterne’s life chiefly seeks to explore the connective sinews of the author’s social networks at the height of his literary fame, this essay argues that new pathways for investigating Sterne’s formative years can be discovered through the re-examination of his early clerical career. Whilst Sterne is usually treated as the focal subject when looking at the Church in York, the completion of an extensive historical investigation into Lancelot Blackburne’s archiepiscopate (1724–1743) has made it possible to reinsert him into a refreshed historical context and thereby test old assumptions about the formation of his clerical identity. This provides a foundation for the reassessment of patronage connections between Sterne and his uncle Jaques. Attention is also drawn to the case of Lewis Stephens (1689–1747), prebendary of York, and satirical writer — hitherto unknown to Sterne studies — whose experience of breaking patronage ties with Blackburne in the 1730s provides an instructive comparison for Sterne’s later rejection of the same in 1742. This essay utilises the guiding themes of patronage, performance, and reputation, and its findings are supported by new discoveries from the York diocesan archives and elsewhere.
‘An Impromptu’, Thomas Stretser and Sterne’s Bawdry
Authors: PARNELL TIM
Published: May 2024

Sterne’s
Miscellaneous Works
present some under-explored opportunities for new discoveries. ‘An Impromptu’ provides the focus of this piece, which re-examines Sterne’s bawdry in the context of the sexual humour demonstrated by contemporary publications, including Thomas Stretser’s
A New Description of Merryland
(1740) and
Merryland Displayed
(1741).
Notes on a (Currently) Lost Pamphlet by Samuel Paterson
Authors: GORING PAUL
Published: May 2024

This piece discusses a currently lost pamphlet from 1769 by Samuel Paterson, the author of
Another Traveller!,
who is of interest within studies of Sterne since he has been seen as an imitator of
A Sentimental Journey
yet was himself anxious to deny that influence. It establishes what we can know about the lost pamphlet from the evidence of reviews. The piece supplements a forthcoming article (cited in the notes) which offers fuller discussion of Paterson within a consideration of criticism concerning the influence of canonical authors.
Phosphorus Enrichment by ONe Novae in the Galaxy
Authors: Bekki Kenji , Tsujimoto Takuji
Published: May 2024

Recent observations have shown that [P/Fe] in the Galactic stars decreases with increasing [Fe/H] for [Fe/H] ≳ − 1 whereas it is almost subsolar for [Fe/H] ≲ −2. These [P/Fe] trends with [Fe/H] have not been well reproduced by previous theoretical models incorporating phosphorus (P) enrichment only by core collapse supernoave. We here show, for the first time, that the trends can be naturally explained by our new models incorporating P enrichment by oxygen–neon (ONe) novae, which occur at the surface of massive white dwarfs whose masses are larger than 1.25M
⊙ with a metallicity-dependence rate. We also show that the observations can be better reproduced by the models by assuming that (i) the total mass of gaseous ejecta per ONe nova (M
ej) is as high as 4 × 10−5
M
⊙ and (ii) the number of such novae per unit mass (N
ONe) is as large as 0.01 at [Fe/H] ≈ −3. The assumed M
ej is consistent with observations, and the high N
ONe is expected from recent theoretical models for ONe nova fractions. We predict that (i) [P/Fe] increases with increasing [Fe/H] for −2 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ −1 and (ii) [P/Fe] and [Cl/Fe] trends with [Fe/H] are very similar to each other due to very large yields of P and Cl from ONe novae. It is thus worthwhile for future observations to assess the validity of the proposed P enrichment by ONe novae by confirming or ruling out these two predictions.
The Sensitivity of NEO Surveyor to Low-perihelion Asteroids
Authors: Masiero Joseph R. , Kwon Yuna G. , Dahlen Dar W. , Masci Frank J. , Mainzer Amy K.
Published: May 2024

Asteroids with low orbital perihelion distances experience extreme heating from the Sun that can modify their surfaces and trigger nontypical activity mechanisms. These objects are generally difficult to observe from ground-based telescopes due to their frequent proximity to the Sun. The Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission, however, will regularly survey down to solar elongations of 45° and is well suited for the detection and characterization of low-perihelion asteroids. Here, we use the survey simulation software tools developed for mission verification to explore the expected sensitivity of NEO Surveyor to these objects. We find that NEO Surveyor is expected to be >90% complete for near-Sun objects larger than D ∼ 300 m. Additionally, if the asteroid (3200) Phaethon underwent a disruption event in the past to form the Geminid meteor stream, Surveyor will be >90% complete to any fragments larger than D ∼ 200 m. For probable disruption models, NEO Surveyor would be expected to detect dozens of objects on Phaethon-like orbits, compared to a predicted background population of only a handful of asteroids, setting strong constraints on the likelihood of this scenario.
Risk factors and outcomes of cytomegalovirus infection in the intensive care unit
Authors: Tfaily Mohamad Ali , Azzo Joe-David , Gharamti Amal , Ghanem Marwan , Wazzi-Mkahal Rayyan , Kanafani Zeina A
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has long been recognized as an important viral syndrome in the immunocompromised host. The disease is less well described in critically-ill patients. We evaluated the risk factors for the development of CMV infection in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We also compared the outcomes of CMV infection in ICU patients to those of patients with hematological malignancies.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study composed of three arms: patients admitted to the ICU with infection (ICU + / CMV + arm), patients admitted to the ICU who did not develop CMV infection (ICU + / CMV- arm, and patients with hematological malignancies on the hematology ward without CMV infection (ICU - / CMV + arm).
Results: Patients who were admitted to ICU for surgical causes had a decreased risk of CMV infection. On the other hand, receiving corticosteroids and vasoactive drugs was associated with an increased risk of CMV infection with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 2.4 and 25.3, respectively. Mortality was higher in ICU + / CMV + patients compared to ICU - / CMV + patients. In the ICU + /CMV + population, male sex and being on mechanical ventilation after CMV infection were independent predictors of mortality (aOR 4.6 and 5.0, respectively).
Conclusions: CMV infection in ICU patients is a potentially serious disease requiring close attention. The findings from our study help in identifying patients in the ICU at risk for CMV infection, thereby warranting frequent screening. Patients at high risk of death (male, on mechanical ventilation) should receive prompt treatment and intensive follow-up.
Complete Genome Sequencing, Annotation, and Mutational Profiling of the Novel Clade I Human Mpox Virus, Kamituga Strain
Authors: Masirika Leandre Murhula , Kumar Anuj , Dutt Mansi , Ostadgavahi Ali Toloue , Hewins Benjamin , Nadine Maliyamungu Bubala , Steeven Bilembo Kitwanda , Mweshi Franklin Kumbana , Mambo Léandre Mutimbwa , Mbiribindi Justin Bengehya , Siangoli Freddy Belesi , Kelvin Alyson A , Udahemuka Jean Claude , Kelvin Patricia , Flores Luis , Kelvin David J , Sganzerla Martinez Gustavo
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Human Mpox (formerly monkeypox) infection is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV). We describe the complete genome annotation, phylogeny, and mutational profile of a novel, sustained Clade I Mpox outbreak in the city of Kamituga in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational, cohort study was performed among patients of all ages admitted to the Kamituga Hospital with Mpox infection symptoms between late September 2023 and late January 2024. DNA was isolated from Mpox swabbed lesions and sequenced followed by phylogenetic analysis, genome annotation, and mutational profiling.
Results: We describe an ongoing Clade I Mpox outbreak in the city of Kamituga, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Whole-genome sequencing of the viral RNA samples revealed, on average, 201.5 snps, 28 insertions, 81 deletions, 2 indels, 312.5 total variants, 158.3 amino acid changes, 81.66 intergenic variants, 72.16 synonymous mutations, 106 missense variants, 41.16 frameshift variants, and 3.33 inframe deletions across six samples. By assigning mutations at the proteome level for Kamituga MPXV sequences, we observed that seven proteins, namely, C9L (OPG047), I4L (OPG080), L6R (OPG105), A17L (OPG143), A25R (OPG151), A28L (OPG153), and B21R (OPG210) have emerged as hot spot mutations based on the consensuses inframe deletions, frameshift variants, synonymous variants, and amino acids substitutions. Based on the outcome of the annotation, we found a deletion of the D14L (OPG032) gene in all six samples. Following phylogenetic analysis and whole genome assembly, we determined that this cluster of Mpox infections is genetically distinct from previously reported Clade I outbreaks, and thus propose that the Kamituga Mpox outbreak represents a novel subgroup (subgroup VI) of Clade I MPXV.
Conclusions: Here we report the complete viral genome for the ongoing Clade I Mpox Kamituga outbreak for the first time. This outbreak presents a distinct mutational profile from previously sequenced Clade I MPXV oubtreaks, suggesting that this cluster of infections is a novel subgroup (we term this subgroup VI). These findings underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and continued sequencing of novel Mpox threats in endemic regions.
An Adaptive Enhancement Method of Malicious Traffic Samples Based on DCGAN-ResNet System
Authors: Li Qiankun , Li Juan , Li Yao , Jiu Feng , Chu Yunxia
Published: May 2024

A malicious traffic sample adaptive enhancement device based on Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) is designed to address the issue of imbalanced network traffic data distribution, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of anomaly detection. By leveraging generative adversarial network technology, this device can generate samples similar to real malicious traffic to balance the training dataset. It utilizes the generator and discriminator of the Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN), combined with the residual network (ResNet) in the CNN model, to enhance the quality of generated samples. The device can switch states to adapt to various network environments and has been experimentally validated for its effectiveness and feasibility.Moreover, employing an adaptive device, the samples of malicious traffic are adjusted. Experimental analysis demonstrates that the device significantly enhances the accuracy of anomaly traffic detection, improves robustness, and provides robust support for network security protection.
Semantic Coarse-to-Fine Granularity Learning for Two-Stage Few-Shot Anomaly Detection
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lyu Chengzhi , Chen Ziheng , Li Shaokang , Xia Bin
Published: May 2024

Anomaly detection is critical in industrial inspection, where identifying defects significantly impacts product quality and safety. Existing models, primarily based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), struggle with noise sensitivity and insufficient resolution for fine-grained feature discrimination. To address these issues, we propose a two-stage few-shot anomaly detection network that enhances semantic feature granularity and generalization. The network includes a coarse-grained anomaly detection module, a multi-scale channel attention module, and a fine-grained detection module. The coarse-grained module identifies abnormal regions, serving as the initial filter. The multi-scale channel attention module focuses on anomalous features, enhancing sensitivity to fine-grained characteristics. This step overcomes limitations in discerning subtle yet critical anomalies. The fine-grained detection module refines feature maps, enhancing generalization. Experimental results on the MVTec dataset show an image-level Area under the region of convergence (AUROC) of 92.3% and a pixel-level AUROC of 95.3%, a 1% to 2% improvement over leading FSAD methods.
Flying in the Strike Zone: Urban Air Mobility and Wildlife Strike Prevention
Authors: Metz Isabel C. , Henshaw Cerian , Harmon Lisa
Published: May 2024

The number and rate of wildlife strikes continue to increase worldwide. More than 30 years of wildlife strike data indicate that approximately 92% of wildlife strikes for commercial aircraft occur at or below 3500 ft above ground level. Since urban air mobility (UAM) operations are
envisioned to carry cargo and passengers up to an altitude of 4000 ft above ground level, UAM operations will face increased exposure to wildlife strike risks throughout their operations. Moreover, the comparatively small size of UAM aircraft, proposed cruising speeds of up to 170 kt, and
quieter electric engines are expected to reduce opportunities for threat perception and evasive maneuvers by aircraft operators and wildlife. This paper presents how well-established wildlife strike prevention measures can be adapted to meet the needs of UAM operations and how, with new technology,
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), regulatory agencies, aircraft operators, communities, airspace managers, and vertiport operators can work together to enhance safety.
African swine fever: implications for the Italian pork trade
Authors: Rosamilia Alfonso , Benedetti Stefano , Cotugno Delia , Guarnieri Chiara , Miraglia Viviana , Riponi Andrea , Capezzuto Stefano , Siragusa Giulia , Santini Nicola , Pierantoni Marco
Published: May 2024

In early 2022, the confirmed presence of African swine fever (ASF) circulating in wild boars in mainland Italy and subsequently found in domestic pigs led to several changes regarding the export of pork and pork products to countries outside the European Union (non-EU). The sector suffered the complete and immediate closure of the markets of some countries, often without the measure being communicated in the forms stipulated by international agreements. Indeed, compliance with the current EU regulations does not guarantee the possibility of exporting to non-EU countries. Knowledge of the animal health status requirements of the country (Italy in this case) is essential for food business operators (FBOs) wishing to enter markets outside the EU according to the ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’. In cases where a sanitary protocol and a model of an official certificate with the importing country exist, the market is officially accessible according to the agreed sanitary requirements. Where no agreement exists, requirements are detailed in the ‘import permit’ issued to individual FBOs or may be known by directly accessing national regulations through the client/importer. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to outline briefly the conditions imposed by the main non-EU countries for pork products, especially in light of the new epidemiological situation created by the spread of the ASF into a country previously free of the disease.
XXIX Congresso Nazionale della Società Scientifica FADOI | 11-13 maggio 2024
Authors: Dentali F.
Published: May 2024

Abstract Book of the XXIX National Congress of the FADOI Scientific Society, May 11-13, 2024
Clinical characteristics of non-sleepy obstructive sleep apnea patients: a study in a tertiary care sleep clinic in India
Authors: Narwade Ganesh , Madan Manu , Kumar Rohit , Ish Pranav , Mahendran AJ , Kaushik Rajnish , Gupta Nitesh
Published: May 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) encompasses a diverse population, manifesting with or without symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness. There is contention surrounding the significance of non-sleepy OSA within clinical contexts and whether routine treatment is warranted. This study aims to evaluate epidemiological and clinical distinctions between sleepy and non-sleepy OSA patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing polysomnography for OSA assessment at tertiary care hospitals between 2018 and 2023. For 176 of 250 patients, complete polysomnography records with OSA diagnoses were available. Non-sleepy OSA was defined when a patient had an Epworth sleepiness scale score <10 and polysomnography demonstrated an apnea hypopnea index ≥5/hour. Non-sleepy OSA patients were matched with sleepy OSA patients in terms of age and gender distribution (mean age 51.24±13.25 years versus 50.9±10.87 years, male 70.4% versus 73.3%). The sensitivity of STOP-BANG≥3 for the non-sleepy OSA group was 87.7%, 89.3%, and 95.2% for any OSA severity, moderate to severe OSA, and severe OSA, respectively, while the corresponding sensitivity for the sleepy OSA group was 96.5%, 98.6%, and 100% for any OSA severity, moderate to severe OSA, and severe OSA, respectively. A novel symptom scoring tool, HASSUN (hypertension, nocturnal apneas, snoring, sleep disturbance, unrefreshing sleep, and nocturia), demonstrated a sensitivity of over 90% for all severity categories of OSA in both non-sleepy and sleepy OSA groups. The prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities did not significantly differ between non-sleepy and sleepy OSA patients. The physiological parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, and bicarbonate at baseline, were comparable between the two groups. To conclude, non-sleepy OSA patients are less obese, exhibit fewer symptoms, and have less severe OSA in comparison to sleepy OSA. Non-sleepy OSA patients display a similar likelihood of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities compared to sleepy OSA patients. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular metabolic comorbidities in non-sleepy OSA patients. The proposed HASSUN scoring tool for non-sleepy OSA screening necessitates validation in future studies.
Energy efficiency assessment of wireless system exploiting multiple reconfigurable intelligent surfaces with hardware impairments
Authors: Vinh Nguyen Van
Published: May 2024

This article explores a practical scenario with hardware impairments (HIs) in a multireconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assisted wireless system. This approach is based on a mathematical analysis of the performance of the HI‐RIS system. To this end, a closed‐form expression of the energy efficiency (EE) and its asymptotic behavior, particularly in regions with high transmit power, are derived. Next, an analysis was conducted to compare the EE of the HI‐RIS system with those of relevant systems: the ideal hardware (ID)‐RIS system, HI‐point‐to‐point (P2P) system (without RISs), and ID‐P2P system (without RISs). The numerical findings unequivocally demonstrate that the incorporation of RISs substantially enhances the EE of the HI‐RIS system, particularly at high transmit rates. However, at low transmit rates, the EE of the HI‐RIS system less than that of the HI‐P2P system. This trend is also reflected in the EEs of the ID‐RIS and ID‐P2P systems. Moreover, the significant impact of HI on the EEs of the HI‐RIS and HI‐P2P systems is analyzed. The effects of crucial system parameters, such as the number of reflecting elements, frequencies of WiFi networks, and fading order, are comprehensively determined to provide insights into the behaviors of the HI‐RIS system. The outage probability and throughput behaviors of the HI‐RIS system are also evaluated to comprehensively analyze of the benefits of RISs and the effects of HI. Finally, the accuracy of the derived expressions was verified using Monte Carlo simulations.
Vitamin D, selenium in type 2 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Is it effective?
Authors: Reddy Kotha Sugunakar , Jain Vishakha , Varatharajan Sakthivadivel , Pallavali Janardhana Reddy
Published: May 2024

The study by Feng et al , explores treatment approaches for these coexisting conditions. It emphasizes the potential advantages of selenium and vitamin D supplementation but also raises methodological and patient selection concerns. Findings indicate a complex interplay between interventions and disease markers, prompting the need for further research. Despite limitations, the study offers valuable insights into managing the intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The authors' contributions shed light on potential treatment avenues, although careful consideration of study design and patient characteristics is warranted for future investigations in this domain.
Drawing lines in the sand: The growing threat of obesity in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Koufakis Theocharis , Patoulias Dimitrios , Zografou Ioanna , Papanas Nikolaos , Popovic Djordje S
Published: May 2024

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Zeng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024. We focus on the epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical interplay between obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Overweight and obesity represent a growing threat for modern societies and people with T1DM could not be an exception to this rule. Chronic exogenous insulin administration, genetic and epigenetic factors, and psy-chosocial and behavioral parameters, along with the modern way of life that incorporates unhealthy eating patterns and physical inactivity, set the stage for the increasing obesity rates in T1DM. As our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of obesity and hyperglycemia expands, it becomes clear that there are overlap zones in the pathophysiology of the two main types of diabetes. Stereotypes regarding strict dividing lines between “autoimmune” and “metabolic” phenotypes increase the risk of trapping physicians into ineffective therapeutic approaches, instead of individualized diabetes care. In this context, the use of adjuncts to insulin therapy that have the potential to alleviate cardiorenal risk and decrease body weight can reduce the burden of obesity in patients with T1DM.
Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: Insights into clinical efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and adherence challenges
Authors: Emad-Eldin Mahmoud , Balata Gehan F , Elshorbagy Eman A , Hamed Mona S , Attia Mohamed S
Published: May 2024

Insulin therapy plays a crucial role in the management of type 2 diabetes as the disease progresses. Over the past century, insulin formulations have undergone significant modifications and bioengineering, resulting in a diverse range of available insulin products. These products show distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Consequently, various insulin regimens have em-erged for the management of type 2 diabetes, including premixed formulations and combinations of basal and bolus insulins. The utilization of different insulin regimens yields disparate clinical outcomes, adverse events, and, notably, patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs provide valuable insights from the patient’s perspective, serving as a valuable mine of information for enhancing healthcare and informing clinical decisions. Adherence to insulin therapy, a critical patient-reported outcome, significantly affects clinical outcomes and is influenced by multiple factors. This review provides insights into the clinical effectiveness of various insulin preparations, PROs, and factors impacting insulin therapy adherence, with the aim of enhancing healthcare practices and informing clinical decisions for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Challenges and pitfalls of youth-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: La Grasta Sabolic Lavinia , Marusic Sanda , Cigrovski Berkovic Maja
Published: May 2024

The incidence and prevalence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasing. The rise in frequency and severity of childhood obesity, inclination to sedentary lifestyle, and epigenetic risks related to prenatal hyperglycemia exposure are important drivers of the youth-onset T2DM epidemic and might as well be responsible for the early onset of diabetes complications. Indeed, youth-onset T2DM has a more extreme metabolic phenotype than adult-onset T2DM, with greater insulin resistance and more rapid deterioration of beta cell function. Therefore, intermediate complications such as microalbuminuria develop in late childhood or early adulthood, while end-stage complications develop in mid-life. Due to the lack of efficacy and safety data, several drugs available for the treatment of adults with T2DM have not been approved in youth, reducing the pharmacological treatment options. In this mini review, we will try to address the present challenges and pitfalls related to youth-onset T2DM and summarize the available interventions to mitigate the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.
Analysis of neonates gender and mode of delivery using Pearson’s correlation
Authors: Okwonu Friday Zinzendoff , Ahad Nor Aishah , Apanapudor Joshua Sarduana
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates whether neonate gender determines the mode of maternal delivery. The Pearson correlation technique and the t -statistic were applied to ascertain whether neonate gender is a determinant of the mode of maternal delivery. The neonate rate of delivery based on gender and mode of delivery was also investigated. The study relied on secondary data from a general hospital in Nigeria. The study consists of 6,491 live births from 2010 to 2017. The analysis showed that 74.9% accounted for normal births while 25.1% for surgical births. The gender analysis showed that 47.5% of males and 52.5% of females were normal births while 47.8% of males and 52.2% of females were delivered via surgical mode. The study showed that 47.6% of males and 52.4% of females were delivered for the period under review. The correlation value r=0.5 suggests that neonates irrespective of gender can be delivered via a normal or surgical procedure. The analysis based on the t-statistic failed to reject the null hypothesis implying that neonate gender does not determine the mode of maternal delivery but maternal lifestyle during pregnancy.