bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of curcumin from Lakadong turmeric of Meghalaya and development of its PLGA-Cur-NS loaded nanogel for potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats
Authors: Sarma Sanjib K. , Dutta Uloopi , Bharali Alakesh , Kumar Suman , Baruah Sunayna , Sarma Himangshu , Laloo Damiki , Sahu Bhanu P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Lakadong turmeric (LKD) from Meghalaya, India, boasts high curcumin levels, but lacks scientific study. Moreover, Curcumin's poor solubility hinders its clinical use in inflammation and wound healing. This study isolated curcumin from LKD, forming a PLGA nanosuspension-based nanogel and explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats.

Methodology

The LKD rhizome was successively extracted by soxhlet using chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol and their total phenolic content and antioxidant property was determined. Chloroform extract was loaded in column chromatography and curcumin was isolated, purified and characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, MS and HPTLC and its purity was analyzed by HPLC. The isolated curcumin was loaded into PLGA nanosuspensions by nanoprecipitation method followed by conversion to carbopol based Nanogel. The nanogels were characterized physicochemically and the drug permeation was observed. The optimized nanogel was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema and excision wound model in albino Wistar rats divided in five groups and treated with plain carbopol gel, marketed turmeric cream and Cur NS nanogel (0.6% w/w equivalent curcumin each).

Results

Results depicted that the chloroform extract showed the presence of a considerable amount of phenolics with 50-60% yield of curcumin. HPLC analysis depicted that the LKD curcumin had higher purity when compared to standard curcumin. Homogenous curcumin nanosuspensions were obtained with size 150 ± 50 nm and PDI 0.2 ± 0.1. The Cur-NS-nanogel showed satisfactory physical property, drug loading and stability. Ex vivo permeation studies in rats showed controlled permeation with steady state flux of 21.28 ± 0.23 µg/cm2/hr in 24 h. Topical intervention with Cur-NS-nanogel (0.6%) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the paw volume by 43.97% in the 3rd hour and 72.19% on the 4th hour. Furthermore, the cutaneous wound healing property of Cur-NS-nanogel when compared to negative control rats showed a substantial (p < 0.05) reduction in the percentage wound contraction from 5 to 20th days.

Conclusion

LKD showed high curcumin content with significant antioxidant effects. LKD curcumin loaded into stable nanogel depicted safe and controlled skin permeability with promising cutaneous wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental rats.
Spin-Orbit Interactions (SOIs) related to super-symmetry and pseudo-super-symmetry: Time-reversed
generators and
Authors: Chakraborty Arindam
Published: October 2023

A class of Hamiltonians involving various Spin-Orbit Interactions (SOIs) have been constructed from suitable choices of supercharges involving components of linear momenta and spin. A set of

extensions of those Hamiltonians have been introduced. In one such example, two different non-trivial pairs of supercharges corresponding to the same model have been observed.
The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio Is Associated With Volumetric Bone Density in Older Men
Authors: Ginsberg Charles , Blackwell Terri , Cheng Jonathan H , Potok O Alison , Cauley Jane A , Ensrud Kristine E , Hsu Simon , Kado Deborah M , Orwoll Eric , Cawthon Peggy M , Ix Joachim H
Published: October 2023

Context

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the current marker of vitamin D adequacy, but its relationship with bone health has been inconsistent. The ratio of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to 25(OH)D3 (vitamin D metabolite ratio or VMR) is a marker of vitamin D that has been associated with longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk.

Objective

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides information on bone health beyond standard dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, in that it measures volumetric BMD (vBMD) as well bone strength. The relationship of the VMR with vBMD and bone strength remains unknown.

Methods

We evaluated the associations of the VMR and 25(OH)D3 with vBMD and bone strength in the distal radius and tibia, assessed by HR-pQCT in 545 older men participating in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study. Primary outcomes were vBMD and estimated failure load (EFL, a marker of bone strength) at the distal radius and tibia.

Results

The mean age was 84 ± 4 years, 88.3% were White, and 32% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In adjusted models, each twofold higher VMR was associated with a 9% (3%, 16%) higher total vBMD and a 13% (5%, 21%) higher EFL at the distal radius. Results were similar at the distal tibia. 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not associated with any of the studied outcomes.

Conclusion

Among older men, a higher VMR was associated with greater vBMD and bone strength while 25(OH)D3 was not. The VMR may serve as a valuable marker of skeletal health in older men.
Validation of Efficacy and Safety of TachoSil® Tissue Sealant for Vessel Transposition in Microvascular Decompression
Authors: Mori Kentaro , Otani Naoki , Toyooka Terushige , Morita Shuhei , Numazawa Shinichi , Wada Kojiro , Watanabe Sadayoshi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Use of TachoSil® as the transposition material of microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is easy and safe to perform, but the efficacy and safety of this technique are unknown. This study attempted to validate the efficacy and safety of TachoSil® as a transposition material of MVD.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of the surgical results and complications of 63 patients (35 HFS and 28 TN) treated by the TachoSil® technique between January 2011 and December 2021 was conducted. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up study was performed to detect any adverse events including a mass formation.

RESULTS:

The rate of complete disappearance of HFS was 91.4% at 1 year and estimated to be 85.7% after a 10-year follow-up. The rate of no pain without medication for TN was 85.4% at 1 year and estimated to be 69.0% after a 9-year follow-up. These surgical results are comparable with those previously reported. Flaking of TachoSil® releasing the offending artery was only recognized in one case (1.6%). Therefore, TachoSil® can be considered as an effective transposition material for MVD. TachoSil® did not increase the rate of acute and subacute adverse events such as inflammation and delayed facial palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up identified no abnormalities including mass that suggested granuloma formation.

CONCLUSION:

The efficacy of the TachoSil® technique for HFS and TN and the reliability of TachoSil® as an adhesive material in MVD were verified. No adverse events associated with TachoSil® use in MVD were found. We conclude that the TachoSil® technique has relatively long efficacy and safety for MVD.
The Paramedian Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Jean Walter C.
Published: October 2023

INDICATIONS:

The supracerebellar-infratentorial approach uses the plane between the tentorium and the superior surface of the cerebellum to expose the pineal region.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS:

The bone opening is just underneath the level of the transverse sinus, and so its position must be noted preoperatively. The anatomy of the internal cerebral veins and the veins of Galen and Rosenthal should be examined as well.

ESSENTIALS STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE:

The sitting position allows gravity-assisted expansion of the supracerebellar corridor, and a paramedian approach provides the biggest working space in the TIGER triangle, delineated by the tentorial surface of the cerebellum, the internal cerebral vein/Galen complex, and the vein of Rosenthal. The veil of arachnoid beyond the triangle must be carefully opened to expose the pineal region.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS:

For the sitting position, the operative team must be careful about air emboli. A patent foramen ovale is a contraindication for the position. The deep veins must be handled delicately to avoid complications.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS FOR THEIR USE:

Several variations are shown in this video. For visualization, augmented reality is helpful, but since current augmented reality technology is microscope-based, its use can be ergonomically challenging if the tentorium is steep.
1
Our current preference is to use the exoscope for the major portion of the procedure until most of the tumor is out and then switch to hand-held endoscopes with various angles to finish the operation.

The patients consented to the surgery, and all relevant participants consented to publication of their images.
Estudios sobre pódcast: evolución, temas y perspectivas en la publicación científica en España y Portugal (Dialnet y RCAAP).
Authors: García-Marín David , Terol-Bolinches Raúl , Oliveira Madalena
Published: October 2023

Inicialmente entendido como un formato de publicación, el pódcast no es un objeto de estudio exclusivo de la investigación comunicativa. Herramienta de educación, de promoción de la actividad artística y de difusión de información de relevancia para la salud, por ejemplo, el podcasting es hoy un tipo de producción que interesa a diversos campos científicos. Por eso, tampoco es un tema de investigación restringido a las Ciencias de la Comunicación o a los denominados Media Studies. La producción científica en acceso abierto evidencia que las perspectivas de estudio sobre el pódcast pueden ser muy diversas, aunque algunas revisiones de la literatura demuestran que hay todavía baja producción científica sobre este medio. En este artículo, se identifica la publicación abierta en España y Portugal desde 2004 (artículos en revistas, capítulos de libros, libros y tesis doctorales) a través de una revisión sistemática de la literatura (n=320) realizada en los repositorios Dialnet y RCAAP. El análisis se enfoca en los tipos de trabajo, temáticas y áreas de conocimiento más frecuentes en la investigación sobre pódcast en ambos países, tanto desde una perspectiva agregada como comparada. El objetivo principal se centra en identificar los aspectos por los cuales los pódcast inspiran a los investigadores, así como la evolución temporal de estos trabajos. Los resultados evidencian un interés creciente de la investigación desde las Ciencias de la Comunicación, sobre todo después de la pandemia por COVID-19, pero también un predominio de estudios sobre la utilidad del medio desde el punto de vista educativo.
El proceso creativo y los elementos distintivos de la ficción sonora en radios y plataformas españolas: estudio de caso.
Authors: López Villafranca Paloma , Olmedo Salar Silvia
Published: October 2023

La ficción sonora resurge en España con la irrupción de las plataformas sonoras como la red de podcasts Podium Podcast desde el año 2016, la innovación experimental sonora de la emisora pública RNE con el Laboratorio de Innovación Audiovisual de RTVE y la emisión puntual de audiodramas en las cadenas de radio convencionales, que difunden estos espacios en momentos especiales. En esta investigación se realiza un estudio de caso de diez ficciones radiofónicas de la emisora pública RNE, las emisoras privadas Ser y Onda Cero y las plataformas Podium Podcast y Spotify. Para ello se aplica una metodología mixta en la que se combina el análisis de contenido de la muestra de las ficciones seleccionadas con entrevistas en profundidad a ocho expertos en sonido conocedores el proceso de ejecución de las ficciones sonoras en distintas facetas. Los resultados de la investigación subrayan los rasgos distintivos del género en cada una de las plataformas y emisoras analizadas y cómo la distribución y el consumo a la carta posibilitan el resurgir de la ficción sonora con producciones muy cuidadas en el diseño sonoro y orientadas a un público habituado al audiovisual y el cine, que ha evolucionado con respecto al tradicional radioteatro.
Course Dropout Intention Scale: Development and Validation of a New Brief Measure in Academic College Context
Authors: Yupanqui-Lorenzo Daniel E. , Jara-Osorio Lizbeth Angela , Carbajal-León Carlos , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Sernaqué Manuel Antonio Cardoza , Quispe Kerly Stefanny Duran
Published: October 2023

University students may encounter situations where they perform poorly in a course and contemplate dropping out. This intention to drop out of a course manifests not only in thoughts or ideas but also in a cognitive self-evaluation of their performance and skills, enabling them to reflect on the possibility of dropping out. In this sense, there is a shortage of instruments that evaluate the intention to drop out of a course, so the aim was to develop and validate the Course Dropout Intention Scale (CDIS). Data from two samples (N1 = 198; N2 = 675) were used; the first was for the EFA, and the second was for the CFA, GRM, and SEM. The one-factor model was derived from the EFA and confirmed in the second sample, exhibiting appropriate goodness-of-fit indices. Similarly, the GRM obtained adequate fit indices; all items discriminated adequately, and the difficulty parameter had a monotonic increase. The SEM model of the effect of satisfaction with studies on the CDIS showed a negative and statistically significant effect. Thus, it was demonstrated that the CDIS is a robust instrument in its psychometric properties and empirical evidence with other variables.
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Preservice Elementary Teachers: Relationship to Self-Regulation and Technology Integration Self-Efficacy
Authors: Sulistiani Ika Ratih , Setyosari Punaji , Sa’dijah Cholis , Praherdhiono Henry
Published: October 2023

Technology integration into learning is essential to supporting educational reform. On the other hand, the relationship between self-regulation (SR), technology integration self-efficacy (TISE), and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) has yet to be thoroughly studied. This study investigated preservice elementary teachers and the connection between SR, TISE, and TPACK. A quantitative approach and a survey-based approach were both utilized in the research project. The research was carried out at one of Indonesia's universities, and the data collected were from 224 preservice elementary teachers in their fourth year through a questionnaire. According to the findings, preservice elementary teachers' SR, TISE, and TPACK levels were above average. Preservice elementary teachers scored the highest on planning capability (PC), monitoring and controlling skills (MC/CC), and making others use computer technologies self-efficacy (MUCTSE). In contrast, they scored the lowest on information and communication technology (ICT). Besides that, SR and TISE positively and significantly affected pre-service teacher TPACK. In light of the findings, it is of the utmost importance to enhance the competency of preservice elementary teachers in using technology to integrate learning.
Coherent Doppler LIDAR with long-duration frequency-modulated pulses for wind sensing
Authors: Yoshikawa Eiichi , Yamasuge Hiroshi , Aoki Makoto , Iwai Hironori , Nakano Takayuki , Oikawa Hiroshi , Ushio Tomoo , Ishii Shoken , Chandrasekar V.
Published: October 2023

A coherent Doppler LIDAR (CDL) with long-duration frequency-modulated pulses was demonstrated and validated by analyzing the data observed by a prototype. In traditional CDL using short-duration single-frequency pulses (PCDL; pulsed CDL), there exists a trade-off relationship between distance and velocity resolution. Meanwhile, in earlier work, a theoretical framework of CDL using long-duration frequency-modulated pulses (FMCDL; frequency-modulated CDL) was put forth to eliminate the trade-off. We developed the prototype to be operated as both a PCDL and FMCDL. Analyses of data observed by the PCDL and FMCDL modes showed that the FMCDL worked in good agreement with the PCDL for wind ranging and velocimetry. Furthermore, the performance of the FMCDL in terms of received power and resolution of distance and velocity was quantitatively consistent with ones theoretically expected.
Grazing incidence to total internal reflection fluorescence structured illumination microscopy enabled by a prism telescope
Authors: Ortkrass Henning , Wiebusch Gerd , Linnenbrügger Jochen , Schürstedt Jasmin , Szafranska Karolina , McCourt Peter , Huser Thomas
Published: October 2023

In super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) the separation between opposing laser spots in the back focal plane of the objective lens affects the pattern periodicity, and, thus, the resulting spatial resolution. Here, we introduce a novel hexagonal prism telescope which allows us to seamlessly change the separation between parallel laser beams for 3 pairs of beams, simultaneously. Each end of the prism telescope is composed of 6 Littrow prisms, which are custom-ground so they can be grouped together in the form of a tight hexagon. By changing the distance between the hexagons, the beam separation can be adjusted. This allows us to easily control the position of opposing laser spots in the back focal plane and seamlessly adjust the spatial frequency of the resulting interference pattern. This also enables the seamless transition from 2D-SIM to total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) excitation using objective lenses with a high numerical aperture. In linear SR-SIM the highest spatial resolution can be achieved for extreme TIRF angles. The prism telescope allows us to investigate how the spatial resolution and contrast depend on the angle of incidence near, at, and beyond the critical angle. We demonstrate this by imaging the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, which have a characteristic morphology consisting of thousands of small, transcellular pores that can only be observed by super-resolution microscopy.
Primary facility for traceable measurement of BSSRDF: erratum
Authors: Santafé-Gabarda Pablo , Ferrero Alejandro , Tejedor-Sierra Nestor , Campos Joaquín
Published: October 2023

An erratum is presented to correct the measurement equation used for the calculation of the BSSRDF in our manuscript [Opt. Express 29 (21), 34175 (2021)10.1364/OE.439108]. This correction affects slightly the results showed in Figs. 7 and 8 of the primary manuscript, so they are replaced by Fig. S1 and Fig. S2, respectively, of the current erratum. The discussion on the results of Fig. 7 of the primary manuscript is completely valid also for the new results, but a slightly different discussion is given on the new results showed in Fig. S2. Nevertheless, the conclusions of the original manuscript are not affected at all.
Specimen sharing for epidemic preparedness: Building a virtual biorepository system from local governance to global partnerships
Authors: Giri Judith , Pezzi Laura , Cachay Rodrigo , Gèlvez Ramirez Rosa Margarita , Tami Adriana , Bethencourt Sarah , Lozano Anyela , Gotuzzo Herencia José Eduardo , Poje Julia , Jaenisch Thomas , Chu May
Published: October 2023

We present a framework for a federated, virtual biorepository system (VBS) with locally collected and managed specimens, as a ‘global public good’ model based on principles of equitable access and benefit sharing. The VBS is intended to facilitate timely access to biological specimens and associated data for outbreak-prone infectious diseases to accelerate the development and evaluation of diagnostics, assess vaccine efficacy, and to support surveillance and research needs. The VBS is aimed to be aligned with the WHO BioHub and other specimen sharing efforts as a force multiplier to meet the needs of strengthening global tools for countering epidemics. The purpose of our initial research is to lay the basis of the collaboration, management and principles of equitable sharing focused on low- and middle-income country partners. Here we report on surveys and interviews undertaken with biorepository-interested parties to better understand needs and barriers for specimen access and share examples from the ZIKAlliance partnership on the governance and operations of locally organized biorepositories.
N-linked glycosylation of flavivirus E protein contributes to viral particle formation
Authors: Ishida Kotaro , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Yukinari , Morita Eiji
Published: October 2023

In the case of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), the envelope protein (E), a major component of viral particles, contains a highly conserved N-linked glycosylation site (E: N154). Glycosylation of the E protein is thought to play an important role in the ability of the virus to attach to target cells during transmission; however, its role in viral particle formation and release remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of N-glycosylation of flaviviral structural proteins in viral particle formation and secretion by introducing mutations in viral structural proteins or cellular factors involved in glycoprotein transport and processing. The number of secreted subviral particles (SVPs) was significantly reduced in N154A, a glycosylation-null mutant, but increased in D67N, a mutant containing additional glycosylation sites, indicating that the amount of E glycosylation regulates the release of SVPs. SVP secretion was reduced in cells deficient in galactose, sialic acid, and N-acetylglucosamine modifications in the Golgi apparatus; however, these reductions were not significant, suggesting that glycosylation mainly plays a role in pre-Golgi transport. Fluorescent labeling of SVPs using a split green fluorescent protein (GFP) system and time-lapse imaging by retention using selective hooks (RUSH) system revealed that the glycosylation-deficient mutant was arrested before endoplasmic reticulum (ER)- Golgi transport. However, the absence of ERGIC-53 and ERGIC-L, ER-Golgi transport cargo receptors that recognize sugar chains on cargo proteins, does not impair SVP secretion. In contrast, the solubility of the N154A mutant of E or the N15A/T17A mutant of prM in cells was markedly lower than that of the wild type, and proteasome-mediated rapid degradation of these mutants was observed, indicating the significance of glycosylation of both prM and E in proper protein folding and assembly of viral particles in the ER.
Floral biology and phenological studies of Datura metel L. in Tripura, Northeast India, with special reference to floral morphotypes
Authors: Das Aparajita , Kar Somnath , Bhattacharya Panchatapa , Das Sani , Bora Dixit , Datta Badal Kumar
Published: October 2023

Datura metel L. is an important medicinal plants of Tripura. There are four floral morpho-types found throughout India. The floral biology of four morpho-types of D. metel L. collected from different places of Tripura state have been investigated based on their morphological and palynological study. Initiation of the floral bud, anthesis, pollen viability, pollen germination, and pollen production are the topics covered in the present study. The present study includes photographic representations and UPGMA dendrogram for quick identification, as well as a detailed explanation of four morpho-types of the species.
Search and Matching in Political Corruption
Authors: Lisciandra Maurizio , Miralles Asensio Antonio , Monteforte Fabio
Published: October 2023

We develop a search and matching model to analyze the dynamics of the political corruption market. This model serves as a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of a set of anti-corruption policies. Contrary to expectations, conventional policies such as enhancing penalties or allocating greater resources to criminal investigations do not universally emerge as the most effective tools. For mitigating small-scale political corruption, the optimal strategy is to curtail corruption signaling, achieved, for instance, through enhancing transparency and competitiveness in the exchanges between entrepreneurs and politicians. For large-scale corruption, raising the costs of corruption signaling proves less effective as a deterrent compared to ex-post policy measures, such as improved detection effectiveness and harsher sanctions.
Machine learning in sensor identification for industrial systems
Authors: Weber Lucas , Lenz Richard
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the potential and limitations of machine learning for sensor signal identification in complex industrial systems. The objective is a tool to assist engineers in finding the correct inputs to digital twins and simulations from a set of unlabeled sensor signals. A naive end-to-end machine learning approach is usually not applicable to this task, as it would require many comparable industrial systems to learn from. We present a semi-structured approach that uses observations from the manual classification of time series and combines different algorithms to partition the set of signals into smaller groups of signals that share common characteristics. Using a real-world dataset from several power plants, we evaluate our solution for scaling-invariant measurement identification and functional relationship inference using change-point correlations.
Exosomal circ-0020887 and circ-0009590 as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of short-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI patients
Authors: Wang Guan , Wang Chun , Huang Zhengyi , Sun Shuai , Chen Yanjun
Published: October 2023

This study attempted to identify exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The differentially expressed exosomal circRNAs (DEECs) were screened from microarray dataset (GSE160717 and GSE197137) and RNA-Seq dataset (GSE208194), and the expression levels of DEECs in patients with STEMI were validated using reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR. The diagnostic value of DEECs was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. The major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE)-free 1-year survival rate was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the factors affecting prognosis were determined using Cox regression model analysis. Results showed that four DEECs were screened including exo-circ-0001490, exo-circ-0020887, exo-circ-0009590, and exo-circ-0055440, and only upregulated exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 expression was validated in patients with STEMI. The exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 expression was positively correlated with hs-CRP, LDL-C, cTnI, and CK-MB. The exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 showed good diagnostic efficacy to distinguish STEMI patients from healthy controls (area under the curves: 0.85 and 0.80). STEMI patients with high levels of exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 had lower MACE-free 1-year survival rate, and exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 expression was independent risk factors for adverse prognosis. In summary, upregulation of plasma exo-circ-0020887 and exo-circ-0009590 might act as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of short-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with STEMI.
Diversity matters — extending sound intensity coding by inner hair cells via heterogeneous synapses
Authors: Moser Tobias , Karagulyan Nare , Neef Jakob , Jaime Tobón Lina María
Published: October 2023

Our sense of hearing enables the processing of stimuli that differ in sound pressure by more than six orders of magnitude. How to process a wide range of stimulus intensities with temporal precision is an enigmatic phenomenon of the auditory system. Downstream of dynamic range compression by active cochlear micromechanics, the inner hair cells (IHCs) cover the full intensity range of sound input. Yet, the firing rate in each of their postsynaptic spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) encodes only a fraction of it. As a population, spiral ganglion neurons with their respective individual coding fractions cover the entire audible range. How such “dynamic range fractionation” arises is a topic of current research and the focus of this review. Here, we discuss mechanisms for generating the diverse functional properties of SGNs and formulate testable hypotheses. We postulate that an interplay of synaptic heterogeneity, molecularly distinct subtypes of SGNs, and efferent modulation serves the neural decomposition of sound information and thus contributes to a population code for sound intensity.
Archaeozoological studies: new database and method based on alphanumeric codes
Authors: Real Cristina , Morales Juan Vicente , Morales Juan Vicente , Sanchis Alfred , Pérez Leopoldo , Pérez Ripoll Manuel , Villaverde Valentín
Published: October 2023

The database is an important tool to collect all the necessary information by any archaeozoologist. However, the specialists do not use a recurring methodology to describe the bone remains, and that complicates the possibility to compare the results from different sites. For these reasons, first, it is necessary to provide a complete and versatile database structure and secondly, employ a fast and objective methodology. In this case, we propose simplified method based on alphanumeric codes.We have designed four databases in FileMaker©, all of them interrelated and focused on a part of an archaeozoological study: 1) site data, taxonomy; 2) taphonomy modifications; 3) osteometry; 4) teeth analysis. Besides, for taphonomic modifications we have created a compilation of alphanumeric codes that simplified and sum up the description of bone morphology, the origin and morphotypes of fractures and the localization of the taphonomic modifications. This new methodology has been applied to different samples. Some of them have an anthropic origin, others are natural accumulations, and even mixed ones. In all cases we have aimed to contrast the results in an objective way, leaving the interpretation to the final step of the analysis. In order to achieve this objective, we should use the same methodology, one that facilitates the way we compile the data and the way we can share the information and compare it within different sites.
Big Data Challenges and Opportunities for Accounting and Auditing
Authors: Biglari Vahid , Pourabedin Zahra , Vance Cindy
Published: October 2023

With the proliferation of big data across various industries, the accounting profession has been profoundly impacted by the vast amount of data and its unique characteristics. It is crucial for accountants and auditors to comprehend the big data landscape to effectively carry out their roles. The objective of this paper is to introduce the concept of big data and discuss its distinctive characteristics, as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents in the realm of accounting and auditing. The findings of this study demonstrate that in the realm of financial accounting, big data presents an opportunity for more objective assessments of fair values. Furthermore, in the field of auditing, big data facilitates substantiating management assertions and enhances the auditor's opinion, audit report, and overall audit quality. Finally, this study opens avenues for extensive research in the realm of big data's impact on the accounting profession.
Towards Natural Interaction: Hand Landmark Detection for Robotic Arm Control
Authors: . Aditya , Mallik Aman Kumar , D Mithun B , Koul Shashank
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the integration of computer vision algorithms and robotics has shown great potential for revolutionizing various domains, including medical sciences. This paper aims to explore the cutting-edge applications of computer vision and robotics in medical research and healthcare. By leveraging the capabilities of computer vision algorithms and robotic systems, we can enhance medical diagnosis, surgical interventions, and patient care. This research paper provides an in-depth analysis of the key components, challenges, and potential future directions of this interdisciplinary field. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach to addressing the scarcity of professional medical assistance in isolated communities by establishing efficient communication between the human operator and a robotic limb that has enabled the precise replication of human movements in real-time by implementing computer vision, regardless of geographical distance, thereby revolutionizing the remote operation of such robotic devices. This advanced artificial body part aims to perform not only basic health check-ups but also has the potential for more complex medical procedures. Our approach overcomes limitations of existing prosthetic models, such as pre-determined task-specific functionalities and high latency in real-time operation as well as  the necessity for the operator and the robotic unit to be nearby. Furthermore, the proposed model reduces the need for frequent calibration and constant monitoring, enhancing its practical applicability. It can also collect valuable medical data, providing patients with a reliable means of tracking their health conditions and medical professionals with vast amounts of structured medical data previously inaccessible. We aim to inspire further research and development in the field of computer vision algorithms and robotics for advancements in medical sciences. Through this interdisciplinary work, we anticipate improved healthcare access and outcomes for individuals residing in isolated communities, ultimately contributing to the overall enhancement of medical services on a global scale.
Investigating the Role of Cultural Festivals in Promoting Tourism in Developing Countries: The Case of the Ngondo Traditional Festival of Cameroon
Authors: Foncham Elma Carmen epse Ndih Ijang
Published: October 2023

Tourism refers to traveling for business, pleasure, or service. Cultural festivals refer to events held as a means to showcase culture and traditions. The research set out to find the role cultural festivals play in promoting tourism in developing countries, using the Ngondo Traditional Festival of Cameroon as a case study. The study is guided by a review of the literature on the role of cultural festivals in promoting tourism in developing countries, and case studies of successful cultural festivals in other developing countries. It also reviews a brief historical background, what the festival is all about, and its main aim and significance to the people of Cameroon. The research was based on casual interviews and discussions with some randomly selected tour operators, friends, colleagues, and tourists who were all part of the festival. Information was also collected from secondary sources like journals, newspapers, and from other researchers. The results of the study reveal the impact of the Ngondo festival on tourism in Cameroon, the challenges faced in promoting the festival as a tourist attraction site, and the strategies implemented to attract tourists to the festival. The study also provides recommendations that the Government and Stakeholders can use to promote the Ngondo festival. In conclusion, the festival has great potential of becoming a major source of tourism if the challenges it faces are handled properly and the necessary recommendations are implemented.
Comparison of Silver, Zinc Oxide, and Chitosan-mediated Nanoparticle synthesis and their antifungal activity against Oral Candidiasis
Authors: NS Shree Abiraami , Pillai Devika , Rajeshkumar S
Published: October 2023

Aim: To analyze the effectiveness of silver, zinc oxide, and chitosan nanoparticles against oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: Agar-well diffusion method: After the synthesis of AgNP, ZnONP, and ChNP In the agar plate, wells are cut, and 25 l, 50 l, and 100 l concentrations of the solution are placed. Reading was taken after 24 hours. The zone of inhibition was noted. Time-kill curve assay: RBA broth was prepared and sterilized, and 6 mL was added to all five test tubes. Candidia suspension was added to all five test tubes in the range of 5×105 CFU/ml. The first three tubes contain silver NP, zinc-oxide Np, and chitosan Np with three different concentrations; the fourth tube is considered the growth control, and the fifth tube is the standard (fluconazole). The incubation is done under suitable conditions for varied time intervals (1h, 2h, 3h, 4h, 5h). Then the percentage of dead cells is calculated at a wavelength of 540nm at regular time intervals. Results and Conclusion: From the agar well diffusion method, Ag Np showed 13mm , zinc-oxide Np 16 mm, and chitosan Np 17 mm zones of inhibition. From the time-kill assay, Chitosan Np at 50 µg/ml showed better bactericidal activity. Chitosan nanoparticles hold great potential as a novel approach for the management of candidiasis, offering improved drug delivery, enhanced antifungal activity, and the possibility of overcoming drug resistance.
Computational Modeling, Molecular Docking, Pharmacokinetic & Toxicological Studies of 1, 5- Diphenyl-2, 4-Disubstituted- 1H-Imidazole for Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Rutuja Sonawane , Karthickeyan K.
Published: October 2023

Series of 1, 5-Diphenyl-2, 4-disubstituted- 1H-Imidazole were produced Computationally and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities and were compared with the standard drug. ?-Tocopherol. A molecular docking study was also carried out against particular protein tyrosine kinase (2HCK) and peroxiredoxin (1HD2) were obtained from PDB data bank to predict the interaction between the compounds and protein. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters were computationally performed to predict the parameters of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET).
Crisis Management Board Game
Authors: Promsri Chaiyaset , Chaigusin Suchira
Published: October 2023

This objective of study was to develop a crisis management board game for business organizations. This research used document analysis methods to study from two important sources: Devlin’s book Crisis Management Planning and Execution; an academic article titled “The Most Useful Crisis Management Examples: The Good, Bad, and Ugly” by Marker. The results demonstrated extracted lessons from five key scenarios, namely case studies of Tylenol, Union Carbide India, Mattel, Samsung, and Pepsi, which were used to formulate simulations and responses to each crisis situation. This board game was developed based on Dodge’s game design and development concepts, which clearly defines the elements in the development of a board game. However, the implementation should be done carefully in terms of the roles and responsibilities of personnel in each business organization. In addition, due to the situations created in this board game, all types of crisis may not be covered by these events. Therefore, further development of a crisis management board game with a variety of situations and scenarios is necessary for knowledge development and understanding of personnel in different types of organizations.
An Anova-Based Numerical Analysis of WHA Partial Replacement Concrete
Authors: Murugesh V. , Santhosh S. , N Sneha , Unni P. Manjula , Thangaraj R. , Sadhasivam M.
Published: October 2023

In this work, a study exploiting concretes made with a bio-plant using natural waste is presented. The study examined the effects of partial cement substitution with bio-plants on the mechanical characteristics of conventional concretes and assessed the discrepancy between actual and expected elasticity modulus values. The usage of and effects on the modulus of elasticity of the partial replacement of concrete with WHA have been the subject of extensive research. Research was conducted in the area using various water-cement ratios coupled with water hyacinth ash and replacement percentages of cement. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used as a practical approach to verify normality. The supplied experimental data sets are used to train and evaluate the reliability predicting model. Thus, the study effort provides an overview of the numerical analysis performed using statistical techniques and the examination of the resulting data. The model's dependability is provided by the linear relationship between the Concrete mix% and with & without WHA. The 90C+10%WHA mixture performs better than conventional concrete.
Machine Learning to Predict Rice Stock for Food Security: A Brief Study
Authors: Herawati Is Eka , . Marhamah , Asnamawati Lina , . Mukhtar
Published: October 2023

The present study aims at shedding light on machine learning in agriculture by thoroughly reviewing the recent scholarly literature based on keywords’ combinations of “machine learning” and “rice”.  Only journal papers were considered eligible that were published within 2020 – 2023. Approximately 49 articles from scopus and google scholar database. It was selected for full content review after the pre-screening process. The results indicated that this topic pertains to different disciplines that favor convergence research at the international level. Prediction criteria related to food security were found to be the most inputs of prediction models. Machine learning models such as Random forest result in high accuracy in predict rice stock on 98%. This study will constitute a beneficial guide to all stakeholders towards enhancing awareness of the potential advantages of using machine learning in predict rice stock and contributing to a more systematic research on this topic.
Views Of Cognitive Linguistics and The Dynamics of Meaning Descriptive Analytical Study
Authors: Al-Zoubi Eman Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2023

Nor is suspicion the same as certainty, The companion of souls is conditional upon you taking them from hidden to clear, and bringing them to them clearly after being hidden, and returning them to one thing, Teaching them to another thing, about which they are more knowledgeable, and their confidence in Him in knowledge is wiser, such as transferring them from reason to sensation, and from what is known by thought to what It is known by necessity and nature, because the knowledge gained from the methods of the senses or focused on them, from the point of view of nature and to the extent of necessity, prefers what is learned from the point of view and thought in terms of strength and precision, and the attainment of complete confidence in it. “News is not the same as neither observation and nor suspicion is the same as certainty,” so this is achieved with this knowledge. This human being, I mean human being in terms of firmness and strength (Abdul Qahir Al-Jarjani Secrets of rhetoric, (pp. 21-22).
Reflexões sobre a integração do pensamento computacional às práticas de sala de aula: desafios à formação de professores
Authors: Caratti Ricardo Lima , Herbert Lima Vasconcelos Francisco
Published: October 2023

A integração do Pensamento Computacional (PC) às práticas de sala de aula tem o potencial de enriquecer tanto o ensino quanto a aprendizagem em todas as fases da educação. Esta abordagem pedagógica pode auxiliar na obtenção de competências cruciais para o indivíduo, permitindo-lhe compreender, analisar, especificar, estruturar, contrastar e solucionar problemas. Este artigo apresenta o panorama evolutivo do PC desde a sua origem até os dias atuais.  São apresentadas algumas abordagens sobre como o PC vem sendo explorado, ao longo dos anos, na educação, os principais conceitos que fundamentam o tema, bem como sua aplicação na formação de professores.  Trata-se de um levantamento bibliográfico que teve como objetivo obter o estado da arte da temática por meio de levantamento bibliográfico entre 2017 e 2022. Por fim, com base no material consultado, pode-se concluir sobre a importância de compreender quais competências os professores precisam possuir para integrar o PC em suas práticas em sala de aula, bem como sobre a necessidade de desenvolver métodos e ferramentas que possam ser utilizados para auxiliar o professor nesta caminhada.
ТHE LINGUODIDACTIC CASE THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH TO THE TEXT
Authors: Siderova D.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the use of linguistic didactic case studies in the teaching of students of pedagogy at Trakia University – Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The specificity of their educational content is tied to the application of the communicative approach to the text. Qualitative analysis of the created texts as well as descriptive statistics is applied. A high level of solving the cognitive task (dimension of goal-setting conceptual knowledge) by the future teachers was found. The trend is also maintained at the other three dimensions, with nearly two-thirds of the surveyed persons dealing with case studies – part of their language-didactic training, linked to textological issues in the pedagogical interaction with children aged 3 to 7. Educational tasks aimed at a procedural dimension were the most difficult for a relative proportion of students (29%), followed by those related to remembering and understanding factual knowledge (18%), as well as case studies related to metacognitive knowledge (15%). This way of working primarily aims at the creative application of competences for planning pedagogical interaction in the educational environment of the kindergarten in the field of linguistic-literary discourse.
Statistical analysis and modeling of factors of resource potential of agricultural development in the region
Authors: Speshilova Natalia , Speshilov Evgeny , Bykov Vladislav
Published: October 2023

In modern realities, the issue of effective use of the existing resource potential of the regions is acute, the solution of which directly affects the effectiveness of the functioning of industrial complexes of both individual territories and the country as a whole. Agriculture consists of a system of interconnected industries that produce various types of agricultural products, ensuring the food security of the state and the quality of life of the population. The purpose of the work was to analyze the resource potential of regional agriculture and identify a set of relevant factors (based on processing the flow of statistical data) on the example of the Orenburg region. The economic and statistical apparatus using the Statistica software package was used as a tool for carrying out correlation and regression analysis and building models. The article analyzes various interpretations of the concept of "potential". The components of the resource potential are considered and the factors characterizing them are ordered. A comparison of a number of indicators of agricultural production (the volume of agricultural production in millions of rubles, the size of the acreage of crops, the volume of gross harvest of grain and potatoes, the number of cattle and pigs) by regions of the Volga Federal District is given. The leading subjects of the district have been identified, among them the Orenburg Region, on the materials of which methods of correlation and regression analysis have been implemented and a set of models has been built. As an example, an econometric model of the impact on the volume of agricultural products of a number of factors (characterizing the resource potential of the region) is given, including the area of agricultural land, the average annual number of agricultural workers, the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers per hectare of crops, the cost of fixed assets by type of economic activity, the volume of investments in fixed capital of agriculture farms. The analysis of the variables included in the model is carried out. Taking into account the identified factors, a set of measures aimed at improving the efficiency of agricultural production in the region is formulated.