bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation offloading and scheduling in Mobile Edge Networks and SDN
Authors: S Dinesh Kumar , R.M.S parvathi
Published: November 2024

The development of recent new applications, such as augmented reality, self-driving, and different cognitive applications, has resulted in an increase in the number of computation-intensive and data-intensive jobs that are sensitive to delays. It is anticipated that mobile edge computing on ultra-dense networks would prove to be an efficient solution for satisfying the need for low latency resources. On the other hand, the scattered computing resource in the edge cloud and the energy dynamics in the battery of mobile devices make it difficult to offload work for users. To improve IoT support, mobile edge computing (MEC) may provide nearby enhanced processing capability. At the reachable access point (AP), tasks may be outsourced and completed by the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. To meet the demanding latency requirements of IoT applications, this computing paradigm brings computer resources closer to the IoT devices. On the other hand, load balancing is seldom addressed in previous MEC research that concentrate on offloading tasks and allocating resources. To that end, there is an immediate need for MEC-aware task offloading techniques for IoT devices that take load balancing into account. Because SDN's rule-based forwarding policy may assist in determining the most appropriate offloading channel and AP for doing the computation, software-defined networking (SDN) technology is used in this article to solve this problem. So, in order to make the suggested SDN-assisted MEC design as responsive as possible, we create a optimization issue to achieve this goal. The proposed approach utilizes Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) techniques to estimate the best solution in polynomial time. The effectiveness of the suggested method has been tested via simulation. According to the findings of the simulations, our method has the lowest reaction latency compared to the others.
Exploring the Palynology of Coleus Lour. (Lamiaceae) from an Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Nani Thaís Furtado , Chaves Ana Luisa Arantes , Calvelli João Vitor Barbosa , Barbosa Sandro , Davide Lisete Chamma
Published: November 2024

Coleus Lour. is known for its medicinal properties. However, this genus faces taxonomic challenges due to the aggregation of species formerly classified under Plectranthus L'Hér., resulting in numerous synonyms. To support the current taxonomic circumscription, this research focused on the pollen evaluation of Coleus species from both palynotaxonomic and evolutionary perspectives. Seventeen species were examined, including three for which novel data are presented in this study: Coleus amboinicus Lour., C. barbatus (Andrews) Benth. ex G.Don, and C. neochilus (Schltr.) Codd. The pollen grains were acetolyzed and examined using scanning electron microscopy. A similarity dendrogram was constructed based on pollen morphometric data. The phylogeny was developed using Bayesian inference with the aim of mapping the evolution of pollen size and morphology. The similarity dendrogram revealed six distinct pollen groups, differing in ornamentation (rugulate, reticulate, and bireticulate, with perforations and/or granules) and shape (prolate-spheroidal, prolate, subprolate, and oblate). Ancestral state reconstruction indicates that the most recent common ancestor of Coleus likely had subprolate pollen approximately 35 µm in size (polar axis), with an initial rapid diversification in grain size followed by a period of stabilization. Despite the current scarcity of pollen data, Coleus demonstrates significant potential for further palynological studies.
Triple-drug antibiotic therapy for disseminated nocardial abscess in the mediastinum and brain of an immunocompetent patient: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yue , Qi Zhongchun , Li Hua , Gao Hui
Published: November 2024

Background Nocardia are widely present in nature and considered opportunistic pathogens. First discovered by Edmond Nocard in 1888, they are gram-positive aerobic bacteria belonging to the class of Actinomycetes, an order of rod-shaped bacteria. Nocardia can result in hematogenous spread infection through the ruptured skin or respiratory tract when the host's immune system is compromised. Currently, 119 species of Nocardia have been identified, with 54 capable of causing infections in humans. Nocardial brain abscesses are a rare intracranial lesion, accounting for only 2% of all brain abscesses. This article reports a successfully cured case of mediastinal Nocardiainfection with disseminated brain abscess. The patient was initially admitted with suspected brain metastasis from lung cancer. The purpose of this report is to provide insight into the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Case presentation The patient presented with intermittent chills, shivering, and fever, with the highest temperature of 39˚C, accompanied by shoulder and back pain, dizziness, and headaches. A chest-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple enhanced nodulars in the bilateral hilum and mediastinum. A head-enhanced CT revealed scattered multiple ring-enhanced nodules in both cerebral hemispheres and the left cerebrum, accompanied by extensive surrounding edema. The mediastinal puncture tissue culture confirmed the growth of Nocardia. After a thorough multidisciplinary discussion (MDT) to rule out the possibility of mediastinal and intracranial metastatic tumors, we promptly initiated treatment with a three-drug antibiotic regimen consisting of imipenem/cilastatin sodium, linezolid dextrose, and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). The patient ultimately achieved complete remission.
Conclusions People engaged in agricultural work should be alert to central nervous system infection caused by Nocardia and brain metastatic tumors for identification. Typical imaging findings contribute to the early diagnosis of nocardial abscesses. Vital for prompt treatment.
Sex-specific Body Composition Features Impacting Survival Outcomes in Surgically Managed Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jamadi Robab Hassanvand , Stretch Cynthia , Armstrong Victoria , Bathe Mathias T. , Tzameli Iphigenia , Pashos Evanthia , Li Junjie , Bezy Olivier , Baracos Vickie E. , Bathe Oliver F.
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Body composition phenotypes were investigated in 200 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), focusing on muscularity, adiposity, and fat distribution. The goal was to identify prognostic body composition features in ccRCC and their clinical correlates.
Materials and Methods: A cohort of 200 patients with resected ccRCC and available CT scans annotated by The Cancer Genome Atlas was studied. Computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired from The Cancer Imaging Archive, then a single axial image landmarked at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) was analyzed for cross sectional area and radiodensity of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The relationships of various body composition features with other clinical factors and with overall survival (OS) were evaluated.
Results: There were sex-related differences in body composition phenotype. High subcutaneous fat density (SFD) was uncommon in females. In males, the most common features that co-existed were low subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and high SFD. In females, sarcopenia and low muscle radiodensity (myosteatosis) were the most frequently co-existent features. On univariate analysis, sarcopenia, low SAT, high SFD and myosteatosis were associated with shorter OS. On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia is associated with shorter OS (HR 1.9, P=0.05), and high SFD also associated with shorter OS (HR 2.06, P=0.04). Sarcopenia was associated with more advanced disease, but high SFD was not.
Conclusions: Body composition features in males and females with ccRCC differ significantly. Sarcopenia and increased SFD are prognostic in ccRCC. Further studies are required to understand the pathogenesis of ccRCC-associated changes in body composition.
Convective weather characterization and prediction using Machine Learning algorithms: analysis for Amazon Region
Authors: Bueno Humberto Campos , Bonnet Suzanna Maria , França Gutemberg Borges
Published: November 2024

This study presents an objective tool for predicting convective storms (CS) in the Terminal Maneuverer Area of Manaus (TMA-Manaus), Amazon, Brazil, using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The occurrence and severity of CS events were characterized by atmospheric discharges (AD) using thresholds. The prediction models leverage AD thresholds as target and 12Z radiosonde data as predictors. The AD climatology between 2012 and 2017 for TMA-Manaus revealed that AD occurs in every month of the year, in this period there were only in 21 days without lightning. The analysis of feature importance for classifying CS stages revealed that the Showalter index, Bulk Richardson Number, Convective Available Potential Energy, Lifted index, and Equilibrium Level are the most relevant thermodynamic indices for classifying the convective state in the region. Results indicate that, for a small amount of AD (69/day), the mean POD and FAR for the ten selected models were 0.92±0.06 and 0.19±0.01, respectively. The QDA algorithm showed the best performance with a POD of 0.99 and a FAR of 0.19. However, as the AD threshold increased up to 5,000 AD per day, a decrease in model performance was observed, because SevereCS is rare compared to CS. The findings suggest that ML models using radiosonde data as predictors are only capable of predicting the occurrence or not of CS with relative accuracy, but the models are not capable of classifying whether it will be severe. The development of this tool marks a significant step towards improving the accuracy and timeliness of CS forecasts, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency of flights in the region.
Valuing water provisioning services in England: A regionalized application of the System of Environmental Economic Accounting--Ecosystem Accounting framework in the context of Natural Capital Accounting
Authors: Bogra Shelly
Published: November 2024

This research provides the first comprehensive physical water-use tables for England at the regional level, within the framework of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEA-Water). These tables quantify both the flows and values associated with the beneficiaries. The key novelties include: (i) development of ``first experimental quantification" of `green water' associated with agriculture and forestry in England, lacking in official statistics (ii) attributing biomass and forestry provisioning valuation to water-services appropriated by the land under these services, and (iii) first estimates of monetary valuation based on `Non-Tidal Surface Water' and `Ground water' used in other sectors of England, thus going beyond the monetary valuation of `Public water supply' use reported in official statistics. The study also offers insights on discounted valuation of water-provisioning' role in agricultural and forestry produce. Key limitation is lack of condition metrics at regional level, owing to lack of water-quality and water-pollution accounting at the regional scale. Key areas for future investigations include: provision of recent statistics of water-abstraction for England; segregation of recreational services related to water-based cultural service; disclosure of monetary valuations of regional abstraction licenses granted for uses other than `Public Water Supply'; disclosure of methodological reports enabling valuation of water ecosystem services; including information on different discounting rates, time-period; information on return-flows to enable development of water-supply accounts and degradation and/or depletion of local reservoirs; and provision of latest water-use, water-supply, and water-pollution statistics for England and other regions of the UK, namely, Scotland, Wales, and Northern-Ireland, among others.
Impact of a homegardening intervention on crop diversity: Results from a cluster-randomized trial in Bangladesh
Authors: Gabrysch Sabine , Kehlenbeck Katja , Waid Jillian , Lambrecht Nathalie , Wendt Amanda , Ali Masum
Published: November 2024

Homegardening has the potential to improve access to nutrient-dense foods. We evaluate the impact of a large Homestead Food Production intervention on crop species richness and homegarden management as pathway outcomes of the ‘Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition’ (FAARM) cluster‐randomized trial (NCT025‐05711) in rural North-eastern Bangladesh. Ninety-six settlements were allocated 1:1 to intervention (1337 women) and control arm (1368 women). During the three-year intervention (2015-2018) women received vegetable seeds and training in homegardening, poultry rearing, and nutrition. We assessed number and type of harvested garden crop species at baseline and every four months during and after the intervention, totalling 12 survey rounds. Impacts were measured overall and by year using mixed-effects linear regression. In its final year, the intervention increased the number of harvested vegetable species by 4.3 and total crop species by 6.3, more than double over control. We also saw sizable changes in production practices. Impacts were present in all seasons, consistent across gradients of wealth and education and maintained up to 2.5 years post-intervention when they seemed to spill over to controls. This study provides rigorous evidence that homegardening can have sustained positive impacts on year-round diversity of nutrient-rich garden crops produced by households.
Effectiveness of a School-Based Multimodal Intervention on Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Among Schoolchildren. Previene-Cádiz Study.
Authors: Aragón-Martín Rubén , Gómez-Sánchez María del Mar , Martínez-Nieto José Manuel , Schwarz-Rodríguez Mónica , Rodríguez-Martín Amelia , Jiménez-Pavón David
Published: November 2024

Background
Childhood obesity is a global health concern with significant implications for long-term health outcomes. To address this issue, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based multimodal intervention targeting healthy lifestyle behaviours among schoolchildren in the province of Cádiz. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed to compare outcomes between the experimental and control groups. The study sample consisted of 833 schoolchildren between 8 and 9 years of age who were enrolled in the third grade of primary education from 25 schools in the province of Cádiz. The intervention adopted a multimodal approach, targeting students, their families, and educational institutions, and was implemented over a 6-month period. The students participated in a healthy educational programme of 10 sessions and were provided with two workbooks to use at home with their families. Additionally, parents attended three training courses aimed at improving their children's lifestyle behaviours. The intervention aimed to achieve significant improvements in body composition, physical fitness, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours, dietary patterns, and sleep patterns. Two statistical tests were conducted to compare groups before and after the intervention. First, the Mann‒Whitney U test was used for numerical variables, and second, the delta of the study variables was calculated, and a difference‒in-differences analysis was performed. Numerical delta variables were analysed via the Mann‒Whitney U test, and categorical delta variables were analysed via the chi‒square test. Results: The results suggested that the intervention produced moderate and variable effects in promoting healthier lifestyle behaviours among schoolchildren. While improvements were noted in the experimental group compared with the control group, these improvements did not fully meet the initial expectations. Conclusions: This outcome underscores the need for further research and adjustments in implementation, such as the integration of specialised external personnel to support teachers, embedding the intervention into the school curriculum, and extending its duration throughout an entire academic year. This study contributes valuable insights into childhood obesity prevention and intervention strategies, paving the way for future research aimed at promoting the health and well-being of children worldwide.
Sub-Femtomolar Drug Monitoring via Co-Calibration Mechanism with Nanoconfined DNA Probes
Authors: Li Fengyu , Chen Yonghuan , Li Xiuying , Yue Xinru , Yu Weihua , Shi Yuesen , He Zilong , Wang Yuanfeng , Huang Yu , Xia Fan
Published: November 2024

Synthetic drugs have fundamentally reshaped the illicit drug market due to their low cost, ease of production, and rapid manufacturing processes. However, current drug detection methods, reliant on complex instruments, face limited applicability and often neglect the influence of pH fluctuations, leading to potential bias and unreliable results. Herein, we proposed co-calibration mechanism of DNA probes in nanoconfined channel to achieve significantly enhanced target signal recognition in sweat range pH 3.0 ~ 8.0. The limit of detection (LOD) lows to 3.58 fM in artificial sweat with wide linear response range103 ~ 108 fM. Compared to the single DNA probe, the co-calibrated dual-DNA probes exhibits a broader linear response range, primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of surface wettability regulation and the hydrion capture in nanoconfined channel, which in turn reduces signal interference in proton transport. The linear response range has doubled, and the detection sensitivity has improved by 4 ~ 5 orders of magnitude compared to existing drug detection methods. This co-calibration strategy expands the application scope of aptamer-based composite probes, offering a novel approach for ultra-sensitive drug detection and showing significant potential in sweat sensing and drug monitoring fields.
Kitchen waste as a source of liquid bio fertilizer: its effect on growth, physiology of Green gram (Cicer arietinum L.) and Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) cultivars
Authors: Chaudhari Pandurang Gourya , Chaudhary* Indra Jeet
Published: November 2024

The worldwide increasing human population caused problems to the food security and land for agriculture. Population growth also increase the pollution in environment especially waste generation from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, it is essential task for researchers and farmers to waste management and agricultural productivity improvement. The chemical fertilizers improve more crop productions but it damages both environmental ecology and human health with great severity. Therefore, researchers focus on bio-waste based technology for agricultural productivity and maintain soil fertility. Being a fundamental part of organic farming, biofertilizers are important for preserving soil fertility and sustainability because they fix atmospheric dinitrogen (N=N), mobilize fixed macro and micronutrients, or change insoluble P in the soil into forms that plants can use. sustaining soil structure and nutrient availability while increasing the uptake of N, P, K, and micronutrients. Presented study conducted for liquid bio fertilizer preparation from kitchen waste and its impacts on agricultural plants. Resultants the kitchen waste found the good sources of nutrients such as NPK and its application increased plant growth and physiology. Higher concentration of liquid fertilizer shows higher increment of plants growth and developments as compared to control plants. Nowadays, liquid biofertilizer technology has greater advantages than traditional carrier-based biofertilizer technology. Its help to waste management and crops yields. Therefore, various kitchen waste was used for this study. It will help waste management and soil fertility. The study may helpful for segregation of kitchen waste for good source of liquid fertilizer. Presented study will be helpful for sustainable waste management and economic growth. Study will also play a vital role for maintaining the soil health and pollution control technique.
Top 10 Potato Varieties in Maine and Their Resistances to Common Diseases
Authors: Ozturk I. K. , Andrade M.H.M.L. , Hao J. , Qu X. , Porter G.A.
Published: November 2024

Potato production is frequently challenged by many diseases that can affect crop yield and quality, and growers need to implement various disease management strategies to prevent disease losses. One of the best such strategies is selecting disease resistant varieties, and to this end potato breeding programs perform disease resistance screenings every year. Some of the disease resistance data is publicly available, however, some are in internal potato breeding program reports. This study aims to provide a summary of disease resistance profiles of the top 10 Maine potato varieties against common diseases such as late blight, early blight, three strains of Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Verticillium wilt, and soft rot caused by Dickeya and Pectobacterium species. The results indicate notable differences in disease resistance among the varieties, providing valuable insights for potato growers in Maine as well in other states.
Clinical Features, Prognostic Factors, and Pattern of Failure in H3 G34-Mutant Diffuse Hemispheric Glioma: A Multi-Institutional Experience and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tlais Dana , Roach Jordan T. , Tinkle Christopher L. , Zhang Qunyu , Li Xiaoyu , Lin Tong , Mostafa Ayatullah , Moreira Daniel C. , McNall-Knapp Rene Y. , Rush Sarah Z. , Le Brian H. , Sinno Sara , Agarwal Apeksha , Ginn Kevin F. , Green Richard M. , Partap Sonia , Onar-Thomas Arzu , Bag Asim K. , Chiang Jason
Published: November 2024

Background:
H3 G34-mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma (DHG) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. We investigated the relationship between patient outcomes and molecular characteristics, extent of resection, and temozolomide (TMZ) use. Additionally, we reviewed the patterns of treatment failure.
Methods:
Retrospective multi-institutional review of clinical, imaging, and molecular characteristics of 38 patients with newly diagnosed H3 G34-mutant DHG, supplemented by a meta-analysis.
Results:
The median age was 14 years (8–28 years). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 0.6 years (95% CI 0.4–1.2 years), and the median overall survival (OS) was 1.8 years (95% CI 1.1-3.0 years). Gross total resection (GTR) was associated with improved PFS (p = 0.0078) compared to non-GTR. Twenty-two patients (57.9%) received frontline TMZ and had improved PFS compared to those without (p = 0.0034). Of the evaluable patients with progressive disease, 78% progressed within the high-dose RT field. MGMT promoter methylation was not significantly associated with PFS/OS or TMZ efficacy (33 evaluable cases, n = 19 with MGMT silencing, n = 14 without). PDGFRA amplification (n = 10) was associated with inferior OS (p = 0.0443), and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (n = 16) was associated with inferior PFS (p = 0.0204). In the meta-analysis cohort (n = 252), GTR/near-total resection had significantly better PFS (p < 0.0001) and OS (p < 0.0001), and MGMT promoter methylation was not associated with PFS/OS.
Conclusions:
In our cohort, MGMT promoter methylation was not a prognostic factor and was not associated with TMZ utility. The resection extent and TMZ use were associated with improved survival outcomes. As most treatment failures occurred within the high-dose RT field, extended fields are not warranted.
Neural scaling laws for multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors:   , Neumann Oren
Published: November 2024

We show neural scaling laws appear in a reinforcement learning algorithm, AlphaZero, which exhibit clear power-law scaling of their playing ability with the resources used to train them. We analyze other scaling phenomena in AlphaZero, as well as their origin and other RL scaling cases.
The Utilization Of Homework Videotaping To Enhance The Students’ English Speaking Skills
Authors: Perdani Yella Dezas
Published: November 2024

Enhancing students' oral proficiency is a key objective of English courses, and one effective pedagogical approach is assigning video-based homework that features English conversations aligned with the curriculum. English language students encounter numerous challenges when attempting to enhance their speaking abilities. One limitation is the restricted amount of time available for in-class practice. One possible homework assignment is to create video recordings. This offers a chance for students to enhance their creativity and boost their self-assurance as the homework encompasses various elements of oral assignments, such as productivity, intention, challenge and authenticity. Hence, this webinar aims to disseminate knowledge on the specific teaching methods and procedures that teachers can implement when utilising this instructional approach. The purpose of this webinar was to provide the teachers, instructors and practitioners in the field of English education with an interactive forum for discussion. Participants will have the chance to share their experiences and ask questions, which will lead to a fruitful exchange of knowledge. Engaging in activities can yield fresh perspectives and impart useful skills that are immediately applicable to the classroom or other educational setting.
Flood impact assessment in remote areas using machine learning, SAR, and GIS: a case study of Ngabang District, Indonesia
Authors: Sampurno Joko , Putra Muhammad Ghaza Eka , Faryuni Irfana Diah , Adriat Riza
Published: November 2024

Flooding in remote regions presents significant challenges due to data scarcity, complicating impact assessment and mitigation efforts. This research delineates an integrated methodology for quantifying flood impacts in such contexts. By leveraging machine-learning algorithms, Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery was combined with digital elevation model data and river proximity metrics to predict and accurately demarcate flood extents. Geographic information systems overlay techniques were then employed for spatial analysis of the floods’ impacts on population and infrastructural assets. The methodology was applied in a case study in Ngabang District, Indonesia, demonstrating its utility. Analysis using decision tree, random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine models provided critical insights into flood prediction factors. The RF model was chosen as the best, successfully identified flood-prone regions, achieving an accuracy of 0.94 and a Kappa of 0.87 on the testing data, demonstrating its robustness. The flood map showed significant impacts, affecting 373.81 hectares, 10,706 people, 1,500 buildings, and 15 km of roads. This study highlights the importance of proximity, elevation, SAR imagery, and iterative model improvements in flood prediction, offering valuable insights for flood management and mitigation efforts in data-scarce regions.
Effectiveness of the upscaled use of a silver–ceramic (silver ionization) technology to disinfect drinking water in tanks at schools in rural India
Authors: Juran Luke , Wilcox Emily , Albritton Meghan , Smith James A. , Harris Jamie D. , Cohen Alasdair , Sharma Lalit M. , Gautam Yashi
Published: November 2024

In many low- and middle-income countries, school children consume untreated water that has been pumped into storage tanks. The water is often of poor quality and consumption can cause gastrointestinal illnesses resulting in missed school days, growth stunting, and cognitive impairment. This study deployed a silver–ceramic technology (MadiDrop) to disinfect drinking water in school storage tanks. While silver ionization is effective at the household scale, relatively little research has been conducted on its effectiveness at the community scale. To address this gap, we assessed disinfection via MadiDrop at three schools that serve vulnerable populations in rural India. Tank inflow and treated outflow samples were tested for total coliforms (TCs) and Escherichia coli (EC). TC was significantly reduced overall and in two of three intervention tanks. Compared to the baseline, reductions in TC were significant in all three tanks and overall, while EC reductions were significant overall and in two of three tanks. TC reduction was negatively correlated with silver concentration and tank residence time, and silver concentrations were maintained below the drinking water quality guideline. While the intervention could be considered successful, several barriers and caveats are provided as are study limitations and areas for future research.
Off-grid photovoltaic-powered capacitive deionization for groundwater desalination in rural Africa
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Ting , Fan Chen-Shiuan , Liou Sofia Ya Hsuan , Hou Chia-Hung
Published: November 2024

In regions lacking centralized water supply and electricity grid connections, capacitive deionization (CDI) offers a promising approach with its modular and energy-efficient characteristics for low-salinity solutions. This research evaluates the feasibility of using a photovoltaic (PV)-powered CDI system as an off-grid, household-based water purification solution for groundwater desalination in rural Uganda. In this work, the CDI system was integrated with a PV system, comprising an ultrafiltration unit for pretreatment, a CDI stack for desalination, and a PV array for power supply. As evidenced by the performance analysis of the CDI stack in a single-pass mode, the system exhibited commendable desalination efficiency with a salt removal efficiency (>60%) and stable energy performance (0.110 ± 0.014 kWh/mol) observed under different influent conductivities (500–3,000 μS/cm). When applied to groundwater desalination, the CDI-based system successfully reduced the conductivity to meet Uganda's potable water standard (1,500 μS/cm), achieving a water recovery of 63%, and an energy consumption of less than 1.5 kWh/m3. Consequently, the CDI-based system effectively couples with the PV system to meet daily water needs solely through solar energy, demonstrating the practical implementation of innovative off-grid water desalination solutions in resource-constrained settings.
Microbe–plant–nanoparticle interactions: role in bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons
Authors: Unimke Augustine A. , Okezie Onyemaechi , Mohammed Sa'adatu E. , Mmuoegbulam Augusta O. , Abdullahi Saidu , Ofon Utibe A. , Olim Denis M. , Badamasi Hamza , Galadima Abdulsalam I. , Fatunla Opeyemi K. , Abdullahi Aminu , Yahaya Sharhabil M. , Ibrahim Muhammad M. , Muhammad Abba B. , Iya Naseer I. Durumin , Ayanda Olushola S.
Published: November 2024

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are organic substances that occur naturally on earth. PHCs have emerged as one of the most prevalent and detrimental contaminants in regions comprising soil and water resources. The limitations of conventional physicochemical and biological remediation solutions could be solved by combining remediation techniques. An effective, affordable, and environmentally benign method of reducing petroleum toxins is provided by the advanced idea of bioremediation, which has evolved into nanobioremediation. Environments contaminated with PHCs have been restored through microbe–plant–nanoparticle (NP)-mediated remediation, this review emphasizes how various metallic NPs interact with microbes and plants changing both their activity and that of enzymes, therefore accelerating the remediation process. This work further examines the challenges and possible uses of nanobioremediation, as well as the application of novel technologies in the interactions between bacteria, plants, and NPs for the bioremediation of PHCs. Furthermore, it has been shown that the use of plant-based, microbe-based, microbe–plant-based, and microbe–plant–NP-based techniques to remediate contaminated soils or water bodies is economical and environmentally beneficial. Microbial consortia have been reported as the treasure houses for the cleaning and recovery of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments, and the development of technologies for bioremediation requires an understanding of hydrocarbon degradation mechanisms.
DE NORTE A SUL DO TOCANTINS
Authors: De Sales Silva Sebastião , Jorge Sabino Adílio , Marques Moraes Chaves Sara Caroliny
Published: November 2024

Este ensaio memorialístico apresenta a unidade federativa mais nova da união – que traz consigo manifestações centenárias que retratam não somente a identidade, mas deixam vivas crenças, tradições, a cultura e o legado de seu povo. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido na perspectiva de vislumbrar um breve bosquejo das manifestações culturais tocantinenses, sendo ponto de partida para futuras pesquisas e mapeamento do fazer cultural no estado. Este estudo é autorreferente e se organiza de forma memorialística a partir dos saberes e fazeres culturais de nosso Brasil Central – uma terra de cerrados, de danças e teatralidades que falam de um povo que canta, reza, mandinga, celebra e espirala seus corpos e ancestralidades na cruzo do tempo, do tempo de um Tocantins que metaforicamente dança e brinca como uma criança em dia de chuva. Este trabalho fala do nosso povo, desde de Caretas até uma mãe por nome de Dona Romana. O ensaio pode ser lido como um mergulho nas águas doces dos autores que transcreveram suas memórias afetivas e sensíveis ou ainda, como uma cartografia que datilografa o legado do nosso povo tocantinense, de um Brasil Cerrado, que recria as suas manifestações culturais no aqui e no agora. Este ensaio é uma organização para colocar o nosso bloco na rua ou um convite para sentar na calçada e ver a festa que vem das ruas brincar.
Palavras-chave: Cultura Popular. Tocantins. Ensaio memorialístico.
Editorial
Authors: Moraes de Oliveira Adriano
Published: November 2024

Breve nota sobre a importância do volume 7, número 1, da Manzuá - Revista de Pesquisa em Artes Cênicas.
Current Bioactive Compounds in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sharma Parul , Pal Rishi , Sharma Anuj Kumar , Kumar Abhishek , Ashwlayan Vrish Dhwaj
Published: November 2024

Worldwide, more than 44 million individuals are living with Alzheimer's disease
(AD), making it the most common type of dementia. Because neuroinflammation is so important
in the development of AD, anti-inflammatory tactics may be a promising avenue for treatment.
Searches were conducted in Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed using the following keywords:
phytoconstituents, AD, traditional medicine, and Chinese herbs. Therefore, the purpose of
this review was to summarise the known phytochemistry and current state of the chosen plant
species. However, there has been limited effectiveness in clinical trials for AD with currently
available anti-inflammatory medicines. This study brings together the latest findings in the treatment
of AD using natural substances, specifically phytochemicals, which have anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and neuroprotective characteristics. Although there has been little success with existing
anti-inflammatory medications, there is hope for targeting molecular pathways associated
with AD, including Aβ overproduction, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction,
through the use of natural bioactive chemicals such alkaloids, polyphenols, and terpenes.
The promise of natural compounds as safer alternatives or supplementary therapies to current
treatments for Alzheimer's disease is highlighted in this study, which focuses on their ability to
alleviate major pathogenic processes in the disease. Their medicinal potential and effectiveness
can be enhanced with additional research.
Dietary Intervention with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Mitigates Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Behavioral and Myelin-Related Alterations in Adult Offspring
Authors: Jastrzebska Joanna , Frankowska Malgorzata , Wesołowska Julita , Filip Malgorzata , Smaga Irena
Published: November 2024

Background:

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation induces depression-
like phenotype and provokes myelin-related changes in rat offspring in the prefrontal cortex
(PFCTX), which persist even to adulthood.

Objective:

Due to the plasticity of the developing brain, it was decided to analyze whether depressionlike
phenotype and myelin-related changes in the early lifetime induced by maternal HFD (60% energy
from fat) could be reversed by the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet (Ω3D) given from the postweaning
period until adulthood (63rd day of life) in offspring.

Methods:

We analyzed the effect of post-weaning Ω3D on the depressive-like phenotype (assessed by
the forced swimming test) and myelin-related changes (measured using RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence
staining) in the PFCTX of adult offspring.

Results:

Ω3D reversed increased immobility time in adult offspring induced by maternal HFD, without
affecting the animals' locomotor activity. Molecularly, Ω3D normalized the reduced expression
levels of myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), as well as myelin and lymphocyte protein
(MAL) in males and MOG in females in the PFCTX, changes initially induced by maternal HFD. Additionally,
Ω3D normalized the quantity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes
in the prelimbic, infralimbic, and cingulate cortex in males, which were reduced following maternal
HFD exposure. In females, the Ω3D effect was less pronounced, with normalization of oligodendrocyte
precursors occurring only in the infralimbic cortex.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that Ω3D may play a significant role in correcting behavioral and
neurobiological changes caused by adverse prenatal conditions.
Dos rios e dos peixes durante o calcolítico no Alto Douro Português
Authors: Vale Ana , Costa Cláudia , Gabriel Sónia , Rodrigues Matilde , Gomes Sérgio , Cardoso João Muralha
Published: November 2024

This text aims to contribute to the understanding of the Chalcolithic walled enclosure of Castanheiro do Vento (Horta do Douro, Vila Nova de Foz Côa) as a place forged in a profuse network of practices, from which territories and landscapes were activated. To this end, it analyses its relationship with the surrounding watercourses, as well as the remains of ichthyofauna recovered during excavation. By demonstrating the importance of the Douro, Torto and Teja rivers valleys in the network of places where the enclosureis located, we discuss how the occurrence of barbel and shad/save allows us to deepen our knowledge of this network. The migratory cycles of these fi sh and their reproductive behaviour, given its seasonal character, are indicators of a cyclical temporality that would have structured the dynamics of territories and landscapes.
Grafitos medievais no Castelo de São Jorge (Séculos XIV-XV) Novos estudos
Authors: Alves Pedro , Ferreira Ana Pereira , Leitão André de Oliveira , Lopes Gonçalo
Published: November 2024

Following the discovery, in 2015, of some unknown graffiti on the so-called “Torre do Paço” (Tower of the Palace) of São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, more sets of drawings and inscriptions were analyzed on the tower and the barbican wall on the eastern side of the fortress. This new data not only added valuable heraldic information, but also sheds some light on daily urban life in the late-Middle Ages and on the castle’s historical and constructive evolution, helping to reaffirm the medieval origins of parts of its structure.
A Grandiosa Ponte da Vila de Vouga, de Dom João V a Dona Maria I
Authors: Lopes Luís Seabra
Published: November 2024

At the beginning of the 18th century, the medieval bridge in the old town of Vouga, over the river of the same name, was so silted up that, in times of flood, people would cross the river by boat. Around 1713, by order of king João V, the arches of the medieval bridge were partially dis-mantled and a new bridge was built on top of the remaining structures. The new bridge, «grand», «magnificent», built with «great art», collapsed partially in 1761. At least two ferry boats came into operation, replacing the bridge. Temporary wooden structures were also built, allowing the bridge to be used again (1776). Finally, from 1791, by order of Maria I, the bridge was rebuilt and extended. In this article, the interventions carried out in the 18th century are studied. Infor-mation is also collected on environmental factors, namely meteorological, which help to frame and, to a certain extent, explain the evolution of the bridge’s condition
Intervention militaire française au Sahara Occidental opération Lamantin 1977
Authors: Sidemhamed Didi
Published: November 2024

The little-known Lamantin military operation was a French intervention carried out between December 1977 and July 1978 by a squadron of Jaguars taking off from the OUKAM 160 air base near Dakar, Senegal. These strikes targeted the Sahrawi liberation army in Western Sahara and northern Mauritania. Despite the support of Moroccan forces, Mauritania was targeted by the Polisario in 1977, particularly on the 650km railway linking the Zouerate iron ore mine to the port of Nouadhibou, which is essential to the Mauritanian economy. President Mokhtar Ould Daddah, faced with the threat to his regime, requested French military intervention. With the Mauritanian army unable to counter the Polisario, Paris intervened. The operation was shrouded in secrecy to avoid repercussions, especially given France’s colonial past in Africa. Testimonies from Sahrawi and French officers shed light on this intervention.
Unwavering Resolve: The Sahrawi Diaspora and the Fight for Self-Determination
Authors: Lourenço Isabel
Published: November 2024

The Western Sahara conflict, stemming from Spain’s never finished decolonization process and Morocco’s invasion in 1975, led to the displacement of thousands of Sahrawi. The Sahrawi diaspora has become a significant force advocating for self-determination, freedom, sovereignty, and human rights. This paper highlights the diasporas’ diversity, noting unique contributions and challenges faced globally. Through its political, cultural and humanitarian activism, the diaspora has kept the Western Sahara issue visible. The article concludes emphasizing the need for sustained international support and solidarity to resolve this conflict.
Research Progress in Enhancing Proton Conductivity of Sulfonated Aromatic Polymers with ZIFs for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Soleimani Bita , Asl Ali Haghighi , Khoshandam Behnam , Hooshyari Khadijeh
Published: November 2024

The escalating global temperatures and their adverse effects underscore the growing imperative for the widespread adoption of clean fuels, notably hydrogen. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) emerge as a pivotal green energy technology, facilitating electricity and water generation. The optimization of PEMFC efficiency hinges on the judicious selection and fabrication of polymer membranes. Within innovative materials, Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) represent a novel subclass within the expansive family of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). ZIFs exhibit promising potential in PEMFCs, owing to their distinctive properties such as a substantial contact surface, inherent porosity, and a sizable pore volume. This comprehensive review delves into composite membranes featuring ZIFs, shedding light on their chemical and thermal attributes. Additionally, the exploration extends to elucidating the diverse applications of ZIF compounds, accompanied by an in-depth discussion of selected chemical and thermal properties inherent to ZIF compounds. Incorporating ZIFs into various polymers yielded intriguing outcomes, demonstrating a notable enhancement in proton conductivity. The compilation of this review aims to provide researchers with foundational insights into the realm of ZIFs, serving as a valuable resource for future investigations and advancements in the field.
Research on optimizing user experience evaluation indicators of smartphone
medical apps—centered on Chinese medical apps (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Zhuo ,   Pengfei Wang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Analysis of existing research on user experience evaluations of mobile
medical applications (apps) reveals a lack of studies specifically addressing evaluation
indicators for these apps. Additionally, the expanding scope of user experience
research has resulted in fragmented and unsystematic research perspectives.

OBJECTIVE

From a user-centered optimization perspective, this study aims to develop
a scientific, comprehensive, and efficient set of evaluation indicators for the user
experience of medical apps, providing practical insights for the high-quality
development of the mobile medical industry.

METHODS

Initially, a literature review was conducted to summarize existing research
on the user experience evaluation of medical apps. Subsequently, the Delphi method
was employed to establish evaluation indicators and levels, involving three rounds of
surveys to achieve consensus among experts. Once consistent opinions were reached, the final evaluation indicators were determined. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process
was used to assign weights to the evaluation indicators and rank them.

RESULTS

The study identified 28 evaluation indicators for the user experience of
medical apps, comprising 7 primary indicators and 21 secondary indicators. The
findings indicate that “product usefulness,” “emotional pleasure,” and “barrier-free
use” are among the highest-ranked indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified 28 evaluation indicators for the user experience of
medical apps, comprising 7 primary indicators and 21 secondary indicators. The
findings indicate that “product usefulness,” “emotional pleasure,” and “barrier-free
use” are among the highest-ranked indicators.
Feedback from dental students using two alternate coaching methods: a course-based evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Alkattan Rana , Alreshaid Lulwah
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Student feedback is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of institutions. However, implementing feedback can be challenging due to practical difficulties. While student feedback on courses can improve teaching, there is debate about its effectiveness if not well-written to provide helpful information to the receiver.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coaching on proper feedback given by dental students in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

First-year dental students were asked to complete three surveys throughout the academic year. The surveys assessed their feedback on the course, including lectures, practical sessions, exams, and overall experience. The surveys were distributed without coaching, after handout coaching and after workshop coaching on how to provide feedback, designated as survey #1, survey #2 and survey #3, respectively. The responses were then rated as neutral, positive, negative, or constructive by two raters. The feedback was analyzed to compare the effectiveness of the different coaching approaches.

RESULTS

While no significant changes were found between the first two surveys, a significant increase in constructive feedback was observed in survey #3 after workshop coaching (P<.001). The results also showed a higher proportion of desired changes in feedback, determined as a change from any rating to constructive rating, after survey #3 (P<.001). Overall, 20.2% reported desired changes at survey #2 and 41.5% at survey #3 compared to survey #1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that workshops on feedback coaching can effectively improve the quality of feedback provided by dental students. Incorporating feedback coaching into dental school curricula could help students communicate their concerns more effectively, ultimately enhancing the learning experience.