bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Topic Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques and ConceptNet-based Cosine Similarity Measure
Authors: Kaur Ashpreet , Singh Bhavneet , Nandi Basanti Pal , Jain Amita , Tayal Devendra Kumar
Published: July 2023

Topic modelling is one of the important research area of Natural Language Processing. Researchers have tried topic modelling for classification, categorization etc., and even the methods of topic modelling are used for sentiment analysis and other areas of language processing. In this paper, a novel method based on cosine similarity is used for topic modelling using Machine Learning Techniques. Cosine similarity measure on synonyms of topics present in the BBC News and Yahoo datasets from Concept Net is a pioneering approach. It has been observed that machine learning techniques applied here enhance accuracy compared to previously applied methods on these two datasets. On Yahoo datasets, the proposed technique increases the accuracy by 8% even over deep learning methods, which shows the efficiency and applicability of the research. Uses of ConceptNet is a novel idea over here, and the combination of ConceptNet with machine learning made the effort successful in comparison to existing state-of-the-art research on topic modelling.
Fiscal attractiveness of Portuguese municipalities
Authors: de Moraes e Soares Ricardo , Pinheiro Pedro
Published: July 2023

The modeling of the municipalities’ tax burden is one of the most relevant issues, especially in terms of municipal competitiveness. It challenges the definition and delimitation of local authorities’ taxing powers. This study aims to analyze the level of taxation of Portuguese municipalities and how local policies contribute to the definition of a ranking of fiscally more competitive municipalities. The paper applies quantitative methods based on the fiscal information made available by municipalities. It has been determined that it is possible to classify municipalities as more or less competitive through their tax supply, mainly at the level of their ability to set tax rates. In 2021, compared to 2020, the most fiscally competitive municipalities were located in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (Corvo (95.128%); Vila do Pico (95.128%); Madalena (95.128%); Povoação (95.078%); Santa Cruz das Flores (95.072%); Angra do Heroísmo (95.044%); Nordeste (95.036%); Vila Franca do Campo (95.036%); Horta (95.017%); and Ponta Delgada (95.017%)). The study also verified the maintenance of fiscal competitiveness among the most fiscally attractive municipalities, despite having several types of fiscal attraction policy options at their disposal, always conditioned by national legislation. This means fiscal policy is an instrument of competition for attracting companies, people, and productive investment to local municipalities. The existence of an international dogma favorable to the increasing attribution of administrative and financial autonomy to local authorities mainly supports this phenomenon.
Optimization of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities by Fractionation of
Artemisia judaica subsp. sahariensis Crude Extract from Ahaggar (Algerian
Arid Region): UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis of Fractions
Authors: Kebbab Ryma , basseddik Aida , Boussebaa Walid , Nabti Elhafid , Houali Karim
Published: July 2023

Background:

In recent years, medicinal plants have received considerable attention due
to the search for novel bioactive compounds. In this optic, we have been interested in Artemisia
judaica subsp. sahariensis, a Saharan species widely used in phytotherapy by the Tuaregs of the
Ahaggar.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate and optimize the biological activities of this plant in order
to valorize its bioactive compounds.

Methods:

For this purpose, an extraction with methanol (70%) was carried out, then a liquid-liquid
fractionation, using solvents with increasing polarity: diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and
water. We realized an analysis of phenols, flavonoids and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial
activities in addition to the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the fractions.

Results:

The reducing effect was proportional to the solvent polarity. The crude extract gave the
best reducing power (17.55 ± 3.06 μg/mL), better phenols and flavonoids contents (20.35 ± 0.5
mgGAE/gTDM), (10.35 ± 0.56 mgGAE/gTDM) respectively compared to its fractions. The DPPH
(2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay showed that the ethyl acetate fraction
was the most active with the lowest IC50 value (inhibitory concentration to 50% of DPPH) (41.43
± 0.24 μg/ml) followed by n-butanol (58.53 ± 0.20 μg/mL), diethyl ether (135.07 ± 6.18 μg/mL)
and aqueous (226.41 ± 1.51 μg/mL) fractions (p <0.0001). Moreover, hydromethanolic extract gave
an IC50 value of 114.05 ± 3.37 μg/mL. The antimicrobial effect was observed on all clinical multiresistant
bacteria tested except Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was resistant. The most important
effect was observed by the ethyl acetate fraction against the fungal strain Candida albicans. Various
phenolic acids and flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, flavanones) were detected and could be responsible
for these bioactivities.

Conclusion:

We can conclude that liquid-liquid extraction with solvents of increasing polarity
plays a major role in optimizing the biological activity of this plant, which contains polyphenols
and can therefore be valued as a source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials.
Saccopetalum tomentosum: Review of Its Botany, Medicinal Uses, Pharmacological Activities and Phytochemistry
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Shukla Karunakar
Published: July 2023

Green medicine, or pharmaceuticals made from plants, has gained widespread interest since they are thought to be more trustworthy and safe than expensive synthetic drugs with side effects. Miliusa species include Saccopetalum tomentosum (S. tomentosum). Plants of S. tomentosum are abundant in tropical and subtropical areas, particularly in mainland Asia. In examining phytochemical and pharmacological features, more than ten Miliusa species were highlighted. S. tomentosum from Vietnam, Taiwan, and China was one of the main targets for phytochemical research. The isolation of numerous secondary metabolites has been successful. Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, styryls, and lactones are just a few of the chemical components obtained from S. tomentosum, but serial new derivatives of geranylated homogentisic acid may serve as biomarkers for differentiating Miliusa species. Simple, alternating, ovate, pubescent to glabrous, membranous leaves. Flowers solitary, fascicled or in cymes, extra-axillary or axillary, with oval or obovate bracts, monoecious, dioecious, or occasionally polygamous. Three sepals, valvate, Petals are arranged in two series, six in total, and are valvate in the buds. The outer petals resemble sepals in size and shape, while the inner petals are larger and thinner. Anthers are globose and extrorse, the connectives are slightly apiculate, and the stamens can be definite or indeterminate. Ovules 1–10, stigma club-shaped, style often short, and carpels indefinitely linear-oblong in shape. Numerous, stalked or subsessile, ovoid or rectangular, ripe carpels 1-2 or more seeds.

Keywords: S. tomentosum, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activity, Ayurveda, Medicinal uses
Mortalidade de professores no Estado de Goiás: análise de série temporal
Authors: Barros Célio Ribeiro de , Vieira Maria Aparecida da Silva , Ribeiro Maysa Ferreira Martins
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a tendência da mortalidade de professores da educação básica e do ensino superior no Estado de Goiás, no período de 2008 a 2017. Método: série temporal, com dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Para a análise da tendência da mortalidade utilizou-se modelos de regressão linear e considerou-se p<0,05. Resultados: foram levantados 2.439 óbitos, maior frequência de óbitos no sexo feminino, em indivíduos de cor branca e com idade entre 50 e 69 anos. Entre as mulheres, as neoplasias malignas foram as principais causas de óbito, enquanto entre os homens destacaram-se as doenças do aparelho circulatório. Identificou-se tendência temporal de aumento dos óbitos (0,134 para as neoplasias malignas, 0,132 para as doenças do aparelho circulatório, 0,252 para as causas externas e 0,212 para as doenças do aparelho respiratório). Considerando todas as causas de óbito o incremento foi de 0,040 (p<0,000). Conclusão: há aumento de mortalidade de professores por causas evitáveis.
Reef fish community mean body size decreases in warmer waters and varies with trophic composition
Authors: Coghlan Amy , Blanchard Julia , Wotherspoon Simon , Stuart-Smith Rick , Edgar Graham , Barrett Neville , Audzijonyte Asta
Published: July 2023

Aquatic ectotherms often reach smaller body sizes at higher
temperatures. By analysing ~15,000 coastal-reef fish
surveys across a 15oC spatial sea surface temperature gradient, we show
mean community-level fish length decreased by ~5% for
each 1oC warming, equating to a decrease in mean community-level
body-length by 50%, or mean weight by 90% from 14-29oC. We further
show dominant trophic guild composition shifts from invertivores and
piscivores, to herbivores and planktivores, as water temperature
increases. By investigating the contribution of trophic-composition to
overall community-mean-length, we show ~25% of
temperature-related changes could be attributed to trophic-composition
at the warmest sites, but close to zero at colder temperatures. Our
findings suggest that small changes in temperature will lead to large
changes in fish community body sizes, driven both by changes in
community trophic composition in warm waters, and by changes to the
average body sizes of fish within trophic guilds across all
temperatures.
Habitat geometry rather than visual acuity limits the visibility of a ground-nesting bird's clutch to terrestrial predators.
Authors: Hancock George , Grayshon Lizzie , Burrell Ryan , Hoodless Andrew , Cuthill Innes , Troscianko Jolyon
Published: July 2023

The nests of ground-nesting birds rely heavily on camouflage for their
survival, and predation pressures, often linked to human activity, are a
major source of mortality. Numerous ground-nesting bird populations are
in decline, so understanding the effects of camouflage on their nesting
behaviour is of relevance to their conservation concern. Habitat
three-dimensional (3D) geometry together with predator visual abilities,
viewing distance, and viewing angle determine whether a nest is either
visible, occluded or too far away to detect. While this link is
intuitive, few studies have investigated how fine-scale geometry is
likely to help defend nests from different predator guilds. We
quantified nest visibility based on 3D occlusion, camouflage, and
predator visual modelling in northern lapwing, Vanellus Vanellus, on
different land management regimes. Lapwings selected local backgrounds
that had a higher 3D complexity at a spatial scale greater than their
entire clutches compared to nearby control sites. Importantly, our
findings show that habitat geometry – rather than predator visual
acuity restricts nest visibility to terrestrial predators, and that an
open field would actually be perceived as a closed habitat to a
terrestrial predator searching for nests on the ground. Taken together
with lapwings’ careful nest site selection, our findings highlight the
importance of considering habitat geometry for understanding the
evolutionary ecology and management of conservation sites for
ground-nesting birds.
Produkcja i spożycie mięsa drobiowego na świecie i w Polsce w latach 2000-2014
Authors: Konarska Małgorzata , Popis Edyta , Przybysz Marzena , Sakowska Anna
Published: July 2023

Celem pracy była charakterystyka rynku mięsa drobiowego, jego produkcji i spożycia w na świecie i w Polsce. Światowa produkcja mięsa wykazuje wciąż tendencję rosnącą. Największa na świecie produkcja tego rodzaju mięsa występuje w Stanach Zjednoczonych, Chinach oraz Brazylii. Natomiast największą konsumpcję mięsa drobiowego w 2012 roku odnotowano w Stanach Zjednoczonych i wynosiła ona 43,2 kg/osobę/rok. Polska znalazła się na 4 miejscu wśród największych producentów tego rodzaju mięsa w Unii Europejskiej. Konsumpcja mięsa drobiowego w kraju z roku na rok sukcesywnie rośnie i w 2014 roku wynosiła 26,9 kg/osobę w porównaniu z 14,7 kg/osobę w 2000 roku. Na świecie dużymi nadwyżkami podaży mięsa drobiowego dysponują Stany Zjednoczone (3,2 mln ton), Brazylia (3,1 mln ton) oraz w mniejszym stopniu Unia Europejska (0,5 mln ton). Natomiast największym importerem mięsa drobiowego jest Rosja, która wykazuje również największy deficyt podaży.
Carbon Emission Reduction Effect of Digital Infrastructure: From the “Broadband China” Strategy
Authors: Feng Yao , Li Lu , Chen Hong
Published: July 2023

The establishment of digital infrastructure embodies a pivotal instrument in propelling developmental metamorphosis, whilst fostering energy preservation and emission abatement. By employing municipal-level data spanning the period from 2009 to 2019, this research establishes a quasi-natural experiment anchored upon the “Broadband China” strategy. Employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology, this inquiry thoroughly examines the influence of digital infrastructure construction on the alleviation of carbon emissions. The findings indicate that the implementation of digital infrastructure exerts a notable impact on the reduction of carbon emissions. Moreover, carbon emission reduction resulting from digital infrastructure construction exhibits distinctive characteristics of heterogeneity. The empirical evidence presented within this study serves as a fundamental cornerstone for attaining the objectives of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Physicochemical Properties Of Used Cooking Oil Purified Using Shallot (Allium Cepa L.) Pell Adsorbent
Authors: Rahmayanti Baiq Fitri , Citriadin Yudin , Sulistiyana Sulistiyana , Kamari Azlan , Al-Mokaram Ali
Published: July 2023

Damage to used cooking oil is caused by hydrolysis and oxidation processes, these reactions are formed due to the use of oil many times. In terms of physical damage occurred in the smell and color (brown oil, cloudy to blackish), chemical changes in the form of acid numbers and peroxide numbers are quite high. This study aims to determine (1) there is an effect of variations in the mass of the onion peel adsorbent on the physical properties of used cooking oil; (2) there is an effect of mass variation of onion peel adsorbent on the physical properties of used cooking oil; and (3) physicochemical properties of used cooking oil purified according to SNI 3741:2013. The research method uses an experimental research type with a quantitative approach. The study design used a completely randomized design (CRD). The data analysis technique used One Way ANOVA. The test parameters include odor test, color test, acid number test and peroxide number test. The adsorption temperature was constant at 70°C for 30 minutes, the mass variations of the onion peel adsorbent were 0 g (without onion skin), 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g in 100 ml of used cooking oil. The results of the study of physical properties (smell and color), variations of 5 gr, 10 gr 15 gr and 20 gr produced "normal" odors, while variations of 10 gr, 15 gr and 20 gr color produced "normal". Furthermore, the chemical properties showed a decrease in the acid number after the purification process, the largest variation in the decrease in the acid number was in the 20 gr treatment as much as 74.56%, the largest decrease in the peroxide value in the 20 gr treatment as much as 90.63%.
Биохимический состав семян сортов сои различного эколого-географического происхождения и оценка пригодности их переработки
Authors: Белышкина Марина Евгеньевна , Загоруйко Михаил Геннадьевич
Published: July 2023

Потребность в переработке сои на пищевые и кормовые цели стабильно возрастает с каждым годом. Оценена продуктивность сортов сои различного эколого-географического происхождения — северного экотипа, южных и дальневосточных, выращенных в условиях Центрального района Нечерноземной зоны, в зависимости от степени влагообеспеченности вегетационного периода. Опыты закладывали в 2008 – 2020 гг. с семенами, полученными при агроэкологических испытаниях сортов сои различного эколого-географического происхождения в агроклиматических условиях Рязанской области. Максимальная урожайность семян у всех изучаемых групп сортов формировалась в годы с достаточной влагообеспеченностью (ГТК 0,7 – 1,4) и составила в среднем: южные — 2,38 – 2,52 т/га, северного экотипа — 1,86 – 2,28 т/га, дальневосточные — 2,12 – 2,42 т/га. Сбор протеина достигал 800 кг/га. Содержание белка в семенах сортов сои варьировало от 38,7 до 40,6 %, сбор белка с урожаем — от 735 до 939 кг/га; жира — от 19,4 до 19,9 %, сбор жира с урожаем — от 357 до 442 кг/га. При сопоставлении жирнокислотного состава выявлено, что сорта сои северного экотипа соответствуют требованиям, предъявляемым к пищевым сортам, южные — к традиционным, дальневосточные — ближе к пищевым по содержанию белка и жира, а по соотношению линолевой и линоленовой кислот — к традиционным.
Формирование учетной политики на основе моделирования учетно-контрольного процесса субъекта АПК
Authors: Горбачева Анна Семеновна , Воронов Сергей Иванович , Балашова Наталья Николаевна , Токарева Елена Викторовна , Мелихов Виктор Алексеевич , Чекрыгина Татьяна Алексеевна
Published: July 2023

На сегодняшний день учетно-контрольное обеспечение является одной из наиболее важных подсистем производственного и финансового менеджмента агропредприятия, одной из первостепенных задач которой является формирование полных, достоверных и релевантных учетно-контрольных информационных потоков, обеспечивающих информационные запросы внутренних и внешних пользователей. Все текущие бизнес-операции и хозяйственные связи также находят свое отражение в учетно-контрольной системе, и она позиционируется важнейшим средством коммуникации между всеми сегментами рынка АПК и государственного контроля. Представлены цели и факторы, влияющие на формирование учетной политики для агропромышленных организаций в условиях цифровой экономики. Оценена значимость учетной политики для внешних и внутренних пользователей. Приведена функциональная схема моделирования учетно-контрольного процесса. Предложены структура содержания и состав организационно-технических и методологических аспектов локального учетного стандарта.
Evaluating the correlation of blood pressure and pulse rates of firefighters with their sociodemographic characteristics during a fire and rescue training
Authors: Hashempour Javad , Alkhamees Mohammed , Khan Mohammad Shahnawaz , Kimble Jeff , Sezer Hayri
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Cardiac strain has become a prevalent cause of firefighters’ death. Standards and regulations set forth a framework to monitor the cardiovascular fitness of firefighters, encourage fitness and create a pathway to diagnosis or detection of disorders. The effectiveness of these standards relies on continuous evaluation of firefighters’ health and updating the protocols.
Methods: This study intended to assess the physiological response of 172 firefighters in the middle east for the first time and considered the effect of body mass index, age, gender, and seasonal ambient temperature on their responses before and after a fire and rescue training. The end results should compile the behavioral patterns of firefighters from the region and help authorities to update current health monitoring standards for firefighters accordingly. Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates were sampled for participants after one minute after when training finished. Non-Parametric statistical analysis was conducted using Nonparametric Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis H- test to evaluate the correlation of age, gender, BMI, and seasonal temperature with participant’s physiological response.
Results: This study found obesity in 20% of the sampled population with more cases among male participants. Also, in this study, the hypertension prevalence ratio found as 19.8% at baseline and 26.7% in post-training measurements.
Conclusion: This study could confirm that body mass index and seasonal ambient temperature affect blood pressure, heart and ventilation rates. Heart rate significantly changes with ambient temperature. Also, the results found the gender of participants affects all physiological responses, especially heart rate.
Health Risk Assessment and Covid-19 Infection Rate by Using Bacterial Aerosol in Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Thailand During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Senthong Pattama , Choosong Thitiworn , Saejiw Nutjaree , Yingkajorn Mingkwan , Surasombatpattana Smonrapat , Pipitsuntornsarn Nathapat , Chusri Sarunyou
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a worldwide transmission and healthcare worker is the risk group. Therefore, the infection rate and health risk assessment from exposure to airborne transmission for healthcare workers were performed.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 106 healthcare workers at four selected service areas in Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand, from February to September 2021. The N6 impactor was used with simultaneous measurement of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The general characteristics of subjects and hospitals were collected by questionnaire and presented by descriptive statistics.
Results: Most of the participants were female and they worked more than 8 hours per day. The bacteria concentration was highest in the Pediatric Outpatient Department (1837.46±177.52 cfu/m3). The lowest chronic daily intake and hazard quotient with no threshold (4.86±3.81, 95%CI: 3.59, 6.13) were at Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit - due to negative pressure ventilation in this room was effective in reducing the airborne concentration of the pathogens. Overall, the hospital’s hazard index with no threshold (30.87±35.25, 95%CI: 23.91, 37.83) was higher than 1.0, indicating that bacterial bioaerosol may affect healthcare workers’ health. The highest confirmed Covid-19 case was at Acute Respiratory Infection Clinic (19.29±10.67 cases/week). The probability of infection by SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers was high at Acute Respiratory Infection Clinic (1.0) and Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit (0.998±0.002, 95%CI: 0.998, 0.999).
Conclusion: Therefore, inhalation reference concentration for hospitals should be as low as possible and appropriate ventilation systems should be implemented with adherence to standards to protect healthcare workers.
Classtime.Com as an Ai-Based Testing Platform: Analysing ESP Students’ Performances and Feedback
Authors: Ningsih Fitria
Published: July 2023

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in education has grown in popularity, especially in online assessments. This research evaluates the effectiveness of an AI-based online testing platform, Classtime.com, in teaching tenses in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The study uses a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from 246 Economic Sharia Law students who took the midterm exam during the 2022-2023 school year. The results show that the average score on the exam was 88.21, indicating a high overall performance. Females scored higher and more consistently than males. The study suggests that Classtime.com's AI-based testing is an effective tool for teaching tenses in ESP assessment, providing immediate feedback and personalized learning experiences. However, the study's focus on one language subject limits its generalizability to other subjects. Nevertheless, the use of AI-based online testing in ESP assessment can improve language learning outcomes and contribute to effective teaching practices. Future research should explore the use of AI-based online testing platforms in other language subjects, investigate factors influencing student performance, and examine long-term effects on language learning outcomes and attitudes toward language education and assessment.
Prevalence and risk factors of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile asymptomatic carriage in 11 French hospitals
Authors: Jolivet Sarah , Couturier Jeanne , Grohs Patrick , Vilfaillot Aurélie , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Frange Pierre , Casetta Anne , Moulin Véronique , Lawrence Christine , Baune Patricia , Bourgeois Cléo , Bouffier Axel , Laussucq Claudine , Sienzonit Lydia , Picard Simon , Podglajen Isabelle , Kassis-Chikhani Najiby , Barbut Frédéric
Published: July 2023

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) incidence has increased over the last 20 years. Studies suggest that asymptomatic carriers may be an important reservoir of C. difficile in healthcare settings. We conducted a point prevalence study to estimate the toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatic carriage rate and the associated risk factors in patients >3 years old. Between September 16, 2019 and January 15, 2020, all patients hospitalized in 11 healthcare facilities in the Paris urban area were included in the study. They were screened on the day of the survey for toxigenic C. difficile carriage by rectal swab and interviewed. Isolates were characterized by PCR ribotyping and multiplex PCR targeting toxin genes. A logistic regression model was used to determine the risk factors associated with toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatic carriage using uni- and multivariate analysis in the subpopulation of patients >3 years old. During the study period, 2,389 patients were included and screened. The median age was 62 years (interquartile range 35–78 years) and 1,153 were male (48.3%). Nineteen patients had a previous CDI (0.9%). Overall, 185/2389 patients were positive for C. difficile (7.7%), including 93 toxigenic strains (3.9%): 77 (82.8%) were asymptomatic (prevalence 3.2%) whereas 12 (12.9%) were diarrheic. Prevalences of toxigenic C. difficile were 3.5% in patients >3 years old and 7.0% in ≤3 years old subjects, respectively. Toxigenic strains mainly belonged to PCR ribotypes 106 (n = 14, 15.0%), 014 (n = 12, 12.9%), and 020 (n = 10, 10.8%). Among toxigenic strains, 6 (6.4%) produced the binary toxin. In multivariate analysis, two factors were positively associated with toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatic carriage in patients >3 years old: multidrug-resistant organisms co-carriage [adjusted Odd Ratio (aOR) 2.3, CI 95% 1.2–4.7, p = 0.02] and previous CDI (aOR 5.8, CI 95% 1.2–28.6, p = 0.03). Conversely, consumption of raw milk products were associated with reduced risk of toxigenic C. difficile colonization (aOR 0.5, CI 95% 0.2–0.9, p = 0.01). We showed that there was a low prevalence of asymptomatic toxigenic C. difficile carriage in hospitalized patients. Consumption of raw milk prevents toxigenic C. difficile colonization, probably due to the barrier effect of milk-associated bacteria.
Mathematical Modeling of Particle Terminal Velocity for Improved Design of Clarifiers, Thickeners and Flotation Devices for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Friso Dario
Published: July 2023

The prediction of the terminal velocity of a single spherical particle is essential to realize mathematical modeling useful for the design and adjustment of separators used in wastewater treatment. For non-spherical and non-single particles, terminal velocity can be traced back to that of single spheres using coefficients and Kynch’s theory, respectively. Because separation processes can involve small or large particles and can be carried out using gravity, as with clarifiers/thickeners, or by centrifugation in centrifuges where the acceleration can exceed 10,000× g, the Reynolds number of the particle can be highly variable, ranging from 0.1 to 200,000. The terminal velocity depends on the drag coefficient, which depends, in turn, on the Reynolds number containing the terminal velocity. Because of this, to find the terminal velocity formula, it is preferable to look first for a relationship between the drag coefficient and the Archimedes number which does not contain the terminal velocity. Formulas already exist expressing the relationship between the drag coefficient and the Archimedes number, from which the relationship between the terminal velocity and the Archimedes number may be derived. To improve the accuracy obtained by these formulas, a new relationship was developed in this study, using dimensional analysis, which is valid for Reynolds number values between 0.1 and 200,000. The resulting mean relative difference, compared to the experimental standard drag curve, was only 1.44%. This formula was developed using the logarithms of dimensionless numbers, and the unprecedented accuracy obtained with this method suggested that an equally accurate formula for the drag coefficient could also be obtained with respect to the Reynolds number. Again, the resulting level of accuracy was unprecedentedly high, with a mean relative difference of 1.77% for Reynolds number values between 0.1 and 200,000.
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) of Cancer-Related Bleeding
Authors: Minici Roberto , Guzzardi Giuseppe , Venturini Massimo , Fontana Federico , Coppola Andrea , Spinetta Marco , Piacentino Filippo , Pingitore Armando , Serra Raffaele , Costa Davide , Ielapi Nicola , Guerriero Pasquale , Apollonio Biagio , Santoro Rita ,   MGJR Research Team, Brunese Luca , Laganà Domenico
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Roughly 10% of cancer patients experience an episode of bleeding. The bleeding severity can range from occasional trivial bleeds to major bleeding. The treatment for the bleeding may vary, depending on the clinical condition and anatomical site, and may include various strategies, among which TAE is a cornerstone of major bleeding management. However, the existing literature on tumor hemorrhages is inconsistent. The objective of this multicenter retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of arterial embolization in the treatment of tumor hemorrhages in patients with solid cancers. Materials and Methods: The data for patients with solid cancers undergoing TAE for the management of tumor hemorrhages from January 2020 to May 2023 were gathered. Results: A total of 92 patients with cancer-related bleeding were treated between January 2020 and May 2023. No bleeding was detected by X-ray angiography (XA) in 12 (13%) cases; therefore, a blind embolization was performed. The most common bleeding site was the liver (21.7%). A total of 66 tumor hemorrhages were spontaneous. The most commonly used embolic agent was polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles (30.4%). Technical success was achieved in 82 (89.1%) cases, with an 84.8% clinical success rate related to 14 cases of rebleeding. Proximal embolization was performed for 19 (20.7%) patients. Complications were recorded for 10 (10.9%) patients. The 30-day bleeding-related mortality was 15.2%. The technical success, clinical success, proximal embolization rate, and 30-day rebleeding were worse in the subset of patients undergoing TAE with coils. Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) represents a viable and potentially life-saving therapeutic approach in the management of tumor hemorrhages, demonstrating a notable effectiveness and safety. The TAE of bleeding tumors using coils resulted in a higher rate of non-superselective proximal embolization, with a trend toward lower clinical success rates and higher rebleeding episodes.
Pre-Trauma Pain Is the Strongest Predictor of Persistent Enhanced Pain Patterns after Severe Trauma: Results of a Single-Centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Fetz Katharina , Lefering Rolf , Kaske Sigune
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Traumatic injuries are a significant public health issue worldwide, with persistent enhanced pain being a common complication following severe trauma. Persistent and chronic pain can have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, affecting physical, emotional, and social functioning. This study aimed to investigate the pain patterns of trauma patients before and after severe trauma, and identify the predictors of persisting pain after injury. Materials and Methods: A total of 596 patients of a level-one trauma centre with severe trauma were included in this study. The Trauma Outcome Profile Scale was used to assess pain severity before and after trauma, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the most significant predictors of relevant pain after severe trauma. Results: The mean age of the included patients was 48.2 years, and 72% were males. The most frequent cause of injury was traffic accidents, and the mean Injury Severity Score was 17.6. Nearly half of the patients experienced reduced pain-related quality of life after trauma, with persisting pain predominantly occurring in the neck, spine, shoulder, pelvis, hip, knee, and feet. Even minor injuries led to increased pain scores. Preexisting pain before injury (OR: 5.43; CI: 2.60–11.34), older age (OR: 2.09, CI: 1.22–3.27), female gender (OR: 1.08, CI: 0.73–1.59), and high injury severity (OR: 1.80, CI: 1.20–2.69) were identified as significant predictors of enhanced pain. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering pre-existing pain, body area, and injury severity in assessing the risk of persistent pain in trauma patients.
Improving Foraminifera Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks with Ensemble Learning
Authors: Nanni Loris , Faldani Giovanni , Brahnam Sheryl , Bravin Riccardo , Feltrin Elia
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a study of an automated system for identifying planktic foraminifera at the species level. The system uses a combination of deep learning methods, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to analyze digital images of foraminifera taken at different illumination angles. The dataset is composed of 1437 groups of sixteen grayscale images, one group for each foraminifera specimen, that are then converted to RGB images with various processing methods. These RGB images are fed into a set of CNNs, organized in an ensemble learning (EL) environment. The ensemble is built by training different networks using different approaches for creating the RGB images. The study finds that an ensemble of CNN models trained on different RGB images improves the system’s performance compared to other state-of-the-art approaches. The main focus of this paper is to introduce multiple colorization methods that differ from the current cutting-edge techniques; novel strategies like Gaussian or mean-based techniques are suggested. The proposed system was also found to outperform human experts in classification accuracy.
Opinião e conhecimento de docentes de uma instituição de ensino superior em saúde sobre prontuário eletrônico do paciente
Authors: Junior José Roberto da Silva , Freitas Victor Alessandro de Lira , Falcão João Victor de Albuquerque Muniz de Arruda , De Holanda Maria Cecília Cesário , Maia Neto Vulpian Novais
Published: July 2023

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a opinião e o conhecimento de docentes de educação superior sobre o prontuário eletrônico do paciente (PEP) e identificar fatores que interferem em sua utilização. Consiste em um estudo transversal com 67 docentes de uma faculdade de saúde inseridos em ambiente de assistência ao paciente. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos e relacionados a opinião/conhecimento sobre o PEP, por meio de formulário. As variáveis contínuas foram apresentadas como medidas de tendência central e de dispersão e as categóricas, apresentadas em forma de frequência. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisas. Os achados apontam que a maioria dos docentes: possui um bom conhecimento sobre o PEP; considera-o uma ferramenta benéfica na assistência à saúde; sente-se preparada para aplicar as ferramentas em seu trabalho, porém, relata alguma dificuldade em seu manuseio.
Características maternas e individuais associados à anemia em crianças menores de cinco anos
Authors: Martins Thais Campos , Cândido Ana Paula Carlos , Rocha Daniela da Silva , Corrêa José Otávio do Amaral , Silva Márcio Roberto , Oliveira Renata Maria Souza , Netto Michele Pereira
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e fatores associados à anemia em crianças menores de cinco anos de creches municipais em Juiz de Fora – MG. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 809 crianças matriculadas em tempo integral. Para determinação da hemoglobina utilizou-se hemoglobinômetro portátil, e 11 g/dL como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico da anemia. Aplicou-se questionário contendo informações socioeconômicas, características maternas, de aleitamento materno, de alimentação complementar, e características individuais da criança. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelas medidas antropométricas de peso e estatura, na avaliação da alimentação foi utilizado recordatório 24 horas e o registro alimentar. Análise de regressão de logística e seleção hierárquica das variáveis foram usadas para verificar fatores associados. Resultados: A prevalência de anemia foi de 39,2%, a idade materna (β=-0,48, IC95%=0,91-0,99), o número de gestações (β=0,19, IC95%=1,02-1,43), o baixo peso ao nascer (OR=2,51; IC95%=1,12-5,63) e o peso/idade (β=-3,98; IC95%=0,01-0,90) associaram a anemia. Conclusão: A anemia nas creches das regiões estudadas é considerada um problema de saúde pública moderado. As variáveis que associaram a anemia relacionam-se as características maternas e as características individuais das crianças.
O uso de psilocibina é eficaz no tratamento de depressão?
Authors: Filho Edson Santana Gois , Reis Ana Letícia Fiscina , De Farias Marco Antônio Galvão Martins , Fonseca João Pedro Carvalho , Clímaco Rafael Silva , Campos Rafael Baquit
Published: July 2023

Os Inibidores da Recaptação de Serotonina (ISRS) foram descobertos na década de 1980 e, desde então, são a primeira linha para o tratamento da depressão. Nos últimos anos, pesquisas para busca de novas terapias farmacológicas vem tomando visibilidade com a  descoberta dos efeitos antidepressivos dos psicodélicos. Dentro deles, destaca-se a Psilocibina, um alcalóide advindo do fungo Psilocybe spp., que apresenta ação agonista do receptor serotoninérgico 5-HT2A e mostrou-se eficaz na melhora do quadro de pacientes que sofrem de depressão.
Exercícios de fortalecimento para o controle da dor e melhora da função em pacientes com artrose no joelho. Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Silvério Aline Frazão , Pires Gabrielle de Andrade , Vieira Yasmin Mendes , Quemelo Paulo Roberto Veiga
Published: July 2023

Introdução: A osteoartrose (OA) de joelho é um fenômeno natural que acomete com maior frequência a população idosa. O processo de OA envolve o desgaste da cartilagem articular e como consequência, o paciente apresenta sintomas de dor e redução da função. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos dos exercícios no quadro de dor e melhora da função em pacientes com OA de joelho. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com a utilização das seguintes bases de dados eletrônicos: National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE – PubMed), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciência da Saúde (LILACS), e a base Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), no período de 10 anos, com os seguintes descritores: “dor” “força muscular” “osteoartrose”, “artrose”, “osteoartrite” “joelho” e “exercício” na língua portuguesa e inglesa. Resultados: Foram encontrados 677 artigos nas bases de dados, dos quais, foram excluídos os artigos duplicados, os que estavam fora do escopo e objetivo do estudo, sendo selecionados 12 artigos para análise. Dos artigos selecionados, 10 concluíram que o exercício físico promoveu melhora na dor e função; e 2 artigos concluíram que o exercício não melhorou a função. Conclusão: O exercício físico reduziu o quadro doloroso e melhorou a função em pacientes com OA de joelho.
INSTRUMENTO PARA TELEFARMÁCIA NO AUTOCUIDADO APOIADO EM PESSOAS COM DIABETES: ESTUDO PILOTO
Authors: Queiroz Reijane Mara Pinheiro , De Sousa Ítalo Nunes Arrais , Ponte Junior Clayton Cardoso , De Souza Nívia Tavares Pessoa , Romero Nirla Rodrigues , Cavaco Afonso Miguel das Neves , Fonteles Marta Maria de França
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Descrever, com análise, os resultados de um estudo piloto, no desenvolvimento de um instrumento sistematizado (Formulário guia), para o acompanhamento de pessoas com diabetes de alto risco, na telefarmácia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, envolvendo uma população de 342 pessoas com diabetes. O instrumento foi  desenvolvido através de um workshop colaborativo envolvendo pesquisadores, gestão e representantes do serviço e aperfeiçoado utilizando as diretrizes e evidências para o diabetes e seu controle. Constituiu-se em duas partes, a primeira: contendo dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. A segunda, envolveu três fases: inicial, exploração e encerramento. Aspectos éticos foram contemplados e aprovados. Resultados: A amostra foi composta, em sua maioria, de mulheres (n=253;73,9%) e, quando comparadas aos homens, apresentaram maior risco para colesterol total alto (OR = 1,755; 95% IC [1,027-3,053]; P= 0,04024), e HDL baixo (OR = 1,833, 95% IC [1,076 - 3,116], P = 0,0233*). As orientações mais frequentes foram a adequação do exercício físico e o cuidado com a administração dos medicamentos para diabetes. Conclusão: O Formulário guia permitiu identificar as barreiras enfrentadas pelos pacientes, e facilitou a tomada de decisão dos farmacêuticos no período da pandemia.
Avanços recentes na compreensão da patogênese da Artrite Reumatoide: insights e implicações terapêuticas
Authors: Silva Beatriz Figueiredo , Junqueira João Ricardo , Pinheiro Greice Mara Barbosa , Eisenberger Anna Luiza Corazza , Hanna Ana Carolina Leite , Autran Gabriela Neves Vital Santoro , Wu Matheus Felipe , Dos Reis Keniel Carlos Pereira , Coelho Renata de Freitas , Garcia Vinícius Silva , Dos Santos Daniela Bittecncourt , Barbosa Maria Fernanda Drumond , Da Silva Uanderson Pereira , Garcia Fernando Buzeti , Domingues Leonardo Ambrosio
Published: July 2023

A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença autoimune sistêmica que afeta cerca de 1% da população mundial. Caracterizada por inflamação sinovial crônica e erosões ósseas progressivas, a AR provoca deformidade articular e incapacidade funcional, prejudicando seriamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A patogênese da AR é complexa e envolve uma interação dinâmica entre fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais. Nesta revisão, analisamos aprofundadamente o papel da imunidade inata e adaptativa na patogênese da AR e exploramos os avanços recentes na terapêutica da doença, com destaque para os medicamentos modificadores da doença (DMARDs), tanto biológicos quanto sintéticos. Discutimos também as perspectivas futuras para a pesquisa em AR e o desenvolvimento de terapias, com o objetivo de identificar as áreas de pesquisa mais promissoras e as lacunas ainda presentes no nosso entendimento.
Formação quadrirradiculada da veia porta - hepatica: um achado raro de variação anatômica e sua importância clínico-cirúrgica
Authors: Da Silva Ivan do Nascimento , Ramalho Antônio José Casado , Barbosa Fabiano Timbó , Rodrigues Célio Fernando de Sousa
Published: July 2023

Introdução: Há uma significante quantidade de variações na formação da veia porta, tendo em algumas ocasiões a presença de mais veias, sendo os dados da literatura conflitantes sobre essas frequentes variações anatômicas dos vasos que formam o sistema portal     Objetivo: Descrever uma variação na formação da veia porta de um cadáver do laboratório de Anatomia Humana. Material e método: Trata-se de um relato de caso evidenciado durante a dissecção do compartimento supramesocólico do abdome de um cadáver do sexo masculino fixado em glicerina, pertencente ao laboratório do Centro Universitário Tiradentes – AL, foi observado a presença de uma variação na formação da veia porta hepática. Resultado: A variação encontrada se trata de uma veia porta formada quadrirradicularmente. Conclusão: Embora a variação encontrada neste relato seja a mais rara por ser quadrirradicular, não existindo imagens em livros e artigos, apenas comentários sobre a possibilidade de sua ocorrência, seu conhecimento faz-se relevante, sobretudo por parte dos cirurgiões.
Abordagem multidisciplinar dos aspectos éticos nos cuidados paliativos
Authors: Pereira Conrado Lenzi , Barbosa Kássia Izabel , Lobão Lúcia Meirelles
Published: July 2023

A definição de cuidados paliativos pode ser compreendida como uma assistência multiprofissional ao paciente sem possibilidade de cura e/ou melhora clínica, acometido por moléstias com grande potencial de morte, tendo como objetivo a melhoria de sua qualidade de vida e minimização do sofrimento de seus familiares. Os cuidados paliativos ancoram-se, sempre, na elucidação precoce e correta do agravo, tornando-se possível fornecer ao paciente o alívio de sua dor e outros problemas, tanto no âmbito físico, como também, no espiritual e psicossocial, corroborando para prover ao mesmo um morrer digno, e a seus familiares, um melhor entendimento de todo o processo de finitude da vida. Este estudo traz um panorama dos aspectos éticos dos cuidados paliativos de pacientes crônicos ou terminais, nas diferentes profissões que compõem a equipe multidisciplinar, confrontando com os respaldos legais na adoção desses cuidados. Evidenciou-se que todas as profissões que compõem a equipe multidisciplinar no cuidado do paciente terminal estão amparadas por códigos de ética e legislações específicas, que asseguram a adoção de uma conduta paliativa frente ao paciente sem perspectiva de vida. Entende-se que a assistência prestada pela equipe durante a promoção dos cuidados paliativos ao ser que enfrenta o processo de finitude da vida, em ambiente hospitalar, necessita de melhor aprimoramento técnico dos membros que compõem a equipe multidisciplinar, possibilitando garantir, efetivamente, ao paciente terminal, conforto, segurança e humanização ao morrer.
Economic assessments for Chikungunya: a narrative review
Authors: De Assis Tália Santana Machado , De Lima Ana Luísa Ferreira , Carvalho Fabiano Duarte
Published: July 2023

Chikungunya is an important and growing public health problem that causes high morbidity. Despite the high social and economic impact generated by the disease, few economic evaluations have focused on the disease. The objective of the present study was to perform a narrative review of economic evaluations related to Chikungunya. A review of the scientific literature was performed using the PubMed and Lilacs databases. All identified articles were reviewed by two researchers. The literature search identified 24 articles related to the topic, and after analysis, six studies were included in the present review. These articles were published between 2011 and 2019 and were conducted in the United States, Colombia, France, Mexico and Brazil. All of these studies reported the economic and/or social burden of Chikungunya for patients and/or health services. The main items described in the studies were direct costs related to diagnostic tests, consultations, hospitalizations, medications and rehabilitation, and indirect costs resulting from the loss of patient productivity, years lived with a disability and disability-adjusted life years lost. The results show that economic evaluations related to Chikungunya are recent and limited, and the results are difficult to extrapolate. In this context, more economic studies focusing on Chikungunya are needed.