bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in Research on the Role of the Thioredoxin System in Chemical Nerve Injury
Authors: Xu Xinwei , Zhang Lan , He Yuyun , Qi Cong , Li Fang
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: Various factors, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, tumors, inflammation, trauma, immune disorders, and neuronal toxicity, can cause nerve damage. Chemical nerve injury, which results from exposure to toxic chemicals, has garnered increasing research attention. The thioredoxin (Trx) system, comprising Trx, Trx reductase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and Trx-interacting protein (TXNIP; endogenous Trx inhibitor), helps maintain redox homeostasis in the central nervous system. The dysregulation of this system can cause dementia, cognitive impairment, nerve conduction disorders, movement disorders, and other neurological disorders. Thus, maintaining Trx system homeostasis is crucial for preventing or treating nerve damage. (2) Objective: In this review study, we explored factors influencing the homeostasis of the Trx system and the involvement of its homeostatic imbalance in chemical nerve injury. In addition, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the Trx system-targeting active substances against chemical nerve injury. (3) Conclusions: Chemicals such as morphine, metals, and methylglyoxal interfere with the activity of TXNIP, Trx, and Trx reductase, disrupting Trx system homeostasis by affecting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and apoptotic signaling-regulated kinase 1/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, thereby leading to neurological disorders. Active substances such as resveratrol and lysergic acid sulfide mitigate the symptoms of chemical nerve injury by regulating the Ras/Raf1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and the miR-146a-5p/TXNIP axis. This study may guide the development of Trx-targeting modulators for treating neurological disorders and chemical nerve injuries.
GIS-Based Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Bucheon, Korea, Using Mobile Laboratory and Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Methods
Authors: Kim Minkyeong , Kim Daeho , Seo Jung-Young , Park Duckshin
Published: July 2024

Recently, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been shown to act as precursors of secondary organic particles that react with ultraviolet rays in the atmosphere and contribute to photochemical smog, global warming, odor, and human health risks, highlighting the importance of VOC management. In this study, we measured VOC concentrations in various contexts including industrial and residential areas of Bucheon, Korea, through mobile laboratory and proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry methods to determine winter VOC concentrations and visualized the data based on spatial information. Regional characteristics, temperature/humidity, atmospheric conditions, wind speed, traffic volume, etc., during the measurement period of the study site were comprehensively reviewed. For this purpose, global information system (GIS)-based air quality data and various environmental variables were comprehensively reviewed to assess spatial and temporal concentrations in three dimensions rather than in tables and graphs. Among VOCs, the levels of toluene, methanol, and n + i-butene were relatively high, with average concentrations of 48.3 ± 67.2, 34.4 ± 102.7, and 32.6 ± 57.7 ppb, respectively, at the end of the working day. The highest concentrations occurred near the Ojeong Industrial Complex. Mobile pollution sources are also a major driver of VOCs, highlighting the necessity of comprehensively reviewing traffic variables such as road level, estimated traffic volume, and average speed when identifying hotspots of air pollution. GIS-based visualization analysis techniques will improve the efficiency of air quality management.
Unveiling the Subtle Threats: The Neurobehavioral Impact of Chlorpyrifos on Girardia tigrina
Authors: Saraiva Althiéris S. , Reis Eloisa Borges dos , Farnese Fernanda S. , Oliveira Marilene S. , Ofoegbu Pearl U. , Dornelas Aline S. P. , Sarmento Renato A. , Souza João C. P. de , Resende Erika C. , Rodrigues Andreia C. M.
Published: July 2024

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide widely used to control agricultural pests, poses a significant environmental threat due to its toxicity and persistence in soil and water. Our work aimed to evaluate the acute (survival) and chronic (regeneration, locomotion, and reproduction) toxicity of chlorpyrifos to the non-target freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina. The 48 h lethal concentration (LC50) of the commercial formulation, containing 480 g L−1 of chlorpyrifos, the active ingredient, was determined to be 622.8 µg a.i. L−1 for planarians. Sublethal effects were translated into a significant reduction in locomotion and delayed head regeneration (lowest observed effect concentration—LOEC = 3.88 µg a.i. L−1). Additionally, chlorpyrifos exposure did not affect planarian fecundity or fertility. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of chlorpyrifos-based insecticides to harm natural populations of freshwater planarians at environmentally relevant concentrations. The observed toxicity emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and careful management of chlorpyrifos usage to mitigate its deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems. By understanding the specific impacts on non-target organisms like G. tigrina, we can make more informed suggestions regarding the usage and regulation of organophosphate insecticides, ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
Aspergillus and Fusarium Mycotoxin Contamination in Maize (Zea mays L.): The Interplay of Nitrogen Fertilization and Hybrids Selection
Authors: Nyandi Muhoja Sylivester , Pepó Péter
Published: July 2024

Maize plays a significant global role as a food source, feed, and as a raw material in industry. However, it is affected by toxin-producing fungi, mainly Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, and Aspergillus flavus, which compromise its quality. This study, conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the Látókép long-term research site of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, investigated the effects of different nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 90 and 150 Kgha−1 N) on mycotoxin contamination (DON vs. FB vs. AFB1) in the kernels of three (3) maize hybrids: DKC4590 (tolerant), GKT376 (sensitive), and P9610 (undefined). The results showed a significant (p = 0.05) influence of nitrogen fertilization and maize genotype on mycotoxin levels. Sole nitrogen impacts were complex and did not define a clear trend, contrary to the hybrids selected, which followed superiority to resistance. Increased nitrogen fertilization was associated with higher DON production, while hybrid selection demonstrated a clearer trend in resistance to mycotoxins. Therefore, to maximize yield and minimize mycotoxin contamination, future research should focus on optimizing nitrogen application rates and breeding for resistance to balance yield and mycotoxin management. These results suggest that while nitrogen fertilization is crucial for maximizing yield, selecting less susceptible maize hybrids remains vital for minimizing mycotoxin contamination.
Effectiveness of Three Sampling Approaches for Optimizing Mapping and Preventive Chemotherapy against Schistosoma mansoni in the Western Part of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Sékré Jean-Baptiste K. , Ouattara Mamadou , Diakité Nana R. , Bassa Fidèle K. , Assaré Rufin K. , Kouadio Jules N. , Coulibaly Gaoussou , Loukouri Agodio , Orsot Mathieu N. , Utzinger Jürg , N’Goran Eliézer K.
Published: July 2024

The elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030 is one of the main goals put forth in the World Health Organization’s roadmap for neglected tropical diseases. This study aimed to compare different sampling approaches to guide mapping and preventive chemotherapy. A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted from August to September 2022 in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou, and Touba in the western part of Côte d’Ivoire. The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection were assessed in children aged 5–14 years using three sampling approaches. The first approach involved a random selection of 50% of the villages in the health districts. The second approach involved a random selection of half of the villages selected in approach 1, thus constituting 25% of the villages in the health district. The third approach consisted of randomly selecting 15 villages from villages selected by approach 2 in each health district. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 23.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.9–27.6%), 21.6% (95% CI: 17.1–26.8%), and 18.3% (95% CI: 11.9–27.1%) with the first, second, and third approach, respectively. The respective geometric mean S. mansoni infection intensity was 117.9 eggs per gram of stool (EPG) (95% CI: 109.3–127.3 EPG), 104.6 EPG (95% CI: 93.8–116.6 EPG), and 94.6 EPG (95% CI 79.5–112.7 EPG). We conclude that, although randomly sampling up to 50% of villages in a health district provides more precise population-based prevalence and intensity measures of S. mansoni, randomly selecting only 15 villages in a district characterized by low heterogeneity provides reasonable estimates and is less costly.
On the Choice of Variable for Quantization of Conformal GR
Authors: Arbuzov A. B. , Nikitenko A. A.
Published: July 2024

The possibility of using spin connection components as basic quantization variables of a conformal version of general relativity is studied. The considered model contains gravitational degrees of freedom and a scalar dilaton field. The standard tetrad formalism is applied. Properties of spin connections in this model are analyzed. Secondary quantization of the chosen variables is performed. The gravitational part of the model action turns out to be quadratic with respect to the spin connections. So at the quantum level, the model looks trivial, i.e., without quantum self-interactions. Meanwhile the correspondence to general relativity is preserved at the classical level.
Lorentzian Quantum Cosmology from Effective Spin Foams
Authors: Dittrich Bianca , Padua-Argüelles José
Published: July 2024

Effective spin foams provide the most computationally efficient spin foam models yet and are therefore ideally suited for applications, e.g., to quantum cosmology. Here, we provide the first effective spin foam computations of a finite time evolution step in a Lorentzian quantum de Sitter universe. We will consider a setup that computes the no-boundary wave function and a setup describing the transition between two finite scale factors. A key property of spin foams is that they implement discrete spectra for the areas. We therefore study the effects that are induced by the discrete spectra. To perform these computations, we had to identify a technique to deal with highly oscillating and slowly converging or even diverging sums. Here, we illustrate that high-order Shanks transformation works very well and is a promising tool for the evaluation of Lorentzian (gravitational) path integrals and spin foam sums.
Screened Scalar Fields in the Laboratory and the Solar System
Authors: Fischer Hauke , Käding Christian , Pitschmann Mario
Published: July 2024

The last few decades have provided abundant evidence for physics beyond the two standard models of particle physics and cosmology. As is now known, the by far largest part of our universe’s matter/energy content lies in the ‘dark’, and consists of dark energy and dark matter. Despite intensive efforts on the experimental as well as the theoretical side, the origins of both are still completely unknown. Screened scalar fields have been hypothesized as potential candidates for dark energy or dark matter. Among these, some of the most prominent models are the chameleon, symmetron, and environment-dependent dilaton. In this article, we present a summary containing the most recent experimental constraints on the parameters of these three models. For this, experimental results have been employed from the qBounce collaboration, neutron interferometry, and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR), among others. In addition, constraints are forecast for the Casimir and Non-Newtonian force Experiment (Cannex). Combining these results with previous ones, this article collects the most up-to-date constraints on the three considered screened scalar field models.
Soft X-ray Spectrum Changes over the 35-Day Cycle in Hercules X-1 Observed with AstroSat SXT
Authors: Leahy  Denis , Sharma  Riddhiman
Published: July 2024

Observations of the X-ray binary system Her X-1 by the AstroSat Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) were carried out in 2020 through 2023 with the goals of measuring X-ray spectrum changes with the 35-day disk precession phase and measuring eclipses at different 35-day phases. Her X-1 exhibits a regular flux modulation with a period of ≃35 days with different intensity levels at various 35-day phases (called “states”). The four multi-day long observations were scheduled to cover most of these states. Each 35-day phase was determined using monitoring observations with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT). Nine eclipses were observed in the range of 35-day phases, with at least one eclipse during each observation. Data with dips were separated from data without dips. The variation in X-ray spectral parameters vs. 35-day phase shows the following: eclipse parameters are nearly constant, showing that the scattering corona does not change with 35-day phase; dips show an increase in covering fraction but not column density compared to non-dip data; the1 keV line normalization behaves similarly to the powerlaw normalization, consistent with an origin near the powerlaw emission region, likely the magnetospheric accretion flow from the inner disk onto the neutron star; and the blackbody normalization (area) is large (∼3×105 km2) during the Main High and Short High states, consistent with the inner edge of the accretion disk.
High Rates of Miscarriage and Stillbirth among Pregnant Women with Clade I Mpox (Monkeypox) Are Confirmed during 2023–2024 DR Congo Outbreak in South Kivu Province
Authors: Schwartz David A.
Published: July 2024

Mpox (monkeypox) is a neglected tropical disease that has received increased attention since the multi-nation outbreak that began in 2022. The virus is endemic in West and Central Africa, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the most affected country. Clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection is endemic in the DRC and has an overall case fatality rate of 10.6% among children and adults. A study conducted in Sankuru Province, DRC, from 2007 to 2011 demonstrated that 75% of pregnant women with mpox had miscarriages or stillbirth. Further analysis of a stillborn fetus showed that MPXV could infect both the placenta and fetus, causing congenital infection. No additional cases of Clade I MPXV in pregnant women were reported until a new outbreak occurred in South Kivu Province during 2023 and 2024. Eight pregnant women having Clade I MPXV infection were identified, of whom four had either miscarriages or stillbirth, representing a 50% fetal mortality rate. These reports confirm previous data from the DRC that indicate the capability of Clade I MPXV to affect the fetus, causing congenital infection and fetal loss in a high percentage of cases. In this article, we review both past and new data from the DRC on the effects of Clade I MPXV during pregnancy and discuss the association of mpox with fetal loss.
The Conserved YPX3L Motif in the BK Polyomavirus VP1 Protein Is Important for Viral Particle Assembly but Not for Its Secretion into Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Bentz Marine , Collet Louison , Morel Virginie , Descamps Véronique , Blanchard Emmanuelle , Lambert Caroline , Demey Baptiste , Brochot Etienne , Helle Francois
Published: July 2024

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a small DNA non-enveloped virus whose infection is asymptomatic in most of the world’s adult population. However, in cases of immunosuppression, the reactivation of the virus can cause various complications, and in particular, nephropathies in kidney transplant recipients or hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant recipients. Recently, it was demonstrated that BKPyV virions can use extracellular vesicles to collectively traffic in and out of cells, thus exiting producing cells without cell lysis and entering target cells by diversified entry routes. By a comparison to other naked viruses, we investigated the possibility that BKPyV virions recruit the Endosomal-Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery through late domains in order to hijack extracellular vesicles. We identified a single potential late domain in the BKPyV structural proteins, a YPX3L motif in the VP1 protein, and used pseudovirions to study the effect of point mutations found in a BKPyV clinical isolate or known to ablate the interaction of such a domain with the ESCRT machinery. Our results suggest that this domain is not involved in BKPyV association with extracellular vesicles but is crucial for capsomere interaction and thus viral particle assembly.
Deisolation in the Healthcare Setting Following Recent COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Baumgart Samuel W. L. , McLachlan Aidan , Kenny Hayden , McKew Genevieve , Maddocks Susan , Chen Sharon C.-A. , Kok Jen
Published: July 2024

Background: Deisolation of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, presented a substantial challenge for healthcare workers and policy makers, particularly during the early phases of the pandemic. Data to guide deisolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients remain limited, and the risk of transmitting and acquiring infection has changed with the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and population immunity from previous vaccination or infection, or both. Aims: This review examines the evidence to guide the deisolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected inpatients within the hospital setting when clinically improving and also of healthcare workers with COVID-19 prior to returning to work. Methods: A review was performed using relevant search terms in Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Results and Discussion: The evidence is reviewed with regards to the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, the role of testing to guide deisolation, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity. A paradigm and recommendations are proposed to guide deisolation for inpatients and return to work for healthcare workers.
Culex-Transmitted Diseases: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Control Strategies using Wolbachia
Authors: Madhav Mukund , Blasdell Kim R. , Trewin Brendan , Paradkar Prasad N. , López-Denman Adam J.
Published: July 2024

Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are responsible for a large burden of zoonotic virus transmission globally. Collectively, they play a significant role in the transmission of medically significant diseases such as Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Climate change, global trade, habitat transformation and increased urbanisation are leading to the establishment of Culex mosquitoes in new geographical regions. These novel mosquito incursions are intensifying concerns about the emergence of Culex-transmitted diseases and outbreaks in previously unaffected areas. New mosquito control methods are currently being developed and deployed globally. Understanding the complex interaction between pathogens and mosquitoes is essential for developing new control strategies for Culex species mosquitoes. This article reviews the role of Culex mosquitos as vectors of zoonotic disease, discussing the transmission of viruses across different species, and the potential use of Wolbachia technologies to control disease spread. By leveraging the insights gained from recent successful field trials of Wolbachia against Aedes-borne diseases, we comprehensively discuss the feasibility of using this technique to control Culex mosquitoes and the potential for the development of next generational Wolbachia-based control methods.
Development of a Cell-Based Reporter Potency Assay for Live Virus Vaccines
Authors: Sun Dengyun , Meyer Brian K. , Deevi Dhanvanthri S. , Mirza Asra , He Li , Gruber Ashley , Abbondanzo Susan J. , Benton Noah A. , Whiteman Melissa C. , Capen Robert C. , Gurney Kevin B.
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of potency assays is critical in the development of life-saving vaccines. The traditional plaque assay or fifty percent tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assay used to measure the potency of live virus vaccines is time consuming, labor intensive, low throughput and with high variability. Described here is the development and qualification of a cell-based reporter potency assay for two vaccines for respiratory viral infection, one based on the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) backbone, termed Vaccine 1 in this paper, and the other based on the measles virus vector, termed Vaccine 2. The reporter potency assay used a Vero E6 cell line engineered to constitutively express NanuLuc® luciferase, termed the VeroE6-NLuc or JM-1 cell line. Infection of JM-1 cells by a live virus, such as rVSV or measles virus, causes a cytopathic effect (CPE) and release of NanuLuc® from the cytoplasm into the supernatant, the amount of which reflects the intensity of the viral infection. The relative potency was calculated by comparison to a reference standard using parallel line analysis (PLA) in a log–log linear model. The reporter assay demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, and precision, and is therefore suitable for a vaccine potency assay. Further evaluation of the Vaccine 1 reporter assay demonstrated the robustness to a range of deliberate variation of the selected assay parameters and correlation with the plaque assay. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the reporter assay using the JM-1 cell line could be used as a potency assay to support the manufacturing and release of multiple live virus vaccines.
Comparison of the Immunogenicity of the LZ901 Vaccine and HZ/su Vaccine in a Mouse Model
Authors: Quan Yaru , Liu Chunxia , Lu Xu , Kong Xi , Yang Shuai , Kong Jian , Wan Wenyan , Wang Kaiqin , Xu Kangwei , Peng Ling
Published: July 2024

Herpes zoster (HZ) is an infectious disease caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), with 68% of cases occurring in adults over 50 years of age. HZ/su (Shingrix®) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the prevention of HZ in individuals ≥ 50 years of age and showed very good protection from HZ. However, due to the use of the adjuvant AS01B, adverse reactions caused by Shingrix are a concern. Aluminum hydroxide is the most commonly used adjuvant and is widely used in a variety of vaccines. We developed a recombinant zoster vaccine (code: LZ901) consisting of a tetramer of VZV glycoprotein E (gE) and a human Fc fusion protein expressed in CHO cells, an immune complex-like molecule that can be adsorbed with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. We compared the immunogenicity of LZ901 with that of HZ/su in BALB/c mice. The results showed that LZ901 induced levels of gE-specific IgG antibodies comparable to those induced by HZ/su, and the results of FAMA titers further demonstrated their similar neutralizing antibody abilities. Most importantly, LZ901 induced higher levels of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) (which plays a decisive role in the efficacy of zoster vaccines) than HZ/su in BALB/c mice. The numbers of cytokine-producing T cells in LZ901-vaccinated mice were significantly greater than those in v-vaccinated mice, and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing at least two types of cytokines in LZ901-vaccinated mice were significantly greater than those in HZ/su-vaccinated mice.
An Evaluation of the Lineage of Brucella Isolates in Turkey by a Whole-Genome Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Akar Kadir , Holzer Katharina , Hoelzle Ludwig E. , Yıldız Öz Gülseren , Abdelmegid Shaimaa , Baklan Emin Ayhan , Eroğlu Buket , Atıl Eray , Moustafa Shawky A. , Wareth Gamal , Elkhayat Manar
Published: July 2024

Brucellosis is a disease caused by the Brucella (B.) species. It is a zoonotic disease that affects farm animals and causes economic losses in many countries worldwide. Brucella has the ability to persist in the environment and infect the host at low doses. Thus, it is more important to trace brucellosis outbreaks, identify their sources of infection, and interrupt their transmission. Some countries already have initial data, but most of these data are based on a Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA), which is completely unsuitable for studying the Brucella genome. Since brucellosis is an endemic disease in Turkey, this study aimed to examine the genome of Turkish Brucella isolates collected between 2018 and 2020, except for one isolate, which was from 2012. A total of 28 strains of B. melitensis (n = 15) and B. abortus (n = 13) were analyzed using a core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis. A potential connection between the Turkish isolates and entries from Sweden, Israel, Syria, Austria, and India for B. melitensis was detected. For B. abortus, there may be potential associations with entries from China. This explains the tight ties found between Brucella strains from neighboring countries and isolates from Turkey. Therefore, it is recommended that strict measures be taken and the possible effects of uncontrolled animal introduction are emphasized.
Remediation of Sulfides in Produced Waters of the Oil and Gas Industry Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Schovan Samantha , McEachern Grant , Seeger Alexandria , Nguyen Victor V. , Burkes Bobby , Adhikary Amitava , Schweitzer Linda E.
Published: July 2024

Produced waters are often treated in open lagoons where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can off gas, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to optimize a treatment process using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxidize H2S while minimizing off gassing. Samples of produced water from West Texas and laboratory-prepared waters utilizing sodium sulfide (Na2S) or biogenic polysulfides were oxidized with H2O2 alone or in combination with copper or iron catalysts, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or a commercial sulfide oxidizer, HydroPower Green™. Sulfur speciation was measured using Hach test kits for sulfide/sulfate/sulfite and Dräger tubes for headspace H2S. HydroPower Green™ (HPG) helped to reduce H2S in the headspace of water samples; some of this was pH related as NaOH also worked, but not as well as HPG. The dose of peroxide necessary to oxidize sulfides to sulfate is a function of the oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) of the water and total sulfide concentration as well as pH; approximately a 1–4:1 ratio of peroxide to sulfide concentration was needed to oxidize sulfidic waters of pH 7–10 with half-lives under 30 min. Both copper and iron catalysts reduce H2O2 demand and the half-life of H2S. Peracetic acid (PAA) and copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4, 5H2O) were explored as biocides for controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) that produce H2S. An AquaSnap (Hygenia) test kit was employed to monitor relative microbial activity in a wetland porewater containing H2S. Microbial regrowth occurred after a few days using the highest dose of PAA; these results showed that PAA was being used by bacteria as a carbon source even after the initial substantial reduction in the microbial activity. CuSO4, 5H2O at a dose of 1 ppm prevented microbial regrowth. The recommended treatment process from this research is determined by jar testing with H2O2, a base for pH control, a biocide, and possibly a metal catalyst or other co-oxidants in order to achieve oxidation of sulfides without H2S release or the precipitation of metal carbonates or oxides.
Using Machine Learning Models for Short-Term Prediction of Dissolved Oxygen in a Microtidal Estuary
Authors: Gachloo Mina , Liu Qianqian , Song Yang , Wang Guozhi , Zhang Shuhao , Hall Nathan
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to predicting short-term (for the upcoming 2 weeks) changes in estuarine dissolved oxygen concentrations via machine learning models that integrate historical water sampling, historical and upcoming 2-week meteorological data, and river discharge and discharge metrics. Dissolved oxygen is a critical indicator of ecosystem health, and this approach is implemented for the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, U.S.A., which has a long history of hypoxia-related habitat degradation. Through meticulous data preprocessing and feature selection, this research evaluates the predictions of dissolved oxygen concentrations by comparing a recurrent neural network with four other models, including a Multilayer Perceptron, Long Short-Term Memory, Gradient Boosting, and AutoKeras, through sensitivity experiments. The input predictors to our prediction models include water temperature, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, aggregated river discharge, and aggregated wind based on eight directions. By emphasizing the most impactful predictors, we streamlined the model-building processes and built a hindcast system from 2015 to 2019. We found that the recurrent neural network model was most effective in predicting the dissolved oxygen concentrations, with an R2 value of 0.99 at multiple stations. Different from our machine learning hindcast models that used observed upcoming meteorological and discharge data, an actual forecast system would use forecasted meteorological and discharge data. Therefore, an actual operational forecast may have lower accuracy than the hindcast, as determined by the accuracy of the predicted meteorological and discharge data. Nevertheless, our studies enhance our understanding of the factors influencing dissolved oxygen variability and set the basis for the implementation of a predictive tool for environmental monitoring and management. We also emphasized the importance of building station-specific models to improve the prediction results.
External validation of a prognostic model to improve prediction of psychosis: a retrospective cohort study in primary care
Authors: Sullivan Sarah A , Morris Richard , Kounali Daphne , Kessler David , Hamilton Willie , Lewis Glyn , Lilford Philippa , Nazareth Irwin
Published: July 2024

Background

Early detection could reduce the duration of untreated psychosis. GPs are a vital part of the psychosis care pathway, but find it difficult to detect the early features. An accurate risk prediction tool, P Risk, was developed to detect these.

Aim

To externally validate P Risk.

Design and setting

This retrospective cohort study used a validation dataset of 1 647 934 UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care records linked to secondary care records.

Method

The same predictors (age; sex; ethnicity; social deprivation; consultations for suicidal behaviour, depression/anxiety, and substance misuse; history of consultations for suicidal behaviour; smoking history; substance misuse; prescribed medications for depression/anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder/obsessive compulsive disorder; and total number of consultations) were used as for the development of P Risk. Predictive risk, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated for various risk thresholds. Discrimination (Harrell’s C-index) and calibration were calculated. Results were compared between the development (CPRD GOLD) and validation (CPRD Aurum) datasets.

Results

Psychosis risk increased with values of the P Risk prognostic index. Incidence was highest in younger age groups and, in the main, higher in males. Harrell’s C was 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.78 to 0.79) in the validation dataset and 0.77 in the development dataset. A risk threshold of 1.0% gave sensitivity of 65.9% and specificity of 86.6%.

Conclusion

Further testing is required, but P Risk has the potential to be used in primary care to detect future risk of psychosis.
SMART DOOR LOCK SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROTOTYPE USING RFID TECHNOLOGY ID-12
Authors: Aisyah Siti , Ali Yusmar , Saharja Komda , Sani Asrul
Published: July 2024

This smart door lock system is intended to make it easier to control security in specific homes or rooms, such as government offices or factories, to prevent unauthorized entry into a small space. This automatic door lock system includes an ID-12 RFID reader, tag/transponder, Arduino UNO R3, 5v buzzer, drop bolt lock, relay module, and LCD. This ID-12 RFID reader functions as both a receiver and a transmitter. RFID improves system performance by enhancing information acquisition and remote digital archiving. This research aims to develop RFID-based technology by combining it with current information technology development. Contribute to the advancement of scientifically based digital technology.
CLINICAL AND LABORATORY MARKERS FOR ULTRASONIC SIGNS OF CHANGES IN THE PANCREAS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Торопова Е. А. ,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E. A. Wagner, Perm, Russia, Букина Е. В. , Штина И. Е. , Репецкая М. Н. ,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E. A. Wagner, Perm, Russia,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E. A. Wagner, Perm, Russia,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E. A. Wagner, Perm, Russia
Published: July 2024

The study presents the findings of clinical and laboratory markers of pancreatic changes in 111 children and teenagers with no acute pathology. The patients were divided into four groups: the control group of twenty-eight children with healthy pancreas; three groups of observation, including group 1 with twentyseven children with enlarged pancreas, group 2 with twenty-nine children with changes in pancreatic structure in a pancreas of a normal size, and group 3 with twenty-seven children with enlarged pancreas and changes in pancreatic structure. Standard methods of descriptive statistics for complaints, anamnesis, laboratory examinations of complete blood count, biochemical analysis of blood, and a stool test indicating pancreas state were used in a comparative analysis that revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in children from both the control group and observation groups. No specific clinical and laboratory markers for ultrasound changes in the pancreas and ultrasound size of the pancreas were found during a comparative analysis.
ASTHENIC POST-COVID-19 SYNDROME: CLINICAL EFFICACY OF CYTOPROTECTORS
Authors: Зимина Т. А. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia, Барышникова Г. А. , Кудрявцева Н. А. ,   Central State Medical Academy of Department of Presidential Affairs, Moscow, Russia,   Central State Medical Academy of Department of Presidential Affairs, Moscow, Russia
Published: July 2024

The study aims to assess the mechanism and efficacy of cytoprotectors as a supplementary therapy for asthenia based on a literature review. The study discusses the cardioprotective effect of exogenous phosphocreatine and meldonium efficacy, their possible role following the COVID-19 infection, especially in concomitant cardiac pathology, post-COVID-19 syndrome and its manifestation in the form of asthenia, and the need to use these energetics in comprehensive therapy for patients with such diseases.
The Role Of Leadership Practices In Organizational Emotion Management: A Qualitative Research In The Aviation Industry
Authors: Türk Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Leadership is the power to influence people in a group and direct people to a specific goal. Leadership for organizations; It means taking on a mentoring role to keep up with changes in the competitive environment, gain advantage, and contribute to sustainability. In particular, leaders who guide employees are identified with the ability to manage organizational emotions like an orchestra conductor by supporting employees in their working lives and supporting the building of responsibility and self-confidence. In this regard, regardless of the sector and institution, a leader is expected to have the ability to navigate differences. While some sectors require vertical control because they require intense expertise, others are more flexible. However, the aviation sector, which we chose to implement as the key here, needs both features. However, regardless of the sector, it is not possible to talk about leadership characteristics that are suitable for all conditions, as different variability requires different leadership characteristics. The fact that leadership needs this diversity in practice requires a certain level of flexibility and capacity. This aims to correctly direct the network of relationships at the organizational level. Based on this, this research focuses on the leader-follower relationship and aims to determine the role of leaders in emotional management through their followers. This expansion took place in the aviation sector, whose operational business processes and dynamics are relatively different compared to other service sectors. Content analysis, a qualitative analysis method, was used in the research. The sample of the research, for which a focus group interview was held, consists of 22 professionals working in the aviation industry. The interviews conducted in the research were analyzed with the maxqda 22 program, conceptual coding was made and the findings were determined in terms of relationship intensity and the results were presented.
AKILLI ŞEHİR VE YÖNETİŞİM TEMALI MAKALELER ÜZERİNE BİBLİYOMETRİK ANALİZ
Authors: Koçar Uzan Hatike
Published: July 2024

Bu çalışma, "akıllı şehirler" ve "yönetişim" kavramlarını bir arada içeren makaleleri bibliyometrik analiz yöntemiyle inceleyen bir literatür araştırmasıdır. Akıllı şehirler, nesnelerin interneti (IoT) ve sensör teknolojileri gibi inovatif çözümlerle şehirleri çevreci ve akıllı hale getirmeyi amaçlar. Bu dönüşümde, yönetişim kavramı da şeffaf, adil ve katılımcı bir karar alma sürecini benimser. Araştırma, 26 Kasım 2023 tarihinde gerçekleştirilmiş ve Scopus veritabanı üzerinden 826 makale üzerinde odaklanmıştır. İncelenen makalelerin dil olarak İngilizce ağırlıklı olduğu ve 2023 yılının 157 makale ile en yoğun yayın dönemi olduğu belirlenmiştir. En fazla yayını gerçekleştiren ülkeler İngiltere, ABD ve Avustralya'dır. Öne çıkan anahtar kelimeler arasında "smart city," "governance," ve "sustainability" bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca, "ethics", "blockchain", "digital twin," "regulation" ,"collaboration" gibi kelimelerin kullanım sıklığında son yıllarda artış olduğu gözlenmiştir . Çalışma, literatüre önemli katkılar sağlayan yazarları ve bu alandaki önde gelen kurumları da belirlemiştir. En fazla yayını gerçekleştiren yazarlar arasında Zaheer Allam, Stan CM Geertman ve Tan Yiğitcanlar yer almaktadır. Üniversiteit Utrecht, University College London ve Queensland University of Tecnology ise en çok eser üreten kurumlar arasında öne çıkmaktadır. Literatürde eserlerin en çok yayınlandığı dergiler Sustainability, Cities, Suistainable Cities And Society’dir. Yapılan bibliyometrik analiz sonucunda alan araştırmacılarına sistematik literatür sunulmuştur.
Innovation and Human Resources Management in the Health Sector: Systematic Review Study
Authors: Şen Harika
Published: July 2024

The health sector has been developing technologically at an incredible pace in recent years. While this circumstance increases the importance of the concept of innovation, on the other hand, it causes institutions to change their management approach. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the research conducted within the scope of innovation in the field of human resources management in the health sector. The method of the research is "systematic review" (meta-synthesis). Within the scope of the purpose of the research, inferences were made by analyzing the research conducted with a series of keywords related to the concepts of 'innovation' and 'human resources management' with the criteria determined in the 'Web of Science Core Collection' database. Accordingly, 17 articles were examined in line with the study's inclusion criteria. The articles examined were evaluated according to the criteria determined by the researcher (main findings, including keyword, study subject, year of publication, method used, scale, sample size, science/department in which it was written, type of study). According to the results obtained from the research, it is observed that there is only one study that includes human resources management directly related to the concept of innovation. It was determined that the subjects studied in the articles were generally innovation, human resources or innovation and the health sector. The assessment is that the research results will contribute to new studies on related subjects and healthcare enterprises related to these subjects.
YÖNETİCİ HEMŞİRELERİN KARŞILANMAMIŞ HEMŞİRELİK BAKIMINA İLİŞKİN ROLLERİ
Authors: Taşkıran Eskici Gülcan
Published: July 2024

Karşılanmamış hemşirelik bakımı, bir hastanın gereksinim duyduğu herhangi bir hemşirelik bakımının kısmen veya tamamen ihmal edilmesi veya önemli ölçüde geciktirilmesi anlamına gelir. Karşılanmamış hemşirelik bakımına neden olan durumları yönetmede ve karşılanmamış bakımı en aza indirerek hasta güvenliğinin teşvik edilmesinde yönetici hemşirelerin çeşitli sorumlulukları vardır. Bunlardan bazıları şunlardır; örgüt kültürü ve hasta güvenliği kültürü oluşturma, olumlu çalışma ortamı oluşturma ve sürdürme, hemşire iş gücü planlama, ekip çalışmasının teşvik edilmesi, etkili yönetim ve liderlik, açık iletişim ve şeffaflık, hemşirelerin performansının iyileştirilmesi, hemşirelik dokümantasyonunu yeniden tasarlama, hemşirelerin motivasyonunun arttırılması, hemşirelerin kariyer gelişimi ve güçlendirilmesi ve bakımın denetlenmesi ve sorumluluk alma olarak sıralanabilir. Yönetici hemşireler, çalışma ortamı özelliklerine ilişkin olarak hemşire-hasta oranının dengelenmesi, çalışan ve malzeme kaynaklarının sağlanması, kurumun teknolojik, eğitim ve kariyer olanaklarının artırılması gibi hemşire istihdam ve politikalarında iyileştirmeler yapmalıdır. Ayrıca birim yöneticisinin çalışanları desteklemesinin önemi ortaya konduğundan, servis sorumlu hemşirelerinin hemşire astlarını yakından izleyerek desteğe gereksinim duyduklarında bunu karşılaması, ayrıca tüm ekip üyeleri arasında ekip ruhu, uyum, güven ve destek davranışını oluşturacak stratejiler geliştirmelidir. Yeni mezun konumunda ve mesleki deneyimi az olan hemşirelerin, bakımı daha fazla ihmal etmelerinin önlenmesi amacıyla özellikle alt kademe yönetici hemşirelerin koçluk veya mentorluk sistemi gibi yaklaşımlarla hemşireleri desteklemesi önemlidir. Bunun yanında yönetici hemşireler, hemşirelerin bakımı karşılamama nedenlerinden insan kaynakları ve malzeme kaynakları boyutlarına ilişkin olarak hemşire iş gücünü ve dağılımını düzenlemeli ve yeterli sayıda hemşire istihdam edilmesini sağlamalıdır. Yönetici hemşirelerin karşılanmamış hemşirelik bakımını azaltmanın anahtarı olan mesleki bağlılığı ve çalışma ortamını iyileştirmek için müdahale stratejileri oluşturulması ve uygulaması gerekmektedir.
CONVERGENCE IN TERMS OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN THE BANKING SECTOR: EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES
Authors: Kazak Hasan
Published: July 2024

Banks perform an important function in transferring funds to parties in need of capital and the stability of the banking system is vital for economic growth and development. With the developing financial markets and the integration of the world banking system, the stability of the banking system has become a concern for all economies of the world rather than being a national or regional target and/or problem. In this framework, analyzing the stability of the banking system in the European Union countries can provide important data. In this framework, the aim of this study is to reveal the convergence among the member countries of the European Union (member and candidate) based on the non-performing loan ratios of banks operating in the member countries within the framework of the economic integration process. For this purpose, analyses were conducted with the Result of Updated Panic LM Test (Dummy Breaks, Factor) procedure developed by Payne et al. (2022) using the non-performing loan ratios for the period 1997-2022 in the European Union countries. As a result of the analyses, convergence at various levels of significance was found between Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Spain and Türkiye. Moreover, when the break periods are evaluated, it is observed that the regulations in the banking sector affect the convergence relations. The study is expected to make important contributions to decision makers, national policy makers and the banking sector in terms of banking sector standards. It also contributes to the literature as it is the first study that deals with convergence based on non-performing loans (NPLs).
Analisis Struktural dan Nilai Pendidikan Karakter Cerita Rakyat Kecamatan Ciwaru Sebagai Alternatif Bahan Ajar Apresiasi Sastra di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Dadang
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan cerita rakyat di Kecamatan Ciwaru yang meliputi: (1) struktur cerita rakyat; (2) nilai pendidikan karakter yang terkandung dalam cerita rakyat; dan (3) desain bahan ajar apresiasi sastra berbasis nilai pendidikan karakter. Metode dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode deskriptif analisis. Sumber data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu masyarakat yang mengetahui cerita rakyat di setiap desa. Teknik yang digunakan untuk mendapatkan data yaitu teknik wawancara, kuesioner ahli dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian : (1) struktur cerita dalam cerita rakyat Kecamatan Ciwaru memiliki keterkaitan dengan keutuhan dan isi materi cerita yang mengandung nilai-nilai yang dapat diserap pembaca.; (2) nilai pendidikan dalam cerita didominasi oleh nilai pendidikan sosial yang dapat ditemukan pada kelima cerita rakyat tersebut, lebih merata dibanding ketiga nilai pendidikan yang dianalisis; dan (3) cerita memiliki resolusi, koda, konflik, dan penyelesaian yang dapat dijadikan bahan ajar kajian struktur cerita rakyat. Relevansi materi ini termuat dalam silabus pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di SD kelas V, KD 1.2. Berdasarkan hasil penilaian ahli bahan ajar sastra berbasis karakter memperoleh nilai rata-rata dari ahli materi sebesar 96,25% dikategorikan sangat layak, memperoleh nilai ratarata dari ahli desain sebesar 95,83% dikategorikan sangat layak, dan memperoleh nilai rata-rata dari ahli bahasa sebesar 87,5% dikategorikan sangat layak. Nilai ratarata tingkat kelayakan bahan ajar sastra berbasis karakter yaitu memiliki persentase tingkat kelayakan 93,19% dengan kategori sangat layak. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa bahan ajar sastra berbasis karakter layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran.
Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Melalui Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi
Authors: Fenty Tiara Junika  , Siti Dewi Maharani  , Vinencia Ika Indralin
Published: July 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan nilai akademik siswa melalui pendekatan yang berbeda. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan menggunakan sampel 28 siswa kelas III SD Negeri 112 Palembang. Penelitian dilaksanakan dalam tiga siklus, yang setiap siklusnya terdiri dari tahap perencanaan, pelaksanaan, observasi, dan refleksi. Pada siklus I dan II, metode pembelajaran konvensional masih digunakan dan hasil belajar siswa belum mencapai nilai minimal yang ingin dicapai. Pada siklus III, pembelajaran diferensial digunakan dengan membagi siswa menurut gaya belajarnya: visual, auditori, dan kinestetik. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan hasil belajar siswa yang signifikan setelah penerapan pembelajaran diferensiasi. Dari 28 siswa tersebut, sebanyak 26 siswa berhasil mencapai nilai kelulusan minimum (KKM) dengan peningkatan rata-rata nilai kelas. Penerapan pembelajaran diferensial memungkinkan siswa belajar sesuai dengan gaya dan kecepatannya sendiri, sehingga meningkatkan motivasi dan keterlibatannya dalam proses pembelajaran.