bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structured L-BFGS method with diagonal scaling and its application to image registration
Authors: Mannel Florian , Aggrawal Hari Om
Published: May 2024

We devise an L-BFGS method for optimization problems in which the objective is the sum of two functions, where the Hessian of the first function is computationally unavailable while the Hessian of the second function has a computationally available approximation that allows for cheap matrix-vector products. This is a prototypical setting for many inverse problems. The proposed L-BFGS method exploits the structure of the objective to construct a more accurate Hessian approximation than in standard L-BFGS. In contrast to existing works on structured L-BFGS, we choose the first part of the seed matrix, which approximates the Hessian of the first function, as a diagonal matrix rather than a multiple of the identity. We derive two suitable formulas for the coefficients of the diagonal matrix and show that this boosts performance on real-life image registration problems, which are highly non-convex inverse problems. The new method converges globally and linearly on non-convex problems under mild assumptions in a general Hilbert space setting, making it applicable to a broad class of inverse problems. An implementation of the method is freely available.
Mathematics Subject Classification 65J22 · 65K05 · 65K10 · 90C06 · 90C26 · 90C30 · 90C48 · 90C53 · 90C90
Intraspecific variation of sex ratio and body size along latitude in the termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Morooka Fumiya , Maekawa Kiyoto , Kitade Osamu
Published: May 2024

The Japanese subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus exhibits a female-biased alate sex ratio and a wide north-south distribution area. The possible causes of the biased sex ratio can be tested by examining alate sex ratios and their geographical variation. Considering the need for adaptation to the winter fasting period, a body size cline of alates may be present in this species. In this study, we examined variations in the sex ratio, head width, and dry weight of R. speratus alates in 157 colonies from 16 populations on the Japanese archipelago. The alate sex ratio was biased toward females; however, no colonies without males were found, thus contradicting the hypothesis that parthenogenetic colonies founded by two female alates bias the sex ratios. The sex ratio bias was more pronounced at lower temperatures (higher latitudes), which supports the hypothesis that asexual queen succession causes sex ratio bias. Interestingly, a distinct split sex ratio was observed at low-temperature sampling sites, indicating the existence of another factor causing disruptive selection. The head widths and dry weights of alates were larger at lower temperatures and higher latitudes. This is the first study of an intraspecific latitudinal body size cline in termites, which is common in a temperate ant species and many ectotherms.
Exploring Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Focused Trainings and Quality Improvement Initiatives in the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Strelzer Samantha , Julius Joseph , Anicet Niyo , Byabato Odillo , Chiwanga Faraja , Hassan Saria , Kayandabila Festo , Laizer Agness , Majuta Trustworthy , Murray Brittany , Said Tatu , Ndile Samson
Published: May 2024

Background
With high mortality rates and persisting constraints on resources, the question of how to implement quality care in a low-resource setting is imperative to answer to prevent excess deaths. In Tanzania, it was found that the mean average of knowledge in critical care settings was 38.6% in hospitals. Moreover, despite the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare implementing a Quality Improvement (QI) program, there have been continual obstacles to the success of patient outcomes, sparking high mortality rates. This research aims to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementing sustainable quality improvement and educational projects in Tanzania to transform quality care in a low resource setting.
Methods
After a needs assessment identifying local gaps in knowledge, a two-day site- and context-specific critical care training program was developed for providers working in the intensive care unit at the National Hospital. It included modules on Vital Signs Directed Therapy (VSDT), Cardiopulmonary and Brain Resuscitation (CPBR) knowledge and critical care concepts. Alongside medical knowledge topics, quality improvement measures and change management were also highlighted during the education. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to understand the experience of those involved in the training program. Utilizing rapid qualitative analysis, interview themes were extracted. A total of seven providers were interviewed.
Results
All providers recognized a positive impact of trainings and QI at their institution, noting that QI is institution-wide and engenders a culture shift. The themes that emerged included the following: A supportive team dynamic with identified advocates to champion QI practices has been a key factor. Moreover, the interviewees consistently identified barriers to providing quality care and to integrating QI at the National Hospital. Respondents perceived that change management has had an effect on their practice and the hospital culture.
Conclusion
Themes from interviews showed respondents appreciated the training and found change management concepts useful. This study suggests that combining Critical Care Training Program with QI concepts can impact a culture of change and may be of benefit to incorporate within a systematic approach to strengthening capacity of critical care delivery in limited resource settings, with implications for further innovation in other LMICs.
The NLRP1 inflammasome emerges as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker across multiple cancer types: A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Habibipour Leila , Sadeghi Mahboubeh , Raghibi Alireza , Khorasani Amirhossein Mohajeri , Mousavi Pegah , Sanadgol Nima
Published: May 2024

Aims: Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) serves as the central component of the inflammasome complex and has emerged as a potential contributor to cancer development. Despite accumulating evidence, a comprehensive assessment of NLRP1 across various cancer types has yet to be undertaken.
Main Methods: Several databases have evaluated NLRP1 expression across various cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Additionally, studies have investigated the correlation between NLRP1 and various survival metrics, infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts, genetic alterations, drug sensitivity, and promoter methylation. Furthermore, research has explored the potential roles of NLRP1 and its interactions with other proteins.
Key Findings: Our analysis revealed decreased expression of NLRP1 in BLCA, BRCA, KICH, LUAD, LUSC, PRAD, and UCEC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. We identified a significant correlation between NLRP1 expression and various cancer survival parameters, genetic mutations, and immune infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Furthermore, we observed that NLRP1 expression is regulated by promoter DNA methylation in ESCA. Abnormal expression of NLRP1 was associated with decreased sensitivity to multiple anti-tumor drugs and small compounds. NLRP1 was found to be involved in pathways associated with T cell receptors and chemokines.
Significance: Reduced NLRP1 expression contributes to cancer progression and holds potential as a crucial biomolecular marker for diagnostic, prognostic, and personalized therapeutic interventions across different malignancies.
Spam detection in IoT based on hybrid deep learning model and multi-objective optimization by NSGA II
Authors: Dehghani Samira , Ahmadinia Mohammad , Ghafoori Seyed Hamid
Published: May 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects a range of things, including sensors, physical devices, controllers, and intelligent computer processors. Physical objects with the ability to organize and control independently are referred to as smart devices in the IoT architecture. The interconnected nature of devices within these networks makes them susceptible to various cyber threats, with spam posing a significant risk. Thus, the significance of effective spam detection in IoT networks, especially in the context of smart grids, lies in safeguarding the reliability, security, and optimal functionality of critical infrastructure systems essential for our modern way of life. Existing methods in IoT spam detection have often overlooked the critical aspects of extracting hidden dependencies and addressing the imbalanced nature inherent in spam data, limiting their effectiveness in ensuring comprehensive security measures. In this study, bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) and Convolution neural network (CNN) are combined with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm- II (NSGA II) multi-objective optimization method to effectively detect spam in IoT. The novelty of this study combines deep learning models through multi-objective optimization to simultaneously capture spatial and temporal dependencies, addressing the challenge of imbalanced spam data in IoT. Our method excels over baseline and previous approaches in IoT spam detection, leveraging real data to adeptly capture hidden dependencies and effectively address the inherent imbalances in spam data, resulting in heightened accuracy and reliability of the detection system.
The effects of HIIT/MICT on the inhibition of fat accumulation during training and detraining
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Qiqi , Zhang Lukai , Liu Hui , Zhu Xian’gui , Li Hong , Zhang Haifeng
Published: May 2024

Background:
HIIT had at least comparable effect on inhibiting the increase of fat compared with MICT. However, few studies have been conducted to examine their effects of detraining on body fat with high-fat diet rats. This study aimed to compare the effects of 10-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) as well as 6-week detraining on body fat in high-fat diet rats.
Methods:
After 8-week high-fat feeding, fifty-four rats were randomly assigned to six groups: 1)CON-T(n = 9): sedentary for 10 weeks (T10); 2)MICT-T(n = 9): 10-week MICT; 3)HIIT-T(n = 9): 10-week HIIT; 4)CON-D(n = 9):sedentary for 16 weeks (T16); 5)MICT-D(n = 9): 10-week MICT and 6-week training cessation; 6)HIIT-D(n = 9): 10-week HIIT and 6-week training cessation. The training cession performed 5 days/week. The subcutaneous (inguinal; SCAT), visceral (periuterine; VAT) adipose tissue and serum lipid profiles were analyzed by histological staining. ATGL expression in VAT was assessed by Western Blot at T10 and T16.
Results:
Ten-week HIIT and MICT inhibited the increase of SCAT, VAT and serum lipid levels compared with CON. After 6-week detraining, HIIT continued to inhibit the increase of adipose tissue mass whereas MICT at least maintained this inhibition induced by the training compared with CON. The inhibition primarily resulted from the adipocyte hypertrophy prevention. HIIT showed the most significant expression of ATGL after training and detraining.
Conclusions:
HIIT which had a comparable effect to MICT in preventing fat mass increase during training showed superior sustainability to MICT after detraining.
Exploring Pediatric Neuroblastoma: A Comprehensive Analysis of Adrenal and Non-Adrenal Tumor Characteristics in the United States
Authors: Al-Wawi Gaith Emad , Refai Omar Al , Al-Wawi Zaki Emad , Qasim Asma , Hammami M Bakri
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive malignant tumor arising from a primitive neural crest origin. While the significance of tumor location in survival outcomes is recognized, it remains inadequately explored. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the survival, and characteristics of pediatric adrenal and non-adrenal NB in the United States (US).Methods Retrospective analysis of pediatric primary NB between 1975 and 2016 was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to determine prognostic variables.Results A total of 4554 patients were included, 52% Males (n = 2385) and 79.2% Caucasians (n = 3569). Median age was 1 year old [Range 0–19]. 44.4% (n = 1996) had adrenal NB and 55.6% (n = 2496) non-adrenal. Adrenal NB was significantly more prevalent among males and those presenting at a younger age (p < 0.001). Adrenal NB was more likely to have a higher grade and distant metastasis at diagnosis (p < 0.001). Non-adrenal NB, female sex, surgical resection, and later year of diagnosis were associated with improved survival (p < 0.001).Conclusion This study highlights important risk factors that are helpful for prognostication of NB patients in the US. Tailored approaches considering tumor site are crucial for effective management of NB.
A discrete element model for multi-field numerical analysis of the CO 2 transport in fractured rock matrix
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Liu Chun , Liu Hui , Chen Longlong
Published: May 2024

In order to investigate fluid flow in fractured porous media, this study presents a multi-field fracture-pore seepage model based on the discrete element method. The fluid transport, heat conduction and convection in pore system and fractures are considered in the model. The numerical model is validated using seepage tests to ensure correctness and accuracy. Besides, the established model is analyzed for two scenarios: isotropic micro-fractures and anisotropic micro-fractures with different numbers of micro-fractures. The relationship between the macro permeability and micro permeability is investigated, which is further used to determine different micro-fracture distributions based on the model and field conditions. Furthermore, the proposed model is applied to a field CO2 sequestration experiment to simulate the CO2 injection process, as well as the temperature, and pressure variations. The results indicate that the proposed model can provide insight into fracture distribution by combining macro-micro permeability relationship and field conditions. The results also help predict the fluid flow, facilitating the simulation of field engineering applications and investigation of fluid migration characteristics.
Carotid Body Tumor: Characteristics and Surgical Outcome
Authors: Kakamad Fahmi Hussein , Mustafa Mihr Naif , Yasin Shara Wahdaldeen , Xalid Shanga Sherzad , Mohammed Ayoob A. , Othman Snur , Hiwa Dilan S. , Abdullah Hiwa O. , Abdalla Berun A. , Nasralla Hawkar A. , Ahmed Sasan M. , Mustafa Ayman M. , Hassan Shko H. , Hussein Bushra O.
Published: May 2024

Background
Carotid body tumors are uncommon neuroendocrine growths near the carotid bifurcation. While some advocate preoperative embolization to minimize bleeding, others avoid it due to complications. This study shares the experience of a single center in managing patients with carotid body tumors without practicing preoperative embolization
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of patients with carotid body tumors managed between 2020 and 2024. Data were collected from the hospital’s registry. Routine blood tests, neck ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans, when necessary, were conducted. The tumors were categorized according to Shamblin classification. The average duration of follow-up was 20 months.
Results
The study involved 25 patients, with 22 (88%) females and 3 (12%) males. Their ages ranged from 27 to 85 years old. Twenty (80%) cases presented with neck swelling, and six (24%) had positive medical history. Tumors were mainly on the right side (52%), with 20 (80%) showing ill-defined neck masses. Tumor sizes ranged from 1.5 to 7 cm, with Shamblin type II tumor being discovered in the majority of cases (72%). Types of tumors were significantly associated with the tumor size (p-value < 0.05). Blood transfusion was required in five cases (20%); three from type III and two from type II, with none from type I (p-value = 0.001). Temporary neurological deficits occurred in 3 cases (12%). No functional impairment or mortality was recorded.
Conclusions
Carotid body tumors are rare tumors with an unknown etiology. Operation without practicing preoperative embolization may be a feasible management with an acceptable outcome.
Investigating Geogenic Sources of Selenium in Shallow Groundwaters of Las Vegas Valley, USA
Authors: Ehsani Sahar , James David , Hodge Vernon , Zhou Xiaoping , Buck Brenda , Karakouzian Moses , Ahmad Izrar
Published: May 2024

Selenium concentrations above Environmental Protection Agency safe levels are of potential concern in various parts of the Las Vegas Valley in both water and sediment media. Previous studies suggest that the source of elevated selenium in the Valley is possibly resurfacing groundwater. Shallow groundwater flows into Las Vegas Wash wetlands and therefore has important environmental implications for surface water quality and aquatic life. The objective of this study was to identify the source of selenium in the shallow groundwater of the Las Vegas Valley through a detailed geochemical analysis. A comparison of major anions and cations concentrations and the 4 trace oxyanions (Se, B, As, and Mo) in the Quaternary alluvium (Qa) zone versus Quaternary to Tertiary (QTs) zone wells show that Qa wells consistently exhibit higher concentrations of all the mentioned parameters than QTs wells. The mean Qa concentrations of the major ions and trace oxyanions ranged between 130–728% higher than the mean QTs concentrations. Study results suggest that selenium concentrations in the shallow groundwater in the Qa zone were highly correlated (p < 0.01) with the major ions: Na+ (r = 0.88), K+ (r = 0.87), SO42− (r = 0.86), NO3−-N (r = 0.74), and TDS (r = 0.84), and EC (r = 0.87) indicating a common source genesis. However, in the QTs zone, correlations among Se and the mentioned parameters were not significant. Principal component analysis performed on the major ions, EC, TDS, and Se of Qa and QTs showed that Se was one of the influencing parameters in the first principal component of Qa; however, in QTs, Se did not contribute to the variations of the first principal component. Pearson correlations further corroborated that salinity is associated with Se, B, and As in the Qa zone and only associated with B in the QTs zone. Overall, many more significant associations of Se with water quality parameters were determined in the Qa than in the older QTs formations, indicating that geological processes and formations’ mineralogy have influenced the mentioned associations.
QSAR study of anti -leishmania activity of quinolines, A DFT calculation
Authors: Hosseini Sharieh , tootonphoroosh Zahra mashhadi ali
Published: May 2024

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which are spread by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. Quinoline derivatives have shown potential as antileishmanial agents. However, it is important to note that quinoline derivatives are still in the research phase, and their clinical use for leishmaniasis treatment is not yet established. This study aimed to conduct QSAR modeling of quinoline derivatives and develop new drugs with anti leishmania properties. A total of 52 compounds were carefully chosen for this study. The optimized compounds and quantum descriptors were obtained using Gaussian software and the DFT/B3LYP computational method with a 6-31G (d) basis set. Other descriptors were determined using Dragon software. To analyze the relationship between these descriptors and the activity of the compounds, the MLR linear correlation method was employed. As a result, a QSAR equation with an R2 = 0.74 and R=0.86 was derived. The model's acceptability was further confirmed by the values of RMSE (0.48), and Q2 (0.62). The obtained equation indicates that the negative coefficients of MATS1v, GATS6m and HATS7u influence the activity of these compounds. This implies that as these descriptors' values increase, the compounds' activity decreases. Conversely, the activity of these compounds is influenced by the positive coefficients of HATS8e, R5u+, and G2u. In other words, as these descriptor values increase, the activity of the compounds also increases. This correlation between the experimental and predicted activity values demonstrates a strong relationship.
AG-Net: Category-level 6D Pose Estimation Network Based on Attention Mechanism and Global Enhancement
Authors: Bowen Shi , Jinlong Shi , Suqin Bai , Qiang Qian , Zhen Ou , Dan Xu , Ruixue Gong
Published: May 2024

How to effectively enhance feature extraction is a challenge faced by current 6D pose estimation methods. To address this issue, we propose a novel 6D pose estimation network based on VI-Net, shortened as AG-Net, which uses ECA block and Global enhancev module to enhance feature extraction: ECA block embeds a channel attention mechanism into the convolutional layers, replacing the fully connected layers with 1×1Conv to capture relationships between different channels and improves the performance of feature extraction. The Global enhancev module further processes the received information and enhances feature extraction by fusing global features, effectively balancing performance and speed, and better estimating the translation and size of objects. We applied the proposed AG-Net to category-level 6D pose estimation tasks and tested it on the REAL275 and CAMER25 datasets using IOU 3D intersection and n◦mcm evaluation metrics. The results showed that AG-Net outperformed current state-of-the-art methods. Our code and models are available at https://github.com/AFESDTTM/AG-Net
Correlation-Based Feature Selection of Single Cell Transcriptomics Data from Multiple Sources
Authors: Mitić Nenad S. , Malkov Saša N. , Ružičić Mirjana M. Maljković , Veljković Aleksandar N. , Čukić Ivan Lj. , Lin Xin , Lyu Minjie , Brusić² Vladimir
Published: May 2024

When using data mining or machine learning techniques on large and diverse datasets, it is often necessary to construct descriptive and predictive models. Descriptive models are used for discovering relationships among the attributes of the data while predictive models identify the characteristics of the data that will be collected in future. Bioinformatics data are high-dimensional, making it practically impossible to apply the majority of "classic" algorithms for classification and clustering. Even when the algorithms are useful, the training with large multidimensional data significantly increases the processing time. The algorithms specialized for working with high-dimensional data often cannot process data that contains large data sets that have several thousand dimensions (features). Dimension reduction methods (such as PCA) do not provide satisfactory results, and in addition, they obscure the meaning of the initial attributes in the data. For the constructed models to be usable, they must meet the requirement of scalability due to the large increase in the amount of bioinformatics data collected daily. Furthemore, the significance of the individual data features can also differ from source to source. This work describes an attribute selection method to efficiently classify high-dimensional (30,698) transcriptomics data collected from multiple sources. The proposed method was tested using 22 classification algorithms. The classification results for the selected sets of attributes are comparable to the results for the complete set of attributes.
RETRACTED: A systematic review of the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education
Authors: Küçük Enes , Cincil Fidaye , Karal Yasemin
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Analyzing the effect of oceanic turbulence on spreading properties of the Whittaker-Gaussian laser beam
Authors: Nossir N. , Dalil-Essakali L. , Belafhal A.
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the spreading feature of the Whittaker-Gaussian light beam (WG) propagating through turbulent oceanic environments by utilizing the diffraction integral formula and under the Rytov approximation theory. From the analytical formula, some numerical simulations are derived and analyzed to examine the evolution of the axial intensity of the corresponding beam propagating through oceanic turbulence. The outcomes that were achieved show that the development of the variation of the intensity of the WG beam depends strongly on its starting parameters and oceanic variables including the wavelength, the beam waist, the dissipation rate of mean-square temperature, the ratio of temperature to salinity fluctuation and the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy per unit mass of ocean. The outcomes acquired by our simulations have significant applications in the fields of subsea optical communication and imaging technologies.
Assessment of interactive effects of sowing window and genotype, especially over intensity of disease outbreak and its consequences on vital yield and quality parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Debnath Abhijit , Mohanty A. K. , Singha A K , Debbarma Rubin , Bhowmik Tanmoy , Das Bapi , Kumar Rahul , Shaktivel T
Published: May 2024

In order to identify the most efficient combination of two components, viz., sowing windows and genotypes of tomato, the current study was conducted in the Northern Tripura as an autumn-winter crop. The complete trial's findings demonstrated the negative impacts of high and frequent occurrences of tomato diseases, including tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYCLV), bacterial wilt, early and late blight, on yield and quality characteristics. When transplanting was mostly done as late as 7th December during both the years, the maximum intensities of TYCLV, bacterial wilt, early and late blight of 18.69%, 10.61%, 5.55% and 6.45%, respectively, were detected with Local cultivar. On the other hand, the lowest average yield loss (1.81%) was recorded for these genotypes - Arka Abhed, Arka Rakshak, and Arka Samrat - with sowing windows as October 7th and 21st, which had higher yield potential (66.25 t ha− 1). They also had significantly better lycopene (56.43 mg 100g− 1) and carotenoids (104.00 mg 100g− 1) contents. From this, it can be inferred that growing of tomatoes in these regions during the autumn-winter months would be most fruitful, if done between the second to last week of October, using varieties such as Arka Abhed, Arka Rakshak, and Arka Samrat. If further types are to be included, genotypes like Kashi Aman and Arka Apeksha might be added and this period of transplanting duration could be prolonged up to first week of November.
Return to work
Authors: McLure Hamish , Shinde Samantha , Redfern Nancy , Marshall Jane , Al Najjar Zaid , Bree Steve , Keats Paula , Oswal Smita , McCormack Victoria , Blackburn Blandina
Published: May 2024

Work is important. For most, it provides a host of positive emotions as well as the opportunity for social contact and the financial support that enables us to enrich our lives in other ways. If we can no longer work due to ill health, requirement to look after a loved one or following capability or conduct proceedings, the personal impact can be devastating. Even when taking time out of the workplace for positive life enhancing reasons, such as having a baby or a career break to pursue another interest, there can still be a negative impact on knowledge, skills, self-esteem, confidence and finances. An absence of 3 months or more is likely to significantly affect skills and knowledge, and an absence of 2 years or more is generally accepted as a period when formal retraining will be required. Returning to work after a prolonged period away is often greeted with a mixture of eagerness and anxiety for the clinician returning and the manager facilitating the process. For anaesthetists, there are additional concerns compared with some other specialties because anaesthesia requires a comprehensive medical knowledge-base, advanced technical skills to be immediately available and the ability to cope with multiple stimuli as well as the stamina to remain vigilant during long quiet periods. Anaesthesia is an intellectually, physically and emotionally demanding specialty. In this high-risk environment, an underperforming anaesthetist may easily harm a patient. Such high stakes mandate a thoughtful and carefully planned return. Even senior colleagues will require support, supervision, assessment, and in some cases further training. Returning colleagues may have obvious physical scars, but there may also be psychological injuries that are hidden. Good communication is key, but sharing important information must be balanced with confidentiality. If the return is tailored to the individual and managed well, colleagues will come back as healthy, safe and productive doctors. If it is done badly, there is the potential for significant harm to both patients and colleagues.
Examination of the psychological well-being of students during the coronavirus pandemic: The case of Hungarian economic universities
Authors: Erdei-Gally Szilvia , Bernadett Vágány Judit
Published: May 2024

A long, familiar stage of life ends with graduation from secondary school. The closure of this phase can also be seen as a loss or mourning: saying goodbye to high school, parting with old friends, teachers, environment, etc. After entering the university, young people will be not only new students of higher education, but also new participants in the labor market, which means that they will have to satisfy both needs at the same time. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic complicates this situation. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to understand the mental health status and problems of first-year students currently enrolled for three undergraduate business courses in Budapest. This research paper investigates whether the pressures, isolation, uncertainty, financial worries, loss of control, and moving back in with parents caused by the pandemic have had an impact on students’ mental health. This study used the EPOCH model. The EPOCH-H questionnaire was filled in by 1,719 first-year full-time students. Based on the results, a total of 8 main groups and its subgroups of factors were affected by the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic. These students will be workers in the future carrying these effects with them. According to the results, students’ mental health needs to be strengthened in typical educational processes, and maintaining and improving students’ mental health should be the focus of all higher education institutions in the future.
Implementation of the Ecosystem Services Concept in the Environmental Legislation of Ukraine: Current State and Prospects
Authors: Suetnov Evgeny
Published: May 2024

The article outlines the general principles of the concept of ecosystem services and examines the current state and prospects of its implementation in national environmental legislation.
It is established that the need to introduce this concept has already been envisaged by a number of strategic programmatic documents, headed by the “Basic Principles (Strategy) of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine for the Period up to 2030”, but this concept is still not reflected at the level of key environmental legal acts, in particular, the Law of Ukraine “On Environmental Protection” and resource-specific codes and laws which not only lack any mention of ecosystem services, but also hardly ever use the term “ecosystem” at all.
It is proved that one of the ways to implement the concept of ecosystem services in Ukraine is to develop an appropriate legal framework, namely: The Law of Ukraine “On Ecosystem Services” and other related bylaws, which should be done in the near future. At the same time, it is substantiated that in addition to the adoption of new legislation in this area, it is extremely important to analyze the current environmental legislation through the prism of the ecosystem approach and make appropriate changes and additions to it, since only under such conditions can legislative gaps and conflicts be avoided and a coherent model for implementing the concept of ecosystem services be developed, which in the current realities of the armed aggression of the russian federation will help to assess and take into account all the damage caused to the environment of Ukraine.
Prohibitions in criminal law
Authors: Serpak Oleh
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of prohibitions in criminal law (criminal law prohibitions). Despite the fact that the issue of criminal law prohibitions is becoming increasingly relevant, it still remains poorly researched and controversial.
This paper lays down the methodological foundations for the study of prohibitions in criminal law. In particular:
1) the author distinguishes between the concepts of «criminal law», «criminal legislation» and «criminal code»;
2) the author examines national criminal law through the prism of the public law branch of Ukraine (analyses certain aspects of criminal law regulation and criminal law relations; expresses the author’s position regarding the powers of entities representing the State in criminal law relations)
3) the author defines the concept of «criminal law provision», identifies its features, studies its structure, and also identifies the criteria for its classification.
Taking into account the conclusions on the above issues, the author analyses prohibitions in the criminal law of Ukraine: the author proposes a definition of this term, identifies its features, makes its classification, and studies the legal consequences of violation of domestic criminal law prohibitions.
The scientific work also contains the results of a study of foreign experience. Thus, the criminal legislation of the former USSR republics was subjected to a thorough study. The author notes that there are two models of understanding the concept of «prohibition in criminal law».
In writing this article, the author used scientific works of Ukrainian and foreign legal scholars, as well as domestic and foreign regulatory legal acts.
For a more detailed understanding of the subject matter of the study, the article is illustrated with three author’s diagrams and one map.
The research work is a multidimensional analysis of prohibitions in criminal law, which allows for further development of this topic.
Creative industries: concept, features, and problems of legislative interpretation
Authors: Shtefan Anna
Published: May 2024

The article explores the concept of creative industries, suggests their features, and analyses the list of creative industries of Ukraine in terms of correctness of legislative interpretations and substantive compliance with creative fields of activity. The definition of creative industries has been improved: these are areas of economic activity that create (produce) goods and/or provide services based on the use of intellectual (creative) capital and commercialize them by combining creative results with business solutions, which leads to the creation of added value and jobs. The use of the National Classifier of Ukraine DK 009:2010 "Classification of Types of Economic Activity" as the basis for the list of creative industries in 2019 was a wrong decision which, however, logically follows from the definition of creative industries introduced in 2018 in the Law of Ukraine "On Culture" which qualifies them as types, not spheres of economic activity. The literal application of this concept has led to the fact that the national list of creative industries has the following shortcomings: 1) artificial segmentation of one field of activity into several creative industries; 2) artificial unification of different areas of creative activity into one creative industry; 3) absence in the list of fields of activity which are essentially creative industries; 4) coverage by the list of fields of activity which do not produce creative products and do not provide creative services. It is concluded that a new, qualitatively different list of creative industries needs to be approved.
Identifying the Crucial Biomarker of MASH-Related HCC
Authors: Zhou Haiyang , Zhang Yinjie , Shen Yuhang , Chen Shuai , Yang Zhen , Wang Zhihuai , Qin Xihu , Zhu Chunfu
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the key oncogenic factor of metabolicassociated steatohepatitis (MASH) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

We utilized four differential GEO datasets (GSE164760, GSE139602, GSE197112,
and GSE49541) to identify the key oncogenic factor for MASH-related HCC. The differential
genes were analyzed using the GEO2R algorithm online. The GEPIA online website was used to
explore the expression of selected four genes (SPP1, GNMT, CLDN11, and THBS2). The genetic alterations in genes were estimated by the cBioPortal website. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter
online database was applied to explore the prognostic value of SPP1. Univariate and multivariate
Cox analyses were carried out to further confirm the prognostic value of SPP1. The GO and
KEGG enrichment analysis exported associated pathways with SPP1 expression. The positively
or negatively related immune cells and immune checkpoint expressions were identified through
Pearson correlation analysis. The lipogenesis-associated proteins were detected using western
blotting and fluorescence. The high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model was constructed, and liver samples were collected.

Results:

SPP1, GNMT, CLDN11, and THBS2 were determined in the transformation process of
MASH to liver fibrosis. SPP1 and GNMT were upregulated in the HCC tumor tissue. SPP1, in
particular, had the potential to be the prognostic factor through Cox analysis. Remarkably, SPP1
was highly expressed in HCC compared to normal tissues in three independent datasets
(GSE121248, GSE14520, and GSE45267). SPP1 is mainly involved in the amplification and
deep deletion mutations. SPP1 was found to be strongly correlated with ANXA2 expression, and
ANXA2 was also highly expressed in HCC with significant prognostic performance. Moreover,
SPP1 was found to participate in the carcinogenic mechanism and correlate with immune cells
and immune checkpoint expression. SPP1 knockdown suppressed the SREBP1 and FASN expressions and increased the SIRT1 expression in vitro. Moreover, the HFD model validated the
upregulation of SPP1 in the fatty liver in vivo.

Conclusion:

SPP1 may be the key oncogenic factor for the transformation of MASH to HCC,
and it could be a potential immunotherapeutic target in HCC.
Role of Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Management of Pulmonary Sequestration; A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kakamad Fahmi H. , Amin Bnar J. Hama , Ahmed Harem K. , Najmadden Zana B. , Tahir Soran H. , Abdullah Ari M. , Kareem Pavel M. , Ahmed Hawar S. , Mohammed Shvan H. , Mohammed Karukh K. , Abdalla Berun A. , Abdalla Sarhang Sedeeq , Kakamad Suhaib H.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare birth defect. It is a nonfunctioning dysplastic lung tissue without connection to the tracheobronchial tree, and its blood supply is from
one or more aberrant systemic arteries. The aim of this study is to review the current literature regarding the role of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the management of pulmonary sequestration.

Objective:

This review aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in managing pulmonary sequestration while considering patient characteristics, symptoms, arterial sources, surgical techniques, and postoperative advantages.

Methods:

The Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published in English. Article titles containing the words “Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic
Surgery for Pulmonary Sequestration and/or VATS” were filtered out of the search to exclude a
large portion of irrelevant studies. The extracted data were analyzed. The data extracted were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results:

After excluding the unrelated articles, 27 studies were identified for analysis; most of the
studies (18) were case reports, with nine being case series, and the total number of patients who
underwent pulmonary sequestration by VATS was 240. Both genders were equally affected (125,
52% were male and 115, 48% were female), the most common presenting symptom was coughing,and the descending thoracic aorta was the most common artery from which the feeders originated. About 149 patients (62.08%) underwent a lobectomy.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary sequestration can safely be treated by VATS at single or multiple ports
with a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and fewer analgesic requirements.
Use of MRI Radiomics Models in Evaluating the Low HER2 Expression in
Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Hao , Hou Yan , Xue Lin-Yan , Fan Wen-Long , Gao Bu-Lang , Yin Xiao-Ping
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics models in evaluating the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)
expression in breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:

The MRI data of 161 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (non-special type) of breast cancer were retrospectively collected, and the MRI
radiomics models were established based on the MRI imaging features of the fat suppression T2 weighted image (T2WI) sequence, dynamic
contrast-enhanced (DCE)-T1WIsequence and joint sequences. The T-test and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)
algorithm were used for feature dimensionality reduction and screening, respectively, and the random forest (RF) algorithm was used to construct
the classification model.

Results:

The model established by the LASSO-RF algorithm was used in the ROC curve analysis. In predicting the low expression state of HER2 in breast
cancer, the radiomics models of the fat suppression T2WI sequence, DCE-T1WI sequence, and the combination of the two sequences showed
better predictive efficiency. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the verification set of low, negative, and positive
HER2 expression, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value was 0.81, 0.72, and 0.62 for the DCE-T1WI sequence model, 0.79, 0.65 and 0.77 for
the T2WI sequence model, and 0.84, 0.73 and 0.66 for the joint sequence model, respectively. The joint sequence model had the highest AUC
value.

Conclusions:

The MRI radiomics models can be used to effectively predict the HER2 expression in breast cancer and provide a non-invasive and early assistant
method for clinicians to formulate individualized and accurate treatment plans.
Herbal Interactions with Cardiac Medications: A Comprehensive Review of Potential Interactions between Herbal Drugs and Commonly Prescribed
Cardiac Medications
Authors: Jyothi M. Vijaya , VL Ashoka Babu , Wagh Vijay D , Rasheed Azhar , Dayaramani Richa , Panigrahy Uttam Prasad , Wal Pranay , Gunjal Sachinkumar Dnyaneshwar
Published: May 2024

Background:

The concomitant use of herbal remedies in conjunction with conventional
cardiac medications has increased significantly in recent years, primarily due to improvements in the
quality standards of herbal medicines and the pervasive belief that natural products pose no harm to
the human body. Contrary to this belief, multiple phytoconstituents found in herbal products have the
potential to interact with conventional cardiac drugs, potentially resulting in severe adverse effects.

Objective:

This review aimed to elucidate the intricacies of these interactions highlighting herbal
medications that interact with established pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of cardiovascular
disorders. Moreover, the review draws attention to safety concerns and preventative steps that should
be taken by patients and medical professionals.. This endeavor is vital to avert adverse events stemming
from such interactions.

Methods:

Our approach entailed a comprehensive literature review employing keywords such as "mechanisms
of herb-drug interactions,” "herbal medications,” and "cardiovascular disorders.” The drugs presented
in this review were selected based on their popularity among the general population, frequency of
their employability, and potential to manifest drug interactions. We sourced pertinent information from
reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Elsevier.

Results:

Heart or blood vessel disorders are referred to as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which include
conditions such as heart failure, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
The primary underlying factor for the development of CVDs is dyslipidemia, which can be
treated with classical antihyperlipidemic drugs such as statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9-inhibitors. The
use of herbal remedies is often unregulated, and there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting their
use, particularly in the management of heart failure. Patients may not disclose their use of herbal remedies
to health care practitioners, which can result in potential harm.

Conclusion:

Uncontrolled dyslipidemia leads to hypercholesterolemia, which can result in atherosclerotic
plaques and blocked arteries and veins. Herbal remedies and botanical products are also used to
prevent or treat illnesses, and many prescription pharmaceuticals are made from plant compounds.
Herbal remedies are often preferred because of the belief that they are safe and have no potential to
cause harm. However, there is insufficient scientific data to support the use of herbal remedies, especially
when treating heart disease. Using herbal remedies in conjunction with medicinal pharmaceuticals
may result in unfavorable effects.
Structure-Based Virtual Screening Identifying Novel FOXM1 Inhibitors as the Lead Compounds for Glioblastoma
Authors: Swati Kumari , Srivastava Rashi , Agrawal Kirti , Panda Siva Prasad , Parkash Anand , Kumar Dhruv , Chen Hailiang
Published: May 2024

Background:

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly heterogeneous brain tumor
with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as a
critical factor in GBM resistance and management, contributing to tumor growth, heterogeneity,
and immunosuppression. The transcription factor FOXM1 has been identified as a key player in
the progression, spread, and therapy resistance of various cancers, including GBM.

Objective:

In this research, the objective was to perform structure-based in silico screening with
the aim of identifying natural compounds proficient in targeting the DNA-binding domain (DBD)
of the FOXM1 protein.

Methods:

In this study, in silico tools were employed for screening a hundred naturally occurring
compounds capable of targeting the FOXM1 protein. Through molecular docking analysis and
pharmacokinetic profiling, five compounds were found to be promising candidates for extensive
interaction with the FOXM1 protein. Further, these compounds were validated for the stability of
the FOXM1-natural compound complex using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Results:

Four compounds, such as Withaferin A, Bryophyllin A, Silybin B, Sanguinarine and
Troglitazone (control compound), emerged as promising candidates with substantial interactions
with FOXM1, suggesting their potential as a protein inhibitor based on molecular docking investigations.
After MD simulation analysis, the FOXM1- Bryophyllin A complex was found to maintain
the highest stability, and the other three ligands had moderate but comparable binding affinities
over a period of 100 ns.

Conclusion:

This study provides valuable insights into four promising FOXM1 inhibitors that
have the ability to induce senescence in GBM stem cells. These findings contribute to the development
of structure-based designing strategies for FOXM1 inhibitors and innovative therapeutic approaches
for the treatment of Glioblastoma.