bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Poultry Feed Pelleting Machine
Authors: Okwuchukwu Innocent Ani  , Rowland Iheanyichukwu Odinma  , John Ndubuisi Ani
Published: November 2023

The poultry industry plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for animal protein. To ensure optimal growth and productivity of poultry, the formulation and processing of high-quality feed are essential. Feed pelleting is a common method employed to enhance the nutritional value, digestibility, and handling characteristics of poultry feed. The machine which meant for the production of poultry feed pellets in good quantities, was designed, fabricated and its performance evaluation was carried out accordingly. The independent dual operated Poultry Feed Pelleting Machine permits constant production line since the prime mover (diesel engine) would be plunged into operation as at when due, that is, when electricity power supply failed. The materials used were locally sourced which included; mild steel, high carbon steel, aluminum, 3hp electric motor, prime mover and axle. The base materials are corn, soybean, wheat, rice bran, wheat bran, herbs, fish meal, groundnut cake etc. The machine functioned reliably at the throughput capacity of 95kg per hour and up to 800kg per day with 95% efficiency   proved its high performing rate. Moreover, the study showed that useful information in designing pelleting machine that produced pellet optimally when the appropriate moisture condition for feed materials is considered ranging from 20% - 30% with temperature range of 500C-700C. The results indicate that the developed machine offers significant advantages in terms of pellet quality, production efficiency, and energy consumption compared to conventional pelleting methods. The developed machine is recommended to facilitate the production of poultry feed pellets for small scale and medium scale farmers.
Sárga léghajó
Authors: Giustra Martina
Published: November 2023

A jégsportoknak Brunicóban és általában a Puster-völgyben nagy hagyománya van; mindig is ezeket űzték a legtöbben. A régi Rienz stadion 1954-ben épült, 1972-ben, 1990-ben, 1996-ban és 2005-ben különböző átalakítási munkálatokat végeztek rajta. Napjainkra azonban már így sem felelt meg egy modern arénával szemben támasztott követelményeknek. Elhatározták, hogy Brunicóban és az egész Puster-völgyben egy olyan modern jégsport-infrastruktúrát hoznak létre, amely a jégsporttevékenységek befogadásán túl rendezvényeknek (koncertek, kiállítások, vásárok stb.) is otthont adhat. A városban már 1930-ban is játszottak jégkorongot, a HC Val Pusteria pedig 1954 óta az olasz első osztályban versenyez. Az ifjúsági szektorban 200 tinédzser játszik sikeresen nyolc korosztályban (a kezdőtől az U20-as korosztályig).
Multilevel Approach of Factors Influencing Child Marriage among Bangladeshi Women: Data from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Islam Md Ariful , Islam Md Kamrul , Md Al Mamun Abu Sayed , Rana Md Sohel , Hossain Md Golam
Published: November 2023

Child marriage is defined as the marriage of individuals below the age of 18 and is considered a violation of children's rights. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of child marriage among women in Bangladesh and identify the associated factors. This study utilized data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS-2017-18) to analyze a sample of 18,851 ever-married women in Bangladesh. Chi-square test and multilevel logistic regression model was used in this study. By employing this statistical approach, the study aimed to uncover significant factors that contribute to the occurrence of child marriage in the country. The prevalence of child marriage among Bangladeshi women was 73.6%. The multilevel logistic regression model revealed several significant risk factors for child marriage among women in Bangladesh were; division (p<0.01), place of residence (p<0.01), women's and their husbands' education level (p<0.01), number of family members (p<0.01) and religion (p<0.01). The median age at first marriage among Bangladeshi women has been decreasing but still it is a great problem in the nation. This study emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the root causes of child marriage, such as improving access to education, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness about the negative consequences of early marriage on the well-being and development of children. Efforts should be made to empower women and girls, enhance their agency, and create an enabling environment that protects their rights and promotes their overall well-being.
International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 23(2), November, 2023, pp 63-73
Health Performance of the Districts in India: An Empirical Analysis of NFHS-5 Data
Authors: Pal Manoranjan , Pandey Ravi , Bharati Premananda , Bharati Susmita
Published: November 2023

Development and health, specifically child health, can be multi-dimensional and need to be investigated more deeply specially in a developing nation like India. This paper tries to find out the best and the worst performing districts using NFHS-5 district level percentage figures. First, some groups of variables named ‘development’, ‘health’ and ‘health behavior’ were created by taking similar types of variables relevant for the group and then the variables within each group were combined through principal component analysis. The districts were ranked according to the performance of each group and then these ranks were combined to get the overall rank to choose the best and the worst performing districts. We see that among top ten best performing districts, five are from Tamil Nadu, four are from Kerala and one is from Punjab, whereas most of the ten worst performing districts are from Jharkhand and Bihar and the rest are from UP, Assam and Meghalaya. Since another objective of the paper is to find the variables related to the child health scores, this variable was regressed on scores of other groups along with state dummies. Surprisingly all the variables relating to mothers like mother’s health and health facilities, health behaviour, mother being not underweight and mother being not anemic turned out to have significant positive effect on child health. Thus, mothers are the key factor towards the good health of children, and it is the mothers who should be given maximum attention to.
International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 23(2), November, 2023, pp 75-86
PHYSICIAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS- ASSESSMENT OF A PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM IN A WESTERN CANADIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT
Authors: VAN EATON Mckenzie , NİNOVA Polya , NEWAZ Sanjida
Published: November 2023

Physicians experience high rates of burnout due to the job related demands and emotional stressors . As a result, physician health and wellness initiatives have been sought out to mitigate burn out, and work towards advocating for physician well-being. Peer support programs have been used, and found to be effective, in mitigating burn out by utilizing the innate tendency to respond and empathized with shared difficulty. Our study evaluated the effectiveness of peer support and the recommendations needed to implement such a program on a larger scale. 14 physicians from the Regina General Hospital Pediatric department were paired to have informal virtual meetings (during COVID-19) every two weeks for three months. Following the program, physicians were individually interviewed and participated in a short cross sectional survey to understand the experience and perception of the program. Results showed a perceived benefit and value towards the program with an interest in continuing in a more formal fashion. The small department and the inability to meet naturally in person (due to COVID-19) provided limitations. Future indications of the program include continuation, expansion, and advocacy for the program. While providing a more formal structure with administrative support for schedule integration.
EFFECTS OF E-HEALTH LITERACY ON RATIONAL DRUG USE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF HEALTH PERCEPTION
Authors: DENİZ Serkan
Published: November 2023

Rational drug use can make important contributions to the treatment of diseases. Many factors affect rational drug use. This research was undertaken with the aim of defining the mediating role of health perception (HP) in the effect of e-health literacy (eHL) on rational drug use (RDU). The research presented here was performed between March 11 and April 29, 2023, in the Istanbul and Kocaeli provinces and their districts in Türkiye. Data were collected from individuals residing in Istanbul and Kocaeli provinces or in their districts aged 18 and over by online survey method. A total of 520 questionnaires were collected in this process. The findings revealed that eHL positively affects HP. Moreover, eHL and HP positively affect RDU. Finally, it was determined that HP has a mediating role in the effect of eHL on RDU. The research presented here has confirmed that eHL and HP are determinants of RDU. According to these results, some suggestions are presented.
In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of methanolic extract of Bidens pilosa and identification of active compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Cázares-Jaramillo Gabriel Enrique , Molina-Garza Zinnia Judith , Luna-Cruz Itza Eloisa , Solís-Soto Luisa Yolanda , Rosales-Encina José Luis , Galaviz-Silva Lucio
Published: November 2023

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is a significant but neglected tropical public health issue in Latin America due to the diversity of its genotypes and pathogenic profiles. This complexity is compounded by the adverse effects of current treatments, underscoring the need for new therapeutic options that employ medicinal plant extracts without negative side effects. Our research aimed to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of Bidens pilosa fractions against epimastigote and trypomastigote stages of T. cruzi, specifically targeting the Brener and Nuevo León strains—the latter isolated from Triatoma gerstaeckeri in General Terán, Nuevo León, México. We processed the plant’s aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) to obtain a methanolic extract (Bp-mOH) and fractions with varying solvent polarities. These preparations inhibited more than 90% of growth at concentrations as low as 800 μg/ml for both parasite stages. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values for the Bp-mOH extract and its fractions were below 500 μg/ml. Tests for cytotoxicity using Artemia salina and Vero cells and hemolytic activity assays for the extract and its fractions yielded negative results. The methanol fraction (BPFC3MOH1) exhibited superior inhibitory activity. Its functional groups, identified as phenols, enols, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and proteins, include compounds such as 2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde (50.9%), pentadecyl prop-2-enoate (22.1%), and linalool (15.4%). Eight compounds were identified, with a match confirmed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-MS) software through mass spectrometry analysis.
GAGAL GINJAL AKUT AKIBAT INFEKSI SALURAN KEMIH PADA REMAJA : LAPORAN KASUS
Authors: Puspitasari Ajeng
Published: November 2023

Latar belakang : Infeksi saluran kemih (ISK) merupakan salah satu dari infeksi bakteri yang sering diderita oleh anak. Gejala ISK yang muncul pada anak cukup bervariasi dan sering tidak spesifik sehingga penegakan diagnosis untuk ISK dapat terhambat dan dapat menyebabkan komplikasi gagal ginjal. Tujuan : menunjukkan komplikasi keterlambatan penegakan diagnosis infeksi saluran kemih yang menjadi gagal ginjal akut. Kasus : seorang anak perempuan datang ke IGD dengan keluhan demam sejak tujuh hari sebelum masuk rumah sakit, disertai gejala nyeri seluruh lapang abdomen, nyeri pinggang, buang air kecil sangat sedikit, tidak dapat tidur tiga malam terakhir, lemas dan batuk kering. Dalam pemeriksaan lab didapatkan adanya peningkatan kadar ureum dan kreatinin serta dari ultrasonography sound didapatkan adanya gambaran gagal ginjal akut kanan derajat 2-3 dan kolesistitis kronis. Kesimpulan : keterlambatan infeksi saluran kemih dapat menyebabkan komplikasi berupa gagal ginjal akut, dapat dilakukan pemberian terapi berupa antibiotik untuk lini pertama hingga proses hemodialisa.
The impact of the e-tax systems in improving tax collections and accountability in South Sudan a case study of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Juba-South Sudan
Authors: Chol* Peter Mariak , Peter, (Ph.D). Anthony Duku
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the e-tax system on revenue tax collections and compliance in South Sudan. This research looked at three specific objectives which are the impact of the e-tax system on improving tax collections and compliance, the challenges faced by taxpayers in using the e-tax system. and the ways of improving the electronic tax system to enhance tax accountability. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A total of 70 structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the respondents within the National Revenue Authority and the target population. These questionnaires were used to assess the effectiveness and impact of the e-tax system. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that there are impacts of e-tax systems on improving tax collection and compliance in that the e-tax systems have made it easier for taxpayers to file their taxes, the e-tax systems have improved the transparency of tax information, the e-tax systems have led to a significant increase in tax compliance among taxpayers and the e-tax system has resulted in more accurate tax filings and payments. The study also found that there are challenges faced by taxpayers in using the e-tax systems in that users have experienced technical issues while using the e-tax systems, users are concerned about the security and privacy of the information in the e-tax systems and the e-tax systems lack adequate support for taxpayers facing difficulties. Furthermore, the study showed that the ways of improving the electronic tax systems to enhance tax accountability include improving the user interface and navigation of the e-tax system would make it easier to use, enhanced error-checking features should be integrated into the e-tax systems to reduce inaccuracies and the e-tax system should be enhanced through dedicated support channels, such as helplines, email support, or live chats. The study recommended that the National Revenue Authority needs to automate its revenue collection, by partnering with commercial banks and mobile phone networks whereby the taxpayers will be given the option of paying fees through mobile money or branded credit cards via a new revenue collection system.
RESIDENCY RESTRICTION ON COLONIAL GAMBIA CHIEFS.
Authors: Omasanjuwa Akpojevbe
Published: November 2023

Through qualitative analysis the paper examines the soured relationship between Gambian chiefs and their colonial masters and the legal implications of the disciplinary actions the latter meted on the former. By disregarding normal standard legal procedures, the colonial administrators inflicted draconian punishments on chiefs that dare think outside the box. From archival materials, colonial correspondences Colonial Gambia and learned journals publications the paper advanced explanations for the highhandedness of the colonialists which degenerated into residency restrictions imposed on the chiefs, viewed against the legal background of Due Process. The common law court rulings cited to buttress opinions expressed in the paper indicate that colonialism in The Gambia remained a case of the strong exerting control over the weak that had no option but to put up with the inevitable consequences of colonial rule.
The Relationship Of The Talking Stick Learning Method With The Students Learning Activity
Authors: Nur azizah Silviya , Nuruddin Muhammad
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the relationship between the talking stick learning method and the active learning of students in grade IV SDN Tejo 1 Mojoagung. This research is applied to class IV in mathematics subjects, especially the subject matter of building flat squares, rectangles and triangles. This study uses a type of quantitative research on correlation or looking for the level of relationship between two variables, the subject used by the researcher is the entire sample in grade IV students. The sample used was 24 students, consisting of 11 men and 13 women. The data collection method is carried out using questionnaires for student responses and the relationship between the Talking Stick method and student learning activity, observation to find out student learning activity and documentation. The data collection instrument uses observation and questionnaire, after collecting data on the sample. The next step is to analyze the data obtained using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. after the data is said to be valid the results are calculated using the help of SPSS for windows 22.0. hypothesis test using the two-mean difference test with r table. This test is affected by two variances. The results of the study were students' responses to the application of the Talking Stick learning method with the active learning of students in grade IV SDN 1 Mojoagung, namely in the very good category where there were 24 students, range 14, minimum score 86, maximum value 100, average or mean 98.33, sum 2360, standard deviation 4,280. observations between researchers and students about student learning activity before the method is applied with after there is a difference students look more active and comfortable with the talking stick learning method. The result of the correlation between variables X and Y with categories is very strong where the rxy value is 0.998 obtained from the questionnaire of the relationship between the two variables.
The Effect of Cinematic Video Media on Social Student Learning Outcomes for the Fifth Grade at SDN Gempollegundi
Authors: Aisyah Nur , Rahma Pratiwi Emy Yunita
Published: November 2023

Description of the Effect of Video Cinematic Media on Learning Outcomes. The background in this study is that there are low student scores and lack of using learning media. Based on the problems that have been described, this study aims to determine the effect of cinematic video media on student learning outcomes. This research was conducted at SDN Gempollegundi Gudo Jombang with a total population of all class VB students at SDN Gempollegundi Gudo Jombang which consisted of 22 students. This research uses experimental research with pre-experimental method and one group pre-test post-test design. In this case, the instrument used in this study was in the form of an initial test (Pretest) and a final test (Posstets). Information analysis in this study used descriptive analysis and inferential statistical analysis with computer driven program (SPSS) type 16.0. From the results of this study, it can be interpreted or concluded that after using Cinematic Video media in class VB students at SDN Gempollegundi Gudo Jombang there is an influence of education on the Core Content of Social Sciences Theme 6 Sub Theme 1 Pb 3 Human Interaction with the Natural Environment can show that there is a significant comparison of 0.000 smaller than the 0.05 significance (0.000 < 0.05), until the hypothesis (H1) in this case is declared accepted in this study. That is the effect of using Video Cinematic media on student learning outcomes, there is a significant difference between students' skills in mastering the material on Human Interaction with the Natural Environment before and after using Video Cinematic media in class VB students at SDN Gempollegundi Gudo Jombang.
Praktek Pemberian Makan dan Tingkat Pendapatan Keluarga Balita Stunting
Authors: Kusumawati Dwi Erma , Nursafitri  , Adhyanti  , Aslinda Wery , Candriasih Putu
Published: November 2023

Stunting merupakan masalah gizi di Indonesia yang memerlukan penanganan tepat dan cepat. Berdasarkan Survei Status Gizi Balita Indonesia (SSGBI) pada tahun 2019 yang menunjukkan capaian 27,7%(2) yang berarti masih lebih tinggi apabila dibandingkan dengan ambang batas yang ditetapkan WHO yaitu 20%. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui gambaran praktik pemberian makan dan tingkat pendapatan keluarga balita stunting di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kamaipura Kecamatan Tanambulava Kabupaten Sigi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan sampel seluruh balita stunting yang ada di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kamaipura sebanyak 45 balita. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara menggunakan kuesioner. Analisis data secara univariat yang disajikan dalam tabel dan narasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan praktik pemberian makan kategori baik yaitu 40,0%, cukup 44,4% sedangkan tingkat pendapatan kelurga kategori cukup 2,2% dan kategori kurang 97,8%. Kesimpulan penelitian bahwa sebagian besar keluarga balita stunting mempunyai praktik pemberian makan cukup baik, sedangkan tingkat pendapatan masih kurang. Saran yaitu perlu adanya program penguatan dan pemberdayaan ekonomi pada keluarga balita stunting.
Determinan dan Faktor Risiko Stunting pada Remaja di Indonesia : Literature Review
Authors: Alwi M. Akbar , Hamzah Hadzmawaty , Lewa Abd. Farid
Published: November 2023

Latar Belakang: Stunting adalah kondisi gagal tumbuh pada balita karena kekurangan gizi kronis pada 1000 Hari Pertama Kehidupan (HPK). Stunting yang terjadi pada masa balita bisa berefek mengalami stunting pada saat remaja. Oleh sebab itu, status gizi seorang remaja sangat perlu diperhatikan  sehingga dapat menhasilkan keturunan yang sehat. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan peneltian literatur  review dengan menggunakan google schoolar dan Pubmed sebagai sumber pencarian artikel. Hasilnya kemudian disajikan dalam bentuk narasi. Hasil: Determinan dan faktor risiko stunting pada remaja yaitu asupan zink, asupan protein dan sosial ekonomi (jumlah anggota keluarga). Kesimpulan: Asupan gizi (protein dan zink), dan kondisi sosial ekonomi (jumlah berkeluarga) merupakan faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap kejadian stunting pada remaja. Penelitian stunting pada remaja di Indonesia sangat perlu dilakukan karena referensi mengenai topik ini masih sangat terbatas.
Analisis Biaya Satuan (Unit Cost) Pada Penyelenggaraan Makanan Di Sekolah SMP/SMA Sukma Bangsa Sigi
Authors: Rizka Dian , Nurjaya  , Adhyanti  , Hafid Fahmi , Lewa Abd. Farid , Aslinda Wery
Published: November 2023

Latar Belakang: Perhitungan unit cost dalam penyelenggaraan makanan perlu direncanakan secara efektif dan efisien agar makanan yang disajikan memenuhi kebutuhan gizi dan diterima oleh konsumen. Tujuan: Untuk menghitung biaya satuan (unit cost) pada penyelenggaraan makanan di Sekolah Sukma Bangsa Sigi. Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan survey. Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah Direktur Sukma Bangsa Sigi dan Koordinator dapur umum. Objek pada penelitian ini adalah bahan makanan termasuk bumbu-bumbu, tenaga kerja dan overhead dalam proses pengolahan makanan di SMP/SMA Sukma Bangsa Sigi dengan rata-rata konsumen 140 orang/hari. Data diolah dengan perhitungan yang menggunakan aplikasi Microsoft excel. Data disajikan dalam bentuk narasi dan tabel. Hasil: Menunjukkan bahwa biaya bahan makanan (food cost) yaitu Rp. 29.931/orang/hari, biaya tenaga kerja Rp. 21.214/orang/hari, biaya overhead Rp. 2.497/orang/hari, profit Rp. 0 sehingga unit cost Rp. 53.642. Persentase terhadap unit cost untuk biaya bahan makanan (food cost) sebesar 55,8%, biaya tenaga kerja sebesar 39,5%, biaya overhead sebesar 4,7% dan profit sebesar 0%. Kesimpulan: Penyelenggaraan makanan di Sekolah Sukma Bangsa Sigi diharapkan menggunakan biaya satuan (unit cost) menu sesuai hasil penelitian agar komposisi menu lebih lengkap dan sesuai pedoman gizi seimbang. Pemberian lauk hewani dan buah lebih ditingkatkan terutama pada makan pagi dan makan malam.
Biochemical and hemostatic description of a thrombin-like enzyme TLBro from Bothrops roedingeri snake venom
Authors: Vilca-Quispe Augusto , Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Gomes Heleno Mauricio Aurelio , Ponce-Fuentes Emilio Alberto , Vera-Gonzales Corina , Zegarra-Aragon Herly Fredy Enrique , Aquino-Puma Juan Luis , Talavera-Núñez María Elena , Del-Aguila-Arcentales Shyla , Yáñez Jaime A. , Ponce-Soto Luis Alberto
Published: November 2023

Objective: The current study’s objective is to characterize a new throm-bin-like enzyme called TLBro that was obtained from Bothrops roedingeris snake from a biochemical and hemostatic perspective.

Methodology: One chromatographic step was used to purify it, producing the serine protease TLBro. Molecular mass was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be between reduced and unreduced by 35 kDa. Tryptic peptide sequencing using Swiss Prot provided the complete amino acid sequence. Expasy.org by conducting a search that is limited to Crotalinae snake serine proteases and displaying a high degree of amino acid sequence.

Results: Ser (182) is inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and TLBro demonstrated the presence of Asp (88) residues. It also deduced the positions of His (43) and Ser (182) in the set of three coordinated amino acids in serine proteases. It was discovered that this substrate had high specificity for BANA, Michaelis-Menten behavior with KM 0 point85 mM and Vmax 1 point89 nmoles -NA/L/min, and high stability between temperatures (15 to 70°C) and pHs (2 point0 to 10 point0). According to doses and incubation times, TLBro degraded fibrin preferentially on the B-chain; additionally, its activities were significantly diminished after preincubation with divalent ions (Zn2 and Cd2). When incubated with PMSF, a particular serine protease inhibitor, enzymatic activities and platelet aggregation were inhibited.

Conclusion: The findings revealed distinct structural and functional differences between the serine proteases, adding to the information and assisting in the improvement of the structure-function relationship.
A modified vertical eddy diffusivity parameterization in the HWRF model based on large eddy simulations and its impact on the prediction of two landfalling hurricanes
Authors: Li Xin , Pu Zhaoxia , Zhang Jun A. , Zhang Zhan
Published: November 2023

Vertical eddy diffusivity (VED) in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) has a significant impact on forecasts of tropical cyclone (TC) structure and intensity. VED uncertainties in PBL parameterizations can be partly attributed to the model’s inability to represent roll vortices (RV). In this study, RV effects on turbulent fluxes derived from a large eddy simulation (LES) by Li et al. (Geophys. Res. Lett., 2021, 48, e2020GL090703) are added to the VED parameterization of the PBL scheme within the operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) model. RV contribution to VED is parameterized through a coefficient and varies with the RV intensity and velocity scale. A modification over land has also been implemented. This modified VED parameterization is compared with the original wind-speed-dependent VED scheme in HWRF. Retrospective HWRF forecasts of Hurricanes Florence (2018) and Laura (2020) are analyzed to evaluate the impacts of the modified VED scheme on landfalling hurricane forecasts. Results show that the modified PBL scheme with the RV effect leads to an improvement in 10-m maximum wind speed forecasts of 14%–31%, with a neutral to positive improvement for track forecasts. Improved wind structure and precipitation forecasts against observations are also noted with the modified PBL scheme. Further diagnoses indicate that the revised PBL scheme enhances moist entropy in the boundary layer over land, leading to improved TC intensity prediction compared to the original scheme.
Influence of basalt fiber on performance of thin overlayer asphalt mixtures based on multiple experimental methods
Authors: Li Bo , Zhou Yangyang , Wu Zhengguang , Kang Aihong , Wu Bangwei , Luo Chufan
Published: November 2023

Because of the fast deterioration speed of the surface function of conventional asphalt pavement, thin overlayer with many advantages has been applied to the pavement surface. However, due to problems such as insufficient stripping resistance and cracking resistance, the performance of the thin overlayer needs to be further improved. To achieve this target, basalt fiber was introduced into two types of thin overlayer asphalt mixtures (Open graded friction course, OGFC-5, and Stone matrix asphalt mixture, SMA-5). The wheel tracking test and uniaxial penetration test for high temperature deformation resistance, low temperature bending beam test and indirect tensile asphalt (IDEAL) cracking test for cracking resistance, cantabro test for stripping resistance, and friction coefficient test for skid resistance were conducted to evaluate various performance of thin overlayer asphalt mixtures, along with the dynamic modulus test for dynamic mechanical response. The results showed that adding basalt fiber could enhance the high temperature deformation resistance, low temperature cracking resistance, intermediate temperature cracking resistance and stripping resistance of the thin overlayer, while having no significant impact on skid resistance. Furthermore, adding basalt fiber could increase the modulus in the high temperature region and decrease the modulus in the low temperature region of the thin overlayer asphalt mixtures, indicating thin overlayer with basalt fiber presenting superior both high temperature and low temperature performance. In addition, the evaluation indexes of SLT and SHT proposed from dynamic modulus test exhibited good consistency with the results of the performance tests.
A predictive model for disease severity among COVID-19 elderly patients based on IgG subtypes and machine learning
Authors: Zhuang Zhenchao , Qi Yuxiang , Yao Yimin , Yu Ying
Published: November 2023

Objective

Due to the increased likelihood of progression of severe pneumonia, the mortality rate of the elderly infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is high. However, there is a lack of models based on immunoglobulin G (IgG) subtypes to forecast the severity of COVID-19 in elderly individuals. The objective of this study was to create and verify a new algorithm for distinguishing elderly individuals with severe COVID-19.

Methods

In this study, laboratory data were gathered from 103 individuals who had confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using a retrospective analysis. These individuals were split into training (80%) and testing cohort (20%) by using random allocation. Furthermore, 22 COVID-19 elderly patients from the other two centers were divided into an external validation cohort. Differential indicators were analyzed through univariate analysis, and variable selection was performed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The severity of elderly patients with COVID-19 was predicted using a combination of five machine learning algorithms. Area under the curve (AUC) was utilized to evaluate the performance of these models. Calibration curves, decision curves analysis (DCA), and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) plots were utilized to interpret and evaluate the model.

Results

The logistic regression model was chosen as the best machine learning model with four principal variables that could predict the probability of COVID-19 severity. In the training cohort, the model achieved an AUC of 0.889, while in the testing cohort, it obtained an AUC of 0.824. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent consistency between actual and predicted probabilities. According to the DCA curve, it was evident that the model provided significant clinical advantages. Moreover, the model performed effectively in an external validation group (AUC=0.74).

Conclusion

The present study developed a model that can distinguish between severe and non-severe patients of COVID-19 in the elderly, which might assist clinical doctors in evaluating the severity of COVID-19 and reducing the bad outcomes of elderly patients.
Case report: Area of focus of management of severe pityriasis rubra pilaris by dose optimization of adalimumab biosimilar in combination with acitretin and montelukast
Authors: Heidemeyer Kristine , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Farnina Lena , Bossart Simon , Feldmeyer Laurence , Yawalkar Nikhil
Published: November 2023

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory skin disorder characterized by hyperkeratotic follicular papules, orange-red scaling plaques with islands of sparing and palmoplantar keratoderma. While spontaneous resolution occurs in some cases, treatment can be challenging for others. The use of biologics in PRP management has gained attention in recent studies, although their high costs and potential side effects present limitations. We present a case of a 71-year-old patient with treatment-resistant PRP who showed significant improvement through optimized adalimumab treatment. Considering the emerging role of phospholipase A2 in PRP pathogenesis, montelukast was added, further enhancing the therapeutic response. By maintaining montelukast and prolonging the adalimumab interval to 3 and 4 weeks, effective dose optimization was achieved without PRP relapse. This case report highlights the potential for adalimumab dose optimization by shortening the initial treatment interval for increased effectiveness and lengthening the interval during the maintenance phase to conserve medication doses. Montelukast appears to assist in sustaining clinical outcomes during interval prolongation, necessitating further investigation through additional studies.
An atypical GdpP enzyme linking cyclic nucleotide metabolism to osmotic tolerance and gene regulation in Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Zhu Xifang , Baranowski Eric , Hao Zhiyu , Li Xixi , Zhao Gang , Dong Yaqi , Chen Yingyu , Hu Changmin , Chen Huanchun , Citti Christine , Wang Aiping , Guo Aizhen
Published: November 2023

Nucleotide second messengers play an important role in bacterial adaptation to environmental changes. Recent evidence suggests that some of these regulatory molecular pathways were conserved upon the degenerative evolution of the wall-less mycoplasmas. We have recently reported the occurrence of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) in the ruminant pathogen Mycoplasma bovis, which was involved in c-di-AMP metabolism. In the present study, we demonstrate that the genome of this mycoplasma species encodes a PDE of the GdpP family with atypical DHH domains. Characterization of M. bovis GdpP (MbovGdpP) revealed a multifunctional PDE with unusual nanoRNase and single-stranded DNase activities. The alarmone ppGpp was found unable to inhibit c-di-NMP degradation by MbovGdpP but efficiently blocked its nanoRNase activity. Remarkably, MbovGdpP was found critical for the osmotic tolerance of M. bovis under K+ and Na+ conditions. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed the biological importance of MbovGdpP in tRNA biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and several steps in genetic information processing. This study is an important step in understanding the role of PDE and nucleotide second messengers in the biology of a minimal bacterial pathogen.
In silico design and mechanistic study of niosome-encapsulated curcumin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Khaleghian Mohammad , Sahrayi Hamidreza , Hafezi Yousef , Mirshafeeyan Mahshad , Moghaddam Zahra Salehi , Farasati Far Bahareh , Noorbazargan Hassan , Mirzaie Amir , Ren Qun
Published: November 2023

Curcumin, an important natural component of turmeric, has been known for a long time for its antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm action of the niosome-encapsulated curcumin and explore the involved anti-biofilm mechanism. In silico investigations of ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were first performed to predict the suitability of curcumin for pharmaceutical application. Curcumin showed low toxicity but at the same time, low solubility and low stability, which, in turn, might reduce its antimicrobial activity. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, curcumin was encapsulated using a biocompatible niosome system, and an encapsulation efficiency of 97% was achieved. The synthesized curcumin-containing niosomes had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 178 nm. The niosomal curcumin was capable of reducing multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus biofilm 2–4-fold compared with the free curcumin. The encapsulated curcumin also demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity on the human foreskin fibroblasts. To understand the interaction between curcumin and S. aureus biofilm, several biofilm-related genes were analyzed for their expression. N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (IcaD), a protein involved in the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and known to play a function in biofilm development, was found to be downregulated by niosomal curcumin and showed high binding affinity (-8.3 kcal/mol) with curcumin based on molecular docking analysis. Our study suggests that the niosome-encapsulated curcumin is a promising approach for the treatment of MDR S. aureus biofilm and can be extended to biofilms caused by other pathogens.
Pantoea bathycoeliae sp. nov and Sodalis sp. are core gut microbiome symbionts of the two-spotted stink bug
Authors: Fourie Arista , Venter Stephanus N. , Slippers Bernard , Fourie Gerda
Published: November 2023

Stink bug species (Pentatomoidea superfamily) have developed an interdependence with obligate bacterial gut symbionts in specialized midgut crypts (M4 sub-region). Species of the Enterobacteriaceae family (predominantly Pantoea) are vertically transferred to their offspring and provide nutrients that cannot be obtained from plant sap food sources. However, the bacteria in the other gut compartments of stink bugs have rarely been investigated. The two-spotted stink bug, Bathycoelia distincta, is a serious pest of macadamias in South Africa. Nothing is currently known regarding its gut microbiome or how symbionts are transferred between insect generations. In this study, the consistency of B. distincta gut bacteria across geographic locations and life stages was determined with 16S rRNA metabarcoding, considering both the M4 and other gut compartments. A novel Pantoea species was found to be the primary M4 gut symbiont and is vertically transferred to the offspring. The other gut compartments had a low bacterial diversity and genera varied between stink bug populations but a Sodalis species was prominent in all populations. Sequence data of the M4 compartment were used to produce high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for the Pantoea and Sodalis species. Functional analyses suggested a similar role in nutrient provision for the host, yet also unique metabolites produced by each species. The Sodalis sp. also had additional traits, such as secretion systems, that likely allowed it to establish itself in the host. The Pantoea species was described as Pantoea bathycoeliae sp. nov based on the rules of the SeqCode.
Virulence factors in carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Mendes Gabriel , Santos Maria Leonor , Ramalho João F. , Duarte Aida , Caneiras Cátia
Published: November 2023

Hypervirulence and carbapenem-resistant have emerged as two distinct evolutionary pathotypes of Klebsiella pneumoniae, with both reaching their epidemic success and posing a great threat to public health. However, as the boundaries separating these two pathotypes fade, we assist a worrisome convergence in certain high-risk clones, causing hospital outbreaks and challenging every therapeutic option available. To better understand the basic biology of these pathogens, this review aimed to describe the virulence factors and their distribution worldwide among carbapenem-resistant highly virulent or hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains, as well as to understand the interplay of these virulence strains with the carbapenemase produced and the sequence type of such strains. As we witness a shift in healthcare settings where carbapenem-resistant highly virulent or hypervirulent K. pneumoniae are beginning to emerge and replace classical K. pneumoniae strains, a better understanding of these strains is urgently needed for immediate and appropriate response.
Co-vulnerabilities of inhibiting carbonic anhydrase IX in ferroptosis-mediated tumor cell death
Authors: McDonald Paul C. , Dedhar Shoukat
Published: November 2023

The tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases (CA) IX and XII are upregulated by cancer cells to combat cellular and metabolic stress imparted by hypoxia and acidosis in solid tumours. Owing to its tumour-specific expression and function, CAIX is an attractive therapeutic target and this has driven intense efforts to develop pharmacologic agents to target its activity, including small molecule inhibitors. Many studies in multiple solid tumour models have demonstrated that targeting CAIX activity with the selective CAIX/XII inhibitor, SLC-0111, results in anti-tumour efficacy, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint blockade, and has now advanced to the clinic. However, it has been observed that sustainability and durability of CAIX inhibition, even in combination with chemotherapy agents, is limited by the occurrence of adaptive resistance, resulting in tumour recurrence. Importantly, the data from these models demonstrates that CAIX inhibition may sensitize tumour cells to cytotoxic drugs and evidence now points to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death (RCD) that results from accumulation of toxic levels of phospholipid peroxidation as a major mechanism involved in CAIX-mediated sensitization to cancer therapy. In this mini-review, we discuss recent advances demonstrating the mechanistic role CAIX plays in sensitizing cancer cells to ferroptosis.
Hybrid UNet transformer architecture for ischemic stoke segmentation with MRI and CT datasets
Authors: Soh Wei Kwek , Rajapakse Jagath C.
Published: November 2023

A hybrid UNet and Transformer (HUT) network is introduced to combine the merits of the UNet and Transformer architectures, improving brain lesion segmentation from MRI and CT scans. The HUT overcomes the limitations of conventional approaches by utilizing two parallel stages: one based on UNet and the other on Transformers. The Transformer-based stage captures global dependencies and long-range correlations. It uses intermediate feature vectors from the UNet decoder and improves segmentation accuracy by enhancing the attention and relationship modeling between voxel patches derived from the 3D brain volumes. In addition, HUT incorporates self-supervised learning on the transformer network. This allows the transformer network to learn by maintaining consistency between the classification layers of the different resolutions of patches and augmentations. There is an improvement in the rate of convergence of the training and the overall capability of segmentation. Experimental results on benchmark datasets, including ATLAS and ISLES2018, demonstrate HUT's advantage over the state-of-the-art methods. HUT achieves higher Dice scores and reduced Hausdorff Distance scores in single-modality and multi-modality lesion segmentation. HUT outperforms the state-the-art network SPiN in the single-modality MRI segmentation on Anatomical Tracings of lesion After Stroke (ATLAS) dataset by 4.84% of Dice score and a large margin of 40.7% in the Hausdorff Distance score. HUT also performed well on CT perfusion brain scans in the Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation (ISLES2018) dataset and demonstrated an improvement over the recent state-of-the-art network USSLNet by 3.3% in the Dice score and 12.5% in the Hausdorff Distance score. With the analysis of both single and multi-modalities datasets (ATLASR12 and ISLES2018), we show that HUT can perform and generalize well on different datasets.

Code is available at: https://github.com/vicsohntu/HUT_CT.
Evaluation of the SH-SY5Y cell line as an in vitro model for potency testing of a neuropeptide-expressing AAV vector
Authors: Zanker Jeanette , Hüser Daniela , Savy Adrien , Lázaro-Petri Sara , Hammer Eva-Maria , Schwarzer Christoph , Heilbronn Regine
Published: November 2023

Viral vectors have become important tools for basic research and clinical gene therapy over the past years. However, in vitro testing of vector-derived transgene function can be challenging when specific post-translational modifications are needed for biological activity. Similarly, neuropeptide precursors need to be processed to yield mature neuropeptides. SH-SY5Y is a human neuroblastoma cell line commonly used due to its ability to differentiate into specific neuronal subtypes. In this study, we evaluate the suitability of SH-SY5Y cells in a potency assay for neuropeptide-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We looked at the impact of neuronal differentiation and compared single-stranded (ss) AAV and self-complementary (sc) AAV transduction at increasing MOIs, RNA transcription kinetics, as well as protein expression and mature neuropeptide production. SH-SY5Y cells proved highly transducible with AAV1 already at low MOIs in the undifferentiated state and even better after neuronal differentiation. Readouts were GFP or neuropeptide mRNA expression. Production of mature neuropeptides was poor in undifferentiated cells. By contrast, differentiated cells produced and sequestered mature neuropeptides into the medium in a MOI-dependent manner.
Properties and physiological effects of dietary fiber-enriched meat products: a review
Authors: Mishra Bidyut Prava , Mishra Jyotiprabha , Paital Biswaranjan , Rath Prasana Kumar , Jena Manoj Kumar , Reddy B. V. Vivekananda , Pati Prasad Kumar , Panda Susen Kumar , Sahoo Dipak Kumar
Published: November 2023

Meat is a rich source of high biological proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but it is devoid of dietary fiber, an essential non-digestible carbohydrate component such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides. Dietary fibers are basically obtained from various cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and their by-products and have numerous nutritional, functional, and health-benefiting properties. So, these fibers can be added to meat products to enhance their physicochemical properties, chemical composition, textural properties, and organoleptic qualities, as well as biological activities in controlling various lifestyle ailments such as obesity, certain cancers, type-II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bowel disorders. These dietary fibers can also be used in meat products as an efficient extender/binder/filler to reduce the cost of production by increasing the cooking yield as well as by reducing the lean meat content and also as a fat replacer to minimize unhealthy fat content in the developed meat products. So, growing interest has been observed among meat processors, researchers, and scientists in exploring various new sources of dietary fibers for developing dietary fiber-enriched meat products in recent years. In the present review, various novel sources of dietary fibers, their physiological effects, their use in meat products, and their impact on various physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes have been focused.