bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Risk Factors and Predicting Long COVID in a Spanish Cohort
Authors: Teruel Antonio Guillén , Andreu Jose Luis Mellina , Reina Gabriel , Billalabeitia Enrique González , Iborra Ramón Rodríguez , Palma José , Botía Juan A. , Cisterna-García Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Many studies have investigated symptoms, comorbidities, demographic factors, and vaccine effectiveness in relation to long COVID (LC-19) across global populations. However, a number of these studies have shortcomings, such as inadequate LC-19 categorisation, lack of sex disaggregation, or a narrow focus on certain risk factors like symptoms or comorbidities alone. We address these gaps by investigating the demographic factors, comorbidities, and symptoms present during the acute phase of primary COVID-19 infection among patients with LC-19 and those who experienced reinfection, comparing them to typical COVID-19 patients. Additionally, we assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on these patients. Drawing on data from the Regional Health System of the Region of Murcia in southeastern Spain, our analysis includes comprehensive information from clinical and hospitalisation records, symptoms, and vaccination details of over 675126 patients across 10 hospitals.We calculated age and sex-adjusted odds ratios (AOR) to identify protective and risk factors for LC-19. Our findings reveal distinct symptomatology, comorbidity patterns, and demographic characteristics among patients with LC-19 versus those with typical COVID-19. Notably, factors such as age, female sex (AOR = 1.39, adjusted p <0.001), symptoms such as chest pain (AOR >1.55, adjusted p <0.001) or hyposmia (AOR >1.5, adjusted p <0.001) and being vaccinated (AOR = 0.10, adjusted p <0.001) significantly influence the risk of LC-19. Interestingly, symptoms and comorbidities show no significant differences when disaggregated by type of LC-19 patient. Vaccination before infection is the most important factor and notably decreases the likelihood of long COVID. Particularly, mRNA vaccines offer more protection against developing LC-19 than viral vector-based vaccines (AOR = 0.48). Additionally, we have developed a model to predict LC-19 that incorporates all studied risk factors, achieving a balanced accuracy of 73% and ROC-AUC of 0.80. This model is available as a free online LC-19 calculator, accessible at (LC-19 Calculator).
Cooperativity and halonium transfer in the ternary NCI···CH 3 I··· - CN halogen-bonded complex: An ab initio gas phase study
Authors: Parra Rubén D.
Published: August 2024

Context The strength and nature of the two halogen bonds in the NCI···CH3I···−CN halogen-bonded ternary complex are studied in the gas phase via ab initio calculations. Different indicators of halogen bond strength were employed to examine the interactions including geometries, complexation energies, NBO Wiberg bond indices, and AIM parameters. The results show that the halogen bond is strong and partly covalent in nature when CH3I donates the halogen bond, but weak and noncovalent in nature when CH3I accepts the halogen bond. Significant halogen bond cooperativity emerges in the ternary complex relative to the corresponding heterodimer complexes, NCI···CH3I and CH3I···−CN, respectively. For example, the CCSD(T) complexation energy of the ternary complex (-18.27 kcal/mol) is about twice the sum of the complexation energies of the component dimers (-9.54 kcal/mol). The halonium transfer reaction that converts the ternary complex into an equivalent one was also investigated. The electronic barrier for the halonium transfer was calculated to be 6.70 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T) level. Although the MP2 level underestimates and the MP3 overestimates the barrier, their calculated MP2.5 average barrier (6.44 kcal/mol) is close to that of the more robust CCSD(T) level. Insights on the halonium ion transfer reaction was obtained by examining the reaction energy and force profiles along the intrinsic reaction coordinate, IRC. The corresponding evolution of other properties such as bond lengths, Wiberg bond indices, and Mulliken charges provides specific insight on the extent of structural rearrangements and electronic redistribution throughout the entire IRC space.Methods The MP2 method was used for geometry optimizations. Energy calculations were performed using the CCSD(T) method. The aug-cc-pVTZ basis set was employed for all atoms other than iodine for which the aug-cc-pVTZ-PP basis set was used instead.
The effect of different types of drugs on balance and reaction ability of female abstainers
Authors: Wang Jingsong
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE: Drug abuse can damage a number of physiological functions of the human body to a certain extent, such as a phenomenon similar to neurasthenia to the nervous system, making the body unresponsive, walking unsteady, etc.; suggesting that drugintake may react to the body. The ability and balance control ability have an impact. This paper aims to compare the balance (dynamic and static) and reaction speeds of Anesthetic drugs, Psychotropic drugs and mixed drugs, and explore the differences in the effects of different types of drugs on the body's nervous control system.
METHODS: This experiment conducted a random sampling test on drug rehabilitation centers in eight provinces across the country to test the abstainers' dynamic balance ability and static balance ability.
RESULTS: The results obtained after the physical fitness test were compared. One-legged standing balance test: the abstainers who took the Psychotropic drugs stood longer than the Anesthetic drugs, but the mixed drugs did not differ. Star Excursion Balance Test: The overall appearance of large, small presents as Anesthetic drugs, mixed drugs and Psychotropic drugs. Reaction time: The overall reaction speed is from fast to slow: people who smoke Psychotropic drugs, those who use mixed drugs, and those who use Anesthetic drugs.
Conclusion: Psychotropic drugs will give priority to destroying the dynamic balance of the human body. Because mixed drugs are a combination of new and Anesthetic drugs, the damage to the dynamic balance of the human body is second only. The Anesthetic drugs have the priority to destroy the static balance of the human body. The reaction rate is the same as above, and the mixing is only second. However, its specific mechanism has yet to be further studied.
Multi-strategy instructional intervention for healthy eating intention among school going adolescents: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Bhandari Prashamsa , Adhikari Sandip , Bhandari Pratik , Adhikari Shiksha , Adhikari Chiranjivi
Published: August 2024

Background
Adolescence is a unique stage of life characterized by significant physical, psychological, and cognitive development. Maintaining healthy eating behaviors during this period is crucial for preventing various forms of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. This study aimed to assess the effect of educational interventions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on improving healthy eating intention of adolescents in selected schools in Bardiya District.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted among eighth and ninth grade aged between 12–18 years from two selected public schools in Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality of Nepal, intone as an intervention (IG) and another as a control group (CG), randomly. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires at baseline and 3 weeks after the intervention. The intervention package consisted interactive lecture, group discussion, poster, educational video, and a song, whereas the students in the control group did not receive any intervention. The educational intervention for the IG consisted of 6 sessions, each of 60 min. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS V22, using chi-square test, paired t-test, and linear regression.
Results
The educational intervention led to significant improvements in knowledge and TPB constructs with these changes being statistically significant (p < 0.001). The adjusted mean score increase in TPB constructs due to the interaction of time and intervention increased from 0.47 to 5.49. The highest gain (β = 5.49; p = 0.001) was seen in the perceived behavioural control score, while a minor improvement was seen in behaviour (β = 0.47; p = 0.112). After the intervention, the net increase in healthy eating intention score was 14.8% compared to the control group.
Conclusions
The study concluded that educational interventions effectively improved adolescents' healthy eating intentions. Moreover, these interventions successfully encouraged positive changes in their healthy eating attitudes. Model-based and construct-oriented programs can be used in schools to promote healthy eating intentions.
Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Profile Of Young Male and Female Tunisian Handball Players U15
Authors: Samir Krichen , Chirine Aouichaoui , Hamada Chaari , Liwa Masmoudi , Yousri Elghoul , Monia Zaouali , Yassine Trabelsi , Hamdi Chtourou , Mohamed Zouch
Published: August 2024

Aims
The purpose of the present study was to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between adolescent handball players across age categories, and to determine which anthropometric and maturity variables have the greatest relative importance.
Methods
The sample consisted young handball players. Testing consisted of anthropometric and physical measures of body height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), arm span, hand length, 5-20m sprint, repeated sprint ability, change of direction speed and aerobic shuttle run test. Two different sets of analysis were undertaken according to their age at peak height velocity (APHV). Full and stepwise regression models were used to identify which anthropometric parameters significantly contributed to performance variables.
Results
All anthropometric parameters increased with age. According to gender we observed a non-significant difference between all levels. The 20m speed test, change of direction speed and aerobic shuttle run test reported a statistically significant gender difference with best performance values for boys. Physical tests were the best predictors of performance based on the results of the multiple regressions.
Conclusion
Young handball players' anthropometric parameters and physical performance can be used to detect and identify talent, whereas maturation is a crucial factor in choosing the most appropriate variables.
Seroprevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus infection and its Associated Risk Factors in Dairy Cattle in and Around Sebeta sub city, Ethiopia
Authors: Tura Teferi , Tamiru Yobsan , Dima Chala , Garoma Abebe , Kebede Abraham , Abdeta Debela
Published: August 2024

Background: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a highly infectious disease affecting cattle, leading to significant economic losses in many countries engaged in cattle production.
Methods: From February 2022 to October 2022, a study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in the Sebeta subcity area of Sheger city, Ethiopia. The study utilized a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on herd management practices from dairy farm owners. Serum samples from 170 individual cattle across 34 herds were collected and tested for BVDV antibodies using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prevalence of BVD antibodies at both the animal and herd levels was analyzed, and potential risk factors were identified using Chi-square analysis and logistic regression.
Results: The study found that 19.41% of individual cattle (33 out of 170) and 44.12% of herds were positive for BVDV antibodies. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified several significant risk factors associated with BVDV infection. Multiparous dairy cows were found to be 2.3 times more likely to be seropositive compared to primiparous and nulliparous cows. Crossbreed dairy cattle had double the odds of being seropositive compared to pure breeds. Additionally, cattle from larger herds were 5.01 times more likely to be seropositive than those from smaller herds. Farms that introduced new animals had triple the odds of seropositivity compared to those that did not.
Conclusion: The study indicates a high exposure rate of cattle to BVDV infection in and around Sebeta sub-city. Further research is recommended to explore the molecular epidemiology of BVDV in the region.
Analyzing COVID-19 Trends in Canada, Mexico, and the Netherlands Using the Harris Extended Inverted Kumaraswamy Distribution
Authors: Bengalath Jabir , Punathumparambath Bindu
Published: August 2024

Statistical probability distributions are frequently used in real-world data analysis. However, data from fields such as environmental science, finance, and biomedical sciences may not always fit in classical distributions. This usually requires the development of new distributions that better reflect data behavior in a variety of situations. In this paper, we introduce a new four-parameter distribution termed the Harris extended inverted Kumaraswamy(HEIK) distribution, is proposed and analyzed in detail. This generalization accommodates well-known submodels including MOEIK, IK, Lomax, MOL, Beta Type II, and others, as observed in this study. The study includes the basic properties of the observed probabilistic model. Explicit expressions for major mathematical properties of this distribution such as quantile function, complete moments, incomplete moments, conditional moments, and inverted moments. The entropy measure and order statistics are derived. The maximum likelihood estimation method is used to estimate the parameters. Simulation studies are conducted for different parameter values and compare the performance of the HEIK distribution. Real-life COVID-19 data from three countries are provided to demonstrate the potentiality and reliability of the extended distribution model have wider applications in many fields.
A local-global Transformer-based model for Person Re-Identification
Authors: Liu Guangjie , Xu Ke , Zhu Jinlong , Ge Yu , Li Meng , Chen Xiaoyang
Published: August 2024

Person re-identification (ReID) aims to recognize a specific individual across various camera views. State-of-the-art methods have shown that both Transformer-based and CNN-based methods deliver competitive performance. However, Transformer-based methods tend to overlook local features, as they primarily process input sequences holistically, rather than focusing on individual elements or small groups within the sequence. To address this limitation, we introduce an innovative Transformer-based person ReID model that effectively integrates local and global features. The Local Attention Module is added to capture fine-grained features, which are then combined with global features to enhance the model's recognition accuracy. Given the importance of positional information in image data, relative position encoding is incorporated within the Local Attention Module. This encoding method better captures the relative positional relationships between different tokens in an image, thereby improving the model's comprehension of the structural information of the image. Experimental results indicate that our model shows enhanced performance on the Market-1501 and DukeMTMC-reID benchmark datasets for person ReID.
An Improved Density Peak Clustering with Flexible Manifold Distance and Natural Nearest Neighbors for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Zhang Jinyu , Shen Yu
Published: August 2024

Recently, the field of density peak clustering (DPC) has garnered attention for its ability to intuitively determine the number of classes, identify arbitrarily shaped classes, and automatically detect and exclude anomalies. However, DPC faces challenges in considering only global distribution, resulting in difficulties with group density, and its point allocation strategy may lead to a domino phenomenon. In order to give DPC a broader scope to showcase its talents, this paper suggests a Density Peak Clustering algorithm based on Manifold Distance and Natural Nearest Neighbors (abbreviated as DPC-MDNN), which constructs a nearest neighbor relationship based on manifold distance and introduces representative points using local density to segment the distribution. It adopts an assignment strategy based on representatives and candidates, reducing the domino effect through micro cluster merging. Extensive comparisons with five competing methods on both artificial and real datasets demonstrate that DPC-MDNN can identify clustering centers more accurately and achieve better clustering results. Furthermore, application experiments on two sub-datasets have confirmed that DPC-MDNN can improve the accuracy of network intrusion detection and has high practicality.
Multichannel bioelectronic sensing using engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Ajo-Franklin Caroline , ZHANG XU , Charrier Marimikel
Published: August 2024

To advance environmental health and hazard detection, researchers have developed whole-cell bioelectronic sensors by engineering extracellular electron transfer to be dependent on an analyte1. However, these sensors regulate a single electron transfer pathway as an electrochemical channel, limiting the sensing information to a single analyte. We have developed a multichannel bioelectronic sensor where different chemicals regulate distinct extracellular electron transfer pathways within a single Escherichia coli cell. One channel utilizes the flavin synthesis pathway from Bacillus subtilis2 and is controlled by a cadmium-responsive promoter. Another channel, the Mtr pathway from Shewanella oneidensis3, is controlled by an arsenite-responsive promoter and activates cytochrome CymA expression4, 5. We exploit the differing redox potentials of the two extracellular electron transfer pathways6 to develop a redox-potential-dependent algorithm that efficiently converts biological signals into 2-bit binary outputs. This enables our bioelectronic sensor to detect and differentiate heavy metals at EPA limits. When deployed in complex environmental water samples with lower electroactivities, our sensor effectively and accurately encodes 2-bit binary signals across various analyte conditions. Thus, our multichannel bioelectronic sensor advances the field through simultaneous detection of different chemicals by a single cell, significantly expanding information transmission and helping to safeguard human and environmental health.
Discloremia as a Clinical Predictor in Neurocritical Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study in the Intensive Care Unit at Hospital Manolo Morales Peralta, Nicaragua
Authors: Latino Rosa Natalia Fonseca , Pedroza Manuel Enrique , Tejada Erling Salazar , Rodríguez Arlin Montoya
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Discloremia, encompassing hypochloremia and hyperchloremia, is a frequent complication in critically ill patients receiving chloride-rich solutions. This study explores the associations between discloremia, osmotic solution use, and clinical outcomes in neurocritical patients.
Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and analytical study was conducted at Manolo Morales Peralta Hospital. We evaluated 75 patients with neurocritical pathologies, analyzing their demographics, clinical characteristics, osmotic therapy use, discloremia development, and clinical outcomes.
Results: The study population predominantly comprised males (62.67%) with a mean age of 61 years. Ischemic cerebrovascular events were the most frequent diagnosis (38.67%). Notably, 65.52% of patients received 3% saline solution. Discloremia development was associated with chloride levels at 48 hours (p = 0.009). Serum chloride levels above 114 mEq/L correlated with prolonged ICU/hospital stay (p = 0.007). However, no significant associations were observed between discloremia and mortality or Rankin scale scores (p = 0.75).
Discussion: Our findings suggest a complex relationship between discloremia and clinical outcomes in neurocritical patients. Future studies should explore tailored chloride management strategies to optimize clinical outcomes in this patient population.
The Effects of Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Particle Sizes on HIV Cell Entry via gp41 C34: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Qing Liu
Published: August 2024

Background: The gp41 C34 peptide, which is part of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, is crucial for HIV entry into host cells because it facilitates membrane fusion and serves as a biomarker for viral replication. Lipoproteins, including HDL, LDL, IDL, VLDL, and chylomicrons, affect HIV infection via their cholesterol levels and particle sizes, but their causal relationships with HIV remain unclear.
Methods: Utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to infer causality, this study leverages genetic data from the UK Biobank (115,082 individuals) and the KORA cohort (997 individuals) to explore the causal relationships between 39 lipoprotein traits (cholesterol levels and subtype concentrations of different particle sizes) and gp41 C34 expression. The primary MR method employed was the random-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach. To ensure robust and reliable causal inference, multiple sensitivity analyses, including weighted median, MR‒Egger regression, simple mode, weighted mode, and leave-one-out analyses, were conducted.
Results: Elevated HDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with reduced gp41 C34 expression (IVW: β = -0.61, SE = 0.186, p = 1.25e-4, FDR = 0.004), suggesting a protective role of HDL cholesterol in HIV infection. Higher HDL particle concentrations were also inversely associated with gp41 C34 expression (IVW: β = -0.549, SE = 0.202, p = 0.007, FDR = 0.032). Increased cholesterol levels in large HDL particles were significantly inversely related to gp41 C34 expression (IVW: β = -0.46, SE = 0.16, p = 0.004, FDR = 0.03). Similarly, higher concentrations of medium HDL particles were linked to lower gp41 C34 expression (IVW: β = -0.473, SE = 0.166, p = 0.005, FDR = 0.028).
No significant causal relationships were found between gp41 C34 expression and the cholesterol levels or sizes of IDL, LDL, or VLDL particles or chylomicrons.Consequently, these lipoprotein particles are unlikely to influence gp41 C34 expression and HIV cell entry.
Conclusion: HDL cholesterol and HDL particle concentrations, particularly large and medium HDL particles, play a protective role against HIV cell entry by reducing gp41 C34 expression. Other lipoprotein particles do not show significant causal relationships, indicating that specific lipid traits modulate HIV entry mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of the influence of lipoprotein traits on HIV infection and persistence.
Insights from Subsurface Monitoring for Engineering of the Stimulation Pattern in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Doonechaly Nima Gholizadeh , Bröker Kai , Hertrich Marian , Rosskopf Martina , Obermann Anne , Durand Virginie , Serbeto Francisco , Shakas Alexis , Ma Xiaodong , Rinaldi Antonio Pio , Repollés Victor Clasen , Villiger Linus , Meier Men-Andrin , Gischig Valentin , Plenkers Katrin , Maurer Hansruedi , Wiemer Stefan , Giardini Domenico
Published: August 2024

Stimulation operations enhance the performance of geothermal reservoirs by boosting fluid flow and heat transfer. Predicting stimulation outcomes is challenging due to complexity of reservoir properties and limited observations given by operational conditions. Factors like stress state, natural structures, pressure distribution, and injection patterns play crucial roles in engineering of a stimulation operation. This study provides in-depth observations from a hectometer-scale stimulation experiment conducted at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies within a densely monitored crystalline rock volume with an overburden of more than 1 km. We found that hydraulic connectivity, pressure compartments, and the characteristics of existing geological structures play pivotal roles in the propagation patterns of seismic events. Notably, the initiation and distribution of seismicity are markedly influenced by the zonal isolation and the structured propagation of pressure front across the reservoir. The research highlights the necessity of adapting stimulation strategies to the unique geomechanical as well as geological characteristics of the reservoir, as evident from the distinct activation patterns observed between the first and second injection cycles. The spatial extent of the stimulated volume can be partially guided by the number of stimulation cycles and injection pressure level, as farther structures are increasingly likely to be activated in the subsequent cycles. The results also indicate that the Kaiser effect is more pronounced in regions closer to the injection borehole. However, this effect can be attenuated due to stress changes caused by stimulation, consistent with a proposition from a recent study. Our findings underscore the critical importance of understanding the interplay between hydraulic pressures and stress states to optimize the stimulation of geothermal reservoirs effectively.
Simulation-based optimization as a method for dealing with complexity in energy system modeling
Authors: Jürgens Patrick , Müller Paul , Brandhuber Fritz , Kost Christoph
Published: August 2024

To reflect the complexity of the energy transition, a current challenge in modeling national energy transition pathways is to combine high resolution in time, space, techno-economic and sector coupling details in a single model. To address this challenge, the paper discusses the simulation-based optimization approach used in the energy system model REMod as an alternative to linear optimization. The REMod model uses a simulation of the energy system coupled with a black-box optimization algorithm to optimize the transformation path. To limit the computational complexity, taking into account the hourly operation of the energy system along the whole transformation path, various aspects have to be considered: performance of the simulation, choice of the optimization algorithm and selection of the termination criterion and population size. The model employs a novel method of endogenous interpolation to incorporate the entire transformation path into the objective function, and it can be evaluated in parallel. This allows to increase the complexity both in technological details and in geographical resolution, leading to a model with high resolution both in sector coupling and technological details, as well as in time and space.
Study of cavernous lung lesions with malignant features
Authors: Khashifa Majd Sameer , Alloush Yazan Mohamad Samer , khattab Khalid
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Many different diseases present as cavitary pulmonary nodules. The spectrum of diseases ranges from acute to chronic infections, chronic systemic diseases, and malignancies. To decide on the most likely or correct diagnosis may be challenging. Knowledge of common and uncommon radiological findings in correlation with relevant clinical history and findings is necessary to make the right diagnosis and recommend the correct follow-up or step forward. The aim of this pictorial review is to present a brief overview of CT findings of common cavitary lung diseases seen in adult patients.
Methods and materials: Radiologically diagnosed lesions were reviewed and studied as pulmonary lesions in the pulmonary parenchyma. 232 malignant cavernous lesions were detected by referring to patient files, patient records and radiological archives at Damascus Hospital from 2020 to 2024.
Results: The percentage of males was 55% and the percentage of females was 45%, ages over 40 years were 58% and under 40 years were 42%. On the chest image, a thickness of the cavern wall was found to be more than 3 cm (35%), and a thickness of more than 5 mm (65%), irregular edges on one side of the cavern 25%, and irregular edges on both sides 75%, calcification was found in 3%, and suspicion of its cancer was desquamative (35%).
Conclusion: Do not neglect any pulmonary cavern, because it may be a pulmonary neoplasm, and the best solution to diagnose pulmonary caverns is to perform positron emission tomography (PET-CT).
Impact of Sodium Acetate on the growth, biomass, carotenoids, β-carotene, and lipid composition profile of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Gedela Ravi , Dasu Veeranki Venkata , Pakshirajan Kannan
Published: August 2024

Lipids, carotenoids, and β-carotene are produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. This has important implications. Further optimization experiments were carried out by analyzing the substrate utilization of yeast medium supplemented with different sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphate, and sodium acetate. Additional screening was carried out in batch shake flasks to examine the effects of various nitrogen sources, phosphate concentrations, and sodium acetate. Notably, when sodium acetate was supplied as an additional carbon source in the medium, remarkable improvements in the production of key compounds were seen such as the highest yield of cell dry weight (CDW) was 1.65 ± 0.94 gL⁻¹, with a lipid output of 66.53% (w/w), showing a substantial quantity of lipid accumulation in comparison to the biomass. The lipid concentration was 2.48 ± 1.03 gL⁻¹. Furthermore, 5.84 ± 0.05 µg g⁻¹ of β-carotene and 37.66 ± 2.13 µg g⁻¹ of carotenoids were produced. The following were observed in batch reactor fed with sodium acetate 5.02 ± 0.83 gL⁻¹ for cell dry weight (CDW); 3.30 ± 0.27 gL⁻¹ for lipid concentration; 65.73 ± 0.81% (w/w) for lipid content; 40.33 ± 1.84 µg g⁻¹ for carotenoid synthesis; and 17.63 ± 0.32 µg g⁻¹ for β-carotene production. Fed-batch bioreactor using sodium acetate, R. mucilaginosa produced significant levels of biomass, lipids, carotenoids, including β-carotene 48.36 ± 1.14 µg g⁻¹ of carotenoids, 21.38 ± 1.14 µg g⁻¹ of β-carotene, a lipid concentration of 4.06 ± 0.17 gL⁻¹, and a lipid content of 68.58 ± 1.95%.
The effect of diabetes on a stroke patient in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Nabulsi Ahmad , Majzoub Yasmine Moatasem Billah , Al-Hussein Mayar Ali
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aims to find the relationship between the presence of diabetes, its duration, type, treatment, and its risk on the incidence of stroke patterns.
Methods and materials: A retrospective observational stud, This study targeted patients attending Damascus Hospital. The sample was selected randomly, and data was collected between the years 2014-2024 AD according to a form in which patients’ information was recorded in detail.
Results: The incidence of ischemic stroke in diabetic patients is 37.2%, hemorrhagic stroke is 64.2%, embolic stroke is 66.7%, and hyperlipidemia is %. Type 2 diabetes is considered a risk factor for strokes, and this group is 2.59 times more likely to have a stroke compared to other types of diabetes (RR: 2.59; CI: [1.63-4.18]; P: 0.008), duration of diabetes more than 10 years constitutes a risk factor for ischemic attacks, and this group is 2.49 times more likely to have ischemic attacks compared to the rest of the groups (RR: 2.49; CI: [1.53-4.07]; P: 0.004), poor diabetes control is a risk factor for diabetes and they were 2.5 times more likely to have seizures than other groups (RR: 2.5; CI: [1.53-4.07]; P: 0.004).
Conclusion: Diabetes is one of the important risk factors for all types of strokes in patients attending Damascus Hospital
An investigation into employee and organisational dynamics in a flexible work framework
Authors: Van Heerden Rentia , Visvanathan Naicker Visvanathan Naicker
Published: August 2024

The object of this research is to provide a detailed perspective of employee and organisational dynamics in a flexible work practices framework, intra- and post-pandemic. This paper aims to explore the influence of flexible work practices on the employee and the organisation.
The most challenging issues during the intra-Covid-19 pandemic period were individual and organisational adaption to new work practices with the aim of sustaining optimum levels of worker morale and productivity, which became meaningful in the context of the continuation of flexible work in transformed and alternative work settings post-pandemic.
During this research, non-empirical research was conducted in the arrangement of a review utilising existing empirical evidence, which provides for literature of varied methodologies. This resulted in a detailed non-structured analysis of the remote work concept and its diverse employee and organisational inferences.
As a result of the research, it is shown that although improved productivity was regarded as a remote work gain, the merit of employee motivation and job satisfaction is deemed forecasters of prime organisational performance with the consideration that maintaining and supporting an operationally efficient and strengthened organisational work culture should be an organisational aim. In future, a proposed approach of synthesising remote work expertise in policies and syllabi will endorse and sustain the progression of the post-pandemic workplace.
It is therefore suggested that a comprehensive PESTLE analysis be performed by utilising the proposed flexible work five-factor model towards crafting a comprehensive list of influences on employee and organisational remote work dynamics for the success of continued remote work practices.
A survey of factors determining mate selection among university of ilorin undergraduates during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Akinduyo Tosin Emmanuel , Mabaso Nancy Phyllis Makhosazane
Published: August 2024

The researcher sought to investigate mate selection for marital purposes during COVID-19 pandemic, which may be tasking for undergraduates in Nigerian universities. Mate selection is a vital aspect in the process leading up to marital relationships and personal mate selection is common practice across societies, except for the very few wherein individuals are given a mate instead of selecting their mates. Given that most marriages result from the relationships that are formed during studies in tertiary institutions, selecting a good mate from the onset determines the quality of the marriage later on in life. The study investigated how the mate selection experience was affected by the adversaries, brought to the fore by the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. The study employed descriptive research of the survey type. The population for this study consisted of all University of Ilorin undergraduates. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 420 respondents who were undergraduates at the University of Ilorin, Kwara-State. A research instrument titled “Factors Determining Mate Selection among Undergraduates (FDMSUQ)” was used to elicit information, needed from the respondents. The face and content validity of the instrument were ensured while a 0.72 reliability coefficient was obtained. Three research questions were raised and four hypotheses were formulated. All the research questions and hypotheses were tested using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that age, religion, ethnic group, and family structure significantly influence mate selection among undergraduates. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Professional Counsellors in collaboration with the parents of undergraduates and religious organisations should constantly make programmes available to undergraduates of all age groups on how, when and what it entails to select a mate, that they will live together with till death do them part
Scrotal circumference at weaning in beef bulls and subsequent ability to pass a breeding soundness examination as a yearling
Authors: Fountain Tara H. , Larson Robert L. , White Brad J.
Published: August 2024

Identifying bulls at weaning with higher likelihood ofpassing a breeding soundness examination as yearlings mayimprove management options to optimize production efficiency.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weaning scrotal circumference and other factors collected at the time of weaning on the likelihood of passing a breeding soundness examination as a yearling. Data, at both weaning and time of breeding soundness examination, were collected from 1 operation (n = 466 bulls). A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the potential associations of relevant factors (actual weaning scrotal circumference, adjusted weaning scrotal circumference, weight per day of age at weaning, scrotal circumference per day of age at weaning, weaning weight, and breed) on the probability of passing a breeding soundness examination as a yearling. Overall, 92.3% of bulls passed the yearling breeding soundness examination on first evaluation. Weaning scrotal circumference was the only factor of those evaluated associated (P < 0.01) with the probability of passing the breeding soundness examination. No significant differences were found between the categories of weaning scrotal circumference. In the future, more research needs to evaluate predictive model development for weaning scrotal circumference and ability to pass breeding soundness examination.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 43, No. 1 (2009 Spring). Front matter
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practioners
Published: August 2024

Cover, masthead, table of contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 46, No. 2 (2012 Summer). Front matter
Authors: American Association of Bovine Practione
Published: August 2024

Cover, masthead, table of contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner No. 27 (1993 September). Front matter
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: August 2024

Cover, Masthead, Table of Contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 52, No. 1 (2018 Spring). Frontmatter
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: August 2024

Cover, Masthead, Table of Contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 54, No. 1 (2019 Spring). Front matter
Authors: Bovine Practitioners American Association of
Published: August 2024

Cover, Masthead, Table of Contents, and other editorial information.
Bovine Practitioner Vol. 56, No. 2 (2022). Front Matter
Authors: Practitioner Bovine
Published: August 2024

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Authors: Gingrich II K. Fred
Published: August 2024

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Authors: Gingrich II K. Fred
Published: August 2024

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randomized trial comparing the effects of tulathromycin, tildipirosin and gamithromycin used as first treatment for clinical bovine respiratory disease in commercial feedlot steers
Authors: Horton Lucas M. , Hardee Isaac , Meyer Nathan F. , Renter David G.
Published: August 2024

Our objective was to compare effects of 3 macrolide antibiot­ics used as first-time bovine respiratory disease (BRD) treat­ment on primary health outcomes (retreatment, removal and mortality) in feedlot steers. Secondary outcomes included days-on-feed, rectal temperature and weight at the time of event occurrences. Crossbred beef steers (n = 978; average body weight [± SD] 655 ± 84.0 lb [297 ± 38.1 kg]) were enrolled across 2 commercial feedlots in the U.S. High Plains in a ran­domized complete block design. Steers were eligible for in­clusion if they were exhibiting clinical BRD symptoms from natural exposure and had not been previously treated with an antimicrobial drug for any reason including metaphylaxis. Treatment was administration of tulathromycin, tildipirosin or gamithromycin, at the time of first BRD diagnosis. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used for statisti­cal analyses with significance threshold α = 0.05. At enroll­ment, animal weight (P = 0.98), rectal temperature (P = 0.58), and days-on-feed (P = 0.28) did not differ significantly between treatments. There was no evidence of differences for any health outcome (P ≥ 0.30), nor for any cattle characteristics at the time of retreatment, removal, or mortality (P ≥ 0.15). Treatment success (steers that were never retreated, removed, and/or were a BRD case fatality) ranged from 62.7 to 64.8% between treatments (P = 0.87). There was no evidence to reject the null hypothesis of similar effectiveness between these macrolides when administered to similar steer populations as first-time clinical BRD treatments.
Evaluating impact of season and corpus luteum cavitation on serum progesterone concentration and pregnancy in a Holstein dairy herd
Authors: DiPastina Ann E. , Kristula Michaela A. , Egoff Emily E. A. , Stefanovski Darko , Smith Billy I.
Published: August 2024

The corpus luteum (CL) is vital to bovine reproduction and can present in 2 forms on ultrasound examination: homoge­neous or cavitary. Impact of CL cavitation on fertility in cattle has been debated. Many variables influence fertility includ­ing heat stress, but little is known regarding the impact of season and risk of association with a cavitary CL. The objec­tives of this study were to evaluate: (1) effect of CL form on serum progesterone, and (2) effect of reproductive status and season on the likelihood of diagnosing a cavitary CL. Blood from Holstein cows (n = 787) on a commercial dairy farm was collected (n = 1,062) at 39-45 days post-insemination. Some cows were sampled more than once. Corpora lutea were categorized as homogeneous or cavitary, and cows were diagnosed as either pregnant or non-pregnant via transrectal ultrasonography at time of blood collection. When adjusted for season and CL status, pregnant cows produced higher serum progesterone (6.880 ng/mL; 95% CI [6.606, 7.153]) than non-pregnant cows (4.664 ng/mL; 95% CI [4.398, 4.931], P < 0.001). When adjusted for progesterone levels and season, pregnant cows were 94.7% less likely (OR = 0.053, P < 0.001) to be diagnosed with a cavitary CL com­pared to non-pregnant cows. No difference was observed in serum progesterone by CL form (P = 0.393). Serum progester­one was significantly lower in summer than fall (P < 0.001), winter (P < 0.001) and spring (P = 0.005). Season did not impact likelihood of diagnosing a cavitary CL.
Concepções e criação de um Laboratório de Ensino de Matemática
Authors: Carvalho Rodrigo Lacerda , Sousa Edicarlos Pereira de , Silva Daniel Brandom Tavares da , Calixta Isabele do Nascimento
Published: August 2024

O presente trabalho visa apresentar algumas concepções sobre um Laboratório de Ensino de Matemática (LEM) a partir das experiências do Laboratório de Educação Matemática e Tecnológica do Instituto de Formação de Educadores da Universidade Federal do Cariri (L@BMATEC/IFE/UFCA). Para além de espaços físicos previamente definidos na escola, defende-se a importância do LEM como um ambiente criado pelos docentes para proporcionar a democratização do acesso dos atores envolvidos no processo educacional. A metodologia caracteriza-se como qualitativa e a técnica de coleta de dados utilizada foi a entrevista estruturada, realizada com três professores da área Matemática do IFE/UFCA, participantes da criação e expansão do referido laboratório. No referencial teórico, apresentam-se algumas ideias de laboratórios, físicos ou virtuais, como possibilidades em diferentes contextos escolares. Como resultados, espera-se contribuir com o ensino de Matemática, a partir da disseminação de novas ideias para o trabalho com recursos didáticos, além de incentivar os professores à criação do LEM na sua sala de aula. Por fim, busca-se mostrar ao professor que ensina Matemática a viabilidade de desenvolver um LEM, ainda que o seu ambiente escolar nem sempre esteja contribuindo para essa experiência.
Palavras-chave: Laboratório de Ensino de Matemática; Formação de professores; Recursos didáticos.
Percepção dos Profissionais Contábeis sobre a Aderência dos Municípios do Rio Grande do Sul ao Plano de Implantação de Procedimentos Contábeis Patrimoniais
Authors: Martha Fabrício Natanael , Bianchi Márcia , Venturini Lauren Dal Bem , Machado Vanessa Noguez
Published: August 2024

Este estudo analisou a percepção dos profissionais da contabilidade quanto à aderência dos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) ao Plano de Implantação de Procedimentos Contábeis Patrimoniais (PIPCP). O PIPCP estabelece os procedimentos contábeis patrimoniais (PCP) obrigatórios aos munícipios brasileiros, sendo utilizado como base na investigação da percepção de aderência por parte dos municípios gaúchos. Assim, aplicou-se survey com base no PIPCP, com questões sobre os PCP em relação ao conhecimento, importância, aderência e prazos. Foi enviado o questionário a 497 municípios do RS, por meio da plataforma Google Forms, ao e-mail dos contadores ou profissionais que trabalham na contabilidade, resultando em 102 participantes. Os achados evidenciam que mais de 70% dos respondentes percebem grau de aderência “muito alto” ou “alto”, destacando-se os grupos de “Investimentos” (87%) e “Obrigações por Competência” (86%). Por outro lado, contas do grupo “Ativo e Passivo Contingente” (64%) e “Intangível” (67%) ainda enfrentam resistência na adoção do PIPCP. Também se observou prazos de aderência sendo respeitados em sua maior parte, mais de 70% aderiram antes do período obrigatório. Esse achado, em relação ao estudo de Ravanello et al. (2015), reflete avanço na adesão do regime de competência dos entes públicos municipais do RS. Entretanto, os participantes da pesquisa destacam a necessidade de integração dos sistemas auxiliares com os contábeis. Assim, a pesquisa fomenta a discussão da aderência ao PIPCP por parte dos municípios e evidencia percepção de relevância, pertinência e efetividade de aplicação. Também contribui por explorar a percepção dos contadores sobre o grau de aderência e nível de disclosure voluntário e obrigatório dos municípios. Isso auxilia na compreensão das fragilidades atribuídas a cada aspecto dos procedimentos referentes à sua aplicação, propiciando subsídios para que os órgãos de controle desenvolvam estratégias voltadas às necessidades de adoção dos municípios gaúchos, gerando informações comparáveis com outros entes públicos.
Divulgar ou não divulgar? A Relação entre a Obrigatoriedade da Divulgação do Nível de Materialidade e o Valor Determinado pelos Auditores Independentes
Authors: De Oliveira Junior José Carlos Ramos , Ventura Amaral Juliana
Published: August 2024

A divulgação da materialidade considerada pelos auditores é um tema que constantemente causa discussões nas pautas do International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). Mais transparência nas informações prestadas pelos auditores clamam por modificações no relatório do auditor para fornecer uma visão geral sobre riscos de distorção relevantes identificados pelo auditor. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi explorar a relação entre a obrigatoriedade da divulgação do nível de materialidade e o valor da materialidade determinado pelos auditores nos trabalhos de auditoria. Foram acessados 90 participantes, todos profissionais de auditoria, e conduzido um quase-experimento digital. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste chi-quadrado. Verificou-se que os níveis de materialidade diminuem quando o auditor se depara com a obrigatoriedade de divulgação da materialidade ou com o envio da materialidade a algum órgão regulador. O mesmo efeito não foi observado para os níveis de materialidade de desempenho. Destarte, este estudo contribui à prática por apresentar os efeitos da divulgação dos níveis de materialidade e apontar aos órgãos reguladores o potencial incremento nos honorários dos trabalhos de auditoria que tal divulgação traria. Do ponto de vista teórico, este estudo retoma discussões sobre a publicação da materialidade.