bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoramento ou expropriação? as relações entre controle acionário, conselho de administração e diretoria executiva nas empresas brasileiras de capital aberto
Authors: Brandão Isac de Freitas
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Analisou-se as relações entre controle acionário, conselho de administração e diretoria executiva nas empresas brasileiras de capital aberto, e verificou-se se a relação das características do conselho de administração e diretoria executiva com o valor dessas empresas depende do tipo de controle acionário.

Originalidade/Relevância: Em um mercado caracterizado por empresas com controle acionário definido, o trabalho avança na literatura em Governança Corporativa ao identificar como o tipo de controle acionário está relacionado com as características dos órgãos de administração e como a sobreposição entre propriedade e administração se relaciona com o valor da empresa brasileira.

Método: A amostra foi composta por 741 observações de 281 empresas no período 2018-2020. O controle acionário foi categorizado em disperso, compartilhado, familiar, empresarial e governamental. Por meio de análise de componentes principais identificou-se cinco características da administração: remuneração da diretoria executiva, independência dos administradores, avaliação dos administradores, separação entre conselho de administração e diretoria executiva e remuneração do conselho de administração. Através de estimações em feasible generalized least squares investigou-se a relação entre controle acionário e características da administração e se o tipo de controle acionário diferencia a relação entre características dos órgãos de administração sobre o valor da empresa.

Resultados: O tipo de controle acionário está relacionado com as características da administração analisadas, exceto o tipo de remuneração do conselho de administração. As cinco características da administração têm relação com o valor das empresas, mas o sinal e a significância destas relações dependem do tipo de controle acionário.

Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas/práticas: Os achados indicam que a sobreposição entre controle acionário, conselho de administração e diretoria executiva está presente nas empresas brasileiras com controle definido e, a depender da identidade dos acionistas controladores, pode ser interpretada por investidores externos como mecanismo de monitoramento ou instrumento que facilita a expropriação da riqueza da empresa.
Size-Dependent Surface Plasmon Resonance of Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Using Mangifera indica Fruit Peel Extract
Authors: Delicana Jared Deve P. , Unabia Romnick , Dulog Jay C. , Lalem Aldrin , Sayson Noel Lito B. , Capangpangan Rey Y. , Lubguban Arnold A. , Alguno Arnold C.
Published: February 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been studied for various applications due to their adjustable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties and facile synthesis. AuNP production has predominantly relied on synthetic chemicals to reduce and stabilize gold precursors. There is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly synthesis methods due to ecological concerns. This work introduced a green synthesis approach using Mangifera indica fruit peel extract. Obtained through maceration of dried fruit peels, this extract served as a reducing agent for gold precursors at 80°C. We obtained varying sizes of AuNPs by manipulating the initial concentration of gold ions: 0.1mM, 0.25mM, and 0.5mM. The UV-vis spectroscopy results confirmed the signature SPR peak for AuNPs around 530 nm, with peak shifts highly dependent on the gold ion concentration. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed hydrodynamic diameters of 89.5 nm, 121.5 nm, and 144.5 nm for the various concentrations. The Fourier transform (FTIR) analysis identified the role of inherent phenols and flavonoids in gold precursor reduction. This study emphasizes the potential of Mangifera indica fruit peel extract as a viable alternative for AuNP synthesis. This study could possibly boost the utilization of gold nanoparticles towards applications in biology and medicine as well as environmental remediation.
Confinement of the Permittivity Enhancing Fillers in Bacterial Cellulose for Dielectric Elastomer Applications
Authors: Binti Ismail Nur Syafiqah , Hakhiri Syed Muhammad Aiman Bin Syed Mohd , Binti Mustapha Siti Noor Hidayah , Bin A Razak Aliff Hisyam Bin , Bin Ab. Rahim Mohd. Hairul , Bin Zakaria Shamsul
Published: February 2024

The electromechanical performances of dielectric elastomers were investigated after the incorporation of the confined permittivity enhancing fillers in bacteria cellulose (BC) into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films. The purpose of this study is to investigate the capability of BC as a confinement matrix for the permittivity enhancing fillers to overcome the low relative permittivity and at the same time to increase the softness of the PDMS films. The metal oxide and silicone oil were confined in BC before being physically mixed with PDMS at different percentages. The results showed that the confined TiO2-BC increased the relative permittivity and at the same time maintained the softness of the PDMS films to some extent. In addition to that, by adding confined silicone oil-BC into the PDMS films, this PDMS based dielectric elastomer (DE) becomes even softer.
Effect of Crystallization Properties of Continuous Basalt Fibers on Thermal Stability of Composite Materials
Authors: Ivanitskii Stanislav , Chuvashov Yurii
Published: February 2024

The thermal stability of composite materials based on basalt fibers is determined by the strength of fibers under thermal stress. The decrease in strength occurs due to the crystallization of the original fibers and the development of microcrystalline nuclei in them during heating. Experimental studies of the influence of the processing temperature of continuous basalt fibers on their strength have been carried out. It has been established that the strength of fibers during their heat treatment up to 400оС decreases by 25 % from the initial one. At the temperature of approximately 500оС, the strength of the fibers is almost half. At 600оС, the fiber strength is 20 % of the initial strength. At a processing temperature of 700оС, the fiber is completely destroyed. The main reasons for the decrease in fiber strength are the development of microcrystalline nuclei that have formed in the fibers at the drawing stage in the crystallization zone. From above, this zone is determined by the temperature of the upper limit of melt crystallization, and from below it is limited by the glass transition temperature. The residence time of the melt in this range is the crystallization time. Calculations the speed of movement and the cooling rate of the melt stream during fiber drawing were carried out, which made it possible to determine the temperature zone and time of crystallization. The results of theoretical studies have shown that for the production of fibers used in composites, it is necessary to select such basalts and conditions for the fiber drawing, under which the values of the temperature zone and time of crystallization will be the smallest.
Experimental and Modelling of Shape Memory Effect of Shape Memory Natural Rubber
Authors: Kow Yu Yang , Chai Ai Bao , Ho Jee Hou
Published: February 2024

Shape memory natural rubber (SMNR) is a form of smart material that can memorise its permanent shape in response to temperature. In this article, a phenomenological constitutive model was adopted to predict the stress-strain evolution during the shape memory process of SMNR to understand the behavior of SMNR. A standard linear solid (SLS) model with Kelvin Voigt element was extended with two Mooney Rivlin models to account for the mechanical response, while a thermal strain model represented the change of length during the programming process and recovery process. An external temperature law was constructed to govern the volume fraction change between the soft active and frozen phase. The proposed constitutive model is capable of capturing the stress-strain behaviour of each shape memory step.
Preliminary phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant activity and insecticidal activity of methanolic leaves extract of Cedrus atlantica from Belezma, Algeria
Authors: Deffa Ouafa , Daikh Badis
Published: February 2024

This work was conceived in the context of valorisation of the endemic forest species Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae family), widespread in the mountainous massif of eastern Algeria. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract of the aerial part (leaves) of C. atlantica (CAMeOH). The extraction made it possible to obtain a yield of approximately 7.49% from 350 g of dry powdered plant material. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids as major components. In vitro antioxidant evaluation was carried out using two different methods. The reducing power assay test result revealed an optical density (DO) value of 1.7±0.02 at a dose of 600 µg/mL of CAMeOH. Concerning the iron chelation activity, the recorded IC50 value was 62.12 μg/mL and R²=0.87. The insecticidal activity against the stored-food insect Tribolium confusum was evaluated using the contact treatment mode and showed a significant dose-dependent effect (P≤0.05) with a mortality rate of 98.32 ± 0.50 % at a dose of 50 mg/mL (after 96 hours of contact). The results of this study confirmed the potential antioxidant and insecticidal activity of the methanolic extract from the leaves of C. atlantica.
Association between Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Bone Mineral Density among Women Older than 40 Years of Age in Korea
Authors: Lee Seulki , Yun Jae Moon , Park Jin-Ho , Kwon Hyuktae
Published: February 2024

Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis causes hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia, and malabsorption of nutrients, leading to lower bone mineral density. The few studies that investigated the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density have reported inconsistent findings. As such, the present study assessed the association between chronic atrophic gastritis and bone mineral density among a large sample of women >40 years of age in Korea.Methods: Data from 8,748 women >40 years of age who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and bone densitometry were analyzed. Chronic atrophic gastritis was diagnosed using esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae (L), femur neck, and femur total, measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were the primary outcome variables. Low bone mineral density, which could be diagnosed as osteoporosis or osteopenia, was defined and analyzed as a secondary outcome. Linear regression was used to calculate adjusted mean values of bone mineral density. The association between low bone mineral density and chronic atrophic gastritis was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.Results: The adjusted mean bone mineral density for L1–L4 was 1.063±0.003, femur neck (0.826±0.002), and femur total (0.890±0.002) were significantly lower in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis than others (1.073±0.002, 0.836±0.001, 0.898±0.002, respectively; all P<0.01). Women with chronic atrophic gastritis exhibited an increased likelihood for osteopenia or osteoporosis, even after adjusting for age and other confounding factors (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.40; P<0.01). However, subgroup analysis revealed statistical significance only in postmenopausal women (odds ratio, 1.27; P<0.001).Conclusion: Chronic atrophic gastritis was associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.
Dysfunctional Mitochondria Clearance in Situ: Mitophagy in Obesity and Diabetes-Associated Cardiometabolic Diseases
Authors: Tang Songling , Hao Di , Ma Wen , Liu Lian , Gao Jiuyu , Yao Peng , Yu Haifang , Gan Lu , Cao Yu
Published: February 2024

Several mitochondrial dysfunctions in obesity and diabetes include impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, reduced mitochondrial DNA, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ flux, and mitochondrial dynamics disorders. Mitophagy, specialized autophagy, is responsible for clearing dysfunctional mitochondria in physiological and pathological conditions. As a paradox, inhibition and activation of mitophagy have been observed in obesity and diabetes-related heart disorders, with both exerting bidirectional effects. Suppressed mitophagy is beneficial to mitochondrial homeostasis, also known as benign mitophagy. On the contrary, in most cases, excessive mitophagy is harmful to dysfunctional mitochondria elimination and thus is defined as detrimental mitophagy. In obesity and diabetes, two classical pathways appear to regulate mitophagy, including PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent mitophagy and receptors/adapters-dependent mitophagy. After the pharmacologic interventions of mitophagy, mitochondrial morphology and function have been restored, and cell viability has been further improved. Herein, we summarize the mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy alterations in obesity and diabetes, as well as the underlying upstream mechanisms, in order to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the obesity and diabetes-related heart disorders.
Clinico-epidemiological Profile of ENT Cases at Tertiary Care Center of Western UP: An Institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Gautam Harendra Kumar , Zehra Azme , Verma Ruchika
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is a paucity of data regarding the clinico-epidemiological profile of ENT cases in India, especially in Western UP. The present study was conducted to determine the clinico-epidemiological profile of ENT cases at a Tertiary Care Center of Western UP.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted at a newly established Tertiary Care Center of Western UP. The medical records of ENT cases admitted from January 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed.

Results:

Male patients were more common; out of 1650, 858 (52%) were male and 792 (48%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1. Majority of them belonged to the middle class (41%). Ear-related diseases were seen in 861 patients; out of 861, majority of them had a history of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) (24.5%), wax (20.83%), and presbycusis (18.38%). In nose-related diseases were seen in 407 patients, out of 407, majority of them had a history of acute and chronic rhinitis (29.42%), deviated nasal septum (19.65%), and foreign-body nose (12.28%) and throat-related disease were seen in 382 patients, out of 382, majority of them had a history of acute and chronic pharyngitis (26.17%), acute and chronic tonsillitis (19.63%) and upper respiratory tract infections (13.08%).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the importance of ENT diseases in the Western UP region. CSOM, Wax, rhinosinusitis, and pharyngitis were the most common diagnosis. Audiometry was the most common investigation. Tympanoplasty was the most common surgical procedure performed. This study provides baseline data for further studies in the same region.
Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Sahoo Soumick Ranjan
Published: February 2024

Vestibular schwannoma is a tumor of vestibulocochlear nerve and is a rare intracranial tumor. The presenting complaints of a 57-year-old man who had been referred to the ENT outpatient department from a primary care provider for evaluation and management of left side vestibular schwannoma discovered on computerized tomography scan brain were insidious onset of hearing loss for the last 4 years, headache for the last 1 year which has worsened for the last 2 months and associated with vomiting episodes, along with imbalance while walking. The patient’s symptoms, tumor size, growth rate, age, and life expectancy determine the treatment of vestibular schwannoma. The above patient was advised surgery along with magnetic resonance imaging brain and preoperative investigations which the patient has agreed to do at a higher referral center of his choice.
Lamina Cribrosa Thickness in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Cross Sectional Comparative Evaluation Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Bhardwaj Rahul , Dhawan Aeshvarya , Vats Vatsala , Gupta Priyanka , Singh Anupam , Tomar Nidhi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is one of the most common causes of retinal vascular disease, second to diabetic retinopathy. We aimed to compare the lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT) of patients with unilateral branch RVO (BRVO) versus healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based, prospective, cross-sectional, and comparative study. Participants were newly diagnosed RVO cases (n = 25) and apparently normal age-matched healthy controls (n = 25). All the participants underwent systemic and comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including refraction and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Relevant parameters were compared between the groups using the independent t-test. Statistical significance thresholds were set at a P < 0.05.

Results:

The mean age of cases (66.7% female) and controls (52% female) was 55.9 ± 7.4 and 59.4 ± 7.0 years, respectively, (P = 0.089). The mean LCT of the affected eyes in cases (176.6 ± 28.3 μm) was significantly lower compared to the unaffected eyes of cases (200.6 ± 33.1 μm, P = 0.008) and control eye (230.9 ± 36.9 μm, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

A thinner lamina cribrosa (LC) was observed in both eyes of unilateral RVO patients compared with healthy, nonglaucomatous subjects’ eyes. The role of LCT as a local mechanical factor in the pathogenesis of BRVO and their relationship to systemic factors merits further investigation.
The Effects of Prolonged Use of Caffeine on Thyroid and Adrenal Glands: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Upadrasta Vasishtha A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Caffeine consumption has skyrocketed in recent decades as we try to match the pace with the machines. Studies have been conducted on animals and a few on humans, mainly on the acute effects of high-dose caffeine intake. Almost none have been conducted on the chronic effects of caffeine consumption. This study involved medical professionals as case subjects, who consumed caffeine daily.

Methods:

This study, for 3 months, involved 96 volunteers (chosen randomly w.r.t. gender and field in the medical fraternity), including people who drank >500 mg of caffeine a day and people who consumed none. People with any comorbidities at all were excluded straight away. Two sets of blood samples were drawn and assessed. Three groups were created: group 1 (>200 mg caffeine/day), group 2 (15–200 mg caffeine/day) and group 3 (<200 mg caffeine/day).

Results:

The result of the study found that exposure to caffeine at doses >200 mg/day for more than 6 months leads to a significant difference in circulating free T3 ((-0.96 pmol/L ± 0.07) = (-18.5%), 95% confidence interval (CI), P = .000024) and cortisol ((-123 nmol/L ± 9.8) = (-46.8%), 95% CI, P = .00029) hormones but shows an insignificant effect on circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (0.4 mIU/L, 95% CI, P = .37) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) ((-3.2 pg/ml ± 0.3), 95% CI, P = .53) hormones, which stay within normal physiological ranges, irrespective of the daily dose of consumption. Results also highlight that women are more susceptible to a decrement in fT3 than men (relative risk = 1.58, analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-static = 7.15, P = 0.0105).

Conclusions:

Caffeine consumption in excess of 200 mg/day, for more than or equal to 6 months, causes significant derangement in basal fT3 and cortisol hormone levels, without affecting the TSH and ACTH (regulatory) hormone levels, indicating disturbance of action at the peripheral and/or cellular levels, possibly via the paraventricular nucleus (PVN)–leptin–CAR–adenosine interactions. Women are more susceptible to a decrement in fT3 levels than men (at the same dose of caffeine).
Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in intensive care unit: insights from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database analysis
Authors: Ahn Chiwon , Park Yeonkyung , Oh Yoonseok
Published: February 2024

Background: Pneumonia frequently leads to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and is associated with a high mortality risk. This study aimed to assess the impact of early bronchoscopy administered within 3 days of ICU admission on mortality in patients with pneumonia using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database.Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted using the MIMIC-IV data from 2008 to 2019. Adult ICU-admitted patients diagnosed with pneumonia were included in this study. The patients were stratified into two cohorts based on whether they underwent early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. Propensity score matching was used to balance confounding variables.Results: In total, 8,916 patients with pneumonia were included in the analysis. Among them, 783 patients underwent early bronchoscopy within 3 days of ICU admission, whereas 8,133 patients did not undergo early bronchoscopy. The primary outcome of the 28-day mortality between two groups had no significant difference even after propensity matched cohorts (22.7% vs. 24.0%, P=0.589). Patients undergoing early bronchoscopy had prolonged ICU (P<0.001) and hospital stays (P<0.001) and were less likely to be discharged to home (P<0.001).Conclusions: Early bronchoscopy in severe pneumonia patients in the ICU did not reduce mortality but was associated with longer hospital stays, suggesting it was used in more severe cases. Therefore, when considering bronchoscopy for these patients, it's important to tailor the decision to each individual case, thoughtfully balancing the possible advantages with the related risks.
Concentration and Ecological Risk Assessments of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils around Lapite Dump Site, Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Smart M. O. , Okumodi B. O. , Ibiyeye D. E. , Roberts A. E. , Olunloyo O. O. , Adeoye A. S. , Ibironke O. H.
Published: February 2024

The contamination and ecological risk posed by Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) on soils around Lapite dumpsite and its environs were assessed using different analytical techniques after complete digestion of the soil using mixed acids. Results showed that the mean concentration of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) (153.2mg/kg, 13.83mg/kg, 137.2mg/kg and respectively) have higher concentrations than their crustal abundance (CA). The enrichment factor analysis revealed that most of the soils collected have been enriched with Pb showing the most enrichment at the upper and middle slopes while Cd is the most enriched at the downslope. The contamination factor showed that Cr, Pb and Cd are also the elements showing significant contamination with Cr and Pb moderately contaminating soil (1.54 and 1.62 respectively) and Cd showing very high contamination in the soil (17.3). The ecological risk indices revealed that only Cd has high risk of polluting the soils (519) of the study area while the whole area is considered to be at a high risk of various degrees of pollution (534). Considering the health implications of these concerned elements (Cr, Pb and especially Cd) to the body, the habitants of the study area are advised to move away from these dumpsite and also relocate their farmlands to more environmental friendly sites.
Microbiological quality assessment of milk and its fermented derivatives produced in the Sfax region, Tunisia
Authors: Jarboui R. , Ghamgui H. , Smaoui S. , Ammar E.
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality and safety of milk and its derivatives in the Sfax area, Tunisia. Two hundred and forty samples of ultra-high temperature sterilized milk (UHT) and pasteurized milk, and its derivatives (yoghurt, fermented milk, cheese, and butter), collected from in-dustrial sale sites and traditional small-scale dairy processing units, were microbiologically analysed and the results compared to the European commission (EC, 2004) maximum limits. All the UHT steri-lized milks analysed were free of microbial contamination and packaging-stable. However, pasteurized milk by thermal treatment at 63 °C for 30 min showed that 41 and 13% of samples were contaminated with total microbial count (TMC) and Escherichia coli. In the analysed samples, total and faecal coliform bacteria (TC and FC) counts exceeded the EU limits in 17 and 9% of industrial yoghurts; 85 and 54% of traditional yoghurts, and 57 and 29% of traditional butters, respectively. Furthermore, all studied fermented milks (Lben and Raieb) exceeded the EU coliform limits. Considering the traditional soft cheese made with pasteurized milk, 61% of the analysed samples respected EU limits in TC except one sample contaminated with both of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes detection showed that only one pasteurized milk sample was contaminated by L. mon-ocytogenes, without any Salmonella detection. Traditional producers must implement good manufac-turing practices and hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) to ensure integral safety and quality of dairy products.
Slaughter and carcass characteristics of cross- and purebred lambs finished in a pasture-based system
Authors: Theron P.G. , Brand T.S. , Cloete S.W.P. , Van Zyl J.H.C , Strydom P.E.
Published: February 2024

One hundred and twelve cross- and purebred pasture-reared lambs were slaughtered at optimal backfat thickness (4 mm). Selected slaughter, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of these animals were assessed. Slaughter age, but not weight, was influenced by genotype, whereas rams were younger and heavier at slaughter than ewes. Throughout, the crossbred genotypes were younger at slaughter than their purebred contemporaries. Merinos had a lower dressing percentage (40.74%) than Dohne Merinos (43.89%), which in turn dressed out substantially lower than all crossbred combinations (~47%). Genotype did not influence the fat or bone percentage in the carcass, but differences existed for the meat percentage. Meat from all groups could be described as very tender (<32.96 N) and acceptable even to consumers not preferring pasture-produced lamb. The reduced slaughter age of crossbred lambs presents the possibility of shortening the production cycle of lamb while simultaneously increasing carcass yields.
Association study of polymorphisms in miRNA-1687 with growth traits of chickens
Authors: Shi J.Z. , Wang Y.W. , Wang T.J. , Ji J. , Sun G.R. , Yao L.G.
Published: February 2024

Polymorphisms within microRNAs can lead to phenotypic variations in organisms. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential impact of the pre-miR-1687 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the economic characteristics of weight and body size in chickens. The SNP was genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. A linear mixed model was utilized to analyse the associations between the SNP and chicken body size and growth traits. The SNP in the pre-miR-1687 gene was correlated with F2 chicken body weight (BW) at birth and at 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The SNP in the gga-miR-1687 gene was correlated with shank length, shank girth, pectoral angle (at 4 weeks), and pelvic breadth (at 8 weeks). Different BW genotypes were observed in the studied flocks. The changes in the secondary structure of pre-miR-1687 and in the free energy values were estimated using online M-fold software. The results serve as a helpful resource for subsequent research on the mechanisms and functions of miRNAs. In addition, the study provides a credible basis for the application of biomolecular technology in poultry breeding.
Suckling piglets submitted to creep feeding management from 5 days-old showed optimal performance and exploratory behaviour
Authors: Agnol J. D. , Meneghetti F. , Gaggini T. S. , Rodrigues G. A. , Genova J. L. , Carvalho P. L. O. , Carvalho S. T. , Costa L. B. , Paiano D. , Saraiva A. , Eyng C. , Oliveira N. T. E.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.
Solvent-extracted cashew nut meal as a dietary protein source for layer chicks
Authors: Coffi G.M.M. , Yapi Y.M. , Tiho T. , Alla K. J-B. , Soro D. , Koffi K.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to produce a low-fat cashew nut meal (CNM) containing less than 6% fat and assess its effect on layer chick growing performance and health status. The experiment used 225 one-day-old layer ISA Brown chicks with an average live weight of 27.38 ± 1.85 g, divided into 15 batches of 15 animals each. Five diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% CNM as a replacement for soybean meal were tested. The test included three replicates of 15 chicks for each diet. The CNM was obtained after oil extraction using an automatic press followed by solvent extraction. The CNM contained 40.6% crude protein and 5.38% fat. Except for the chicks fed on the 100% CNM diet that had the worst growth performance parameters, those on the other diets had an average final live weight of 662.13 g and an average feed conversion ratio of 2.76. The highest average daily gain (15,07g/d) was observed in chicks on the 75% CNM diet. Hematological analyses showed no marked difference between the animal groups. Regarding the blood biochemical profile, the total cholesterol levels were similar in the chicks for all diets. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 1.4 times higher in the chicks fed on CNM-based diets compared to those fed a soybean meal-based diet. It was concluded that low-fat CNM could replace soybean meal by up to 75% in layer chick feed without negative effects on growth performance and health status.
Golden mussel shell (Limnoperna fortunei) flour contaminated with cadmium as a calcium source for broiler chickens
Authors: Wachholz L. , Andrade T.S. , Souza C. , Broch J. , Cirilo E.H. , Avila A.S. , Toniazzo G. , Kaufmann C. , Carvalho P.L.O. , Eyng C. , Nunes R.V.
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-¹) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-¹ caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-¹ in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption
Genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish Aseel chickens
Authors: Bulut F.T. Ozbaser , Ozsensoy Y. , Kocakaya A. , Ozkul B. Yuceer , Ozbeyaz C.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, maternal origin, and population structure of Turkish Aseel chickens. The research was  conducted on Aseel roosters and chicks older than one year. DNA was extracted from 96 Turkish Aseel feather samples collected from  various regions of Türkiye for the study. Sample DNAs were amplified using specific primers for the D-loop region of the chicken mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The sequences were produced using the amplified DNA samples. The mtDNA D-loop regions were  compared with the sequences of the same genetic area from other chicken breeds. Turkish Aseel chickens provided 34 haplotypes and 18  genuine polymorphisms across 41 distinct regions that were particular to the breed. According to the findings of the phylogenetic  tree, Turkish Aseel chickens tend to establish clusters of haplogroups among themselves. Although most Turkish Aseel samples clustered  individually into three clades, at least one sample has been discovered with five distinct clades. According to the phylogenetic tree and  the Median Joining Network, it can be concluded that while many of the haplogroups of Turkish Aseel cluster among themselves, they  have diverse maternal origins and lack breed-specific maternal lineages. This research is the first extensive study to examine genetic  variability in Turkish Aseel chickens. Considering the lack of similar data on other Aseel varieties raised in different counties, the current  work is a pioneering study with data on the genetic characterization of the Aseel breed.
PENGUATAN KEMAMPUAN PROBLEM SOLVING MAHASISWA MELALUI MODEL REAPS
Authors: Yulis Jamiah  , Pasaribu Revi Lestari
Published: February 2024

Model REAPS dalam pembelajaran memberikan dampak, diantaranya: mengendalikan emosi yang positif dan mengembangkan keterampilan intrapersonal positif. Dampaknya dapat menguatkan kemampuan problem solving melalui interaksi sosial atau kolaborasi yg berupa diskusi antar mahasiswa untuk membahas penyelesaian persoalan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran kemampuan problem solving mahasiswa Prodi Pendidikan Matematika FKIP Untan yang mengambil kuliah Program Linier. Tujuan tersebut dicapai melalui beberapa tahap, meliputi: 1) menganalisis teori tentang model REAPS dan karakteristik kemampuan problem solving; 2) mengkaji perangkat pembelajaran, seperti merevisi bahan ajar, rancangan pembelajaran; 3) menyusun instrumen penelitian berupa: tes kemampuan problem solving, lembar observasi, kisi-kisi angket dan angket; 4) memvalidasi instumen penelitian; 4) menerapkan model REAPS; 5) memberikan tes kemampuan problem solving dan angket; 6) menganlisis data hasil penelitian. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Peneltian Tindakan Kelas. Penyaringan dan pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan berbagai cara, baik dengan maupun tanpa pengujian: Pemeriksaan, dokumentasi, observasi dan angket. Teknik analisis data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan kategori baik. AbstractThe actual Engagement In the lively problem-solving (REAPS) version of getting to know has an impact, including controlling fantastic feelings and growing tremendous intrapersonal talents. The effect can beef up trouble-solving abilities through social interaction or collaboration through discussions between college students about problem-solving. This looks at objectives to reap an outline of the trouble-solving skills of students of the arithmetic training study application, FKIP Untan, in particular, students who take Linear Programming courses. This goal turned into performed via several ranges, including 1) studying the concept of the REAPS model and the traits of hassle-solving capabilities; 2) reviewing getting to know the equipment, along with revising coaching substances and gaining knowledge of designs; three) compiling research gadgets in the shape of trouble-fixing ability tests, statement sheets, questionnaires, and questionnaires; 4) validating research devices; 4) observing the REAPS version; five) giving assessments of trouble-solving talents and questionnaires; 6) studying studies records. The research method used is lecture room movement research. Screening and facts collection has been achieved in diverse approaches, each assessment and non-checks through written exams, documentation, statement, and questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative records evaluation techniques complement every difference. The outcomes of this study indicate an excellent class.
Invariant conservative finite-difference schemes for the one-dimensional shallow water magnetohydrodynamics equations in Lagrangian coordinates
Authors: Kaptsov E. I. , Dorodnitsyn V. A.
Published: February 2024

Invariant finite-difference schemes for the one-dimensional shallow water
equations in the presence of a magnetic field for various bottom topographies
are constructed. Based on the results of the group classification recently
carried out by the authors, finite-difference analogues of the conservation
laws of the original differential model are obtained. Some typical problems are
considered numerically, for which a comparison is made between the cases of a
magnetic field presence and when it is absent (the standard shallow water
model). The invariance of difference schemes in Lagrangian coordinates and the
energy preservation on the obtained numerical solutions are also discussed.
Integrable discretization of recursion operators and unified bilinear forms to soliton hierarchies
Authors: Hu Xingbiao , Yu Guofu , Zhang Yingnan
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we give a procedure for discretizing recursion operators by
utilizing unified bilinear forms within integrable hierarchies. To illustrate
this approach, we present unified bilinear forms for both the AKNS hierarchy
and the KdV hierarchy, derived from their respective recursion operators.
Leveraging the inherent connection between soliton equations and their
auto-B\"acklund transformations, we discretize the bilinear integrable
hierarchies and derive discrete recursion operators. These discrete recursion
operators exhibit convergence towards the original continuous forms when
subjected to a standard limiting process.
Integrable maps in 4D and modified Volterra lattices
Authors: Hone A. N. W. , Roberts J. A. G. , Vanhaecke P. , Zullo F.
Published: February 2024

In recent work, we presented the construction of a family of difference
equations associated with the Stieltjes continued fraction expansion of a
certain function on a hyperelliptic curve of genus $g$. As well as proving that
each such discrete system is an integrable map in the Liouville sense, we also
showed it to be an algebraic completely integrable system. In the discrete
setting, the latter means that the generic level set of the invariants is an
affine part of an abelian variety, in this case the Jacobian of the
hyperelliptic curve, and each iteration of the map corresponds to a translation
by a fixed vector on the Jacobian. In addition, we demonstrated that, by
combining the discrete integrable dynamics with the flow of one of the
commuting Hamiltonian vector fields, these maps provide genus $g$
algebro-geometric solutions of the infinite Volterra lattice, which justified
naming them Volterra maps, denoted ${\cal V}_g$.
The original motivation behind our work was the fact that, in the particular
case $g=2$, we could recover an example of an integrable symplectic map in four
dimensions found by Gubbiotti, Joshi, Tran and Viallet, who classified
birational maps in 4D admitting two invariants (first integrals) with a
particular degree structure, by considering recurrences of fourth order with a
certain symmetry. Hence, in this particular case, the map ${\cal V}_2$ yields
genus two solutions of the Volterra lattice. The purpose of this note is to
point out how two of the other 4D integrable maps obtained in the
classification of Gubbiotti et al. correspond to genus two solutions of two
different forms of the modified Volterra lattice, being related via a
Miura-type transformation to the $g=2$ Volterra map ${\cal V}_2$.
We dedicate this work to a dear friend and colleague, Decio Levi.
KdV hierarchies and quantum Novikov's equations
Authors: Buchstaber V. M. , Mikhailov A. V.
Published: February 2024

This paper begins with a review of the well-known KdV hierarchy, the $N$-th
Novikov equation, and its finite hierarchy in the classical commutative case.
This finite hierarchy consists of $N$ compatible integrable polynomial
dynamical systems in $\mathbb{C}^{2N}$. We discuss a non-commutative version of
the $N$-th Novikov hierarchy defined on the finitely generated free associative
algebra ${\mathfrak{B}}_N$ with $2N$ generators. Using the method of
quantisation ideals in ${\mathfrak{B}}_N$, for $N=1,2,3,4$, we obtain two-sided
homogeneous ideals ${\mathfrak{Q}}_N\subset{\mathfrak{B}}_N$ (quantisation
ideals) that are invariant with respect to the $N$-th Novikov equation and such
that the quotient algebra ${\mathfrak{C}}_N = {\mathfrak{B}}_N/
{\mathfrak{Q}}_N$ has a well-defined Poincare-Birkhoff-Witt basis. This allows
us to define the quantum $N$-th Novikov equation and its hierarchy on
${\mathfrak{C}}_N$. We derive $N$ commuting quantum first integrals
(Hamiltonians) and represent the equations of the hierarchy in the Heisenberg
form. Essential for our research is the concept of cyclic Frobenius algebras,
which we introduced in our recent paper. In terms of the quadratic form that
defines the structure of a cyclic Frobenius algebra, we explicitly express the
first integrals of the $N$-th Novikov hierarchy in the commutative, free, and
quantum cases.
On the fourth-order hybrid beta polynomial kernels in kernel density estimation
Authors: Afere Benson Ade Eniola
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a novel family of fourth-order hybrid beta polynomial kernels tailored for statistical analysis. The efficacy of these kernels is evaluated using two principal performance metrics: asymptotic mean integrated squared error (AMISE) and kernel efficiency. Comprehensive assessments were conducted using both simulated and real-world datasets, enabling a thorough comparison with conventional fourth-order polynomial kernels. The evaluation process entailed computing AMISE and efficiency metrics for both the hybrid and classical kernels. Consistently, the results illustrated the superior performance of the hybrid kernels over their classical counterparts across diverse datasets, underscoring the robustness and effectiveness of the hybrid approach. By leveraging these performance metrics and conducting evaluations on simulated and real world data, this study furnishes compelling evidence supporting the superiority of the proposed hybrid beta polynomial kernels. The heightened performance, evidenced by lower AMISE values and elevated efficiency scores, strongly advocates for the adoption of the proposed kernels in statistical analysis tasks, presenting a marked improvement over traditional kernels.
Recognition of Ginger Seed Growth Stages Using a Two-Stage Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Yin-Syuen Tong  , Tou-Hong Lee  , Kin-Sam Yen
Published: February 2024

Monitoring the growth of ginger seed relies on human experts due to the lack of salient features for effective recognition. In this study, a region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) hybrid detector-classifier model is developed to address the natural variations in ginger sprouts, enabling automatic recognition into three growth stages. Out of 1,746 images containing 2,277 sprout instances, the model predictions revealed significant confusion between growth stages, aligning with the human perception in data annotation, as indicated by Cohen’s Kappa scores. The developed hybrid detector-classifier model achieved an 85.50% mean average precision (mAP) at 0.5 intersections over union (IoU), tested with 402 images containing 561 sprout instances, with an inference time of 0.383 seconds per image. The results confirm the potential of the hybrid model as an alternative to current manual operations. This study serves as a practical case, for extensions to other applications within plant phenotyping communities.
Mecanismos compensatorios a nivel sistémico en pacientes con tronco arterial persistente
Authors: Noreña-Buitrón Lizeth-Dayana , Estela-Zape Jose-Luis
Published: February 2024

Introducción. El tronco arterial persistente es una rara malformación cardíaca congénita que provoca diversas complicaciones en el sistema cardiovascular. Se caracteriza por la presencia de un tabique ventricular defectuoso, una única válvula troncal y un tronco arterial común entre la arteria pulmonar y aorta, conllevando a una mezcla entre la sangre arterial y venosa, debido a un cortocircuito cardíaco bidireccional predominante de izquierda a derecha que compromete el suministro de flujo sanguíneo, nutrientes y oxigenación sistémica. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen desaturación con cianosis, hipoxemia, taquicardia, taquipnea, alteraciones en la contractilidad cardíaca, pulsos distales anómalos, pérdida de peso, fatiga y hepatomegalia.
Objetivo. El propósito de esta investigación es establecer hipótesis sobre los diversos mecanismos compensatorios que se activan a nivel sistémico para contrarrestar los efectos de esta malformación.
Reflexión. Se sugiere que se producen respuestas biomoleculares similares en los sistemas cardiovascular, pulmonar y renal, reduciendo la producción de óxido nítrico y provocando respuestas vasoconstrictoras. A nivel hepático, se generan factores de crecimiento y se inician procesos de angiogénesis para aumentar la perfusión sanguínea. En el cerebro, se activan enzimas para incrementar el flujo sanguíneo y proporcionar oxígeno y nutrientes esenciales.
Conclusión. A pesar de estos mecanismos compensatorios, no logran contrarrestar por completo las manifestaciones clínicas, conduciendo a una serie de problemas de salud, como hipertensión pulmonar, insuficiencia cardíaca, hepatomegalia, hipoperfusión de órganos y déficits neurológicos. Estos factores convergen para generar una compleja condición cardíaca que desencadena respuestas adaptativas en el cuerpo que terminan siendo una afección médica desafiante y potencialmente grave.