bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Covid-19 on companies’ performance and financial resilience: Evidence from Moroccan listed companies
Authors: Er-Rami Issam , Cherqaoui Mariam , El Badlaoui Amine
Published: August 2024

The study aims to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on company performance and explore the moderating effect of companies’ financial resilience. Data were retrieved from 312 firm-year observations corresponding to 76 companies listed on the Moroccan Stock Exchange Market throughout 2018–2021. Five regression models are used to examine the overall impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on corporate performance, as well as the specific effect on corporate performance of each of the financial indicators of corporate resilience, namely sales, leverage, liquidity, and financial autonomy. The results show that although there is a decrease in the mean of both ratios of financial and operational performance of Moroccan listed companies, statistical tests confirm only a significant negative effect of Covid-19 on operational performance. The results also show that companies with high sales, low debt, high liquidity, and financial autonomy are more resilient to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, given the significant size and the sectorial concentration of Moroccan listed companies, there is no statistical evidence that the negative impact of Covid-19 pandemic varies according to business sector or size. Based on the results, a number of recommendations are made for both governments and companies. Governments should maintain, despite the crisis, both public and private investment in order to sustain the growth of companies’ business sales. It is also important to implement solutions for rescheduling social and tax debts to safeguard the liquidity of companies and limit their recourse to costly debt.
Post-infection gastrointestinal disorders and treatment options
Authors: Bekhtereva M. K. , Bogdanova N. M.
Published: August 2024

The development of post-infectious pathology is determined by the type of pathogen, the genesis of damage to the intestinal barrier and the premorbid background of the child. On the scale of recent epidemiological events, attention is drawn to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has tropism for cells of the gastrointestinal tract, distorts the composition and function of the intestinal microbiome. The importance of the functions of intestinal microbes in the genesis and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been highlighted. It has been proven that a microbiota disorder with a new coronavirus infection affects not only the duration and severity of the infectious process, but also the risk of the formation of systemic diseases and malignant neoplasms. After the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, post-COVID-19 syndrome may occur, the pathophysiology of which has not yet been fully established. Although it is believed that the main reason for its appearance is the diversification of the intestinal microbial landscape against the background of the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the ACE2 receptors of intestinal epitheliocytes, followed by a pathoimmune response and impaired hemostasis. Established post-COVID-19 dysbiosis underlies functional gastrointestinal disorders with pronounced impairment in the brain-gut-microbiota axis and imbalance of the migrating motor complex, leading to the development of constipation. Post-infectious constipation debut within the first 3 months after an acute infection. The main goal of therapy for post-infectious constipation is to achieve regular painless defecation with soft-consistency stool and prevent feces. Numerous foreign studies and clinical guidelines indicate that stimulating laxatives are effective and safe in the treatment of constipation, include the children’s practice. Sodium picosulfate is considered one of the topical drugs of this group of laxatives.
Severe course of whooping cough in a month-old child
Authors: Sagitova G. R. , Kasatkina N. V. , Sereda V. M. , Ugai M. S. , Gavrilova Yu. S. , Faradzhova D. M.
Published: August 2024

Acute respiratory diseases are more and more being registered among the population. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the incidence of acute respiratory infections in the Russian Federation in 2023 amounted to 15911.94 per 100.000 of population. Whooping cough plays a special role in the structure of acute respiratory infections. The largest increase is noted in the last months of 2023. In total, 20.497 cases of whooping cough were registered in the Russian Federation for 9 months of 2023. Whooping cough is an acute anthroponotic infection caused by whooping cough bacteria (Bordetella pertussis), accompanied by catarrhal phenomena in the upper respiratory tract and paroxysmal spasmodic cough. In young children, severe forms of whooping cough are still the most common, leading to a fatal outcome. One of the severe complications in children of the first years of life is encephalopathy, with persistent organic brain damage. In adolescents and adults, whooping cough often occurs in atypical forms and is manifested by a prolonged cough, for which they receive, as a rule, ineffective therapy from a pediatrician, therapist, allergist and otorhinolaryngologist. Whooping cough refers to diseases controlled by specific prevention. However, for children of an earlier age, infection from older children in the family or from adults is typical. This article presents a clinical observation of a severe course of whooping cough in a child aged 1 month, the disease proceeded with a paroxysmal cough, mainly nocturnal, with long reprises and redness of the face, ending with apnea of varying severity and duration. Determination of the severity of the course of pertussis infection is based on a complex of clinical and laboratory data. An early and effective method of etiological verification of whooping cough in children of the first year of life is PCR (polymerase chain reaction) of nasal/oropharyngeal smears.
Difficulties in diagnosing non-IgE-dependent gastrointestinal forms of food allergy: How informative is fecal calprotectin?
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Berezhnaya I. V. , Dmitrieva D. K. , Skorobogatova E. V.
Published: August 2024

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing at rates corresponding to epidemic’s spread rates. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infancy. Its clinical variants remain hard-to-diagnose diseases due to their multiple clinical faces. Food allergy can develop along the pathway associated with both IgE and non-IgE, or mixed one. Non-IgEassociated variants of food allergies, due to the lack of accurate and specific laboratory markers, can cause significant difficulties in making a diagnosis. The search for new diagnostic markers continues. Faecal calprotectin, a calcium-binding leukocyte protein consisting of a complex of two monomers S100A8 and S100A9, may be one of them. Faecal calprotectin concentration is directly proportional to the number of leukocytes migrating into the intestinal wall, due to which faecal calprotectin becomes an accurate, non-invasive and sensitive indicator reflecting the level of inflammation in the intestines. Today, serum and faecal calprotectin are used as laboratory markers, and the latter, being more accessible and not critical for collection material is widely known as a diagnostic marker of inflammatory bowel diseases. Some studies suggest that faecal calprotectin may be used to diagnose cow’s milk protein allergy in young infants when other diagnostic tests are not available. Data from various studies remain contradictory. Further studies to investigate the possibilities of using faecal calprotectin as a marker of the gastrointestinal food allergy in young children is needed.
Prediction of inlet-to-outlet width ratio of type-A piano key weir using fuzzy neural network (FNN)
Authors: Bansal Nipun , Bhardwaj Keshav , Singh Deepak , Kumar Munendra
Published: August 2024

A Piano Key Weir (PKW) is a nonlinear (labyrinth-type) weir with a small spillway footprint and a large discharge carrying capacity. It (PKW) enables water bodies to continue functioning at elevated supply levels while causing no damage to dam structures, resulting in increased storage. PKW's geometrical structure is extremely complex, and geometrical aspects have a significant impact on its efficiency and on energy dissipation. Among them relative width ratio (Wi/Wo) (i.e., inlet to outlet key width ratio) is a critical parameter that affects the PKW's discharge efficiency, and energy dissipation across the weir significantly. This study predicts the PKW's inlet to the outlet key ratio and understands the resulting hydraulic behaviours based on a Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN). The dataset used in this study was collected experimentally, which adds to the study's authenticity because it is not a conventional dataset. The model's performance is evaluated by the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE); both values are 0.0305 and 0.0222, respectively. According to the dataset, these scores tell the model's reliability as it is in the ideal range. The FNN approach can be applied in a variety of fields to predict or solve different problems erent problems.
Projected change in the rainfall behaviour over Odisha
Authors: Maharana P.
Published: August 2024

Climate change has impacted the rainfall characteristics and the extremes are on the rise across the world. These changes threaten agriculture, water resources, and disaster management. Odisha, an eastern Indian state with an agrarian economy, heavily relies on monsoon rainfall. The study analyses the projected change in the rainfall characteristics across Odisha at different specific warming targets of the Paris Climate Agreement using high-resolution regional climate models. The study adopts a bi-fold approach; first, it employs a robust method to select the best model experiments; afterwards, the model ensemble is used to examine the projected rainfall characteristics. The results indicate a 4–16% increase in projected rainfall over Odisha, with an extended rainy season. The projected number of consecutive wet days, moderate and extreme rainfall, is expected to rise under the global warming scenario. The prolonged rainy season with heavy rainfall can result in disasters like post-monsoon floods, while higher rainfall variability will increase the risk of floods and droughts across Odisha, threatening agriculture. The results will help pinpoint regions most vulnerable to climate change. The study also suggested measures to assist governments and planners in developing short-term and long-term strategies for adaptation and mitigation to lessen climate change impacts.
ITGB3 is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates with Aberrant Methylation and Tumor Immunity in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Hao-Yun , Feng Jun-Ming , Luo Jun , Tian Tian
Published: August 2024

Background:

Current evidence highlights clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) as the
most prevalent form of kidney cancer despite ongoing challenges in treating advanced-stage disease.
Integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3) has recently emerged as a critical player in tumorigenesis,
prompting our investigation into its role in ccRCC. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms
responsible for ITGB3 downregulation and evaluate its clinical significance, particularly
regarding its impact on the immune landscape within ccRCC.

Methods:

We first conducted analyses utilizing data from both TCGA and GEO datasets to explore
ITGB3 expression in ccRCC tissues. Subsequently, we evaluated the association between
ITGB3 expression levels and patient prognosis and pathological staging. Pathway and functional
enrichment analyses were performed to assess correlations between ITGB3 and immune and
methylation-related pathways. Additionally, we examined the relationship between ITGB3 transcriptional
expression and DNA hypermethylation. A prognostic risk model was developed using
LASSO-based analysis on selected ITGB3-associated DNA methylation probes. Immunohistochemistry
(IHC) analysis, alongside TIMER and ssGSEA results, was utilized to investigate
ITGB3 expression and its association with immune cell infiltration.

Results:

Our analyses revealed significant downregulation of ITGB3 mRNA expression in
ccRCC tissues compared to other members of the ITGB family, consistent across TCGA and
GEO datasets. Higher ITGB3 expression correlated with improved prognosis and lower pathological
stage in ccRCC patients. Pathway and functional enrichment analyses demonstrated positive
correlations between ITGB3 and immune and methylation-related pathways, while ITGB3
transcriptional expression showed a negative correlation with DNA hypermethylation. The established
prognostic risk model identified a high-risk group with poorer survival probabilities than
the low-risk group. Immunohistochemical quantification revealed a positive correlation between
CD4+ and CD8+ immune cell infiltration and ITGB3 expression.

Conclusion:

Overall, our study provides compelling evidence supporting the significant role of
ITGB3 in ccRCC immunity. The downregulation of ITGB3, coupled with its association with
better prognosis and immune activation, suggests its potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic
marker for this patient population.
Advances in Developing Small Molecule Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Liujie , Lv Mingti , Fu Yun , Meng Xiaowen , Wang Mingyong , Wang Hecheng
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia among middle-aged
and elderly individuals. Accelerating the prevention and treatment of AD has become an urgent
problem. New technology including Computer-aided drug design (CADD) can effectively reduce
the medication cost for patients with AD, reduce the cost of living, and improve the quality of life
of patients, providing new ideas for treating AD. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of AD, the
latest developments in CADD and other small-molecule docking technologies for drug discovery
and development; the current research status of small-molecule compounds for AD at home and
abroad from the perspective of drug action targets; the future of AD drug development.
1H-1,2,3-triazol-1,4-naphthoquinone Derivatives: Novel Inhibitors Targeting Pyocyanin Biosynthesis for P. Aeruginosa Infection Treatment Advances
Authors: Costa Dora C.S. , Froes Thamires Q. , Mendes Marina S. , da S.M. Forezi Luana , Ferreira Vitor F. , Castilho Marcelo S. , de C. da Silva Fernando
Published: August 2024

Background:

This study investigates the potential of eleven 1H-1,2,3-triazol-1,4-naphthoquinone
conjugates as virulence factor inhibitors (like Pyocyanin) and their affinity for PhzM,
a crucial enzyme for Pyocyanin biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Methods:

A straightforward synthetic pathway enabled the production of these compounds, which
were characterized and structurally confirmed through spectroscopic analyses. Evaluation of their
impact on PhzM thermal stability identified promising candidates for PhzM binders.

Results:

Concentration-response behavior elucidated their binding affinity, revealing them as the
first reported micromolar affinity ligands for PhzM. Structure-activity relationship analysis emphasized
the role of specific molecular moieties in binding affinity modulation, paving the way for future
advanced inhibitors’ development.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the potential of naphthoquinone-triazole derivatives as leads
for novel therapeutics against P. aeruginosa infections.
Exploring New Potential Pkcθ Inhibitors Using Pharmacophore Modeling, Molecular Docking Analysis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Yao Yao , Pang Wen-Wei , Hu An-Zheng , Chen Hai-Yan , Qi Zhong-Quan
Published: August 2024

Background:

It has been reported that PKCθ plays an important role in the immune response
by regulating the cellular activity of T cells and, thus, the production of immune factors such
as IL-2.PKCθ protein is mainly expressed in T lymphocytes but not much in other cells and has a
very good specificity. Therefore, it is very meaningful to use PKCθ protein as a novel target for immunosuppression.
PKCθ is a valuable target that can be used to develop meaningful novel selective
immunosuppressive agents.

Methods:

In this study, we constructed a 3-characteristic pharmacophore（RHA）and used it to
perform a virtual screening of the database. Then, we performed a molecular docking analysis of the
compounds that scored high. The top five compounds with molecular docking scores were used as
lead compounds, and structure-based ligand design via fragment substitution was applied to them,
resulting in 20077 new compounds. We performed molecular docking analysis, binding free energy
calculations, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET prediction on these new compounds and
finally identified two compounds as new PKCθ inhibitors.

Results and Discussions:

Through the screening of pharmacophore, molecular design based on fragment
substitution, molecular docking, we finally obtained two small molecules with higher scores
than the positive control, in which the molecular docking score of P01 was -53.88 kcal/mol, and the
molecular docking score of P02 was -51.20 kcal/mol, and then we performed the molecular dynamics
simulation, free energy of binding calculations, and the prediction of ADMET properties for the
compounds. The results showed that the ligands could form more stable complexes with the proteins,
the binding free energy calculations of the ligand molecules were better than the positive control, all
of them had good ADMET properties, and the compounds all had good drug similarity.

Conclusion:

Our results provided 2 new ligands that could serve as lead compounds for new PKCθ
inhibitors in the future.
The Impact of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training (LV-HIIT) on Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Raesi Rasoul , Kalbasi Saeid , Gaeini Abbas Ali , Haji Ghasem Kashani Maryam , Tajik Khadijeh
Published: August 2024

Background:

Prevention and reduction of liver fat accumulation and maintenance of
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) have been proposed as important therapeutic goals in patients
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the effect of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training
(LV-HIIT) on fatty liver index (FLI) and GFR estimation in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial included 80 patients with T2DM and a sedentary lifestyle,
randomly divided into HIIT (n=40) and a control group (n=40). Patients with a history of
T2DM for at least one year and HbA1C levels between 6.4% and 10% were selected. The intervention
group underwent a 4-week LV-HIIT course, comprising 3 sessions per week, while the
control group did not receive any intervention. FLI, eGFR, anthropometric measurements, and
laboratory variables were assessed in all participants before and after the intervention.

Results:

FLI (62.0 at baseline, 53.0 at follow-up) significantly decreased in the LV-HIIT group
after the intervention, while eGFR (71.0 at baseline, 73.6 at follow-up) significantly increased
(P<0.001). However, the control group showed a significant reduction only in Fasting Blood
Sugar (FBS) (P<0.05). After the intervention, the LV-HIIT group had significantly lower FBS
(129.0 at baseline, 121.0 at follow-up), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (24.0 at baseline, 18.0
at follow-up), and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) (22.0 at baseline, 19.0 at follow-up), as
well as higher eGFR, compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

LV-HIIT exercise appears to be a promising and effective training method for improving
FLI and eGFR in patients diagnosed with T2DM.
Green Analysis by Eco-scale Assessment for Quality Control of Azithromycin Tablets
Authors: Sinzervinch Aline , Kogawa Ana Carolina
Published: August 2024

Background:

Azithromycin (AZT), an antimicrobial, despite having a monograph in official
compendiums and some methods available in the literature, there is still a demand for eco-efficient
methods, which include green analytical chemistry.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop and validate a green spectrophotometric method for quantifying
AZT tablets.

Methods:

Purified water and ethanol (90:10, v/v) and sulfuric acid 20% as a diluent and reagent, respectively,
quartz cubette and 482 nm were used. The Eco-Scale Assessment (ESA) tool was used
to evaluate the greenness of the proposed analytical method.

Results:

The proposed method was linear (20-70 μg mL-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9984),
precise (RSD < 5%), selective by sample adjuvants, exact (100.46%), and robust against changes
in acid proportion and wavelength. The ESA calculation was 85 points.

Conclusion:

The proposed method can be classified as an excellent green alternative to quantify
AZT in tablets, in accordance with ESA.
A Review on In-vivo and In-vitro Models of Obesity and Obesity-Associated Co-Morbidities
Authors: Nath Digbijoy , Barbhuiya Pervej Alom , Sen Saikat , Pathak Manash Pratim
Published: August 2024

Background:

Obesity is becoming a global pandemic with pandemic proportions. According
to the WHO estimates, there were over 1.9 billion overweight individuals and over 650
million obese adults in the globe in 2016. In recent years, scientists have encountered difficulties
in choosing acceptable animal models, leading to a multitude of contradicting aspects and incorrect
outcomes. This review comprehensively evaluates different screening models of obesity and
obesity-associated comorbidities to reveal the advantages and disadvantages/limitations of each
model while also mentioning the time duration each model requires to induce obesity.

Methods:

For this review, the authors have gone through a vast number of article sources from different
scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed.

Results:

In-vivo models used to represent a variety of obesity-inducing processes, such as diet-induced,
drug-induced, surgical, chemical, stress-induced, and genetic models, are discussed. Animal
cell models are examined with an emphasis on their use in understanding the molecular causes
of obesity, for which we discussed in depth the important cell lines, including 3T3-L1, OP9,
3T3-F442A, and C3H10T1/2. Screening models of obesity-associated co-morbidities like diabetes,
asthma, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were
discussed, which provided light on the complex interactions between obesity and numerous health
problems.

Conclusion:

Mimicking obesity in an animal model reflects multifactorial aspects is a matter of
challenge. Future studies could address the ethical issues surrounding the use of animals in obesity
research as well as investigate newly developed models, such as non-mammalian models. In conclusion,
improving our knowledge and management of obesity and related health problems will require
ongoing assessment and improvement of study models.
Advancements of Nano-biotechnology in Public Health Sector: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Bharadwaj Alok , Gupta Mansi , Verma Manisha , Gangwar Princi , Wahi Nitin
Published: August 2024

Nano-biotechnology is the discipline of creating and using nanoscale devices to study
biological sciences. It has become an important frontier in many important areas, especially in the
treatment of diseases and drug use. Nano-biotechnology has great potential to improve biological
research and thus support global health care. Many new nanodevices and nanoparticles will be used
to benefit human health in the future. Healthcare as a human right often becomes the focus of technological
innovations. Technological advances have made it easier to deliver goods efficiently, on time,
reliable and cost-effectively. Advances in nanoscience facilitated the expansion of new generations
of nanostructures. They all have unique features that make their applications perfect. Nanotechnology
has continued to impact health since its inception and has had a significant impact on the evolution
of health, leading to better outcomes. Over the last 20 years, the world has witnessed the advancement
of nanotechnology into living spaces, with the influence of many research studies in various
medical fields. The arena of nanomedicine emerges as the amalgamation of nanotechnology
along with nanocarriers/nanosystems in the medical field, like in the prevention, prognosis and
prophylaxis of various infectious diseases. It has been noticed that in the diagnosis and therapeutics,
advanced nanosystems have been found to be more appropriate in comparison to conventional ones.
The present review mainly highlights the merits and demerits of nanosystems in the areas of cancer
management, gene therapy, genetic diseases, and drug delivery. Though nanotechnology has great
potential, it is still underutilized. Further efforts are needed to overcome these limitations and exploit
the potential to reform the healthcare sector in the future.
A Research of Stirling Cryocooler with Non-metallic Regenerator
Authors: Guo Jiabo , Zhang Ankuo , Yu Wenhui , Xiong Chao
Published: August 2024

Background:

Due to the recognition and further promotion of green and low-carbon
concepts worldwide, Stirling refrigeration technology has gained people's attention for its significant
advantages, such as high cooling capacity, high efficiency, and strong reliability. In recent
years, related products have gradually entered the field of civilian low-temperature refrigeration.
One of the key research directions is to achieve better refrigeration performance at lower costs.

Purpose:

Through simulative analysis and experimental verification, Free piston Stirling refrigerators
(FPSCs) have better economic and performance advantages using non-metallic materials.

Method:

This paper analyzes an FPSC using Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) material. The main
losses and performance of the regenerator are analyzed about the impact of packing porosity and
regenerator length. The actual performance obtained through experimental verification is compared
with an FPSC with metal packing.

Conclusion:

Experimental verification was conducted, and it was found that FPSC using non-metallic materials with a porosity of 52.4% had better performance. Some details of the patent are shown in the article. The COP of 25w@-76℃ is 0.16, which is close to the performance of the PFSC using 200 mesh wound wire.
Protein Determination by Western Blotting or Immunoblot
Authors: Hait Sinchan
Published: August 2024

Western blotting, also known as immunoblot, is a chromatography-based
technique in which quantitative detection of proteins can be performed based on their
molecular weight. This is often performed after the SDS-PAGE technique. It is used to
identify, analyze and quantify proteins from a protein mixture. The major steps include
1. Separation of proteins (e.g., SDS-PAGE), 2. Transfer onto a solid support, 3.
Utilizing primary and secondary antibodies for visualization. Western blotting can be
used qualitatively and quantitatively. In this chapter, both of these techniques are
explained in detail.
Quantitative Tests for Protein Detection
Authors: Hait Sinchan , Joshi Sai , Padhye Ankita Nitin
Published: August 2024

Quantitative tests for protein are essential for understanding the amount of
protein present in a sample. Various tests have been developed, such as BCA, biuret,
Bradford, and Lowry tests. These are the most common and standardised procedures
for the determination of protein. The mentioned techniques are colourimetric assays.
However, over a while, several more advanced techniques are also being developed. In
this chapter, quantitative methods for protein are discussed.
Qualitative Tests for Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Sah Anshika , Sarkar Mrittika , Hait Sinchan , Joshi Sai , Ghosal Ahiree
Published: August 2024

Qualitative tests of nucleic acids are important to detect the presence or
absence of nucleic acid in the given sample. It can be done by performing agarose gel
electrophoresis. Nucleic acids are negatively charged and hence can be attracted
towards a positive charge in an electric field. This phenomenon is used in agarose gel
electrophoresis to detect nucleic acids. Based on the mass of nucleic acids, different
bands are formed in the gel, which can be visualized using fluorescent dyes.
Introduction to Lipids
Authors: Joshi Sai , Hait Sinchan , Garde Pranali
Published: August 2024

Lipids are water-insoluble hydrocarbon derivatives with many physiological
functions. They are the structural components of membranes. The long chain fatty acid
chains of lipids can be broken down to serve as energy fuels, as well as they play a role
in intracellular signaling. The entire composition of lipid molecules in a cell constitutes
its lipidome. In this chapter, we will discuss the different roles played by lipids by their
chemical properties in detail.
Commonly Used Basic and Advanced Techniques
Authors: Sah Anshika , Hait Sinchan , Joshi Sai
Published: August 2024

Different techniques are used in a biochemical laboratory to measure various
parameters. For example, a pH meter is used to measure the pH of the sample and
electrochemical cells are used to measure the redox potential. Zeta potential is another
property which can be measured using zeta cells. Chromatography is a technique used
to separate the components of a mixture. Two of the most common chromatography
techniques are HPLC and ion exchange chromatography. HPLC is based on the
interactions of the analytes in stationary as well as mobile phase. Whereas ion
exchange chromatography is based on the interaction of ions and charged site of the
stationary phase.
Deep Learning-based Word Sense Disambiguation for Hindi Language Using Hindi WordNet Dataset
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Vishwakarma Sandeep , Kumar Sunil
Published: August 2024

This book chapter outlines an innovative approach to word sense
disambiguation (WSD) for Hindi languages using deep learning. In natural language
processing (NLP), WSD—which seeks to determine the precise meaning of the words
within a specific context—is a crucial problem. The recommended approach learns and
represents contextual word meanings using long short-term memory (LSTM) and
convolutional neural networks (CNNs) capabilities of deep learning techniques. The
huge Hindi WordNet dataset, which offers a wealth of semantic data on Hindi words, is
used to train and assess the suggested method. Empirical findings show that the
suggested methodology performs admirably on the Hindi WordNet dataset,
outperforming a number of baseline techniques. This study showcases the latent deep
learning techniques in addressing WSD challenges in the Hindi language, emphasizing
the significance of leveraging semantic resources such as Hindi WordNet to enhance
the efficacy of the NLP tasks in the domain of the Hindi language.
Recent Advances in Transfer Learning for Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Authors: Sharma Nitin , Verma Bhumica
Published: August 2024

Natural Language Processing (NLP) has experienced a significant boost in
performance in recent years due to the emergence of transfer learning techniques.
Transfer learning is the process of leveraging pre-trained models on large amounts of
data and transferring the knowledge to downstream tasks with limited labelled data.
This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent developments in transfer
learning for NLP. It also discusses the key concepts and architectures of transfer
learning, including fine-tuning, multi-task learning, and domain adaptation. The paper
also highlights the challenges of transfer learning and provides insights into future
research directions. The analysis presented here has significantly improved the
performance of NLP tasks, particularly in tasks with limited labelled data. Furthermore,
pre-trained language models such as BERT and GPT-3 have achieved state-of-the-art
performance in various NLP tasks, demonstrating the power of transfer learning in
NLP. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent
developments in transfer learning for NLP and highlights the potential for future
advancements in the field. However, the challenges of domain adaptation and dataset
biases still need to be addressed to improve the generalization ability of transfer
learning models. The analysis also leaves room to investigate transfer learning in lowresource languages and to develop transfer learning techniques for speech and
multimodal NLP tasks.
Beyond Syntax and Semantics: The Quantum Leap in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Arya Ashish , Ranjan Arti
Published: August 2024

QNLP is a quite new and emerging field of inquiry that aims to utilize the
principles of quantum computing to achieve NLP tasks. QNLP aims to enhance the
accuracy of natural language processing by utilizing the quantum properties of matter
known as superposition, interference, and, most importantly, entanglement. This book
chapter introduces the basics of QNLP, including a brief overview of concepts used in
quantum computing and techniques of NLP. We have explored the potential benefits of
QNLP, such as faster and more accurate processing of natural language data. We also
examine the challenges and limitations of QNLP, such as the need for quantum
hardware and the integration with classical NLP techniques. In addition, this chapter
covers recent advances in QNLP, including quantum algorithms for language
modeling, machine translation, and sentiment analysis. We also discuss the
development of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and the potential applications of
QNLP in industry and academia. Overall, this chapter provides a comprehensive
overview of QNLP and its potential to revolutionize natural language processing.
Speech Technologies
Authors: Verma Archana
Published: August 2024

Speech technology is a research area and is used in biometrics to identify
individuals. To understand it totally, we need to look at how the process of speaker
recognition and speaker verification is carried out. Feature Extraction from the speech
is used to train models, which are further used for verification of the voice. In
modelling and matching a number of models such as NLP, the Hidden Markov Model,
Neural Networks and Deep learning are used. Text-dependent and Text-independent
are two techniques of speaker verification. Speech parameters can be found by Linear
Predictive Coding (LPC) Discrete Fourier Transforms and Inverse Discrete Fourier
Transforms. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) are used for calculations. In
addition, we aim to see how key concepts of text-based comparisons and interactive
voice response systems are incorporated. This field also involves how the speech is
synthesized and analyzed. Speech technology is used in diverse applications such as
forensics, customer care, health care, household jobs, GPS navigational systems, AI
chatbots, and law courts.
The Role of Nutrition in Women’s Health
Authors: Thirupataiah Boini , Maurya Rahul , Misro Lakshminarayana , Thulasi Radhakrishnan
Published: August 2024

Nutrition and a healthy diet play a crucial role in women at times of
pregnancy, menstruation, childbearing, baby feeding, menopause, etc., and women
have a greater risk of anemia. Nutrition also plays a crucial role in Women's mental and
emotional well-being. Nutritional deficiency causes serious problems in pregnant
women, and it reflects on baby growth conditions. To avoid these situations, Women's
diets must be rich in vitamin B, Vitamin D, calcium and iron contents to maintain bone
health and reduce the risk of anemia. In this chapter, we overview the types of diets,
daily nutritional needs, types of phytoestrogens, fiber intake, and benefits of an
antioxidant-rich diet, and discuss about the Ayurveda nutrients. We also address the
hormonal imbalance issues in women due to a lack of sufficient nutrients in the body.
At the end of the chapter, various schemes for women’s health conditions and
nutritional management have been discussed.
Autoimmune Diseases in Women and Treatment Options
Authors: Shukla Ajay Kumar , Yadav Vimal Kumar , Yadav Vishnu Prasad , Mishra Manoj Kumar , Maurya Rahul , Mishra Rahul Kumar , Dubey Rama Shankar
Published: August 2024

The concept of “autoimmune diseases” relates to a type of disease where the
immune system of the body fights its internal cells and tissues, which causes tissue
damage and persistent inflammation. According to predictions, autoimmune diseases
are more common in women and affect up to 75% of them. There are more than 80
different types of autoimmune diseases known, including type 1 diabetes, lupus,
multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect different parts of the
body, including the joints, skin, thyroid, and nervous system. Treatment options vary
depending on the type of autoimmune disease and the severity of the symptoms, with
the main objectives being to reduce inflammation and stop additional harm to the
organs and tissues that are already compromised. Healthcare providers might suggest
treatments such as antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs to treat symptoms and slow the spread of the illness. A balanced
diet, consistent exercise, and stress-reduction methods may also be advised as part of
lifestyle improvements. Biologic therapy, which uses medicines that target particular
immune system cells to lessen inflammation and stop further damage, may be an
effective treatment for some autoimmune diseases. However, such therapies can be
expensive and come with unfavorable side effects, like a higher risk of infection.
Women with autoimmune diseases must work with medical specialists to develop a
personalized treatment plan to successfully manage their symptoms. This chapter tries
to discuss all autoimmune diseases that afflict women, including their etiology,
management, and treatments.
Tamarindus indica L. Its Phytochemicals and Health Related Issues
Authors: Ahmad Nurul Izzah , Mustar Suraiami , Rahman Salina Abdul , Mohd Salim Roshan Jahn
Published: August 2024

Tamarindus indica L. is a multifunctional plant native to Madagascar that
may now be found in most tropical and subtropical climates from Africa through South
Asia, northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and China. Almost every part of the tree is
used in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or textile industries, as well as for fodder,
wood, and fuel. It has been connected to a variety of therapeutic uses, including
inflammation, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, and more. The purpose of
this chapter is to review research subjects on phytochemical elements in tamarind and
their relationship to health that have recently been published in peer-reviewed journals.
We gathered data from original peer-reviewed studies that focused on Tamarindus
indica L., its phytochemicals, and health/medicinal-related issues. We used four NIH
Library-registered databases to perform our literature search. We included open access
research and review publications in English (2010 to 2021). A total of 124 articles were
used to form the basis of the discussion. Among the phytochemical components found
in tamarind stem bark aqueous extract were saponin, catechin, iristectorin A,
proanthocyanidin B1, procyanidin tetramer, and procyanidin trimer (bergenin, catechin,
iristectorin A, proanthocyanidin B1, procyanidin tetramer, and procyanidin trimer). The
essential oil (limonene, linalool anthranilate, p-cymene), 3-eicosyne, cryptopinone, free
and conjugated fatty acids (malic, tartaric, phthalic, palmitic, 10-octadecenoic, and nnonadecanoic), flavones (luteolin 7-o-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin, isorientin (caffeic
acid) were most identified in tamarind leaf. Diphenyl-ether, longifolene, caryophyllene,
and 6, 10, 14-trimethylpentadeca-5, 9, 13-trien-2-one were among the new chemicals
discovered in the leaf extract. 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 2, 3-butanediol, and 2-
furancarboxaldehyde, 5-methyl were the most common phytochemicals found in pulp
extracts. These chemicals are known for their antioxidant properties, treatment of
allergic rhinitis, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, antidiabetic and
antibacterial activity, etc. Because this versatile plant has been widely utilised as herbal
medicine, the findings of this review could be used as a database for future
phytochemicals and clinical studies of this plant. Considering the plant's uses and
benefits, it can be recommended as a valuable multifunctional medicinal plant for both
animals and humans.
Práticas na Gestão Pública Brasil e Portugal: uma análise bibliométrica
Authors: Dias Taciana de Lemos , Silva Armando Malheiro da , Gianordoli Victor
Published: August 2024

The research maps Public Management practices in Brazil and Portugal. It uses SciELO Brazil and Portugal databases, focusing on practices in public management. It analyses847 articles and uses the Bibliometrixtool for bibliometrics. Results point to increasedpublications on the identified themes, mainly associated with health and public policies, with a significant use of qualitative methodology in the analyses. Considers the existence of emerging topics addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the new public management, governance,and training of health managers. Brazil and Portugal demonstrate commitment to the modernization of the public sector and investment in practical and applied research. It emphasizes the need to improve the knowledge transfer to the public sector, transforming research into actions to drive development.
Desa Cerdas dan Inovasi Pelayanan Publik di Masa Endemi: Belajar dari Desa Mojowarno
Authors: Addiansyah M.
Published: August 2024

Endemi dan gencarnya perkembangan teknologi dan informasi telah memberikan dampak baru bagi penyelenggaraan pemerintahan. Tulisan ini memberikan bukti bagaimana pemerintah desa mampu menyesuaikan hal tersebut. Proses adaptasi tersebut meskipun membutuhkan waktu yang tidak sebentar, tetapi bisa sukses dilaksanakan. Berbagai keunggulan seperti kepemimpinan yang efektif, perangkat desa yang kompeten hingga masyarakat yang melek teknologi menjadi faktor pendukung pelaksanaan smart village di desa ini. Metode penelitian yang kami lakukan yakni metode kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data yakni data primer dengan wawancara serta data sekunder. Pengumpulan data primer dilakukan dengan wawancara sedangkan pengumpulan data sekunder dilakukan dengan pengumpulan data yang tersedia secara online, baik melalui website maupun media sosial. Ada beberapa hal yang menyebabkan mengapa smart village bisa dikembangkan di Desa Mojowarno, antara lain: adanya kemajuan penggunaan teknologi digital di Desa Mojowarno (Agustiono, 2022), serta kepemimpinan dan kepekaan kepala desa dalam merespons kebutuhan warga (Maharani & Kencono, 2021). Atas dasar argumentasi ini maka inovasi-inovasi pelayanan publik di Desa Mojowarno dapat terus berjalan.
Understanding the Values, Qualities, and Preferences of Patients in Their Relationships With Obstetrics and Gynecology Providers: Cross-Sectional Survey With a Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Kennedy Ann Blair , Harb Anna Tarasidis , Schockling Chloe , Ray Lauren Jackson , Palomo Jennifer , Russ-Sellers Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Background

The patient-provider relationship in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) is uniquely complex due to the sensitive nature of examinations and topics. Patients often prefer health care providers who share similar racial, ethnic, gender, or linguistic backgrounds, particularly in sensitive health care situations, to improve communication and comfort, though historically, specific gender preferences for OBGYNs have not been evident.

Objective

This study aims to describe the values, qualities, and preferences of patients in their relationships with OBGYN providers.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey, conducted from October 2019 to December 2019, involved 1039 US OBGYN patients and used a mixed methods approach, integrating quantitative responses and qualitative insights from open-ended questions. Recruitment was facilitated through targeted social media campaigns, and the survey aimed to capture detailed patient preferences and barriers to care by assessing responses on provider traits, patient experiences, and demographic factors. The study’s rigorous data collection and analysis were designed to fill gaps identified in previous research on patient-provider relationships in OBGYN care.

Results

The findings underscore the paramount importance of trust and comfort, with listening skills identified as crucial. A notable finding is the marked preference for same-gender providers, observed in 80.7% (545/675) of participants. Primary barriers to seeking care reported included daily commitments, highlighting the need for accessible and flexible care options.

Conclusions

The study highlights a significant shift from previous scientific findings in patient preferences toward gender concordance and trust in OBGYN settings, diverging from previous research. These results emphasize the need for patient-centered care and tailored communication strategies to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Future research should focus on diverse populations to broaden the findings’ applicability and explore the impact of recent shifts in health care policies.
Determinants of Visual Impairment Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Risk Prediction Model Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mao Lijun , Yu Zhen , Lin Luotao , Sharma Manoj , Song Hualing , Zhao Hailei , Xu Xianglong
Published: August 2024

Background

Visual impairment (VI) is a prevalent global health issue, affecting over 2.2 billion people worldwide, with nearly half of the Chinese population aged 60 years and older being affected. Early detection of high-risk VI is essential for preventing irreversible vision loss among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. While machine learning (ML) algorithms exhibit significant predictive advantages, their application in predicting VI risk among the general middle-aged and older adult population in China remains limited.

Objective

This study aimed to predict VI and identify its determinants using ML algorithms.

Methods

We used 19,047 participants from 4 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) that were conducted between 2011 and 2018. To envisage the prevalence of VI, we generated a geographical distribution map. Additionally, we constructed a model using indicators of a self-reported questionnaire, a physical examination, and blood biomarkers as predictors. Multiple ML algorithms, including gradient boosting machine, distributed random forest, the generalized linear model, deep learning, and stacked ensemble, were used for prediction. We plotted receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves to assess the predictive performance. Variable importance analysis was used to identify key predictors.

Results

Among all participants, 33.9% (6449/19,047) had VI. Qinghai, Chongqing, Anhui, and Sichuan showed the highest VI rates, while Beijing and Xinjiang had the lowest. The generalized linear model, gradient boosting machine, and stacked ensemble achieved acceptable area under curve values of 0.706, 0.710, and 0.715, respectively, with the stacked ensemble performing best. Key predictors included hearing impairment, self-expectation of health status, pain, age, hand grip strength, depression, night sleep duration, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and arthritis or rheumatism.

Conclusions

Nearly one-third of middle-aged and older adults in China had VI. The prevalence of VI shows regional variations, but there are no distinct east-west or north-south distribution differences. ML algorithms demonstrate accurate predictive capabilities for VI. The combination of prediction models and variable importance analysis provides valuable insights for the early identification and intervention of VI among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.