bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizens can help to map putative transmission sites for snail-borne diseases
Authors: Tumusiime Julius , Valderrama Bhraunxs Noelia , Kagoro-Rugunda Grace , Namirembe Daisy , Albrecht Christian , Twongyirwe Ronald , Tolo Casim Umba , Jacobs Liesbet , Huyse Tine
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Schistosomiasis and fasciolosis are snail-borne diseases of great medical and veterinary health importance. The World Health Organization recommends complementing drug treatment with snail control and community involvement for disease elimination, but there is a general lack of snail experts and hence snail distribution data. Therefore, we adopted a citizen science approach and involved citizens in the monitoring of medically and veterinary important snail taxa.

Materials and methods

Snail data was collected weekly by 25 trained citizen scientists (CSs) at 76 sites around southern Lake Albert (Uganda) for 20 months. At each site, snails were searched for 30 minutes, sorted, target snail hosts identified to genus level, counted and data submitted through a smartphone application. The quality of this data was assessed by comparing it to monthly data collected by an ‘expert’ malacologist using the same sampling protocol. Generalised binomial logistic and linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse the variables for agreement between the CSs and expert.

Findings

The binary agreement in presence/absence of Biomphalaria, Bulinus and Radix snails reported by the expert and CSs ranged between 70% and 86% (900 reports) with an average of 17% false negatives (sites wrongly defined as snail-free). The agreement for Biomphalaria and Radix increased with snail abundance, and false negatives decreased when the number of snails collected by citizens was aggregated per month. Site type significantly predicted binary agreement, which was lowest at lake sites (55%) and highest at spring sites (99%) with variations across genera. Similar temporal trends in snail abundance were recorded despite the expert reporting higher abundance. However, the relative abundance was consistent across site types. The match between the sites with highest Biomphalaria spp. abundance identified by CSs and expert was consistently high (~84.1%) and increased over time.

Conclusions and recommendations

Our results demonstrate the potential of citizen science to map putative schistosomiasis transmission sites. We therefore argue that this inclusive, powerful and cost-effective approach can be more sustainable than top-down monitoring and intervention campaigns.
Snakebite envenoming: A systematic review and meta-analysis of global morbidity and mortality
Authors: Afroz Afsana , Siddiquea Bodrun Naher , Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Jackson Timothy NW , Watt Andrew D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Snakebite envenoming represents a significant and often neglected public health challenge, particularly in rural communities across tropical and subtropical regions. An estimated 1.2–5.5 million people are envenomed by snakebites annually. More than 125,000 of these bites are fatal, and 3–4 times as many results in disability/disfigurement. Despite its prevalence, collecting accurate epidemiological data on snakebite is challenging. This systematic review and meta-analysis collates global epidemiology data on snakebite morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL Plus databases were searched for articles published between 2001–2022. Pooled incidence and mortality were obtained using random effects modelling, heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and sensitivity analyses performed. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality.

Results

Out of the four databases, 5,312 articles were found. After removing duplicates, 3,953 articles were screened by title and abstract and 65 articles containing information on snakebite epidemiology, encompassing 663,460 snakebites, were selected for analysis. The people most at risk for snakebite were men (59%), engaged in agricultural labour (27.5%), and residing in rural areas (66.7%). More than half (57%) of the reported bites resulted in envenoming. Incidents occurred frequently in the summer season (38.5%), during daytime (56.7%), and bites were most often to the lower limb (56.4%). Envenoming severity was frequently mild (46.7%), treated in hospital (68.3%), and was treated with anti-venom (64.7%). The pooled global incidence and mortality was 69.4 /100,000 population (95%CI: 36.8 to 101.9) and 0.33/100,000 population (95%CI, 0.14 to 0.52) per year, respectively.

Stratified by continents, Asia had the highest incidence of 130.7/100,000 population (95%CI: 48.3 to 213.1) while Europe has the lowest with 0.7/100,000 population (95%CI: -0.2 to 1.5). The highest mortality was reported in Asia at 0.96/100,000 population (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.70), and Africa 0.44/100,000 population (95%CI: -0.03 to 0.84). Incidence was highest among inhabitants of lower-middle-income countries 132.7/100,000 population (95%CI: 55.4 to 209.9) while mortality was highest in low-income countries at 0.85/100,000 population (95% CI: -0.06 to 2.31).

Conclusion

Incidence and mortality rates noted here highlight the global impact of snakebite and underscore the critical need to address the burden of snakebite envenoming. It also reveals that while reported snakebite incidence was higher in lower-middle-income countries, the burden of mortality was greatest among inhabitants of low-income countries, again emphasising the need for greater efforts to tackle this neglected tropical disease.
Development of peptides for targeting cell ablation agents concurrently to the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations of the testes: An approach to non-surgical sterilization
Authors: Fraser Barbara , Wilkins Alex , Whiting Sara , Liang Mingtao , Rebourcet Diane , Nixon Brett , Aitken Robert John
Published: April 2024

The surgical sterilization of cats and dogs has been used to prevent their unwanted breeding for decades. However, this is an expensive and invasive procedure, and often impractical in wider contexts, for example the control of feral populations. A sterilization agent that could be administered in a single injection, would not only eliminate the risks imposed by surgery but also be a much more cost-effective solution to this worldwide problem. In this study, we sought to develop a targeting peptide that would selectively bind to Leydig cells of the testes. Subsequently, after covalently attaching a cell ablation agent, Auristatin, to this peptide we aimed to apply this conjugated product (LH2Auristatin) to adult male mice in vivo, both alone and together with a previously developed Sertoli cell targeting peptide (FSH2Menadione). The application of LH2Auristatin alone resulted in an increase in sperm DNA damage, reduced mean testes weights and mean seminiferous tubule size, along with extensive germ cell apoptosis and a reduction in litter sizes. Together with FSH2Menadione there was also an increase in embryo resorptions. These promising results were observed in around a third of all treated animals. Given this variability, we discuss how these reagents might be modified in order to increase target cell ablation and improve their efficacy as sterilization agents.
Tritium distribution in the ‘water-soil-air’ system in the Semipalatinsk Test Site
Authors: Timonova Lyubov , Larionova Natalya , Aidarkhanova Almira , Lyakhova Oxana , Aktayev Medet , Serzhanova Zarina , Lukashenko Sergey , Polevik Vasiliy , Dashuk Alexey , Monayenko Valeriy , Subbotin Sergey , Aidarkhanov Assan
Published: April 2024

This article presents research findings on3H in abiotic environmental compartments, specifically, the ‘water-soil-air’ system. All of the research areas are located within the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS): the perimeter of the ‘Degelen’ site, the riverside zone of the Shagan river and the ‘background’ area–the southeastern part of the STS (SEP). As research progressed, numerical values of3H and its species were revealed in various environmental compartments. The presence of3H was registered not only in underground nuclear test locations but also in the ‘background’ area–SEP. Maximum3H tritium concentrations in the water were detected at the ‘Degelen’ site (up to 57000±5000 Bq/kg) and the Shagan riv (up to 61500±6000 Bq/kg), in the air of the ‘Degelen’ site (up to 56±11 Bq/m3), in the soil of the ‘Degelen’ site (up to 5170±500 Bq/kg) and the Shagan riv (4100±400 Bq/kg) in the free water, at SEP (up to 1710±170 Bq/kg) in the organic constituent. Based upon all of the findings,3H was found to be readily distributed in abiotic environmental compartments depending on certain conditions. Research suggests that water plays a key role in3H migration processes in the natural system of interest. The second most but equally important constituent is soil and microorganisms of plant and animal origin living there. These assumptions are indirectly proven by research findings that show the HTO and HT air concentration dynamics depending on the sampling location.
Impact of immune evasion, waning and boosting on dynamics of population mixing between a vaccinated majority and unvaccinated minority
Authors: Fisman David N. , Amoako Afia , Simmons Alison , Tuite Ashleigh R.
Published: April 2024

Background

We previously demonstrated that when vaccines prevent infection, the dynamics of mixing between vaccinated and unvaccinated sub-populations is such that use of imperfect vaccines markedly decreases risk for vaccinated people, and for the population overall. Risks to vaccinated people accrue disproportionately from contact with unvaccinated people. In the context of the emergence of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 and evolving understanding of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, we updated our analysis to evaluate whether our earlier conclusions remained valid.

Methods

We modified a previously published Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 with two connected sub-populations: vaccinated and unvaccinated, with non-random mixing between groups. Our expanded model incorporates diminished vaccine efficacy for preventing infection with the emergence of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants, waning immunity, the impact of prior immune experience on infectivity, “hybrid” effects of infection in previously vaccinated individuals, and booster vaccination. We evaluated the dynamics of an epidemic within each subgroup and in the overall population over a 10-year time horizon.

Results

Even with vaccine efficacy as low as 20%, and in the presence of waning immunity, the incidence of COVID-19 in the vaccinated subpopulation was lower than that among the unvaccinated population across the full 10-year time horizon. The cumulative risk of infection was 3–4 fold higher among unvaccinated people than among vaccinated people, and unvaccinated people contributed to infection risk among vaccinated individuals at twice the rate that would have been expected based on the frequency of contacts. These findings were robust across a range of assumptions around the rate of waning immunity, the impact of “hybrid immunity”, frequency of boosting, and the impact of prior infection on infectivity in unvaccinated people.

Interpretation

Although the emergence of the Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 has diminished the protective effects of vaccination against infection with SARS-CoV-2, updating our earlier model to incorporate loss of immunity, diminished vaccine efficacy and a longer time horizon, does not qualitatively change our earlier conclusions. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 continues to diminish the risk of infection among vaccinated people and in the population as a whole. By contrast, the risk of infection among vaccinated people accrues disproportionately from contact with unvaccinated people.
Pathogen group-specific risk factors for intramammary infection in water buffalo
Authors: Singha Shuvo , Koop Gerrit , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Ceciliani Fabrizio , Addis Maria Filippa , Howlader Md. Matiar Rahman , Hossain Mohammed Kawser , Piccinini Renata , Locatelli Clara , Persson Ylva , Bronzo Valerio
Published: April 2024

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) associated bacteria and to identify risk factors for pathogen group-specific IMI in water buffalo in Bangladesh. A California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological cultures were performed on 1,374 quarter milk samples collected from 763 water buffalo from 244 buffalo farms in nine districts in Bangladesh. Quarter, buffalo, and farm-related data were obtained through questionnaires and visual observations. A total of 618 quarter samples were found to be culture positive. Non-aureus staphylococci were the predominant IMI-associated bacterial species, and Staphylococcus (S.) chromogenes, S. hyicus, and S. epidermidis were the most common bacteria found. The proportion of non-aureus staphylococci or Mammaliicoccus sciuri (NASM), S. aureus, and other bacterial species identified in the buffalo quarter samples varied between buffalo farms. Therefore, different management practices, buffalo breeding factors, and nutrition were considered and further analyzed when estimating the IMI odds ratio (OR). The odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.8) or by NASM (OR: 2.2) was high in buffalo herds with poor milking hygiene. Poor cleanliness of the hind quarters had a high odds of IMI caused by any pathogen (OR: 2.0) or NASM (OR: 1.9). Twice daily milking (OR: 3.1) and farms with buffalo purchased from another herd (OR: 2.0) were associated with IMI by any pathogen. Asymmetrical udders were associated with IMI-caused by any bacteria (OR: 1.7). A poor body condition score showed higher odds of IMI by any pathogen (OR: 1.4) or by NASM (OR: 1.7). This study shows that the prevalence of IMI in water buffalo was high and varied between farms. In accordance with the literature, our data highlight that IMI can be partly controlled through better farm management, primarily by improving hygiene, milking management, breeding, and nutrition.
The addition of jogi, Micropogonias undulates, affects amino acid content in kimchi fermentation
Authors: Park Junghyun , Heo Sojeong , Lee Gawon , Kim Tao , Oh Seung-Eun , Kwak Mi-Sun , Jeong Do-Won
Published: April 2024

The effects of jogi (the fish Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus) on the production of physicochemical components, such as color, organic acids, and amino acids, in kimchi, a traditional fermented vegetable food of Korea, were determined. As fermentation progressed, the color change of jogi-added kimchi increased, but in comparison with that of the control group without jogi-added kimchi, was difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Reducing sugar decreased in all experimental groups, and as fermentation progressed, kimchi with jogi showed a lower value. Acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and ethanol, were highly produced in both types of kimchi, and above all, the jogi—baechu—kimchi group showed higher acetic acid and lactic acid contents than the control group. The increase and decrease of amino acids were similar in both types of kimchi. However, significantly, immediately after manufacture, the savory components aspartic acid and glutamic acid were detected higher than the control group. Subsequently, the fermentation tended to decrease as it progressed, but the content was higher than that of the control group. The above results show that jogi addition has a greater effect on the contents of amino acid, especially the savory component, than on the physicochemical components.
Wound healing potential of Cystoseira/mesenchymal stem cells in immunosuppressed rats supported by overwhelming immuno-inflammatory crosstalk
Authors: Zahran Eman Maher , Mohyeldin Reham H. , Abd El-Mordy Fatma Mohamed , Maher Sherif A. , Abdel-Maqsoud Nehad M. Reda , Altemani Faisal H. , Algehainy Naseh A. , Alanazi Mohammed A. , Jalal Mohammed M. , Elrehany Mahmoud A. , Bringmann Gerhard , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: April 2024

Wound healing, one of the most intricate and dynamic processes of the body, maintains skin integrity following trauma. One of the main issues that still exists is impaired wound healing, particularly for immunosuppressed patients. Recently, natural products from marine environments have been employed in wound-repairing activities. This work investigates the mesenchymal stem cells in the combined capacity of the bone marrow (BMMSC) for wound healing and Cystoseira sp. Algae extract in immunosuppressed rats. High-resolution liquid chromatography / MS investigation of Cystoseira extract revealed the prevalence of fatty acids that have wound-soothing potential. From constructed PPI network for wound healing and further analysis through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation experiments suggested that cystalgerone metabolite may be responsible for the wound healing-promoting effect of Cystoseira extract. According to the CD marker characterization of the BMMSC, 98.21% of them expressed CD90, and 97.1% expressed CD105. Sixteen d after immunity suppression (by 40 mg/kg hydrocortisone daily), an incision was made in the dorsal skin of the rat. The treatments were applied for 16 d and samples were taken from the tested groups on the 8th, 14th, and 16th days. The BMMSCs / Cystoseira group showed significantly improved wound closure, thickness, density of new layers, and skin elasticity than the control group (p < 0.001). The BMMSCs / Cystoseira combination significantly reduced the oxidative indicators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune markers, according to the RT-PCR gene expression study. In order to delve deeper into the complex interconnections among wound healing-related biological targets and pinpoint key factors in this complex process, we engaged in network pharmacology and computational research. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive computational analysis, including reverse docking, free energy (ΔG) computation, and molecular dynamics simulations, on the molecular structures of the annotated compounds. The purpose of this investigation was to identify potential new targets for these chemicals as well as any potential interactions they may have with different signaling pathways related to the wound healing process. Our research indicates that the primary compounds of Cystoseira holds potential wound healing therapeutic activity. Although more safety testing and clinical studies are required, the combination has great potential for regenerative medicine and could be a revolutionary advance in the healing of the wounds of immunosuppressed patients.
Under-utilisation of noncommunicable disease screening and healthy lifestyle promotion centres: A cross-sectional study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath Thilini , Perera Manuja , Kasturiratne Anuradhani
Published: April 2024

Background

Healthy Lifestyle Centres (HLCs) are state-owned, free-of-charge facilities that screen for major noncommunicable disease risks and promote healthy lifestyles among adults older than 35 years in Sri Lanka. The key challenge to their effectiveness is their underutilisation. This study aimed to describe the underutilisation and determine the factors associated, as a precedent of a bigger project that designed and implemented an intervention for its improvement.

Methods

Data derived from a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 1727 adults (aged 35 to 65 years) recruited using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from two districts (Gampaha and Kalutara) in Sri Lanka. A prior qualitative study was used to identify potential factors to develop the questionnaire which is published separately. Data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using inferential statistics.

Results

Forty-two percent (n = 726, 95% CI: 39.7–44.4) had a satisfactory level of awareness on HLCs even though utilisation was only 11.3% (n = 195, 95% CI: 9.80–12.8). Utilisation was significantly associated with 14 factors. The five factors with the highest Odds Ratios (OR) were perceiving screening as useful (OR = 10.2, 95% CI: 4.04–23.4), perceiving as susceptible to NCDs (OR = 6.78, 95% CI: 2.79–16.42) and the presence of peer support for screening and a healthy lifestyle (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.54–6.34), belonging to the second (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.53–8.89) and third lowest (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.02–7.94) household income categories and a higher level of knowledge on HLCs (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.24–1.38). When considering non-utilisation, being a male (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.52), belonging to an extended family (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.88), residing within 1–2 km (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14–0.63) or more than 3 km of the HLC (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.53), having a higher self-assessed health score (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99) and low perceived accessibility to HLCs (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04–0.36) were significantly associated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, underutilisation of HLCs is a result of multiple factors operating at different levels. Therefore, interventions aiming to improve HLC utilisation should be complex and multifaceted designs based on these factors rather than merely improving knowledge.
Cardiometabolic risk factors in social housing residents: A multi-site cross-sectional survey in older adults from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Agarwal Gina , Lee Janice , Keshavarz Homa , Angeles Ricardo , Pirrie Melissa , Marzanek Francine
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study describes cardiometabolic diseases and related risk factors in vulnerable older adults residing in social housing, aiming to inform primary care initiatives to reduce health inequities. Associations between sociodemographic variables, modifiable risk factors (clinical and behavioural), health-related quality of life and self-reported cardiometabolic diseases were investigated.

Design, setting, and participants

This was a cross-sectional study with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was collected from residents aged 55 years and older residing in 30 social housing apartment buildings in five regions in Ontario, Canada.

Outcome measures

The proportion of cardiometabolic diseases and modifiable risk factors (e.g., clinical, behavioural, health status) in this population was calculated.

Results

Questionnaires were completed with 1065 residents: mean age 72.4 years (SD = 8.87), 77.3% were female, 87.2% were white; 48.2% had less than high school education; 22.70% self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD), 10.54% diabetes, 59.12% hypertension, 43.59% high cholesterol. These proportions were higher than the general population. Greater age was associated with overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and CVD. Poor health-related quality of life was associated with self-reported CVD and diabetes.

Conclusions

Older adults residing in social housing in Ontario have higher proportion of cardiovascular disease and modifiable risk factors compared to the general population. This vulnerable population should be considered at high risk of cardiometabolic disease. Primary care interventions appropriate for this population should be implemented to reduce individual and societal burdens of cardiometabolic disease.
The changing meaning of “no” in Canadian sex work
Authors: Kennedy Lynn
Published: April 2024

With the migration of sex workers to online advertising in Canada, a substantial body of research has emerged on how they communicate with prospective clients. However, given the enormous quantity of archival material available, finding representative ways to identify what sex workers say is a difficult task. Numerical analysis of commonly used phrases allows for the analysis of large numbers of documents potentially identifying themes that may be missed using other techniques. This study considers how Canadian sex workers communicate by examining how the word “no” was used by online advertisers over a 15-year period. Source materials consisted of three collections of online classified advertising containing over 4.2 million ads collected between 2007 and 2022 representing 214456 advertisers. Advertisers and demographic variables were extracted from ad metadata. Common terms surrounding the word “no” were used to identify themes. The word “no” was used by 115127 advertisers. Five major themes were identified: client reassurance (54084 advertisers), communication (47130 advertisers), client race (32612 advertisers), client behavior (23863 advertisers), and service restrictions (8545 advertisers). The probability of there being an association between an advertiser and a major theme was found to vary in response to several variables, including: time period, region, advertiser gender, and advertiser ethnicity. Results are compared with previous work on race and risk messaging in sex work advertising and factors influencing client race restrictions are considered. Over time, the restriction related themes of client behavior, service restrictions, and client race became more prominent. Collectives, multi-regional, cis-female, and Black or Mixed ancestry advertisers were more likely to use restrictions.
RNA three-dimensional structure drives the sequence organization of potato spindle tuber viroid quasispecies
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Yuhong , Nie Yuxin , Yan Fei , Zirbel Craig L. , Bisaro David M.
Published: April 2024

RNA viruses and viroids exist and evolve as quasispecies due to error-prone replication. Quasispecies consist of a few dominant master sequences alongside numerous variants that contribute to genetic diversity. Upon environmental changes, certain variants within quasispecies have the potential to become the dominant sequences, leading to the emergence of novel infectious strains. However, the emergence of new infectious variants remains unpredictable. Using mutant pools prepared by saturation mutagenesis of selected stem and loop regions, our study of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) demonstrates that mutants forming local three-dimensional (3D) structures similar to the wild type (WT) are more likely to accumulate in PSTVd quasispecies. The selection mechanisms underlying this biased accumulation are likely associated with cell-to-cell movement and long-distance trafficking. Moreover, certain trafficking-defective PSTVd mutants can be spread by functional sister genomes in the quasispecies. Our study reveals that the RNA 3D structure of stems and loops constrains the evolution of viroid quasispecies. Mutants with a structure similar to WT have a higher likelihood of being maintained within the quasispecies and can potentially give rise to novel infectious variants. These findings emphasize the potential of targeting RNA 3D structure as a more robust approach to defend against viroid infections.
The Coal Quality CICS that Increases the Wear Resistance of Heat Exchanger Tubes
Authors: Grishyn Maksym , Beglov Kostiantyn
Published: April 2024

The paper discusses the threat of decommissioning of the thermal power plant (TPP) heat exchanger tubes because of erosion and develops a computer-integrated control system (COAL QUALITY CICS THAT INCREASES THE WEAR RESISTANCE OF HEAT EXCHANGER TUBES) for the process of distribution of steam coal flows with different indicators of abrasive materials content, which is based on fuzzy logic.
The problem of rapid decommissioning of TPP heat exchanger, particularly abrasive damage to furnace screen tubes, economizer, superheater, etc. This may indicate a discrepancy between the expected fuel ash content and the actual one, as well as a high content of abrasive impurities in steam coal.
The work aims to develop a CICS of the wear resistance of the heat exchange surface of a steam boiler of a coal-fired power plant by measuring and fuzzy control of the content of abrasive impurities in steam coal.
The problems of damage to the equipment of the TPP boiler are investigated and a system for controlling the wear resistance of the surface by automatic fuzzy control of the quality of coal is developed. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy controller, the results were investigated in a specific example, in particular, during coal preparation and combustion in the furnace of a thermal power plant. The model results confirm the feasibility of the fuzzy control method for the system with different coal quality parameters.
Using Reinforcement Learning to Select an Optimal Feature Set
Authors: Akhiat Yassine , Zinedine Ahmed , CHAHHOU Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Feature Selection (FS) is an essential research topic in the area of machine learning. FS, which is the process of identifying the relevant features and removing the irrelevant and redundant ones, is meant to deal with the high dimensionality problem for the sake of selecting the best performing feature subset. In the literature, many feature selection techniques approach the task as a research problem, where each state in the search space is a possible feature subset. In this paper, we introduce a new feature selection method based on reinforcement learning. First, decision tree branches are used to traverse the search space. Second, a transition similarity measure is proposed so as to ensure exploit‐explore trade‐off. Finally, the informative features are the most involved ones in constructing the best branches. The performance of the proposed approaches is evaluated on nine standard benchmark datasets. The results using the AUC score show the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Bridging the Gap
Authors: Badawi Soran S.
Published: April 2024

Effective organization and retrieval of news content are heavily reliant on accurate news classification. While the mountainous research has been conducted in resourceful languages like English and Chinese, the researches on under-resourced languages like the Kurdish language are severely lacking. To address this challenge, we introduce a hybrid approach called RFO-CNN in this paper. The proposed method combines an improved version of red fox optimization algorithm (RFO) and convolutional neural network (CNN) for finetuning CNN’s parameters. Our model’s efficacy was tested on two widely used Kurdish news datasets, KNDH and KDC-4007, both of which contain news articles classified into various categories. We compared the performance of RFO-CNN to other cutting-edge deep learning models such as bidirectional long short-term memory networks and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) transformers, as well as classical machine learning approaches such as multinomial naive bayes, support vector machine, and K-nearest neighbors. We trained and tested our datasets using four different scenarios: 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, and 90:10. Our experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the RFO-CNN model across all scenarios, outperforming the benchmark BERT model and other machine learning models in terms of accuracy and F1-score.
Wpływ śmierci uczestnika postępowania wieczystoksięgowego na szybkość i sprawność toczącego się postępowania o wpis w księdze wieczystej
Authors: Kowalik Emil
Published: April 2024

Celem artykułu jest rozstrzygnięcie kwestii, czy śmierć uczestnika postępowania wieczystoksięgowego, którego prawo ma być wpisane bądź wykreślone, ma wpływ na szybkie i sprawne ujawnienie w księdze wieczystej zmiany stanu prawnego nieruchomości. W szczególności ustalenia wymaga, czy ten stan skutkuje – na podstawie art. 174 § 1 pkt 1 w zw. z art. 13 § 2 k.p.c. – zawieszeniem tego postępowania, a następnie podjęciem go z udziałem następców prawnych zgodnie z art. 180 § 1 pkt 1 w zw. z art. 13 § 2 k.p.c. Wykorzystując metodę dogmatycznoprawną, wnikliwe zbadano regulacje instytucji ksiąg wieczystych i postępowania  wieczystoksięgowego istotnych z punktu widzenia omawianego zagadnienia. Dodatkowo analizie poddano orzecznictwa Europejskiego Trybunału Praw Człowieka, Trybunału Konstytucyjnego oraz Sądu Najwyższego dotyczące powyższych kwestii. Wnioski z przeprowadzonej analizy przesądzają o tym, że – z punktu widzenia zapewniania uczestnikom obrotu prawnego nieruchomościami ochrony ich praw – sąd wieczystoksięgowy nie ma obowiązku zawieszania postępowania wieczystoksięgowego w przypadku śmierci uczestnika tego postępowania celem podjęcia go z udziałem jego następców prawnych, gdyż stoi to w sprzeczności z szybkim i sprawnym ujawnieniem w księdze wieczystej zmiany stanu prawnego nieruchomości.
“When we use that kind of language… someone is going to jail”: relationality and aesthetic interpretation in initial research encounters
Authors: Beiler Ingrid Rodrick , Dewilde Joke
Published: April 2024

The aim of this article is to investigate ethical and aesthetic dimensions of negotiating linguistic differences between researchers and participants in the initial research consent process, based on data from a collaborative research project in adult basic education for immigrants, in which a large number of students initially refused to participate. First, we interpret negotiations of consent as relational acts, where teachers and multilingual staff facilitated moral proximity through their affinity or shared biography with students, allowing us to move from anticipated difference to events of subjectivity. Second, we analyze research ethics protocols, notably the standardized consent letter, as aesthetic signs that evoked an affective response, which variously recalled unfavourable subject positions within neoliberal or authoritarian governmentality, including memories of trauma. The dynamic connection between aesthetics and relational ethics highlights the shortcomings of current institutional ethics requirements, since aesthetic interpretation cannot be fully anticipated and instead requires meaning-making in concrete relational encounters.
New formula to determine flyrock distance on sedimentary rocks with low strength
Authors: Supandi Supandi
Published: April 2024

There are many methods that discuss the prediction of flyrock distance in blasting operation, but none of them specifically discusses flyrock distance in sedimentary rock with low strength. The empirical method based on a statistical approach also has no specific research on it. This study aims to obtain a formula for predicting flyrock distance due to blasting on a sedimentary rock with low strength using ammonium nitrate fuel oil. A total of 196 samples were obtained from the blasting that has been operated. The variables included for building the new prediction model of flyrock distance are stemming, blast-hole height, powder factor, and average charge per blast hole. The analysis was carried out using a statistical approach with the concept of regression and correlation. Unlike the previous model that applied a dimensional approach, the new model set each of the predictor variables to have their respective regression coefficients in order to see how they play a role in predicting the flyrock distance. The results show that burden, stemming, blast-hole height, powder factor, and average charge per blast hole significantly affect the flyrock distance. The variance in flyrock distance can be explained uniquely 3.50% by burden, 10.74% by stemming, 2.55% by blast-hole height, 2.32% by powder factor, and 2.76% by average charge per blast hole. The new proposed model of flyrock distance is better than the previous model by looking at the mean absolute percentage error. To predict the flyrock distance of sedimentary rock with low strength, the new model can be used.
The Unfortunate Abundance of Trypanosoma cruzi in Naturally Infected Dogs and Monkeys Provides Unique Opportunities to Advance Solutions for Chagas Disease
Authors: Tarleton Rick L. , Saunders Ashley B. , Lococo Bruno , Gianni Maria Gabriela Alvarez , Laucella Susana , Hodo Carolyn L. , Wilkerson Gregory K. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: April 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite and cause of Chagas disease, is widely distributed in many vertebrate and triatomine species throughout North, Central, and South America. Variations in housing quality largely determines human infection risk in the Americas. However, the southern U.S. contains widespread, infected triatomine vectors and captive species and domesticated animals with activeT. cruziinfection or at high risk of becoming infected and developing Chagas disease. There is a critical need for better detection and intervention strategies, principally focused on human infection throughout the Americas, but mainly in the U.S., for high-value dogs employed in government and other work. In addition to this economic impact, the concentration of largely unavoidableT. cruziinfections in U.S. dogs provides an incomparable opportunity to answer questions related toT. cruziinfection and Chagas disease that are impossible or unethical to address in humans. As the course ofT. cruziinfection and Chagas disease, the immune response to infection, and the response to therapeutics are highly similar across the range of mammalian host species, information obtained from studies in other species can directly inform researchers on how to best detect, manage, and treatT. cruziinfection and Chagas disease in humans.
Pharmacological Inhibition of the Nucleus Accumbens Increases Dyadic Social Interaction in Macaques
Authors: Waguespack Hannah F. , Jacobs Jessica T. , Park Janis , Campos-Rodriguez Carolina , Maior Rafael S. , Forcelli Patrick A. , Malkova Ludise
Published: April 2024

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a central component of the brain circuitry that mediates motivated behavior, including reward processing. Since the rewarding properties of social stimuli have a vital role in guiding behavior (both in humans and nonhuman animals), the NAc is likely to contribute to the brain circuitry controlling social behavior. In rodents, prior studies have found that focal pharmacological inhibition of NAc and/or elevation of dopamine in NAc increases social interactions. However, the role of the NAc in social behavior in nonhuman primates remains unknown. We measured the social behavior of eight dyads of male macaques following (1) pharmacological inhibition of the NAc using the GABAAagonist muscimol and (2) focal application of quinpirole, an agonist at the D2 family of dopamine receptors. Transient inhibition of the NAc with muscimol increased social behavior when drug was infused in submissive, but not dominant partners of the dyad. Focal application of quinpirole was without effect on social behavior when infused into the NAc of either dominant or submissive subjects. Our data demonstrate that the NAc contributes to social interactions in nonhuman primates.
Do Character Strengths-Based Interventions Change Character Strengths? Two Randomized Controlled Intervention Studies
Authors: Gander Fabian , Wagner Lisa , Niemiec Ryan M.
Published: April 2024

Character strengths-based interventions are effective for increasing well-being. However, whether such interventions also change character strengths has never been tested. In Study 1, we studied the effects of seven different variants of character strengths-based interventions on well-being, ill-being, and character strengths traits and states (i.e., frequency of behavior during one week). We analyzed data of N = 1,163 participants (82.3% women, aged 18 to 78; Md = 45) who were randomized to seven intervention conditions lasting one week; (1) learning about the VIA classification of character strengths, (2) learning about one’s own strengths, using signature strengths (3) in a new way, (4) with a minor challenge, (5) with a larger challenge, (6) for other people, (7) forming a strengths-based habit, or a placebo control condition (early memories). Results showed that using signature strengths in a new way led to increased well-being, social well-being, as well as character strengths states and traits. Forming a strengths-based habit also increased well-being and character strengths states. No effects on ill-being were found. In Study 2, we tested a four-week multi-component program that combined several interventions tested in Study 1 in a sample of N = 254 participants (77.8% women, aged 19 to 87; Md = 42). Compared to a waitlist control group, the intervention condition showed increases in well-being and character strengths states, and reductions in stress and neuroticism. We conclude that character strengths interventions may not only affect well-being but also character strengths states and traits, as well as broader personality traits such as neuroticism.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЦІННІСНИХ ОРІЄНТАЦІЙ СІМ’Ї В КОНТЕКСТІ ПОДРУЖНІХ КОНФЛІКТІВ
Authors: Бунас А.А.
Published: April 2024

Розглянуто й обґрунтовано актуальність проблеми ціннісних орієнтацій подружжя в контексті конфліктних ситуацій. Визначено, що ціннісні орієнтації є психологічним утворенням, механізмом особистісного росту та саморозвитку, що відображає його характер та становить собою динамічну систему особистості. Ціннісні орієнтації сім’ї залежать від особистісних цінностей кожного з членів подружжя, їх очікувань щодо одне одного, соціальних та сімейних ролей, власної ідентичності. Встановлено, що існують ціннісні орієнтації, які при взаємодії партнерів підсилюють неконструктивні форми поведінки та дають підстави для підвищення рівня конфліктності між ними.
СПЕЦИФІКА АДАПТИВНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ МУЗИКАНТІВ
Authors: Кутєпова-Бредун В.Ю.
Published: April 2024

Дослідження присвячено адаптаційному потенціалу музикантів (професіоналів, аматорів). Визначено специфіку адаптованості, психологічних захисних механізмів у музикантів. Встановлено, що музиканти-професіонали мають нижчі показники адаптаційного потенціалу особистості (у порівнянні із музикантами-аматорами), водночас для них характерними є застосування психологічного захисного механізму інтелектуалізації в якості ресурсу стресоподолання. Музиканти-аматори мають вищі показники моральної нормативності, що впливає на кращий рівень їх адаптації. Обґрунтовано, що захисні психологічні механізми особистості музиканта-аматора набувають більшої зрілості із віком.
Atención del o la Adolescente Basado en el Modelo de Sistemas de Betty Neuman
Authors: Bustamante Durán Carolina , Jofré Aravena Vivianne
Published: April 2024

La adolescencia, se define como el período de crecimiento físico y psicosocial que marca la etapa entre la infancia y la edad adulta. Es un progreso desde la aparición inicial de las características sexuales secundarias, hasta la madurez sexual entendida además, como la etapa de la vida en que se producen los procesos de maduración biológica, psíquica y social de un individuo, que culmina con su plena incorporación a la sociedad; período decisivo para el nivel de salud y calidad de vida que se pueda alcanzar en la adultez. Es por ello necesario, que al realizar acciones dirigidas a los adolescentes, éstas tengan un carácter integral, realizando enfoques profundos en cada una de las áreas a desarrollar por los y las adolescentes. Para otorgar un cuidado de calidad y una atención integral del o la adolescente por la o el enfermera/o, el utilizar modelos o teorías de enfermería otorgan una base sólida fundamental. Es así como, para la atención del usuario, con una mirada desde los distintos niveles de atención, un modelo que sirve de guía en las distintas etapas y que además brinda una visión global del usuario, es el de Betty Neuman, en su modelo de sistemas, donde la definición de los distintos conceptos dentro del modelo refuerza el trabajo a realizar con el o la adolescente, otorgando una mirada integral de los factores biopsicosociales que estarían influenciando la salud de los y las adolescentes y cómo realizar las intervenciones necesarias según los hallazgos encontrados.
FINANCIAMIENTO DEL CAPITAL DE TRABAJO EN MICROAGRONEGOCIOS URBANOS Y PERIURBANOS EN EL DISTRITO DE JULIÁN AUGUSTO SALDIVAR - DEPARTAMENTO CENTRAL
Authors: Peña Cardozo Ángel Ramón , Torales Solís Genaro Marcial , Ovelar Benítez Hugo Miguel , Oporto Giménez Adán Ariel , León Fretes Leticia Lorena
Published: April 2024

El financiamiento es una de las limitantes del desarrollo en emprendimientos agropecuarios. El trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar las fuentes de financiamiento del capital de trabajo en microagronegocios urbanos y periurbanos del distrito de Julián Augusto Saldívar. Se aplicó una investigación con enfoque cuantitativo de alcance descriptivo. El diseño del mismo es no experimental. Los emprendimientos no superan las dos hectáreas. Son explotaciones agrícolas que se ubican en zonas consideradas urbanas y periurbanas. El 82% de las ventas se enfocan en las hortalizas. El 87% de los encuestados informan que financian la inversión en Cuentas por Cobrar con capital propio, 9% con créditos a sola firma, 4 % con un crédito garantizado con la emisión de pagaré, 4 % con crédito de proveedores. Por otra parte, el 71% de los encuestados informan que financian el Inventario con capital propio, 17% con créditos a sola firma, 8 % con un crédito garantizado con la emisión de pagaré y 4 % con crédito de proveedores. Resulta revelador que para los encuestados el menor de las fuentes de financiamiento para el respaldo del Capital de Trabajo sea el de los Proveedores. Esto resulta paradójico considerando que estos rubros son de comportamiento espontáneos, es decir aumentan conforme aumenta el giro del negocio. Si bien, es legítimo recurrir en mayor medida a fuentes propias de financiamiento, no hacer uso de financiamiento de terceros puede frenar las posibilidades de desarrollo de los emprendimientos.
Extreme temperatures and morbidity in old age in Europe
Authors: Zanasi Francesca , Conte Keivabu Risto
Published: April 2024

Understanding the relationship between extreme temperatures and health among older adults is of paramount importance for public health in ageing societies. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the impact of extreme temperatures on morbidity, i.e. the risk of being hospitalised, using medications for heart conditions, and experiencing the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among older adults in Europe (65+ years old) using five waves from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, 2004–2015). It also explores heterogeneity in this impact depending on an array of factors that affect exposure and vulnerability to climate, including geographical location, gender, age, educational level, having a partner/child and living in an urban or a rural area. Results from individual fixed-effects models show that extremely cold temperatures increase the risk of being hospitalised and suffering from CVDs, while heat exposure has no noteworthy effect. Broken down by geographical location, the results indicate that one additional extremely cold day influences the risk of hospitalisation in the coldest and the warmest European regions, while extreme heat influences this risk in the warmest European regions. Finally, the oldest old and low educated individuals appear to be the most vulnerable social groups. The study concludes by discussing the advantages and the limitations of using survey data to study climate and health, and the strategies suggested by the relevant literature to prevent temperature-related illness.
The Ductch Colonial Policies on Religion and Education in the Dutch Indies (1889-1942)
Authors: Kusdiana Ading
Published: April 2024

This study aims to examine the inlandsch polietiek (indigenous politics) implemented by the Dutch Colonial Government during the colonial period in the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century. This study focuses on analyzing the religious and educational practices conducted by the Dutch Colonial Government throughout its rule. Utilizing historical research methods, this study found that the Colonial-Dutch Government adopted a fluctuating political strategy between neutrality and security to maintain its power. In the religious context, the Colonial Government tended to support Islam in its pure religious aspect, yet strived to prevent Islamic intervention in state administration affairs. Islamic education was compelled to follow an independent path, free from political influences. This conclusion is supported by the Besluit dated March 5, 1860, No. 10 f issued by the Dutch Colonial Government, and an analysis of Aqib Suminto's book, "Islamic Politics in the Dutch East Indies," which illustrates efforts to diminish the influence of Islam. Consequently, Islamic education received less attention and was forced to conform to the educational framework established by the Colonial Government.