bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Blood Benzene Levels and Severe Periodontal Disease in a Nationally Representative Adult US Population
Authors: Hamoud Basel , Alfailakwi Meshari , Aljalahmah Hessah , Almael Fatema , Alsaeedi Sarah , Saleh Khaled , Ahmad Bushra , Alqaderi Hend
Published: June 2024

Objectives Benzene, a common environmental pollutant, is linked to a variety of adverse health effects. However, its impact on oral health remains underexplored. This study investigated the association between blood benzene levels and severe periodontitis, a progressive oral inflammatory condition, using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Severe periodontitis was defined according to the CDC/AAP case definition. A weighted multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between blood benzene concentration and severe periodontitis, adjusting for potential confounders. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the role of cotinine, a biomarker of smoking, as a mediator of the relationship between benzene and severe periodontitis.Results The study sample consisted of 4,669 participants. After adjusting for confounding factors, a one-unit increase in blood benzene levels was associated with a 2.83-fold greater odds of severe periodontitis (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.67, 4.82; p = 0.001). SEM analysis revealed an indirect effect of blood benzene concentrations on severe periodontitis through blood cotinine levels.Conclusion This study provides evidence of a positive association between higher blood benzene levels and severe periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. These findings suggest that cotinine, a biomarker of smoking, mediates the relationship between benzene exposure and severe periodontitis. These results highlight the importance of considering environmental factors and smoking in the complex etiology of periodontal disease.
Acceptance of generative AI in higher education: A latent profile analysis of policy guidelines
Authors: Ioku Tomohiro , Kondo Sachihiko , Watanabe Yasuhisa
Published: June 2024

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Bard are quickly changing higher education, bringing both opportunities and challenges. This study examines how top-ranked universities differ in their acceptance of generative AI, applying a latent profile analysis to classify universities based on their acceptance levels and four institutional characteristics: the ratio of international students, citation per faculty, academic reputation, and faculty-student ratio. The results revealed four distinct profiles. Profile 1 includes universities with a strong opposition to unauthorized AI use, underscoring academic integrity, and boasting high international student ratios and research output. Profile 2 consists of universities supportive of responsible AI use, despite lower international presence and research output, highlighting the role of a supportive environment. Profile 3 represents universities with a neutral stance on AI, focusing on ethical usage while having strong international presence but struggling with research output. Profile 4 also adopts a neutral stance, with high academic reputations and research output but moderate international presence and lower faculty-student ratios. These findings are in line with previous research on AI acceptance at the student and faculty levels, highlighting the importance of supportive environments and clear institutional policies. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and academic institutions navigating the integration of generative AI technologies.
The Uses of X/Twitter by Members of the TESOL Community
Authors: Lee Kent , Abbott Marilyn , Wang Shiran , Lang Jacob
Published: June 2024

A lack of dialogue and collaboration between researchers and practitioners has been recognized in the field of second language education. Social media platforms such as X/Twitter have potential for connecting professionals in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) community and supporting professional learning and research; however, studies of TESOL professionals’ uses of X/Twitter have only examined posts/tweets from a limited number of communities marked by hashtags/ keywords. This study identifies 23 hashtags relevant to TESOL instruction for adults in the Canadian context and used them as search parameters to extract a data set of 4,833 posts/tweets. Eighty-two North American university professors who had published in the field of TESOL, were selected and searched for on X/Twitter. Upon locating 15 X/Twitter professor accounts, all 272 posts/tweets posted over the one-year period, were extracted. Two content analyses were conducted to infer the purpose of the posts/ tweets and identify the hashtags used by the professors. Results reveal considerable variation in the professors’ and other TESOL community members’ uses of X/Twitter and suggest that the two groups participate in rather separate X/Twitter communities. Recommendations for maximizing X/Twitter as a tool for professional learning and research and fostering the research-practice link are provided.
Editorial / Éditorial Volume 49 Issue 3
Authors: Cleveland-Innes Martha
Published: June 2024

Welcome to volume 49, issue 3 of The Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology (CJLT). CJLT is a decades-old peer-reviewed journal that invites English or French submissions on the research and practice of education, technology, and learning. This bilingual journal is free-of-charge to anyone with access to the Internet, is multi-indexed, and presented in accessible formats. There are no article submission/publication fees or access charges.
CJLT’s history dates back to where distance education was an innovation characterized by portable print-based material and non-digital technologies. This issue’s Notes section is presented by Dr. Olaf Zwacki-Richter. Here, he reviews the history of distance education with a view to current pressures on teaching and learning. The Origins of the Term Distance Education and the Roots of Digital Teaching and Learning is both articulate and accurate. It provides an inspiring view of new ways to define and use concepts of Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE), based on historical education milestones. This prepares readers with a lens to the research articles which follow.
Indicadores antropométricos e de aptidão física nos escalões de formação no atletismo na Província de Maputo
Authors: Tchonga Francisco Almeida , Capatania Baptista Foscoro , Chavane Félix Salvador , Mucavel Linda , Rinaldi Natália Madalena
Published: June 2024

Atualmente, é uma necessidade para o desenvolvimento prospetivo do atletismo, a caracterização precoce dos praticantes desta modalidade de acordo com etapas de treino. A presente pesquisa adquire maior importância com base nos indicadores que permitem uma avaliação oportuna na aptidão física e antropométrica  na respetiva orientação dos praticantes nas diferentes etapas da formação. O objetivo é de averiguar a influência das medidas antropométricas e indicadores aptidão física na seleção dos atletas para escalões de formação na Província de Maputo em Moçambique. Foram envolvidos 19 atletas do escalão de iniciação no atletismo, da província de Maputo em Moçambique, com idades entre 11 a 16 anos (10 masculinos e 9 femininos) provenientes da zona periurbana. Foram coletadas variáveis Sociodemográficas (idade, sexo, zona de residência e nível de escolaridade), Antropométricas (peso corporal, altura e a cintura) e Aptidão Física (resistência abdominal, impulsão horizontal, suspensão na barra). Recorreu-se á estatística descritiva para extrair e comparar as percentagens, o qui-Quadrado para comparar as categorias das variáveis sociodemográficas. Todas análises foram feitas no software SPSS versão 22 com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os resultados mostram 70% dos atletas do sexo masculino com baixo peso com melhor classificação (Bom) para a impulsão horizontal e o sexo feminino apresentaram dados no sentido inverso, (80%) com peso normal. No teste de suspensão na barra, os atletas do sexo masculino foram classificados como excelentes em relação as raparigas. Os atletas do sexo masculino com baixo peso tende apresentaram melhor  classificação na resistência abdominal (Bom=62.5% e Excelente=66.7%) em relação ao sexo feminino (Bom=66.7% e Excelente=60.0%) com peso normal. Quanto ao perímetro da cintura, os atletas do sexo masculino são classificados com baixo peso (63.6%) e do sexo feminino com peso normal (62.5%), posiciona-os na zona saudável. O estudo concluiu que a prática do atletismo não esta influenciar nos indicadores antropométricos e na aptidão física desta população do estudo. O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) não foi determinante para influenciar mudanças nos resultados.
Circulating biomarker profile changes in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Sushentseva Natalya , Apalko Svetlana , Popov Oleg , Polkovnikova Irina , Vasiliev Evgeny , Gladyshev Dmitriy , Salukhov Vladimir , Scherbak Sergey
Published: June 2024

Bariatric surgery (BS) remains the most effective treatment for morbid obesity (MO). It`s relevant to identify biomarkers for predicting the outcome of BS in patients with MO. The aim of the study was to determine the dynamical change in the biomarker levels in patients undergoing BS and apparently healthy donors. Serum and plasma samples were obtained from 66 patients, of which 26 patients with MO (aged 26–72 years) underwent BS, and 40 healthy donors, at the age of 56 ± 10.3 years. Patient samples were obtained the day before BS (first group), 3–7 months after BS (second group), and 7 or more months after BS (third group). Analyte concentrations were determined by multiplex immunoassay on the xMAP platform (Luminex). Spearman’s rank correlation was used. The nature of analyte variability was described by building multiple regression models. In the patients compared with healthy controls, differences in the levels of resistin, PAI1, MCP1, GLP1, leptin, FGF23, adiponectin, adipsin were observed. In patients after BS, the levels of resistin, ANGPTL6, FGF21, and leptin changed. In patients over 55 years old compared with younger patients, differences for total ANGPTL4, amylin, and pancreatic polypeptide were observed. Differences in levels of glucagon, resistin, GLP1 and leptin were noted between men and women. The dynamics of the levels of adipokines and incretins indicates biochemical changes in patients after BS compared with healthy persons.
Tunable linear feedback control of urban drainage systems using models defined purely from data
Authors: Adrian Dantzer Travis , Kerkez Branko
Published: June 2024

Real-time and model-predictive control promises to make urban drainage systems (UDS) adaptive, coordinated, and dynamically optimal. Though early implementations are promising, existing control algorithms have drawbacks in computational expense, trust, system-level coordination, and labor cost. Linear feedback control has distinct advantages in computational expense, interpretation, and coordination. However, current methods for building linear feedback controllers require calibrated software models. Here we present an automated method for generating tunable linear feedback controllers that require only system response data. The controller design consists of three main steps: (1) estimating the network connectivity using tools for causal inference, (2) identifying a linear, time-invariant (LTI) dynamical system which approximates the network, and (3) designing and tuning a feedback controller based on the LTI urban drainage system approximation. The flooding safety, erosion prevention, and water treatment performance of the method are evaluated across 190 design storms on a separated sewer model. Strong results suggest that the system knowledge required for generating effective, safe, and tunable controllers for UDS is surprisingly basic. This method allows near-turnkey synthesis of controllers solely from sensor data or reduction of process-based models.
Afectación de la calidad de vida generada por el vitiligo con compromiso genital en mujeres adultas residentes en el Caribe colombiano
Authors: Monterrosa-Castro Alvaro , Torres-Castilla Isabel , Castro-Caro Ana
Published: June 2024

Introducción: el vitíligo genital femenino afecta la piel de la vulva y puede cursar aislado o generalizado. Objetivo: identificar la magnitud de la afectación de la calidad de vida (CV), sus consecuencias, la carga psicosocial y el impacto que genera el vitíligo con compromiso genital. Método: se diseñó un estudio descriptivo con mujeres adultas con vitíligo genital y residentes en el caribe colombiano. Se evaluó CV, sus consecuencias, carga psicosocial e impacto del vitíligo con Dermatology Life Quality Index y Vitiligo Impact Scale. Resultados: participaron 78 mujeres, edad: 46,8±12,5. El 69,2% fue “grande” o “extremadamente grande” en afectación de la CV y en el 79% a consecuencia de la limitación en las relaciones interpersonales o en la sexualidad y en el 97,4% fue alto el impacto psicosocial en la afectación de la CV. Conclusiones: el vitiligo genera alto impacto y gran magnitud en la afectación en la CV en mujeres.
Escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae) en una zona urbana del Caribe colombiano
Authors: Sermeño-Correa Carlos , Taboada Carlos , Taboada-Verona Carlos
Published: June 2024

En las áreas urbanas se pueden encontrar pequeños fragmentos de bosque; sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre el valor de estos parches de vegetación para mantener la biodiversidad y cómo esta responde a la urbanización. Dada la escasez de conocimiento de grupos de la familia Scarabaeidae en las zonas urbanas del norte de Colombia y la utilidad de estos organismos como modelos ecológicos, en esta investigación se determinó la riqueza y la estructura de escarabajos coprófagos en un parque ecológico ubicado en la ciudad de Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. Para el estudio se realizaron cuatro jornadas de muestreo, con la instalación de trampas pitfall cebadas para la captura de las especies. Se recolectaron 321 individuos pertenecientes a siete géneros y 12 especies de la subfamilia Scarabaeinae, y una especie de la subfamilia Aphodiinae. De este modo se evidenciaron especies exclusivas de bosque seco tropical. Los valores más altos de abundancia se encontraron para Dichotomius agenor  y Canthon mutabilis, con 77 y 57 individuos respectivamente. Los análisis reflejaron una mayor abundancia del gremio telecópridos, seguido por paracópridos, aunque estos últimos dominaron en términos de riqueza. Esta investigación demuestra la importancia de áreas verdes dentro de la matriz urbana para el mantenimiento de las especies dentro de las ciudades.
The mafic, ultramafic and metamorphic xenoliths in triassic evaporite complexes, North West Algeria
Authors: Midoun Mohamed , Seddiki Abdelmadjid
Published: June 2024

In northwestern Algeria, Triassic evaporate bodies contain varied xenoliths extracted from the lower crust and upper mantle and are interpreted as evidence of crustal thinning at the beginning of the Triassic period. Similar materials are known to occur in the internal areas of the western Mediterranean chains, which allow us to propose the existence of a wide area of crustal thinning during the Triassic along the future Tethyan axis.
Le conglomérat de base de la transgression crétacée dans les Rides sud-rifaines (Maroc), témoin de mouvements épirogéniques fini- bajociens: comparaison avec les « Couches rouges » des domaines atlasiques
Authors: Benzaggagh Mohamed , Oumhamed Mohamed , El Maz Abdelkader , Sabri Zakaria
Published: June 2024

Des terrains aptiens (?) - paléocènes affleurent à l’extrémité SE du massif de Moulay Idriss. Ils forment une cuvette synclinale ouverte vers le NE, qui se prolonge vers le NW par un étroit couloir le long de l’Accident de Moulay Idriss. Ces terrains, qui reposent en discordance sur les marnes du Bajocien, débutent par un conglomérat polygénique renfermant des galets appartenant à toutes les formations jurassiques des Rides, ainsi que des matériaux paléozoïques. Cela signifie-t-il que le domaine des Rides a subi une compression tectonique ante-Aptien ?, en particulier le long de l’Accident de Moulay Idriss, qui formait avant l’Aptien une vallée étroite encadrée par des reliefs plus ou moins escarpés. Cette paléo-vallée, envahie par la mer dans sa partie Est, était empruntée par un important cours d’eau venant du SW et transportant des matériaux jurassiques des Rides et paléozoïques de la Meseta. Une partie de ces matériaux était remobilisée à partir de la « Formation bajocienne du Jebel Zerhoun » qui renferme des poches hectométriques riches en galets de quartzites et en gros grains de quartz. L’abondance de ces matériaux dans cette formation témoigne d’un rajeunissement tectonique, au Bajocien moyen, des reliefs de l’arrière-pays du bassin des Rides. Immédiatement après et à la fin du Bajocien moyen, les Rides émergent, puis les sillons atlasiques et les hauts plateaux, au passage Bajocien-Bathonien. Il est probable que, dès la fin du Bajocien, l’expansion océanique dans l’Atlantique central prédomine et entraîne une dérive vers l’Est du bloc résistant de la Meseta provoquant le blocage progressif des sillons situés à l’Est.
The Iberian Plate: myth or reality?
Authors: Canérot Joseph
Published: June 2024

The plate tectonics theory generally leads us to consider that Iberia was an independent plate separated from Europe by the North Pyrenean Fault (NPF). The NPF has been commonly interpreted as a transform fault associated with a huge counterclockwise transverse and rotational movement that allowed the opening of the Bay of Biscay and the relative eastward motion of Iberia during the Mesozoic. According to some interpretations, this movement may have generated an interplate gap several hundreds of km wide, which led to the creation of an oceanic crust during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. However, field studies recently carried out in the Pyrenees do not support these interpretations. The North Pyrenean Fault (NPF) of Tertiary age is observed in the central and eastern Pyrenees, where pioneering researchers defined it as separating the North Pyrenean Zone from the Axial Zone. However, this fault cannot be identified in the western part of the range to the west of the Ossau valley. Consequently, the geodynamic evolution of Iberia has always been dependent on Europe, especially during the failed oceanic rifting in the Mid-Cretaceous. Indeed, during this period, a central zone of crustal thinning occupied by turbiditic basins separated the European from the Iberian continental crust, with a very localized mantle exhumation found only in the Mauleon basin. Therefore, far from being an interplate range, the Pyrenees can neither be considered as an intraplate unit. We can define this orogenic belt as resulting from the “Tertiary tectonic inversion of a Mid-Cretaceous rift system”. According to this new interpretation, Iberia would not have been an isolated plate but represented an unstable, outlying part of Europe. Rather than displaying the features of a rigid lithospheric unit with well-defined boundaries, Iberia grouped together different crustal blocks undergoing specific movements at particular times. During the Mesozoic, normal, reverse or strike-slip displacements along their boundary faults generated several en échelon basins (Bilbao, Logroño, Soria and Maestrazgo in Spain; Parentis, Arzacq and the North Pyrenean Flysch Trough in France) whose diachronous development accounts very well for the opening of the Bay of Biscay and the relative W-E sinistral movement of the Iberian crust with respect to the European crust. In this way, we note a more marked paleogeographic shift in the western Basque region than in eastern Catalonia. Therefore, the Pyrenees were not generated by an “interplate collision”, but merely reflect the confrontation of two distended but continuous continental domains during the Tertiary, leading to the incipient underthrusting of the Iberian crust under the European crust. This zone of confrontation/convergence does not correspond in any way to the NPF, but rather comprises a complex imbricated structure revealed by a jump in the Moho, both in the Pyrenees and in the Cantabrian belt, which has recently become known as the “North Iberian Fault”.
Prevalência de mastite e caracterização de agentes bacterianos isolados de rebanhos leiteiros da microrregião de Garanhuns, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Vieira Júlio César da Silva , Araújo Kallyane de Lira , Santos Ana Clara Neves dos , Sá Hiandrey Sabrina Torres de , Leite Ana Erundina de Luna Moraes , Mendonça Marcelo , Silva Elizabete Rodrigues da
Published: June 2024

The aims of the present study were to establish the prevalence of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy herds located in the microregion of Garanhuns in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, determine antimicrobial susceptibility as well as identify antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and the production of biofilm in the bacterial groups isolated. The study was conducted in 10 herds of dairy cattle. The number of lactating cows per herd ranged from 22 to 90, totaling 477 animals. The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis ranged from 2.7 to 18.2% and 38.9 to 76%, respectively. The bacterial genera isolated from the cows with mastitis were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Corynebacterium, with respective frequencies of 75.2, 17 and 2.6%. Among the species identified, the most frequent was Staphylococcus aureus in both clinical and subclinical mastitis. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolates of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus revealed high rates of resistance to penicillin and tetracycline. Biofilm production was found in 95.4% of Staphylococcus genera whereas none of the samples presented efflux pumps. In conclusion, high rates of mastitis were found in the herds analyzed. Moreover, the etiological agents are bacteria that have the potential for biofilm production and are resistant to the main groups of antimicrobials used for the control of the disease, making bovine mastitis a challenge for veterinarians who work in the studied region.
A Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Extract Combination Compared to 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheyasak Nutjira , Hu Thitiwut , Jaruchanapongtorn Sasipa , Triwatcharikorn Jidapa , Palawisuth Siriwan
Published: June 2024

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women. Standard treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, which can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, a natural herbal extract is required for an alternative treatment.

Objectives

This study aims to assess both the efficacy and safety profiles of an herbal extract comprising a combination of dihydroquercetin glucoside, epigallocatechin gallate glucoside, zinc, and glycine, compared to the minoxidil solution for the treatment of AGA.

Methods

About 30 males and 30 females were recruited. The males and females were divided equally into two groups (n=30), randomly receiving either a minoxidil solution or herbal extraction twice a day for 24 weeks. Clinical efficacy, total hair count, and hair mass index (HMI) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 30 males and 30 females completed the study. The total hair counts (hairs/cm2) at baseline in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 334.8±108.8 and 368.3±178.4, respectively, and the total hair counts at 24 weeks in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 345.0±119.2 and 391.5±183.1 (p<0.001, p<0.001), respectively. The HMI in the herbal and minoxidil groups significantly increased by 25.83±17.18 and 33.70±15.17 (p=0.001, p<0.001) at 24 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in total hair count and HMI between the two groups at 24 weeks (p= 0.250, p=0.065). No local adverse effects were observed in both groups.

Conclusions

The non-significant difference in efficacy and safety to minoxidil solution suggests that the herbal extraction could be an alternative treatment for AGA.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

TCTR20220927001.
Serum Visfatin Level in Psoriasis Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Minh Vinh Ngo , Chau Nguyen Nguyen Quach , Trinh Hoang Kim Tu , Xuan Hoang Ngo
Published: June 2024

Background

Adipokines play imperative roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Among the adipokines, visfatin is attracting more attention in the clinical setting of dermatology.

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the serum visfatin level in psoriasis patients compared to the non-psoriasis individuals.

Material and Methods

This case-control study involved 40 psoriasis patients and 40 non-psoriasis individuals from January to October, 2023, at the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Hospital of Dermato-Venereology. The diagnosis of psoriasis was based on clinical signs and symptoms. Visfatin level was spectrophotometrically measured using an Enzym-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Afterward, data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results

We recorded a significantly higher visfatin level in the psoriasis group than the controls (49.8 ± 26.04 versus 13.07 ±12.44, p-value <0.001). The cut-off threshold of visfatin level to differentiate psoriasis from non-psoriasis was 21.7 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 85% (AUC = 0.929). We also found a positive correlation between visfatin level and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (r = 0.704; p <0.001).

Conclusion

Our study indicated the link between serum level of visfatin and psoriasis. Visfatin is a potential biomarker in diagnosing psoriasis and classifying the disease’s severity. In further cohort studies and clinical trials, the adipokine can be validated for its use in psoriasis.
Sparfloxacin/Gold Nanoparticles Modified Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Dopamine
Authors: Balaji Sai Vishnu , Magesh Vasanth , Arya Sandeep , Sundramoorthy Ashok
Published: June 2024

Background:

The development of facile, reliable, and sensitive electrochemical sensors for neurotransmitter
detection is of utmost importance in biomedical research.

Objectives:

In this study, we proposed a novel approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using
sparfloxacin as a reducing and stabilizing agent and further utilized as-prepared AuNPs for the construction
of an electrochemical sensor to detect dopamine.

Methods:

The synthesis of AuNPs was achieved through a simple method where sparfloxacin acted as both a
reducing and stabilizing agent. The AuNPs were investigated by using UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission
scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping (Emap),
and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Results:

The synthesised AuNPs were used to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine
molecules. The fabricated electrochemical sensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and selectivity
toward dopamine sensing. This sensor exhibited a good linear detection of dopamine in micromolar concentrations.
Moreover, the sensor showed excellent stability and reproducibility.

Conclusion:

This novel electrochemical sensor holds significant potential for practical applications in neuroscience
and clinical diagnosis, offering a rapid and sensitive method for dopamine detection. The utilization
of sparfloxacin/AuNPs provides a promising avenue for the development of advanced electrochemical sensors
with enhanced performance and wider applications in the detection of other neurotransmitters and biomolecules.
Ports Go Green: A Cost-energy Analysis Applied to a Case Study on Evaluating the Electrification of Yard Tractors
Authors: Olivari Erika , Gurrì Simona , Caballini Claudia , Carotta Tiziano , Chiara Bruno Dalla
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Electrification of handling equipment and vehicles used in seaports is becoming increasingly common. The electrification of port equipment is potentially beneficial in terms of local environmental impact and operating costs. However, initial investments are very high.

Objective

The goal of this paper is to provide a tool for decision-makers to assess the technological and financial feasibility of electrifying yard tractors in a container terminal. Considering the technological development of batteries expected in the coming years, the paper investigates when the electrification of yard tractors could be cost-effective.

Methods

The paper proposes a technical and economic-financial analysis to assess the feasibility of a transition of port handling equipment from internal combustion diesel engines to electric vehicles. The proposed methodology is applied to the case study of the PSA-SECH terminal in the port of Genoa (Italy), demonstrating the advantages and limitations of electric tractors in the port context.

Results

The analysis shows that the use of electric powertrains for yard tractors is feasible technologically and from the point of view of energy use. However, at present, the investment is not profitable given the current situation in terms of costs and technology.

Conclusion

Electrification of yard tractors is a potentially beneficial transformation for port handling processes. Nevertheless, the entire energy chain should be considered in order to assess its environmental sustainability. Other alternative powertrains should be investigated.
An Integrative Approach to Bioinformatics and Epigenetics Toward Personalized Medicine
Authors: Farooqui Anam , Najma  , Ali Sher
Published: June 2024

Studies on epigenetics have shown cell control, gene function, and putative
change or modification in the DNA's sequence. Genes are prone to changes that are
brought about by a number of mechanisms encompassing gene conversion, exon/intron
reshuffling, alteration in the mutational landscape, and copy number variation of the
genes. In addition, repeat DNA sequences tend to expand or shrink changing the
topology of adjacent genes resulting in a change in their functions. Alterations in gene
activity, especially those that are brought on by epigenetic errors, frequently cause
genetic diseases. Researchers are particularly interested in how epigenetic
modifications and mistakes affect gene function, protein synthesis, and human health.
Precise mapping and evaluation of epigenetic biomarkers will enhance treatment
approaches by enabling more accurate and early diagnosis prior to a change in the
genetical landscape. This chapter covers the topics of genomics, bioinformatics and
epigenetic clocks that pave the way to personalized medicine. It is envisaged that a
deeper understanding of the epigenetic modification of the genome or its aberration
would augment our understanding of the function of the normal and diseased human
genomes.
Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Precision Medicine
Authors: Fakhri Khalid Umar , Kumar Sugandh , Malik Md Zubbair , Patel Chirag N. , Kumar Yogesh , Imtiyaz Khalid , Ahmad Farhan Jalees , Rizvi Moshahid Alam
Published: June 2024

Cancer is often described as a complex and diverse collection of cells,
encompassing many distinct subtypes. To address the challenges presented by this
heterogeneity, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal technology for
advanced cancer research and clinical management. AI leverages computer systems to
perform tasks that traditionally rely on human cognitive abilities. One integral
component of AI is Deep Learning (DL), which empowers algorithms to autonomously
acquire knowledge from vast datasets, enabling them to make accurate predictions. The
application of AI in cancer research has witnessed continuous growth, particularly in
the realm of disease prognosis. This advancement has empowered pathologists to
precisely diagnose various cancer types, and classify them into different grades and
subtypes while considering factors such as invasion patterns, genetic mutations, and
metastasis. Such precise characterization of cancers facilitates the implementation of
tailored treatment strategies, ultimately leading to more favorable clinical outcomes.
Moreover, AI plays a pivotal role in the field of precision medicine, aiding in
overcoming challenges like drug resistance and cancer relapse.In comparison to traditional methods, AI offers superior predictive accuracy and
enhances the overall clinical perspective. This chapter aims to showcase the evolving
roles of AI in diagnosing and prognosticating various cancer types and their subtypes.
The applications of AI in cancer prediction warrant further assessment and validation,
supporting not only routine tasks for pathologists but also complex diagnostic
scenarios. Within these pages, we will highlight various instances where AI,
particularly DL, has effectively addressed challenges that were previously deemed
insurmountable. Additionally, we will focus on the resources and datasets available to
foster a deeper understanding of the intricacies of AI in cancer research. The continued
expansion of advanced computational methodologies and AI is expected to facilitate
the study of interactomes, significantly enriching our insights into oncology and
advancing the concept of personalized medicine.
Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Therapy in Personalized Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ghosh Rupali , Wajid Saima
Published: June 2024

A major clinical challenge in treating cancer patients is the metastasis of
cells to distant organs forming secondary tumors. Many cancers are prone to metastasis
due to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers motility and invasive
properties to the tumor. EMT also contributes to chemotherapy resistance and
facilitates metastasis by generating cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the EMT
program has therapeutic potential for personalized cancer treatment. In more severe
situations, this might destroy metastatic cancer cells that are already present or stop
tumour progression in high-risk patients who are at risk of developing metastatic
tumours. The options for developing EMT-based personalised cancer therapeutics are
covered in this chapter, along with a summary of the evidence supporting some of the
suggested EMT targets and a discussion on the possible benefits and drawbacks of each
strategy.
(Re)parar as Violências Coloniais Contra as Mulheres: Revisitar Mulheres Sempre Presentes
Authors: Flores Teresa Mendes , Vasconcelos Soraya , Mateus Catarina , Rosa Carmen Loureiro
Published: June 2024

Este ensaio retoma o projeto Mulheres Sempre Presentes, realizado para a exposição “O Impulso Fotográfico. (Des)arrumar o Arquivo Colonial”. A proposta ressignifica fotografias analógicas de antropologia física colonial portuguesa através de procedimentos de descontextualização e recontextualização, tentando interromper a reprodução de estereótipos negativos sobre as mulheres negras fotografadas, os quais abundam no arquivo das missões de antropologia colonial de onde os retratos foram selecionados. A escolha de retratos de mulheres pretende homenagear a sua presença nas longas lutas levadas a cabo pelas populações negras em diversos momentos da história e afirmar o seu papel de agentes do processo histórico, em sociedades patriarcais, tanto europeias como africanas tradicionais, que tendem a relegá-las para segundo plano. O ensaio conjuga, ainda, diferentes vozes e reflexões das suas autoras, sob influência do texto de Spivak (1988/2021) Pode a Subalterna Tomar a Palavra?, que aborda as condições de fala e de escuta das mulheres e interroga a sua condição de subalternidade.
Neraca Airtanah Cekungan Airtanah (CAT) Menoreh dan Wates Kabupaten Kulon Progo
Authors: Hendrayana Heru , Widyastuti M , Riyanto Indra Agus , Nuha Azmin , Aprimanto Briyan
Published: June 2024

Airtanah merupakan sumberdaya air yang paling banyak dimanfaatkan oleh manusia. Pemanfataan airtanah semakin meningkat setiap tahun didunia. Permasalahan yang sama juga di jumpai di CAT Wates dan Menoreh Kabupaten Kulon Progo. Selain itu pembangunan bandara baru Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) tentu berdampak pada perkembangan Kabupaten Kulon Progo. Oleh karena itu penelitian neraca airtanah sangat penting untuk mengetahui surplus atau defisit sumberdaya airtanah wilayah dikabupaten Kulon Progo dan perencanaannya dimasa yang akan datang. Metode yang digunakan adalah ketersediaan airtanah dinamis dan pemanfaatan airtanah. Hasil yang diperoleh terjadi peningkatan pemanfaatan air dan penurunan saldo neraca airtanah pada tahun 2021 dan 2026. Wilayah yang ternasuk kategori sangat rendah (memiliki cadangan yang sangat rawan untuk dimanfaatkan) di CAT Wates adalah Kecamatan Wates, sedangkan di CAT Menoreh terdapat di Kecamatan Kalibawang, Kokap, Sentolo, Wates, dan Samigaluh. Kelima kecamatan tersebut perlu dilakukan pengelolaan airtanah yang berbasis pendayagunaan airtanah dan pengendalian daya rusak airtanah
Zonasi kerawanan longsor dan strategi arahan mitigasi longsor di DAS Merawu Banjarnegara
Authors: Satriagasa M Chrisna , Suryatmojo Hatma , Kusumandari Ambar
Published: June 2024

Kabupaten Banjarnegara khususnya DAS Merawu memiliki kerawanan longsor yang tinggi. Perulangan longsor menyebabkan gangguan bagi kehidupan dan penghidupan masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan menentukan zonasi kerawanan longsor dan menentukan strategi mitigasi longsor di DAS Merawu. Inventori longsor dilakukan menggunakan tiga pendekatan yaitu terestris, menggunakan citra satelit, dan dari literatur. Penelitian ini menggunakan analitic hierarchy process (AHP) untuk menentukan besar pengaruh setiap parameter lingkungan terhadap kejadian longsor sebagai dasar penyusunan peta kerawanan longsor. Metode AHP juga digunakan untuk menentukan jenis mitigasi longsor terbaik. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada wilayah kajian terdapat 256 longsor, mayoritas berupa longsor tipe slide, dengan material utama tanah, dan termasuk deep slide. Longsor banyak terjadi pada wilayah dengan tanah mediteran merah tua dan regosol, formasi geologi Halang (Tmph), stream density 1,4-2,8 km/km2, lereng 25-45%, dan tutupan lahan semak belukar. Wilayah dengan kerawanan tertinggi terletak pada bagian tengah DAS. Jenis mitigasi longsor terbaik untuk wilayah ini yaitu penanaman vegetasi.
Penggunaan InSAR untuk Identifikasi Daerah Terdampak Gempa dan Likuifaksi di Kota Palu
Authors: Mispaki Syachril Warasambi , Rahmawaty Mitha Asyita
Published: June 2024

Gempa bumi yang terjadi pada tanggal 28 September 2018 di Kota Palu dan Kabupaten Donggala mengakibatkan dampak kerusakan yang besar. Pendataan daerah terdampak gempa menjadi hal yang sangat penting karena menentukan tindakan penanganan bencana. Proses pendataan dapat dilakukan dengan beberapa metode seperti survei langsung dan survei tak langsung. Survei tak langsung memiliki beberapa keunggulan yaitu cepat dan area yang disurvei luas. Beberapa metode survei tak langsung antara lain penggunan penginderaan jauh pasif seperti citra optis dan penginderaan jauh aktif seperti SAR. Penggunaan metode SAR menjadi alternatif yang dapat digunakan dikarenakan tidak terhambat oleh awan dan cahaya matahari sehingga dapat digunakan dalam berbagai keadaan. Hasil pengolahan data SAR menggunakan metode InSAR dapat mengidentifikasi kerusakan area terdampak menggunakan penurunan nilai coherence. Seperti yang ditunjukkan pada penelitian ini daerah kecamatan Palu Timur mengalami kerusakan paling besar dengan penurunan nilai coherence sebesar 0,3694. Tetapi ada beberapa kelemahan dalam metode InSAR ketika daerah yang diteliti berupa tutupan vegetasi maka hasilnya akan tidak sesuai seperti daerah likuifaksi yang berada di Sidera Jono Oge yang hanya terjadi penurunan 0,064 padalah terjadi peristiwa likuifaksi.
Kajian migrasi dan keterkaitannya dengan sektor unggulan di Kota Batam
Authors: Aminah Nabila Zahra Nur
Published: June 2024

Kota Batam menjadi daerah tujuan migrasi oleh penduduk sejak tahun 1970an hingga saat ini. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan data statistik yang menunjukkan tren peningkatan migran. Saat ini Kota Batam terus berkembang salah satu nya dalam aspek ekonomi. Seiring dengan perkembangan ekonomi, dapat diketahui sektor unggulan Kota Batam. Penelitian ini bertujuan: (1) mengetahui faktor pendorong dan faktor penarik migrasi, (2) menganalisis keterkaitan antara migrasi dengan sektor unggulan di Kota Batam. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan melakukan wawancara mendalam terhadap masyarakat migran dan beberapa instansi pemerintah Kota Batam. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa faktor pendorong migrasi yaitu ketersediaan lapangan pekerjaan di daerah asal yang terbatas, pendapatan lebih rendah di daerah asal, budaya merantau, kondisi pendidikan di daerah asal yang kurang sesuai dengan keinginan migran, serta ketersediaan transportasi menuju Kota Batam. Faktor penarik migrasi berupa tersedianya lapangan pekerjaan yang beragam, penghasilan di Batam lebih tinggi daripada di daerah asal, serta keberadaan keluarga di Batam. Seluruh informan migran tidak mengetahui sektor unggulan per kecamatan di Kota Batam, akan tetapi sebagian besar yang memiliki informasi bahwa Batam sebagai kota industri.
Daily automated prediction of delirium risk in hospitalized patients: Model development and validation (Preprint)
Authors: Shaw Kendrick Matthew , Shao Yu-Ping , Ghanta Manohar , Junior Valdery Moura , Kimchi Eyal Y , Houle Timothy T , Akeju Oluwaseun , Westover Michael Brandon
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Delirium is common in hospitalized patients and correlated with increased
morbidity and mortality. Despite this, delirium is underdiagnosed, and many
institutions do not have sufficient resources to consistently apply effective
screening and prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a machine learning algorithm to
identify patients at highest risk of delirium in the hospital each day in an
automated fashion based on data available in the electronic medical record,
reducing the barrier to large-scale delirium screening.

METHODS

We developed and compared multiple machine learning models on a retrospective
dataset of all hospitalized adult patients with recorded Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) screens at a major
academic medical center from April 2nd, 2016 to January 16th 2019, comprising
23006 patients. The patient's age, gender, and all available laboratory values,
vital signs, prior CAM screens, and medication administrations were used as
potential predictors. Four machine learning approaches were investigated:
logistic regression with L1-regularization, multilayer perceptrons, random
forests, and boosted trees. Model development used 80% of the patients; the
remaining 20% were reserved for testing the final models. Lab values, vital
signs, medications, gender, and age were used to predict a positive CAM screen
in the next 24 hours.

RESULTS

The boosted tree model achieved the greatest predictive power, with a 0.92 area
under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) (95% Confidence
Interval (CI) 0.913-9.22), followed by the random
forest at 0.91 (95% CI 0.909-0.918), multilayer
perceptron at 0.86 (95% CI 0.850-0.861), and
logistic regression at 0.85 (95% CI 0.841-0.852).
These AUROCs decreased to 0.78-0.82 and 0.74-0.80 when limited to patients not
currently or never delirious, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A boosted tree machine learning model was able to identify hospitalized
patients at elevated risk for delirium in the next 24 hours. This may allow for
automated delirium risk screening and more precise targeting of proven and
investigational interventions to prevent delirium.
Pseudoternary Phase Diagram and Antibacterial Activity of Microemulsion-Based Citronella Oil
Authors: Gunarto Chintya , Go Alchris Woo , Angkawijaya Artik Elisa , Lie Jenni , Soetaredjo Felycia Edi , Ismadji Suryadi , Puspitasari Nathania , Putro Jindrayani Nyoo , Risdian Chandra
Published: June 2024

Citronella oil (CTO) is extracted from citronella leaves by maceration or steam distillation process, which has antibacterial and insect-repellent activities. However, the use of CTO is limited and requires modification in other formulations, such as microemulsion (ME), to increase its bioactivities. ME consists of oil, water, surfactant and/or cosurfactant and is commonly applied in food and beverages, cosmetics, and carrier for drug delivery applications. CTO was used as the oil phase for ME with nonionic surfactant and ethanol as a cosurfactant for lowering interfacial tension between oil and water phase. Subsequent observations regarding stability and antibacterial tests were carried out on ME formulations with surfactant/cosurfactant mixture of 2 due to its largest ME area. A hydrodynamic diameter analysis was also carried out to see the stability of the ME within a period of 50 d. ME with 10% CTO, 30% surfactant mixture, and 60% water showed the best formulation observed from the consistent hydrodynamic diameter measurement. In addition, ME with different formulations could inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by more than 90%. From this research, CTO-based ME potentially improve and develop drug carrier applications, especially via topical route.
Redesain Potensi Lokal Kewilayahan Desa Pakunden Magelang Berbasis Agro-ekowisata Pasca Konversi Lahan Terdampak Tol Jogja-Bawen
Authors: Armawi Armaidy , Effendhy Syafiq , Subejo  , Apriliyanti Kiki
Published: June 2024

Alih fungsi lahan untuk jalan Tol Jogja-Bawen membuat para petani Desa Pakunden bertahan sebagai petani dengan membeli tanah di lain desa dan ada pula yang melakukan konversi pekerjaan sektor jasa pariwisata. Potensi pariwisata Desa Pakunden adalah 12 pemandian, 4 kesenian daerah dan rencana pembangunan sabo dam yang akan digunakan sebagai wahana ekowisata. Di dalam dinamikanya, terjadi perbedaan antara perencanaan dan sarana prasarana yang disediakan oleh pemerintah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan konsep redesain Desa Agro-ekowisata Pakunden Magelang berbasis penguatan kearifan lokal sebagai strategi intervensi alih guna lahan Tol Jogja-Bawen. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian lapangan (field research) dengan metode kualitatif. Adapun observasi dilaksanakan di Desa Pakunden, Kecamatan Ngluwar Kabupaten Magelang bertepatan dengan program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat berbasis Desa Binaan yang diselenggarakan oleh Direktorat Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat UGM. Pemilihan informan dalam penelitian ini didasarkan pada purposive sampling yang melibatkan pertimbangan berupa pengetahuan terkait konversi lahan, kondisi lingkungan Desa Pakunden dan konsep pembangunan desa agro-ekowisata. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan melaksanakan observasi, wawancara, penelusuran internet dan studi dokumen. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan pariwisata dan ekonomi lokal Desa Pakunden sangat didorong oleh intervensi eksternal, seperti pembangunan sabo dam dan peluang bisnis swasta melalui Balai Ekonomi Desa. Hal tersebut mengakibatkan adanya upaya untuk mengembangkan konsep desa wisata melalui pemanfaatan aspek kearifan lokal maupun lingkungan. Akan tetapi, program ini masih dalam bentuk perancangan, sehingga perubahan kondisi ekonomi masyarakat belum dapat tergambarkan secara konkret. Namun demikian, upaya pengembangan sektor pariwisata tersebut bertujuan untuk meningkatkan masyarakat desa dan ekonomi lokal.