bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test
Authors: Pekhtasheva Elena , Mastalygina Elena , Leonova Irina , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Palaniappan Murugesan , Karumuri Srikanth , Ayirilmis Nadir
Published: January 2024

Toxic characterization of textiles in relation to human health hazards is a challenging issue. 11 textile materials were tested by two methods for assessing toxicity of textile materials: sperm motility inhibition test (with bull spermatozoa) and Daphnia magna acute immobility test (with Daphnia magna Straus). The paper provides a comparative analysis of the advantages of each method for determining toxicity. It was proved that the toxicity assessment of textiles’ extracts based on the immobilisation of daphnids was characterized by comparable sensitivity and more simplicity of execution than the toxicity test by means of bull semen. It was shown that the presence of dyes and synthetic fibres had a major impact on the textiles’ toxicity. The aqueous extracts from uniformly dyed textiles were characterized by higher level of toxicity compared to the non-dyed ones (a toxicity index by motility inhibition test was 37-62%, an acute immobility parameter by D.magna test – 100% with reference to the control uncontaminated media).
Estimating the non-market value of protected areas: the case of Senkele Swayne Hartebeest Sanctuary, South Ethiopia MSc Thesis, Hawassa University, Wondo Genet, Ethiopia.
Authors: Wogayehu Dimim , Melka Yoseph
Published: January 2024

Protected Areas provide secured habitat for plants and animals. The principal objective of the study was to estimate the determinants that influence households’ decision, maximum and the mean willingness to pay local rural farm for conservation and restoration of Senkele Swayne’s hartebeest sanctuary. To achieve the objective of the study, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was using double bound dichotomous questions followed by open-ended questions. Sample data from 175 rural households were collected by applying two stage sampling procedures. The primary data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaire interviews, conducting, a focus group discussion and a key informant interview. Relevant secondary data was also reviewed. Both descriptive statistics and econometric methods of analysis were used. Econometric models such as bivariate probit, binary probit and Tobit models were used to estimate mean WTP, determinants of decision WTP and the intensity of WTP respectively. The WTP result shows that the average amount of money from the open-ended format was 31.71 ETB per month and the mean WTP values from double bounded dichotomous households in the senkele sanctuary can pay up to 34.59 ETB per month. Determinants such as educational level, livestock holding and total land size had a positive and significant effect on the decision of households’ WTP. While distance from sanctuary and initial bid amount had a negative influence on households' WTP decisions. Therefore, the aggregated welfare gain expected from the conservation intervention of sanctuary from the open-ended format and double bounded dichotomous format were 12,024,812.52 ETB and 13,116,943.08 ETB per year respectively. Based on welfare gains from the sanctuary intervention, results show that the aggregate value of Sanctuary from an open-ended question format (12 million ETB) was underestimated as compared to a double bounded dichotomous choice format (13.12 million ETB). This indicates that there may be the existence of free riding problems in the study area. EWCA, researchers, local people and non-governmental organizations are working together to minimize deforestation and develop a sustainable management system for Senkele sanctuary.
Eco-epidemiological study of seropositivity against Rickettsia and Leptospira agents in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia.
Authors: Torres-Bustamante Mariana , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Ko Albert I. , Wunder Elsio A. , Quintero-Vélez Juan C.
Published: January 2024

Rickettsioses and leptospirosis are infectious diseases that are often underdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about their epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, among others.
Objetive: to characterize the seroprevalence and seroincidence of both Rickettsia and Leptospira agents and determine the risk factors for these outcomes in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia.
Methods: a secondary data analysis using information on Rickettsia and Leptospira exposure from a prior prospective study that explored sociocultural and ecological aspects of Rickettsia infection in rural Urabá, Colombia. A multinomial mixed logistic regression model was employed to analyze factors linked to seroprevalent cases of Rickettsia, Leptospira and both, along with descriptive analyses of seroincident cases.
Results: the concomitant seroprevalence against Rickettsiaand Leptospira was 9.38% [95%CI 6.08%-13.37%] (56/597). The factors associated with this seroprevalence were age (ORa= 1.02 [95%CI 1.007–1.03]), male gender (ORa= 3.06 [95%CI 1.75–5.37]), fever history (ORa= 1.71 [95%CI 1.06–2.77]) the presence of breeding pigs (ORa= 2.29 [95%CI 1.36–3.88]), peridomicile yucca crops(ORa= 2.5 [95%CI 1.1–5.62]), and deforestation practices(ORa= 1.74 [95%CI 1.06–2.87]). The concomitant seroincidence against Rickettsia and Leptospira was 1.09% (3/274) [95%CI 0.29%-4.05%], three cases were female, with a median age of 31.83 years-old (IQR 8.69–56.99). At the household level, all the seroincident cases had households built partially or totally with soil floors, wooden walls, and zinc roofs. Two seroincident cases described the presence of equines, canines, and domestic chickens in intra or peri-domicile. Finally, two cases were exposed to synanthropic rodents, and one case to tick infestation.
Conclusion: there is evidence of seroprevalent and seroincident cases of seropositivity against both Rickettsia and Leptospira in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia. These findings can help improve public health surveillance systems in preventing, detecting, and attending to the different clinical cases caused by these pathogens.
Sustainability assessment framework: Tools for studying the sustainability of shifting cultivation
Authors: Jagannath Pratyaya , Jamir Chubbamenla , Chatterjee Sudipto , Dutta Swarup
Published: January 2024

Shifting cultivation is pivotal for biodiversity and cultural identity, especially in Nagaland, India. However, shifting cultivation is being criticized for its ecological impact, in spite of its traditional significance. This study aimed to develop a framework for evaluating the sustainability of shifting cultivation in Nagaland. Shifting cultivation is deeply embedded in the ecological, economic, and social fabric of the region; however, traditional agricultural systems have several issues and concerns. Shifting cultivation has long been considered a detrimental process to ecology, and advocates of modern agriculture criticize these practices. However, recent studies offer a counterview, proposing that shifting cultivation is a system that is more sensitive to the local area economy, traditional wisdom in biodiversity preservation, food choices of natives, and, importantly, upholding the kinship of clans and tribes along with cultural practices related to shifting cultivation. This study critically examined several prominent sustainability assessment methods through secondary research on theoretical concepts. The strengths, weaknesses, and possibilities for the adoption of the method were analyzed. A comprehensive framework was developed to evaluate the sustainability of shifting cultivation in Nagaland by critically examining existing sustainability assessment methods using a Systems Thinking Approach and incorporating indicators from the indicateurs de durabilité des exploitations agricoles or farm sustainability indicators (IDEA) method. This study contributes to the understanding of the intertwining of ecological, economic, and social factors in shifting cultivation, offering insights for more balanced and nuanced sustainability assessments. Since many assessment methods have labeled shifting cultivation as having a negative outlook, the related tools did not fully consider how local cultural practices, ecological cycles, and economic factors affect shifting cultivation. The method suggested in this study gives a more effective and comprehensive nuance by equally considering the three components and providing an in-depth rationale for the sustainability of an agricultural system and, in this case, "shifting cultivation." Additionally, this model can be adaptable to agricultural systems that fall outside the parameters set by contemporary input-based cultivation systems.
Nuciferine promotes longevity and fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans through the regulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Yan , Miao Yuanxin , Li Rong
Published: January 2024

Nuciferine, as one of the most abundant plant-derived alkaloids, has multiple bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and lipid lowering effect. Nevertheless, the anti-aging effects and related mechanisms of nuciferine are rarely reported. In this study, we found that nuciferine significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) by 14.86% at a dose of 100 μM. Moreover, nuciferine promoted the health of C. elegansby increasing the body bending and pharyngeal pumping rates and reducing the lipofuscin accumulation level. Meanwhile, nuciferine enhanced stress tolerance by inducing the expression of stress-related genes or proteins. The molecular mechanism behind the anti-aging effect of nuciferine occurred by down-regulating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. Our findings shed new light on the application of nuciferine for longevity promotion and human health.
Enhancing Elderly Wellness through AI- Powered Yoga and Exercise Support Systems
Authors: Adeyemi Jammal Omotoyosi
Published: January 2024

This research presents a pioneering and comprehensive approach aimed at delivering personalized exercise and yoga support to the senior population. The primary objective of this research is to enhance physical well-being, boost engagement, foster adherence to exercise and yoga routines, and refine users' posture and balance. A pivotal phase in this project involves keypoint extraction, skillfully executed using MoveNet, an advanced posture estimation model. To achieve this, deep learning algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Dense Neural Networks (DNNs), and Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs) are deployed to effectively classify and categorize yoga and exercise positions. The culmination of this endeavor manifests in the form of an interactive web application. The robustness and efficacy of the system are underscored by extensive user testing, which has also assessed its usability and potential to significantly enhance the physical well-being of the elderly. In summation, this research represents a substantial advancement in the realm of targeted exercise and yoga support, expressly designed to cater to the distinctive needs of the senior demographic.
Discriminating between indoor and outdoor environments during daily living activities using local magnetic field characteristics and machine learning techniques
Authors: Marcianò Vincenzo , Bertuletti Stefano , Caruso Marco , Bonci Tecla , Alcock Lisa , Gazit Eran , Ireson Neil , Bevilacqua Antonio , Mazzà Claudia , Ciravegna Fabio , Din Silvia Del , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Ifrim Georgiana , Caulfield Brian , Cereatti Andrea
Published: January 2024

Wearable technology has rapidly evolved, enabling the integration of various sensors and algorithms, opening new possibilities for context-aware applications in fields such as healthcare, fitness tracking, and environmental monitoring. The discrimination between indoor and outdoor environments is crucial. This is often accomplished through technologies like GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth. However, these methods have drawbacks, including privacy concerns, high power consumption, and reliance on external infrastructure. To address these challenges, recent studies have explored using the ambient magnetic field for indoor-outdoor detection, though comprehensive validation with real-life data is lacking.
This paper seeks to validate specific machine learning techniques - random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and stacked long short-term memory networks - for indoor-outdoor discrimination. The validation exclusively relies on magnetometer data from the daily activities of 20 participants in four cities across three countries (United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy). The study examines factors such as magnetometer placement (feet, lower back, and non-dominant wrist) and pre-processing techniques (features, window size, etc.). Reference data is obtained through a GPS-based algorithm coupled with a geographical database running on a smartphone carried by the participants. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm yielded the best results, with an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.90, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94. These findings confirm the feasibility of extracting precise indoor/outdoor context information from magnetometer data.
Investigating the Impact of the Quantity of Wet and Dry Cycles on the Mechanical Characteristics and Fracture Variations of Sandstones
Authors: He Ruiyu , Tang Xin , Yin Hong , Qin Yujia , Guo Zhengchao , Fang Li , Zhou Xiaoyi , Zhou Yuerong
Published: January 2024

The impact of varying quantity of dry-wet cycles on the mechanical characteristics and cracking behavior of sandstone are investigated by uniaxial compression tests and numerical simulations. The findings indicate that the deformation stage of sandstone remains unchanged by the dry-wet cycle. The uniaxial compressive potency and coefficient of restitution gradually diminish as the quantity of cycles rises, while the Poisson's ratio exhibits the opposite trend, and the impact on the mechanical performance of sandstone wanes with cycle increments, and the correlation coefficient surpasses 0.93, signifying a substantial influence of the dry-wet cycle on sandstone's mechanical performances. The discrepancy between the numerical simulation and experimental results is minimal, with a maximum error of only 3.1%, demonstrating the congruence of the simulation and experimental outcomes.The mesoscopic examination of the simulations indicates that the quantity of fractures in the sandstone specimens rises with the escalation of dry-wet cycles, and the steps of analysis linked to crack inception and fracture propagation are accelerated, and the analysis steps from fracture initiation to penetration are also reduced.
Incidence of Persistent Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Associated Factors among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admissions in South Gondar Public Hospitals, Northcentral Ethiopia: a prospective cross sectional study
Authors: kebede Solomon , Munye Tigabu , Agmas Kindu , Necho Worku , Moges Natnael
Published: January 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia and associated factors in south Gondar public hospitals, northcentral Ethiopia.
Design and setting Prospective cross-sectional study for 400 neonates admitted in NICUs at public hospitals.
Main results The incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia (PHG) was found to be 94 ((23.5%); 95%CI (19.3%-28%)). Neonates with hypothermia (AOR=4.41; 95% CI=2.72-10.92), preterm birth (AOR=3.5; 95%CI=1.69-11.97), those with perinatal asphyxia (AOR=2.5; 95% CI=1.34-9.67), and neonates with pathological jaundice (AOR=2.3; 95% CI=1.21-10.34) were factors associated with persistent hypoglycemia. On the contrary, spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) was a protective factor (AOR=0.72; 95% CI=0.35-0.88).
Conclusions The incidence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia (PHG) was lower compared to previous studies while factors increasing the risk of PHG were Hypothermia, Pretermbirth, perinatal asphyxia (PNA), early onset of sepsis (EONS), and pathological jaundice. And, Spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) was a protective factor.
Productivity Management: a Systematic Review of Approaches, Trends and Future Research Agendas
Authors: Barreto Bruna , Lopes Mariana , Caldas Lucas , Campos Lais , Silvério Júlia , Brandão Daniel , Meneses Pedro , Serrano André , Neumann Clóvis
Published: January 2024

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to explore various approaches and characteristics related to productivity management, addressing an identified gap in the literature. The article seeks to present the current landscape of studies, identify international scientific production trends, and propose an agenda with new challenges for future research. The present SLR used the Scopus database with constructs published from 2018 onwards. Bibliometric results highlight extensive scientific production on productivity, outlining key contributions from authors, countries, and institutions in the field. Thematic analysis provides a comprehensive view of well-developed, specialized, emerging or declining areas in productivity. A detailed analysis of different productivity measurement approaches offers valuable insights into the diversity of practices adopted by reviewed studies. Future challenges and research opportunities include a deeper understanding of qualitative aspects of productivity management, exploring the interaction between efficiency and effectiveness, and investigating productivity management in specific sectors. This SLR provides a solid foundation for future research, emphasizing existing gaps and opportunities for advancements in understanding productivity management.
A Comparative Study on the Tensile Strength of Single Natural Fibers
Authors: Gashawtena Endalkachew , Kidane Addis , Sirahbizu Belete
Published: January 2024

In recent times, material scientists have been paying great attention to the replacement of synthetic materials with natural materials in the essence of minimizing global climate change and environmental pollution. This study intends to extract natural fibers such as sisal, false banana, and banana plant fibers and characterize their mechanical properties. Mechanical and chemical treatment was employed to obtain the optimum cross-sectional area (CSA) of the fibers. The quality of the fiber and the CSA of each fiber was examined using a Zeta 20 optical 3D microscope. The tensile strength of each type of single fiber was evaluated using A Textechno Statimat Me + Tensile Testing Machine with the help of thick paper as a specimen holder. The values of the tensile strength of each type of fiber were compared to see their relative advantage. The result also revealed that chemical treatment increased the quality of the fiber and simplified the determination of the CSA of the fiber from its diameter. Furthermore, the false banana fiber demonstrates a higher tensile strength and tensile strain than those of sisal and banana fibers, but it has a lower modulus of elasticity. The linear density and tenacity of false banana were also lower than sisal fiber, but slightly higher than banana fiber.
A Chemical Interpretation for the Post-Reversion Upturn in the Natural Rubber/Accelerated Sulfur System Based on the Viscoelastic Properties and Crosslink Density Measurements
Authors: Pöschl Marek , Sathi Shibulal Gopi , Stoček Radek
Published: January 2024

The curing cycle of natural rubber (NR) with a conventional accelerated sulfur (CV) system generally exhibits three phases. The induction phase, the crosslinking phase, and the reversion phase. Prolonged curing of NR/CV system even at a temperature of 150°C, can show reversion. Many research reports are available in the literature with reference to the reversion behavior and the subsequent network modifications of natural rubber with accelerated sulfur. However, the literature regarding post-reversion curing behavior is scanty. This article describes the post-reversion upturn of natural rubber with a conventional accelerator sulfur system at a higher curing temperature. A network rebuilding after collapsing the initially formed network due to reversion was identified as the primary reason for the post-reversion upturn. The dynamic rheological testing capability of the Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA) was employed to characterize the network formed during curing, reversion and post-reversion phases. The cure-strain sweep data from the RPA indicated that the shear storage modulus (G') of the broken network increased due to the post-reversion upturn. The chemical crosslink densities of the samples were also found to increase due to the upturn curing behavior. From these experimental results and the information conceived from the previous literature, two plausible mechanisms have been proposed to interpret the post-reversion upturn cure behavior.
Development of a Low-Cost Gas Leakage Detection System With Auditory and Visual Alerts
Authors: Ajinaja Micheal Olalekan , Fakoya Johnson Tunde , Akeem Abiona
Published: January 2024

Household gas leakage stands as a significant contributor to domestic accidents in society. This study focuses on addressing this issue by introducing an affordable and easily accessible device capable of delivering both audio and visual alerts in local dialects based on the language spoken within the household. The system incorporated a 5v buzzer for audio alerts and an LCD for visual alerts, forming the core components of this innovative solution. The coding, executed through Arduino IDE, orchestrated the interaction between the MQ2 sensor and the Arduino Nano, activating auditory alerts via the buzzer and visual alerts through the LCD. The findings highlighted system's efficacy as an affordable safety device for homes, addressing potential dangers associated with gas leaks. The utilization of commonly available components enhanced its cost-effectiveness, ensuring accessibility for households with budget constraints. Furthermore, the system's adaptability was showcased through the programmable LCD, allowing users to display messages in local dialects based on household language preferences. This feature enhanced user experience, making the system more inclusive and aligned with the diverse needs of different households.
Germacrone attenuates memory impairment, hippocampal inflammation, and neurological deficits induced by Lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Zhang Lanyue , Tan Zekai , Wang Ying , Wu Caixia , Xu Anjing , Lian Xiuying , Zeng Yixi , Yuan Yanghe , Li Weini , Peng Jiangling
Published: January 2024

Background
Uncontrolled neuroinflammation contributes to a range of neurodegenerative diseases, as such targeting neuroinflammation may be a promising therapeutic strategy. Germacrone (GE) is the primary ingredient of Curcumae Wenyujin Y.H. Chenet C Ling, one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicine boasting anti-inflammatory pharmacology effects. However, there are no reports related to the protective effects of GE on LPS-induced neuroinflammation in mice. In the present study, the therapeutic effects of GE on the LPS-induced neuroinflammation in mice were assessed and the molecular mechanisms regarding neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptotic pathways was investigated.
Methods
C57 mice were treated with LPS for 7 days, followed by treatment with GE for 14 days. Behavioral testing was carried out to examine cognitive functions using the Morris water maze. Nissl Staining was applied to assess pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and Iba-1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the inhibitory effect of GE on microglia activation. RNA-seq technique was used to analyze the differential gene regulation of neuroinflammation in brain tissue of LPS-stimulated mice to investigate the anti-inflammation effect of GE.
Results
In C57 mice, GE counteracted cognitive decline, effectively alleviating the neuronal injury induced by LPS, and attenuated the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the cortex and hippocampus. GE significantly reduced the concentration of inflammation factor TNF-α and Iba-1 in both the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, particularly in the former. The gene expression variances post LPS treatment and GE treatment revealed that GE has the potential to diminish neuroinflammation by suppressing the production of inflammatory factors induced by LPS stimulation.
Conclusions
GE effectively counteracted cognitive decline by regulating neuroinflammation through reducing the concentration of inflammation factor TNF-α and Iba-1 in both hippocampus and cerebral cortex in LPS-induced neuroinflammation in C57 mice, providing preliminary experimental evidence that GE is a promising therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases treatment.
Measuring the Unmeasurable through Machine Learning Regressions and Classifications: Multidimensional Poverty Predictions in the Poorest Region of Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Onsay Emmanuel , Rabajante Jomar
Published: January 2024

Poverty is notoriously difficult to quantify, it is multidimensional and is deemed unmeasurable in the field of social science. Current poverty measurements are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and cost-expensive. Hence, policy targeting becomes challenging for policymakers to implement poverty alleviation programs. Thus, this work proposes new measures of poverty in the poorest region of Luzon, Philippines by training and testing the community-based system datasets. We have utilized machine learning regression and classification algorithms matched with advanced econometrics models. For regression, we applied 7 algorithms, for 273 ensemble runs, and for classification, we employed 12 algorithms, for 468 ensemble runs to analyze 34 locals, 4 sectors at disaggregation system, and then combined. Random forest regression outperforms all models with MSE(0.0792), RMSE(0.3298), and R-square(0.92075), while random forest classifier outperforms all models with the highest accuracy(91.08% at random and 95.95% at pipeline). It also validates the existing correlation and causation between multidimensional attributes (27 variables) and poverty outcomes (Incidence, gap, severity, and watts). This work highlights the feasibility of machine learning for poverty prediction that can minimize cost, reduce labor, and maximize time, particularly in the poorest regions of the Philippines. Finally, the output has provided policy targeting tools for poverty reduction for various locals at different poverty configurations.
Antibiotics-associated pseudomembranous colitis: a disproportionality analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database
Authors: Chen Jinhua , Yu Weijiang , Sun Cuicui , Zhang Wenzhou
Published: January 2024

Antibiotics have been established as an important risk factor for pseudomembranous colitis (PMC), a potential life-threatening complication. Evaluating the antibiotics most commonly associated with PMC is of great significance. In this study, we extracted the data from fourth quarter of 2003 to third quarter of 2023 in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Disproportionality analysis was performed to evaluate the potential association between antibiotics and PMC. The results showed that eighty-one antibiotics which met the three algorithms simultaneously were enrolled. A total of 11737133 adverse event (ADE) reports were identified in the FAERS database, of which 1683 reports were associated with the enrolled antibiotics related PMC. It showed that the elderly and females are more susceptible to the antibiotics-associated PMC, especially for patients aged > 60 years. The top twenty-four antibiotics included four penicillins, eleven cephalosporins, three carbapenems, two lincosamides, one cephamycin, one aminoglycoside, one fosfomycin, and one echinocandin. This study also showed that cefoxitin, streptomycin, fosfomycin, and micafungin have a high risk of PMC, but there are few reports in the literature. This is helpful to reduce the potential damage of antibiotics-associated PMC.
Single‐cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal ACKR1+ endothelial cells associated with transcytosis in Leprosy
Authors: Freitas Heloisa Almeida , Paz Mikael Nikson Vilela Tenório da , Silva Gabriel Victor Lucena , Simizo Adriana , Baggio Jussara Almeida Oliveira , Rodrigues Amanda Karine Barros Ferreira , Moreira Jammily Oliveira Vieira , Farias Karol Fireman , Figueiredo Elaine Virginia Martins Souza , Santos Márcio Bezerra , Marques Carolinne Sales , Fraga Carlos Alberto Carvalho
Published: January 2024

Background
Leprosy exhibits a dysregulated immune response, leading to excessive and inefficient inflammatory action. This can result in nerve damage, granuloma formation, and other clinical manifestations.
Methods
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomic analyses were applied to explore the intricate cellular landscape of leprosy, focusing on endothelial cells. The study encompasses a dataset of 36,517 cells obtained from normal skin, clinical form lepromatous leprosy (LL), and reversal reaction (RR). We applied advanced techniques, including pseudotime trajectory analysis, cell–cell interaction studies, and high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA).
Results
The profiling of cellular composition revealed significant disparities among leprosy types, emphasizing the role of specific cell types in each condition. CellChat and hdWGCNA analysis unveiled intricate intercellular interactions in the leprosy microenvironment, with a focus on the ACKR1 gene-mediated cytokine regulation in endothelial cells. Disease-associated endothelial cells highlighted a unique gene signature associated with vesicle-related processes, suggesting their involvement in vascular alterations in leprosy. Spatial transcriptome profiling in normal skin and leprosy sections provided insights into the heterogeneity of parenchyma cells, with distinct clusters observed in lepromatous leprosy. ACKR1 exhibited high expression in regions enriched with endothelial cells only in lepromatous leprosy, indicating a localized mechanism for cytokine regulation.
Conclusions
The central involvement of ACKR1 + endothelial cells in transcytosis and cytokine regulation provides potential avenues for therapeutic exploration. This study underscores the importance of advanced technologies in comprehending immune microenvironments for targeted interventions in leprosy and related infectious diseases.
Associations between the gut microbiota and prostatitis: visions from a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Yetong , Zhao Mingjian , Ding Xuefei , Cao Fenghong
Published: January 2024

Background
A growing body of research indicates a substantial correlation between the gut microbiota and prostatitis. However, there is still a lack of relevant evidence at the big data level. Two-sample Mendelian randomization was employed to evaluate the association between the gut microbiota and prostatitis.
Materials and methods
We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study by applying combined data on the gut microbiota and prostatitis from the extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) undertaken by the MiBioGen consortium. The primary method considered to analyze causal relationships was inverse variance weighting (IVW) in the TwoSampleMR (TSMR) framework. Furthermore, we performed various sensitivity analyses to evaluate the reliability of the outcomes obtained through the TSMR.
Result
With the current TSMR analysis, we found that the Parasutterella genus [OR = 0.74,(0.57–0.96),P = 0.023], RuminococcaceaeUCG009 genus [OR = 0.77(0.60–0.98),P = 0.03], Eubacterium(coprostanoligenes group) genus[OR = 0.66(0.45–0.96),P = 0.03], Erysipelatoclostridium genus [ OR = 0.71(0.55–0.92),P = 0.01], Slackia genus [OR = 1.28(1.03–1.59),P = 0.03] may have a protective effect against prostatitis, in the meanwhile Lachnospiraceae (UCG004) genus[OR = 1.54(1.10–2.18), P = 0.01], Faecalibacterium genus[OR = 1.59(1.08–2.34), P = 0.018], Sutterella genus [OR = 1.28(1.03–1.59), P = 0.03], Sterella genus[OR = 1.28(1.03–1.59), P = 0.03], Sutterella genus [OR = 1.58(1.13–2.19), P = 0.007], Paraprevotella genus [OR = 1.28(1.03–1.59), P = 0.03], Odoribacter genus [OR = 1.68(1.01–2.81), P = 0.046] suggested a possible risk factor for prostatitis. There was no adequate evidence of directional horizontal pleiotropy or instrumental variable heterogeneity. The reverse TSMR analysis did not reveal any reverse causal relationship between prostatitis and the gut microbiota.
Conclusion
Our study established a causal relationship between the intestinal flora and prostatitis, suggesting a novel approach for therapeutic investigations of this disease. Specifically, by targeting and regulating the dysbiosis of specific bacterial taxa, prostatitis prevention and treatment can be improved.
Waste Detection and Water Quality Assessment in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Study Using YoloV8 and XGBoost
Authors: Parasar Deepa , Vadalia Shivam R , Chavan Siddharth S , Bhere Krunal R , Nabi Faizan , Patel Abdullah Zuber
Published: January 2024

This research paper presents a structured approach to address the critical concerns associated with water quality assessment and underwater waste detection, employing advanced machine learning techniques. It commences with an exposition on the significance of water pollution's impact on aquatic ecosystems. Subsequently, the methodology employed in this study encompasses the utilization of the YOLOv8 model for the identification of underwater waste, a rule-based classifier for the evaluation of water quality, and the application of the XGBoost algorithm for predicting water potability. The ensuing sections delve into the practical implementation of these components, offering in-depth insights into their technical intricacies and seamless integration. A thorough evaluation follows, substantiating the system's effectiveness and reliability in three key dimensions: underwater waste detection, water quality assessment, and water potability prediction. As indicated by the lower map50-95 score, the Yolov8 model showed impressive precision and recall in recognising positive cases; however, improvements are required for complex object detection scenarios. Analysing the confusion matrix revealed particular categories that needed to be improved. On the other hand, the XGBoost classifier produced encouraging outcomes, demonstrating excellent accuracy, f1 score, precision, and recall in a variety of categories, underscoring its efficacy in precise sample class prediction. The research paper concludes by underscoring the transformative potential of this multifaceted approach in bolstering environmental conservation and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems against the pernicious effects of water pollution.
Knowledge of, first-aid measures and attitudes towards epilepsy among university students in Syria
Authors: Darra Ahmad Al , Thomas Thomas , Latifeh Youssef
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim:
Patients with epilepsy generally face misconceptions and negative attitudes about various aspects of the disease and are vulnerable to physical injuries during seizures. Lack of awareness of first aid measures leads to inappropriate actions while trying to provide assistance to patients. Therefore, our study aims to provide knowledge of first aid procedures and trends. Towards epilepsy among university students in Syria.
Methods and material:
A cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from 5/1/2023 to 26/12/2023 in Damascus, Syria. Data were collected through electronic questionnaires distributed randomly on social networking sites. The characteristics section included (age, gender, university branch, the first year), the second section included an awareness section (general awareness, causes, symptoms, triggers of seizures, first aid measures, and recommended treatments).
Results:
In general, 950 male and female students participated in the survey, and the students’ knowledge of epilepsy was very high, but there was little knowledge about the spread of epilepsy, the causes of epilepsy, the characteristics of epilepsy, the symptoms and signs of epilepsy, and the treatment of epilepsy. There was a significant increase in positive attitudes when seeing an affected person. With epilepsy, but on the other hand, negative attitudes were high, and the percentage of students’ knowledge on the knowledge and stigma scale was good, and the average of the scale among the students was (20.23 degrees).
A comprehensive review of machine learning prediction in the production of bio-oil from lignocellulose via pyrolysis
Authors: Lee Hyojin , Choi Il-Ho , Hwang Kyung-Ran
Published: January 2024

Bio-oil produced through pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass has recently received significant attention due to its possible uses as a second-generation biofuel. The yield and characteristics of produced bio-oil are affected by reaction conditions (reactor type, particle size, feed rate, operating temperature, heating rate, retention time, etc.) and the type of feedstock that is used (softwood, hardwood, agricultural plant residues, miscanthus, etc.). Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have been widely employed to forecast the performance of the pyrolysis and the characteristics of bi-oil. In this study, a comprehensive review of ML research on bio-oil has been carried out. Regression methods were most frequently employed to build prediction models. The top five ML methods for bio-oil research were random forest, artificial neural network, gradient boosting, support vector regression, and linear regression. In addition, users frequently extract features using their own knowledge and restricted datasets were employed I previous studies. We highlighted the challenges and potential of cutting-edge ML techniques in bio-oil production.
The Belgrade Nesmin: New Research on a Priest of Akhmim
Authors: Anđelković Branislav , Elias Jonathan P.
Published: January 2024

Considering a mummy merely as an objectified human ‘artifact’ is a common misconception that stands in sharp contrast to the proper perception of the mummy as the culturally modified preserved body of a deceased person, an individual, a real human being who was once alive. The National Museum of Serbia holds the mummified remains of a stolist-priest Nesmin (‘The-one-who-belongs-to-Min’), resident in Akhmim around mid-fourth century B.C. Continuous research efforts have resulted in a reconceptualization of the display and presentation of this embalmed ancient Egyptian person, encompassing both scientific and humanizing elements. A number of the Belgrade Nesmin’s disarticulated bones as well as detached fragments of linen bandages covered with a resinous coating are discussed. Some new family members have been added to his genealogy. The name Nesmin was frequent in Akhmim, hence there are several other mummified Nesmin(s) of Akhmim kept in various world museums.
Corruption in apartheid South Africa under John Vorster: a case study
Authors: Ntuli Hebert Sihle
Published: January 2024

The object of research: This article explores corruption during apartheid South Africa. The first part describes corruption and articulates or presents its effects on service delivery.

Investigated problem: This study examines John Vorster’s role in corruption during the 1970’s. It argues that Vorster and some cabinet ministers were implicated in corrupt practices during the period in question.

The main scientific results: The findings of this study reveal that corruption was rife in South Africa during apartheid era; it is not new. This research study adds to our understanding of political oddities in the 1970’s that affected the subsequent years.

The area of practical use of research results: The value of this study is that it may be possible to determine historical patterns and/or responses that can be applied in fighting corruption in present day South Africa. It concludes by stating that to combat corruption would require putting in place appropriate anti-corruption and legal machinery; and prosecute, without fear or favour, violations of public service codes of conduct.

Innovative technological product: The historical patterns investigated in this article can inform government policy on how to provide for the strengthening of measures to prevent and combat corruption and corrupt activities in modern South Africa; as well as to provide for the investigative measures in respect of corruption and related corrupt activities.

Scope of the innovative technological product: The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004, provides for the establishment and endorsement of a Register in order to place certain restrictions on persons convicted of corrupt activities relating to tenders and contracts. Further, South Africans have welcomed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy which is a whole-of-society effort that envisions an ethical and accountable state, business and society characterized by high level of integrity and respect for the rule of law.
Yemek Siparişi Uygulamaları Tüketim Değerleri, Tekrar Kullanma Niyeti ve EAAP Davranışı Arasındaki İlişki (The Relationship Between Food Ordering Applications Consumption Values, Reuse Intention and eWOM Behavior)
Authors: ÇETİN Merve
Published: January 2024

Yemek siparişi uygulamaları kolay sipariş verme, yemeklerin daha hızlı teslimi, kolaylık ve zamandan tasarruf gibi birçok avantaj sunmaktadır. Bu avantajları sayesinde giderek popüler hale gelen yemek siparişi uygulamaları dünya çapında büyüme potansiyeli göstermektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı yemek siparişi uygulamalarının tüketim değerleri ile tekrar kullanma niyeti ve elektronik ağızdan ağıza pazarlama davranışı (EAAP) arasındaki ilişkileri tespit etmektir. Araştırma verileri çevrimiçi anket formu aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Yemek siparişi uygulamalarını kullanan 281 tüketiciden toplanan verilerle analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın amacı kapsamında geliştirilen hipotezlerin test edilmesinde yapısal eşitlik modellemesi (YEM) kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre fiyat değeri, görünürlük ve olanak değerinin tekrar kullanma niyeti üzerinde olumlu etkileri tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen bulguların, yemek siparişi uygulamalarına yönelik etkili reklam ve iletişim stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Calorimetry and structural analysis of uranyl sulfates with rare topologies
Authors: Perry Samuel N. , Kurama Arkin , Martin Maximilian , Burns Peter C.
Published: January 2024

Uranyl sulfate minerals are the most rapidly expanding group of uranium minerals, with dozens of species described in the past decade from the localities of White Canyon, U.S.A. and Jáchymov, Czech Republic. Synthetic analogs of a suite of uranyl sulfate minerals were crystallized, characterized, and the standard-state enthalpies of formation (ΔHfo) were determined. Synthetic lussierite is monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 9.2896, b = 28.685, c = 9.6155 Å, β = 93.504°. Synthetic geschieberite is ortho-rhombic, space group Pna21, a = 13.7408, b = 7.2713, c = 11.5844 Å. The standard-state enthalpies of formation from the binary oxides for lussierite, péligotite, shumwayite, geschieberite, and bluelizardite are –3214 ± 78, –2026 ± 33, –587 ± 22, –966.1 ± 10.9, and –2084 ± 21 kJ/mol, respectively, while the standard-state enthalpies of formation of each phase from its elements are –9743 ± 78, –7220 ± 33, –5255 ± 22, –3916 ± 20, and –7117 ± 21 kJ/mol, respectively. The ΔHfo of péligotite was accurately estimated using the ΔHfo of lussierite, bluelizardite, and literature values of the oxide components of each phase. This implies that estimates can be made accurately of the ΔHfo of uranyl sulfates of minerals without synthetic analogs.
Precise predictions for boosted Higgs production
Authors: Becker Kathrin , Caola Fabrizio , Massironi Andrea , Mistlberger Bernhard , Monni Pier Francesco , Chen Xuan , Frixione Stefano , Gehrmann Thomas , Glover Nigel , Hamilton Keith , Huss Alexander , Jones Stephen , Karlberg Alexander , Kerner Matthias , Kudashkin Kirill , Lindert Jonas M. , Luisoni Gionata , Mangano Michelangelo , Pozzorini Stefano , Re Emanuele , Salam Gavin P. , Vryonidou Eleni , Wever Christopher
Published: January 2024

Inclusive Higgs boson production at large transverse momentum is induced by different production channels. We focus on the leading production mechanism through gluon fusion, and perform a consistent combination of the state of the art calculations obtained in the infinite-top-mass effective theory at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) and in the full Standard Model (SM) at next-to-leading order (NLO). We thus present approximate QCD predictions for this process at NNLO, and a study of the corresponding perturbative uncertainties. This calculation is then compared with those obtained with commonly used event generators, and we observe that the description of the considered kinematic regime provided by these tools is in good agreement with state of the art calculations. Finally, we present accurate predictions for other production channels such as vector boson fusion, and associated production with a gauge boson, and with a t\bar{t}tt‾ pair. We find that, at large transverse momentum, the contribution of other production modes is substantial, and therefore must be included for a precise theory prediction of this observable.
Concentração e dispersão da formação dos pesquisadores da gestão do conhecimento
Authors: Silva Edcleyton Bruno Fernandes
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho objetivou analisar a formação dos pesquisadores da Gestão do Conhecimento, essencialmente os da Ciência da Informação no Brasil, a partir do estabelecimento de relações de concentração e dispersão das formações dos pesquisadores. Para tanto, foram considerados artigos indexados na Base de Dados Referenciais de Artigos de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação nos últimos cinco anos e verificação dos currículos lattes dos pesquisadores. A metodologia adotada foi de caráter quali-quantitativo, por meio de pesquisa tipo bibliográfica, exploratória e descritiva. Concluiu que a Gestão do Conhecimento é uma área que engloba diversas áreas do conhecimento e formações multifacetadas entre os pesquisadores, e que no Brasil, no âmbito da Ciência da Informação, verifica-se maior número de produções científicas voltadas para a temática, na área de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas. Acredita-se que a investigação pode contribuir para a identificação de tendências e relacionamentos entre outros domínios do saber, a partir do estabelecimento de relações de concentração e dispersão das formações dos pesquisadores de Gestão do Conhecimento.
DIVISÃO SEXUAL DO TRABALHO DOMÉSTICO ACADÊMICO
Authors: Macieira de Oliveira Schneider Bruna , Ghizoni Gisele , De Moraes Ribeiro de Barcellos Rebeca , Sasaki Vasques Pacheco Andressa
Published: January 2024

O conceito de trabalho doméstico acadêmico refere-se aos serviços desempenhados nas instituições de ensino superior por acadêmicos, tanto homens quanto mulheres, os quais não recebem amplo reconhecimento no contexto da carreira ou na definição de excelência acadêmica. Geralmente, essas atividades são desempenhadas por mulheres que as realizam em paralelo às responsabilidades de ensino e pesquisa, o que pode ter um impacto negativo no desenvolvimento de suas carreiras. Este artigo examina a divisão sexual do trabalho acadêmico administrativo em uma universidade pública brasileira. O estudo revela a predominância de homens em posições mais estratégicas, enquanto as mulheres tendem a ocupar posições consideradas menos estratégicas, associadas ao conceito de trabalho doméstico acadêmico. Os resultados da pesquisa corroboram com estudos anteriores e evidenciam que, no Brasil, a academia pode estar enfrentando uma situação semelhante à observada em outros países no que diz respeito à divisão sexual do trabalho doméstico acadêmico.