bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ulnar Left Second Digital Ridge Count Poorly Predicts the Risk for Schizophrenia
Authors: Ibrahim Badamasi Mohammed , Umar Sirajo Mujittapha , Andujeh Abdulazeem Muhammad , Dauda Ibrahim Muhammad , Naziru Ibrahim , Tajudeen Abiola , Shakirat Owolabi Desola , Margaret Ojeahere Isioma , Mustapha Gudaji Ibrahim
Published: May 2024

Background
Anthropometric measurements, reflecting the interplay of nutritional, environmental, and genetic factors, are commonly used to study human physical traits. Despite previous research suggesting their potential as indicators of neurodevelopmental processes and genetic influences, their role in predicting schizophrenia risk remains uncertain. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the predictive value of the ulnar left second digital ridge count in assessing the risk for schizophrenia, contributing to our understanding of the association between anthropometric variables and schizophrenia risk.
Method
Digit lengths were measured from the basal crease of the digit to the fingertip using a digital sliding caliper (MicroMak, USA). A digital scanner (Digital Persona, China) was utilized to capture the fingerprint pattern. Ridge count was determined by counting the ridges diagonally within a 5 mm × 5 mm area on the fingertip surface, located on the radial and ulnar sides of the distal regions of each finger.
Results
The proportion of the loop fingerprint pattern (ulnar and radial) on the left fourth finger of schizophrenia patients was significantly higher than that observed among the healthy volunteers. Generally, a smaller 2D:4D ratio was observed among male schizophrenia patients compared to female schizophrenia patients. The ridge counts in the second and fourth digits were significantly different among the patients compared to the healthy volunteers, except for the radial ridge counts on the left second digit.
Conclusion
Despite the varying degrees of association observed between the assessed anthropometric variables and schizophrenia risk, the diagnostic performance of each variable, as evaluated through ROC curve analysis, was consistently poor. Overall, these findings suggest that the sensitivity and specificity of these measurements in effectively distinguishing the disease remain inadequate. Further research is warranted to explore additional predictive factors and improve diagnostic accuracy in schizophrenia risk assessment.
Customer switching intention from home delivery to smart locker delivery: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet , Trang Nguyen Minh , Thuy Chung Nguyen Thi , Hung Nguyen Manh
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to uncover evidence on the factors influencing switching intention from home delivery to smart lockers in the last-mile delivery service. The research model is constructed based on the Pull-Push-Mooring Theory and the Customer Perceived Value Theory using structural equation modelling to analyze data collected from 557 smart locker users in Vietnam. The results indicated a significantly positive influence of pull factors (convenience, environmental friendliness, and security) and push factors (delivery failure experience and risk), and confirmed that mooring factors (habit and switching cost) negatively impacted customers’ intention to switch from home delivery to smart lockers. The study also revealed that mooring factors moderate the relationship between pull factors and the intention to switch. Moreover, gender, age and frequency of shopping online are significant to switching intention, and usefulness mediates between them and switching intention. Several managerial implications were suggested for stakeholders in order to enhance customers’ switching intentions to use smart lockers, thereby improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the last-mile delivery service in the future.
Nexus between small and medium-sized enterprise budgeting skills and loan repayment in South Africa
Authors: Sthembiso Msomi Thabiso
Published: May 2024

This study’s purpose is to assess the influence of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) budgeting skills on loan repayment in South Africa. The quantitative research approach was selected as the appropriate methodology for this study, while the purposive sampling approach was selected as the appropriate way to select participants for this study. The primary data for this study came from respondents who were business owners of SMEs in the retail, hardware, construction, and manufacturing industries. SPSS was used to analyze the acquired data. A total of 380 research questionnaires were distributed, and there were 375 that were returned for analysis (which gives a response rate of 99%). Both a regression analysis and a correlation analysis using Pearson’s method were carried out. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between SMEs’ budgeting skills and loan repayment at the level of r =.250, p < 0.0005. These results were supported by the finding that there is a positive and significant association between these two factors. According to the findings of the study, it is recommended that financial providers educate their SMEs on how to prepare various types of budgets, how to follow up and compare their financial objectives to their performance, and that financial institutions and government organizations should assist SMEs with budgeting skills to decrease SME loan defaults.
Unveiling organizational appeal in Lithuania: A study on employee perceptions of organizational attractiveness as an employer
Authors: Bendaravičienė Rita , Vitkauskas Tomas
Published: May 2024

In recent times of uncertainty, new post-COVID-19 reality, and fierce competition for talented employees, organizational attractiveness as an appealing employer has emerged as one of the paramount facets, deeply integrated into strategic processes within organizations. However, there are many considerable challenges in understanding employee perceptions and meeting their expectations to become an employer of choice. The aim of the study is to examine Lithuanian employees’ attitudes toward different organizational attractiveness attributes, offering empirical insights for organizations to enhance their organizational attractiveness. To explore the manifestation of organizational attractiveness in Lithuanian organizations, 464 employed residents were surveyed using convenience sampling. Their attitudes were measured through the dimensions of social value, benefit value, development value, engagement value, economic value, management/leadership value, and work-life balance value. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the questionnaire data. The results indicated that employees emphasized social (M = 7.44), management/leadership (M = 7.05), engagement (M = 6.80), and work/life balance values (M = 6.79), while benefits (M = 6.60), development (M = 6.54), and economic (M = 6.20) values received comparatively lower evaluations. Practical recommendations include promoting social responsibility, providing work opportunities, investing in employee’s development, fostering autonomy, improving leadership skills, and implementing systems for work-life balance and economic incentives. Upholding promises to employees is crucial for organizational credibility. By implementing these recommendations, organizations can enhance their attractiveness to both current and prospective employees. This study underscores the need for further research on sector-specific organizational attractiveness.
Prospects of business process management based on chatbots
Authors: Melnyk Leonid , Kalinichenko Lyudmila , Rozghon Yuliia , Derykolenko Oleksandr , Kovtun Oksana , Tulyakov Oleg
Published: May 2024

The relevance of the study is due to the growing need to use chatbots to optimize business processes. The purpose is to form a theoretical basis and practical tools for increasing the efficiency of using chatbots in business processes. The theoretical basis involves substantiating the theoretical foundations of forming a conditional chatbot profile for an optimization system. The practical toolkit includes chatbot components that depend on the complexity of tasks, the type of services, the specifics of customers, financial conditions, and other features of business processes. The result is the formation of a system profile of the chatbot, which would allow increasing the efficiency of its use in business processes. The key system components of the chatbot are substantiated: the technologies used, types of users, optimal areas of application, application algorithms, basic tools, and limitations in application. By varying the parameters of system components, one can choose their optimal values to increase the efficiency of using chatbots in business processes. It is advisable to use the specified system in business processes when determining the demand for products and their sales. The use of chatbots allows to reduce the time to complete business processes, personnel costs, and resources related to their implementation.
AcknowledgmentThe paper was prepared in the framework of the research projects “Fundamental grounds for Ukraine’s transition to a digital economy based on the implementation of Industries 3.0; 4.0; 5.0” (No. 0124U000576) and “Digital transformations to ensure civil protection and post-war economic recovery in the face of environmental and social challenges” (No. 0124U000549).
Recurrent cystitis: how to achieve perfection in treatment?
Authors: Kulchavenya E. V. , Kholtobin D. P. , Brizhatyuk E. V. , Shevchenko S. Yu. , Treyvish L. S. , Telina E. V.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of bacterial infections worldwide. Treatment of patients with chronic (recurrent) cystitis remains challenging and requires an individual approach.

Aim. To assess the efficacy of combined therapy for exacerbation of chronic cystitis.

Materials and methods. A total of 65 women aged 18–48 years were enrolled in an open comparative bidirectional study. All participants received antibacterial therapy for exacerbation of chronic cystitis in accordance with the clinical guidelines for the treatment of cystitis in women. After the therapy was completed, the comparison group (35 patients) did not receive any drugs, whereas 30 patients from the treatment group were prescribed Cystenium II biologically active dietary supplement at a dose of 1 orally disintegrating tablet twice daily for 2 weeks. The examination included a measurement of the severity of complaints using the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS), a clinical urinalysis and urine culture + sensitivity test. The efficacy of treatment was assessed following completion of antibiotic therapy and two weeks after the therapy.

Results. After finishing antibiotic treatment, no patient has achieved full recovery (improvement of urinalyses, no growth of pathogenic microbial flora, no complaints). Both groups showed statistically significant decreases in ACSS scores on Visit 2. Over the following two weeks, the symptoms in the comparison group did not change (p > 0.05), and in the treatment group the sum of scores continued to decrease, reaching an average of 3.62 ± 0.42, which is 5.5 times less than the baseline level and almost 3 times less than the sum of scores following completion of antibacterial therapy (p < 0.05). The positive changes in leukocyturia and bacteriuria were also more pronounced in the treatment group.

Conclusion. After completion of antibiotic therapy for relapse of chronic (recurrent) cystitis, the patients usually have residual effects that cannot be regarded as presentations of an active disease, but they disturb patients. A two-week course of pathogenetic therapy with a combination drug containing A-type Vaccinium macrocarpon proanthocyanidins, vitamin C and D-mannose to be received as the second step can increase the efficacy of treatment.
Experience of using drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol combination in women of reproductive age
Authors: Iurova M. V. , Mezhevitinova E. A. , Abakarova P. R.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. A woman’s unwillingness to enter pregnancy due to social and somatic factors is associated with a high risk of its termination and concomitant complications. A personalized selection of a method of contraception is necessary, which best meets the needs of a woman, including in achieving non-contraceptive effects.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and compliance indicators when using a combined drug (3 mg of drospirenone + 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol) in women in the early and mature reproductive period.

Materials and methods. A study involving 68 women (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), n = 31, adenomyosis, n = 20, uterine fibroids, n = 7, a combination of 2 or more diagnoses) was conducted on the basis of the Scientific polyclinic Department of the V.I. Kulakov National Research Medical Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation) of reproductive age (18–34 years) who took a combined contraceptive drug for 6 months or more. The control of the results was carried out on the basis of monitoring in the form of a survey.

Results. The average time of use of the drug was 9 (Q₁–Q₃: 8–11) months. After 3 and 6 months, 77.8% (21/27) and 100% of the observed patients, respectively, noted a decrease in the severity of PMS symptoms. 91.7% (n = 11/12) of patients noted a subjective decrease in the severity of acne and/or hirsutism after 6 months. 91.3% (n = 21/23) of women with copious painful menstruation noted normalization of the bleeding profile (volume of menstrual blood loss). 95.6% (65 patients out of 68) noted 100% compliance in the use of the drug.

Conclusions. The drug Dimia has a favorable profile of clinical and pharmacological safety and efficacy, along with the complete reversibility of contraceptive action when actualizing the issue of the realization of reproductive function. The advantages of the drug are to achieve well-studied non-contraceptive effects, in which patients with PCOS, internal endometriosis and uterine fibroids are interested, in the form of relieving manifestations of PMS and reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea, as well as cosmetic skin imperfections (acne-type rashes, hirsutism). Thus, the drug can be recommended to women of reproductive age as a reliable contraceptive, as well as to achieve non-contraceptive effects.
Fabrication, Characterisation, and Biocompatibility of Graphene-loaded Polymannose-Chitosan Scaffold for Potential Drug Screening Applications
Authors: M Dakshinya , Priya Veeraraghavan Vishnu , Gayathri R. , S Kavitha
Published: May 2024

Graphene-loaded polymannose-chitosan scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for drug screening applications due to their unique properties. The combination of polymannose and chitosan, supplemented with graphene, offers a versatile platform with potential applications including drug screening. The aim of this study is to fabricate and characterize the biocompatible graphene oxide loaded polymannose chitosan scaffold (PM-Chi-GO) for potential drug screening applications. The scaffold was meticulously prepared by combining oxidized polymannose with chitosan hydrochloride and graphene oxide, employing gelation techniques. Characterization involved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies. The biocompatibility of the scaffold was assessed using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). FTIR analysis revealed distinctive peaks at 3296, 1624, 1528, 1389, 1060, and 808 cm-1, corresponding to specific functional groups within the scaffold. SEM displayed a porous morphological structure. Biocompatibility testing with PBMCs demonstrated favorable responses, confirming the scaffold's potential for in vitro drug screening applications. The synthesized PM-Chi-GO is characterized by its unique structural and biocompatible properties and holds significant promise for future drug screening endeavors. This study establishes a foundation for the utilization of this scaffold in drug screening applications.
Exploring Claustrophobia in Dental Students' Perspective: A Survey Analysis
Authors: Jaikumar Ram Ashwin , Rajaraman Vaishnavi , Sasanka L Keerthi , Priya Veeraraghavan Vishnu , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: May 2024

Claustrophobia is a form of anxiety that is caused due to the fear of closed spaces. The person will be psychologically affected because of it. Claustrophobia can be analyzed with the help of Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia means getting fear of what would happen to them in public places. Claustrophobia will cause severe breathing difficulties as well. The treatment for the claustrophobia was given according to analyzing the patients and by referring to many previous studies. The aim of this study is to know the effects of claustrophobia and its perspective among the students. A survey has been created through Google forms and it has been circulated through social networking and the results obtained through the responses from the survey obtained from the students were put in the form of the pie chart. From the results obtained, we would come to know that 41.5% of students have mentioned that it does not affect their studies and a majority of the students have told that by having good ventilation they could get rid of claustrophobia. We would like to conclude that the majority of the students are aware of claustrophobia and it does not affect your studies.
Determining the Role of Caffeic Acid on Lipogenic Regulators: An In-Silico Approach
Authors: Fathima A Juvairiya , Renu Kaviyarasi , Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan , R Gayathri , S Kavitha
Published: May 2024

In this study we have used a computational method to investigate how caffeic acid affects important regulators in lipid metabolism, such as the DGAT, GPAT, and PAP genes. Studying how natural substances interact with important regulatory genes is key to understanding lipid metabolism, especially in the setting of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. We used molecular docking to find out how strongly caffeic acid binds to lipogenic regulators and how these regulators interact with each other. The findings indicate that caffeic acid can directly affect DGAT, GPAT, and PAP. We used predictive models to assess how caffeic acid-binding may influence enzyme activity, gene expression, and signalling pathways related to lipid metabolism. Our computer results give us important information about how caffeic acid might affect lipid metabolism (DGAT, GPAT, and PAP), but it is very important to stress that these interactions and their importance in the body need to be confirmed in experiments. In conclusion, because cellular and metabolic processes are so complicated, it is important to do both in vitro and in vivo studies to fully understand how caffeic acid affects lipid balance and how it might be used to treat metabolic diseases. This study establishes the foundation for the next research, highlighting the capacity of natural chemicals to impact crucial regulators of lipid metabolism.
Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Overnight Soaked Aqueous Extract of Abelmoschus esculentus
Authors: J Deepasakthi , R Gayathri , Vishnu Priya V. , Selvaraj J. , S Kavitha
Published: May 2024

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites which act as antioxidants and possess various protective role.Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase enzymes catalyse hydrolysis of starch to simple sugars. Abelmoschus esculentus is a flowering plant of the Malvaceae family and is valued for its green seed pods. It naturally possesses anti-diabetic property, acts as a starch blocker as it prevents the absorption of starch in the body. Abelmoschus esculentus was cut vertically to open and added to 50ml of water. Soaked overnight and the aqueous extract was decanted and used for the phytochemical screening test followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The data were analysed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Overnight soaked extract of Abelmoschus esculentus exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (IC50=280 µg/ml) and compared with standard vitamin C. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory potential of Abelmoschus esculentus was analysed (IC50=380µg/ml and 320µg/ml respectively) and compared with standard acarbose. Though Abelmoschus esculentus is a common vegetable, its efficiency increases when soaking overnight.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Illicium Verum (Star Anise)
Authors: Karunakaran Sadhana , R Gayathri. , Vishnu Priya V. , Selvaraj J. , S Kavitha
Published: May 2024

Illicium verum is a dark-coloured spice found in tropical areas of Asia. It is known for its medicinal value, flavoring properties and cosmetic properties. It helps in dispelling cold and relieving pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by severe pain, redness and tenderness of joints. This is due to accumulation of uric acid crystal. Anti-gout activity of the herbal extract can be analyzed by its xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential.
Mathematical modeling of thermal impact on a closed hydrate-saturated reservoir
Authors: Musakaev Nail G. , Borodin Stanislav L. , Khojimirzaev Sherzodbek Sh.
Published: May 2024

In 2014, a crater was discovered in Yamal near the Bovanenkovo oil and gas condensate field. A number of researchers indicate among the possible causes of its occurrence an avalanche-like release of gas formed during the dissociation of gas hydrates. To carry out numerical experiments for analyzing such phenomena, a mathematical model of gas-liquid flow in a saturated porous medium was constructed taking into account the phase transition “gas + water  gas hydrate”. A two-dimensional axisymmetric formulation of the problem of heating from above through impermeable rocks of a closed hydrate-saturated reservoir, initially containing gas hydrate and gas, was carried out; to take into account external heat exchange, it is assumed that the reservoir is surrounded by rocks impermeable to matter. An algorithm for numerically solving the equations of the mathematical model is presented. A series of calculations was carried out, on the basis of which an analysis was made of the processes occurring in a closed hydrate-saturated reservoir, namely, changes in temperature, phase saturations and pressure. Calculations have shown that during the dissociation of gas hydrate in a closed reservoir, for a certain set of parameters, a significant increase in pressure can occur from 2.7 to 17.4 MPa. It has been revealed that the shallower the depth of a hydrate-saturated reservoir, the smaller its size and the greater the initial hydrate saturation, the greater increase in pressure can be observed, and, accordingly, the greater risk of violating the integrity of a closed impermeable porous medium and the subsequent avalanche-like release of gas from such object.
Secondary crushing of droplets of water-oil emulsions
Authors: Shlegel Nikita E. , Klimenko Andrey
Published: May 2024

When fuel oil is supplied to an accurate chamber, its spraying process takes place due to injectors and sprinkler devices. This process is called primary droplet crushing. It is often not enough to burn fuel efficiently. Since the size of fuel droplets in the combustion chamber often reaches several millimeters, which increases underburning and leads to uneven burnout. In such cases, it is advisable to use secondary crushing of water-oil fuel droplets. Secondary crushing of droplets reduces the average size of droplets in the fuel spray torch by several times. At the first stage of secondary crushing of droplets, their collisions with each other in the jet are realized, after which the formed droplets are subjected to collisions with the walls of thermal equipment. At the next stage, pyrolysis of such droplets occurs at the periphery of the jet, which leads to the formation of solid particles and subsequent collisions of droplets of water-oil fuels with them. At the final stage, the formed secondary fragments are subjected to intense heating in the combustion chamber, which allows for micro-explosive grinding. The present study is aimed at studying the characteristics of secondary crushing of water-oil fuel droplets with the addition of specialized additives. The results of the conducted studies have shown that the use of an additive based on a special combination of positively and negatively charged ions reduces the size of fuel droplets by 25%. It has been found that when using such an additive, the ratio of the free surface areas of droplets increases several times with a combination of all secondary grinding modes.
Simulation of heat stabilizer with a distributed refrigerant supply to the outer surface
Authors: Gilmanov Alexander Ya. , Kim Andrey S. , Shevelev Alexander P.
Published: May 2024

To prevent the breaking of buildings in the cryolithozone due to thawing of permafrost soil due to thermal load from these objects, it is necessary to use heat stabilizers. Two-phase passive thermosyphons are widely used among them. To increase the efficiency of such device, a design of a heat stabilizer with a distributed refrigerant supply to the outer surface is proposed. Determining the optimal operating parameters of such device is impossible without a stage of modeling heat and mass transfer. This determines the purpose of the study — the calculation of the temperature distribution in the ground with such heat stabilizer. A calculation is carried out using physico-mathematical model of it with three related tasks: 1) description of the movement of liquid refrigerant through the inner tube of the thermosyphon; 2) calculation of the upward flow of refrigerant in the gap between the outer tube and the segments of the flow separator; 3) calculation of conductive heat transfer in the heat stabilizer-soil system. The modeling is based on the approaches of non-isothermal multiphase mechanics and thermophysics. The temperature profile was calculated in the gap between the flow-separating device consisting of four segments and the heat stabilizer pipe, as well as in the soil at 1 m from the surface of the thermosyphon. The proposed model makes it possible to determine the radial temperature distribution consistent with practical data with an accuracy of 90%. It was found that the use of such separating device can increase the efficiency of reducing soil temperature by 20%.
A competência em informação no enfrentamento ao plágio no ambiente acadêmico
Authors: Borges Jussara , Harthmann Helena , Barros Susane
Published: May 2024

This article discusses information literacy in the face of plagiarism in academia. It reflects on the causes of plagiarism, such as the little incentive for students to produce authorial content and the absence of institutional policies that guide such productions. As a response to this context, the article suggests an education for authorship based on information literacy. Information literacy, among others, promotes a healthy relationship between people and the information universe. Thus, the objective is to discuss how promoting information literacy contributes to combating academic plagiarism and establishing authorship. The method involves bibliographical research in databases in the area of Information Science and argumentative construction in which the concepts of plagiarism and information literacy are related. The results include a demonstrative guide on how information literacy can be used in the production of academic work and guidelines for teachers to recognize and avoid plagiarism. The work concludes that the skills generated within the relationship between individuals and information can benefit the construction of authorship and be an effective element in combating plagiarism.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Restore the Odontogenic Differentiation
Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells under Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Hodjat Mahshid , Farshad Fatemeh , Gholami Mahdi , Abdollahi Mohammad , Saadat Khandakar ASM
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Complications arising from diabetes can result in stem cell dysfunction, impairing
their ability to undergo differentiation into various cellular lineages. The present study
evaluated the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors, Valproic acid and Trichostatin A, on the
odontogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells under hyperglycemic conditions.

Methods:

Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in 12 male Wistar rats. Dental parameters
were examined using micro-computed tomography. The odontogenic potential of human pulp
stem cells exposed to 30 mM glucose was assessed through alkaline phosphatase assays, examination
of gene expression for dentin matrix protein 1 and dentin sialoprotein using real-time PCR,
and alizarin red staining for calcium deposition.

Results:

Along with reduced dentin thickness and root length in diabetic rats, the results revealed
a significant increase in histone deacetylase 3 and 2 gene expressions in isolated diabetic pulp tissues
compared to the control groups. The gene expression of odontogenic-related markers and alkaline
phosphatase activity in human cultured pulp stem cells under hyperglycemic conditions significantly
decreased. Adding Valproic acid and Trichostatin A restored the odontogenic differentiation
markers, including calcium deposition, gene expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein,
dentin matrix protein 1, and alkaline phosphatase activity.

Conclusion:

The data suggests that hyperglycemic conditions negatively impact the odontogenic
potential of pulp mesenchymal stem cells. However, histone deacetylase inhibitors improve the
impaired odontogenic differentiation capacity. This study implies that histone deacetylases may
represent a potential therapeutic target for enhancing the regenerative mineralization of pulp cells
in diabetic patients.
Cytotoxic Secondary Metabolites from the Ascomycetous Fungus Pseudogymnoascus roseus
Authors: Lin Jie , He Yingchao , Weng Ruofei , Jiao Jingru , Zheng Peixin , Dai Qun , Liu Ling
Published: May 2024

Background:

Fungi found in unique and competitive environments are abundant in bioactive compounds.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to isolate and identify secondary metabolites from fungi of
unique ecological niches and evaluate their cytotoxicity.

Methods:

The compounds were isolated and purified using silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using NMR and MS. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were tested by the MTS assay.

Results:

Three diphenyl ethers, dechlorodihydromaldoxin (1), violaceol-I (2) and violaceol-II (3),
one quinolinone compound, 2-(2-heptenyl)-3-methyl-4(1H)-quinolinone (4), and one α-pyrone
nafuredin (5) were isolated from the fermented extracts of Pseudogymnoascus roseus S161. Compound 1 showed modest cytotoxicity against two human tumor cell lines A549 and MCF-7, with IC50
values of 87.12 and 51.07 µM, respectively.

Conclusion:

Five compounds were isolated from the fungus P. roseus S161. Compound 1 showed
moderate cytotoxicity. This study provided a basis for the development of antitumor drugs.
Enhancing Blockchain Security and Efficiency through FPGA-Based
Consensus Mechanisms and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Authors: Ktari Jalel , frikha Tarek , hamdi Monia , Affes Nesrine , Hamam Habib
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Blockchain technology has revolutionized data management and transaction recording, extending its application beyond cryptocurrencies to various sectors, including
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Method:

This distributed ledger technology offers a transparent, immutable, and secure transaction platform, reducing the risk of data tampering and increasing resistance to attacks. However,
challenges such as performance, scalability, and security continue to exist; these challenges are
particularly concerning consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW). Field-Programmable
Gate Arrays (FPGAs) present a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and security of
blockchain consensus mechanisms.

Result:

This study explores the implementation of blockchain in embedded systems using FPGAs
and discusses the post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to ensure long-term protection.

Conclusion:

The research highlights the potential of FPGA-based implementations to revolutionize blockchain applications, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and vigilance to address evolving security threats, particularly those posed by quantum computing.
Fire Smoke Target Detection Incorporating PBCA
Authors: Wang Yunyan , Kou Zhangyi
Published: May 2024

Background:

Fire incidents occur in complex scenarios, where the dynamic positions
and varying scales of flames and smoke pose challenges for fire detection. To improve the stability, localization accuracy, and detection precision of small targets in fire detection, a fused PBCA
method for fire and smoke object detection has been proposed in this paper, called FS-YOLOv8.

Background:

Fire incidents occur in complex scenarios, where the dynamic positions
and varying scales of flames and smoke pose challenges for fire detection. To improve the stability, localization accuracy, and detection precision of small targets in fire detection, a fused PBCA
method for fire and smoke object detection has been proposed in this paper, called FS-YOLOv8.

Objective:

The objective of this approach was to improve the detection accuracy of flames and
smoke, enhance the robustness of the system, and strengthen the feature representation capability.
It aimed to optimize the contribution of feature maps at different scales, allowing the network to
capture inter-channel correlations while preserving precise localization information of the targets.
Furthermore, it aimed to enhance the learning ability of small-scale flame and smoke objects.

Method:

Firstly, DCN (Deformable Convolutional Network) was integrated into the CSPDarknet
backbone network to extract features from flame and smoke images. Subsequently, a module
called PBCA was designed by combining BiFPN (Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network) and
coordinate attention. Finally, a small object detection layer, YOLO HEAD-4, was constructed.

Results:

The experimental results of our proposed FS-YOLOv8 method on a self-made dataset
demonstrated improved detection accuracy compared to other conventional methods. Therefore,
the FS-YOLOv8 method effectively enhanced the performance of object detection in fire and
smoke scenarios.

Conclusion:

The FS-YOLOv8 method has been found to effectively improve the performance of
object detection in fire and smoke scenarios, enhance the robustness of the system, strengthen the
feature representation capability, and amplify the learning ability of small-scale flame and smoke
objects.

other:

NO
KARAKTERISTIK FISIKOKIMIA DAN MIKROSTRUKTUR YOGHURT SUSU KAMBING DENGAN PENAMBAHAN PEKTIN DAN BUBUR BUAH (PULP) NANGKA (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Authors: Choirun Nisa Fithri , Kintan Primandita Amira
Published: May 2024

Susu kambing mempunyai banyak manfaat kesehatan diantaranya adalah lebih mudah dicerna dan mempunyai tingkat alerginitas yang rendah. Yoghurt susu kambing sebagai produk fermentasi mempunyai nilai fungsonal yang meningkat, akan tetapi mempunyai gel yang lemah dan stabilitas rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis karakteristik fisikokimia (viskositas, sineresis, total asam, pH dan total bakteri asam laktat) dan mikrostruktur pada yoghurt susu kambing dengan penambahan pektin dan pulp nangka. Bahan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah susu kambing segar, starter yoghurt set komersial (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, dan Bifidobacterium), pektin, dan pulp nangka. Perlakuan yang diberikan yaitu penambahan pektin 1; 1,5; dan 2% (b/b) dan pulp nangka 5 dan 10% (b/b). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semakin besar penambahan pektin dan pulp nangka pada yoghurt susu kambing dapat meningkatkan viskositas, total asam, dan total BAL serta menurunkan sineresis dan pH. Perlakuan terbaik diperoleh pada sampel yoghurt susu kambing dengan penambahan pektin 1,5% dan pulp nangka 5%. Hasil analisis SEM pada sampel yoghurt susu kambing dengan penambahan pektin dan pulp nangka memiliki ukuran void yang lebih kecil dan jaringan yang terbentuk lebih teratur, hal ini kemungkinan dapat dihubungkan dengan viskositas yang meningkat dan sineresis yang menurun.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fired Industrial Waste-Clay Brick from Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Osman Syaiful , Firnando Muhammad Farhan Putera , Zakaria Mohd. Nazarudin , Ahmad Mansur
Published: May 2024

Fired industrial clay brick depletes clay soil, wastes energy and wastes money. Population growth has increased agricultural waste. Many studies have been conducted on the production of fired industrial waste clay brick from sugarcane bagasse ash. This research reviews the physical and mechanical properties of sugarcane bagasse fired industrial waste clay brick. Fired industrial waste clay brick- filled with sugarcane bagasse ash provide better mechanical and physical properties than normal fired bricks. Reduce clay soil mining, agricultural waste, and fired industrial bricks reduces energy and costs. This supports sustainable development and helps the environment (SDG).
Examining the Trend of Creative Thinking as an Essential Key for 21st Century: A bibliometric mapping
Authors: Ibrahim Siti Fairuz , Jamiat Nurullizam , Abdul Rabu Siti Nazleen , Hassan Normaziana
Published: May 2024

Learning in the 21st century requires creative thinking from students. However, bibliometric research still needs to be conducted on developing creative thinking at higher education institutes. This bibliometric study overview of the development of creative thinking is based on three bibliometric indicators: (1) the current development of creative thinking, (2) the subject area of creative thinking, and (3) significant contributions to the study of creative thinking. The methodology uses VOSviewer from the Scopus database and Harzing's Publish-or-Perish analysis. The results from this study provide essential information based on the current developments and trends in creative thinking among students.
Influence of Job Factors, Workload, Reward and Self-Efficacy on Job Stress among Construction Workers in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Jamil Norina , Jamaludin Nor Lelawati , Salim Nurmadzidah , Mahpar Nurul Salizawatee
Published: May 2024

Stress in the construction sector is evident but often disregarded, as the perception of construction work as stressful has pushed many common stress-related problems under the rug. This study aims to uncover the leading stress causes among construction workers. This study included 150 foreign construction workers as respondents. The data were analyzed with SPSS 26. The results show a substantial relationship between job factors, workload, and rewards on job stress. However, no significant relationship was found between self-efficacy and job stress. This study included results from psychological and HR viewpoints and implications. The findings can guide the development of policies and programs that reduce employee stress.
Characterization of Foot Arch among Male Office Workers in Selangor
Authors: Mohd Shariff Shaliza , Raubel Nur Afini , Shahlal Norazmi , Mat Mazelan Muhamad Zharin Hariz
Published: May 2024

This study aims to identify the type of foot arch among male office workers in Selangor. A total of 100 participants aged 20 to 50 years participated. The arches were determined using the Harris-imprint index parameter. Analysis showed that normal arch 71% (n=71) 0.23 (±0.09), high arch (28%) 0.18 (±0.10), and flat arch (1%). Additionally, 55% (p<0.001; or 4.850) experienced discomfort with the shoe insoles, while 36% (n=36) had the same pair for the left and right foot, and 64% (n=64) had different pairs of foot arches. Findings revealed a different foot arch between their left and right feet.
Destruction Prediction: An attempt to respond with landscape in Kok Bedullah area
Authors: Jauhari Mohd Marwan , Legino Rafeah
Published: May 2024

The study's overarching goal is to address and adapt to the Kok Bedullah area's topography in a way that minimises negative impacts on the local environment. Environmental degradation in the Kok Bedullah area has causes and effects that are comparable to world crises. When creating this artwork, I used a wide range of materials that I had made specifically. Nature and man-made structures interacting is the primary inspiration for the visual style. This is accompanied by the duality of digital and analogue technical solutions within the artwork.
Bolsa Cross-body Bag: Agarwood-Inspired product by exploring agarwood material as an alternative material on wearable products
Authors: Ali Abu , Isa Siti Salwa , Mohd Yusof Wan Zaiyana , Jayadi Nor
Published: May 2024

BOLSA is a cross-body bag developed to include simplicity, portability, flexibility, easy-to-carry, parametric wood textures, and compatibility with users of all ages. The industry's current challenge is to improve and innovate the uses of Agarwood. Currently, agarwood products available in the market are just the "tip of the iceberg" and only focus on being used in incense and perfume, and are very limited in small carvings. The solution to this problem is to explore the durability and flexibility of Agarwood and a possible way to commercialise agarwood material as an alternative material for wearable products.
Modelling the Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) of Eucalyptus Plantations using WorldView-2 Imagery in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Mohsin Ahmad Farid , Suratman Mohd Nazip
Published: May 2024

Forest plantations are established not only to provide supply of demands, but also to help mitigate climate change. Satellite remote sensing can be used to estimate above ground biomass (AGB). This study was conducted in Eucalyptus plantations in Sabah, Malaysia. Satellite images from WorldView-2 were acquired as primary data. Allometric functions were used to calculate the AGB. The individual bands and vegetation indices were used as predictor variables. From the analysis, the ‘best’ predictive model for AGB was . The predictive model recorded an I2=0.71, RMSE=0.44 tha-1 and p=0.001. The predicted AGB ranged from 4 to 225 tha-1.
Performances of Ludai (Sapium Baccatum) and Kelempayan (Neolamarckia Cadamba) after Acetylation
Authors: Abdul Karim Siti Rafedah , Abdul Kadir Yanti , Abdul Karim Azrena
Published: May 2024

The study changed the chemicals that make up Ludai (Sapium Baccatum) and Kelempayan (Neolamarckia Cadamba) molecules that have been modified with acetic anhydride. The wood species was treated at 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C.  The changes were assessed by replacing the WPG and OH groups.  The WPG range is 3%–16%, and therefore, at 16%, Ludai had the highest WPG, while Kelempayan had 14%.  At 120°C, a 15% weight per gallon (WPG) solution changed Kelempayan volume by 9%. The Ludai volume changed 5.5% under the same conditions. The Ludai and Kelempayan had the highest OH-substitution rate at 120°C, 3.5–4 mmoles/g.
Evaluating the Quality of Cancer-Related WeChat Public Accounts: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pan Peng , Yu Changhua , Li Tao , Dai Tingting , Tian Hanhan , Xiong Yaozu , Lv Jie , Hu Xiaochu , Ma Weidong , Yin Wenda
Published: May 2024

Background

WeChat (Tencent) is one of the most important information sources for Chinese people. Relevantly, various health-related data are constantly transmitted among WeChat users. WeChat public accounts (WPAs) for health are rapidly emerging. Health-related WeChat public accounts have a significant impact on public health. Because of the rise in web-based health-seeking behavior, the general public has grown accustomed to obtaining cancer information from WPAs. Although WPAs make it easy for people to obtain health information, the quality of the information is questionable.

Objective

This study aims to assess the quality and suitability of cancer-related WeChat public accounts (CWPAs).

Methods

The survey was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2023. Based on the WPA monthly list provided by Qingbo Big Data, 28 CWPAs in the WeChat communication index were selected as the survey sample. Quality assessment of the included CWPAs was performed using the HONcode instrument. Furthermore, suitability was measured by using the Suitability Assessment of Materials. A total of 2 researchers conducted the evaluations independently.

Results

Of the 28 CWPAs, 12 (43%) were academic and 16 (57%) were commercial. No statistical difference was found regarding the HONcode scores between the 2 groups (P=.96). The quality of the academic and commercial CWPAs evaluated using the HONcode instrument demonstrated mean scores of 5.58 (SD 2.02) and 5.63 (SD 2.16), respectively, corresponding to a moderate class. All CWPAs’ compliance with the HONcode principles was unsatisfactory. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the Suitability Assessment of Materials scores (P=.04). The commercial WPAs reached an overall 55.1% (SD 5.5%) score versus the 50.2% (SD 6.4%) score reached by academic WPAs. The suitability of academic and commercial CWPAs was considered adequate.

Conclusions

This study revealed that CWPAs are not sufficiently credible. WPA owners must endeavor to create reliable health websites using approved tools such as the HONcode criteria. However, it is necessary to educate the public about the evaluation tools of health websites to assess their credibility before using the provided content. In addition, improving readability will allow the public to read and understand the content.