bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the Principle of Continuity in Inclusive Education in Russia
Authors: Alekhina S.V. , Bystrova Yu.A. , Samsonova E.V. , Shemanov A.Yu.
Published: November 2024

The work is aimed at analyzing indicators for ensuring the continuity of the inclusive process in general and vocational education in Russia. The study was conducted in educational organizations in 82 regions of the country; 6377 heads of educational organizations, 60870 teachers, 92093 parents and 32039 students of secondary vocational education participated were recruited for this study. The main method was an online survey, the data analysis method is frequency. The article describes four indicators of the continuity of the inclusive process – ensuring the variability of educational programs, plans and organizational forms of education, psychological and pedagogical support for students with special needs and its staffing, ensuring the participation of all students and their parents in the educational process, the life of the educational organization, support in self-determination and choice of professional educational trajectory. The implementation of the principle of continuity, enshrined in the normative field of education, is reflected in the data of the article through indicators of the sustainability of the share of inclusion of a number of categories of students with special needs when moving from level to level. However, obstacles to the implementation of the principle of continuity are the insufficiency of mechanisms for the individualization of education, including the lack of institutionalization of the individual educational route, staffing shortages for psychological and pedagogical support of students, as well as the social and practical orientation of career guidance technologies.
Evaluating the importance of nurse competencies
Authors: Kaspruk Lyudmila I.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND: In professional audit of nursing care quality, social research methods play a crucial role in developing the skills and expertise needed to establish expert criteria. These criteria are derived from a general set of practices. Considering that the selection of qualifying elements requires information on the scientific approach, it is reasonable to more precisely identify them in proportion to the originality of the expert role.
AIM: To assess the importance of competencies of nurses as illustrated by the Orenburg Region.
METHODS: The key performance criteria of healthcare providers are presented using the Delphi method. The study involved sociological and expert surveys of mid-level healthcare providers (n = 535), doctors (n = 80), heads of healthcare organizations (n = 10), and patients (n = 500). These surveys helped propose formal indicators to evaluate measures for creating innovative nursing training and retraining programs for nurses. Mathematical models of these programs were developed using factor, cluster, and discriminant analysis.
RESULTS: Social research of the regional nursing care sector have proposed a set of expert competencies for training and retraining of nurses.
CONCLUSION: Mathematical prototypes of healthcare provider training programs, created through social research in the regional nursing care sector, contribute to the development of an improvement algorithm. This algorithm enhances the content and quality of professional training, ensuring the provision of skilled and competitive professionals in the healthcare industry.
A Systematic Review of the Long-term Efficacy of Physical Activity Interventions in Reducing Risk Factors for Obesity in Adults
Authors: Ominyi Jude , Clifton Andrew , Cushen-Brewster Noreen
Published: November 2024

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) provides numerous health advantages, including lowering mortality rates
and preventing obesity. Despite well-established guidelines advising 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of
vigorous-intensity aerobic PA weekly, sedentary lifestyles remain prevalent, especially in industrialised nations. This systematic
review examines the long-term effectiveness (12-24 months) of PA interventions aimed at reducing obesity risk among adults, with a
particular focus on identifying strategies that promote sustained adherence.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed,
and Embase, focusing on studies published between January 2004 and January 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on randomised
controlled trials and similar designs targeting healthy adults, with interventions promoting sustained PA. Primary outcomes assessed
were long-term PA adherence, reductions in obesity rates, and improvements in physical and metabolic health.

Results: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of intervention strategies. Most interventions
featured structured PA programmes, often with personalised components and ongoing support. Several high-quality studies demonstrated
long-term PA adherence, increased weekly energy expenditure, and improvements in fitness. However, adherence rates varied, with
participants meeting recommended PA levels ranging from 4.6% to 81%. The meta-analysis showed a small to moderate positive effect
of PA interventions on outcomes like PA levels and weight loss, with an effect size of 0.37 (CI: 0.25-0.50).

Discussion: The results highlight the need for tailored, culturally sensitive interventions, particularly for vulnerable
populations. Long-term PA adherence is stronger in older adults than middle-aged ones, but the sustainability of these effects
remains unclear, warranting further research
Bilateral episodic rise of intraocular pressure: A case of pigment dispersion syndrome
Authors: Singh Arti , Singh Upasana , Nagarajan Srishti
Published: November 2024

A 28-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with chief complaints of on and off episodes of coloured halos and blurring of vision in both eyes for 2 years. His best corrected visual acuity in each eye was 6/9 P. On slit lamp examination diffuse corneal oedema was present. Tablet acetazolamide was prescribed, and patient was followed on next day. Mild corneal edema with 26 mm of Hg IOP was noted. Krukenberg’s spindle was seen in both eyes. Upon dilatation, a Zentmayer’s ring or Scheie stripe was noted. Fundoscopy revealed cup disc ratio 0.8 and 0.7 in right and left eye respectively. Gonioscopy examination revealed concave configuration or posteriorly bowing of iris, hyperpigmented trabecular meshwork and Sampaolesi line in both eyes. A diagnosis of bilateral pigmentary glaucoma was entertained, and Bimatoprost (0.01%) eye drops once in a day in both eyes was started. There was a significant improvement in corneal edema and the IOP was 16mmHg in both eyes.
Decolonialidades e cuidados em saúde na América Latina
Authors: Schweickard Júlio Cesar , Cabral Károl Veiga , Martins Fabiana Mânica , Ferla Alcindo Antônio
Published: November 2024

O tema da decolonialidade tem sido extremamente relevante para repensarmos os nossos pensamentos e práticas de saúde nos mais distintos territórios. Assim, fazer o exercício do pensamento a partir dos lugares e territórios negados e invisibilizados da América Latina foi a grande motivação na organização deste livro. Não temos a pretensão de nos tornarmos universais, a exemplo da Europa, mas desejamos que o universal seja a diversidade e a diferença, os muitos universais que já existiam e continuarão existindo e resistindo ao pensamento colonial, ao racismo epistémico e aos outros racismos que negam a vida. Decolonizar o pensamento significa que enquanto pensamos vamos nos fazendo, não é um pensamento para ser aplicado, mas um modo de ir produzindo movimentos solidários e dialógicos com o outro. Desejamos boas reflexões decolonizantes!!!!
Above-ground bole biomass and carbon stock of recreational trees at Agodi Gardens, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwagbemiga Ige Peter , Olalekan Hussein Ismaheel
Published: November 2024

This study used allometric equations to evaluate the biomass and carbon stock of recreational trees at Agodi Gardens in Ibadan Metropolis. Stratified sampling technique was used to delineate 15 plots (25m x 25m). Six allometric equations were selected to estimate Aboveground Biomass (AB) of the tree species. Models selected were assessed based on highest adjusted coefficient of determination (AdjR2), significant F-ratio (P<0.05) and least Root Means Square Error (RSME). A total of 220 trees belonging to 18 species were encountered. The dominant Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and Height (Ht) were 62.8cm and 39.1m, respectively for Alstonia bonnei and Elaeis guineensis. The mean AB/ha was 2.8006Kgha-1 and the highest carbon stock of 3.332147 x 10-4 was recorded for Khaya ivorensis. Equation C= 2.6 x 10-7+ln (AB) + lnDBH²+lnHt (AdjR²=99%), gave the best fit to estimate carbon stock in the study area. The study found a significant relationship between AB, DBH and Ht, with a high correlation between DBH and Ht (P-value=0.00). Hence, as the DBH increases, the Ht increases with an increase in AB. Most trees had low slenderness coefficients (<70). The developed allometric model improved the prediction of aboveground stem biomass and carbon stock, making it useful for future research.
Holistic Cloud-AI Fusion for Autonomous Conversational Commerce in High-Velocity E-Commerce Channels
Authors: Khurana Rahul
Published: November 2024

Given the pace at which e-commerce is growing, high velocity channels require synchronous, individual, and highly engaging methods of dealing with the customers. In this research, the combination of cloud computing and AI is proposed and an organization conversational commerce framework will be created to enhance digital economies flexibility and autonomy. Taking advantage of cloud-AI synergy, the presented system improves efficiency, computing, and customer interaction through constructive architectural structures and sophisticated algorithms. This research assesses the potential of the proposed framework in improving the overall performance and the level of customer interaction of e-commerce transactions through comparing its efficiency in improving response time and enhancing user satisfaction metrics using a case study approach. The study concludes that moving towards the integration of cloud and AI both facilitates scalability while at the same time improves resource utilization and withstands fluctuating e-commerce conversational systems. Finally, this paper provides suggestions for e-commerce firms interested in implementing such cloud-AI solutions, with a focus on the areas of concern and future research directions.
Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainability And Company Performance: A Case Study of Miro Forestry Company Ltd in Mile 91, Sierra Leone
Authors: Fofanah Mohamed Syed , Koroma Mohamed Jessie , Dumbuya Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Organizations globally are increasingly adapting to dynamic business environments, where management must consistently identify strategies to maintain or enhance competitive advantage. Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a critical approach for manufacturing firms seeking to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Although previous research has explored the relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, the findings have been inconclusive, signaling the need for further investigation. Notably, in Sierra Leone, limited research exists on the effect of TQM on the performance of manufacturing firms, revealing a knowledge gap.
This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of TQM practices on the performance of manufacturing firms in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on Miro Forestry Company Ltd. The main objectives of the study are to: (1) assess the impact of customer focus on organizational performance, (2) evaluate the role of top management commitment in enhancing performance, (3) examine the effect of continuous improvement on performance outcomes, and (4) determine the influence of employee involvement on organizational performance.
The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. A sample of 121 employees was selected from a target population of 400 using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS alongside correlation analyses to assess relationships between variables. The findings were presented using figures and tables.
Results show that TQM practices, which mainly involve customer focus, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and employee involvement were found to positively impact organizational performance. Customer focus significantly enhances customer satisfaction, while top management commitment and continuous improvement contribute to overall performance. Employee involvement also positively influences performance outcomes.
The study recommends that companies should foster a robust organizational culture characterized by trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, continuous improvement should remain a central focus to sustain performance. Management is also advised to prioritize quality management by motivating employees and offering incentives to support TQM initiatives.
Relevant Issues of Legal Regulation of the Labor Function
Authors:   First Award Winner of the 11th L.S. Tal International Competition of Scientific Works on Labor Law, Obischenko Nikolay A.
Published: November 2024

The article considers the importance of legal regulation of labor function for the science of labor law and law enforcement today. The analysis of legislation, positions of state authorities, doctrinal provisions and current court practice proves that at the moment at different stages of labor relations in the legal regulation of labor function there are still significant gaps. The conclusion is formulated that it is necessary to specify a number of provisions of labor legislation concerning the documents fixing and changing the labor function of a particular employee, the use of contractual mechanism of changing the labor function.
Legal Regulation of Working Hours: Contemporary Tendencies
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law of the Northwestern Branch of the Russian State University of Justice, Klepalova Yulia I.
Published: November 2024

The article attempts to consider the essence of working time as a measure of labor, a guarantee of the realization of the right to rest and to protect the health of the employee. In the conditions of post-industrial society, the implementation of such a goal of labor legislation as achieving optimal coordination of the interests of the parties to labor relations becomes especially relevant. Pursuing the goal of making a profit, employers often ignore the interests of workers when determining working hours, which may be perceived by the latter as injustice.
Analysis of existing approaches to monitoring and diagnostics of the active part of power transformers
Authors: Arkhipova Olga V. , Kovalev Vladimir Z. , Saifullin Ruslan V.
Published: November 2024

Subject of research: monitoring and diagnostics of the condition of the active part of power transformers.
Purpose of research: identification of promising trends in the development of methods for monitoring and diagnosing the state of the active part of power transformers.
Object of research: power transformers.
Methods of research: critical system analysis.
Main results of research: the problem of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of the active part of power transformers, including windings, is considered. It is noted that a significant number (more than four million units) of distribution transformers are in operation in the Russian Federation. The causes of emergency failures of the specified class of power transformers are analyzed. One of the main causes of failures is highlighted – a winding circuit in the transformer winding. Attention is focused on the problem of monitoring the state of the active part of the transformer and on the diagnosis of the development of short circuits in the transformer winding. The presence of several groups of methods for monitoring and diagnosing winding circuits of transformer windings is shown. The economic attractiveness of monitoring and diagnostics based on the reaction to artificial electromagnetic influences, and monitoring and diagnostics based on the reaction to natural electromagnetic influences is shown.
İKİNCİ/YABANCI DİL OLARAK ÇOCUKLARA TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETİMİNDE OYUNLAŞTIRMA
Authors: Kırbaş Gonca , Topçu Tecelli Nazmiye
Published: November 2024

Son yıllarda eğitim ve öğretimin farklı alanlarında oyunların yerini artık oyunlaştırma kavramının aldığı gözlenmektedir. Bu çalışmada, çocuklara ikinci/yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi ve oyunlaştırma kavramı arasındaki ilişkinin vurgulanması amaçlanmıştır. Öncelikle oyunlaştırma tasarımının aşamaları ve işlevleri açıklanmıştır. Bunun için oyunlaştırma tasarım modeli olarak Werbach ve Hunter (2012) tarafından geliştirilen ve alanda en çok kullanılan D6 Modeli seçilmiştir. Daha sonra çocuklara ikinci/yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde kullanılabilecek ve D6 Modeline uygun tek uygulama olarak Seyyah belirlenmiştir. Ardından uygulama, D6 Modelindeki ölçütler açısından incelenmiştir. İnceleme sonucuna göre uygulamanın birçok özelliği ile D6 Modeline uygun bir şekilde tasarlandığı ifade edilebilir. Ayrıca oyunlaştırma unsurlarının bu şekilde detaylı incelenmesiyle temelde oyunlaştırma tasarımının oyunlarla kıyaslanamayacak şekilde detaylı ve çok boyutlu bir eğitim-öğretim aracı olduğu, dolayısıyla çocuklara ikinci/yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde kullanımının önemli katkılar sağlayacağı değerlendirilmiştir. Böylece yeni çalışmalar için, öncelikle bu uygulamanın sınıf içinde denenerek olumlu ve olumsuz yanlarının tespit edilmesi ve bu doğrultuda dilbilgisi öğretimine, sözcük dağarcığını zenginleştirmeye ve farklı dil becerileri geliştirmeye katkı sağlayacak yeni versiyonlarının hazırlanması öneriler olarak sunulabilir.
Prevalence of Prescribing Macrolides and Aminoglycosides Among Dentists in Aden, Yemen. A cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Muthanna Fares M.S , Ameera A. Al-Humidi
Published: November 2024

This study assessed the understanding of dentists regarding the appropriate prescription of aminoglycosides and macrolides in Aden, Yemen. We carried out a cross-sectional study, enlisting a total of 150 licensed dentists from both public and commercial dental clinics. The data was gathered throughout the period of October to December 2023. Out of the 150 participants, 57% were men, and 47% had less than 5 years of experience. According to the poll, a large majority of dentists, 72%, use macrolides on a regular basis in their practice. In addition, azithromycin was the most commonly prescribed macrolide, accounting for 18% of total prescriptions. By comparison, aminoglycosides account for only 21% of all prescriptions, and neomycin is quite rare. 13% of persons with penicillin allergies were administered streptomycin, underscoring the necessity for safer alternatives. Dentists typically follow the prescribed time frame of 3-5 days to ensure the appropriate administration of macrolides. The findings indicated that individuals should get instruction on the proper utilization of aminoglycosides and macrolides, be provided with comprehensive information to enable them to make well-informed decisions on their treatment alternatives, and be obligated to adhere to guidelines grounded in empirical evidence from real-life scenarios. Effective antibiotic stewardship practices in Yemeni dentistry require collaboration among dentists, microbiologists, and public health officials. It is recommended to undertake additional research to expand the study's scope and include observational studies and interviews with dentists.
THE PREVALENCE OF SKIPPING BREAKFAST AMONG STUDENTS II AT AL-WAHA SCHOOL, ADEN, YEMEN
Authors: Kassem Massar K. , Naser Abdulhalim , Saleh Hashed , AL-Mansori Anas , AL-Shabi Ammar , Muthnna Ali , Saleh Saleh Hassan , Abdullah Yasser Omar , Abdulrahman Abdulsalam , Abdo Amna , Ali Fatma , Abdullah Alia , AL-Dubai Safa , Ahmed Fun , Saeed Maryam , Hezam Mohammed , Ahmed Mohammed , Saleh Abdullah , Shaher Fahmi
Published: November 2024

Background: Breakfast is widely recognized as a critical meal of the day. However, some students, particularly females, often skip breakfast, believing it may contribute to weight gain. In contrast, other studies report differing findings regarding this behavior.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of breakfast omission among adolescents.
Method: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a sample of 50 adolescents, assessing their attitudes toward consuming three meals daily, with a particular focus on breakfast. Statistical analyses were applied to examine the implications of breakfast skipping among adolescents.
Results: The majority of participants were male (62.0%), with an even distribution across grades seven (40.0%), eight (30.0%), and nine (30.0%). A significantly higher proportion of boys (74.19%) reported never skipping breakfast compared to girls (47.37%). Conversely, a larger percentage of girls (36.84%) indicated that they sometimes skip breakfast, in contrast to boys (19.35%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate a notable interest in breakfast consumption; however, many students skip it due to time constraints or lack of hunger in the morning. The survey results suggest that a significant number of students, especially females, do not regularly consume breakfast, potentially leading to adverse health effects, including weight loss and impaired concentration
Impact of rubrics on students’ self-assessment and overall performance in an EAP writing course
Authors: Bidna Tetyana
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of rubric use on students’ self-assessment and overall performance in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing course. Recognizing the complexity of academic writing, which requires substantial guidance and effort, the research examines how rubrics can help align students’ self-assessments with instructor’s and / or program expectations. The study involved six students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds who participated in multiple rounds of rubric-related assessments and following reflective activities. The findings suggest that consistent use of rubrics can significantly enhance students’ understanding of writing criteria, improve the correlation between student and instructor evaluations, and consequently lead to better writing outcomes. However, certain challenges such as lower proficiency levels, time constraints, or lack of interest / motivation may limit students’ ability to fully comprehend and utilize rubrics effectively while performing a writing task. The research highlights the need for clear and measurable rubric descriptors to support students’ comprehension, additionally to providing multiple writing samples for reference and allowing adequate practice time. These insights contribute to the ongoing discussion on rubric effectiveness in General English Language Teaching (General ELT) and EAP settings, offering practical suggestions how to improve academic writing instruction and bridge the gap between students’ performance and instructor’s and/ or program expectations.
High-entropy nitrides from dual entropic and enthalpic forces for high-efficiency oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Jiang Jingyun , Xu Yifan , Wang Zheng , Zhang Hongbo , Xu Qun , Li Yuanjian
Published: November 2024

The development of high-entropy materials as active and durable catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction is important but challenging for hydrogen production from water electrolysis. In contrast to conventional synthesis strategies that usually involve high-temperature annealing, a novel poly(ethylene glycol)-barbituric acid deep eutectic solvent-assisted strategy was developed in this work to successfully synthesize high-entropy nitrides (HENs) (FeCoNiCuZn)N at a record low temperature of 473 K. Multiple analytical characterizations illustrate that dual entropic and enthalpic forces provided by the poly(ethylene glycol)-barbituric acid deep eutectic solvent play a critical role in the low-temperature synthesis of HENs. The prepared HENs have a microsphere structure consisting of five highly dispersed active metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) species, which are conducive to boosting oxygen evolution reaction performance in alkaline media, in terms of a low overpotential of 223 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and sustained durability over 30 h at 400 mA cm-2. This work paves the way for the fabrication of high-entropy materials with excellent electrocatalytic properties for future energy conversion and storage applications.
Efficient and stable lithium storage of porous carbon fiber composite bimetallic sulfides (FeS-ZnS) anode
Authors: Wang Wei , Tang Huichuan , Cunha Joao , Karimi Maryam , Lashari Najeeb , Ahmad Aqrab , Yin Hong
Published: November 2024

To enhance the utilization of lithium-ion battery anodes, it is crucial to improve both the lithium storage stability and kinetics of transition metal sulfides. This optimization is critical for the development of battery technologies that are more efficient, durable, and environmentally sustainable. In this study, a facile electrospinning technique followed by a thermal treatment was used to fabricate a bimetallic sulfide/porous carbon fiber composite (FeS-ZnS/PCFs). Its stability was largely improved due to the buffered ability derived from its porous structure. The presence of FeS-ZnS grain boundaries fosters the generation of extra redox active sites, ultimately boosting the kinetics of lithium storage. The optimized composite material exhibits excellent stability and efficient lithium storage performance. Density functional theory calculations and kinetics analysis further clarify superior lithium storage capabilities of this material.
The unexpected PD-L1 suppression function of celery-derived extracellular vesicles improves lung cancer chemotherapy efficacy
Authors: Lu Xin , Yu Ziwen , Wang Junjun , Tian Ao , Wu Tingyu , Cheng Yirui , Han Qing , Li Fan , Xia Weiliang
Published: November 2024

Aim: The article explores celery-derived extracellular vesicles (CDEVs), characterized by high cellular uptake, low immunogenicity, and high stability, as a therapeutic strategy for antitumor nanomedicines.

Methods: The methods employed in this study include in vitro cell experiments such as co-culture, Western Blot, and flow cytometry. In vivo experiments were conducted in C57BL/6 tumor-bearing mice subcutaneously injected with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. The experiments encompassed parameters such as survival rate, body weight, tumor size, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and spectral live imaging system.

Results: Our study revealed that CDEVs could be used as drugs to effectively downregulate the phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis in lung cancer cells. In co-culture experiments, CDEVs were observed to impede the expression of PD-L1, thereby interfering with the interaction between PD-L1 and programmed death 1 (PD-1) and subsequently preventing the suppression of T cells. In in vivo distribution experiments, CDEVs loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) demonstrated better tumor targeting capabilities. Remarkably, following CDEVs-PTX treatment, CD8+ T cell levels in mice were increased, presumably leading to improved antitumor effects.

Conclusion: CDEVs not only serve as drug carriers but also function as drugs themselves; as such, through a single administration of CDEVs, it is possible to combine immunotherapy and chemotherapy to achieve better effects between the two, providing a more comprehensive and effective cancer treatment strategy that promises to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the adverse effects of therapy.
A data privacy survey on personal identifiable information (PII) left on rental vehicle infotainment systems
Authors: Carlton Jason , Malik Hafiz
Published: November 2024

In the current automotive ecosystem, the trend of pairing mobile devices to connected vehicles is gaining momentum, providing a vast number of benefits such as hands-free driving and remote vehicle control. However, along with these conveniences arises the issue of data accumulation, ranging from vehicle diagnostics to personal identifiable information (PII). The problem emerges when a consumer rents a vehicle, pairs their mobile device to the infotainment system, and neglects to remove their device prior to returning the vehicle. This oversight can potentially expose vulnerabilities with the current renter’s PII for subsequent renters to exploit. Research indicates that renters often overlook the deletion process prior to returning the rental vehicle and are unaware of whose responsibility it is to perform this task. In this survey, we investigated the experiences and perceptions of a group of consumers who have previously rented vehicles. We wanted to know if the participants were aware they were responsible for deleting their mobile device from the rental vehicle before returning it, the renters’ importance and tolerance for risk if they overlooked the deletion process leaving their shared data on the infotainment system for subsequent users, and if they were aware who was responsible for deleting their shared data. Lastly, we explored if the participants supported an automated solution to perform this manual deletion process. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the significance of safeguarding PII in connected vehicles and advocate for the adoption of an automated solution to mitigate this privacy risk.
Mobile genetic elements: the hidden puppet masters underlying infant gut microbiome assembly?
Authors: Kreuze Kim , Friman Ville-Petri , Vatanen Tommi
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiota is important for healthy infant development. Part of the initial colonizing microbial strains originate from the maternal gut, and undergo a selective event, termed the “colonization bottleneck”. While vertical mother-to-infant inheritance and subsequent colonization of bacteria have previously been studied, the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the infant gut microbiota assembly is unclear. In this perspective article, we discuss how horizontally and vertically transmitted phages and conjugative elements potentially have important roles in infant gut microbiota assembly and colonization through parasitic and mutualistic interactions with their bacterial hosts. While some of these MGEs are likely to be detrimental to their host survival, in other contexts, they may help bacteria colonize new niches, antagonize other bacteria, or protect themselves from other parasitic MGEs in the infant gut. As a result, the horizontal transfer of MGEs likely occurs at high rates in the infant gut, contributing to gene transfer between bacteria and affecting which bacteria can pass the colonization bottleneck. We conclude by highlighting the potential in silico , in vitro , and in vivo methodological approaches that could be employed to study the transmission and colonization dynamics of MGEs and bacteria in the infant gut.
Scalability and Security in Blockchain Networks: Evaluation of Sharding Algorithms and Prospects for Decentralized Data Storage
Authors: Bulgakov Andrey L. , Aleshina Anna V. , Smirnov Sergey D. , Demidov Alexey D. , Milyutin Maxim A. , Xin Yanliang
Published: November 2024

The article addresses the issues of scalability and security in blockchain networks, with a focus on sharding algorithms and decentralized data storage. Key challenges include the low throughput and high transaction latency in public networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Sharding is examined as a method to enhance performance through data distribution, but it raises concerns regarding node management and reliability. Sharding schemes, such as Elastico, OmniLedger, Pyramid, RepChain, and SSchain, are analyzed, each presenting its own advantages and drawbacks. Alternative architectures like Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) demonstrate potential for improved scalability but require further refinement to ensure decentralization and security. Protocols such as Brokerchain, Meepo, AHL, Benzene, and CycLedger offer unique approaches to addressing performance and transaction consistency issues. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, including dynamic sharding, multi-level consensus, and inter-shard coordination. Additionally, a conceptual model is proposed that incorporates sharding of transactions, states, and networks, which enables greater scalability and efficiency.
What Unraveled Mysteries Lie in the Interplay of CD44, Vitamin D, and COX-2 in Endometriosis?
Authors: Matasariu Daniela-Roxana , Bujor Iuliana-Elena , Mandici Cristina Elena , Lozneanu Ludmila , Boiculese Vasile Lucian , Grigore Mihaela , Oancea Mihaela , Ursache and Alexandra
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: Our study aimed to examine tissue expression of CD44, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in endometriosis-affected women with and without progestin treatment and to inquire about their implications in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. (2) Methods: A cohort of 60 women diagnosed with endometriosis was divided into two groups, of which 26 received progestin treatment and 34 without treatment. We conducted an immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of paraffin-embedded endometriosis tissue samples collected post endometriosis surgery. The primary goal was to elucidate VDR, COX-2, and CD44 expression patterns. (3) Results: CD44 evaluation revealed a positive score in 32 (60%) of the untreated cases, and 21 (40%) of the treated ones, but the difference didn’t reach statistical significance. VDR was observed to be higher in the group without treatment, with 32 individuals (88.9%) showing positive expression, compared to 20 individuals (83.33%) in the treatment group. Endometriotic tissue consistently demonstrated uniformly strong membrane positivity for COX-2 in all of our 60 included cases. (4) Conclusions: IHC analysis of VDR, CD44, and COX-2 are supplementary tools for risk stratification and prognostic evaluation in patients diagnosed with endometriosis. Notably, this study highlights the immunological differences between untreated and treated endometriosis.
Altered Cellular Metabolism Is a Consequence of Loss of the Ataxia-Linked Protein Sacsin
Authors: Perna Laura , Salsbury Grace , Dushti Mohammed , Smith Christopher J , Morales Valle , Bianchi Katiuscia , Czibik Gabor , Chapple J Paul
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of the neurological condition Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS), yet precisely how mitochondrial metabolism is affected is unknown. Thus, to better understand changes in mitochondrial metabolism caused by loss of the sacsin protein (encoded by the SACS gene, that is mutated in ARSACS) we performed mass spectrometry-based tracer analysis, with both glucose and glutamine traced carbon. Comparing the metabolite profiles between wild-type and sacsin-knockout cell lines revealed increased reliance on aerobic glycolysis in sacsin-deficient cells, as evidenced by the increase in lactate and reduction of glucose. Moreover, sacsin knockout cells differentiated towards a neuronal phenotype had increased levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites relative to controls. We also observed disruption in the glutaminolysis pathway in differentiated and undifferentiated cells in the absence of sacsin. In conclusion, this work demonstrates consequences for cellular metabolism associated with loss of sacsin, which may be relevant to ARSACS.
A Chinese Short Text Similarity Method Integrating Sentence-level and Phrase-level Semantics
Authors: Shen Zhenji , Xiao Zhiyong
Published: November 2024

Short text similarity, as a pivotal research domain within Natural Language Processing (NLP), has been extensively utilized in intelligent search, recommendation systems, and question-answering systems. The majority of existing models for short text similarity concentrate on aligning the overall semantic content of entire sentences, frequently neglecting the semantic correlations between individual phrases within the sentences. This challenge is particularly acute in the Chinese language context, where synonyms and near-synonyms can introduce substantial interference in the computation of text similarity. In this paper, we introduce a short text similarity computation methodology that integrates both sentence-level and phrase-level semantics. By harnessing vector representations of Chinese words/phrases as external knowledge, our approach amalgamates global sentence characteristics with local phrase features to compute short text similarity from diverse perspectives, spanning from the global to the local level. Experimental findings substantiate that the proposed model surpasses previous approaches in Chinese short text similarity tasks. Specifically, it attains an accuracy of 90.16% on the LCQMC, marking an enhancement of 2.23% over ERNIE and 1.46% over the previously top-performing model, Glyce + BERT.
Prostate Cancer Intercellular Communication
Authors: Heatlie Jessica K , Lazniewska Joanna , Moore Courtney R. , Johnson Ian RD , Nturubika Bukuru D , Williams Ruth , Ward Mark P. , O'Leary John J , Butler Lisa M. , Brooks Doug A.
Published: November 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis relies on intercellular communication, which can involve tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). TNTs and EVs have been reported to transfer critical cargo involved in cellular function and signalling, prompting us to investigate the extent of organelle and protein transfer in PCa cells and the potential involvement of the androgen receptor. Using live cell imaging microscopy, we observed extensive formation of TNTs and EVs operating between PCa, non-malignant and immune cells. PCa cells were capable of transferring lysosomes, mitochondria, lipids and endoplasmic reticulum as well as syndecan-1, sortilin, Glut1 and Glut4. In mechanistic studies, androgen sensitive PCa cells exhibited changes in cell morphology when stimulated by R1881 treatment. Overexpression assays of a newly designed androgen receptor (AR) plasmid revealed its novel localization in PCa cellular vesicles, which were also transferred to neighbouring cells. Selected molecular machinery, thought to be involved in intercellular communication, was investigated by knockdown studies and Western blotting/immunofluorescence/scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PCa TNTs and EVs transported proteins and organelles, which may contain specialist signalling, programming and energy requirements that support cancer growth and progression. This makes these important intercellular communication systems ideal potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Does Participation in Functional Physical Rehabilitation Affect the Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity Performed in Parkinson’s Disease Patients?
Authors: Cholewa Jaroslaw , Uher Ivan , Cholewa Joanna , Polechoński Jacek , Gorzkowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Engaging in physical activity (PA) is crucial for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) to maintain functional independence and enhance their quality of life. However, difficulties in measuring PA create challenges when comparing and combining results from various studies, hindering the identification of effective, efficient, and beneficial PA interventions therefore the study aimed to compare the self-reported and objective PA of people with PD in the context of participation in functional physical rehabilitation (FPR). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and an Actigraph GT3X+ were used to measure the PA. The study included 47 patients with idiopathic PD, aged 64.37±7.12 yrs., disease duration of 6.29 ± 4.02 yrs., in the II and III stages of the disease according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale. The patients were divided into two groups, participating (group A), and not participating (group B) in FPR. The study showed that in both groups, the self-reported level of physical activity was higher than the accelerometer-measured level. However, these differences were not statistically significant in the group participating in FPR. It was concluded that participation in FPR increases the possibility of a reliable assessment of the level of PA.
Neuronal Populations Involved in Motor Function Show Prominent Expression of Sbno1 during Postnatal Brain Development
Authors: Katsuyama Yu , Zolzaya Sunjidmaa , Ihara Dai , Erkhembaatar Munkhsoyol , Ochiai Shinshike , Isa Ayaka , Nishibe Mariko , Bellier Jean-Pierre , Shimizu Takahiro , Kikkawa Satoshi , Nitta Ryo
Published: November 2024

Human genome studies have suggested that strawberry notch homologue 1 (SBNO1) is crucial for normal brain development, with mutations potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders. In a previous study, we observed significant developmental abnormalities in the neocortex of Sbno1 as early as one week after birth. In the present study, we conducted an extensive analysis of Sbno1 postnatal expression in the brain of C57BL/6 mice using a newly developed in-house polyclonal antibody against Sbno1. We found that Sbno1 is expressed in all neurons, with certain neuronal populations exhibiting distinct dynamic changes (both temporal and spatial) in expression level. These findings suggest that the neuronal expression of Sbno1 is developmentally regulated after birth. They also indicate that while Sbno1 may play a general role across all neurons, it may also serve more specialized functions in certain neuronal types and/or for certain cellular activities related to particular neuronal pathways.
Clustering Accuracy Improvement Using Modified Min-Max Normalization Technique
Authors: Prasad M , T Srikanth
Published: November 2024

Clustering algorithm such as k-Means is highly sensitive to the scale of input features. A common approach to mitigate this issue is Min-Max scaling normalization, which rescales feature values to a specified range. This paper investigates an alternative form of Min-Max scaling, where the normalization is based on both the minimum (Xmin) and mean (Xmean) of the feature, rather than the maximum value. The proposed method is shown to be particularly effective in improving clustering accuracy for datasets with varying scales and distributions. Experimental results demonstrate that using this modified Min-Max scaling approach leads to better-defined clusters, enhanced performance in terms of clustering accuracy, and reduced bias in distance-based clustering algorithms. We validate the method using several standard clustering techniques, including k-Means on publicly available datasets.
How Hormonal Balance Changes Lives in Women with Psoriasis
Authors: Cassalia Fortunato , Lunardon Anna , Frattin Giovanni , Danese Andrea , Caroppo Francesca , Belloni Fortina Anna
Published: November 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease significantly impacting women, with disease severity often modulated by hormonal fluctuations. This review examines the influence of hormonal changes on the course of psoriasis in women, focusing on key life stages—including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—and their impact on disease progression and symptomatology. Estrogen, the principal female sex hormone, plays a critical role in immune modulation. Variations in estrogen levels, which occur naturally throughout a woman's life, are associated with fluctuations in psoriasis severity. Low estrogen levels, as seen during menstruation or menopause, are linked to symptom exacerbation, while elevated levels during pregnancy may reduce symptoms in some women. However, responses are variable, with others experiencing no change or worsening during pregnancy. Postpartum, the rapid decline in estrogen often triggers severe flare-ups, while menopause, marked by a sustained estrogen reduction, frequently correlates with increased disease severity and flare frequency. The review also addresses the profound impact of psoriasis on women’s quality of life, including physical discomfort, psychological distress, and social stigma. Additionally, fertility concerns are discussed, as severe psoriasis and associated treatments may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Consideration is given to hormonal therapies, lifestyle modifications, and their effects on psoriasis, underscoring the need for personalized treatment approaches that account for hormonal influences. Understanding these hormonal dynamics is essential for developing targeted, effective management strategies that enhance quality of life for women affected by psoriasis.
Mechanistic Insights into Protein Synthesis Pathways and Amino Acid Interplay in Muscle Growth and Resistance Training: A Molecular Analysis
Authors: McCash Luthais
Published: November 2024

Muscle hypertrophy relies on efficient protein synthesis, modulated by amino acid availability and signalling pathways such as mTOR, which activate muscle growth at a cellular level (Kimball et al., 2002). This study investigates the role of essential amino acids, particularly leucine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), in promoting protein synthesis during resistance training. Using stable isotope labelling and molecular assays, protein synthesis rates were analysed in muscle biopsies post-intervention (Atherton & Smith, 2012). mTOR and associated pathways (e.g., S6K1) were assessed via Western blotting and RT-qPCR to quantify pathway activation (Drummond et al., 2009). Findings show a direct relationship between amino acid levels and increased anabolic signalling, providing data-driven insights into molecular responses essential for muscle adaptation (Phillips et al., 2005). This research underscores targeted amino acid supplementation as a potential strategy to enhance hypertrophic outcomes in resistance training (Tipton et al., 2001).
Credible Uncertainties for Natural Gas Properties Calculated from Normalised Natural Gas Composition Data
Authors: van der Veen Adriaan M H
Published: November 2024

The evaluation of measurement uncertainty of natural gas properties calculated from composition data is an essential aspect of fiscal metering in the trade of natural gas. In particular in gas allocation, it is essential to have a reliable value for the uncertainty. This need is also reflected in the current edition of ISO 6976, the standard for computing natural gas properties, which follows much more closely the requirements of the “Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement”. A critical aspect in the uncertainty evaluation of natural gas properties is the fact that the amount fractions of the components of natural gas are always correlated after normalisation. A novel algorithm is provided to recover these correlations from the normalised fractions and associated standard uncertainties. The standard uncertainties are reproduced within 2 , which is acceptable for uncertainty calculations. The correlation coefficients obtained from the recovery algorithm agree with the ones obtained by normalisation. The algorithm requires only the data commonly stored by the natural gas industry as input and it enables providing values and credible associated uncertainties for natural gas properties calculated from composition.