bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hydrodynamic Cavitation on the Structural and Functional Properties of Soy Protein Isolate–Lignan/Stilbene Polyphenol Conjugates
Authors: Hua Ning , Ren Xian’e , Yang Feng , Huang Yongchun , Wei Fengyan , Yang Lihui
Published: November 2024

In this study, hydrodynamic cavitation technology was utilized to prepare conjugates of soy protein isolate (SPI) with polyphenols, including resveratrol (RA) and polydatin (PD) from the stilbene category, as well as arctiin (AC) and magnolol (MN) from the lignan category. To investigate the effects of hydrodynamic cavitation treatment on the interactions between SPI and these polyphenols, the polyphenol binding capacity with SPI was measured and the changes in the exposed sulfhydryl and free amino contents were analyzed. Various methods, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, were also used to characterize the structural properties of the SPI–polyphenol conjugates. The results showed that compared to untreated SPI, SPI treated with hydrodynamic cavitation exposed more active groups, facilitating a greater binding capacity with the polyphenols. After the hydrodynamic cavitation treatment, the ultraviolet–visible absorption of the SPI–polyphenol conjugates increased while the fluorescence intensity decreased. Additionally, the content of exposed sulfhydryl and free amino groups declined, and changes in the secondary structure were observed, characterized by an increase in the α-helix and random coil content accompanied by a decrease in the β-sheet and β-turn content. Furthermore, the SPI–polyphenol conjugates treated with hydrodynamic cavitation demonstrated improved emulsifying characteristics and antioxidant activity. As a result, hydrodynamic cavitation could be identified as an innovative technique for the preparation of protein–phenolic conjugates.
Comparison of the Morphological Characteristics, Yield, and Quality Traits of Fruits of Two Papaya Cultivars Grown Under Protected Cultivation
Authors: Atmaca Sabriye , Yolcu Halil İbrahim , Erdoğan Gökhan , Gübbük Hamide , Sert Hakan
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics and performance of Formosa and Sunrise Solo papaya cultivars under protected cultivation in subtropical climate conditions as well as the relationships between the yield and factors affecting the yield. The Formosa cultivars had higher values in terms of plant height (519.4 cm), stem diameter (238.4 mm), first flowering height (138.2 cm), and duration from flowering to harvest (141 days) compared to the Sunrise Solo cultivars. The yield per plant was higher in the Formosa cultivars (52.5 kg/plant/year) than in the Sunrise Solo cultivars (27.4 kg/plant/year). The values of fruit peel color parameters were highest in the spring, the fruit flesh firmness was highest in the autumn, and the soluble solid content was higher in fruits harvested in the summer. Medium to high positive phenotypic correlations were found between the first flowering height and fruit set, fruit weight, yield, fruit width, fruit length, and fruit flesh firmness (0.371–0.595) and between the fruit set (number/plant) and fruit weight, yield, fruit width, fruit length, and fruit flesh firmness (0.388–0.819) (p ≤ 0.01). The papaya can be commercially cultivated under protected cultivation in extreme subtropical conditions, and the Formosa cultivars generally performed better than the Sunrise Solo cultivars across many parameters.
Evapotranspiration Estimation with the Budyko Framework for Canadian Watersheds
Authors: Yan Zehao , Li Zhong , Baetz Brian
Published: November 2024

Actual evapotranspiration (AET) estimation plays a crucial role in watershed management. Hydrological models are commonly used to simulate watershed responses and estimate AET. However, their calibration heavily depends on station-based data, which is often limited in availability and frequently inaccessible, making the process challenging and time-consuming. In this study, the Budyko model framework, which effectively utilizes remote sensing data for hydrological modeling and requires the calibration of only one parameter, is adopted for AET estimation across Ontario, Canada. Four different parameter estimation methods were developed and compared, and an attribution analysis was also conducted to investigate the impacts of climate and vegetation factors on AET changes. Results show that the developed Budyko models performed well, with the best model achieving a Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) value of 0.74 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 55.5 mm/year. The attribution analysis reveals that climate factors have a greater influence on AET changes compared to vegetation factors. This study presents the first Budyko modeling attempt for Canadian watersheds. It demonstrates the applicability and potential of the Budyko framework for future case studies in Canada and other cold regions, providing a new, straightforward, and efficient alternative for AET estimation and hydrological modeling.
Cobalt(II) and Manganese(II) Complexes of Sodium Monensinate A Bearing Nitrate Co-Ligands
Authors: Petkov Nikolay , Boyadzhiev Miroslav , Bozhilova Nikita , Dorkov Petar , Encheva Elzhana , Ugrinov Angel , Pantcheva Ivayla N.
Published: November 2024

Monensic acid is a natural polyether ionophore and is a therapeutic of first choice in veterinary medicine for the control of coccidiosis. Although known as a sodium-binding ligand, it can also form a variety of coordination species depending on experimental conditions applied. In this study, we present the crystal structures and properties of Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes of sodium monensinate (MonNa) derived from the reaction of MonNa with cobalt or manganese dinitrates. The newly obtained coordination compounds have the same composition [M(MonNa)2(NO3)2] but the transition metal ions are placed in a different environment. The two nitrate ligands behave mono- or bidentately bound in the Co(II)- and Mn(II)-containing species, respectively, while the monensinate ligands act in a similar manner through their monodentate carboxylate functions. The formed CoO4 and MnO6 units determine the geometry of the corresponding inner coordination cores of the complexes as a tetrahedron in the case of Co(II), and as a strongly distorted octahedral structure in Mn(II) species. The effect of inorganic anions on the antibacterial performance of sodium monensinate appears to be negligible, while the presence of Co(II) or Mn(II) cations preserves or enhances the activity of unmodified MonNa, which differentially affects the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Kocuria rhizophila, Staphilococcus aureus, and Staphilococcus saprophyticus strains.
Primary Osteoporosis Induced by Androgen and Estrogen Deficiency: The Molecular and Cellular Perspective on Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Treatments
Authors: Hsu Shao-Heng , Chen Li-Ru , Chen Kuo-Hu
Published: November 2024

Primary osteoporosis is closely linked to hormone deficiency, which disrupts the balance of bone remodeling. It affects postmenopausal women but also significantly impacts older men. Estrogen can promote the production of osteoprotegerin, a decoy receptor for RANKL, thereby preventing RANKL from activating osteoclasts. Furthermore, estrogen promotes osteoblast survival and function via activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Likewise, androgens play a critical role in bone metabolism, primarily through their conversion to estrogen in men. Estrogen deficiency accelerates bone resorption through a rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and RANKL, which promote osteoclastogenesis. In the classic genomic pathway, estrogen binds to estrogen receptors in the cytoplasm, forming a complex that migrates to the nucleus and binds to estrogen response elements on DNA, regulating gene transcription. Androgens can be defined as high-affinity ligands for the androgen receptor; their combination can serve as a ligand-inducible transcription factor. Hormone replacement therapy has shown promise but comes with associated risks and side effects. In contrast, the non-genomic pathway involves rapid signaling cascades initiated at the cell membrane, influencing cellular functions without directly altering gene expression. Therefore, the ligand-independent actions and rapid signaling pathways of estrogen and androgen receptors can be harnessed to develop new drugs that provide bone protection without the side effects of traditional hormone therapies. To manage primary osteoporosis, other pharmacological treatments (bisphosphonates, teriparatide, RANKL inhibitors, sclerostin inhibitors, SERMs, and calcitonin salmon) can ameliorate osteoporosis and improve BMD via actions on different pathways. Non-pharmacological treatments include nutritional support and exercise, as well as the dietary intake of antioxidants and natural products. The current study reviews the processes of bone remodeling, hormone actions, hormone receptor status, and therapeutic targets of primary osteoporosis. However, many detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying primary osteoporosis seem complicated and unexplored and warrant further investigation.
Experimental Investigation of Synchronous-Flow-Induced Blade Vibrations on a Radial Turbine
Authors: Sasakaros Marios , Schafferus Markus , Wirsum Manfred , Zobel Arthur , Vogt Damian , Nakos Alex , Beirow Bernd
Published: November 2024

In this study, a thorough experimental investigation of the synchronous blade vibrations of a radial turbine is performed for different IGV configurations. First, the blade modes are measured experimentally and calculated numerically. Subsequently, the vibrations are recorded with two redundant measurement systems during real operation. Strain gauges were applied on certain blades, while a commercial blade-tip-timing system is used for the measurement of blade deflections. The experimentally determined vibration properties are compared with numerical estimations. Initially, the vibrations recorded with the “nominal” IGV were presented. This IGV primarily generates nodal diameter (ND) 0 vibrations. Subsequently, the impact of two different IGV configurations is examined. First, a mistuned IGV, which has the same number of vanes as the “nominal” IGV is examined. By intentionally varying the distance between the vanes, additional low engine order excitations are generated. Moreover, an IGV with a higher number of vanes is employed to induce excitations at higher frequency modes and ND6 vibrations. Certain vibrations are consistently measured across all IGV configurations, which cannot be attributed to the spiral turbine casing. In addition, a turbine–compressor interaction has been observed.
Mullite Synthesis Using Porous 3D Structures Consisting of Nanofibrils of Aluminum Oxyhydroxide Chemically Modified with Ethoxysilanes
Authors: Khodan Anatole , Nguyen Thi Hang Nga , Kanaev Andrei
Published: November 2024

Nanocrystalline mullite was synthetized by annealing a highly porous 3D structure consisting of nanofibrous aluminum oxyhydroxides treated with ethoxysilanes. The chemical, structural, and phase transformations in the aluminosilicate nanosystem were studied in the temperature range between 100 and 1600 °C. The features of the solid-phase synthesis of mullite at the interface of crystalline alumina with a liquid silica layer are discussed. It was established that chemical modification of the alumina surface with ethoxysilanes significantly limits the interphase mass transport and delays the phase transformation of the amorphous oxide into γ-Al2O3, which begins at temperatures above 1000 °C, while the basic structural nanofibrils are already crystallized at ~850 °C. The formation of mullite was completed at temperatures ≥ 1200 °C, where the fraction of γ-Al2O3 sharply decreased.
Three New Species and Five New Host Records from Chaetomiaceae with Anti-Phytopathogenic Potential from Cover Crops Astragalus sinicus and Vicia villosa
Authors: Qian Ning , Wu Yuhong , Zhang Wei , Yang Jun , Bhadauria Vijai , Zhang Guozhen , Yan Jiye , Zhao Wensheng
Published: November 2024

Cover crops, typically planted during off-seasons and requiring less agronomic manipulation, may provide abundant fungal resources. Certain species of Chaetomiaceae could serve as potential agents for controlling plant diseases and developing bioorganic fertilizers. Eight species from five genera of Chaetomiaceae were identified from healthy Astragalus sinicus and Vicia villosa, two major cover crops, through multigene phylogenetic analysis, morphological identification, and pairwise homoplasy index testing. The identified species comprise three new species: Achaetomium astragali, Subramaniula henanensis, and S. sichuanensis, as well as five known but new host record species: Botryotrichum murorum, Chaetomium coarctatum, C. pseudocochliodes, C. pseudoglobosum, and Collariella pachypodioides. Dual culture tests revealed that isolates of all eight Chaetomiaceae species exhibited antagonistic effects on multiple phytopathogens. Among the identified fungi, the NSJA2 isolate, belonging to C. coarctatum, exhibited significant relative inhibition effects on 14 out of 15 phytopathogens tested in this study, indicating its broad-spectrum antagonistic effects. Additionally, NSJA2 exhibited excellent salt tolerance. Overall, our study has identified multiple fungi with anti-phytopathogens potential, among which NSJA2 exhibits high potential for practical application. This finding paves the way for further exploration and exploitation of NSJA2 as a promising biocontrol agent.
Comparative Phylogeography of Two Specialist Rodents in Forest Fragments in Kenya
Authors: Mweu Alois Wambua , Onditi Kenneth Otieno , Khanal Laxman , Musila Simon , Kioko Esther , Jiang Xuelong
Published: November 2024

The fragmented forests of the Kenya highlands, known for their exceptional species richness and endemism, are among the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. However, detailed studies on the fauna of these ecosystems—especially specialist species that depend on moist forests, which are particularly threatened by habitat fragmentation—are still limited. In this study, we used mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and the displacement loop) and a nuclear marker (retinol-binding protein 3) to investigate genetic and morphological diversity, phylogenetic associations, historical divergence, population dynamics, and phylogeographic patterns in two rodent species—the soft-furred mouse (Praomys jacksoni) and the African wood mouse (Hylomyscus endorobae)—across Kenya’s forest landscapes. We found a complex genetic structure, with P. jacksoni exhibiting greater genetic diversity than H. endorobae. The Mt. Kenya P. jacksoni populations are significantly genetically different from those in southwestern forests (Mau Forest, Kakamega Forest, and Loita Hills). In contrast, H. endorobae presented no observable biogeographic structuring across its range. The genetic diversity and geographic structuring patterns highlighted selectively strong effects of forest fragmentation and differing species’ ecological and evolutionary responses to these landscape changes. Our findings further underscore the need for expanded sampling across Kenya’s highland forests to better understand species’ changing diversity and distribution patterns in response to the impacts of human-mediated habitat changes. These insights are critical for informing conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity better in this globally important region.
Optimization of Filling Material Ratio in Yellow Phosphorus Slag Mine
Authors: Deng Tao , Xia Bokai , Liao Yuanhuan , Zhang Chengliang
Published: November 2024

Yellow phosphorus slag has been considered as a potential cement substitute for mine filling material due to its cementing activity; however, its slow setting and low early strength have limited broader use. This study investigates the grading, compactness, and strength of yellow phosphorus slag combined with tailing sand. Using yellow phosphorus slag as an aggregate, cement as a binder, and mixing tailing sand in different ratios, this study evaluates its feasibility as a coarse aggregate in mine backfill. The key findings are as follows. (1) The grading index of tailing sand was 0.5, aligning with Fuller grading, but it required mixing with coarse aggregates to enhance strength and reduce cement consumption. Yellow phosphorus slag, with a grading index of 0.97, does not match Fuller’s curve and thus benefits from mixing with tailing sand. (2) For mixtures of waste rock and tailings, the 5:5 ratio aligned closely with Fuller’s theory, showing optimal packing density and strength. Mixtures of yellow phosphorus slag and tailings at ratios of 3:7, 4:6, and 5:5 had R2 values of 0.73, 0.80, and 0.85, respectively, confirming reliable fit. The 5:5 mixture provided the best packing density and strength. (3) A new strength prediction model, accounting for aggregate, cement, and water effects, suggests that a 5:5 ratio with a 71% mass concentration and 1/7 ash–sand ratio meets industrial strength requirements. FLAC3D simulations indicated that cemented backfill reduces stress concentrations caused by excavation and supports stability during mining while also absorbing energy through compaction, creating favorable conditions for safe mining operations.
Diversifying Multi-Head Attention in the Transformer Model
Authors: Ampazis Nicholas , Sakketou Flora
Published: November 2024

Recent studies have shown that, due to redundancy, some heads of the Transformer model can be pruned without diminishing the efficiency of the model. In this paper, we propose a constrained optimization algorithm based on Hebbian learning, which trains specific layers in the Transformer architecture in order to enforce diversification between the different heads in the multi-head attention module. The diversification of the heads is achieved through a single-layer feed-forward neural network that is added to the Transformer architecture and is trained with the proposed algorithm. We utilize the algorithm in three different architectural variations of the baseline Transformer model. In addition to the diversification of the heads, the proposed methodology can be used to prune the heads that capture redundant information. Experiments on diverse NLP tasks, including machine translation, text summarization, question answering and large language modeling, show that our proposed approach consistently improves the performance of baseline Transformer models.
Gelfand–Phillips Type Properties of Locally Convex Spaces
Authors: Gabriyelyan Saak
Published: November 2024

We let 1≤p≤q≤∞. Being motivated by the classical notions of the Gelfand–Phillips property and the (coarse) Gelfand–Phillips property of order p of Banach spaces, we introduce and study different types of the Gelfand–Phillips property of order (p,q) (the GP(p,q) property) and the coarse Gelfand–Phillips property of order p in the realm of all locally convex spaces. We compare these classes and show that they are stable under taking direct product, direct sums and closed subspaces. It is shown that any locally convex space is a quotient space of a locally convex space with the GP(p,q) property. Characterizations of locally convex spaces with the introduced Gelfand–Phillips type properties are given.
A Novel Electrocardiographic Marker to Predict the Development of Preeclampsia: Frontal QRS-T Angle—A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Uçar Elif , Toprak Kenan , Karataş Mesut
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder, shares cardiovascular characteristics in etiology, prognosis, and fetomaternal risks. Electrocardiography plays a pivotal role in assessing cardiovascular risks. Beyond conventional predictors, identifying easily obtainable and reproducible electrocardiographic markers may significantly contribute to the early identification of individuals at risk of preeclampsia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of the Frontal QRS-T angle and other electrocardiographic parameters in predicting the development of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 pregnant patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant patients as the control group were included in this study. The first- and third-trimester electrocardiographic parameters were compared within groups and between groups. Results: The Frontal QRS-T angle was significantly elevated in patients with preeclampsia compared to the controls (55.0 ± 40.8 vs. 19.5 ± 15.1; p = 0.002). The first-trimester Frontal QRS-T angles in the patients with preeclampsia were higher than those of the controls (29.5 ± 25.0 vs. 15.3 ± 11.5; p = 0.015). A high Frontal QRS-T angle independently marked preeclampsia development in antenatal and late pregnancy (p = 0.003 and p = 0.042, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of the Frontal QRS-T angle in predicting preeclampsia surpassed other electrocardiographic parameters. Conclusions: This study shows that the Frontal QRS-T angle may be a candidate to be an independent predictor for the development of preeclampsia. In this context, the Frontal QRS-T angle, which is an electrocardiographic parameter, seems promising.
Exact Equations for the Back and Effective Focal Lengths of a Plano-Concave Thick Lens
Authors: Durán-Ramírez Víctor M. , Muñoz-Maciel Jesús , Casillas-Rodríguez Francisco J. , Mora-Gonzalez Miguel , Peña-Lecona Francisco G.
Published: November 2024

In this work, we present the exact equations for the back and effective focal lengths of a plano-concave thick lens. These equations are derived through a detailed ray-tracing approach, calculating the meridional ray’s path parallel to the optical axis while taking into account lens thickness, refractive index, and surface curvature. Our analysis bridges the gap between paraxial approximations and exact ray behavior, highlighting how traditional models (e.g., thin-lens equations) can be extended to thick lenses. Additionally, we review recent advancements in negative refraction and surface phase manipulation techniques to demonstrate how our equations compare to modern numerical methods and metacoating-enhanced designs. This work provides a comprehensive and exact framework for understanding the optical properties of plano-concave thick lenses, offering new insights into their application in precision optics.
Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Hall Effect in Dense Electron-Ion Plasma
Authors: Harutyunyan Arus , Sedrakian Armen
Published: November 2024

In this study, we examine thermal conductivity and the thermal Hall effect in electron-ion plasmas relevant to hot neutron stars, white dwarfs, and binary neutron star mergers, focusing on densities found in the outer crusts of neutron stars and the interiors of white dwarfs. We consider plasma consisting of single species of ions, which could be either iron Fe56 or carbon C12 nuclei. The temperature range explored is from the melting temperature of the solid T∼109 K up to 1011 K. This covers both degenerate and non-degenerate electron regimes. We find that thermal conductivity increases with density and temperature for which we provide analytical scaling relations valid in different regimes. The impact of magnetic fields on thermal conductivity is also analyzed, showing anisotropy in low-density regions and the presence of the thermal Hall effect characterized by the Righi–Leduc coefficient. The transition froma degenerate to non-degenerate regime is characterized by a minimum ratio of thermal conductivity to temperature, which is analogous to the minimum observed already in the case of electrical conductivity. We provide also formulas fit to our numerical results, which can be used in dissipative magneto-hydrodynamics simulations of warm compact stars.
Analysis of the Prevalence of Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Edwardsiella piscicida in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) from Guangdong, China
Authors: Huang Weimin , Lin Changyi , Wen Caiyi , Jiang Biao , Su Youlu
Published: November 2024

To gain insights into the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of major bacterial pathogens affecting largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, Guangdong, China, a study was conducted from August 2021 to July 2022. During this period, bacteria were isolated and identified from the internal organs of diseased largemouth bass within the PRD region. The antimicrobial resistance patterns of 11 antibiotics approved for use in aquaculture in China were analyzed in 80 strains of Edwardsiella piscicida using the microbroth dilution method. The results showed that 151 bacterial isolates were obtained from 532 samples, with E. piscicida (17.29%, 92/532), Aeromonas veronii (4.70%, 25/532), and Nocardia seriolae (2.26%, 12/532) being the main pathogens. Notably, E. piscicida accounted for the highest proportion of all isolated bacteria, reaching 60.92% (92/151), and mainly occurred from November to April, accounting for 68.48% (63/92) of the cases. The symptoms in largemouth bass infected with E. piscicida included ascites, enteritis, and hemorrhaging of tissues and organs. The drug sensitivity results showed that the resistance rates of all E. piscicida strains to ciprofloxacin, all sulfonamides, thiamphenicol, florfenicol, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, flumequine, and neomycin were 96.25%, 60–63%, 56.25%, 43.75%, 40%, 32.5%, 16.25%, and 1.25%, respectively. In addition, 76.25% (61/80) of these strains demonstrated resistance to more than two types of antibiotics. Cluster analysis revealed 23 antibiotic types (A–W) among the 80 isolates, which were clustered into two groups. Therefore, tailored antibiotic treatment based on regional antimicrobial resistance patterns is essential for effective disease management. The findings indicate that in the event of an Edwardsiella infection in largemouth bass, neomycin, doxycycline, and flumequine are viable treatment options. Alternatively, one may choose drugs that are effective as determined by clinical drug sensitivity testing.
Numerical Investigation of Raman-Assisted Four-Wave Mixing in Tapered Fiber Raman Fiber Amplifier
Authors: Huang Shanmin , Zhang Yang , Hao Xiulu , Fan Chenchen , Chen Xiao , Ye Jun , Yao Tianfu , Zhang Hanwei , Huang Liangjin , Leng Jinyong , Xu Jiangming , Pan Zhiyong , Zhou Pu
Published: November 2024

The generation of unwanted higher-order Raman effects is the main factor restricting the power scaling of Raman fiber amplifiers (RFAs). This phenomenon arises from an interplay of physical processes, including stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), four-wave mixing (FWM), and the intricate temporal and spectral dynamics. Tapered fibers have demonstrated excellent nonlinear effects suppression characteristics due to the varying core diameter along the fiber, which is widely used in ytterbium-doped fiber lasers. In this paper, a comprehensive numerical investigation is conducted on the core-pumping tapered fiber RFAs considering Raman-assisted FWM. The higher-order Raman power in the tapered fiber is always kept at a low level, showing a weak Raman-assisted FWM effect. A numerical investigation is conducted to study the impact of the tapering ratio, the lengths of the thin part, tapered region, and thick part on the higher-order Raman threshold of RFAs. Furthermore, the impact of phase mismatch variations caused by changes in the seed wavelength, on the output signal power and nonlinear effects is analyzed. This paper presents, for the first time, a study on core-pumped RFAs using tapered fibers, providing a novel perspective on enhancing the power of RFAs.
COVID-19 Pandemic Detrimentally Affects Craving and Quality of Life in Patients Under Medication-Assisted Treatment with Buprenorphine and Methadone: The Issue of Medication Dose
Authors: Leventelis Christonikos , Barmpas Petros T. , Nellas Ioannis , Tasoulis Sotiris , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Tsironi Maria
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has increased the vulnerability and decreased the retention in treatment of patients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on craving and quality of life (QoL) of MAT patients and to reveal the potential role of medication dose. Thus, 562 volunteers were divided into the control group (n = 100) comprising healthy volunteers without prior contact with substances of abuse, and into the experimental group (n = 462), which included patients receiving MAT, who were stratified into sub-groups of patients under methadone and buprenorphine. The groups were further divided into two sub-groups, based on whether the participants were infected by SARS-CoV-2 or not. The heroin craving questionnaire (HCQ), and the Nottingham health profile (NHP) instrument were used for craving assessment and QoL evaluation respectively. The MAT patients who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 had higher levels of craving compared to their non-infected counterparts, and COVID-19 restriction measures reduced QoL mainly of non-infected MAT patients. Furthermore, low craving and high QoL were largely associated with medium or low medication dose. It appears that focused interventions and modifications to medication doses could lead to better clinical outcomes of the MAT programs and relapse prevention.
Biodegradable Stents: A Breakthrough in the Management of Complex Biliary Tract Injuries: A Case Report
Authors: Cicerone Ottavia , Di Gioia Giulio , Pajola Maria , Gallotti Anna , D’Agostino Antonio Mauro , Cionfoli Nicola , Corti Riccardo , Quaretti Pietro , Maestri Marcello
Published: November 2024

Background and Clinical Significance: Biliary tract injuries are a recognized complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial to minimize complications such as bile leaks, strictures, and fistula formation. This case report highlights the use of a biodegradable biliary stent in managing a complex biliary injury and discusses the impact of delayed diagnosis on treatment outcomes. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 30-year-old male who sustained a Strasberg E2 biliary tract injury during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Initially misdiagnosed, the injury was only recognized on the fourth postoperative day. The patient underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and subsequently developed a postoperative biliary fistula, which was managed with percutaneous drainage. A biodegradable biliary stent was later placed to address a stricture and minimize the need for future interventions. One year later, the patient presented with symptoms of cholangitis, and radiological findings revealed a narrowing of the biliary lumen. The stricture was resolved and an endoscopic gastrojejunal shunt was placed to prevent further complications. The patient is currently in good condition with no signs of further complications. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis in managing biliary tract injuries and highlights the potential of biodegradable stents to reduce the need for repeat interventions. Despite a delayed diagnosis necessitating complex surgical procedures, the use of a biodegradable stent proved effective in managing postoperative complications. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of biodegradable stents in similar clinical scenarios.
A Comparative Analysis of the Sustainable Development of Urban Agriculture in Chengdu and Singapore
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , Zhang Zimo , He Mengyu , Niu Xuanqi , Luan Zhiqiang
Published: November 2024

With the deepening global concern for sustainable development, urban agriculture has received more and more attention as an important combination of urban development and ecological environmental protection. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of two areas, Chengdu and Singapore, in terms of their capacity for sustainable development of urban agriculture through an empirical analysis method. To make a multidimensional evaluation index system, the study uses the hierarchical analysis method (AHP) and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The index covers important areas like the level of agricultural development, the intensity of applied inputs, the rate of energy use, the rate of resource utilization, and the level of agricultural factors. The results show that Chengdu performs significantly in terms of resource utilization rate and agricultural factor level, while Singapore performs better in terms of energy utilization rate. The study provides targeted recommendations, including strengthening scientific and technological innovation, policy support, and ecological and environmental protection, with the aim of providing references and lessons for the sustainable development of urban agriculture in the two places and other areas around the world.
The contribution of remote sensing and geographic information systems to the morphometric study of six watersheds in the tindouf region (extreme south-western Algeria)
Authors: Zeini Sidi Mohamed , Derdour Abdessamed , Guerine Lakhdar
Published: November 2024

Understanding the hydrological system and improving water resource management requires a thorough analysis of the morphometric characteristics of watersheds. This study seeks to examine the hydrological and morphometric features of the water drainage network in the Tindouf region's numerous watersheds. A digital elevation model (DEM), which is an essential digital asset in GIS, was created using a 30 m resolution SRTM satellite image. The DEM model was then used to produce a map of the drainage network for the basins in the study area. Additionally, various hydrological and geomorphological features were extracted. This research is significant in promoting economic development and improving the quality of life of residents by establishing better resource allocation and water management, determining appropriate areas for urban development, infrastructure planning, tourism, and entertainment.
Perfil epidemiológico dos casos de neoplasia do sistema nervoso central na região norte - 2013 a 2023
Authors: Zavarise Mayla de Carvalho , Bezerra Jade de Moraes , Farias Maico Lucas Lima , Garcia Winnie Michelle Bergeron , Feuerschuette Ana Paula Guimarães , Pieroni Lucas Dalmaso , Shiroma Yuri Brito , Arruda Claudiney Cordeiro , Lima Pietra Araújo Calheiros de , Souza Breno Gomes de , Pedreira Núbia Pereira , Moura Jhordan Soares de , Fernandes Monyk Stephany de Oliveira
Published: November 2024

Introdução: Tumores cerebrais primários, originados de células de suporte do tecido nervoso, são raros e correspondem a apenas 2% dos cânceres, mas possuem alta mortalidade em adultos. No Brasil, a incidência de neoplasias no Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) está em crescimento, fazendo com que os tumores encefálicos primários sejam a sétima principal causa de morte por câncer, com 88% dos casos localizados no cérebro. A doença é multifatorial, resultante de diversas alterações genéticas que podem ser adquiridas ou hereditárias. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico das internações por neoplasias malignas do SNC na região Norte do Brasil. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo e epidemiológico com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando dados do Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS). As variáveis analisadas incluem internações por macrorregião, sexo, raça/cor, faixa etária, permanência hospitalar e taxa de mortalidade. Resultados: Durante o período analisado, ocorreram 6.914 internações na região Norte, representando 4% dos casos nacionais. O Pará teve a maior incidência (54,89%), seguido por Amazonas (21,98%) e Rondônia (12,81%). No Norte, 54,96% dos casos foram de homens, com predominância da raça/cor parda (64,07%). A faixa etária mais afetada foi de 50 a 59 anos. A taxa de mortalidade na região Norte foi de 15,66%, sendo o Amapá o estado com maior taxa (22,55%). Conclusão: O estudo evidencia disparidades regionais no diagnóstico e tratamento das neoplasias malignas do SNC na região Norte, associando a alta mortalidade ao diagnóstico tardio e à falta de infraestrutura, o que demanda políticas públicas locais e mais pesquisas.
Perfil epidemiológico da dengue no Nordeste Brasileiro no período de 2014 a 2024
Authors: Ribeiro Nayara Fernanda Amorim Madeiros , Silva Alicia Malaquias da , Barros Rafael Almeida , Santos Pedro Julio Corado Carneiro dos , Cavalcante José Gabriell Feitosa , Almeida Ana Carolina Medeiros de
Published: November 2024

A dengue, transmitida pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti, é um grave desafio de saúde pública, especialmente no Nordeste do Brasil, devido à vulnerabilidade social e condições climáticas favoráveis à proliferação do mosquito. Entre 2014 e 2024, foram registrados mais de 10 milhões de casos. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de aspecto epidemiológico que objetivou descrever o perfil epidemiológico da dengue no Nordeste Brasileiro no período de 2014 a 2024. Metodologia: As variáveis selecionadas foram obtidas por meio do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Foi realizada uma comparação entre os anos e a  análise descritiva dos dados .  Resultados: Desse modo, observa-se que os dados do SINAN indicam que os estados do Nordeste têm uma contribuição significativa para a persistência da epidemia, com a Bahia registrando o maior número de casos em quatro anos consecutivos. A maioria das infecções ocorreu em pessoas com Ensino Fundamental Incompleto e na faixa etária de 15 a 39 anos. A raça parda foi a mais afetada e o sexo feminino apresentou o maior número de notificação. Conclusão: A dengue permanece um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil, principalmente no Nordeste, devido a urbanização desordenada, clima quente e condições insalubres. É crucial reforçar as políticas públicas para melhorar o saneamento, conscientização, diagnóstico, tratamento e vacinação.
O uso abusivo de opióides e as implicações clínicas no sistema cardiovascular: uma breve revisão de literatura
Authors: Souza Milton Renah de , Durães Caio Eduardo Fernandes , Marquezin Angelo Paião , Quintino Gabriel Silva , Komati Luiz Antonio Leandrini , Santos Tânia Barbosa , Viscione Alexandre Barauna
Published: November 2024

Introdução: O uso abusivo de opioides tornou-se uma questão de saúde pública. O número de prescrições de opioides aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos. Objetivo: analisar as implicações clínicas do uso abusivo de opioides no sistema cardiovascular. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa através das bases de dados, dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e na Scopus, utilizando os descritores ‘’Opioid-Related Disorders’’ AND ‘’Cardiovascular System’’, de acordo com os descritores em ciências da saúde (DeCS). Resultados: As hospitalizações por transtornos relacionados ao uso de opioides aumentaram significativamente, de 119,0 por 100.000 em 2005 para 202,5 por 100.000 em 2014, com um aumento anual de 8,7 casos por 100.000 (P < 0,0001). Assim, também ocorreu muitas internações por endocardite infecciosa, nas quais foram associados ao transtorno do uso de opioides. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugeriam uma associação do uso de opioides com endocardite infecciosa, arritmias, insuficiência cardíaca e parada cardíaca. Porém, devido ao pequeno número de artigos analisados, são necessários mais estudados para compreender melhor essa relação.
العلاقة بين الأسلوب القيادي، والالتزام التنظيمي، وصراع الدور وغموضه، وبعض المتغيرات الديموغرافية في إحدى شركات القطاع العام في جمهورية مصر العربية: دارسة ميدانية
Authors: جودة إيمان صبحي , اليافي رندة سلامة
Published: November 2024

يهدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة العلاقة بين ثلاثة متغيرات أساسية هي: الأسلوب القيادي للقائد، وفق نظرية فيدلر، والالتزام التنظيمي، وصراع الدور وغموضه. لقد تم توزيع (110) استبانه على المديرين العاملين في إحدى شركات التطوير والتنمية في جمهورية مصر العربية. ودلت النتائج على وجود علاقة بين أسلوب القائد والتزامه التنظيمي، وبين أسلوب القائد وشعوره بصراع الدور وغموضه، وكانت العلاقة سلبية بين الالتزام التنظيمي للقائد وصراع الدور وغموض الدور. كذلك وجدت فروق معنوية بين كل من: العمر والحالة الاجتماعية، والمركز الوظيفي من جهة، وأسلوب القائد من جهة أخرى؛ كذلك وجدت فروق ذات دلالة معنوية بين العمر والتزام القائد التنظيمي؛ وبين العمر، والخبرة، والتحصيل العلمي، والجنس وشعور القائد بصراع الدور وغموضه. وأشارت البيانات إلى أن النسبة الكبرى من القادة المشاركين في هذا البحث قد تبنوا أسلوب الدعم.
Mistura de fertilizantes nitrogenados com sementes de Colonião para adubação de cobertura na integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Lima Eduardo do Valle , Farias Fabrício do Carmo , Lima Patrícia da Silva Leitão
Published: November 2024

Na literatura científica são quase inexistentes trabalhos avaliando o efeito de fertilizantes nitrogenados, na qualidade fisiológica de sementes da espécie Panicum maximum, em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. Assim, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de nove tempos de contato dos adubos ureia e sulfato de amônio, com sementes de P. maximum, cv. Mombaça, em sua germinação e vigor. Empregou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 9 x 2, com quatro repetições. Realizou-se análise de variância e regressão polinomial. Houve interação entre os fatores estudados para as variáveis teor de água, germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) e massa verde (MV). Somente para massa seca (MS), não ocorreu interação, havendo o efeito isolado dos fatores tempo de contato e tipo de fertilizante. A ureia proporcionou um padrão quadrático de comportamento, com a imediata redução da germinação, emergência e do IVE já nos primeiros tempos de contato das sementes com o adubo, enquanto que o sulfato de amônio, de forma linear, somente após 48 h da mistura apresentou redução substancial para estas variáveis. Também para a MV o desempenho das plântulas foi mais afetado pela ureia. Portanto, é possível a mistura das sementes de P. maximum com o fertilizante ureia, desde que a semeadura seja realizada imediatamente. Enquanto que para o sulfato de amônio, a semeadura poderia ser efetuada até 24 h após a mistura, reduzindo-se os danos ao vigor destas sementes de forrageiras.
The Status and Characteristics of Educative Curriculum Materials in Teaching and Learning History
Authors:   Education Research Institute, Lee Mimi , Park Jeewon , Lee Soeun
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed the current status and characteristics of history educative curriculum materials, highlighting the importance of these materials in supporting teacher learning and professional growth. For this purpose, we examined four widely used history education curricular materials in the United States: Reading Like a Historian, Read.Inquire.Write., World History Project, and Teaching History, Learning Citizenship. The analysis revealed the various educative features designed to enhance teachers’ learning and growth in planning, implementing, and reflecting on lessons. The characteristic of history educative curriculum materials stood out in the structural components and the roles that these educative features played. This study discusses the implications of these educative curricular materials for history education in Korea and suggests directions for developing curricular materials that enhance teachers’ professional expertise and instructional capacity.
Which Students Complete the Student-Designed Convergence Major?
Authors:   Korean Society for  Holistic Convergence Education, LEE DAE YEONG
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to propose solutions aimed at activating student-designed convergence majors and improving completion rates at A University. For this, cluster analysis, an unsupervised machine learning technique, is used and determine whether the groups derived through clustering analysis effectively distinguish between students who applied to complete the student-designed convergence major and those who did not. The findings are summarized as follows: The analysis of group differences identified two central factors that distinguished the groups: 'When did you start thinking about your career?' and 'Are you confident about your major?' From these findings, the characteristics of students suited for completing the student-designed convergence major can be summarized as follows: First, the student-designed convergence major should be expected to synergize with the primary major and encourage completion among students who have established a clear career direction. Second, even if students are not confident about their major, those with a high degree of decision-making regarding their career path and a clear direction can be encouraged to complete a student-designed convergence major.
Characteristics of Burnout Symptoms Experienced by Teachers: A Comparison with General Office Workers
Authors:   Korean Society for  Holistic Convergence Education, Hwang Mae-Hyang , Park Altteuri , Kim Myung-Seop
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to examine whether there were differences in burnout symptoms between teachers and general office workers. The research utilized an employee job burnout assessment and conducted a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare burnout symptoms between the two groups. The findings are as follows: First, the MANOVA results indicated a significant difference in burnout symptoms between teachers and general office workers. Second, the exploration of specific differences in burnout sub-symptoms between teachers and general office workers revealed that general office workers exhibited higher levels of diminished work performance, proactive work avoidance, interpersonal avoidance, and depression. Third, in terms of physical exhaustion, teachers demonstrated significantly higher burnout scores compared to general office workers. This study provides a foundation for subsequent research and offers insights for the development of burnout prevention and intervention programs specifically targeting teachers by offering a detailed comparison of burnout symptoms between teachers and general office workers.