bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transfer hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over CuNiAl catalyst
Authors: Su Xinluona , Zhou Leilei , Zhang Liyan , Li Jingrong , Xiao Tingting , Gong Qihang , Cheng Haiyang , Zhao Fengyu
Published: January 2025

The catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts remains a great challenge for large-scale commercial applications under harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we designed a CuNiAl catalyst using a layered double hydroxides precursor, and the catalytic performances were evaluated in transfer hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone with formic acid as a hydrogen donor. CuNiAl catalyst presented high activity and the improved stability compared to CuAl catalyst. The CuNi alloy formed in the CuNiAl catalyst could prevent Cu particles from partial oxidation, overgrowth and leaching under acidic reaction conditions. Moreover, the synergistic effects between Cu active sites and the surface acid-base on the surface were the key factors for producing γ-valerolactone with a high yield of 97.3% over the CuNiAl catalyst.
Synthesis of Adsorbent from Palm Kernel Shell through Microwave-Alkali Assisted Delignification and Its Performance in Used Palm Cooking Oil Purification
Authors: Cahyari Khamdan , Alhusnah Dara , Zulkania Ariany
Published: January 2025

Palm kernel shell (PKS), a byproduct accounting for up to 60% of palm oil production, is often used solely as fuel. However, due to its silica content, PKS can also function as an adsorbent. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of delignification on the quality of PKS as an adsorbent, specifically its ability to adsorb free fatty acids from used palm cooking oil. Delignification was performed using a microwave-alkali (Mw-A) method. Initially, PKS was cleaned, ground into powder, and sieved to 25 mesh. The powder was then delignified using Mw-A before activation with NaOH concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The temperature settings were 70⁰C, 80⁰C, and 90⁰C, with durations of 30, 35, and 40 minutes. The delignified PKS was carbonized at 400⁰C for 2 hours to produce the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity of each adsorbent was tested on free fatty acids in used palm cooking oil. Results indicated that the Mw-A assisted delignification significantly enhanced the adsorption efficiency, achieving a 55% adsorption capacity at 30% NaOH concentration, 90⁰C temperature, and 35 minutes. In comparison, PKS without Mw-A assisted delignification adsorbed only 32% of free fatty acids. It was showed that the adsorption kinetics belong to pseudo-first order reaction. Thus, delignification proved to be an effective pretreatment method to enhance PKS's adsorption capacity.
IDENTIFICATION OF 3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE (MDMA) IN URINE SAMPLES USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS) INSTRUMENT
Authors: Utami Maisari , Tanti  , Meitasari Eryani Ayu
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the identification and analysis of the chemical composition of a tablet suspected to contain illegal substances using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis confirmed the presence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with a similarity index of 94.65%. Additionally, caffeine was also detected in the sample with a similarity index of 96.2%. These findings are crucial for forensic investigations, providing reliable data for law enforcement in the identification of illicit drugs.
Karakterisasi Selulosa Bakteri Hasil Fermentasi Limbah Air Kelapa dan Pemanfaatannya Sebagai Penyangga Pembentukan Perak Nanopartikel
Authors: Mutiara Tintin , Wardatur Rohmah Isnaeni , Okta Berinda Aulia
Published: January 2025

Selulosa bakterial (BC) merupakan biopolimer hasil fermentasi gula oleh bakteri penghasil eksopolisakarida. Produksi BC dapat dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan berbagai sampah industri pertanian sebagai bahan baku. Hal ini yang membuat BC menjadi salah satu bahan pilihan utama untuk teknologi hijau. BC yang dihasilkan dari fermentasi air kelapa dikenal dengan nama nata de coco. Nata de coco memiliki beberapa sifat yang unggul antara lain kemurnian yang tinggi, kristalinitas yang tinggi, stabilitas kimia yang tinggi, tahan panas, kapasitas penyimpanan air yang baik, sifat mekanik, dan biokompabilitas yang baik. Sifat unik dari BC memungkinkan aplikasinya sebagai bahan penyangga dan penstabil perak nanopartikel dalam bentuk komposit. Sintesa komposit perak nanopartikel dalam selulosa bakterial dapat dilakukan dengan metode yang ramah lingkungan. Pada penelitian ini BC diproduksi dari fermentasi limbah air kelapa oleh bakteri Acetobacter xylinum. BC yang dihasilkan diteliti karakteristiknya antara lain tebal, Water Retention Capacity (WRC), kandungan selulosa, yield, dan sifat swelling. Selain itu, BC yang dihasilkan diuji sebagai bahan penyangga dan penstabil pembentukan perak nanopartikel. Keberadaan perak nano partikel di dalam struktur BC dianalisa dengan Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) dan Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Hasil analisa menunjukkan bahwa kandungan perak adalah 22,20% di dalam struktur BC dengan waktu fermentasi 3 hari, dan 15,52% di BC dengan waktu fermentasi 5 hari.
Satellite-based analysis of climate oscillations: Implications for precipitation in an arid watershed in Mexico
Authors: Guevara-Polo David Eduardo , Patiño-Gómez Carlos , Montero-Martinez Martín José , Mijares-Fajardo Regina
Published: January 2025

Climate oscillations are known to have an important influence on weather patterns across the world. While the impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been well documented, there is a scarcity of studies examining the effects of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). This study uses satellite data to confirm that ENSO significantly influences precipitation in the Nazas-Aguanaval watershed from October to March, as evidenced by Spearman correlation coefficients. In contrast, the PDO influence is registered during specific months (January, March, November and December), while AMO impacts precipitations during April-June, November, and December. These results were corroborated using ANOVA, reinforcing the influence of ENSO and indicating a limited impact of PDO and AMO on this watershed. Finally, a linear model was developed to estimate monthly precipitation anomalies based on the phase of these three indices for the different sub-basins. Notably, monthly precipitation anomalies ranged between 140% and –78% in dry months. Our results demonstrate the influence of climate oscillations in precipitation in the Nazas-Aguanaval watershed and the usefulness of satellite data for conducting these analyses. Likewise, we set a starting point for investigating the implications of climate oscillation phases for water management and drought disaster prevention.
Positive Evolution of a Child Suffering a Caudal Regression Syndrome and Agenesia Sacra After Treatment with Growth Hormone and Rehabilitation
Authors: Devesa Jesús , Fresco Carla , Devesa Ana , Rodríguez Ana , de Souza Diego
Published: January 2025

Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) is a malformation that occurs during the fetal period and is mainly characterized by incomplete development of the spinal cord (SC), which is often accompanied by other developmental abnormalities. The present study was performed in a 2-month-old boy with CRS, born to a type I diabetic mother, who presented interruption of the SC at L5-L4 level, pelvic dislocation, sacral agenesis, hypoplastic femurs, lack of innervation of the lower limbs (spastic paraplegia) and neurogenic bladder and bowel. Given the positive results we obtained in a previous study in a similar case, this patient was treated with GH (0.04 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week), melatonin (20 mg/day) and rehabilitation. The treatment only lasted 18 months, due to family problems. Blood tests and physical examinations were performed every 3 months initially and then every 6 months. Interestingly, despite GH administration, the child presented low plasma glucose and IGF-I values, which did not increase throughout the treatment, although there was significant growth of the patient also indicated by elevated plasma alkaline phosphatase values. At the end of treatment, the gross motor function test (GMFM)-88 score increased from 0.93 (on admission) to 47.94. Sensory responses appeared in the lower limbs, and the patient was able to move his leg muscles in all directions and control his sphincters. At 10 months after discharge, the patient was able to walk only with the aid of a back walker. GH treatment did not produce any adverse effects. In summary, despite the short duration of treatment, GH plus rehabilitation has been useful in innervating distal areas below the level of the incomplete spinal cord in CRS. GH likely acted on ependymal neural stem cells, as the hormone does on neurogenic niches in the brain, and rehabilitation helped achieve near-full functionality.
Development of a 3D Point Cloud Data Analysis Model Using Mobile Devices
Authors: Jeong YongHo , Noh TaeUk , Lee YongHak , Lee SeonJae , Choi KwangIl , Jeong SuJin , Kim SungHwan
Published: January 2025

In this study, we propose a solution for automatically measuring body circumferences by utilizing the built-in LiDAR sensor in mobile devices. While traditional body measurement methods primarily rely on 2D images or manual measurements, this research leverages 3D depth information to enable more accurate and efficient measurements. By employing HRNet-based keypoint detection and transfer learning through deep learning, the precise locations of body parts are identified and combined with depth maps to automatically calculate body circumferences. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a relative error of up to 8\% for major body parts such as waist, chest, hip, and buttock circumferences, with waist and buttock measurements recording low error rates below 4\%. Although some models showed error rates of 7.8\% and 7.4\% in hip circumference measurements, this was attributed to the complexity of 3D structures and the challenges in selecting keypoint locations. Additionally, the use of depth map-based keypoint correction and regression analysis significantly improved accuracy compared to conventional 2D-based measurement methods. The real-time processing speed was also excellent, ensuring stable performance across various body types.
A bibliometric analysis of Indonesian ethnic food studies
Authors: Wargadalem Farida R. , Nasyaya Annada , Santoso Anang Dwi
Published: January 2025

This study examines the evolution and growth of research on ethnic cuisine in Indonesia over a thirty-year period (1993–2023) using a bibliometric analysis. The findings revealed that research in this field has grown with an average annual expansion of 6.7%. Thematic evolution highlights a shift in focus from the cultural and regional aspects of ethnic cuisine to scientific and nutritional dimensions, such as health benefits, functional foods, and modernized practices. Additionally, this study identifies key trends, including the role of gender and age in shaping food preferences, the contrasts between rural and urban dietary behaviors, and influence of globalization on traditional food systems. A trend of collaborative research was observed, with international partnerships involving nations such as Malaysia, Japan, China, and Canada underscoring the global appeal and relevance of Indonesian ethnic food research. This study highlights the growing interdisciplinary and international nature of research in this field. Recommendations for future studies include exploring diverse perspectives,  and expanding cross-national research to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities in ethnic cuisine studies.
Assessment of food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among street food vendors in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Aziz Nur Amelia Syakira , Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Abdul Hadi Ahmad Hanis Izani
Published: January 2025

Street food in Malaysia is gaining popularity due to its competitive pricing and accessibility for consumers. However, unsanitary methods and processes have raised concerns about foodborne diseases, making it a major food safety concern. This study aims to: 1) investigate the levels of food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among street food vendors; 2) determine the associationbetween demographic characteristics and food safety practices; and 3) investigate the factors influencing food safety practices among these vendors. The study was conducted in the Klang Valley area, and a purposive samplingmethod was used to select 268 street food vendors. Descriptive, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the data. The findings reveal that most street food vendors possess adequate knowledge, favourable attitudes and follow food safety practices. Key factors influencing food safety practices included knowledge, attitudes, education level, type of stall, monthly revenue, food safety training, and typhoid injection. Most notably, monthly revenue emerged as a significant factor, where vendors with higher incomes were more likely to implement good food safety practices. Hence, authorities should offer incentives such as equipment procurement subsidies and microcredit schemes to street food vendors to empower them to overcome financial constraints and invest in necessary practices that ultimately lead to improved food safety standards
Development of Texas’s First Chinese American Community Health Worker Certification for Family Health History-Based Cancer Prevention
Authors: Yeh Yu-Lyu , Zhang Zihan , Martinez Denise , Chen Lei-Shih
Published: January 2025

To address leading health organizations’ calls for public health professionals to adopt family health history (FHH) into their practice, we developed the first community health worker Texas state-certification program focusing on FHH-based cancer prevention for Chinese Americans, for whom cancer is the leading cause of death. The 160-hour program trained 46 Chinese American CHWs to provide FHH-based cancer prevention services for 1129 Chinese Americans. Our program contributes to the establishment of a public health workforce with FHH-based competence and reduces cancer disparities. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(2):138–141. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307895 )
El ciberactivismo de las jóvenes limeñas en Twitter durante las marchas contra el gobierno de Manuel Merino #MerinoNoEsMiPresidente
Authors:   , Saldaña Paucar Katherine Lisbeth
Published: January 2025

Este estudio analiza el ciberactivismo de las mujeres peruanas que protagonizaron la movilización social más grande en el siglo XXI. Se examinan más de 55 mil tuits —del 10 al 15 de noviembre de 2020— de 201 usuarias, y se analizan entrevistas a 10 actores participantes. Los resultados muestran la destacada participación de las mujeres, aunque con menor influencia que los hombres; la inmediatez y alcance de Twitter para el activismo, y la complementariedad entre actividades online y offline. Se concluye que Twitter funcionó como plataforma de interacción social y política para la convocatoria y la organización de la movilización.
Morfología de raíces y conductos de primeros premolares maxilares: un estudio de CBCT en una subpoblación peruana
Authors:   , Yanqui Gomez Juan Salvador
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Es importante tener en cuenta las variaciones en las estructuras relacionadas con la pulpa dental para planificar el manejo más adecuado al tratamiento endodóntico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la morfología de raíces y conductos de primeros premolares maxilares (PPM) mediante tomografía computarizada cone-beam (CBCT). Métodos: Este estudio retrospectivo tuvo una muestra de 392 CBCTs de adultos peruanos seleccionados proporcionalmente por sexo, edad y cuadrante. Un PPM fue seleccionado por individuo para su evaluación por un evaluador calibrado en función del número de raíces y la configuración del conducto según la clasificación de Vertucci (CV) (Kappa de Cohen≥0,834). Las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y Kruskal-Wallis fueron utilizadas a un nivel de significancia de P<0,05. Resultados: La mayoría de PPM presentaron raíces dobles (59,9%) y CV tipo IV (52%). La morfología fue simétrica por cuadrantes (P≥0,05). Una asociación positiva significativa se presentó entre la presencia de raíces dobles y el tipo IV en varones y con mayor edad, mientras que las raíces únicas y el tipo II y I se relacionaron a mujeres y con menor edad (P<0,05). Las raíces dobles se asociaron con VC tipo IV (86%) y las raíces únicas con el tipo III (34%), II (32%) y I (26%) (P=0,000). Conclusiones: Los primeros premolares maxilares de una subpoblación peruana presentaron mayor frecuencia de raíces dobles con dos conductos separados. La morfología de las raíces y los conductos se asoció con la edad y el sexo.
Análisis del conocimiento de temas ambientales y eficacia del módulo de Comunicación Ambiental en alumnos de primer año de secundaria en instituciones del distrito de Barranco
Authors:   , Vicente Hidalgo Vivian Antuanet
Published: January 2025

Aunque es evidente la necesidad apremiante de promover la conciencia ambiental a nivel global y local, es sorprendentemente reducido el conjunto de escuelas, comunidades y entidades gubernamentales que muestran una auténtica preocupación por cambiar esta realidad. En por ello que , el objetivo de esta investigación se orientó a medir el nivel de conocimientos de los estudiantes del nivel de primer año de secundaria, así como la determinación si la aplicación de un módulo de comunicación ambiental, inspirado en las políticas actuales de educación ambientales, con un enfoque interactivo, didáctico, de discusión, intercambio de ideas y similares, puede generar un efecto positivo y significativo a los estudiantes en dimensiones como el conocimiento, actitud y comportamiento ambiental. Siguiendo un enfoque de investigación, se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra de 90 estudiantes y se aplicó el módulo ambiental. Los resultados evidenciaron que los niveles de conocimiento fueron bajos y los estudiantes se encontraban en una etapa de inicio de adquisición de saberes, en esta línea, la aplicación del módulo resultó eficiente y provecho para los estudiantes, incrementando sus conocimientos, reflexionando sobre sus actitudes e incentivando su conducta frente al entorno ambiental.
Estimación de la huella de carbono, utilizando la metodología Greenhouse Gas Protocol y la Norma ISO 14064-1:2018, en la empresa Posada Perú S.A.C. – 2021
Authors:   , Cornelio Yzaguirre Italo Manuel
Published: January 2025

Con el propósito de reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, se ha decidido evaluar la huella de carbono de las empresas. Esto implica la necesidad de hacer un inventario y control de las emisiones durante el proceso productivo. El objetivo de la investigación es medir la huella de carbono y proponer soluciones para disminuir los gases de efecto invernadero emitidos por cada fuente de emisión, en una empresa que proporciona servicios de construcción y explotación de canteras. Se siguió el protocolo de la ISO 14064-1:2018, que establece los requisitos para el diseño, desarrollo y cálculo de inventarios de gases de efecto invernadero. Se encontró que en el año 2021, Posada Perú S.A.C. generó un total de 5 812.02 toneladas de dióxido de carbono equivalente (tCO2 e) en sus actividades, con la categoría 1 representando el 95.06%, la categoría 3 el 4.9%, la categoría 2 el 0.03%, y la categoría 4 el 0.01%. Por ello, las principales acciones a tomar por la empresa es la de implementar fuentes de energía distintas a la de la energía fósil, mejorar los planes de mantenimiento de los equipos que trabajan con hidrocarburos, instalación de paneles solares, entre otros.
WITHDRAWN: Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Water Quality Assessment of Surface Water Resources in Obomkpa, Western Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ekeoma Chinemelu Sandra , Omoleomo Omoirabo
Published: January 2025

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Refactoring the pikromycin synthase for the modular biosynthesis of macrolide antibiotics in E. coli
Authors: Keatinge-Clay Adrian , Miyazawa Takeshi
Published: January 2025

While engineering modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) using the recently updated module boundary has yielded libraries of triketide-pentaketides, this strategy has not yet been applied to the combinatorial biosynthesis of macrolactones or macrolide antibiotics. We developed a 2-plasmid system for the construction and expression of PKSs and employed it to obtain a refactored pikromycin synthase in E. coli that produces 85 mg of narbonolide per liter of culture. The replacement, insertion, deletion, and mutagenesis of modules enabled access to hexaketide, heptaketide, and octaketide derivatives. Supplying enzymes for desosamine biosynthesis and transfer enabled production of narbomycin, pikromycin, YC-17, methymycin, and 6 derivatives thereof. Knocking out pathways competing with desosamine biosynthesis and supplying the editing thioesterase PikAV boosted the titer of narbomycin 55-fold to 37 mgL− 1. The replacement of the 3rd pikromycin module with its 5th yielded a new macrolide antibiotic and demonstrates how libraries of macrolide antibiotics can be readily accessed.
Immunity against conserved and non-conserved Spike epitopes after COVID-19 booster vaccination provides long-term protection against symptomatic Omicron infections
Authors: Pfister Heiko , Uhlig Carsten , Mayer Zsuzsanna , Polatoglou Eleni , Randeu Hannah , Burglechner-Praun Silke , Berchtold Tabea , Sernetz Susanne , Heitzer Felicitas , Strötges-Achatz Andrea , Deml Ludwig , Sander Michaela , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was to investigate the features of immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single cohort during the 6–17 months following booster immunization with an mRNA-based vaccine. The results illustrate the influence of humoral and cellular immunity on the efficacy of the vaccine. Notably, neutralizing antibody titers were found to serve as a reasonably reliable correlate of protection prior to booster immunization. However, this predictive power was largely lost after boosting. The loss appears to be due to the critical remodeling of the humoral immune response following booster immunization. Our findings support the hypothesis that immunity to both conserved and non-conserved epitopes of the viral Spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD) is crucial for optimal long-term protection against Omicron infection. While immunity to conserved epitopes may provide cross-variant protection, antibodies targeting non-conserved RBD epitopes play a pivotal role in achieving maximum protection. These observations highlight the critical role of repeated immunization in shaping the immune response landscape and reinforce the necessity of considering both humoral and cellular immune components, alongside intended use considerations, when assessing vaccine efficacy and developing future immunization strategies.
Utilization of Insecticide Treated Net and Indoor Residual Spray Among A Subset of Nigerians In The Prevention of Malaria Infection
Authors: Aika Isabel Naomi , Ejimadu Charity Obioma , Williams Felicia Esemekiphoraro
Published: January 2025

Background: Malaria remains a health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa despite effective control measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual sprays (IRS). This study assessed the use of ITNs and IRS in the prevention of malaria among a subset of Nigerians.
MethodsThis was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among clients visiting community pharmacies in five local government areas in Benin City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive data analysis was conducted.
Results: Of the 500 participants, 216 (43.2%) reported that they have an insecticide treated net currently, while only 121 (24.2%) have used in the past week. However, 124 (24.8%) of them used non-ITN. About half [267 (53.4%)] of the respondents currently have IRS but only 243 (49%) of them used it within the month of data collection. Barriers to use of ITN includes difficulty in setting it up [266 (53.6%)], hot weather [298 (59.2%)], lack of space in the apartment [265 (53%)] and cost implication [224 (45.1%)]. Some hindrances to the use of IRS are unpleasant smell [196(39.2)], cost consideration [248 (52.6%)], and non-effectiveness 210 (42%). These barriers can be addressed using multi-sectorial approaches.
Conclusion: The utilization of ITNs and IRS among this study population is low. There is need to increase public awareness on malaria prevention, preventive strategies and subsidization of these strategies to increase utilization.
Self-Supervised Model-Informed Deep Learning for Low-SNR SS-OCT Domain Transformation
Authors: Rakhshani Sajed , Tajmirriahi Mahnoosh , Sedighin Farnaz , Rabbani Hossein , Arbab Amirali , Habibi Aref , Pourazizi Mohsen
Published: January 2025

This article introduces a novel deep-learning based framework, Super-resolution/Denosing network (SDNet), for simultaneous denoising and super-resolution of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images. The novelty of this work lies in the hybrid integration of data-driven deep-learning with a model-informed noise representation, specifically designed to address the very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low-resolution challenges in SS-OCT imaging. SDNet introduces a two-step training process, leveraging noise-free OCT references to simulate low-SNR conditions. In the first step, the network learns to enhance noisy images by combining denoising and super-resolution within noise-corrupted reference domain. To refine its performance, the second step incorporates Principle Component Analysis (PCA) as self-supervised denoising strategy, eliminating the need for ground-truth noisy image data. This unique approach enhances SDNet’s adaptability and clinical relevance. A key advantage of SDNet is its ability to balance contrast-texture by adjusting the weights of the two training steps, offering clinicians flexibility for specific dagnostic needs. Experimental results across diverse datasets demonstrate that SDNet surpasses traditional model-based and data-driven methods in computational efficiency, noise reduction, and structural fidelity. The framework excels in improving both image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, SDNet shows promising adaptability for analyzing low-resolution, low-SNR OCT images, such as those from patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This study establishes SDNet as a robust, efficient, and clinically adaptable solution for OCT image enhancement addressing critical limitations in contemporary imaging workflows.
Hispanic Border State Emigration Response to Stricter Immigration Control
Authors: Escalante Cesar , Luo Tianyuan
Published: January 2025

This study draws upon assertions that Arizona’s stringent state immigration law has created a hostile social environment for Hispanics due to the law’s unintended racial profiling consequences that have serious spillover effects affecting even documented immigrants and American-born citizens of Hispanic ethnicity. Recent evidence indicates the law’s serious repercussions on the mental and physical health conditions especially among the state’s Hispanic adolescents. This study determines whether in the face of such adverse social environment, affected Hispanic families have considered relocation and migration to its contiguous neighboring states. The border state emigration argument is explored as a logical alternative due proximity and relatively more lenient immigration environment considerations. We employed differences-in-difference and synthetic control method analytical techniques to discern Hispanics’ migration trends leaving Arizona to move into bordering, contiguous states. This study’s findings indicate the lack of significant migratory response of Hispanics in Arizona, thereby suggesting that noncitizen Hispanics instead choose to remain in the state as those with legal residence status assert their immigration residential rights. Given such compelling evidence, policy attention should then be geared towards more significant damage control efforts, perhaps by redirecting resources to launch effective, efficient mechanisms to alleviate Hispanics’ mental and physical health issues.
Multi-Omics Analysis Delineates Molecular Signatures of Spinal Ependymal Tumor
Authors: Liu Weihao , Ning Chao , Geng Xiaohan , Wang Bo , Zhang Yaowu , Wang Chong , Liu Yixiang , Zheng Guanghao , Wang Yongzhi , Wang Xinyu , Li Dong , Jia Wenqing
Published: January 2025

Spinal ependymal tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms encompassing three subtypes: spinal ependymoma (SP-EPN), spinal myxopapillary ependymoma (SP-MPE), and spinal subependymoma (SP-SE). However, the molecular differences among these subtypes remain largely unknown. Here, we identified the distinct molecular characteristics of each subtype through a multi-omics analysis. In grade-2 SP-EPN, abnormal enrichment of ciliary signaling, particularly involving the MKS complex and Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, was evident, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. SP-MPE exhibited significant dysregulation of mitochondrial metabolism, reflecting a metabolic profile aligned with the Warburg effect. SP-SE tumors showed enhanced activity of immune-related pathways, including interferon signaling and extracellular vesicle dynamics, suggesting a distinct tumor microenvironment. This study underscores the molecular diversity of spinal ependymal tumors, offering novel insights into their pathobiology, and highlighting promising therapeutic avenues tailored to each subtype.
The Multifaceted Interplay Between COVID-19-Induced Psychological Stress, Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional Overeating, and Physical Activity Patterns in Adult Women: A Mediated Path Analysis
Authors: Naddafha Siavash , Shanahad Robabeh , Sangari Mandana , Eskandari Zohreh , Taber Christopher B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study investigated the impact of COVID-19-related stress on food consumption and emotional overeating in adult women, with cognitive flexibility and physical activity as mediating factors.
Methods
A descriptive-analytical, correlational, and applied research design was employed. The study population included adult women aged 20–50 in an urban area. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 300 was determined. Data were collected using validated tools: COVID Stress Scale (CSS-18(2021), AEBQ(2016),SREBQ), Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA). Chi-square tests and Spearman's correlation were applied at a significant level of p = 0.05.
Results
COVID-19-related stress significantly reduced cognitive flexibility (p < 0.001) and negatively impacted physical activity (p = 0.005). No significant associations were found with emotional overeating (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Increased stress negatively affected cognitive flexibility and physical activity in adult women, highlighting the need for interventions to enhance resilience and promote healthier behaviors.
The Role of Glycerol in Modulating Ionic Transport and Electrochemical Performance of PEO:NaCl Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Aziz Shujahadeen Bakr , Rasul Hazhar Hamad , Mohammed Safar Saeed , Muhammed Abubakr Wsu , Mahmood Peshawa H. , Omar Sleman Yousif , Hamid Dlshad Aziz , Salih Ibrahim Luqman , Babakr Karukh Ali , Qader Ibrahim Nazem , Ibrahim Pshdar Ahmed , Omer Rebaz Anwar , Rahman Ari Ahmed Abdul , Hamad Samir Mustafa , Aspoukeh Peyman , Hussein Sarbast Mamnd
Published: January 2025

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising alternatives to liquid electrolytes, offering stability and versatility. However, low ionic conductivity remains a challenge, which can be addressed through strategies such as salt incorporation and plasticizer optimization. This study aims to enhance PEO-NaCl-based polymer electrolyte films by adding glycerol to modify crystallinity and improve electrical properties. Characterization included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties as a function of plasticizer content. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in the electrochemical and dielectric properties of PEO-NaCl polymer electrolytes with increasing glycerol content. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a marked improvement in DC conductivity, increasing from 1.38 × 10− 8 S/cm for the glycerol-free sample to 1.74 × 10− 4 S/cm at 32% glycerol concentration, attributed to reduced bulk resistance and enhanced ion mobility. Glycerol also improves the dielectric properties of PEO-NaCl electrolytes by increasing polarizability, enhancing ion motion, and reducing ion aggregation, which leads to better ionic conductivity and energy dissipation. Additionally, the relaxation dynamics improved, as evidenced by sharper and higher dielectric loss tangent peaks (tanδ) with glycerol addition. The findings confirm that glycerol effectively reduces polymer rigidity, boosts ionic mobility, and improves conductivity, positioning it as a promising plasticizer for solid-state electrolytes.
Predicting Air Quality Index in Accra using Machine Learning
Authors: Moore Stephen Edward , Antwi Aaron P. , Onyame Eric , Houénafa Sianou E.
Published: January 2025

Air quality is a significant public health issue, and accurate predictions of the Air Quality Index (AQI) are crucial for timely interventions. This study explores the use of supervised machine learning algorithms to forecast AQI across different neighborhoods in Accra, Ghana. Six models including Random Forest , CatBoost, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Linear Regression, Ridge and Lasso Regressions, were evaluated. Data from the Breathe Accra platform, encompassing pollutants and weather conditions in five neighborhoods, were preprocessed through data cleaning, feature selection, and normalization. Model performance was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). While the initial performance of the models was less satisfactory, the incorporation of wavelet transform preprocessing significantly enhanced the results. This improvement was particularly notable for the area of Korle Bu, where the CatBoost model's R2 increased from 0.32 to 0.58, RMSE decreased from 29.03 to 22.79, and MAE dropped from 22.11 to 17.01. On average, all models except SVR performed well across all areas, as evidenced by the evaluation metrics. These findings have direct implications for enhancing air quality management and policymaking in the city of Accra, where accurate AQI predictions are vital for effective public health interventions and environmental planning.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF OSTEOGENIC APATITE-POLYMER BIOMATERIALS FUNCTIONALIZED WITH PHYTOCOMPOUNDS
Authors: Bozhko Nataliia , Sukhodub Liudmila , Kumeda Mariia , Sichnenko Pavlo , Sukhodub Leonid
Published: January 2025

Background. Innovative methods of regenerating damaged bone involve the use of new materials with incorporated biologically active molecules, stem cells, carbon and metal nanoparticles. Ceramics based on calcium orthophosphates are an alternative to native bone tissue, and their modification with nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the properties and functionality of composites is a new trend in the science of biomaterials. The known toxic effect of NPs on the human body by provoking oxidative stress through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an excessive amount of which causes DNA damage and death of surrounding cells requires the search for effective antioxidants for biomaterials.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted to review the literature on the use of biologically active compounds of plant origin, characterized by high antioxidant activity and osteoconductive properties, in biomedical engineering.
Results. To accelerate implant osseointegration, it is important to protect bone cells from oxidative stress, which increases inflammation and can lead to implant rejection. The use of antioxidants, namely polyphenolic compounds, can improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials and increase their antioxidant properties. The review provides data on the use of such biologically active phytocompounds as extracts of medicinal plants (Fructus chebulae, Aloe vera, Camelia sinensis, Salvia officinalis), naringin, quercetin, kaempferol, resveratrol, catechins. By functionalizing biomaterials, the appropriate concentration of bioactive compounds in the implantation zone is maintained, and their release is controlled, which contributes to the neutralization of ROS, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells with osteogenic potential, the activity of osteoclasts is suppressed, and various signaling pathways are regulated.
Conclusions. The analysis of literature sources has shown that polyphenolic compounds are promising phytocompounds used in the synthesis of innovative osteogenic biocomposite materials. The combination of polyphenols with various materials improves the biocompatibility, antioxidant properties, osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity of biomaterials. The ability of plant polyphenols to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration, including bone, makes them promising compounds in biomolecular engineering.
Kritička i an-arhička racionalnost
Authors: Maraš Srđan
Published: January 2025

U članku se pokušavaju naznačiti ključne sličnosti i razlike između Kantova modernog i Lévinasova postmodernog mišljenja na ontološkom, etičkom i estetičkom planu. Pri tome se u analizi i usporedbi polazi od dvaju osnovnih tipova racionalnosti s kojima se ovdje susrećemo: kritičkom i an-arhičkom racionalnošću. Usprkos određenim nezanemarivim sličnostima što se pokazuju u ovim oblicima racionalnosti, zaključak ipak nužno vodi u pravcu isticanja njihovih bitnih razlika, koje se naposljetku na odlučujućim mjestima pokazuju nezaobilaznim i neprekoračivim.
Netolerancija na neizvjesnost i socijalna podrška kao prediktori depresivnosti kod oboljelih od zatajenja srca
Authors: Đurić Katja , Pokrajac-Bulian Alessandra , Zaninović Jurjević Teodora , Dvornik Štefica , Vodopija-Krstanović Irena , Ružić Alen
Published: January 2025

Cilj je provedenoga istraživanja bio provjeriti prediktore depresivnosti kod pacijenata oboljelih od različitih kardiovaskularnih bolesti. Ispitana je uloga pripadnosti skupini pacijenata (bolničkoj ili ambulantnoj), netolerancije na neizvjesnost te socijalne podrške u objašnjenju izraženosti depresivnih simptoma. Također je provjeren i medijacijski učinak percipirane socijalne podrške u odnosu između skupine ambulantnih i bolničkih pacijenata te depresivnosti. Bolnički je uzorak činilo 74 pacijenata s akutizacijom srčanog zatajenja, od kojih 56 muškaraca i 18 žena u dobi od 39 do 89 godina, a ambulantni je uzorak činilo 74 pacijenata s kardiovaskularnim bolestima bez znakova akutizacije zatajenja srca, od kojih 36 muškaraca i 38 žena u dobi od 27 do 80 godina. Obje su skupine ispunjavale Upitnik o zdravlju pacijenata koji ispituje depresivnost, Upitnik netolerancije na neizvjesnost te ENRICHD upitnik socijalne podrške. Rezultati su pokazali da je bolnička skupina pacijenata imala značajno višu razinu depresivnosti i značajno nižu razinu percipirane socijalne podrške u odnosu na ambulantnu skupinu pacijenata. Skupina bolničkih pacijenata, s povišenom inhibitornom i prospektivnom netolerancijom na neizvjesnost te percepcijom manje socijalne podrške pokazala je više razine depresivnosti. Percipirana socijalna podrška pokazala se djelomičnim medijatorom u odnosu između pripadnosti bolničkoj skupini pacijenata i depresivnosti. Rezultati upućuju na to da se prilikom tretmana srčanih bolesti, posebice sindroma zatajenja srca, treba ispitati i psihičko funkcioniranje pacijenata kako bi im se mogla pružiti sveobuhvatna zdravstvena i psihološka pomoć.
Enhancement of stability of metastable states in the presence of Lévy noise
Authors: Dubkov Alexander A. , Guarcello Claudio , Spagnolo Bernardo
Published: January 2025

The barrier-crossing event for superdiffusion characterized by symmetric Lévy flights is analyzed. Starting from the fractional Fokker-Planck equation, we derive an integro-differential equation along with the necessary conditions to calculate the mean residence time of a particle within a fixed interval. We consider an arbitrary smooth potential profile, particularly metastable, with a sink and Lévy noise characterized by both an arbitrary index \alphaα and arbitrary noise intensity parameter. For the specific case of Lévy flights with an index \alpha = 1α=1 and a cubic metastable potential, a closed expression for the mean residence time is obtained in quadratures. The analytical results reveal an enhancement of the mean residence time in the metastable state due to the influence of Lévy noise.
PERCEPTIONS OF MASCULINITY AND BODY IMAGE IN MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER AFTER ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION
Authors: Chraa F.Z. , Laraichi R. , Ezzouitina C. , Nouni K. , Lachgar A. , El Kacemi H. , Kebdani T. , Hassouni K.
Published: January 2025

Objective of the Study: The objective of this study is to evaluate the side effects related to body image in men undergoing anti-androgenic treatment.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted over a six-month period between January and June 2023, including 150 patients followed for prostate cancer and still under anti-androgenic hormone therapy, with post-therapeutic monitoring consultations every three months. We asked the patients to report all side effects related to body image and to rate each effect on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being no discomfort and 10 being extreme discomfort. Correlations were analyzed using Pearsons correlation coefficient.

Results: The age of the patients ranged from 49 to 75 years, with a median age of 68 years. The diagnosis of high-risk prostate cancer was made in all patients based on PSA levels, histopathological study, and/or clinical and radiological TNM classification. Hormone therapy (Triptorelin 11.25 mg or Goserelin 10.8 mg every three months) was started six months prior as neoadjuvant to local radiotherapy. The total duration of hormone therapy was 2 years for all patients. Seventeen patients, or 11.33%, reported the occurrence of gynecomastia between 8 and 14 months after the start of hormone therapy, with an average discomfort of 5.9/10. Sixty-five patients, or 43.33%, noted weight gain starting from the 6th month of hormone therapy, with an average discomfort of 6.3/10. Fifty patients, or 33.33%, reported a reduction in penis size, with an average discomfort of 9.5/10. All patients were informed about these side effects before starting treatment. None of the patients received any medical or other treatment besides the ongoing hormone therapy. The reduction in penis size was correlated with the discomfort felt. No other significant correlation was found.

Conclusion: Managing the side effects of hormone therapy is crucial to improving the quality of life for patients and optimizing therapeutic adherence. It is essential to inform these men about these potential effects, especially since there is no treatment available to mitigate some of these effects.
DETECTION OF DISEASES ON BANANAS (MUSA SP.) USING IMAGE PROCESSING AND MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors:   Faculty of Computing. Engineering and Technology, Davao Oriental State University, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines., Almosura Lasco Cindy , U. Beltran Harrold ,   College of Computer Studies, University of Immaculate Conception, Davao City, Philippines.
Published: January 2025

Bananas, whose demand is very high in the global market, are considered one of the best agricultural export products in the Philippines - a country where agriculture plays a significant role in economic development. However, diseases in bananas have caused significant losses to farmers over the years due to low yields, as it significantly affects the growth and quality of the fruits. To solve the problem, studies have shown that early detection of diseases in bananas is essential for the local farmers to determine a cost-effective control measure to perform which helps reduce the infestation, if not eradicate it. Since image processing has proven to be an effective tool for classification and analysis, it was used as the focus of the study. A total of 3000 images of common banana diseases, divided into training, validation, and testing datasets, and whose symptoms are mostly found on the leaves, were collected, preprocessed, and loaded into the four (4) pre-trained convolutional neural network model architectures namely, VGG19, InceptionV3, ResNet50 and EfficientNet which adopted the same optimization and model parameters. To determine the model with the best performance when used in a test dataset, accuracy results and the confusion matrix and classification report were utilized as performance evaluation metrics. The results have shown that among the identified model architectures, the EfficientNet model obtained the highest accuracy of 91%.
INCIDENCE DES ACTIVITES ANTHROPIQUES SUR LA QUALITE PHYSICO-CHIMIQUE DES EAUX DE LA RIVIERE KOU AU BURKINA FASO
Authors:   Centre National de la recherche Scientifique et Technologique /Institut de lEnvironnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA/CNRST), Laboratoire Sol-Eau-Plante, BP 910, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso., Alain P.K. Gomgnimbou , Osee W. Ouedraogo ,   Ecole nationale des eaux et forets/Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso., Basirou Dembele ,   Centre National de la recherche Scientifique et Technologique /Institut de lEnvironnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA/CNRST), Laboratoire Sol-Eau-Plante, BP 910, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso., A.S. Raoul Sawadoo ,   Ministere de lEnvironnement, de leau et de lAssainissement, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Published: January 2025

La ressource en eau est si importante si bien que des actions de surveillance sa qualite pour assurer la protection de la sante publique et des ecosystemes doivent etre observees. Cette etude a pour objectif de contribuer a une meilleure connaissance de la qualite de leau de la riviere Kou sous la pression des activites agricoles. Ainsi, des prelevements dechantillons deau en periode de cru (juillet-Aout), en fonction de cinq (05) villages bordant la riviere ont ete analyses. La teneur en ammonium, en nitrates (NO3-), en nitrites (NO2-), en ortho phosphates (PO43-), la conductivite electrique, le pH et la temperature sont les parametres mesures. Les resultats des analyses des echantillons deau dans les cinq villages donnent les valeurs moyennes suivantes : 0,37 mg/l pour lammonium, 72,6 Î¼S/cm pour la conductivite electrique, 0,67 mg/l pour les nitrates, 0,021 mg/l pour les nitrites, 0,13 mg/l pour les ortho phosphates, 7,05 pour le pH et 25,9Â°C pour la temperature. Il ressort de cette etude que la qualite physico-chimique minerale de leau de la riviere Kou est relativement bonne. Neanmoins des mesures doivent etre prises pour une gestion durable de cette ressource au regard des conditions dutilisation des intrants chimiques. Linstitution dun suivi regulier de la qualite de leau de la riviere pourrait contribuer a la preservation de cette ressource.