bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital workflow in implant-supported prostheses: deformation analysis of milled frameworks
Authors: de Figueiredo Elisa Zancanaro , Dinato Thiago Revillion , Dinato José Cícero , Grossi Márcio Lima
Published: March 2023

The use of digital technology is increasing rapidly in modern dentistry. However, there is still not enough data in the literature regarding the manufacture of milled frameworks on implant-supported prosthesis.
Purpose: To assess the stress caused on dental implants by milled frameworks of different sizes made through digital workflow and to compare two types of scanners.
Methods: An edentulous model of a maxilla was created through 3D printing, where six equidistant implants were installed with a 50Ncm torque. Over each implant was installed a 5.5mm mini conical abutment with a 32Ncm torque. Over these abutments, two types of scanning were performed: intraoral scanners (IOS) and laboratory scanners (LS), from which each framework was designed and milled from titanium discs. These frameworks were made over two, four and six implants, simulating different clinical situations. To analyze the deformation, two strain gages were attached to the abutment surfaces, on the buccal and mesial surfaces. Results were analyzed using a paired Student’s t-test, with significance level of 0.005. The passivity was evaluated by an experienced operator.
Results: LS scanners had the lowest deformation, when compared to the IOS. The greater the distance between the implants, the higher the deformation. In frameworks on 4 implants, the deformation was greater, as it was the distance between the implants. The groups on 2 implants showed the least strain (p < 0.005). All frameworks were considered passive, as they all fit the passivity criteria.
Conclusions: All scanning techniques reported are reliable. The milled frameworks are passive and accurate, with very little deformation, and they can be safely supported by implants, without bone resorption.
Evolution and Resilience of agri-food trade network
Authors: Clemente Gian Paolo , Cornaro Alessandra , Corte Francesco Della
Published: March 2023

In the complex global food system, the dynamics associated to international food trade became key determinants of foodsecurity. In this paper, we combine a community detection approach with a supervised learning technique in order to describeboth the evolution and the resilience of agri-food trade network. Using a large amount of data, we detect similarities betweencountries and we identify the main drivers that affect trade dynamics over time. The analysis is completed also including thevariability on food production and trading due to the climate conditions’ evolution. Results emphasize how the topologicalstructure of the network is evolving over time and how it is modifying the clusters composition. Interestingly, we identifysustainability, climate and food nutrition aspects between the emerging factors in the explanation of trade relationships.
Exploring the State of Health of Electric Vehicle Batteries at End of Use; Hierarchical Waste Flow Analysis to determine the Recycling and Reuse Potential
Authors: Fallah Narjes , Fitzpatrick Colin
Published: March 2023

With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, their end-of-life management is a timely matter. This requires recognizing the upcoming volume of retired electric-vehicle-batteries to the waste stream. The projection is further useful if we have an estimation of the remaining value within them to categorize the recycling or repurposing potential to allow appropriate policy development and facility planning. This qualification assessment is neglected in the current literature. This study aims to provide a hierarchical battery waste estimation based on their health and age of disposal in Ireland. These two factors are the fundamental parameters in determining the feasibility of repurposing or recycling retired batteries. Identifying this information, we defined three reuse scenarios with different state-of-health limits. Results indicate almost 50%, 30%, and below 10% repurposing potential in the year 2050 when setting a repurposing threshold of above 80%, 85%, and 90%, respectively. The authors also highlight the effect of non-regional repurposing on the recycling potential.
WITHDRAWN: A Study on the Government's Investment Priorities for Building a Supercomputer Joint Utilization System
Authors: shim hyungwook , Hahm Jaegyoon
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Korean government's investment priorities for the establishment of a supercomputer joint utilization system using AHP. The AHP model was designed as a two-layered structure consisting of two areas of sector-specialized infrastructure, one-stop joint utilization system service, and four evaluation items for detailed tasks. For the weight of each evaluation item, a cost efficiency index considering the annual budget of the evaluation item was developed for the first time and applied to the weight calculation process. AHP analysis conducted a survey targeting supercomputer experts and derived priorities with 22 data that had completed reliability verification. As a result of the analysis, the government's investment priority was high in the order of dividing infrastructure for each specialized center and building resources for specialized centers in stages. In the future, it is believed that the analysis results will be used to select economical promotion plans and prepare strategies for the establishment of the government's supercomputer joint utilization system.
Asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections in sugar cane and rice development areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Hallelujah , Demissew Assalif , Abossie Ashenafi , Habtamu Kassahun , Wang Xiaoming , Zhong Daibin , Zhou Guofa , Lee Ming-Chieh , Hemming-Schroeder Elizabeth , Bradley Lauren , Degefa Teshome , Hawaria Dawit , Tsegaye Arega , Kazura James W. , Koepfli Cristian , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: March 2023

Background Water resource development projects such as dams and irrigation schemes have a positive impact on food security and poverty reduction but might result in increased prevalence of malaria. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the dry and wet seasons in irrigated and non-irrigated clusters of Arjo sugarcane and Gambella rice development areas of Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 4464 and 2176 blood samples were collected from Arjo and Gambella. A subset of 2244 microscopy negative blood samples were analyzed by PCR. Results Prevalence by microscopy was 2.0% (88/4464) in Arjo and 6.1% (133/2176) in Gambella. In Gambella, prevalence was significantly higher in irrigated clusters (10.4% vs 3.6%) than in non-irrigated clusters (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in Arjo (2.0% vs 2.0%;p = 0.993). Level of education was an individual risk factors associated with infection in Arjo [AOR: 3.2; 95%CI (1.27–8.16)] and in Gambella [AOR: 1.7; 95%CI (1.06–2.82)]. While duration of stay in the area for < 6 months [AOR: 4.7; 95%CI (1.84–12.15)] and being a migrant worker [AOR: 4.7; 95%CI (3.01–7.17)] were risk factors in Gambella. Season [AOR: 15.9; 95%CI (6.01–42.04)], no ITN utilization [AOR: 22.3; 95%CI (7.74–64.34)] were risk factors in Arjo, and irrigation [AOR: 2.4; 95%CI (1.45–4.07)] and family size [AOR: 2.3; 95%CI (1.30–4.09)] risk factors in Gambella. Of the 1713 and 531 randomly selected smear negative samples from Arjo and Gambella and analyzed by PCR the presence ofPlasmodiuminfection was 1.2% and 12.8%, respectively.P. falciparum, P. vivax, andP. ovalewere identified by PCR in both sites. Conclusion Strengthening malaria surveillance and control in project development areas and proper health education for at-risk groups residing or working in such development corridors is needed.
Erosion of the capital city advantage in child survival and reproductive, maternal, newborn and child Health intervention coverage in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Amouzou Agbessi , Melesse Dessalegn Y. , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Ferreira Leonardo Z. , Jiwani Safia S. , Kassegne Sethson , Maïga Abdoulaye , Faye Cheikh M. , Ca Tome , Boerma Ties
Published: March 2023

The place of residence is a major determinant of RMNCH outcomes, with rural areas often lagging in sub-Saharan Africa. This long-held pattern may be changing given differential progress across areas and increasing urbanization. We assessed inequalities in child mortality and RMNCH coverage across capital cities, other urban and rural areas. We analyzed mortality data from 162 DHS and MICS in 39 countries with the most recent survey conducted between 1990 and 2020, and RMNCH coverage data from 39 countries. We assessed inequality trends in neonatal and under-five mortality and in RMNCH coverage using multilevel linear regression models. Under-five mortality and RMNCH service coverage inequalities by place of residence have reduced substantially in sub-Saharan Africa, with rural areas experiencing faster progress than other areas. The absolute gap in child mortality between rural areas and capital cities, and that between rural and other urban areas reduced respectively from 41 and 26 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000 to 23 and 15 by 2015. Capital cities are losing their primacy in child survival and RMNCH coverage over other urban areas and rural areas, especially in Eastern Africa where under-five mortality gap between capital cities and rural areas closed almost completely by 2015. While child mortality and RMNCH coverage inequalities are closing rapidly by place of residence; slow trends in capital cities and urban areas suggest gradual erosion of capital city and urban health advantage. Monitoring child mortality and RMNCH coverage trends in urban areas, especially among the urban poor, and addressing factors of within urban inequalities are urgently needed.
Impact of delivery time factor on treatment time and plan quality in tomotherapy
Authors: Yagihashi Takayuki , Inoue Tatsuya , Shiba Shintaro , Yamano Akihiro , Minagawa Yumiko , Omura Motoko , Inoue Kazumasa , Nagata Hironori
Published: March 2023

Background
The delivery time factor (DTF) is a new parameter introduced by the RayStation treatment planning system for tomotherapy treatment planning. This study investigated the effects of this factor on various tomotherapy plans.
Methods
Overall, 25 patients with cancer (head and neck, 6; lung, 9; prostate, 10) were enrolled in this study. For these patients, helical tomotherapy plans with a field width of 2.5 cm, pitch of 0.287, and DTF of 2.0 were created. All the initial plans were recalculated by changing the DTF parameter from 1.0 to 3.0 in increments of 0.1 (21 plans per patient). For each plan, we calculated the following evaluation indices: the treatment time, modulation factor, conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), and doses to critical organs at risk (OARs). For every index, the values normalized by the corresponding values with a DTF of 1.0 were plotted, and fitted curves with polynomial functions were created as a function of the DTF. These curves were used to evaluate the impact of the DTF on both delivery efficiency and plan quality.
Results
Treatment time and modulation factor increased monotonically with increasing DTF. Increasing the DTF by 0.1 resulted in an increase in the treatment time and modulation factor by almost 10%. This relationship was similar for all treatment sites. An increase in DTF was found to improve CI, HI, and OAR doses compared to plans with a DTF of 1.0, except for the CI in the lung cancer case. However, the improvement in most indices ceased at a certain DTF; nevertheless, treatment time continued to increase in accordance with an increase in DTF.
Conclusions
DTF is a critical parameter for improving the quality of tomotherapy plans; however, increase of this factor above a certain level leads to an unnecessary increase in treatment time and deterioration of plan quality.
Trial registration:
None.
Spatial Assessment of Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model, Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of Mellegue Watershed, Algeria- Tunisia
Authors: Weslati Okba , Serbaji Mohamed-Moncef
Published: March 2023

Soil erosion is an important global phenomenon that can cause many impacts, like shape and hydrology alteration, land degradation, and landslides. Moreover, soil loss has a significant effect on agricultural production by removing most valuable and productive top soil’s profile, leading to reduction in yields which requires high production budget. Soil erosion impact has been intensified by the magnification of global warning and drought, especially in north African regions, such as Tunisia and Algeria, where arid climate is the dominant weather on these regions. In addition, these regions are suffering from soil erosion by water which had cost a serious soil loss regionally and globally. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare soil losses, between 2002 and 2020, of the catchment of Mellegue which is a large cross-border basin commonly shared between Tunisian-Algerian countries. Soil erosion risk was assessed and mapped via the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). It requires diverse factors that are integrated in the erosion process such are topography, soil erodibility, rainfall erosivity, anti-erosion cultivation practice and vegetation cover. The computation of the various equation factors was applied in a GIS environment, using ArcGIS desktop 10.4. The results shows that the catchment has undergone significant soil water erosion where it exhibits the appearance of approximate 14000 new areas vulnerable to erosion by water in 2020 compared to 2002. Average erosion risk has also increased from 1.58 t/ha/year in 2002 to 1.78 in 2020 leading to an increase in total estimated soil loss by reaching 54000 t/ha in 2020 compared to around 25500 t/ha in 2002. Mapps of erosion risk shows that highly eroded areas are more frequent in downstream of the basin. These maps can be helpful for decision-makers to make better sustainable management plan and for land use preservation.
Ciprofloxacin interferes with collagen I/II and matrix metalloproteinase synthesis
Authors: Yu Ran , Li Ye , Jin Lihua
Published: March 2023

Background Fluoroquinolones are a wide-spectrum synthetic antibiotic that increases the risk of tendon rupture and has undesirable side-effects on collagen synthesis. Fibroblasts are the predominant cells that produce collagen. Objective This study therefore used human fibroblasts to investigate the effects of ciprofloxacin on their extracellular matrix and collagen metabolism. Result We found that low ciprofloxacin concentrations improved cell culture conditions. However, high ciprofloxacin concentrations, exerted a negative effect on cell proliferation and collagen type I/II formation. Conclusion Ciprofloxacin significantly decreased the collagen I to collagen II ratio through lowering collagen I concentration, which could be the mechanism underlying the drug’s effects on tendon injury. Ciprofloxacin also upregulates MMP9 expression, potentially leading to fibrosis. In conclusion, it demonstrated that high ciprofloxacin concentrations exerted cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, specifically through inhibiting collagen I synthesis and upregulating MMP9 expression, which alter extracellular matrix homeostasis and likely play a key role in tendon injury.
Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm for Power-Efficient and High-Speed applications
Authors: T Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2023

To implement Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm that is efficient in terms of its speed, area and power consumption is the major objective of this paper. In the four stages of AES operation, SubByte stage consumes more area, time and power on comparing with the other stages. To design an efficient AES, it is necessary to design an efficient SubByte stage for AES encryption and decryption process. In this research, a modified version of the SubByte stage is proposed and the results are compared with the SubByte stage proposed by Rijndael. Propagation delay, Area and Power Consumption of the proposed architecture are calculated in this research article. This proposed AES structure is implemented in FPGAs Virtex 6 and Spartan 6. Implementation result shows the improvement in Speed, Area and Power Consumption of the proposed architecture than the conventional architecture.
Effects of predation tags on growth and stress response in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Millsap Emma K. , Huysman Nathan , Gravenhof Dylan A. , Fincel Mark J. , Barnes Michael E.
Published: March 2023

Background
Acid-sensitive predation tags have recently been introduced to fisheries management. These predation tags are designed to help eliminate the observation bias of seeing a moving tag and assuming that it is the original fish. Because of the impact of tagging data on fisheries management decisions, and the labor and cost associated with tagging, it is essential that the behavior, growth, and physiology of tagged fish be similar to that of untagged conspecifics. Thus, the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of these tags on juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss physiology and growth after implantation. Twenty approximately 13 g rainbow trout were placed into each of five tanks, with ten surgically implanted with dummy acid-sensitive predation tags and 10 control fish not subjected to surgical procedures. Glucose, hematocrit, tag-retention, survival, and growth metrics were collected for 30 days post-surgery.
Results
Four tagged fish died while no control fish died. Tag retention was 76%, with tags lost in week 2, 3, and 4. Control fish were significantly longer and gained significantly more weight at the end of the experiment. Hematocrit levels for the tagged fish dropped significantly over the course of the trial and were 30% lower than the untagged control fish at the end of 30 days. Glucose levels were highly variable for both treatments.
Conclusions
The results of this study indicate the negative impacts of predation tagging on the physiology of juvenile rainbow trout. Of particular concern was the long-term anemia experienced by the tagged fish. Results from predation field trials should be interpreted with caution because the tagged fish are likely at a competitive disadvantage compared to their untagged conspecifics.
Morphology, phylogeny and fatty acid profiles of Meyerella similis from freshwater ponds and Meyerella krienitzii sp. nov. from soil (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Krivina Elena , Savchenko Tatyana , Tebina Elizaveta , Shatilovich Anastasia , Temraleeva Anna
Published: March 2023

The taxonomic diversity of the algal genus Meyerella is difficult to study because of its very simple morphology. Within the Chlorella-clade Meyerella members are distinguished from the others by the absence of the pyrenoid. However, it is not possible to identify them only on the basis of light microscopy data without the involvement of molecular genetic analysis methods. At the same time, such studies are of great practical importance, since some of them have high biotechnological potential, because they are able to accumulate valuable metabolites, including polyunsaturated fatty acids. As a rule, water bodies are the main habitats for these green microalgae. However, strains ACSSI 428 and ACSSI 429, which were studied in detail in this study, were isolated from peat cryozems (Sakha Republic, Russia). In the course of the study, a detailed comparative analysis of the morphology, phylogeny and fatty acid profiles of these strains isolated from soil and representatives of other planktonic species, primarily M. similis, was carried out. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the studied strains are representatives of new species with high biotechnological potential – M. krienitzii sp. nov.
Kompetenzen in einer Kultur der Digitalität
Authors: Soßdorf Anna
Published: March 2023

Digitale Kompetenzmodelle unterliegen regelmässigen Updates und Erweiterungen im Zuge der technologischen Entwicklungen. Viele beziehen sich weiterhin auf ursprüngliche Modelle der Medienpädagogik und doch scheinen vor dem Hintergrund einer Kultur der Digitalität einige Leerstellen noch wenig ausgeleuchtet: Werden digitale Kompetenzmodelle mit den Ideen zur Kultur der Digitalität (Stalder 2016) verbunden, so drängen drei Dimensionen ins Blickfeld, die in bisherigen Kompetenzmodellen zu fehlen scheinen. Wie und wo diese drei Dimensionen «Transformation», «Haltung» und «Gleichzeitigkeit» eingebunden werden können, um möglichst grossen Nutzen für die Medienkompetenzdebatte zu entfalten, aber auch, wie Menschen die mit diesen Dimensionen verbundenen übergreifenden und wenig fassbaren Kompetenzen herausbilden könnten, wird ins Zentrum des Beitrags gestellt. Dabei wird deutlich, dass alle drei Dimensionen als basale Grundfolien dienen können, um aus dieser Perspektive die Herausbildung von Kompetenzen für eine zeitgleich analoge und digitale Lebenswelt zu ermöglichen. In diesem Kontext erhalten die Bestimmung, Entwicklung und Verinnerlichung der individuellen Werte für das eigene Leben im Zuge eines lebenslangen Lernens eine wesentliche Rolle.
Predicting main engine power and emissions for container, cargo, and tanker ships with artificial neural network analysis
Authors:   Bursa Technical University, Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Yildirim, Bursa, Turkey, Ozsari Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

The most significant aspect of international shipping is sea transportation, and the developments to be made in maritime transport will inspire and predict all other fields. Therefore, determining a ship’s main engine power has great importance in terms of both energy efficiency and environmental factors. The maritime transport and shipping industry has currently begun to understand the importance of artificial intelligence technology. This study uses an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the main engine power and pollutant emissions of container, cargo, and tanker ships over 14 parameters: maximum speed, average speed, breadth, year built, ship type, status, length overall (LOA), light displacement, summer displacement, fuel type, deadweight tonnage (DWT), gross tonnage, engine cylinder size, and engine stroke length. In order to provide accurate results, the ANN analysis was trained with data from 3,020 ships, which is quite high compared to the studies in the literature. Many ANN models have been developed and compared to achieve minimal errors and highest accuracy in the results. The regression values, which involve the training, validation, and test values for the different ship types, were obtained as 0.99773 for container ships, 0.98964 for cargo ships, and 0.97755 for tanker ships, with a value of 0.97189 for all ships. The ANN structure was tested using many variations for hidden neuron counts, with the ANN analysis made with 30 neurons obtaining the best results. The ANN analysis results were compared with real values, which showed that very accurate results had been obtained according to the mean squared error (MSE), regression, and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) results. The MSE value had exceeded 20,000 in the two-input ANN model, but decreased to 0.03, 0.081, and 0.13 with the 14-input model for container, cargo, and tanker ships, respectively. In order to make accurate predictions with maximum precision in the ANN analyses, the study attempted to use different values for the numbers of hidden neurons and inputs and then presented the performance results. The developed model can be used in future studies to be done on fuel consumption and energy efficiency for ships in maritime transport.
Impacts of monetary policies on the real estate bubble in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Lan Le Phuong , Uyen Nguyen Thu , Thanh Van Pham Thi , Huong Pham Thi , Bin Nguyen Sy
Published: March 2023

The development of the real estate market always goes hand in hand with the fluctuation of the economy. In recent years, this market has experienced many recessions and «freezes» associated with the appearance of a real estate bubble. To approach this issue, this paper studies and gives an overview of the real estate bubble and the impact of monetary policies on the real estate bubble in Vietnam. This paper’s purpose is to identify and measure the influence of monetary policies, including interest rates, credit and money supply, on the real estate bubble in Ha Noi. The vector autoregression model (VAR) is used to test the interaction of the variables in the model. Dickey-Fuller test (DF) is applied to determine the stationarity of the variables, while the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Likelihood Ratio (LR), Final prediction error (FPE), Hannan-Quinn information criterion (HQ) and Schwarz criterion (SC) are used to find optimal lag of the model; then Granger causality test is utilized to determine the two-way correlation between variables. The results showed that the real estate bubble reacted quickly to shocks from macroeconomic factors representing the monetary policy, consisting of interbank interest rates, credit growth, and money supply growth. Thus, it is concluded that monetary policy is not only the cause of formation, but also one of the effective solutions to deflate the real estate bubble.
AcknowledgmentThis research is funded by Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) under grant number [B2022-NTH-03].
Analysis of digital sustainability factors in the adoption of learning apps in primary and secondary education
Authors: Vázquez-Cano Esteban , Quero-Gervilla Mercedes , Díez-Arcón Paz , Pascual-Moscoso Carolina
Published: March 2023

Este artículo presenta un estudio en el que se mide la importancia para los docentes de los factores de sostenibilidad digital que facilitan o inhiben la adopción de app educativas como apoyo al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la Educación Primaria. Se ha empleado una metodología basada en un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para realizar el análisis de importancia-valor (IPA). IPA tiene como objetivo identificar el valor asignado por los usuarios en términos de importancia y desempeño de una serie de criterios de calidad para obtener una medida indirecta de los elementos de sostenibilidad digital que fomentan o desincentivan la adopción app educativas. La muestra estuvo conformada por 212 docentes con experiencia en el uso de apps en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Los resultados muestran cuatro áreas de sostenibilidad digital que precisan mejora para garantizar un buen uso educativo y sostenible de las aplicaciones dentro y fuera del aula: uso seguro y transparente de datos y algoritmos, la adecuación de las app a la diversidad funcional de todos los estudiantes, la promoción de entornos colaborativos seguros y la necesidad de concienciación en materia de eficiencia energética
Ética en proyectos con Tecnología Educativa dentro de una red de Aprendizaje-Servicio
Authors: García-Parra Martín , Verger Gelabert Sebastià , Negre Bennasar Francisca
Published: March 2023

El entorno académico actual está sumergido dentro de las tecnologías. En este escenario, la ética se posiciona como una disciplina formativa, crítica y responsable. Para este artículo, desde un contexto universitario, se presentan las experiencias de cómo la dimensión ética se hace patente en una red universitaria de Aprendizaje-Servicio, denominada InèditNet. El objetivo del artículo es analizar, desde una perspectiva ética, trabajos académicos que se han realizado en la red y que han sido enriquecidos por la Tecnología Educativa (TE). Desde este objetivo se analizan las consideraciones éticas y se cartografían los valores o principios éticos que aparecen en los proyectos. La metodología es cualitativa y de corte hermenéutica y sistemática. Se analizan 22 trabajos académicos que fueron realizados dentro de InèditNet, todos ellos enriquecidos por la TE. Los resultados confirman, por un lado, que hay consideraciones éticas implícitas en la mayoría de los trabajos. Por otro, son recurrentes tres principios transversales: inclusión, compromiso y responsabilidad. En conclusión, la red tiene el reto de consolidar unos criterios éticos de rigor que permitan la formación en los agentes implicados de los proyectos con Aprendizaje-Servicio de un carácter moral basado en la innovación, la inclusión y la responsabilidad.
Sobre el origen de una población reproductora de gaviota patiamarilla (Larus michahellis Naumann, 1840) en aguas interiores del norte de la península ibérica
Authors: Galarza Aitor , Aldalur Asier , Martínez Eduardo , García Beatriz , Toca Miguel Ángel , Rodriguez Pilar
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo se describen algunos rasgos fenotípicos, ecológicos y etológicos de las gaviotas patiamarillas que se reproducen en el embalse del Ebro (norte de España) con el objetivo principal de evaluar el origen de esta población de reciente colonización. Para ello (1) se capturaron y midieron adultos, cuyas medidas corporales se compararon con las de una población atlántica y otra mediterránea, ambas tomadas de la bibliografía, (2) se midió el tamaño de los huevos, comparándolo con los de diferentes colonias atlánticas y mediterráneas, (3) se censó la colonia y evaluó la fenología de su reproducción (4) se anillaron adultos y pollos para conocer sus desplazamientos y compararlos con los de dos colonias atlánticas (5) se censó mensualmente la población presente en el embalse, de agosto a marzo. Se concluye que la población estudiada tiene algunas características morfológicas que la asemejan a las poblaciones atlánticas y otras a las que ocupan el litoral mediterráneo. No obstante, el tamaño de sus huevos, su fenología reproductora y su comportamiento migrador indican un probable origen mediterráneo.
Peningkatan Kompetensi SMK dengan Keterampilan Computer Aided Design
Authors:   Universitas Serang Raya, Jl. Raya Cilegon No.Km. 5, Taman, Drangong, Kec. Taktakan, Kota Serang, Banten 42162, Indonesia, Wajdi Farid , Nurhaula Huddin Muhammad ,   Universitas Serang Raya, Jl. Raya Cilegon No.Km. 5, Taman, Drangong, Kec. Taktakan, Kota Serang, Banten 42162, Indonesia, Maulana Delly ,   Universitas Serang Raya, Jl. Raya Cilegon No.Km. 5, Taman, Drangong, Kec. Taktakan, Kota Serang, Banten 42162, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Human capitals in the computer field are required in the Industrial Era 4.0. Vocational schools (SMK) are aimed to produce graduates who are ready-to-use to work in industries. However, SMK graduates are one of the major contributors to high unemployment in Indonesia. Teachers with skills in the field of computer technology are scarce. In addition, the facilities and infrastructure are limited in many SMK schools, especially in rural areas. This community service activity was carried out at SMK Muhammadiyah Tirtayasa. The school is located in the northern coastal rural area of Serang Regency. This community service activity provided assistance to Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills by targeting teachers and students. CAD skills can provide skills for vocational graduates who will have careers in industry. The result showed an increase in the skills of participants in the field of 2D/3D CAD drawing. The activity was very fruitful and can be further followed up by both expanding the partner schools or integrating school curriculum which adopts CAD skills with the aim of developing further the CAD knowledge.
Anthropocentric perspective on climatic variability, potentially toxic elements, and health risk assessment in the Mansehra district: a case study of the Kunhar River, Pakistan
Authors: Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Shi Xiaotao , Guo Jiali , Hu Caihong , Zwain Haider M. , Jalbani Shaista , Li Yinghai , Guo Yu , Chunyun Zhu , Gu Jiahui
Published: March 2023

The quality of the surface water along the Kunhar River in Mansehra district, KPK Pakistan was assessed for ten water samples stations. A variety of parameters indicating water quality including physicochemical parameters, nutrients, heavy metals, and antibiotic residues were measured for both the rainy and dry seasons, the two main tropical seasons in Mansehra, using the standard methods. Kunhar River, one of the local drinking water sources, was studied to assess the heavy metal content, health risk assessment, and its suitability for human consumption. Health risk assessment for all the stations indicated that there is no particularly dangerous single heavy metal, but their cumulative effect is indicated by the hazard index. Concentrations of metals in water have a trend of decreasing in water, indicating that the accumulation of metals can affect the water chemistry of aquatic systems due to any physical or chemical process in the system. Greater consideration should be given to the variety of metals in relationship to multivariate analyses, suggesting that the industrial and residential activities were more important contributors to the pollution of the Kunhar River than the agricultural activities in Mansehra district. Such metals pose risks to aquatic life.
Experimental evaluation of temperature, nutrients, and initial concentration on medium-chain carboxylic acids production from winery wastes
Authors: Hernández-Correa Eduardo , Buitrón Germán
Published: March 2023

In the wine industry, grape processing is accompanied by waste generation, such as grape stalks, winery wastewater, and grape pomace (GP). GP can be used to produce value-added compounds such as medium-chain carboxylic acids (MCCA). This work aimed to determine the operational conditions (temperature, addition of nutrients, and initial waste concentration) to improve MCCA production using waste GP from the winery industry as a substrate. The electron donor (ethanol) and electron acceptor (acetate) were directly generated from the GP and consecutively used to produce MCCA. The treatment with high concentration, temperature, and nutrient addition promotes caproic acid's maximal yield and concentration (0.11 ± 0.02 g MCCA/g TS). Nutrients’ presence and temperature significantly affected electron acceptor production. The addition of nutrients and 30 °C leads to elevated acetate production. However, at 37 °C, butyrate and MCCA were mainly produced without adding nutrients, and high ethanol consumption was observed. A higher metabolic diversification was observed at 37 °C than at 30 °C. Temperature and nutrient availability significantly affected the metabolic pathway and the type of carboxylic acid produced.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus): A Review
Authors: Upadhayay Pragati , Bansal Keshav , Goyal Ahsas
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown an adverse effect worldwide, but in India, it has been observed during the second wave that people who recovered from COVID-19 infection developed a secondary infection because it grows in tandem with COVID-19 treatment. Meanwhile, news of a new deadly fungus has surfaced known as Mucormycosis (Black fungus). Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that invades the blood vessels and is caused by Mucormycetes, a group of fungi. Due to the post-pandemic effect of COVID-19 many fungal and bacterial diseases have affected the population. The reason behind the frequent development of opportunistic infections like mucormycosis is the use of steroids, oxygen masks, and antibiotics throughout the treatment of critically and severely ill patients with COVID-19. Inhaling filamentous fungi from the natural environment and a lack of supportive care units can be a risk factor for mucormycosis. It is usually found in people who are immunocompromised. Mucormycosis is more common in people with HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, congenital bone marrow disease, viral diseases, malignancies, severe burns, and irregularly or untreated and treated diabetes. This review emphasizes triggers that may precipitate mucormycosis related to corticosteroids, recent epidemiology, and incidence of mucormycosis. The infection was diagnosed and identified using a variety of cutting-edge medical techniques, including clinical diagnosis, histopathology, and serology. Many treatment methods, such as antifungal medications and therapies, have also been successfully used. The mortality rate, however, remains high due to an aggressive surgical excision or debridement and lack of early diagnosis.
Lethal Yellow Mutation Causes Anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive Behavior
and Affects the Brain Melanocortin System in Males and Females of Mice
Authors: Khotskin Nikita V. , Izyurov Arseniy E. , Plyusnina Alexandra V. , Kulikova Elizabeth A. , Kulikov Alexander V.
Published: March 2023

Background:

The brain melanocortin system regulates numerous physiological functions
and kinds of behavior. The agouti protein inhibits melanocortin receptors in melanocytes. The lethal
yellow (AY) mutation puts the Agouti gene under the control of the Raly gene promotor and causes
the agouti protein expression in the brain. In the present article, we investigated the effects of the AY
mutation on brain mRNA levels of Agouti, Raly, and melanocortin-related genes such as Agrp,
Pomc, Mc3r, Mc4r, and their relationship to behavior.

Methods:

The experiment was performed on 6-month-old males and females of AY/a and a/a (control)
mice. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behavior were studied in elevated plus-maze and marble-
burying tests. The mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR.

Results:

AY mutation caused anxiety in males and obsessive-compulsive behavior in females. Positive
correlation between Agouti and Raly genes mRNA levels were shown in the hypothalamus, hippocampus,
and frontal cortex in AY/a mice. Reduced RNA concentrations of Mc3r and Mc4r genes
were found respectively in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex in AY/a males. The Raly gene expression
positively correlates with mRNA concentrations of the Mc3r gene in the hypothalamus and
the Mc4r gene in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex.

Conclusion:

Possible association of obsessive-compulsive behavior with reduced Raly, Mc3r, or
Mc4r gene expression is suggested.
LCN2 Inhibits the BMP9-induced Osteogenic Differentiation through
Reducing Wnt/β-catenin Signaling via Interacting with LRP6 in Mouse
Embryonic Fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang Jin-Hai , Wang Shi-Yu , Zhang Jie , Liu Hang , Ke Kai-Xin , Jiang Yue , Liu Lu , Liu Si-Yuan , Gao Xiang , He Bai-Cheng
Published: March 2023

Background:

Due to its effective osteogenic ability, BMP9 is a promising candidate for bone
regeneration medicine. Whereas, BMP9 can also induce adipogenesis simultaneously. LCN2 is a cytokine
associated with osteogenesis and adipogenesis. Reducing the adipogenic potential may be a feasible
measure to enhance the osteogenic capability of BMP9.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to explore the role of LCN2 in regulating the BMP9-initialized
osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), and clarify the possible
underlying mechanism.

Methods:

Histochemical stain, western blot, real-time PCR, laser confocal, immunoprecipitation, cranial
defect repair, and fetal limb culture assays were used to evaluate the effects of LCN2 on BMP9-induced
osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, as well as Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Results:

LCN2 was down-regulated by BMP9. The BMP9-induced osteogenic markers were inhibited by
LCN2 overexpression, but the adipogenic markers were increased; LCN2 knockdown exhibited opposite
effects. Similar results were found in bone defect repair and fetal limb culture tests. The level of β-catenin
nucleus translocation was found to be reduced by LCN2 overexpression, but increased by LCN2 knockdown.
The inhibitory effect of LCN2 overexpression on the osteogenic capability of BMP9 was reversed
by β-catenin overexpression; whereas, the effect of LCN2 knockdown on promoting BMP9 osteogenic
potential was almost eliminated by β-catenin knockdown. LCN2 could bind with LRP6 specifically, and
the inhibitory effect of LCN2 on the osteogenic potential of BMP9 could not be enhanced by LRP6
knockdown.

Conclusion:

LCN2 inhibits the BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation but promotes its adipogenic
potential in MEFs, which may be partially mediated by reducing Wnt/β-catenin signaling via binding with
LRP6.
The Perception and Usage of Fake Braces: Twitter Content Analysis
Authors: Samman Meyassara , Bahanan Lina
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Financial concerns deter many people from seeking orthodontic care. Fake braces replicate the real orthodontic braces but are not functional and are priced at a lower cost. These products are available through illegal and unregistered merchants, who use social media for advertising their products. This study aimed to analyze Arabic Twitter posts related to fake braces.

Methods:

Tweets were collected from Twitter API v2 using Python. The search was limited to the Arabic language, using keywords such as “fake braces” and “fashion braces.” Tweets were collected in the period from January 1, 2020, until July 31, 2021. Both sentiment and thematic analyses were performed.

Results:

788 tweets met the inclusion criteria, 660 of which were advertisements. The rest of the tweets (n = 128) were categorized into four main themes: rejecting the idea of fake braces (49.2%), having the intention to buy fake braces (32.0%), using/used fake braces (14.1%), and accepting the idea of fake braces (4.7%). Sentiment analysis showed that more than half of the tweets (55.5%) were negative and mainly involved sarcastic language (65.8%).

Conclusion:

Although many of the tweets were against the use of fake braces, a sizable number of advertisement tweets promoted fake braces. Efforts should be made to educate the public about the risks of using fake braces and to emphasize the importance of seeking a licensed orthodontist for treatment. In addition, health authorities must establish laws and policies and enhance surveillance to control social media content advertising these harmful products.
Anti-aging Strategies and Topical Delivery of Biopolymer-based
Nanocarriers for Skin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ramaraj Jino Affrald , Narayan Shoba
Published: March 2023

Environmental factors like UV radiation and epigenetic changes are significant factors
for skin cancer that trigger early aging. This review provides essential information on cancer development
concerning aging, the receptors involved, and the therapeutic targets. Biopolymers like
polysaccharide, polyphenols, proteins, and nucleic acid plays a vital role in the regulation of normal
cell homeostasis. Therefore, it is pertinent to explore the role of biopolymers as antiaging formulations
and the possibility of these formulations being used against cancer via topical administrations.
As UV radiation is one of the predominant factors in causing skin cancer, the association
of receptors between aging and cancer indicated that insulin receptor, melatonin receptor, toll-like
receptor, SIRT 1 receptor, tumor-specific T cell receptor and mitochondria-based targeting could
be used to direct therapeutics for suppression of cancer and prevent aging. Biopolymer-based
nanoformulations have tremendously progressed by entrapment of drugs like curcumin and
resveratrol which can prevent cancer and aging simultaneously. Certain protein signaling or calcium
and ROS signaling pathways are different for cancer and aging. The involvement of mitochondrial
DNA mutation along with telomere shortening with a change in cellular energetics leading to
genomic instability in the aging process can also induce mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic
alterations leading to skin cancer. Therefore, the use of biopolymers as a topical supplement during
the aging process can result in the prevention of cancer.
Determinant Infection Prevention and Control Practices among Nurses during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suarnianti Suarnianti , Haskas Yusran
Published: March 2023

Background:

Most of the nurses’ duties require direct contact with patients. Nurses with a high vulnerability to COVID-19 should have the self-awareness to reduce and avoid the risk of infection transmission. It is significant to know the factors that influence the practice of infection prevention and control in nurses while treating COVID-19 patients.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the factors that influence the practice of infection prevention and control in nurses.

Methods:

This study was a descriptive survey conducted in 4 hospitals in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, with a sample of 360 nurses in January-June 2021. The data were analyzed using the canonical multivariate test.

Results:

This study finds a strong correlation between the self-labeling of nurses as at-risk individuals [.703] and taking actions [.707]. In addition, there is a strong correlation between self-justification [.925] and obtaining remedies [.995], and there is a strong correlation between commitment [.791] and information seeking [.884] [ρ= < .05].

Conclusion:

Strengthening the commitment and self-labeling of nurses as individuals at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is very important for infection prevention and control practices.
Recent Trials on the Cardioprotective Effects of New Generation Anti-diabetic and Lipid-Lowering Agents
Authors: Abdelfattah Omar M. , Sayed Ahmed , Al-Refaei Anas , Abdeldayem Jasmin , Moustafa Khaled , Elias Nicholas , Saleh Yehia
Published: March 2023

Diabetes and hyperlipidemia are global epidemics that significantly increase
the morbidity and mortality of the affected population. Several medications have been
utilized to mitigate the risk of diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Insulin, alpha-glucosidase
inhibitors, thiazolidinediones have been used for decades as antidiabetic medications.
Statins are a cornerstone in hyperlipidemia management. Omega‐3 fatty acid
supplementation has been used to treat hypertriglyceridemia with debatable effects on
cardiovascular outcomes.

In the past decade, multiple new discoveries have revolutionized the management of
these disorders. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of oral
anti-diabetic drugs with a unique mechanism of action. SGLT2 was proven to reduce
cardiovascular events, including hospitalization for heart failure, with this benefit
extending to patients without diabetes. PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of
antihyperlipidemic that significantly lowers plasma LDL-C on top of the conventional
treatment.

In this book chapter, we review the history of diabetes and hyperlipidemia medications
and discuss the new classes of lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic medications and their
associated cardioprotective benefits.