bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promising acerola (Malpighia emarginata Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) genotypes with high fruit quality for different purposes
Authors: Silva Raquel de Souza , Souza Flávio de França , Vilvert João Claudio , Ribeiro Tiffany da Silva , Costa Cristina dos Santos Ribeiro , de Freitas Sérgio Tonetto
Published: May 2024

Acerola is a tropical superfruit known for its rich vitamin C content. Due to the considerable genotypic variability in fruit quality traits, an effective multitrait selection is essential for an acerola breeding program aimed to identify promising genotypes for distinct purposes. In this study, fruits from 95 acerola genotypes were evaluated at two maturity stages across three growing seasons. The genotypes were selected for vitamin C extraction (green unripe fruits) and fresh consumption (red ripe fruits), using four selection indices. The variability ranges for quality traits were as follows: fruit mass of 4.19–5.60 g (green fruit) and 4.13–5.90 g (red fruit), vitamin C of 1492.0–2995.8 mg/100 g (green fruit) and 1247.2–2873.6 mg/100 g (red fruit); soluble solids and titratable acidity of 4.70–13.07% and 0.60–1.60%, both in red fruit. Desirable gains for all traits were achieved by the multitrait indices. Twelve genotypes (Flor Branca, IARP 01, ALHA 03, ACO 10, Junko, Natália, LAG 04, Lígia, Luisa, LAG 05, Costa Rica and BV 01) stood out for vitamin C extraction at the green stage, as well as eleven genotypes (Manoela, IARP 01, Okinawa, LAG 04, Costa Rica, Clone 71/2, ACO 05, ACO 14, LAG 01, BRS Rubra and MAR 10) excelled for fresh consumption at the red stage. Costa Rica, IARP 01 and LAG 04 were selected as dual-purpose genotypes, intended for both fresh consumption and vitamin C extraction.
A Stable Meshfree Method for Simulations of Munition Penetration into Earth
Authors: Atif Mohammed Mujtaba , Chi Sheng-Wei , Li Xuejun , Tian Jianfei
Published: May 2024

Mesh-free methods, such as the Reproducing Kernel Particle Method, have been proven advantageous in modeling excessive deformation problems involving material separation, fracture, impact, etc. However, the domain integration in the RKPM remains challenging due to instability and sub-optimal convergence for high strain rate events. Although some novel developments alleviate the above issue, they are either computationally expensive or require evaluating the contour integral, which is not straightforward to obtain in contact and material separation problems using meshfree discretization. This work develops a simple and stable integration method based on the extension of modified Simpson’s rule. The method is free from conforming subdomains and can straightforwardly be applied to the meshfree formulation with updated configuration. To model penetration into the earth, a standard viscous boundary is introduced to address the issue of reflecting waves from the truncated computational domain for the ground target. proposed semi-Lagrangian RK framework to mimic the earth domain. The numerical results are validated with experimental data for various geo-materials and experimental setups.
Optimizing Machine Learning for Daily Rainfall Prediction in Bogor City, Indonesia: A Two-Stage Statistical Downscaling Approach
Authors: Arassah Fradha Intan , Sadik Kusman , Sartono Bagus , Sofan Parwati
Published: May 2024

Statistics for machine learning come as a significant tool for studying data. General Circulation Model (GCM) are the most sophisticated model for predicting climate and weather. This study deployed a two stage of machine learning model for statistical downscaling approach to predict daily rainfall in Bogor, Indonesia. This study compared three different domains of GCM and compare two different approaches to handling missing data. First, we made two datasets based on approaches to handling missing value. Then, Support Vector Classification model was applied to classify rainy and non-rainy days. Finally, we developed a model of rainy-day data using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) method to estimate daily rainfall. The results show that using random forest imputation for handling missing value can increase the accuracy and lower the RMSE of the model. The best domain from GCM data is 5 km from local station climatology. SVC model with radial basis kernel is the best model for classify rainy and non-rainy data with 0.985 (98.5%) accuracy and RNN model have RMSE at 16.19. Accurately estimating the increase or decrease in extreme rainfall is crucial to provide effective recommendations in disaster mitigation efforts.
Non-isothermal kinetic analysis of UHMWPE sheet
Authors: Jagriti Jagriti , Khattar Nidhi , Kainth Shagun , Sharma Piyush , Diwan P. K.
Published: May 2024

Thermal decomposition behavior of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is studied through thermogravimetric analysis technique. Thermograms are recorded at four different heating rates (2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ℃/min) in nitrogen environment. These thermograms revealed that the thermal decomposition of UHMWPE occurred in three different stages. Among these stages, second stage of decomposition is highly complex. Therefore, deconvoluted into two peaks by using bi-Gaussian asymmetric function. Kinetic triplets related to these peaks are determined by adopting two iso-conversional kinetic models (Starink (SR) and Friedman (FR)). The reaction mechanism is also identified by using integral master plot method. Finally, thermodynamic parameters viz. change in entropy (∆S), change in enthalpy (∆H) and change in Gibbs free energy (∆G) are estimated at considered heating rates.
Therapeutic efficacy of bovine serum albumin-gold nanocluster against antibiotic-resistant bacterial susceptibility
Authors: Samivel Ramachandran , Almubrad Turki , A.Khan Adnan , Masmali Ali , ALANAZI SAUD , Akhtar Saeed
Published: May 2024

Biofilm formation is one of the most vital risk factors for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. In the present study we investigated the effect of bovine serum albumin-gold nanoclusters (BSA-GNCs) against antibiotic-resistant bacterial susceptibility. BSA-GNCs was synthesized by adding HAuCl4 and BSA as a capping agent. BSA-GNCs were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, Zeta sizer, SEM-EDX and TEM analysis. Antibacterial activity from antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus aureus, and non-resistant bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis were assessed using the disc diffusion method. The pellets of the control and BSA-GNCs treated bacteria were procured for transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural images of the bacteria were captured using a bottom mounted 15-megapixel Quemesa camera with iTEM software. A peak at λmax = 550nm from UV-Visible spectrophotometer spectrum was confirmed the formation of gold nanoclusters. FTIR peaks were found at 598.33, 1102.79, 1261.21, 1637.84, 2923.54 & 3430.76cm− 1, and average hydrodynamic particle size distribution peaks were 22.72nm. BSA-GNCs were homogenous as well as cluster nature. BSA-GNC (20µL/disc) treatment inhibited the growth zone of the bacteria (KP 13.17 ± 1.32, SA 16.67 ± 1.46, PA 23.17 ± 1.82 and EF 25.67 ± 1.93 mm) at 24 hours. The BSA-GNCs treated bacteria accommodating shrunken, stranded and degenerated cytoplasm. The degeneration of the bacteria was more severe in antibiotic susceptible bacteria than antibiotic resistant bacteria. BSA-GNCs attenuate the transport of essential elements to the bacteria leading to the degeneration of the cytoplasm followed by the disintegration of the plasma membrane, cell walls and extinguishing the bacteria.
A Robust Lightweight Compound Emotion Recognition Approach Using Depthwise Separable CNN
Authors: Ullah Sana , Xie Yuanlun , Ou Jie , Wang Zhaokun , Tian Wenhong
Published: May 2024

With the innovation in computer vision, facial expression recognition (FER) is a dynamic research domain considering extensive practical applications in various domains together with health, education, safety, law enforcement, Banking, marketing, and many more. The researchers have conducted tremendous research work on basic facial expressions recognition, but less on compound emotions recognition, which have complex features due to the combination of basic emotions. Different deep learning models have been used for compound emotions recognition; however, these deep learning models are computationally expensive due to large parameters and training time. To overcome this problem, we have proposed a robust lightweight approach using depthwise separable convolution (DSC), and residual connections. The proposed model outperformed the state-of-the-art (SOTA) models with an achieved accuracy of 70.4% on the RAFDB dataset, and 67.2% on the CFEE dataset. The proposed model improved the accuracy performance of compound emotion recognition by 1.9% on the RAFDB dataset, and 9.8% on the CFEE dataset from the SOTA models. The proposed approach reduced model parameters, and memory consumption compared with the deep learning model of standard convolution.
Prevention of TB in nonhuman primates by a stress-response deficient mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis via induction of classical T cell immunity
Authors: Kaushal Deepak , Singh Dhiraj , Ahmed Mushtaq , Akter Sadia , Bucsan Allison , Mishra Abhishek , Shivanna Vinay , Golden Nadia , Didier Peter , Dick Edward , Doyle-Meyers Lara , Hall-Ursone Shannan , Roy Chad , Arora Garima , Jagannath Chinnaswamy , Mehra Smriti , Khader Shabaana
Published: May 2024

The need for novel vaccination strategies to control tuberculosis (TB) is underscored by the limited and variable efficacy of the currently licensed vaccine, Bacillar Calmette-Guerin (BCG). SigH is critical for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to mitigate oxidative stress, and in its absence Mtb is unable to scavenge host oxidative/nitrosative bursts. The MtbDsigH (DsigH) isogenic mutant induced signatures of the innate immune response in macrophages, and protected rhesus macaques from a lethal Mtb challenge. To understand the immune mechanisms of protection via mucosal vaccination with DsigH, we employed the resistant cynomolgus macaques; and our new results show that DsigH vaccination significantly protected against lethal Mtb challenge in this species. DsigH­-vaccinated macaques are devoid of granulomas and instead generate inducible bronchus associated lymphoid structures, and robust antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, driven by a hyper-immune, trained immunity-like phenotype in host macrophages with enhanced antigen presentation. Correlates of protection in DsigH­-vaccinated macaques include gene signatures of T cell activation, IFNG production, including IFN-responsive, activated T cells, concomitant with IFNG production, and suppression of IDO+ IFN-responsive macrophage recruitment. Thus, ΔsigH is a promising lead candidate for further development as an antitubercular vaccine.
Application of stochastic simulation-estimation approach to the optimization of Pharmacokinetic studies design in the context of paediatric extrapolation: A step toward better decision making for drug sponsors and regulators
Authors: Djokoto Happy Phanio , Ernst Lana , Dogné Jean-Michel , Musuamba Flora T.
Published: May 2024

Extrapolation-based approaches are widely used in the context of paediatric drug development. Most of the times, inference is made on the (favourable)[1] benefit/risk balance (BRB) based on the similarity pharmacokinetics (PK) exposures between adults and children. This PK-based extrapolation approach necessitates generation of PK data in children. Given the ethical and practical challenges inherent to conducting clinical trials in children, it is crucial to ensure that the collected data are relevant and informative. In the present work, we propose a stochastic simulation-estimation-based approach to ensure the optimality of the key study design factors (number of patients, number of samples and sampling times) for conduct of PK studies in the context of paediatric extrapolation. Using 3 case-studies including a monoclonal antibody administered subcutaneously and two small molecules with intravenous and oral administration routes, we illustrate how stochastic simulation estimation (SSE) can be used in the context of drug development, to meet regulatory requirements. The present research demonstrates how the design of a paediatric study can be optimized before data collection based on the available data from the adult drug development, that often precedes children’s. Our results show how, for each of the 3 case-drugs, using a simulation-based approach, paediatric PK study can be designed ensuring that model parameters precision and accuracy would be under 30% and 20% respectively. These results provide useful information for drug sponsors and regulators as far as extrapolation in smaller populations such as paediatric is concerned.
Prevalence and psychiatric correlates of loneliness in UK university students
Authors: Akram Umair , Drabble Jennifer , Irvine Kamila , Allen Sarah , Akram Asha , Stevenson Jodie , Gardani Maria
Published: May 2024

University students remain vulnerable to the experience of loneliness and comorbid psychiatric difficulties, as evidenced in countries worldwide. Despite this, few studies provide data concerning these factors amongst those studying at institutions in the UK. In the present study, we examined the prevalence of loneliness among UK university students whilst assessing the association between multiple psychiatric risk factors. Here, N=1408 students completed eight validated measures were used: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire; The Mood Disorder Questionnaire; The Sleep Condition Indicator; The Perceived Stress Scale; Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised; The Prodromal Questionnaire 16; and the University of California Loneliness Scale. Moderate to severe levels of loneliness was reported by approximately two thirds of students (67.2%). Loneliness was significantly associated with each psychiatric symptom. After accounting for shared variance between symptoms, linear regression analyses determined loneliness to be significantly related to perceived stress, depression, psychotic like experiences and suicidal ideation. We demonstrate the exceedingly high prevalence of loneliness amongst large sample of UK university students, whilst highlighting the prominent role of depresion, psychotic experiences, perceived stress, and suicidal ideation. Whilst highlighting the primacy of tailored interventions for lonely students, future work should explore contextual factors faced by UK university students.
Dynamic Behavior of Systemic Insecticide Residues in Snapdragons
Authors: Havers Matthew C. , Corkidi Lea , Leonard Elizabeth , Palmer Cristi L. , Tharayil Nishanth , Bethke James A.
Published: May 2024

Pesticide application is used in horticulture to reduce plant damage from organisms such as insects and mites. Systemic insecticides are highly efficacious and readily taken up by plant tissues. However, pesticide-treated plants may impose risks to nontarget insects or other organisms within ecosystems. In this study, insecticide residues in nectar, leaves, and flower petals of the horticulturally significant herbaceous annual snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus (Lamiales: Plantaginaceae), were assessed at two locations over several weeks following foliar and drench treatment with five systemic insecticides. Concentrations of the insecticides were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The independent effects Application Method, Application Rate, and Time were statistically significant among all active ingredients in the three matrices in both sites in California (CA) and New Jersey (NJ). The interaction effects were also generally statistically significant in the CA site but less consistently so in the NJ site, dependent on the active ingredient and matrix. Post hoc analyses found the highest residue concentrations in leaves and the lowest in nectar, a trend generally consistent over time regardless of active ingredient for both the CA and NJ sites. The results of this study are discussed in the context of conserving pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is recommended that similar studies should be implemented in different geographical regions and climates, along with multiyear studies for perennial ornamental plants.
Comparison of Eucalyptus spp. wood quality in solar and conventional drying
Authors: Cremonez Victor Gonçalves , Klitzke Ricardo Jorge , Ribaski Nayara Guetten
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of sawn Eucalyptus spp. wood under solar and conventional drying, focusing on parameters such as drying rate, moisture gradient, drying stresses, and wood defects. For this purpose, a comparison was made between samples dried in a solar kiln and a conventional drying chamber. As a preliminary analysis, the specific gravity and initial moisture content of the wood were evaluated, and the quality and drying parameters of the wood were assessed both before and after the drying process. It was observed that the drying rate in the conventional chamber was twice as high above the fiber saturation point and four times higher in the diffusion phase compared to solar drying. Regarding the moisture gradient and defect index, there was no statistical difference between the two processes. However, the percentage of pieces with defects was significantly higher in conventional drying, as well as demonstrating higher drying stresses, which may hinder mechanical processing after water removal. Therefore, it can be concluded that solar drying presents a quality similar to conventional drying and can be a good alternative for drying processes.
The mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on business experience and performance of women-owned enterprises
Authors: Msimango-Galawe Jabulile , Mazonde Nomusa
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between the business experience and performance of women-owned enterprises in South Africa. A quantitative methodology with random sampling was employed. Qualtrics was used to administer the online questionnaire; a sample size of 258 was attained to test the study hypotheses. This cross-sectional study design followed recommendations from scholars on a minimum of 100 as an adequate sample size for regression analysis. Hierarchical regression and mediation analysis were employed to analyze the primary data collected from women entrepreneurs in South Africa.Using ordinal data, a seven-point Likert scale was adopted to operationalize constructs. Out of all the entrepreneurial self-efficacy antecedents and dimensions that were tested, industry experience emerged as the most influential predictor of business performance (β = 0.496*) when mediated by the innovation dimension of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Although the management dimension of entrepreneurial self-efficacy showed strong predictive power, it did not exhibit significant mediating effects. Consequently, there was only partial mediation of the innovation dimension of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between industry experience and business performance. Industry experience and business performance are antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, respectively; they were partially mediated by the innovation dimension of entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
Moderating role of enterprise risk management in the relationship between sustainability performance and a firm’s competitive advantage
Authors: Aryista Dewi Ayu , Saraswati Erwin , Fuad Rahman Aulia , Atmini Sari
Published: May 2024

The emergence of sustainable business practices has garnered interest among stakeholders. However, the question of whether sustainability performance provides companies with a competitive advantage is still being debated in the literature. This paper aims to examine the influence of sustainability performance – namely economic sustainability performance and environmental, social, governance (ESG) – on competitive advantage, with the effectiveness of enterprise risk management (ERM) as the moderating variable. This paper used 202 firm-year observations during 2015–2022 from non-financial sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. To test the hypotheses, panel data regression with a one-year time-lag analysis is conducted. The findings show that economic sustainability performance has no relationship with competitive advantage, while ESG has a positive effect. Furthermore, ERM effectiveness strengthens the effect of economic sustainability and ESG on competitive advantage. Further investigation used a two-year time-lag analysis for a long-term perspective. The analysis shows that economic sustainability performance and ESG have a positive impact on competitive advantage. In contrast, ERM effectiveness has no effect on the relationship between economic sustainability performance and competitive advantage. Moreover, additional analysis incorporates the effect of COVID-19 into the main model and shows that the pandemic did not affect competitive advantage; this is consistent with the main results. The findings encourage companies to improve their risk management and sustainability initiatives. The government may also take it into account when developing rules that promote the implementation of sustainable development.
AcknowledgmentThis research was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia through the Center for Higher Education Fund (BPPT) and Indonesia Endowment Funds for Education (LPDP) for providing the Indonesian Education Scholarship (BPI-Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia).
De Sophia à inteligência artificial geral: Antropomorfismo e consciência no estado da arte atual da tecnologia
Authors: Fornasier Mateus de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

O objetivo geral deste artigo é definir as possibilidades e óbices do desenvolvimento de uma inteligência artificial (IA) capaz de ser tão inteligente e capaz (ou até mais) do que o ser humano. Como resultado, tem-se que, apesar dos grandes avanços científicos sobre o comportamento humano e o funcionamento do cérebro, ainda se sabe pouco sobre o que é e que como funciona aquilo que tem sido chamado de consciência, o que oblitera o desenvolvimento de uma inteligência artificial geral (IAG). Metodologicamente, trata-se de pesquisa desenvolvido conforme o método de procedimento dialético, tendo abordagem qualitativa e transdisciplinar e técnica de pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica.
Antibiotic resistance profiles of sentinel bacteria isolated from aquaculture in Cambodia
Authors: Peng Chanthol , Moniroth Sopheavattey , Khy Panha , Chea Sopheaktra , Thanh Channmuny , Heng Oudam , Sarter Samira , Cheng Sokleaph , Caruso Domenico
Published: May 2024

The misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concern in the aquaculture industry because it contributes to global health risks and impacts the environment. This study analyzed the AMR of sentinel bacteria associated with striped catfish (Pangasisanodon hypophthalmus) and giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes), the two main fish species reared in the pond culture in Cambodia. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the recovered isolates from fish, water, and sediment samples revealed the presence of bacteria, such as 22 species belonging to families Aeromonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae. Among 48 isolates, Aeromonas caviae (n = 2), Aeromonas hydrophila (n = 2), Aeromonas ichthiosmia (n = 1), Aeromonas salmonicida (n = 4) were detected. A. salmonicida and A. hydrophilla are known as fish pathogens that occur worldwide in both fresh and marine water aquaculture. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed antibiotic resistance patterns of 24 (50 %) isolates among 48 isolates with higher multiple antibiotic resistance index (> 0.2). All the isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is a frontline antibiotic that is not recommended to use in aquaculture. Therefore, its use has to be strictly controlled. This study expands our knowledge of the AMR status in aquaculture farms which is very limited in Cambodia.
Different paradigms for dealing with urban water issues, using new technological and governance solutions, learning from Chinese, Indian and European experiences
Authors: van Dijk Meine Pieter
Published: May 2024

Three paradigms to deal with urban water issues are compared. The analysis focuses on their definition and objectives, the role of different stakeholders, the issues they deal with, and the possible solutions suggested. The paradigms differ in scope (from the narrow focus of the sponge city paradigm to the broad goals of eco-city paradigm) and in terms of the governance structures used to coordinate different stakeholders. The smart and sponge paradigms mainly use existing government structures. In the eco-cities approach, the citizens want to be involved through newly created governance structures. Smart and eco-city initiatives emphasize the involvement of stakeholders, while in the sponge cities approach, the initiative is often taken by the local government. Finally, in terms of expected solutions, the paradigms want to create eco- or healthy cities or improve water management to create a more healthy urban environment. After identifying the issue, alternative water-related technologies are available, like generating energy from wastewater or separating grey and brown water. Cities require different governance structures, and managing information flows in an integrated way to solve water and other issues. The experience in Europe, China, and India may help other cities choose the right paradigm.
Endothelial-specific Enhancer as a Cis Element of PLAUR Regulation
by TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and VEGF
Authors: Penkov Dmitry , Beloglazova Irina , Parfyonova Yelena
Published: May 2024

The expression of human PLAUR gene, which encodes the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor
(uPAR), is cell- and process-specific and elevated in inflammation, cancer and senescence. Its tight regulation
is achieved by regulatory elements in the gene locus, such as the promoter and several enhancers. The promoter
activity is not specific to a particular cell type and has been described earlier. The proximal enhancer is
endothelial-specific and responsible for the PLAUR expression pattern in endothelial cells. In this study we described
the enhancer activity and its cis-regulatory elements based on the published data. We showed a possible
connection of the enhancer activity with known cellular phenotypes.
Recent Developments of Hybrid Fluorescence Techniques: Advances in
Amyloid Detection Methods
Authors: A. Miraclin Prasanna , Sen Priyankar
Published: May 2024

:

Amyloid fibrils are formed from various pathological proteins. Monitoring their aggregation
process is necessary for early detection and treatment. Among the available detection techniques,
fluorescence is simple, intuitive, and convenient due to its sensitive and selective mode of
detection. It has certain disadvantages like poor photothermal stability and detection state limitation.
Research has focused on minimising the limitation by developing hybrid fluorescence techniques.
This review focuses on the two ways fluorescence (intrinsic and extrinsic) has been used
to monitor amyloid fibrils. In intrinsic/label free fluorescence: i) The fluorescence emission
through aromatic amino acid residues like phenylalanine (F), tyrosine (Y) and tryptophan (W) is
present in amyloidogenic peptides/protein sequence. And ii) The structural changes from alpha helix
to cross-β-sheet structures during amyloid formation contribute to the fluorescence emission.
The second method focuses on the use of extrinsic fluorophores to monitor amyloid fibrils i) organic
dyes/small molecules, ii) fluorescent tagged proteins, iii) nanoparticles, iv) metal complexes
and v) conjugated polymers. All these fluorophores have their own limitations. Developing them
into hybrid fluorescence techniques and converting it into biosensors can contribute to early detection
of disease.
Challenges to Compliance and Adherence to Personal Hygiene and Food Safety Among Foodservice Workers in Hospitals of Mogalakwena Municipality, Limpopo Province
Authors: Mphasha Mabitsela Hezekiel , Tleane Rosina , Sibiya Kella , phamela Sithole , Nkwane Thapelo
Published: May 2024

Background:

Foodborne illnesses could result from food handlers acquiring bacteria that make them dangerous for humans to consume. Non-adherence to personal hygiene and food safety can impact how well patients' conditions are managed and aggravate illnesses during hospital stay. Therefore, this study seeks to explore factors that may impact adherence to personal hygiene and food safety among hospital food service workers.

Methods:

Qualitative exploratory study design was used to extract data from food handlers at Mokopane and Voortrekker hospitals in Mogalakwena municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa. Twenty-one participants were purposively sampled, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using voice recorders and field notes for non-verbal cues. Tesch’s eight steps, inductive, descriptive, and open coding techniques were used to analyse data.

Results:

Factors reportedly affecting personal hygiene and food safety include knowledge of the importance of adherence to personal hygiene and food safety, personal preferences and attitude towards personal hygiene, and lack of uniform and inspection. Non-adherence is affected by cultural norms regarding the wearing of wedding rings and bracelets on the wrist.

Conclusion:

This study recommends regular internal and external food safety compliance and monitoring. The leadership of the hospital's food service department should be strengthened, and food handlers should get regular in-service training.
Screen-based Simulation Supporting Problem-based Learning to Improve Football Tactics
Authors: Jia Teng , Sitthiworachart Jirarat , Morris John
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study measured the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with Screen-Based Simulation (SBS) on undergraduate football tactical decision-making, tactical skills, and student engagement. The Screen-Based Simulation showed tactical scenarios in real games to learners, promoting the identification and analysis of tactical problems in learning. Problem-Based Learning enabled learners to get a deeper understanding of the tactical problems and discuss them effectively.

Materials and Methods

Two simulation tools were used in this study. The first one, ‘football match basic offensive and defensive tactical simulation experiment platform,’ is scaffolding in football tactics teaching. Students could use the simulation platform to find tactical problems and learn tactics. The second one, TacticUP, is a screen-based simulation tool to test football tactical decision-making. We used second-year students majoring in physical education at a Chinese university. Seventy-nine students were divided into an experimental group using PBL-SBS and a group taught traditionally. Before the experiment, the tactical decision-making of both groups was assessed in a pretest, and at the end of the six-week experiment, the students were tested again. They also completed a questionnaire on tactical skills and student engagement.

Results

There was no significant difference between the pretest scores on tactical decision-making between the two groups (independent-sample t-test, sig = 0.997 > 0.05). However, after the experiment, significantly better improvement was observed in tactical decision-making in the experimental group. The pretest mean score (59) was significantly lower than the post-test one (67) on a scale of 100 (paired sample t-test, sig <0.01). ANOVA showed that the experimental group performed better in all aspects, namely tactical decision-making, tactical skill, and student engagement, than the traditional group (Sig values were all less than 0.01).

Conclusion

Compared with traditional teaching, PPL-SBS students performed better in tactical decision-making, tactical skills, and student engagement than students in the traditional teaching group.
Between ‘Central’ and ‘Marginal’: Three Syrian Women’s Journals of the 1920s, Beirut and Damascus
Authors: Winckler Barbara
Published: May 2024

In the 1920s, around a dozen women’s journals were published in Beirut, Damascus, and other more peripheral cities of Greater Syria (Bilād al-Shām). Arabic women-edited journals addressing a primarily female readership had been on the market for some time, since 1892 in Egypt and 1910 in Syria. Nevertheless, they often expressed the need to promote or even justify the very existence of women’s journals and the active role of women in the press. This article discusses how far it makes sense to use the concepts ‘centre’ vs. ‘periphery’, or ‘mainstream’ vs. ‘marginal’, with regard to Syrian women’s magazines during this period of profound political and social transformation. While women’s journals are usually perceived as marginal, compared to ‘mainstream’ or ‘general interest’ journals speaking to a mainly male audience, the three journals discussed in this article partly addressed a broader readership of both genders, and some of the most prominent intellectuals of the time regularly contributed to them. Examining a broad range of criteria that could define a journal’s position in society and the periodical market, I argue that these periodicals cannot be clearly defined by these binary terms but are more adequately described as situated between the two poles. Women’s journals are thus discussed as a form of social and cultural collective practice, used by editors and authors to work against their marginalized position and assert their agency, stance, and right to participation.
IoT-based livestock tracking: Addressing challenges in Somali livestock farming
Authors:   Faculty of Computing, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia, Abdullahi Mohamed Omar , Jimale Abdukadir Dahir ,   Faculty of Computing, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia, Ahmed Yahye Abukar ,   Faculty of Computing, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia, Nageeye Abdulaziz Yasin ,   Faculty of Computing, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia
Published: May 2024

Livestock plays a vital role in Somalia's economy, contributing more than 60% of the country's gross domestic product. However, livestock production in Somalia faces many challenges, including conflict, insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation. These challenges can lead to livestock losses, which can significantly affect the livelihoods of livestock owners. This paper proposes an Internet of Things (IoT)-based livestock tracking system to help farmers locate their lost livestock. The system uses GPS and GSM/GPRS technology to track the location of livestock in real-time. The system also includes a boundary restriction feature that can be used to ensure that livestock remains within a designated area. The IoT-based livestock tracking system has the potential to address a number of challenges facing livestock production in Somalia. The system can help reduce livestock losses, improve livestock management practices, and increase productivity. The system is currently being field-tested in Somalia. The system successfully detects livestock crossing the border and transmits the livestock's location in real-time. Field test results show successful real-time tracking of livestock. The test data will be used to improve the system and assess its effectiveness in helping farmers locate their lost livestock.
Clinical, Histopathological, and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Predictive Biomarkers of Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: PAPALEXIS PETROS , GEORGAKOPOULOU VASILIKI EPAMEINONDAS , KERAMYDAS DIMITRIOS , VOGIATZIS ROMANOS , TASKOU CHRYSOULA , ANAGNOSTOPOULOU FRAGISKI ANTHOULI , NONNI APHRODITE , LAZARIS ANDREAS C. , ZOGRAFOS GEORGE C. , KAVANTZAS NIKOLAOS , THOMOPOULOU GEORGIA ELENI
Published: May 2024

Background/Aim: Breast cancer is a complex disease with variability in clinical manifestation, response to current therapy, and biochemical and histological features among various subgroups. Histologic grading and immuno-histochemical evaluation of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and Ki-67 proliferation index play a crucial role in increasing the differential diagnostic value among various types of breast carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine the histopathological and immuno-histochemical characteristics of breast tumors from a University Laboratory of Pathology in Greece. Patients and Methods: The study included female patients over 18 years of age, whose histopathological and immunohistochemical reports were stored in the archives of the First Department of Pathology of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The study involved 197 female patients with a median age of 70 years and median tumor size of 2.6 cm. Results: Most tumors were located at the left breast and ductal carcinoma was the most common histologic type (35.5%). Most tumors had histologic grade 2 (106, 53.8%), and were classified as TNM stage IIA (65, 33%). Most grade 1 and 2 tumors exhibited high expression of PR, whereas most grade 3 tumors had no PR expression. Moreover, patients with triple-negative cancer presented with grades 2 and 3 at a lower percentage compared to patients without a triple-negative phenotype (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study provided valuable insights into the histopathological and immuno-histochemical characteristics involved in the development and progression of breast cancer.
Perceptions of Wearable Health Tools Post the COVID-19 Emergency in Low-Income Latin Communities: Qualitative Study
Authors: Cruz Stefany , Lu Claire , Ulloa Mara , Redding Alexander , Hester Josiah , Jacobs Maia
Published: May 2024

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) wearable devices are increasingly being adopted by individuals to help manage and monitor physiological signals. However, the current state of wearables does not consider the needs of racially minoritized low–socioeconomic status (SES) communities regarding usability, accessibility, and price. This is a critical issue that necessitates immediate attention and resolution.

Objective

This study’s aims were 3-fold, to (1) understand how members of minoritized low-SES communities perceive current mHealth wearable devices, (2) identify the barriers and facilitators toward adoption, and (3) articulate design requirements for future wearable devices to enable equitable access for these communities.

Methods

We performed semistructured interviews with low-SES Hispanic or Latine adults (N=19) from 2 metropolitan cities in the Midwest and West Coast of the United States. Participants were asked questions about how they perceive wearables, what are the current benefits and barriers toward use, and what features they would like to see in future wearable devices. Common themes were identified and analyzed through an exploratory qualitative approach.

Results

Through qualitative analysis, we identified 4 main themes. Participants’ perceptions of wearable devices were strongly influenced by their COVID-19 experiences. Hence, the first theme was related to the impact of COVID-19 on the community, and how this resulted in a significant increase in interest in wearables. The second theme highlights the challenges faced in obtaining adequate health resources and how this further motivated participants’ interest in health wearables. The third theme focuses on a general distrust in health care infrastructure and systems and how these challenges are motivating a need for wearables. Lastly, participants emphasized the pressing need for community-driven design of wearable technologies.

Conclusions

The findings from this study reveal that participants from underserved communities are showing emerging interest in using health wearables due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health care access issues. Yet, the needs of these individuals have been excluded from the design and development of current devices.
Effect of The Ratio of Purple Sweet Potato Flour and Rice Crust Flour on The Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Properties of High-Fiber Snack Bar
Authors: Safira Tsaania Miftakhul , Yanti Rini , Manikharda Manikharda , Triwitono Priyanto
Published: May 2024

Dietary fiber, an indigestible component of plants, offers significant health benefits for humans. Creating a high-fiber snack bar can be a substitute for meeting daily requirements for dietary fiber. This research aimed to create snack bar products utilizing locally sourced ingredients, specifically rice crust flour and purple sweet potato flour, with the goal of optimizing the utilization of local food resources and enhancing the diversity of Indonesian cuisine. This study aimed to investigate how the proportion of purple sweet potato flour and rice crust flour influenced the chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of the high-fiber snack bars that were created. The proportions of purple sweet potato flour to rice crust flour differed across the four snack bar formulas: FI (100%:0%), F2 (90%:10%), F3 (80%:20%), and F4 (70%:30%). The effectiveness index method was employed to determine the optimal formulation for the snack bar. The results indicated that lowering the proportion of purple sweet potato flour would enhance the firmness and color of the snack bar. The dietary fiber content (%db) of each formula was as follows: F1 (18.92 ± 1.43%), F2 (18.33 ± 0.79%), F3 (18.56 ± 2.73%), and F4 (19.48 ± 0.40%). The sensory test results showed a direct correlation between the panelists' preference level and the decrease in the proportion of purple sweet potato flour. Formula F4, consisting of a 70% proportion of purple sweet potato flour and a 30% proportion of rice crust flour, is the optimal formula for creating a snack bar.
Technological Aspects of Bridging the Gap Between Cell-Based Food and Conventional Meat
Authors: Kim Minsu , Jung Hyun Young , Ellies-Oury Marie-Pierre , Chriki Sghaier , Hocquette Jean-François , Jo Cheorun
Published: May 2024

Cell-based food, including cultured meat, introduces an innovative complement to our dietary options, introducing cellular agriculture and tissue engineering on the meat market together with traditional livestock farming. Originating from medical tissue cultivation techniques, this approach is now tailored for food production, prioritizing cost-effectiveness, palatability, and resource efficiency. As technology strives to efficiently upscale production, consumer acceptance stands as a key factor in adopting this new protein source. This review explores advances in cultivating muscle and fat tissues in vitro, emphasizing the importance of achieving muscle maturity, innovating scaffolds, and optimizing media composition to closely replicate the qualities of meat. It also addresses quality assessments of cultured meat based on its texture, nutritional content, and flavor. A concise examination of consumer perceptions reveals that acceptance is influenced by a blend of cultural, psychological, and social factors, balancing the positive potential outlook on cultured meat’s benefits for society, the environment, and animal welfare against concerns about its unnaturalness, uncertainty, and safety. Demographic trends suggest higher acceptance among younger, well-educated and urban individuals, contrasting with reservations from those more familiar with the traditional meat sector. Addressing these varied viewpoints is essential for a better understanding of public acceptance if cultured meat is effectively introduced into our future food systems. As media interest in this alternative is still high, aligning technological developments with consumer expectations is crucial for the potential market introduction of cultured meat.
El reto social en México: entre la urgencia y la complejidad
Authors: Fuentes Mario Luis
Published: May 2024

La magnitud del reto social que el país enfrenta es mayor: de acuerdo con la más reciente medición de la pobreza que lleva a cabo el Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social (Coneval), sólo dos de cada diez mexicanos no son pobres o vulnerables, mientras que los más de 97 millones de personas que sí lo son enfrentan múltiples carencias1 cotidianas y simultáneas; la desigualdad y la discriminación son cada vez más profundas y agudizan las injusticias de todo tipo; la violencia inunda el espacio social y la mayor parte de la población no puede acceder a procesos de procuración de justicia; al mismo tiempo, el balance de la política de desarrollo social implementada durante los últimos 40 años advierte que, pese a los avances, ésta sigue estando desarticulada, que duplica esfuerzos en detrimento de su efectividad, y que es más bien un conjunto fragmentado y segmentado de subsistemas que promueven desigualdades verticales y horizontales, y que en muchos casos no tienen una clara definición de su población objetivo ni del impacto deseado (Coneval, 2018a; Coneval, 2018c). Es necesario reconocer que la complejidad del reto social que el país enfrenta exige revisar los diagnósticos con los que se cuenta de cara a la urgencia que impone la realidad de millones de mexicanos; de ello depende la posibilidad de transitar en una ruta que permita articular, de forma acelerada, una política social construida desde la convicción de construir un verdadero Estado de Bienestar que garantice la posibilidad de tener un vida digna, tal como lo mandata la Agenda 2030 y el Artículo Primero Constitucional.
Reflexiones en torno a la manera de problematizar lo social en el Trabajo Social
Authors: Urbalejo Luna Cristian
Published: May 2024

El presente trabajo busca analizar la manera en la que se ha problematizado históricamente lo social enel trabajo social en América Latina acuñando el término fin cognitivo para los esfuerzos hacia los quese dirige la mirada de las trabajadoras sociales. Estos conceptos nos servirán para ampliar la manera enla que se mira un problema social en trabajo social, así como las unidades epistémicas que constituyendichos análisis. Se retoman las tres configuraciones del Trabajo Social, a saber, la tradicional, la reconceptualizaday la contemporánea para tener una mirada general sobre maneras de problematizar y losdispositivos epistémicos que de ahí se derivan. Se analizan dos casos que ilustran la relación entre finescognitivos y dispositivos epistémicos para mostrar como analizar la problematización en el Trabajo Socialy como pensar una epistemología del trabajo social centrando la mirada en las prácticas científicas. Alfinal se proponen algunos puntos que sirvan como punto de partida para seguir reflexionando en torno ala problematización a través de las prácticas disciplinares cotidianas de las trabajadoras sociales.
Procesos de mercantilización y cosificación de las personas niñas en el contexto neoliberal: explotación sexual y pornografía infantil, análisis de caso
Authors: Ruíz Serrano Carmen Gabriela
Published: May 2024

El presente artículo es el resultado de la recuperación, análisis y sistematización de un proceso de intervención desarrollado con fundamento en la metodología del trabajo social decasos y el método biográfico de investigación cualitativa, en su categoría historia de vida. Ha sido diseñado desde una exposición que recupera el método base de atención individualizada, ordenando por fases metodológicas la intervención social frente al fenómeno de trata de personas con fines de explotación sexual.