bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, education, and information affect chronic energy deficiency among pregnant mothers in the area of Public Health Center Balen, Bojonegoro, Indonesia
Authors: Triyawati Lilik , Yuliani Esti
Published: April 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

One of the most common maternal health problems is the Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnancy.
Factors that lead to CED incidence were analyzed to be able to provide adequate precautions.
It was found that knowledge, education, and information are factors that affect chronic energy deficiency among pregnant mothers.

 
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the effect of knowledge, education and information on the incidence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in pregnant women at Balen Health Center, Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: This research was a correlational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample of this study were several pregnant women at Public Health Center Balen, Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia. There were 122 respondents who were recruited with simple random sampling. The independent variables were the predisposing factors, comprising age, number of children, education background, mother's occupational status and knowledge; the enabling factors of the prenatal class participation, and the reinforcing factors of the family support. The dependent variable was the occurrence of CED. Data collection was carried out using questionnaire and secondary data (maternal cohort). Data were processed by editing, scoring, coding, and tabulating. Data analysis used multiple logistic regression with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The most dominant factor influencing the occurrence of CED was the reinforcing factors of informative support with an Exp value (B) 3.918 and the instrument support with an Exp value (B) value of 3.450. The following factor that influenced the CED incidence was the predisposing factor of knowledge with an Exp value (B) of 2.677, the enabling factor of the prenatal class participation with an Exp value (B) of 1.793, and finally the predisposing factor of education with Exp value (B) of 0.176.
Conclusion: In Balen Health Center Bojonegoro, Indonesia, the predisposing factors significantly affecting Chronic Energy Deficiency in pregnant women were knowledge and education level, while the enabling factors were availability of health facilities and prenatal class participation, and the reinforcing factors were informative support and instrument support.
The success rate of intrauterine insemination in sperm preparation swim-up method at room temperature compared to the incubator temperature
Authors: Melinawati Eriana , Budihastuti Uki Retno , Pangestu Mulyoto , Prakosa Teguh , Ratnasari Affi Angelia , Laqif Abdurahman , Darto  , Hadi Cahyono , Susanto Lunardhi , Sukmawati Metanolia , Dwiyana Rakano Kautsar , Tristiarti Alfi Marita , Jatiningtyas Abida Zuhra
Published: April 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

There were no significant differences in TMSC, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DFI in sperm preparation using the swim-up method at 27°C and 37°C. However, this study provided an overview of the average improvement of DFI at 27°C compared to 37°C.
There was no significant difference in the pregnancy rate of IUI in sperm preparation using the swim-up method at 27°C and 37°C.

 
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature during sperm preparation on total sperm motile count (TMSC), sperm motility, sperm morphology, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and pregnancy rate.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental laboratory study with pre- and post-test control group was conducted at Sekar Fertility Clinic, Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia. A total of 20 sperm samples from infertile patients were prepared using the swim-up method at 27°C (group 1) and 37°C (group 2). TMSC, motility, morphology, and DFI examinations were performed. In addition, IUI was performed to confirm pregnancy rate. Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using Sperm Chromatin Dispersion/SpermFunc DNAf test. Sperm DNA fragmentation was characterized by a halo <30% of the volume of the sperm head.
Results: Group 1 had mean TMSC of 13.77 ± 9.30, while group 2 had 14.82 ± 8.82; p=0.218. Group 1 had a motility value 82.25+12.77 and group 2 had 82.55 ± 11.69; p=0.968. The morphological value for group 1 was 11.25 ± 5.15 and group 2 was 11.6 ± 5.34; p=0.626. The mean DFI for group 1 was 17.79 ± 10.88 and group 2 was 18.18 ± 12.95; p=0.765. Pregnancy rate in group 1 was 10% and group 2 was 20%; p=1.000.
Conclusion: There were no significant differences in TMSC, sperm motility, sperm morphology, DFI, and pregnancy rate in sperm preparation using the swim-up method at 27°C and 37°C.
A profile of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia in a tertiary hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Shabrina Aisyah , Tjokroprawiro Brahmana Askandar , Kurniasari Nila , Hidayati Hanik Badriyah
Published: April 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN).
GTN is chemosensitive, but without appropriate therapy and follow-up, GTN will develop into complications and fatalities.

 
ABSTRACT
Objective: Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) is a pregnancy-related malignancy due to abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with GTN to help diagnose cases of GTN earlier and provide better treatment.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study on medical records of patients with GTN in Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya, Indonesia, during the period of January 2018 to December 2020 with a total sampling technique. There were 41 patients with GTN included as study subjects. 
Results: Forty-one cases of GTN met the inclusion criteria out of the fifty medical records collected. The majority of patients aged 21 – 30 years old (34%) and had parity status without data (42%). Regarding the clinical profile based on prognostic factors, the predominant patients (71%) also had no data about the time interval between the end of the last pregnancy and the first time diagnosed by GTN, Those with more than 100,000 mIU/ml of beta-hCG levels were 32%, and those without metastases were 41.5%. Most patients belonged to the low-risk group (49%) and received chemotherapy (71%) with the MTX LD regimen (69%). 
Conclusion: GTN occurred predominantly in reproductive women that belonged to the low-risk group. Furthermore, chemotherapy is one of the chosen therapy for those patients.
Integrating Middle East and North Africa Unaccompanied Minors Refugees and Asylum Seekers through Mentoring: Exploring Eu-Based Research to Inform Future Applications in Portugal
Authors: Carolo Dora , Carvalho Ricardo , Batalha Carolina , Gouveia Susana , Lebre Paula
Published: April 2023

Adolescents often migrate unaccompanied by a caregiver, facing specific risks. Mentoring has been identified as a strategy with positive results for youth at risk. Its application with unaccompanied minors (UM) refugees and asylum seekers has gained momentum within EU countries receiving refugee citizens from the EU relocation program. Portugal hosts the fourth highest number of Middle East and North Africa UM refugees and asylum seekers among EU countries. Thus, it´s relevant to review strategies and intervention programs, focused on mentoring to inform future programs in Portugal supporting UM. This article aims to describe the use of mentoring strategies towards integrating UM refugees, and how this has been taking place in Portugal. This review has the potential to inform professionals, namely social education professionals involved in the Portuguese refugee relocation program and encourage the discussion about creating based mentoring-based programs for this target group.
Rodent Proliferation in Urban and Agricultural Settings of Sub-Saharan Africa – Part 2. Towards Integrated Management Strategies, and Beyond
Authors: Dalecky Ambroise , Sow Ibrahima , Ibrahim Danzabarma Abdoul Aziz , Garba Madougou , Etougbetche Jonas , Badou Sylvestre , Dossou Henri-Joël , Niang Cheikh Tidiane , Diene Ousmane , Diallo Idrissa , Saghiri Mohamed Seyidna Ali , Sidatt Mohamed El Hady , Van Steenbergen Frank , Bal Amadou Bocar , Bosma Luwieke , Houemenou Gualbert , Ag Atteynine Solimane , Hima Karmadine , Dobigny Gauthier , Meheretu Yonas
Published: April 2023

The use of synthetic chemical rodenticides is the most commonly practiced rodent management method in sub-Saharan Africa which results in health and environmental risks without any significant improvement in terms of reducing rodent pest populations sustainably. In this paper, which is a second part of a diptych, we advocate for better control of the use of synthetic chemical rodenticides in urban and agricultural settings in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and environment-friendly rodent management approaches, such as the Ecologically-Based Rodent Management (EBRM), as a realistic alternative to synthetic rodenticides. The EBRM approach relies on a solid knowledge of pest rodent biology, ecology and behavior as well as the use of a pool of rodent management actions implemented through community-based interventions to ensure sustained reduction of rodent pest populations down to economically and sanitary acceptable levels. EBRM is expected not only to ensure reducing the social impacts of pest rodents in cost-beneficial ways, but also the risks of rodents and synthetic rodenticides to human health and the environment.
How Many Azores Bullfinches Are There in the World? Case Study of a Threatened Species
Authors: Costa Tarso de Menezes Macedo , Gil Artur José Freire , Timóteo Sergio , Ceia Ricardo Sergio , Coelho Rúben , Martin Azucena de la Cruz
Published: April 2023

The Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina Godman, 1866) is a rare Passeriformes endemic from the eastern part of São Miguel Island. This bird was almost considered extinct in the first half of the 20th century and, due to recent conservation measures, it has experienced a recovery since the beginning of the 2000s. Despite the attention given to this bird, the size of its population is still controversial, and the most recent studies present significant divergences on this behalf. The pur-pose of the present study is to present data from the long-term monitoring of the Azores bullfinch to update the information about the population size and range of this species. In addition, we performed a literature review to highlight the limitations and advantages of the different ap-proaches for monitoring this species. In this study, we conclude that the most likely size of the Azores bullfinch population is 500 to 800 couples, with a slow population growth tendency, and an area of distribution of 130 Km2.
The Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate from Glycerol and Carbon Dioxide over Supported CuO-Based Nanoparticle Catalyst
Authors: Al-Kurdhani Jassim Mohamed Hamed , Wang Huajun
Published: April 2023

A series of supported CuO-based nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and used for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and CO2 in the presence of 2-cyanopyridine as a dehydrant and DMF as a solvent. The effects of supports (activated alumina, silicon dioxide, graphene oxide, graphene, and activated carbon), CuO loading amount, calcination temperature, and reaction parameters on the catalytic activity of catalyst were investigated in detail. XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, and CO2-TPD were used for the characterization of the prepared catalysts. It is found that CuO/Al2O3 shows a higher catalytic activity, which depends on the CuO loading amount and calcination temperature. The surface area and amount of basic sites of the catalyst exhibit crucial effect on the catalytic activity of CuO/Al2O3. Furthermore, there is a synergistic effect between the catalyst and 2-cyanopyridine that the former has higher activation ability for glycerol and the latter acts not only as a dehydrant, but also as a promoter for CO2 activation. Recycling experiments reveal that this catalyst can be reused at least five cycles without any inactivation. Based on the experiment results and FTIR characterization, a possible reaction mechanism for the carbonylation of glycerol and CO2 is proposed.
Effects of Rotational Speed on Performance Prediction of Pump As Turbine For energy generation and Green Development
Authors: Bentum-Micah Geoffrey , Agyapong Atuahene Sampson , Cai Lianyu , Adu Daniel , Sheng Qian Xu
Published: April 2023

Small hydro-power systems seem to be the best solution for energy generation through the use of pump as turbine (PAT) due to its low cost and lesser environmental hazards associated with it. Recently, PAT applications are gaining global attention in energy generation but its operation is not fully understood. The performance and flow behavior is affected by several operational conditions. This study seeks to investigate the effects of rotational speed on flow behavior and performance of a PAT. Rotational speed is an important physical parameter that affects the operation of a PAT. A selected centrifugal pump model of four blades and splitters was used for the study. Numerical simulations were carried out using k-ε turbulence model to solve the three-dimensional (3D) equations in both pump and PAT modes. The outcomes were then validated using experimental results in the pump mode to obtain overview flow physiognomies. The results predicted that the efficiency increases as the rotational speed increases in the pump mode whereas in turbine mode, higher rotational speed cannot convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. Thus, a rotational speed of 1500 rpm performed the highest efficiency of 69.8% at QBEP among the other rotational speeds selected. Moreover, the head performance in the turbine mode increases as the flow rate increases. This research provides useful information which will help improve PAT performance as well as selecting PAT for small hydro-power site.
Planetary Health and Anthropocene Discourse: The Role of Muslim Religious Leaders
Authors: El-Sherbini Mona Said , Tajudeen Yusuf Amuda , Oladipo Habeebullah Jayeola , Oladunjoye Iyiola Olatunji , Adebayo Aminat Olaitan , Mahmood Jemilah
Published: April 2023

The Anthropocene epoch marks a critical phase in the history of humanity, where anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted our planet. Along the unpreceedendent ecological crises, the Anthropocene worldview has raised existential questions with a cultural and ethical discourse that recognises intrinsic value and calls for more responsible sustainable living. To address these challenges collectively, a broader perspective is required, guided by a unified sense of purpose towards personal and planetary health. In this context, the role of religious leaders in shaping the social and environmental worldviews of their followers cannot be underestimated. Religious teachings provide a moral framework for promoting climate action, global ethics, indigenous people, peace, and justice, and many other aspects of planetary health. By assessing the global ecological crises through the lens of Islam; Religion of Nature, or Din al-Fitra, and its environmental teachings across all realms, we can gain insights into humanity’s connection to the fabric of creation and its interaction with this world. These value-leden principles are integrated with accountability; thus, the role of Muslim religious leaders considering the planetary-scale threats warrant further elucidation; recognizing that many other faiths and faith leaders can similarly contribute together for common good.
Microclimatic Conditions Restrict the Radial Growth of Nothofagus antarctica Regeneration According to the Type of Forest Environment in Tierra Del Fuego
Authors: Martínez Pastur Guillermo , Rodríguez-Souilla Julián , Lencinas María V. , Cellini Juan M. , Chaves Jimena E. , Aravena-Acuña Marie Claire , Roig Fidel A. , Peri Pablo L.
Published: April 2023

Regeneration is crucial for forest continuity in natural and managed stands. Analyzing intra-annual dynamics improves the understanding between growth and climate, identifying survival thresholds. The objective was to determine microclimate constraints (rainfall, air and soil temperatures) over Nothofagus antarctica regeneration growing at closed, open, and edge forests in Patagonia. We measured stand characteristics (forest structure, understory, soil properties, animal use), microclimate, and daily growth of regeneration using dendrometers (n = 6) during two growing seasons. We found significant differences in the studied variables (e.g. overstory, light, soil, understory, animal use). These changes defined microclimate across overstory gradient (e.g. soil moisture), influencing the daily growth across seasons (lag, exponential, stationary). Rainfall influenced more than temperature. Daily growth in closed forests indicating shrinkage (-0.0082 mm day-1 without rain, and -0.0008 mm day-1 with 0.0-0.2 mm day-1 rainfall), while above 0.2 mm day-1 rainfall, growth always increased. Open forests presented shrinkage during days without rain (-0.0051 mm day-1), showing positive growths according rainfall. Edge forests always presented positive daily growths. The resilience of regeneration under these changed conditions was related with overstory. Main outputs indicated that regeneration was vulnerable during non-rainy days, suggesting the needs of long-term monitoring to develop better silvicultural proposals.
(R)-(+)-3,5-dinitro-N-(1-phenylethyl)benzothioamide
Authors: Donahue Matthew Garrett , Crull Emily
Published: April 2023

(R)-(+)-3,5-Dinitro-N-(1-phenylethyl)benzothioamide 1 is a potential chiral solvating agent (CSA) for the spectral resolution of enantiomers by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The single enantiomer of 1 was synthesized from commercially (R)-(+)-a-methylbenzylamine 2 in two-steps with 85% yield.
Development of Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Chi-Tosan/MWCNTs-AuPtPd Nanocomposites for Detection of Bisphenol A
Authors: Han En , Pan Yingying , Li Lei , Liu Yuan , Gu Yuan , Cai Jianrong
Published: April 2023

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on AuPtPd trimetallic nanoparticles functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes coupled with chitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd) for the rapid detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was proposed. AuPtPd trimetallic nanoparticles were first assembled on MWCNTs to obtain MWCNTs-AuPtPd nanocomposite. Then the MWCNTs-AuPtPd was further dispersed on the surface of chitosan modified electrode surface to fabricate the GCE/CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd sensor. Due to the superior catalytic properties of MWCNTs-AuPtPd and the good film formation of chitosan, the constructed sensor displayed good performances for BPA detection. The structural morphology of CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd was characterized by many methods, such as SEM, UV-vis and TEM. Under the optimal conditions, the designed sensor showed a linear range from 0.05 to 100 µM for BPA detecting with a low detection limit of 1.4 nM. The designed sensor was further used to realize the determination of BPA in real samples and the recoveries ranged from 94.4% to 103.6%. The results demonstrated that the electrochemical sensor designed by CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd nanocomposites was reliable and could be a useful tool for the monitoring of food safety.
HABS-controlled Growth of Aragonite Based Polymorphic Symbiotic CaCO3 Crystals in Emulsion
Authors: He Weiwei , Hu Junqing , Sun Weihao , Liu Jiqiong , Guo Hongguang , Zhao Changming , Wang Qinggguo , Liu Xiangbin , Cai Meng , Shi Weiguang
Published: April 2023

Non-natural mineralization of CaCO3 with special structures or morphology is generated during the crude oil migration, which is the main scale of alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flooding in oilfields, adversely affecting the oil recovery and causing environmental pollution. Up to now, the mineralization of superstructural symbiotic aragonites and the role of heavy alkyl-benzene sulfonate (HABS) in directing mineralization are still unclear. In this work, rosette-like, bouquet-like and dumbbell-like aragonite-based superstructure of symbiotic CaCO3 crystals were obtained in a simulated O/W emulsion with HABS, which can help understanding the diversified growth of CaCO3 scaling in oilfield. As a result, HABS stabilized micelles acted as a framework for mineralization, and promoted the accumulation of Ca2+ and CO32-, generating pre-nucleation clusters and partial ion pairs by electrostatic attraction. Following, the sequential nucleation of amorphous CaCO3 interconnected with HABS molecules. Finally, these nanoparticles transformed into micro-meter crystals via dissolution-reprecipitation, forming the superstructures that controlled by a synergistic effect between HABS and kerosene phase. This work may enrich the understanding of CaCO3 mineralization in oilfield, provide theoretical support for the prevention of hard carbonate scaling, and also provide a novel strategy for organic-inorganic composites manufacturing.
Investigation of Broadband Optical Nonlinear Absorption and Transient Dynamics in Orange IV Containing Azobenzene
Authors: Wu Quanhua , Ruan Rui , Li Xingxing , Zhao Yujie , Li Yang , Fang Yu , Chen Yongqiang , Wu Quanying , Song Yinglin , Wu Xingzhi
Published: April 2023

Broadband reverse saturable absorption is systematically investigated via Z-scan, transient absorption spectrum (TAS). The excited state absorption and negative refraction of Orange IV are observed in the Z-scan experiment at 532 nm. Meanwhile, two-photon induced excited-state absorption and pure two-photon absorption are observed at 600 nm and 700 nm with the pulse width of 190 fs, respectively. An ultrafast broadband absorption in visible wavelength region is observed via TAS. The different nonlinear absorption mechanism at multiple wavelengths is discussed and interpreted from the results of TAS. In addition, the ultrafast dynamics of negative refraction in the excited state of Orange IV is investigated via degenerate phase object pump probe, from which the weak long-lived excited state is extracted. All studies indicate that Orange IV has the potential to be further optimized into a superior broadband reverse saturable absorption material and also has certain reference significance for the study of optical nonlinearity in organic molecules containing azobenzene groups.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Video Offloading and Resource Allocation in NOMA-Enabled Networks
Authors: Gao Siyu , Wang Yuchen , Feng Nan , Wei Zhongcheng , Zhao Jijun
Published: April 2023

With the proliferating of video surveillance system deployment and related applications, real-time video analysis is very critical to achieve intelligent monitoring, autonomous driving, etc. It is non-trivial to achieve high accuracy and low latency video stream analysis through the traditional cloud computing. In this paper, we propose a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) based edge real-time video analysis framework with one edge server (ES) and multiple user equipments (UEs). A cost minimization problem composed of delay, energy and accuracy is formulated to improve the QoE of UEs. In order to efficiently solve this problem, we propose the joint video frame resolution scaling, task offloading, and resource allocation algorithm based on the Deep Q-Learning Network (JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN), which effectively overcomes the sparsity of the single-layer reward function and accelerates the training convergence speed. JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN consists of two DQN networks to reduce the curse of dimension, which respectively select the offloading and resource allocation action, the resolution scaling action. Experimental results show that JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN can effectively reduce the cost of transmission and computation, and have better performance in convergence compared to other baseline.
Effects of the Volume Fraction of the Secondary Phase After So-Lution Annealing on Electrochemical Properties of Super Duplex Stainless Steel UNS S32750
Authors: Shin Byung-Hyun , Chung Wonsub , Kim Dohyung
Published: April 2023

Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is used for manufacturing large valves and pipes in offshore plants because of its excellent strength and corrosion resistance. Large valves and pipes are manufactured by forging after casting, and the outside and inside microstructures are different owing to the difference in the cooling rate caused by the thermal conductivity. This microstructural variation causes cracks during solution annealing, which breaks the materials. To study toe corrosion resistance of the SDSS forged material, the microstructure was conducted based on the difference in the cooling rate between the inside and outside of the cast SDSS. To analyze the effects of the secondary phase fraction before solution annealing on the solution and corrosion resistance, the corrosion resistance with and without solution annealing was measured using the potentiodynamic polarization test and critical temperature test after the precipitation of the secondary phase. In the potentiodynamic polarization test, the secondary phase decreased the activation polarization and increased the corrosion rate. The critical pitting temperature exhibited the effect of the secondary phase.
The Function of Bed Management in Pandemic Times. A Case Study of Reaction Time and Bed Reconversion
Authors: Barchielli Chiara , Vainieri Milena , Seghieri Chiara , Salutini Eleonora , Zoppi Paolo
Published: April 2023

The last decade was characterized by the reduction of hospital beds throughout Europe. When facing Covid pandemic, this has been an issue of major importance as hospitals were seriously overloaded with an unexpected growth in demand. The dichotomy formed by the scarcity of beds and the need for acute care was handled by the Bed Management (BM) function. This study explores how BM was able to help the solidness of the healthcare system, managing hospital beds at best and recruiting others in different set-tings as intermediate care, in a large Local Health Authority (LHA) in central Italy. Ad-ministrative data show how the provision of appropriate care was achieved recruiting approximately 500 beds belonging to private healthcare facilities affiliated with the re-gional healthcare system and exercising at best the BM function. The ability of the system to absorb the extra demand caused by Covid was made possible using intermediate care beds, which allowed to stretch the logistic boundaries of the hospitals, and by the promptness of Bed Management in converting beds in Covid beds and reconverting them and timely managing internal patient logistic, thus creating space according to the healthcare demand.
Liver Involvement in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: Role of Transient Elastography in the Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis and Steatosis
Authors: Cuomo Giovanna , Iandoli Carlo , Galiero Raffaele , Caturano Alfredo , Di Vico Claudio , Perretta Danilo , Adamo Pier Vincenzo , Ferrara Roberta , Rinaldi Luca , Romano Ciro , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: April 2023

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, multisystemic disorder of connective tissue, characterized by widespread inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and both skin and visceral organ fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis is the final phase of a complex biological process of immune activation and vascular damage.
Objectives The aim of study was to assess hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in SSc patients by transient elastography (TE).
Methods Fifty-nine SSc patients, satisfying the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, were recruited. Clinical and laboratory findings, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), ac-tivity index, video-capillaroscopy, echocardiography, and lung function data were ana-lyzed. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured by transient elastography (TE), with 7 kPa used as the cut-off value for significant liver fibrosis and steatosis. Specifically, values ≥ 238 CAP ≤ 259 dB/m were considered consistent with mild steatosis (S1), 260 ≥ CAP ≤ 290 dB/m with moderate steatosis (S2) and ≥291 dB/m with severe steatosis (S3)
Results The median age of patients was 51 years, with a median disease duration of 6 years. Median LS was 4.5 (2.9–8.3) kPa; 41 patients (69.5%) had no evidence of fibrosis (F=0), 16 (27.1%) displayed LS values between 5.2 and 7 kPa; only 2 patients (3.4%) had LS values >7 kPa (F3). The median CAP value for liver steatosis was 223 dB/m (IQR: 164–343). Overall, 39 patients (66.1%) did not show evidence of steatosis (CAP values <238 dB/m); 9 patients (15.2%) showed values consistent with mild (S1) steatosis (CAP value ≥238 ≤259 dB/m); 8 patients (13.5%) had moderate (S2) steatosis (CAP value ≥260 ≤290 dB/m); 3 patients (5.1%) were deemed to have severe steatosis (S3) due to CAP values ≥291 dB/m.
Conclusions Only 3.4% of our patient population showed evidence of marked liver fibrosis, which is the same prevalence as that expected in the general population. Likewise, the prevalence of significant steatosis was low (5.1%) and depending on the same variables associated with fatty liver in the general population. TE was shown to be an easy and valuable method for detection and screening of liver fibrosis in SSc patients with no additional risk factors for liver disease.
The Current State and Prospects of Recycling Silk Industry Waste into Nonwoven Materials
Authors: Sashina Elena S. , Yakovleva Olga I.
Published: April 2023

Natural fibres are the preferred options for garment, technical and medical textiles, nonwovens and composites. Their sustainability is a considerable advantage. Though, the nature of silk production and processing involves a large amount of waste. The present review explores the current issues of recycling silk waste into nonwovens for medical and air filtration purposes. The article proposes to obtain nonwovens from short fibres using electrospinning of fibroin solutions in volatile solvents. Longer fibres are proposed to be processed into needle punched nonwoven materials with a selection of an effective antistatic treatment.
L-Rhamnose and Phenolic Esters based Monocatenar and Bolaform Amphiphiles: Ecocompatible Synthesis, Determination of their Antioxidant, Eliciting and Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Kordkatooli Emad , Bacha Katia , Villaume Sandra , Dorey Stephan , Monboisse Jean-Claude , Brassart-Pasco Sylvie , Mbakidi Jean-Pierre , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: April 2023

Symmetrical and dissymmetrical bolaforms were prepared with good to high yields from unsaturated L-rhamnosides and phenolic esters (ferulic, phloretic, coumaric, sinapic and caffeic) using two eco-compatible synthetic strategies involving glycosylation, enzymatic synthesis and cross-metathesis under microwaves activation. Furthermore, some of these new compounds present good eliciting properties depending on the carbon chain length and on the nature of the hydrophilic head. Their respective antioxidant activities have been also evaluated as well as their cytotoxic properties on dermal cells for cosmetic uses.
Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Status: Wuchereria bancrofti Infections in Human Populations After Five Effective Rounds of Mass Drug Administration in Zambia
Authors: Matapo Belem Blamwell , Mpabalwani Evans Mwila , Kaonga Patrick , Simuunza Martin Chitolongo , Bakyaita Nathan , Masaninga Freddie , Siyumbwa Namasiku , Siziya Seter , Shamilimo Frank , Muzongwe Chilweza , Mwase Enala T , Sikasunge Chummy Sikalizyo
Published: April 2023

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), also commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by filarial parasites. The disease is transmitted by a bite from infected mosquitoes. The bites of these infected mosquitoes deposit filarial parasites, Wuchereria or Brugia whose predilection site is the lymphatic system. The damage to the lymph system causes swelling in the legs, arms, and genitalia. A mapping survey conducted between 2003 and 2010 determined LF that LF was endemic in Zambia in 96 out of 116 districts. Elimination of LF is known to be possible by stopping the spread of the infection through large-scale preventive chemotherapy. Therefore, mass drug administration (MDA) with diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) (6 mg/kg) and Albendazole (400 mg) for Zambia has been conducted and implemented in all endemic districts with five effective rounds. Post-MDA pre-transmission assessment survey (pre-TAS) was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in 80 districts to determine the LF prevalence rate. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study involving 600 participants in each Evaluation Unit (EU) or each district. The study sites (sentinel and spot-check sites) were the districts that were the Implementation Unites (IUs) where MDA, preventive chemotherapy against LF was conducted. These included 80 districts from the 9 provinces. A total of 47,235 people from sentinel and spot-check locations were tested. Of these, valid tests were 47,052 of which 27,762 (59%) were females and 19,290 (41%) were males. The survey revealed in the 79/80 endemic district a prevalence of Wb anti-gens of 0.14% and 0.0% prevalence of microfilariae. All the surveyed districts had an optimum prevalence of less than 2 percent, except for Chibombo district. The majority of participants that tested positive for Wb Ag were those that had 2, 3, and 4 rounds of MDA. Surprisingly, individuals that had 1 round of MDA were not found to have circulating antigens of Wb. The study showed that all the surveyed districts except for Chibombo, passed Pre-TAS. This further implies that there is a need to conduct a TAS in these districts in order to decide whether to stop MDA or not.

Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis; pre-TAS; Prevalence; Antigenaemia; Microfilariae; Zambia
Assessment of the Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Dual Purpose Livestock System of Colombian Orinoquia: On-Farm Diagnostic Tests Comparison
Authors: Salamanca Carreño Arcesio , Vélez-Terranova Mauricio , Taamasaukas Rita , Jáuregui-Jiménez Raúl , Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Arias-Landazábal José N.
Published: April 2023

The assessment of the prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) in dairy farms is essential to validate the health status of the mammary gland. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of SCM in dual purpose livestock systems in Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia, through the analysis of the values found by the field diagnostic tests California Mastitis Test (CMT) and Electric Conductivity (EC). Milk samples were taken from the individual mammary quarters of 481 cows. The general prevalence, per affected room and the total number of rooms was determined according to the values obtained for each test using two methods of analysis. An ANOVA was performed to determine the difference between prevalence’s, a correlation analysis, and an analysis of sensitivity and specificity. The general prevalence was similar between the tests (CMT = 31.4%; EC = 29.7%) (p > 0.05). The prevalence of the total quarters was lower with EC (11.3% vs 14.2%) (p < 0.05). The correlations between tests were significant, but with low values (rs = 0.20-0.25). CMT and EC test concordance showed a sensitivity between 0.35-0.45 and a specificity of 0.75-0.90. The two tests showed positive results in detecting the same animals with or without the presence of the infection, although some animals that were positive for one test were not positive for the other test. The test EC classified animals and their quarters as SCM positive or negative in a more similar way to that obtained with CMT. The two diagnostic tests showed a general low prevalence of SCM in the livestock systems evaluated.
Privacy First Path Analysis Using Clickstream Data
Authors: Gadepally Krishna Chaitanya , Dhal Sambandh Bhusan , Kalafatis Stavros , Nowka Kevin
Published: April 2023

In today’s digital economy data-based decisions have become very important to meet the ev-er-growing needs of customer engagement, retention, and satisfaction. Clickstream data is one such data that is being used to better understand, predict and engage with customers. Unfortu-nately, clickstream data for understanding customers has raised privacy and security concerns with many internet providers selling data for monetary benefits. This paper showcases a meth-odology that is developed based on experiential learning and using the latest cryptographic methods including differential privacy and graph analytics for predicting customer lifetime value (CLV) using clickstream data. Results obtained show that a user’s engagement can be pre-dicted within a relatively acceptable range after preserving privacy.
Vocational Domain Identification with Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing on Wikipedia Text: Error Analysis and Class Balancing
Authors: Nikiforos Maria Nefeli , Deliveri Konstantina , Kermanidis Katia Lida , Pateli Adamantia
Published: April 2023

Highly-skilled migrants and refugees finding employment in low-skill vocations, despite professional qualifications and educational background, has become a global tendency, mainly due to the language barrier. Employment prospects for displaced communities are mostly decided by their knowledge of the sublanguage of the vocational domain they are interested in working. Common vocational domains include agriculture, cooking, crafting, construction, and hospitality. The increasing amount of user-generated content in wikis and social networks provides a valuable source of data for data mining, Natural Language Processing and machine learning applications. This paper extends the contribution of the authors’ previous research on automatic vocational domain identification by further analyzing the results of the machine learning experiments with the domain-specific textual data set, considering 2 research directions: a. predictions analysis and b. data balancing. Wrong predictions analysis and the features that contributed to misclassification, along with correct predictions analysis and the features that were the most dominant, contributed to the identification of a primary set of terms for the vocational domains. Data balancing techniques were applied on the data set to observe their impact on the performance of the classification model. A novel 4-step methodology is proposed in this paper for the first time, consisting of successive applications of SMOTE oversampling on imbalanced data. Data oversampling obtains better results than data undersampling in imbalanced data sets, while hybrid approaches perform reasonably well.
In-Situ Observation on the Grain Growth Behavior and Marten-Sitic Transformation of Supercooled Austenite in NM500 Wear-Resistant Steel at Different Quenching Temperatures
Authors: Li Zhongbo , Yuan Qing , Xu Shaopu , Zhou Yang , Liu Sheng , Xu Guang
Published: April 2023

In-situ observation on the austenite grain growth and martensite transformation in a developed NM500 wear-resistant steel were conducted on a Confocal Laser Scanning High-temperature Microscope (CSLM). Results indicated that the martensite nucleation did not synchronously proceed during quenching process. The selective prenucleation dominated in martensite nucleation, which dividing untransformed austenite into several regions, and resulting in the larger size of fresh martensite. Martensite can not only nucleate at parent austenite grain boundaries, but also nucleate in the preformed martensite laths and twins. Smaller constraint in the martensite growth was achieved in a larger parent austenite grain size, leading to the longer fresh martensite and secondary martensite. Besides, the transformation kinetics of martensite was accelerated in a higher quenching temperature. Moreover, the martensitic laths presented in parallel laths (0~2°) based on the pre-formed lath or distributed in triangle, parallelogram or hexagon with an angle of 60° or 120°. Interestingly, martensitic lath also traversed the unstable new parent austenitic grain boundaries. In addition, the size of austenite grains increased with the quenching temperature, and austenite grains coarsened in a short time at a higher quenching temperature of 1160 ℃. Furthermore, a large amount fine dispersed particles redissolved and ripped at 1160 ℃, resulting in the many large and visible carbonitrides.
Bulk Tungsten Fiber-Reinforced Tungsten (WfW) Composites Using Yarn-Based Textile Preforms
Authors: Lau Alexander , Coenen Jan Willem , Schwalenberg Daniel , Mao Yiran , Höschen Till , Riesch Johann , Raumann Leonard , Treitz Michael , Gietl Hanns , Terra Alexis , Goeths Beatrix , Linsmeier Christian , Theis-Bröhl Katharina , Gonzalez-Julian Jesus
Published: April 2023

The use of tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten composites (Wf/W) has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of tungsten (W) by incorporating W-fibers into the W-matrix. However, prior research has been restricted by the usage of single fiber-based textile fabrics, consisting of 150 µm warp and 50 µm weft filaments, with limited homogeneity, reproducibility, and mechanical properties in bulk structures due to the rigidity of the 150 µm fibers. To overcome this limitation, two novel textile preforms were developed utilizing radial braided yarns with 7 core- and 16 sleeve filaments (R.B. 16+7) as the warp material. In this study, bulk composites of two different fabric types were produced via a layer-by-layer CVD-process, utilizing single 50 µm filaments (type 1) and R.B. 16+7 yarns (type 2) as weft materials. The produced composites were sectioned into KLST-type specimen based on DIN EN ISO 179-1:2000 using electrical discharge machining (EDM), and subjected to three-point bending tests. Both composites demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties with pseudo-ductile behavior at room temperature and endured over 10,000 load cycles between 50-90 % of their respective maximum load without sample fracture. Composites based on fabric type 1 demonstrated superior manufacturing performance and mechanical properties, a high relative average density (>97 %), and high fiber volume fraction (14-17 %). Furthermore, a novel approach to predict the fatigue behavior of the material under cyclic loading was developed based on the high reproducibility of the mechanical properties of type 1, providing a new benchmark for upscaling endeavors.
Quantum-Classical Transition for Mixed States: The Scaled Von Neumann Equation
Authors: Mousavi S. , Miret-Artés S.
Published: April 2023

In this work, we propose a transition wave equation from quantum to classical regime in the framework of the von Neumann formalism for ensembles and then obtain an equivalent scaled equation. This leads us to develop a scaled statistical theory following the well-known Wigner-Moyal approach of quantum mechanics. This scaled nonequilibrium statistical mechanics has in it all the ingredients of the classical and quantum theory described in terms of a continuous parameter displaying all the dynamical regimes in-between the two extreme cases. Finally, a simple application of our scaled formalism consisting of reflection from a mirror by computing various quantities including probability density plots, scaled trajectories and arrival times are analyzed.
Unveiling the Potential of BenzylethyleneAryl-Urea Scaffolds for Designing of new Onco Immunomodulating Agents
Authors: Gil-Edo Raquel , Royo Santiago , Carda Miguel , Falomir Eva
Published: April 2023

Thirteen benzylethylenearyl ureas and one carbamate have been designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated as regards their antiproliferative activity on tumor cell lines HEK-293 and A-549 and on the immune and endothelial Jurkat T cells and HMEC-1, respectively. A relationship between the structure of the synthetic compounds and their antiproliferative activity has been established. Compounds C.1, C.3, C.12 and C.14 were chosen for further biological studies in order to determine their potential as oncoimmunomodulating agents. Some compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on both total PD-L1 and VEGFR-2 in HT-29 cell line, showing urea C.12 active against both targets. Some compounds could reduce more than 50% of cancer living cells, compared to non-treated ones, when assessed in co-cultures using HT-29 and THP-1 cells. In addition, these compounds showed no effect on the immune cell viability and significantly reduce CD11b expression, which is a promising target for immune modulation in anti-cancer therapies.
Artificial Intelligence with Respect to Cyber Security
Authors: Jawaid Syed Adnan
Published: April 2023

Artificial Intelligence has transformed the cyber security industry by enabling organizations to systematize and enlarge outdated safety procedures. AI can provide more effective threat detection and response capabilities, enhance vulnerability management, and improve compliance and governance. AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, behavioral analytics, and deep learning can enhance cyber security defenses and protect against a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and insider threats.Theoretical underpinnings of AI in cyber security, such as machine learning, natural language processing, behavioral analytics, and deep learning, are discussed. The advantages of using AI in cyber security are discussed including speed and accuracy, continuous learning and adaptation, and efficiency and scalability. It's important to note that AI is not a silver bullet for cyber security and should be used in conjunction with other security measures to provide a comprehensive defense strategy.AI has transformed the way cyber security operates in today's digital age. By analyzing vast amounts of data quickly and accurately it has become a valuable tool for organizations looking to protect their assets from cyber threats.
Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy System with Load-Following for Fast Charging Station
Authors: Esteves Otavio Lopes Alves , A.Gabbar Hossam
Published: April 2023

The transportation sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity as a solution to reduce emissions, but the high load of charging stations poses a challenge to the power grid. Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems (N-RHES) present a promising alternative to support fast charging stations, reduce grid dependency, and decrease emissions. However, the intermittent problem of renewable energy sources (RESs) limits their application, and the synergies among different technologies have not been fully exploited. This paper proposes a predictive and adaptive control strategy to optimize the energy management of N-RHES for fast charging stations, considering the integration of nuclear, photovoltaics, and wind turbine energy with a hydrogen storage fuel cell system. The proposed dynamic model of a fast-charging station predicts electricity consumption behavior during charging processes, generating probabilistic forecasting of electricity consumption time-series profiling. Key performance indicators and sensitivity analyses illustrate the practicability of the suggested system, which offers a comprehensive solution to provide reliable, sustainable, and low-emission energy to fast-charging stations while reducing emissions and dependency on the power grid.