bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competencias digitales en la formación de los docentes y estudiantes de educación superior en Cuba
Authors: Pérez Vargas Norge Luis , Cortés Jorge Abelardo
Published: February 2024

Este trabajo muestra la realidad informatizacional global del presente, particularmente aterrizada al contexto cubano reportada en la literatura científica. El propósito principal de este análisis documental es aproximarse a la identificación de las acciones para promover el desarrollo de la competencia digital en los docentes y estudiantes de la educación superior cubana, en consonancia con el eventual desarrollo de infraestructura tecnológica. Se recurrió a la revisión bibliográfica, se analizaron 50 artículos en las plataformas Web of Science, Scopus y EBSCO, de los cuales 30 reportes de investigación se ajustaron al criterio de selección por su contenido y niveles de impacto en las bases de datos. Se obtuvo como resultado que las universidades en Cuba cuentan con infraestructura todavía insuficiente como para lograr un desarrollo exponencial de competencias digitales en los estudiantes. Existe como limitante externa el embargo económico al que ha sido sometido este país desde el año 1962 impuesto por los Estados Unidos, y limitantes internas como la insuficiente inversión en desarrollos tecnológicos propios. Las competencias digitales de los universitarios aún están lejos de considerarse lo suficientemente desarrolladas, una de las principales causas es la falta de preparación y capacitación de los propios docentes.
Índice de resiliencia urbana costera para el manejo de residuos sólidos urbanos
Authors: Hernández-Aguilar María Luisa , Martínez-Torres Randy Mauricio , López-Montejo Gerardo Daniel
Published: February 2024

Los huracanes representan la mayor amenaza de las comunidades costeras. Pueden convertir ciudades enteras en escombros y dejar sus calles cubiertas de basura, animales muertos y desechos tóxicos. El objetivo principal fue determinar el grado de resiliencia en el manejo de los Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU) de la ciudad costera de Tulum, Quintana Roo, México, tras el impacto de un huracán. En este sentido, el enfoque de resiliencia se centra en la capacidad de respuesta institucional para la continuidad de operaciones durante una situación de emergencia. Se construyó un modelo definido por componentes e indicadores para la amenaza natural, la vulnerabilidad en la gestión institucional y capacidad de respuesta. Se obtuvo un grado de resiliencia cercano a 25%, indicando falta de políticas para la gestión de RSU generados por amenazas naturales. Una de las ventajas destacadas de este modelo es que puede ser replicado para otra amenaza y territorio.
Las aflatoxinas en el sector agropecuario y el potencial de los adsorbentes derivados de plantas
Authors: Nava-Ramírez María de Jesús , Vázquez-Durán Alma , Méndez-Albores Abraham
Published: February 2024

Diversas especies de hongos filamentosos producen metabolitos secundarios altamente tóxicos denominados micotoxinas. Dentro del grupo de las micotoxinas están las aflatoxinas, las cuales son ubicuas en los alimentos y extremadamente tóxicas para los seres vivos. Por esta razón se han investigado y desarrollado estrategias de descontaminación basadas en procedimientos físicos, químicos y biológicos. Generalmente, las estrategias físicas son altamente efectivas, principalmente con el uso de adsorbentes. Los adsorbentes son compuestos con capacidad de unir a las micotoxinas, por lo que limitan su absorción en el tracto gastrointestinal de los animales. Sin embargo, una de las desventajas de los adsorbentes inorgánicos es la sorción de micronutrientes de la dieta y/o liberación de componentes tóxicos. Consecuentemente, esta revisión tiene como objetivo proporcionar algunas generalidades de las aflatoxinas y sus efectos en los animales, así como la efectividad de algunos materiales derivados de las plantas para su adsorción.
Rendimiento y calidad de forraje obtenido con el pasto maralfalfa cosechado a diferentes edades de rebrote en Durango, México
Authors: Nava Berumen Cynthia Adriana , Carrete Carreón Francisco Oscar , Rosales Serna Rigoberto , Reyes Estrada Osvaldo , Domínguez Martínez Pablo Alfredo , Herrera Torres Esperanza
Published: February 2024

El objetivo fue evaluar rendimiento y calidad de forraje en maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.) a diferentes edades de corte. El diseño experimental fue completamente aleatorio con seis repeticiones. Se realizaron muestreos 73, 86, 100 y 114 días después del riego de rebrote (DDRR). Se evaluó rendimiento de forraje fresco (FF) y seco (FS), proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulosa (HE), celulosa (CE), lignina, digestibilidad in vitro (DIVMS), valor relativo de forraje (VRF), calidad relativa de forraje (CRF) y producción de gas in vitro (PG). El rendimiento más alto de FF (232.5 t ha-1) y FS (39.0 t ha-1) fue 100 DDRR. La PC más alta fue a los 73 DRI (9.1%), mientras FDN (76.3%), FDA (51.7%) y CE (42.6%) se incrementaron y la DIVMS se redujo (50.3%). Se recomienda cosechar forraje de maralfalfa 80 DDRR, para obtener mejor balance rendimiento/calidad.
Distribución potencial de insectos descortezadores de los géneros Dendroctonus e Ips en la Sierra Madre Occidental de Durango, México
Authors: Carrillo-Aguilar Daniela Mitzuko , Flores-Villegas Mónica Yazmin , García ´Ramírez Pedro , Chávez-Simental Jorge Armando , Dominguez-Calleros Pedro Antonio
Published: February 2024

La información sobre la distribución de las plagas forestales en función a su preferencia climática en la región de la Sierra Madre Occidental del estado de Durango es escasa. El presente estudio analizó la distribución de las especies Dendroctonus frontalis/mexicanus, D. valens, Ips pini, Ips lecontei y otros insectos, utilizando la herramienta MaxEnt (Máxima Entropía). Los registros obtenidos sobre la presencia de estos insectos fueron proporcionados por la Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente (SRNyMA) del estado de Durango. Los modelos resultantes son razonables de acuerdo al valor del estadístico Área Bajo la Curva (AUC) utilizado para su validación. Con un aproximado de 118 mil hectáreas (idoneidad alta) Dendroctonus frontalis/mexicanus fue la especie que destacó en esta variable. Por otra parte, las variables más importantes para el modelamiento de las especies analizadas son las derivadas de la temperatura.
Biopsia de músculo esquelético: una herramienta importante para la investigación de la fisiología del ejercicio
Authors: Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano , Montaño-Ascencio Paulina Guadalupe , Macias-Cervantes Maciste H.
Published: February 2024

A partir de los 60s, las biopsias de músculo, junto con estudios bioquímicos han mejorado la comprensión de la fisiología del ejercicio. El avance en la técnica de las biopsias y el desarrollo de la biología molecular han permitido mayor entendimiento sobre la regulación molecular del metabolismo en las fibras musculares y su adaptación al ejercicio. Sin embargo, su utilidad ha sido cuestionada argumentando que el riesgo del procedimiento podría ser mayor al beneficio obtenido. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre la seguridad y la eficacia de la biopsia en músculo esquelético para el estudio del ejercicio. Dicha revisión evidencia que, realizada correctamente y por un experto, la biopsia de músculo esquelético es un procedimiento seguro, de bajo riesgo y es una herramienta efectiva para la investigación de la fisiología del ejercicio.
Istvan Berczi. In memoriam
Authors: Quintanar-Stephano Andrés
Published: February 2024

Sin Resumen
HARTA TIDAK DITUNTUT: PUNCA DAN KAEDAH PENYELESAIANNYA
Authors: Nik Wajis Dr Nik Rahim
Published: February 2024

Harta pusaka yang tidak dituntut atau harta â€˜pusaka bekuâ€™ sudah sekian lama menjadi masalah kepada masyarakat dan ianya menjadi semakin kronik sejak akhir-akhir ini ekoran jumlah kes yang semakin meningkat pada setiap tahun. Akibat dari itu maka timbullah pelbagai isu yang memberi kesan yang amat negatif kepada pihak-pihak yang terlibat khususnya ahli waris.  Terdapat banyak faktor serta punca yang membawa kepada berlakunya keadaan ini; antaranya sikap acuh tidak acuh atau sambil lewa masyarakat dalam pengurusan harta pusaka milik mereka.  Selain itu, ketidakfahaman masyarakat   tentang kaedah dan cara serta prosedur yang perlu dilakukan untuk menguruskan harta pusaka   juga merupakan faktor penyumbang kepada    berlakunya isu harta pusaka yang tidak dituntut semakin bertambah di Malaysia. Keadaan ini tidak boleh dibiarkan dan perlu dicari kaedah dan mekanisma dalam menyelesaikan kemelut ini dari terus berlarutan.  Artikel ini akan menfokuskan kepada perbincangan tentang punca-punca mengapa berlakunya isu harta yang tidak dituntut ini serta kaedah yang boleh diaplikasikan bagi membantu menyelesaikan dan mengurangkan masalah dalam isu harta yang tidak dituntut ini.
PENGARUH SISTEM MATRILINEAL DALAM ADAT NEGERI SEMBILAN: PERSPEKTIF SYARAK
Authors: Wardi Fithriah , Mochammad sahid Mualimin
Published: February 2024

Adat perpatih yang diamalkan di Negeri Sembilan dan daerah Naning serta Alor Gajah Melaka bermula dari dua bersudara Datuk Perpatih Nan Sebatang dan Datuk Katamanggungan. Keduanya memiliki pertalian darah sama ibu namun berlainan bapak. Datuk Perpatih Nan Sebatang adalah pengasas kepada adat perpatih dan Datuk Katamanggungan adalah pengasas kepada adat temenggong. Adat perpatih mengamalkan sistem matrilineal yang mengambil garis keturunan dari sebelah ibu. Sedangkan adat temenggong mengamalkan sistem garis keturunan dari sebelah bapak. Dan inilah perbezaan yang mendasar antara adat perpatih dengan adat temenggong. Sistem matrilineal yang diamalkan dalam adat Perpatih memberikan pengaruh yang sangat besar bagi pelaksanaan adat. Misalnya dalam perkahwinan dan politik, sistem matrilineal memegang peranan yang sangat penting bagi terlaksananya dua perkara ini . Ramai yang beranggapan bahawa sistem matrilineal yang diamalkan ini bertentangan dengan amalan syarak, kerana menjadikan susur alur wanita sebagai penentu bagi pelaksaan perkahwinan dan politik. Menerusi artikel ini penulis akan berusaha menghuraikan beberapa isu mengenai perkahwinan, perceraian, dan politik dalam adat perpatih, serta pandangan syarak terhadap sistem matrilineal yang diamalkan dalam adat ini.
ISU-ISU BERKAITAN HUKUM PENGAGIHAN ZAKAT OLEH LEMBAGA ZAKAT SELANGOR (LZS): ANALISIS DARI PERSPEKTIF TEKS FIQH TURATH JAWI
Authors: Mohamed Mohd Faisal
Published: February 2024

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan menilai beberapa isu mengenai pengagihan zakat yang dilihat menjadi perselisihan dari sudut hukum khusus di Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS). Permasalahan ini dikaji menurut perspektif syaraâ€™ dengan tumpuan rujukan terhadap teks fiqh turath jawi kerana ia dianggap sebagai sumber rujukan yang berautoriti dalam mengeluarkan hukum yang lebih sesuai dengan konteks Nusantara. Isu yang diketengahkan terdiri daripada empat perkara. Antaranya peruntukan asnaf amil digunakan bagi pengurusan asnaf muallaf dan riqab, agihan dana zakat di luar wilayah Selangor, bayaran perubatan pesakit kritikal sebagai asnaf al-gharimin dan pembayaran zakat kepada asnaf fakir dan miskin dalam bentuk latihan dan modal. Metodologi kajian yang diaplikasikan adalah â€˜content analysisâ€™.
Zozaya-Montes, M. (coord.) De la sociabilidad al patrimonio material e inmaterial
Authors: Cueva Erika Chamorro
Published: February 2024

Reseña de la publicación monográfica con título De la sociabilidad al patrimonio material e inmaterial, coordinada por María Zozaya-Montes y editada por la Editorial Comares en 2023.
La Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez de Barcelona: un feliz desbordamiento
Authors: Castellano Neus
Published: February 2024

La Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez de Barcelona fue premiada como la mejor biblioteca pública del año 2023. Este galardón internacional lo entrega la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones e Instituciones Bibliotecarias (IFLA). El reconocimiento se debe a la buena valoración de los siguientes aspectos: la interacción con el entorno y la cultura local, la calidad arquitectónica del edificio, la flexibilidad de los espacios y servicios, la sostenibilidad, el compromiso con el aprendizaje y conexión social, la digitalización y soluciones técnicas de los servicios, el cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible que marca a Naciones Unidas y la visión global del servicio que establece la IFLA.
Pelatihan Kader Kesehatan Jiwa Remaja Sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Masalah Kesehatan Jiwa pada Remaja di PIK-R Kirana Kota Jambi
Authors: Nasution Riska Amalya , Meinarisa Meinarisa , Kamariyah Kamariyah , Falani Ilham
Published: February 2024

This community service aims to prevent mental health problems in adolescents by providing adolescent cadres with stress management training, recognizing mental health problems, and providing mental health cadre training to adolescents. This community service was carried out through the observation, problem formulation, preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. The method of implementing this service used training, discussion, and simulation. The evaluation instrument used was a pre-test and post-test. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon statistical test because the data was not normally distributed. The results showed % increase in knowledge among teenage cadres who had been trained by 25%. It also showed the influence of providing youth mental health cadre training on cadre knowledge (p-value=0.000 <0.05). There was a need to strengthen knowledge through outreach activities and training for cadres who have been trained continuously.
Optimalisasi Pemberdayaan Organisasi Siswa di Sekolah Sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Kekerasan Seksual
Authors: Masruroh Masruroh , Sulistyawati Arum Kurnia , Setyaningsih Dewi , Solihin Mohammad , Anjelika Marseli Dwi , Yanggu Frisca Priscilla Leda , Setiyawan Robin
Published: February 2024

This service activity aims to increase students' knowledge and skills in preventing and handling sexual violence by the Regulation of the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia No. 73 of 2022 by optimizing school organizations' empowerment. This service partner was the school organization at MAN 2 Sleman Yogyakarta. The method for implementing this service used Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and training in the form of lectures, case studies and roleplay. The data analysis technique for this service used descriptive analysis. The service results showed that the characteristics of participants based on gender showed that the ratio of male participants was 25% greater than that of female participants. After the training, there was an increase in knowledge and skills related to hard skills and soft skills in preventing sexual violence in the school environment by 18.75% of participants who got a score of 100 and an increase of 12.50% of participants who got a score of 90. It showed that this training program had a positive impact and increases knowledge of hard skills and soft skills in preventing sexual violence in the school environment.
PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIDIABETIC, AND ADMET STUDY OF DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS HOCHST. EX A. DC. (EBENACEAE) LEAF
Authors: DAHIRU Muhammad Mubarak , MUSA Neksumi
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study aimed to carry out phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and ADMET study on the crude ethanol extract (CR) of Diospyros mespiliformis (DM) and its ethyl acetate (EEF) and aqueous fractions (AQF). Material and Method: The phytochemicals were identified by GC-MS. The antioxidant activity was determined in vitro and silico while the antidiabetic and ADMET were in silico. Result and Discussion: Exactly 54 and 44 compounds were respectively identified in the EEF and AQF. At 300 µg/ml, the CR demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) higher ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (73.59 ± 0.011 µg/ml) than the EEF (41.28 ± 0.003 µg/ml AAE) and AQF (31.28 ± 0.005 µg/ml AAE). The total reducing power (TRP) of the AQF (106.84 ± 3.46 µg/ml) was significantly (p <0.05) higher than the CR (93.23 ± 5.63 µg/ml AAE) and EEF (92.35 ± 6.96 µg/ml AAE) at 100 µg/ml. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage inhibition (48.38% ± 4.61) was demonstrated by the EEF at 1 mg/ml in the ferric thiocyanate and a lower malonaldehyde concentration (0.75 ± 0.01 nmol/ml) in the thiobarbituric acid methods. The AQF demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) higher (82.72% ± 1.88) peroxide scavenging activity at 100 µg/ml than the CR (33.33% ± 2.16) and EEF (63.64% ± 2.66). Compound VII exhibited the lowest binding affinity (BA) and inhibition constant (Ki) of -8.8 kcal/mol and 0.35 µM, respectively with xanthine oxidase and -8.0 kcal/mol and 1.35 µM, respectively with NADH oxidase. X exhibited the lowest BA (-8.5 kcal/mol) and Ki (0.58 µM) interacting with CytP450 21A2. Compound III exhibited the lowest BA (-7.5 kcal/mol) and Ki (3.14 µM) with PTP1B while compound X had BA and Ki values of -8.5 kcal/mol and 0.58 µM, respectively with PPARγ. The result of ADMET showed some of the compounds might be strong candidates for antioxidant and antidiabetic drugs. All the extracts possess significant antioxidant activity and some of the identified compounds might be candidates for novel antioxidants and antidiabetic drugs.
Status and conservation implications of a newly discovered large-antlered muntjac population in Cambodia
Authors: Sinovas P , Alexiou I , Roberts O , Holden J , Chantha N , Tilker A
Published: February 2024

The large-antlered muntjacMuntiacus vuquangensis, a Critically Endangered deer found only in the Annamites ecoregion (Vietnam, Laos, and northeastern Cambodia), has undergone severe population declines as a result of widespread snaring across its range. Little is known about the newly discovered large-antlered muntjac population in Cambodia, and this lack of knowledge hinders the development of targeted conservation strategies and the implementation of robust monitoring. From February 23 to July 27, 2021, we collected landscape-scale camera-trapping data on the Cambodian population in Virachey National Park. We recorded the species in 6 camera-trap stations in 2 of 7 areas surveyed. We analysed the camera-trap data with single-species Bayesian occupancy models to understand factors influencing occurrence and to produce a robust baseline for the species. Large-antlered muntjac occurrence had a positive relationship with elevation and a negative relationship with a least-cost-path measure of remoteness. Mean ± SD estimated occupancy was estimated to be 0.1 ± 0.17 across all stations, and 0.30 ± 0.29 and 0.25 ± 0.15 for the 2 grids where the species was detected. Our results provide new information on the distribution of large-antlered muntjac in Cambodia and can be used to target anti-poaching efforts and monitor population trends over time. Virachey National Park appears to be a stronghold for the species, and conservation actions are needed to ensure that its large-antlered muntjac population does not face the same fate as populations in other parts of the species range.
Small intestinal manometry
Authors: Hansen MB
Published: February 2024

Gastrointestinal motility is an integrated process including myoelectrical and contractile activity, tone, compliance and transit. The techniques for the assessment of gastrointestinal motility are multiple and all have their advantages and disadvantages. In the case of suspected abnormal upper gut transit, gastric and small bowel transit scintigraphy followed by small intestinal (antroduodenojejunalileal) manometry is recommended. Small bowel manometry can identify patterns suggestive of myopathy, neuropathy or obstruction. Information on procedures, indications, significance, pitfalls and guidelines for small bowel manometry is provided in this paper. In this context the potentials of small intestinal manometry for scientific experimental study of neurohumoral agents, such as serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists, on small intestinal motility is presented.
Exploring Determinants of Housing Price Index in the Saudi economy
Authors: Ahmed Dr. Dirar Elmahi Elobaid , Abdalla Dr. Rehab Abdelrahman Osman , Aawad Dr. Fayga Hussein Ballal
Published: February 2024

Different macroeconomic factors affect the housing price index. In this study, the Saudi Arabian gross domestic product per capita and the consumer price index are two determinants that are examined using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The analysis discovered two co-integration correlations between the three variables. Over time, consumer prices have a favorable effect. The three variables seem to mutually promote one another over the long run. Future studies in the area should investigate additional monetary and fiscal variables that might affect Saudi house prices.
TINJAUAN KOREOGRAFI TARI LAMPAU BULAN DI SANGGAR SENI BANUA SANGGAM KABUPATEN BALANGAN
Authors: LEVIA SHERLY NUR , Purnama Asri Adinda Gita Kinanthi , Wijaya Andi
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini  bertujuan untuk mengetahui (1) mendeskripsikan bentuk penyajian Tari Lampau Bulan di Sanggar Seni Banua Sanggam Kabupaten Balangan (2) meninjau koreografi Tari Lampau Bulan di Sanggar Seni Banua Sanggam Kabupaten Balangan. Metode penelitian z pendekatan Deskriptif Kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian yang didapat adalah Tarian ini diawali dengan seorang penari yang pergi untuk mencari, memetik, memilah, merangkai, dan mearak bunga. Ragam gerak berjumlah 61 ragam gerak dengan 34 pola lantai dan diiringi musik berdurasi 6 menit 47 detik. Properti multifungsi karena menjadi kostum ketika keranjang ditempelkan dikopiah penari. Tinjauan koreografi Tari Lampau Bulan diteliti menggunakan prinsip Murgiyanto, yaitu: Kesatuan yang Utuh (Unity) yang dapat dilihat dari koreografi dan bentuk penyajian yang saling berhubungan, Keragaman (Variasi) gerak dengan tujuan agar koreografi tidak monoton seperti pembagian tempo dan dimensi, Pengulangan (Repetisi) gerak terjadi agar membantu koreografer dalam menyampaikan pesan tarian, Kontras yang dimaksud yaitu variasi dua ragam gerak yang dilakukan dalam waktu yang bersamaan, Transisi gerak bertujuan agar susunan gerak terlihat rapi dengan gerak-gerak penyambungnya, Urutan (Sequence) sangat penting agar penonton lebih mudah memahami aur dari cerita tari yang ditonton, Klimaks adalah tujuan penting dari tarian, Keseimbangan (Balance) pada jumlah penari tetapi dan penggarapan pola lantai, dan Harmoni adalah gabungan dari semua komponen menjadi satu yang saling melengkapi.
A Moving Image of Scepticism: Cavell on Film, Gender, and Gaslighting
Authors: Havercroft Jonathan
Published: February 2024

This article examines the political themes in Cavell’s philosophy through a reading of the film Gaslight in the context of contemporary American politics. It demonstrates how Cavell’s ideas offer valuable insights into gender politics, fascism, and propaganda in American society. The article proceeds in three sections, first reviewing Cavell’s ontology of film and genre to elucidate his claim that film embodies scepticism. Next, it analyses gaslighting in the film as an enactment of gendered politics of scepticism and explores Cavell’s resources for responding to it. Lastly, it investigates the political implications of gaslighting, particularly in light of its association with post-truth politics, using Cavell’s interpretation as a philosophical framework to understand instances like Donald Trump’s manipulation of America.
‘No pictures of you anywhere … You were alive’: Poetic (In)visibility as a Ground for Political Plurality
Authors: Nadkarni Divya
Published: February 2024

This paper argues that in social circumstances deformed by persistent anti-black racisms, invisibility does not necessarily constitute a failure of recognition or acknowledgment by others. Rather, it comes forth as a protective shield, to resist reductive and objectifying forms of seeing that often result in violence. But such invisibility has its limits. In this paper, I read Incendiary Art (2017) by Patricia Smith, a collection of poems set in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement in the US, to interrogate both the limits of such protective invisibility, and the responsibility of the reader to acknowledge the potential violence of their own gaze. I examine the emancipatory political value of the poetic as showing a way towards a transformative engagement with others as ‘who’ they are, and subsequently towards a mutual co-constitution that is at the very heart of actualising a democratic political plurality.
Sound generation by entropy perturbations passing through circular orifices
Authors:   Southern University of Science and Technology, Zhang Hanzhuo , Yang Dong ,   Southern University of Science and Technology
Published: February 2024

Entropy waves generate sound in the presence of flow gradients. At the exit of a combustor, entropy noise generated by the acceleration of entropy waves may affect thermoacoustic stabilities inside the combustion chamber. The Cambridge EWG experiments measured the noise generated by entropy waves passing through a circular orifice. However, predictions based on isentropic models differed significantly from experiment results. To address this mismatch, a compact, one dimensional model that considers the contraction effects at the throat and the degree of non-isentropic effect of the expansion section has been developed previously. However, this model does not explain the differences in acoustic response between thin and thick orifices. This work considers the influence of the L/D ratio of the holes on the internal flow state and corrects the vena contract a factor corresponding to the thick orifice in the previous model. The results of the modified model are closer to the experiment results than those of the previous model. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that for orifices with small aperture ratios, the entropy noise reflection coefficient is less sensitive to the variation of the flow contract a factor compared to the acoustic reflection coefficient.
Jet Installation Noise Modelling for Subsonic Round and Chevron Jets
Authors:   Queen Mary, University of London, Abid Hussain A. , Karabasov Sergey A. ,   Queen Mary, University of London, Markesteijn Annabel P. ,   Queen Mary, University of London, Hasan K. Jawahar Hasan K. Jawahar ,   University of Bristol, Azarpeyvand Mahdi ,   University of Bristol
Published: February 2024

Jet mixing and installation noise remains one of the leading sources of community noise during the take-off phase. Previously, chevron nozzles were primarily used as a noise reduction technology for isolated jet noise. However, a systematic investigation of chevron nozzles in installed configurations is lacking. The present work partly fulfils this gap by investigating the effect of chevron nozzle geometry on jet mixing and installation noise for a round and two chevron nozzles at subsonic Mach numbers from 0.3 to 0.9. The installed jet configuration follows a series of experiments conducted at the University of Bristol, with the plate located in the linear hydrodynamic field of the jet. Unsteady flow solutions are obtained using the high-resolution CABARET method in the Wall Model Large Eddy Simulation regime and accelerated on Graphics Processing Units. Far-field noise for the installed jet is calculated using both the permeable and impermeable surface formulation of the Ffowcs Williams - Hawkings method to analyse the importance of quadrupole and dipole sources depending on the nozzle geometry, acoustic Mach number, and observer angle. The numerical predictions of the installed and isolated jets are compared with each other, as well as with experimental data. In each case, insights into noise generation mechanisms are discussed.
Stable and reproducible MIP-ECL sensors for ultra-sensitive and accurate quantitative detection of Estrone
Authors: Cao Jie , Chen Xiao-Ying
Published: February 2024

Estrone (E1), as an endogenous estrogen, has a variety of physiological functions in human body and is of great significance to human health. On the other hand, it is a widely distributed and highly disturbing environmental endocrine disruptor in water. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive method for the on-site determination of E1, which is not only for clinical diagnosis and treatment, but also for the investigation and monitoring of endogenous estrogen pollution in environmental water. In this study, Ru(bpy)32+/MWCNTs/Nafion/gold electrodes were prepared by surface electrostatic adsorption and ion exchange. A molecularly imprinted membrane (MIP) with the capability to recognize E1 molecules was prepared by sol-gel method, and the electrodes were modified with MIP to form an electrochemical luminescence sensor (MIP-ECL). This method simultaneously possesses ECL’s advantage of high sensitivity and MIP’s advantage of high selectivity. Moreover, the addition of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) improved the functionalization of the gold electrode surface and increased the binding sites of MIP. Meanwhile, the good conductivity of MWCNTs promoted electron transfer and further improved the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensor showed a wide linear interval in which the E1 concentrations can range from 0.1 μg/L to 200 μg/L, along with a high linear correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.999). The linear regression equation of the sensor was Y = 243.64x-79.989, and the detection limit (LOD) was 0.0047 μg/L. To validate our sensor, actual samples were also measured by the reference method (LC-MS/MS), and it was found that the relative deviation of quantitative results of the two different methods was less than 4.1%. This indicates that the quantitative results obtained by this sensor are accurate and can be used for rapid in situ determination of E1 in clinical samples and environmental water.
Loss of Neogenin alters branchial arch development and leads to craniofacial skeletal defects
Authors: Quilez Sabrina , Dumontier Emilie , Baim Christopher , Kam Joseph , Cloutier Jean-François
Published: February 2024

The formation of complex structures, such as the craniofacial skeleton, requires precise and intricate two-way signalling between populations of cells of different embryonic origins. For example, the lower jaw, or mandible, arises from cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) in the mandibular portion of the first branchial arch (mdBA1) of the embryo, and its development is regulated by signals from the ectoderm and cranial mesoderm (CM) within this structure. The molecular mechanisms underlying CM cell influence on CNCC development in the mdBA1 remain poorly defined. Herein we identified the receptor Neogenin as a key regulator of craniofacial development. We found that ablation of Neogenin expression via gene-targeting resulted in several craniofacial skeletal defects, including reduced size of the CNCC-derived mandible. Loss of Neogenin did not affect the formation of the mdBA1 CM core but resulted in altered Bmp4 and Fgf8 expression, increased apoptosis, and reduced osteoblast differentiation in the mdBA1 mesenchyme. Reduced BMP signalling in the mdBA1 of Neogenin mutant embryos was associated with alterations in the gene regulatory network, including decreased expression of transcription factors of the Hand, Msx, and Alx families, which play key roles in the patterning and outgrowth of the mdBA1. Tissue-specific Neogenin loss-of-function studies revealed that Neogenin expression in mesodermal cells contributes to mandible formation. Thus, our results identify Neogenin as a novel regulator of craniofacial skeletal formation and demonstrates it impinges on CNCC development via a non-cell autonomous mechanism.
Metabolites of intestinal fora can be used as diagnostic and progressive markers for mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Lu Liquan , Qin Lei , Zhao Xiaohui , Liu Zanhua , Qiu Xiaoting , Yang Shuo , Song Haihan , Yang Juan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of the work was to analyze the metabolites of the intestinal microbiota from the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and progressive MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Method

Two cohorts were established. The first one included 87 subjects with 30 healthy controls (NC), 22 patients with MCI due to AD, and 35 patients with AD. The second cohort included 87 patients with MCI due to AD, who were followed up for 2 years and finally were divided into progressive MCI due to AD group (P-G) and unprogressive MCI due to AD group (U-G) according their cognitive levels. Fecal samples were collected to all patients at the baseline time point. Differential metabolites were subjected to pathway analysis by MetaboAnalyst.

Results

In the first cohort, we found 21 different metabolites among the three groups (AD, MCI, and NC). In the second cohort, we identified 19 differential metabolites between the P-G and U-G groups. By machine learning analysis, we found that seven characteristic metabolites [Erythrodiol, alpha-Curcumene, Synephrine, o-Hydroxylaminobenzoate, 3-Amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-Deoxystreptamine, and 9(S] were of characteristic significance for the diagnosis of MCI due to AD, and six metabolites (Indolelactate, Indole-3-acetaldehyde, L-Proline, Perillyl, Mesaconate, and Sphingosine) were the characteristic metabolites of early warning for the progression of MCI due to AD. D-Glucuronic acid was negatively correlated with Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4). Perillyl alcohol was negatively correlated with all of the five biomarkers [P-tau181, Neurofilament light chain (NF-light), Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)], but Indoleacetaldehyde was positively correlated with three biomarkers (P-tau181, Aβ1-42, and GFAP). Three characteristic metabolites (3-Amino-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-Deoxystreptamine, and p-Synephrine) were positively correlated with Aβ1-42. 2-Deoxystreptamine, 9(S)-HPOT, and Indoleacetaldehyde were positively correlated with GFAP. L-Proline and Indoleacetaldehyde were positively correlated with NF-light.

Conclusion

Specific metabolites of intestinal fora can be used as diagnostic and progressive markers for MCI.
Secure dynamic event-triggering control for consensus under asynchronous denial of service
Authors: Amini Amir , Mohammadi Arash , Hou Ming , Asif Amir
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This article proposes a secure implementation for consensus using a dynamic event-triggered control (DETC) scheme for general autonomous multi-agent systems (MAS) under asynchronous (distributed) denial of service (DoS) attacks. The asynchronous DoS attacks can block each communication channel independently in an unknown pattern. Depending on the impact of DoS on the communication topology, the attacks are categorized into (i): connectivity-preserved DoS (CP-DoS), and (ii): connectivity-broken DoS (CB-DoS). In CP-DoS, the operating communication topology remains connected. On the other hand, in CB-DoS the adversary breaks the communication graph into isolated sub-graphs.

Methods

The DETC scheme is employed to reduce the control updates for each agent. To guarantee consensus under both the CP-DoS and CB-DoS, a linear matrix inequality (LMI) based optimization approach is proposed, which simultaneously designs all the unknown DETC parameters as well as the state feedback control gain.

Results

The proposed optimization method prioritizes the minimum inter-event interval (MIET) between consecutive control updates. The trade-off between relevant features of the MAS, namely the consensus convergence rate, intensity of control updates, and level of resilience to DoS can be handled by the proposed optimization.

Discussion

Simulation results quantify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showcasing its ability to maintain secure consensus in MAS under varying DoS attack scenarios.
Peri-implantation estradiol level has no effect on pregnancy outcome in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer
Authors: Huang Pinxiu , Ou Yuan , Tang Ni , Chen Jing , Wen Qiuyue , Li Jingjing , Zeng Dingyuan
Published: February 2024

Background

The necessity of monitoring luteal endocrine functions in in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remains uncertain. Specifically, the significance of luteal phase estradiol (E2) levels is a matter of debate in current literature.

Objective

To assess the impact of luteal phase (day 11 after HCG trigger) estradiol levels on IVF-ET outcomes.

Design

Twelve thousand five hundred and thirty-five (n = 12,535) IVF-ET cycles performed in our center between 2015 and 2021 were divided into 5 groups based on the middle and late luteal phase serum E2 (MllPSE2) level percentiles as follows: Group A < 50 pg/mL (N=500), group B 50 pg/mL≤E2<150 pg/mL (N=2545), group C 150 pg/mL≤E2<250 pg/mL (N=1327), group D 250 pg/mL≤E2<500 pg/mL (N=925), group E E2≥500 pg/mL (n=668). The clinical pregnancy rates, abortion rates, and live birth rates of each group were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the potential impact of MllPSE2 on the live birth rate (LBR).

Results

No significant differences were found in various parameters when comparing the five groups. The level of MllPSE2 showed no significant difference between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group. The binary logistic regression analysis model demonstrated that MllPSE2 was not significantly related to LBR.

Conclusion

The influence of E2 during the peri-implantation period (day 11) on clinical outcome in IVF-ET is not affected, even if E2<50 pg/mL. It is speculated that ovarian-derived E2 in MllPSE2 is not deemed necessary for endometrial receptivity. Although caution is warranted due to the retrospective nature of the analysis and the potential for unmeasured confounding, it is argued that the need for luteal E2 monitoring in IVF-ET may be of questionable value.
Ultrasonographic predictors of thyroid cancer in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules
Authors: Alyusuf Ebtihal Y. , Alhmayin Lama , Albasri Eman , Enani Jawaher , Altuwaijri Hessa , Alsomali Nora , Arafah Maria A. , Alyusuf Zahra , Jammah Anwar A. , Ekhzaimy Aishah A. , Alzahrani Ali S.
Published: February 2024

Background

Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules continue to be difficult to manage. Although molecular testing may assist in decision-making, it is expensive, not widely available, and not without pitfalls. The objective of this study is to assess whether certain thyroid ultrasonographic features may predict the risk of thyroid cancer in patients with Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules and be used as additional decision-making tools to complement cytopathological results in deciding on diagnostic thyroidectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the ultrasonographic features of Bethesda categories III and IV thyroid nodules in patients who underwent subsequent thyroidectomy. We used the final histopathological examination of the surgical specimens as the gold-standard test and analyzed individual preoperative ultrasonographic features as predictors of malignancy.

Results

Of the 278 patients who were diagnosed with Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), 111 (39.9%) had thyroid cancer, and 167 (59.9%) exhibited benign nodules. The malignancy rate was higher in patients with Bethesda IV nodules (28/50, 56%) than those with Bethesda III nodules (83/228, 36.4%; p=0.016). In univariate analysis, hypoechogenicity (55.6% in malignant vs. 35.3% in benign, p=0.006) and calcifications (54.5 in malignant vs. 35.4% in benign, p=0.008) were significantly different between the benign and malignant pathology groups, whereas the size of the dominant nodule, number of nodules, irregular borders, taller-than-wide shape, and the presence of lymph nodes were comparable between the two groups. These two ultrasonographic features (hypoechogenicity and calcifications) remained significantly associated with the risk of malignancy in multivariate logistic regression analysis (for hypoechogenicity, p=0.014, odds ratio: 2.1, 95% CI:1.0–3.7 and for calcifications, p=0.019, odds ratio: 1.98, 95% CI:1.12–3.50). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were 31.5%, 83%, 55.6%,64.7%, and 62.6%, for hypoechogenicity, respectively and 32.4%, 82%, 54.5%, 67.8%, and 62%, for calcification, respectively.

Conclusions

Hypoechogenicity and calcifications in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules are strong predictors of thyroid cancer and associated with a two-fold increased risk of malignancy.
Course of COVID-19 infection in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Javaid Rida , Sinaii Ninet , Kollender Sarah , Desai Jay , Moon Amy , Merke Deborah P.
Published: February 2024

Context

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for adrenal crisis during infectious illnesses. Increased risk of infection including COVID-19 has been variably reported.

Objective

To evaluate COVID-19 illness outcomes and stress dose practices in a large cohort of patients with CAH during the first two years of the pandemic and compare observations of COVID-19 infection in patients with CAH to the general USA population.

Methods

Between March 2020 and November 2022, patients with CAH followed at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center were queried about COVID-19 infection during their routine visits. Cases of COVID-19 were compared to controls. COVID-19 infection rates and symptoms were compared to general USA population data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

Of 168 patient visits, there were 54 (32%) cases of COVID-19 infection, and 15 (28%) were pediatric. Overall an association was found between acquiring COVID-19 and obesity (p=0.018), and adults acquiring COVID-19 were on lower doses of fludrocortisone (p=0.008). Fewer cases of COVID-19 infection were reported in those receiving hydrocortisone or modified-release hydrocortisone compared to longer acting glucocorticoids (p=0.0018). In our CAH population, the pattern of COVID-19 infection rates and COVID-related symptomatology were similar to those observed in the general USA population. Most patients with the presumed alpha variant reported anosmia and ageusia, while gastrointestinal symptoms were commonly reported during the delta and omicron waves. Stress dosing occurred in 30/54 cases, and 7 received parenteral hydrocortisone. Two hospitalizations occurred; one pediatric and one adult, both with co-morbidities. There were 5 emergency room visits and no reported deaths.

Conclusion

Patients with CAH with close follow-up do not appear to be at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 or to have a more severe course of COVID-19 compared to the general USA population. Obesity may increase risk of acquiring COVID-19 in patients with CAH, and overall infection risk may be lower in those receiving short-acting and circadian glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Established age-appropriate guidelines for stress dosing during infectious illnesses should be used for patients with CAH and COVID-19. COVID-19 specific guidelines are not indicated. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00250159.
Savannah chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) nesting behavior in the unprotected area of Tikankali near to a mining exploitation and the Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal
Authors: Diallo Dame , Ndiaye Papa Ibnou , Badji Landing , Pruetz Jill D.
Published: February 2024

This work focuses on the nesting behavior of the West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in the anthropized habitats of the village of Tikankali and its surroundings. Studies on chimpanzee nesting behavior are carried out at several sites of Senegal but never in Tikankaly. Thus, proximity with the Niokolo Koba National Park and the presence of a gold mining industry mean that data on chimpanzee nesting behavior and anthropogenic impacts in their habitats for decisions-making about chimpanzee conservation in this area. We recorded a total of 213 chimpanzee nests during two surveys over a distance of 47.81 km (i.e., 47.81 km x 2). Data were collected in October 2020 and October 2021. The majority of nests (63%) were found in wooded savannah, 19% in bamboo savannah, 09% in gallery forest and 07% in open forest. The results showed that 22 plant species belonging to 08 families are used for chimpanzee nests in and around Tikankali. However, half of the nests were in Pterocarpus erinaceus (53%); followed by Hexalobus monopetalus (8%); Diospyros mespiliformis (6%), Piliostigma thonningii (6%), Lannea acida (6%); and Grewia bicolor (4%). The average height of trees used as chimpanzee nest supports was 9.88 m (SD=3.60) and the average height of nests was 7.46 m (SD=3.23). Linear regression analysis (r=0.84; N=213; p< 0.05) suggested a preference for nesting at a particular height but also that nest height is a function of the supporting tree’s height. The current study contributes to the knowledge of chimpanzee nesting behavior in Tikankali, the anthropogenic disruption and will help in the implementation of a good chimpanzee management and conservation strategy in Senegal.
Assessing climate change impacts on public health in Haiti: a comprehensive study of disease distribution, modeling, and adaptation strategies
Authors: Diouf Ibrahima , Sy Ibrahima , Diakhaté Moussa
Published: February 2024

This study examines the relationship between climate change and public health in Haiti, a country already facing socioeconomic challenges. The well-being of Haiti’s vulnerable population is expected to be further affected by climate change, leading to an increase in vector-borne, water-borne, and heat-related diseases. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects, Haiti is currently experiencing an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, as well as water-borne diseases and emerging zoonotic outbreaks. This study aims to improve planning, decision-making, and responses to public health challenges by utilizing health data, climatic information, and impact models. The methodology involves the creation of a comprehensive climate and health database to uncover detailed spatial-temporal relationships on a national scale. By evaluating disease indicators from historical periods (1950-2014) and future projections (2015-2100) using the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs) from the multi-model ensemble mean of the CMIP6 models, target diseases, including malaria, meningitis, dengue, and heat-sensitive chronic diseases are assessed. Our results highlight a decrease in rainfall and a strong increase in temperatures, especially within western Haiti under the extreme SSP585 scenario. The ability of the impact models to simulate the seasonality and spatial distribution of malaria incidence, dengue and heatwaves was performed. The analysis of risks related to climate-sensitive diseases’ climatic parameters shows that Haiti’s west and central regions are mostly exposed to vector-borne and water-borne diseases. Models predict a decrease in malaria cases due to climate change with hot temperatures and a decline in rainfall, while dengue transmission patterns may undergo changes. These findings will inform the implementation of context-specific early-warning systems and adaptation strategies for climate-sensitive diseases while acknowledging the challenges of integrating climate-altered data into health policies.