bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Need for Feasibility Analysis (For Local Construction Projects)
Authors: Anees Muneer , Hussain Syed Mustafa , Khan Kamran , Abbas Agha Taqi
Published: August 2023

In Pakistan, the majority of the local construction projects are opted without feasibility analysis on the basis ofpreviously worked data without examining the current scenario. However, for foreign-funded project feasibility analysis along with standard guidelines is conducted, but in case of domestically funded projects, it is often omitted. This research has uncovered critical factors affecting feasibility for the local construction industry of Pakistan. Field data are extracted from ongoing construction projects which are domestically funded. Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was carried out first to rank the factors in terms of their perceived importance. Spearman’s rankcorrelation analysis was also done in this regard. The findings of the study might promote construction practitioners to focus on the need for feasibility analysis for local projects too.
Identification of Factors Affecting Construction Productivity in Pakistan Industry
Authors: Anees Muneer , Saqib Muhammad , Memon Darya
Published: August 2023

Construction productivity is significantrequirement which is point of focus for every constructionmanager. The main purpose of this study is to understand andhighlight the factors which affect the labor productivity inPakistan focusing Karachi which is the financial hub of thecountry. Karachi generates a big chunk of revenue andcontributes to gross domestic product (GDP) of Pakistan. Themain objective of this study is to identify the main factorsaffecting labor productivity of contractor, consultant andperspective of client. The data collection was carried out by onehundred sixty (160) questionnaire surveys. The results showedthat feeble management and worst site conditions are solelyresponsible for degradation in both efficiency and output of theproject.
Augmenting Walkability, Visibility and Arrangement for Korean ICU
Authors: Shaikh Javaria Manzoor
Published: August 2023

Clinical teams are facing increasing demands to perform more consistently and efficiently in delivering improvedhealth outcomes. Hospital management team in Korea face difficulties in complex routine task for nurse, which result in workforce burnout, fatigue, foot and hip ailments from the necessary walking during a single shift on corridors as questionnaire suggested. Three analysis of variance as walkability, visibility and arrangement are applied as programmed attributes from a set of seven Korean adult intensive care units (ICUs), namely SNUH,SSMU, SCC, DUIH, KUMC, PNUH, YUHS. These ICUs are accepted as the best- performing prototypes by the KoreanInstitute of Healthcare Architecture as Acute Care Medicine. This study systematically analyses the Nurse Station (NS) visit to the patient bed, than calculates minimum round route on the ICUs depth map plan; with aid of the connectivity on supply chain simulation analytical tool ‘route stop’ of LogWare. It was found that the maximum walk was calculated for the singular NS at KUMC where primary NS walks 542.005 feet zigzag path and secondary NS walks 214.814 feet linear path. Conclusively, ANOVA predicted three optimum arrangements which were concentric around NS: L-Shape, U- Space or O- Shape scored 5/5 thus walking for nurse reduces and utmost visibility wasillustrated. On the contrary I shape and zigzag pattern was recognized as not very efficient arrangement with 2/5 score, due to an increase in walking and reduction in visibility to the last patient in the row.
Design, Development & Evaluation of a Prototype Tracked Mobile Robot for Difficult Terrain
Authors: Ilyas Muneeb , Ali Muhammad Ehsan , Rehman Nasir , Abbasi Abdul Rehman
Published: August 2023

This paper reports the design, development andevaluation of a prototype tracked mobile robot for task executionin both natural and human-made environments with stairclimbing feature. First, different types of locomotion systems usedfor mobile robots are compared and their pros and cons arepresented. Then the mechanism designed for the prototypetracked mobile robot is described with the aid of a CAD model.Finally, the results of field testing of the actual robot are presentedand the behavior of tracked mobile robots in presence of slippageis discussed.
RF Based Wireless Fire Security System for Hospitals
Authors: Khan Muhammad Arsalan
Published: August 2023

Wireless Fire Security System increases the secu-rity against fire as compared to conventional fire security systems. Conventional fire security systems are wired and they usually contain smoke detectors and control panel. The control panel is sometimes hard to operate. It’s hard to understand the control panel and operation of security systems. In hospitals and other health care institutions high security against fire is required in order to protect the expensive equipments and chemicals. Every organization needs proper insurance and safety for their equipments and patients. Radio frequency based fire security system was designed to provide high securi-ty against fire with easy to use, hand-held portable control unit. Anyone can easily operate the portable receiver without additional training or knowledge. Wireless fire security system for hospitals is also very low cost device.
PERAN PENYIDIK SUBDIT FISMONDEV DALAM PENYELESAIAN TINDAK PIDANA PERBANKAN PT BPRS SAFIR BENGKULU
Authors: Eryke Herlita , Wahyuningbudi Dinda Ayu , Hatrik Hamzah
Published: August 2023

Tindak pidana perbankan merupakan tindak pidana khusus yang di tangani oleh Subdit Fismondev  Polda Bengkulu. Penyidik Subdit Fismondev telah melakukan  penyelesaian terhadap kasus PT BPRS Safir Bengkulu, yang dalam penyelesaiannya terdapat beberapa hambatan. Melalui Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor  21 Tahun 2008 tentang Perbankan Syariah pemerintah Republik Indonesia telah serius dalam menangulangi kejahatan perbankan syariah, dengan adanya Undang-Undang ini maka dapat dijadikan landasan Penyidik  Subdit Fismondev Bengkulu dalam melakukan peran penyelesaian tindak pidana perbankan di Polda Bengkulu. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana peranan penyidik Subdit Fismondev Polda Bengkulu dalam melakukan peran penyelesaian tindak pidana perbankan pada PT BPRS Safir Bengkulu dan upaya mengatasi hambatan yang terjadi pada penyelesaian tindak pidana perbankan pada PT BPRS Safir Bengkulu. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian hukum empiris atau Law in action, penelitian ini menggunakan data primer dan data sekunder yang diperoleh melalui wawancara langsung maupun studi dokumen. Data yang diperoleh akan diolah dengan teknik editing kemudian dianalisis dengan metode analisis kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peran penyidik Subdit Fismondev melakukan peran penyelesaian tindak pidana perbankan di Polda Bengkulu belum berperan secara maksimal terlihat dari beberapa hambatan yang dihadapi penyidik dalam melakukan penyidikan. Upaya Penyidik Subdit Fismondev dalam menanggulangi hambatan yang terjadi pada penyelesaian tindak pidana perbankan adalah dengan menggunakan dokumen yang ada dan berhubungan untuk memback-up dokumen-dokumen yang tidak ditemukan. melakukan koordinasi kepada pihak Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) dan melakukan pelatihan dan penambahan personil guna meningkatkan kemampuan penyidik Subdit Fismondev terhadap tindak pidana perbankan.
KIBRIS CUMHURİYETİ (1960-1963) DÖNEMİNDE KIBRIS TÜRK BASININDA ATATÜRK
Authors: Kata Münevver , Ummanel Azize
Published: August 2023

Osmanlı Devleti’nin 1878 yılında Kıbrıs’ı İngilizlere teslim etmek zorunda kalmasıyla Ada’da İngiliz sömürge yönetimi başlamış; Ada’nın 1914 yılında İngiltere tarafından ilhak edilmesi ve 1925 yılında Britanya Krallığı’na bağlı Taç Koloni ilan edilmesiyle Kıbrıs’ta İngiliz sömürge yönetimi hüküm sürmüştür (1878-1960). 1923’te Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kuruluşuyla birlikte Türkiye’de yaşanan birçok gelişme ve inkılaplar, İngiliz sömürge idaresinde olan Kıbrıs Türk toplumu tarafından da hızlı bir şekilde benimsenmiş ve uygulanmıştır. Kıbrıs Türk toplumu, her koşulda Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kurucusu Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’e ve Türkiye’ye bağlılığını dile getirmiş ve bunu davranışlarıyla da göstermiştir. Ada’da yayımlanan Kıbrıs Türk gazetelerinin hemen hemen hepsinde bu tutuma örnek teşkil eden söylemler ve haber metinleri yer almaktadır. Uzun yıllar Adada hâkimiyet süren İngiliz sömürge yönetiminden sonra Kıbrıs Türkleri ve Rumlar arasında yaşanan gerginlikleri sona erdirmek, Rumların Enosis, Türklerin ise Taksim ideolojisini ortadan kaldırmak ve tüm paydaşların çıkarlarına uygun bir ortam yaratmak için 16 Ağustos 1960’ta Kıbrıs Türkleri ve Rumların birlikte yaşama esasına dayalı Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti kurulmuştur. İngiltere, Türkiye ve Yunanistan’ın garantörlüğünde oluşan yeni düzende iki toplumun barış içerisinde ve demokratik bir ortamda yaşaması amaçlanmış olsa da iki toplumlu Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti sadece üç yıl ayakta kalabilmiş ve süreç başarısızlıkla sonuçlanmıştır. Buna rağmen, bu yıllarda, Kıbrıs Türk basınına yansıyan genel söylem daha önceki yıllarda olduğu gibi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’e ve Türkiye’ye olan bağlılık ve sevgi çerçevesinde devam etmiştir. Bu çalışma, 1960-1963 yılları arasında varlığını sürdüren iki toplumlu Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti döneminde Kıbrıs Türk basınına yansıyan Atatürk ile ilgili haberleri incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Atatürk’le ilgili gazetelere yansıyan haberler incelenmiş ve sınıflandırılarak değerlendirmelerde bulunulmuştur. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ile ilgili basına yansıyan haberlerin genellikle Onun askerî yönü ile ilgili olduğu; az da olsa edebî yönünü de içeren kişisel özelliklerinin gazete sayfalarında yer aldığı görülmüştür. Bunun yanı sıra, Atatürk’e ve Onun devrimlerine olan bağlılığı gösteren yazılara da rastlanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Kıbrıs Türkü’nün Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’ü bir lider olarak gördüğü ve Onun yaptıklarını kendi bağımsızlık mücadelesi sürecinde örnek aldığı tespit edilmiştir.
The Big Data Analysis of Correlation Between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, Obesity
Authors: Sim Soohyun , Yeon Eungrok , Hong Tae Ui , Heo Kyung Wook , Kim Woo Jin
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most frequent causes of vertigo in otology. We investigated the correlation between BPPV and smoking and alcohol, which are the two common risk factors of numerous diseases, a relationship that has not been studied previously.Subjects and Method We analyzed the correlation between smoking, alcohol and obesity with BPPV and with canalith reposition therapy (CRT) using the big data provided by a governmental institution.Results Alcohol consumption and high-risk alcohol consumption rate significantly showed negative correlation with BPPV. Also, smoking, alcohol consumption, and high-risk alcohol consumption rate significantly showed negative correlation with CRT. On the other hand, obesity showed positive correlation with CRT significantly.Conclusion Smoking and alcohol are considered to have a negative correlation with BPPV. However, further studies are needed to establish the role of smoking, alcohol, and obesity in the prevalence of BPPV.
The Correlation of Tissue’s Endotype Biomarkers and Dominant Inflammation Cell in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Maharani Iriana , Intan Monica , Indrasworo Dyah , Anita Kenty Wantri
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives This study analyzes the relationship between endotype biomarkers and the type of tissue inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in order to obtain a more accurate division of disease groups and appropriate therapy.Subjects and Method We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 33 samples of CRS patients. We conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine endotype biomarkers and histopathology methods to examine tissue inflammation.Results Statistical analysis with an independent t-test showed significant differences with respect to eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) between the eosinophilic and neutrophilic groups (p<0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between the two groups (p>0.05) with respect to Charcot-Leyden crystal (CLC), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin- 17A (IL-17A), and oncostatin M (OSM). The Spearman test showed also showed that ECP, CLC, IL-5, IL-17A, IFN-γ and OSM had no significant correlation with the two groups (p>0.05). The receiver operating characteristics analysis showed the optimal cut-off value of ECP of 342.22 pg/mL with sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% for determining the inflammation type (area under cover=0.78, p=0.009).Conclusion The higher level of ECP was more likely to be found in the eosinophilic tissue inflammation. Consequently, we propose using ECP as the main biomarker to identify the CRS type 2. Further research with a larger sample size is required for cut-off points of ECP in order to determine the endotype of CRS.
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain After a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Diagnostic Nasopharyngeal Swab
Authors: Kahng Dong Young , Kim Kyung Soo , Min Hyun Jin
Published: August 2023

Nasopharyngeal swabs are commonly performed in the medical field and have recently been used regularly for coronavirus disease 2019 diagnostic testing. Recently, a patient visited our clinic due to left facial pain, which developed immediately after receiving a nasopharyngeal swabbing and has been persistent for four months. A sinonasal endoscopic examination and paranasal (PNS) CT scan were performed to evaluate the abnormalities in the sinonasal cavity. We identified a severe septal deviation, which had come into contact with the medial mucosa of the left inferior turbinate, forming a mucosal contact point suggesting a previous trauma due to the nasopharyngeal swabbing. We suspected that blind nasopharyngeal swabbing induced mucosal damage on the previously deviated septum, causing a mucosal contact point. Additionally, we suggest that healthcare workers be educated on facial pain as one of the nasopharyngeal swab-related complications.
PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS MASYARAKAT MENGENAI LUKA BAKAR MELALUI “JADIAN” (JAGA DIRI DAN LINGKUNGAN, YUK KENAL LEBIH DALAM TENTANG LUKA BAKAR)
Authors: Sandra Pebrianti Sandra Pebrianti , Andry Tanta Pramudya Andry Tanta Pramudya , Bambang Aditya Nugraha Bambang Aditya Nugraha
Published: August 2023

Background: Burns are a form of trauma that occurs as a result of human activities in the household, industry, traffic accidents, and natural disasters. There are people's habits that are not appropriate in handling first aid in cases of burns. It can be seen that the incidence of burns in the community is still quite high and the level of public knowledge about first aid for burns is still low. It is important to do health education to increase knowledge of the dangers of burns and first aid in accidents. Objective: The aim of this health education is to increase knowledge about burns and the ability to manage first aid in burn injuries. Sample: The target of this health education activity is the general public, especially risk groups, which are held online. Method; The method used in health education is lecture and question and answer. Results: Realization of solutions to prevent and provide appropriate care for burns independently at home can be done by providing health education regarding burn prevention and self-care at home after hospitalization so as not to exacerbate the condition of burns. This effort is one of the efforts to provide education to add insight and build public awareness regarding personal health, namely preventing burns and carrying out post-hospitalization independent care at home. Conclusion: Health education activities are one of the efforts to provide education to add insight and build awareness of personal health related to preventing burns and carrying out independent care after hospitalization at home.
PERAN BUDAYA LOKAL DALAM ADOPSI INOVASI PADA MASYARAKAT SUKU TENGGER
Authors: Romadi Ugik , Yastutik Yastutik
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peran budaya lokal masyarakay suku tengger pada proses adopsi inovasi diera new normal.  Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode fenomenologi.  Informan dalam penelitian ini adalah Penyuluh Pertanian, Mantri Tani, Tokoh Masyarakat/Ketua Adat dan Petani Kecamata Tosari Kabupaten Pasuruan   Berdasarkan hasil kajian diketahui bahwa pada masyarakat suku tengger memiliki budaya lokal yang dapat menentukan cepat atau lambatnya suatu proses adopsi inovasi, sebagai masyarakat yang mayoritas adalah petani sayuran, maka perlu adanya suatu inovasi dalam proses berbudidaya, sebagai upaya untuk dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan para petani.  Diterima atau tidaknya suatu inovasi sangat ditentukan oleh kebudayaan yang dimiliki, selama inovsi yang akan diterima tidak bertentengan dengan budaya yang mereka anut secara turun temurun.  Pada kondisi ini strategi dan pendekatan oleh agen pembaharu terutama diera new normal seperti ini harus cermat dan tepat, agar peroses penyampaian inovasi dapat di adopsi oleh petani di wilayah Tengger.

Kata Kunci: budaya lokal, adopsi inovasi, suku Tengger
Penyimpangan Prinsip Kerja Sama dan Prinsip Kesopanan dalam Wacana Humor Cangehgar Radio Rama FM Bandung
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Gintings Mohammad Fajar Mediyawan
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsian pelanggaran prinsip kerjasama dan prinsip kesopanan dalam wacana humor Sunda Cangehgar di Radio Rama FM Bandung. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dan teori pragmatic. Dari penggunaan metode dan teori tersebut dihasilkan Cangehgar sepenuhnya menggunakan pelanggaran terhadap prinsip kerjasama yang meliputi pelanggaran terhadap maksim kuantitas, maksim kualitas, maksim cara dan maksim hubungan. Selain itu prinsip kesopanan yang dilanggar juga meliputi maksim kearifan, maksim kebijaksanaan, maksim pujian, maksim kerendahan hati dan maksim simpati. Pelanggaran terhadap prinsip yang digariskan oleh Grice dan Leech tersebut dimunculkan untuk memberikan efek kejenakaan dan kelucuan.

Kata Kunci: prinsip kerjasama, prinsip kesopanan, Cangehgar
Pengembangan Keterampilan Alumni Melalui Pelatihan Administrasi dan Pelayanan Hotel Bintang 4 Mercure, Pontianak
Authors: Jaya Mahendra , Tejo Sasongko Agus Eko , Umar Ismail , Sutrisno Edy , Desanti Novi , Rinaldi Hasymi , Anggita Anggita
Published: August 2023

Training is an important tool for career development. By acquiring new skills and knowledge, individuals can increase their chances of getting a job, getting promoted, or getting a promotion. Training leads to new career opportunities and can help achieve long-term goals. Community service was carried out by the PPM Team from the Department of Business Administration with the theme "Development of Alumni Skills Through 4-Star Hotel Administration and Service Training at Mercure Pontianak". A possible solution to the problem is to offer advanced training or professional development for alumni to improve their skills in administration and service. This can be in the form of seminars, workshops, or special training programmes that help them stay relevant to the latest developments in the field. The output targets in this PPM are the PPM Journal and articles in print or electronic media. This PPM is expected to be able to improve technical skills relevant to administration and hotel services, especially for POLNEP Business Administration alumni
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGELOLAAN MATERIAL SPRAY PAINTING DI PT WOHLRAB INDONESIA
Authors: Tumanggor Ferinando , Silalahi Mesri
Published: August 2023

PT Wohlrab Indonesia has indeed managed materials well. But in its implementation it takes time, energy, and money. This is because doing inventory calculations takes a long time, because it has to be written down on paper and then inputted in Ms. Excel and stored in the file folder. It also requires writing utensils, paper and other equipment. When viewed from a cost perspective, this process requires quite a lot of money because you have to pay for various writing equipment and others, including employee salaries. The research method used is observation, interviews, analysis, conclusion drawing and then the design method used is the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) method with the Waterfall model. The purpose of this research is to design a Spray Painting Material Management Information System at PT Wohlrab Indonesia and also to build a spray painting material management information system at PT Wohlrab Indonesia. The results of this study are the need for a spray painting material management system at PT Wohlrab Indonesia, it can be concluded that PT Wohlrab Indonesia's spray painting material management information system is designed to provide convenience to admins in managing spray painting material because it is designed with an easy-to-understand or user friendly interface. can also process data quickly and accurately. PT Wohlrab Indonesia's spray painting material management information system uses web-based programming, developed using the PHP programming language and MySQL database. This system can improve admin performance in managing material data and can reduce errors in making reports, loss of material data because data stored in the database cannot be manipulated by parties who do not have access, even conducting data searches can be done quickly and accurately.

Keywords : Information; Management; Materials; Systems.
APLIKASI PENGENALAN OBJEK WISATA KOTA BATAM MENGGUNAKAN MARKER AUGMENTED REALITY
Authors: Siregar Ade Fadhilah , Hutabri Ellbert
Published: August 2023

Batam City is an island in the north of Indonesia because it is at the crossroads between countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, so Batam City is a business and tourist destination. To increase domestic and international tourist visits, the Batam City Government has carried out promotions in various ways such as promotions through the Batam City Culture and Tourism Office website, social media. But there is no application to promote tourist attractions in Batam City, it is necessary to build an application for recognizing tourist objects in Batam City which includes visualization of tourist objects in 3D and information about tourist objects to make it easier for tourists to choose tourist objects according to their wishes. This research developed an application to recognize tourism objects in Batam City using augmented reality markers with the application of the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) Waterfall model method. The augmented reality (AR) technology tracking method used in this study is marker-based tracking. Based on the results of functional testing, shows that the application functions properly. The results of the user satisfaction test gave a good value so the results found that the application was very well received by users.
IMPLEMENTASI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF SENI BUDAYA KELAS VII DI SMP N 8 BATAM NONGSA BERBASIS ANDROID MENGGUNAKAN ADOBE ANIMATE
Authors: AZRIANI ERA , Fauzi Rahmat
Published: August 2023

This study aims to produce learning media in the form of android-based applications for junior high school students. Based on research on student learning outcomes at SMPN 8 BATAM in the subject of Cultural Arts, it is a subject that has a low score compared to other subjects, namely 71. This is shown by data from 39 students, there are 24 students (61.53%) who get a score below the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM), which is 68, while the remaining 15 students (38.67%) score above the KKM. In this way, the researcher is interested in designing an Android-based Interactive Learning Media for Cultural Arts Class VII application using Adobe Animate. This prompted the author to build a multimedia-based application using the waterfall method. The conclusion obtained in this study is that interactive art and culture learning media applications can be used as additional learning media that are interesting and not boring.
Delayed acquisition of airway commensals in antibiotic naïve children and its relationship with wheezing in rural Ecuador
Authors: Cardenas Paul A. , Cox Michael J. , Willis-Owen Saffron A. , Moffatt Miriam F. , Cookson William O. , Cooper Philip J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The hygiene hypothesis identified a relationship between living in rural areas and acquiring protective environmental factors against the development of asthma and atopy. In our previous study, we found a correlation between particular bacterial species and early-onset wheezing in infants from the rural tropics of Ecuador who were corticosteroid-naïve and had limited antibiotic exposure. We now describe a longitudinal study of infants conducted to determine the age-related changes of the microbiome and its relationship with wheezing.

Methods

We performed an amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene from the oropharyngeal samples obtained from 110 infants who had a history of recurrent episodic wheezing sampled at different ages (7, 12, and 24 months) and compared it to the sequencing of the oropharyngeal samples from 150 healthy infants sampled at the same time points. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted using QIIME and R.

Results

As expected, the microbiota diversity consistently increased as the infants grew older. Considering age-based microbiota changes, we found that infants with wheeze had significantly lower species richness than the healthy infants at 7 months, but not at 12 or 24 months. Most of the core and accessory organisms increased in abundance and prevalence with age, except for a few which decreased. At 7 months of age, infants with wheeze had notably higher levels of a single Streptococcus operational taxonomic unit and core microbiota member than controls.

Conclusions

In a cohort with limited antibiotic and corticosteroid use, a progressively more complex and diverse respiratory microbial community develops with age. The respiratory microbiota in early life is altered in infants with wheeze, but this does not hold true in older infants.
Hypersensitivity reactions to biologics used in the treatment of allergic diseases: clinical features, diagnosis and management
Authors: Sitek Andrea , Chiarella Sergio E. , Pongdee Thanai
Published: August 2023

Several monoclonal antibodies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat allergic disorders, including omalizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, tralokinumab and tezepelumab, and their indications continue to expand. Although the risks associated with these agents are overall low, hypersensitivity reactions have been described and are reported more frequently with increased use. We provide a comprehensive review of clinical features, diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to these agents. We aim to provide useful information for the clinician managing hypersensitivity reactions to these monoclonal antibodies, as well as highlight the need for future research to address specific gaps in knowledge.
Fish digestive lipase quantification methods used in aquaculture studies
Authors: Nolasco-Soria Héctor
Published: August 2023

The proportion of fats or oils in natural or artificial feed is generally 6%–30%, since this is essential to cover fish’s energetic and structural requirements. Therefore, studies of the ontogeny or response of lipase activity to food treatments are widespread. A systematic review of articles published over 5 years (2016–2020) on lipase activity in fish in aquaculture was carried out; however, this was taken only as a representative example. Any 5-year period between 201-2022 would have shown similar results in terms of the actual lipase method used. As a result of this review, it was found that the methods used by the authors are very varied and have significant differences in terms of the type of substrate, substrate concentration, bile salt type and concentration, pH, temperature, incubation time, measurement of hydrolysis products, and definition of lipase units. The above does not mean that comparison of these studies is of no value, but that it is significantly limited. The most used methods (with p-nitrophenyl derivates, β-naphthyl derivates, and emulsified natural oils as substrate) can be reviewed to determine the most appropriate standard curves or the corresponding molar extinction coefficient for defining the lipase units. Standardizing current lipase analytical procedures should improve the reliability of comparative studies of aquaculture fish species.
Development of tetracycline-modified nanoparticles for bone-targeted delivery of anti-tubercular drug
Authors: Liang Qiuzhen , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Liang , Luan Haopeng , Li Xinxia , Xiang Haibin , Jing Shuang , Song Xinghua
Published: August 2023

Background: Since the poor response to existing anti-tuberculosis drugs and low drug concentration in local bone tissues, the traditional drug therapy does not result in satisfactory treatment of osteoarticular tuberculosis. Thus, we report a rifapentine release system with imparted bone targeting potential using tetracycline (TC) -modified nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods: TC was conjugated to PLGA-PEG copolymer via a DCC/NHS technique. Rifapentine-loaded NPs were prepared by premix membrane emulsification technique. The resulting NPs were characterized in terms of physicochemical characterization, hemolytic study, cytotoxicity, bone mineral binding ability, in vitro drug release, stability test and antitubercular activity. The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were also performed in mice.

Results: Rifapentine loaded TC-PLGA-PEG NPs were proved to be 48.8 nm in size with encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of 83.3% ± 5.5% and 8.1% ± 0.4%, respectively. The release of rifapentine from NPs could be maintained for more than 60 h. Most (68.0%) TC-PLGA-PEG NPs could bind to HAp powder in vitro. The cellular studies revealed that NPs were safe for intravenous administration. In vivo evaluations also revealed that the drug concentration of bone tissue in TC–PLGA–PEG group was significantly higher than that in other groups at all time (p < 0.05). Both NPs could improve pharmacokinetic parameters without evident organ toxicity. The minimal inhibitory concentration of NPs was 0.094 μg/mL, whereas this of free rifapentine was 0.25 μg/mL.

Conclusion: Rifapentine loaded TC-PLGA-PEG NPs could increase the amount of rifapentine in bone tissue, prolong drug release in systemic circulation, enhance anti-tuberculosis activity, and thereby reducing dose and frequency of drug therapy for osteoarticular tuberculosis.
The use of budget UAV systems and GIS spatial analysis in cadastral and construction surveying for building planning
Authors: Sestras Paul , Roșca Sanda , Bilașco Ștefan , Șoimoșan Teodora M. , Nedevschi Sergiu
Published: August 2023

The uncertainty that comes with planning, constructing, and maintaining buildings is a constant issue for architects and civil engineers. As topography is the framework that unites architecture and landscape, the design and planning projects heavily rely on a range of monitoring, surveying methods and comprehensive field data. Along with the traditional topo-geodetic instrumentation used in land and construction surveying, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with digital cameras and structure from motion software have been increasingly used recently in a variety of fields to create high-resolution digital elevation models. Despite this widespread use, in the majority of surveying projects it is considered that the topographic representations produced through this technology is inferior to that obtained with surveys conducted using conventional methods, along with other constraints imposed by legislation, environment and weather conditions. While certain limitations of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems are challenging, their advantage for gathering data from a different perspective and the generated outputs have the potential to significantly advance the construction industry. The present article provides an overview of the usefulness of budget UAV systems in developing a methodology that accompanies the conventional survey process for civil engineering applications. Thus, along with the established survey for cadastral and technical documentations necessary for the architectural process, a complementary UAV survey was developed, with subsequent spatial analysis in a geographic information system (GIS), in order to expand the array of deliverables. These include useful orthophoto map, larger-scale and denser representations of the topography, digital surface and terrain models, slope, aspect and solar radiation maps which will offer helpful information and instructions at the start of the construction planning process. The methodology contains two case studies with different degrees of terrain and vegetation challenges, and also presents an accuracy assessment and overall benefits discussion regarding the UAV implementation.
Unveiling the potential of mitochondrial dynamics as a therapeutic strategy for acute kidney injury
Authors: Hao Yajie , Zhao Limei , Zhao Jing Yu , Han Xiutao , Zhou Xiaoshuang
Published: August 2023

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome, has been strongly linked to mitochondrial malfunction. Mitochondria, vital cellular organelles, play a key role in regulating cellular energy metabolism and ensuring cell survival. Impaired mitochondrial function in AKI leads to decreased energy generation, elevated oxidative stress, and the initiation of inflammatory cascades, resulting in renal tissue damage and functional impairment. Therefore, mitochondria have gained significant research attention as a potential therapeutic target for AKI. Mitochondrial dynamics, which encompass the adaptive shifts of mitochondria within cellular environments, exert significant influence on mitochondrial function. Modulating these dynamics, such as promoting mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting mitochondrial division, offers opportunities to mitigate renal injury in AKI. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dynamics has gained considerable importance, providing valuable insights into mitochondrial regulation and facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for AKI. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the latest advancements in mitochondrial dynamics research, provide an exhaustive analysis of existing studies investigating the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and acute injury, and shed light on their implications for AKI. The ultimate goal is to advance the development of more effective therapeutic interventions for managing AKI.
Targeting the retinoic acid signaling pathway as a modern precision therapy against cancers
Authors: Lavudi Kousalya , Nuguri Shreya Madhav , Olverson Zianne , Dhanabalan Anantha Krishna , Patnaik Srinivas , Kokkanti Rekha Rani
Published: August 2023

Retinoic acid (RA) is a vital metabolite derived from vitamin A. RA plays a prominent role during development, which helps in embryological advancement and cellular differentiation. Mechanistically, RA binds to its definite nuclear receptors including the retinoic acid receptor and retinoid X receptor, thus triggering gene transcription and further consequences in gene regulation. This functional heterodimer activation later results in gene activation/inactivation. Several reports have been published related to the detailed embryonic and developmental role of retinoic acids and as an anti-cancer drug for specific cancers, including acute promyelocytic leukemia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Nonetheless, the other side of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has not been explored widely yet. In this review, we focused on the role of the RA pathway and its downstream gene activation in relation to cancer progression. Furthermore, we explored the ways of targeting the retinoic acid pathway by focusing on the dual role of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) family enzymes. Combination strategies by combining RA targets with ALDH-specific targets make the tumor cells sensitive to the treatment and improve the progression-free survival of the patients. In addition to the genomic effects of ATRA, we also highlighted the role of ATRA in non-canonical mechanisms as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, thus targeting the immune oncological perspective of cancer treatments in the current era. The role of ATRA in activating independent mechanisms is also explained in this review. This review also highlights the current clinical trials of ATRA in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs and explains the future directional insights related to ATRA usage.
Synthesis of a novel Cu/DPA-MOF/OP/CS hydrogel with high capability in antimicrobial studies
Authors: Jasim Al-Khafaji Hanadi Hadi , Alsalamy Ali , Abed Jawad Mohammed , Ali Nasser Hind , Dawood Ashour H. , Hasan Saif Yaseen , Ahmad Irfan , Gatea M. Abdulfadhil , Younis Albahadly Waleed Khaled
Published: August 2023

Today, with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, we face the resistance of some bacterial strains against some antibiotics. Therefore, it is essential to report and synthesize new compounds with antimicrobial properties. A novel copper/dipicolinic acid–metal–organic framework cross-linked oxidized pectin and chitosan (Cu/DPA-MOF/OP/CS) hydrogel polymer was synthesized under environmental conditions with the controllable process, which uses biodegradable polymer compounds such as pectin and chitosan in its structure. The efficient physicochemical features of the synthesized Cu/DPA-MOF/OP/CS hydrogel using SEM, FT-IR, TGA, BET, XRD, and EDS/mapping were identified and confirmed. The newly synthesized Cu/DPA-MOF/OP/CS hydrogel showed activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and fungal species, and significant antibacterial and antifungal properties were observed. In antibacterial activity, the MIC against Gram-positive species was in the range of 16–128 mg/mL, the MIC against Gram-negative species was in the range of 64–256 mg/mL, and the MIC against fungal species was in the range of 128–512 mg/mL. In antimicrobial evaluations, in addition to the MIC test, the MBC test, the MFC test, and the IZD test were performed, and the results were reported. The results were compared with commercial antibiotics in the market. Development of novel nanostructures based on hydrogel polymers with distinctive functionality can affect the performance of these nanostructures in different areas.
Discomfort: a new material for interaction design
Authors: schraefel m. c. , Jones Michael
Published: August 2023

We present discomfort as a new material for HCI researchers and designers to consider in applications that help a person develop a new skill, practice, or state. In this context, discomfort is a fundamental precursor to a necessary adaptation which leads to the development of a new skill, practice, or state. The way in which discomfort is perceived, and when it is experienced, is often part of a rationale for rejecting or adopting a practice. Factors that influence the choice to accept or reject a practice of discomfort create opportunities for designing interactions that facilitate discomfort. Enabling effective engagement with discomfort may therefore open opportunities for increased personal development. We propose incorporating discomfort-as-material into our designs explicitly as a mechanism to make desired adaptations available to more of us, more effectively, and more of the time. To explore this possibility, we offer an overview of the physiology and neurology of discomfort in adaptation and propose three issues related to incorporating discomfort into design: preparation for discomfort, need for recovery, and value of the practice.
Analysis of heterogeneity of the different health technology assessment reports produced on the transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis at low surgical risk
Authors: Rumi Filippo , Fortunato Agostino , Antonini Debora , Siviero Ludovica , Cicchetti Americo
Published: August 2023

Background

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis is a congenital or acquired aortic valve disease that occurs when the aortic valve of the heart narrows. It represents the most common valvular disease in adults and generally has a degenerative nature. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), due to its non-invasive approach, has become the standard treatment in patients who are ineligible to surgery or at high surgical risk, and it is also increasingly being performed in patients at intermediate to low surgical risk. The aim is to analyze the heterogeneity and explore the limitations of current health technology assessments (HTAs) on TAVI.

Methods

For the purpose of this analysis, a review of the literature based on manual research was performed. A population, intervention, comparators, and outcome (PICO) model was used to gather the HTA reports assessing TAVI in the treatment of patients affected by symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis at low surgical risk. Furthermore, a manual search has been developed to also include assessments from the Haute Autorité de Santé.

Results

At the end of the investigation, a certain degree of heterogeneity in the evidence factored and in the recommendations on the technology has emerged. Relative to the clinical domains, the main drivers for the disparity are found in the type of evidence considered and in the use or not of the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology to evaluate the quality of the clinical evidence included. Another element concerns the chosen device generation assessed within the evaluation. In order to perform the economic evaluation, a cost-utility analysis and a budget impact model were developed. Despite some elements of heterogeneity, the economic assessments demonstrate a favorable or dominant cost-effectiveness profile for TAVI compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Conclusion

Despite the presence of heterogeneity elements both in clinical and economic domains, HTA agencies reached the same recommendations on the use of TAVI. It emerged the need for a centralized vision on the “strong” domains, which means giving up freedom to local bodies to adapt to their context on the “soft” ones. This approach could have the potential to strengthen the role of HTA in Europe by ensuring faster decision-making and equity of access to health innovations and reduce the heterogeneity in the assessment methods.
Graft preservation in heart transplantation: current approaches
Authors: Lechiancole Andrea , Sponga Sandro , Benedetti Giovanni , Semeraro Arianna , Guzzi Giorgio , Daffarra Cristian , Meneguzzi Matteo , Nalli Chiara , Piani Daniela , Bressan Marilyn , Livi Ugolino , Vendramin Igor
Published: August 2023

Heart transplantation (HTx) represents the current best surgical treatment for patients affected by end-stage heart failure. However, with the improvement of medical and interventional therapies, the population of HTx candidates is increasingly old and at high-risk for mortality and complications. Moreover, the use of “extended donor criteria” to deal with the shortage of donors could increase the risk of worse outcomes after HTx. In this setting, the strategy of donor organ preservation could significantly affect HTx results. The most widely used technique for donor organ preservation is static cold storage in ice. New techniques that are clinically being used for donor heart preservation include static controlled hypothermia and machine perfusion (MP) systems. Controlled hypothermia allows for a monitored cold storage between 4°C and 8°C. This simple technique seems to better preserve the donor heart when compared to ice, probably avoiding tissue injury due to sub-zero °C temperatures. MP platforms are divided in normothermic and hypothermic, and continuously perfuse the donor heart, reducing ischemic time, a well-known independent risk factor for mortality after HTx. Also, normothermic MP permits to evaluate marginal donor grafts, and could represent a safe and effective technique to expand the available donor pool. However, despite the increasing number of donor hearts preserved with these new approaches, whether these techniques could be considered superior to traditional CS still represents a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically assess the available clinical data on donor heart preservation strategies employed for HTx.
Transnasal-brain delivery of nanomedicines for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Maohua , Liu Zhixian , Wang Ying , Chen Li , Guo Jiaqi , Zhang Wentao , Zhang Yao , Yu Chenjie , Bie Tongwu , Yu Youjun , Guan Bing
Published: August 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have become a serious global health problem as the population ages. Traditionally, treatment strategies for NDs have included oral and intravenous administration; however, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) can prevent drugs from reaching the brain, rendering the treatment incomplete and the effect unsatisfactory. Additionally, the prolonged or excessive use of drugs that can cross the BBB can damage liver and kidney function. Recent studies have shown that nose-to-brain drug delivery can noninvasively bypass the BBB, allowing drugs to enter the brain through the olfactory or trigeminal nerve pathways; additionally, nanoparticle carriers can enhance drug delivery. This review introduces drug carrier nanoparticles for nose-to-brain delivery systems, compares the advantages and disadvantages of different nanoparticles, and discusses the factors influencing nose-to-brain nanomedicine delivery and enhancement strategies. We also summarize nose-to-brain delivery and nanomedicines for treating NDs, the current challenges of this approach, and the future promise of nanomedicine-based ND treatment.
Amplitude and inter-event time statistics for the island volcanoes Stromboli, Mount Etna, Yasur, and Whakaari
Authors: Fenner Darius , Rümpker Georg , Laumann Patrick , Srivastava Nishtha
Published: August 2023

Detailed analyses of past major and minor seismo-volcanic events can help to understand the eruptive behavior of volcanoes and the underlying physical and chemical processes. Catalogs of these eruptions and, specifically, seismo-volcanic events may be generated using continuous seismic recordings at stations in the proximity of volcanoes. Here, we apply a recently-developed automated approach Adaptive-Window Volcanic Event Selection Analysis Module (AWESAM) to seismic data from Stromboli (Italy), Mount Etna (Italy), Yasur (Vanuatu) and Whakaari (New Zealand). We perform an inter-event time analysis to identify characteristic patterns in the events’ recurrence time and the volcanic activity. Using this identical approach for all volcanoes, we were able to discover that despite their differing types and activity, they exhibit similar statistical behaviors. For Whakaari, we noticed a bimodal inter-event time distribution for large events. Since this observation is based on single station data, further in-depth investigations are needed once more data is available in future. We also derive a new amplitude-frequency relationship from seismo-volcanic events. With this relation, we can confirm a change in slope for large events at Stromboli, which is based on 10 years of data. Additionally, we apply a classification model to events from Stromboli to differentiate between low-period (LP) events and high-frequency (HF) events and found an alternating behavior in the frequency of these events before and after the two paroxysms in 2019.