bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inteligencia artificial en Odontología: Impacto y perspectivas en la gestión de clínicas dentales, una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Bravo Calderón Manuel Estuardo , Abril Pesantez Danny Alexander , Padilla Viñanzaca Erika Paola , Peralta Quezada Jessica Daniela , Piedra Arpi Tania Beatriz
Published: August 2024

Introducción: Los avances en inteligencia artificial (IA) iniciaron en 1943 y el término fue acuñado en 1956 por John McCarthy. En odontología, la IA física incluye robots sofisticados, mientras que la virtual opera mediante software avanzado. Los asistentes virtuales basados en IA mejoran la gestión clínica y la precisión diagnóstica, facilitando la programación de citas, la recopilación de historiales médicos, y la alerta sobre datos críticos de pacientes. La IA complementa las habilidades de los odontólogos, promoviendo la atención personalizada y la eficiencia en los procesos digitales para elevar la calidad de la atención odontológica. Metodología: La metodología utilizó el enfoque PICO para estudiar aplicaciones clínicas de IA en odontología. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos como Pubmed, Google Scholar y Elsevier, seleccionando artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años. Resultados: Las aplicaciones de IA son tanto físicas como virtuales. Estas herramientas de IA reducen errores, mejoran la precisión y optimizan el seguimiento de pacientes. Por lo que se puede agregar como un complemento a los odontólogos al permitir mayor precisión, mejor experiencia para el paciente y mejores resultados. Conclusión: Esta revisión destaca el gran potencial de la IA para transformar la gestión de clínicas dentales y mejorar la calidad de la atención odontológica, siempre que se aborden adecuadamente los desafíos éticos y de privacidad. Esta revisión de la literatura tiene como objetivo brindar información actualizada sobre el impacto actual y las perspectivas futuras de la inteligencia artificial en la odontología, destacando su potencial para transformar la gestión de clínicas dentales y mejorar la calidad de la atención odontológica.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH MENGGUNAKAN SOCIALIZATION, EXTERNALIZATION, COMBINATION, INTERNALIZATION MODEL
Authors: Indriani Risma , Yanitasari Yessy , Dedih Dedih
Published: August 2024

Garbage is an environmental problem that cannot be avoided, changes in human lifestyles cause an increase in the volume of waste, various ways are carried out to overcome the increase in the volume of waste, one of which is the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) technique which plays an important role in waste processing and can change waste. to be artistic and economical, to share knowledge about waste management requires a container that can accommodate and share knowledge. In this study, a Knowledge Management System (KMS) was developed using the Knowledge Management Life Cycle (KMSLC) method and capturing knowledge using the Sosialization Externalization Combination Internalization (SECI) model. The results of this study are web-based applications that can accommodate, add and share knowledge in the form of tacit and explicit and change the knowledge formed from the results of individual interactions into documented knowledge which is expected to help organizations manage all knowledge and develop it so that it can improve the abilities and knowledge of members organization for waste management.
K-BEST SELECTION UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KINERJA ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK DALAM MEMPREDIKSI RANGE HARGA PONSEL
Authors: Saelan M. Rangga Ramadhan , Subekti Agus
Published: August 2024

Determining the price of a mobile phone that will be released to the market cannot be based on assumptions alone. This problem can be overcome by utilizing machine learning. In this study, what is predicted is not the exact price, but rather the price range of a cellphone based on the specifications that are its attributes. In machine learning, the Deep Learning ANN model will be used to predict the price range of a mobile phone. To understand the relationship between features and labels, the Univariate feature selection method SelectKBest is used which will calculate the correlation value between features and labels. In this study, the best performance was obtained from the ANN model with feature selection and hyperparameter tuning, the evaluation of performance metrics obtained the highest accuracy of 97.5%. Experiments were conducted by building several models to compare until there was one model that performed well in processing training and validation data. Model evaluation is presented using confusion metrics with various types of performance metrics: accuracy, precision, recall and f1-score. This study also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SelectKBest feature selection method in improving model accuracy and testing various hyperparameter configurations to obtain the best performance.
MENGUKUR KEPUASAN MAHASISWA DALAM MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI MUSIC STREAMING MENGGUNAKAN METODE AHP
Authors: Rakhmah Syifa Nur , Leidiyana Henny
Published: August 2024

Online streaming applications are currently very popular among the public, especially students. Because of this user interest, the author wanted to conduct research. This research uses the AHP method to measure students' level of satisfaction with the use of music streaming applications. The research evaluation criteria included quality, service, price and payment. Questionnaires are used to determine student preferences and assessment of related criteria. The collected data was analyzed using the AHP method and the application priorities were compared. These findings will help developers and users improve quality and user experience. The research was conducted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology on students in the Bekasi City area with a population of 7058 people and obtained a sample size of 379 respondents using the Slovin formula. The research results show that Spotify is the most popular music streaming application among users, especially students. Followed by applications such as Joox and YouTube.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING MODELS FOR SALES PREDICTION AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT IN E-COMMERCE
Authors: Saeful Aji , Utomo Fandy Setyo , Purwati Yuli , Azmi Mohd Sanusi
Published: August 2024

In the growing era of e-commerce, stock management is crucial. Problems arise in forecasting sales in order to achieve effective stock management. This research uses the time series analysis method by focusing on comparing the accuracy of three forecasting methods: Single Exponential Smoothing (SES), Double Exponential Smoothing (DES), and Triple Exponential Smoothing (TES/Holt-Winter). This research provides a solution by comparing the performance of the three methods based on the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) results and prediction graphs. The goal is to determine the most accurate forecasting method using the time series analysis method with several stages, namely data preprocessing, train/test split, modeling, and performance metrics measurement. based on the test results show MAE SES 1077, DES 96, and TES (Holt-Winter) 101. Although DES has a lower MAE, TES (Holt-Winter) provides better accuracy, especially through prediction graph analysis. Holt-Winter is recognized as the most effective method in forecasting future sales, reliable for proper stock management in the dynamic e-commerce industry. This approach is expected to improve efficiency and accuracy in enterprise stock management, support the growth of online businesses, and contribute to the literature and practice of stock management. The use of time series analysis methods, especially Holt-Winter, is considered an important strategic step to optimize sales prediction, positively impact stock management, and create a competitive advantage in a growing market
MODEL OF INDONESIAN CYBERBULLYING TEXT DETECTION USING MODIFIED LONG SHORT-TERM MEMORY
Authors: Purba Mariana , Paisal Paisal , Pambudi Darmo Cahyo , Noprisson Handrie , Ayumi Vina
Published: August 2024

Cyberbullying, in its essence, refers to the deliberate act of exploiting technological tools to inflict harm upon others. Typically, this offensive conduct is perpetuated repeatedly, as the perpetrator takes solace in concealing their true identity, thereby avoiding direct exposure to the victim's reactions. It is worth noting that the actions of the cyberbully and the responses of the individual being cyberbullied share an undeniable interconnection. The main objective of this study was to identify and analyze Instagram comments that contain bullying words using a model of WLSTML2 which is an optimization of a long short-term memory network with word-embedding and L2 regularization. This experiment using dataset with negative labels as many as 400 data and positive as many as 400 data. In this study, a comparison of 70% training data and 30% testing data was used. Based on experimental results, the WLSTMDR model obtained 100% accuracy at the training stage and 80% accuracy at the testing stage. The WLSTML2 model received an accuracy of 99.25% at the training stage and an accuracy of 83% at the testing stage. The WLSTML1 model obtained an accuracy of 97.01% at the training stage and an accuracy of 80% at the testing stage. Based on the experimental results, the WLSTML2 model gets the best accuracy at the training and testing stages. At the testing stage of 132 data, it was found that the positive label data predicted to be correct was 56 data and the negative label data that was predicted to be correct was 53 data.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN JABATAN FUNGSIONAL PENGAWAS URUSAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH (PPUPD)
Authors: Thahir Baharuddin
Published: August 2024

ABSTRAK. Terdapat masalah kelembagaan, kewenangan dan sumber daya manusia (SDM) dari pengawas pemerintahan. SDM menyangkut kapasitas individu dan kemandirian seorang pengawas pemerintahan.  Teori Grindle dalam Ardiansyah, Aksanul Khalis, Ubaidullah (2020, hlm. 13) indikator implementasi suatu kebijakan dilaksanakan secara optimal ditentukan oleh substansi kebijakan dan lingkungan kebijakan dilaksanakan. Penelitian menggunakan kualitatif deskriptif dan model strategi analisis verifikasi kualitatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan induktif. Metode ini dipergunakan karena mengkaji terkait konsistensi antara kebijakan dan pelaksanaan Jabatan Fungsional PPUPD. Konsistensi tersebut memperhatikan isi dan lingkungan yang turut mewarnai kebijakan. Konsistensi merujuk pad keadaan yang dinamis, adanya adaptasi atas fenomena dan realitas pemerintahan daerah di Indonesia. analisis data dengan dua model analisis, yaitu model strategi analisis verifikasi kualitatif dan model strategi deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik analisis data itu diantaranya: Teknik Analisis Isi, Observasi terseleksi, Observasi Terfokus, Analisis Interaktif, Analisis Tema, dan Teknik Analisis Wacana Kritis. Berdasarkan fokus tersebut diketahui bahwa adanya jabatan fungsional pengawas pemerintahan (PPUPD) pada aspek kelembagaan yang dilekatkan pada inspektorat daerah (Provinsi dan kabupaten/kota). Hal yang menyebabkan pengawasan relatif sulit dilakukan karena obyek yang diawasi/diperiksa adalah kepala daerah ataupun pejabat yang secara administratif dan kepegawaian merupakan atasan dari pejabat PPUPD. Pada aspek kewenangan mengalami keterbatasan karena hanya melakukan pengawasan pada aspek pelaksanaan urusan pemerintahan namun tidak menyentuh pada aspek keuangan dan asset. dan pada aspek sumber daya manusia, mengalami keterbatasan baik dilihat pada sisi jumlah maupun kualitas.

Kata Kunci: Kebijakan, Jabatan fungsional, Pengawasan, Pemerintah Daerah
Assessing the Influence of Computational Thinking Technique on STEM Based and Non-STEM Based Subjects in Sarawak Schools
Authors: Shariman Shaadah , Hj Mas'ud Faizah , Tarmizi Seleviawati , Zen Kartinah , Phang Eaqerzilla
Published: August 2024

Computational thinking (CT) has gained prominence as an essential skillset in the digital age. This study investigates the influence of integrating CT techniques into both STEM and non-STEM subjects in schools across Sarawak, Malaysia. A mixed methods approach combined surveys of 426 students and 79 teachers with interviews of 5 teachers and 8 students. Results indicate CT integration enhanced problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Over 50% of teachers reported improved student performance in STEM and non-STEM subjects with CT techniques. Interviews highlighted benefits like increased engagement, but also challenges faced regarding teacher training, resources, and curriculum integration. Recommendations include focused teacher professional development, ensuring equitable access to technology, tailored curriculum approaches, and cultural sensitivity. This study provides insights into the multifaceted impacts of CT integration in the Sarawak education context. The blended findings underscore the potential of CT to develop relevant 21st century skills, but also highlight the need for systemic support for effective implementation. This research contributes to strategic efforts to nurture computational literacy and harness the power of CT across all subject areas within the region's schools.
WeWasteNoMore: A Mobile Food Waste Management & Food Aid Application
Authors: Samuel Ng You Fan  , Ling Yeong Tyng
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, food waste is becoming a major problem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), almost half of all food produced will never be consumed in our society. The process of wasting food might bring significant impacts to the environment as well. In Malaysia, the commonly used methods to manage food waste unsustainable for the environments. Therefore, the main purpose of designing and developing WeWasteNoMore with Waterfall model in this project is to create and manage food inventory wisely. Besides, this application can generate monthly expenses based on the food purchased. The proposed application received positive feedback from the evaluation.
Lingkungan Kerja Dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang
Authors: Naila Nur Hasanatun , Anah Lik
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang persoalan seberapa pengaruh hubungan Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang. Metode atau teknik yang digunakan dalam penelitian yakni metode kuantitatif dengan jenis asosiatif yang bersifat kausal atau sebab akibat. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 39 responden mengggunakan teknik sampel jenuh. Hasil penelitian ini memperoleh hasil  bahwa (1) Lingkungan Kerja terdapat pengaruh signifika pada Kinerja karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lantabur Tebuireng Jombang (2) Disiplin Kerja berpengaruh signifika pada Kinerja Karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lanatabur Tebuireng Jombang. (3) Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja secara bersamaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Kinerja karyawan pada PT. BPRS Lanatabur Tebuireng Jombang.
The Effect of Social Media Application-Based Interventions on HIV Adherence to ARV Medication among Patients with HIV
Authors: Herawati Eva , Nursanti Irna , Irawati Diana , Natashia Dhea , Damayanti Sri Utami
Published: August 2024

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of health interventions based on social media applications on HIV patients' adherence to taking ARV medication. 
Method: In this study, 76 were selected using a quasi-experimental methodology and a purposive sampling technique. then divided into two distinct groups: intervention and control. During the study, respondents in the intervention group received treatment in the form of reminders via WhatsApp and the SiARV web application. The control group was only given standard health services without any technology-based health interventions.
Results: Significant changes in treatment adherence were observed in both the intervention group (p=0.001) and the control group (p=0.001). The difference in treatment adherence between the intervention group and the control group was statistically significant (p=0.040). In the context of multivariate analysis, education was found to be predictive of changes in respondent Adherence (p = 0.019; OR = 3.692).
Discussion: Awareness of ARV adherence can be increased and maintained through SiARV social media as a strategy for reminding and controlling patient adherence
Conclusion: HIV patients' adherence to taking ARV medications is affected by health interventions utilizing social media applications. It is anticipated that providing HIV patients with application-based interventions and a high level of patient knowledge through education will enhance their quality of life.
Improving Knowledge and Skills Through ECEP and Integrated Service Posts for Stunting Prevention
Authors: Suparji Suparji , Rahayu Teta Puji , Handayani Tinuk Esti
Published: August 2024

Stunting is a serious health problem in Indonesia, affecting children's growth and development and the future of the younger generation. This community service aims to accompany early childhood education program (ECEP)and Integrated Service Post in implementing Early Stimulation, Detection and Intervention for Growth and Development of Children (ESDIGDC) services as an effort to prevent stunting. This activity involves training and mentoring for ECEP teachers and Integrated Service Post toddler cadres, focusing on understanding stunting, growth measurement techniques and appropriate early stimulation. The results of this program show a significant increase in participants' knowledge and skills regarding stunting and early detection. Parent participation in Integrated Service Post activities has also increased, with more children being checked regularly. In addition, several cases of stunting were detected early, allowing immediate intervention. The positive impact of this program is not only seen in stunting prevention, but also in increasing public awareness of the importance of monitoring children's growth and development and strengthening collaboration between ECEP and Integrated Service Post. Overall, this assistance has proven to be effective as a stunting prevention service intervention. It is hoped that this program can be adopted in other regions as a model in efforts to reduce stunting rates nationally.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional compositional analysis of transgenic potatoes with late blight resistance
Authors: Moyo Mukani , Magembe Eric , Mwaura Lucy , Byarugaba Arinaitwe Abel , Barekye Alex , Nyongesa Moses , Taracha Catherine , Ghislain Marc
Published: August 2024

Late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease affecting potato production globally, with adverse effects in Africa where limited access to fungicides exacerbates its impact. Outbreaks of late blight lead to reduced yields and substantial economic losses to potato farmers and agricultural systems. The development of resistant potato varieties, tailored to African agroecological conditions, offers a viable solution in mitigating the devastating effects of late blight on potato cultivation. Leading to this study, two consumer-preferred varieties, Victoria and Shangi, with high susceptibility to late blight were targeted for conferring late blight resistance through genetic engineering. This was achieved by inserting R genes from wild relatives of potato displaying resistance to the disease. The intended effect of conferring resistance to the late blight disease has been consistently observed over twenty experimental field trials spanning 8 years at three locations in Uganda and Kenya. In this study, we assessed whether the genetic transformation has led to any significant unintended effects on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of potato tubers compared to the non-transgenic controls grown under the same agroecological conditions. The compositional assessments were conducted on commercial-size potato tubers harvested from regulatory trials at three locations in Uganda and Kenya. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance comparing transgenic and non-transgenic samples. Overall, the results showed that the transgenic and non-transgenic samples exhibited similar levels of nutritional and antinutritional components. Variations detected in the levels of the analysed components fell within the expected ranges as documented in existing literature and potato composition databases. Thus, we conclude that there are no biologically significant differences in the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of transgenic and non-transgenic potato tubers engineered for resistance to late blight.
TET enzyme driven epigenetic reprogramming in early embryos and its implication on long-term health
Authors: Montgomery Ty , Uh Kyungjun , Lee Kiho
Published: August 2024

Mammalian embryo development is initiated by the union of paternal and maternal gametes. Upon fertilization, their epigenome landscape is transformed through a series of finely orchestrated mechanisms that are crucial for survival and successful embryogenesis. Specifically, maternal or oocyte-specific reprogramming factors modulate germ cell specific epigenetic marks into their embryonic states. Rapid and dynamic changes in epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are observed during early embryo development. These changes govern the structure of embryonic genome prior to zygotic genome activation. Differential changes in epigenetic marks are observed between paternal and maternal genomes because the structure of the parental genomes allows interaction with specific oocyte reprogramming factors. For instance, the paternal genome is targeted by the TET family of enzymes which oxidize the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) epigenetic mark into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) to lower the level of DNA methylation. The maternal genome is mainly protected from TET3-mediated oxidation by the maternal factor, STELLA. The TET3-mediated DNA demethylation occurs at the global level and is clearly observed in many mammalian species. Other epigenetic modulating enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferases, provide fine tuning of the DNA methylation level by initiating de novo methylation. The mechanisms which initiate the epigenetic reprogramming of gametes are critical for proper activation of embryonic genome and subsequent establishment of pluripotency and normal development. Clinical cases or diseases linked to mutations in reprogramming modulators exist, emphasizing the need to understand mechanistic actions of these modulators. In addition, embryos generated via in vitro embryo production system often present epigenetic abnormalities. Understanding mechanistic actions of the epigenetic modulators will potentially improve the well-being of individuals suffering from these epigenetic disorders and correct epigenetic abnormalities in embryos produced in vitro. This review will summarize the current understanding of epigenetic reprogramming by TET enzymes during early embryogenesis and highlight its clinical relevance and potential implication for assisted reproductive technologies.
Pyoverdine binding aptamers and label-free electrochemical detection of pseudomonads
Authors: Anisuzzaman Sharif , Alimoradi Nima , Singappuli-Arachchige Dilini , Banerjee Soma , Pogorelko Gennady V. , Kaiyum Yunus A. , Johnson Philip E. , Shrotriya Pranav , Nilsen-Hamilton Marit
Published: August 2024

Pyoverdines are iron-chelating siderophores employed by various pseudomonads to promote their growth in iron-limited environments, facilitating both beneficial and detrimental interactions with co-inhabiting microbes or hosts, including plants and animals. The fluorescent pseudomonads produce fluorescent pyoverdines comprised of a conserved central chromophore and a unique strain-specific peptidic side chain produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases. Pyoverdine Pf5 (PVD-Pf5) is produced by Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5, a species known for supporting plant growth and its involvement in plant pathogen control. To develop a means of exploring the dynamics of P. protegens activity in soil and in the rhizosphere, we selected DNA aptamers that specifically recognize PVD-Pf5 with high affinities. Two selected aptamers with only 16% identity in sequence were examined for structure and function. We found evidence that both aptamers form structures in their apo-forms and one aptamer has structural features suggesting the presence of a G-quadruplex. Although their tertiary structures are predicted to be different, both aptamers bind the target PVD-Pf5 with similar affinities and do not bind other siderophores, including the related pyoverdine, pseudobactin, produced by Pseudomonas sp. B10. One aptamer binds the pyoverdine peptide component and may also interact with the chromophore. This aptamer was integrated into a nanoporous aluminum oxide biosensor and demonstrated to successfully detect PVD-Pf5 and not to detect other siderophores that do not bind to the aptamer when evaluated in solution. This sensor provides a future opportunity to track the locations of P. protegens around plant roots and to monitor PVD-Pf5 production and movement through the soil.
A comparative study of regional rainfall-induced landslide early warning models based on RF、CNN and MLP algorithms
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Ma Shiwei , Dong Lihao , Xiao Ruihua , Huang Junbao , Zhou Pinggen
Published: August 2024

Landslide disasters, due to their widespread distribution and clustered occurrences, pose a significant threat to human society. Rainfall is considered a primary triggering factor, and the frequent clustering of landslides underscores the importance of early warning systems for regional landslide disasters in preventing and mitigating rainfall-induced landslides. Research on early warning models is crucial for accurately predicting rainfall-induced landslides. However, traditional models face challenges such as the complexity of landslide causes, insufficient data, and limited analysis methods, resulting in low accuracy and inadequate precision. This study focuses on Fujian Province, China, proposing a four-step process for building a regional landslide early warning model based on machine learning. The process includes data integration and cleaning, sample set construction, model training and validation, and practical application. By integrating and cleaning the latest and most detailed data, a training sample set (15,589 samples) for the regional landslide disaster early warning model is established. Three machine learning algorithms—Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron, and Convolutional Neural Network—are employed and compared, the evaluation results indicated that the RF-based warning model achieved an accuracy of 0.930–0.957 and an AUC value of 0.955. The CNN-based warning model demonstrated an accuracy of 0.945–0.948 with an AUC value of 0.940. The MLP-based warning model achieved an accuracy of 0.930–0.953 and an AUC value of 0.930. The results showed comparable accuracy metrics among the three models, with RF exhibiting a significant advantage in AUC values. Finally, the models are applied to the regional landslide disasters induced by heavy rainfall in Fujian Province on 5 August 2021. The results showed that in the binary classification warning strategy, the accuracy of the Random Forest and Convolutional Neural Network was 92.9%, while that of the Multilayer Perceptron was 85.8%, all performing well. In the multi-classification hierarchical warning strategy, the Random Forest excelled, while the performance of the Convolutional Neural Network and Multilayer Perceptron was relatively limited. The findings of this study contribute to valuable attempts in landslide disaster warning model research, with anticipated further improvements through the gradual accumulation of samples and practical application verification.
Comparison between thermal ablation and surgery in low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: a prospective study
Authors: Gong Wenbo , Zhang Runfang , Zhang Songtao , Zhai Yifei , Zheng Chen , Zhang Dongyan
Published: August 2024

Objective

To conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life outcomes between thermal ablation and surgical interventions in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A prospective study was undertaken, enrolling patients with PTC ≤5mm who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), or surgery, for analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes. The Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire was administered to all patients before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Results

A total of 162 eligible patients were included in the study. Major complications were not observed in the RFA and LA groups, while five cases were reported in the surgery group, although no statistically significant differences were observed. Minor complications were documented in two, three, and 14 patients in the RFA, LA, and surgery groups, respectively, with no significant variances noted. Surgical duration and hospitalization time were notably shorter in the thermal ablation groups. At the final follow-up, complete disappearance of nodules was seen in 71.4% of cases treated with RFA and 71.0% of cases managed with LA, with no significant disparities between the groups. Both RFA and LA exhibited similar effects on quality of life, with thermal ablation techniques showing better functional outcomes in comparison to surgery. Across all groups, adverse effects were most pronounced at the 3-month post-treatment mark but gradually reverted to baseline levels in the thermal ablation group, contrasting with the surgery group.

Conclusions

For PTC ≤5mm, both RFA and LA exhibited similar cancer control outcomes and superior quality of life on par with surgery, while minimizing complications. These findings underscore the promise of RFA and LA as potential standard treatments for small PTCs, subject to further confirmation in future studies.
Research on the performance of pump-turbine during the transition process from pump mode to turbine mode
Authors: Man Zhe , Xu Zhe , Gui Zhonghua , Han Wenfu , Zhao Yifeng , Zhang Fei , Xu Lianchen , Zheng Yuan , Kan Kan
Published: August 2024

In current engineering, the transition process of pump turbines from pump to turbine mode mainly includes the shutdown process of pump operating and the startup process of turbine operating, and the switching of working conditions mostly depends on the opening and closing of the ball valve. While, this article focuses on the transitional process of pump turbine from pump to turbine condition without relying on ball valve, which will significantly reduce the response time of the unit and enable quick switching of operating conditions in emergency situations. In this study, the torque balance equation is employed to analyze the transition process of the entire flow system from pump to turbine operation. Additionally, the entropy production theory is utilized to investigate the correlation between pressure, flow state, and energy loss in the pump-turbine, shedding light on the changes in external characteristics through the evolution of internal characteristics. Furthermore, the transition process from pump mode to turbine mode is segmented into five stages based on the variations in the guide vanes (GV). The findings reveal that the rotation of GV triggers sharp fluctuations in static pressure, torque, and axial force. During stage four, the initiation of all three GV positions results in an increase in flow rate and torque, accompanied by a decrease in axial force. In stage two, the closure of GV leads to a decrease in pressure within the spiral casing (SC) and stay vanes (SV) domains, coupled with an increase in pressure in the bladeless zone, runner, and draft tube domains. Simultaneously, the pressure difference between both sides of the runner decreases significantly, directly causing a drop in torque and axial force. In stage three, GV closure interrupts the flow in the pump-turbine, resulting in significant backflow in the SC, SV, and runner domains, alongside high-speed circulation in the bladeless area. Moreover, the location of the high entropy production rate (EPR) value within the unit aligns with the reflux zone, indicating considerable energy loss attributable to reflux. The above research results will provide reference for the rapid switching of operating conditions of pump turbines in emergency situations.
Opportunities for optimizing fungal biological control agents for long-term and effective management of insect pests of orchards and vineyards: a review
Authors: Wallis Christopher M. , Sisterson Mark S.
Published: August 2024

Novel tactics for controlling insect pests in perennial fruit and nut crops are needed because target pests often display decreased susceptibility to chemical controls due to overreliance on a handful of active ingredients and regulatory issues. As an alternative to chemical controls, entomopathogenic fungi could be utilized as biological control agents to manage insect pest populations. However, development of field ready products is hampered by a lack of basic knowledge. Development of field ready products requires collecting, screening, and characterizing a greater variety of potential entomopathogenic fungal species and strains. Creation of a standardized research framework to study entomopathogenic fungi will aid in identifying the potential mechanisms of biological control activity that fungi could possess, including antibiotic metabolite production; strains and species best suited to survive in different climates and agroecosystems; and optimized combinations of entomopathogenic fungi and novel formulations. This mini review therefore discusses strategies to collect and characterize new entomopathogenic strains, test different potential mechanisms of biocontrol activity, examine ability of different species and strains to tolerate different climates, and lastly how to utilize this information to develop strains into products for growers.
Applying neural ordinary differential equations for analysis of hormone dynamics in Trier Social Stress Tests
Authors: Parker Christopher , Nelson Erik , Zhang Tongli
Published: August 2024

Introduction: This study explores using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs) to analyze hormone dynamics in the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during Trier Social Stress Tests (TSST) to classify patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Methods: Data from TSST were used, measuring plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations. NODE models replicated hormone changes without prior knowledge of the stressor. The derived vector fields from NODEs were input into a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for patient classification, validated through cross-validation (CV) procedures.

Results: NODE models effectively captured system dynamics, embedding stress effects in the vector fields. The classification procedure yielded promising results, with the 1x1 CV achieving an AUROC score that correctly identified 83% of Atypical MDD patients and 53% of healthy controls. The 2x2 CV produced similar outcomes, supporting model robustness.

Discussion: Our results demonstrate the potential of combining NODEs and CNNs to classify patients based on disease state, providing a preliminary step towards further research using the HPA axis stress response as an objective biomarker for MDD.
Duodenal hematoma following endoscopic duodenal biopsy in an adult requiring arterial embolization and surgical evacuation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Buchanan Kelly L. , Wilechansky Robert M. , Pathipati Mythili P. , Goldstein Allan M. , Ryan Daniel P. , Yarze Joseph C.
Published: August 2024

A 21-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain four days after undergoing upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsies and was found to have an intramural duodenal hematoma. Symptoms progressed after attempts at diet advancement, and repeat imaging showed an enlarging hematoma with duodenal obstruction. The patient was managed with arterial embolization followed by laparoscopic surgical evacuation of the hematoma. This is the first report of an enlarging duodenal hematoma managed by this combination approach. While surgical interventions have previously been reserved for the most severe cases, we review the literature on minimally invasive approaches to manage this rare endoscopic complication.
Insights into the recognition of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates by innate immune lectins of the Siglec and galectin families
Authors: Campanero-Rhodes María Asunción , Martí Sara , Hernández-Ortiz Noelia , Cubero Meritxell , Ereño-Orbea June , Ardá Ana , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Ardanuy Carmen , Solís Dolores
Published: August 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic bacterium that frequently colonizes the nasopharynx and gastrointestinal tract and can also cause severe infections when invading other tissues, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, K. pneumoniae variants exhibiting a hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype are usually associated with hypervirulent strains that can produce invasive infections even in immunocompetent individuals. Major carbohydrate structures displayed on the K. pneumoniae surface are the polysaccharide capsule and the lipopolysaccharide, which presents an O-polysaccharide chain in its outermost part. Various capsular and O-chain structures have been described. Of note, production of a thick capsule is frequently observed in HMV variants. Here we examined the surface sugar epitopes of a collection of HMV and non-HMV K. pneumoniae clinical isolates and their recognition by several Siglecs and galectins, two lectin families of the innate immune system, using bacteria microarrays as main tool. No significant differences among isolates in sialic acid content or recognition by Siglecs were observed. In contrast, analysis of the binding of model lectins with diverse carbohydrate-binding specificities revealed striking differences in the recognition by galactose- and mannose-specific lectins, which correlated with the binding or lack of binding of galectins and pointed to the O-chain as the plausible ligand. Fluorescence microscopy and microarray analyses of galectin-9 binding to entire cells and outer membranes of two representative HMV isolates supported the bacteria microarray results. In addition, Western blot analysis of the binding of galectin-9 to outer membranes unveiled protein bands recognized by this galectin, and fingerprint analysis of these bands identified several proteins containing potential O-glycosylation sites, thus broadening the spectrum of possible galectin ligands on the K. pneumoniae surface. Moreover, Siglecs and galectins apparently target different structures on K. pneumoniae surfaces, thereby behaving as non-redundant complementary tools of the innate immune system.
Immune system dysregulation in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: unveiling the critical role of T and B lymphocytes
Authors: Cebi Merve , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: August 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat within the cytoplasm of hepatocytes (exceeding 5% of liver weight) in individuals without significant alcohol consumption, has rapidly evolved into a pressing global health issue, affecting approximately 25% of the world population. This condition, closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome, encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple steatosis without inflammation to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhotic liver disease. Recent research has illuminated the complex interplay between metabolic and immune responses in the pathogenesis of NASH, underscoring the critical role played by T and B lymphocytes. These immune cells not only contribute to necroinflammatory changes in hepatic lobules but may also drive the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the effector mechanisms employed by T cells, B cells, and their respective subpopulations in the pathogenesis of NASH. Understanding the immunological complexity of NASH holds profound implications for the development of targeted immunotherapeutic strategies to combat this increasingly prevalent and burdensome metabolic liver disease.
Sustainable building materials (SBMs) and their impact on displaced persons health/wellbeing in selected IDP facilities, Nigeria
Authors: Ekhaese Eghosa N. , Akindoyin Praise O. , Mohammed Ibrahim A.
Published: August 2024

There are 70.8 million Internally Displaced Persons in the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa Nigeria has 16.5 million people and the highest displacement rate. IDPs in Nigeria need shelters primarily to mitigate homelessness and improve their quality of health through sustainable building materials (SBM) used in design and construction. The study aimed to investigate SBMs and their impact on the health/wellbeing of Displaced Persons in IDP facilities to promote the health benefits of SBMs. Assess the SBMs used to design IDP facilities in the three case studies; ascertain the health/wellbeing components of the SBMs; and analyse the impact of SBM on displaced persons’ health/wellbeing. The study used the mixed (quality and quantitative) research method while leveraging the case study design. The research philosophy is pragmatism, and the research paradigms are interpretivist and constructivist. The data collection instrument includes a questionnaire survey for quantitative data, an in-depth interview guide, and an observation schedule (direct and participant). The findings reveal that SBMs have some health benefits, SBMs have impacts on the IDPs’ wellbeing, and SBMs can be sourced locally. According to the study, SBMs can reflect the people’s culture, making IDPs homely, happy and comfortable with positive psychosocial impacts that may improve their mental health.
In-field 3D printing of form-fitted generatively designed components—a case study on paralympic sit-ski equipment
Authors: Nesheim Ole S. , Eikevåg Sindre W. , Steinert Martin , Elverum Christer W.
Published: August 2024

Creating specialized components featuring complex structures typically involves extensive time, CAD modelling and manual labor. However, with the right combination of tools and knowledge, complex components can be generated, manufactured, and utilized within hours, rather than weeks or months. By creating a portable manufacturing setup, the designer can produce components on site, significantly enhancing accessibility. An example where time and accessibility are of vital importance is in paralympic cross country skiing where training schedules are tight and snow conditions vary. The aim of this study was to generate and manufacture form-fitted, lightweight knee-supports for a Paralympic sit-ski athlete within 4 days. This was done by 3D printing components generated using Fusion 360s Generative Design (GD), based on inputs from the athlete’s geometry, material testing and force data resulting from the athlete’s weight and movement. A precise fit around the knees was achieved using a high-accuracy 3D scanner and modelling software to create an adjustable prototype to determine knee positions and key angles. Force data from the knees were gathered using a digital twin sit-ski. Based on the collected data, the maximum forces inserted into the GD model were 700N and 500N for the right and left knee, respectively. Material data was obtained through testing ABS samples manufactured under the same conditions as the knee-supports themselves. The Young’s modulus was calculated to EXY=1.945±0.061GPa and EXZ=2.123±0.108GPa and UTS was σXY=31.408±0.774MPa and σXZ=25.859±1.956MPa. The GD model generated seven models to choose from for each knee. The supports were manufactured using a 3D printer modified to increase the volumetric flow, effectively reducing manufacturing time. Manufacturing time of the final knee-supports were 6 h 33 min and 7 h 24 min and the total weight of the components including support structures were 468 g and 532 g for the right and left knee, respectively. Later optimized print settings reduced the manufacturing time to 4 h 40 min. In total, two iterations of knee-supports were produced, and the final lightweight versions were mounted onto the sit-ski within 4 days. Qualitative feedback from the athlete revealed improved fit, increased stability, surprisingly short manufacturing time and a generally pleasing result.
Case report: Rare heterozygous variant in the NR5A1 gene causing 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis with a non-communicating rudimentary uterus
Authors: Sasaki Toru , Suzuki Shinji , Ono Masanori , Yamamoto Akiko , Bingo Masato , Yamanaka Gaku , Kuroda Masahiko , Inagaki Natsuko , Nishi Hirotaka
Published: August 2024

The nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene encodes NR5A1, also known as steroidogenic factor 1, a crucial transcriptional factor regulating adrenal and gonadal development and function. Although pathogenic variants in NR5A1 are known to cause a spectrum of disorders of sex development (DSD), individuals with 46,XY DSD with fully female internal and external genitalia are relatively rare. Herein, we present the case of a patient with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis (CGD) who had a non-communicating rudimentary uterus due to a c.132_134del (p.Asn44del) heterozygous in-frame-deletion in NR5A1 that was diagnosed while treating a pelvic mass in which gynecological malignancy could not be disregarded. Unlike two previous cases with the p.Asn44del variant, this case presented with CGD, a severe DSD phenotype, and we found that the oligogenic inheritance of DSD-causative genes such as SRY, DHX37, SLC26A8, and CFTR may have affected the severity of the clinical phenotype.
Efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: comparative analysis with topical miconazole in a single-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pane Marco , Chisari Emanuele
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) significantly impacts women’s quality of life and often shows a high recurrence rate despite conventional antifungal therapies. This study evaluates the efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum (LF5), a probiotic, as an alternative treatment option to conventional miconazole therapy in managing VVC.

Methods

The randomized, single-blind clinical trial involved 100 premenopausal women diagnosed with VVC. Participants were assigned to either a vaginal capsule containing LF5 probiotic strain or miconazole. Treatments were administered once daily for three consecutive days. Microbiological eradication of Candida spp. and recurrence rates were assessed at 30 days post-treatment. The trial was registered with the Italian Ministry of Health.

Results

Both treatments achieved a high rate of microbiological eradication of Candida spp. within the three-day treatment period (96% for LF5 and 94% for miconazole). Recurrence rates within 2 weeks post-treatment were low and similar between the groups (10% for LF5 and 17% for miconazole). LF5 was found to have a significantly lower incidence of local adverse reactions compared to miconazole (4 vs. 12%).

Discussion

LF5 presents a viable alternative to miconazole for the treatment of VVC, offering comparable efficacy with fewer side effects. The results suggest that probiotic treatments can potentially enhance patient compliance and quality of life by reducing adverse reactions and recurrence rates. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger and more diverse populations.