bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicinal potential of antimicrobial peptides from two plants against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jabeen Raheela , Javed Eqaza , Habiba Ume , Choohan Muhammad Akram , Asim Muhammad , Alatawi Fatema Suliman , Ishfaq Hamza , Nisar Jaweria
Published: February 2024

Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus are the most important bacteria that cause nosocomial infection and are resistant to antibiotics. Crude proteins from Cassia fistula and Ricinus communis were isolated to study their medicinal potential against Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Extraction of the crude proteins from plants was done by phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and Tris NaCl buffer by using the roots and seeds of both plants. Antimicrobial activity was checked against bacterial strains by using agar disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. Zones of inhibitions were measured. On well diffusion method, PBS buffer protein extract of C. fistula roots showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 25 mm against B. cereus. Tris NaCl buffer extracts of C. fistula roots and seeds showed zones of inhibition of 12mm and 5mm respectively against S. aureus while Ricinus communis roots showed a zone of 12mm against B. cereus. Because the protein of the plants showed good antimicrobial activity, we can use these plants against various diseases caused by Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.
Antioxidant treatment for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and varicocele: a DBPC trial to evaluate the impact of age and body mass index
Authors: Busetto Gian Maria , Rodrigues Bernarde F , Virmani Ashraf , Checchia Andrea , Ninivaggi Antonella , Ricapito Anna , Barbieri Giovanni , Fischetti Piero , Falagario Ugo G , Annese Pasquale , d’Altilia Nicola , Mancini Vito , Ferro Matteo , Crocetto Felice , Porreca Angelo , Bettocchi Carlo , Cormio Luigi , Agarwal Ashok , Carrieri Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms responsible for male infertility. Various conditions such as varicocele, obesity, advanced age, and lifestyle can lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species, causing an oxidative imbalance in the reproductive environment. Spermatozoa are sensitive to reactive oxygen species and require energy to carry out their main function of fertilizing the egg. Excessive reactive oxygen species can affect sperm metabolism, leading to immobility, impaired acrosome reaction, and cell death, thereby impairing reproductive success. This double-blind randomized study evaluated the effect of supplementation with L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamins, and other nutrients on semen quality in 104 infertile patients with or without varicocele, while also investigating the impact of factors such as obesity and advanced age on treatment. Sperm concentration significantly increased in the supplemented group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.0186). Total sperm count also significantly increased in the supplemented group (P = 0.0117), as did sperm motility (P = 0.0120). The treatment had a positive effect on patients up to 35 years of age in terms of sperm concentration (P = 0.0352), while a body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg m−2 had a negative effect on sperm concentration (P = 0.0110). Results were not showing a net benefit in stratifying patients in accordance with their BMI since sperm quality increase was not affected by this parameter. In conclusion, antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial for infertile patients and has a more positive effect on younger patients with a normal weight.
Detection of some bacteria and mycotoxins in the baladi chicken eggs from backyard in Bahira Governorate
Authors: Youssef Fady Sayed , Yonis Ahlam E. , Elhaddad Gomaa Y. , Elsebaey Hossam Sh. , Naem Nahed A.E.S. , Amro Fatma H. , Abd-Elhafeez Maha S.
Published: February 2024

Background

Public health risks result from the consumption of baladi eggs due to the Egyptian consumer’s demand and preference for baladi chicken eggs that might be contaminated with bacteria and/or mycotoxins that might affect eggs quality and results in food-borne intoxication or infection to consumers.

Objective

The current study aimed to investigate the presence of certain bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella) and shed light on the virulence genes and also detection of mycotoxins in baladi agg content, which act as potential public health problems for providing safe eggs suitable for human consumption.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 Baladi chicken eggs from backyard were arbitrarily collected from El-Behera Governorate, Egypt at 2022–2023 for recognition of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumonia, Salmonella and mycotoxins. Molecular detection of some bacterial virulence genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), including some enterotoxins and hemolysin genes for some S. aureus isolates as (sea, seb, sec, sed and see, hla and hlb) and E. coli
isolates virulence genes for (shiga toxin1, shiga toxin2, eaeA and astA). Quantification of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (AFS) in the eggs by a low-cost, high-recovery fluorescence detector (FLD) in conjunction with a straightforward, specific, and created High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay in accordance with green chemistry.

Results and conclusion

Bacteriological examination revealed isolation of S. aureus, E. coli and K. pneumonia at percent 26.6%, 58%, and34%, respectively. It was found that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the predominant detected toxins (18%), and OTA amount was found to be lower than the of aflatoxins found. It was found that AFs and OTA were determined to be below the maximum allowable threshold in 98% of the egg samples examined.
Bioactive potentials of the truffle mushrooms Tirmania nivea, Tirmania pinoyi and Tuber indicum
Authors: Elkhateeb Waill A. , Soliman Ahmed A.F. , Shaheen Mohamed N. , Elmahdy ELmahdy M. , Daba Ghoson M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal wild mushrooms that have ethnomycological importance as a folklore remedy used to treat different skin and eye diseases and they are currently known as expensive food and potential sources of bioactive compounds.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the in vitro bioactive potential of the ethyl acetate extracts of three truffle species Tirmania
nivea, Tirmania pinoyi, and Tuber indicum collected from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and China.

Results and discussion

Inhibition of α-glucosidase was investigated as an indication of the antidiabetic potential of extracts. Tuber
indicum extract caused 21.7% inhibition at a concentration of 100ppm. On the other hand, inhibition of nitric oxide is evaluated as a key way to regulate inflammation. Tuber indicum extract at a concentration of 100μg/ml achieved the highest inhibition (50.2%) and had the lowest IC50 (86.0±0.09μg/ml) among tested extracts, while Tirmania
pinoyi extract achieved the lowest inhibition (21.7%) with the highest IC50 (104.1±0.12μg/ml). Cell migration was used to evaluate the wound healing activity of extracts. Tirmania
pinoyi extract at a concentration of 100μg/ml caused 74.71% wound closure followed by 73.43% and 62.38% by Tuber indicum and Tirmania
nivea extracts, respectively. Finally, investigating the antiviral potential of extracts against coxsackie virus B3 revealed that Tirmania
pinoyi extract showed the highest virucidal effect and pretreatment antiviral activity while Tuber indicum extract achieved the highest post-treatment antiviral activity. Results achieved by these truffles encourage further investigations to be used as functional foods or as sources of bioactive compounds.
The frequency of NRAS mutation in stool samples of Iranian colorectal cancers compared to Finnish patients
Authors: Saberi Farideh , Youssef Omar , Kokkola Arto , Khodadoostan Mahsa , Puolakkainen Pauli , Salehi Rasoul , Knuutila Sakari
Published: February 2024

Background:

Stools from colorectal cancer patients are noninvasive samples that could be used to compare the frequency of hotspot mutations between two different ethnic cohorts.

Materials and Methods:

We collected stool samples from the Iranian cohort (52 patients and 49 controls) and the Finnish cohort (40 patients and 14 controls). Following stool DNA extraction, we used the AmpliSeq Colon and Lung Cancer panel to prepare DNA libraries before sequencing.

Results:

The Iranian cohort exhibited 35 hotspot mutations in the BRAF, ERBB4, FBXW7, FGFR1, FGFR3, KRAS, MAP2K, MET, NRAS, PIK3C, SMAD4, and TP53 genes. In the Finnish cohort, 13 hotspot mutations were found in the AKT1, APC, KIT, KRAS, SMO, STK11, and TP53 genes. Mutations in NRAS and FGFR3 were observed only in the Iranian cohort, while APC mutations were exclusive for the Finnish cohort.

Conclusion:

Genes involved in MAPK and PI3K-MAPK pathways showed a higher frequency of mutations in Iranian patients which may have therapeutic implications.
Activation of autophagy by Citri Reticulatae Semen extract ameliorates amyloid-beta-induced cell death and cognition deficits in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tang Yong , Wei Jing , Wang Xiao-Fang , Long Tao , Xiang Xiaohong , Qu Liqun , Wang Xingxia , Yu Chonglin , Xiao Xingli , Hu Xueyuan , Zeng Jing , Xu Qin , Wu Anguo , Wu Jianming , Qin Dalian , Zhou Xiaogang , Law Betty Yuen-Kwan
Published: February 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202411000-00027/figure1/v/2024-04-10T160327Z/r/image-tiff

Amyloid-beta-induced neuronal cell death contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Citri Reticulatae Semen has diverse beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, however, the effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen on Alzheimer’s disease remains unelucidated. In the current study, the anti-apoptotic and autophagic roles of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract on amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells were first investigated. Citri Reticulatae Semen extract protected PC12 cells from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis by attenuating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio via activation of autophagy. In addition, Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to bind amyloid-beta as revealed by biolayer interferometry in vitro, and suppress amyloid-beta-induced pathology such as paralysis, in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo model. Moreover, genetically defective Caenorhabditis elegans further confirmed that the neuroprotective effect of Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was autophagy-dependent. Most importantly, Citri Reticulatae Semen extract was confirmed to improve cognitive impairment, neuronal injury and amyloid-beta burden in 3×Tg Alzheimer’s disease mice. As revealed by both in vitro and in vivo models, these results suggest that Citri Reticulatae Semen extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease via its neuroprotective autophagic effects.
Ruxolitinib improves the inflammatory microenvironment, restores glutamate homeostasis, and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Cao Jiang , Yu Xiao , Liu Jingcheng , Fu Jiaju , Wang Binyu , Wu Chaoqin , Zhang Sheng , Chen Hongtao , Wang Zi , Xu Yinyang , Sui Tao , Chang Jie , Cao Xiaojian
Published: February 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202411000-00030/figure1/v/2024-04-10T160327Z/r/image-tiff

The inflammatory microenvironment and neurotoxicity can hinder neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Ruxolitinib, a JAK-STAT inhibitor, exhibits effectiveness in autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and managing inflammatory cytokine storms. Although studies have shown the neuroprotective potential of ruxolitinib in neurological trauma, the exact mechanism by which it enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury, particularly its effect on astrocytes, remains unclear. To address this gap, we established a mouse model of T10 spinal cord contusion and found that ruxolitinib effectively improved hindlimb motor function and reduced the area of spinal cord injury. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that ruxolitinib alleviated inflammation and immune response after spinal cord injury, restored EAAT2 expression, reduced glutamate levels, and alleviated excitatory toxicity. Furthermore, ruxolitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in the injured spinal cord and decreased the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor kappa-B and the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, in glutamate-induced excitotoxicity astrocytes, ruxolitinib restored EAAT2 expression and increased glutamate uptake by inhibiting the activation of STAT3, thereby reducing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity, calcium influx, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and increasing the complexity of dendritic branching. Collectively, these results indicate that ruxolitinib restores glutamate homeostasis by rescuing the expression of EAAT2 in astrocytes, reduces neurotoxicity, and effectively alleviates inflammatory and immune responses after spinal cord injury, thereby promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-related uveitis, review about a case
Authors: Baptista Margarida , Bruxelas Carolina , Cordeiro Miguel , Guedes Marta
Published: February 2024

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is an endemic retrovirus associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM-TSP), and HTLV-1 uveitis (HU). The latter may occur in association with HAM-TSP, more rarely along ATL, or as an isolated manifestation of the viral infection. The authors present a review of the literature on HU, illustrated by a clinical case. A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database (PubMed) and included surveys completed until 2022. HU prevalence is increasing in nonendemic metropolitan areas due to migration, thus it is becoming an increasingly relevant agent in the differential diagnosis of patients with uveitis.
Fluocinolone acetonide implant scleral fixation for cystoid macular edema in eyes with iris–lens diaphragm disruption
Authors: Basto Rita Costa , Francisco Catarina , Silva Alexandre Reis , Viana Ana Rita , Barbosa Renato Correia , Teixeira Sofia , Ferreira Catarina Cunha , Madeira Carolina , Carvalho Rui , Teixeira Carla , Tenedório Paula
Published: February 2024

This is a two-center, case series of three patients with postoperative refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) and disruption of the iris–lens diaphragm, submitted to scleral fixation of fluocinolone acetonide implant. All patients achieved successful CME reduction with visual acuity improvement. The surgical procedure was uneventful in all cases; however, one patient developed hypotony with leakage from the scleral tunnel, which was successfully resolved with reinforcement of the suture and injection of viscoelastics in the anterior chamber. No case of implant migration was observed and patients did not report any visual field disturbances. Our results emphasize this surgical technique as an effective and safe procedure for patients with persistent CME and disruption of the iris–lens diaphragm.
Fundoscopic changes in preeclampsia and eclampsia and their association with fetal outcome
Authors: Nataraju Nikitha , Apoorva N. , Chandana K. M. , Rachana B.
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Hypertensive disorder is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, with preeclampsia and eclampsia being the most common. Preeclampsia is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm of vessels, which can be observed by an ocular fundus examination. The fundus usually develops changes such as hypertensive retinopathy, papilledema, exudative retinal detachment, and vitreous and preretinal hemorrhages. Retinopathy is associated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth retardation. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to assess the prevalence of retinal changes in preeclampsia and their association with fetal parameters.

Objective:

To study the fundus changes in preeclampsia. To study the relationship between fundus changes and fetal outcome with respect to various parameters like birth weight, APGAR score, stillbirth, and perinatal death. To study the relationship between fundus changes with respect to proteinuria and serum uric acid.

Study Design:

Observational study.

Methodology:

One hundred patients presenting to the department of obstetrics and gynecology diagnosed with preeclampsia at a tertiary care center were included in the study. The patient recruited underwent an ocular examination using Snellen’s chart, a pupillary examination, a slit lamp examination, and a dilated fundus examination. The retinopathy was graded according to Keith and Wagner’s classification. The fetal parameters considered were birth weight, APGAR score, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

Results:

Patients ages ranged from 25 to 30 years old, with an average of 23.28 ± 3.37. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 156.9 ± 17.961 and 104.88 ± 13.58, respectively. All patients had normal anterior segments. Visual acuity was6/6 in most of the patients. Fundus changes were noted in 48% of patients. Based on retinopathy classification, we found 66.7% patients with Grade 1 and 27.1% patients with Grade 2 hypertensive retinopathy. Only 6.3% of patients presented with Grade 3 hypertensive retinopathy. There was a significant association between retinopathy and proteinuria (P = 0.003), serum uric acid (P = 0.002), and the fetal birth weight (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that progressive fundal changes in preeclampsia indicate worsening of the pathophysiological status of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and help in management. The degree of hypertensive retinopathy in women with preeclampsia is a valid and reliable prognostic factor that serves as an indirect marker of the severity of PIH and fetal outcome. Fundus examination is a simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective procedure that could be the initial finding in an asymptomatic patient who may require immediate management, which may help in saving the lives of both the mother and the baby. Fundus evaluation is essential for all patients with PIH.
Drusen classification and quantification in pseudophakic postmortem eyes implanted with or without blue-light filtering intraocular lenses
Authors: Nassrallah Emmanuel Issa Bassam , Mastromonaco Christina , Marcotte Emily , Youhnovska Emma , Abdouh Mohamed , Burnier Miguel N.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of blue-light filtering intraocular lenses on drusen formation in postmortem eyes via histopathological analysis.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and ninety-three postmortem pseudophakic eyes (100 with a clear intraocular lenses [cIOL] and 93 with a yellow, yellow intraocular lenses [yIOL]) were obtained from the Lions Gift of Sight eye bank. Sex, age-at-surgery, age-at-death, surgery-to-death time, and clinical history were collected. Eyes were sectioned on their coronal and sagittal axes, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded macular cross sections were obtained. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and scanned with the Zeiss Axio Scan. Z1 scanner. Drusen were classified by type, size or subtype, and quantity.

Results:

Large, soft drusen were present in 49% (n = 95) of eyes, 9% (n = 17) had cuticular drusen, 16% (n = 30) had hard drusen, and 26% (n = 51) had no drusen. There were significantly more cIOL eyes with large, soft drusen (P < 0.001). There were significantly more yIOL eyes with no drusen (P < 0.0001). No significant differences in the presence of hard or cuticular drusen were found. yIOL eyes had significantly higher mean age-at-surgery (P < 0.001) and mean age-at-death (P < 0.05), while cIOL eyes had a significantly higher mean surgery-to-death time (P < 0.05). Finally, significantly more yIOL eyes had a history of smoking (P < 0.01) and hypertension (P < 0.05), while significantly more cIOL eyes had a history of glaucoma (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Large, soft drusen were significantly less prevalent in yIOL eyes than in cIOL eyes and significantly more yIOL eyes had no drusen. These findings suggest that yIOLs may prevent the incidence and development of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery.
Performance analysis of multiview video compression based on MIV and VVC multilayer
Authors: Lee Jinho , Bang Gun , Kang Jungwon , Teratani Mehrdad , Lafruit Gauthier , Choi Haechul
Published: February 2024

To represent immersive media providing six degree‐of‐freedom experience, moving picture experts group (MPEG) immersive video (MIV) was developed to compress multiview videos. Meanwhile, the state‐of‐the‐art versatile video coding (VVC) also supports multilayer (ML) functionality, enabling the coding of multiview videos. In this study, we designed experimental conditions to assess the performance of these two state‐of‐the‐art standards in terms of objective and subjective quality. We observe that their performances are highly dependent on the conditions of the input source, such as the camera arrangement and the ratio of input views to all views. VVC‐ML is efficient when the input source is captured by a planar camera arrangement and many input views are used. Conversely, MIV outperforms VVC‐ML when the camera arrangement is non‐planar and the ratio of input views to all views is low. In terms of the subjective quality of the synthesized view, VVC‐ML causes severe rendering artifacts such as holes when occluded regions exist among the input views, whereas MIV reconstructs the occluded regions correctly but induces rendering artifacts with rectangular shapes at low bitrates.
Storytime in English Language Teaching – Teachers’ Practices, Attitudes, and Challenges
Authors: Cindrić Ivana , Milković Ivana
Published: February 2024

The research paper explores how primary school English language teachers in Croatia (N=110) use authentic literature in teaching. The survey examined the teachers’ attitudes, the frequency of use, criteria for text selection, and teaching methods. Additionally, teachers assessed their competences and readiness for using authentic children’s literature. The study found that teachers predominantly choose texts available in coursebooks, on average once a month. They present stories by combining reading aloud and storytelling, with only a few engaging in storytelling alone. Stories are mainly used for teaching vocabulary, but teachers also use them for activities such as dramatizations or discussions. Generally, the teachers reported feeling competent in using stories for teaching English language skills. However, the research revealed some areas that require more attention and support, especially regarding story selection, techniques for implementing stories, and time management. Some aspects of using authentic stories in teaching could be improved by being addressed in pre- and inservice teacher training.
Fungal Infections: A silent health crisis in Africa
Authors: David Olpengs , Wafula Caroline
Published: February 2024

No Abstract
Crude oil pollution effect on agricultural soil properties and germination of bean (Vigna unguiculata(/i) L.) seed
Authors: C.M Didiugwu , E.I Chukwura
Published: February 2024

Crude oil pollution affects not only soil properties but also seed germination. The aim of thisresearch is to checkmate the effect crude oil pollution has on soil fertility, seed germinationand microbial activity. Two different agricultural soils from Ibeno and Otuocha collected bycomposite sampling were used to conduct the study. The crude oil for carrying out the research was sterilized with a micron Chromafil CA/S % 45 syringe filters. The physicochemical analysis of the soil and its microbiological enumeration was done. This was followed by the artificial pollution of the soil with fresh crude oil. Soil’s physicochemical properties and microbiological enumeration were analyzed followed by the planting of bean seed son the polluted soil. Unpolluted soils was also planted and served as the control. The artificial pollution of the soils’ increased physicochemical properties like cation exchange capacity, selenium, mercury, arsenic, carbon and phosphorus in both soil. Some physicochemical properties like electrical conductivity, salinity, vanadium, zinc, cadmium, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, nickel and nitrogen decreased in both soils. Water permeability was positive and became negative after pollution. Soil texture was bound and became loose after pollution. Other soil properties like pH increased in Ibeno soil but decreased in Otuocha soil. The number of microorganisms decreases after pollution. Statistically, cultivated beans germinated faster on unpolluted soil and appear healthier than polluted soil because of slow germination and a wrinkled appearance. This study shows that crude oil pollution has a significant effect on soil fertility, seed germination and microbial activity.
Thyroid masses in Sierra Leone: a one-year retrospective clinico- pathological study
Authors: Kabba M. S. , Onyishi N. T. , Kalawa A. , Adeyinka R. K. , Duduyemi B. M.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid disorders are the second most common endocrine diseases in humans. There has been no study of thyroid masses in our setting in spite of recurrent presentations. We undertook a retrospective study of incident thyroidectomy cases in our anatomic pathology laboratory over one year to establish the frequency and clinico-pathologic features of thyroid masses.

METHODS: All thyroid specimens submitted to the anatomic pathology laboratory of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Connaught from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, were included in the study. Data was extracted from archived request forms, pathology reports, and patient’s case notes retrieved from the records department. The data obtained was analyzed with SPSS software.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven thyroidectomy specimens (4.5% of all surgical pathology cases) were seen over a one-year period. Ninety-two percent were from women, while 7.4% were from men. The age range of patients was 17 to 65 years; the median age (IQR) was 40 (35-48) years. Duration of mass before presentation ranged from 3 months to 50 years. About 75% of the resected thyroid masses weighed 5 to 21 times more than a normal thyroid gland. Multinodular goiter was the most common histology (70.4%). Twenty-two percent of the resected masses were malignant.

CONCLUSION: Thyroid masses constitute about 4.5% of all surgical specimens in our laboratory. Most thyroid masses are borne for years with no serious consequences. Some of the resected masses were up to 20 times the size of a normal gland. The frequency of malignant diagnoses in thyroid masses was 22.5%.
A framework for the detection of distributed denial of service attacks on network logs using ML and DL classifiers
Authors: Musa M. O. , Odokuma E. E.
Published: February 2024

Despite the promise of machine learning in DDoS mitigation, it is not without its challenges. Attackers can employ adversarial techniques to evade detection by machine learning models. Moreover, machine learning models require large amounts of high-quality data for training and continuous refinement. Security teams must also be vigilant in monitoring and fine-tuning these models to adapt to new attack vectors. Nonetheless, the integration of machine learning into cybersecurity strategies represents a powerful approach to countering the persistent threat of DDoS attacks in an increasingly interconnected world. This paper proposed Machine Learning (ML) models and a Deep Learning (DL) model for the detection of Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDOS) on network system. The DDOS dataset is highly imbalanced because the number of instances of the various classes of the dataset are different. To solve the imbalance problem, we performed random under-sampling using under sampling technique in python called random under-sampler. The down sampled dataset was used for the training of the ML and DL classifiers. The trained models are random forest, gradient boosting and recurrent neural network algorithms on the DDOS dataset. The model was trained on the DDOS dataset by fine tuning the hyper parameters. The models was used to make prediction in an unseen dataset to detect the various types of the DDOS attacks. The result of the models were evaluated in terms of accuracy. The results of the models show an accuracy result of 79% for random forest, 82%, for gradient boosting, and 99.47% for recurrent neural network. From the experimental results.
Antioxidant and cytotoxicity studies of Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertn. on brine shrimp
Authors: Senjobi C.T. , Olusesan P. P. , Lawal O. I. , Bamigboye S.O. , Jimoh M.O. , Ettu A.O.
Published: February 2024

Cancer is currently one of the most dangerous diseases reported all over the world; there are numerous researches ongoing to tackle the effects of chemotherapy on diagnosed patients. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of Eleusine indica on Brine shrimp. Fresh E. indica was air dried, pulverized, macerated in absolute methanol at room temperature for 72 hours, and concentrated. Phytochemical screening of the powdered sample was done using standard protocols. The crude extract was further partitioned into different fractions (n-hexane, aqueous, ethyl acetate), screened for their cytotoxic and anti-oxidant activities using brine shrimp lethality assay and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method respectively. For the anti-oxidant test, gallic acid and catechol were used as control while cyclophosphamide was used as the control for cytotoxicity test. Preliminary phytochemical assay revealed the presence of alkaloids and anthraquinones while saponins and cardiac glycosides were absent. High anti-oxidant activity was recorded with the lethal concentration of aqueous extract E. indica (129% LC50) followed by the crude extract (128.7% LC50) when compare to gallic acid (0.95% LC50) and catechol (1.70% LC50). The crude extract showed high activity against brine shrimp cell. The n-hexane fraction (12.08 LC50 μg/mL) showed the highest cytotoxic activity followed by the aqueous fraction (7.72 LC50 μg/mL). This study revealed the potent antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of E. indica and also justified its use in traditional medicine. Further investigation should be carried out on the isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds responsible for these activities.
Testing the viability of poultry droppings as an option in the management of soil nematodes on Capsicum annuum plant
Authors: Ekine E. G. , Ezenwaka C. O.
Published: February 2024

A survey to evaluate the viability of poultry droppings as a management option for the control of plant parasitic nematodes was tested on Capsicum annuum. Bell pepper monoculture farms cultivated conventionally and another with poultry droppings as fertilizer were surveyed. Soil samples were collected using a hand trowel while roots were collected by means of kitchen knife. Plant parasitic nematodes extraction was done by using sieve plate method. Nematodes were identified using the light microscope of x4 and x10 objectives, and identification was done using a pictorial key. Roots assay from the conventional far revealed a total of 175 endophytic nematodes from 10 genera while 56 nematodes from 6 genera were extracted from the farm with poultry droppings. Nematode dynamics in diversity was observed such that certain nematode genera such as Meliodogyne, Radopholus, Pratylenchus, Ditylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Rhaditis were reported in both plots. Phyto-parasitic species were predominant at the conventional farm plot whereas nematodes predatory species recorded higher populations in the farm plot with poultry droppings, an observation which depict that parasitic nematodes could be inhibited by the presence of free living species. This observation further suggests that poultry droppings can adequately fit in as a management of nematodes management if properly harmonised.
Potentially pathogenic multidrug-resistant Vibrio sp. isolated from dumpsites in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Otokunefor K. , Nwokolo C. P. , Abara C. E. , Ujah N. P. , Nwankwo P.C. , Nyema K. C. , Agbagwa O. E. , Frank-Peterside N.
Published: February 2024

Vibrio sp. is associated with several disease conditions. An assessment of the pathogenic potential of such strains is key in assessing the risk these organisms could pose to human health. This study therefore was aimed at analyzing the pathogenic potential of MDR Vibrio sp. isolated from select dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Two dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State were assessed for the presence of Vibrio sp. using standard microbiological techniques involving a pre-enrichment using alkaline peptone water, culture on Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose and biochemical characterisation. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the standard Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, pathogenic potential was assessed based on haemolytic activity and biofilm forming potential. Results showed that the highest rates of resistance were against cefuroxime (68.8%) while the lowest resistance rates (3.2%) were against the quinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin). In total, 38 antibiograms were observed among the 93 isolates with AUG-CAZ-CRX-CXM noted as the most commonly occurring antibiogram. Only 31.2% (29/93) of isolates were multidrug resistant. A total of 47.3% of the test isolates exhibited pathogenic potential (either haemolytic ability or biofilm forming potential), with more (37.6%) exhibiting biofilm forming potential. A co-occurrence of both pathogenic characteristics was observed in only 6 (13.6%) isolates. Of the 93 isolates, a co-occurrence of MDR and pathogenic potential was observed in 16.1% of isolates (15/93). This study shows a moderate association between potentially pathogenic multidrug resistance Vibrio sp. and the sampled dumpsites indicating a low potential public health risk because of the non-pathogenic nature of strains isolated.
Biochemical and Molecular Identification of a Native Bacillus thuringiensis gv. cytolyticus Isolate with Insecticidal Effect Against the Pod Borer Larvae (Helicoverpa armigera)
Authors: Bouslama Thameur , Laarif Asma , Chattaoui Mayssa , Vial Ludovic , Lavire Celine , Dore Jeanne , Rhouma Ali
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to isolate and identify autochthonous bacterial strains with insecticidal effect against the larvae of the tomato  moth Helicoverpa armigera. Dead and diseased larvae were collected from chili plots in the region of Gotraniya from the governorate of  Kairouan, Tunisia. These larvae were used to isolate eight bacterial strains named Hr1 to Hr8. The bacterial isolates were characterized by macroscopic and microscopic observations and 16S rRNA sequencing. Hr1, Hr2, Hr4, Hr5, Hr6, and Hr8 were identified as Bacillus spp.,  Hr3 as Staphylococcussp., and Hr7 as Enterobacter sp. Their insecticidal activity was evaluated against third-instar larvae of H. armigera. A  Hr1 bacterial isolate showed an insecticidal effect against H. armigera larvae, causing 60% larval mortality four days post-treatment at  a dose of 1.8 × 109 CFU/ml. Based on further characterization studies, Hr1 was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis gv. cytolyticus following  Biolog biochemical tests and multi-locus sequence analyses studies based on sequencing of seven housekeeping genes.
Аналіз напруженого стану шару що спирається на два циліндричних врізаних шарніра
Authors: Деньщиков Олександр Юрійович , Мірошніков Віталій Юрійович
Published: February 2024

Розрахункові схеми, в яких умови закріплення можуть бути промодельовані як циліндричні шарніри є одні з найпоширеніших у машино та авіабудуванні. Однак точні методи розрахунку для таких схем при заданих умовах контактного типу відсутні. Через це створення алгоритму для вирішення таких задач є актуальним. Дана робота присвячена моделюванню нескінченного шару, що спирається на два циліндричних врізаних шарніри які паралельні горизонтальним поверхням шару та один одному. Шарніри представлені як циліндричні порожнини із заданими умовами контактного типу (нормальні переміщення та дотичні напруження уздовж поверхні порожнини дорівнюють нулю). На поверхнях шару напруження вважаються відомими. Застосовано два типу систем координат: декартова для шару та циліндрична – для порожнин. Граничні умови застосовуються до рівняння Ламе. За допомогою узагальненого методу Фур’є задача зведена до розв’язання системи нескінчених лінійних алгебраїчних рівнянь, яка вирішена методом редукції. Чисельне дослідження проведене з точністю виконання граничних умов 10-3 для значень напружень від 0 до 1 при четвертому порядку системи рівнянь. Аналіз напруженого стану проведений для опорних частин шару та верхньої межі шару. Виконано порівняння з результатами дослідження для аналогічної задачи з жорстким закріпленням опор. Відмічено, що окружні напруження в шарі уздовж поверхні, що контактує з циліндричним шарніром, при закріпленні контактного типу у порівнянні з жорстким закріпленням має протилежний знак, що може бути суттевим для матеріалів з різними характеристиками на розтяг-стискання. Отриманий метод може бути використаний для аналізу напружено-деформованого стану болтового чи заклепочного з’єднання в якому під час експлуатації змінився момент затягання і з’єднання з жорсткого перетворилось на шарнірне.
Індивідуальна віктимологічна профілактика насильницьких кримінальних правопорушень
Authors: Коваленко Валентин Васильович
Published: February 2024

Злочинність, як прояв протиправних посягань, є однією з актуальних проблем нашої держави, а протидія їй – важливий напрямок діяльності держави в цілому, та правоохоронних державних органів зокрема. В системі індивідуальної профілактики кримінальних правопорушень важливе місце займає віктимологічна профілактика. Віктимологічна профілактика злочинності – це сукупність заходів, спрямованих на запобігання злочинності шляхом зниження у населення чи в окремих громадян ризику стати жертвою злочинних посягань. Віктимологічна профілактика злочинності, може зіграти свою ефективну роль у системі заходів протидії насильницькій злочинності. Слід для реальних жертв від насильницьких кримінальних правопорушень вести та взяти таких осіб на профілактичний облік, попередньо провівши заходи на зниження процесу стати жертвою від даного кримінального правопорушення.
Економічна безпека в умовах воєнного стану як фактор формування молодіжного ринку праці
Authors: Хачатрян Валентина , Красняк Олена
Published: February 2024

Стаття присвячена дослідженню проблем молодіжного ринку праці в період воєнного стану та повоєнного відновлення країни та окреслюється вплив негативних тенденцій в сфері ринку праці на економічну безпеку. Проаналізовано сучасну ситуацію на ринку праці в умовах війни, яка характеризується зниженням рівня зайнятості та збільшенням рівня безробіття, що особливо гостро постає перед молоддю. Визначено основні причини дисбалансу між попитом і пропозицією молоді на ринку праці, що впливає на економічний розвиток країни. Акцентується увага на потребах молоді, що пов’язані зі сферою професійного самовизначення та рівнем їх готовності до активних змін. Аналізується питання динаміки чисельності та питомої ваги безробітної молоді за віковими групами, в період високої економічної і соціальної напруги, що негативно вплинула та посилилась в міру зниження рівня економічної активності та зайнятості протягом досліджуваного періоду. Висвітлено основні аспекти що регулюють економічний добробут молоді та визначені ціннісні орієнтири безпеки на молодіжному ринку праці. Розкриті фактори, які є орієнтирами добробуту для більшості молодих людей та визначені складові що перешкоджають молоді під час пошуку роботи. Крім того, досліджено, що чим довше тривають військові дії тим більше молодь емігрує до Європейських країн для отримання освіти, що створює порушення рівноваги у формуванні національного молодіжного ринку праці та має суттєвий вплив на економічний розвиток країни. З’ясовано, що, незважаючи на військові дії, молодіжний ринок праці почав процес стабілізації, демонструючи свою адаптованість до потреб та діючих умов та позитивно вплине на економічну безпеку.
The Implementation of Roy's Safety-First Criterion in Stock Portfolio Selection
Authors: Amal Moh. Alfi , Laksito Grida Saktian , Sulaiman Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Statistical data shows that the Indonesian capital market has experienced significant growth. This growth is attributed to public awareness of the benefits of stock investments. However, with an increasing number of new investors entering the stock market, attention to investment risks deepens. Many investors prefer stocks that are easily predictable and have low risk, as higher volatility increases the level of uncertainty in obtaining returns. The relatively high risk level in investing requires investors to minimize risks, one of which is by diversifying funds into various investment assets, commonly known as optimal portfolio selection. An optimal portfolio can be formed using various methods and approaches. One method for portfolio selection is the application of the Safety First Criterion, a method dependent on downside risk, referring to risks that result in losses. This article conducts a simulation of the implementation of Roy's Safety First Criterion using stock data from the largest companies in eleven sectors over the past year. These sectors include basic materials, communication services, consumer cyclical, consumer defensive, energy, financial services, healthcare, real estate, technology, and utilities. Based on this analysis, out of the eleven stocks, six stocks meet Roy's criteria: LIN, GOOG, AMZN, BRK-B, LLY, and AAPL, with respective weights of LIN=10.84%, GOOG=12.61%, AMZN=24.67%, BRK-B=1.37%, LLY=34.17%, and AAPL=16.35%. Using Roy's Safety First Criterion for selected stocks from various sectors indicates that the resulting portfolio has a very low risk level, specifically 1%. This means that by using the portfolio obtained from the eleven stocks, investors can achieve minimal risk, making this portfolio secure for new investors.
Factors Affecting Cases of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Riau Province
Authors: Fitriani Selvi , Sirait Haposan , Nurnisaa
Published: February 2024

One infectious disease that has a high morbidity and mortality rate is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus transmitted through the bite  of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.  In general, the habitat of Aedes mosquitoes  is in areas with tropical climates, high rainfall, and hot and humid temperatures. The number of patients and the area of distribution are increasing along with increasing mobility and population density. Improper sanitation can also be a cause of DHF. In Riau province, dengue cases in 2022 continue to increase compared to 2021, with the most cases in Pekanbaru City. This study was conducted to see the factors that influence dengue cases in Riau Province. Using multiple linear regression can measure what factors affect the number of dengue cases. From the results, it was found that population density and sanitation had a significant effect on dengue cases in Riau Province. And judging from the coefficient of determination, it can be interpreted that the variables of population density (X1) and sanitation (X2) simultaneously affect the variable of dengue cases (Y) by 77.8%. While the remaining 22.2% was influenced by other variables that were not studied in this study
Numerical simulation of a nonlinear diffusion type equation in a two phase media with linear porosity and permeability model
Authors: Dorothy I. D. , Echi I. M. , Amah A. N.
Published: February 2024

Predicting and understanding the behavior of pressure is important in reservoir maintenance and evaluation. This work studies the behavior of fluid pressure in a reservoir by numerical simulation of the pressure diffusion type equation in a two phase media with a linear porosity and permeability model. Because the porosity and permeability are pressure dependent, the resulting diffusion type equation is nonlinear and is solved using a backward-forward finite difference method. The simulation code was ran using a constant porosity and permeability model and a linear porosity and permeability model. The results from the linear porosity and permeability model was compared to that of the constant porosity and permeability model. In both cases the pressure gradient was greatest at the wellbore and decreases as the radial distances away from the wellbore increases. The pressure in both cases also decreased with time. However, at each location and time the pressure drop was lower in the linear porosity and permeability model than with the constant porosity and permeability. The backward-forward finite difference method proved to be useful in solving numerically the nonlinear diffusion type equation. This work can be applied in the oil and gas industry to predict pressure behavior in reservoirs and make investment decisions, production and maintenance decision.
РЕАЛІЗАЦІЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО СТИЛЮ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ МАЙБУТНЬОГО ВЧИТЕЛЯ
Authors: Kuznetsova Oksana
Published: February 2024

The article highlights the implementation of the technology of forming an innovative style of professional activity of the future teacher, which was a logical continuation of the process of professional and pedagogical training. The technology was developed taking into account the step-by-step formation of an innovative style of professional activity, in which each stage is a complete system of content, forms and methods of working with future teachers. The task of each stage, educational components and types of educational activity, during which the search characteristics are formed, the main content of the educational material is implemented, and the forms that are used to prepare for innovative activity are described.
ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНИЙ І НАУКОВО-МЕТОДИЧНИЙ СУПРОВІД ЕФЕКТИВНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ ПРОЦЕСОМ ФОРМУВАННЯ МОВЛЕННЄВО-КОМУНІКАТИВНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ МАЙБУТНІХ ВИХОВАТЕЛІВ ЗАКЛАДІВ ДОШКІЛЬНОЇ ОСВІТИ В УМОВАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ
Authors: Шквир Оксана
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of improving the efficiency of managing the process of forming the speech and communication culture of future teachers of preschool education institutions, in particular, organisational, pedagogical, scientific and methodological support for the effective management of this process. The criteria, indicators and levels of formation of speech and communication culture are comprehended. It has been established that the proposed criteria and indicators of the formation of future preschool teachers' speech and communication culture help to objectively determine the levels of formation of their special competences, observe the dynamics of the formation of this category, and adjust this process at different stages of higher education. It is determined that the substantiated criteria, indicators and levels of formation of the speech and communication culture of future teachers of preschool education institutions are an objective and structured characteristic that is an integral part of their professional competence, according to which it is possible to assess the quality of knowledge, skills and abilities acquired, as well as to improve the methodology of teaching language and literary educational components in the distance form.