bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 alleviates the progression of liver and colon damage through modulation of inflammation and tight junction proteins in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Ruathong Waraporn , Khuituan Pissared , Peerakietkhajorn Saranya , Teanpaisan Rawee , Nopparat Jongdee
Published: November 2024

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 (SD11) has several health benefits for the host, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, the antidiabetic mechanism of SD11 has not been clearly elucidated. The current study assessed the effects of SD11 and the associated underlying mechanisms on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Compared with the normal control, SD11 supplementation for 4 weeks significantly improved the metabolic profiles, including body weight (BW), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin level (FIN), and liver index (LI), in conjunction with a lower NAS score. A notable reduction in the liver function parameters aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total cholesterol (TC), together with histopathology studies, supported diabetic recovery by SD11. A closer examination of two major markers for the insulin pathway, insulin receptor (INSR) and insulin substrate (IRS)-1, revealed that SD11 could exert its glucose control through the upregulation of these molecules, which were almost demolished in nontreated diabetic livers. Additionally, SD11-treated mice exhibited alleviation of oxidative stress enzymes; downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ; and decreased infiltration of macrophages into liver tissue. These findings were concomitant with the preservation of the tight junction proteins occludin and zona occludin (ZO)-1, which in turn lowered the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and prevented colon tissue injury to some extent. Notably, the results for the SD11 control mice were identical to those for the normal control mice. Overall, our findings that SD11 delays liver deterioration and reduces colon lesions in diabetic mice provide evidence for the use of SD11 as an effective strategy to improve diabetes-related symptoms.
Effects of prebiotic and multispecies probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota, immune function, and growth performance of weaned piglets
Authors: Huaman Soimer Omar Baldera , de Souza Fernando Augusto , Bonato Melina Aparecida , Dias Cleandro Pazinato , Callegari Marco Aurélio , Oba Alexandre , de Carvalho Rafael Humberto , da Silva Caio Abércio
Published: November 2024

In this study, we evaluated the impact of yeast cell wall prebiotics and multispecies probiotics on the gut microbiota, immune response, and growth performance of weaned piglets, as alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs). A randomized complete block design was employed, involving 160 piglets divided into four treatment groups during the nursery phase. The treatments applied throughout the experimental period were as follows: CONT+ = basal diet with halquinol (AGP); YCW = basal diet with yeast cell wall (cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast); SIM+ = basal diet with yeast cell wall + multispecies probiotic (Bacillus subtilis (2.0 x 109 CFU/g), Bacillus coagulans (5.0 x 108 CFU/g), Clostridium butyricum (5.0 x 107 CFU/g), and Bacillus licheniformis (2.0 x 109 CFU/g)); SIM- = basal diet with yeast cell wall + multispecies probiotic (half dose). The parameters assessed included daily feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), diarrhea score, serum cytokine levels, and chemokine concentrations, as well as microbiota analysis. During the 21 to 63-day study period, only FCR differed significantly (p = 0.0076). CONT+ and PREB had superior FCRs of 1.543 and 1.585, while SIM- had the least favorable FCR at 1.654. At 35 days, IL-10 levels were greater in the SIM- group, showing a 271.25% increase over those in the other groups. By 49 days, the IL-8 concentration was lower in the PREB group than in the CONT+ group, with a reduction of 247%, while the IL-8 concentrations in the SIM+ and SIM- groups were not significantly different from those in the other groups. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the CONT+ group was lower than that in the PREB, SIM+, and SIM- treatment groups. The Lactobacillaceae family was more abundant in the SIM+ treatment, followed by the SIM- and PREB treatments. The CONT+ treatment had the lowest abundance. The abundance of the genus Lactobacillus differed between the CONT+ group and the PREB, SIM+, and SIM- treatment groups. Prebiotics, used either alone or combined with probiotics, serve as effective substitutes for AGPs, boosting piglets’ health and performance throughout the nursery phase.
Association of tobacco purchasing behaviors with tobacco use by user groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Kute Nikita G. , Ashley David L. , Spears Claire A. , Nyman Amy L. , Henderson Katherine C. , Do Vuong V. , Huang Jidong , Popova Lucy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To understand changes in purchasing behaviors and use of tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and cigarettes among different tobacco user groups during the COVID-19 pandemic using a mixed methods approach.

Methods

A quantitative online survey was conducted in October-November 2020 using a national probability sample of US adults (N = 1,460) comprising exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 1,080), dual users of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (n = 143), and exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 237). Simultaneously, ten online focus groups were conducted with 61 adults in the Atlanta, GA area including exclusive smokers (n = 16), current E-cigarette users (n = 22), and transitioning (recently quit or currently quitting) smokers and/or E-cigarette users (n = 23).

Results

From the survey, dual users vs. exclusive smokers had higher odds of buying cheaper cigarette brands (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49, 4.20), buying cigarettes online (aOR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.02, 7.69), buying from Indian Reservations (aOR = 3.99; 95% CI = 2.07, 7.69), buying fewer cigarettes than normal (aOR = 4.01; 95% CI = 2.42, 6.65) and buying other tobacco products (aOR = 4.44; 95% CI = 2.24, 8.79). From the focus groups, participants perceived reduced accessibility, fear of contracting COVID-19, rising prices, and convenience to influence their purchasing behaviors and tobacco use.

Conclusions

Exclusive and dual users differed in their tobacco purchasing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, such that dual users were more likely to change their purchasing behaviors (e.g., buying other tobacco products) than exclusive users. Educational campaigns and public health workers may promote interventions targeting dual users either to switch to reduced-risk products or quit smoking, particularly during stressful societal situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implications

The findings inform public health educators and policymakers to develop policies and interventions carefully tailored for tobacco user groups targeting the perceived factors influencing purchasing behaviors during challenging situations affecting tobacco product availability.
Multi-dimensional impact assessment for priority setting of agricultural technologies: An application of TOPSIS for the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Authors: Gbegbelegbe Sika , Alene Arega , Swamikannu Nedumaran , Frija Aymen
Published: November 2024

The importance for multi-dimensional priority-setting of agricultural innovations is growing, given that agricultural technologies usually play multiple roles for smallholder farmers. This study assesses agricultural technologies based on their multi-dimensional impacts in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study applies the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to a set of promising agricultural technologies and uses three outcome criteria: the benefit-cost ratio, poverty reduction, and nutrition security. The technologies are related to important cereals and grain legumes grown in these regions: sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet; groundnut, cowpea, chickpea, lentil, pigeon pea, and soybean. The results show that the top technologies based on individual criteria can differ from the top technologies identified using a combination of criteria. For example, in semi-arid southern Africa, a promising technology which involves integrated pest management for cowpea ranks among the top five technologies which can reduce poverty. However, the analysis involving TOPSIS shows that nutrition security is more important in that region compared to poverty. As such, the top 5 technologies with the highest multi-dimensional impact for semi-arid southern Africa do not involve a cowpea technology; rather, they are all related to pigeon pea, a nutritious grain legume which is currently more consumed in that region compared to cowpea. One limitation of this study is that it did not consider all the roles of agricultural technologies in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia; this should be considered in future studies involving TOPSIS or other MCDM techniques. Nevertheless, the study shows that TOPSIS can successfully be used for multi-dimensional ex-ante impact assessment of agricultural technologies, and thus can support the prioritization of investments targeting agricultural research for development.
Multiparameter growth-performance monitoring of Holstein dairy heifers fed on moderate- or high-energy feeding plans from birth to puberty
Authors: Colas Clément , Venturi Eric , Saget Marine , Métivier Ludovic , Briant Eric , Dupont Mickaël , Georget David , Daudon Mathilde , Ramé Christelle , Elleboudt Frédéric , Ducrocq Ludovic , Ravineau Cédric , Salvetti Pascal , Dalbies-Tran Rozenn , Dupont Joëlle , Staub Christophe
Published: November 2024

Today, dairy cattle farmers are seeking to optimize expenditure and productivity throughout the lives of their animals by focusing on efficiency at all levels. One strategy for bringing forward the start of a dairy cow’s profitability phase is to advance the onset of puberty and reduce the animal’s age at their first calving. Thus, one objective of this study was to feed two groups of Holstein dairy heifers the same diet but in different quantities, with the aim of generating a growth differential of at least 200 g/day between the two groups. Thirty-eight heifer calves were followed from birth through puberty using body morphometric measurements and quantitative data collected by automatic feeders, which enabled the monitoring of both feed intake and growth for individual heifers. Routine ultrasonography was used to examine changes in the muscle and adipose tissue compartments, and x-ray tomography was used to monitor bone mineralization and rumen development. At 12 weeks of age, heifers in the optimized feeding (OPT) group had greater cortical bone thickness in the tibia compared with the control (CON) group. At 18 weeks of age, OPT heifers also had more trabecular cancellous bone. In contrast, the ruminal volumes of the heifers in the CON group were greater than those of the OPT heifers at 12 weeks. The OPT heifers had greater indices of general, skeletal, and muscular development at 9 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Among the circulating plasma indicators measured in this study, non-esterified fatty acids were highest in the CON calves at 6 and 12 months of age and at the onset of puberty, whereas IGF1 was highest in the OPT calves at all ages. The age at puberty of the OPT calves was 8.4 ± 0.6 months compared with 11.2 ± 1.1 months for the CON calves. The OPT heifers had an average daily weight gain of 1018 g/day from birth to the onset of puberty, which enabled them to achieve increased body fattening and to reach puberty 3 months earlier compared with the CON heifers; the average daily weight gain of the CON heifers was 780 g/day over the same period. Taken together, this study defines new reference values for a multitude of morphometric indicators, thereby enabling precise monitoring of the growth of Holstein heifers from birth to puberty.
The interaction between domestic and outward foreign direct investment in China: The influence of region-specific context
Authors: Wong David W. H. , Zhao Simon X. B. , Qiang Will W. , Lee Harry F.
Published: November 2024

Since the Chinese government launched the Belt and Road Initiative, state-owned enterprises and private conglomerates have increased overseas investment. The massive outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) profoundly affects China’s regional development to varying degrees. Existing studies have mainly investigated the effect of foreign direct investment inflow on domestic investment (DI), but only a few studies have examined the impact of OFDI on DI. Though most researchers have indicated that OFDI activities can promote (or inhibit) DI in a particular country, they have overlooked how OFDI’s geographical distribution and motivation across the Chinese macro-regions have influenced DI. To fill these gaps, this paper examines the impact of such OFDI on DI in China and its macro-regions, using a province-level dataset from 2005 to 2021. It employs panel regression and rigorously tests the data using the generalised method of moments to address endogeneity issues. We also investigate the investment motivations of the top 100 Chinese multinationals with significant FDI outflows from 2015 to 2018. We find that OFDI has positively and markedly influenced DI in eastern coastal and central inland regions but not in western China. Though OFDI has positively affected DI in China, it may not hold in a regional context. Such OFDI seeks to enhance the efficiency of existing investment, expand domestic markets, and look for strategic assets. Our findings indicate that central and provincial governments could develop OFDI policies to cater to significant regional variations. Local governments should also consider the various OFDI motivations of Chinese multinationals and provide adequate support for developing and implementing local investment policies that encourage domestic firms to invest abroad.
The association between alcohol intake and incident atrial fibrillation in older adults: The ARIC cohort
Authors: Li Louis Y. , Li Linzi , Chen Lin Yee , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: November 2024

The association of alcohol intake with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial, particularly among older adults. This study explores the association of alcohol intake with incident AF in older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Data were obtained from ARIC, a community-based cohort aimed to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Alcohol intake was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Incident AF was ascertained between the 2011–2013 visit and 2019. Participants were classified as current, former, or never drinkers. Former drinkers were further categorized on weekly alcohol consumption: light, moderate, heavy. Covariates included demographic characteristics, prevalent cardiovascular disease, and other risk factors. The association between drinking characteristics and incident AF was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. There were 5,131 participants with mean (SD) age 75.2 (5.0) years, 41% male, 23% Black, and 739 (14%) cases of incident AF. Current and former drinkers had a similar risk of AF compared to never drinkers (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83–1.29; HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.93–1.45). Within former drinkers, heavy and moderate drinkers had a similar risk compared to light drinkers (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.84–1.55; HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.75–1.78). AF risk did not differ per 5-year increase in years of abstinence (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96–1.03) or drinking (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96–1.19). We did not find consistent evidence supporting an increased risk of AF associated with alcohol intake in older adults, highlighting the need to further explore this relationship in older populations.
Women representing women in the nuclear family: Exemplified by the female characters of the animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers
Authors: Venzmer Elsa-Margareta
Published: November 2024

In the animated sitcom genre, it can be observed that TV series, such as The Simpsons, Family Guy or American Dad, are mainly created by men. The screenplays are also mainly written by male authors. The TV series Bob’s Burgers represents a change in this regard, as nearly half of the screenwriters are women, which is also reflected in the series’ portrayal of female characters. This article therefore examines which progressive gender identities Bob’s Burgers offers in animated sitcoms. The aim is to compare the female characters of Bob’s Burgers with the female characters in other animated TV series written by male screenwriters in which a nuclear family is thematized. Stereotype analysis will be used as a method for the analysis.
‘Us weirdos have to stick together’: Wild magic, queer time and queer spaces in Dana Terrace’s The Owl House
Authors: Bell Erin
Published: November 2024

This article analyses American animator Dana Terrace’s series The Owl House (2020–23) through the concept of wildness, as mapped out by Jack Halberstam in Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire (2020). The article moves beyond simply enumerating the genderqueer characters on the programme and instead explores how ‘wildness’ functions at both the thematic and aesthetic levels of The Owl House as it presents wild queerness and wild magic as emancipatory subversions of restrictive social norms. The article places The Owl House within the tradition of the coming-of-age narrative, exploring how its content both subverts and complies with the genre’s conventions. The project also investigates queer time in The Owl House’s narrative before analysing the programme’s depiction of wild magic as a liberatory practice.
Entanglements of craft: Between nature, culture and economy
Authors: Townsend Katherine , Potter Gemma , Pagett Beth
Published: November 2024

This issue features a range of contributions which reflect on how engagement in craft practices that are entangled with nature, economy and place allow both individuals and communities to be sustained culturally, socially and economically. Anthony Rausch examines how craft can represent both ‘cultural commodity’ and ‘cultural economy’ through his study of Japanese Tsugaru Nuri lacquerware. In their exploration of Khatwa appliqué among craftswomen in India, Sweta Rajan Sharma, Toni Sharma and Meenakshi Gupta uncover how craft can facilitate socio-economic empowerment and provide opportunity to break away from regional patriarchal norms. The Craft and Industry report by Rena Mehta, Pallavi Singh, Toolika Gupta and Madan Meena presents an ethnographic study and design intervention to sustain Kalbelia quilt-making in Rajasthan, India. Leonardo Hidalgo Uribe explores bio-colourant foraging in southern Finland, framing dyeing as a place-making practice that is dependent on closely attuned human–environment relations. This issue’s cover features a collage image created by Hidalgo Uribe during his fieldwork in Finnish forests. Related to this theme, Urs Dierker reviews the BioColours 2024 conference held at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in June 2024, which presented multidisciplinary perspectives of future visions for bio-colourants. Human and nature entanglements are further explored in Aysenur Ceren Asmaz and Nizam Orçun Önal’s portrait of Taiwanese Australian contemporary ceramic artist Ruth Ju-Shih Li, whose raw clay work is featured as this issue’s Remarkable Image. Māra Urdziņa-Deruma evaluates the development of an approach for structuring learning assignments of textile crafts for students of design and technology at the University of Latvia. Nithikul Nimkulrat reviews the book Prairie Interlace: Weaving, Modernisms, and the Expanded Frame, 1960–2000, edited by Michele Hardy, Timothy Long and Julia Krueger. Whilst Kärt Summatavet reviews the book Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry by Marjorie Ransom, Bethany Turner-Pemberton reviews the exhibition Collecting Innovation: Innovative Collecting.
Narratives of empowerment: Through the lens of Khatwa craftswomen of Bihar
Authors: Sharma Sweta Rajan , Sharma Toni , Gupta Meenakshi
Published: November 2024

Women’s empowerment is a complex concept entailing many internal and external factors. This research article explores the role of Khatwa appliqué, a traditional textile craft predominantly practised by women, in driving social and economic empowerment among craftswomen in Bihar, India. The methodology involves interviewing the accomplished craftswomen and developing individual case studies. The research examines the narratives of these master artisans, with a keen focus on comprehending how engagement in Khatwa appliqué has been instrumental in their empowerment journey. It also delves into the sources of inspiration, techniques and materials employed in this historically utilitarian craft – Khatwa appliqué. Our findings indicate that the Khatwa craft may have played a substantial role in advancing the socio-economic empowerment of craftswomen. The craft seems to have contributed significantly to improving their financial independence, increasing their mobility, heightening their levels of awareness and cultivating their self-confidence. Together, these outcomes have resulted in an overall enhancement of their socio-economic status, resulting in a heightened level of empowerment. The research findings contribute to the limited but growing literature on the role of crafts on several facets of women’s empowerment in Bihar.
Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, Marjorie Ransom (2023)
Authors: Summatavet Kärt
Published: November 2024

Review of: Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, Marjorie Ransom (2023)

Cairo, NY: The American University in Cairo Press, 264 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-64903-333-8, p/bk, £40.00, $44.95
Prairie Interlace: Weaving, Modernisms, and the Expanded Frame, 1960–2000, Michele Hardy, Timothy Long and Julia Krueger (eds) (2023)
Authors: Nimkulrat Nithikul
Published: November 2024

Review of: Prairie Interlace: Weaving, Modernisms, and the Expanded Frame, 1960–2000, Michele Hardy, Timothy Long and Julia Krueger (eds) (2023)

Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 248 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-77385-486-1, h/bk, $99.99

ISBN 978-1-77385-487-8, p/bk, $59.99

ISBN 978-1-77385-489-2, e-book (institutional PDF)

ISBN 978-1-77385-490-8, e-book (ePub)
Novel Concepts on the Functional Neuroanatomy of the Anorectum: Implications for Anorectal Neuropathy and Neuromodulation Therapy
Authors: Yan Yun , Inal Busra , Kapavarapu Prasanna , Alber Keri , Rao Satish S.C.
Published: November 2024

Anorectal neuropathy causes anorectal dysfunction, yet it is poorly recognized. This stems from both a lack of understanding of the extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the anorectum and tools for evaluation of neuronal function. Our objective was to provide an improved understanding of the neuronal networks of the anorectum and discuss its functional significance. We performed a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the published literature on anorectal neuroanatomy to generate our findings. Anorectal nerve innervation appears to be much more complex than hitherto known with an extensive overlap, intercommunications, and variations. The innervations arise from 5 sources as evidenced by immunohistochemical markers: Sympathetic innervation arises from the superior hypogastric plexus, hypogastric plexus, and splanchnic nerves (T1-L2); the parasympathetic from pelvic splanchnic nerves (S1-S4); the mixed autonomic from inferior hypogastric plexus; the somatic from pudendal nerves; and the intercommunicating nerves. Furthermore, they are fine, closely packed nerves susceptible to damage from obstetric or spinal cord injury, or pelvic surgery that may not manifest with bowel problems immediately but later in life. This illustrated review provides a new understanding of the afferent and efferent pathways between the rectum, spinal cord, and brain, and a framework for clinical implications of anorectal neuropathy, such as anal sphincter or rectal sensory or rectal accommodation dysfunction, causing bowel problems. Insights into the functional neuroanatomy provide an improved mechanistic understanding of anorectal symptoms and could facilitate the development of neurophysiological tests such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation and neuromodulation treatments such as sacral neuromodulation and translumbosacral neuromodulation treatment.
Development of Time-Aggregated Machine Learning Model for Relapse Prediction in Pediatric Crohn's Disease
Authors: Jang Sooyoung , Yu JaeYong , Park Sowon , Lim Hyeji , Koh Hong , Park Yu Rang
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) easily progresses to an active disease compared with adult CD, making it important to predict and minimize CD relapses. However, prediction of relapse at various time points (TPs) during pediatric CD remains understudied. We aimed to develop a real-time aggregated model to predict pediatric CD relapse in different TPs and time windows (TWs).

METHODS:

This retrospective study was conducted on children diagnosed with CD between 2015 and 2022 at Severance Hospital. Laboratory test results and demographic data were collected starting at 3 months after diagnosis, and cohorts were formed using data from 6 different TPs at 1-month intervals. Relapse—defined as a pediatric CD activity index ≥ 30 points—was predicted, and TWs were 3–7 months with 1-month intervals. The feature importance of the variables in each setting was determined.

RESULTS:

Data from 180 patients were used to construct cohorts corresponding to the TPs. We identified the optimal TP and TW to reliably predict pediatric CD relapse with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve score of 0.89 when predicting with a 3-month TW at a 3-month TP. Variables such as C-reactive protein levels and lymphocyte fraction were found to be important factors.

DISCUSSION:

We developed a time-aggregated model to predict pediatric CD relapse in multiple TPs and TWs. This model identified important variables that predicted relapse in pediatric CD to support real-time clinical decision making.
Serum visfatin in patients with type two diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Salman I. N. , Mohammed N. U. G. , Atta S. E. , Abed B. A. , Salim R.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND: The primary cause of blindness in diabetics is diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, and visual impairment. Visfatin is an adipocytokine that aids in insulin activity during gestational diabetes and pregnancy.

AIM: This study aimed to estimate serum visfatin levels in DR, proliferative (PDR), non-proliferative (NPDR), and healthy subjects (HS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 120-patient case-control study with a history of T2DM for more than 5 years as well as 30 healthy subjects enrolled in the study. Patients group divided into three sub-groups, DM, PDR, and NPDR. Visfatin levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Triglyceride (TG), serum cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed.

RESULTS: The PDR patients and patients with poor glycemic control showed significantly increased visfatin levels compared with the HS group and T2DM patients without DR. The TC, TG, and DR group’s LDL-C levels were noticeably higher and significantly greater in PDR than in the group of HS.

CONCLUSION: Visfatin levels have been linked to both the severity and existence of DR. and more in patients with poor glycemic control. Elevated lipids were associated with DR risk.
DRAMS — the new system for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus remission after baritaric surgery
Authors: Neimark A. Е. , Molotkova M. A. , Galchenko M. I. , Lapshina S. E. , Makarova E. O. , Afonin S. V. , Sholokhov G. V. , Maсievskaya A. Y.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has proven effective as a treatment for the metabolic complications of obesity, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nowadays it is important to develop a personalized approach for bariatric patients generally, and for those with T2DM.

AIM: Development of a scale for preoperative prediction of remission of T2DM in obese patients Russian population undergoing bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted. The study included 112 patients (75 women and 37 men), mean age 46.25±9.29 years, mean BMI 48.71±7.66 kg/m2. A mathematical analysis of 17 preoperative clinical criteria was carried out to search for independent predictors of T2DM remission.

RESULTS: A remission of T2DM was verified in 85 subjects, (75.9%), absence of remission of T2DM — in 27 subjects (24.1%). The most important prognostic factors were T2DM experience, age, HOMA-IR insulin resistance index, HbA1c, BMI, metformin therapy, SUs, insulin intake, increased levels of liver transaminases, and total cholesterol levels. The relative importance coefficient of each parameter was calculated. A formula has been developed to predict the high or low probability of T2DM remission after bariatric treatment. An online DRAMS (Diabetes Remission After Metabolic Surgery) calculator was proposed based on this formula so it is easy to use in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION: An online calculator has been developed to predict the probability of T2DM remission after bariatric surgery. The received data allow us to construct a qualitative “high risk”/“low risk” scale. A number of identified predictors require further study in larger samples of patients.
The Role Generative AI in Human Resource Management: Enhancing Operational Efficiency, Decision-Making, and Addressing Ethical Challenges
Authors: Khan Muhammad Inzamam , Parahyanti Endang , Hussain Shah
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the use of generative AI in human resource management (HRM), emphasizing the improvement of operational efficiency and decision-making processes. The study used a literature based approach, combining information from peer reviewed journals, books, research articles and industry reports to examine the adoption of AI into HR tasks, such as recruiting, employee engagement, and performance management. This research demonstrates that generative AI significantly enhances recruiting by decreasing the time to hire and more precisely matching applicants with job specifications. Moreover, AI-driven technologies strengthen employee engagement by personalizing interactions and automating routine tasks, enabling HR professionals to concentrate on key objectives.The study's uniqueness is in its thorough assessment of the ethical dilemmas and challenges related to generative AI, including algorithmic bias and privacy issues. To address these dangers, the study emphasizes the need to include justice and openness in AI deployment. The results indicate that while generative AI has the potential for significant efficiency improvements, ethical governance is essential for its appropriate use.For strategic workforce management, HR managers must use generative AI while also being aware of ethical constraints. However, there are certain limitations, such as relying solely on current literature and the potential biases inherent in these sources. Subsequent research needs to concentrate on empirical validation and the formulation of frameworks to direct ethical AI implementation in human resources. This paper offers a comprehensive view of the advantages and obstacles associated with the integration of generative AI in HRM, highlighting the need for responsible and balanced implementation.
La importancia actual de la enseñanza de las humanidades en el ámbito educativo
Authors: Guarín Ramírez Édgar Antonio
Published: November 2024

Este texto de reflexión resalta la significativa importancia de la enseñanza de las humanidades en las instituciones educativas en el contexto actual. La tesis central que se plantea y desarrolla a lo largo de estas líneas argumentativas es que, a través de las humanidades, es posible recuperar el sentido de la educación y, por esa vía, la comprensión de la realidad personal que caracteriza a cada ser humano, que lo faculta para actuar con libertad. En este sentido, la función primordial de la enseñanza de las humanidades en el ámbito educativo actual consiste en ayudar al estudiante a ejercer su libertad de manera adecuada, educándolo en y para la libertad. Para cumplir con esta tarea, es esencial llevar a cabo un arduo trabajo enfocado en la formación de los estudiantes en virtudes, especialmente la prudencia, cuyo ejercicio deviene esencial para que puedan tomar decisiones acertadas en las circunstancias específicas que enfrenten en sus vidas, a partir de los principios de acción universales y con la capacidad de medir las consecuencias de sus actos.
Development and content analysis of Lubeg jelly
Authors: Cristobal E B
Published: November 2024

Experiments were conducted to develop the Lubeg jelly flavored with honey, cinnamon, and vanilla, to determine its proximate and mineral analysis, and to evaluate the characteristics in terms of appearance, texture/consistency, flavor, and acceptability. Results showed that Lubeg jellies with added vanilla, honey, and cinnamon can enrich the proximate and nutritional composition of the products. During the organoleptic evaluation, the produced Lubeg jelly with vanilla flavor (Sample 4) was deemed to be the best in terms of appearance “dark red”,texture/consistency “soft/well spreadable”, flavor “sweet”, and “like extremely” by the panel of thirty tasters. Lubeg jelly with vanilla taste is widely accepted, and scale production of the product might be a revenue-generating enterprise on campus as well as a possible source of extension’s livelihood in the community.
Evaluation of the creep strength of samples produced by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Hausler Peter , Holzner Lukas , Ehrnsperger Matthias , Bierl Rudolf
Published: November 2024

Data sheets for 3D printing materials typically include softening temperature, impact strength, tensile strength, and stiffness. However, creep strength, an important parameter for components used over an extended period, is usually not included. Nevertheless, this parameter is of significant importance for components that are used over an extended period of time. This study compares the long-term creep behavior of a selection of materials that are commonly used in fused deposition modeling 3D printing. The materials under investigation are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polylactic acid, and polycarbonate. In addition, the influence of fiber reinforcements on these materials is also examined. A simple, reproducible test procedure is proposed for users to determine and compare creep resistance of materials. This enables developers to select materials suitable for their own requirements on creep resistance and allows 3D-printing users to compare different materials. Results suggest that fiber reinforcement generally improves creep stability in 3D-printing materials, with GreenTEC Pro Carbon and add:north PC Blend HT LCF showing the most promise in this study.
A combined feedforward-feedback controller design for nonlinear systems
Authors: Abdulkareem Jenan J. , Ali Hazem I. , Lutfy Omar Farouq
Published: November 2024

This study presents a control framework that integrates both feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) procedures to control nonlinear systems. The intelligent control component consisted of a modified recurrent wavelet neural network used to build the FF controller. Furthermore, the H-infinity control, renowned for its robust and durable attributes, was employed in the FB loop. The parameters of the controller were improved using particle swarm optimization. The proposed controller’s efficacy was compared with that of another FF-FB controller, in which the FF controller was a multilayer perceptron, and the FB controller was an H-infinity controller. The effectiveness of the proposed framework to control the nonlinear mass–spring dynamics was evaluated by analyzing its control accuracy and its capacity to tolerate external disturbances.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable polyester fibers enhanced with antibacterial and antiviral organic composites
Authors: Gong Xiaorong , Zhang Shouyun , Xie Lingye , Zhang Yang , Cheng Ruijia , Chen Yuting
Published: November 2024

The addition of biodegradable agents and antibacterial and antiviral modifiers in polyester fibers makes the fabric skin-friendly and helps in the effective biodegradation of the fabric, thereby protecting the ecological environment. This study aimed to improve the biodegradability and skin protection effect of polyester fibers by preparing a biodegradable antibacterial and antiviral composite–modified polyester fiber by melting and adding an appropriate amount of anaerobic biodegradable agent and a new antibacterial and antiviral biopolymer material copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV). The results showed that the addition of 1% anaerobic biodegradable agent and 1% PHBV antibacterial and antiviral modifier increased the biodegradability of the biodegradable antibacterial and antiviral fiber Fully Drawn Yarn by 50% and its antibacterial and antiviral effect by 10%. The finished fiber fabric had good mechanical properties and antibacterial and antiviral functions. This technique can be widely used in the textile and garment industry to promote green environmental protection and the circular economy of the chemical fiber industry.
Design of a high selective triple band integrated reconfigurable filtering antenna for wideband and narrowband applications
Authors: Das Sangeeta , Sarkar Pankaj
Published: November 2024

The manuscript contributes a novel triple band integrated reconfigurable filtering antenna for wideband and narrowband applications. First, a compact dual band reconfigurable filter is conferred composed of two folded half-wavelength high impedance T-shaped resonators. The lower half of the feed lines comprises T-shaped resonator to obtain a passband from 2.8 to 3.5 GHz in order to cater WiMax band. The resonator at the upper half of the feed lines generates a passband from 5.15 to 5.75 GHz for WLAN operations. A transmission line is inserted underneath the feeding line to establish additional transmission zeroes. Two uniform impedance resonators (UIRs) are incorporated to the proposed dual band filter so that it can discard a band from 5.35 to 5.45 GHz by creating a notch at 5.4 GHz. Presence of notch band separates the WLAN band into two sub-bands. Thus, the proposed dual band filter can be easily reconfigured to a triple band bandpass filter. Later, a broadband antenna is implemented using a ground ring and an inverted L-shaped resonator which is radiating from 2.6 to 6 GHz. In the end, the filter is integrated with the antenna structure to develop the suggested triple-band reconfigurable filtering antenna. The developed filtering antenna is fabricated that perceives a fine agreement between the measured and the simulated response.
Analysis of carbon emission reduction capacity of hydrogen-rich oxygen blast furnace based on renewable energy hydrogen production
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Wang Bin , Teng Fei , Qi Yuanhong , Zhang Yingyi
Published: November 2024

Iron and steel industry is the pillar industry of the national economy, but it is also the source of highest carbon emission in manufacturing industry. With the proposal of China’s goal of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, the steel industry urgently requires substantial technological breakthroughs in carbon reduction. About 90% of China’s crude steel production is produced through the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace process, and blast furnace carbon consumption accounts for more than 70% of steel process carbon consumption. Therefore, blast furnace carbon reduction is the focal point of China’s steel industry’s efforts to mitigate carbon emissions. The hydrogen-rich gas injection to blast furnace and blast furnace with top gas recycling process are effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. However, these approaches still rely heavily on the fossil fuel coal-dominated energy structure. With the rapid development of renewable energy hydrogen production in China, hydrogen-rich oxygen blast furnace technology, which replaces carbon with hydrogen, can significantly reduce carbon emissions from ironmaking at the source. This article establishes a multizone constrained mathematical model for hydrogen-rich oxygen blast furnaces, calculates energy balance based on the constraint conditions of each zone, and systematically studies the influence of hydrogen injection, burden metallization rate on the coke ratio, top gas recycling injection volume, reducing gas composition, and CO2 emission reduction of hydrogen-rich oxygen blast furnaces. The research results show that at maximum hydrogen injection rate of about 600 N·m3 H2·t−1-HM (ton-hot metal), a replacement ratio of about 0.4 kg-coke·(N·m)−3-H2 was achieved with about 27% CO in the reduced gas of the shaft, 68% H2, 90% burden metallization rate. Coke ratio of the hydrogen-rich oxygen blast furnace is reduced to 203 kg and the CO2 emission is reduced to 501 kg·t−1-HM, 55% lower than that without hydrogen injection with a very significant CO2 reduction at the source.
Judging creativity in AI-generated art: Chinese and Western perspectives on originality in copyright law
Authors: Matias Célia , Chen Jingyi
Published: November 2024

The desire to translate mental images into tangible forms has been intrinsic to human civilisation since its inception and has evolved through various mediums. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) image generators has complicated the relationship between creative ideas and their expression, introducing a third-party intermediary labelled “AI” that blurs traditional distinctions between creator and tool. Legal decisions on whether AI-generated outputs merit copyright protection have rekindled discussions on originality, with courts grappling over the threshold of creativity required for protection. Initial rulings have taken divergent paths; some disconnect human creativity from AI output, while others acknowledge AI’s potential for novel creative expression, as exemplified by the Li v Liu decision in the Beijing Internet Court. This article contextualises and analyses this decision, sparking broader debates on the interplay between human creativity and AI, the arguments of incentive and justice, and the necessity of re-evaluating copyright frameworks to accommodate AI’s role. It proposes a nuanced understanding of collaboration that recognises AI’s contributions, allowing for distinctions between levels of human creativity and forms of artistic expression.
Influencing eating choices, manipulating emotions, & the influencer: an ethnography
Authors: Mukherjee Somdatta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study inspects that our eating choice depends on our economic condition, availability of the raw materials and the food we wish to consume etc. Then, it examines how that choice is manipulated by influencers on social media and food-related contents on social media influence our thought process regarding food intake.

Methodology

The primary method I followed is ethnography intrinsic to a specific and single case of interest (‘Foodka Series’ in YouTube) furthering ‘thick description’ with etic & emic perspectives.

Findings

Viewers and consumers are vulnerable to emotional risk; food influencers are altering our emotional states through their social media engagements; particular YouTube documentation helps in the process of cultural diffusion and the preservation of culture.

Practical implications

Researchers can have the idea of interpreting social actions with ‘thick description’, the inclusivity of various research designs and how different qualitative methods are needed to critically analyse a single case of study. Adaptation and use of activity analysis, document analysis, the tradition of figurational sociology and different tools leading to a methodological pluralism may be the guideline for upcoming researches on this area.

Social implications

This research first questions – are we recalibrating our choices regarding eating? And, then, starts explaining that our choices are not ours only! Those are always constructed, manipulated and reconstructed by the society. Consumers’ emotional states and bodily responses can be altered by the delineation of food-related activation of social media.

Originality/Value

This is the first ethnographic study in West Bengal that establishes how the influencer manipulates our emotion and influences our eating choices. Readers must be aware of the fact that how in Web 2.0 our emotions are vulnerable to ‘risk’. Leaving the ‘we’ within us we are heading to embrace the ‘self’ indulging in influencer’s blatant self-commodification, self-branding, self-promotion, self-editing.
Photodynamic therapy in glioma cell culture
Authors: Aebisher David , Rogóż Kacper , Yakub Zakariya Abdi , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Myśliwiec Angelika , Mytych Wiktoria , Komosińska-Vassev Katarzyna , Misiołek Maciej , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota
Published: November 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise in the treatment of gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system. Despite challenges such as tumor hypoxia and resistance to therapy, PDT can be used alone or in combination with other anticancer treatments. Research indicates that PDT can improve the survival of patients with malignant gliomas, although further efforts are required to standardize and optimize this therapy. Cell cultures are an indispensable tool in glioma research and PDT development. In vitro studies of PDT are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of various photosensitizing agents and light dosages on glioma cells. In vitro tests provide an initial assessment of the efficacy of a substance under controlled conditions, predicting potential effects before moving on to in vivo studies. Interest in glioma research is increasing, and a deep understanding of the molecular basis of PDT is essential to advance this therapeutic approach. This review aims to summarize current knowledge in vitro PDT in glioma cell cultures. The review highlights the importance of in vitro testing for PDT in gliomas, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the factors that influence the efficacy of PDT. Recent advances and the necessity for in vitro studies are underscored.