bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the usage of an open-source automated insulin delivery system and the MiniMed™ 780G system in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in real-world settings: the AWeSoMe Study Group
Authors: Landau Zohar , Lebenthal Yael , Mazor-Aronovitch Kineret , Brener Avivit , Levek Noah , Jacobi-Polishook Talia , Ari Tal Ben , Abiri Shirly , Haim Alon , Nir Judith , Rachmiel Marianna , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit
Published: September 2023

Purpose:
In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the use of advanced hybrid closed-loop systems (AHCLs) for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) among youth. However, there is a lack of comparison between the open-source automated insulin delivery (AID) system and the MiniMed™ 780G system (780G).
Methods:
In this multi-center study, we retrospectively compared selected glycemic ranges of 26individuals who used open-source AID and 20 individuals who used 780G (age 11.3 years [IQR 9.3, 12.9] and 13.4 years [IQR10.9, 16.5], respectively, p = 0.069) from system initiation to the most recent visit.
Results:
At baseline, the median HbA1c was significantly lower and the TBR< 54mg/dL was significantly higher in the open-source AID group compared to the 780G group (6.8% [IQR 6.4, 7.1] vs. 7.4% [IQR 6.9, 8.6], p = 0.006 and (1.0% [IQR 0.5, 2.8] vs. 0.0 [0.0, 1.0], p = 0.014), respectively; the median time in range (TIR70-180mg/dL) was similar (p = 0.068). After a median duration of 10.9 months on AHCLs the reduction of HbA1c was similar (~ 0.3%). The time spent in the hypoglycemic ranges was longer among users of the open-source AID compared to 780G (TBR54-70mg/dL 4.2% [IQR 2.6, 7.3] vs. 2.0 [1.0, 4.0], p = 0.005) and TBR< 54mg/dL 1.1% [IQR 0.4, 2.3] vs. 0.0 [0.0, 1.0], p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Both AHCLs similarly improved HbA1c and TIR70-180mg/dL. The open-source AID youth had better glycemic control but spent longer time in the hypoglycemic range. These findings must be considered when choosing the use of AHCL technologies.
A four-year assessment of the characteristics of Rwandan FDA drug recalls
Authors: Marcel Bahizi , Eric Nyirimigabo , Lazare Ntirenganya , Martine Umuhoza Ishimwe , Vedaste Habyalimana , Gerard Bikorimana , Joyeuse Ukwishaka
Published: September 2023

Background
A drug recall is an act of removing products from the market and/or returning them to the manufacturer for disposal or correction when they violated safety law. The action can be initiated by the manufacturing company or by the order of a regulatory body. This study aims to assess the characteristics of Rwandan FDA drug recall and determine the association between classes of recall and recall characteristics.
Methodology
This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study. Data about recalled drugs were collected from the official website of the Rwandan FDA in the section assigned to “Safety alerts”. The search included the data reported between February 2019 and February 2023 covering a four-year period. Data cleaning was conducted in Microsoft Excel to address missing data and inconsistencies, followed by importation into STATA/SE software version 17.0 for further cleaning and subsequent analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for independent variables, and categorical variables were described in terms of counts and relative frequencies. Bivariate analyses used Pearson’s chi-square test to illustrate associations between categorical independent variables and the classes of recalls. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The study revealed that a large proportion of recalled products belonged to Class I of the WHO’s ACT classification, with antibiotics constituting 28.3% of the recalled products. Class I recalls accounted for 33.0% of all recalls, with contamination emerging as a leading cause, responsible for 26.4% of the recalled products and 89.3% of class I recalls. India was the leading manufacturing country for the recalled products (29.2%), followed by France (17.9%), China (17.0%), Kenya (13.2%), and Russia (6.6%). The study also found a significant association between the class of recall and several recall characteristics, including the year of recall, drug category, safety issues, reporter, and manufacturing countries.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of drug recalls in Rwanda. The insights gained contribute to a nuanced understanding of recall dynamics and pave the way for evidence-based strategies to enhance drug quality, safety, efficacy, regulatory compliance and patient welfare.
Young women’s perspectives on a user-friendly self-sampling intervention to improve the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in underserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
Authors: Jaya Ziningi Nobuhle , Mapanga Witness , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Young women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. As such they should have easy access to STI healthcare services. The main objective of this study was to collaborate with young women, using a nominal group technique (NGT), to identify barriers to existing STI healthcare services to ultimately identify strategies to inform attributes for a discrete choice experiment (DCE) towards developing a user-friendly self-sampling intervention for STI diagnosis in young women.
Methods
Eight young women, aged 18–24 years, were purposively selected from primary healthcare clinics in underserved communities. A NGT was conducted comprising the following steps: silent generation where individuals considered and recorded their responses to a question; round-robin sharing, recording and discussion of individual responses; followed by ranking of contributions.
Results
The following barriers to accessing STI healthcare services were identified: the clinics were too far from home; young women feared judgement by clinic staff; young women feared being told to inform their partners; clinic hours clashed with school hours and other personal commitments; and young women did not know enough about the signs and symptoms of STIs. The following strategies to improve access to STI healthcare services were suggested: campaigns to promote self-sampling; self-sampling kits should be available free of charge; online system to assess symptoms and register to receive self-sampling kits via delivery or collection to accommodate people with disabilities.
Conclusion
The strategies identified informed the attributes for the DCE which is aimed towards the development of a user-friendly self-sampling interventions for STI diagnosis in young women in KwaZulu-Natal.
LC-MS/MS-QTOF dataset of chlorophyll derivatives and chemical compounds detected in Green Honey (GH) and Tualang Honey (TH) from Malaysia
Authors: ullah Saeed , Huyop Fahrul , Huda Nurul , Wahab Roswanira Ab. , Lani Mohd Nizam , Hamid Azzmer Azzar Abdul , Nasir Mohd Hamzah Mohd , Mohamad Mohd Azrul Naim , Ahmad Hajar Fauzan , Antara Nyoman Semadi , Gunam Ida Bagus Wayan
Published: September 2023

Objective Honey has been valued for its therapeutic properties since ancient times. This study focuses on the unique characteristics and bioactive compounds of Tualang Honey (TH) and a newly discovered Green Honey (GH) from Banggi Island's forest subsurface region. The uniqueness of the green honey product has led to a high market value, distinguished by its green color, attributed to a significant amount of chlorophyll. However, GH's diverse range of chlorophyll and other bioactive compounds remains uncertain. This study aims to analyze and compare the chlorophyll components and other bioactive compounds in TH and GH using targeted and untargeted approaches. The LC MS/MS QTOF system with a HyPURITY C18 column, and a gradient mobile phase of methanol and acetone, operated in negative-positive mode, were used to separate the chlorophylls and chemical compounds in both honey samples within 40 minutes with a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Detection was achieved at A660nm, and identification was based on retention time, mass spectra, and mass-to-charge ratio.
Results The LC-MS/MS-based targeted analysis revolved 16 different chlorophylls and their derivatives in GH, namely chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll c, chlorophyll d, pheophytin a, pheophytin b, hydroxypheophytin a, hydroxypheophytin b, hydroxychlorophyll a, chlorophyllide a, chlorophyllide b, phyropheophytin a, bacteriochlorophyll a, bacteriochlorophyll b, phytol and phytanic acids whereas none were found in TH. On the other hand, the untargeted analysis revealed 32 known and 21 unknown chemical compounds in GH and 15 known and 20 unknown compounds in TH, respectively.
Data Description This dataset represents the compilation of chemical compounds and chlorophyll components detected in GH, for both untargeted and targeted analytical approaches, respectively. The untargeted analysis was performed to identify a wide range of chemical compounds present in both GH and TH. The dataset encompasses compound names, mass-to-charge values, species, retention times, and various METLIN database search results, providing comprehensive insights into the composition of these honeys.
Robust optimization for prostate radiotherapy: Assessment of delivered dose by incorporating intrafraction prostate position deviations
Authors: Arumugam Sankar , Sidhom Mark
Published: September 2023

Aim
To assess the robustness of the dose delivered to the clinical target volume (CTV) using planning target volume (PTV) based and robust optimization planning approaches in localized prostate cancer radiotherapy.
Methods
Retrospective data of twenty prostate cancer patients, including radiotherapy and real-time prostate position, were analyzed. Two sets of volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were generated per patient: PTV-based and robust optimization. PTV-based planning used 7mm CTV-PTV margin, while robust planning considered same-magnitude position deviations. Differences in CTV D99, PTV D95, bladder and rectum V40, and V60 values were evaluated. The target position, determined by in-house position monitoring system, was incorporated for dose assessment with and without position deviation correction.
Results
In the robust optimization approach, compared to PTV-based planning, the mean (SD) V40 and V60 values of the bladder were reduced by 5.2% (4.1%) and 5.1% (1.9%), respectively. Similarly, for the rectum, the reductions were 0.8% (0.5%) and 0.6% (0.6%). In corrected treatment scenarios, both planning approaches resulted in a mean (SD) CTV D99 difference of 0.1 Gy (0.1 Gy). In the not corrected scenario, PTV-based planning reduced CTV D99 by 0.1 Gy (0.5 Gy), while robust planning reduced it by 0.2 Gy (0.6 Gy). There was no statistically significant difference observed in the planned and delivered rectum and bladder dose for both corrected and not corrected scenarios.
Conclusion
Robust optimization resulted in lower V40 and V60 values for the bladder compared to PTV-based planning. However, no difference in CTV dose accuracy was found between the two approaches.
Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on wheat quality under drought stress and rehydration
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Li Penghui , Liang Yueping , Si Zhunyun , Ma Shoutian , Gao Yang
Published: September 2023

Melatonin (MT) regulates and enhances crop tolerance to drought stress. However, the effect of melatonin spraying on grain quality under drought-rehydration treatment is evaluated insufficiently currently. Here, the present study is conducted by spraying 100mM MT before wheat grain-filling and then drought-rehydration treatment is carried out. Rewatering after drought stress increased appreciably wet gluten content, sedimentation index, total protein content, and glutein content of wheat grains and decreased prolainm content, albumin content, and globulin content. And MT application effectively alleviated grain quality damage, reducing wet gluten content and glutein content. Besides, MT compensated for the oxidative damage and the membrane lipid peroxidation damage caused by drought-rehydration treatment. In addition, two drought stresses reduced significantly photosynthetic parameters. And MT effectively improved the photosynthetic efficiency. These results indicated that MT was feasible to enhance wheat resistance and ameliorate grain quality during drought and rehydration.
Occurrence of ochratoxin A in breast milk and urine samples of nursing mothers in Bangladesh
Authors: Trisha Aporajita Das , Hafsa Jaasia Momtahena , Hasan Akibul , Habib Ahsan , Tuba Humaira Rashid , Degen Gisela H. , Ali Nurshad
Published: September 2023

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxin with carcinogenic properties and thus of concern as food contaminant. Since food contaminant data are scarce in Bangladesh, we applied human biomonitoring to gain more insights into OTA exposure in the country’s population. OTA concentrations in human milk and urine samples of nursing mothers were determined with the aim to assess also exposure to this mycotoxin in breastfed infants. Breastfeeding mothers (n=74) from three districts of Bangladesh (Sylhet, Cumilla, and Mymensingh region) participated in this study. They provided demographic data, along with breast milk and urine samples. OTA levels were measured by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a detection limit of 60 ng/L for milk and 30 ng/L for urine.
OTA was detected in 62.2% of all breast milk samples (mean 102.1±43.5 ng/L, range LOD–243.3 ng/L) and in 51.4% of all urine samples (mean 72.1±79.5 ng/L, range LOD–519.3 ng/L). Differences observed between regions (Sylhet, Cumilla, Mymensingh) for mean breast milk or for urinary OTA levels were relatively small. No significant correlation was observed between OTA levels in breast milk and food consumption patterns among the nursing mothers. Regarding infant exposure, the estimated average daily intake of OTA for all was 15.0 ng/kg bw/day (range 2.8–45 ng/kg bw/day). In 34.5 % of these infants, their estimated daily OTA intake exceeded a preliminary TDI value set by EFSA (17 ng/kg bw/day). The mean OTA intake was slightly higher (16.2±7.8 ng/kg bw/day) in 1-2 months babies than in older infants (<2 to 12 months) although the difference was not significant. Presence of OTA in most milk and urine samples of nursing mothers documents their widespread dietary mycotoxin exposure. Although based on a relatively small number of participants, the present analysis indicates non-negligible exposure of some nursed infants in Bangladesh. Therefore, further biomonitoring studies and investigations on major sources of OTA in food commodities are encouraged.
Stability and spin solitonic dynamics of the HFSC model: effects of neighboring interactions and crystal field anisotropy parameters
Authors: Islam Zahidul , Sheikh Md. Abu Naim , Roshid Harun-Or , Hossain M. A. , Taher M.A. , Abdeljabbar Alrazi
Published: September 2023

This research investigates spin dynamic solitonic wave solutions in the (2 + 1)-dimensional Heisenberg Ferromagnetic Spin Chains model. The unified and simple equation schemes are used to integrate the model. Through the technique, various properties of wave nature, such as Dark bell envelope soliton, Bright bell envelope soliton, periodic wave envelope, Kink shape envelope soliton, periodic wave envelope soliton, oscillating wave, harmonically oscillating wave, oscillating wave with increasing and decreasing amplitude waves, sudden increasing of amplitude and sudden decrease to a particular amplitude wave oscillations, are achieved from the solutions. The effects of changing neighboring interaction and uniaxial crystal field anisotropy parameters on the obtained soliton and its amplitudes are explored. The changing values of neighboring interaction parameters are exhibited as an increase in wave height with increasing parametric values, but increasing the values of the uniaxial crystal field anisotropy parameter causes a reduction in wave height. In the mean time, we see that the real part of the same solution exhibits periodic oscillation while the effects of the parameters have the same increasing and decreasing effects. Analysis of odulation stability found due to small change as perturbation solution of the model. All shapes are illustrated in 3D and 2D plots.
Synthesis of Metallic and Metal Oxides Nanoparticles by using Poly(4- vinylpyridine) (P4VP), Poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) Homopolymers and Polyphosphazene-b-P2VP Block Copolymers as Solid Templates
Authors: Cortés María de los Ángeles , Díaz Carlos , Valenzuela María Luisa , Campa Raquel , Soto Alejandro Presa
Published: September 2023

Starting from poly(4-vinylpyridine) [(P4VP)n; Mw = 6000 (1a); 160000 (1b)]; poly(2-vinylpyridine) Mw = 37500 (1c) and [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]m-b-P2VP20 block copolymers [m = 20 (2a); 60 (2b) and 100 (2c)], series of metal- containing homopolymers {[P4VP(PtCl2)x]6000 (1a-Pt), [P4VP(PtCl2)x]160000 (1b-Pt), [P2VP(PtCl2)x]37500 (1c-Pt), [P4VP(ZnCl2)x]6000 (1a-Zn), [P4VP(ZnCl2)n]160000 (1b-Zn), [P2VP(ZnCl2)n]37500 (1c-Zn), [P4VP(Eu(NO3)3]6000 (1a-Eu), and [P4VP(Eu(NO3)3]160000 (1b-Eu) P2VP[(Eu(NO3)3]37500 (1c-Eu) and block copolymers {[N=P(O2CH2CF3)]20-b-[P2VP(Eu(NO3)3)x]20 (2a-Eu), [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]60-b-[P2VP(Eu(NO3)3)x]20 (2b-Eu) and [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]100-b-[P2VP(Eu(NO3)3)x]20 (2c-Eu)} have been successfully prepared by using a direct a straight forward solution metodólogy. Solid-state pyrolysis of the as prepared metal containing polymeric precursors lead to the formation of a variety of different metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles (Pt, ZnO, Eu2O3 and EuPO4) depending on the composition and nature of the polymeric template precursor. Thus, whereas Eu2O3 nanostructures were obtained from europium-containing homopolymers (1a-Eu, 1b-Eu and 1c-Eu), EuPO4 nanostructures were achieved when phosphorus-containing block copolymer precursors (2a-Eu, 2b-Eu and 2c-Eu) were employed. Importantly, and although both Eu2O3 and EuPO4 nanostructures exhibit a strong luminescence emission, this is strongly influenced by the nature and composition of the macromolecular metal-containing polymer template. Thus, when P2VP europium-containing homopolymers (1a-Eu, 1b-Eu and 1c-Eu) were employed, the highest emission intensity corresponds to the lowest molecular weight homopolymer template (1a-Eu), whereas opposite behavior was observed when block copolymer precursors (2a-Eu, 2b-Eu and 2c-Eu) were used (highest emission intensity corresponds to 2c-Eu). The intensity ratio of the emission transitions 5D0→ 7F2/5D0→ 7F1 suggest a different symmetry around the Eu3+ ions depending on the nature of the polymeric precursor, which also influences the sizes of the as prepared Pt, ZnO, Eu2O3 and EuPO4 nanostructures.
Alterations in the Haemotological and Biochemical Responses of Exposed to Allium sativum Extract Against Cadmium Oxide in Male Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Feridun Gulbin , Kargin Dicle , Cogun Hikmet Yeter , Kargin Ferit , Feridun Beran
Published: September 2023

In this study following exposures of 1.5 mg/kg/day Cadmium oxide (CdO) and 1.5 mg/kg/day CdO + 300 mg/kg Allium sativum extract (mixture) were individually administered to mature in Male Swiss Albino Mice via oral gavage for 96 hours and then haemotological and biochemical responses were investigated. Hematological indices (hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT); serum metabolites (total cholesterol, cortisol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, bilirubin), ions (Na, K, Cl, Mg, Ca and fosfat), and enzymes; (alanine transaminase (ALT); aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, (ALP) and laktat dehidrogenaz (LDH), lipase (LP)) levels were measured. CdO and mixture decreased hematological indices (except PLT); ALP and ChE, serum metabolits (except glucose and bilirubin); ions (except K, Na) while increased PLT, ALT, AST, LDH, LP, glucose, bilirubin and K ion. These increases/decreases in all hematological and biochemical parameters were generally higher in mice treated with the exposed CdO compared to the mixture of CdO and Allium sativum extract group. The study demonstrated that ameliorative effect of Allium sativum extract on metal toxicity evaluating enzyme systems, ion regulation, hematological values and metabolism as lipid, protein, and energy.
Deep Learning Denoising Reconstruction for Improved Image Quality in Fetal Cardiac Cine MRI
Authors: Vollbrecht Thomas M , Hart Christopher , Zhang Shuo , Katemann Christoph , Sprinkart Alois M , Isaak Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Pieper Claus C , Kütting Daniel , Geipel Annegret , Strizek Brigitte , Luetkens Julian A
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To evaluate deep learning (DL) denoising reconstructions for image quality improvement of Doppler ultrasound (DUS)-gated fetal cardiac MRI in congenital heart disease (CHD).
Methods: Twenty-five fetuses with CHD (mean gestational age: 35±1 weeks) underwent fetal cardiac MRI at 3 Tesla. Cine imaging was acquired using a balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence with Doppler ultrasound gating. Images were reconstructed using both compressed SENSE (bSSFP CS) and a pre-trained convolutional neural network trained for deep-learning denoising (bSSFP DL). Images were compared qualitatively based on a 5-point Likert scale (from 1=non-diagnostic to 5=excellent) and quantitatively by calculating the apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR). Diagnostic confidence was assessed for the atria, ventricles, foramen ovale, valves, great vessels, aortic arch, and pulmonary veins.
Results: Fetal cardiac cine MRI was successful in 23 fetuses (92%). Image quality of bSSFP DL cine reconstructions compared with standard bSSFP CS cine images was rated significantly higher regarding contrast (3 [interquartile range: 2-4] vs 5 [4-5], P<0.001) and endocardial edge definition (3 [2-4] vs 4 [4-5], P<0.001), whereas the level of artifacts deemed comparable (4 [3-4.75] vs 4 [3-4], P=0.40). bSSFP DL images had higher aSNR and aCNR compared with the bSSFP CS images (aSNR: 13.4±6.9 vs 8.3±3.6, P<0.001; aCNR: 26.6±15.8 vs 14.4±6.8, P<0.001). Diagnostic confidence of the bSSFP DL images was superior for the evaluation of cardiovascular structures (e.g., atria and ventricles: P=0.003).
Conclusion: DL image denoising provides superior quality for DUS-gated fetal cardiac cine imaging of CHD compared to standard CS image reconstruction.
Corporate Governance Compliance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Publicly Listed Firms in Ghana
Authors: Antwi Isaac Francis , Carvalho Carla , Carmo Cecília
Published: September 2023

This research aims to investigate the corporate governance compliance practices of the listed firms in the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and assess the levels of compliance on each recommended principle. The study developed a self-construction corporate governance compliance index using the six guidelines of the Ghana Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) six guideline principles on a sample of 33 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2009-2020. A content analysis was employed for the empirical analysis.
The study finds that total corporate governance compliance levels increased after the introduction of SEC's best guideline principles over the period under analysis. Also, among the six guideline principles of the SEC (2010), the financial affairs and audits registered the highest compliance level.
The study contributes to the existing literature by providing new evidence on compliance practice in the context of Ghanaian listed firms on the GSE, and the effects of individual guidelines principle of corporate governance compliance.
Tribological performance study of low-friction PEEK composites under different lubrication conditions
Authors: Wu Shibo , Yan Zhijun , Sun Haocheng , Liu Ze , Xue Lixia , Sun Tao
Published: September 2023

To improve the friction and wear performance of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In this paper, a low-friction PEEK-based composite with PEEK as the matrix material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the solid lubricant, and poly-p-phenylene-terephthamide (PPTA) as the reinforcing material were prepared by compression molding technique, and then the optimal preparation condition for PEEK was gained by exploratory experiments. Finally, the tribological performance of PTFE/PPTA/PEEK composites was researched under dry friction and oil lubrication conditions. The microstructure of the wear mark was observed by scanning electron microscope and white light interference microscope, and the wear mechanism of PEEK and its composites under different lubrication conditions were analyzed. The results show that the main wear mechanisms of the friction pair consisting of PTFE/PPTA/PEEK composites and bearing steel are ploughing and adhesive wear. When the friction pair slides, PPTA reduces the wear of the composite caused by its high fiber strength and good thermal stability, and the coefficient of friction (COF) is reduced because the PTFE on the surface is pressed into a smooth, solid lubricating film. Whether under dry friction or oil lubrication conditions, the PEEK composites containing 25wt% PTFE and 6wt% PPTA both have the lowest wear and lower COF.
Cognitive Dissonance can Increase Consumption: On the effects of Inaccurate Explanations on User Behavior in Video-On-Demand Platforms
Authors: Hauck Marcel , Pagel Sven , Rothlauf Franz
Published: September 2023

On most video-on-demand platforms, recommender systems help users find relevant content. Many recommender systems can provide explanations (e.g., short texts) on why they make recommendations for an individual user. Existing literature assumes that explanations are accurate, meaning that they align with the recommended content. Thus, the effect of inaccurate explanations that do not fit the displayed content is unclear. In this large-scale, real-world randomized controlled trial, users of a major Public Service Media provider received recommendations either without explanations (baseline), with accurate explanations (control), or with some inaccurate explanations (treatment). For users who experience only a low percentage of inaccurate explanations, usage (click-through rate) is similar to the case where all explanations are accurate; for users who experience a higher percentage of inaccurate explanations, usage significantly increases (up to +7.8%). For the extreme case, where most explanations are inaccurate, usage significantly decreases (down to -15.8%). The increase in usage (click-through rate) when experiencing some inaccurate explanations can be explained by Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance. It postulates that users confronted with inconsistent cognitions try to remove dissonant cognitions by investigating the reason for a dissonant recommendation through clicking on it. As expected, usage decreases if most of the shown explanations are inaccurate. The findings demonstrate the benefits of online user studies, which allow for deeper insights into the interplay between recommender systems and human users. Furthermore, such results that may seem at first counter-intuitive for the recommender system community can be explained when drawing on well-established theories explaining human behavior.
Copper oxide nanoparticles suppress retinal angiogenesis via inducing endothelial cell cuproptosis
Authors: Zhang Haorui , Cai Chang , Li Qing , Nie Zheng , Wang Mengzhu , Liu Yongxuan , Shen Wei , Song Hongyuan
Published: September 2023

Background: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have demonstrated versatile applications in antitumor and antibacterial contexts, however, their potential as an anti- angiogenesis agent remains unexplored. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the efficacy of CuO NPs in the treatment of pathological angiogenic retinopathy.
Results
We demonstrated that CuO NPs possess nano-sized dimensions and exhibit well biocompatibility. In vitro experiments revealed that CuO NPs impede the proliferation, tube formation, migration, and sprouting of HUVECs dose-dependently. Subsequently, in vivo findings showed that CuO NPs effectively suppressed the development of retinal vasculature in a mouse model, as well as alleviate pathological retinal angiogenesis in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Furthermore, RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis revealed that CuO NPs disrupt the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and induce cuproptosis. These results were further supported by the evaluation of metabolites and the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins.
Conclusions
The CuO NPs exhibit potential as effective anti-angiogenic platforms for the treatment of pathological retinal angiogenesis.
Ranking of potentially toxic pollutants and their impact on microbial communities in water bodies receiving wastewater discharges
Authors: Yordanova Veronika , Todorova Yovana , Kirilova-Belouhova Mihaela , Lyubomirova Valentina , Belovezhdova Iva , Mihaylova Veronika , Topalova Yana
Published: September 2023

The contribution of urban sewage treatment plants to pollution with emerging contaminants is still underestimated and discharge zones are not always subject to adequate monitoring activities. In this study, we apply the combination of risk level ranking of a specific class of pollutants (potentially toxic elements) and assessment of the metabolic activity of sediment microbial communities. The ranking approach identifies the most harmful toxic elements in the local environment of the upper sub-catchment of the Iskar River, Bulgaria. The effect on microbial communities was assessed by the determination of the share of viable cells and the inhibition of their metabolic activity (fluorescent staining method with digital image analysis). The data showed that Hg and Cu came at the top of the list of concerns for the matrix of surface waters; Cu, Cd, and Pb pose the greatest risk in sediments. The microbial communities in the wastewater discharge area were affected by pollutants and by the high nutrients and organic content of the effluent. The applied approach has the potential to help us focus the future site-specific monitoring for pollution control in water bodies, receiving wastewater discharges, and contributes to a better understanding of the potential ecological risks from hazardous pollutants.
Irregular word reading as a marker of cognitive and semantic decline in Alzheimer’s disease rather than an estimate of premorbid intellectual abilities.
Authors: Marier Anna , Dadar Mahsa , Bouhali Florence , Montembeault Maxime
Published: September 2023

Background
Irregular word reading has been used to estimate premorbid intelligence in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. However, reading models highlight the core influence of semantic abilities on irregular word reading, which shows early decline in AD. The general aim of this study is to determine whether irregular word reading is a valid estimate of premorbid intelligence, or a marker of cognitive and semantic decline in AD.
Method
681 healthy controls (HC), 104 subjective cognitive decline, 290 early and 589 late mild cognitive impairment (EMCI, LMCI) and 348 AD participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were included. Irregular word reading was assessed with the American National Adult Reading Test (AmNART). Multiple linear regressions were conducted predicting AmNART score using diagnostic category, general cognitive impairment and semantic tests. A generalized logistic mixed-effects model predicted correct reading using extracted psycholinguistic characteristics of each AmNART words. Deformation-based morphometry was used to assess the relationship between AmNART scores and voxel-wise brain volumes, as well as with the volume of a region of interest placed in the left anterior temporal lobe (ATL).
Results
EMCI, LMCI and AD patients made significantly more errors in reading irregular words compared to HC, and AD patients made more errors than all other groups. Across the AD continuum, as well as within each diagnostic group, irregular word reading was significantly correlated to measures of general cognitive impairment / dementia severity. Neuropsychological tests of lexicosemantics were moderately correlated to irregular word reading whilst executive functioning and episodic memory were respectively weakly and not correlated. Age of acquisition, a primarily semantic variable, had a strong effect on irregular word reading accuracy whilst none of the phonological variables significantly contributed. Neuroimaging analyses pointed to bilateral hippocampal and left ATL volume loss as the main contributors to decreased irregular word reading performances.
Conclusions
Irregular word reading performances decline throughout the AD continuum, and therefore, premorbid intelligence estimates based on the AmNART should not be considered accurate in MCI or AD. Results are consistent with the theory of irregular word reading impairments as an indicator of disease severity and semantic decline.
Impact du comportement hydrophile des fibres de Bambusa Vugaris traitées dans un composite fibres/époxyde en fonctionnement dans le revêtement de maison
Authors: Ebanda Dieudonné EBANDA , Anyi Joseph NKONGHO , Nzengwa Ekmon MBANGUE , NGUIYA Sévérin
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to study the hygrothermal behavior of bamboo fibers extracted by the alkaline method (3% soda) and treated with acetylation for potential use in house and fence siding. 10 g of 5-year-old fibers of "bambusa vulgaris" was soaked in 400 ml of glacial acetic acid, with 50 ml of catalyst (sulphuric acid) for 4 h at 30 ° C. After extraction by the « Improved Hydrophilic Extraction Method » and treatment in the laboratory, the diameter and lateral area observed with a magnification of 2, a 16x eyepiece and a 40x lens using an optical microscope equipped with a Balow lens, show that the fibers were smoothed to more than 3.57%; The absorption studied over three temperature ranges (30 oC, 50 oC and 70 oC), shows that it has decreased by about 20% and can grow with temperature to the limit of 37% after 48 hours of quenching; The composite was manufactured in three types of structure; increasing the rate of treated fibers reduces the hydrophilic character of the composite, it becomes completely hydrophobic from 15%; Increasing the level of treated fibres reduces the hydrophilic character of the composite; and damage to the composite due to the hydrophilic effect of the treated bamboo fibers is less significant..
Pseudotumor of the stomach caused by hypereosinophilic syndromes: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xia Bihan , Lu Qing , Lv Xiuhe , Liu Yuzhi , Yang Jinlin
Published: September 2023

Background Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) constitute a rare group of disorders marked by abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the blood or peripheral tissues. The clinical manifestations of HES can vary greatly, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Occasionally, HES can mimic organ-specific tumors or malignancies, posing diagnostic challenges and potential overtreatment.
Case Presentation We presented a 51-year-old female enduring epigastric pain, fatigue, and weight loss for 8 months. Endoscopy revealed a protuberant lesion with mucosal hyperemia in the stomach. Radiological assessments exhibited gastric wall thickness, lymphadenectasis, and irregular pulmonary nodules (5-15 mm). PET/CT demonstrated thickened gastric walls, multiple enlarged lymph nodes with heightened FDG uptake, resembling metastatic gastric carcinoma. The endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy of perigastric lymph nodes revealed eosinophil infiltration. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) was 580/μL, and total serum IgE level was 1850 IU/ml. Bone marrow biopsy showed no abnormalities. A tentative diagnosis of HES involving multiple organs, prominently the stomach, was established. Treatment initiated with a 3-day intravenous methylprednisolone course (80 mg/day), transitioning to oral prednisone. The dose was gradually reduced from 50 mg/day to a maintenance level of 15 mg/day over four months, complemented by monthly cyclophosphamide pulse treatments. The patient achieved complete clinical and biochemical remission without recurrence during the 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions Occasional mimicking of tumors in medical imaging by HES emphasizes the importance of biopsies, comprehensive organ evaluation, and excluding other potential causes. Systemic oral steroid use can serve as a diagnostic approach. Timely identification of HES-related pseudotumors and appropriate steroid treatment lead to a positive outcome without unnecessary intervention.
Ulasan Penyertaan Finalis Pertandingan Bakat Muda Sezaman 2021 Zon Sarawak: Ko-kreasi dan Seni di Lokasi
Authors: Mohamad Faizuan Mat  , Hasnul Jamal Saidon
Published: September 2023

The 26th edition of the Young Contemporaries Awards 2021 (BMS2021) organised by the National Art Gallery, Malaysia for the first time introduced “Seni di Lokasi” (Art in Location) as a theme that allowed the artists freely to choose their own working and exhibition space. A total of 13 entries from Sarawak made it to the finals. Although, no main awards were won by participants from the Sarawak, but the concept and production methods of their works have the potential for the development of visual art activities, especially in Sarawak, and Malaysia in general. In critically evaluating the Sarawak participation artists from the concept and art-making view, it turns out that the understanding of art in location and method is quite different compared to other participants. The method used to produce artworks that directly involve the community is closely related to the chosen location. Therefore, this article further discusses Sarawak young artists’ pattern of thought through participation in BMS2021, especially related to concepts and methodologies of work.

 

Pertandingan Bakat Muda Sezaman (BMS) edisi ke-26 pada tahun 2021 anjuran Balai Seni Negara julung kali diadakan dengan temanya “Seni di Lokasi” yang memberi kebebasan kepada peserta untuk memilih sendiri lokasi untuk menghasilkan dan mempamerkan karya mereka. Sejumlah 13 penyertaan dari Sarawak berjaya ke peringkat akhir. Walaupun tiada anugerah utama dirangkul oleh peserta dari zon Sarawak, konsep dan kaedah penghasilan karya-karya mereka mempunyai potensi dalam pembangunan aktiviti seni visual di Sarawak, khasnya dan di Malaysia secara umumnya. Bagi menilai penyertaan seniman dari zon Sarawak secara kritikal daripada perspektif penghasilan karya, ternyata pemahaman tentang lokasi dan kaedah agak berbeza berbanding peserta yang lain. Kaedah penghasilan karya seni yang melibatkan komuniti secara langsung sangat berhubung kait dengan lokasi yang dipilih. Justeru, penulisan ini mengulas dengan lebih terperinci tentang corak pemikiran seniman muda Sarawak dalam edisi BMS kali ini terutamanya berkaitan konsep dan metodologi pengkaryaan.
Enhancing EFL Learner Autonomy through Project-Based Learning: The Case of Secondary School Students
Authors: Khoudri Insaf , Khoudri Abderrafii , Zeriouh Mohammed
Published: September 2023

With the 21st century constant changes and demands, heated debate on ways to enhance Moroccan EFL students’ autonomy has sparked the interest of stakeholders. Although learner-centered teaching has been recommended in the past few years, teacher-centered instructional styles are; however, predominating in real teaching-learning practices. Autonomous learning skills and self-directed learning are needed in the twenty-first century, and project-based learning is a way to respond to that requirement. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if project-based learning could enhance the autonomy of learners in a Moroccan EFL context. Similarly, this research aims at interviewing the presenters’ peers on their performance; a method whereby they could develop critical thinking skills. To achieve this purpose, data was collected through a self-assessment questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The participants were a classroom of 17 Secondary (2nd baccalaureate) school students. Results demonstrated that project-based learning enhances learner autonomy and responded to the demands of the 21st century skills. Likewise, based on the findings, learners managed to improve their autonomy during the implementation of project-based learning, and levels of autonomy vary among learners. Future researchers need to take into consideration that not all learners maintain a positive view concerning project-based learning perhaps they are accustomed to teacher spoon-fed and hand hold; consequently, they become passive. To deal with this dilemma, teachers had better remind students repeatedly that project-based learning contributes in boosting their autonomy and prepares them for the post-graduation exigencies. 
India based neutrino observatory, physics reach and status report
Authors: Indumathi D.
Published: September 2023

The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is a proposed underground facility located in India that will primarily house the magnetised Iron CALorimeter (ICAL) detector to study atmospheric neutrinos produced by interactions of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere. The physics goal is to to make precision measurements of the neutrino mixing and oscillation parameters through such a study. We present here the results from detailed simulations studies, as well as a status report on the project. In particular, we highlight the sensitivity of ICAL to the open issue of the neutrino mass ordering, which can be determined independent of the CP phase at ICAL.
Mass testing of SiPMs for the CMVD at IICHEP
Authors: Jangra Mamta , Bhupen Raj , Majumder Gobinda , Gothe Kiran , Saraf Mandar , Parmar Nandkishor , Satyanarayana Bheesette , Shinde Ravindra , Rao Shobha , Upadhya Suresh S. , Datar Vivek M. , Glenzinski Douglas A. , Bross Alan , Pla-Dalmau Anna , Zutshi Vishnu V. , Group Robert Craig , Dukes Edmond Craig
Published: September 2023

A Cosmic Muon Veto Detector (CMVD) is being built around the mini-Iron Calorimeter (mini-ICAL) detector at the transit campus of the India based Neutrino Observatory, Madurai. The CMV detector will be made using extruded plastic scintillators with embedded wavelength shifting (WLS) fibres which propagate re-emitted photons of longer wavelengths to silicon photo-multipliers (SiPMs). The SiPMs detect these scintillation photons, producing electronic signals. The design goal for the cosmic muon veto efficiency of the CMV is >99.99% and fake veto rate less than 10^{-5}−5. A testing system was developed, using an LED driver, to measure the noise rate and gain of each SiPM, and thus determine its overvoltage (V_{ov}ov). This paper describes the test results and the analysed characteristics of about 3.5k SiPMs.
EUSO-SPB2: A sub-orbital cosmic ray and neutrino multi-messenger pathfinder observatory
Authors: Cummings Austin , Eser Johannes , Filippatos George , Olinto Angela V. , Venters Tonia M. , Wiencke Lawrence
Published: September 2023

The next generation of ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) and very-high energy neutrino observatories will address the challenge of the extremely low fluxes of these particles at the highest energies. EUSO-SPB2 (Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 2) is designed to prepare space missions to address this challenge. EUSO-SPB2 is equipped with 2 telescopes: the Fluorescence Telescope, which will point downwards and measure fluorescence emission from UHECR air showers with an energy above 2 EeV, and the Cherenkov Telescope (CT), which will point towards the Earth’s limb and measure direct Cherenkov emission from cosmic rays with energies above 1 PeV verifying the technique. Pointed below the limb, the CT will search for Cherenkov emission produced by neutrino-sourced tau-lepton decays above 10 PeV energies and study backgrounds for such events. The EUSO-SPB2 mission will provide pioneering observations and technical milestones on the path towards a space-based multi-messenger observatory.
Direct measurements of cosmic rays with the calorimetric electron telescope on the international space station
Authors: Akaike Yosui , Adriani O. , Asano K. , Asaoka Y. , Berti E. , Bigongiari G. , Binns W. R. , Bongi M. , Brogi P. , Bruno A. , Buckley J. H. , Cannady N. , Castellini G. , Checchia C. , Cherry M. L. , Collazuol G. , Ebisawa K. , Ficklin A. W. , Fuke H. , Gonzi S. , Guzik T. G. , Hams T. , Hibino K. , Ichimura M. , Ioka K. , Ishizaki W. , Israel M. H. , Kasahara K. , Kataoka J. , Kataoka R. , Katayose Y. , Kato C. , Kawanaka N. , Kawakubo Y. , Kobayashi K. , Kohri K. , Krawczynski H. S. , Krizmanic J. F. , Maestro P. , Marrocchesi P. S. , Messineo A. M. , Mitchell J. W. , Miyake S. , Moiseev A. A. , Mori M. , Mori N. , Motz H. M. , Munakata K. , Nakahira S. , Nishimura J. , de Nolfo G. A. , Okuno S. , Ormes J. F. , Ozawa S. , Pacini L. , Papini P. , Rauch B. F. , Ricciarini S. B. , Sakai K. , Sakamoto T. , Sasaki M. , Shimizu Y. , Shiomi A. , Spillantini P. , Stolzi F. , Sugita S. , Sulaj A. , Takita M. , Tamura T. , Terasawa T. , Torii S. , Tsunesada Y. , Uchihori Y. , Vannuccini E. , Wefel J. P. , Yamaoka K. , Yanagita S. , Yoshida A. , Yoshida K. , Zober W. V.
Published: September 2023

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope, CALET, has been measuring high-energy cosmic rays on the International Space Station since October 13, 2015. The scientific objectives addressed by the mission are to search for possible nearby sources of high-energy electrons and potential signatures of dark matter, and to investigate the details of galactic cosmic-ray acceleration and propagation. The calorimetric instrument, which is 30 radiation lengths or 1.3 proton interaction lengths thick with fine imaging capability, is optimized to measure cosmic-ray electrons by achieving large proton rejection and excellent energy resolution well into the TeV region. In addition, very wide dynamic range of energy measurement and individual charge identification capability enable us to measure proton and nuclei spectra from a few tens GeV to a PeV scale. Nearly 20 million cosmic-ray shower events over 10 GeV per month are triggered and the continuous observation has been kept without any major interruption since the start of operation. Using the data obtained over 6.5 years of operation, we will present a brief summary of the CALET observation including electron spectrum, and proton and nuclei spectra as well as the performance study on orbit with MC simulations.
THE UTILIZATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGY IN DETERMINING QIBLA DIRECTION (ANALYSIS OF MIQAT APPLICATIONS BY SAMER JOUDI)
Authors: Muttaqin Naufal Fazal
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, around the world, there are numerous Qibla direction applications available on various websites and digital content providers. One of these is the Miqat application: Prayer Times, Qiblah, and Hilal Visibility, an augmented reality-based Android app for determining the direction of the Qibla. Samer Joudi, a geospatial technology specialist from the United Arab Emirates, released the Miqat app in 2015. As of November 20, 2022, more than 5,000,000 (five million) Android users had downloaded the Miqat app, giving it a rating of 4.6 out of 5. A 3D Qibla feature in the Miqat application uses augmented reality technology on the display to point users in the direction of the Kaaba. actual life.  The results of this study are that the calculation method used by the Miqat application is the Vincenty formula, which is quite accurate (7 minutes difference from the calculation of the Istiwa'aini Qibla direction) because the Vincenty formula has high accuracy in determining the Qibla direction based on the ellipsoid shape of the earth. Then, determining the Qibla direction using the 3D Qibla feature with augmented reality technology is categorized as less accurate according to Slamet Hambali's level of accuracy, but still within tolerance limits according to Thomas Djamaluddin's level of accuracy. The accuracy of the Qibla direction of the Miqat application differs from 0o to 1o from the Qibla direction measured by Istiwa'aini.