bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MERACIK PEMBELAJARAN KOLABORATIF BERBANTUAN PADLET UNTUK MENULIS TEKS EKSPLANASI
Authors: Astuti Yuli , Abidin Yunus , Cahyani Isah
Published: March 2024

This study aims to create a meaningful learning design in learning to write explanations with padlet. This research was carried out using the 4D research and development method. The research subjects were students of Madrasah Aliyah Bandung Regency. Data were collected using instruments in the form of interviews, assessments, and questionnaires. The research data were processed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that the design of developing a meaningful learning model assisted by the padlet application in learning to write explanatory texts described a harmonious combination between the collaborative learning syntax and the padlet application; the application of the development of meaningful learning models assisted by padlet applications can improve students' writing skills in writing explanatory texts, and the response of the participants to meaningful learning models assisted by padlet applications in learning to write explanatory texts is very good.
Determinants Of Customer Satisfaction Against The Intention To Revisit At Hangry Fast Food Restaurant
Authors: Kustianti Nia Nur , Chairun Nisa Puspita
Published: March 2024

In Liu and Jang's (2009) research, they state that revisit intentions are important because the company's focus on its mission and goals can be maintained by reviewing revisit intentions, which ensures that all actions and decisions are in line with these intentions. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of food quality, perceived value, fair price, customer satisfaction, revisit intentions, and Electronic of Mouth. The population of this study is people who live in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang, and Bekasi who order Hangry online. The sample in this study was 160 people. Using a nonpurposive sampling method to select respondent criteria. The data analysis method used is path analysis through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). In this study it was found that food quality has an effect on fair price, fair price and food quality has an effect on perceived value. Food quality, fair price, and perceived value do not affect customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction influences revisit intention. Customer satisfaction did not successfully influence E-WOM.
Respiratory Tract Diseases with Musculoskeletal System Interaction: A Scoping Review
Authors: Erdoğan Rafet Umut , Kılıç Talha , Kuru Çolak Tuğba
Published: March 2024

Objective: Respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal disorders are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Although current guidelines encourage a multidimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment, the interaction between these disease categories has not been adequately investigated. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of current research on diseases related to both respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders and identify gaps for future studies.
Methods: Using the PRISMA extension to scope the reviews, we focused on randomized controlled trials and cohort studies published in the last five years. A total of 2003 abstracts were identified in databases such as Scopus, WoS, PubMed, Medline, Cinahl, OpenAIRE and EBSCO. After removing 287 duplicates, 1716 articles were screened based on title and abstract. A total of 470 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 11 articles meeting our inclusion criteria.
Results: The review shows limited but influential studies investigating the intersection between respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases. The findings suggest that musculoskeletal disorders may negatively affect respiratory functions and vice versa. Several studies have demonstrated potential biomarkers, the importance of sleep quality, and associations with multimorbidity.
Conclusion: Although limited to 11 articles, this review highlights the importance of a more detailed understanding of the interactions between the musculoskeletal system and respiratory diseases. This may inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies. However, the limited number of studies in this area indicates that more research is needed, especially which contains interaction mechanism of musculoskeletal and pulmonary pathologies.
Biomass estimations of cultivated kelp using underwater RGB images from a mini-ROV and computer vision approaches
Authors: Overrein Martin Molberg , Tinn Phil , Aldridge David , Johnsen Geir , Fragoso Glaucia M.
Published: March 2024

Seaweed farming is the fastest-growing aquaculture sector worldwide. As farms continue to expand, automated methods for monitoring growth and biomass become increasingly important. Imaging techniques, such as Computer Vision (CV), which allow automatic object detection and segmentation can be used for rapid estimation of underwater kelp size. Here, we segmented in situ underwater RGB images of cultivated Saccharina latissima using CV techniques and explored pixel area as a tool for biomass estimations. Sampling consisted of underwater imaging of S. latissima hanging vertically from a cultivation line using a mini-ROV. In situ chlorophyll a concentrations and turbidity (proxies for phytoplankton and particle concentrations) were monitored for water visibility. We first compared manual length estimations of kelp individuals obtained from the images (through manual annotation using ImageJ software). Then, we applied CV methods to segment and calculate kelp area and investigated these measurements as a robust proxy for wet weight biomass. A strong positive linear correlation (r2 = 0.959) between length estimates from underwater image frames and manual measurements from the harvested kelp was observed. Using unsupervised learning algorithms, such as mean shift clustering, colour segmentation and adaptive thresholding from the OpenCV package in Python, kelp area was segmented and the number of individual pixels in the contour area was counted. A positive power relationship was found between length from manual measurements with CV-derived area (r2 = 0.808) estimated from underwater images. Likewise, CV-derived area had a positive power relationship with wet weight biomass (r² = 0.887). When removing data where visibility was poor due to high turbidity levels (mid-June), the power relationship was stronger between CV-derived area estimates and the field measurements (r² = 0.976 for wet weight biomass and r² = 0.979 for length). These results show that robust estimates of cultivated kelp biomass in situ are possible through kelp colour segmentation. However, we demonstrate that the quality of CV post-processing and accuracy of the model are highly dependent of environmental conditions (e.g. turbidity and chlorophyll a concentrations). The establishment of these technologies has the potential to offer scalability of production, efficient real-time monitoring of sea cultivation and improved yield predictions.
New light on changes in the number and function of blood platelets stimulated by cocoa and its products
Authors: Olas Beata
Published: March 2024

Hyperactivation of blood platelets, one of the causes of heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is influenced by various dietary components, including phenolic compounds from vegetables, fruits, teas, wines, cocoa and its products, including chocolate. The present paper sheds new light on the effect of cocoa and its products, especially dark chocolate, on the number and function of blood platelets, and the anti-platelet activity of their constituent phenolic compounds. A review was performed of papers identified in various electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, with the aim of determining whether their anti-platelet activity may serve as part of a sweet strategy in countering CVDs. Various studies demonstrate that cocoa consumption, especially in the form of dark chocolate, with a high flavanol concentration, has anti-platelet activity and may play a significant role in cardioprotection; they also note that cocoa consumption may be a good strategy in diminishing cardiovascular risk, including hyperactivation of blood platelets.
“You can’t really have a relationship with them because they just ask you questions”: understanding adolescent dropout – an empirical single case study
Authors: Cirasola Antonella , Szegedi Dora , Fonagy Peter , Midgley Nick
Published: March 2024

Introduction

High dropout rates are common in youth psychotherapy, including psychoanalytic psychotherapy, yet the reasons behind this trend remain obscure. A critical focus to enhance adolescent engagement could be the therapeutic alliance, particularly in resolving alliance ruptures. This study sought to clarify the complex relationships between the therapeutic alliance, encompassing alliance ruptures and resolutions, and dropout within the context of poor outcome. It investigated a single case of an adolescent with depression who dropped-out of Short-Term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, without showing clinical improvement.

Method

Data was garnered from diverse sources, including questionnaires, interviews, and session recordings, and analyzed through a mixed-method longitudinal framework. This encompassed views from the adolescent, therapist, parents, and external evaluators.

Results

The study identifies several factors impacting the decision to drop out, including initial profound distrust toward the therapist, a complex and difficult therapeutic relationship characterized by unresolved alliance ruptures, and sporadic attendance. External factors including minimal parental engagement with therapy were also seen as detrimental to the adolescent’s involvement and progress.

Discussion

The research underscores the challenges in engaging adolescents, especially when there may be distrust of professionals, and in the absence of parental involvement with treatment.
A study on the effect of using the video teach-back method in continuous nursing care of stroke patients
Authors: Wang Fei , Feng Wen-Ming , Zhu Ming , Sun Qi , Zhang Yong-Mei , Wang Bing , Luo Xiao-Yong , Shen Jian-Tong , Fang Xiao-Wei , Zhang Ting , Cui Ge
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the effect of a video teach-back method on continuous family nursing care of stroke patients.

Methods

Stroke patients hospitalized in our hospital between March 2020 and March 2023 who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 45), who received routine health education plus video teach-back training of caregivers, and a control group (n = 45), who received routine health education only. The effects on nursing-related variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

Total scores representing the caring ability of caregivers in the intervention group increased significantly over time relative to baseline and were higher than those of the control group. Scores representing the care burden of caregivers in the intervention group decreased significantly over time and were lower than those of the control group.

Conclusion

The teach-back method combined with video education improves the nursing ability of family caregivers and can improve the self-care ability of stroke patients.
Phytonutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Southern African, Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Storage Roots
Authors: Ngcobo Ayanda , Mianda Sephora Mutombo , Seke Faith , Sunette Laurie M. , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: March 2024

Purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) genotype) in Southern Africa have a phytonutritional composition and antioxidant properties that can increase incomes and improve nutrition. This study compared the phytonutrient composition and antioxidant properties of four purple-colour sweet potato genotypes (local Purple-purple, ‘2019-1-1’, and USA genotypes, ‘08-21P’ and ‘16-283P’). These purple sweet potato genotypes were characterised by UPLC/QTOF/MS and 16 phenolic compounds were identified. Purple-purple (very dark purple) showed the highest concentration of cyanidins and peonidin derivatives. Chlorogenic acid derivatives were highest in the genotype ‘16-283P’. ‘Puple-purple’ and ‘16-283P’ displayed the strongest antioxidant power and scavenging activities. Diaffeoylquinic acid isomer 1 was identified as the marker candidate for distinguishing the four purple sweet potato genotypes. Southern Africa’s highest-protein sweet potato genotypes are Purple-purple (28.81 g/100 g) and ‘08-21 P’ (24.31 g/100 g). A 13.65 g portion of ‘2019-1-1′ would meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron for men, while 25.59 g would meet the RDA for children, and 30.72 g would meet the RDA for women. The sweet potato root of genotype ‘2019-1-1′ provides 31.43 g of Zn per day for children and 22.86 g for adults. The roots of local cultivar Purple-purple can be used as functional food ingredients.
A One-Year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Three Types of Narrow-Diameter Implants for Fixed Partial Implant-Supported Prosthesis in the Mandibular Incisor Area
Authors: Ahn Ji-Ho , Lim Young-Jun , Lee Jungwon , Baek Yeon-Wha , Kim Myung-Joo , Kwon Ho-Beom
Published: March 2024

Narrow-diameter implants (NDI) serve as a solution for treating limited bone volume in the anterior mandible. This study aimed to evaluate the one-year clinical outcomes of various NDIs in the mandibular incisor area after immediate loading in partially edentulous patients. This single-center, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial study included 21 patients, with 7 patients in each of the following groups: control (BLT NC SLActive®; Straumann), experimental group 1 (CMI IS-III Active® S-Narrow; Neobiotech), and experimental group 2 (CMI IS-III Active® Narrow; Neobiotech). Using full digital flow, two fixtures were placed in each patient and immediately provisionalized on the day of surgery. Evaluations encompassed periapical radiographs, implant stability quotient (ISQ), implant stability test (IST) readings, per-implant soft tissue health, patient satisfaction surveys, and esthetic score assessments. Definitive prostheses were delivered twelve weeks post-surgery (CRiS, number: KCT0007300). Following exclusions due to low stability values (n = 2), fixture failure (n = 5), and voluntary withdrawal (n = 1), the implant success rate for patients completing all clinical protocols stood at 100%. The resulting patient failure rates in the control, experimental group 1, and experimental group 2 were 50.0%, 42.9%, and 14.3%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of marginal bone loss, soft tissue health, patient satisfaction, and esthetic scores. Narrow implants showed superior clinical outcomes, followed by S-Narrow and Straumann implants. Calculated one-year survival rates at the implant level were 66.7% for the control group, 85.7% for experimental group 1, and 100% for experimental group 2. All three types of NDIs showed acceptable clinical and radiographic results during the year-long observation period.
Immune Gene Networks from Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Kang Taewon , Jekarl Dong Wook
Published: March 2024

The association between immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and immune gene networks in squamous lung cancer (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was studied. Immune gene networks were constructed using RNA-seq data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Datasets with more than 10 samples of normal control and tumor tissues were selected; of these, GSE87340, GSE120622, and GSE111907 were suitable for analysis. Gene set enrichment for pathway analysis was performed. For immune gene network construction, 998 unique immune genes were selected from 21 pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Gene function annotation was performed based on the KEGG, Gene Ontology, and Reactome databases. Tumor tissues showed decreased coagulation, hematopoiesis, and innate immune pathways, whereas complement- and coagulation-related genes were prominent in the tumor immune gene network. The average numbers of neighbors, clustering coefficients, network diameters, path lengths, densities, and heterogeneities were highest for normal tissue, followed by LUAD and LUSC. Decreased coagulation genes, which were prominent in tumor immune networks, imply functional attenuation. LUAD was deviated from normal tissue, based on network parameters. Tumor tissues showed decreased immune function, and the deviation of LUSC from normal tissue might explain LUSC’s better therapeutic response to ICI treatment.
Effects of Modified Invasion Games on Motor Competence and Self-Assessed Physical Condition in Elementary School Students in the Physical Education Classroom
Authors: Neira-Navarrete Diego , Páez-Herrera Jacqueline , Reyes-Amigo Tomás , Yáñez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Cortés-Roco Guillermo , Oñate-Navarrete Cristian , Olivares-Arancibia Jorge , Hurtado-Almonacid Juan
Published: March 2024

Modified invasion games promote the development of real and perceived motor competence. Children with higher motor competence are more likely to participate in physical activity practice and to remain in it, both in adolescence and adulthood. (1) Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of modified invasion games on the real motor competence and self-assessment of the physical condition fifth-grade students from a private school in Viña del Mar, Chile. (2) Methods: 40 girls and boys with an average age of 11.47 years (SD = 0.554) participated in this study during a 12-week intervention. The MOBAK 5-6 battery was used to assess actual motor competence, the SEMOK questionnaire was used to determine perceived motor competence, the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) self-assessment questionnaire was used to assess perceived physical fitness, and the weight/size ratio was used to determine BMI. A Friedman’s nonparametric ANOVA analysis was applied to determine the effect of the intervention, in addition to an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to identify the influence of the covariates on motor competence. (3) Results: No statistically significant differences were established between weight, BMI, and waist circumference. There was a statistically significant difference after the intervention in the actual motor competence of object control (p = 0.005) and perceived motor competence of object control (p ≤ 0.001) (4) Conclusions: An intervention based on modified invasion games is effective for the improvement of actual and perceived motor competence of object control. It was not possible to identify a positive effect on the self-assessment of muscle strength after the intervention.
Potential Interest of Oxalis pes-caprae L., a Wild Edible Plant, for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Clemente-Villalba Jesús , Burló Francisco , Hernández Francisca , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A.
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Oxalis pes-caprae L. is a plant considered within the group of so-called Wild Edible Plants (WEPs). The particularity of these plants is that they grow only with the natural resources at their disposal. Unfortunately, these types of plants are undervalued, being regularly uprooted from the fields. (2) Methods: Therefore, this study aimed to valorize the Oxalis pes-caprae plant, analyzing the proximate composition (sugars, organic acids, minerals, amino acids profile, fatty acids content, and volatile profile) of the plant shoots (flower, leaves, and stem) to demonstrate the full potential of this WEP. (3) Results: The results showed that Oxalis pes-caprae can be considered a natural source of minerals; furthermore, 19 essential and non-essential amino acids were found. Regarding the fatty acid profile, flowers are an important source of linoleic acid, and leaves present a high amount of α-linolenic acid. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, this research provides new information that reaffirms the capacity of Oxalis pes-caprae L. (WEP) to be a plant with great future progression due to its nutritional quality since it could be used in the food, nutritional, or pharmaceutical fields. Further research must be conducted to assay the biomass production and the costs of recommending farmers not to destroy this plant in their fields.
Thermosensitive In Situ Gelling Poloxamers/Hyaluronic Acid Gels for Hydrocortisone Ocular Delivery
Authors: Villapiano Fabrizio , Silvestri Teresa , Lo Gatto Camilla , Aleo Danilo , Campani Virginia , Graziano Sossio Fabio , Giancola Concetta , D’Aria Federica , De Rosa Giuseppe , Biondi Marco , Mayol Laura
Published: March 2024

This study endeavored to overcome the physiological barriers hindering optimal bioavailability in ophthalmic therapeutics by devising drug delivery platforms that allow therapeutically effective drug concentrations in ocular tissues for prolonged times. Thermosensitive drug delivery platforms were formulated by blending poloxamers (F68 and F127) with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) in various concentrations and loaded with hydrocortisone (HC). Among the formulations examined, only three were deemed suitable based on their desirable gelling properties at a temperature close to the eye’s surface conditions while also ensuring minimal gelation time for swift ocular application. Rheological analyses unveiled the ability of the formulations to develop gels at suitable temperatures, elucidating the gel-like characteristics around the physiological temperature essential for sustained drug release. The differential scanning calorimetry findings elucidated intricate hydrogel–water interactions, indicating that HA affects the water–polymer interactions within the gel by increasing the platform hydrophilicity. Also, in vitro drug release studies demonstrated significant hydrocortisone release within 8 h, governed by an anomalous transport mechanism, prompting further investigation for optimized release kinetics. The produced platforms offer promising prospects for efficacious ocular drug delivery, addressing pivotal challenges in ocular therapeutics and heralding future advancements in the domain.
Moderating Effect of Muscular Strength in the Association between Cardiovascular Events and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults—A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Veiga Diogo , Peralta Miguel , Gouveia Élvio R. , Nascimento Marcelo de Maio , Carvalho Laura , Encantado Jorge , Marques Adilson
Published: March 2024

Background: Depression and cardiovascular diseases are two main health conditions contributing to the global disease burden. Several studies indicate a reciprocal association between them. It is still unclear how changes in overall muscle strength may impact this association. This study aimed to analyse how muscular strength moderates the relationship between cardiovascular events and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Wave 8 of the population-based Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (2019/2020) cross-sectional data, which included 41,666 participants (17,986 men) with a mean age of 70.65 (9.1) years old, was examined. Grip strength was measured twice on each hand using a dynamometer. The 12-item EURO-D scale was employed to gauge depressive symptoms. Results: Grip strength negatively moderates the link between cardiovascular events and depressive symptoms (male: B = −0.03, 95% CI = −0.04, −0.03; female: B = −0.06, 95% CI = −0.06, −0.05). Additionally, the grip strength moderation values in the significant zone for males and females were less than 63.2 kg and 48.3 kg, respectively. Conclusions: Muscular strength modifies depressive symptoms and lessens their correlation with cardiovascular diseases. Muscle-strengthening activities could be incorporated into primary and secondary preventive strategies to reduce the burden of depression in people with CVD.
Plain Radiography: A Unique Component of Spinal Assessment and Predictive Health
Authors: Arnone Philip A. , McCanse Andrew E. , Farmen Derek S. , Alano Mark V. , Weber Nicholas J. , Thomas Shawn P. , Webster Austin H.
Published: March 2024

While some research supports utilizing plain radiography for measuring biomechanical alignment of the spine for prognosis and treatment, there are contrasting viewpoints regarding both the value and utilization of these procedures in conservative care. Evaluation of both conservative and non-conservative approaches to spinal care revealed vast differences in radiographic utilization and interpretation between orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, chiropractic physicians, and physical therapists, which may account for the different viewpoints and rationales in the literature. A research summary is provided to explore any unique biomechanical parameters identified with plain radiography of the spine (PROTS) and how these measurements may relate to patient health. Understanding any unique value provided through biomechanical assessment utilizing PROTS may help chiropractic physicians determine the appropriate use of radiographic procedures in clinical practice and how to coordinate efforts with other conservative and non-conservative spinal healthcare professions to improve patient health.
Why Talking Is Not Cheap: Adverse Events and Informal Communication
Authors: Montgomery Anthony , Lainidi Olga , Georganta Katerina
Published: March 2024

Healthcare management faces significant challenges related to upward communication. Sharing information in healthcare is crucial to the improvement of person-centered, safe, and effective patient care. An adverse event (AE) is an unintended or unexpected incident that causes harm to a patient and may lead to temporary or permanent disability. Learning from adverse events in healthcare is crucial to the improvement of patient safety and quality of care. Informal communication channels represent an untapped resource with regard to gathering data about the development of AEs. In this viewpoint paper, we start by identifying how informal communication played a key factor in some high-profile adverse events. Then, we present three Critical Challenge points that examine the role of informal communication in adverse events by (1) understanding how the prevailing trends in healthcare will make informal communication more important, (2) explaining how informal communication is part of the group-level sensemaking process, and (3) highlighting the potential role of informal communication in “breaking the silence” around critical and adverse events. Gossip, as one of the most important sources of informal communication, was examined in depth. Delineating the role of informal communication and adverse events within the healthcare context is pivotal to understanding and improving team and upward communication in healthcare organizations. For clinical leaders, the challenge is to cultivate a climate of communication safety, whereby informal communication channels can be used to collect soft intelligence that are paths to improving the quality of care and patient safety.
Expanded Newborn Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Hong Kong: Results and Outcome of a 7 Year Journey
Authors: Belaramani Kiran Moti , Chan Toby Chun Hei , Hau Edgar Wai Lok , Yeung Matthew Chun Wing , Kwok Anne Mei Kwun , Lo Ivan Fai Man , Law Terry Hiu Fung , Wu Helen , Wong Sheila Suet Na , Lam Shirley Wai , Ha Gladys Ha Yin , Lau Toby Pui Yee , Wong Tsz Ki , Or Venus Wai Ching , Wong Rosanna Ming Sum , Ming Wong Lap , Chow Jasmine Chi Kwan , Yau Eric Kin Cheong , Fu Antony , Chong Josephine Shuk Ching , Yau Ho Chung , Poon Grace Wing Kit , Ng Kwok Leung , Chan Kwong Tat , Lam Yuen Yu , Hui Joannie , Mak Chloe Miu , Fung Cheuk Wing
Published: March 2024

Newborn screening (NBS) is an important public health program that aims to identify pre-symptomatic healthy babies that will develop significant disease if left undiagnosed and untreated. The number of conditions being screened globally is expanding rapidly in parallel with advances in technology, diagnosis, and treatment availability for these conditions. In Hong Kong, NBS for inborn errors of metabolism (NBSIEM) began as a pilot program in October 2015 and was implemented to all birthing hospitals within the public healthcare system in phases, with completion in October 2020. The number of conditions screened for increased from 21 to 24 in April 2016 and then to 26 in October 2019. The overall recruitment rate of the NBS program was 99.5%. In the period between October 2015 and December 2022, 125,688 newborns were screened and 295 were referred back for abnormal results. The recall rate was reduced from 0.26% to 0.12% after the implementation of second-tier testing. An inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) was eventually confirmed in 47 infants, making the prevalence of IMD in Hong Kong 1 in 2674. At the time of the NBS result, 78.7% of the newborns with IMD were asymptomatic. There were two deaths reported: one newborn with methylmalonic acidemia cobalamin B type (MMACblB) died after the initial crisis and another case of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (CPTII) died at 18 months of age after metabolic decompensation. The most common IMD noted were disorders of fatty acid oxidation metabolism (40%, 19 cases), closely followed by disorders of amino acid metabolism (38%, 18 cases), with carnitine uptake defect (19.1%, 9 cases) and citrullinemia type II (17%, 8 cases) being the two most common IMD picked up by the NBSIEM in Hong Kong. Out of the all the IMDs identified, 19.1% belonged to diverse ethnic groups. False negative cases were reported for citrullinemia type II and congenital adrenal hyperplasia during this period.
A Novel Safety Holder Device Designed for Securing the Endotracheal Tube in Neonates with Severe Respiratory Conditions
Authors: Phunapai Nittalin , Sriromreun Parkpoom , Sriromreun Paranee , Panburana Jantana , Rearkyai Sudaruch , Tawkaew Sittinun , Limboonruang Teerapath
Published: March 2024

This article introduces an inventive holder for endotracheal tubes designed specifically to support neonates with severe respiratory conditions during ventilation. Its primary goal is to minimize the risk of slippage of ventilator tubes in newborns, a critical concern that can lead to complications in their respiratory health. The innovation accommodates endotracheal tube equipment by offering adjustable sizing to match different dimensions. The development process employs computer-aided design (CAD) principles, while prototypes are crafted using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Comprising four main components—a support for the endotracheal tube header, a support for the tube unit itself, a flexible structure for tube positioning, and a stabilizing base—the innovation demonstrates structural strength and suitability within predefined parameters. It effectively supports the endotracheal tube apparatus while providing flexibility in positioning and distance adjustments. Importantly, its height can be tailored to suit the newborn’s head, offering adaptability for optimal usage. This research supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 9 relating to “Good health and well-being” and “Industry, innovation and infrastructure”.
Multi-Modal Convolutional Parameterisation Network for Guided Image Inverse Problems
Authors: Czerkawski Mikolaj , Upadhyay Priti , Davison Christopher , Atkinson Robert , Michie Craig , Andonovic Ivan , Macdonald Malcolm , Cardona Javier , Tachtatzis Christos
Published: March 2024

There are several image inverse tasks, such as inpainting or super-resolution, which can be solved using deep internal learning, a paradigm that involves employing deep neural networks to find a solution by learning from the sample itself rather than a dataset. For example, Deep Image Prior is a technique based on fitting a convolutional neural network to output the known parts of the image (such as non-inpainted regions or a low-resolution version of the image). However, this approach is not well adjusted for samples composed of multiple modalities. In some domains, such as satellite image processing, accommodating multi-modal representations could be beneficial or even essential. In this work, Multi-Modal Convolutional Parameterisation Network (MCPN) is proposed, where a convolutional neural network approximates shared information between multiple modes by combining a core shared network with modality-specific head networks. The results demonstrate that these approaches can significantly outperform the single-mode adoption of a convolutional parameterisation network on guided image inverse problems of inpainting and super-resolution.
Importance of the Aspergillus fumigatus Mismatch Repair Protein Msh6 in Antifungal Resistance Development
Authors: Lucio Jose , Gonzalez-Jimenez Irene , Roldan Alejandra , Amich Jorge , Alcazar-Fuoli Laura , Mellado Emilia
Published: March 2024

One of the systems responsible for the recognition and repair of mistakes occurring during cell replication is the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. Two major protein complexes constitute the MMR pathway: MutS and MutL. Here, we investigated the possible relation of four A. fumigatus MMR genes (msh2, msh6, pms1, and mlh1) with the development of azole resistance related to the phenomenon of multi-drug resistance. We examined the MMR gene variations in 163 Aspergillus fumigatus genomes. Our analysis showed that genes msh2, pms1, and mlh1 have low genetic variability and do not seem to correlate with drug resistance. In contrast, there is a nonsynonymous mutation (G240A) in the msh6 gene that is harbored by 42% of the strains, most of them also harboring the TR34/L98H azole resistance mechanism in cyp51A. The msh6 gene was deleted in the akuBKU80 A. fumigatus strain, and the ∆msh6 isolates were analyzed for fitness, azole susceptibility, and virulence capacity, showing no differences compared with the akuBKU80 parental strain. Wild-type msh6 and Δmsh6 strains were grown on high concentrations of azole and other non-azole fungicides used in crop protection. A 10- and 2-fold higher mutation frequency in genes that confer resistance to boscalid and benomyl, respectively, were observed in Δmsh6 strains compared to the wild-type. This study suggests a link between Msh6 and fungicide resistance acquisition.
Tool Wear State Identification Based on the IWOA-VMD Feature Selection Method
Authors: Shui Xing , Rong Zhijun , Dan Binbin , He Qiangjian , Yang Xin
Published: March 2024

Complex, thin-walled components are the most important load-bearing structures in aircraft equipment. Monitoring the wear status of milling cutters is critical for enhancing the precision and efficiency of thin-walled item machining. The cutting force signals of milling cutters are non-stationary and non-linear, making it difficult to detect wear stages. In response to this issue, a system for monitoring milling cutter wear has been presented, which is based on parameterized Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) Multiscale Permutation Entropy. Initially, an updated whale optimization technique is used, with the joint correlation coefficient serving as the fitness value for determining the VMD parameters. The improved VMD technique is then used to break down the original signal into a series of intrinsic mode functions, and the Multiscale Permutation Entropy of each effective mode is determined to generate a feature vector. Finally, a 1D Convolutional Neural Network (1D CNN) is employed as the input model for state monitoring using the feature vector. The experimental findings show that the suggested technique can efficiently extract characteristics indicating the wear condition of milling cutters, allowing for the precise monitoring of milling cutter wear states. The recognition rate is as high as 98.4375%, which is superior to those of comparable approaches.
A Simple Model for Targeting Industrial Investments with Subsidies and Taxes
Authors: Rokhlin Dmitry B. , Ougolnitsky Gennady A.
Published: March 2024

We consider an investor, whose capital is divided into an industrial investment xt and cash yt, and satisfy a nonlinear deterministic dynamical system. The investor fixes fractions of capital to be invested, withdrawn, and consumed, and also the production factor parameter. The government fixes a subsidy fraction for industrial investments and a tax fraction for the capital outflow. We study a Stackelberg game, corresponding to the asymptotically stable equilibrium (x∗,y∗) of the mentioned dynamical system. In this game, the government (the leader) uses subsidies to make incentives for the investor (the follower) to maintain the desired level of x∗, and uses taxes to achieve this with the minimal cost. The investor’s aim is to maximize the difference between the consumption and the price of the production factor at equilibrium. We present an explicit analytical solution of the specified Stackelberg game. Based on this solution, we introduce the notion of a fair industrial investment level, which is costless for the government, and show that it can produce realistic results using a case study of water production in Lahore.
Enhancing Arabic Sign Language Interpretation: Leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks and Transfer Learning
Authors: Al Ahmadi Saad , Muhammad Farah , Al Dawsari Haya
Published: March 2024

In a world essentializing communication for human connection, the deaf community encounters distinct barriers. Sign language, their main communication method is rich in hand gestures but not widely understood outside their community, necessitating interpreters. The existing solutions for sign language recognition depend on extensive datasets for model training, risking overfitting with complex models. The scarcity of details on dataset sizes and model specifics in studies complicates the scalability and verification of these technologies. Furthermore, the omission of precise accuracy metrics in some research leaves the effectiveness of gesture recognition by these models in question. The key phases of this study are Data collection, Data preprocessing, Feature extraction using CNN and finally transfer learning-based classification. The purpose of utilizing CNN and transfer learning is to tap into pre-trained neural networks for optimizing performance on new, related tasks by reusing learned patterns, thus accelerating development and improving accuracy. Data preprocessing further involves resizing of images, normalization, standardization, color space conversion, augmentation and noise reduction. This phase is capable enough to prune the image dataset by improving the efficiency of the classifier. In the subsequent phase, feature extraction has been performed that includes the convolution layer, feature mapping, pooling layer and dropout layer to obtain refined features from the images. These refined features are used for classification using ResNet. Three different datasets are utilized for the assessment of proposed model. The ASL-DS-I Dataset includes a total of 5832 images of hand gestures whereas, ASL-DS-II contains 54,049 images and ASL-DS-III dataset includes 7857 images adopted from specified web links. The obtained results have been evaluated by using standard metrics including ROC curve, Precision, Recall and F-measure. Meticulous experimental analysis and comparison with three standard baseline methods demonstrated that the proposed model gives an impressive recognition accuracy of 96.25%, 95.85% and 97.02% on ASL-DS-I, ASL-DS-II and ASL-DS-III, respectively.
Stability Analysis of a Delayed Paranthrene tabaniformis (Rott.) Control Model for Poplar Forests in China
Authors: Wang Meiyan , Han Leilei , Ding Yuting
Published: March 2024

Forest pests and diseases can diminish forest biodiversity, damage forest ecosystem functions, and have an impact on water conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the interaction mechanism between plants and pests. In this paper, the prevention and control of a specific pest—namely the larva of Paranthrene tabaniformis (Rott.) (hereinafter referred to as larva)—are studied. Based on the invasion mechanism of the larva in poplar, we establish a delayed differential equation and analyze the existence and stability of equilibria. Next, we assess the existence of a Hopf bifurcation to determine the range of parameters that ensures that the equilibria are stable. Then, we select a set of parameters to verify the results of the stability analysis. Finally, we provide biological explanations and effective theoretical control methods for poplar pests and diseases.
Key Backup and Recovery for Resilient DID Environment
Authors: Kim Jihwan , Kim Pyung , Lee Younho , Choi Daeseon
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the advantages of authentication algorithms employing self-sovereign identity, highlighting a reduced communication overhead and the elimination of single points of failure. However, it acknowledges the vulnerability of digital wallets to real-world issues like loss or theft. To address these challenges, we propose an efficient key backup and recovery protocol based on the FROST threshold signature algorithm. This protocol involves trusted third parties and backup devices, ensuring secure secret key sharing and rapid key recovery. Performance evaluations, including key recovery time, demonstrate the protocol’s efficiency and reliability, bolstering the overall robustness of self-sovereign identity systems.
Deriving Exact Mathematical Models of Malware Based on Random Propagation
Authors: Carnier Rodrigo Matos , Li Yue , Fujimoto Yasutaka , Shikata Junji
Published: March 2024

The advent of the Internet of Things brought a new age of interconnected device functionality, ranging from personal devices and smart houses to industrial control systems. However, increased security risks have emerged in its wake, in particular self-replicating malware that exploits weak device security. Studies modeling malware epidemics aim to predict malware behavior in essential ways, usually assuming a number of simplifications, but they invariably simplify the single most important subdynamics of malware: random propagation. In our previous work, we derived and presented the first exact mathematical model of random propagation, defined as the subdynamics of propagation of a malware model. The propagation dynamics were derived for the SIS model in discrete form. In this work, we generalize the methodology of derivation and extend it to any Markov chain model of malware based on random propagation. We also propose a second method of derivation based on modifying the simplest form of the model and adjusting it for more complex models. We validated the two methodologies on three malware models, using simulations to confirm the exactness of the propagation dynamics. Stochastic errors of less than 0.2% were found in all simulations. In comparison, the standard nonlinear model of propagation (present in ∼95% of studies) has an average error of 5% and a maximum of 9.88% against simulations. Moreover, our model has a low mathematical trade-off of only two additional operations, being a proper substitute to the standard literature model whenever the dynamical equations are solved numerically.
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Inversion of Gravity Data Based on Topography: Urals Case Study
Authors: Byzov Denis , Martyshko Petr
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the derivation of a concise closed form for the gravitational field of a polyhedron is presented. This formula forms the basis of the algorithm for calculating the gravitational field of an arbitrary shape body with high accuracy. Based on this algorithm, a method for gravity data inversion (creating density models of the Earth’s crust) has been developed. The algorithm can accept either regular or irregular polyhedron discretization for density model creation. The models are approximated with dense irregular grids, elements of which are polyhedrons. When performing gravity data inversion, we face three problems: topography with large amplitude, the sphericity of the planet, and a long computation time because of the large amount of data. In our previous works, we have already considered those problems separately but without explaining the details of the computation of the closed-form solution for a polyhedron. In this paper, we present for the first time a performance-effective numerical method for the inversion of gravity data based on topography. The method is based on closed-form expression for the gravity field of a spherical density model of the Earth’s crust with the upper topography layer, and provides great accuracy and speed of calculation. There are no restrictions on the model’s geometry or gravity data grid. As a case study, a spherical density model of the Earth’s crust of the Urals is created.
Brevibacillus laterosporus: A Probiotic with Important Applications in Crop and Animal Production
Authors: Liu Yucheng , Zai Xueying , Weng Guangying , Ma Xianyong , Deng Dun
Published: March 2024

Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms.
Vancomycin-Resistant Streptococcus thoraltensis: A Case Report of Bacterial Endocarditis and Review of Literature on Infections Caused by This Pathogen
Authors: Chiorescu Roxana Mihaela , Buksa Sandor Botond , Botan Alexandru , Mocan Mihaela , Costache Carmen , Toc Dan Alexandru
Published: March 2024

Streptococcus thoraltensis is a rare species, part of the viridans streptococcus group, found initially in rabbits and pigs, which can be vancomycin-resistant. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient, a smoker and chronic alcohol consumer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple dental foci who had been diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis caused by Streptococcus thoraltensis. The particular elements of the case consisted of an atypical clinical presentation with diarrheal stools, abdominal pain, concomitant damage to the aortic and tricuspid valves, the presence of large vegetations (>2 cm), and a vancomycin-resistant strain of Streptococcus thoraltensis. The evolution of the patient was unfavorable due to septic embolisms, respiratory failure requiring orotracheal intubation, and septic and cardiogenic shock. Infections with Streptococcus thoraltensis are challenging to treat because of the severity of the clinical form it causes and the pattern of antibiotic resistance in this germ. Based on our brief review, Streptococcus thoraltensis is an extremely rare human pathogen previously described as the etiologic agent of infectious endocarditis in only one case.