bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake tsunami: implications for tsunami sources in the eastern margin of the Japan Sea
Authors: Masuda Hidetoshi , Sugawara Daisuke , Cheng An-Chi , Suppasri Anawat , Shigihara Yoshinori , Kure Shuichi , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: February 2024

A moment magnitude (Mw) 7.5 earthquake occurred on January 1, 2024, at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula, Central Japan, triggering a large tsunami. Seismological and geodetic observations revealed the rupture of mapped submarine active faults. While proximal segment ruptures were well resolved by existing researches, distal segments posed challenges for onshore tsunami observations, prompting the need for a comprehensive study on wave sources. We aimed to examine tsunami propagation and inundation using three different fault models to identify the general characteristics of the tsunami source and evaluate the complexities of earthquake and submarine landslide-induced tsunamis. The study identified the simultaneous rupture of two active fault systems as the most suitable model for explaining observed tsunami height and inundation; however, some inconsistencies with observations remain. The propagation process did not follow a concentric pattern but aligned with bathymetric heterogeneity. The findings also suggested potential amplification effects responsible for Iida Bay’s coast devastation and indicated a possible submarine landslide in southern Toyama Bay. The findings of the present work will benefit the exploration of a more realistic tsunami source model, considering the differences between observations and simulations. Such efforts, in collaboration with paleotsunami research, will contribute to the improved assessment of hazards from submarine active faults.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: li qiong , zhao chenyang , Liu Miao , Lei Dongzhu , yue chaoyan
Published: February 2024

Objective We aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between PUFAs and the risk of ICP using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using large-scale European-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) summary data related to ICP containing 115,006 samples. The exposures,including omega-3 fatty acids levels, ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to total fatty acids, ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, ratio of linoleic acid to total fatty acids, come from UK Biobank containing 11,590,399 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). MR analysis was performed mainly using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) methods, and other methods including were conducted to validate the result.We also cnducted sensitivity analysis to identify the potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Results We found that the risk of ICP was reduced by 31% for every 1SD increase in omega-3 fatty acids levels(OR=0.69, 95%CI=0.54 to 0.89) and in omega-3 fatty acids to total fatty acids(OR=0.69, 95%CI=0.53 to 0.91). The risk of ICP was increased by 51% for every 1SD increase in ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids(OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.20 to 1.91) and increased by 138% for every 1SD increase in ratio of linoleic fatty acids to total fatty acids (OR = 2.38, 95%CI=1.55 to 3.66).
Conclusions Our study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are protective against the risk of ICP, while omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic fatty acids are potential risk factors for ICP. Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids can be used as markers for potential risk stratification of ICP.
Spatial Variations of Landslide Severity with respect to Meteorological and Soil Related Factors
Authors: Dutta Kunal , Poddar Arkaprabha , Middya Asif Iqbal , Roy Sarbani
Published: February 2024

Landslides, a prevalent natural disaster, wreak havoc on both human lives and vital infrastructure, making them a significant global concern. Their devastating impact is immeasurable, necessitating proactive measures to minimize their occurrence. The ability to accurately forecast the severity of a landslide, including its potential fatality rate and the scale of destruction it may cause, holds tremendous potential for prevention and mitigation to reduce the risk and the damage caused by a landslide to infrastructure and life. In this study, the spatial variability in severity of landslides (in terms of mortality rates) and its dependence on various meteorological, geographical and soil composition has been attempted to be established. To do this, Ordinary Least Squares (global) and various Geographically Weighted (local) models have been employed to observe the varying relation between mortality rates and its various causative factors. Existence of geographical heterogeneity in the relationships is also investigated. The spatial pattern of landslide mortality and its associations with various causative variables in the South Asian Region are investigated and analysed. Through this, insights into targeting of prevention and mitigation measures for landslides based on a given location can be obtained by studying the various forms of heterogeneous spatial associations observed. The outcomes highlight that the local models in the form of Gaussian GWR and Poisson GWR outperform their global counterparts by a huge margin with better R2 and Adj R2 values. In comparison with Poisson GWR and Gaussian GWR , it is seen that Poisson GWR outperforms Gaussian GWR in terms of Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error and Corrected Akaike Information Criterion. Furthermore, several intriguing local relationships patterns are also noted.
Intensive care unit nurses' futile care perception in COVID-19 patients and its relationship with resilience and turnover intention: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: akhuleh Omid Zadi , Tavani Fatemeh Molaei , Behshid Mozhgan , Sheikhalipour Zahra , Rahmani Parvin , KHodayari Mohammad Taghi
Published: February 2024

Background
Futile care is a set of actions without creating a reasonable chance of benefiting critically ill patients. In the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to discuss futile care perception. This may cause unbearable pressure for nurses in terms of resilience and turnover intention.This study was designed to determine the ICU nurses' perception of futile care in COVID-19 patients and its relationship with resilience and turnover intention.
Methods
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 251 nurses working in COVID-19 ICUs, in 2021 who were recruited with the stratified random sampling method.The data collection tools included questionnaires for demographic information, futile care, resilience assessment, and turnover intention. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS v26 software.
Results
A high average level (64.78 ± 9.98) of futile care perception was found in the studied nurses, and their average levels of turnover intention (36.4 ± 5.1) and resilience (65.5 ± 14.1) were evaluated at a moderate level. A significant and inverse relationship was observed between futile care perception and resilience (P = 0.047, rs= -0.077). There was a significant and positive relationship between futile care perception and turnover intention (P = 0.026, rs= 0.151). The resilience and turnover intention variables were correlated inversely and significantly (rs= -0.158, P = 0.014).
Conclusion
The adoption of appropriate strategies by managers can direct the nursing care path from futile to useful care. Given the significant relationship between resilience and turnover intention, it is recommended to teach strategies in the teaching program of nurses to enhance their resilience.
Genetic associations of cardiometabolic risk factors and mitral regurgitation
Authors: ren ruirui , Jin Natong , zhang hao , Zheng yang
Published: February 2024

Background
It has been investigated the casual association between systolic blood pressure and valvular heart diseases, but other cardiometabolic risk factors and ventricular-related diseases and atrial-related diseases for mitral regurgitation remain largely unclear.
Methods
This study used a Mendelian randomization (MR) method to assess the relationships between the main cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases with mitral regurgitation. Instruments for the genetic effect of exposure ( Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Low- Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, Atrial Fibrillation, Myocardial Infarction, Heart Failure ) were extracted from the IEU Open GWAS project or meta-analysis among participants of European ancestry (linkage disequilibrium threshold of r2<0.001 ). Instruments for outcome variables (mitral regurgitation) were identified from UK Biobank. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main method.
Results
Cardiometabolic risk factors associated with a higher risk of mitral regurgitation included: systolic blood pressure [OR: 1.00006, 95% CI: 1.000003-1.000115, P=0.0385] and cardiovascular diseases included atrial fibrillation (AF) [OR:1.000946, 95% CI: 1.000239-1.001654, P=0.0088]. No apparent associations with mitral regurgitation were obtained for genetic instruments for other factors.
Conclusion
Our Mendelian analysis proved that systolic blood pressure and atrial fibrillation were associated with the risk of mitral regurgitation.
The Mediating Role of Resilience Between Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Moral Injury of Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Alenezi Atallah , Alshammari Mohammed HaMIan
Published: February 2024

Background: Nurses possess the capacity to deliver exceptional care, but their ability is greatly affected by the related issues of vicarious trauma (VT), compassion fatigue (CF), and moral injury (MI). Nurses have inherent resilience despite the challenges, enabling them to confront and overcome these difficulties with determination and professionalism. This study explored the role of resilience as a mediator between the effects of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and moral injury among nurses in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: In this study, 511 staff nurses were recruited from three hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The research was conducted using a quantitative correlation cross-sectional design, and a structural equation model (SEM) was developed, guided by the STROBE criteria. The participants were selected through consecutive sampling.
Results: The findings demonstrate that vicarious trauma positively affects resilience, compassion fatigue, and moral injury. Resilience has a positive impact on both compassion fatigue and moral injury. Furthermore, compassion fatigue directly influences moral injury.
Conclusion: Our study found that resilience is the strongest predictor of CF, while CF has the greatest impact on MI.
7-ketocholesterol enhances BACE1-amyloid precursor protein cleavage and amyloidogenic peptide generation targeted by natural molecules
Authors: Krishnan Mahalakshmi , Kumaresan Manikandan , Ravi Sangeetha , Martin Livya Catherene , Duraisamy Parimalanandhini , Munusamy Arumugam , Ramar Manikandan
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disorder characterised by amyloid beta aggregates activated by the accumulation of lipid molecules and their derivatives. The current therapeutics needs more effectiveness and signifies an undesirable effect. Disease-altering natural molecules-based treatment that are still behind the subject of in-depth research. In this study, bornyl acetate (BA) and menthol (ME) the natural monoterpenes were investigated for their neuroprotective effects. We analysed the lipid accumulation, amyloid generation and progressive pathologies like free radical generation, acetylcholinesterase levels, calcium accumulation and mitochondrial integrity induced by 7-ketocholesterol in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, mediators involved in the amyloidogenic, inflammatory and apoptotic pathway were studied. Our results showed that the cells induced with 7-ketocholesterol upon co-treatment with BA and ME notably reduced lipid accumulation and amyloid generation through TLR4 suppression as well as enhanced ABCA1 mediated clearance. Co-treatment with BA and ME concurrently regulated oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase activity, mitochondrial damage and intracellular calcification altered by 7-ketocholesterol in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, 7-ketocholesterol treated cells shows elevated mRNA levels of misfolded protein markers, apoptotic mediator, which were significantly downregulated by BA and ME co-treated cells. In addition, the protein expression of amyloidogenic, proinflammatory as well as pro-apoptotic markers were decreased by BA and ME co-treatment with 7KCh-induced cells. Overall, BA and ME mediated inhibition of amyloidogenic activation and cell survival against 7-ketocholesterol induced inflammation. In brief our study unveiled an auspicious disease targeted multipotential compounds to prevent the onset and progression of AD.
Characteristics of Ocular Syphilis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients in Tertiary Eye Care Center : A Two-Year Observational Study
Authors: Setiawan Grace , Mustaram Arief , Muslima Patriotika , Fajriansyah Angga , Idrus Elfa
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Syphilis is a chronic systemic disease caused by the Treponema pallidum that is transmitted through sexual intercourse or trans-placental. Syphilis has the ability to mimic clinical manifestations of many organ systems, including the eye. Ocular syphilis can occur at any stage of syphilis A worldwide increase of ocular syphilis has been reported, especially in men having sex with men (MSM) and in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population.
Purpose
To describe the clinical characteristics of ocular syphilis in HIV-positive patients in the Indonesian National Eye Center, Cicendo Eye Hospital.
Methods
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from medical records of patients diagnosed as ocular syphilis with HIV co-infection from January 2019 to March 2021. Gender, age, marital status, educational level, sexual preference, clinical features, visual acuity, ocular lateralization, ocular medications, systemic medications, and follow-up period were reviewed.
Results
A total of 26 eyes from 15 patients were included in this study. The majority of the subjects were males (93%) with the age of 20–30 years old (66%). All of the subjects were HIV-positive and 53% of them were MSM. Bilateral ocular syphilis were found in 73% subjects with panuveitis as the most common (65%) clinical manifestation. The median of the follow-up period was 4 (3–11) months.
Conclusion
Characteristics of population in this study were young-adult males that were tested positive for HIV with the history of MSM. Bilateral panuveitis was the most prominent clinical manifestation.
Evolution of Methyl Mercaptan in Its-Assisted Kraft Pulping Process
Authors: Hu Songnan , Li Peiyuan , Zhang Saisai , Huang Liulian , Chen Lihui , Hu Hui-Chao
Published: February 2024

Pulp industry is one of the oldest and most large-scale chemical industries to realize biomass high-value utilization in the world. In pulp industry, it is perplexed researches and engineers that the kraft pulp yield is far from the cellulose and hemicellulose contents in biomass. Since the methyl mercaptan (MeSH) can be self-produced by kraft pulping process, its-assisted kraft pulping has been revisited to increase pulp yield. The MeSH has strong nucleophilicity, making it could be consumed by demethylation or non-demethylation reactions. To achieve a higher MeSH recovery, it has important significance to investigate the relations of MeSH and its products with pulping conditions. It was found that employing higher pulping temperature, more alkali charge, and larger ratios of Na2S:MeSH can greatly improve the recyclable residual MeSH content in black liquors from 17–36%. With the moderate pulping conditions, the residual MeSH content was approximately 30% accounting on the original MeSH. Amounts of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), the high value demethylation product of lignin or hemicellulose by MeSH, was found in black liquors up to 15% on the original MeSH. Almost half amount of MeSH involved in the non-demethylation reactions and can not be recycled. In the separated kraft lignins, the generation pathway and chemical structure of the new methylsulfur-containing lignin was supposed based on the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. To obtain the economic balance and profit, the DMS recycling was proposed as the cost compensation, or adopting the partial MeSH-assisted kraft pulping in the batch digesting systems.
The Effect of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Cardiac Mechanics in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Chen Chen , Nishtala Arvind , Li Emily , Schultz William , Baldridge Abigail , Groenendyk Jacob , Lee Daniel , Shah Sanjiv , Burt Richard , Freed Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis. Cardiac involvement in SSc is often subclinical and portends a worse prognosis. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) improves survival in SSc but its effect on cardiac function is unknown. This study aimed to assess HSCT’s effect on cardiac mechanics in SSc.
Methods
Participants with SSc were identified from a prospective registry, and grouped according to the receipt of HSCT between 2009 and 2018. The HSCT cohort underwent comprehensive conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) pre- and post-HSCT. The non-HSCT cohort received echocardiograms within a similar time frame. Baseline and follow-up clinical and echocardiographic variables were compared within and between groups.
Results
The HSCT cohort (n = 88) was older (59±6 versus 51±11 years, p = 0.002) and more female-predominant (95% vs 75%, p = 0.049) compared to the non-HSCT cohort (n = 20). HSCT recipients showed improved right ventricular (RV) strain globally (18.1±3.9% versus 20.0±4.5%, p < 0.001) and within the RV free wall (20.7±5.3% versus 23.2±5.6%, p < 0.001). While left ventricular (LV) strain did not change, left atrial (LA) reservoir strain improved (35.9±8.7% versus 47.8±11.4%, p < 0.001) and LA stiffness index (0.24±0.12 versus 0.18±0.08, p < 0.001) decreased post-HSCT. No longitudinal changes in STE measures were observed among the non-HSCT cohort. Between-group analysis demonstrated a significant association between HSCT and change in LA reservoir strain (p = 0.002) at follow-up.
Conclusions
RV and LA mechanics significantly improve after HSCT among patients with SSc. This suggests a favorable effect of HSCT on the underlying myocardial pathology caused by SSc.
Selective attention function impairment in HIV-negative patients with early forms of neurosyphilis
Authors: He Caifeng , Yuan Tao , Yuan Lili , Wang Jun , Lu Xiaohong , Hu Wenlong , Qiang Di , Cui Yong , Ci Chao , Shang Xianjin
Published: February 2024

Background: Attentional Network Test (ANT), was widely used to evaluate the performance of three attentional networks, i.e., alerting, orienting and executive attention networks. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of attention functions in HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS and their association with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.
Methods: 31 HIV-negative patients without NS, 30 HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS, and 35healthy controls enrolled from September 2020 to November 2022 were evaluated with the ANT and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Brain MRI was performed in patients with and without NS.
Results: There were no significant difference in the MMSE scores between the three groups. Patients with early forms of NS showed poorer performance in orienting and alerting functions than those without NS (F = 6.952, P = 0.011 and F = 8.794, P = 0.004, respectively); however, no difference was observed in executive function between the two groups (F = 0.001, P = 0.980). Multivariate analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post-hoc test indicated that patients with NS exhibited less efficient orienting function (P = 0.023), alerting function (P = 0.003) but not executive function (P = 0.99) than those without NS. Moreover, compared with contemporary healthy controls, a significant difference in orienting function was observed in patients with NS (P < 0.001). The NS group comprised more patients with MRI abnormalities in the frontal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction than the non-NS group (24/25 vs. 13/19, P = 0.032).
Conclusions: HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS demonstrated obvious orientation and alerting function impairment. Brain MRI abnormalities in the frontal and/or parietal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction indicated the presence of potential neural structure and network priority barriers pertaining to selective attention deficit.
RETRACTED: Kinetic Study and Optimization of Levulinic Acid Production from Chicory with PTSA as Catalyst
Authors: BİÇER Özge , CENGİZ Nihal Ü.
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Q2Ketogenic diets alter the Gut Microbiome resulting in decreased susceptibility and cognitive impairment of Pilocarpine-Induced status epilepticus
Authors: Li Bianli , Ma Yue , Wang Xuhui , Zhao Di , Wang Ziqin , Wang Guoyang , Li Chunyi , Ji Hui , Liu Kunmei , Chen Qiuyuan , Yang Yong , Ma Wenqian , Du Jianbin , Ma Lei , Zhang Lianxiang , Qiang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein dietary approach that exerts antiepileptogenic effects by attenuating spontaneous recurrent seizures, ameliorating learning and memory impairments, and modulating the gut microbiota composition. However, the role of gut microbiome in antiepileptic effects of KD on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by lithium-pilocarpine in adult rats are still unknown. Our study provides evidence demonstrating that the KD effectively mitigates seizure behavior and reduces acute-phase epileptic brain activity, KD treatment alleviates hippocampal neuronal damage and improves cognitive impairment induced by TLE. We also observed that the beneficial effects of the KD are compromised when gut microbiota is disrupted through antibiotic administration. Components of gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from TLE rats fed either KD or normal diet. Chao, ACE index showed a decrease species variety in KD treatment rats compared to TLE rats with normal diet. KD increased the level of Actinobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria and decreased the level of Bacteroidetes. Interestingly, the abundance of Actinobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota indicate a positive correlation with the learning and memory ability, the abundance of Proteobacteria showed a positive correlation with the seizure susceptibility. In conclusion, our study unveils the significant antiepileptic and neuroprotective effect of the KD in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, primarily mediated through the modulation of gut microbiota. However, gut microbiota mediates the anti-seizure effects of the KD still needs to be better elucidated.
Mechanism and Process of Recycling Copper and Cyanide from a Hazardous Cyanide Waste Slag
Authors: Zhang Qunli , Xie Haiyun , Qi Lei , Jin Yanling , Chen Haijun , Song Zixin , Liu Dianwen
Published: February 2024

China's gold mining enterprises produce a large amount of cyanide slag containing copper ions and cyanide every year, which causes serious environmental pollution if deposited directly. Aiming at hazardous waste cyanide slag, a new process of "cyanide slag washing, copper ion precipitation in washing solution and gaseous membrane recovery of CN−" was developed by combining theoretical analysis with experimental research, which realized the comprehensive utilization of copper ions and cyanide in the slag. Firstly, the washing test of cyanide waste slag was carried out. The results showed that when the pH of washing water was 3.0 and the water amount was 0.8m3/t, the total cyanide concentration in the leaching toxicity of cyanide residue was less than the limit value of 5mg/L stipulated by the national standard. Secondly, the thermodynamics and chemical analysis results show that Cu2+/Cu(CN)n(n−1)− in the washing solution can be removed by CuCN and CuS precipitation, and cyanide is converted into HCN and absorbed by NaOH solution to form NaCN. Further experimental studies showed that the precipitation rate of Cu2+/Cu(CN)n(n−1)− reached 98.99% under the condition of pH 3.5 and NaHS dosage of 200mg/L. The total cyanide removal rate was 99.02% when the flow rate of washing liquid was 0.4m3/h and the two-stage membrane was used. The feasibility and stability of the new method were verified by the cycle test, which can not only solve the problem of toxic and harmful substances leakage in the tailings dam but also maximize the utilization of mineral resources.
Market structure or agent rationality: How efficiency trades with belief updating?
Authors: Giachini Daniele , Mousavi Shabnam , Ottaviani Matteo
Published: February 2024

For the Bayesian learner, updating priors based on observation is the path that improves the beliefs and this, in turn, affects the efficiency of prices. Or so was believed until agents with no learning advantage, that is zero-intelligence, produced near-optimal levels of efficiency. We design a market environment characterized by model misspecification in which agents update their initial probabilistic guesses with increasing sophistication in incorporating observations. In this designed environment, the market penalizes divergence from the truth, measured in relative entropy. We show that a non-linear U-shaped relation brings together individual rationality in learning and quality of pricing (i.e. informative efficiency). Efficiency first takes a dip with learning sophistication, then converges toward the full information limit (i.e. Bayesian learning). We argue that the results emerge from the particular interaction of two evolutionary forces operating at different levels: learning (individual level) and selection (market level).
JEL Classification: C60, D53, D81, D83, G11, G12
Genomic basis of divergence of modern cultivated potatoes
Authors: Li Hongbo , Oortwijn Marian , Brouwer Matthijs , Pup Elena Del , Kaauwen Martijn van , Esselink Danny , Lieshout Natascha van , Hutten Ronald C. B. , Eck Herman J. van , Finkers Richard ,   Christian W. B. Bachem1, Visser Richard G. F.
Published: February 2024

Background
Modern cultivated potatoes have been bred for distinct market usages such as fresh eating, chip processing and starch manufacturing; however, genomic insights into this differentiation are limited.
Results
Here, we report a map of genomic variation encompassing ~79 million variants, constructed by genome-wide resequencing of 137 autotetraploid commercial potato varieties or accessions collected worldwide. Population genomic analysis provides evidence for divergence among modern commercial potato varieties and reveal distinct genomic composition in those bred for starch manufacturing industry, which may have been caused by continuous selection of yield-related traits and intensive exploitation of potato wild relatives. We characterize how alien introgression has reshaped the genomes of starch industry potato varieties, implicating an important role of potato wild relatives in genetic determination of yield-related traits as well as possible linkage drag. We further identify previously undiscovered genomic regions underlying agronomically important traits such as tuber bruising, maturity and tuber flesh and skin color.
Conclusions
These results shed light on the divergence history of modern cultivated potato and provide useful resources for genomics-guided breeding of this globally important staple crop.
Relações entre as percepções de ciência e as atividades experimentais na docência em química: Um estudo utilizando a classificação hierárquica descendente
Authors: Nobre-da-Silva Nara Alinne , Da Silva Roberto Ribeiro
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as percepções de ciência de um grupo de docentes do Ensino Básico, Técnico e Tecnológico que se dividem quanto às concepções e práticas sobre experimentação no ensino. A pesquisa possui abordagem qualitativa sendo do tipo descritiva. Os participantes foram14 docentes vinculados aos Institutos Federais do Estado de Goiás, e a coleta de dados se deu por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada. Para análise dos dados as entrevistas foram transcritas, submetidas ao software IRAMUTEQ e interpretadas analiticamente. Nossos resultados exploram as semelhanças e distanciamentos entre quatro grupos que apresentam diferentes princípios estilísticos acerca da experimentação no ensino. Entre os grupos que se aproximam de princípios estilísticos simplistas de experimentação, há uma defesa pela neutralidade da ciência, considerando os aspectos subjetivos que envolve o fazer ciência como uma característica negativa. Em contraponto, o grupo que se aproxima de princípios estilísticos contemporâneo de experimentação, percebe os aspectos subjetivos como inerente à ciência. A partir dos dados apresentados, podemos dizer que a percepção de ciência é um forte condicionante a perpetuação de concepções e práticas docente simplistas quando se trata da experimentação no ensino.
The Need to Integrate Fundamental Radiology in Undergraduate Medicine Curriculum
Authors: Masood Muhammad Hamza , Khan Dilawar Ali
Published: February 2024

Dear Editor,
Since its advent in the early Twentieth Century, Radiology beholds capital significance in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. Imaging techniques of the likes of X – Ray, CAT scan, MRI and the positron emission tomography (PET) have taken the world by storm over the past 20 years so much so that they have become indispensable in Medical Investigation. There is a growing school of thought with the view that basic radiological knowledge of X – Rays and Ultrasound should be imparted to medical students from the get-go.1
As a matter of fact, until recently an overwhelming majority of Medical Institutions in Pakistan have been adherent to the orthodox Non - Modular system which was essentially based on the then transformative Flexner Report of July 1910 where Abraham Flexner vehemently advocated learning basic biomedical sciences prior to clinical sciences; thereby preferring less practical theoretical knowledge to that of empirical importance to the clinician.2 Unfortunately, that is not how patients are to be treated.3 Recently, all Medical Colleges under University of Health Sciences have adopted the Integrated Modular system4 which endorses the studying of basic and clinical subjects side by side. In addition to this much needed step, the concerned authorities are exhorted to look into the need to include fundamental radiological techniques in the under graduate Medical curriculum in order to properly integrate the modular system.
Awareness of ChatGPT Among Medical Students and Trainee/Residents
Authors: Lateef Hina , Arshad Rabia , Ayesha Eman , Hanif, Sumera , Zainab Aroosha , Naseer Omera , Shahzad Fatah , Afzal Saira
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aims to assess the awareness of ChatGPT among medical students and postgraduate trainees.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Study was conducted for a period of three months from May to July 2023 at BMY Health. Methodology: Our study targeted 370 medical students and postgraduate trainees from reputable institutions across Punjab using a convenient sampling technique. The data collection tool was a structured online questionnaire that assessed the participant'sfamiliarity with ChatGPT, perceived usefulness, and intentions to use it in the future. Results: Most of the respondents (78%) were from the age group 20-30yr. Among the respondents 54.7% (204) were females. Study reveals that males are more active users (27.2% using once weekly) as compared to females (19.2% using once weekly). 41.5% (39) of male MBBS students reported having full knowledge of ChatGPT compared to 30% (18) of female MBBS students. 28.6% (16) of male postgraduate trainees said they have full knowledge of ChatGPT compared to 10.3% (7) of female postgraduate trainees. 31.6% (6) of male BDS students have full knowledge of ChatGPT as compared to 9.1% (7) of female BDS students. Conclusion: Medical students and trainees have moderate awareness of ChatGPT but positively perceive its utility in clinical decision-making, research, and education.
Natural hazard risk analysis in the framework of water safety plans
Authors: Amadio Jessica , Kanakoudis Vasilis , Dimkić Dejan , Matić Branislava , Banovec Primoz , Boljat Ivana , Campione Emanuela , Čenčur Curk Barbara , Duro Andrea , Kovac Darko , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Papakonstantinou Argiris , Lukač Reberski Jasmina , Srša Matjaž , Tsitsifli Stavroula , Romano Emanuele
Published: February 2024

The available literature on natural hazard risk analysis focused on the implementation of water safety plans (WSPs) is surprisingly quite poor, despite the significant increase in the number and severity of disasters and adverse effects on drinking water supply systems generated by natural hazards. At the same time, WSPs that conveniently account for natural hazards with a comprehensive approach ‘from source to tap’ are still scarce as they typically occur at larger spatial scales and adequate prevention, mitigation and adaptation require efficient inter-institutional collaborations. The aim of this paper is to highlight the main bottlenecks for water utilities to include natural hazards in the development of their WSPs. The research adopted a stakeholders-oriented approach, involving a considerable number of water utilities (168), water sectoral agencies (15) and institutions (68) across the Adriatic-Ionian Region through a stepwise process that generated joint SWOT analysis, the development of a decision support system (DSS) focused on WSPs procedures and tabletop exercises. The final outcomes generated strategic documents (REWAS – Adrion Road map for resilient water supply) that highlighted the necessity for efficient cross-sectoral and inter-institutional cooperation in the development of well-founded and robust WSPs to address natural hazard risk analysis for water supply systems (DWSS).
Recent Advances in Biomedical Applications of Mannans and Xylans
Authors: Teli Shriya , Deshmukh Kajal , Khan Tabassum , Suvarna Vasanti
Published: February 2024

Plant-based phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and
other metabolites, have attracted considerable attention due to their central role in synthesizing
nanomaterials with various biomedical applications. Hemicelluloses are the second most abundant
among naturally occurring heteropolymers, accounting for one-third of all plant constituents. In
particular, xylans, mannans, and arabinoxylans are structured polysaccharides derived from hemicellulose.
Mannans and xylans are characterized by their linear configuration of β-1,4-linked mannose
and xylose units, respectively. At the same time, arabinoxylan is a copolymer of arabinose
and xylose found predominantly in secondary cell walls of seeds, dicotyledons, grasses, and cereal
tissues. Their widespread use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and gene delivery is based on
their properties, such as cell adhesiveness, cost-effectiveness, high biocompatibility, biodegradability,
and low immunogenicity. Moreover, it can be easily functionalized, which expands their potential
applications and provides them with structural diversity. This review comprehensively addresses
recent advances in the field of biomedical applications. It explores the potential prospects for
exploiting the capabilities of mannans and xylans in drug delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering.
LEA Proteins in Plant Cellular Stress Tolerance: Insights and Implications
Authors: Subramanian Rajesh , Sambandham Subashree , Kumar Swamy Likhith Rampura , Umaiya Pandi Nandhini , Karunamurthy Dhivya , Shunmugiah Veluchamy Ramesh
Published: February 2024

Plants, throughout their life cycle, are exposed to vagaries of biotic and
abiotic stresses. To alleviate the stresses, plants have developed different molecular
response systems. One such response is the high-level accumulation of Late
Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins, a group of hydrophilic proteins encoded by
a set of genes during seed dehydration, at the late stage of embryogenesis. These
proteins are reported not just in plants, but also in algae, bacteria, and nematodes. LEA
proteins are reported to play a versatile role in stress tolerance. This chapter discusses
the classification, distribution, characterization, and functions of LEA proteins and
their implications for plant stress tolerance.
Insights into Physiological and Molecular Responses of Plants under Metal-Nanoparticle Stresses
Authors: Tripathi Sneha , Sharma Samarth , Suri Shubhangi , Tiwari Kavita , Kumar Tripathi Durgesh , Sharma Shivesh
Published: February 2024

In a natural system, plants are experienced adverse effects of continuously
changing climatic conditions and various types of stress throughout their life in which
abiotic stresses are the major constraints that affect the growth and development of
plants. Metal-based nanoparticles are emerging as a new pollutant of concern because
of their widespread application in consumer products, which pose new challenges to
the environment due to their complex interaction and possible toxic effects on plants.
Plants absorb these metal nanoparticles (MNPs) from the soil along with other minerals
and nutrients. Nanoparticles cause phytotoxicity by adversely affecting plants at the
morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels. Various MNPs alter
growth, yield, photosynthesis, and mineral nutrient uptake and induce oxidative stress,
cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in plants. Although plants have evolved various
mechanisms to cope with nanoparticles-induced stress. Coordinated activities of
antioxidants, some key regulatory genes and proteins regulate cellular function under
stress conditions. Understanding the interaction of MNPs with plants and elucidating
the behavior of genes and proteins in response to NPs stressors could lead to the
development of novel approaches to mitigate stress which will support agricultural
production. In this chapter, nanoparticle-induced physiological and molecular
responses and tolerance mechanisms in plants against the mechanistic action of
nanoparticles were described.
In vitro Propagation Protocol of Tylophora indica (Burm.f.)Merrill
Authors: Anitha S.
Published: February 2024

Tylophora indica (Burm.f.) Merrill is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants with bioactive alkaloid-rich secondary metabolites. This plant is used to treat asthma, dysentery, whooping cough, rheumatic pains, jaundice, and cancer. Rapid exploitation of this plant in natural habitats and poor regeneration methods, which are not in pace with those of destruction, make tissue culture methods a viable option to be used as a method of conservation. In the present chapter, tissue culture protocols have been reported till now as the best viable means in the rapid multiplication of T. indica. Sterilization protocols, callus induction and somatic embryogenesis methods, and direct and indirect organogenesis used by different researchers in mass propagation and acclimatization are given in detail. The present chapter gives an insight into the hormones needed and the response of the explants, which will be helpful for those who want to propagate this medicinal plant under in vitro conditions.
Tuberoid Orchids: Micropropagation for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kryukov Lavr , Vorotyntsev Andrey , Shirokov Aleksandr
Published: February 2024

The article presents the developed protocol for the propagation of tuberous
orchids and their organs. The protocol allows for the cultivation of materials for
reintroduction, restoration of disturbed populations and biomedical research. A
phytochemical analysis of this plant group was conducted for the first time, confirming
their medicinal properties. Micropropagation was employed to achieve this objective.
The study focused on nine species of tuberous orchids from the Orchidaceae family:
Dactylorhiza traunsteineri, D. maculata, D. fuchsii, D. incarnata, D. urvilleana, D.
baltica, Gymnadenia conopsea, G. conopsea f. gigantea and Orchis militaris. The
results demonstrated that these species contain chemical substances with potential
physiological activities. For example, squalene exhibited positive effects such as
antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and others. Additionally, other
identified chemical substances demonstrated antiproliferative and proapoptotic
activities against colon cancer, as well as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antitumoral, and antifungal properties.
Micropropagation of Vetiver Grass - A Review
Authors: Kanmani Bharathi Jothi , Arjuna Samy Prakash Muthu
Published: February 2024

Plants and plant materials have long been employed in traditional herbal
remedies. In recent decades, natural resource demand has surged by 8–15% each year
in Asia, North America, and Europe. Vetiver is a plant that produces essential oils and
is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, and herbal medicine. The utilisation of
controlled conditions can help overcome traditional cultivation challenges and may be
used to modify phenotypic variance in the concentration of bioactive chemicals. The
goal is to improve extract potency, minimise toxin levels, and improve extract
consistency and predictability. In this review, an attempt has been made to present in
vitro propagation approaches used in vetiver.
Micropropagation in Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.
Authors: Tahseen Sabaha , Shahzad Anwar , Wasi Adla , Bashir Ganie Irfan
Published: February 2024

Balanites aegyptiaca belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, present in
tropical countries of the world. This plant is well known for its medicinal properties. B.
aegyptiaca contains numerous phytochemical components such as glycosides, proteins,
steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Due to overexploitation, the natural
population of plants is declining in the wild. Also, conventional propagation of the
plants is not sufficient in terms of the production and the number of the plants.
Therefore, to reduce the problem associated with traditional propagation and
production of plants on a larger scale, in vitro propagation is the most suitable
approach. During in vitro propagation, a sufficient number of elite genotype progenies
within a limited time period and without seasonal dependence are produced.
In vitro Propagation of Ruta graveolens L.
Authors: Raghu Ramulu D. , Sri Rama Murthy K.
Published: February 2024

Ruta graveolens L., a multipurpose perennial herb, belongs to the family
Rutaceae. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and is commonly known as Garden
Rue or Herb of Grace. From time immemorial, Rue has been known for its rich
aromatic and medicinal properties. More than 120 compounds of different classes of
natural products, such as acridone alkaloids, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids and
furanoquinolines, have been isolated from R. graveolens. Having a vast range of
secondary metabolites, this plant has been used worldwide for several therapeutic
usages. The essential oil obtained from the distillation of the entire plant has several
therapeutic values. The entire plant is used as an abortifacient, anthelmintic,
antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, and
rubefacient. Besides pharmaceutical applications, this plant is used in cosmetics and
food items. Ripened fruits are used as condiments and leaves are used to make pickles.
Several effective protocols for micropropagation have been developed by several
researchers. Due to its vast usage, the plant is disappearing in the wild. Conventional
propagation methods do not meet the market demands. Hence, there is an urgent need
to shift to in vitro methods for quick and genetically elite plant production. In this
chapter, detailed protocols for in vitro propagation methods are discussed.
Sabão e água ou água e sabão? A diferença que um tradutor humano (ainda) pode fazer…
Authors: Guimarães Joana , Hüsgen Thomas
Published: February 2024

The world of professional translation is inextricably linked to the conquests of artificial intellig ence (AI), and human translators need to use machine translation tools and translatio n memories to increase their productivity . The aim of this paper is to highlig ht the importance of the human translator in the translatio n process and, consequently , to adapt the tra ining of young translators to the circumstances in which they will have to work in the future. Based on the work of final-year students of FLUP's Master's in Translation and Language Services, we carried out an analysis of several cases that revealed the weaknesses of machine translatio n systems, in o rder to illustrate how human intervention can contribute t o a more efficient tra nslation process and a higher quality of the final product and canalso help translators focus their efforts on areas where human intervention is most valuable. If the translator is aware of the limitations of AI systems in advance and if he/she knows what are the most appropria te lin guistic resources applied in the different text genres of specialised communication in the target cultu re and language, during the revision and post-editing process he/she may focus his efforts on areas where human intervention is most valuable: in producing texts that do not look like a translatio n and reveal the characteristic features of orig inal, specialised discourse in the target culture and language. By paying special attention to pronominal anaphora, collo cations, idiomatic expressions, or macro- and micro-textual conventionstranslators can optimize the revision process, increase productivity, and achieveimproved translations in less time.
Zero Emission Guide by The Last Indonesian Minister Regulation of 2022 Uses Blockchain – BIM for Green Efficiency
Authors:   Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Priyawan Priyawan , Husin Albert Eddy ,   Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia
Published: February 2024

As a result of climate change poses a threat and crisis that is currently sweeping the world; one of them is causing drought, rising sea levels, melting polar ice, and heat waves; therefore, the target towards Net Zero Emission (NZE) in 2060 must be an obligation in all countries. Green Building (GB) is a building that meets Building Technical Standards, and It has demonstrated demonstrable success in conserving resources such as water, energy, and other resources. The application of GB principles following the function and classification in every stage of its implementation is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This research aims to analyze the cost of improvement work based on GB assessment, which is an influencing factor in applying the regulation from the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Indonesian government. The Technical Guidelines for GB, through the Minister of PUPR No.1 of 2022, is the latest regulation in Indonesia. Blockchain- Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Implementation of GB using Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) for the analysis. Applying Blockchain-BIM to overcome the cost constraints is proven to increase the cost performance of GB in modern shopping center buildings by 3 - 3.8% in the Basic rating. It is higher when selecting a zero-emission approach for other ratings, dramatically affecting the required green costs.