bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous Cattle (A2 Cattle) Conservation and Development- A Crucial Socioeconomic Component: A Review
Authors: Rai Alok , Gangwar Chetna , Upadhyay P.K. , Mishra Sadhna
Published: June 2023

In the current assessment, an effort was made to examine Indigenous cattle, significant milch, drought-resistant and dual-purpose breeds for genetic advancement, conservation and future research. The flat forehead, drooping ears, fatty hump on the shoulders, and huge dewlap are traits of indigenous cattle. Along with producing A2 milk, they are renowned for withstanding heat, illness resistance, immunity to ticks and parasites and low maintenance requirements. The main causes of the extinction of indigenous cow breeds are crossbreeding with alien breeds, economic viability issues, marketing issues, low milk output, low milk fat percentage, utility loss, decrease in herd size and extensive mechanisation of agricultural operations. By raising public awareness of the benefits of the Indigenous cow breed and conducting research on them, indigenous cattle can be preserved. The term “conservation” refers to the preservation of genetic potential as well as its improvement and maintenance of a breed for use in the future. In the future, genetic advancement and conservation should be combined. The regional gene banks creation and inclusion of breeder communities, Gaushalas, NGOs and other pertinent parties in conservation initiatives.
Effect of Different Dietary Starch Inclusion Levels on Growth Performance, Glucose Metabolism, Histological Alterations and Modulation of Hepatic Gene Expressions in Genetically Improved Labeo rohita (Jayanti Rohu)
Authors: Rasal Kiran D. , Vasam Manohar , Dixit Sangita , Sundaray Jitendra Kumar , Rasal Avinash , Mahapatra Kanta Das , Sahoo Lakshman , Murmu Khuntia , Iquebal Mir Asif , Kumar Dinesh
Published: June 2023

Background: Feed cost mainly constitutes 40-60% of total aquaculture production expenses, due to the inclusion of expensive animal-derived ingredients to the feed industry. Studies suggested that herbivore and omnivore fish species can consume higher level of carbohydrate (150–300 g/kg starch) as compared to carnivore fish. However, lower carbohydrate utilization in fishes is less understood till date. In the present work, It was attempted to decipher the physiological changes in genetically improved rohu (Jayanti Rohu) upon inclusion of different levels of starch in the feed regime. Methods: Three isonitrogenous (24% crude protein), isolipidic (10% ether extract) experimental diets viz. TS20 (@20% starch), TS30 (@30% starch) and TS40 (@40% starch) were formulated and fed to Jayanti Rohu fingerlings (180 number with average weight of 45±3.5 g) twice daily up to satiation level for 45 days experimental period. The growth performance, nutrient utilization, histological changes and modulation of hepatic gene expressions were evaluated after completion of experiment. Result: Results indicated significantly (p less than 0.05) increased weight gain percentage, SGR and condition factor in TS30 and TS40 as compared to TS20. The histoarchitecture of hepatic cells depicted greater cell damage with increasing levels of dietary carbohydrates. The glucose membrane transporter 2 gene and carbohydrate metabolism involved genes showed a higher expression in TS40 and TS30 compared to TS20. Therefore, the present study concluded that inclusion level of 30% starch as optimal level in the diet of genetically improved Jayanti rohu.
Yield Gap Analysis through Cluster Front Line Demonstration in Blackgram at Tiruchirapalli District
Authors: Amuthaselvi G. , Anand G. , Vijayalakshmi R. , Kanif Noorjahan A.K. , Dhanushkodi V. , Gayathri M. , Ravi M.
Published: June 2023

Background: Black gram is one of the important crops among the pulses. Rice–blackgram cropping system is very common in Tamil Nadu. The traditional practice of broadcasting of seeds in the standing crop of rice does not ensure uniform plant population and moisture which results in poor crop growth and yield. Technology gap is a major problem in increasing blackgram production in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil nadu State. So far, no systematic effort was made to study the technological gap existing in various components of blackgram cultivation. This project was implemented in Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) with main objective to increase the production and productivity through Cluster Frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) with latest technologies. Methods: The Cluster front line demonstration s were conducted with the objective of increase in pulse production. The five village of fifty nine Frontline demonstrations on blackgram (MDU-1) variety was laid out in an area of 50 hectares in farmer’s field in Ayelapettai, Jadamangalam, Sirugamani, Peruvanallur and Anjalam of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. The inputs i.e. distributed are blackgram (MDU-1) variety seed along with mechanized sowing, Result : There was 81.50 per cent increase in yield observed in demonstration plot over farmers’ practice. It was observed that potential yield can be achieved by imparting scientific knowledge to the farmers, providing the quality need based inputs and proper application of inputs. Combination of technical inputs viz., designer seeds, application of TNAU pulse wonder and biofertilizers with scientific interference have increased the potential yield of a crop.
Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Pemeriksaan Triple Eliminasi pada Ibu Hamil di Puskesmas Cibeber Kota Cimahi Tahun 2022
Authors: Septiyani Riana , Karlina Intan , Barbara Maria Awaldina Dua
Published: June 2023

Program Pencegahan Penularan dari Ibu ke Anak (PPIA) diintegrasikan sebagai upaya eliminasi HIV, Sifilis, dan Hepatitis B (Triple Eliminasi). Cakupan triple eliminasi pada ibu hamil tahun 2021 di kota Cimahi belum mencapai target Nasional, yaitu pemeriksaan HIV sebesar 37,15%, Hepatitis B sebesar 55,26%, dan Sifilis sebesar 35,20%. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan pemeriksaan triple eliminasi pada ibu hamil di Puskesmas Cibeber Kota Cimahi Tahun 2022. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan sampel sebanyak 86 ibu hamil, pengambilan sampel menggunakan simple random sampling. Analisis data bivariat menggunakan uji chi-square. Sebagian besar ibu hamil tidak melakukan pemeriksaan triple eliminasi (55,8%), hampir setengah ibu hamil memiliki pengetahuan kurang (40,7%), hampir setengah ibu hamil memiliki motivasi lemah (47,7%), hampir setengah ibu hamil mendapat informasi mengenai triple eliminasi dari media (44,2%), dan hampir setengah ibu hamil terdapat hambatan terhadap persepsi (34,9%). Terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan (p-value = 0,004), motivasi (p-value = 0,002), paparan informasi (p-value = 0,000), dan persepsi hambatan (p-value = 0,017) dengan pemeriksaan triple eliminasi. Terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan, motivasi, paparan informasi, dan persepsi hambatan tentang triple eliminasi dengan pemeriksaan triple eliminasi di Puskesmas Cibeber Kota Cimahi tahun 2022. Oleh karena itu, perlu diberikan konseling mendalam pada ibu hamil mengenai pemeriksaan triple eliminasi untuk meningkatkan cakupan pemeriksaan triple eliminasi di Puskesmas.
Tingkat Keberhasilan ASI Ekslusif berdasarkan Tingkat Pendidikan Ibu di Puskesmas Payungrejo Kabupaten Lampung Tengah
Authors: Suja Monica Dara Delia , Puspitarini Zenni , Ayu Riska Nur Suci
Published: June 2023

Peningkatan cakupan pemberian ASI eksklusif di berbagai negara sedang digalakkan bahkan dengan adanya World Breastfeeding Week diharapkan dapat menggerakkan masyarakat untuk lebih memilih ASI eksklusif dibandingkan dengan susu formula. Cakupan ASI eksklusif di Lampung Tengah yang ditunjuk sebagai lokus stunting perlu ditingkatkan. Saat ini belum ada penelitian tentang keberhasilan ASI Eksklusif berdasarkan tingkat pendidikan ibu. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis hubungan antara tingkat pendidikan ibu dan ASI eksklusif di Puskesmas Payungrejo Kabupaten Lampung Tengah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Populasi penelitian yaitu seluruh ibu yang memiliki bayi usia 6-59 bulan. Sampel penelitian ini adalah ibu yang memiliki bayi berusia 6-59 bulan dan total sampel sebesar 47 orang responden yang dipilih dengan metode simple random sampling. Variabel bebas dalam penelitian ini adalah tingkat pendidikan ibu dan variabel tergantung adalah ASI eksklusif. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah berupa kuesioner yang diajukan kepada Ibu dari balita tersebut. Analisis data bivariat menggunakan uji statistik chi-square. bahwa ibu yang memberikan ASI eksklusif yaitu sebanyak 27 orang (57,45%). Tingkat pendidikan ibu paling banyak adalah tingkat pendidikan rendah sebanyak 32 orang (68,09%).  Ada hubungan antara tingkat pendidikan ibu dan keberhasilan pemberian ASI eksklusif (p<0,005). Ibu yang menempuh pendidikan tinggi memiliki kemungkinan 2 kali lebih tinggi untuk memberikan ASI eksklusif (OR= 2,05). Pemberian edukasi pentingnya ASI eksklusif dan informasi tentang manajemen laktasi kepada ibu yang pendidikan rendah tentang pentingnya pemberian ASI eksklusif harus lebih diprioritaskan.
Toccata da Alegria
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Prado Almeida , Taffarello Tadeu Moraes ,   Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Published: June 2023

A Toccata da Alegria foi composta por Almeida Prado no ano de 1996. A primeira edição desta partitura foi também a primeira partitura editada e publicada pelo Centro de Documentação de Música Contemporânea (CDMC) da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). O lançamento desta nova edição é um marco importante que acena para o cumprimento da missão do CIDDIC de difundir científica, acadêmica e artisticamente a música brasileira atual em suas mais variadas manifestações. Esta peça para piano solo contém algumas das principais características da escrita composicional de Almeida Prado para o instrumento, com destaque para o idiomatismo pianístico calcado em sua profunda experiência como intérprete do instrumento; exploração constante de ressonâncias, com o uso extensivo do pedal; e o tonalismo livre obtido pelo uso de harmonias expandidas em consonância a uma centricidade com o uso de notas ou regiões tonais principais. Nesta nova edição, as principais modificações realizadas foram: em relação ao layout, buscou-se uma edição mais concisa, com um maior número de compassos por linha, sem que se perca a legibilidade do texto original; em relação à primeira edição, notas foram corrigidas, mantendo-se mais fiel ao original manuscrito; foi acrescido o Aparato Crítico ao final. Esta nova edição é totalmente digital e destinada a uma distribuição gratuita por meios eletrônicos.
Intertwining Beauty and Piety: Cosmetics, Beauty Treatments, and Ḥalāl Lifestyle in Urban Indonesia
Authors: Pribadi Yanwar , Sila Muhammad Adlin
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the intertwinement of beauty and piety among middle-class Muslim women in urban Indonesia through the use of cosmetics and beauty treatments within the broader trends of ḥalāl lifestyle. It uses an anthropological approach with case studies in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, and Serang, the capital city of Banten Province. Jakarta and Serang were chosen because Jakarta is a picture-perfect example of an older area characterized by the abundance of middle-class Muslims and the vehemence of ḥalāl lifestyle, while Serang represents a newer area in this regard. Moreover, this article explores the understanding and practices of religious rituals, as well as the responses of urban middle-class Muslim women towards commodified goods and services, consumerism behavior, and communal piety. We argue that the use of cosmetics and beauty treatments has become one of the most glaring public expressions that has concurrently influenced the way urban middle-class Muslim women perceive themselves, beauty, and piety. In addition, we contend that the understanding and practices of beauty and piety are becoming increasingly complex in urban areas. Finally, we maintain that ḥalāl lifestyle has played an important role in strengthening Islamic identity in contemporary Indonesia.
Quality of cow dung composting fertilizer with additional starter solution of cow rumen contents
Authors: Nurdiansyah Amirul , Pribadi Arqowi , Suprayogi Dedy , Karami Abdillah Akmal
Published: June 2023

RPH Kedurus produces livestock solid waste in the form of cow dung as much as 750 kg/day and the content of cow rumen is 2 tons/day. The livestock solid waste can be processed by turning it into compost using the takakura composting method. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the compost according to the specified parameters (temperature, pH, moisture content, organic c, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and the C/N ratio) and to determine the dose of use of a good cow rumen content solution to produce compost according to the quality standard of SNI 19-7030-2004. In this study, the treatments used were P0 with a composition of 3 kg of cow dung and 1 kg of rice husks, P1 with a composition of P0 and 100 mL of starter solution of cow rumen contents, P2 with a composition of P0 and 200 mL of starter solution of cow rumen contents, and P3 with a composition of P0 and 300 mL of starter solution for bovine rumen contents. Overall, the characteristics produced by the four treatments met the quality standards, while the optimum dosage for the use of rumen contents was found in treatment P2 with the use of 200 mL of starter bovine rumen contents and produced a temperature of 29 °C, pH 7.4, water content 14.2%, C. -organic 67 %, nitrogen 4.26 %, phosphorus P2O5 0.37 %, potassium K2O 2.21 %, and C/N ratio 15.7. The compost fertilizer produced can be used as an alternative organic fertilizer to be developed.
Performance of diesel engine with biodiesel fuel from cooking oil
Authors: Marlinda Marlinda , Suparno Suparno , Ramli Ramli , Irwan M. , Yandi M. K.
Published: June 2023

Biodiesel from used cooking oil is a very potential material to replace diesel fuel. Besides being cheap, it can also reduce waste. The purpose of the study was to determine the performance of the Nissan SD22 diesel engine on the use of biodiesel as fuel and the optimum composition of biodiesel and diesel mixtures. The results of the diesel engine performance show that a high rotational speed of 2800 rpm could produce a torque of 112 N.m at B10, while the results for the power parameter at a rotational speed of 2750 rpm produced a large power of 33.46 KW for B10. As for fuel consumption for a rotation speed of 2750 rpm, B10 fuel provided 0.293 kg/(kW.hour) of specific fuel while Pertamina Dex requires 0.310 kg/(kW.hour) of specific fuel, meaning that the use of B10 saved 5.48% more than B10. As for fuel consumption for a rotation speed of 2750 rpm, B10 fuel provides 0.293 kg/kW.hour of specific fuel while Pertamina Dex requires 0.310 kg/kW.hour of specific fuel, meaning that the use of B10 saves 5.48% more than B10. Biodiesel B10 is able to provide good performance for use as a diesel engine fuel. The resulting gas emissions are smaller than diesel emissions. This proves that biodiesel is an environmentally friendly fuel.
Utilization of water lily activated charcoal as a biofilter in tofu wastewater treatment
Authors: Khamidah Noor , Nugraha Muhammad Imam , Sari Novita Kurnia
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of water lily activated charcoal as a biofilter in tofu wastewater treatment and to determine the effective dose of water lily activated charcoal as a biofilter in tofu wastewater treatment. The results showed that water lily activated charcoal can be used to improve the quality of tofu liquid waste; thus, it can improve the quality of tofu liquid waste which can be seen from the parameters of TSS (Total Suspended Solid). The treatment dose of 2 g of activated charcoal (A3) is the best dose to improve the quality of tofu liquid waste and has complied with the 2014 LH regulation concerning the quality standards of wastewater for the tofu industry, namely the parameters of TSS. The existence of this research can be a reference for further similar research by utilizing organic matter as an alternative in tofu wastewater treatment.
Production of biogas from coffee husk waste with rumen fluid and mixture of rumen fluid and cow dung
Authors: Anwar Hasrul , Ulya Ridho , Djana Miftahul , Mayasari Rizka
Published: June 2023

Coffee is the second largest traded commodity in the world and also produces by-products and residues. Coffee husk waste is an abundant lignocellulosic material and has the potential to be used as raw material for biogas production. This study compared the production of biogas from coffee husk using rumen fluid with a mixture of rumen fluid and cow dung. In the pretreatment process using ethanol, the waste consisted of 65.90% cellulose, 24.95% hemicellulose, 0.21% lignin, 2.16% pectin, 1.08% protein, 3.11% tannins, 0.91% caffeine, and 3.78% polyphenols. The decrease in TS (total solid) and VS (volatile solid) values for C-RC (coffee-rumen fluid-cow dung) was greater than for C-R (coffee-rumen fluid) as 32.20% and 42.47% were obtained for C-RC, while the values for C-R were 19.32% and 38.37 The VFA (volatile fatty acids) values for C-R and C-RC were 1.09% and 2.24%. The biogas produced for C-R was CH4 of 14.4%, CO2 of 13.75%, and H2 of 0.59%, while that for C-RC consisted of CH4 of 22.3%, CO2 of 4.11%, and H2 of 0.36%. The yield of biogas for C-R was 0.48 Nm3/(kg COD removal) and for C-RC was 1.95 Nm3 /(kg COD removal).
Exploring key physiological attributes of grapevine cultivars under the influence of seasonal environmental variability
Authors: Rafique Rizwan , Ahmad Touqeer , Ahmed Mukhtar , Azam Khan Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Seasonal climatic variability is a key challenge in many grape-growing regions across the globe, affecting phenology, growth, physiological responses, and yield at harvest. Unfavourable climatic conditions impair the plant's physiological processes, such as chlorophyll accumulation, gas exchange and photosynthesis in grapevine leaves. It is critical to unlock the complex physiological behaviour of grapevine cultivars at key phenological stages and under varying environmental conditions. The present study was designed to evaluate the key physiological processes, such as gas exchange, chlorophyll contents and water use efficiency (WUE), of four table grape cultivars at key growth stages under varying environmental conditions of the Pothwar region, in a factorial experimental set up (Location× Year × Cultivar × Phenological stage). The physiological responses of the table grape cultivars were recorded at the 5-leaf stage, full bloom, berry set, veraison and harvest during two consecutive vintages (2019 and 2020) in two locations (Islamabad and Chakwal). The results show that the mean photosynthetic activity in colder Islamabad was 30.7 % higher than in Chakwal, and the transpiration rate and WUE were 10.4 % and 28.6 % higher. Similarly, 12 % higher photosynthetic activity, with 13 % more WUE, was observed in the colder vintage of 2020 compared to that of 2019. The vine physiological activity also varied among cultivars; for example, cv. Sugraone was found to have 12 % more chlorophyll and 30 % higher photosynthetic activity than cv. Kings Ruby. Similarly, higher photosynthetic activity and transpiration rates were recorded at the berry set stage, while WUE peaked near blooming. The biplot analysis for the first two principal components also showed cv. Sugraone to be a highly responsive and physiologically efficient cultivar. The findings of the present research will help to better assess the effect of seasonal variability on vine physiological performance and to identify genotypes with higher photosynthetic potential and WUE. It could also assist in devising vineyard management strategies to better adapt to varying environmental conditions.
On the Applicability of Quantum Machine Learning
Authors: Raubitzek Sebastian , Mallinger Kevin
Published: June 2023

In this article, we investigate the applicability of quantum machine learning for classification tasks using two quantum classifiers from the Qiskit Python environment: the Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC) and the Quantum Kernel Estimator (QKE). We evaluate the performance of these classifiers on six widely known and publicly available benchmark datasets and analyze how their performance varies with the number of samples on two artificially generated test classification datasets. As quantum machine learning is based on unitary transformations, this paper explores data structures and application fields that could be particularly suitable for quantum advantages. Hereby, we developed a data set based on concepts from quantum mechanics using the exponential map of a Lie algebra. This dataset will be made publicly available and contributes a novel contribution to the empirical evaluation of quantum supremacy. We further compared the performance of VQC and QKE on six widely applicable datasets to contextualize our results.\\ Our results demonstrate that the VQC and QKE perform better than basic machine learning algorithms such as advanced linear regression models (Ridge and Lasso). They do not match the accuracy and runtime performance of sophisticated modern boosting classifiers like XGBoost, LightGBM, or CatBoost. Therefore, we conclude that while quantum machine learning algorithms have the potential to surpass classical machine learning methods in the future, especially when physical quantum infrastructure becomes widely available, they currently lag behind classical approaches. Our investigations also show that classical machine learning approaches have superior performance classifying datasets based on group structures, compared to quantum approaches that particularly use unitary processes.\\ Furthermore, our findings highlight the significant impact of different quantum simulators, feature maps, and quantum circuits on the performance of the employed quantum estimators. This observation emphasizes the need for researchers to provide detailed explanations of their hyperparameter choices for quantum machine learning algorithms, as this aspect is currently overlooked in many studies within the field.\\ To facilitate further research in this area and ensure the transparency of our study, we have made the complete code available in a linked GitHub repository.
The Concept of Freedom in Bakunin's Anarchist Thought and Its Relevance in the Context of Future Space Travel and Exploration
Authors: Tonietti Luca
Published: June 2023

In a hypothetical scenario where space travels outside the solar system is possible and affordable, I examine the possible implications of infinite resources and the universalization of freedom in the social and individual spheres. I argue that freedom is the figure of man's emancipation and the supreme end of history, which represents a theme affirming the infinite and indefinite progress of history and science. Also discussed is Bakunin's theory of the critique of contractualism, which denies the idea of a mythical and primordial natural freedom that existed before the constitution of society. Furthermore, I highlight the deep pathos of romantic culture that feeds into Bakunin's anarchist thought and emphasize the relevance of the notion of freedom in the context of future space travel.
A Different Perspective on SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic: Data, Outcomes and Demographic Analysis of a Study Conducted at General Hospital Ninh Thuan Province in Vietnam in 2022
Authors: Le Thach Huy , Balzanelli Mario G. , Le Thanh Van , Quoc Thang le , Thuy Dung Do , Distratis Pietro , Lazzaro Rita , Del Prete Raffaele , Triggiano Francesco , Gargiulo Ciro Isacco , Inchingolo Francesco , De Laurentiis Vittoriana , Santacroce Luigi , Nguyen Kieu Cao Diem
Published: June 2023

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection was first reported in 2019 and has since spread throughout the world. This is a cross-sectional study in cooperation with 118 Department of Pre-Hospital and Territorial Emergency (118 SET) of Taranto City and the University of Bari, Aldo Moro, and the School of Medicine from Italy. We conducted a study on how the COVID-19 epidemics evolved and how it was contained by different countermeasures by taking into account data showing socio-demographic and that older persons, as well as individuals with comorbidities and poor metabolic health, and people coming from economically depressed areas with lower quality of life in general, are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 infection.
Objective: Examine the association between county-level socio-demographic risk factors and COVID-19 incidence and mortality, determining the possible emo-biological markers, ferritin, and lymphocytes, that could be indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study on 600 patients examined and treated at general hospital Ninh Thuan from January to September 2022.
Results: 33/600 patients were confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (5.5%), males 4.8% and females 5.8%, the median age of infected patients is 36 years. Most infections were mild (75.8%). Our results revealed that the structure and the spatial arrangement of socio-demographic arrangements are important either as epidemiological determinants or as disease markers. Conclusion: Approximately 5.5% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 come to examination and treatment at the hospital, these findings suggested that possible infection rate in the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sociodemographic risk factors, and their root causes must be addressed. In addition, lab results obtained from affected patients showed that lymphocytes and ferritin could be considered traits of mild COVID-19 infection.
Binding Affinity of Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab Monoclonal Antibodies to Extracellular HER2 Domain
Authors: Cruz Victor L. , Souza-Egipsy Virginia , Gion Maria , Perez Jose Manuel , Cortes Javier , Ramos Javier , Vega Juan Francisco
Published: June 2023

The binding affinity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to HER2 has been studied using both experimental and in-silico methods. The experiments were conducted using the antibodies in their complete IgG form, as used in clinical therapy, and the extracellular domain of the HER2 protein in solution. This approach provides a precise, reproducible, and reliable view of the interaction between them in physiological conditions. Dynamic light scattering and size exclusion chromatography coupled with tetra detection were utilized to characterize the protein complexes, measure their concentrations, and calculate the equilibrium free binding energy, ΔGbind. In addition, PRODIGY, a QSAR-like model with excellent predictive ability, was employed to obtain in-silico ΔGbind estimations. The results obtained indicate that pertuzumab exhibits a slightly higher binding affinity to HER2 than trastuzumab. The difference in binding affinity was explained based on the contribution of the different interfacial contact (IC) descriptors to the ΔGbind value estimated by the PRODIGY model. Furthermore, experiments revealed that the pertuzumab IgG antibody binds preferentially to two HER2 proteins, one per Fab fragment, while trastuzumab mainly forms a monovalent complex. This finding was interpreted based on a geometrical model that identified steric crowding in the trastuzumab-HER2 complex as compared to the pertuzumab-HER2 complex.
Artificial Intelligence and Radiomics Applications in Neuro-endocrine Neoplasms (NENs): New Tools for Molecular Hybrid Imaging and Theragnostics Approaches
Authors: Balma Michele , Laudicella Riccardo , Gallio Elena , Gusella Sara , Lorenzon Leda , Peano Simona , Costa Renato P. , Rampado Osvaldo , Farsad Mohsen , Evangelista Laura , Deandreis Desiree , Papaleo Alberto , Liberini Virginia
Published: June 2023

In neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), the use of new radiopharmaceuticals has improved the accuracy of diagnosis and staging, refined surveillance approaches, and introduced specific and personalized radiation therapies. Nuclear medicine has therefore acquired a crucial role in the management of NENs patients by improving their risk stratification and personalized therapies. Artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics can enable physicians to further improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of the use of these tools in both di-agnostic and therapeutic settings by improving the prediction of tumor grade, differential diagnosis from other malignancies, assessment of tumor behavior and aggressiveness, and prediction of treatment response. This systematic review aims to describe the state-of-the-art on AI and radiomics applications in molecular imaging of NENs.
Developing Prediction Models for Solar Photovoltaic Energy Generation Using GBM
Authors: Kim Yoo-Jung , Kim Na-Hyeong , Park So-Yeon , Kim Jin-Young , Kim Chang-Ki , Oh Myeong-Chan , Kim Hyun-Goo , Lee Yung-Seop
Published: June 2023

As renewable energy generation prediction system has been introduced into the energy trading market, making a model to accurately predict the quantity of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation has become a significant problem. Moreover, to encourage an accurate prediction of the quantity of energy generation, an incentive system has been implemented for those who predict the quantity of solar PV energy under the error rate of 8%. Therefore, it has become more important to investigate and analyze current prediction technology numerically and develop more advanced prediction system. In this study, we tried to develop a better model to improve the accuracy of solar PV energy generation quantity by comparing three models made with gradient boosting machine (GBM), Model 1, Model 2, Model 3 respectively. Model 1 was built with the whole training data set without any additional preprocessing. After conducting some additional preprocessing procedure to predict solar energy generation more accurately, we made Model 2 with the whole training data set and Model 3 with only upper 10% of energy generation capacity. To compare the accuracy of three models, normalized mean absolute error (nMAE) was used as an evaluation index. The nMAE of Model 1 was 9.64% while the Model 2 showed 8.41%. Also, Model 3, which was constructed with the training set of upper 10% energy generation capacity, outperformed with the nMAE of 8.08%. For further study, to check the effectiveness of models constructed with GBM, a time series model, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), was also built and the nMAE was compared.
Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Potential of Prunus dulcis Shell Extracts
Authors: Ben khadher Talel , Sassi-Aydi Sameh , Aydi Samir , MARS MOHAMED , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: June 2023

Prunus dulcis is one of the most widely cultivated species in the world. Its fruit (almond) is rich in various nutritious and bioactive compounds that exert several beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile and evaluate the biological potential in vitro of almond shell extracts. The chemical analysis of shell extracts led to the identification of 15 com-pounds by HPLC-DAD of which 11 were first detected in the almond plant. Twenty-six volatile compounds were identified by the GC-MS technique, among them; seven were firstly detected in the studied plant. For the biological activities, the extracts demonstrated moderate inhibition potential against the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The methanol extract at 50 µg/mL showed the highest antioxidant (45%) and antidiabetic activities (45% against alpha-glucosidase and 31% against alpha-amylase extracts), while the cyclohexane and dichloromethane at 50 µg/mL showed the highest cytotoxic activity towards Hela (32.2% with cyclohexane), and RAW 264-7 (45% with dichloromethane). Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of almond shell extracts as a source of bioactive compounds that could be applied in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.
Thymol@Natural Zeolite Nanohybrids for Chitosan/Poly-Vinyl-Alcohol Based Hydrogels Applied As Active Pads for Strawberries Preservation
Authors: Salmas Constantinos Ε , Kollia Eleni , Avdylaj Learda , Kopsacheili Anna , Zaharioudakis Konstantinos , Georgopoulos Stavros , Leontiou Areti , Katerinopoulou Katerina , Kehayias Georgios , Karakassides Anastasios , Proestos Charalampos , Giannakas Aris E
Published: June 2023

Food saving and further valorization is of major interest in our days. Worldwide, scientists intensify their efforts to increase shelf life of products due to the global danger of coming food crisis. Even though many chemicals could achieve such target, the circular economy spirit and the global trend against the greenhouse effects impose the turn of research activities using environmentally friendly biomass materials, biowastes, and biodegradable materials. In this study, the promising biopolymer chitosan incorporated with the promising biodegradable polymer poly-vinyl-alcohol to produce a biopolymeric matrix. This biodegradable biopolymer was further mixed homogeneously with 15% thymol/nano-zeolite nanohybrid material and the final developed film was extremely improved compared to the relevant of chitosan/poly-vinyl-alcohol film. Mechanical properties were increased significantly i.e., 34% for Young Modulus and 46,5% for ultimate tensile strength, while the antioxidant activity increased by 53,4%. The antibacterial activity increased by 134% for Ecoli, 87,5% for Saureus, 32% for Lmonocytogenes, and 9% for Senterica. The water-vapor diffusion coefficient and the oxygen permeability coefficient decreased down to -51% and -74% respectively, and thus the water-vapor and oxygen barrier increased. In-vivo experiments on strawberries show an extension of 233% for shelf-life duration which resulted from the modified atmosphere by the control-released thymol.
Moiré Superconductivity and the Roeser-Huber Formula
Authors: Koblischka Michael Rudolf , Koblischka-Veneva Anjela
Published: June 2023

As shown previously, a relation between the superconducting transition temperature and some characteristic distance in the crystal lattice holds, which enables the calculation of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, based only on the knowledge of the electronic configuration and of some details of the crystallographic structure. This relation was found to apply for a large number of superconductors, including the high-temperature superconductors, the iron-based materials, alkali fullerides, metallic alloys, and element superconductors. When applying this scheme called Roeser-Huber formula to Moiré-type superconductivity, i.e., magic-angle twisted bi-layer graphene (tBLG) and bi-layer WSe2, we find that the calculated transition temperatures for tBLG are always higher than the available experimental data, e.g., for the magic angle 1.1∘, we find Tc≈ 4.2–6.7 K. Now, the question arises why the calculation produces larger Tc’s. Two possible scenarios may answer this question: (1) The given problem for experimentalists is the fact that for electric measurements always substrates/caps are required to arrange the electric contacts. When now discussing superconductivity in atomically thin objects, also these layers may play a role forming the Moiré patterns. The consequence of such substrate-induced super-Moiré patterns is that the resulting Moiré pattern always will show a larger cell size, and thus, a lower Tc of the final structure will result. (2) A correction factor to the Roeser-Huber formalism may be required to account for the low charge carrier density of the tBLG. Here, we test both scenarios and find that the introduction of a correction factor η enables a proper calculation of Tc, reproducing the experimental data. We find that η depends exponentially on the value of Tc.
Chemical Differentiation and Quantitative Analysis of Black Ginseng Based on a LC-MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis Approach
Authors: Li Lele , Chang Zhixia , Wei Keyu , Tang Yi , Chen Zhao , Zhang Hongli , Wang Yang , Feng Bo , Zhu Heyun
Published: June 2023

Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is traditionally used as herbal medicine in East Asian countries. It is prepared from fresh, white, or red ginseng by undergoing a process of steaming and drying nine times. However, the chemical differentiation of black ginseng with different processing levels is not well understood. The aim of this study is to propose a new method for discriminating and quantifying black ginseng. Six ginsenosides from black ginseng were accurately quantified, and based on this, the black ginseng samples were divided into uncompleted and completed black ginseng. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with a multivariate statistical analysis strategy was then employed to differentiate the two groups. A total of 141 ions were selected as analytical markers of black ginseng, with 45 of these markers being annotated by matching precise m/z and MS/MS data from prior studies.
The Spectrum of Hyperferritinemic Syndromes
Authors: Stoian Marilena , Scarlat Gabriel
Published: June 2023

The concept of “hyperferritinemic syndrome” defines a complex pathophysiological and clinical entity, characterized by a systemic hyperinflammatory state, generally associated with elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (hypercytokinemia) and high serum levels of ferritin (hyperferritinemia), traditionally recognized as an iron-binding plasma protein involved in the storage of iron in a biologically available form for different physiological cellular processes. Recent studies have shown that ferritin has other important functions as well, operating both as a proinflammatory mediator and as a immunosupressive agent, its elevated levels in the serum being detected in various conditions associated with inflammatory states, such as infectious diseases, autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders and, in some cases, in malignancies. Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (cAPS), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and acquired forms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which includes macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), have been associated with hyperinflammatory states and dramatic elevations of serum ferritin, generating hyperferritinemic syndromes. Severe forms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in which MAS may frequently develop, has also been linked to the development of a hyperferritinemic syndrome. This review offers several insights into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ferritin in several (hyper-)inflammatory diseases, but also into the causal entities, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations and diagnostic features of somewhat obscure, yet potentially fatal pathological conditions, reunited under the concept of hyperferritinemic syndromes.
Characterization of Flow Parameters in Shale Nano-Porous Media Using Pore Network Model: A Field Example from Shale Oil Reservoir in Songliao Basin, China
Authors: Wang Qingzhen , Jia Zhihao , Cheng Linsong , Li Binhui , Jia Pin , Lan Yubo , Dong Dapeng , Qu Fangchun
Published: June 2023

The pore-throat radius of shale oil reservoir is extremely small, and it is difficult to accurately obtain the absolute permeability and oil-water two-phase relative permeability of actual oil reservoir through conventional core experiments. However, these parameters are very important for reservoir numerical simulation. In this paper, a method for characterizing flow parameters based on pore network model that considers differential pressure flow and diffusion flow is proposed. Firstly, a digital core was reconstructed using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) from the Gulong shale reservoir in the Songliao Basin, China, and a pore network model was extracted. Secondly, quasi-static single-phase flow and two-phase flow equations considering diffusion were established in the pore network model. Finally, pore throat parameters, absolute permeability, and oil-water two-phase permeability curves were calculated, respectively. The results show that the pore throat distribution of Gulong shale reservoir is mainly concentrated in the nanometer scale, the mean pore radius is 87 nm, the mean throat radius is 41 nm, and the mean coordination number is 3.97; The calculated permeability considering diffusion is 0.000124mD, which is approximately twice the permeability calculated without considering diffusion; The irreducible water saturation of the Gulong shale reservoir is approximately 0.26, and the residual oil saturation is approximately 0.73. The method proposed in this paper can provide an important approach for characterizing the flow parameters of similar shale oil reservoirs.
The Drivers of Successful Crowdfunding Projects in Africa during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mamaro Lenny Phulong , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: June 2023

The challenge of accessing finance by entrepreneurs from traditional financial sources is pervasive. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem of limited access to finance from banks. Against this backdrop, the objective of the study was to determine the factors driving crowdfunding success during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. The ordinary least squares (OLS) and probit regression models were estimated to analyse 216 crowdfunding projects in Africa. The results of the study documented that targeted amount (TA), and COVID-19 pandemic were negative and significant drivers of crowdfunding success. Furthermore, comments (CMM) and duration (DRN) were negative and significantly affected crowdfunding success. Conversely, images (IM), videos (VD), backers (BCK), and updates (UPD) were positive and significantly affected crowdfunding success. The study contributes to the body knowledge by investigating the drivers of crowdfunding success during the COVID-19 pandemic period which hitherto had not been researched on extenisvely.
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Food Handlers in Restaurants in the Maldives
Authors: Halim-Lim Sarina Abdul , Mohamed Khalisa , Sukki Firdaus Muhammad , David Wahyudi , Ungku Zainal Abidin Ungku Fatimah , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman
Published: June 2023

Poor hygiene in the food services industry is a critical public health concern in the Maldives, with an average of 35 public complaints per month regarding the poor hygienic conditions of the restaurants in Male’, the capital of Maldives. Thus, this study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, attitude, and the gap of self-reported with the observed practice (KAP) of food handlers as well as the potential association between KAP. 290 food handlers from restaurants were surveyed, demonstrating moderate knowledge (55.5%), moderate attitude (3.62±0.51) and good practice (4.18±0.54). However, it is critical the result shows the food handlers in Male’ have poor practice on the time and temperature control where especially on thawing and storage resulting from a lack of training in the temperature danger zone. The work experience impacting the level of knowledge, education impacts the level of attitude and age, and education and work experience impacting practice. Male’ restaurants mostly employed the foreigners mostly from Bangladesh and the food handlers were identified to have low level of education. Association analysis identified significant relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice, while the principle component analysis shows categories that are related to each of KAP. This study is fundamental for policymakers to review and improve law enforcement to address the current food safety situation in the Maldives.
Social and Environmental Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Children Under Five Years in Epworth Township, Harare
Authors: Chari Sandra , Mbonane Thokozani Patrick , Van Wyk Renay Helouise
Published: June 2023

Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected by diarrhoea disease, especially in the sub-Saharan region. Hence, the study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea disease among children under 5 years in Epworth Township, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a local clinic in Epworth Township, Harare. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for participation and 386 children were enrolled in the study. The majority were male children (n=229; 59.3%), while there were more female caregivers (n=370; 95.9%) than male caregivers (n=16; 4.1%). The prevalence of diarrhea disease in the study was 25.1%. The determinants associated with diarrhea were being partially vaccinated (OR 2.38, CI 95% 2.80–8.22), collecting water more than 1 kilometre from a household (OR 4.55; CI 95% 2.10–9.85) and using untreated water (OR 6.22; CI 95% 2.13–18.20). The age of the caregiver and using a clean water container (OR 0.05; p=0.020) were protective factors. Provision of primary health care, especially prevention of disease through immunization and rendering environmental health services could reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in disadvantaged townships.
Morphological Characteristics of Elite International Soccer Referees: Somatotype and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis
Authors: Izzicupo Pascal , Petri Cristian , Serafini Sofia , Galanti Giorgio , Mascherini Gabriele
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess the physical characteristics of elite international soccer referees, compare them with other referee populations in the literature, and establish reference tolerance ellipses for the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) point graph. Forty-one elite international soccer referees (age 38.8 ± 3.6 years) participated in the study. the participants underwent body composition assessments, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, BIVA, and somatotype. The Somatotype Attitudinal Distance (SAD), the two-sample Hotelling’s T2 test, and the Mahalanobis test were used to determine somatotype and bioelectrical vector differences with the literature. The average somatotype of the referees was a balanced mesomorph (2.8, 6.5, 2.8). Elite international referees significantly differed from other samples in the literature (SAD = 2.1, 2.6, 2.9 with respect to Zimbabwean, Brazilian, and South African referees, respectively). The bioelectrical vector was significantly different from the general population (T2  76.6; F = 38.8; D = 1.44; P < 0.001) and athletes (T2  25.3; F = 12.6; D = 0.8; P < 0.001). Somatotype values and tolerance ellipses from this study may be useful as a reference for developing training programs and improving the selection process of referees in soccer.
Asymmetric Effects of Energy Management Variables on the Economic Growth of the European Union (2010-2019)
Authors: Török László
Published: June 2023

The economic downturn caused by the financial crisis of 2008-2009 and the intensifying glob-al climate policy trends forced changes in the energy management of the European Union. The study examined how the most relevant energy economic variables affected the economic growth of the EU between 2010-2019. The study examined the relationship between GDP (dependent variable) and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, the average energy price, and renewable energy use (independent variables) using the PSL-PM methodology. The results show an asymmetric picture because the independent variables influenced the eco-nomic growth of the EU in the examined period with different correlations and with different strengths. One of the significances of the study is that the presented and analyzed variables, as well as the results of the relationships between them, can contribute to the optimization of the EU's currently critical energy management and economic growth.