bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and facilitators of integrated hepatitis B, C, and HIV screening among pregnant mothers and their newborns attending maternal and newborn clinics in Koboko District, Uganda: A qualitative inquiry of providers’ perspective
Authors: Alege John Bosco , Oyore John Paul , Nanyonga Rose Clarke , Musoke Philippa , Orago Alloys S.S
Published: December 2023

Background
HIV and HBV remain significant public health challenges characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, especially among women of reproductive age in Uganda. However, both HIV and HBV patients are managed in separate clinics with separate staff even though they all receive ART. Patients with HBV do not receive routine counselling and education, and there are limited resources for laboratory investigation coupled with a high loss to follow-up. This study set out to “assess barriers and facilitators of integrated viral hepatitis B C and HIV care model to optimize screening uptake among mothers and newborns at health facilities in Koboko District, west Nile sub-region, Uganda”.
Methods
A cross-sectional grounded theory qualitative approach was employed in an institutional setting (HC IIIs). Data was audio recorded using a recording device during the key informant interviews and was transcribed after all interviews were conducted. Data was then analyzed using framework analysis.
Results
The following facilitated integration: High prevalence, and therefore burden of hepatitis B infection in West Nile region, team spirit by the health workers, reduced long waiting time, availability of medical products such as HBV and HCV test kits, integration of HBV and HIV into HMIS2 form and availability of support from implementing partners such as Infectious Dease Institute which offered mentorship and training on integration and support supervision.
Conclusion
Barriers to integration included; knowledge gap among health care workers, lack of transport for patients, language barriers during health education, inadequate human resources for health, stock-out of testing kits for HBV and HCV, lack of HMIS 2 column to capture HCV data, lack of funds to facilitate follow up of patients after referral for further investigation upon suspected cases of HBV and HCV. The study participants recommended; Promoting the integration of HBV, HCV, and HIV into routine health services; ensuring a constant supply of HBV, and HCV test kits to avoid stock-out; Engaging VHTs/Community health volunteers to support follow-up of patients and conducting health care workers performance reviews; addressing the issue of inadequate human resource; and finally dealing with misconceptions at community level about HBV and HCV diseases which hinder access to services.
Freshwater fishes residing in a coastal embayment are largely buffered from thermal upwelling events.
Authors: Cruz-Font Liset , Hlevca Bogdan , Wells Mathew G. , Doka Susan E. , Midwood Jonathan D. , Portiss Rick , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2023

Upwelling events are common in thermally stratified marine and freshwater systems and can lead to rapid changes in water temperature that presumably impact fishes. Here we examined the effect of rapid changes in water temperature (upwelling events) on the behaviour of two wild fish species from different thermal guilds: Northern Pike (Esox lucius), representing coolwater fishes, and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans), representing warmwater fishes. This study was conducted in Toronto Harbour, a coastal embayment on the north shore of Lake Ontario, which experiences frequent upwelling events during the summer. Acoustic transmitters implanted in fish were used to calculate detailed depth and temperature occupancy, while detailed water temperature information from logging stations was used to describe the thermal characteristics of the area. Observed changes in internal fish temperature were generally small. During upwelling events, behaviour was variable, but generally involved the occupancy of sheltered habitats and shallow depths, where the cooling effect of the upwelling was minimal. When vertical changes in depth were observed, small vertical movements to shallower depths were more typical for both species. Largemouth Bass were found within the first 2m of depth with small temperature variability, but Northern Pike showed larger variability in depth and temperature occupancy. Our study suggests that the fishes studied here were largely buffered from the effects of upwellings by selecting depths and regions that enable them to experience temperatures consistent with their thermal preferences. However, it is also possible that fish were selecting those thermally stable habitats for other reasons (e.g., food, physical habitat shelter).
Deep Learning Pipeline for Automated Cell Profiling from Cyclic Imaging
Authors: Landeros Christian , Oh Juhyun , Weissleder Ralph , Lee Hakho
Published: December 2023

Recent advances in microscopy allow scientists to generate vast amounts of biological data from a single biopsy sample. Cyclic fluorescence microscopy, in particular, enables multiple targets to be detected simultaneously. This, in turn, has deepened our understanding of tissue composition, cell-to-cell interactions, and cell signaling. Unfortunately, analysis of these datasets can be time-prohibitive due to the sheer volume of data. In this paper, we present CycloNET, a computational pipeline tailored for analyzing raw fluorescent images obtained through cyclic immunofluorescence. The automated pipeline pre-processes raw image files, quickly corrects for translation errors between imaging cycles, and leverages a pre-trained neural network to segment individual cells and generate single-cell molecular profiles. We applied CycloNET to a dataset of 22 human samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and trained a neural network to segment immune cells. CycloNET efficiently processed a large-scale dataset (17 fields of view per cycle and 13 staining cycles per specimen) in 10 minutes, delivering insights at the single-cell resolution and facilitating the identification of rare immune cell clusters. We expect that this rapid pipeline will serve as a powerful tool to understand complex biological systems at the cellular level, with the potential to facilitate breakthroughs in areas such as developmental biology, disease pathology, and personalized medicine.
Gender-Related Issues Among Women Raising Children Based on Before and After Pandemic Comparisons: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nakaoka Sae , Kawasaki Hiromi , Yamasaki Satoko , Cui Zhengai , Murakami Mari , Mukaishima Sayo , Li Yuan
Published: December 2023

Background: Despite being embraced worldwide, gender equality has not been achieved in child care activities. Pandemics can negatively affect the health of women engaged in child-rearing. We surveyed women raising children before and after the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to identify the impacts on stress and fatigue levels of women through a comparison of surveys before and after the pandemic and obtain basic materials required for women to play an active role in society and to achieve gender equality.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, women (n=150) with children aged 0–3 years were surveyed at a child-rearing support facility before and after the pandemic to determine their basic attributes, and identify situations where they experienced anger and fatigue during child-rearing.
Results: The number of women who worked or took childcare leave increased significantly after pandemic (p=0.025). There were no significant differences in stress and fatiguebefore and after the pandemic.A decreased number of women become angry when their children cluttered up the house (p=0.031) or gave them a difficult time going home (p=0.008) after pandemic.
Conclusions: Women’s stress and fatigue did not differ during the pandemic, as more women did not get angry about their children after the pandemic. Women raising children had racks of sleep and fatigue accumulation regardless of the pandemic. Rapidly solving the challenges faced by women in raising children will achieve gender equality.
A Novel Difficult-to-Segment Samples Focusing Network for Oral CBCT Image Segmentation
Authors: Hu Fengjun , Chen Zeyu , Wu Fan
Published: December 2023

Using deep learning technology to segment oral CBCT images for clinical diagnosis and treatment is one of the important research directions in the field of clinical dentistry. However, the blurred contour and the scale difference limit the segmentation accuracy of the crown edge and the root part of the current methods, making these regions become difficult-to-segment samples in the oral CBCT segmentation task. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposed a Difficult-to-Segment Focus Network (DSFNet) for segmenting oral CBCT images. The network utilizes a Feature Capturing Module (FCM) to efficiently capture local and long-range features, enhancing the feature extraction performance. Additionally, a Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Module (MFFM) is employed to merge multiscale feature information. To further improve the loss ratio for difficult-to-segment samples, a hybrid loss function is proposed, combining Focal Loss and Dice Loss. By utilizing the hybrid loss function, DSFNet achieves 91.85% Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and 0.216 mm Average Surface-to-Surface Distance (ASSD) performance in oral CBCT segmentation tasks. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to current dental CBCT image segmentation techniques and has real-world applicability.
Evaluation of bipolar fuzzy soft sets in decision-making with a new approach
Authors: ŞANLIBABA İbrahim
Published: December 2023

In this paper, firstly, bipolar fuzzy sets and their properties found in the literature are examined. The definition of interval-valued fuzzy sets is given. Then, the definition and applications of bipolar soft sets are made. The positive degree and negative degree of the corresponding property of bipolar fuzzy sets are given in the relevant explanations, and their importance is emphasized. Additionally, operations between the elements of bipolar fuzzy sets are mentioned. An entropy measure has been defined in bipolar fuzzy sets. A new approach has been introduced to the decision process in bipolar fuzzy soft sets and a different algorithm has been created. By following the algorithm, some analysis and detection are obtained. Entropy measures and parameter values are evaluated together and tabulated. Additionally, a real-life example is given; the new approach is applied by analyzing parameters and symptoms in survival and mortality values in the hospital environment. As a result, the best few choices are determined in the decision process with the given algorithm. Since the algorithm steps and application are practical, it is recommended as a method to be applied in many data groups.
Evaluating male sexual function and reproductive health during Omicron outbreak in China
Authors: Xiao Jiatong , Liu Bolong , Matsika Juliet , Wu Ronghua , Tang Zheng , Xu Hui , Dai Xiaowei , Xie Guoou , Liu Fabang , Dun Jingeng , Chen Jinbo , Zu Xiongbing , Guo Tao , Kuang Xiaogen
Published: December 2023

Background
There are currently no studies exploring omicron infection and male sexual function and semen quality. Our aim was to estimate changes in sexual function and semen quality in men recovering from infection since the Omicron pandemic started in China in late 2022.
Methods
We collected 1540 questionnaires and assessed male function before infection and acute phase after infection by using International Index of Erectile Function-5, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. We also collected the before and after semen analysis results of 247 male patients.
Results
During the acute phase after infection, the proportion of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher than before infection, but ejaculatory function was not significantly altered; In addition, semen analysis showed significant difference in semen concentration, semen activity and PR a + b sperm forward movement after infection compared to pre-infection.
Conclusions
Omicron can affect erectile function as well as sexual experience in male patients in the acute phase. The risk factors for decreased sexual function due to Omicron included body temperature and anxiety during infection.
Trial registration:
The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov and approved by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Medical College.
The State of Texas Wetlands: A Review of Current and Future Challenges
Authors: Fern Rachel R. , Baron Mattityahu D. , England Angela E. , Giese Jordan C. , Kraai Kevin J. , Lancaster Joseph D. , Oldenburger Shaun L. , Shipes James C. , Wilson Barry C. , Wyckoff Sara R.
Published: December 2023

With roughly 3.9 million acres of wetlands, 2.3% of its total land area, Texas has the fifth largest wetland acreage in the United States. As of 1990, there was an estimated 52% reduction in the state's original wetland acreage, but there has been no recent assessment of statewide wetland loss or gain since then. Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including wildlife habitat, flood storage and control, aquifer recharge, water quality improvement, and pollutant breakdown and storage of greenhouse gasses as well as human recreational opportunities including boating, paddling, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography. Texas wetlands face intensifying challenges in the coming decades. Regulatory and legislative action should be forward-facing, anticipating effects of climate change, sea level rise, and urban expansion. Incorporating new technologies will allow for more timely and cost-efficient large-scale monitoring of wetland loss and gain. The residents of Texas are largely in support of active management of the state’s water resources; academic institutions, state and federal agencies, and conservation-minded private entities should work together to ensure the wetlands of Texas persist for wildlife and the generations to come.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA STRAINS IN CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION AMONG THE HEMODIALYSIS EGYPTIAN PATIENTS
Authors:   Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt., H. Badawy Hazem , G. Seadawy Mohamed ,   Biological Prevention Department, Chemical Warfare, 4.5 km Suez-Cairo Rd, Almaza, Cairo 11351, Egypt., A. Alshareef Walaa ,   Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt., Ageez Amr ,   Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt., Shalaby Abeir ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt., A. Ahmed Safwat ,   Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Published: December 2023

Bacterial infections are a significant threat to individuals with kidney diseases, especially those undergoing hemodialysis. Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a common and serious concern in these patients. Inserted catheters quickly become coated with plasma proteins, providing an opportunity for bacteria to migrate from the skin through the catheter track or from the catheter hubs into this protein sheath. This study aimed to identify and characterize causative organisms in CRBSI from hemodialysis Egyptian patients, utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing. 4 different bacterial strains were successfully identified includingStaphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., and Delftia sp. using microbial identification in addition to 16S rRNA sequencing. Whole genome sequencing of Delftiatsuruhatensis and Enterococcus faecalis was also performed to gain deeper insights into the genetic characteristics of these bacterial isolates. The study revealed genes associated with antimicrobial resistance in these two bacterial strains. Precise bacterial identification is crucial for guiding patient care and selecting appropriate antibiotic treatments, providing reassurance to clinicians, and aiding in treatment adjustment based on antibiotic sensitivity.Importantly, it should be noted that few studies covered this in Egypt, emphasizing the significance of this study in addressing a critical healthcare concern in the region.
COMPLETE REMISSION OF MULTIPLE SEVERE AND REFRACTORY PULMONARY ANEURYSMS IN BEHCETS DISEASE AFTER TREATMENT WITH INFLIXIMAB
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Boustani Salma , Ibenyahia Abderrahmane ,   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Wakrim Soukaina ,   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Bouissar Wassila ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Behcets disease is a multisystem disorder that can affect multiple organs.Vascular complications are common in BehÃ§ets disease.Arterial complications can include pulmonary artery aneurysms. These have a high risk of rupture and can be life threatening. Observation: This report details a case of BehÃ§ets Disease in a 52-year-old patient of North African descent. The diagnosis was made after the patient experienced massive hemoptysis caused by multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms. The initial treatment prescribed for the aneurysm involved immunosuppressive medication, including cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. During a 6-month follow-up period, the patient showed an unfavorable progression. Treatment with infliximab was attempted and resulted in a successful response to this treatment. Conclusion: This is a new observation that reinforces the superiority of infliximab in severe and refractory Behcets disease.
VILLAGE POLICE SYSTEM: ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY POLICING IN MIZORAM
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Mizoram University., a Lalthanmawia , Sinha Harendra ,   (Principal, Government Mamit College), Supervisor, Department of Political Science, Mizoram University.
Published: December 2023

Indian policing had been revolved around rural policing. In ancient India, each village had its own headman who protected the village with the help of village watchmen or patel. These watchmen were the real executive police of the villages. During medieval period, the Mughal dynasty also adopted this indigenous village police system. The significance of village police system was also recognized by the British rulers. The Court of Directors of the East India Company and The Police Act, 1861 wanted retention of village police system. After independence, Government of India made attempts to revive rural policing system. The Model Police Act was passed in 2006 which directed the states and Union Territories to make new police laws incorporating, among other things, improved village policing system. The present paper was an attempt to study how the village police system had been revived in India by passing the Model Police Act, 2006 with special emphasis on its implementation in Mizoram. Mizoram, a small state in North East India, adopted the Mizoram Police Act, 2011 under which Village Defense Parties were established to provide better policing services to village residents. This Act revived the principles of village policing concept which had been lying dormant. It also provided for formal institutional mechanism of community policing in the state.
TEACHER STRESS AND SCHOOL CULTURE AS PREDICTORSOF TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF PUBLICSCHOOL TEACHERS
Authors: Philip B. Salvador John , L. Nebria Edwin
Published: December 2023

The study determined the singular and combined influence of teacher stress and school culture on teaching performance among public school teachers in Lupon West District. There were 329 respondents who were selected using stratified random sampling technique. The researcher employed a quantitative research design using descriptive-correlational technique. The study also used an adopted, modified, and validated survey questionnaire was utilized. Additionally, mean, pearsonr, and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the level of teacher stress was low while the levels of teaching performance and school culture were very high. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between teacher stress and teaching performanceand between school culture and teaching performance. The findings also showed that teacher stress and school culture have singular and combined influence on teaching performance. This implies that the lesser the teacher stress is and the healthier the school culture is, the better the teaching performance becomes.
CHROMOBACTERIUM VIOLACIUM INDUCED UTI IN A FREQUENTLY RELAPSING NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Senior Resident, Dept of Microbiology, TRIHMS., Banik Ashmita , Umpo Mika ,   Associate Professor, Dept of Microbiology, TRIHMS., Kamki Yompe ,   Assistant Professor, Dept of Microbiology, TRIHMS., Sinha Sukanta ,   Professor & HOD, Dept of Microbiology, TRIHMS.
Published: December 2023

A 9 year old boy with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome presented to paediatric department with complaints of periorbital oedema, decreased urine output, anorexia & abdominal pain. His vitals were stable with heavy proteinuria. He developed urinary tract infection by Chromobacterium violaceum. He was treated successfully with 1 gm% IV Ceftriaxone. Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram negative, oxidase positive, anaerobic, beta proteobacterium causing human infections infrequently. Found in tropical & subtropical regions as normal flora of water & soil. Around 150 cases of C violaceum was reported worldwide. Usually causes skin & soft tissue infections, visceral abscesses, meningitis, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, septicaemia etc. The organism is resistant to penicillin, narrow-spectrum cephalosporin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, polymyxin B & sensitive to fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, etc. Delayed proper treatment due to limited awareness is responsible for high mortality rate. This case was reported for its rare clinical presentation being the first case to be described from a tertiary care centre of Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India.
ADHERENCE TO LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION AMONG THE POST-PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY PATIENTS IN CARDIOLOGY OPD OF A SELECTED HOSPITAL IN KOLKATA
Authors:   CCU, S.S.K.M Hospital, A.J.C.Bose Road, Kolkata-20, W.B., Biswas Joyeeta , Rani Adhikari Uma ,   Principal, College of Nursing, NRS MC & H, Kolkata. W.B.
Published: December 2023

Background:The prevalence of coronary artery disease is increasing every year in India. As the prevalence of coronary artery disease is increasing, the number of PTCA is also increasing every year. Lifelong adherence to medication and lifestyle modification is required to prevent major adverse effects after PTCA. The purpose of the study was to assess theadherence to lifestyle modification among post-PTCA patients of a selected hospital, Kolkata. Methods:A total of 100 post-PTCA patients attending Cardiology OPD of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata were surveyed using the purposive sampling technique.Data were collected by using the demographic proforma and structured interview schedule for adherence to lifestyle modification. All the tools were tested for validity and reliability. Results:A Majority(61%) of the patients weremedium adherent to lifestyle modification and 35% and 4% of patients were high adherent and low adherent to lifestyle modification respectively. Adherence to lifestyle modification was significantly associated with education, occupation and monthly per-capita income. Conclusion:To improve health outcomes, in post-PTCA patients, early detection of patients with poor adherence to lifestyle modification and motivational education programmes to improve adherence is important.
THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND EFFECTIVENESS ON THE SATISFACTION OF TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Authors: Morgan M.S. , Atienzar E.A.
Published: December 2023

The study identified the influence of school facilities on school effectiveness and teachers job satisfaction of public elementary schools in Davao City. The study used the quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. The study used Multiple Linear Regression to determine the variables in this study. This survey used a combination of researcher-made and adapted questionnaires to measure the influence of educational facilities on school effectiveness and teachers job satisfaction. The researcher gathered data thru an online survey, with 208 respondents using a stratified sampling method. The statistician analyzed the data using mean, Pearson r, and regression. The study found that public school teachers in Davao City moderately agree that there is an adequate and functional provision of facilities in their schools. The level of school effectiveness was found out to be high. The level of job satisfaction was also high. The study revealed that school facilities do not influence teachers job satisfaction but school effectiveness does. This implies that the evaluation of school facilities needs further investigation using a standard measurement value to reveal the actual status of school facilities without the partiality and inconsistency of teachers individual perceptions. The correlation result of this study also implies that the relationship between school heads, teachers, students, and the entire school and the community play a significant role in teachers job satisfaction.
Modelling public social values of flood-prone land use using the GIS application SolVES
Authors: Zahidi Izni , Yau Mun Ee , Lechner Alex , Lourdes Karen
Published: December 2023

Social values of land use are often excluded when undertaking integrated flood management as they are harder to quantify. To fill this research gap, a geographic information system application called Social Values for Ecosystem Services was used to assess, map and quantify the perceived social values of flood-prone land use in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. This approach was based on a non-monetary value index (VI) calculated from responses to a quantitative social survey on the public's attitude and preference towards flood management across different land uses. The study outcome is the geospatial representation of flood-prone land use with their social values, which local communities perceive as crucial for flood management. The VI was influenced by elevation and slope, with lower elevations and flatter slopes associated with higher values. Farmland is highly favoured by the local community for flood management, whereas oil palm and rubber plantations are opposed. Tourism received the highest monetary allocations from survey respondents, with the popular firefly park consistently associated with the highest social values. This practical framework contributes to integrated flood management in facilitating decision-makers to evaluate land-use trade-offs by considering their social values when prioritising flood mitigation measures or investments.
Molecular detection of waterborne pathogens in infants' drinking water and their relationship with water quality determinants in eastern Ethiopia: loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based study
Authors: Gebregziabher Samuel Mebrahtom , Yalew Alemayehu Worku , Sime Heven , Abera Adugna
Published: December 2023

Cryptosporidium, Shigella, toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and rotavirus were reported to be the most responsible for severe and fatal diarrhea among infants. This study aimed to investigate the presence of these pathogens in infants' drinking water samples and analyzing using water quality determinants in eastern Ethiopia. A molecular (LAMP)-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 410 and 37 water samples were tested from infant point-of-use at household and corresponding water source, respectively, from June 2020 to May, 2021. Cryptosporidium, Shigella, toxin-producing E. coli, and rotavirus were detected in 28.5, 30.0, 26.3, and 32.2%, of water samples tested from infant point-of-use, respectively. About 13.2% of the water samples were positive for all (four) pathogens together. Cryptosporidium, Shigella, toxin-producing E. coli, and rotavirus were detected in 27.0, 32.4, 29.7, and 37.8%, of water samples tested from water sources, respectively. Positive significant correlation was observed between infant point-of-consumption and water sources from which it is drawn toward the presence of each targeted pathogen. Unimproved water source showed a strong significant association with the presence of Cryptosporidium, Shigella and toxin-producing E. coli. Therefore, efforts should be made in development of improved water sources, source protection safety and health education to caretakers of infants.
Impact of sample acidification and extract storage on hormone receptor-mediated and oxidative stress activities in wastewater
Authors: Yu Maria , Mandava Geeta , Lavonen Elin , Oskarsson Agneta , Lundqvist Johan
Published: December 2023

An underemphasized aspect of sampling strategies in effect-based in vitro testing is to determine suitable collection and preparation techniques. In the current study, the impact of sample acidification on bioactivities was assessed using in vitro bioassays for hormone receptor-mediated effects (estrogen receptor [ER] and androgen receptor [AR]) and the oxidative stress response (Nrf2 activity). Sampling was conducted at a recently upgraded Swedish wastewater treatment plant. Future plans for the treated wastewater include reuse for irrigation or as a potential drinking water source. In the AR and Nrf2 assays, acidification decreased bioactivities in the wastewater influent sample extracts, whereas acidification increased bioactivities following further treatment (disc filtration). In the ER assay, acidification had no impact on the observed bioactivities in the sample extracts. A secondary objective of the study was to assess the stability of the sample extracts over time. Lower activities were detected in the ER and AR assays in all extracts after storage for approximately 1 year. Nrf2 activities did not decrease over time, but rather increased in some of the acidified sample extracts. Overall, the findings suggest that sampling strategies involving acidification may need to be tailored depending on the selected bioassay(s) and the type of wastewater treatments being assessed.
Contextualizing institutional capacity in water governance framework: a literature review
Authors: Raja Ariffin Raja Noriza , Sawon Sanisah , Abd Rahman Nur Hairani , Hanafi Hanira , Zahari Rustam Khairi
Published: December 2023

Reliable water governance will ensure the strength and sustainability of an institution. The rising needs for water warrant a thorough study of critical variables of water governance. These variables are crucial for the development of a sound institutional framework. However, there were still insufficient studies that systematically review the existing literature in this field. Hence, the current study aims to examine the key components of the institutional framework for water governance. This study was guided by PRISMA 2020 in its systematic searching strategy on three databases, namely Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Articles for the period of 2018–2022 were screened. The process resulted in the selection of 20 related studies which were then assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thematic analysis was employed and three themes were identified, namely stakeholders engagement, policy and practices, and water resource management. Based on the pattern of previous studies, the study offered significant contributions to practical purposes and the body of knowledge.
Synthesis of biochar-iron oxide magnetic nanocomposite for efficient and rapid removal of Pb(II) heavy metal from water
Authors: Latifian Behnaz , Taghizade Firozjaee Tahere , Abdi Jafar
Published: December 2023

In this study, magnetic biochar-iron oxide (MBC-IO) nanocomposite was easily synthesized as a strong adsorbent to remove toxic Pb(II) heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared adsorbent were analyzed using SEM, FTIR, XRD, BET, and zeta-potential analyses. An experimental design, using the response surface methodology (RSM), was implemented to study the effect of operational parameters on the Pb(II) adsorption performance. The maximum adsorption capacity of MBC-IO nanocomposite was found to be 504 mg/g, at an adsorbent dosage of 0.08 g/L, pH 7, contact time of 10 min, and initial lead concentration of 50 mg/L. The kinetics and isotherm studies illustrated that the adsorption data were well described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. In addition to rapid Pb2+ removal, the synthesized adsorbent was also employed to compare the adsorption capability of Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ cations that had significant efficiency in the removal of heavy metals. The reusability investigation depicted that MBC-IO nanocomposite exhibits magnetic properties, enabling its facile separation from aqueous solutions with the assistance of an external magnetic field. These capabilities make the synthesized nanocomposite a good candidate for water purification industries.
Efficient degradation of antibiotic wastewater by biochar derived from water hyacinth stems via periodate activation: pyridinic N and carbon structures improved the electron transfer process
Authors: Duan Wanqing , Zhang Ming , Zhou Runjuan
Published: December 2023

Biochar-activated periodate (PI) is a promising technology toward antibiotic wastewater purification. However, the mechanism of pyrolysis temperature on PI activation efficiency by biochar has not yet been revealed. Herein, this work selected water hyacinth stems as raw materials to prepare biochar with different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500, 600, and 700 °C), and applied it to degrade tetracycline (TC) wastewater through PI activation. The results show that biochar with a pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C (BC-700) possesses the best TC degradation performance (∼100% within 30 min). Besides, the degradation of TC by BC-700 is less interfered by coexisting anions and water matrix, and exhibits good reusability. Quenching experiments and open circuit voltage tests verified that IO3•, 1O2, and reactive complex BC-PI* are active species involved in TC degradation. In addition, by constructing the relationship between biochar surface properties and degradation rate kobs, it was revealed that the dominant role of pyridinic N in PI adsorption and formation of reactive complexes as well as the promotion of sp2-hybridized carbon in the electron transfer process. This work provides novel insights into the application of biochar in antibiotic wastewater treatment via PI activation.
Beyond the Virus: Exploring Coinfections in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rasizadeh Reyhaneh , Milani Esmael Shouri , Aghbash Parisa Shiri , Arefi Vahid , Fathi Hamidreza , Nahand Javid Sadri , Entezari-Maleki Taher , Baghi Hossein Bannazadeh
Published: December 2023

The global impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot be understated. Amidst the relentless focus on this viral adversary, we must not lose sight of an equally formidable challenge – the lurking threat of bacterial coinfections that can exacerbate morbidity and mortality.

Various factors, including ICU admissions, age demographics, microbiota disturbances, and empirical antibiotic use, contribute to the specter of bacterial coinfections. Respiratory tract coinfections, often featuring Streptococcus pneumoniae, precede bacteremia and urinary tract involvement. However, the bacterial landscape in COVID-19 coinfections is a diverse tapestry with regional and institutional variations.

Unlike its viral counterparts, COVID-19 exhibits a lower incidence of bacterial coinfection, underscoring the urgency of judicious antibiotic administration to curb the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance. Pandemics have historically witnessed an upsurge in coinfection-related morbidity and mortality.

This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted realm of bacterial, viral, and fungal coinfections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We scrutinize their impact on the respiratory and urinary tracts, blood, microbiota, and the ominous emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms. In conclusion, we explore nuanced treatment strategies in the quest for effective pandemic management.
Overview of the Current Status of Uganda’s Banana Sector: Formalizing the Matooke Sector may not be the Best Policy Option
Authors: Lee Hyejin
Published: December 2023

Banana or matooke holds a matchless place in the Ugandan livelihoods. It serves as a food security crop, income source, main dish, cultural artifact, and other daily purposes. The crop is grown mainly for subsistence with little input investment, resulting in overall low productivity. Currently, the southwestern region of the country is the largest banana-producing area overtaking the central, and the geographical shifts are aligned with the gradual changes in the Ugandan society as well as the agro environments. Different from conventional thoughts, the matooke value chain does not appear to marginalize a particular group, farmers. Matooke producers maintain wide varietal diversity based on specific production goals, and improved hybrid adoption is low due to unique banana-plot replacement, cultivar diversity, and plantlet delivery systems. High adoption of biofortified matooke appears questionable because of genetic modification and other relevant issues. Overall, the matooke value chain seems to operate rather flexibly, being built on organized informality and social networks. This implies that pushing for a formalized system may not be the best policy decision for the matooke sector. Nonetheless, public interventions could be prioritized for improved matooke production and distribution by investing in extension services, grading criteria, and road/infrastructure.
Hot Melt Extrusion Technique for Developing Pharmaceutical Co-crystals: A Review
Authors: Rathi Ritu , Sanshita  , Singh Inderbir
Published: December 2023

Background:

In the era of pharmaceutical research and development, the most challenging aspect is to enhance the physicochemical properties of drugs. Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is a solvent-free, one-step, continuous, scalable, and industrially feasible method for developing pharmaceutical co-crystals. Co-crystallization, as a technique, has gained significant attention for its potential to modify various physicochemical properties of drugs like solubility, stability, compressibility, permeability, taste masking, and therapeutic efficacy

Methods:

We determine the characteristic features of HME and explore published literature using the keywords, HME, co-crystals, and PAT, in databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Research Gate.

Result:

The present review embarks on a detailed journey through the multifaceted domain of HME and its pivotal role in co-crystal development. The process parameters, such as temperature, extruder type, screw configuration, screw speed, and feed rate, are involved in determining the characteristics of the co-crystals produced. Additionally, the review explores the role of materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), plasticizers, polymers, and other pharmaceutical aids, underlining their impact on co-crystal development. The existing literature on HME and its application for pharmaceutical co-crystal production is comprehensively surveyed.

Conclusion:

The review highlights the utility of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in real-time process control. The role of HME in the future of pharmaceutical co-crystal development is discussed, making this review essential for researchers and industry professionals alike.
Paradigma Transformatif dan Relevansinya bagi Riset-Riset Psikologi tentang Disabilitas
Authors: Madyaningrum Monica Eviandaru
Published: December 2023

Paper ini membahas sebuah kerangka konseptual bernama paradigma transformatif dan relevansinya bagi riset-riset tentang disabilitas. Paradigma transformatif merupakan sebuah kerangka kerja penelitian yang menekankan prinsip keadilan sosial dan konsep tanggung jawab sosial ilmu pengetahuan. Artikel ini berargumen bahwa paradigma transformatif dapat menjawab apa yang selama ini menjadi persoalan atau kesenjangan (research gap) dalam riset-riset tentang disabilitas di Indonesia. Persoalan atau kesenjangan tersebut adalah masih dominannya penggunaan perspektif patologis dalam riset-riset disabilitas di Indonesia, termasuk studi-studi yang dilakukan di ranah psikologi. Artikel ini disusun berdasar tinjauan literatur atas referensi-referensi utama tentang paradigma transformatif yang ditulis oleh Donna M. Mertens. Berpijak pada tinjauan literatur tersebut, artikel ini berargumen bahwa paradigma transformatif dapat mencegah terjadinya patologisasi dalam riset-riset disabilitas karena paradigma ini menawarkan orientasi axiologis, ontologis, epistemologis dan metodologis yang lebih adil dan kritis dalam melihat persoalan disabilitas.
Pengukuran Aktivitas Elektrodermal untuk Penelitian Psikologi
Authors: Khakim Zulfikri
Published: December 2023

Aktivitas Elektrodermal (EDA), atau yang kerap pula disebut sebagai Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) merujuk pada pengukuran aktivitas elektris pada permukaan kulit. Sensor EDA mengukur properti kelistrikan pada kulit sebagai indikator banyaknya keringat pada kulit. Kadar keringat tersebut dapat mencerminkan aktivitas saraf simpatetik yang muncul dalam berbagai kondisi seperti stres, gugahan emosi, hingga beban kognitif. Karena sifatnya yang portabel, noninvasif, dan memberikan pengukuran yang objektif, EDA telah banyak digunakan dalam penelitian psikologi untuk menyelidiki proses-proses mental terkait dalam berbagai konteks. Artikel ini memberikan pengenalan mengenai pengukuran EDA yang terdiri atas dasar asumsi pengukuran, teknis pengukuran, kuantifikasi dan analisis data hingga contoh parameter konstruk psikologis yang dapat diteliti dengan metode EDA.
Teori Perkembangan Tahap Hubungan Romantis Sebagai Acuan Orang Tua Mendampingi Remaja Berpacaran
Authors: Harahap Farida
Published: December 2023

Jika remaja memilih berpacaran apa yang sebaiknya dilakukan orang tua supaya perilaku berpacaran remaja tetap sehat dan aman? Teori perkembangan tahap hubungan romantis remaja dari Connolly et al. melihat perilaku pacaran remaja dari perspektif perkembangan yang positif dan pentingnya peran orang tua untuk membimbing remaja yang berpacaran. Apakah teori ini bisa diimplementasikan bagi orang tua di Indonesia? Sejauh ini, masih sedikit pembahasan mengenai bagaimana pendampingan orang tua Indonesia terhadap remaja yang berpacaran ditinjau dari teori perkembangan hubungan romantis. Artikel ini mengkaji teori perkembangan tahap hubungan romantis remaja dari Connolly et al. berdasarkan isi teori, pandangan di Indonesia mengenai pacaran dan bagaimana implementasi teori perkembangan tahap hubungan romantis remaja ini sebagai acuan bagi orang tua di Indonesia untuk mendampingi remaja yang berpacaran.
Contratos de servicios públicos celebrados por adhesión, ante cláusulas abusivas o excesivamente onerosas
Authors: Reyes Alfonso Daynelis , Ojeda Castillo Anmy , Machín Roque Jesús
Published: December 2023

The State as an entity of public power exercises administrative functions aimed at providing the growing social needs. To do so, these functions are performed by the Public Administration, which is then in charge of offering the corresponding public services to the public. The recipients of these become active consumers through contractual relationships and, thus, public service contracts are estipulate between these two parties. Due to its broad prerogatives in this context, the Administration appears as the privileged party and determines contractual clauses unilaterally, which might be potentially abusive or generate economic hardship. Therefore, it is necessary to establish control systems: legal, administrative, and judicial; all of them must act together and are set in place in order to provide legal certainty to consumers.
Computer Science's Digest Volume 3
Authors:   Galeras.NET Research Group, Insuasti Jesús , Bolaños Manuel , Jaramillo Nelson
Published: December 2023

This series of textbooks was created for the students of the Systems Engineering Program at the University of Nariño. They have been intentionally written in English to promote reading in a foreign language. The textbooks are a collection of reflections and workshops on specific situations in the field of computer science, based on the authors’ experiences. The main purpose of these textbooks is essentially academic. The way in which the reflections and workshops were constructed follows a didactic structure, to facilitate teaching and learning, making use of English as a second language. This book covers Professional Issues in Computing and Programming the Internet
Elementos institucionales asociados a la evolución de las prácticas pedagógicas docentes
Authors: Melo Moreno Pablo
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de la investigación fue describir las relaciones entre los elementos institucionales asociados a la evolución de las prácticas pedagógicas en docentes de la Región Metropolitana. La investigación es cualitativa y con enfoque teórico-metodológico de Teoría Fundamentada, mediante la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas a docentes con un destacado desempeño en su evaluación docente. Los resultados se presentan a nivel descriptivo y relacional axial, destacando la importancia que los docentes consideran de los lineamientos que las escuelas entregan para propiciar la mejora de sus prácticas pedagógicas, los cuales a su vez, suelen ser impulsados por exigencias ministeriales o contextuales. Sumado a esto, parece relevante la generación de un modelo explicativo sobre las relaciones entre los diversos factores institucionales asociados al mejoramiento de las prácticas pedagógicas desde la perspectiva de los docentes.
Educación ambiental, patrimonial e intercultural. Una mirada triádica, a través de una agenda de investigación
Authors: Zagal V. Evelyn
Published: December 2023

Este artículo tiene como objetivo, conocer la trayectoria investigativa que han manifestado temáticas como: educación ambiental, patrimonial e intercultural, por medio de la revisión de artículos en fuentes científicas, provenientes de la Web of Science (WoS), logrando identificar en ellos, elementos de interés metodológico que compone toda investigación. Para ello, se revisaron 106 artículos de cuatro revistas especializadas, en un espacio temporal que se sitúa entre el 2015 y el 2018. Empleándose para su análisis un enfoque mixto, utilizando criterios establecidos en el análisis de contenido, construyendo una matriz de categorías y estableciendo frecuencias a fin de construir una agenda de investigación. Los resultados de la investigación dan cuenta que existe interés por áreas, en las cuales se proponen prácticas que fomenten la conciencia ambiental y el cuidado y conservación del entorno; sin embargo, la tendencia se eleva en temáticas relacionadas con la educación ambiental y en menor proporción las de educación patrimonial e intercultural, además no se logró establecer interrelaciones en las temáticas, considerándose como temas independientes y no en una relación interdisciplinaria.