bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating the effect of climate change scenarios on surface water quality in the Bosque watershed, Central Texas, United States
Authors: Tefera Gebrekidan Worku , Ray Ram L. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: December 2023

Changes in precipitation, temperature, and extreme events affect surface water quality through various processes, such as transport, deposition, and concentration. Coupling robust climate change scenarios and hydrological modeling, this study simulated the impact of climate change on surface water quality in the Bosque watershed in Central Texas, USA. Streamflow, Organic Nitrogen (ORGN), Organic Phosphorus (ORGP), Mineral Phosphorus (MINP), and Nitrate (NO3) concentration were simulated under different climate change scenarios using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A multi-site and multi-variable calibration/validation and Differential Split Sampling approach was used to calibrate and validate the SWAT. In the future climate scenarios, a steady decline in organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and mineral phosphorus was found, primarily associated with decreased precipitation and streamflow. The reduction in organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and mineral phosphorus was 22–57%, 35–65%, and 10–56%, respectively. However, the hotter and drier future climate scenarios would result in a statistically significant nitrate increase (61–104%). Changes in water quality parameters were higher in the RCP4.5 emission scenario compared to the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. This study highlights the dire effect of climate change on the NO3 concentration, which requires urgent water management interventions to mitigate detrimental repercussions for watershed health.
Characterization of mutations in Hepatitis B virus DNA isolated from Japanese HBsAg-positive blood donors in 2021-2022
Authors: Sedohara Ayako , Takahashi Kazuaki , Arai Keiko , Arizono Kotaro , Tuvshinjargal Khulan , Saito Makoto , Nakahara Fumio , Tsutsumi Takeya , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Adachi Eisuke , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Missense mutations in some small-envelope proteins reduce the activity of antibodies. Therefore, it is very important to follow up on the incidence and types of vaccine-escape mutation (VEM) before and after the introduction of the universal hepatitis B vaccination, which was introduced in Japan in 2016. In this study, we isolated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA from 58 of 169 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive blood samples from Japanese blood donors and determined the nucleotide sequence encoding the small-envelope protein. Six of these samples (10%) had VEMs, but no missense mutations such as G145R were detected. Whole-genome sequences were obtained for 29 of the 58 samples, with genotypes A1 in 1 (3%), A2 in 3 (10%), B1 in 9 (31%), B2 in 5 (17%), B4 in 1 (3%), and C2 in 10 (34%) samples. Tenofovir-resistance mutations were detected in two samples (7%). In addition, several core promoter mutations, such as 1762A > T/1764G > A and 1986G > A precore nonsense mutations, which are risk factors for HBV-related chronic liver disease, were detected. These findings provide a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring of VEMs and drug-resistance mutations in HBsAg-positive blood donors without HBV antibodies.
Polien viability in three Juniperus taxa
Authors: Galgoci Martin , Kormutak Andrej , Klobucnik Miroslav , Gomory Dusan , Bolecek Peter
Published: December 2023

Pollen viability in three Juniperus taxa native to Slovakia was investigated using in vitro germination test. The highest germination percentage and longest pollen tubes were surprisingly found in J. communis var.intermedia which is believed to be a putative hybrid between J. communis var. communis and J. sibirica. Germination rate of the hybrid averaged at 78.70% as compared with 64.96% and 60.83% of the pollen germination in the corresponding parental species. The same tendency holds for the pollen tube length reaching 38.68 µm in the putative hybrids, 31.39 µm in J. communis var. communis and 28.08 µm in J. sibirica. At the taxa level, the above given data were statistically highly significant in both pollen viability characteristics. Highest viability of J. communis var. intermedia pollen does not corroborate the widespread notion on reduced fertility of the plant interspecific hybrids. Additional tests are suggested to verify the hybrid nature of the putative hybrid population using DNA based population study and artificial crossing experiments involving the putative parental species J. communis var. communis and J. sibirica.
Dummy template based molecularly imprinted solid-phase microextraction coating for analysis of plasticizers in food samples
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Runan , Ma Jing , Jiang Binlian , Lu Lina , Kang Shuhe , Sun Chufeng
Published: December 2023

A series of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared on the surface of microspheres(CG161M) and applied as adsorbent for the rapid and selective detection of phthalates compounds, including diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP). Surface deposition and layer by layer self-assembling method were also utilized in the preparetion of molecularly imprinted polymers. The synthesized composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric analysis and Nitrogen adsorption analysis. The maximum adsorption capacities of the MIPs for DEP, DBP and DOP were 0.006, 0.008 and 0.007 mg g− 1, respectively. The adsorption of phthalates reached equilibrium within 260 min and complied well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model. Dioctyl phthalate(DOP) was used as a dummy template for diethyl phthalate(DEP) and dibutyl phthalate(DEP), allowing selective and specific identification of DEP and DBP and did not affect the accuracy of the analysis even if the leakage of template occured. Moreover, MIPs-based hollow fiber stir bar sorptive extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to the detection of DEP, DBP and DOP in several food samples. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) for DEP, DBP and DOP were 0.0047, 0.0054 and 0.0031 mg L− 1, with spiked recoveries of 73.06–106.02% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.91–6.89%, exhibiting high adsorption capacity, good selectivity and fast kinetic towards DEP, DBP and DOP. Since the template of surface molecularly imprinted polymers could be changed with the analytes, MIPs-based molecularly imprinted polymers combining with hollow fiber stirring bar sorptive extraction can be a promising and selective method for separation and extraction of series analytes with similar structure in complicated samples without sample clean-up.
Preliminary Study on Hand Dimensions as Potential Predictors of Ethnicity of Female Populations in the Forest and Savanna Zones of Ghana
Authors: Bimpong Samuel , Abaidoo Chrissie Stansie , Tetteh Joshua , Sarkodie Francis Kofi , Adjei-Antwi Collins , Nketsiah James , Appiah Atta Kusi , Diby Thomas K.
Published: December 2023

Background
The hand is a versatile structure that performs numerous tasks, ranging from exertion of great force such as grip, pinch and torque to execution of precise fine motor skills.
Objective
The aim of current study was to undertake a preliminary study on hand dimensions as potential predictors of ethnicity of female populations in the forest and savanna zones of Ghana.
Methods
A total of one hundred (100) female students aged between 17–24 years were recruited into this study, comprising of 53 Akans from the forest zone and 47 Northerners from savanna zone of Ghana between 12th June to 27th July, 2023 at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Results
Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between left hand length and right hand length (R = 0.923, p = 0.000). Binary regression model indicated that right hand breadth was nearly two and half folds likely to predict Akan ethnicity (OR = 2.46, 95%CI [0.29, 20.93]).
Conclusion
The study observed significant differences in right and left hands breadths dimensions among the Akans and Northerners from the forest and savanna zones of Ghana.
Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm based Optimal Scheduling of Microgrid
Authors: Chamoli Mamta , Panda Manoj Kumar , Mishra Vishnu. Mohan.
Published: December 2023

Using a microgrid method, distributed generation has the potential to become a component of the larger system. Advanced management and the system provided by the communication infrastructure operate in concert to coordinate the Micro grid's low voltage distribution network with storage devices and programmable loads. A resilient optimal scheduling model and a grey Wolf optimization technique for microgrid scheduling under a variety of uncertainty constraints are presented. Comparisons of the suggested algorithm are made to the Genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and the crow search optimization algorithm. According to GWO's optimal scheduling, the fitness function and performance parameters of other renowned optimization algorithms are inferior to the GWO-based scheduling.
Genomic diversity as a key conservation criterion: proof-of-concept from mammalian whole-genome resequencing data
Authors: Jeon Jong Yoon , Black Andrew N. , Heenkenda Erangi J. , Mularo Andrew J. , Lamka Gina F. , Janjua Safia , Brüniche-Olsen Anna , Bickham John W. , Willoughby Janna R. , DeWoody J. Andrew
Published: December 2023

Many international, national, state, and local organizations prioritize the ranking of threatened and endangered species to help direct conservation efforts. For example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) regularly publishes the influential Red List of Threatened Species. Unfortunately, current approaches to categorizing the conservation status of species do not explicitly consider genetic or genomic diversity (GD), even though GD is positively associated with both contemporary evolutionary fitness and with future evolutionary potential. To test if genome sequences can help improve conservation ranking efforts, we estimated GD metrics from publicly available mammalian population data and examined their statistical association with formal Red List conservation categories. We considered intrinsic biological factors that could impact GD and quantified their relative influences. Key population GD metrics are both reflective and predictive of IUCN conservation categories. Specifically, our analyses revealed that genome-wide heterozygosity and autozygosity (a product of inbreeding) are associated with the current Red List categorization, likely because demographic declines that lead to “listing” decisions also reduce levels of standing genetic variation. We argue that by virtue of this relationship, conservation organizations like IUCN can leverage genome sequence data to help infer conservation status in otherwise data-deficient species. This study 1) outlines the theoretical and empirical justification for a new GD criterion based on the mean loss of genome-wide heterozygosity over time; 2) provides a bioinformatic pipeline for estimating GD from population genomic data; and 3) provides an analytical framework and explicit recommendations for use by conservation authorities.
Dysfunction in Sensorimotor and Default Mode Networks: Elucidating the Neural Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Huang Chu-Chung , Zhao Jiajia , Liu Yuchen , Xia Mingrui , Wang Xiaoqin , Wei Dongtao , Chen Yuan , Liu Bangshan , Zheng Yanting , Wu Yan-Kun , Chen Taolin , Cheng Yu-Qi , Xu Xiu-Feng , Gong Qiyong , Si Tianmei , Qiu Shijun , Cheng Jingliang , Tang Yanqing , Wang Fei , Qiu Jiang , Xie Peng , Li Lingjiang , He Yong , Lin Ching-Po , Group DIDA-Major Depressive Disorder Working , Lo Chun-Yi Zac
Published: December 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is recognized as a severe mental illness with imbalanced interactions among brain networks. However, the detailed mechanisms of large-scale network dysfunction and their clinical implications are not fully understood. To explore the neurological basis of altered connectivity within the brain, the current study aims to examine large-scale connectivity coherence in MDD. A total resting-state functional magnetic resonance image data of 1148 MDD patients and 1079 healthy volunteers (HV) was collected from nine research centers. The global brain connectivity (GBC) offering an objective and comprehensive perspective on changes in functional connectivity (FC) was estimated and compared between groups. The regions with notably altered GBC in MDD patients were identified as the seeds for calculating the brain FC. Compared to HV, MDD patients had decreased GBC in sensorimotor/visual networks, including bilateral pre-/postcentral, fusiform gyrus, and inferior occipital gyrus, and increased GBC mainly in default mode networks (DMN), including bilateral precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, superior frontal gyrus, and left angular gyrus. These GBC alterations were closely linked with meta-analytic terms associated with sensory and higher-order cognitive processing. Further seed-based analyses revealed that MDD patients had heightened FC between DMN and primary sensory cortices, but reduced FC within primary sensory cortices themselves. Our findings suggest that the aberrant intrinsic functional hubs identified in both higher-order cognitive systems and low-level sensory systems may signify a disruption in information exchange from primary to higher-order systems, which may contribute to the multifaceted clinical and cognitive deficits observed in MDD.
Electroacupuncture effect the neuromuscular functionality in rats with intensive care unit-acquired weakness
Authors: Yu Renjun , Lu Honglei , Hu Xingxing , Chen Lei , LV Chenwei , Zhang Yuhao , Ni Haibin
Published: December 2023

ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a multifaceted condition capable of impeding the recuperation of critically ill patients afflicted with sepsis. Acupuncture therapy has demonstrated notable effectiveness across a spectrum of ailments, particularly in the initial stages of rehabilitating critically ill patients. This study aims to assess the potential of electro-acupuncture stimulation in enhancing muscular functionality within a rat model of ICU-AW, with implications for ICU-AW treatment. We created a rat model of acquired weakness induced by septic shock using intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, in conjunction with immobilization. This investigation monitored alterations in rat motor function, body weight, the levels of inflammatory markers including IL-6, TNF-α, SIRT3, and CAF in rat serum, and their fluctuations preceding and following the onset of ICU-AW. Additionally, we assessed muscle tissue ATP levels to appraise mitochondrial functionality in ICU-AW rats and analyzed the expression of proteins related to signaling pathways and autophagy within muscle tissue. Our study implies that electro-acupuncture stimulation can activate the AMPK-PGC1α-SIRT3 signaling pathway, ensuring consistent autophagy and calpain levels, consequently ameliorating both inflammation and muscular function in ICU-AW rats.
A Coloured Petri Nets-Based System for Validation of Biomedical Signal Acquisition Devices
Authors: Júnior José Irineu Ferreira , Sobrinho Álvaro , Silva Leandro Dias da , Cunha Paulo , Cordeiro Thiago , Perkusich Angelo , Lima Antonio Marcus Nogueira
Published: December 2023

Biomedical signal acquisition devices (e.g., Electrocardiography - ECG) are relevant for diagnosing and monitoring persons who developed a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. These devices comply with regulatory requirements before being marketed to prevent misleading measures, and they should also pass through corrective and preventive maintenance to keep them working correctly. We designed and implemented a simulation-based system to support these needs to assist manufacturers and healthcare facilities. This article focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of our system for validating ECG devices. Our system comprises software in a computing device and a biomedical signals transducer. The system relies on Coloured Petri Nets (CPN) modeling language, a frequency-based filtering method, and publicly available databases. We validated the system using the Physionet database and comparison tests to verify the expected signal and outputs based on MATLAB filters and the commercial ECG device ENGC901448 from Instramed. The system was proven reliable, low-cost, and portable. Our proposal is relevant to provide evidence for certification and assisting healthcare facilities in conducting testing and corrective and preventive maintenance.
Genetics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): Integration of population studies and clinical data
Authors: Zucker Roei , Kovalerchik Michael , Davidovich Zvika , Banne Ehud , Maharshak Idit , Linial Michal
Published: December 2023

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a known cause. IIH mainly affects overweight and reproductive-age women. Due to elevated intracranial pressure in IIH patients, papilledema (PAP), a disease caused by swelling of the optic disc, often co-occurs. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of common variants failed to find significant associations. We applied genetic association protocols to a cohort of 173 patients diagnosed with IIH or PAP from the UK Biobank (UKB). The results were compared to the FinnGen data. We applied routine and coding GWAS (cGWAS) to a unified cohort of IIH/PAP. We also employed SKAT, which considers all variants within a given segment, and PWAS, which estimates the damage of variants to protein function and models a gene by aggregating its coding variants. The detection power of standard GWAS methods is restricted by cohort size and false discovery. To overcome these limitations, we considered gene-centric approaches for the unified group of IIH and PAP patients. Notably, the dominant comorbidity of IIH is PAP in the UKB and FinnGen populations. Seeking shared genes by GWAS for IIH and PAP identified VLDLR and SHANK2 genes in the UKB and FinnGen cohorts, respectively. By utilizing complementary gene-centric association protocols (coding GWAS, SKAT, and PWAS) for the unified IIH/PAP group, we identified 16 genes that were recognized by at least two methods, with FOXF1 and RGCC recognized by all three. Employing a functional enrichment scheme emphasized the significance of cilium, microtubule, and cytoskeletal functions. To gain insight into IIH etiology, we focused on the choroid plexus, a brain structure that produces and secretes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Altogether, 7 of the 16 candidate genes are listed among the 281 genes with enhanced expression in the choroid plexus epithelium. Among them, MAPK15, DNAH5, and SLC28A3 are involved in ciliary microtubule dysregulation. This study highlights the strength of integrative genetic association approaches with functional and clinical knowledge. By identifying potential genetic effects, we propose the biological and cellular relevance of the choroid plexus for IIH etiology and suggest candidate genes for further investigation.
Prevalence and pattern of self-harm among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Fariduzzaman Abdullah Muhammad , Azdi Zunayed Al , Kushal Sayedul Ashraf , A Yahia Md , Roy Krishna , Datta Jhowhar , Tabassum Erina , Nahar Jhunu Shamsun
Published: December 2023

Background
Self-harm is a global public health concern, particularly among university students. This study explores the prevalence and correlates of self-harm among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, within the context of global, regional, and local trends.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 students from the University of Dhaka and the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results
The study revealed a notable prevalence of self-harm at 17%, with a significant gender disparity—females reported a fourfold higher prevalence than males. Bivariate analyses showed no significant differences based on institutions, academic disciplines, habitat, or socioeconomic status. However, logistic regression identified significant associations; females had a higher likelihood of self-harm, and middle and high socioeconomic status were protective factors.
Discussion
Our findings contribute to the global discourse on self-harm among university students, aligning with regional trends while providing locally specific insights. The gender disparity emphasizes the need for gender-specific interventions, and the protective effect of socioeconomic status highlights the importance of addressing economic disparities.
Conclusion
This study underscores the urgency of tailored mental health initiatives for university students in Dhaka. The observed prevalence and associated factors guide future research and inform evidence-based interventions to mitigate the prevalence of self-harm and enhance mental well-being on university campuses.
Electric and Magnetic Coherences: Analysis in a Four-Level Atomic System under a Magneto-Shaped Field
Authors: Boutabba Nadia , Ali Hazrat
Published: December 2023

In this work, we investigate the dispersion-absorption spectra in a left handed medium under various magnetic shaped pulses. The system is a multi-level atom, in which the levels are coherently controlled by a weak and a strong field. Additionally, the ground state is related to an intermediate transition via a magneto-shaped field.We analyze the four level atom while first by considering the magnetic field as a quotient of the double exponential wave form, a difference of Gaussian and then as a continuous wave form. This enables us to study the dynamics of the coherence in the system. therefore, in contrast with the classical scenario where the magnetic field is taken as a constant, we observe a clear influence of the shaped magnetic field on the dispersion-absorption of the probe. We get an enhancement of about 2.5 times in the positive dispersion while we obtain 8 times enhancement in the negative dispersion. Lastly, with a shaped magnetic field, the probe dispersion, which is positive for a positive detuning and negative for a negative detuning, abruptly changes in the opposite direction.
New Inherent Characteristic of Mechanical Impacts
Authors: Montazeri Saeed
Published: December 2023

In a typical mechanical impact, the projectile experiences rapid and significant variations in force over a brief duration. Hence, it results in a substantial acceleration of the projectile's particles. This paper reveals an inherent characteristic of mechanical impacts named ‘impact effort.’ The impact effort is employed to quantify the impact's ability to increase the root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration of the projectile's particles. Furthermore, two main properties of the impact effort are introduced. Finally, it is suggested how the impact effort can be utilized to adjust design parameters without the need for time-consuming computer simulations.
Evolutionary characteristics of hydrocarbon generation in carbonate hydrocarbon source rocks
Authors: Wang Zhen , Ji Zhi-feng , Zhang Yi-qiong , Wang Xue-ke , Lin Ya-ping , Jiang Li , Zhang Xiaozhen
Published: December 2023

Carbonate reservoirs, as the most important hydrocarbon reservoirs, have more than 50% of the total global hydrocarbon resources. By evaluating the hydrocarbon source rock development and hydrocarbon generation evolution characteristics, it is of great significance for the exploration and development of hydrocarbon reservoirs in carbonate reservoirs. This paper takes carbonate reservoirs in Sichuan Basin as the largest proven oil and gas reserves in China. By investigating the geological and tectonic characteristics of the study area, analyzing the maturation evolution history and hydrocarbon generation and discharge periods of hydrocarbon source rocks, and using stratigraphic thermal evolution hydrocarbon generation and discharge simulation experiments to simulate hydrocarbon generation in carbonate rock samples of limestone and dolomite, we analyze the evolution characteristics of liquid products of rock samples and evaluate the hydrocarbon generation potential of the reservoirs. and characteristics of the reservoir. The results show that the Sichuan basin is divided into northwestern depressional zone, central uplift zone, southern low steep tectonic zone and eastern high steep tectonic zone according to the tectonic characteristics, and mainly experienced the tectonic movements of Garidonian, Haixi, Indo-Chinese, Yanshan and Xishan phases. The hydrocarbon generation and discharge mainly occurred in the Garidonian, Indochinese and Yanshan phases; through the hydrocarbon generation and discharge simulation experiment of the thermal evolution of carbonate strata, it is concluded that with the increasing temperature, the total oil yield and total hydrocarbon yield of limestone and dolomite show a trend of slow increase - rapid increase - decrease, and the hydrocarbon gas mass yield shows a slow increase - rapid increase, and the residual oil and discharge oil of the experiment are mainly non-hydrocarbon asphaltene, saturated hydrocarbon and aromatic hydrocarbon, meanwhile The total oil yield, maximum hydrocarbon gas mass yield and maximum total hydrocarbon yield of limestone are greater than that of limestone, which is an effective hydrocarbon source rock with obvious hydrocarbon generation and a favorable reservoir. The research results provide theoretical data to support the hydrocarbon generation and evolution characteristics of carbonate hydrocarbon source rocks.
Offensive transitions in football as a decisive way to obtain goals in Top, Marginal and Emerging leagues.
Authors: Eusebio Pedro , Prieto-González Pablo , Marcelino Rui
Published: December 2023

Offensive transitions in modern football have been identified as a decisive moment in a game, as they offer a high potential for scoring goals and creating defensive imbalances. To investigate the impact of offensive transitions on the performance of different national football leagues, this study analyzed data from 1151 games belonging to nine leagues/countries, which were divided into three categories: Top, Marginal, and Emerging. A total of 3497 goals were scored in these games, and they were classified according to their origin, including non-offensive transitions, set pieces, direct offensive transitions, and positive results of offensive transitions. Results showed that the Top Leagues scored more goals (0.28 goals) and had a higher scoring rate due to ball interference (53%) compared to the Emerging and Marginal Leagues. Furthermore, the Emerging and Marginal Leagues performed better in terms of goals scored from non-offensive transitions and set pieces, suggesting the presence of specific characteristics in these leagues. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the role of offensive transitions on the performance of national football leagues and the superior performance of Top Leagues in utilizing them effectively. These findings highlight the importance for teams to use motion analysis technology and optical sensors to gain valuable insights into offensive transitions, allowing teams to optimize their strategies and capitalize on opportunities. Technology gives modern football a competitive edge to achieve success on the pitch.
Power analysis for personal light exposure measurements and interventions
Authors: Zauner Johannes , Udovicic Ljiljana , Spitschan Manuel
Published: December 2023

Background
Light exposure regulates the human circadian system and more widely affects health, well-being, and performance. As field studies examining how light exposure impacts these aspects in the real world increase in number, so does the amount of light exposure data collected using wearable light loggers. These data are considerably more complex compared to singular stationary measurements in the laboratory, and they require special consideration not only during analysis, but already at the design stage of a study. How to estimate the required sample size of study participants remains an open topic, as evidenced by the large variability of employed sample sizes in the small but growing published literature: sample sizes between 2 and 1,887 from a recent review of the field (median 37) and approaching 105 participants in first studies using national databases.
Methods
Here, we present a novel procedure based on robust bootstrapping to calculate statistical power and required sample size for wearable light logging data and derived summary metrics taking into account the hierarchical data structure (mixed-effect model). Alongside this method, we publish a dataset that serves as one possible basis to perform these calculations: one week of continuous data in winter and summer, respectively, for 13 participants (collected in Dortmund, Germany, lat. 51.514° N, lon. 7.468° E).
Results
Applying our method on the dataset for twelve different summary metrics (luminous exposure, geometric mean and standard deviation, timing/time above/below threshold, mean/midpoint of darkest/brightest hours, intradaily variability) with a target comparison across winter and summer, reveals a large range of required sample sizes from 3 to > 50. About half of the metrics – those that focus on the bright time of day – showed sufficient power already with the smallest sample, while metrics centered around the dark time of the day and daily patterns required higher sample sizes: mean timing of light below 10 lux (5), intradaily variability (17), mean of darkest 5 hours (24) and mean timing of light above 250 lux (45). Geometric standard deviation and midpoint of the darkest 5 hours did not reach the required power within the investigated sample size.
Conclusions
The results clearly show the importance of a sound theoretical basis for a study using wearable light loggers, as this dictates the type of metric to be used and, thus, sample size. Our method applies to other datasets that allow comparisons of scenarios beyond seasonal differences. With an ever-growing pool of data from the emerging literature, the utility of this method will increase and provide a solid statistical basis for the selection of sample sizes.
Dynamical Analysis of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection in North Cyprus with Optimal Control: Prevalence and Awareness
Authors: Gokbulut Nezihal , Farman Muhammad , Hurdoganoglu Ulas , Sultanoglu Nazife , Guler Emrah , Suer Kaya , Hincal Evren
Published: December 2023

The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in communities and hospitals is on the rise worldwide. In this work, we developed the nonlinear deterministic model for the dynamics of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus infection in society to visualize the effectiveness of awareness in interventions that could be applied in the prevention of transmission with and without optimal control. Positivity and uniqueness are verified for the proposed corruption model to identify the level of resolution of infection factors in society. Furthermore, it explores how various parameters affect the reproductive number \({R}_{0}\) and sensitivity analysis of the proposed model through mathematical and figures. Establishes the global stability of model equilibria analysis by using Lyapunov functions with the first derivative test. A total of seven years of data gathered from hospitals consisting of inpatients and outpatients of MRSA were used in this model for numerical simulations and observing the dynamics of infection by using a Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) scheme. When optimal control was applied as a second model, it was determined that increasing awareness of hand hygiene and wearing a mask were the key controlling measures to prevent the spread of CA-MRSA and HA- MRSA. Lastly, it is concluded that both CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA cases are on the rise, and increasing awareness concerning transmission is significant in preventing further spread.
Analytic solutions for the circadian oscillator characterize cycle dynamics and its robustness
Authors: Odile Burckard , Madalena Chaves
Published: December 2023

Circadian clocks form a fundamental mechanism that promotes the correct behavior of many cellular and molecular processes by synchronizing them on a 24 hour period. However, the circadian cycles remain difficult to describe mathematically. To overcome this problem, we first propose a segmentation of the circadian cycle into eight stages based on the levels of expression of the core clock components CLOCK:BMAL1, REV-ERB and PER:CRY. This cycle segmentation is next characterized through a piecewise linear model, whose analytical study allows us to propose an Algorithm to generate biologically-consistent circadian oscillators. Our study provides a characterization of the cycle dynamics in terms of four fundamental threshold parameters and one scaling parameter, shows robustness of the circadian system and its period, and identifies critical points for correct cycle progression.
Therapeutic Potential of Salidroside in Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction: Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Li Zhenghao , Jia Bin , Guo Zhongkai , Zhang Keqin , Zhao Danfeng , Li Ziheng , FU Qiang
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The primary objective of this work was to delve into the potential therapeutic advantages and dissect the molecular mechanisms of salidroside in enhancing erectile function in rats afflicted with diabetic microvascular erectile dysfunction (DMED), addressing both the whole-animal and cellular dimensions.
Methods: We established a DMED model in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats and conducted in vivo experiments. The DMED rats were administered varying doses of salidroside, the effects of which on DMED were compared. Erectile function was evaluated by applying electrical stimulation to the cavernous nerves and measuring intracavernous pressure in real time. The penile tissue underwent histological examination and Western blotting. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was employed in the in vitro trial to induce an oxidative stress for the purpose of identifying alterations in cell viability. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure the viability of corpus cavernous smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) treated with vs. without salidroside. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect alterations in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apoptosis was assessed through Western blotting and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL).
Results: The DMED group exhibited less erectile function than the sham group. Following 8 weeks of salidroside therapy, these parameters demonstrated different levels of enhancement, the high-dose salidroside cohort displaying more notable progress.
Conclusion: The Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway may be upregulated by salidroside, leading to the improvement of erectile function in diabetic male rats by alleviating oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis in corpus cavernosum tissue.
DO AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS IMPROVE COMMUNITIES KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES ON RABIES? A TWO-STAGE STUDIES IN MENABE REGION, MADAGASCAR
Authors:   CIRAD Bios, UMR ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France., Daouda Kassie ,   Institut Pasteur de Madagascar (IPM), Antananarivo, Madagascar., Volatiana Randriafaraniaina ,   CIRAD Bios, UMR ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France.,   Universite dAntananarivo, Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire, Antananarivo, Madagascar., Arlette Florine Ravolatsara ,   Centre National de la Recherche en Environnement (CNRE), Madagascar., Vincent Michel Rakotoharinome ,   Direction des Services Veterinaires (DSV), Madagascar., Eric Cardinale ,   CIRAD Bios, UMR ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France.
Published: December 2023

Rabies remains a public health concern in Madagascar, but its importance is often underestimated due to the under-reporting of cases and limited awareness of preventive measures. In order to solve these issues, diagnostic and surveillance methods have been implemented. Despite this, the unreported rabies cases have been rising.This study aimed to understand if awareness campaigns can improve communities knowledge, attitudes, and practices on rabies through operational research activities in Menabe region of Madagascar.In November 2020, a Baseline study was conducted among 342 participants, followed by an awareness campaign.Then an Endline study was carried out with 337 other participants in January 2021, to assess communitiesknowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies in the same study areas. The same questionnaires were used to assess communities KAP. A significant improvement in participants KAP related to rabies was observed. The good knowledge average score increased from 36% to 61%, positive attitudes improved from 39% to 55%, and good practices increased from 7% to 81%. The participants mean KAP score increases from 27% at Baseline to 66% at Endline. Multivariable logistic regressions performed after both phasesrevealed that participants who heard or saw information about rabies during an awareness campaign had higher KAP levels compared to others. This study demonstrated the awareness campaign importance, and the need to continue and intensify efforts to raise rural communities awareness, by using mass communication methods such as radio broadcasts, video spots and flyers in local language to reach morepeople.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTING SKILL PROGRAM ON CHILDS ADAPTIVE BEHAVIORAMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
Authors:   PhD Research Scholar, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand., Thakur Nancy , Prakash Kamli ,   Professor, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand., Pugazhendi Sanchita ,   Professor, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Published: December 2023

Background: A child brings happiness, love and joy in the family and society and if a child born with Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD), then parenting of IDD children requires a huge amount of liability, accountability, commitment and dedication. Children with intellectual disability are having debilitate physical and mental health conditions, lower longevity1. As parents are the primary caregivers, but lives of parents of children with IDD are much more complicated and stressful as compared to the lives of non-disabled childrens parents. Methodology: Quasi-experimental Time Series Research Design was used to assess the effectiveness of Parenting Skill Program on childs adaptive behavior among parents of children with Intellectual developmental disability in selected Special Schools of Delhi NCR.The tools used for data collection included a socio-demographic proforma and the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS). Structured interviews and pre-assessment tools, such as socio-demographic proforma and the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), were administered to both experimental and control groups in the first month. Subsequently, the parenting skills program, consisting of 12 sessions, was implemented over a three-month period, with one session per week for parents in the experimental group. At the 6th, 9th, and 12th months, structured interviews using post-assessment tools were conducted with parents from both groups. Results: The findings of the study revealed thatthere was an improvement in the mean posttest score of childs adaptive behavior over the time. Specifically, at 6th month, it increased to (53.425Â±8.95), followed by (52.850Â±9.77) at 9th month and (55.288Â±8.87) at 12th month when compared to baseline score (46.362Â±8.09).This increase was found to be statistically significant within the group (F= 163.040, p 0.001).However, the control group, showed no significant change in the mean score of childs adaptive behavior and it remained same in 6th month, 9th month and 12th month as baseline, and no significant difference was observed within the group (F= 6.00, p 0.112). Hence, it could be interpreted that parenting skill program was effective in improving the childs adaptive behavior score of children with IDD in experimental group than in control group. Conclusion:It was concluded thatparenting skill program was effective in improving the childs adaptive behavior of children with IDD.
Development of the Automated System for Radiation Risk Analysis: goals, tasks and the vision for progress
Authors: Repin L. V. , Akhmatdinov R. R. , Biblin A. M. , Repin V. S.
Published: December 2023

This paper describes the preconditions of creation and the process of development of the Automated System for Radiation Risk Analysis. Three main objectives for the development of an automated system for radiation risk analysis were identified: creation of a tool for the development and scientific justification of hygienic standards and other protective quantities in the field of ionizing radiation application; practical implementation of the principles of justification and optimization in radiation protection on the basis of monetary assessment of radiation health risks; and comparative analysis of risks of different nature on the basis of comparable indicators of population health. The Russian software platform 1C: Enterprise was chosen as the development platform for the Automatized System for Radiation Risk Analysis. The choice of this platform was related to simplification of integration with other computer systems being developed at the Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Prof. P.V. Ramzaev, such as the Automated System for Radiation Exposure Control of Rospotrebnadzor. Before the practical development of the system in accordance with the terms of reference, the main parameters in view of its interaction with the user were determined: arrangement of the user interface elements, main input parameters, primary calculated indicators and output calculation results, etc. The estimation of annual increase in the probability of radiation-induced malignant neoplasms depending on the organ dose, sex and age of the exposed person and other parameters according to the models of the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Publications 103 and 152 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection was implemented in the system. The capabilities of the system include calculation of a number of modern lifetime radiation risk indicators used for risk characterization in various scientific publications over the last 35 years, including calculation of population risks based on national medical and demographic data of several dozen states published over the last 50 years.
Pós-estruturalismo e a disruptura das metanarrativas sobre o sentido constitucional
Authors: Azevedo Rosaly , Bussinguer Elda Coelho de Azevedo
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a influência do pensamento pós-estruturalista sobre o Direito, com ênfase nas disrupturas das metanarrativas constitucionais da supremacia judicial, da Justiça como única resposta correta e da democracia como sistema político das maiorias. Para tal desiderato utilizou-se o método histórico-dialético, com recurso à pesquisa bibliográfica e fontes secundárias. Inicialmente o estudo analisou o pós-estruturalismo como movimento de pensamento que rompeu com os grandes discursos que marcaram a modernidade e propôs novas leituras sobre as realidades social, política, econômica e cultural. Em seguida, abordou como o pensamento pós-estruturalista, ao retirar as estruturas e os sistemas do centro, pulverizou o conhecimento em diferentes direções e influenciou o constitucionalismo, abrindo espaço para teorias que compreendem o processo decisório como uma relação dialógica, contínua e criativa entre sociedade e poderes constituídos. Em sequência apresentou reflexões sobre a descrença no ideal democrático, consequência do abismo entre a democracia real e a ideal. Por fim, concluiu que a transformação da democracia como promessa não cumprida, como devir, ocorre a partir da perspectiva de promoção da educação para a cidadania, do compartilhamento de um poder plural, com a participação de indivíduos das diversas identidades e grupos de interesse, abrindo espaços de discursividade a grupos minorizados e vulneráveis.
CLAUDE LÉVİ-STRAUSS’UN YAPISALCI MİT ÇÖZÜMLEME KURAMINA GÖRE OEDİPUS MİTİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRMALI İNCELEMESİ
Authors: PAMUKCU Gülden
Published: December 2023

Claude Lévi-Strauss, mitlerin toplumsal çatışmaları ve çelişkileri anlama çabasının bir ürünü olarak ortaya çıktığını savunur. Oedipus miti de bu bağlamda incelendiğinde, temelde insan doğasına dair evrensel bir hikâyeyi temsil eder. Sophokles’in Kral Oedipus tragedyası ise, Oedipus mitini esas alarak şekillenir. Claude Lévi-Strauss’un yapısalcı mit çözümleme kuramı, edebiyatın mitleri nasıl şekillendirdiğini ve değiştirdiğini ele alır. Ona göre Sophokles’in tragedyası Oedipus mitini bireysel ve toplumsal düzeyde değiştirmektedir. Öte yandan Kral Oedipus tragedyası, Oedipus mitini temel alarak bu değişimi gerçekleştirir ve mitin evrensel temalarını daha derinlemesine anlamamıza ve mitlerin altında yatan evrensel yapıları daha yakından tanımamıza olanak vermektedir. Tragedya, mitin temel unsurlarını korumakla beraber onu farklı bir açıdan ele alır. Bu çalışmada Lévi-Strauss’un yapısalcı yaklaşımı temel alınarak Oedipus mitinin Sophokles’in Kral Oedipus tragedyasıyla karşılaştırmalı bir incelemesi sunulmuş ve Sophokles’in Kral Oedipus tragedyasının Oedipus mitini nasıl yeniden şekillendirdiği ve yorumladığı mit-edebiyat ilişkisi bağlamında ele alınmıştır.
Influence of leachates produced by urban waste dumps on the water quality and possible risks to public health
Authors: Edzoa Robert Christel , Mbog Michel Bertrand , Lotse Tedontsah Vivien Piercy , Bitom Mamdem Lionel , Ngon Ngon Gilbert François , Tassongwa Bernard , Bitom Dieudonné , Etame Jacques , Djatsa Nguedia Kevin
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of leachates, produced by one of Cameroon's largest waste dumps (Nkolfoulou), on the water quality and the risks posed to public health. A cartographic analysis was carried out, comparing the land use in the area before the landfill was setup with that of the present day, followed by a hydrogeological study of the groundwater and an analysis of trace metals. A model estimating susceptibility to pollution was developed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and this susceptibility was mapped using the previously developed model, which was validated. Land use increased by 57% between 1985 and 2023. Most of the landfill leachate is discharged untreated into the Foulou and Kondi rivers, polluting surface waters. Average levels of trace metal elements such as Cd and Mn are 2 and 3.24 mg/l, respectively, in groundwater, 72.62 and 8.54 mg/l, respectively, in surface water, and 114, 49 and 15.41 mg/l in leachate. The model developed, which takes into account factors such as depth, distance, and geomorphology in brief, is consistent and valid for the study. This is followed by the mapping of the impact zone showing wells, with high copper concentrations in high-susceptibility areas.
EM ALGUM LUGAR NA HISTÓRIA
Authors: Fernandes Osmar Vanio , Junior Alberto Ferreira da Rocha
Published: December 2023

O artigo discute as questões de gênero que pensamos existir na cena teatral mineira, assim, analisamos aqui a trajetória da Diretora Ione de Medeiros, co-fundadora do Grupo Oficcina Multimédia de Belo Horizonte, além de analisarmos também o espetáculo Bom Dia Missislifi (1995), com concepção e direção  de Ione. Para fazermos essa fricção quanto à questão de gênero, partimos da fala da própria diretora, quanto às questões enfrentadas por ela no começo de sua trajetória, suas dificuldades em conseguir uma aceitação do meio, a falta de compreensão quanto ao que se propunha fazer e levar para cena, a desconfiança pelo fato de ser mulher. Para solidificar essa discussão, e friccionar ainda mais o assunto, nos valemos dos pensamentos de Judith Butler, contidos no livro Problemas de Gênero: feminismo e subversão de identidade.