bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadio: exposición atmosférica, efectos en la salud y normatividad en México
Authors: Rojas-Lemus Marcela , López-Valdez Nelly , Bizarro-Nevares Patricia , González-Villalva Adriana , Fortoul Teresa I.
Published: April 2024

La contaminación atmosférica es uno de los grandes problemas a nivel global. Dentro de los contaminantes ambientales más importantes están las partículas suspendidas, las cuales han sido clasificadas dentro del Grupo 1 como carcinógenas para humanos por la Agencia Internacional sobre la Investigación en Cáncer. A las partículas suspendidas se adosan componentes con relevancia toxicológica como los metales a los que se les atribuyen, al menos en parte, los efectos adversos que las partículas generan en los organismos. Uno de los metales presentes en las partículas es el vanadio, metal que se encuentra como elemento traza abundante en el petróleo mexicano y que se emite a la atmósfera principalmente por la quema de sus derivados, como la gasolina. Sin embargo, aunque el vanadio está presente en la atmósfera, sus concentraciones no se monitorean, ya que ni éste ni algún otro metal están considerados como contaminantes criterio. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo es darle visibilidad a este elemento como contaminante ubicuo adosado a las partículas suspendidas, ya que representa un potencial peligro para la salud de los habitantes de las ciudades contaminadas como la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México y, por otro lado, enfatizar la casi nula de normatividad en México sobre la contaminación por metales, ya que el vanadio es solo un ejemplo de ésta.
KONFLIK SOSIAL DAN NILAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM NOVEL BUKU BESAR PEMINUM KOPI KARYA ANDREA HIRATA
Authors: Riyaningrum Latifah , Setiawan Budhi , Waluyo Budi
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan konflik sosial dan nilai pendidikan karakter dalam novel Buku Besar Peminum Kopi karya Andrea Hirata. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan sosiologi sastra yang berfokus  pada  konflik  sosial.  Data penelitian ini adalah bagian-bagian atau kutipan novel yang bermatan konflik sosial. Yang menjadi sumber data adalah novel Buku Besar Peminum Kopi karya Andrea Hirata. Teknik  pengambilan  sampel  menggunakan  purposive  sampling. Teknik pengumpulan  data  yang digunakan  dalam  penelitian  ini adalah  analisis  dokumen  dan wawancara mendalam. Teknik validasi data yang digunakan adalah triangulasi teori dan triangulasi sumber data. Analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis mengalir. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: (1) novel Buku Besar Peminum Kopi karya Andrea Hirata mengandung lima dari enam bentuk konflik sosial berdasarkan teori dari Georg Simmel, yaitu konflik pertandingan antagonistik, konflik mengenai prinsip-prinsip dasar (kepentingan), konflik antarpribadi, konflik dalam hubungan intim atau akrab, dan konflik untuk menghancurkan kelompok. Konflik sosial yang paling dominan adalah konflik pertandingan antagonistik, sedangkan konflik hukum tidak ditemukan dalam novel tersebut; dan (2) novel Buku Besar Peminum Kopi karya Andrea Hirata mengandung sembilan pilar pendidikan karakter berdasarkan teori dari Suparlan, yaitu tanggung jawab, rasa hormat, keadilan, keberanian, kejujuran, kewarganegaraan, disiplin diri, peduli, dan ketekunan. Nilai pendidikan karakter yang paling dominan yaitu nilai keberanian dan tanggung jawab. Nilai tersebut ditunjukkan oleh para tokoh melalui ucapan maupun tindakan secara langsung.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MEDIA FILM PENDEK ANIMASI TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MENULIS CERPEN PADA SISWA SMK
Authors: Aji Ananta Bayu , Andayani Andayani , Saddhono Kundharu
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji perbedaan kemampuan menulis cerpen antara kelompok siswa yang diajar dengan menggunakan media film pendek animasi dan kelompok siswa yang diajar tanpa menggunakan media tersebut. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk menguji seberapa efektif media film pendek animasi dalam pembelajaran menulis cerpen siswa kelas XI di SMK Satya Karya Karanganyar. Desain penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian eksperimen dengan rancangan control group pretes-postes design. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah metode tes, yaitu berupa tes menulis cerpen dengan validitas instrumen yang digunakan adalah validitas isi (expert judgement). Uji reliabilitas instrumen dilakukan dengan teknik Alpha Cronbach. Teknik analisis data dengan menggunakan uji-t yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan uji scheffe. Hasil uji hipotesis menunjukkan ada pengaauh signifikan penggunaan media film pendek animasi terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen siswa SMK. Pembelajaran keterampilan menulis cerpen menggunakan media film pendek animasi lebih efektif daripada pembelajaran keterampilan menulis cerpen tanpa menggunakan media film pendek animasi.
PENGARUH METODE CIRC BERBASIS APLIKASI ROMAN TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MENULIS CERPEN SISWA SMP
Authors: Hanifah Dwiana Nur Rizki , Sumarwati Sumarwati , Suhita Raheni
Published: April 2024

Kemampuan menulis cerita pendek siswa dipengaruhi oleh kurangnya minat siswa dalam belajar, minimnya penguasaan kosa kata, maupun kesulitan dalam memilih diksi yang tepat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji (1)  pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran CIRC terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen, (2) pengaruh penggunaan aplikasi Roman terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen, (3) mengetahui interaksi pengaruh penggunaan model CIRC dan aplikasi Roman terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen siswa SMP. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen semu. Teknik pengambilan sampel dilakukan melalui purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut. Pertama, terdapat pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran CIRC terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen siswa. Kedua, tidak ada pengaruh penggunaan Aplikasi Roman terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen siswa. Ketiga, tidak ada interaksi pengaruh penggunaan model CIRC dan Aplikasi Roman terhadap kemampuan menulis cerpen siswa.
PEMBINGKAIAN BERITA PADA KOMPAS.COM TERHADAP KASUS PELECEHAN SEKSUAL DI PONDOK PESANTREN SHIDDIQIYYAH, JOMBANG
Authors: Fatinova Dede , Hapsari Natalia Endah
Published: April 2024

Salah satu berita yang mendapat banyak perhatian warga Indonesia adalah kasus pelecehan seksual terhadap santriwati  oleh putra pengelola di Pesantren Shiddiqiyyah, Kabupaten Jombang. Media Kompas.com merupakan salah satu media yang konsisten memberitakan kasus tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeksripsikan bagaimana pembingkaian wacana tentang pemberitaan kasus itu pada media massa Kompas.com. Teori pembingkaian yang diterapakan dalah model Zhongdang Pan dan Gerald M. Kosicki melalui empat perangkat analisis, yaitu sintaksis, skrip, tematik, dan retoris. Metode penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis wacana kritis. Unit analisis atau sumber data adalah tiga teks berita yang relevan dengan topik penelitian di media Kompas.com sehingga pemilihannya menerapkan purposive sampling.  Pengumpulan data  dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembingkaian yang dilakukan Kompas.com memiliki tendensi untuk memunculkan citra negatif pada pengelola pondok pesantren dan profesi ustaz. Hal ini disebabkan dalam pemberitaannya Kompas lebih menekankan profesi ustaz dibandingkan personal  pelaku kejahatan seksual.
METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF EVOLUTIONISM AND CREATIONISM
Authors: Bezrodniy Andrey
Published: April 2024

In modern natural science, a significant place is given to the concept of global evolutionism and evolutionary theory in biology (in particular). It is considered fundamental and undeniable. Evolutionism was replaced by early worldview ideas about the immutability of the world, which are usually denoted by the term creationism (creation). In scientific and popular literature, evolutionism is presented as something fundamentally new in understanding the picture of the world. Is the difference between the "created world" and the "self-creating world" (evolutionary darwinism) so fundamental? In the work, an attempt is made, if not to refute the fundamental opposition of evolutionism and creationism, then at least to illustrate the hidden methodological connection between them.
THE INFLUENCE OF CRISIS SITUATIONS ON PEOPLE WITH LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: SOCIAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT
Authors: Kuzmenko Natalia
Published: April 2024

The research topic is of great importance in today's world, where instability and uncertainty become an integral part of our lives, especially in the state of military crisis and «post-war». With this article, we reveal the topic through several key aspects, namely: first, crisis situations require leaders to make effective decisions in today's conditions; secondly, the philosophy of leadership is currently considered as a tool for analysis and formation of leadership qualities aimed at solving social and ethical issues. Also, in the article, we focus on how crisis circumstances shape the perception of leaders as power figures and affect socio-cultural aspects. All this interacts with the socio-philosophical aspect, where ethical norms, cultural values and social responsibility of the leader become the subject of attention.
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL MECHANISM FOR ENSURING ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY IN UKRAINE DURING THE CONDITIONS OF MARITAL STATE
Authors: Bilokon Mykhailo
Published: April 2024

The article highlights the results of the study of the problem of international legal guarantee of environmental safety in the conditions of the legal regime of martial law, which is extremely relevant for Ukraine. It is noted that the occurrence of threats and risks to human life and health, which often lead to a critical state of the environment, requires the search for optimal ways to eliminate their consequences in the event of environmental emergencies and their possible prevention. In this regard, a comprehensive state-legal mechanism, which provides for a number of measures and means aimed at supporting the provision of environmental safety, is of primary importance. It is primarily about the development and improvement of legislation in this field in the system of national security and defense, taking into account international experience. One of the most urgent issues regarding the negative impact is armed aggression, and there is precisely the impact on the environment during hostilities. Therefore, an integral direction of the adaptation of the legal system of Ukraine and the system of environmental protection supervision and control in the conditions of martial law is the improvement of the international legal mechanism for responding to environmental risks and threats, the possibility of their prevention through the involvement of international institutions in the ecological sphere of Ukraine.
THE ROLE AND PLACE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE COUNCIL AMONG ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY ENTITIES
Authors: Bokovykova Yulia
Published: April 2024

The issue of state regulation of the environmental safety system was considered. It has been established that the potential of the environmental protection system in Ukraine has not been realized. The need to define the main tasks of state regulation in the environmental sphere is substantiated. Priority areas of state support have been formed for the purpose of developing the system for ensuring environmental safety. It was concluded that in ensuring environmental safety in the field of national security and defense, state regulation of the environmental protection industry should ensure the concentration of necessary resources on meeting priority needs, which will allow the adoption and implementation of management decisions on the formation and implementation of national environmental legislation in the system of collective security. The implementation of the state program for the development of environmental intelligence should include the entire set of necessary measures, united by a common goal, related to performers, resources and deadlines, which will enable the implementation of the tasks of creation and functioning within the framework of the concept of ensuring environmental security in Ukraine.
Programas de emprendimiento en instituciones de educación superior
Authors: Benavides-Sánchez Edward Andrés , Castro-Ruíz Camilo Andrés , Brand-Narváez Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

Los emprendimientos universitarios de alto impacto requieren estimular el aprendizaje experiencial y fortalecer lo curricular referente al emprender. Se debe pasar de la teoría a la creación de empresas. El problema son las brechas para que esto se dé, lo cual es evidente al comparar programas institucionales de emprendimiento de universidades públicas de países en vía de desarrollo con universidades de países desarrollados. Por tanto, el propósito es identificar brechas entre programas universitarios de formación emprendedora experiencial de países desarrollados frente a la realidad de un país en vía de desarrollo. Para eso se construyó una rúbrica de evaluación competitiva de los programas de emprendimiento experiencial. Se abordan los factores competitivos entre programas de emprendimiento universitario, comparando las capacidades estructurales y la efectividad de sus procesos en destacadas universidades emprendedoras. En este caso, se comparó el Programa Institucional Emprendedores de la Universidad del Valle (Colombia), frente a tres programas de emprendimiento de universidades públicas situadas en EE. UU. y Canadá, a partir del marco propuesto por el estudio de Fjeld y apoyados en la última edición del QS World University Rankings 2023. Los resultados muestran que las actividades de aprendizaje se ven altamente afectadas por la experiencia práctica, la cual fortalece el incremento de habilidades y competencias del emprendedor, además, se determina que el programa de emprendimiento en la universidad objeto de estudio debe cerrar brechas en algunos factores comparados si busca articularse con las nuevas políticas de formación y el trabajo experiencial para el fomento de competencias de emprendimiento.
Multiscale Pore Structure Evolution of Different Rank Coals Induced by Chelating Agent Intrusion
Authors: Chen Shuya , Dang Zheng , Deng Chuanjie , Chen Zexin , Tan Shuhao , Yang Xianyu , Cai Jihua , Chen Zhangxin
Published: April 2024

China’s coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are characterized by low permeability (<1 md). Stimulation with conventional acids is facing the problems of secondary precipitation, high corrosion rates, and fines migration. Chelating agent intrusion was proposed as a promising alternative for conventional acids, while the pore structure evolution induced by it needs to be further clarified. In this study, coal samples with three different ranks were selected and treated with L-glutamic acid N, N-diacetic acid (GLDA). Low-temperature Ar and N2 adsorption tests, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were applied to investigate nanoscale to macroscale pore structure changes. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy tests were conducted to determine the mineralogical change of coal. The results show that chelating agent intrusion can widen fracture width, connect micropores, and create void space in macropores by dissolving carbonate minerals, while the nanoscale pore volumes (PVs) showed a slight decrease due to clay minerals collapse. The fractal dimensions Dm calculated by the MIP results of lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite coal decreased by 0.2735, 0.1734, and 0.1444, respectively. It is indicated that a pore structure with a diameter of >100 nm of the coal became more unified, which favors the seepage of gas/water. The chelating agent intrusion shows a significant effect on lignite, followed by bituminous and anthracite coal. However, the metal element reduction rate of anthracite coal presents the highest, followed by bituminous coal and lignite. There can be a risk that a long intrusion time would loosen the skeleton of lignite, leading to further reservoir damage. Therefore, bituminous and anthracite coal samples are preferred, as the skeletons of higher-rank coals are more compact. These research findings introduced a potential stimulation method for enhancing CBM recovery and provided references for field application.
Design and evaluation of a novel multi-epitope antigen for evaluate the diagnostic immunity responses against Leishmania infantum infection
Authors: Hashemzadeh Pejman , Bandehpour Mojgan , Kheirandish Farnaz , Dariushnejad Hassan , Mohamadi Mohsen , Rouzbahani Arian Karimi
Published: April 2024

BackgroundLeishmania infantumis the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean region. The diagnosis of complex visceral leishmaniasis and delays in the diagnosis of the infection are associated with the death of patients. Proper diagnosis of infection is an important measure in controlling and preventing the disease. However, studies have shown that the accuracy of antigens used in current diagnostic tests is insufficient, for this reason, researchers are trying to identify multi-epitope antigens as diagnostic markers to increase the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests. In this study, the design and expression ofLeishmania infantummulti-epitope antigens were carried out in two parts of the structure design using bioinformatics tools and the laboratory part for the production of the recombinant protein. Materials and Methods The aim of this study was to design and computationally analyze and expressLeishmania infantummulti-epitope antigens. In this study, nine antigenic proteins (CPB, H1, KMP11, GP63, HASPB, A2, K39, LACK, and PSA) were selected. Bioinformaticsanalyzessuch as prediction of immune cell epitopes, design of recombinant structure, antigenicity, allergenicity, evaluation of physicochemical properties, solubility, prediction of secondary structure and tertiary structure, refinement and validation of 3D model structure and finally in silico cloning optimization of protein construct were performed. After synthesis of the designed recombinant gene fusion sequence in pUC57 cloning vector, its subcloning was performed in pET26b prokaryotic expression vector using BamHI/ HindIII restriction enzymes. The expression of recombinant multi-epitope antigen was performed inE. coliB (BL21) strain using IPTG inducer and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting techniques. Results The results of computational analysis showed that the complete structure, which is suitable for immunogenicity and is non-allergenic, was successfully cloned into pET-26b and expressed as a complete protein. Conclusion Finally, the protein was approved. Based on the expression of recombinant proteins and bioinformatics analysis, this structure can be studied in mouse models and its safety can be evaluated.
Validity of tremor analysis using smartphone-compatible computer vision frameworks – a comparative study
Authors: Wolke Robin , Welzel Julius , Maetzler Walter , Deuschl Günther , Becktepe Jos
Published: April 2024

Computer vision (CV)-based approaches hold a promising potential for the classification and quantitative assessment of movement disorders. To fully utilize these, pipelines have to be validated against established clinical and electrophysiological gold standards. This study examines the validity of the Mediapipe (by Google) and Vision (by Apple) smartphone-compatible hand detection frameworks for tremor analysis. Both frameworks were tested in virtual experiments with simulated tremulous hands to determine the optimal camera position for hand tremor assessment and the minimal detectable tremor amplitude and frequency. Then, both frameworks were compared with optical motion capture (OMC), accelerometry and clinical ratings in 20 tremor patients. Both CV frameworks measured tremor peak frequency accurately. Significant correlations were found between the CV-assessed tremor amplitudes and the Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale ratings (TETRAS). However, the accuracy of amplitude estimation compared to OMC as ground truth was insufficient for a clinical application. In conclusion CV-based tremor is an accurate and simple clinical assessment tool to determine tremor frequency. Further enhancements are necessary regarding the amplitude estimation.
Evaluating Quality of Service for Bicyclists on Rural Highways: Insights from a Comprehensive User Survey and Mixed-Logit Analysis
Authors: Moreno Ana Tsui , Cai Yangqian , Linares-Ramirez Santiago , Washburn Scott S. , Al-Kaisy Ahmed , Barrios Jorge , Schroeder Bastian
Published: April 2024

Cycling on rural highways presents comfort and safety concerns due to the large speed differentials between bicyclists and automobiles. A shortcoming of the current operational methods for rural highways is the limited consideration of quality of service for non-motorized users. This research aims to determine which variables are most relevant to bicyclists cycling (or not) on rural highways and their operational cycling preferences.
An online survey collected 982 responses from individuals who cycle on rural highways in the United States. Eight choice tasks were presented with six factors: pavement quality, automobile traffic level, posted speed limit, roadside design, context class, and grade. These factors were obtained from a preliminary survey targeting highway analysis and design practitioners. The results of a mixed-logit model analysis suggest that the presence of a shoulder and its width are the most critical factors to a cyclist's perceived quality of service on a rural highway. We found that the difference between rural-town and suburban contexts was minor compared to rural contexts.
The results demonstrate how cyclist types influence their overall willingness to cycle and their preferences for scenario-specific attributes. This opens the discussion to include different sets of thresholds to assess service levels as a function of cyclist type, following the level of traffic stress approach, and separate perception models by cyclist type. These results should inform recommendations for future research on improving existing evaluations related to bicycling on rural highways.
Approaching the adiabatic infimum of topological pumps on thin-film lithium niobate waveguides
Authors: Li Tao , Wu Shengjie , Song Wange , Sun Jiacheng , Li Jian , Lin Zhiyuan , Liu Xuanyu , Zhu Shining
Published: April 2024

Topological pumps reveal topological insights of adiabatic mode evolution, in which the adiabaticity plays a crucial role. However, the adiabatic infimum, i.e., the possible shortest evolution duration of an adiabatic topological pumping process, has remained elusive. In this study, we report the approaching of adiabatic infimum in topological pumps in photonic waveguides based on lithium niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform. Besides the most common way to achieve adiabaticity by slowing down the evolution of the system, the adiabaticity of a topological pump is also contingent on effective Berry connection between instant eigenstates, which can be controlled by selection of specific pump loops. Specifically, we develop a strategy to identify a pump loop with a minimized effective Berry connection, corresponding to the adiabatic infimum of a topological pump. As such, it is experimentally demonstrated that topological pumps can happen even with rapid evolution speed, at which the conventional pump would completely fail. The adiabatic infimum accelerates the topological pumps from the constraints of slow evolution and facilitates the design of compact topological devices.
Evaluation value of miR-26a/b-5p on survival prognosis of endometrial carcinoma and identification of its relationship with epigenetic modifier gene EZH2
Authors: Luo Yanlu , Fan Jiangtao , Huang Yanrong , Yang Jiahuang
Published: April 2024

Objective
Investigate the prognostic value of miR-26a/b-5p in endometrial carcinoma (EC), and to analyze the relationship between miR-26a/b-5p and target gene EZH2.
Methods
The expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were detected by RT-PCR in 60 cases of EC patients with cancer and normal endometrial tissue adjacent to cancer; Collect medical records of EC patients. To compare the expression difference of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in cancer tissues and normal endometrial tissues adjacent to cancer, and to compare the expression difference of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in EC patients with different clinical and pathological characteristics, and to analyze the impact of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p expression levels on survival and prognosis of EC patients. In addition, the target genes of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis to explore their possible mechanisms in the occurrence and development of EC.
Results
The expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in cancer tissues were lower than those in adjacent normal endometrial tissues (P < 0.001); In EC patients, the low expression of miR-26a-5p was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, poor differentiation of tumor tissue, and positive ascitic heterotypic cells. The low expression of miR-26b-5p was significantly correlated with advanced patients and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate and tumor free survival rate of the miR-26a-5p overexpression group and the miR-26b-5p overexpression group were higher than those of the corresponding low expression group (P < 0.05); The lower expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p, the late FIGO stage and the age ≥ 55 years old are independent risk factors for the overall survival rate of EC cancer patients, while the lower expression level of miR-26a-5p and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for the tumor free survival rate of EC patients (P < 0.05). EZH2 is the key target gene of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in EC. EZH2 is highly expressed in EC patient samples (P < 0.05), and can affect the survival rate of EC patients.
Conclusion
miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p are related to the occurrence and progress of EC, and can affect the survival and prognosis of EC patients. They may be used as biological markers to monitor the progress and prognosis of EC, and have the potential to be new targets for treatment of EC, and miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p may regulate the occurrence and development of EC by targeting EZH2.
Unilateral Molar Incisor Hypomineralization influences the chewing side? An observational study in children
Authors: Cardoso-Silva Lana , Gomes Bianca Caroline , Melo Roberta Paula de Faria , Catananti Isabela Silva , Lopes Beatriz Kelly Barros , de Almeida Izadora Ramos , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino , de Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia , Manton David John , de Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono
Published: April 2024

Objective: This observational study aims to compare the chewing patterns of children with Unilateral Mild and Severe MIH to those without MIH, based on the hypothesis that children with unilateral MIH may prefer to chew on the side opposite to the defect.
Methods: A total of 121 children were included in the study and evaluated for their Preferred Chewing Side (PCS). This comprised 45 children with Unilateral Mild MIH (G1), 42 with Unilateral Severe MIH (G2), and 34 children in the control group (CG) who lacked MIH but had unilateral chewing complaints.
Results: The PCS pattern differed among the groups, with 31% of children with MIH and 55.9% of the CG showing bilateral chewing. Chewing deviation prevalence was 24% in the CG and 52% in G2 (χ2 test; p = 0.03). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that both severities of MIH influenced the likelihood of chewing deviation (χ2 = 7.33, p = 0.026). Children with Unilateral Severe MIH were found to have 3.57 times higher odds of experiencing chewing deviation than those without MIH.
Conclusions: Unilateral MIH affects children's masticatory patterns, increasing the risk of chewing deviation.
Clinical Relevance: Unilateral chewing may be associated with various health issues, such as temporomandibular disorders (DTM), decreased hearing, and vision problems. Unilateral MIH could be considered a potential risk factor for unilateral chewing.
Effectiveness of electrocardiogram interpretation education program using mixed learning methods and webpage
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Kim hyo jeong , Choi Young , Kim ji yeung , Shin ji sun
Published: April 2024

Aim: This study was conducted to develop an electrocardiogram education program that incorporates an HTML webpage and blended learning methods to enhance electrocardiogram interpretation skills. Through continual and efficient education, the program aims to assist nurses in providing appropriate care and treatment to patients.
Design: Pre-post design study
Methods: We developed electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage based on electrocardiogram interpretation algorithm and implemented an 18-week (2023.5.15~2023.9.22) electrocardiogram education program, which included daily 5-minute training sessions. Twenty-seven ward nurses were provided with the URL (https://ecgweb.github.io/ECGweb) to the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and were shared one electrocardiogram case daily for self-interpretation. The Electrocardiogram interpretation performance and confidence were evaluated through questionnaires at three phases: before the program, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education.
Results: The average score for electrocardiogram interpretation performance before electrocardiogram education program was 11.89, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, it was 14.15, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education, it was 15.56. This shows that electrocardiogram interpretation performance significantly improved over time (p<.001). Additionally, post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in electrocardiogram interpretation performance at each stage, i.e., before, during, and after the application of an electrocardiogram education program. Furthermore, electrocardiogram interpretation confidence questionnaire score (pre-Median=18, post-Median=23) was improved significantly after the completion of the 18-week education program (p<.001).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, I believe that an electrocardiogram education program using HTML webpages and a blended teaching method would be very beneficial in maintaining and improving electrocardiogram interpretation skills of clinical nurses. Such a program can help nurses interpret electrocardiogram more effectively and assist them in making important decisions in patient care.
Genotyped Cluster Investigations versus Standard Contact Tracing: Comparative Impact on Latent Tuberculosis Infection Cascade of Care in a Low-Incidence Region
Authors: Asare-Baah Michael , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Salmon-Trejo LaTweika A.T. , Johnston Lori , Dominique Lina , Ashkin David , Vaddiparti Krishna , Kwara Awewura , Maurelli Anthony T. , Lauzardo Michael
Published: April 2024

Background
Cluster and contact investigations aim to identify and treat individuals with tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI). Although genotyped cluster investigations may be superior to contact investigations in generating additional epidemiological links, this may not necessarily translate into reducing infections. Here, we investigated the impact of genotyped cluster investigations compared to standard contact investigations on the LTBI care cascade in a low incidence setting.
Methods
A matched case-control study nested within a cohort of 6,921 TB cases from Florida (2009–2023) was conducted. Cases (n = 670) underwent genotyped cluster investigations, while controls (n = 670) received standard contact investigations and were matched 1:1 by age. The LTBI care cascade outcomes were compared using Pearson’s chi-square tests.
Results
Among 1,340 TB cases in our study population, 866 were investigated, and 5,767 contacts were identified. Of these contacts, 4,800 (83.2%) were evaluated, with 73 (1.5%) diagnosed with active TB and 1,005 (20.9%) with LTBI. Among LTBI-diagnosed contacts, 948 (94.3%) initiated TB preventive therapy (TPT), and 623 (65.7%) completed treatment. A higher proportion of contacts were evaluated in the control group (85.5%) than in the case group (81.5%, p < 0.001). While the proportion of evaluated contacts diagnosed with LTBI did not significantly differ between groups (case: 20.4%, control: 21.5%, p = 0.088), a higher percentage of LTBI-diagnosed contacts initiated TPT in the control group (95.9%) than the case group (92.9%, p = 0.029). TPT completion rates were similar, with 65.2% in the case group and 66.3% in the control group completing treatment (p = 0.055).
Conclusion
Genotyped cluster investigations identified more contacts, with no significant difference in contact diagnosed with LTBI, but were less effective than standard contact investigations in evaluating contacts, initiating LTBI treatment, and ensuring completion.
Treatment of effluent from a malting processing plant using bio-coagulants
Authors: Murisa V. , Ncube S. , Moyo L. B. , Danha Gwiranai , Mamvura T. A.
Published: April 2024

The effectiveness of treating effluent from a malting processing plant using bio-coagulants (Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds) was determined in this study and compared to that of a chemical coagulant (Alum). In investigating effectiveness of the coagulants water quality parameters were analysed i.e. turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature and pH. The experiments were designed using Simplex Centroid Experimental Design from MINTAB 19, which provides 10 possible blends for the three biocoagulants. The results showed that Alum was the most effective coagulant as it reduced the turbidity from 734 NTU to 68.3 NTU and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from 19800 ppm to 880 ppm at a dosage of 40 mg/L. Okra seeds had an optimum dosage was 35 mg/L with a turbidity and TDS removal of 88.83% and 95.25% respectively. Cactus opuntia was able to reduce electrical conductivity from 66.7 mS/m to 1.4 mS/m at a dosage of 55 mg/L. Aloe Vera had an optimum dosage of 40 mg/l with a turbidity and TDS removal of 74.25% and 95.40% respectively. For Cactus opuntia it was 50 mg/L obtaining turbidity and TDS removal of 74.66% and 95% respectively. The best blend of the biocoagulants had a ratio of (0.17, 0.17, and 0.67) for Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds respectively. At a dosage of 40 mg/L the turbidity removal was 83.92% and TDS removal was 95.12%. Most of the results obtained were within the standard limits accepted by Enviromental Management Agency (EMA). It is important to blend the biocoagulants so as to increase effectiveness and to reduce the amount of each coagulant used. These results support the application of biocoagulants blends in the treatment of malting processing plant effluent.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Apert Syndrome due to A De novo FGFR2 Mutation at the Second Trimester: a case report
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Jin Pengzhen , Chen Min , Zuo Juan , Liu Jie , Zhu Jin , Lin Miaochun , Li Zhaohui , Dong Minyue
Published: April 2024

Background: Craniosynostosis is one of the symptoms of Apert syndrome which is largely attributed to the disruptions of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. The prenatal diagnosis of Apert syndrome typically depends on the ultrasound imaging at the late pregnancy, which is unfavorable for the early diagnosis.
Case presentation: In this pedigree, craniosynostosis, oligohydramnios and syndactyly of hands and feet were observed at the 20th week of gestation. Whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing was performed on the affected fetus. A de novo FGFR2 mutation was identified which was classified pathogenic. Apert syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of fetal ultrasound imaging and whole-exome sequencing as early as the 20th week of gestation.
Conclusions: The combination of ultrasound scans and Whole-exome sequencing made it available to diagnose Apert syndrome at the second trimester.
Cats in farms: Ranging behavior of fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) in a human-dominated landscape
Authors: Mishra Rama , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Leirs Herwig , Subedi Naresh , Adhikari Sabin , Acharya Hem Raj , de Iongh Hans H.
Published: April 2024

Home range studies provide valuable insights into animal ecology and behavior, informing conservation efforts and management strategies. Although fishing cat is globally threatened habitat specialist, only a few studies have been conducted on their home ranges and social organization, and how those respond to human influence. In the first study of its kind in Nepal, we tracked 11 fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) with satellite GPS collars to investigate their home range size and habitat use in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Altogether 2,303 locations were obtained from 11 collared cats. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Autocorrelation-informed Kernel Density Estimation (AKDE) were used to estimate the fishing cats’ home range sizes. The average home ranges of fishing cats (n = 8) with 95% MCP and 95% AKDE were 29.12 ± SD 16.89 km2 and 39.88 ± 26.16 km2 respectively. Home range (95% AKDE) of adult females (21.72 km2, 5– 44 km2) was significantly smaller compared to the males (58.03 km2, 35.99–85.02 km2). Sex-specific social organization with a single male overlapping with multiple non-overlapping adult females was consistent with other carnivore home range behaviors. Habitat selection by fishing cats using Ivlev’s electivity index showed fishing cats’ preference towards undisturbed wetlands. A large part of the fishing cat home range is situated in human-dominated areas such as fish ponds, agriculture, and settlements, but there are various threats to fishing cats including persecution, road kills and guard dogs attacks. To ensure long-term survival of these cats amid habitat alteration and human-wildlife conflict, we recommend fishing cat conservation activities focusing on raising awareness especially in human-dominated landscapes.
Association of systemic immune-inflammation index with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in chronic kidney disease: evidence from NHANES
Authors: lei yi , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Chuzhao , Liu Hangyu , Liu Yanfeng , Huang Xiantao
Published: April 2024

Objectives We aimed to assess the association between SII levels and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the CKD population. Methods The dataset was collected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES 1999–2014) and followed for vital status through December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to evaluate the correlation between various mortalities [all-cause mortality (ACM)/cardiovascular-related mortality (CVM)/cancer-related mortality (CCM)] and SII levels. Besides, we also further performed restricted cubic splines (RCS), two-piecewise linear regression, and subgroup analysis. Results A total of 7035 eligible subjects were included. In this cohort, 3279 death participants were observed, of which 1022 were from cardiovascular causes, 562 from cancer causes, and 1659 from other causes during the long-term follow-up period. After adjusting for possible confounders, the risks for ACM (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 1.05[0.95–1.17], 1.11[1.00-1.23], 1.48[1.34–1.63], P for trend < 0.001) and CVM (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 0.96[0.8–1.16], 1.19[0.99,1.42], 1.27[1.06–1.5], P for trend < 0.001) were an uptrend, along with the increasing SII. In addition, SII levels were also associated with CCM (HR [95 CI%] = 1.13[1.07–1.19]). The RCS analyses demonstrated a J-shaped correlation between log (SII) and various mortalities in adults with CKD, with threshold values of 2.2, 2.66, and 2.6 for log (SII) respectively. Finally, subgroup analyses showed that this association was more pronounced in females, age ≥ 60 years, and body mass index(BMI) > 29.9. Conclusion Increased SII levels were an independent risk factor for ACM, CVM, and CCM in the CKD population. Furthermore, we found a J-shaped curvilinear relationship between log (SII) and various mortalities (ACM/CVM/CCM), with threshold values of 2.2, 2.66, and 2.6, respectively.
Identification of Natural Product Inhibitors Targeting Dengue Capsid Protein Using an Open-Access Artificial Intelligence-Based Drug Discovery Methodology
Authors: Khan Ahad , Hasan Mahedi , Hasan Nahid
Published: April 2024

Dengue fever, or break-bone fever, is caused by dengue flavivirus transmitted through mosquito bites. To identify a druggable protein target for developing effective antiviral therapies, we studied how proteins from the dengue virus interact with the human body and created a detailed protein-protein interaction network of these interactions. The analysis of molecular functions and biological processes associated with proteins has shown that the capsid protein is crucial in facilitating the interaction between the virus and the host. This finding highlights the significance of the capsid protein as a potential target. We used AutoDockFR to study the binding of 208 natural compounds from Azadirachta indica with capsid protein. We screened the compounds using the X-ray diffraction structure of capsid protein (6vg5) and placed them into the binding pocket of an inhibitor called ST-148. We re-docked the inhibitor ST-148 and considered its docking score (-8.5) as the threshold value for hit selection. After applying these criteria, we obtained 81 hits. The binding mode analysis of the hits revealed that the cyclopentanoperhydrophenathrene ring structure is an essential pharmacophore that fits well into the binding cavity. Further molecular dynamics simulation study of the complexes for the highest affinity and the lowest affinity hits score confirmed the stability of the complex. An exhaustive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of potential drug candidates and their pharmacokinetic profiles has revealed that the natural products under consideration hold great potential as a viable treatment option for infections caused by the dengue virus.
Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) diversity in the Pampas region of Argentina: status as revealed by long-term sampling
Authors: Mariottini Yanina , Wysiecki María Laura , Cepeda Rosana , Marinelli Claudia , Bardi Christian Jorge , Lange Carlos Ernesto
Published: April 2024

This study, spanning 37 years, assessed the diversity of grasshopper communities across much of the Pampas region. Ninety-five sampling sites were established in Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces. Five zones were defined: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and West (W). Each site was categorized according to the dominant vegetation. A total of fifty grasshopper species from three families were collected. Acrididae was the most diverse (41 species). Rarefaction analysis indicated that the SE was the zone with the lowest species richness (Q0). The NE, SW, and W showed higher diversity (Q1), while NE was less diverse according to Q2. The PCA revealed varying abundances of species across zones, with some species more abundant in specific areas (e.g., Dichroplus maculipennis and Borellia bruneri in SE). The highest species count (50) was in grassland with grass dominance. The CA showed significant associations between grasshopper species and different grasslands (e.g., Covasacris pallidinota, Dichroplus maculipennis, and Parorphula graminae in Halophilous grassland). Beta diversity highlighted species turnover as key component in the SW, W, and NE, while in the SE it was nestedness. In the NW, turnover and species loss components affected beta diversity. Communities were dominated by a few species, with three or four species representing over 50% of the community. Some abundant species declined or disappeared over time, while others appeared later. These results provide the first quantitative analysis of the grasshopper fauna across much of one of South America's most heavily modified ecosystems, the grasslands of the Argentine Pampas region.
The Role of Remnant Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Non-Obese Individuals with Normal LDL-c Levels
Authors: Xie Liang , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Yulong , Fang Zhengdong
Published: April 2024

Background
The ratio of RC to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (RC/HDL-c) is demonstrated to be a dependable indicator of the risk of metabolic illness. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of studies investigating the significance of the RC/HDL-c ratio in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients who are non-obese (NOB) and possess regular low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels.
Methods
The current paper was a longitudinal investigation that encompassed a sample of 178474 Chinese individuals, both women and men, who had an average age of 41.13 years. The individuals in this paper received comprehensive physical evaluations at a wellness screening facility located within Wenzhou People's Hospital. The definition of NAFLD is established through the utilization of ultrasound imaging to identify the presence of steatosis. We utilized univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis to determine the link between NAFLD and RC/HDL-c level. Additionally, we utilized the receiver operating characteristic curve to ascertain the TC/HDL-c threshold for the NAFLD estimation.
Results
Following the adjustment for possible confounding variables encompassing blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sex, age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albuminous protein (ALB), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), creatinine (CR), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT), globulin (GLB), glucose (GLU), body mass index (BMI), LDL-c, total bilirubin (TB), total cholesterol (TC), serum uric acid (SUA), TG, HDL-c, a non-linear connection was observed between the RC/HDL-c and NAFLD ratio. Notably, this relationship exhibited an inflection point (IF) at a value of 1.33. The observed effect sizes (ES) and corresponding confidence intervals, situated on both IF sides, were determined to be 1.64 (95% CI: 1.53 to 1.76) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.64), respectively. The AUC values for the RC/HDL-c ratios (0.707) exhibited a significant increase compared to the AUC values for RC (0.665) and HDL-c (0.699) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the determined threshold for identifying the NAFLD was determined to be 0.715.
Conclusion
we found a non-linear pattern exhibited by the relation between the RC/HDL-c and NAFLD ratio. A positive connection was found between RC/HDL-c ratio being < 1.33 and the NAFLD existence. Conversely, a negative connection was found between the RC/HDL-c ratio being > 1.33 and the NAFLD occurrence.
Unified Performance Analysis of Dual-Hop Radio Frequency/Free Space Optical System
Authors: M Lakshmanan , Rani Rekha , N Jayanthi
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the performance of the dual-hop radio frequency/free space optical (RF/FSO) system based on the amplify-and-forward relaying scheme is analyzed. The RF link is modeled by Nakagami-m distribution for the multipath fading channel which is a generalized distribution. The FSO link is characterized by Fisher-Snedecor fading distribution that is valid for all atmospheric turbulence conditions. Operating the intensity modulation direct detection scheme, the unified expression of the cumulative distribution function (CDF) is employed for the instantaneous end-to-end received electrical signal-to-noise ratio. By utilizing its CDF, a novel mathematical framework to drive the exact closed-form expressions of the outage probability and the average bit error rate with different modulation schemes are calculated for the considered system involving Meijer-G functions. Additionally, to get a deeper understanding, asymptotic expressions for the OP and ABER are also obtained in terms of basic elementary functions. The analytical and asymptotic expressions are simulated in MATLAB. The results revealed that increases in the severity of atmospheric turbulence profoundly degrade the system performance. Furthermore, the dual-hop RF/FSO system mitigates atmospheric turbulence effectively in contrast to the single FSO system.