bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Earliness, Flowering Time and Plant Design on Late Sown Cotton Production
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rizwan Jamil , Ullah Kalim , Khan Muhammad Mohibullah , Khan Rashid
Published: February 2024

Extremely diversified cropping environments prevails in most of the cotton growing areas of the country due to the prevailing rainfed conditions and thus cotton is cultivated over a prolonged period. This study examined the production and growth pattern of 8 cotton genotypes to find out the most effective strategies that could be transformed into breeding traits. Four experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 at two locations in Dera Ismail Khan to associate the 8 genotypes at 3 planting densities and two sowing dates. Various attributes like days to 1st flower opening, affective time of flowering, monopodial branches per plant, height of plant at the time of harvesting, ratio of height to node length of fruiting branch and average number of bolls retained at the 1st site of fruiting branch were investigated. Results revealed two ideotypes which performed better than the others. Genotype CIM-632 yielded better in late sowing-high plant density and regarded as by less growth of vegetative branches and early start of flowering, short flowering duration and less bolls retained at the 1st position of sympodia. Genotype CIM-663 and CIM-343 performed outstandingly in early sowing-low plant density and regarded by more growth of vegetative branches, delayed flowering, lengthy flowering duration and more bolls retained at 1st position. Based on these attributes, a breeding scheme for these ideotypes is proposed with high heritability for flower opening, height of plant at the time of harvesting, ratio of height to node and fruiting branch length and medium heritability for monopodial branches, effective flowering time and bolls retained at 1st position of sympodia (fruit branch).
GIS-based Hotspot Assessment of Solar Energy Potentials: African Countries Clustering
Authors: Gwani Alhaji Abdullahi , Sek Siok Kun , Gwani Alhaji Abdullahi
Published: February 2024

This study introduces an approach to quantify solar energy potential and identify hotspot areas; cluster map the solar energy high potential countries in Africa for sustainable development of solar PV technology-based power using GIS spatial analysis. The research integrated geographical GHI, and DNI data, and other geospatial information to evaluate the total solar potential in the African region. The results revealed that Africa, with a total land area of 3.41X107 km2, was found to have substantial potential as high of SEGHI at 7.41X1010 kWh, and SEDNI at 2.72X109 kWh. These results affirm Africa's solar energy potential as a valuable resource to address energy demands, foster economic growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Moran’s I was employed to analyses autocorrelation in countries' solar energy resources, revealing spatial patterns. Wealthy solar energy clusters were identified around countries such as Algeria, Chad, South Africa, Niger, Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Libya. The study emphasizes the significance of harnessing solar energy to meet Africa's increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources. It provides a GIS analysis of Africa's solar energy potential, estimating the sky-available solar energy. This research offers invaluable insights for engineers, technologists, policymakers, investors, and energy planners by detailing the solar energy potential in various African regions and identifying the wealthiest solar energy clusters. This research supports the promotion of solar energy adoption and the utilization of abundant, untapped solar resources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in Africa. The implementation of solar photovoltaic systems in the continent presents a substantial economic opportunity, due to its environmental benefits and relative advantages compared to alternative energy generation methods.
Epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolities and its predictors among preterm newborns in Ethiopia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mersha Abera , Awoke Nefsu , Shibiru Shitaye
Published: February 2024

Background
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious intestinal inflammation that can lead to tissue death in premature infants. It is most common in infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Globally, a significant number of premature babies affected by this problem with the great variation across countries due to different factors. Evidence on the epidemiology and predictors of necrotizing enterocolitis is essential for policymakers and program planners to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolitis and its predictors among preterm newborns in Ethiopia.
Methods
This systematic review will search for and extract data from the JBI Database, Cochrane Database, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, POPLINE, Proquest, OpenGrey (SIGLE), Google Scholar, Google, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, and HINARI. Unpublished studies and grey literature will also be searched from different sources. The review will include quantitative observational studies and experimental studies that report on the prevalence or incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in Ethiopia from January 1, 1990 to September 30, 2023. The Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale will be used to select eligible studies. Two researchers will independently assess the quality of the included studies and extract the data. They will resolve any discrepancies through discussion. Heterogeneity, or variation between the studies, will be assessed using forest plots and the I2 statistic. If there is a lot of heterogeneity, a random-effects model will be used to pool the data. Subgroup analysis will be used to explore the possible sources of this heterogeneity. Publication bias, or the tendency for studies with positive results to be more likely to be published, will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. The statistical software package STATA version 17 will be used to conduct the meta-analysis. An association will be considered statistically significant if the p-value is less than 0.05.
Discussion
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a significant problem in Ethiopia that affects premature newborns and can have severe consequences. More recent systematic reviews are needed to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Systematic review registration number in PROSPERO:
CRD42023459199
Biosynthesis of Lactic Acid by Mutagenetic Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Isolated From Processed Milk
Authors: OSHO Michael Bamitale , AWOSILE Precious Jesuferanmi , ALABA Gbemisola Mary
Published: February 2024

Lactic acid, a valuable weak natural organic acid extensively utilized in various industries has been conventionally synthesized through chemical processes. However, the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly production methods has stimulated interest in microbial synthesis. The study was to explore the potential of multi-strain lactic acid bacteria isolated from processed liquid milk to synthesize lactic acid. Microorganisms were isolated and screened on deMan Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar and were identified according to morphological and biochemical characteristics. Mutagenesis of positive isolate using chemical and physical means, quantitative and qualitative production using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were investigated. The isolate was discovered to have a clear zone on MRS agar, which allowed for its identification as Lactobacillus sp. It was then chosen for mutagenesis using ethidium bromide (EB) and UV light. Thirteen mutants were identified, and three of those were examined to see if they could generate lactic acid using various substrates. HPLC confirmed mutants and parent strain to produce significant homo-fermentative lactic acid in cheese whey substrate. The parent strain gave a significant yield of 2004.87ugml-1 as compared to UV and EB mutant strains with 1457.67ugml-1 and 239.10ugml-1 respectively. Optimum lactic acid yields were produced at 37°C, pH 4.5, and 150 rpm 16 h fermentation period. This study showed that mutagenesis did not influence optimum lactic acid production. The yield improvement that occurred via mutations might have diverted the metabolism from lactic acid production towards mixed acid fermentation, hence produce reduced levels of lactic acid.
Optimizing nursing services for orthopaedic trauma patients: A holistic approach through the SERVQUAL and Kano models
Authors: Cao Meijie , Peng Yuqi , Han Meiling , Liu Hualin , Xie Lunfang
Published: February 2024

Background: Providing high-quality service has become the core content of hospital brand building. Nursing managers increasingly focus on improving the quality of patient-centred nursing services.
Methods: Through a literature review and expert discussion, an evaluation questionnaire and a Kano model questionnaire were developed to assess the quality of nursing services for orthopaedic trauma inpatients. An expectation questionnaire was distributed on the day of admission to the emergency department or orthopaedic outpatient department. The perception questionnaire and Kano model questionnaire were distributed at discharge. The SERVQUAL model was used to identify low-level nursing service elements, and the Kano model, factor selection line and sensitivity analysis were used to determine the rectification order.
Results: Three hundred people completed two rounds of the survey. The total score for nursing service quality was -0.55. The 26 items assessing nursing service quality included 21 low-level items. Among them, there were 1 must-be attribute, 5 attractive attributes, 12 one-dimensional attributes, and 3 indifferent attributes. There were 10 items identified for improvement among the 21 low-level items.
Conclusions: The main reason for low nursing service quality is the inability to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. Constructing a training system for orthopaedic nurses and promoting multidisciplinary and departmental cooperation are the primary strategies for optimizing the quality of nursing services for orthopaedic trauma inpatients.
Trial registration: This study was an observational study and no interventions were performed on the patients, so there was no trial registration.
Body positive social media posts: who likes them anyway? The role of internalization and body dissatisfaction in the implicit and explicit bias towards thin-ideal social media posts
Authors: Buvár Ágnes , Schein Adél , Tódor Imre , Varga Attila , Koronczai Beatrix , Szőcs Levente Álmos , Nagy Bence , Stankovics Adél , Ágoston-Kostyál Csilla
Published: February 2024

Background
Research has repeatedly shown that body positivity is positively related to body satisfaction and that body positive social media posts can foster body acceptance. However, the question arises whether individuals, especially those with low body dissatisfaction, prefer body positive social media posts over thin-ideal posts. In this paper, we aim to explore the role of body ideal internalization, trait body dissatisfaction and actual body weight in the implicit and explicit biases towards thin-ideal social media posts.
Methods
We conducted two online questionnaires with implicit attitude tests. In Study 1, we obtained data from 140 women (Mage = 31.2, SDage = 13.8), while overall 533 women (adolescent sample (N = 218): aged 14–18, young adult sample (N = 315): aged 19–29) participated in Study 2. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression models to examine the associations between BMI, body ideal internalization, trait body dissatisfaction and implicit and explicit biases towards thin-ideal social media posts.
Results
Internalization was associated with the explicit bias towards thin-ideal social media posts only in the adolescent sample (Study 2). The negative appreciation of body size was negatively associated with the implicit and explicit biases towards thin-ideal social media posts in Study 1 and in the young adult sample of Study 2. In the young adult sample (Study 2), our results indicated that a higher BMI predicted positive explicit bias towards body positive posts, while the effect was trending in the case of implicit bias.
Conclusion
These findings confirm the validity of sociocultural theory on the adolescent sample and the validity of social identity theory and perceived similarity on the (young) adult sample in the context of implicit and explicit biases towards thin-ideal social media posts. The body positivity movement reaches its target population in (young) adulthood: body positive posts are appreciated by those with body image issues. Our results contribute to understanding the receptiveness to the messages of body positive social media posts.
Synthesis, characterization, and nitrate removal study of nano γ-alumina and magnetite-alumina nanocomposite adsorbents prepared by various methods and precursors
Authors: Khatamian Maasoumeh , Derakhshan Saeedeh Khadivi , Nami Shamin Hosseini , Fazli-Shokouhi Sara
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the synthesis of differen nano-sized γ-alumina (γA1-5) employing diverse precursors and methods, including nepheline syenite, lime, aluminum hydroxide, precipitation, and hydrothermal processes at varying reaction times. Simultaneously, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and magnetite/γ-alumina nanocomposites (Fn/γA5) were synthesized using the co-precipitation method with varying weight ratios (n). Our primary objective was to optimize γ-alumina synthesis by comparing multiple methods, shedding light on the influence of different precursors and sources. Hence, a comprehensive adsorption study was conducted to assess the materials’ efficacy in nitrate removal. This study fills gaps in the literature, providing a novel perspective through the simultaneous assessment of magnetite/alumina nanocomposites and pure alumina performance. Structural and morphological properties were studied employing XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, EDX, XRD, and VSM techniques. The conducted experiments for γA5, F5/γA5, and F10/γA5 nanocomposites showcased the optimum pH of 5 and contact time of 45 min for all samples. The influence of nitrate’s initial concentration on the removal percentage was investigated with initial concentrations of 10 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm. γA5, F5/γA5 and F10/γA5 nanocomposites had 17.3%, 55%, and 70% at 10 ppm, 18%, 55.16%, and 74% at 50 ppm, and 8.6%, 53.1%, and 63%, respectively. The results highlighted that F10/γA5 can be used as a remarkable adsorbent for wastewater treatment purposes.
A Unified SVPWM Fault Tolerant Control Algorithm for Single Leg Fault Reconstruction Topology of Two-level Inverter
Authors: Cai Zhiduan , Xu Lihao
Published: February 2024

To improve the reliability of Two-level three phase voltage source inverters, a uniform fault tolerant strategy based on space vector pulse width modulation is proposed for different leg faults. The reconstructed topologies of inverters with different bridge arm faults are different, which makes the basic voltage vector phase of each reconstructed topology inconsistent, resulting in different calculations. Therefore, the coordinate transformation is applied to place the basic voltage vectors of each reconstructed topology on the synchronous stationary αβ coordinate system so that the calculations of the reconstructed topology under different bridge arm faults are unified, thus reducing the complexity of fault-tolerant control. Aiming at the three-phase current asymmetry caused by the neutral point voltage oscillation in inverter topology reconstruction, a transient compensation method of neutral point voltage offset for the α-axis component of the reference voltage vector is introduced to suppress the adverse effects. The compensation method directly offers a neutral point voltage offset value after Clarke transformation and corrects the α-axis component of the reference voltage vector, avoiding the integral calculation in the conventional voltage compensation algorithm. The correctness and effectiveness of the proposed fault-tolerant control strategy are verified experimentally.
Exploring the interplay between antiretroviral therapy and the gut-oral microbiome axis in people living with HIV
Authors: Narayanan Aswathy , Kieri Oscar , Vesterbacka Jan , Manoharan Lokeshwaran , Chen Puran , Ghorbani Mahin , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Chen Margaret Sällberg , Aleman Soo , Sönnerborg Anders , Ray Shilpa , Nowak Piotr
Published: February 2024

Background: The gut and oral microbiome is altered in people living with HIV (PLWH). While antiretroviral treatment (ART) is pivotal in restoring immune function in PLWH, several studies have identified an association between specific antiretrovirals, particularly integrase inhibitors (INSTI), and weight gain. In our study, we have explored the differences in the oral and gut microbiota of PLWH under different ART regimens, and its correlation to Body Mass Index (BMI).
Methods: Fecal and salivary samples were collected from PLWH (n=69) and healthy controls (HC, n=80). DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA sequencing on the MiSeq platform. The obtained raw reads were pre-processed, and taxonomy analysis was performed to determine the microbial composition. Additionally, linear discriminant analysis effect size and correlation analyses were used to identify differences in abundant taxa and relationship between microbial abundance and ART regimens, BMI, CD4+T-cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and duration of ART.
Results: We found that the PLWH had significantly lower richness compared to HC in both the oral and gut environment. Interestingly, the gut microbiome composition of INSTI-treated individuals was enriched with Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium, whereas non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) treated individuals were enriched with Gordonibacter, Megasphaera, and Staphylococcus. In the oral microenvironment, Veillonella was significantly more abundant in INSTI-treated individuals and Fusobacterium and Alloprevotella in the NNRTI-treated individuals. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium and Dorea were enriched in gut milieu of PLWH with high BMI.
Conclusion: Our study revealed significant shifts in bacterial diversity and composition between HC and PLWH in both the oral and gut environments. Additionally, we also detected specific microbial signatures, which were correlated with different treatment regimens and BMI among the PLWH under successful ART.
cgeniepy: A Python package for analysing cGENIE Earth System Model output
Authors: Ying Rui
Published: February 2024

The cGENIE model is an numerical model that simulates the various components of the Earth system (e.g., atmosphere, ocean, land, biosphere, ice sheet) and their interactions. It has been widely used in studying and reconstructing the past ocean and climate states. Here, I provide a Python package cgeniepy for reading, analysing, and visualising the cGENIE model output, and performing the model-data comparison. The package is designed to facilitate the post-simulation analysis for all cGENIE users. The package is designed as object-oriented, thus many features are standalone and can be used without cGENIE background.
Inhibitory Activity of Chemical Constituents from Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. (Sapotaceae) Against Pathogens Associated with Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Ojo Olusesan , Mmutlane Edwin M. , Ndinteh Derek T.
Published: February 2024

Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. is a commonly used medicinal plant for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and other respiratory infections in Africa. Therefore, its phytochemicals can be explored in rational drug discovery, development, and design against respiratory-tract infections. The aim of this study is to identify chemical composition of V. paradoxa hexane stem-bark extract, and further isolate possible antimicrobial agents from its crude extract. 48 phytochemicals, including1-heptacosanol, 2-nonenal, (E)-, and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester were identified using GC-MS. Column chromatography led to the isolation of three compounds, including 11-hydroxy β-amyrin cinnamate (1), α-amyrin cinnamate (2), and sitosterol cinnamate (3). All the compounds showed activity against all the tested pathogens, with compound (3) showed better activity against all bacterial strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) varying from 0.0625 to 0.25 mg/ml. Compounds (1) and (2) showed no cytotoxicity against the cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) (IC50; 82.53 ± 4.07 and 77.82 ± 10.5 respectively). To our knowledge, compounds 2 and 3 are reported here from the stem-bark part of the plant for the first time. Similarly, inhibitory activities of compounds 1–3 against the tested strains are studied here for the first time. These results provide in part scientific justification for the traditional uses of V. paradoxa for treating respiratory tract infections, including tuberculosis in Africa.
A robust optimisation genetic algorithm for HDR prostate brachytherapy including all major uncertainties II: Algorithm evaluation on 49 patients
Authors: Kennedy Andrew C. , Douglass Michael J. J. , Gowda Raghu , Santos Alexandre M. C.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Treatment plans in high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy (BT) are currently optimised to meet clinical objectives in the nominal plan; however, uncertainties cause the scenario delivered to deviate from this plan and may fail objectives. A robust optimiser generates plans that maximise the probability of dose-volume-histogram (DVH) metrics passing in the delivered scenario.Method: A probabilistic robust optimiser was evaluated on 49 patients. Three objective functions were maximised to obtain the Pareto front consisting of 200 robust-optimised treatment plans. Each objective function approximated the robustness of three DVH metrics: (1) the minimum dose to the hottest 90% of the prostate, \({\text{D}}_{90}^{\text{P}}\), the maximum doses to the (2) urethra, \({\text{D}}_{0.01 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{U}}\), and (3) rectum, \({\text{D}}_{0.1 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{R}}\). Pareto front plans were robustly evaluated using 1000 probabilistic uncertainty scenarios, outputting the pass-rates for \({\text{D}}_{90}^{\text{P}}\), \({\text{D}}_{0.01 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{U}}\), \({\text{D}}_{0.1 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{R}}\), and all three simultaneously, the overall pass-rate. The best robust-optimised plan was selected from the Pareto front and compared to the TPS-optimised plan for ten patients by a radiation oncologist, then 49 patient robust-optimised plans were compared.Results: All robust-optimised plans had higher overall pass-rates (mean: 50.7 ± 1.5%, SD: 14.2%) compared to the TPS-optimised plans (mean: 32.0 ± 1.5%, SD: 12.3%). This was also the case with the \({\text{D}}_{0.01 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{U}}\) pass-rates with the robust-optimised plans having a mean of 66.0 ± 1.3% (SD: 12.1) compared with 47.2 ± 1.3% (SD: 9.3%). The pass-rates for \({\text{D}}_{90}^{\text{P}}\) were higher for the robust-optimised plans (mean: 85.6 ± 1.1%, SD: 9.5%) in 36 patients, the TPS-optimised mean was 82.2 ± 1.1% (SD: 13.8%). Twenty-seven patients had higher \({\text{D}}_{0.1 \text{c}\text{c}}^{\text{R}}\) pass-rates in the robust-optimised plans with a mean of 94.54 ± 0.56% (SD: 7.35%) compared with 93.71 ± 0.56% (SD: 6.73%).Conclusion: A robust optimisation algorithm generated treatment plans with higher robustness than the TPS-optimised plans for nine out of ten patients, evaluated by a radiation oncologist, in an average time of 1-minute-49-seconds.
In silico structural modeling of the N-terminal domain of ampullate spidroin from the cellar spider, Crossopriza lyoni
Authors: Mohtar Johan Ariff , Shahimin Mohd Faidz Mohamad , Bakar Amirul Ridzuan Abu , Rahman Khadijah Hanim Abdul
Published: February 2024

Spider dragline silk, or major ampullate silk, is a remarkably high-performing polymeric biomaterial with outstanding physical and mechanical properties due to its silk proteins, called spidroins. In particular, the N-terminus of spidroins plays a crucial role in silk fibre formation. Extensive research on the 3D N-terminal structure of major ampullate spidroins (MaSps) in orbicularian spiders has led to the neglect of major ampullate silks from non-orbicularians, despite their unique silk protein sequence, with a predominant focus on the adult stage rather than the early developmental stage. In this study, we elucidated the N-terminal ampullate spidroin (NT-AmSp) structure from the prenymph of the non-orbicularian species, Crossopriza lyoni. The NT-AmSp sequence of 155 amino acids was subjected to protein homology modeling, threading, and ab initio modeling through multiserver-based in silico predictions using SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2, and I-TASSER, respectively. The quality of each generated model was analysed using ProSA-web, QMEAN, and SAVES (parameters i.e., ERRAT, Verify3D, and Ramachandran plot) servers. Finally, the models were superimposed with an NMR-determined NT-MaSp from E. australisfor similarity assessment using SuperPose. Models ranked first by both SWISS-MODEL and Phyre2 (Model 1) and Model 3 from I-TASSER with the highest C-score were chosen as the best predicted models. All models possessed five α-helices except for Model 3 with an additional α-helical conformation representing the signal peptide region. Overall, the models were of relatively good quality according to the analysis. The structure superimposition with E. australisNT-MaSp1 (4FBS) yielded an acceptable RMSD value between 2.0 Å and 3.0 Å. In silico structural modeling proves to be a powerful tool for assessing protein molecular functions.
Significance: The elucidation of the N-terminal structure of AmSp from C. lyoniprenymph may contribute to enhancing our understanding of the structural and functional diversity in the N-terminal domain of spidroins across spider taxa between the adult and early nymphal stage and can be used in the development as soluble tag for heterologous protein expression.
Effectiveness of Manual Therapy for Patients with Low Back Pain from the Perspective of Physical and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Nakagawa Hotaka , Okubo Yu , Hattori Hiroshi , Hamada Yuji , Kikuchi Yuto , Mizoguchi Yasuaki , Akasaka Kiyokazu
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Arthrokinematic Approach (AKA)-Hakata method for patients with low back pain (LBP).
Methods: The subjects were 39 patients with LBP who visited a medical facility between June 1, 2022 and November 30, 2022. The intervention period was 8 weeks with 5 treatment sessions, and patient assessments were performed using the patient self-reported majors of LBP and motor function assessment.
Results: The AKA-Hakata method showed significant differences in all items evaluated in the longitudinal comparison of patients. In addition, an interaction was observed only in the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire between the two groups classified using the Subgrouping for Targeted Treatment Back Screening Tool.
Conclusions: The results of this study show that treatment with the AKA-Hakata method may have an early therapeutic effect on physical and psychosocial risks in daily life. The results of this study indicate that the AKA-Hakata method is effective in the treatment of LBP. However, this study evaluated a relatively short treatment period of five sessions and did not examine long-term treatment effects. Further research is needed to optimize the treatment duration in detail and to investigate the effectiveness of the AKA-Hakata method.
Fatty Liver Index as a Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Females in India
Authors: M Yogesh , Vamja Roshni , Vala Vijay , Nagda Jay
Published: February 2024

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Fatty liver index (FLI) is a validated model to detect MAFLD. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of FLI in predicting MetS in adult females in India.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 450 adult females attending a tertiary care hospital in India. Clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests were conducted. FLI was calculated using the standard formula. Mets were diagnosed using harmonized criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors.
Results: The mean age was 44.2±7.8 years and the prevalence of MetS was 61%. Increasing the FLI category was significantly associated with a worsening metabolic profile. The odds of hypertension, diabetes, MetS, and cardiovascular disease progressively increased with higher FLI levels (p<0.001), denoting a dose-response relationship. FLI demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for MetS with AUC 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.89). It showed significantly higher predictive ability compared to individual components like waist circumference and lipids. A FLI cutoff ≥30 provided an optimal balance of sensitivity (71%) and specificity (59%) for predicting MetS.
Conclusion: FLI demonstrates a strong association with MetS and related comorbidities in a dose-dependent manner. It shows good diagnostic accuracy for predicting MetS, better than individual criteria. FLI can be a simple, low-cost screening tool to identify high metabolic risk individuals in resource-limited settings.
Professores do ensino fundamental público: Literacia em saúde e fatores associados
Authors: De Oliveira Leandro Morais Coelho , Zanin Luciane , Flório Flávia
Published: February 2024

O objetivo desde estudo foi avaliar a literacia em saúde (LS) e sua associação com aspectos pessoais, profissionais e de comportamentos em saúde bucal de professores do primeiro ciclo do ensino fundamental da rede pública de ensino de Rio das Flores (RJ). Estudo transversal, censitário, com abordagem aos 80 professores vinculados às 07 escolas do Sistema Municipal. Os dados foram coletados via ferramenta do Google formulários entre agosto e dezembro de 2021. Foi aplicado questionário para coleta de dados pessoais, profissionais e comportamentais relacionados à saúde bucal, além do instrumento de avaliação da literacia em saúde (HLS–14). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e exploratórias e construídos modelos de regressão logística para o desfecho literacia em saúde. Participaram do estudo 62 professores (taxa de resposta 77,5%), sendo 85,5% do sexo feminino, com 38,8 anos de idade média, 13,6 anos de experiência profissional e 30,6% com pós-graduação. Os professores apresentaram mediana da LS igual a 50, sendo 17,0 para a dimensão funcional, 18,0 na dimensão comunicativa e 14,0 na dimensão crítica. Apenas a variável escolaridade associou-se à maior literacia (OR=6,46; IC95%:1,92-21,7; p<0,0025). Conclui-se que os professores mostraram elevado grau de literacia em saúde e que ter cursado pós-graduação aumentou a chance de apresentar maior literacia em saúde.
O uso da linguagem escrita como representação do pensamento: trajetórias infantis
Authors: Schreder Carolaine , Frison Marli Dallagnol
Published: February 2024

O estudo apresentado neste artigo teve como objetivo compreender como a criança usa a linguagem escrita para representar o pensamento. Nessa perspectiva, foi realizada uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, do tipo pesquisa-ação. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 20 crianças matriculadas em uma escola da rede pública municipal de Cândido Godói-RS, acompanhadas no período entre o segundo semestre de 2021 e o primeiro semestre de 2022, que abrange o final da Educação Infantil e o início do 1º ano do Ensino Fundamental. A interpretação dos dados, realizada por meio da Análise Textual Discursiva, teve apoio teórico em autores da perspectiva histórico-cultural. Resultados indicam que a linguagem escrita é permeada por significações sociais, e que a criança, na busca pela apropriação dessas significações, se coloca num contínuo movimento de produção de sentidos. Os resultados também apontam que, a partir das suas escritas espontâneas, a criança busca se fazer entender pelo outro, utilizando a linguagem escrita como forma de expressão dos seus pensamentos.
Travestis em contextos educacionais: Tensões e resistências vivenciadas por travestis na cidade de Natal, Brasil
Authors: Da Costa e Silva Thales Fabricio , Da Silva Antônio Vladimir Félix , De Araújo Fernanda Bezerra
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem o objetivo de problematizar os desafios enfrentados por travestis no processo de escolarização em instituições de educação básica e superior na cidade de Natal, Brasil. A partir de um processo cartográfico, os pesquisadores problematizam as vivências das travestis à luz da teoria queer e ilustram os percursos de escolarização marcados por processos de tensão e resistência. O estudo revela as relações das travestis com outros atores em contextos educacionais a partir da ótica da travestilidade, entendida como as múltiplas e singulares formas de expressão travesti, e defende uma escola baseada na educação da diferença. Conclui-se que, apesar do avanço na legislação e no campo da pesquisa sobre o tema, permanece explícita a estigmatização e violação das múltiplas formas de expressão da vida travesti no contexto escolar.
Novel Perspectives of TSLP and RXR Signaling in Corticosteroid-Resistant Asthma: Updates on TSLP Blockers
Authors: Zhang Song , Dsouza Karen , Beeraka Narasimha M , Liu Junqi , Reshetniak Oksana , PR Hemanth Vikram , Priyanka LG , Greeshma M.V. , Bhupalam Pradeep Kumar , PA Mahesh , Manogaran Prasath , Deka Rajashree , Bannimath Gurupadayya , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Bulygin Kirill , Fan Ruitai
Published: February 2024

Previous studies described that asthma patients who received corticosteroid
therapy have been constrained by the corticosteroid resistance subsequently fostered to
severe refractory asthma. In this review, we discussed the implications of TSLP, RXR,
the role of STAT5-activating cytokines, and IL-33/NH-cell signaling pathways, and recent
clinical evidence on TSLP blockers in steroid-resistant asthma. We have searched
several public databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and Relemed and obtained information
pertinent to the TSLP, RXR, TSLP blockers, the STAT5-activating cytokines, and
IL-33. We discussed the multiple cell signaling mechanisms underlying steroid resistance.
Blocking the TSLP and other key signaling molecules like STAT5 can retrieve
the sensitivity of natural helper-cells to corticosteroids. RXR derivatives treatment can
modulate the activity of TSLP, which further modulates steroid resistance in severe asthmatic
patients and in patients with refractory asthma. We discussed the steroid-resistance
mediated by the Th2 cells and Th2-driven eosinophilia upon corticosteroid intake.
Thus, this review will be beneficial for clinicians and molecular biologists to explore the
inflammatory pathways associated with refractory asthma conditions and develop novel
therapies against corticosteroid-resistant asthma.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Resveratrol on Viral
Hepatitis and Chronic Viral Hepatitis-related Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
Authors: Darvishi Mohammad , Nouri Majid , Rahimi Rasoul , Heidari-Soureshjani Saeid , Hashemi Rafsanjani Seyed Mahmood Reza
Published: February 2024

Background::

Resveratrol (RSV) is used for the treatment of various
diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its
beneficial aspects on viral hepatitis have been less investigated.

Objective::

This report reviews the impact of resveratrol on viral hepatitis and chronic
viral hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods::

The systematic review was performed and reported according to the
PRISMA 2020 statement. Several core databases, such as Cochrane Library,
PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus, were used for search on September
6, 2023. After extraction of the data, the desired information of the full text of the
studies was recorded in Excel, and the outcomes and mechanisms were reviewed.

Results::

RSV inhibits viral replication through anti-HCV NS3 helicase activity,
maintains redox homeostasis via glutathione (GSH) synthesis, improves T and B cell
activity, and suppresses miR-155 expression. It also enhances viral replication by
enhancing hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA transcription, activating sirtuin-1 (SIRT1),
which can increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and SIRT1
activates the HBV X protein (HBx). Moreover, RSV is responsible for hepatitis-related
HCC proliferation via suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), SIRT1
up-regulation, inhibiting expression of HBx, and reducing expression of cyclin D1.

Conclusion::

Despite the promising properties of RSV in inhibiting hepatitis-related
HCC cell proliferation, its antiviral effects in viral hepatitis are controversial. The antihepatitis
behaviors of RSV are mainly dose-dependent, and in some studies, activating
some hepatoprotective pathways increases the transcription and replication of chronic
HBV and HCV. Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of viral hepatitis
before using RSV supplements.
An Update on the Treatment Strategy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Current Scenario and Future Perspective
Authors: Rajendran Rahini , Mathaiyan Jayanthi
Published: February 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a ubiquitous form of lung cancer. Most patients
already have metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used to
treat the early stages of NSCLC, but cancer relapses are common, and the mortality rate is also high.
Hence, there is a definite need for newer and advanced therapies to control the recurrence and metastasis
of NSCLC. Many clinical trials are underway, which could improve the current treatment options.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapies are increasingly developing to expand the overall survival
rate of NSCLC patients. Yet, the continuous mutation in the tumor site, drug resistance, adverse
effects, and tumor recurrence pose several challenges to the efficacy of the treatment. Many drugs in
phase I and II clinical trials prove significant effectiveness against NSCLC mutations. Combination
therapy has shown enhanced progression-free and overall survival rates when compared to monotherapy.
Recently, FDA-approved genetically engineered patients’ immune cells and chimeric antigen
receptors (CAR) improved T-cells for the treatment of malignancies. This review emphasizes the recent
development in the treatment regimen and strategy used for improving the outcomes of NSCLC.
Volatomics-Assisted Characterization of Flavor Contributors During
Ripening of Wallace Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Yin Hao , Jiang Yongli , Zhong Yu , Wang Danfeng , Liu Cong , Wang Ji-Li-Te , Zhang Minyan , Zhang Chunrong , Deng Yun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Wallace melon has a powerful, pleasant aroma when ripe. However, little
is understood about the aroma profile and the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) biosynthesis
during ripening.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the metabolome and transcriptome of Wallace
melon to study the mechanism underlying its aroma formation systematically.

Methods:

HS-SPME/GC-MS and RNA-Seq were used to analyze the VOCs and associated genes
of Wallace melon from three developmental stages (i.e., green, transition, and yellow stages).

Results:

The aroma profiles included 47 VOCs, which were in connection with 35 genes. Yellow-stage fruits are more aromatic than the melons in the transition and green stages, producing
higher concentrations of total VOCs (2994.36 ng/g), with ethyl acetate (543.16 ng/g) being the
most abundant compound. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the biosynthesis of VOCs was
mainly related to fatty acid and amino acid metabolisms. Moreover, the lipoxygenase-1
(MELO3C014482.2), alcohol dehydrogenase-2 (MELO3C017100.2), 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase-3
(MELO3C010941.2), and hydroperoxide dehydratase (MELO3C018412.2) genes were closely related to alcohols/esters through correlation analysis.

Conclusion:

The information generated will deepen the understanding of Wallace melon storage
quality and guide melon product development.
Electronic Commerce For SME's Success In Developing Countries. A Focus On Africa
Authors: Abdul-Basit Fuseini Mohammed , Majeed Mohammed
Published: February 2024

The scope of e-commerce is continuously growing, touching more and more
platforms, gadgets, sectors, and marketplaces. The aim of this chapter is to identify
electronic commerce areas for SMEs’ success in developing countries like Africa. Ecommerce can be primarily business-to-business or business-to-customers. The success
of SMEs’ e-commerce adoption is based on virtual reality, augmented reality, social
media, and analytics. One important piece of advice for small and medium-sized
business owners is to start using social media and build websites to market their goods.
SMEs’ owners in Ghana have the opportunity to foster economic growth and social
progress through providing jobs, social services, and welfare to local communities.
Leituras semânticas de preposições de origem desde e a partir de em frases em Português Europeu
Authors: Yu Nana
Published: February 2024

he aim of this study is to identify the readings conveyed by two European Portuguese prepositions which denote ‘source’, desdeand a partir de,in sentences taken from the journalistic corpus Natura/Minho. The different readings (particularly temporal and spatial) that the noun phrases introduced by these two prepositions can have beenidentified, along with the specific contexts in which spatial readings emerge. The quantitative analysis allowed us to conclude that: (i) both the prepositions desdeand a partir de can have temporal, spatial, and notional readings; (ii) in the case of spatial readings, both motion verbs and non-motion verbs can occur lexically
Hand in hand? Documentary film and the paradox of a Belgo-Congolese union at Expo 58
Authors: Gabriels Bjorn
Published: February 2024

The 1958 World’s Fair, held in Brussels and known as Expo 58, was an apotheosis of Belgian colonial cinema and propaganda. Simultaneously, it harboured a paradox at the core of late colonial Belgium. In various ways, Belgium developed a dubious reconstruction of the past in an attempt to uphold a strong connection between metropole and colony in the burgeoning Atomic Age. This article explores how the idea of a Belgo-Congolese union was constructed and represented in documentary films screened at Expo 58, and how discussions about documentary cinema challenged that idea in a complex encounter of politics and poetics. In analysing the inextricable interweaving of ideas and representations, this article employs archival research as well as close reading of film and written texts.
Through its multifaceted approach, this article shows how the paternalistic tone of colonial films Tokèndé (Gérard De Boe, 1958), Main dans la main (Inforcongo, 1958) and Pour un monde plus humain (Georges Baudouin, 1957), and the discourse in which they thrived, ran contrary to the progressive humanism the World’s Fair wanted to display. This ‘progressist’ stance clashed with the global process of decolonisation (including in Congo), which was largely neglected during the World’s Fair.
At the ‘Rencontres Internationales. Le Cinéma et l’Afrique subsaharienne’ conference, held at Expo 58 to evaluate film production about and destined for Africa, the paradoxes of paternalistic colonial filmmaking were very much present. Developments in ethnographic filmmaking, however, challenged the colonial discourse that promoted a one-sided Eurafrican community and the colonial cinema that advanced this idea. Though not beyond criticism, cineastes-ethnologists Luc de Heusch and Jean Rouch defended a more participatory and reflexive approach to ethnographic filmmaking, expressed in Rouch’s Moi, un noir (1958). By specifically focusing on a hand in hand metaphor, this article demonstrates how film documentaries created, as well as challenged, the myths that rewrite history
Cultural Memory and Nationalism at Scotland’s International Exhibitions: 1886–1938
Authors: Lamont Craig
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the ways in which Scotland portrayed itself during the run of International Exhibitions in Edinburgh (1886, 1890, 1908) and Glasgow (1888, 1901, 1911, 1938). It will be shown that Scotland, as a fundamental component of the British Empire, served to increase visions of Britishness in these Exhibitions (or World’s Fairs) by hosting a number of colonial exhibits and focussing, for the most part, on modern technological advances in machinery and engineering. While all of these Scottish exhibits did self-reflect on history and Scottish nationhood (via literature, art, and architecture), this paper will show that the novelty of doing this, in sharp contrast with the pomp and exuberance of the imperial display, reduced Scottishness to yet another exotic ‘other’. Following the ‘Old London’ featured in 1884, Edinburgh and – later – Glasgow featured ‘old towns’ which offered visitors an impression of their lost cityscapes, dislocated from their original place and built among the many other temporary pavilions. In the twentieth century, both cities featured human displays: a nefarious turn in Exhibition culture across Europe which curated people from colonial lands on a level with their material culture. Scotland, as part of the British Empire, boasted Senegalese and West Africans as part of their popular attractions. Following this, Glasgow followed London in displaying the people of the Scottish Highlands as part of a pastiche village named ‘An Clahan’: a crystallising moment in Scotland’s disorienting self-portrayal in these British imperial contexts. In working through these case studies, this paper will consider scholarship from the fields of history and memory studies.
Digital Humanities: Notes on Web Archiving
Authors: Zantedeschi Francesca
Published: February 2024

Since the 1990s, the use of consultation and research techniques linked to computers and the web has pervaded historical research. This has impacted upon the way historical sources are produced, published, stored and analysed.
Book review: Hercules Millas, National Myths in Greece.
Authors: Leerssen Joep
Published: February 2024

Book review of Hercules Millas, National Myths in Greece.
Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction, a Review in 2023
Authors: Cantres Fonseca Onix , Aryal Shambhu , King Christopher , Nathan Steven
Published: February 2024

Chronic allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is one of the leading causes of death after lung transplantation [1]. CLAD is a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function after transplant, manifested as an obstructive, restrictive, or mixed ventilatory impairment without any identifiable etiology as infection or acute rejection. Multiple risk factors have been associated with this condition. Despite its significant effect on the mortality of transplanted patients, there is still a lack of powerfully effective therapies for patients with CLAD. Avoiding and correcting risk factors and close patient monitoring is critical in preventing disease progression. This article will discuss CLAD, the risk factors for developing the umbrella of syndromes under this term, and the current treatment alternatives and management available up to 2023.