bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrative systematic review on interventions to improve layperson’s ability to identify trustworthy digital health information
Authors: Mohamed Hind , Kittle Esme , Nour Nehal , Hamed Ruba , Feeney Kaylem , Salsberg Jon , Kelly Dervla
Published: October 2024

Health information on the Internet has a ubiquitous influence on health consumers’ behaviour. Searching and evaluating online health information poses a real challenge for many health consumers. To our knowledge, our systematic review paper is the first to explore the interventions targeting lay people to improve their e-health literacy skills. Our paper aims to explore interventions to improve laypeople ability to identify trustworthy online health information. The search was conducted on Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane database, Academic Search Complete, and APA psych info. Publications were selected by screening title, abstract, and full text, then manual review of reference lists of selected publications. Data was extracted from eligible studies on an excel sheet about the types of interventions, the outcomes of the interventions and whether they are effective, and the barriers and facilitators for using the interventions by consumers. A mixed-methods appraisal tool was used to appraise evidence from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review approach was used as a guidance for narrative synthesis. The total number of included studies is twelve. Media literacy interventions are the most common type of interventions. Few studies measured the effect of the interventions on patient health outcomes. All the procedural and navigation/ evaluation skills-building interventions are significantly effective. Computer/internet illiteracy and the absence of guidance/facilitators are significant barriers to web-based intervention use. Few interventions are distinguished by its implementation in a context tailored to consumers, using a human-centred design approach, and delivery through multiple health stakeholders’ partnership. There is potential for further research to understand how to improve consumers health information use focusing on collaborative learning, using human-centred approaches, and addressing the social determinants of health.
Prognostic value of isolated tumor cells and micrometastasis of lymph nodes in invasive urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Cheong Harin , Yoo Youngeun , Sung Sun Hee , Park Sanghui , Lee Dong Hyeon , Kong Kyoung Ae , Park Heae Surng , Cho Min-Sun
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The prognostic significance of nodal micrometastasis and isolated tumor cells (ITC) in urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical impact, and clinicopathological characteristics of nodal micrometastasis and ITC in UBC.

Materials and methods

A total of 124 patients with UBC undergoing surgery were investigated. Detection of micrometastasis and ITC was performed using pancytokeratin immunohistochemistry (IHC). Histopathologic and clinical findings were correlated with patients’ outcome.

Result

IHC detected nodal micrometastasis and ITC (pNmi group) in 12.9% (13/101) of originally node-negative patients and in 26.1% (6/23) of originally node-positive patients (pN+ group). The remaining 88 were truly node-negative patients (pN0 group). After IHC, all 13 patients in the pNmi group were upstaged from pN0 to pN1-2 and one patient in the pN+ group was changed from pN1 to pN2. Nodal micrometastasis and ITC were significantly associated with mixed urothelial carcinoma (UC) (p = 0.002), UC with discohesive pattern (p = 0.006), glandular differentiation (p = 0.043), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.009), and budding-like tumor cell clusters (p = 0.002). The pNmi group had significantly worse cancer-specific survival than the pN0 group in univariate (p = 0.004) and multivariate (p = 0.040) analysis.

Conclusion

IHC frequently identified nodal micrometastasis and ITC in originally node-negative UBC patients on routine pathological examination. Nodal micrometastasis and ITC were independently associated with cancer-related mortality in UBC. IHC might be selectively used to detect micrometastasis and ITC in UBC having specific pathological features.
How is the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for acupuncture treatment of post-stroke aphasia? A report quality assessment
Authors: Qin Chenyang , Deng Shizhe , Li Boxuan , Zhu Weiming , Liu Chaoda , Jiang Hailun , Zhuo Bifang , Zhang Menglong , Lyu Yuanhao , Chen Junjie , Chi Shihao , Cao Beidi , Yang Xinming , Meng Zhihong
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have reported the use of acupuncture for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia (PSA).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data Information Site, and China Science and Technology Journal Database from January 2013 to June 2023. RCTs utilizing acupuncture as an intervention for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia were included in this study. The overall quality score (OQS) of RCTs was independently evaluated by two researchers using the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines, with the agreement between researchers calculated using Cohen’s kappa statistics.

Results

In conclusion, we included 38 RCTs in this study. The median OQS of the 38 RCTs was 13 (minimum 8, maximum 20) based on the CONSORT statement. Out of all CONSORT items, 10 (27%) had a positive rate of greater than 80%, while 17 (46%) had a positive rate of less than 10%. The median OQS of the 38 RCTs was 12 (minimum 6, maximum 14) based on the STRICTA guideline. Within the STRICTA guideline, 6 items (35%) had a positive rate of greater than 80%, and 3 items (18%) had a positive rate of less than 10%. Most items based on the CONSORT and STRICTA guidelines were observed to have a perfect or good degree of agreement.

Conclusions

The overall reporting quality of RCTs for acupuncture treatment of PSA was found to be suboptimal. Notably, the reporting quality of the STRICTA guideline is higher compared to the CONSORT statement. Therefore, strict adherence to both the CONSORT and STRICTA statements is recommended to enhance the quality of RCT reports on acupuncture treatment for post-stroke aphasia.
Children at play: The role of novices in the production of Europe’s earliest Upper Paleolithic ceramics
Authors: Farbstein Rebecca , Nowell April
Published: October 2024

Although archaeologists are learning more about the lives of Upper Paleolithic children, the significant contributions they made to the welfare of their communities, including their role in craft production, remain understudied. In the present study, we use high resolution photographs of 489 ceramic artifacts from Dolní Věstonice I and II, Pavlov I and VI, and Předmostí, five archaeological sites in Czechia (ca. 30,000 BP) to address two questions: 1. Can the ceramic products of novices be distinguished from those made by experts? 2. If so, can we tell if these novices were children? To address these questions, we documented variables known ethnographically and archaeologically to be associated with learners in a sample from these five sites. The sample is composed of fired (“ceramic”) and unfired (“sedimentary”) anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, non-diagnostic figurine fragments and a sample of the so-called "pellets" from one site, Pavlov I. Our results support the hypothesis that ceramic objects are the products of novices, and in many cases, these novices are children. Our findings have implications for inter-generational knowledge transmission, the role of children in craft production and the importance of learning through play.
LFformer: An improved Transformer model for wind power prediction
Authors: Ma Dongjin , Gao Yingcai , Dai Qin
Published: October 2024

Wind power forecasting has complex nonlinear features and behavioral patterns across time scales, which is a severe test for traditional forecasting techniques. To address the multi-scale problem in wind power forecasting, this paper innovatively proposes an ultra-short-term forecasting model LFformer based on Legendre-Fourier, which firstly focuses on the important information in the input sequences by using the encoder-decoder architecture, and then scales the range of the original data with the Devlin normalization method, and then utilizes the Legendre polynomials to The data sequence is projected into a bounded dimensional space, the historical data is compressed using feature representation, then feature selection is performed using the low-rank approximation method of Fourier Transform, the prediction is inputted into the multilayer perceptron through the multi-scale mixing mechanism, and finally the results are outputted after back-normalization. The experimental results show that compared with the existing prediction methods, the model realizes the improvement of prediction accuracy and stability, especially in the ultra-short-term prediction scenario, with obvious advantages. The research results are not only valuable for improving the overall operational efficiency of the wind power system, but also help to enhance the stable operation of the power grid, which provides strong technical support and guarantee for wind power enterprises to improve the competitiveness of bidding for Internet access in the power market competition.
Elemental composition and health risk assessment of PM10, PM2.5, at different microenvironments: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Asamene Embiale , Chandravanshi Bhagwan Singh , Beshah Feleke Zewge , Sahle-Demessie Endalkachew
Published: October 2024

This study was designed to evaluate the health risks faced by inhabitants living in the slum areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 and elemental composition of the PM10 were measured in indoors (in the kitchen and living room) and outdoors (at the roadside). A total of 75 sampling locations (45 indoor and 30 outdoor) were selected for the study. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were determined using an AROCET531S instrument, while an universal air pump was used for the sampling of PM10 for the determination of trace elements by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‒OES). The health impacts of PMs on the inhabitants of twelve microenvironments (MEs), where they spend much of their daily time, were estimated. The total amounts of PM2.5 and PM10, and trace metals in PM10 found in the nine or twelve MEs ranged from 10.6–119, 128–185, and 0.007–0.197 μg m-3, respectively. According to the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, ten of the twelve MEs can cause significant health problems for inhabitants (HI > 1) due to PM2.5 and PM10. Thus, special attention should be given by stakeholders/inhabitants to minimize the health impacts on long-term exposure. This study assessed the risk of levels of trace elements on the inhabitants who spend most of their daily lives. The study revealed that the lifetime cancer risk values for the individual and cumulative trace elements were within the tolerable range set by the USEPA guidelines.
Guidelines for the prescription of standard hematology and biochemistry clinical laboratory tests in the intensive care unit: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Devis Luigi L. , Catry Emilie , Hardy Michael , Mansour Alexandre , Honore Patrick M. , Lippi Giuseppe , Closset Mélanie , Mullier François
Published: October 2024

Objective

This scoping review protocol describes the strategy for a scoping review that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of published guidelines for the prescription of standard laboratory tests performed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Background

The use of clinical laboratories is constantly increasing. However, there is evidence of inappropriate use. Inappropriate laboratory testing has the potential to harm patients, increase costs, burden staff, and has an environmental impact. Effective management can be achieved through demand managing strategies, such as providing guidelines on performing the appropriate test, for the right patient, at the right time. Although national and international guidelines exist for individual tests, a comprehensive summary of available recommendations for laboratory testing in the ICU is currently unavailable.

Inclusion criteria

This scoping review will incorporate documents that provide explicit advice on which test to perform in ICU patients. We selected 34 tests routinely ordered in the ICU. This review will consider any document type that matches our concept and context. We will consider gray literature with appropriate adherence to guidelines methodology. We will not limit the review by geographical location, but will only include articles published in English.

Search strategy

Our scoping review will follow the Joanna Brigg Institute (JBI) methodology. We will search Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google. Our search strategy adheres to the JBI 3-step construction approach for systematic reviews. We will search for keywords related to guidelines, laboratory testing, and the 34 selected tests. We will report our study using the S1 Checklist.

Review registration number: osf.io/yfs9z.
Testing a nutrient composition threshold model to classify brands for marketing restrictions
Authors: Jordan Rachel , Garton Kelly , Mackay Sally
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Food marketing restrictions often apply nutrient profile models (NPM) to distinguish unhealthy products that should not be advertised, however brand-only marketing remains largely unaddressed. We sought to test a threshold method for classifying packaged food, beverage, or fast-food brands as (non)permitted for marketing, based on the nutrient profile of their product-lines.

Methods

We retrieved nutrient information from the Nutritrack databases for all products sold by the top 51 packaged food, beverage and fast-food brands in New Zealand, selected by market share. All products under each brand were classified as permitted (or not) to be marketed to children, using the NPM for WHO Western Pacific. The 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% threshold of brands’ products permitted to market were compared. The 50% and 75% thresholds were compared to the WHO CLICK method, which is based on assessment of the brand’s leading product.

Results

The 90% threshold permitted 13% of the brands to be marketed to children. The 25% threshold permitted the marketing of 62% of brands. The 50% and 75% thresholds remained highly sensitive in identifying brands that should not be marketed to children. Comparison to the WHO CLICK method identified that a threshold method is more comprehensive and less arbitrary.

Conclusions

A threshold model based on product-line nutrient profiling provides a robust and option for brand classification. The 50% and 75% thresholds may be the most politically preferred options for use in regulation, while remaining highly effective.

Practitioner points

Brand marketing (e.g. sponsorship) remains largely unaddressed in existing restrictions on unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children.

An established Nutrient Profile Model can be applied to a brand’s entire product line, allowing calculation of the proportion of products that would not be permitted to be advertised to children.

Restricting brand marketing for food and beverage brands with less than 50% or 75% of their products classified as ’permitted to be marketed to children’ is a robust and evidence-based method that can be applied in regulation, with potential to mitigate industry challenges.
Arterial floating mural thrombi are a characteristic imaging pattern in SARS-CoV-2-related ischemic stroke
Authors: Pardo Keshet , Harnof Omer , Barnea Rani , Naftali Jonathan , Kenan Gilad , Auriel Eithan , Peretz Shlomi
Published: October 2024

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We aimed to explore neurovascular imaging patterns in patients with SARS-CoV-2-related AIS.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiological data of patients hospitalized with AIS and a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 prior to AIS onset. The control group comprised of AIS patients from a pre-COVID-19 pandemic period matched for gender and age.

Results

Thirty-five SARS-CoV-2-related stroke patients, and 35 controls were included. Fifty-seven percent of SARS-CoV-2 patients had either mild or asymptomatic disease. A distinctive imaging pattern of floating arterial mural thrombus was detected in 5 patients of the SARS-CoV-2 group. In 4 patients thrombus was attached to a stenotic atherosclerotic plaque in the proximal internal carotid artery. In the 5th patient a cardiac CTA showed multiple floating thrombi in the descending aorta. In the control group, floating thrombus was only detected in one patient. Treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with thrombus dissolution and good clinical outcome. Patients with floating thrombi had a longer time from SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis to stroke onset (mean 7.4 versus 3.4 days).

Conclusions

Floating arterial mural thrombi attached to atherosclerotic plaques are unique characteristic source of AIS in SARS-CoV-2 patients. They may lead to ischemic stroke in patients with mild or asymptomatic infection up to 1–2 weeks from SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Patients with embolic AIS and SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis should perform high resolution cranio-cervical vascular imaging to evaluate floating thrombi as a potential embolic source.
Do budget deficits cause current account deficits? a re-evaluation utilizing military expenditures as an instrumental variable
Authors: Liu Haiyue , Ren Jianwu
Published: October 2024

The twin deficit hypothesis suggests that budget deficits are crucial factors leading to current account deficits, and substantial empirical evidence documents a significant positive statistical correlation between budget and current account deficits. However, such evidence generally suffers from endogeneity problems due to reverse causality, thereby making it difficult to provide solid evidence to support policy implementation. We use extensive cross-national panel data from developed and developing countries and military expenditure as an instrumental variable to reexamine the impact of budget deficits on the current account and test the validity of the twin deficit hypothesis. Our results demonstrate that budget deficits lead to current account deficits in both developed and developing countries, supporting the twin deficit hypothesis. After considering various factors that may affect the exogeneity of military expenditures, approximating the instrumental variable as exogenous, and performing multiple robustness tests, the hypothesis still holds. This study provides solid evidence supporting the use of fiscal policies to deal with current account imbalances.
HIV replication and tuberculosis risk among people living with HIV in Europe: A multicohort analysis, 1983–2015
Authors: Atkinson Andrew , Kraus David , Banholzer Nicolas , Miro Jose M. , Reiss Peter , Kirk Ole , Mussini Cristina , Morlat Philippe , Podlekareva Daria , Grant Alison D. , Sabin Caroline , van der Valk Marc , Le Moing Vincent , Meyer Laurence , Seng Remonie , Castagna Antonella , Obel Niels , Antoniadou Anastasia , Salmon Dominique , Zwahlen Marcel , Egger Matthias , de Wit Stephane , Furrer Hansjakob , Fenner Lukas ,   The Opportunistic Infections Project Working Group of the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) in EuroCoord
Published: October 2024

Introduction

HIV replication leads to a change in lymphocyte phenotypes that impairs immune protection against opportunistic infections. We examined current HIV replication as an independent risk factor for tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

We included people living with HIV from 25 European cohorts 1983–2015. Individuals <16 years or with previous TB were excluded. Person-time was calculated from enrolment (baseline) to the date of TB diagnosis or last follow-up information. We used adjusted Poisson regression and general additive regression models.

Results

We included 272,548 people with a median follow-up of 5.9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.3–10.9). At baseline, the median CD4 cell count was 355 cells/μL (IQR 193–540) and the median HIV-RNA level 22,000 copies/mL (IQR 1,300–103,000). During 1,923,441 person-years of follow-up, 5,956 (2.2%) people developed TB. Overall, TB incidence was 3.1 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.02–3.18) and was four times higher in patients with HIV-RNA levels of 10,000 compared with levels <400 copies/mL in any CD4 stratum. CD4 and HIV-RNA time-updated analyses showed that the association between HIV-RNA and TB incidence was independent of CD4. The TB incidence rate ratio for people born in TB-endemic countries compared with those born in Europe was 1.8 (95% CI 1.5–2.2).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ongoing HIV replication (suboptimal HIV control) is an important risk factor for TB, independent of CD4 count. Those at highest risk of TB are people from TB-endemic countries. Close monitoring and TB preventive therapy for people with suboptimal HIV control is important.
Capillary drops, capillary pooled, and venous blood samples for determining hemoglobin concentration using HemoCue: A measurement system analysis
Authors: Méndez-Gómez-Humarán Ignacio , De la Cruz-Góngora Vanessa , Dary Omar , Shamah-Levy Teresa
Published: October 2024

Several external and internal factors can affect the performance and variability of Hemoglobin concentration [Hb] measurements using HemoCue, and documentation on the contribution of different sources of [Hb] variation is limited. We used an experimental repeated measurements design with nine randomly selected participants, three HemoCue devices, and three trained field workers. HemoCue measurements for all samples were repeated three times. The [Hb] measurement system considers four sources of error: 1) HemoCue devices, 2) field workers, 3) between individuals, and 4) within individuals. A concordance analysis was used to assess accuracy and precision, and a linear mixed model was used to estimate mean differences (bias) from blood specimens, anticoagulants, and to estimate the contribution of the 4 sources of error to [Hb] measurements. Positive mean [Hb] differences were found: 1.34 g/dL for capillary drops, 0.81 g/dL for pooled capillary blood samples, 0.756 g/dL for venous blood stored with EDTA, and 0.911 g/dL for venous blood stored with heparin. The mean [Hb] difference for venous blood with EDTA was used as a correction factor for all results measured using a HemoCue. After adjustment, capillary drops showed a mean difference of 0.585 g/dL, and pooled capillary samples were not significantly different. The individual variability was 95.8% of total variance, HemoCue devices contributed 2.1% of measurement error, field staff contributed 0.4%, and the residual was 1.7%. The HemoCue [Hb] measurement system is reliable in controlled environments, with a small measurement error of 4.2%.
Impact of tidal fluctuations on bacterial community structure in Wuyuan Bay: A comparative analysis of waters inside and outside the tidal barrage
Authors: Xie Dandan , Feng Chen , Hu Jiehua , Lin Huina , Luo Hong , Zhang Qi , He Haibin
Published: October 2024

The tidal barrage at Wuyuan Bay effectively mitigated the odor from the tidal flat during ebb tide, however, its effect on bacterial community structure in waters are still unclear. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the structure of the microbial community in waters inside and outside the tidal barrage during flood and ebb tides. Results showed bacterial diversity was higher in water outside the barrage during flood tide. The dominated species at phylum and genus levels were various in waters inside and outside the tidal barrage during flood and ebb tides. The water inside during ebb tide (E1) were dominated by two cyanobacterial genera, Cyanobium_PCC-6307 (42.90%) and Synechococcus_CC9902 (12.56%). The microbial function, such as porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis, were increased in E1. Norank_f__Nitriliruptoraceae was identified as differential microorganism in waters inside the barrage. Inorganic nitrogen and nonionic ammonia were significantly high in E1, and were negatively correlated with norank_f__Nitriliruptoraceae. These results suggest tidal barrage blocks water exchange, resulting in the accumulation of nutrients in Wuyuan Bay. Consequently, the environment became favorable for the growth of cyanobacteria, leading to the dominance of algae in the water inside the barrage and posing the risk of cyanobacterial bloom. Higher Nitriliruptoraceae inside the barrage might be a cue for the change of water quality.
Spatio-temporal variations of energy carbon emissions in Xinjiang based on DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS nighttime light remote sensing data
Authors: Song Jie , He Xin , Zhang Fei , Wang Weiwei , Chan Ngai Weng , Shi Jingchao , Tan Mou Leong
Published: October 2024

With the rapid economic development of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), energy consumption became the primary source of carbon emissions. The growth trend in energy consumption and coal-dominated energy structure are unlikely to change significantly in the short term, meaning that carbon emissions are expected to continue rising. To clarify the changes in energy-related carbon emissions in Xinjiang over the past 15 years, this paper integrates DMSP/OLS and NPP/VIIRS data to generate long-term nighttime light remote sensing data from 2005 to 2020. The data is used to analyze the distribution characteristics of carbon emissions, spatial autocorrelation, frequency of changes, and the standard deviation ellipse. The results show that: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the total carbon emissions in Xinjiang continued to grow, with noticeable urban additions although the growth rate fluctuated. In spatial distribution, non-carbon emission areas were mainly located in the northwest; low-carbon emission areas mostly small and medium-sized towns; and high-carbon emission areas were concentrated around the provincial capital and urban agglomerations. (2) There were significant regional differences in carbon emissions, with clear spatial clustering of energy consumption. The clustering stabilized, showing distinct "high-high" and "low-low" patterns. (3) Carbon emissions in central urban areas remained stable, while higher frequencies of change were seen in the peripheral areas of provincial capitals and key cities. The center of carbon emissions shifted towards southeast but later showed a trend of moving northwest. (4) Temporal and spatial variations in carbon emissions were closely linked to energy consumption intensity, population size, and economic growth. These findings provided a basis for formulating differentiated carbon emission targets and strategies, optimizing energy structures, and promoting industrial transformation to achieve low-carbon economic development in Xinjiang.
Empowering legal justice with AI: A reinforcement learning SAC-VAE framework for advanced legal text summarization
Authors: Wang Xukang , Wu Ying Cheng
Published: October 2024

Automated summarization of legal texts poses a significant challenge due to the complex and specialized nature of legal documentation. Despite the recent progress in reinforcement learning for natural language text summarization, its application in the legal domain has been less effective. This paper introduces SAC-VAE, a novel reinforcement learning framework specifically designed for legal text summarization. We leverage a Variational Autoencoder (VAE) to condense the high-dimensional state space into a more manageable lower-dimensional feature space. These compressed features are subsequently utilized by the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithm for policy learning, facilitating the automated generation of summaries from legal texts. Through comprehensive experimentation, we have empirically demonstrated the effectiveness and superior performance of the SAC-VAE framework in legal text summarization.
High keratinase and other types of hydrolase activity of the new strain of Bacillus paralicheniformis
Authors: Aktayeva Saniya , Khassenov Bekbolat
Published: October 2024

Keratinases, a subclass of proteases, are used to degrade keratin thereby forming peptones and free amino acids. Bacillus paralicheniformis strain T7 was isolated from soil and exhibited high keratinase, protease, collagenase, amylase, xylanase, lipase, and phosphatase activities. Keratinases of the strain showed maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9.0 as well as high thermal stability. A mass-spectrometric analysis identified seven peptidases with molecular masses of 26.8–154.8 kDa in the secretory proteome. These peptidases are members of S8 and S41 serine peptidase families and of M14, M42, and M55 metallopeptidase families. Additionally, α-amylase (55.2 kDa), alkaline phosphatase (59.8 kDa), and esterase (26.8 kDa) were detected. The strong keratinolytic properties of the strain were confirmed by degradation of chicken and goose feathers, which got completely hydrolyzed within 4 days. Submerged fermentation by strain B. paralicheniformis T7 was carried out in a pilot bioreactor, where the highest keratinase production was noted after 19 h of cultivation. After the fermentation, in the culture fluid, the keratinase activity toward keratin azure was 63.6 ± 5.8 U/mL. The protease activity against azocasein was 715.7 ± 40.2 U/mL. The possibility of obtaining enzyme preparations in liquid and powder form was demonstrated, and their comparative characteristics are given. In the concentrate, the keratinase, protease, α-amylase, phosphatase, and esterase/lipase activities were 2,656.7 ± 170.4, 29,886.7 ± 642.9, 176.1 ± 16.3, 23.9 ± 1.8, and 510.9 ± 12.2 U/mL, respectively. In the lyophilizate, these activities were 57,733.3 ± 8,911.4, 567,066.7 ± 4,822.2, 2,823.0 ± 266.8, 364.2 ± 74.8, and 17,618.0 ± 610.3 U/g, respectively. In the preparation obtained by air flow drying at 55°C, these activities were 53,466.7 ± 757.2, 585,333.3 ± 4,277.1, 2,395.8 ± 893.7, 416.7 ± 52.4, and 15,328.1 ± 528.6 U/g, respectively. The results show high potential of B. paralicheniformis strain T7 as a producer of keratinases and other enzymes for applications in agricultural raw materials and technologies for processing of keratin-containing animal waste.
Analysis of Measurements in Microwaves Oven with High Level of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) Before and After Repair
Authors:   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Silva Julia , Sousa Jr. Vicente ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rodrigues Marcio ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Pinheiro Fred ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, da Silva Gutembergue ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mendonça Halysson ,   National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL), Galdino Fernanda ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Silva Ricardo ,   Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
Published: October 2024

Non-ionizing radiation is the subject of several applications, such as the microwave oven, which is very popular. Its use is characterized by direct user operation and reduced distances between users and the NIR source. Therefore, the level of human exposure in this scenario deserves attention as it is a potential cause of biological effects. In this sense, this paper presents the measurement of a microwave oven with a high level of NIR (above the limit defined by the standard) before and after two types of suggested repairs: the use of epoxy putty (Repair 1) and the replacement of the external surface of the oven (Repair 2). The definitions of measurement methodology, based on FDA and INMETRO standards, are presented and discussed. Finally, we describe an analysis of the efficiency of these repair methods aiming at the safety operation.
General Overview: Critical Exposition and Analysis of Soren Kierkegaard's Freedom and Choice
Authors: Agu Emmanuel Tochukwu
Published: October 2024

Søren Kierkegaard is the father of existentialism, offers profound insights into the concepts of freedom and choice, which resonate deeply within modern of Kierkegaard's views on freedom and choice, exploring how these themes are interwoven with his notions of existence, anxiety, and responsibility. By examining key texts such as Either/Or and The Sickness Unto Death, this article highlights the complexities of human freedom in the context of ethical living and individual authenticity. Furthermore, the implications of Kierkegaard's thought for contemporary existentialist discourse will be discussed, emphasizing the enduring relevance of his work.
REPROCESSING THE ANCIENT POLITICIANS: CURSE OF YOUTH'S SELECTIVITY IN NIGERIA GOVERNANCE
Authors: Agu Emmanuel Tochukwu
Published: October 2024

This article examines the phenomenon of "youth selectivity" in Nigerian governance through a historical lens, drawing parallels between ancient political philosophies and contemporary governing practices. The youth, often considered the hope of the nation, are increasingly selective in their political engagements, leading to an apparent disillusionment with established political figures and systems. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating political theory, sociology, and cultural studies, focusing on the implications of youth Nigeria. It argues that while the political engagement of youth is vital for societal progress, their selective nature can also perpetuate cycles of disenfranchisement and instability if not aligned with inclusive and representative governance structures.
The Role of Medicinal Plants in Nigerian Traditional Medicine
Authors: Ajewole Stephen
Published: October 2024

Abstract:

Medicinal plants have played a critical role in Nigerian traditional medicine for centuries, forming the backbone of healthcare in many rural areas. This article explores the historical context, cultural importance, and scientific evidence supporting the use of medicinal plants in Nigeria. A comprehensive review of key medicinal plants, their phytochemical properties, and therapeutic applications is presented. Challenges in integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems are discussed, along with the potential for harnessing Nigeria's rich biodiversity for future drug discovery.
¿Son seguros los colorantes alimenticios nanoparticulados? Uso del modelo biológico in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans para evaluar su toxicidad aguda
Authors: Furones Hernández Samuel , Grau Meló Raúl , Barat Baviera José Manuel , Verdú Amat Samuel
Published: October 2024

Introducción: Este estudio explora los efectos toxicológicos de las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) y nanopartículas de óxido de hierro (Fe2O3NPs), que se utilizan como colorantes alimentarios (E-174 y E-172, respectivamente), al entrar en contacto con un medio acuoso que simula matrices alimentarias. Para ello se ha empleado el modelo biológico in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans.
Metodología: Se evaluó el impacto de las NPs en parámetros fisicoquímicos, como el tamaño de partícula, el potencial zeta y la conductividad eléctrica. También se analizaron parámetros biológicos en C. elegans, incluyendo letalidad, estrés oxidativo y apoptosis o muerte celular.
Resultados: El análisis fisicoquímico reveló cambios significativos en las propiedades de las NPs en contacto con el medio acuoso. Las AgNPs mostraron una mayor estabilidad, así como un aumento en su solubilización. Las Fe2O3NPs mostraron una mayor toxicidad aguda en comparación con las AgNPs, exponiendo tasas de letalidad más altas y mayor estrés oxidativo. El análisis de la apoptosis celular destacó aún más sus efectos tóxicos.
Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio mostraron el papel crítico de las características fisicoquímicas de las NPs y sus interacciones biológicas. Se demostró que las variaciones en la estabilidad de las NPs pueden aumentar su potencial tóxico cuando se utilizan como aditivos alimentarios. Los hallazgos requieren una investigación exhaustiva para comprender mejor el comportamiento de las NPs en las matrices alimentarias y los riesgos para la salud asociados, garantizando así la seguridad del consumidor.
Financiación: Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia de la Comunidad Valenciana", a través del proyecto "Programa Investigo". Proyecto europeo "NAMS4NANO: Integración de Resultados de Nuevas Metodologías de Enfoque en Evaluaciones de Riesgo Químico: Estudios de Caso que Abordan Consideraciones a Escala Nanométrica", apoyado por la Agencia Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA).
ANALISIS INTEGRASI PASAR SPASIAL HARGA TELUR AYAM RAS MENGGUNAKAN METODE VECTOR ERROR CORRECTION MODEL
Authors: Abdussalam Malka Rusyd , Tarno Tarno , Fakhriyana Deby
Published: October 2024

Purebred chicken eggs are one of the staple commodities whose price development continues to be monitored by the government. To maintain price stability of purebred chicken eggs, an understanding of spatial market integration is needed. Spatial market integration can show the level of closeness between markets in a region. The spatial market integration in this study was modeled using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) method. The VECM method was chosen with the aim of seeing the relationship between the price movement of purebred chicken eggs both in the short and long term, seeing the interaction of relationships that occur in each region and forecasting the price of purebred chicken eggs. The research objects used include the price of purebred chicken eggs in Semarang City, Salatiga City, Demak Regency, and Pati Regency in the period January 2021 to December 2022. The data used is weekly time series data that has met the stationary test at the first differential level. Based on the Johansen cointegration test on the four regions, 3 cointegrations were obtained, indicating that in each short-term period all variables adjust to each other to achieve long-term equilibrium. Granger's causality test in this study showed that not all variables have a two-way relationship. The resulting MAPE value is less than 10%, so the resulting model is very feasible to use.
METODE MEAN-SEMIVARIANCE DALAM PEMBENTUKAN PORTOFOLIO REKSA DANA SAHAM TERBAIK BAROMETER BAREKSA
Authors: Pakungwati Ratu Aulia , Wilandari Yuciana , Maruddani Di Asih I
Published: October 2024

The most popular investment product today is mutual funds. One of the factors in selecting mutual funds is the low investment risk. This risk can be minimized again by combining several assets and then compiling them into a portfolio. The portfolio formation method used in this study is the Mean-Semivariance method and the Sharpe Index to calculate portfolio performance. The data used is the daily net asset value per unit of Mandiri Investa Atraktif Syariah, Rencana Cerdas, Manulife Saham SMC Plus and BNP Paribas Solaris for the period January 3 2022 to March 9 2023, Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) data as a benchmark and BI-7 Day Reverse Repo Rate as a riskfree interest rate. The minimum risk of the portfolio will be achieved by compiling a portfolio of two mutual funds, namely Mandiri Investa Atraktif Syariah with a weight of 92,50% and the Smart Plan with a weight of 7,50% with an expected return rate of 0,00019 and a risk of 0,000000663. The Sharpe Index is 0.08971 indicating that the portfolio formed has good performance and can be used as a choice of investment assets by investors.
PERBANDINGAN MODEL REGRESI STRATIFIED COX DAN EXTENDED COX PADA ANALISIS SURVIVAL PENDERITA KANKER PAYUDARA
Authors: Samosir Jessika Aurora , Sudarno Sudarno , Maruddani Di Asih I
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer is a tumor that develops in the breast where cells in the mammary gland divide and develop uncontrollably. Breast cancer is the most common cancer that causes death in women among other cancers. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the survival of breast cancer patients from the METABRIC database. This study was analyzed using survival analysis method. The method that is often used is the Cox proportional hazard model where the proportional hazard assumption must be met. There is variable that do not meet the assumption so that the methods used are stratified Cox and extended Cox. The stratified Cox model overcomes variables that do not meet the assumption by stratifying variables that do not meet the assumption. The extended Cox model overcomes variables that do not meet the assumption by interacting the variables with a time function. The time functions used in this study are linear time functions and logarithmic time functions. Based on the smallest AIC value, the best model is the stratified Cox regression model without interaction. Factors that affect the survival of breast cancer patients from the METABRIC database are tumor size, chemotherapy, stage 1, stage 2, and type of surgery.
ANALISIS TINGKAT KEPENTINGAN DAN KINERJA (IMPORTANCE-PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS) NILAI KEGUNAAN APLIKASI M-COMMERCE
Authors: Elyasa Fatiya Rahmita , Sugito Sugito , Rusgiyono Agus
Published: October 2024

Good application quality can bring user satisfaction to form user’s loyalty and trust in the company. The level of user satisfaction is different between Gojek and Grab even though each them has similarities in application features. Gojek and Grab are trying to make position as the most popular by the community in getting people's needs quickly and efficiently with huge competitive. This study aims to analyze and compare the usability qualities of Gojek and Grab based on the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) approach on the dimensions of attractiveness, perception, efficiency, dependability, stimulation and novelty. Measurements are made using Importance-Performance Analysis to graphically measure customer satisfaction so that service quality improvement priorities can be established. The data was collected by questionnaire to 32 selected respondents who accessed the Gojek and Grab applications in the Greater Jakarta area in August-December 2022. Based on the results of the study, the position of the usability quality attributes in Gojek and Grab was visually almost the same for each IPA quadrant. The Gojek application is superior in 5 dimensions to Grab, in terms of attractiveness, perception, dependability, stimulation, and novelty. Grab has one dimension that is superior to Gojek, in terms efficiency.
PENERAPAN REGRESI COX UNTUK MENGANALISIS VARIABEL YANG BERPENGARUH TERHADAP DURASI STUDI MAHASISWA
Authors: Wulandari Dewi , Widyastuti Rhoudhotul , Prasetyowati Dina
Published: October 2024

One aspect that concerns stakeholders in a university is the study duration of students because this is one of the determinants of the quality of a university. In the Mathematics Education study program, at Universitas PGRI Semarang, there has never been any research on the length of study of students. So we conducted this study to determine the factors that significantly influence students' study duration. We applied Cox regression to data on students of the Mathematics Education study program at Universitas PGRI Semarang from entering 2017 until graduating in various years from 2021 to 2023 with predictor variables of Cumulative Achievement Index, gender, parental educational background, and student’s participation in the organizations. These data were collected using a questionnaire and data triangulation was confirmed through interviews. Meanwhile, the students’ study duration data is the secondary data that has been documented in the information system of Universitas PGRI Semarang. Analysis using Cox Regression is very suitable for the case study in this study because the dependent variable in this study is survival data. In addition, Cox Regression is known as a method that is relatively easy, simple and does not require survival data to have a certain distribution. From the analysis results, it was found that the Cumulative Achievement Index is the factor that has the most significant influence on the length of student study.
PENERAPAN MODEL ASYMMETRIC POWER AUTOREGRESSIVE CONDITIONAL HETEROSCEDASTICITY (APARCH) TERHADAP HARGA MINYAK MENTAH DUNIA
Authors: Famuji Ahmad , Sriliana Idhia , Agwil Winalia
Published: October 2024

Heteroscedasticity poses a challenge in ARIMA modeling by causing residual variance to be non-constant, leading to less efficient estimates. This issue often arises in time series data due to volatility, which measures data fluctuation over time. To address heteroscedasticity, models like ARCH and GARCH incorporate variance changes into forecasting. However, they lack the ability to capture asymmetry, the difference in impact between good and bad news on volatility. The APARCH model, on the other hand, addresses this by modeling volatility with asymmetry elements. Daily world crude oil prices, known for high volatility, serve as a case study for this research. By employing the APARCH model, the study aims to forecast these prices accurately. Results indicate that the APARCH(1,1) model outperforms the best GARCH model, ARCH(2), as it yields a smaller Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 6.033487. This highlights the superior accuracy of APARCH in forecasting data with heteroscedasticity issues, particularly in the context of daily crude oil prices.
AI-generated journalism: Do the transparency provisions in the AI Act give news readers what they hope for?
Authors: Piasecki Stanislaw , Morosoli Sophie , Helberger Natali , Naudts Laurens
Published: October 2024

Issues linked to the increasing presence of AI-generated content in people’s lives, and the importance of being able to effectively navigate and distinguish such content, are inherently linked to transparency, a notion that our study focuses on by evaluating Art. 50 of the AI Act. This article is a call for action to take the interests of end users into account when specifying AI Act's transparency requirements. It focuses on a specific use case – media organisations producing text with the help of generative AI. We argue that in its current form, Art. 50 leaves many uncertainties and risks doing too little to protect natural persons from manipulation or to empower them to take protective actions. The article combines documental and survey data analysis (based on a sample representative of the Dutch population) to propose concrete policy and regulatory recommendations on the operationalisation of the AI Act’s transparency obligations. Its main objective is to respond to the following question: how to reconcile AI Act’s transparency provisions applicable to digital news articles generated by AI with news readers’ perceptions of manipulation and empowerment?
Alveolar distribution of nebulized solution in health and lung injury assessed by confocal microscopy
Authors: Ansari Zahra , Battikha John , Singh Charul , Perlman Carrie E.
Published: October 2024

Parenchymal distribution of nebulized drug in healthy and diseased lungs has not, as evident from a literature review, been well characterized. We use a vibrating mesh nebulizer to deliver fluorescein solution in vivo to healthy or intratracheal‐lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐instilled anesthetized rats in dorsal recumbency, or ex vivo to the lungs of LPS‐instilled rats. Following in vivo nebulization (healthy/LPS‐instilled), we quantify fluorescein intensity distribution by confocal microscopy in standard locations on the surface of freshly isolated lungs. Following LPS instillation (in vivo/ex vivo nebulization), we quantify fluorescein intensity in visibly injured locations. In standard locations, there is uniform, low‐intensity basal fluorescein deposition. Focal regions receive high deposition that is, in upper (cranial), middle, and lower (caudal) locations, 6.4 ± 4.9, 3.3 ± 3.0, and 2.3 ± 2.8 times greater, respectively, than average basal intensity. Following LPS instillation, deposition in moderately injured regions can be high or low; deposition in severely injured regions is low. Further, actively phagocytic cells are observed in healthy and LPS‐instilled lungs. And LPS particularly impairs mechanics and activates phagocytic cells in the male sex. We conclude that a low level of nebulized drug can be distributed across the parenchyma excepting to severely injured regions.