bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
АНТРОПОГЕННИЙ ВПЛИВ ВІЙНИ НА ВОДНІ РЕСУРСИ: АНАЛІЗ ТА ПОТЕНЦІЙНІ ШЛЯХИ ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ
Authors: ЦИГАНЕНКО-ДЗЮБЕНКО Ілля , КІРЕЙЦЕВА Ганна , ГЕРАСИМЧУК Олена , СКИБА Галина , ХОМЕНКО Світлана
Published: November 2024

У статті розглядаються наслідки антропогенного впливу воєнних дій на водні ресурси в контексті війни в Україні. Особлива увага приділяється аналізу екологічних загроз, спричинених інтенсивним використанням важкої техніки, вибуховими процесами та вивільненням токсичних речовин у водні екосистеми. Дослідження акцентує увагу на хімічному забрудненні водних ресурсів, викликаному руйнуванням інфраструктури, зокрема систем водопостачання та каналізації. У статті також наведено аналіз специфічних фізико-хімічних процесів, що відбуваються внаслідок зміни гідродинамічних умов і перерозподілу забруднюючих речовин у водних об'єктах. Розглядаються основні механізми міграції важких металів, нафтопродуктів, токсичних хімікатів та вибухових речовин через гідросферу. Увага приділяється прямим та опосередкованим наслідкам для біорізноманіття водних екосистем та людського здоров'я. Автори докладно аналізують вплив військових дій на підземні води, включаючи зміни в їхньому хімічному складі та можливі довгострокові наслідки для якості питної води. Розглядаються також проблеми, пов'язані з порушенням природних гідрологічних циклів внаслідок руйнування дамб, шлюзів та інших гідротехнічних споруд. Стаття висвітлює потенційні ризики транскордонного забруднення водних ресурсів та необхідність міжнародного співробітництва у вирішенні цих проблем. Окремо виділяються потенційні методи реабілітації водних систем, включаючи комплексні екологічні підходи до очищення, ремедіації забруднених водойм та відновлення гідрологічного балансу. Автори пропонують інноваційні технології очищення води, такі як використання нанофільтрації та біоремедіації, а також обговорюють можливості застосування природоорієнтованих рішень для відновлення водних екосистем. Стаття пропонує розробку комплексної стратегії для зменшення негативного впливу війни на водні ресурси, а також рекомендації щодо вдосконалення екологічної політики та водного менеджменту у пост-мілітарний період. Особлива увага приділяється питанням моніторингу та оцінки стану водних ресурсів у постконфліктний період, а також розробці довгострокових програм відновлення та захисту водних екосистем. Автори наголошують на важливості інтеграції екологічних аспектів у процеси післявоєнної відбудови та необхідності посилення законодавчої бази щодо охорони водних ресурсів у контексті національної безпеки.
Jirones
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Ortega Ojeda Alfredo Tomás
Published: November 2024

La vida se compone de momentos, de una suma de instantes. Pero también de aquella rara colección de retazos de tiempo que no transcurrió. Es el mundo de los sueños, los anhelos secretos, las ilusiones de la infancia, los amores que nunca llegaron. De todo ello se van guardando fragmentos, hilachas de recuerdos en el polvoso arcón de la memoria. En sus Jirones, Alfredo T. Ortega ofrece una recopilación de esas brevedades, de atisbos de historias, de arriesgados aforismos, de finales de cuentos, de imágenes del mundo vistas desde la ventana de su estudio. En ese retablo de piezas suektas, al estilo de Gómez de la Serna, un poco de Tito Monterroso y al menos de Lichtinger, el autor regala un atrevido retrato de la realidad que apenas logramos intuir por breves instantes. Como dice Mónica Lavin: "Este es un libro para leerse pausado, en una tarde de lluvia o en una mañana soleada, hay que beberlo como un buen café o tequila o copa de vino"
Water ethics
Authors: Wellington Alex
Published: November 2024

There is an urgent need for ethically responsive, equitable, and sustainable water governance. Anthropocene times demand attunement to the ecological, social, and economic costs of not having enough water in some places (drought conditions) or having too much in others (floods), along with continuing impacts of water pollution on human beings, nonhuman species, and ecosystems. The worsening effects of climate change, combined with significant disparities in natural resource endowments and persistent global inequities, are strikingly evident in relation to water. Motivating and animating experimentation and innovation in water policy are a plurality of normative frameworks, encompassing utilitarianism, economic analysis, nonconsequentialism, nonanthropocentrism, and human rights. Ethical water policy needs to give proper recognition to the many meanings of water and navigate and negotiate between discourses construing water as a marketable commodity, community resource, and collective public good. The synergy of market forces and the potential for innovation hold promise, as long as market mechanisms are constrained within a robust regulatory framework, aiming at protecting the most vulnerable, ensuring accountability and transparency, and enhancing equity and empowerment. Integrating human rights into water policy ensures focus on meeting basic needs while balancing efficiency, equity, empowerment, and resilience.
Commentary: Access to Virtual Care Matters: The Problem with Giving to Some and Not All
Authors: Chung-Lee Leinic , Catallo Cristina , Fredericks Suzanne
Published: November 2024

 

Expedited in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtualization of healthcare is becoming an inevitable norm. While this conveys hope for improving health systems performance, inequitable access could result in consequences that intensify health disparities and increase the burden on the health system. Nurse leaders are optimally positioned to tactfully influence policy directions on virtual care and shape a comprehensive research agenda that includes virtual nursing care in all domains of practice. With virtual care advancing into the mainstream, it is time to mind the health equity gap and co-design virtualized care that ensures the needs of all are met.
Model development for real oxygen delignification processes
Authors: KÄYHKÖ JARI , PELTONEN KARI , HONKANEN MARKUS , KOKKONEN ANTTI , VAN HEININGEN ADRIAAN
Published: November 2024

Previous extensive work has been done on modeling the oxygen delignification process, based on how the basic parameters, i.e., temperature, kappa number, concentration of alkali, and concentration of oxygen, affect the delignification rate. However, these models are not used extensively to evaluate the performance of real processes, primarily because they have not been able to properly consider all the essential issues affecting delignification in practice. Such issues include the mass transfer and consumption of oxygen, which defines the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the process, and the effect of that concentration on the delignification rate.
In this paper, a new way to model the oxygen delignification process is used in which these parameters, among other smaller matters, are taken into account. The basic model and its parameters were defined by the information obtained from the literature, delignification made in the laboratory tests, and mill processes and mill tests. An essential aspect of these studies was the information obtained from the oxygen concentration measured in the residual gas obtained from the top of the reactor. With the aid of this measurement, it was possible to define more accurately the consumption of oxygen and partial pressure of oxygen that define the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the reactor.
Using mill experiments, a model was formed that predicts the operation of the oxygen delignification process. The model was used to show how much the process could be improved by optimizing the charge of the oxygen. The mill experiments also confirmed that mass transfer of oxygen is modeled correctly enough, except when the charge of oxygen is very low and/or the mixing is not efficient enough. In that case, there is variation in the concentration of oxygen in the process that should be taken into account in the modeling.
Continuous digester process safety improvements – Stress corrosion cracking and overpressure protection lessons learned and opportunities
Authors: HARROD CHAD , FREEMAN JON , BRAYMAN MICK
Published: November 2024

Georgia-Pacific has recent experience with continuous digester stress corrosion cracking (SCC) repairs where the extent of SCC was more than previous spot inspections had predicted (one digester had anodic protection, one did not). This paper offers case studies of reviewed and improved digester inspections by use of
“boat” samples to quantify the depth of cracking mechanism. Boat sample test data is used to support repair recommendations based on hardness testing. Georgia-Pacific also reviewed overpressure protection systems and corrected gaps found in these systems. These included updating to the latest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) designs and formalizing functional testing procedures and practices.
This review of digester inspection, testing, and repairs since 2020 provides: (1) a basis for including a 3rd party corrosion expert to be a part of inspections; (2) removes the use of power-wire brushes; (3) enhances digester inspection with 100% phased-array ultrasonic testing to detect SCC; and (4) ensures overpressure protection design and testing is aligned with corporate needs and the site-specific challenges.
Deep Learning Based Clustering of Gene Expression Data in Cancer Patients using Variational Autoencoder Model
Authors: Mehmood Zunaira , Sharma Divya
Published: November 2024

Background: High mortality associated with cancer presents challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Deep learning-based clustering analysis provides a powerful tool for identifying molecular subtypes within cancer enabling personalized treatment strategies.
Objectives: This project has two objectives: (1) to cluster gene expression data for cancer patients into unique subtypes to uncover novel biological insights and improve patient outcomes; (2) to identify unique molecular signatures driving each cluster.
Methods: GDC Pan-Cancer data, consisting of 33 tumor types with 11,506 samples and 32,967 gene expression features, from TCGA repository was used. Outliers were identified using interquartile criterion, and replaced using multiple imputation by chained equations. A variational autoencoder (VAE) model was used to extract latent representations within the gene expression data. These latent features were then utilized in K-Means clustering to identify distinct clusters based on similarity in gene expression profiles. Survival rate and median survival time for each cluster were computed, and statistical tests were used to determine the significance of the observed differences. Finally, gene signatures for individual clusters were developed using standardized mean difference (SMD) analysis, determining features significant in one cluster vs the others (p<0.05). 
Results: Survival rates vary significantly across clusters (p<0.05). Clustering helped identify clusters with low survival rates. Subsequently, distinct gene signatures identified for each cluster helped determine molecular mechanisms driving survival outcomes.
Conclusion: A deep learning-based model efficiently groups cancer patients, revealing unique molecular signatures within each subgroup. Screening and prioritizing treatment for patients in subgroups with lower survival rates could enhance patient management.
Perspectives of perinatal participants who have discontinued brief behavioural activation treatment: Insights from the SUMMIT Trial
Authors: Torres-Salbach Savannah , Andrejek Nicole , Schoueri-Mychasiw Nour , Singla Daisy
Published: November 2024

Objective: Up to 20% of women experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during the perinatal period (1). However, as few as 12% receive effective mental health treatment due to various barriers to care (2). In this study, we examined the reasons why perinatal women with symptoms of depression and anxiety who participated in a psychotherapy clinical trial chose to discontinue treatment. The objective was to understand some of the personal and structural barriers this population experiences when accessing mental healthcare.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative sub-study within the Scaling Up Maternal Mental healthcare by Increasing access to Treatment (SUMMIT) trial. SUMMIT is a four-arm, randomized, non-inferiority trial to test the effectiveness of behavioural activation aimed at alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety among perinatal women. Participants were randomized by delivery mode (telemedicine vs. in-person) and provider (specialist vs. non-specialist). Of 1,183 SUMMIT participants, 225 (19%) chose to discontinue treatment, of which N=18 were contacted and agreed to be part of the current study. We conducted a content analysis to identify the most commonly reported reasons for treatment discontinuation.
Results: Among 18 participants, the most highly endorsed reasons for treatment discontinuation included: transportation challenges (n=13, 72.2%), difficulty arranging childcare (n=11, 61.1%), dissatisfaction with their assigned delivery mode (n=11, 61.1%), work-family conflict (n=6, 33.3%), feeling overwhelmed (n=6, 33.3%), and health concerns or risks associated with hospital-based counselling (n=6, 33.3%). Participants also expressed dissatisfaction with the content or structure of behavioural activation (n=5, 27.8%) and the timing of treatment (received in pregnancy vs. postpartum) (n=4, 22.2%) which contributed to their discontinuation.
Conclusion: Our findings provide insights into the personal and structural barriers perinatal individuals experience when accessing treatment in the context of a research setting. Perinatal participants expressed a preference for virtual mental healthcare for its convenience, demonstrating a feasible way to reduce some of the barriers to care.
Assessment of Maternal and Infant Health Status in Durham Region
Authors: Yu Linke
Published: November 2024

I completed my practicum as a Student Epidemiologist at the Durham Region Health Department with the Health Analytics and Research Team (HART). HART is tasked with conducting population health assessments in the Durham Region. As a member of HART, I played a critical role in assessing the maternal and infant health status of the local population using data from the Better Outcome Registry and Network (BORN) information system (BIS), a database that contains critical reproductive and child health data in Ontario. Specifically, my primary responsibilities included data extraction and data coding, which encompassed a series of tasks, spanning from data cleaning to data analysis in STATA. By analyzing BORN data, I was able to refine my statistical and programming skills. Moreover, I collaborated with public health program staff to develop infographics that disseminated critical maternal and infant health information to various communities. The infographics I assisted with covered a wide range of maternal and infant health topics, including issues such as gestational diabetes and maternal mental health concerns. From here, I was able to effectively communicate health information in a concise and understandable manner. In addition, I had the opportunity to attend various public health workshops and group meetings during my practicum. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge of diverse public health topics but also afforded me greater familiarity with public health practice. In summary, my time at the Durham Region provided me with an exceptional opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in school to real-world practice. It was a valuable and enriching experience that significantly contributed to my professional development in the field of public health.
Risk Factors Associated with Mood Disorders in Canada
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , Nisenbaum Rosane
Published: November 2024

Background: Mental health presents a profound challenge globally, affecting around 970 million individuals. In Canada, mental disorders significantly impact the well-being of society and individuals, with one in three Canadians expected to face a mental problem during their lifetime. However, the utilization of mental health services is low, and a large proportion of the population does not have access to effective care.
 
Objectives: This study was designed to identify key sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors associated with the prevalence of mood disorders among Canadians, thereby aiding in the development of targeted interventions.
 
Methods: Utilizing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2017-2018, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, incorporating the sampling weights to make the inference representative of the Canadian population. Bootstrap weighting was applied to the multivariable associations to ensure robust variance estimates.
 
Results: Females (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.86-2.16) and individuals with higher obesity levels (pre-obesity: OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.05; obesity class 3: OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.88-3.00) were more likely to experience mood disorders. Conversely, higher income levels (>$80,000: OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66; $60,000-$79,999: OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.77) and immigrant status (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.43-0.56) were linked to a lower prevalence of mood disorders. Being unmarried was also associated with lower odds of mood disorders. Furthermore, additional factors such as higher education, increased life stress, and smoking were found to significantly influence the prevalence of mood disorders.
 
Conclusions: The prevalence of mood disorders in Canada is influenced by various factors, with significant gender disparities. These findings can assist policymakers and healthcare professionals in developing targeted interventions and allocating resources effectively to meet the specific needs of at-risk populations. Future research is necessary to address these determinants.
Meningococcal Surveillance Australia: Reporting period 1 April to 30 June 2024
Authors:   National Neisseria Network, Lahra Monica M , Hutabarat Sonya Natasha , Hogan Tiffany R
Published: November 2024

The reference laboratories of the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme (AMSP) report data on the number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) confirmed by laboratory testing using culture and molecular based techniques. Data contained in quarterly reports are restricted to a description of case numbers of IMD by jurisdiction and serogroup, where known and expanded in 2024 to include antimicrobial resistance data for ceftriaxone, penicillin, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. A full analysis of laboratory confirmations of IMD in each calendar year are contained in the AMSP annual reports.
Measles secondary vaccine failure in a childcare setting: an outbreak report
Authors: Barnekow Donna , Neucom Debbie , Tout Wendy , Williams Dustylee , Thomas Michael J , Schlebusch Sanmarié , Pyke Alyssa , Roser Madisen S , Tranter Isaac , Dyda Amalie , Lau Colleen L , Smoll Nicolas R
Published: November 2024

The Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit (SCPHU) identified a measles case in a childcare educator (CE) with secondary vaccine failure (SVF). The CE had been exposed to a confirmed measles case in a hospital emergency department and later developed symptoms including fever, cough, malaise, and a rash. Diagnostic tests confirmed measles virus infection. Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit (SCPHU) implemented control measures including contact tracing, vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis, and quarantine for susceptible contacts. Out of 372 identified contacts, 72 were identified as susceptible, all of whom were infants and children. Despite the CE having close contact to all susceptible infants and children, no onward transmission occurred. This suggests that SVF cases pose a lower risk of spreading measles compared to immunologically naïve individuals. This report highlights the importance of prioritising immunologically naïve cases in outbreak responses.
Inovasi Limbah Jagung Hibrida menjadi Briket Arang sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Literasi Ekonomi Masyarakat Kabupaten Enrekang Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Ismaya Ismaya , Galib Andi Ahmad Chabir , Nurhapisah Nurhapisah , Ridwan Madinatul Munawwarah , Sitonda Syawal
Published: November 2024

This community service program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the members of the Papaling Women's Farmers Group (KWT.PAPALING) in processing hybrid corn waste into charcoal briquettes (bricorn) as an effort to improve the community's economic literacy. The implementation methods for this service include situational and problem analysis, economic literacy workshops, charcoal briquette (bricorn) production training, charcoal briquette (bricorn) marketing training, followed by an evaluation phase. The evaluation instruments used in this activity are questionnaires, which are analyzed descriptively. The activity is carried out in Bamba Puang Village, Anggeraja District, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The result of this community service activity is the increased knowledge and skills of KWT.PAPALING members in processing hybrid corn waste into charcoal briquettes. Additionally, the community has learned how to calculate production costs, set competitive selling prices, and implement effective marketing strategies. With this enhanced knowledge and skills, the community is expected to independently manage the production of bricorn, thereby increasing family income and improving local economic well-being.
Pemberdayaan Komunitas Perempuan Melalui Pelatihan Kerajinan Batik Berbasis Zero Waste dan Digital Marketing di Kota Solo
Authors: Darmaningrum Kurniawati , Widyaswati Rahmatya , Harsono Mugi , Aryani Novita , Cyntia Ade Ilham , Isach Sativa , Jati Audita Karisma , As Sidiq Isa Ali Ghufron
Published: November 2024

This community service activity aims to improve the skills of female heads of families in processing batik scrap waste into creative products with economic value, as well as increasing their entrepreneurial capacity through guidance in production, digital marketing, and financial management. This community service method used a training and mentoring approach. The partner of this activity was the Unity Fashion community, a women's community that focuses on developing skills in the fashion sector. The evaluation instrument for this activity used a questionnaire that measures the understanding, skills, and satisfaction of participants after participating in the training. The evaluation data were then analyzed descriptively. The results of this community service showed a significant increase in the skills and knowledge of partners, especially in terms of batik waste management and digital marketing, which had a direct impact on improving their family's economy. By empowering the female heads of families, it is hope that they will be able to become independent entrepreneurs who contribute to family welfare and environmental preservation through batik waste processing.
Pelatihan Kader Sebagai Agen Promosi Kesehatan Pencegahan Kekerasan Seksual pada Anak
Authors: Mindarsih Eko , Masruroh Masruroh , Setyaningsih Dewi , Solihin Muhammad
Published: November 2024

The objective of this community service is to improve the knowledge and skills of health cadres on preventing sexual violence against children. The method of implementing this service uses Focus Group Discussion (FGD) targeting mothers of cadres in Plumbon Village, Temon District, Kulon Progo. The evaluation instrument for this service uses pre-test and post-test questionnaires which are then analyzed using percentage techniques. The results of the pre-test showed that 76% were able to answer all questions correctly. After providing material and FGD on the concept and prevention of sexual violence against children, the results of the post-test of community service participants who answered correctly increased by 12% or to 88% of participants with correct answers. So it can be concluded that there is an increase in the knowledge of mothers of health cadres in Plumbon Village about preventing sexual violence against children, as one of the provisions for carrying out health promotion.
Publication Trend of Public Sentiment Towards Indonesia Government Policies
Authors: Permana Iip , Maani Karjuni Dt
Published: November 2024

There are 167 million social media users in Indonesia. Some of these users express their opinions on social media known as public opinion. Public sentiment is the classification of public opinion into several classes. Understanding public sentiment through some public policies can benefit the government. Publication trends can be a stepping stone to deeply understanding a research topic. No research was conducted on the publication trend of public sentiment toward Indonesian government policies on social media. This study aims to explore publication trends in the area of public sentiment toward Indonesia government policies on social media using bibliometric analysis. The Scopus database is used to gather abstracts and keywords, funding details, citation information, bibliographical information, and other information. Search document terms used are "public", "sentiment", "social media", "government", governance," and "policy" rolled within the article title, abstract, and keywords. Research publication trends were visualized using VOSViewer co-occurrence keyword analysis, which resulted in seven clusters from all the collected literature. The research trend is climbing significantly in 2018–2021, but decreasing in 2022. The University of Indonesia is the institution that produces the most documents and IOP Conference Series on Earth and Environmental Science is the publication place that publishes the most documents. Decision trees, random forests, logistic regression, naïve bayes, support vector machines and long-short-term memory are part of the machine learning algorithms recycled and Twitter is the most used social media platform.
The Value of Non-Value Activities
Authors: Dancer W. Terry , Chopra Harshita , Duong Anh
Published: November 2024

The essence of manufacturing is first an idea, then a facility, then the purchase of raw materials, then hiring of labor, then we turn on the electricity and transform raw material into our product. This essence gives a foundation we can build on. Many believe only value-added activities such as materials and labor add value to the product. However, others believe that activities such as inspections, machine setups, and even wait time adds value to the product. The premise of this paper is anything you are willing to pay for has value, even if it labeled a “so-called” non-value-added activity and buyers willingly pay for non-value added activities every time a product is purchased. The question becomes: “What is the value of Non-Value added activities?”
Leader Perceptions of Gender (In)equality in the Workplace
Authors: Andrade Maureen Snow , Hall Kelly R.
Published: November 2024

Despite gains in gender equality in the workplace, data collection and reporting inconsistencies may mask ongoing issues. Research categorizes employment concerns into four areas: representation, pay, health, and satisfaction. These categories help organizations identify issues and metrics to assess progress. However, meaningful change requires shifts in mindsets and practices. This qualitative study explores insights on gender (in)equities through interviews with 36 leaders. Data, analyzed using the Four for Women framework, reveal a focus on representation and satisfaction for women in the workplace over health and pay and suggest the need for a deeper understanding of gender issues at work.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Isolation Measures on the Mental Health Well-being of Sixth Form Grammar School Students in Cumbria
Authors:   Year 2 Medical Student, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Varma Medhini , Kaushal Pulkit ,   Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear Valley Trust, United Kingdom
Published: November 2024

Background: COVID-19 affected many countries globally, including the UK, to which the UK responded by placing lockdown measures throughout the country. This meant that many people were restricted in their everyday lives, including students. This study is used to understand the impact of these measures on sixth form students. Methods: The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was sent to students in a sixth-form grammar school in September 2021 to assess students’ mental well-being. A semi-structured proforma was then also sent in May 2022 to compare students’ experiences and mental health before and after the lockdown measures. Results: On the well-being scale, 47.1% of sixth-form students scored below 44 (average to low mental well-being), while 31% of the 1st year sixth-form students and 27% of the 2nd year sixth-form students scored 40 and below (lower than average mental well-being). In the semi-structured proforma, 73.90% of students (n=69) experienced quarantine since the pandemic started. 69.10% of them felt that the quarantines negatively impacted their mental health. In response to the question ‘In your own words, what was the most difficult thing that you experienced during the COVID pandemic?’ (n=55), 5 general themes were identified: Isolation, not socialising, loneliness, loss of teenage life/youth, and online learning. Conclusions: The study showed that the mental well-being of sixth-form grammar school students in Cumbria was mostly negatively affected by the lockdown measures. The authors concluded that more accessible and approachable support should be provided to students in case of a similar event. More research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of such measures on students’ school and social lives.
OPTIMIZATION IOT TECHNOLOGY IN WEATHER STATIONS FOR IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL SUCCESS DURING EL NIÑO ERA
Authors: Solihudin Dodi , Nurdiawan Odi , Kurniawan Rudi , Rohmat Cep Lukman
Published: November 2024

The El Niño phenomenon is significant to global weather patterns, particularly in Indonesia, which adversely affects the agricultural sector, especially rice production. El Niño causes drastic changes in rainfall patterns, making it difficult for farmers to determine the right planting time. Limited access to accurate weather information is a major obstacle for farmers in planning their agricultural activities. This research aims to develop an Internet of Things (IoT)-based weather station capable of providing real-time and accurate weather data to support farmers' decision-making in their land management. The research method starts with observation in Babakan Jaya Village, Gabuswetan District, Indramayu Regency, to understand the local weather conditions and specific challenges faced by farmers. Next, the construction and implementation of a weather station equipped with sensors to measure various weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, and rainfall. The weather data collected by these stations is then processed and presented in real-time through a cloud platform, which allows access from computer devices and smart phones. The observation results from 1 June to 27 July 2024 showed that the air temperature ranged from 29°C to 35°C, humidity between 55% to 90%, and wind speed ranged from 0 to 7 km/h, with sporadic rainfall patterns. The developed IoT weather station successfully provides relevant and accurate weather data, which can be accessed in real-time by farmers. With this data, farmers can make more informed decisions in their land management, hopefully improving the efficiency and success of farming practices, especially in the midst of erratic weather conditions due to El Niño.
Legal Protection for Medical Laboratories Concerning Risk-Based Business Licensing Standards and the Fulfillment of Clinical Pathology Specialist
Authors: Etik Nunuk Setyorini  , Mokhamad Khoirul Huda  , Andika Persada Putra
Published: November 2024

Medical laboratories play a crucial role in the healthcare system but often face regulatory challenges, particularly in the context of licensing. The amendment to the Ministry of Health Regulation on the Standards of Business Activities and Risk-Based Licensing in the Health Sector, which requires Clinical Pathology Specialists (DSPK) as the responsible physician, replacing general practitioners, has created difficulties for medical laboratory operators. The main issue is the uneven distribution of DSPK across Indonesia, which impacts the operation of medical laboratories. This research aims to analyze the legal protection of medical laboratories concerning the fulfillment of risk-based business licensing standards, particularly regarding the requirement for DSPK. The research employs a normative juridical method by examining relevant laws, government regulations, and judicial decisions. The results indicate that in the formulation of regulation, the legislative rationale must consider philosophical, sociological, and juridical aspects. However, the sociological aspects is not fully addressed due to the uneven distribution of DSPK, rendering the regulation ineffective at the national level. This issue hampers public access to quality laboratory services. Therefore, legal protection is needed to ensure that national health standards are achieved without creating disparities in access to healthcare services across different regions.
Evidence of shifts in habitat use of two snappers (Lutjanidae) in a tropical estuarine bay subjected to seasonal upwelling
Authors: Vargas-Araya L , Matley JK , Fisk AT , Espinoza M
Published: November 2024

Biological and environmental conditions are drivers of fish habitat use, making it essential to understand how fish move and use specific areas to inform effective fisheries management and conservation. This study quantified the residency and habitat use patterns of the juveniles and early adults of 2 commercially exploited snappers (Lutjanidae) in Santa Elena Bay, a tropical estuarine embayment influenced by a seasonal upwelling in the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Using an array of 28 acoustic receivers, we monitored 14 Colorado Lutjanus colorado (28.8-48.9 cm) and 16 Pacific dog L. novemfasciatus (22.5-49.3 cm) snappers over 22 mo. Both species were detected inside the bay over 60% of the monitoring days, showing higher relative abundance in mangrove and transitional estuarine habitats. Throughout the study, a shift in habitat use was observed for both species. Individuals moved from mangrove and transitional habitats to the outer reef habitat and exhibited a decreasing occurrence probability over time, suggesting they leave the bay as they mature. Season and environmental variables, e.g. temperature, had minimal or no effect on the occurrence of the tracked snappers in the bay. However, roaming varied seasonally, increasing during upwelling periods. These results suggest that habitat connectivity facilitates gradual life stage transitions, indicating that Santa Elena Bay likely supports essential fish habitat for commercially important species, particularly for L. novemfasciatus. Results also highlight the importance of integrating knowledge of the complex interplay of biological components (e.g. developmental and intra- and interspecific interactions) and seasonal habitat dynamics into conservation and management strategies.
Exploring Bioinformatics-Driven Approaches for Enhanced Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis Infections: Analysis of Target Proteins
Authors: Oladipo Elijah Kolawole , Oluwasegun Jerry Ayobami , Kibathi Mercy Hokah , Nwonu Ezinne Janefrances , Omerigwe Simon Achi , Olatunde Simeon Kayowa , Akinyemi Daniel Funsho , Aminu Ruth Foluke , Hussaini Muhammad Awwal , Ockiya Michael Asebake , Liadi Ahmad Mansur , Osikoya Opeyemi Olayinka , Kolawole Eniola Olaitan , Obideyi Oluwaseun Adeola , Bello Taye Olusola , Tadasare Niraj Nivas
Published: November 2024

Chlamydia trachomatis, a major cause of sexually transmitted infection, poses a range of symptoms including genital discharge, pain during urination, and abdominal pains in women, and can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy if left untreated. The need for rapid and accurate detection is imperative so prompt treatment and control of the disease can be achieved. This study conducted an immunoinformatic analysis of proteins of Chlamydia trachomatis (incA, hctA, ompA, omcB, rpoB, and HSP60) for the development of a lateral flow assay-based diagnostic test. Detailed in silico evaluation of selected proteins from publicly available genomic databases was conducted to evaluate their suitability as targets for lateral flow assay-based detection. The series of tests included antigenicity, toxicity, solubility, physicochemical characteristics and molecular docking of the derived constructs, and protein sequence. Chimeric construct was derived from the prediction of linear B cell epitopes, helper T cell major histocompatibility complex II binding epitopes, and IL4 and IL10 inducers using bioinformatic tools at standard thresholds. With a Ramachandra’s score of 95.4% and Z-score of -5.1, results indicate that the construct efficacy is high in potential to provide extreme specificity and sensitivity for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical samples as compared to traditional culture-based methods using nucleic acid amplification, hereby providing a quicker and more accurate diagnostic tool for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Findings offer valuable data for the development of a rapid and reliable diagnostic point-of-care test kit for Chlamydia trachomatis that allows for drastic reduction in clinical wait time and treatment.
A Parkinson-kór női vonatkozásai
Authors: Bokor Magdolna
Published: November 2024

A Parkinson-kór tünetei a férfiaknál körülbelül másfélszer gyakrabban jelennek meg és ez a nemi különbség az ösztrogén neuroprotektív szerepét veti fel. Preklinikai vizsgálatokban az ösztrogén fokozza a dopamin - szintézist, antiapoptotikus, antioxidáns hatású, az α-synuclein fibrillumok aggregációját és stabilizációját gátolja. Az élet során magasabb ösztrogénszint csökkenti a betegség kialakulásának esélyét, míg a diabetes fennállása nőknél a rizikót a férfiakénál jobban fokozza. Kimutatták, hogy a nők kevésbé fogékonyak a környezeti ártalmakra. A nők között több a tremordomináns típus, enyhébbek a nem motoros tünetek, ritkábban van súlyosabb kognitív zavar, de nagyobb az esélyük a levodopa indukálta dyskinesia kialakulására és a nem motoros tünetek fluktuációjára. Nőknél a levodopa biohasznosulása nagyobb, ezért akár 25%-kal kisebb dózis elegendő lehet a férfiakéhoz hasonló terápiás hatáshoz. A nők rosszabb életminőséget panaszolnak, amelyben pszichoszociális tényezőknek is nagy szerepe van. A nőknek sokkal több kötelezettségük van, a betegség következtében jobban csökken az önértékelésük, kevesebb szociális támogatást kapnak, gyakrabban szorulnak hivatásos segítőre. A nemi különbségek részletesebb vizsgálata hozzájárulhat nemfüggő kezelési stratégiák kidolgozásához, melyekkel a betegek, így a nők életminőségét is javíthatjuk.
Életminőség a stroke után – mennyiben más nők körében?
Authors: Szőcs Ildikó
Published: November 2024

A stroke nemcsak a vezető halálokok közé tartozik, de világszerte a felnőttek rokkantságának legfőbb oka. A stroke-ot követő életminőség átlagosan körülbelül 20%-kal alacsonyabb, mint a hasonló életkorú nem stroke-os populáció életminősége. A kutatási adatok alapján a stroke-ot szenvedett nők gyakrabban számolnak be alacsonyabb életminőségről, mint a férfiak, ami elsősorban az életminőség szorongás-depresszió, fájdalom-diszkomfort és mozgáskorlátozottság dimenzióiban mutatkozik meg. A nőknél gyengébb post-stroke életminőség magyarázata a stroke bekövetkeztekor magasabb életkorra, súlyosabb klinikai állapotra vezethető vissza, valamint hozzájárulhat az is, hogy a nők kisebb valószínűséggel részesülnek thrombolysisben. A depresszió és a depresszív tünetek megjelenése stroke után gyakoribb nőknél, és ennek a hatása kritikus az életminőségre nézve. Indokolt lenne a nők és férfiak esetlegesen eltérő szociális támogatottságának a hatását felmérni a stroke-túlélők életminőségére.
Engineering ADSCs by manipulating YAP for lymphedema treatment in a mouse tail model
Authors: Hu Liru , Zhang Nian , Zhao Chengzhi , Pan Jian
Published: November 2024

Secondary lymphedema is a chronic disease associated with deformity of limbs and dysfunction; however, conventional therapies are not curative. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) based therapy is a promising way, but a single transplantation of ADSCs has limited efficacy. In this study, ADSCs were engineered in vitro and then transplanted into the site of lymphedema. Yes-associated protein (YAP), a crucial regulator of Hippo pathway, plays an important role in regulating stem cell functions. We examined the YAP expression in a mouse tail lymphedema model, and found that transplanted ADSCs exhibited high expression level of YAP and a large number of YAP positive cells existed in lymphedema environment. In vitro, the downregulation of YAP in ADSCs resulted in higher expression levels of genes related to lymphangiogenesis such as Lyve-1, VEGFR-3 and Prox-1. In vivo, YAP-engineered ADSCs generated abundant VEGFR-3-positive lymphatic vessels and significantly improved subcutaneous fibrosis. These results indicated that the transplantation of pre-engineered ADSCs by manipulating YAP is a promising strategy for lymphatic reconstruction.
Factors affecting the intention to adopt farm animal welfare disclosures in sustainability reporting: evidence from listed food companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Samaraweera Saviesha , Manawadu Isuru
Published: November 2024

Animal welfare is a critical concern for the food industry, and companies must take responsibility for managing their policies and procedures to ensure the welfare of farm animals. However, many companies fail to prioritize animal welfare in their reporting. This study applies the theory of planned behavior to examine how behavioral factors—such as attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and awareness of farm animal welfare—influence the intentions of individuals involved in sustainability reporting to include farm animal welfare disclosures in the sustainability reports of listed food companies in Sri Lanka. This study focuses on individuals involved in the sustainability reporting process of publicly listed food companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange. Out of 124 companies which were engaged in the food sector as derived from GICS industry classification index, the study identified 61 companies by isolating companies having a farm animal footprint along its’ supply chain which involved an individual analysis of the products offered by the company. The survey approach was used for this study with 110 self-administered questionnaires being distributed among individuals in the designations of CFOs, Directors, Managers, Accountants, assistant managers, Accounts assistants/executives and associates. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that only perceived behavioral control and subjective norms have a significant positive impact on the intention to adopt farm animal welfare disclosure practices among those engaged in the sustainability reporting process of listed food companies. This study is important because it highlights the need for standardized guidelines and mandatory regulations for animal welfare reporting in Sri Lanka, offering insights for policymakers and institutions to improve sustainability practices and establish stringent farm animal welfare reporting standards.
Beneficial effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotic products on calf and cow health and plausible mechanisms of action
Authors: Chae Jeong-Byoung , Schoofs Amy D. , McGill Jodi L.
Published: November 2024

Supplementation of cattle diets with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) has been shown to improve health and performance of calves and cows in both the dairy and feedlot. Numerous studies have shown SCFP supplementation is beneficial in the context of production- and infection-related stressors, promoting resilience, accelerated resolution of inflammation or oxidative stress, and enabling the cow or calf to maintain homeostasis. SCFPs, derived from yeast fermentation, encompass a rich array of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and metabolites, which likely influence the host through both distinct and overlapping processes. Understanding the mechanisms by which SCFPs exert their beneficial effects is crucial for optimizing their utilization in cattle production systems. In this review, we focused not only on the beneficial effects of SCFPs on health and performance but also on their influence on host microbiota, epithelial barrier integrity, and the host immune system, providing mechanistic insights. Previous studies have suggested that SCFPs impact host metabolism, modulate rumen and hindgut microbial populations, exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and stimulate the expression of genes involved in maintaining tissue barrier integrity. However, there are still gaps in understanding certain mechanistic pathways, particularly those involving the nervous system, as well as the paradoxical effects of SCFPs in enhancing immune responses while simultaneously mitigating excessive inflammation. This review summarizes several recent reports describing the health benefits of SCFP supplementation in cattle and considers the available evidence on the mode of action.
GPR37 and its neuroprotective mechanisms: bridging osteocalcin signaling and brain function
Authors: Bian Xuepeng , Wang Yangping , Zhang Weijie , Ye Changlin , Li Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Osteocalcin (OCN) is a hormone secreted by osteoblasts and has attracted widespread attention for its role in regulating brain function. Clinical studies indicate a positive correlation between levels of circulating OCN and cognitive performance. Indeed, lower circulating OCN has been detected in various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), while OCN supplementation under certain conditions may improve cognitive function. GPR37, a G protein-coupled receptor, has recently been identified as a receptor for OCN. It exhibits distinct expression patterns across various brain regions and cell types, potentially influencing its functional roles within the brain. Research indicates that GPR37 regulates neuronal migration, cell proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. Furthermore, GPR37 has been shown to mitigate inflammation and apoptosis through various mechanisms, exerting neuroprotective effects. However, its regulatory influence on brain function exhibits inconsistency, highlighting a duality in its actions. Therefore, this review thoroughly summarizes the roles and mechanisms of GPR37 in modulating cellular physiological activities and its involvement in immune responses, stress reactions, and neuroprotection. It aims to enhance the understanding of how GPR37 modulates brain function and facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets or strategies for related diseases.
Advances of naturally derived biomedical polymers in tissue engineering
Authors: Hu Tao , Fang Jie , Shen Yang , Li Mingyang , Wang Bin , Xu Zushun , Hu Weikang
Published: November 2024

The extensive utilization of natural polymers in tissue engineering is attributed to their excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix. These polymers have a wide range of applications such as delivering therapeutic medicine, detecting diseases, sensing biological substances, promoting tissue regeneration, and treating diseases. This is a brief review of current developments in the properties and uses of widely used biomedical polymers derived from nature. Additionally, it explores the correlation between the characteristics and functions of these materials in different biomedical applications and highlights the prospective direction for the advancement of natural polymer materials in tissue engineering.