bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System: A Case Study of Himalayan Environment
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kamal Kamal , Sharma Mukat Lal , Jakka Ravi Sankar , Pratibha Pratibha
Published: March 2024

High seismic activity in the Himalayas and the increasing urbanization of its surrounding areas in the northern Indian region pose significant threats to both lives and properties. To mitigate the risk of seismic events, an earthquake early warning system can be used in the region. This system would be particularly beneficial to cities and towns in the mountainous and foothill regions that are located near earthquake sources. The government and the science and engineering community have re-sponded to this call by establishing the Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System (UEEWS). The system became fully operational on August 4, 2021, after being launched by the government of Uttarakhand. The UEEWS includes 170 accelerometers in the seismogenic part of the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayas. Ground motion data is transmitted to a central server through a dedicated private telecommunication network 24 hours a day, seven days a week.The system is designed to issue warnings for moderate to high-magnitude earthquakes via a mobile application installed on users' devices and sirens installed in government-owned public buildings. The UEEWS has successfully issued alerts for light earthquakes that occurred in the instrumented region and warnings for moderate earthquakes that occurred in the vicinity of the instrumented area. This paper provides an overview of the design of the UEEWS, details of the instrumentation, adaptation of attributes and their relation to earthquake parameters, the operational flow of the system, and information about the dissemination of warnings
A Study on the Factors for the Occurrence of Vacant Homes in Medium Cities and Characteristics of Each Types – Focusing on Asan City, Chungcheongnam-Do
Authors: Choi Jeonghyeon , Han Seung-Seok , Woo Myung-je
Published: March 2024

This study aims to spatially analyze the distribution characteristics of vacant homes in Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, and understand the differences in factors causing vacant homes by type. We use a variety of statistical methods to examine these factors and identify key influencing factors such as the number of vacant stores, changes in overall population, land use complexity, and physical characteristics of land and buildings. The findings reveal that the factors contributing to the occurrence of vacant homes vary significantly by region and property type, highlighting the need for region-specific policies. For instance, in old town areas, small lot ratios and land use complexity are significant, while in rural village, the average number of floors and land use complexity play a major role. This study underscores the diversity of factors influencing vacant homes, suggesting that policies should be tailored to the unique characteristics of different regions to effectively address this issue.
Between Maroon Tradition and State Law in Jamaica: A Case Study of Challenges to Environmental Governance in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Authors: Samuels-Jones Tameka , Perz Stephen
Published: March 2024

Keywords: conservation; cultural pluralism; environmental regulation; community-based natural resource management; Indigenous law
Phosphoric Acid Pre-treatment Improves Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Weedy Biomass (Thysanolaena latifolia) for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Wongleang Suwanan , Premjet Duangporn , Premjet Siripong
Published: March 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass has garnered attention as an abundant and sustainable alternative energy source that can facilitate reliable and environmentally friendly energy generation. Energy security improves, and environmental impacts diminish when bioethanol, a biofuel produced via lignocellulose-based processes, is utilized. The lignocellulosic biomass of Thysanolaena latifolia has considerable potential as a bioethanol feedstock due to its high carbohydrate content (62.4 ± 0.7%). In this study, feedstock derived from T. latifolia was pretreated with various concentrations of H3PO4 to determine the ideal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis to convert the feedstock to fermentable sugar. The findings revealed that hydrolysis efficiency and glucose recovery yields were substantially improved compared to those of the untreated sample. Pretreated samples were enzymatically digested to produce a liquid hydrolysate. This hydrolysate was fermented without detoxification using Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5339 to produce ethanol. The results indicated that T. latifolia biomass hydrolysate is a promising long-term carbon source for ethanol production from cellulosic biomass. Furthermore, the morphological and crystallographic characteristics of the treated T. latifolia biomass were influenced by H3PO4 concentration, as indicated by the SEM images, X-ray diffractogram patterns, and crystallinity index values. Therefore, utilizing T. latifolia feedstock to produce bioethanol can enhance bioenergy sustainability.
Comparison of Intra-operative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Mono-Polar TURP with and without Pre-operative 2 Weeks Use of Finasteride
Authors: Shaukat ali Aurangzeb , abrar mubashar , Liaqat Kamran , idrees rehan , anwar moin , mahmood zia , Junaid Ahmed , ikhlaq muhammad murtaza , Ashraf Fatima
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to determine the role of pre-operative 2 weeks use of Finasteride in reducing intra-operative blood loss in patients undergoing monopolar TURP. Number of enrolled patients were 120, on the basis of inclusion criteria. Patients who were candidates of monopolar TURP were given 5mg Finasteride for 2 weeks before the surgery. On the 13th day of medicine, they got admitted in ward and prepared for surgery. During surgery intra-operative irrigation fluid was measured and gathered, then tested for Hemoglobin and the blood loss was calculated with equation formula. Blood loss evaluation was done on the basis of irrigation fluid, hemoglobin in irrigation fluid, preoperative hemoglobin and resected tissue weight. Significant reduction in blood loss was observed in interventional group as compared to the control group. Mean blood loss was 296ml in Group-A and 370ml in Group-B while blood loss per gram was 11.7ml/g in Group-A and 14.7 ml/g in Group-B. Mean operative time was measured 42 minutes in Group-A and 49 minutes in Group-B. This research proclaims a clear-cut supremacy of pre-operative use of Finasteride for two weeks. It significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss and blood loss per gram in patients undergoing monopolar TURP.
New Chymotrypsin Purified and Biochemically Characterized from Digestive Organs of Bigfin Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana)
Authors: Satjarak Jirapan , Klomklao Sappasith , Zhang Yi , Thongprajukaew Karun
Published: March 2024

Chymotrypsin from the digestive organs of bigfin reef squid, a major commercial squid species in Thailand, was purified to 41.27-fold with 5.74% yield by a sequential purification process including ammonium sulfate precipitation, size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. According to SDS-PAGE, the molecular weight of purified chymotrypsin was 43 kDa. Native-PAGE analysis revealed a single band for this purified enzyme. Optimum pH and temperature for chymotrypsin activity of the purified enzyme were pH of 7.0 with a temperatures of 55°C. The purified chymotrypsin remained stable throughout a wide range of pH levels (6–11) and at relatively high temperature (50°C). It was significantly inhibited by PMSF and TPCK. The values of the kinetic constants Km and Kcat were found to be 1.33 mM and 31.46 s‒1, respectively. The purified chymotrypsin has the N-terminal amino acid IVGGQEATPGEWPWQAALQV. This study provided new information about the biochemical properties of pure chymotrypsin from bigfin reef squid, which is useful in the future investigation, aquaculture and application of bigfin reef squid.
Water Budget for Lake Trafford, a Natural Subtropical Lake in South Florida: An Example of Enhanced Groundwater Influx in a Subtropical Lake Subsequent to Organic Sediment Dredging
Authors: Thomas Serge , Lucius Mark A. , Kim Jong-Yeop , Everham III Edwin M. , Dettmar Dana L. , Missimer Thomas M.
Published: March 2024

A very detailed water budget was conducted on Lake Trafford in southern Florida. The inflow was dominated by surface-water influx via five canals (61%) with groundwater influx constituting 12% and direct rainfall 27%. Lake discharge was dominated by sheet-flow (69%) and evapotranspiration (30.5%) with groundwater recharge of the hydraulically connected unconfined aquifer accounting for only 0.5%. Removal of 30 M tons (4.4 x 106 m3) of organic sediment impacted groundwater influx, causing enhanced groundwater flows into the deeper parts of the lake and mixed flows along the banks creating a rather unusual pattern. The large number of groundwater seepage meters used during the investigation led to a very reliable set of measurements with occasional failure of only a few meters. A distinctive relationship was found between the wet season lake stage, heavy rainfall events and pulses of exiting sheet-flow from the lake. Estimation of the evapotranspiration loss using data collected from a weather station on the lake allowed the use of three different models which, when averaged, produced results comparable to Lake Okeechobee (southern Florida). A limitation of the investigation was the inability to directly measure sheet-flow discharges, which had to be estimated as a residual within the calculated water budget.
The Antitumoral Effect In Ovo of a New Inclusion Complex from Dimethoxycurcumin with Magnesium and Beta-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Meza-Morales William , Rodríguez-Hernández Karla Daniela , Estevez-Carmona M. Mirian , Pérez-González Leidys L. , Tavera-Hernández Rosario , Ramírez-Apan María Teresa , Barrera-Hernández David , García-Olivares Mitzi , Monroy-Torres Brian , Nieto-Camacho Antonio , Chávez María Isabel , Sanchez-Obregón Rubén , Obregón-Mendoza Marco A. , Enríquez Raúl G.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the female population due to the re-sistance of cancer cells to many anticancer drugs used. Curcumin has cytotoxic activities against breast cancer cells, although it has limited use due to its poor bioavailability and rapid metabolic elimination. The synthesis of metal complexes of curcumin and curcuminoids is a relevant topic in the search for more active and selective derivatives of these molecular scaffolds. However, solubil-ity and bioavailability are concomitant disadvantages of these types of molecules. To overcome such drawbacks, the preparation of inclusion complexes offers a chemical and pharmacologically safe option for improving the aqueous solubility of organic molecules. Herein, we describe the preparation of the inclusion complex of dimethoxy curcumin magnesium complex with cyclodex-trin (DiMeOC-Mg-BCD, 5) in the stoichiometric relationship 1:1. This new inclusion complex's solubility in aqueous media (PBS) was improved by a factor of 6x over the free metal complex (DiMeOC-Mg). Furthermore, 5 affects cell metabolic rate, cell morphology, cell migration, induced apoptosis, and downregulation of the MMP-2 and MMP-9, IL-6, and STAT3 expression levels on MDA MB 231 cell lines. Results of an antitumor assay in an in-ovo model showed up to 30% inhi-bition of tumour growth for breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) when using 5 (0.650 mg/Kg dose), and 17.29 % inhibition with the free homoleptic metal complex (1.5 mg/Kg dose, DiMeOC-Mg). While the formulation of inclusion complexes from metal complexes of curcuminoids demonstrates its usefulness in improving the solubility and bioavailability of these metallodrugs, the new DiMeOC-Mg-BCD exhibits excellent potential for use as a therapeutic agent in the battle against breast cancer.
When Four Cyclic Antipodal Points Are Ordered Counterclockwise in Euclidean and Hyperbolic Geometry
Authors: Ungar Abraham A.
Published: March 2024

A cyclic antipodal points of a circle is a pair of
points that are the intersection of the circle with a diameter
of the circle. A recent proof of Ptolemy’s Theorem, simultaneously
in both (i) Euclidean geometry; and (ii) the relativistic
model of hyperbolic geometry (which is identified with the
Klein model of hyperbolic geometry), motivates in this article
the study of four cyclic antipodal points of a circle, ordered
arbitrarily counterclockwise. The translation of results from
Euclidean geometry into hyperbolic geometry is obtained by
means of hyperbolic trigonometry, called gyrotrigonometry,
to which Einstein addition gives rise. Formulas that extend
the Pythagorean formula in both Euclidean and hyperbolic
geometry are obtained as byproducts
Candida auris Outbreak in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Romania, during Post-pandemic Era: Potential Solutions and Challenges in Surveillance and Epidemiological Control
Authors: Melinte Violeta , Tudor Alexandra Daniela , Bujoi Adrian Georgian , Radu Adelina Maria , Văcăroiu Cristina Maria , Cismaru Miriana , Holban Tiberiu Sebastian , Mîrzan Luminița Carmen , Popescu Ruxandra , Ciupan Robert Cătălin , Baciu Alin , Moraru Oriana Elena , Popa-Cherecheanu Matei , Gheorghiță Valeriu
Published: March 2024

C. auris is a newly emerging yeast, raising public health concerns due to its outbreak potential, lack of protocols for decontamination and isolation of patients or contacts, increased resistance to common antifungals and associated high mortality.
This research aimed to describe the challenges related to identifying the outbreak, limiting further contamination, and treating affected individuals.
We retrospectively analysed all cases of C. auris detected between October 2022 and August 2023, but our investigation focused on a three-month-long outbreak in the department of cardio-vascular surgery and the related intensive care unit.
Along with isolated cases in different wards, we identified 13 patients who became infected or colonized in the same area and time, even though the epidemiological link could be traced only in 10 patients, according to the epidemiological investigation.
In conclusion, our study emphasizes the substantial challenge encountered in clinical practice when attempting to diagnose and limit the spread of an outbreak. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly apply contact precaution measures and appropriate environmental cleaning, from the first case detected positive.
Effects of Specific Training Using a Rowing Ergometer on Sport Performance in Adolescents
Authors: Gavala-González Juan , Porras-García Mª Elena , Fernández-García José Carlos , Real-Pérez Mateo
Published: March 2024

The main purpose of the study was to study the effects of a specific rowing ergometer training program on the athletic performance of young adolescents (n=56; 11.73 ± 1.4 years old) com-pared to a workout based on general strength training. Eight-week training program was im-plemented, with four sessions per week and two-hours per session. Sample was divided in two groups: a control group (CG) that performed circuit training with exercises aimed at building general strength and an experimental group (EG) who focused on specifically training on a rowing ergometer (rowing machine). The data obtained in a rowing meter test over the compe-tition distance were analyzed to obtain the average power attained (W) at the beginning of the training, at the middle (4 weeks), at the end of the training (8 weeks) and one year after the ex-perimentation. The results show that, although both forms of training improve the average W obtained in both categories, the EG subjects (+29.94W) obtained better averages in all phases of the study compared to the CG (+5.88W). Furthermore, this increase was greater in male rowers (+ 34.06W) than in female rowers (+24.54W). These results reveal that a specific rower rowing ergometer training program has a significant effect than a general strength program and these effects can even be observed a year after the intervention.
Raman Technology for Process Control: Waste Shells Demineralization to Produce Transparent Polymer Foils Reinforced with Natural Antioxidant, and Calcium Acetate By-Product
Authors: Pinzaru Simona Cinta , Poplăcean Iuliana-Cornelia , Maškarić Karlo , Dumitru Danut-Alexandru , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , TĂMAȘ Tudor Liviu , Nekvapil Fran , Neculai Bogdan
Published: March 2024

Waste biogenic materials from seafood exploitation are valuable resources of new compounds exploitation within the blue bioeconomy concept. Here, we describe the effectiveness of Raman technology implementation as an in-line tool for demineralization process control of crustaceans or gastropods. We produced transparent chitin polymer foils from three waste crustacean shells (C. sapidus, S. mantis and M. squinado) using a slow, green chemical approach employing acetic acid, and showed the progressive process of biogenic carbonate dissolution and increasing the Raman characteristic signal of chitin, in a time dependence manner. It turned that chitin foils obtaining is species-specific, and the demineralization bath of waste shell mixture can be effectively tracked by Raman spectroscopy, for solvent control and the recovery of the calcium acetate as valuable by-product. Comparatively, calcium acetate drug, a compound widely used in kidney failure diseases, or as additive in nutraceuticals and food industry, has been obtained here, following a green demineralization path of the sea snail Rapana venosa intact shell, assisted by Raman tech-nology, using 9% acetic acid (vinegar) solution for 14 days. To validate the final products identity and quality, The process of waste shells demineralization and the final products of the treatment were investigated using various Raman techniques and technologies, cross-validating the results with FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDX techniques. NIR Raman spectroscopy revealed chitin bands in a time-dependent manner, while Resonance Raman spectroscopy showed the preservation of ca-rotenoids after two weeks of acetic acid treatment. A hand-held flexible TacticID Raman system with a 1064 nm excitation demonstrated its effectiveness as a rapid, in-line decision making tool during process control and revealed excellent reproducibility of the lab-based instrument signal, suitable for in situ evaluation of the demineralization status and solvent saturation control. The calcium acetate recovered from residual treatment solutions was assessed regarding its hydration status, purity, and suitability as recrystallized material for further use as pharmaceutical product or ingredient in complex formulations.
Unlocking the Future of Drug Development: Generative AI, Digital Twins, and Beyond
Authors: Mariam Zamara , Niazi Sarfaraz K. , Magoola Matthias
Published: March 2024

This article delves into the intersection of generative AI and digital twins within drug discovery, exploring their synergistic potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical research and development. Through various instances and examples, we illuminate how generative AI algorithms, capable of simulating vast chemical spaces and predicting molecular properties, are increasingly integrated with digital twins of biological systems to expedite drug discovery. By harnessing the power of computational models and machine learning, researchers can design novel compounds tailored to specific targets, optimize drug candidates, and simulate their behavior within virtual biological environments. This paradigm shift offers unprecedented opportunities for accelerating drug development, reducing costs, and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration between interdisciplinary teams and continued innovation will be paramount in realizing the promise of generative AI and digital twins in advancing drug discovery.
Glyphosate as Contaminant in Cereals: Chromatographic Methods for Its Determination. Discussion about Occurrence, Accumulation, Fate, Degradation, and Regulatory Status
Authors: Masci Maurizio , Caproni Roberto , Nevigato Teresina
Published: March 2024

The European Union's recent decision to renew the authorization for the use of glyphosate until 15 December 2033 stimulates the scientific discussion all around the world regarding its toxicity or otherwise for humans. Glyphosate is a chemical used by millions of tons in the last 50 years worldwide to drying weeds in cultivated fields, greenhouses, roadsides. Concern has been raised in many quarters about the possible presence in the food chain and the consequent adverse effects on health: both aspects that argue in favor of toxicity and those that instead may indicate limited toxicity of glyphosate are here discussed. The great debate that has been generated requires further investigations and field measurements to understand its fate once dispersed in the environment and its concentration in the food chain. Hence the need for validated analytical methods that are available to analysts in the field. In the present review, methods for the analytical determination of glyphosate and its main metabolite, AMPA, are discussed, with a specific focus on chromatographic techniques applied to cereal products. The experimental procedures are explained in any detail, including cleanup, derivatization, and instrumental conditions to give the laboratories involved enough information to proceed with the implementation of this line of analysis. The prevalent chromatographic methods used are LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/SIM, and GC-MS/MS but sufficient indications are also given to those laboratories that wish to use the simpler HPLC-FLD, HPLC-UV, GC-NPD or GC-FPD techniques for screening purposes. Concentrations from literature measured in wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, soybean, and cereal-based foods are reported together with the regulatory status in various parts of the world and the accumulation mechanism. As for the accumulation in cereals, available data show that glyphosate tends to accumulate more in wholemeal flours than in refined ones, that its concentration in the product strictly depends on the treatment period (the closer it is to the time of harvesting, the higher the concentration) and that in cold climates the herbicide tends to persist in the soil for a long time.
Effects of Training through Induced Variability on Performance in the Forehand Approach Shot in Tennis
Authors: Oliveira Vinicius , Menayo Ruperto , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Learning and training in variable conditions favors adapting to unstable or changing environments. The aim of the study was to test the effect of variable practice on the accuracy of the forehand net approach shot in tennis.; (2) Methods: Thirty (n=30) first-class national players (12.9 ± 1.1 years old) participated, divided into three groups: i) induced variability training (n=10) (varying court surfaces and balls), ii) specific training (n=10) and iii) usual training -control group- (n=10). All groups trained for a month: 12 sessions of 20 minutes -3 per week-. The accuracy of the shots were analyzed through a 2D capture and digitization process of the ball bounce on the court; (3) Results: The variability group presented better accuracy values after the period without practice than the stable training group (p = 0.041; ES= 0.51).; (4) Conclusions: the application of variability in the game conditions during tennis training seems to have a favorable effect on the retention of accuracy in the forehand down the line approach to the net.
Modeling Dynamics of Permafrost Degradation and their Impact on Ecosystems Across Entire Alaska: Arctic and Subarctic Engineering Design Tool (Part-1)
Authors: Marchenko Sergey , Bjella Kevin , Nicolsky Dmitry , Romanovsky Vladimir
Published: March 2024

Climate warming is expected to have pronounced effects on Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems, especially regions underlain by discontinuous and relatively warm permafrost. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the vulnerability and dynamics of permafrost under climate warming across the various ecotypes in respect of ecosystem stability, socioeconomic impact, and for better understanding possible future environmental changes. We suggested the new version of the spatially distributed permafrost dynamics model (GIPL2-MPI), which is developed in the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks. This model is based on the ecosystem approach to simulate the permafrost dynamics, which we are discussing in this paper. We combined ground-based observations and numerical freeze/thaw modeling using climate-ecosystem-permafrost interactions to understand the physical processes and mechanisms controlling permafrost physical state. We predict the changes in permafrost conditions using output from two GCMs (NCAR-CCSM4 and GFDL-CM3) and Five-Model Average Ensemble for the RCP-4.5 and RCP-8.5 scaled down to 1 by 1 km spatial resolution (https://uaf-snap.org/) across entire Alaska. Our result shows that by the end of the current century widespread near-surface permafrost degradation could begin everywhere in Alaska southward of the Brooks Range as well as across some spots at the North Slope Alaska.
May Combination Therapy with Endothelin Receptor Antagonist and PDE5 Inhibitors Prevent Echocardiographic Findings Suspicious for PAH? Description of a Real-Life Case Series
Authors: Damiani Arianna , Lepri Gemma , Bonomi Francesco , Fiorentini Elisa , Peretti Silvia , Blagojevic Jelena , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Guiducci Serena
Published: March 2024

Objective: to retrospectively evaluate the incidence rate (IR) of echocardiographic signs suspected for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients after the introduction of a combination therapy with bosentan and sildenafil for treatment or prevention of digital ulcers. Methods: patients attending the Scleroderma Unit of the Universital Hospital of Careggi from July 2010 to July 2023 were enrolled. Patients older than 18 years old, with an history of digital ulcers, treated with bosentan and sildenafil in combination for at least 12 months were included. Patients with a diagnosis of PH preceding the introduction of the therapy were excluded. Demographical data, disease duration, laboratoristic and instrumental data (pulmonary function tests, echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs) and ultrasonographic value of renal resistive index) were collected. The IR of echocardiographic signs suspected for pulmonary hypertension and their 95% confidence interval were calculated in events/1000 patients-years.Results: forty-seven patients were enrolled; mean disease duration was 12,14 years (SD 5,87). Mean duration of the combination treatment was 78.33 (SD 41.37) months and total at-risk time was 3525 months. Two patients (4,2%) presented echocardiographic signs of PH (sPAP 50 mmHg and 40 mmHg); the IR was calculated to be 6.8/1000 patients-years (95% CI 6,02-7,7). In one of the 2 patients RHC excluded PAH, while the other patient refused to undergo to RHC and PAH could not be confirmed/excluded. A stability of PFTs and echocardiografic PAPs was observed during the observation time. Conclusions: the results of this retrospective study suggest that combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonist and Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors could help in preventing PAH in SSc; prospective case-control studies on larger population are needed to improve knowledge in this field.
Breaking Barriers, Sowing Success: Stories of Women Planters in Taranuman Project
Authors: Orpano Joemar , Sarte Aileen
Published: March 2024

This study focused on the stories of women planters in the implementation of Taranuman Project in the Third District of Albay. Particularly, this explores and documents the experiences, challenges, and successes of women planters involved. By understanding their stories, this undertaking shed light on the motivations and aspirations of women planters, the barriers they have experienced, and their strategies to achieve success. The researchers used descriptive-qualitative research and made use of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). From the collection of the respondents’ narratives, three (3) recurring themes emerged on the motivation and aspirations of women planters in Taranuman Project; Taranuman para sa Pagkasararo (Social cohesion, belonging and unity), Taranuman para sa Pangkabuhayan (Economic empowerment), and Taranuman para sa Karapatang Pampulitika (Political rights, engagement and participation). This study also revealed major challenges in its implementation including infertility of the soil, the distant location of the lands to be cultivated for the project, and the insufficiency in the supply of tools and equipment. However, despite the emerging problems, strategies to counter the difficulties were also formulated. Even so, the researchers strongly recommend that implementers should expand the Taranuman Project in all of the district’s municipalities, enhance women planters' financial and communication skills through training, maintain close partnerships with agencies for project support, encourage beneficiary communication, and develop comprehensive strategies to overcome ongoing challenges and ease beneficiaries’ burdens.
Take It In: Novel Use of an Iron Bio-Absorbable Stent in Pediatric Pulmonary Stenosis
Authors: Scott Christopher , Maldonado Jennifer R , McLennan Daniel
Published: March 2024

Bio-absorbable stents are a novel tool which relieve stenosis and then resorb as the patient grows, avoiding obligatory re-intervention. This case describes the novel use of an iron bio-absorbable stent in a child with surgically repaired Tetralogy of Fallot who post-operatively developed a severely stenotic right ventricular outflow tract.
The Classification of VOCs Based on Sensor Images Using a Lightweight Neural Network for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Zha Chengyuan , Li Lei , Zhu Fangting , Zhao Yanzhe
Published: March 2024

The application of artificial intelligence to point-of-care testing (POCT) disease detection has become a hot research field, in which breath detection which detects the patient's exhaled VOCs combined with sensor arrays of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms as a new lung cancer detection is attracting more researchers' attention. However, due to low accuracy, high complexity computation and large number of parameters make the CNN algorithms difficult transplant to the embedded system of POCT devices. A lightweight neural network (LTNet) in this work is proposed to deal with this problem, and meanwhile, achieve high-precision classification of acetone and ethanol gases, which are respiratory markers for lung cancer patients. Compared to currently popular lightweight CNN models such as EfficientNet, LTNet has fewer parameters (32K) and its training weight size is only 0.155 MB. LTNet achieved an overall classification accuracy of 99.06% and 99.14% in the own mixed gas dataset and the University of California (UCI) dataset, which are both higher than that of the five existing models’, and it also offers the shortest training (844.38s and 584.67s) and inference time (23s and 14s) in the same validation set. Compared to the existing CNN models, LTNet is more suitable for resource-limited POCT devices.
Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination in Africa: Insights from Egypt
Authors: Salomon IZERE , Olivier Sibomana , Egide Ndayambaje
Published: March 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health threat associated with serious clinical consequences worldwide. The WHO reports an estimated 58 million people globally living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with 1.5 million new cases and over 350,000 deaths annually due to HCV-related diseases. Despite the existence of multiple diagnostic methods, the accessibility of diagnosis and treatment is often hindered across the continent by limited resources, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and low public awareness of Hepatitis C virus Hepatitis C virus infection is a major public health concern in African countries, which have the highest prevalence rates of HCV in the world (1–26%).
Egypt, African country which had the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection in the world. Its national hepatitis C elimination initiative emerges as an exemplary case of success an having screened over 60 million individuals, and treated more than 4 million, thereby markedly diminishing both the prevalence and incidence of the disease. The strategies employed by Egypt offer critical insights and adaptable frameworks for other African Countries facing analogous challenges.
The Aim of this Review is to highlight the triumphs and hurdles of Egypt's approach, while also providing strategic guidance for African Countries to accelerate the journey towards the eradication of hepatitis C.
Gene Expression Profiling to Unfolded Proteins Response as a Risk Modulator of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Authors: Kucharska-Lusina Aleksandra , Skrzypek Maciej , Binda Aleksandra , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: March 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Despite new methods of diagnostics and treatment as well as extensive biological and immunosuppressive treatment, the etiology of RA is not fully understood. Moreover, the problem of diagnosis and treatment of RA patients is still current and affects a large group of patients. It is suggested that these ER-related features may impair adaptation to chronic stress, inferring the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The main goal in this study was evaluation of changes in mRNA translation to determine chronic ER stress conditions in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study group consist of 86 individuals including total 56 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 30 healthy controls. The expression level of mRNA form blood samples of RA patients as well as controls of the PERK-UPR associated genes: p-eIF2, BCL-2, PERK, ATF4, BAX were investigated by Real-Time qPCR. GAPDH expression was used as a standard control. Considering the median, the expression of PERK, BCL-2, p-eIF2, ATF4, BAX was found to be significantly increased in the blood of RA patients compared with the control group. The p-value for the PERK gene was 0.0000000036, the p-value for the BCL-2 gene was 0.000000014, the p-value for the p-eIF2 gene was 0.006948, the p-value for the ATF4 gene was 0.0000056 and the p-value for the BAX gene was 0.00019, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that targeting of the components of the PERK-dependent UPR signaling pathway via small-molecule PERK inhibitors, may contribute to the development of novel, innovative treatment strategies against rheumatoid arthritis.
Exploring Advanced Therapies for Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Insights from the Gut Microbiota-Bile Acid-Immunity Network
Authors: Guo Ziqi , He Kun , Pang Ke , Yang Daiyu , Lyu Chengzhen , Xu Haifeng , Wu Dong
Published: March 2024

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic liver disease characterized by immune-mediated injury to small bile ducts. Although PBC is an autoimmune disease, the results of traditional immunosuppressive therapy are disappointing. Nearly 40% of PBC patients do not respond to the first-line drug UDCA. Without appropriate intervention, PBC patients would eventually progress to liver cirrhosis and even death. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies. The gut-liver axis emphasizes the interconnection between the gut and the liver, and there is increasing evidence that gut microbiota and bile acids play an important role in cholestatic diseases. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota, imbalance of bile acids, and immune-mediated bile duct injury constitute the triad of pathophysiology in PBC. Understanding the gut microbiota-bile acid network and corresponding immune functions in PBC provides a new perspective for its treatment strategies. Therefore, we summarize the latest advancements in research of gut microbiota and bile acids in PBC and, for the first time, explore the potential of immune factors related to them as novel immunotherapy targets. This article discusses potential therapeutic approaches focusing on regulating gut microbiota, maintaining bile acid homeostasis, their interactions, and related immune factors.
The Experimental Application of Group Counseling Self-Management Techniques for Adolescent Internet Addiction for Their Mental Health
Authors: Saliyo Saliyo , Shofa Wafiqotun Nailis , Khafidhoh Inayatul
Published: March 2024

This research aims to determine group counseling treatment with self-management techniques for teenagers to reduce internet addiction in teenagers in Sumber Village, Sumber District, and Rembang District. This type of research is a quantitative experiment category with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling technique. The  data analysis technique uses a paired sample T-test with the help of SPSS version 23.0. The results of this research show, firstly, that there is a significant difference in internet addiction in teenagers before and after being given treatment through group guidance activities. The difference in the average pretest score is 124.3056, and the difference in the posttest is 112.4306. Second, the implementation of group guidance is considered effective in reducing internet addiction in teenagers, with an average difference of 11.875. Third, the highest and lowest scores between the pretest and posttest test results are in the very high category, with a score range of 140–150 and a high of 130–139. After being given treatment, there was a decline in the moderate category with a score range of 120–129 and the low category with a score range of 110–119 and a probability value of 0.000<0.05. This means that group guidance activities were rated as effective in reducing the level of internet addiction.
Introduction of Early Spiritual Awareness in The Family Room
Authors: Zubaedah Siti , Hafidz Nur , Nurbaiti Amalia
Published: March 2024

Every child born has the potential for goodness, namely the will to grow a sense of self-potential, the need to know, and be aware of the existence of God who created them. Communication that is built will bring out a commendable attitude and always side with virtue. These are the characteristics of the potential for spiritual awareness that contains high human values. The values of wisdom and making coverage always present the deep meaning and value of early childhood in their actions. The introduction of spiritual awareness can be used as a means or tool to activate the potential of children's spiritual intelligence in addition to their emotional and intellectual. From here, it is important to examine the introduction of spiritual awareness for early childhood starting in the family room. The goal is to introduce early childhood spiritual awareness through Islamic dimensions (faith, Islam, and ihsan) in every aspect of children's spiritual development in the family room. This research method uses descriptive qualitative by taking seven samples of Purwokerto families, seven families that teach, apply, and reflect on as well as families that have succeeded in being aware of the spiritual intelligence of early childhood through various Islamic activities. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation with an active participation model. The results of the study show that the introduction of spiritual awareness from early childhood through, (1) Spiritual Awareness with a Sense of Love, the family introduces spirituality with a democratic parenting pattern that is not too authoritarian and permissive; (2) Spiritual Awareness with Morals, the family exemplifies good morals to children through daily activities; (3) Spiritual Awareness with Diversity, the family teaches basic worship; (4) Spiritual Awareness with Sincerity, educating a sense of sincerity to children also requires continuous sincerity, practice, and understanding so that children are sincere in studying and sincere in worship. These four points, children get kindness by growing a sense of awareness of humanity, a sense of God, and nature
Inquiry-Based Learning With Abcde Methods In Early Childhood Education
Authors: Pancaningrum Novita , Afifah Ni'mah , Aulia Desi Sekar Fitri , Sari Rika Iuriana
Published: March 2024

Early childhood has privileges to play. To make them enjoy their learning process, the teacher has to make it more fun for them with play activities. Inquiry-based learning is one of the methods to support children playing while learning. Teachers should make the early childhood curriculum interesting for them. The Purpose of this study is to describe the Inquiry-based Learning with ABCDE Methods in Early Childhood Education. Besides that, the researcher wants to find out how the Inquiry-based Learning keep playing activities in learning process. The researcher collected data through interviews, observations, and documents. The researcher takes interviews with the Principal, The teacher, and the Co-Teacher. This Field Research site is RA Banat Kudus. Qualitative Method was adopted to analyze research data. The result of the Research are (1) The step of implementing the Inquiry-based Learning are observing, asking, telling, discussing and evaluation (ABCDE Methods) (2) With a right play activities, learning is more fun.
Analysis of public health infrastructure and medical prevention in the Russian Federation in the period 2013–2022
Authors: Salagay O. O. , Borichevskaya E. I.
Published: March 2024

The main strategic element of the system being formed, designed to solve preventive tasks at the regional and mu­nicipal level, has become Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention (COSiMP). The article provides an analysis of the activities of the COSiMP for the period 2013–2022 in the Russian Federation and offers recommendations for its improvement. Materials and methods. The analysis includes the structure of the COSiMP; material and technical equipment; dynamics of personnel training in the context of individual categories, sociological research, number and staffing, funds received for preventive work with the population, circulation of publications published by the COSiMP; mass work and advisory and recreational activities of the Center. The data on the activities of the COSiMP were an­alyzed according to the reporting form No. 70 for the period 2013–2022. The specifics of the COSiMP activity were assessed by calculating the median value of the indicator for the corresponding year, as well as the percentage of changes in this indicator against another period. Results. The total number of structural divisions in the COSiMP has changed slightly: from 560 in 2013 to 547 in 2022. After the reform of the medical prevention system carried out by the Ministry of Health of Russia in 2020, public health and medical prevention centers with a fundamentally different structure were formed in the regions. During the period 2013–2022, a slight increase in full-time positions in the CSIMP was revealed from 3720 to 3771, respectively. From 2013 to 2022, the number of trained students increased by 31.7%, but the number of trained physicians decreased by 45.3%. Conclusion. During the studied period, the COSiMP underwent serious changes. The growth in the number of programs and projects implemented by the Cen­ters, the impressive volume of mass work carried out shows the demand for these medical organizations. However, the statistical form used to collect the necessary information about the activities of the COSiMP has been de-actual­ized to date and does not comply with the main provisions of the acts regulating the activities of these organizations.
Medical and social aspects of the activities of local self-government and the medical community of Yekaterinodar in the late XIX – early XX century
Authors: Ionov A. Yu. , Kryuchkova I. V. , Shcherbinina I. G. , Ionova A. A.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the study: to study the medical and social aspects of the activities of public institutions of the city of Yekaterinodar in the early twentieth century, as a reflection of global trends shaping the public health system. Materials and methods: historical-descriptive, comparative-historical, problem-chronological, biographical methods were used in the work. The article is based on published sources and archival materials available to the authors. Results.   Currently, there is no doubt that the level of public health depends not only on the activities of medical institutions, the qualifications of doctors, medical staff, but also on the timely comprehensive solution of many social issues with the participation of public and state institutions. The article presents some examples of the formation of such interaction and original solutions to urgent medical and social problems in Yekaterinodar (now Krasnodar) at the end of the XIX  –   beginning of the XX century. The issues of financing medical institutions, medical salaries and pensions, the organization of measures to combat epidemics, the formation of sanitary services, the opening of new specialized hospital departments, and services for the poorest segments of the population were touched upon. The elements of educational work, ways to solve the problem of high infant mortality and the organization of the first Consultation for infants are shown. Many doctors actively participated in the work of local city government, being “public” of the City Duma and the City Council, thereby contributing to the solution of many social and medical issues, including problems of payment for treatment, different categories of the population and “hospital arrears”. Conclusion .   Thus, without having a clear state concept and program for the development of healthcare, the city administration, together with the medical community, demonstrated the desire and possibility of jointly solving many medical and social problems of the city of Yekaterinodar. That is, during this period, the potential properties and understanding of the need for the development of the public health system and sphere were formed in the regional society.
Safeguarding Maritime Operations through Strategic Shipping Protocols for Enhanced Security
Authors: Alfariqi Amar , Akbar Ali
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the implementation of safety measures during the shipping of survey boats in Indonesia, employing qualitative methods with both primary and secondary data. Maritime transport safety, particularly for survey boats, is crucial yet often overlooked. The analysis reveals that effective management of survey boats and fuel safety is essential, with specific measures such as careful navigation, no-smoking policies, secure fuel packaging, regular maintenance, and weather monitoring being paramount. The findings advocate for stringent safety protocols to prevent accidents and enhance maritime security, suggesting significant implications for global maritime operations.
Highlights:

Importance of Shipping Safety: Priority in sea transportation.
Analysis of Shipping Safety Implementation: Focus on survey boat usage and fuel safety.
Key Variables in Research: Safe driving practices, fuel packaging, ship maintenance, weather awareness.

Keywords: Surveyboat, Fuel, Safety
Leveraging Six Sigma for Enhanced Reliability in Heavy Equipment Operations
Authors: Fahruddin A'rasy , Araffi Moh. Faisal
Published: March 2024

This study addresses the prevalent issue of mechanical failures in heavy equipment and dump trucks within a leading special steel production firm. Utilizing the Six Sigma methodology, the research conducted in August 2023 aimed to systematically design and implement corrective actions to improve maintenance processes. Preliminary results from the IRGA Department's interventions suggest a significant reduction in breakdown frequency and severity, indicating enhanced operational efficiency and reduced downtime. These findings highlight the potential of Six Sigma as an effective tool in optimizing industrial maintenance strategies, with implications for boosting productivity and sustainability in heavy industries globally.
Highlights:

Regular maintenance prevents costly damage.
Six Sigma ensures systematic improvement.
Vision: Leading in quality and environmental care.

Keywords: Steel Bar Casting (billet), Flat Bar, Round Bar Production