bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deciphering Genetic Diversity Through Cluster and Principal Component Analyses for Yield and Quality traits in Small Cardamom [Elattaria cardamomum (L.) Maton]
Authors: T Preethy T. , K Aswathi K. , Suma A , Murugan M. , Mathews Nimisha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

A field study assessed the variability among 20 high-yielding small cardamom accessions, including the popular “Green Gold” variety, focusing on hybrids, breeding lines, and seedling selections. Selected for their high yields, these accessions were evaluated at the Kerala Agricultural University's Cardamom Research Station using a randomized block design (RBD) over four years. Statistical analysis of ten yield-related traits revealed significant diversity among the genotypes at a 1% probability level. Notably, PS 27 exhibited the highest fresh weight, while Pl.No. 14 showed superior dry weight, indicating a high dry recovery percentage. PS 27 also had a higher capsule volume, with other cultivars like Pl.No. 19 and HY 9 displaying similar results. The weight of 100 capsules was highest for HY 9, underscoring PS 27’s superior capsule boldness. PS 3 showed the highest seed count, followed by PS 27, although Pl.No. 14 outperformed most other traits except 100-capsule weight. Based on these findings, PS 27 and Pl.No. 14 emerged as superior for future breeding to enhance cardamom yield. Genotypes were grouped into three clusters based on 75% genetic similarity, with Cluster II having the most genotypes, while PS 27 uniquely formed Cluster III. Pl.No. 14 and Green Gold were in Cluster I, showcasing their yield and morphological advantages. The first four principal components explained 82.5% of the total variation, suggesting that diverse morphological genotypes could contribute to effective breeding programs.
SWCNTs functionalized with gold nanoradiosensitizers as radiosensitizers for enhanced radiotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Hashemi Negin , Asghariha Zahra , Hosseini Marzieh Sadat , Danafar Hossein 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common and significant threat affecting women globally. Traditional methods have been widely used in cancer treatment for many years. However, the unavoidable side effects of these approaches are undeniable. Nanotechnology and carbon nanotubes offer the potential to improve traditional cancer treatments by reducing side effects and enhancing efficacy. In this project, we investigated the potential of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) as advanced delivery systems for chemotherapy agents directly within tumors, as well as their role as substrates for developing radiation sensitizers to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy alone. To confirm the successful formation of the nanoparticles, we conducted various techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to ensure accurate verification. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of SWCNTs -Au-CUR nanoparticles, we performed MTT and hemolysis assays. Subsequently, we assessed the effectiveness of the synthesized nanoparticles at different concentrations, with and without the aid of X-ray, against cancer cells. Observed results showed the correct creation and high efficacy of these nanoparticles on cancerous cells. It also showed that the presence of X-rays amplified nanoparticle toxicity, increased the ROS levels in the cancerous cells, and resulted in more effective induction of DNA damage.
Genetic marker type impacts ex situ conservation minimum sample size estimates and their variance
Authors: Koontz Austin C. , Salas Gavin D. , Hoban Sean M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Ex situ collections in botanic gardens help safeguard plant species and their genetic diversity. While past research has typically used microsatellite markers to quantify the extent of ex situ genetic representation in botanic gardens, next-generation sequencing techniques using thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are becoming more common. Several studies have examined the impact of marker choice on measures of genetic diversity and differentiation, but no evaluation of the effect of different markers on ex situ conservation metrics has been made. Additionally, minimum sample size estimates (MSSEs) for representing proportions of genetic diversity are typically presented as averages, but no study has quantified the variance surrounding reported MSSEs. To close these knowledge gaps, we used simulations to generate microsatellite and SNP data for species with various demographic characteristics and examined the impact that different markers have on MSSEs and their variance. We found that using SNPs resulted in MSSEs three to four times greater than estimates based on microsatellites, and that the difference between SNP-based and microsatellite-based MSSEs was greater when total population sizes were larger. We also found that confidence intervals surrounding MSSEs are large, but can be decreased by using higher numbers of loci. Our results indicate that ex situ conservation metrics are sensitive to the marker type used, the number of markers, and the total size of wild populations. We emphasize that communication of minimum required sample sizes to practitioners should include measures of uncertainty, and should account for the genetic marker being used.
Dying of starvation if not from bombs: Assessing measurement properties of the Food Insecurity Experiences Scale (FIES) in Gaza's civilian population experiencing the world’s worst hunger crisis
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Jebreen Kamel , Swaitti Tasnim , Jebreen Mohammed , Radwan Eqbal , Kammoun-Rebai Wafa , Nawajah Inad , Shamsti Omar , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Since October 2023, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has dramatically escalated and food insecurity (FI) has rapidly deteriorated. In the face of such situation, it has been recommended that accurate information on FI should be integrated in emergency reporting systems in order to better target and assess the impact of humanitarian aid. To achieve this, field practitioners, researchers and decision-makers should be equipped with user-friendly and psychometrically sound measures tailored to real-life war situations and the Palestinian context. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Food Insecurity Experiences Scale (FIES) in a sample of Arabic-speaking community adults currently living in the Gaza Strip during the war.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design, snowball sampling as a recruiting strategy, and a self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from participants. It was performed during the period from September 1st to 30th, 2024. A total of 534 valid responses were received and were included in the final analysis.
Results: Approximately one out of two people in Gaza were experiencing any FI. Fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a one-factor solution fit the data with acceptable factor loadings. Furthermore, our findings indicated that the Arabic version of the FIES presented an excellent level of reliability, with both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald omega coefficients of .94. Cross-sex measurement invariance in the FIES was established at scalar and metric levels. Finaly, concurrent validity was evidenced by FIES's positive correlations with water insecurity experiences, post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion: Altogether, our findings showed that the FIES fulfils requirements of validity and reliability, and may thus be considered as appropriate tool for assessing FI in war-affected populations currently suffering from hunger. The FIES is simple, short, economic and time-effective. It could therefore be easily implemented in war settings to measure and monitor FI for clinical, research and policy-making purposes.
Geospatial Analysis of HIV Prevalence in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa: Bayesian Spatial Hierarchical Models
Authors: Chireshe Exaverio , Chifurira Retius , Batidzirai Jescca , Chinhamu Knowledge , Kharsany Ayesha B.M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Globally, South Africa has the highest number of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) has the highest number of individuals who are HIV positive. However, a better understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of provincial estimates of HIV prevalence, specifically at localised level, could help advance HIV treatment and prevention strategies. The aim of the study was to assess the spatial heterogeneity of HIV prevalence and examine the individual-level characteristics of the prevalence of HIV at localised level using the Bayesian hierarchical spatial modelling technique.
Methods: This was an analysis of data collected from 9812 men and women aged 15- 49 years participating in the HIV Incidence Provincial Surveillance System (HIPSS) from June 2014 to July 2015. To fit the Bayesian hierarchical spatial model to the HIV prevalence data, the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) numerical method was employed.
Results: Results revealed that there was a positive spatial autocorrelation in the wards. The Kulldorf’s spatial scan statistic identified one hot-spot cluster around Nadi, KwaMbanjwa and Zayeka areas and one cold-spot cluster around the Greater Edendale area. Gender, age group, education level, source of income and marital status, along with behaviours like alcohol use and having multiple sexual partners, were significantly associated with HIV prevalence. Also, being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and TB increased the chances of getting infected with HIV.
Conclusion: The detection of HIV hotspot cluster, the predictors of HIV transmission and the spatial distribution of HIV infection in uMgungundlovu Municipality is crucial for focused mitigations, outreach efforts, and resource allocation to populations in need, eventually advancing the efficiencies and integrity of public health schemes.
Mpox Vaccine Design Through Immunoinformatics and Computational Epitope Prediction
Authors: Rivera-Orellana Sebastián , Ramírez‑Iglesias José R. , Acosta-España Jaime David , Espinosa-Espinosa Jorge , Navarro Juan-Carlos , Herrera-Yela Andrés , López-Cortés Andrés 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The Mpox virus (Monkeypox virus) poses significant public health risks due to its potential for severe outbreaks in humans. This study presents an innovative vaccine design using bioinformatics to identify epitopes that activate helper T cells (HTLs) via the human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-II) complex. Starting with 50,040 vaccine candidates, 14 epitopes with the highest HLA-II affinity were selected based on antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, stability, and homology. These epitopes were integrated into a multi-epitope vaccine with spacers and adjuvants to enhance the immune response. A 3D model was developed, confirming structural stability and optimal epitope exposure through molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that the vaccine can induce robust immune responses, suggesting its potential effectiveness against the Mpox virus. Additionally, population coverage analysis supports its promise as a significant tool for controlling Mpox epidemics and advancing global public health initiatives.
Challenges of Distance Learning During Pandemic Covid-19 in Papua and West Papua : Focus on Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Rusli  , Rusdin  
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to provide and explore information about the current challenges perceived by students in distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 214 participants in high school students (SMA, SMK, and MA) in Papua and West Papua was involved in this study. Employing a survey data collection technique and a quantitative descriptive method for analysis of the data, data were gathered using online questionnaires. The results of this study revealed that the current challenges in learning distance during the Covid-19 pandemic based on students’ perceptions were infrastructure and internet connectivity, technological competence, motivation, and financial constraint. Furthermore, the findings showed that these current challenges impact on students’ engagement in distance learning. Further recommendations and future studies on this topic have been included in this paper.
Persistent intestinal myiasis caused by Oestrus ovis in a Nigerian university student: a case report
Authors: Adiri Winifred N , Basil Bruno , Onyia Chinwe P , Ugwuanyi Joy O , Azifuaku Chinyere , Iheukwumere Sam C , Obienu Olivia , Ijoma Uchenna N , Nwokediuko Sylvester C 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal myiasis is a rare form of infestation by fly larvae which typically occurs due to ingestion of contaminated food or water, especially in regions with poor hygiene. This report presents a rare and persistent case of intestinal myiasis caused by Oestrus ovis in a Nigerian university student, highlighting the challenges posed by persistent symptoms despite prolonged standard anti-helminthic treatments.
Case Presentation:
A 24-year-old male Nigerian university student presented with the passage of live maggots in his stool for one year likely due to exposure to contaminated food from unsanitary campus vendors. He had received multiple anti-helminthic treatments without improvement. Clinical evaluations, including imaging and laboratory tests, were mostly normal, with live maggots confirmed as Oestrus ovis larvae in stool samples. Initial treatment with standard anti-helminthics failed, leading to a prolonged treatment with Ivermectin, Nitazoxanide, and colonic washes, combined with levofloxacin for H. pylori eradication, resulting in the resolution of symptoms with no recurrence after six months.
Conclusion
This case emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider rare parasitic infections such as Oestrus ovis myiasis, especially in endemic regions with poor hygiene, and highlights the importance of extended or alternative treatment protocols for resistant cases. It also emphasizes the need for increased awareness of food safety and hygiene in high-risk environments and further research into resistance mechanisms in myiasis treatment.
Mapping a dissipative quantum spin chain onto a generalized Coulomb gas
Authors: Bouverot-Dupuis Oscar 
Published: November 2024

An XXZ spin chain at zero magnetization is subject to spatially correlated baths acting as dissipation. We show that the low-energy excitations of this model are described by a dissipative sine-Gordon field theory, i.e. a sine-Gordon action with an additional long-range interaction emerging from dissipation. The field theory is then exactly mapped onto a generalized Coulomb gas which, in addition to the usual integer charges, displays half-integer charges that originate from the dissipative baths. These new charges come in pairs linked by a charge independent logarithmic interaction. In the Coulomb gas picture, we identify a Berezinsky–Kosterlitz–Thouless-like phase transition corresponding to the binding of charges and derive the associated perturbative renormalization group equations. For superohmic baths, the transition is due to the binding of the integer charges, while for subohmic baths, it is due to the binding of the half-integer charges, thereby signaling a dissipation-induced transition.
IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DA DECISÃO DO POVO INDÍGENA XUKURU VS. BRASIL NO ÂMBITO DO TRIBUNAL REGIONAL FEDERAL DA QUINTA REGIÃO
Authors: De Nazaré dos Santos Mendes Ellen , Oliveira Moreira Thiago , Bitencourt Nóbrega Flavianne Fernanda 
Published: November 2024

A condenação do Brasil na Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos, no Caso do Povo Indígena Xukuru, revela a falha do Estado em assegurar os direitos fundamentais dos indígenas, no que diz respeito à garantia efetiva de posse e usufruto exclusivo de seu território, conforme estabelecido na Constituição Federal de 1988. Levando isso em consideração, eis que surge a seguinte questão: qual o impacto jurídico que a sentença da Corte IDH causou no Tribunal Regional Federal da 5° Região (TRF-5)? Para responder a essa problemática, buscou-se analisar as consequências dessa condenação no âmbito do TRF-5 e investigar o atual estágio de cumprimento das reparações impostas pela Corte IDH ao Brasil.
No que se refere à metodologia, foram realizadas pesquisas bibliográficas e análises de conteúdo das decisões do TRF-5 que envolvem o território indígena Xukuru. E, considerando a importância do cumprimento das decisões do tribunal interamericano, foi possível constatar que a sentença da Corte IDH gerou impactos diretos no TRF-5, levando-o à criação de sua própria Unidade de Monitoramento das Decisões do Sistema Interamericano, assim como a sua adesão ao Pacto Nacional do Judiciário pelos Direitos Humanos. Também foi verificado que, dos pontos resolutivos indicados pela Corte Internacional, metade ainda permanece pendente de cumprimento pelo Estado.
REPERCUSSÕES DA ECONOMIA AMBIENTAL NECOCLÁSSICA E ECOLÓGICA NO DIREITO DO CONSUMIDOR
Authors: LEOCADIO DIAS CUNHA CINTYA , MALVINA PIOVAN MARTINAZZO WALESKA 
Published: November 2024

O presente trabalho pretende a partir das ramificações da economia do meio ambiente (economia ambiental neoclássica e a economia ecológica) refletir de que maneira o sistema econômico afeta o ecossistema maior que o sustenta e como a questão ambiental pode impactar nas relações de consumo. Nesse sentido, primeiramente, busca-se compreender a ordem econômica constitucional e o direito do consumidor, em momento posterior, identificar como as correntes econômicas abordam o tema meio ambiente em seu esquema analítico, apontando para as principais divergências existentes entre as duas modalidades da economia do meio ambiente e, por fim, sobre o olhar das ramificações da economia (ambiental neoclássica e a ecológica) analisar o impacto da questão ambiental nas relações de consumo, com ênfase no direito à educação para o consumo voltado à preservação ambiental – consumo sustentável. A pesquisa é qualitativa com método de análise dedutivo. O artigo é exploratório, com pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Como resultado, têm-se que o consumismo compromete os recursos naturais, se não forem tomadas medidas preventivas urgentes o meio ambiente corre perigo, o fortalecimento de práticas educativas dos consumidores para contribuir com a proteção dos recursos naturais fundamentado nas premissas da economia ecológica contribui para a preservação ambiental.
JOGOS DE AZAR E DE APOSTAS DE QUOTA FIXA ON-LINE: REFLEXÕES SOBRE A PROTEÇÃO DO CONSUMIDOR-APOSTADOR
Authors: Stringari Pasqual Cristina , Manfroi Geórgia 
Published: November 2024

Diante da presença inegável de jogos de azar e jogos de apostas de quota fixa no mundo virtual, o presente estudo busca analisar a matéria à luz do Direito do Consumidor. A atenção que a esfera jurídica tem dado à temática é recente. As novidades legislativas sobre a matéria geraram uma maior atenção à temática. Nesse sentido, buscou-se com o presente trabalho demonstrar que os direitos dos consumidores, no que concerne o mundo de apostas de quota fixa virtuais, devem ser observados para assim promover-se a tutela necessária a este público vulnerável. A fim de se ter uma perspectiva ampliada sobre o assunto e sua complexidade, aplicou-se o procedimento bibliográfico - com consulta a obras, legislações e artigos científicos pertinentes ao tema.
Palavras-chave: Apostas on-line. Apostas de quota fixa. Direito do Consumidor.
Predicting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis via Computed Tomography and Whole-Lung Analysis Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhao Zhifang , Duan Zhimei , Xie Fei 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (ICI-P) is a fatal adverse event of immunotherapy. However, there is a lack of methods to
identify patients who have a high risk of developing ICI-P in immunotherapy.

Purpose:
We aim at predicting the individualized risk of developing ICI-P by computed tomography (CT) images and deep learning to assist in personalized
immunotherapy planning.

Methods:
We first explored the prognostic value of the commonly used clinical factors. Moreover, we proposed a novel whole-lung analysis deep learning
(DL) model, which is constructed using a combination of Densely Connected Convolutional Networks (DenseNet) and Feature Pyramid Networks
(FPN). This DL model mines global lung information from CT images for predicting the risk of developing ICI-P, and it is fully automated and
does not require manually annotating images. Finally, 157 patients were collected and randomly divided into training and testing sets for
performance evaluation.

Results:
In the testing set, the clinical model achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.710 and accuracy of 0.625. By mining global lung information,
the DL model achieved AUC=0.780 and accuracy=0.729 in the testing set, where the DL score revealed a significant difference between ICI-P and
non-ICI-P patients. Through deep learning visualization technique, we found that many areas outside of tumor (e.g., pleural retraction, pleural
effusion, and the abnormalities in vessels) are important for predicting the risk of developing ICI-P in immunotherapy.

Conclusions:
The whole-lung analysis DL model provides an easy-to-use method for identifying patients at high risk of developing ICI-P by CT images, which
is important for individualized treatment planning in immunotherapy. The performance improvement over the clinical model indicates that mining
whole-lung information in CT images is effective for prognostic prediction in immunotherapy.