bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and modulation of bactericidal potential of different antibacterial agents against bacterial pathogens from conjunctivitis infections
Authors: arshad Saman , Ali Nazish Mazhar , Munir Sidra , Dar Mariam , Chaudhry Maham , Mazhar Bushra , Raza Muhammad Ahsan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common disorders seen in hospitals. Youngsters under the age of seven are most likely to be diagnosed. The second highest point in the distribution is reached by women at age 22 and men at age 28. The goal of the current study was to identify and characterize the pathogens that cause conjunctivitis and determine their sensitivity against various antibiotics (such as metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and levofloxacin), as well as aqueous plant extracts (Ficus religiosa, Syzygium cumini, Azadirachta indica, Allium cepa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Syzygium aromaticum, Aloe barbadensis, and Citrus limon) and their green synthetic silver nanoparticles. The samples were taken at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. The blood agar test was used for screening of pathogenic bacteria after samples were isolated. Types of hemolysis that the bacteria displayed were observed in order to assess the pathogenicity of the bacterial isolates. To monitor the antibacterial activity of particular pathogenic strains, the well diffusion method was employed. The outcomes demonstrated that every antibiotic was considerably more effective against isolated bacteria. Significant antibacterial activity against bacterial strains was demonstrated by E. camaldulensis, S. cumini, and C. limon (13.66±1.20 to 9±0.57, 15.5±0.76 to 10.33±1.45, and 21.33±0.88 to 12.66±0.33 respectively) out of all aqueous plant extracts. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles from A. barbadensis, S. aromaticum, C. limon, A. indica, F. religiosa and A. cepa displayed more noteworthy outcomes, with the zones of inhibition measuring 11.66±0.66 to 8.83±0.72; 12.5±0.62 to 9.83±0.72; 16.16±1.09 to 10.83±1.01; 13.33±1.20 to 8.83±0.72; 12.16±1.16 to 7.33±0.66, and 13.16±0.59 to 8.33±0.88 respectively. Bacterial strains were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus paramycoides, Bacillus coahuilensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study showed that due to the rise in bacterial resistance to drugs, antibiotic medication may be replaced by biological antibacterial tools such as plant extracts and green synthesized silver nanoparticle formulations.
Efficient GNN-based Social Recommender Systems through Social Graph Refinement
Authors: Ga Sangmin , Cho Paul Hyunbin , Moon Gordon Euhyun , Jung Sungwon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Precisely recommending relevant items to users is a challenging task because the user’s rating can be influenced by various features. Therefore, social recommender systems have recently been introduced to leverage both the user-item interaction graph and the user-user social relation graph for more accurate rating predictions. Moreover, as Graph Neural Networks (GNN) have demonstrated superior performance in graph representation learning, several algorithms have been developed to incorporate GNN into social recommender systems. However, when the sizes of the social graph and user-item graph are very large, the computational complexity of existing GNN-based social recommender systems for aggregating user and item nodes becomes the primary bottleneck. In this paper, we develop a novel lightweight GNN-based social recommender systems (called LiteGSR) that mitigates the model complexity associated with aggregation operations while maintaining the quality of convergence. In order to efficiently reduce computational complexity, our proposed model refines the social graph by utilizing PageRank-based centrality scores of users and adapts representative virtual users on the user-item graph. Experimental results demonstrate that our new social recommender systems outperform existing state-of-the-art recommender systems in both convergence and training time.
Exploring Probiotic Potential: Lactic Acid Bacteria from traditional foods of Southern India
Authors: Madhankumar Mrithula Mahalakshmi , Xavier Janifer Raj , M Pal Murugan , Chauhan Om Prakash 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Probiotics are highly essential for a healthy gut in order to maintain optimum microbial balance, fight pathogenic bacteria, improve digestion and maintain overall intestinal health. Southern India is characterized by an abundance of fermented traditional foods based on rice (Oryza sativa) with a diverse array of flavors and textures deeply rooted in its culinary practices. The present investigation was carried out to explore the probiotic potential in terms of acid tolerance, bile tolerance, tolerance to the gastrointestinal tract, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility, of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from foods of Southern India. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that Limosilactobacillus fermentum DFRM9 had significantly (p<0.05) higher probiotic effects among the tested isolates and was used as a starting culture for sauerkraut preparation. The results obtained in the present investigation support the use of lacto-fermentation for the production of functional foods for improvement of human health and well being.
Impact of Grazing and Silvopastoral Systems on Carbon and Nitrogen in Sodic Soils of the Dry Chaco
Authors: Banegas Natalia , Santos Daniel Dos , Viruel Emilce , Gasparri Néstor Ignacio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Grazing and silvopastoral systems represent effective strategies for enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) availability in sodic soils. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment over a 6-year period to evaluate alternative cattle production methods aimed at increasing SOC and TN levels across various soil depths. Mineral-associated organic carbon (AOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) fractions were analyzed to elucidate the dynamics of SOC. The experimental plots, totaling 9 hectares each, included pure pasture (PP), silvopastoral systems under tree canopy (SPS-UC), and silvopastoral systems between tree canopies (SPS-BC), all cultivated with Chloris gayana cv Epica INTA-Pemán. Trees of Neltuma alba (syn. Prosopis alba) were planted in the silvopastoral area in 1998. Statistical analyses focused on evaluating the impacts of these treatments, temporal effects, and their interactions on SOC, POC, AOC, and TN across four measurement points. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of SOC, POC, AOC, and TN between PP and SPS systems. Notably, SPS-BC exhibited the lowest SOC and TN values. Both PP and SPS-UC showed increases in SOC within the top 50 cm of soil depth, primarily attributed to elevated AOC levels. These findings underscore the potential of grazing and silvopastoral systems in increase soil fertility by increments in soil organic matter to mitigate sodic soil limitations. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity for further research in silvopastoral systems, with a high possibility in implementation for livestock production in Dry Chaco, to investigate how different tree configurations influence SOC and TN dynamics in these soils.
What Makes Them Well?: Examining First-Year College Students’ Quality of Life Using Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Koo Katie , Kim Sohee 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Analyzing data from 957 first-year college students, this study used latent profile analysis to distinguish subgroups of students based on their perceived quality of life and examined predictors of quality of life. We explored quality of life patterns and how demographic information, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, academic satisfaction, and social support impacted students classified by those patterns. We identified four patterns, focusing on dimensions of wellness based on the Holistic Wellness Model: psychological wellness, physical wellness, social wellness, and environmental wellness. We found that self-esteem, suicidal ideation, academic satisfaction, and social support significantly predicted first-year students’ quality of life. Implications for research and practice related to first year students’ quality of life are discussed.
Application of Taguchi Method to Determine Geomechanical Parameters of Jointed Rock Mass Based on Monitoring Results - Case Study: Siah bisheh Power Plant Cavern
Authors: Majnooni Alireza , Afrazi Mohammad , Yazdani Mahmoud 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Evaluating rock mass parameters is a critical and complex aspect of rock mechanics. Although methods such as the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and conventional back analysis exist, their reliability can be compromised by potential errors. Integrating instrumentation results with back analysis for structures under construction, like caverns and tunnels, offers an efficient and accurate means of determining rock mass parameters. However, due to the numerous factors influencing rock mass behavior, conventional back analysis methods often fall short of delivering accurate results. In this research, we estimated the actual values of rock mass parameters using the Taguchi method, a systematic approach that minimizes the number of numerical analyses required. The Taguchi method was selected for its effectiveness in addressing the complex geometry, variable geological formations, and diverse geotechnical properties of the rocks at the Siah bisheh pumped storage project. Located on the Chalous River in northern Iran, the project comprises a dam and powerhouse, with the underground complex featuring three main caverns in close proximity. The powerhouse cavern measures 131.4 meters in length, 46 meters in height, and 24.5 meters in width. Various types of instrumentation, including extensometers, load cells, and convergence meters, are utilized in this project. Moreover, considering the favorable outcomes of the small strain model (HSS) in real-world projects where unloading plays a significant role, this study determines the parameters of this model and the stress ratio for the selected case using continuum numerical modeling with Plaxis 2D software. The displacements obtained from numerical modeling showed good agreement with the measured displacements, validating the accuracy of both the numerical modeling and the results obtained through the Taguchi method.
Food production diversity based on food groups is associated with minimum dietary diversity and dietary diversity among lactating mothers residing in subsistence farming households in rural Kyankwanzi district, Uganda
Authors: Buzigi Edward , Pillay Kirthee , Siwela Muthulisi , Mkhwanazi Blessing , Ngidi Mjabuliseni 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Consumsing a variety of food groups is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study examined the association between minimum food group production diversity (MFGPD) and minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W); and the correlation between food group production diversity (FGPD) and women's dietary diversity (WDD) among lactating mothers in rural Kyankwanzi district, central Uganda.
Method
Lactating mothers residing in subsistence farming households (HH) were recruited by systematic sampling. The outcome variables were WDD and MDD-W. A respondent scored either “1” or “0” if she consumed or did not consume the food group in the previous 24 hours, respectively. The WDD was calculated as the total of all food group scores. The respondent was considered to have achieved MDD-W if she consumed ≥ 5 out of the 10 food groups. The exposure variables were MFGPD and FGPD. The food groups used to classify foods on the farm were the same as the 10 food group classifications used in the MDD-W. The FGPD was calculated as the total of all food group scores. The MFGPD was achieved if the farm had ≥ 5 of the 10 food groups. The association between exposure and outcome variables was tested by logistic and linear regression models, where adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and adjusted correlation coefficient (β) were reported, respectively.
Results
Lactating mothers who achieved MFGPD were more likely to achieve MDD-W, AOR 8.6 (95% CI: 5.6–13.0, P < 0.0001); There was a positive correlation between WDD and FGPD, adjusted β:0.6 (95%CI 0.5–0.7, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
The MFGPD is associated with MDD-W, while WDD increases as FGPD increases among lactating mothers in the study area. Promoting food production diversity based on food groups has the potential to improve WDD and achieve MDD-W among lactating mothers in the study area.
Robust Adaptive Generalized Correntropy-based Smoothed Graph Signal Recovery with a Kernel Width Learning
Authors: Torkamani Razieh , Zayyani Hadi , Korki Mehdi , Marvasti Farokh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a robust adaptive algorithm for smooth graph signal recovery which is based on generalized correntropy. A proper cost function is defined, which takes the smoothness and generalized correntropy into account. The generalized correntropy used in this paper employs the generalized Gaussian density (GGD) function as the kernel. The proposed adaptive algorithm is derived and a kernel width learning-based version of the algorithm is suggested. The simulation results confirm the performance of the proposed algorithm for learning the kernel-width to the fixed correntropy kernel version of the algorithm. Moreover, some theoretical analyses of the proposed algorithm are provided. In this regard, firstly, the convexity analysis of the cost function is discussed. Secondly, the uniform stability of the algorithm is investigated. Thirdly, the mean convergence analysis is also added. Finally, the computational complexity analysis of the algorithm is incorporated. In addition, some synthetic and real-world experiments show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in comparison to some other adaptive algorithms in the literature of adaptive graph signal recovery.
Topological relations between crystal structures: a route to predicting inorganic materials
Authors: Kabanova Natalia A. , Grishina Ekaterina A. , Osipov Vladislav T. , Pavlova Valeria E. , Solodovnikova Maria A. , Kabanov Artem A. , Blatov Vladislav A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We review topological approaches to the analysis of crystal structures of intermetallic compounds and to searching for structural relations between them as the relations between their underlying atomic nets. We introduce the concept of skeletal net to find the simplest system of interatomic contacts in intermetallic compounds, which supports the three-periodic crystal architecture. Using the observed approaches we have revealed topological relations between crystal structures of binary MeX compounds (Me = Re, Ti or Rh; X = B, C, N or Si) and found a key role of the body-centered cubic net in their topological hierarchy. We have explored the configuration space of the corresponding crystalline systems by generating all possible ‘subnet-supernet’ topological transformations, optimized the resulting topological motifs with DFT methods and found a new phase of RhB to be stable above 22 GPa. We discuss the role of topological representations in the prediction of new crystalline chemical substances.
Understanding the Morphogenesis of Hierarchically Porous Graphitic Aerogels Produced from Protein Precursors
Authors: Arnold Craig , Wani M. Shaharyar , Denzer Bridget , Caggiano Nick , Prudhomme Robert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Hierarchically porous graphitic sheet-based aerogels with high surface area and ultra-low density have drawn massive attention for applications in catalysis, energy storage/conversion, water purification, and beyond. Single-step pyrolysis of protein precursors for creating hierarchically porous monolithic graphitic aerogels with exceptional electrical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties has emerged as a sustainable and green approach. However, the formation mechanisms underlying the transformation of proteins into these aerogel structures remain to be understood. Herein, we demonstrate a self-foaming mechanism for the green and scalable synthesis of hierarchically porous monolithic sheet and fiber-structured graphitic aerogels using protein as a precursor. Rather than creating a solid phase and then exchanging the sacrificial component for a gas phase, we create a gas phase and then convert the liquid into a solid phase. The controlled heating of the protein precursors induces an intrinsic foaming action via initial softening followed by gas evolution and graphitization, resulting in a hierarchically porous graphitic aerogel composed of an integrated sheet and fiber framework. Our systematic exploration into the processing-structure-property relationships that govern aerogel optimization elucidates the interplay between tunable synthesis variables and resultant aerogel properties and structure, enabling deliberate control over microstructural features.
In situ spatial transcriptomic analysis of human skeletal muscle using the Xenium platform
Authors: Umek Nejc , Meznarič Marija , Šink Žiga , Cokan Kaja Blagotinšek , Zmrzljak Uršula Prosenc , Horvat Simon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Traditional transcriptomic studies struggle to capture this heterogeneity of skeletal muscle, particularly at the fibre type-specific level. This study aimed to evaluate capability of the recently developed Xenium platform for conducting detailed spatial transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle histological sections.
Methods: Human vastus lateralis muscle samples from two individuals were analysed using the Xenium platform and Human Multi-Tissue and Cancer Panel which targets 377 genes. Successive tissue sections were additionally stained for specific Myosin Heavy Chain isoforms to differentiate between type-1 and type-2 muscle fibres. Muscle fibres were manually segmented which allowed for the comparison of transcript density between muscle fibre types and specific subcellular regions.
Results: Manual segmentation was crucial for accurate analysis as the automatic algorithms in the Xenium platform were inadequate for the precise segmentation of muscle fibres. The analysis revealed that transcript density was higher in type-1 compared to type-2 fibres, particularly in the nuclear and perinuclear regions where it was higher than in cytosolic region. Additionally, 191 out of 377 genes were differentially expressed between muscle fibres and the perimysium. Comparing the fibre types, specific genes such as PROX1, S100A1, LGR5, ACTA2 and LPL exhibited higher expression in type-1 fibres, while PEBP4, CAVIN1, GATM andPVALB showed higher expression in type-2 fibres.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that the Xenium platform is capable of high-resolution spatial in situ transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle histological sections. Manual segmentation of muscle fibres, although very labour-intensive, is currently required for successful differentiation of transcriptomic profiles between fibre types.
POLA PENDAMPINGAN DAN PEMBINAAN SISWA DALAM MENUMBUHKAN BUDAYA KEISLAMAN DI SMP AL IRSYAD SURAKARTA
Authors: Putri May Salma Magistra , Mustofa Triono Ali 
Published: September 2024

Budaya keislaman ialah kultur, kebiasaan, atau aktivitas sehari-hari yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat dengan mengaitkan nilai-nilai Islam dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Pendampingan dan pembinaan siswa menjadi salah satu solusi dalam melestarikan budaya keislaman terutama di lingkup sekolah. Pendampingan dan pembinaan siswa berupaya untuk memberikan bimbingan, dukungan, maupun mempersiapkan peserta didik agar menjadi individu yang berkualitas dan terhindar dari dampak negatif. Didasarkan dengan latar belakang tersebut, penelitian ini memiliki tujuan berikut, yaitu: (1) menggambarkan budaya keislaman dari aktivitas dan aturan yang berlaku di SMP Al Irsyad Surakarta sebagai tempat dimana peserta didik dapat melestarikan tradisi yang ada dalam agama Islam dan (2) mengulas peranan pendampingan dan pembinaan siswa melalui pola bina prestasi dalam bidang cerdas cermat Islami sejak program tersebut dicetuskan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu deskriptif kualitatif. Sumber data yang digunakan adalah kepala sekolah, guru pamong, guru dibidang kesiswaan, siswa kelas VII-XI, dan buku panduan dari SMP Al Irsyad Surakarta. Selanjutnya teknik pengumpulan data penelitian ini diperoleh dari observasi lapangan, pengumpulan informasi dengan narasumber yang terkait berupa hasil wawancara, serta dokumentasi rekaman dan gambar sebagai bahan pendukung penelitian. Kemudian data analisis dilakukan melalui tahapan yaitu pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Sedangkan uji validitas bersifat triangulasi sumber guna mendapatkan keselarasan antara fenomena dengan beberapa narasumber. Hasil penelitian ini berupa bentuk budaya Islam dari upaya-upaya yang dilakukan SMP Al Irsyad Surakarta. Adapun wujud implementasi program bina prestasi secara umum dan spesifik di bidang cerdas cermat Islami. Program bina prestasi menjadi salah satu terobosan dua tahun terakhir sebagai sekolah Quran.
Pengaruh Model Project Based Learning (PjBL) dan Disiplin Belajar terhadap Hasil Belajar Qur’an Hadits melalui Penggunaan Unit Kegiatan Belajar Mandiri (UKBM) Siswa MAN 1 Medan
Authors: Sinaga Mahmud Qazzan Zaki , Daulay Afrahul Fadhila , Dahlan Zaini 
Published: September 2024

Rendahnya hasil belajar mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam membutuhkan inovasi baru dalam pembelajaran di kelas. Hal ini menjadikan peneliti tertarik mengkaji rendahnya hasil belajar di MAN 1 Medan, dengan menggunakan inovasi baru dalam pembelajaran di kelas yaitu model pembelajaran Project Based Learning. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di MAN 1 Medan.Populasi berjumlah 250 orang. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan cluster random sampling berjumlah 70 siswa. Yaitu 35 siswa pada kelas XI IPA 7 yang akan di ajar dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PjBL) dan 35 orang pada siswa kelas XI IPA 10 yang akan di ajar menggunakan Model pembelajaran Example non exampl. Tes konsep diri dilakukan untuk mengelompokkan siswa yang memiliki konsep diri tinggi dan siswa yang memiliki konsep diri rendah. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan desain faktorial 2 x 2. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif untuk menyajikan data dan dilanjutkan dengan statistik inferensial dengan menggunakan ANAVA dua jalur dengan taraf signifikansi α = 0,05 yang dilanjutkan dengan uji Scheffe. Sebelumnya dilakukan uji analisis berupa uji normalitas dan uji homogenitas. Hasil Penelitian Menunjukkan: (1) Terdapat pengaruh pembelajaran Model Pembelajaran Project based learning (PjBL) terhadap hasil belajar Al-Qur’an Hadis siswa kelas XI IPA MAN Medan. Dalam hal ini hasil belajar Al-Qur’an Hadis dengan pembelajaran Model Pembelajaran Project based learning (PjBL) lebih tinggi dari hasil Al-Qur’an Hadis siswa kelas XI IPA MAN 1 Medan yang di ajarakan dengan example non example. Hal ini juga terlihat dari rata-rata Disiplin Belajar pada kelas dengan perlakuan pembelajaran Model Pembelajaran Project based learning (PjBL) ( =86,7429) lebih tinggi dari rata-rata perlakuan pembelajaran siswa Kelas XI IPA MAN 1 Medan yang diajarkan dengan perlakuan Pembelajaran Example non example ( =81,2286). (2) Terdapat pengaruh Disiplin belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Qur’an Hadits Melalui Penggunaan Unit Kegiatan Belajar Mandiri (UKBM) Siswa MAN 1 Medan. Dalam hal ini dapat dilihat dari rata-rata hasil belajar Al-Qur’an Hadis siswa kelas XI dengan motivasi belajar tinggi ( =87,60) lebih tinggi dari rata-rata hasil belajar Al-Qur’an Hadis siswa kelas XI IPA MAN 1 Medan dengan motivasi belajar rendah ( = 85,60). (3) Terdapat interaksi antara pembelajaran dan disiplin belajar Al-Qur’an Hadis siswa XI IPA MAN 1 Medan. Berdasarkan Interaksi nilai Berdasarkan Interaksi nilai F = 0, 376 di dapat nilai signifikan. (2-tailed) sebesar 0,002 berarti lebih kecil dari α 0,05, maka Ho di tolak. Berarti ada interaksi antara penggunaan perlakuan pembelajaran dan Disiplin belajar.