bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Statistics of Autoregressive Short and Ultrashort Signal Detectors
Authors: Kutuzov V. M. , Ipatov V. P. , Sokolov S. S. 
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Parametric spectral estimation methods provide an improved level of frequency resolution compared to matched signal processing conventionally used in radar technology. This renders these methods promising for application in cases where the sample size of a spatial or temporal signal is strictly limited. At the same time, parametric methods are not optimal when receiving single signals against the background of normal uncolored additive noise. Therefore, parametric methods can be used as independent approaches provided that, first, working detection statistics are selected and justified and, second, that detection characteristics and noise immunity are constructed and analyzed.Aim. This paper investigates modified detection statistics of the parametric Burg method, characterized by the simplicity of decision functions and the capacity to provide a constant false alarm probability under varying additive noise levels.Materials and methods. Statistical computer simulation of the detection algorithms under consideration was conducted. This method is widely used in the analysis of parametric methods of signal processing. The detection characteristics obtained in the work were compared using the well-known Burg harmonic mean method, which involves the lowest computational costs.Results. The paper presents original decision functions derived from the transformation of power spectral density estimates of the Burg method. The detection characteristics and immunity to signal-like interference of the modified Burg method are obtained and investigated, providing the basis for a comparative analysis of the proposed partial detection statistics. These are shown to retain the property of invariance of false alarm probability to the level of normal white noise.Conclusion. The obtained detection and noise immunity characteristics for ultrashort and short signal samples allow us to recommend the parametric Burg harmonic mean method, implemented on the basis of a forward and backward linear prediction algorithm, as an independent signal processing method under strict restrictions imposed on the size of the analyzed sample of spatial-temporal signals.
Pathogenesis of notohedrosis in cats
Authors: Dovhiy Y. Y. , Melniychuk I. V. 
Published: May 2024

The clinical picture of notohedrosis of the experimental cats in 100 % of cases was manifested by skin lesions in the head area ( forehead, bridge of the nose, superbrow arches and auricles). During the experiment in animals, at the intensity of invasion of Notoedres cati of 5.8 ± 0.3 specimens of live ticks in the examined smear showed such symptoms as the appearance of small nodules and blisters (in 40 % of experimental cases), blisters, where the fur partially or completely fell out (60 %), moderate itching (30 %), general depression (20 %), local soreness including the jaws, which prevented the consumption of food, especially solid food (30 %), and as result of weight loss (10 %). According to the intensity of the invasion of 15.1 ± 0.61 specimens of live fleas in the examined swab, the clinical picture in the affected cats was more pronounced. Thus, small nodules and blisters were detected on the affected areas of the scalp in 20 % of the experimental cats; blisters with partial or complete loss of hair on them in 80 %, moderately expressed itching in 50 %, general depression in 60 %, local soreness of the jaws and difficult consumption of solid food in 80 %, weight loss and exhaustion in 60 %. In the leukogram of the blood of the cats of the experimental group, significant changes were also found compared to healthy animals. Thus, basophils (2.70 ± 0.09 %), appeared in the blood of sick animals, which were not found in healthy animals. The concentration of eosinophils was 3 times higher (2.70 ± 0.08 %) in healthy cats and 8.20 ± 0.31 % in sick cats (Р < 0.001). Among the changes in the ratio of neutrophils in the blood of cats with notohedrosis, it was noted the appearance of young neutrophils (4.80 ± 0.18 %), an increase in the number of rod-shaped neutrophils by 69.2 % (from 5.20 ± 0.25 % in healthy animals to 8.80 ± 0.32 % in sick animals, Р < 0.001) and a decrease in segment nuclear by 26.7 % (from 69.30 ± 3.26 tо 50.80 ± 1.71 % respectively, Р < 0,01). At a high intensity of the invasion of pathogens of notohedrosis (15.1 ± 0.61 specimens of live ticks in the examined swear) the changes in the morphological composition of the blood were even more pronounced. Thus, a decrease in the content of erythrocytes by 16.2 % was noted (from 7.44 ± 0.23 Т/L in healthy cats to 6.07 ± 0.19 Т/L in the infected cats, Р < 0.01) and an increase in the number of leukocytes was noted 2.4 times (from 13.90 ± 0.62 tо 32.80 ± 0.85 g/L respectively, Р < 0.001).
PERAN STRATEGI KOMUIKASI PEMASARAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENJUALAN KERIPIK PISANG OLEH – OLEH KHAS LAMPUNG PADA UMKM KERIPI PISANG DIDI
Authors: Helmita Helmita , Surajiyo Surajiyo 
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji bagaimana strategi komunikasi dalam peningkatan penjualan keripik pisang oleh - oleh khas Lampung. Komunikasi pemasaran adalah kegiatan komunikasi yang dilakukan antara pembeli dan penjual dan merupakan kegiatan yang membantu dalam pengambilan keputusan di bidang pemasaran serta mengarahkan pertukaran agar lebih memuaskan dengan cara menyandarkan semua pihak untuk berbuat lebih baik. Bauran promosi meliputi inisiatif dan koordinasi dari kegiatan yang berkaitan dengan pengembangan produk yang diiklankan dan promosinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimanakah strategi komunikasi pemasaran dalam meningkatkan penjualan keripik pisang oleh - oleh khas lampung. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, informan dalam penelitian ini adalah owner UMKM keripik pisang Didi dan 4 orang karyawan serta 30 konsumen UMKM keripik pisang Didi. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yaitu analisis interaktif dengan tahap : reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari 4P yaitu Product, Price, Promotion dan Place. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa strategi komunikasi pemasaran menggunakan media WhatsApp, mulut ke mulut masih harus di tingkatkan lagi dengan menambah strategi promosi yang memanfaatkan media sosial misalnya Instagram, TikTok, dll.
An Accelerator Based System for In Vivo Neutron Activation Analysis Measurements of Manganese in Human Hand Bone
Authors: Arnold M. L. , E. McNeill Fiona , Stronach I M , Pejović-Milić Ana , R. Chettle David , Waker A. 
Published: May 2024

<p>Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient for growth and development. Unfortunately, overexposure can lead to neurological damage, which is manifested as a movement disorder marked by tremors. Preclinical symptoms have been found in populations occupationally exposed to the element, and it is suggested that in late stages of the disorder, removing the Mn exposure will not prevent symptoms from progressing. Hence, it is desirable to have a means of monitoring Mn body burden. <em>In vivo</em> neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) is a technique which allows the concentration of some elements to be determined within sites of the body without invasive procedures. Data in the literature suggests that the Mn concentration in bone is greater than other tissues, and that it may be a long term storage site following exposure. Therefore, using the McMaster KN-accelerator to produce neutrons through the <sup>7</sup>Li(<em>p,n</em>)<sup>7</sup>Be reaction, the feasibility of IVNAA for measuring Mn levels in the human hand bone was investigated. Mn is activated through the <sup>55</sup>Mn(<em>n,y</em>)<sup>56</sup>Mn reaction, and the 847 keV gamma rays emitted when <sup>56</sup>Mn decays are measured outside the body using NaI(Tl) detectors. An optimal incident proton energy of 2.00 MeV was determined from indium foil and microdosimetry measurements. Hand phantom data suggest a minimum detectable limit of approximately 1.8 ppm could be achieved with a reasonably low dose of 50 mSv to the hand (normal manganese levels in the human hand are approximately 1 ppm). It is recommended the technique be developed further to make human <em>in vivo</em> measurements. </p>
Investigating the impact of internal standard heterogeneity on gold quantification with total reflection X-ray fluorescence: A simulation study
Authors: Pejović-Milić Ana , Mankovskii Gabriella 
Published: May 2024

<p>Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is a powerful analytical tool with high detection sensitivity that has been applied to a variety of biological samples. While its ability to quantify gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in cancer cells has been demonstrated, the extension to tissue slices would be of interest. To that end, the preservation of the underlying tissue microstructure requires samples to be measured as microtome slices. In this form, internal standard spiking is warranted. Thus, it is important to examine the impact of sample heterogeneity on the TXRF's quantification accuracy. To address these questions, a TXRF spectrometer along with 5 μm thin heterogeneous and homogeneous samples were modeled using TOPAS. The simulation model generated TXRF spectra which were then analyzed to obtain recovery rates of Au in both sample types. The results showed near 100% recovery regardless of the elemental spatial distribution in the samples. This provides insights into the quantification potential for AuNPs inside tumors that are histologically processed into thin tissue slices. In addition, this simulation toolkit provides the first practical means of modeling TXRF spectroscopy which will hopefully be of use to the TXRF community.</p>
Quantification of gold nanoparticles in histologically thin tissue slices using TXRF
Authors: Mankovskii Gabriella , Pejović-Milić Ana 
Published: May 2024

<p>The promise of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in cancer applications remains an active area of research. The assessment of tumoral uptake can provide valuable insights into their intended efficacy. Total X-ray reflection fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy offers low detection limits coupled with direct quantification through internal standardization. These features enable TXRF to measure uptake of AuNPs in the presence of organic matrix. In this work, we demonstrate TXRF's ability to directly quantify AuNP concentration in slices of tissue. Bovine liver was cut into 5 μm thin slices, and 10 nm reference material AuNPs were deposited either above or below the tissue. The tissue slice was then spiked with a lanthanum (La) internal standard. In order to extend the investigation to homogenous samples, a TOPAS-based simulation toolkit was used to model Au-containing tissue. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the distribution of the Au and La on the tissue slices, revealing elemental uniformity on the tissue surface. The experimental and simulation results revealed nearly 100% quantification accuracy of AuNPs in all permutations of sample configuration—making TXRF a viable option for assessment of tumoral AuNP uptake with minimal sample preparation.</p>
Considering Tenants First: Social Housing Asset Transfers in the Toronto Context
Authors: Leclerc Erika 
Published: May 2024

<p> In 2022, the City of Toronto will be transferring a considerable portfolio of small-scale social housing units to non-profit organizations, in an effort to redefine the Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s portfolio to a more manageable size and reduce costs for the City. Social housing asset transfers are often seen as a policy solution for governments struggling to maintain, finance and operate their public housing stock. While the Tenants First project in Toronto may have positive outcomes for tenants, the implications of this project have yet to be fully determined. This report considers similar programs in other jurisdictions, along with a broader review of social housing policy in Canada, to make recommendations for evaluating and strengthening the Tenants First project. </p>
Adversarial Networks and Low-key Leaders
Authors: Yuan Jiajie 
Published: May 2024

<p> </p>
<p>In adversarial networks, edges correspond to enmity or competition. A new type of vertex called a low-key leader is identified in adversarial networks, distinguished by having a high CON-score and low PageRank. We demonstrate the existence of low-key leaders in adversarial networks by considering data from real-world networks. The three types of adversarial networks we consider are: i) dominance networks in animal populations, ii) trading networks between countries, and iii) Bitcoin trust networks. In each case, low-key leaders are detected. We introduce the direct ranking model that generates power-law directed graphs with low-key leaders. We conclude with several open questions for future work.</p>
Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida spp among Superficial Candidiasis in Outpatients at RMCH
Authors: Nodi Sumona Raisa , Rahman Md Mizanur , Alam Md Shah , Nahar Sabera Gul , Haque Quazi Tamanna , Siam Sifat E , Aktar Roni Md Shahin 
Published: May 2024

Background: The increase in the incidence of fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida albicans and non albicans Candida species, necessitates the understanding and treatment of Candida-associated infection. Due to frequent use of antifungal drugs, a shift is observed towards non-albicans Candida species and change in the pattern of susceptibility of antifungal drugs. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the Candida species from different superficial candidial infections in adult patients and to observe their antifungal susceptibility patterns.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was performed over a period of one year in at tertiary care hospital that involved 180 patients. The candidial species were isolated, their antifungal susceptibility patterns were determined from vaginal swab, oral swab and skin appendages.
Results: Commonest age group involved was of 30-39 years age (30%, 54/180). Among 67 culture positive samples,C. albicans was the most common isolates and found in 39/67(58.21%) cases. Non-candidal species likeC. tropicalis and C. kruseiwere isolated in16/67(23.88%), 09/67 (13.43%)cases respectively. Caspofungin was found to be the most sensitive and fluconazole was found to be the least sensitive antifungal drugs. Non-albicansCandida species showed more antifungal resistance than C. albicans.
Conclusions: Candida albicans were predominant isolated from the superficial candidial infection but C. tropicalis was the most frequently isolated among non albicans species. They showed a wide range of susceptibility towards different antifungal agents and fluconazole was found to be less sensitive drugs.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 93-100
Studi Anotasi Putusan Pengadilan Agama yang Menolak Gugatan Pembatalan Hibah karena Mengandung Kontra Prestasi
Authors: Purwantini Jeane Mamonto Iip 
Published: May 2024

Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan dalam putusan sela telah menyatakan berwenang memeriksa perkara hibah, namun dalam amar putusan akhir menolak gugatan hibah dengan alasan peralihan tanah yang disengketakan bukan perbuatan untuk hibah karena mengandung kontra prestasi atau pengharapan imbalan dari pemberi hibah. Permasalahan ini muncul dalam putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan Nomor 14/Pdt.G/2022/PA.TTY. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis penerapan hukum putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan dalam merumuskan dan menentukan kualifikasi perjanjian peralihan tanah yang disengketakan. Persoalan ini akan dibahas dengan menggunakan pendekatan yuridis normatif yaitu pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan yuridis empiris atau pendekatan studi kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukan ratio decidendi putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan yang menyimpulkan peristiwa peralihan tanah tersebut bukan hibah, merupakan pertimbangan hukum yang keliru menerapkan hukum.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and severity of myasthenia gravis in Korea: using National Health Insurance Service database
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Lee Eun Kyoung , Kim Hasung , Kim Hoseob , Sohn Eunhee 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThis study investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and severity of myasthenia gravis (MG) using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database in Korea.MethodsWe analyzed data from patients with MG in the NHIS registry from 2015 to 2021. MG was defined as (1) patients aged ≥18 years with the G70.0 code, and (2) patients who visited tertiary hospitals regarldless of department in Korea (outpatient clinics at least twice or hospitalization at least once), and (3) patients who were prescribed pyridostigmine as MG medications at least once. We designated pre-COVID-19 as 2019 and post-COVID-19 as 2021 and analyzed the MG incidence and prevalence in 2019 and 2021. We compared the clinical data of patients with MG between the two years. MG exacerbation was defined as the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. Analysis of COVID-19 cases was conducted using an integrated database from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and NHIS. Patients with MG were divided into two groups according to COVID-19 status to compare their clinical characteristics.ResultsA total of 6,888 and 7,439 MG cases were identified in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The standardized incidence was 1.56/100,000 in 2019, decreasing to 1.21/100,000 in 2021. Although the frequency of MG exacerbations was higher in 2019, there were no differences in the number and duration of hospitalizations, duration of ICU stays, hostalization expense, and mortality between 2019 and 2021. Patients with MG and COVID-19 had a higher frequency of MG exacerbations than patients without COVID-19, but there were no differences in the number and duration of hospitalizations, hospitalization expense, and mortality.ConclusionThis study was the first nationwide population-based epidemiological study of MG during COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. The incidence of MG decreased during COVID-19 pandemic, and the severity of MG was not affected by COVID-19.
Characterization of pain-related behaviors in a rat model of acute-to-chronic low back pain: single vs. multi-level disc injury
Authors: Barbe Mary F. , Chen Frank Liu , Loomis Regina H. , Harris Michele Y. , Kim Brandon M. , Xie Kevin , Hilliard Brendan A. , McGonagle Elizabeth R. , Bailey Taylor D. , Gares Ryan P. , Van Der Bas Megan , Kalicharan Betsy A. , Holt-Bright Lewis , Stone Laura S. , Hodges Paul W. , Klyne David M. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionLow back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. We examined pain-related behaviors across 18 weeks in rats that received injury to one or two lumbar intervertebral discs (IVD) to determine if multi-level disc injuries enhance/prolong pain.MethodsTwenty-three Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were used: 8 received disc puncture (DP) of one lumbar IVD (L5/6, DP-1); 8 received DP of two lumbar IVDs (L4/5 &amp; L5/6, DP-2); 8 underwent sham surgery.ResultsDP-2 rats showed local (low back) sensitivity to pressure at 6- and 12-weeks post-injury, and remote sensitivity to pressure (upper thighs) at 12- and 18-weeks and touch (hind paws) at 6, 12 and 18-weeks. DP-1 rats showed local and remote pressure sensitivity at 12-weeks only (and no tactile sensitivity), relative to Sham DP rats. Both DP groups showed reduced distance traveled during gait testing over multiple weeks, compared to pre-injury; only DP-2 rats showed reduced distance relative to Sham DP rats at 12-weeks. DP-2 rats displayed reduced positive interactions with a novel adult female rat at 3-weeks and hesitation and freezing during gait assays from 6-weeks onwards. At study end (18-weeks), radiological and histological analyses revealed reduced disc height and degeneration of punctured IVDs. Serum BDNF and TNFα levels were higher at 18-weeks in DP-2 rats, relative to Sham DP rats, and levels correlated positively with remote sensitivity in hind paws (tactile) and thighs (pressure).DiscussionThus, multi-level disc injuries resulted in earlier, prolonged and greater discomfort locally and remotely, than single-level disc injury. BDNF and TNFα may have contributing roles.
Shortage of plasma-derived medicinal products: what is next? narrative literature review on its causes and counteracting policies in Italy
Authors: Bolcato Matteo , Jommi Claudio 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: This paper describes the peculiarities of the plasma-derived medicinal product (PDMP) market and illustrates the results of a review of the literature on policies aimed at counteracting the shortage of PDMPs.Characteristics of PDMPs: Plasma is primarily used for the industrial production of blood products (80%). The demand for PDMPs, particularly immunoglobulins (IGs), is increasing. However, the production of PDMPs is complex, long (7–12 months), and expensive, accounting, according to US estimates, for 57% of the total costs of PDMPs compared to 14% for small molecules.PDMP market: Unexpected increases in clinical need cannot be addressed in the short term. Once the demand for some diseases is satisfied, the collection and fractionation of plasma will only be used to supply some specific patients. Hence, the full weight of the marginal costs, which remain constant, are borne by a few products. According to last liter economics, the industry stops producing when the marginal revenue equals the marginal cost, thereby reducing the convenience of producing the most commonly used PDMPs (albumin and IG). The imbalance between the demand and supply of PDMPs was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which further increased the cost of plasma collection.Shortage issue and possible solutions: Policies to counteract this imbalance have also been discussed. If the demand is inappropriate, it should be reduced. If the demand is appropriate and supply cannot be increased, the demand should be prioritized for patients for whom PDMPs are the only available treatment. If the shortage depends on insufficient supply and technical and allocative efficiency, both production and supply should be improved, together with incentives for all stakeholders involved in the PDMP market to increase the sustainability of production/supply. The paper is focused on this second issue, that is supply-driven unbalance.