bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resilience enhancement of water distribution networks under pipe failures: a hydraulically inspired complex network approach
Authors: Hajibabaei Mohsen , Yousefi Azadeh , Hesarkazzazi Sina , Minaei Amin , Jenewein Oswald , Shahandashti Mohsen , Sitzenfrei Robert 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The resilience of water distribution networks (WDNs) should be proactively evaluated to reduce the potential impacts of disruptive events. This study proposes a novel hydraulically-inspired complex network approach (HCNA) to assess and enhance WDN resilience in the case of single-pipe failure. Unlike conventional hydraulic-based models, HCNA requires no hydraulic simulations for resilience analysis. Instead, it quantifies the failure consequences of edges (pipes) on the WDN graph by incorporating topological attributes with flow redistribution triggered by failures. This HCNA procedure leads to the identification of critical edges (pipes), as well as impacted ones, representing edges more susceptible to the failure of others. The impacted edges are then systematically resized by integrating HCNA with a graph-based design approach, obtaining a wide range of resilience enhancement solutions. A comparative study between HCNA and a hydraulic-based model for three WDNs confirms HCNA's effectiveness in identifying the most critical pipes in various network sizes. Furthermore, HCNA provides comparable resilience enhancement solutions with a hydraulic-based evolutionary optimization but with significantly lower computational effort (1,400 times faster). Thus, it can efficiently be used for resilience enhancement of large-scale WDNs, where the application of conventional optimizations is limited due to the intensive computational workload.
An Insight into Hepatitis C Virus: In Search of Promising Drug Targets
Authors: Dwivedi Manish , Dwivedi Aditya , Mukherjee Debalina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a global health concern, chronically infecting over 70 million people worldwide. HCV is a bloodborne pathogen that primarily affects the liver, and chronic
HCV infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure over time. There is an urgent
need for more effective approaches to prevent and treat HCV. This review summarizes current
knowledge on the virology, transmission, diagnosis, and management of HCV infection. It also
provides an in-depth analysis of HCV proteins as promising targets for antiviral drug and vaccine
development. Specific HCV proteins discussed as potential drug targets include the NS5B polymerase, NS3/4A protease, entry receptors like CD81, and core proteins. The implications of HCV
proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are also explored. Current direct-acting antiviral
therapies are effective but have cost, genotype specificity, and resistance limitations. This review
aims to synthesize essential information on HCV biology and pathogenesis to inform future research on improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies against this global infectious
disease threat.
Efficacy of Rituximab on Refractory Organ Involvements in
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Hajishah Hamed , Amini Mohammad Javad , Chadeganipour Amir Shayan , Salehi Seyyed Amirhossein , Kazemi Danial 
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of Antineutrophil cytoplasmic
antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) characterized by necrotizing vasculitis affecting
small and medium-sized blood vessels. GPA affects various organs, with respiratory tract,
vasculitis and glomerulonephritis being the most common triad. Remission induction and maintenance
therapy for GPA traditionally involves corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. However,
treatment with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that depletes B-cells involved in autoimmune disease,
has been successful in inducing remission in several studies. The purpose of this systematic
review was to investigate the efficacy of rituximab in treating various clinical manifestations of
GPA.

Methods:
In adherence to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we carried
out a comprehensive review to investigate the effectiveness of rituximab on particular organ
involvement in GPA. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) up until
November 6, 2022, for case reports on the topic. To ensure all relevant studies were included, we
manually screened the first 50 pages of Google Scholar's search results.

Results:
The review identified a total of 64 case reports and a case series of 113 cases, highlighting
the effectiveness of rituximab in treating refractory organ involvement in GPA. The review also
analyzed the effectiveness of rituximab in treating ocular, CNS, cardiac, pulmonary, cutaneous,
gastrointestinal, renal, and other organ involvements in GPA.

Conclusions:
Our results indicated that rituximab can be a promising therapy for treating specific
clinical manifestations of several organ involvements. However, more research is needed to determine
the long-term efficacy of rituximab in treating GPA.
Estimating the Size of the Hidden Population of COVID-19
Authors: Mehraeen Esmaeil , Akhtaran Fatemeh Khajeh , Faridrohani Mohammad Reza , Afzalian Arian , Mojdeganlou Hengameh , Ghanbari Zeinab , Fathzadeh Yasamin , Gholizadeh Mohadeseh , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Hackett Daniel 
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
An asymptomatic population has the same infection as symptomatic individuals,
so these individuals can unknowingly spread the virus. It is not possible to predict the rate of
epidemic growth by considering only the identified isolated or hospitalized population. In this study,
we want to estimate the size of the COVID-19 population, based on information derived from patients
visiting medical centers. So, individuals who do not receive a formal diagnosis in those medical
centers can be considered as hidden.

Methodology:
To estimate the Bayesian size of the hidden population of COVID-19 a respondentdriven
sampling (RDS) method was used. Twenty-three people infected with COVID-19 seeds and
who had positive PCR test results were selected as seeds. These participants were asked whether any
of their friends and acquaintances who had COVID-19 did not visit a medical center or hid their illness.
Access to other patients was gained through friendship and kinship, hence allowing the sampling
process to proceed.

Results:
Out of 23 selected seeds, only 15 seeds remained in the sample and the rest were excluded
due to not participating in the further sampling process. After 5 waves, 50 people with COVID-19
who had hidden their disease and were not registered in the official statistics were included in the
sample. It was estimated that 12,198 people were infected with COVID-19 in Khalkhal city in 2022.
This estimate was much higher than recorded in the official COVID-19 statistics.

Conclusions:
The study findings indicate that the estimated 'true' numbers of COVID-19 patients in
one town in Iran were significantly higher compared to the official numbers. The RDS method can
help capture the potential size of infections in further pandemics or outbreaks globally.
An Overview of the Global Alarming Increase of Multiple Drug Resistant: A Major Challenge in Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Alara John Adewole , Alara Oluwaseun Ruth 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
The increased spreading of antibiotic resistance among different infectious agents has been
a fast-growing public health challenge worldwide; this is because of the discovery of new resistance
mechanisms and the reduction in quality and effective treatments of general pathogenic infections.
This has caused unsuccessful microbial responses to standard therapy, which could lead to a higher
risk of mortality, prolonged illness, and more expenditures for health care. Most parasites, bacteria,
fungi, and viruses can produce a higher degree of multidrug resistance (MDR) with increased mortality
and morbidity. Moreover, the establishment of MDR can be a natural phenomenon, improper
utilization of antimicrobial drugs, lack of proper sanitary conditions, poor method of food handling,
and absence of infection prevention and control (IPC), which could be responsible for the further
spreading of MDR. Moreover, MDR helminth’s mechanism of action can occur via genetic alterations
in the drug transport, metabolisms and target sites. MDR bacterial mode of action such as cell
wall synthesis inhibitors, DNA synthesis inhibitors and so on. However, there have been different
approaches to managing and preventing multi-drug resistance. Hence, this review’s aim is to educate
the public about the global increase of multiple drug resistance and the danger ahead if appropriate
measures are not put in place to combat microbial infections.
Autorregulación del aprendizaje como predictor de la autoeficacia académica en universitarios del Ecuador
Authors: Regatto-Bonifaz Jacqueline del Pilar , Viteri-Miranda Víctor Manuel , Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo 
Published: November 2023

La autorregulación del aprendizaje (ARA) y la autoeficacia académica (AA) forman parte de la teoría social cognitiva y del aprendizaje, y cumplen un rol fundamental en el contexto educativo. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo identificar el potencial explicativo de la ARA en la AA en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios del Ecuador. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa, descriptiva y explicativa por medio del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). La muestra la comprenden 570 estudiantes de dos universidades públicas del Ecuador. El 76 % son mujeres y el 24 % son varones, con edades entre los 17 y los 56 años (M = 25.29). Los resultados reflejan que existe una correlación positiva y moderada entre la ARA y la AA. Además, no se presentan diferencias significativas por género (p > .05) en ambos atributos. A nivel de influencia, la ARA explica en un 23.8 % los cambios de la varianza de la AA mediante de técnicas SEM. Se concluye que la ARA es un predictor moderado de la AA en universitarios del Ecuador.
Bacterial Profile, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection Among Patient Suffering from Chronic and/or Acute Prostatitis at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Centre Cameroon
Authors: Dongmo Teudjieu Achille Noel , Mbassi Achille Aurele , Lyonga Emilia , Baiye William Abange , Chafa Betbeui Anicette , Toukam Michel , Ekanga Geogette , Assana Raoul Ibrahim , Yimtchi Ngassa Christian Lavoisier , Gonsu Kamga Hortense 
Published: November 2023

Background: A febrile urinary tract infection in men should suggest acute prostatitis. Any infection of the male urinary tract has the potential to affect the prostate. Acute prostatitis happens when your prostate gland becomes suddenly inflamed. The objectives of our study were to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections and the associated risk factors in men presenting chronic and/or acute prostatitis. Also, to identify the associated bacterial strains and finally to establish their antibiotic susceptibility profile.
Materials and Method: We conducted a prospective and cross-sectional study. A total of 77 male participants were recruited, aged 24 years to 84 years at the Urology Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital that presented with clinical signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection from February to June 2021. Urine specimens were collected and analyzed at the Bacteriology laboratory of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. Isolation and identification of bacteria were done using conventional methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and interpretation were performed according to CASFM 2021, V.1.0 April. The statistical analysis of our data was done using SPSS version 22.0 software.
Results: The prevalence of urinary tract infection in our studied population was 15.58% (12/77). Among the 12 participants with urinary tract infection, we isolated and identified six (6) bacteria species; Escherichia coli 25% (3/12), Proteus vulgaris 25% (3/12), Citrobacter freundii 16.67% (2/12), Pseudomonas fluorescent 16.67% (2/12), Enterococcus spp. 8.33% (1/12) and Proteus penneri 8.33% (1/12) respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed reduced susceptibility to 3rd generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone). Beta-lactams showed very low activity on almost all the family of Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated. Flouroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and nalidixic acid) showed a resistance of more than 50% on the majority of the species isolated. All the isolated Gram negative bacteria were multi-drug resistant. Patients with a history of urinary tract tumors, urinary catheters, and diabetes were the most exposed to urinary tract infection; 58.33% (7/12 patients), 50.00 % (6/12) and 41.66% (5/12 patients) respectively. Participants of age >55 years were those presenting the most with urinary tract infection.
Conclusions: Overall, Enterobacteriaceae were primarily isolated from patients with prostatitis. Urological history such as urinary tract tumors, and Diabetes were significantly associated with UTI.
Operationalizing ‘Policy Capacity’: A Case Study of Climate Change Adaptation in Canadian Finance Agencies
Authors: Williams Russell Alan 
Published: November 2023

Although a widely used term in the literature,
much of what we know about “policy capacity” in government
is limited to anecdotal evidence. Policy scholars have
not systematically investigated the ability of policy professionals
to provide good advice in relation to new policy challenges;
indeed many are skeptical that policy capacity (understood
as the potential for “evidence based policy learning”)
is an important driver of policy change in the first
place. Despite these empirical and theoretical problems,
governments remain committed to improving policy capacity
in the pursuit of better public policy. This paper offers some
preliminary observations on the difficulty of studying and
operationalizing policy capacity through an examination of
the finance sector in relation to climate change adaptation;
part of a large collaborative SSHRC CEI project. Drawing on
the existing literature on Canadian finance policymaking
dynamics, a survey of policy professionals in the area, and an
illustrative case study, the paper makes two claims. It suggests
that viewing capacity as involving both the cognitive
skills of professionals (or “analytical capacity”), and the
institutional arrangements in which policy research is conducted
(or “governance arrangements”), is a useful starting
point. However, as the findings in this paper highlight, if
capacity is the ability to provide effective advice in relation to
specific problems, then the nature of the problem itself (how
“wicked” or otherwise it might be) will also impact capacity.
Peering into the black box of government policy work: The challenge of governance and policy capacity
Authors: Sapeha Halina , Wellstead Adam , Evans Bryan 
Published: November 2023

There have been calls for more diffused policy advisory systems where a plurality of actors, particularly actors from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), engage with government in deliberating policy interventions to address collective problems. Previous research has found that government-based policy workers tend to have low levels of interaction with outside actors. However, very little is understood about the nature of these interactions. To shed light on this important relationship, a multi-regression structural equation model examines the nature of government-based policy work across three Canadian provinces. From an online survey of 603 Canadian provincial government policy workers, we develop six hypotheses that focus on the drivers of policy capacity and their degree of interaction with non-governmental organizations. The results revealed that increased interaction by the respondents with stakeholders was an important determinant for inviting stakeholders to policy discussions and led to increased perceptions of policy capacity. However, the ongoing trend of politicization in policy work had a dampening impact on overall policy capacity. More importantly, it appears that undertaking more evidence-based policy work did not lead to a greater policy capacity perception or interaction with stakeholder groups. The survey design and model development have the potential to be replicated in other jurisdictions.
Tuition Policy Instruments in Canada Public Policy Choices for What Problems
Authors: Rexe Deanna 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing policy instruments as the unit of analysis and employing an instrument typology, this study considers policymaker goals and the effects of different policy actors and their influence strategies on selection. This study builds upon conceptions of choice approaches to policy instruments, using an analytical lens to describe policy actor perceptions and policy instrument use in three Canadian provinces to shed new light on the nature of higher education policy design.RésuméEn utilisant les instruments de politique comme unité d'analyse et en employant une typologie d'instruments, cette étude considère les objectifs des décideurs politiques et les effets des différents acteurs politiques et leurs stratégies d'influence sur la sélection. S’appuyant sur les conceptions des approches de choix des instruments de politique et utilisant une lentille analytique pour décrire les perceptions des acteurs politiques ainsi que les instruments de politique dans trois provinces canadiennes, cette étude servira de tremplin afin de jeter un nouveau regard sur la nature de la conception des politiques d'enseignement supérieur.Key Words: policy instruments; higher education; provincial policy; tuition policyMots-clés : instruments de politique; enseignement supérieur; politique provinciale; politique de scolarité
Analgesic and Antipyretic Effects of Jamblang (Syzygium cumini (l). Skeel) Leaves Ethanol Extract
Authors: Mus Suwahyuni , Rahimah Sitti , Maryam Fadhilla 
Published: November 2023

Analgesic-antipyretic is a compound used to reduce pain and fever. This study aims to determine whether the ethanol extract of Syzygiumium cumini leaves has analgesic and antipyretic activity in mice (Mus musculus) induced by acetic acid and peptone. The method used was the Writhing method with acetic acid induction fanalgesiasic and the rectal temperature measurement method for antipyretic testing. This research was started by extracting Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels leaves with 70% ethanol solvent by maceration. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels leaves extract was then tested in 5 groups the s, positive control growth as up given paracetamol for antipyretic testing and mefenamic acid for analgesic testing, negative control group ( Na.CMC suspension), a dose of 6 mg/Kg, 9 mg/Kg and 12 mg/Kg of body weight. The results indicate that the ethanol extract Syzygiumium cumini leaves has analgesic and antipyretic activity at all treatment doses and the most effectivect is at a dose of 6 kg BW
KEYWORD : Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels, Mice, Analgesic, Antipyretic
The Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract Botto’-Botto’ Leaves (Chromolaena Odorata L.) in Transdermal Patch Formulation as Medication in Wound Healing
Authors: Masri Anshari , Nurfadilah  , Zulkifli  , Duppa Muhammad Taufiq , Sibadu Muhammad Subhan A 
Published: November 2023

Botto'-botto' plant (Chromolaena odorata L.) is a native Indonesian plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known to have a high flavonoid content and antioxidant activity that can slow down the oxidation process to prevent infection while accelerating wound healing. botto'-botto' is designed as a patch to make it easier to use and provide the most effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to make a patch preparation and to investigate its effects on wound healing. The patch was formulated and then tested for physical properties (organoleptic, superficial pH, moisture loss, thickness, weight uniformity, and folding endurance test) and their activity against wounds experimentally using rabbits as an animal test with 4 (four) treatment groups, namely the control group, botto'-botto’ patch 10%, 20%, and 30%. Wounds were made with an area of 2 cm and 0.1 cm deep. The wound was plastered with a patch and observed for 18 days. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA. The results showed that the patch formulation of leaves extract botto'-botto’ affects for wound healing in rabbits significantly, with p<0.05. Furthermore, the patch formulation of ethanol extract botto’-botto’ with a concentration of 30% had the best and fastest healing effect among all formulas.
KEYWORDS: Botto’-botto’, wound healing, transdermal patch
Sunnah, Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Peradaban (Analisis Terhadap PandanganYusuf al-Qaradawi)
Authors: Yahya Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

Sunnah bermakna tradisi Nabi Muhammad saw yang transformasi pesannya telah melewati masa yang panjang. Relevansi antara tradisi Nabi saw dengan tuntutan masyarakat dari masa ke masa semakin kompleks yang oleh Nabi Muhammad saw memerintahkan umatnya untuk mendidik generasi penerus dalam upayah menjawab segala problema sosial yang dihadapi. Untuk mengangkat harkat martabat dan peradaban umat Islam, ajaran pokok Islam, al-Quran dan hadis menempatkan pendidikan sebagai skala prioritas dengan cara memerintahkan dan memoivasi menimba ilmu pengetahuan. Pendidikan dalam Islam sudah jelas arah dan tujuannya, yakni pada memahami bahwa sumber ilmu adalah Allah, sumber dari segala potensi bakat adalah Allah Maha pencifta, dengan tujuan memakmurkan bumi sehingga terwujudlah kehidupan yang berperadaban tinggi di zamannya. Salah satu ulama hadis kontemporer Yusuf al-Qaradawi dalam kitabnya ”al-Sunnah al-Masdaran li al-Ma’rifah wa al-Hadharah, berpandangan bahwa peradaban umat Islam akan maju jika syiar keislaman dibangkitkan dengan menggali ajaran Islam secara original, tanpa dipengaruhi oleh dotrin tertentu. Originalitas dalil memungkinkan untuk melakukan adanya pleksibilitas cara pandang dan dalam pengamalannya. Sehingga oleh al-Qaradawi melihat bahwa Islam adalah agama realita dan aktual, serta fleksibel dalam pengamalan baik kaitannya dengan hablun minallah dan hablun minannas, sehingga dalam kaitan dengan fiqih dapat dielaborasi ke seluruh tuntutan masa dan perubahan. Menurutnya perbedaan pandang para ulama fiqih membuka ruang terjadi perbedaan dalam hal interpretasi dalil, memungkinkan munculnya mazhab baru yang memberikan kemudahan dan jawabahan seiring perkembangan dan kemajuan pendidikan dan peradaban umat Islam. Oleh karena itu Yusuf al-Qaradawi menawarkan fiqih taysir (mempermudah) sebagi solusi memahami hukum Islam. Pemikiran dan pandangan Al-Qaradawi yang moderat, terkenal toleran dan menolak segala bentuk ekstriminitas dan terorisme, Al-Qaradawi adalah seorang penyeru dialog antar-kultur dan agama
An early clinical phenotype of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in the Pug reveals similarities to multiple sclerosis in humans
Authors: Windsor Rebecca , Stewart Samuel , Huentelman Matt , Keller Stefan , Khanna Chand 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a fatal neuroinflammatory disease that previously carried a uniformly grave prognosis. Our recent identification of a novel early form of NME in Pugs suggests that disease onset and progression are likely more insidious than previously recognized and provides new hope that early therapeutic intervention may halt disease progression and ultimately prevent or cure NME. This novel perspective also sheds new light on the clinical similarities to multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans and provides a rationale for cross-species translation. The history of recent scientific discoveries in NME and new parallels between MS and NME will be reviewed.