bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is it safe to operate without frozen section biopsy in short segment Hirschsprung’s disease, an overview of 60 cases
Authors: Ademaj Isber , Kurshumliu Fisnik , Hoxha Ilir , Hyseni Nexhmi , Gjonbalaj Naser 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background - Advancment in surgical menagement in a single-stage procedure made intraoperative frozen section biopsy critical for determinin of level of resection to avoid the potential risk of leaving a retained aganglionic segment. However, in most low-income countries due to te lack of this facility, surgeon’s intraoperative judgement is used for the determination of resection level.
Objective - This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of determining the level of bowel resection in short segment HSCR based on macroscopic changes by identifying transition zone as sudden increase in the width typically marked proximal to aganglionated with progressive dilatation in normoganglionated segemnt.
Material and methods -Intraoperative macroscopic evaluation was assessed with postoperative microscopic findings to determine whether the Surgeons intraoperative judgement was accurate in determining the level of bowel resection in 60 cases operated from short segment HSCR. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine if the sensitivity and specificity of both methods were significantly correlated.
Results - Microscopic results showed that the level of resection based on macroscopic evaluation was performed in normally ganglionated segment. Findings confirmed perfect concordance between microscopic and macroscopic evaluation in predicting the level of resection (Kappa=1). The sensitivity and specificity of macroscopic and microscopic examinations showed perfect positive correlation also (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 1.0).
Conclusion - Macroscopic intraoperative assessment by experienced surgeon is highly accurate method in deteminin the level of bowel resection in short segment HSCR.
Determinants of small business tax compliance behaviour: evidence from Zimbabwean small businesses
Authors: Duve Munyaradzi , Schutte Daniel P , Kour Manjit 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many developing countries have implemented tax regulations for small enterprises and the simplification of tax systems in recent times. Tax compliance attitudes within this sector vary significantly due to the high cost to comply and the technical nature of tax law. Many different factors influence presumptive tax compliance and previous research did not necessarily identify the determinants of this phenomenon. Two hundred and nineteen small business owners/managers participated in the study. The validation of the measurement model and the structural model was performed using the Partial-Least Squares Structural Equation Model. The study evaluated the impact of tax morale, corruption and taxpayer/tax office relationships on presumptive tax compliance in the Zimbabwean context. It was found that corruption significantly influences small business operators' compliance levels under a presumptive tax system. Significant differences were found in small business owners and managers who differed in their perceptions of their relationships with the tax office. The results of this study would assist tax authorities in understanding small businesses' perceptions when reviewing the current presumptive tax systems.
VISTA: Vision Improvement via Split and Reconstruct Deep Neural Network for Fundus Image Quality Assessment
Authors: musluh Saif Khalid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Widespread eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma impact people worldwide. Ophthalmology uses fundus photography for diagnosing these retinal disorders, but fundus images are prone to image quality challenges. Accurate diagnosis hinges on high-quality fundus images. Therefore, there is a need for image quality assessment methods to evaluate fundus images before diagnosis. Consequently, this paper introduces a deep-learning model tailored for fundus images that supports large images. Our division method centres on preserving the original image’s high-resolution features while maintaining low computing and high accuracy. The proposed approach encompasses two fundamental components: an autoencoder model for input image reconstruction and image classification to classify the image quality based on the latent features extracted by the autoencoder, all performed at the original image size, without alteration, before reassembly for decoding networks. Through post-hoc interpretability methods, we verified that our model focuses on key elements of fundus image quality. Additionally, an intrinsic interpretability module has been designed into the network that allows decomposing class scores into underlying concepts quality such as brightness or presence of anatomical structures. Experimental results in our model with EyeQ, a fundus image dataset with three categories (Good, Usable, and Rejected) demonstrate that our approach produces competitive outcomes compared to other deep learning-based methods with an overall Accuracy of 0.91, a precision of 0.88, a recall of 0.89, and an impressive F1-score of 0.89. The code is publicly
available at https://github.com/saifalkhaldiurv/VISTA_Image - Quality - Assessment.
Risk factors for recurrent thrombosis and comparison of DOACs vs VKA in selected thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Guillaume LEMESLE , Guillaume BOUZILLE , Nicolas BELHOMME , Chloé ROUSSEAU , Erwan DUMONTET , Isabelle GOUIN , Alain LESCOAT , Alice BALLERIE 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction :
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies (anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2GP1, and lupus anticoagulant) associated with arterial, venous, or microcirculatory thrombotic events and/or obstetrical events (miscarriages, fetal death, and preterm deliveries). The treatment of thrombotic events is based on long-term anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not recommended by international guidelines as first-line therapy because of an increased risk of recurrent thrombosis observed in several randomized trials. This study aimed to report a cohort of patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (TAPS) to identify risk factors associated with recurrent thrombosis and to identify differences between patients treated with VKA and patients treated with DOACs.
Materials and methods :
We collected data from 207 patients with TAPS from an initial population of 655 patients identified by automated screening software.
Results :
This retrospective longitudinal analysis based on real-life data confirmed previously identified risk factors for thrombotic recurrence, such as the absence of antithrombotic treatment following the initial thrombotic event, treatment with antiplatelet treatment alone following the initial thrombotic event. No difference between patients treated with VKA (n=123) or DOACs (n=50) were observed on the risk of recurrent thrombosis. Patients with VKA versus DOACs had more frequently triple APL positivity, presence of lupus anticoagulant and absence of an initial venous thrombotic event.
Conclusions :
This results suggest a potential use of DOACs in the treatment of TAPS for patients with a primary VTE event and a single APL positivity profile, although its retrospective design prevents firm recommendations.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles accelerate diabetic wound healing by inhibiting NET-induced ferroptosis of endothelial cells
Authors: Yang Shuofei , Lu Wei , Li Xiaoyang , Wang Zheyu , Zhao Changbo , Li Qi , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The impaired healing of chronic wounds poses a significant challenge in diabetes. Hindrance to angiogenesis is considered a key driver of delayed wound healing in diabetes. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been identified as a detrimental factor impeding wound healing in diabetes, but the precise mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Traditional approaches for wound healing exhibit constrained therapeutic effectiveness due to prolonged recovery periods and increased susceptibility to infections. Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EVs) have been identified as agents capable of facilitating tissue regeneration and enhancing wound repair. In this study, NET-induced ferroptosis of endothelial cells (ECs) was verified as a crucial factor contributing to angiogenesis hindrance in diabetic wound healing in both clinical samples and animal models. NETs regulated the ferroptosis of ECs by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, MSC-EVs transferred functional mitochondria to neutrophils within the wound tissue, triggered mitochondrial fusion, and subsequently restored mitochondrial function to reduce NET formation. Treatments targeting the inhibition of NET formation and EC ferroptosis or activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway remarkably improved wound healing. This study reveals a novel NET-related mechanism underlying diabetic wound healing and proposes a promising strategy for expediting the recovery of diabetic wounds.
AN ITALIAN TRAVELLER DISCOVERING BOSNIA
Authors: Banjanin Ljiljana 
Published: February 2024

The theme of this paper is the image of Bosnia by Luchino Dal Verme (1838- 1911), a politician, diplomat, geographer and traveller, who in 1903 set off from Italy on a journey across the Adriatic Sea and on to Bosnia. He left a testimony of his experience in the text ‘An Excursion to Bosnia’, published in the Nuova Antologia in 1903.
The aim of the paper is to identify odeporic elements in a text of a hybrid nature with elements of geography, history and literature and to show that the perception of this region of the Balkans changed at the beginning of the 20th century. From the wild, primitive and hostile land of the 19th century travellers, the image offered by Luchino Dal Verme changes radically. This affirms the importance of this traveller’s profile, a cultured and informed man. With a considerable cultural background, he observes and accepts the Other and his land, without conditioning.
Bioinformatics-based Identification of Ferroptosis-related Genes and their Diagnostic Value in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lv Xiaomei , An Yujun 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered a risk factor for
heart metabolic disorder in future mothers and offspring. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed
cell death, which may participate in the occurrence and development of GDM.

Objective:
This study aims to identify ferroptosis-related genes in GDM by bioinformatics
methods and to explore their clinical diagnostic value.

Methods:
The dataset GSE103552 was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)
database to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GDM. Gene Ontology (GO) and
Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and proteinprotein
interaction (PPI) network were performed. Gene sets for ferroptosis were retrieved in
MSigDB and GSVA gene set analysis was performed on the database. Finally, logistic regression
was performed to differentiate between GDM patients and controls to screen for diagnostic
markers.

Results:
A total of 179 DEGs were identified in the expression profile of GDM. GO and KEGG
enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in the TGF-β, p53 signaling pathway, platelet
activation, glutathione metabolism, sensory perception of taste, and leukocyte and vascular
endothelial cell migration regulation. DEGs (n = 107) associated with the ferroptosis gene set
were screened by GSVA analysis. The screened DEGs for disease and DEGs for ferroptosis
scores were intersected and 35 intersected genes were identified. PPI identified two key genes
associated with GDM as CCNB2 and CDK1. Wilcox-test showed low expression of CCNB2
and CDK1 in GDM. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the CCNB2 and CDK1 prognostic
model was 0.822.

Conclusion:
The genes associated with ferroptosis in GDM were CCNB2 and CDK1, which
can be used as valid indicators for the diagnosis of GDM.
Thymus as Incontrovertible Target of Future Immune Modulatory Therapeutics
Authors: Khan Ghulam Jilany , Imtiaz Abeeha , Wang Wei , Duan Hong , Cao Hui , Zhai Kefeng , He Nongyue 
Published: February 2024

:
Thymus plays a crucial role in cellular immunity by acting as a warehouse for proliferating
and differentiating lymphocytes. Thymic stromal cells educate T-cells to differentiate
self from non-self antigens while nurse cells and thymoproteasome play a major role in the maturation
and differentiation of T-cells. The thymic conditions dictate T-cells to cope with the risk
of cancer development. A study was designed to demonstrate potential mechanisms behind the
failure to eliminate tumors and impaired immune surveillance as well as the impact of delay in
thymus regression on cancer and autoimmune disorders. Scientific literature from Pubmed;
Scopus; WOS; JSTOR; National Library of Medicine Bethesda, Maryland; The New York
Academy of Medicine; Library of Speech Rehabilitation, NY; St. Thomas’ Hospital Library;
The Wills Library of Guys Hospital; Repository of Kings College London; and Oxford Academic
repository was explored for pathological, physiological, immunological and toxicological
studies of thymus. Studies have shown that systemic chemotherapy may lead to micro inflammatory
environment within thymus where conventionally and dynamically metastasized
dormant cells seek refuge. The malfunctioning of the thymus and defective T and Treg cells,
bypassing negative selection, contributes to autoimmune disorders, while AIRE and Fezf2 play
significant roles in thymic epithelial cell solidity. Different vitamins, TCM, and live cell therapy
are effective therapeutics. Vitamin A, C, D, and E, selenium and zinc, cinobufagin and dietary
polysaccharides, and glandular extracts and live cell injections have strong potential to restore
immune system function and thymus health. Moreover, the relationship between different ages/
stages of thymus and their corresponding T-cell mediated anti-tumor immune response needs
further exploration.
Cerpen Hamasa An-Nujum Karya Najib Mahfudz: Kajian Sosiologi Sastra
Authors: Noviana Khoiru Syafa'atin 
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to determine the social phenomena contained in the short story Hamasa An-Nujum by Najib Mahfudz. NM is an Egyptian writer who is so famous in the field of modern Arabic literature that in 1988 he received the Nobel Prize in literature. Hamasa an-Nujum is one of the short stories in his short story collection which was only published after he died. It contains many social aspects which are a representation of his hometown and childhood. This research uses qualitative descriptive analysis with data analysis techniques used in the form of (1) data reduction, (2) data presentation, and (3) data verification. From this research it can be concluded that in the short story Hamasa An-Nujum by NM there are various social aspects, including socio-cultural aspects, educational aspects, economic aspects, moral aspects and religious aspects. Apart from that, in the author's sociology, it can be seen that NM is a contemporary writer in Arabic literature who was the first to explore the themes of existentialism, so that many of his works represent various human social lives. Among the social values ​​in the short story that are in accordance with the author's social values ​​are the economic, religious and social aspects.

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui fenomena sosial yang terdapat dalam cerpen Hamasa An-Nujum karya Najib Mahfudz. Najib Mahfudz merupakan seorang penulis Mesir yang begitu terkenal di bidang sastra Arab modern sehingga pada tahun 1988 ia menerima Hadiah Nobel bidang Sastra. Hamasa an-Nujum merupakan salah satu cerpen dalam kumpulan cerpennya yang baru terbit setelah beliau meninggal. Banyak mengandung aspek sosial yang merupakan representasi dari kampung halaman dan masa kecilnya. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif dengan teknik analisis data yang digunakan berupa (1) reduksi data, (2) penyajian data, dan (3) verifikasi data. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa dalam cerpen Hamasa An-Nujum karya Najib Mahfudz terdapat berbagai aspek sosial, antara lain aspek sosial budaya, aspek pendidikan, aspek ekonomi, aspek moral, dan aspek keagamaan. Selain itu, dalam sosiologi pengarang terlihat bahwa Najib Mahfudz merupakan sastrawan Arab kontemporer yang pertama kali mendalami tema-tema eksistensialisme, sehingga karyanya banyak mewakili berbagai kehidupan sosial manusia. Di antara nilai-nilai sosial dalam cerpen yang sesuai dengan nilai sosial pengarang adalah aspek ekonomi, agama, dan sosial.
Spring Water Catchment Building and Water Distribution System for Domestic Needs
Authors: Pribawanto Achmad Yopi Suyitno , Pandjaitan Nora Herdiana , Sutoyo Sutoyo 
Published: February 2024

The population growth implies that the population's need for clean water tend to increase. Clean water availability is not optimal due to geographical factors and discharge reductions during dry season. This research was conducted to design spring water catchment building and water distribution system at Kalikajar Village, Wonosobo. The population data, water demand, and spring discharge were utilized in this research. The population growth was calculated with arithmetic, geometric, exponential, and logistic method. Then water demand was calculated based on SNI 19-6728.1-2002. The population growth which predictably reaches 5328 people in 2050 will result in increasing clean water demand by 9.68% with domestic water demand of 4.63 L/s. The spring discharge measured at the research location showed an average of 10.80 L/s. Therefore, the spring discharge is able to meet the population needs in the projected year. The spring catchment building was designed with Type B, while three reservoir were designed with the capacity of 7 m3 each. The water distribution is designed with gravity system because the elevation difference between the spring and the village is more than 10 m. The PVC pipeline used diameter of 100 – 150 mm, with total length of 11843 m. The design meets the calculated requirement and could be implemented. Keywords: Distribution system, Reservoir, Spring water, Hilly areas, Water consumption
Characteristics of Residence Time of the Torrefaction Process on the Results of Pruning Kesambi Trees
Authors: Dethan Jemmy Jonson Sula , Haba Bunga Fredrik Julius , Ledo Mellissa Erlyn Stephanie , Abineno Jemseng Carles 
Published: February 2024

The excessive use of Kesambi (Schleichera oleosa) tree stems threatens the sustainability of Kesambi plants since it takes several decades for them to regenerate new stems. This research aims to determine the characteristics of torrefied Kesambi tree pruning. The used reactor has a diameter of 400 mm. An iron basket is positioned 100 mm above the reactor base, holding the material within an aluminum cylinder. The reactor temperature is maintained at 300°C using a K-type thermocouple sensor. A heater is placed near the reactor base and covered. The characteristics of the semi-charcoal biomass product are identified, including mass yield, water absorption capacity, moisture content (D3173, 2013); ash content (ASTM D1102-84. Standard Test Method for Ash in Wood, 2013); volatile matter (%) (ASTMD3175, 2011); and fixed carbon (%) (ASTM, 2013). The color of the leaves and the pruned Kesambi tree changes from brown to black as the residence time increases. The results of pruning the Kesambi tree at different torrefaction residence times indicate a decrease in mass yield with an increase in residence time, with the lowest mass yield observed at a residence time of 20 minutes. The water absorption capacity of torrefied Kesambi tree pruning material is found to be between 0.65% and 0.675%, or less than 1% and higher heating value (HHV) prediction 29.0750 MJ/kg.Keywords: Kesambi, Pruning, Residence, Time, Torrefaction
Effect of Light Intensities and Nitrogen Fertilizer Dosages on Growth, Phenolics, and Flavonoid Production of Adenostemma lavenia
Authors: Shafira Anisya Elsa , Aziz Sandra Arifin , Farid Muhammad , Ridwan Taopik , Batubara Irmanida 
Published: February 2024

Adenostemma lavenia (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant considered a weed, consisted a lot of secondary metabolites, including phenolic and flavonoid. This species has been widely distributed in various countries but has yet to be widely cultivated. Thus, this study aimed to determine the highest plant growth, phenolic, and flavonoid production from A. lavenia cultivated under different shade of nitrogen fertilizers. The experiment used a nested design consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was shade with different intensities (0, 25, 50, and 75%) and the second was nitrogen fertilizer with different doses (0, 45, and 90 kg/ha). The highest plant was achieved at 50% shade level, while the highest leaf number and branch were 25% and 0%, respectively. Leaf thickness and stomata number increased in no-shade conditions. The production of phenolics and flavonoids was high under shaded conditions, supported by significantly high phenolics and flavonoid total under shade conditions, i.e., 35.94 mol gallic acid equivalent/plant and 21.76 mol quercetin equivalent/plant, respectively. A 90 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer dose produced the best plant growth, phenolic, and flavonoid production. Keywords: Asteraceae, Heatmap, Nested design, Shade.
Experimental Study on The Performance Characteristics of 4 Stroke CI Engine using Biodiesel Blend from Coconut Oil
Authors: Suardi Suardi , Paribang Feston Sandi , Setiawan Wira , Wulandari Amalia Ika , Pawara Muhammad Uswah , Nugraha Arifuddin Andi Mursid , Alamsyah Alamsyah 
Published: February 2024

To address the challenges faced by the government in the realm of petroleum imports, a promising strategy was adopted in the utilization of biodegradable and renewable sources of biodiesel, such as coconut oil. This research employed two distinct methodologies: Transesterification for biodiesel synthesis and a comprehensive assessment of fuel properties. Subsequently, an experimental phase assessed biodiesel within an engine environment to analysis performance metrics. Results showed that B30 (30% coconut oil, 70% diesel oil) has density of 0.850 g/cm³, B50 (50% coconut oil) at 0.861 g/cm³, and B100 (Pure coconut oil) at 0.893 g/cm³. The values differed from regional standards. As per ASTM D6751, B30 has a viscosity of 2.31 cSt, B50 3.22 cSt, and B100 is 7.02 cSt. Engine performance revealed B50 with the highest torque at 11.787 Nm, while B0 (pure hydrocarbon diesel) has a thermal efficiency of 38%. B0’s lowest SFC (Specific Fuel Consumption) is 261.12 g/kWh at 2000 watts load and 1000 rpm. Biodiesel coconut oil provided comparable power and torque (0.3% difference from B0) but consumed more fuel (21.6 % higher usage than B0). Keywords: Biodiesel, Coconut oil, Engine performance, Fuel properties, Transesterification.