bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to enhance the effects of Platelet Rich Plasma on tissue regeneration: AMPLEX PLUS technology, a new strategy.
Authors: Brundo Maria Violetta , Ferruggia Greta , Contino Martina , Zimbone Massimo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The employment of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has generated promising results in several fields of aesthetic and regenerative medicine. However, PRP research represents a continuing expanding field, due in part to the lack of standardized protocols and consistent clinical trials. A significant progress has been achieved with the analysis and the elucidation of mechanisms of exosomes. They are extracellular vesicles surrounded by membrane with a crucial role of carriers of different substances involved in tissue repair. These bioactive molecules are growth factors and cytokines capable of stimulating cell proliferation, ensuring tissue regeneration in response to injury. Therefore, scientific research has focused on identifying other matrices rich in growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes to improve the efficacy of PRP. In the present study, we evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the concentration trends of 20 growth factors and cytokines in plasma, PRP and PRP with a new technology, a compound derived from colostrum enriched with exosomes. The results showed that the concentration of all analyzed compounds increased significantly in PRP samples with the new technology compared with samples containing only plasma or PRP, suggesting how this new strategy can improve PRP performance and make potential progress in regenerative medicine.
A Deep Neural Network – Mechanistic HybridModel to Predict Pharmacokinetics in Rat
Authors: Führer Florian , Gruber Andrea , Diedam Holger , Göller Andreas H. , Menz Stephan , Schneckener Sebatsian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
An important aspect in the development of small molecules as drugs or agro-chemicals is their systemic availability after intravenous and oral administration.The prediction of the systemic availability from the chemical structure of a potential candidate is highly desirable, as it allows to focus the drug or agrochemical development on compounds with a favorable kinetic profile. However, such pre-dictions are challenging as the availability is the result of the complex interplay between molecular properties, biology and physiology and training data is rare.In this work we improve the hybrid model developed earlier [34]. We reducethe median fold change error for the total oral exposure from 2.85 to 2.35 and for intravenous administration from 1.95 to 1.62. This is achieved by training on a larger data set, improving the neural network architecture as well as the parametrization of mechanistic model. Further, we extend our approach to predictadditional endpoints and to handle different covariates, like sex and dosage form. In contrast to a pure machine learning model, our model is able to predict new end points on which it has not been trained. We demonstrate this feature by predicting the exposure over the first 24h, while the model has only been trained on the total exposure.
Analysis of the Chain Mediation Effect between Intergenerational Support and Mental Health of Older Adults in Urban China: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Xu Jiahong , Wang Youwei , Cheung Justin Chun-Ting , Yin Yanlong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: This study aimed investigate the impact of intergenerational support on the mental health of older adults in urban China. It also sought to evaluate the chain mediation effect of attitudes toward younger people and willingness to interact with younger people within a non-familial context between intergenerational support and mental health. Methods: Data were derived from a community survey that adopted quota sampling in mainland China in 2022 (N = 780).Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and the bootstrap technique was used to test the mediation effect. Results: A significant positive association was found between intergenerational support and the mental health of older adults in urban China (B = 0.852, 95% confidence interval CI [0.157,1.617]). Intergenerational support had a specific indirect effect on mental health through older adults’ attitudes toward younger people within a non-familial context (B = 0.665, 95% CI [0.443,1.046]). There was a chain mediation effect (B = 0.126, 95% CI [0.069,0.224]) in relation to attitudes toward younger people and the willingness to interact with younger people between intergenerational support and mental health. Mediation accounted for 44.44% of the total effects in the model.
Conclusion: These findings help identify modifiable factors that can improve the mental health of older adults. In line with the proposed serial multiple mediation model, this study provides theoretical and practical insights concerning the synergistic effect of intergenerational support at the family level and intergenerational interaction at the community level. Policy and social service implications are also discussed.
The Risk of Pathogens Associated with Seed Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) Imported to Sri Lanka : A Metagenomic Approach
Authors: Rajapaksha R.W.P.M. , Attanayaka D.P.S.T.G. , Vivehananthan Kalaivani , Linacre Adrian , McNevin Dennis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Potato is a major global crop and transmission of tuber borne diseases is a major cause of yield reduction in potato cultivation. The potato tuber harbors an array of undescribed microorganisms which may include pathogens of quarantine importance. Therefore, many countries follow stringent quarantine regulations to prevent the entry of pests with the imported potato seed stocks. In this study, 16S rDNA-based meta-genomic analyses was carried out to detect the microbial pathogens and to characterize the bacterial diversity associated with the potato seed tuber consignments imported to Sri Lanka for cultivation purposes. DNA extracted from the potato tubers were sequenced by using Ion Torrent Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and meta-genomic studies were performed by amplifying a ~ 400 bp V1-V2 hypervariable region of the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene. The computational steps required to analyze the NGS data of 16S rDNA were carried out by using the MG-RAST online pipeline which implements workflows for sequence alignment with the SILVA SSU ribosomal RNA database. The sequence analysis profiled all available bacteria within each sample. Bacteria representing Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetaceae and Sphirochaetales phyla were detected in varying abundances. PCR with the species specific primers and sequencing confirmed the presence of Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium caratovorum, Streptomyces scabies and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae which are pathogens of quarantine importance.
Students’ perceptions of value of transnational higher education for career, educational, and personal advancement in the Peruvian and Indonesian contexts
Authors: Haupt John P , Amarilla Jessica , Chelabi Elham , Sutrisno Agustian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The present study investigates how students perceive international dual-degrees provide value for career, educational, and personal advancement. It also compares how student perceptions of value differ based on their country context and plans to be mobile or immobile during their programs of study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a total of 23 students, 15 from Peru and 8 from Indonesia, who were enrolled in dual-degree programs offered by one US university and Peruvian and Indonesian partner universities. The findings show that students at both locations perceived that earning dual-degrees provided value for career, educational, and personal advancement though for varying reasons. Country comparisons showed that perceptions of value generally converged, while comparisons by mobility plans showed greater value associated with being mobile for career and personal advancement than being non-mobile.
Velocity and Blood Perfusion’s Impact on Transient Bioheat Transfer in Human Skin, a Numerical Investigation
Authors: Hasnain Shahid , AlRajhi Azizah H. , Saqib Muhammad , Abbas Imran 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We used fundamental-solution-based numerical methods, notably the finite volume method, to solve the two-dimensional transient bioheat transfer problem in this study. The modified Chen and Holmes (CH) bioheat transfer equation governs this problem, providing a solid physical and physiological foundation. The equation is derived from the fundamental principle of energy conservation and takes into consideration the thermal energy produced by metabolic processes occurring within the tissue. Both the Pennes model and the Chen-Holmes model are utilized for the analysis of Bioheat transfer. Instead of Pennes’ equation, the CH model includes a convective heat transfer term that accounts for thermal interactions between blood vessels and tissues and a conductive term that accounts for enhanced tissue conductive heat transfer as a function of blood perfusion rate. We used a uniform velocity term to analyze temperature profiles to explore the effects of altering parameters across time. Convective results match the literature, proving accuracy and boosting our trust in the proposed approach.
Epidemiology of Faecal Incontinence for People with Dementia Living in the Community in New Zealand: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using interRAI Home Care Assessment Data
Authors: Burholt Vanessa , Pillai Avinesh , Cheung Gary , Awatare Sharon , Daltrey Julie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Globally there are few studies but wide variation in epidemiology of faecal incontinence (FI) for people living with dementia in the community. Our objectives are to identify 1-year period prevalence, 5-year incidence, and risks for faecal incontinence (FI) for people living with dementia.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study comprising International Residential Assessment Instrument Home Care version (interRAI-HC) assessments in a 5-year period in New Zealand (N = 109964). For prevalence analysis, we selected a dementia cohort for a 1-year period from 1 Aug 2020 to 31 July 2021 (n = 7775). For the incidence analysis, participants in the dementia cohort were followed up from the day of the first dementia diagnosis during the period 1 Aug 2016 and 31 July 2021. Dementia was identified by combining diagnosis of “Alzheimer's disease” and “Dementia other than Alzheimer's disease”. Participants were coded with faecal incontinence if they were continent with a stoma, seldom incontinent, occasionally incontinent, often incontinent and incontinent.
RESULTS
1 year period (1 Aug 2020-31 July 2021) prevalence of FI was 26.7% (2082/7775) of PLWD. 5-year incident FI rate was 19.0 per 100 person years for PLWD and 12.3 per 100 person years for people without dementia. Controlling for risk factors for FI in both groups the hazard ratio for FI was 1.7 for PLWD.
CONCLUSIONS
FI affects a significant proportion of people with dementia in NZ. interRAI-HC data could facilitate global epidemiological studies to estimate service or intervention need for people with dementia to redress or manage FI.
Ultrasonic processing in yogurt production technology
Authors: Borisenko A. , Kostenko E. , Kostenko K. , Borisenko A. , Malsugenov A. , Misyura V. 
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to study the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the rheological and total qualitative characteristics of finished products in the production of yoghurts. The raw materials used were normalized pasteurized milk with a fat content of 2,5 %, protein and skimmed milk residue — at least 3,2 and 9,5 %, respectively, Lactoferm ECO dry yogurt starter culture (Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgarius). The results of the analysis of the dispersed composition of the milk mixture after 2,5 hours of fermentation, as well as the dependence of the shear stress and the effective viscosity coefficient on the deformation rate gradient are presented. Ultrasonic treatment helps to increase the dispersion of the milk mixture, the formation of a homogeneous mesh protein matrix with a high level of interconnections and a smaller pore size. A comprehensive study of rheological parameters, microscopy and organoleptic analysis allowed us to conclude that samples of fermented milk product produced using ultrasonic processing have
higher consumer properties compared to yogurt obtained using traditional technology.
Water committees in the implementation of decentralization measures in the water sector in Gaza Province, Mozambique: ownership and resistance
Authors: Nhaurire Alves Francisco , Wells-Brown Tanya , Capurchande Rehana 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
As part of the water supply services decentralization in Mozambique, water user committees play a key role to manage water supply systems. However, they struggle with sustainability issues, which affect the water access to the communities. This paper intends to understand the sustainability of water systems in Mozambique based on the sociocultural dynamics, normative and institutional framework, and the interaction of social actors involved in the community management of water systems. This is a qualitative study based on phenomenology principles whose experiences were based on field work carried out in Gaza province, Mozambique. The study revealed that community management of water supply systems in Mozambique was a policy option for decentralization of water supply management, in response to the weak capacity (resources and technicians) for this purpose. The study shows that, in practice, there has yet to be much success in achieving the objectives of the Water User Committee, as they have proven to be less effective in meeting water access needs. There are challenges affecting the sustainability of the Water User Committee, such as weak understanding of their roles, conflicts, transparency, accountability and, in turn, the sustainability of water sources.
Assessing the performances and transferability of graph neural network metamodels for water distribution systems
Authors: Kerimov Bulat , Bentivoglio Roberto , Garzón Alexander , Isufi Elvin , Tscheikner-Gratl Franz , Steffelbauer David Bernhard , Taormina Riccardo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Metamodels accurately reproduce the output of physics-based hydraulic models with a significant reduction in simulation times. They are widely employed in water distribution system (WDS) analysis since they enable computationally expensive applications in the design, control, and optimisation of water networks. Recent machine-learning-based metamodels grant improved fidelity and speed; however, they are only applicable to the water network they were trained on. To address this issue, we investigate graph neural networks (GNNs) as metamodels for WDSs. GNNs leverage the networked structure of WDS by learning shared coefficients and thus offering the potential of transferability. This work evaluates the suitability of GNNs as metamodels for estimating nodal pressures in steady-state EPANET simulations. We first compare the effectiveness of GNN metamodels against multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs) on several benchmark WDSs. Then, we explore the transferability of GNNs by training them concurrently on multiple WDSs. For each configuration, we calculate model accuracy and speedups with respect to the original numerical model. GNNs perform similarly to MLPs in terms of accuracy and take longer to execute but may still provide substantial speedup. Our preliminary results indicate that GNNs can learn shared representations across networks, although assessing the feasibility of truly general metamodels requires further work.
Study on the physico-chemical properties of water in the Pokkali wetlands of Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Authors: Babu S. Surya , Thomas K. Raju 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Pokkali wetlands of Ernakulam District, Kerala, are incredibly nutrient-rich, biodiverse habitats that offer a wide range of benefits. There are important bird areas that lie under the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and the Vembanad Ramsar site. An intensive study was carried out on the physico-chemical properties of water samples collected from the Pokkali wetlands of Ernakulam, Kerala, from 1 June 2016 to 31 May 2019. The water parameters, such as temperature (°C), pH, depth (cm), dissolved oxygen (DO) (mg/L), salinity (mg/L), turbidity (NTU), and electrical conductivity (μS cm−1) were analysed and recorded. The correlation between various parameters was analysed using the PAST software. The physico-chemical parameters of water have an influence on the biodiversity and ecology of the study area. Data collection about these aquatic parameters is essential to assess the status and biodiversity of the wetland ecosystem.
Water quality for agricultural irrigation produced by two municipal sewage treatment plants in Santiago Island-Cape Verde: Assessment of chemical parameters and pharmaceutical residues
Authors: Lopes Maria dos Anjos de Jesus Barros Monteiro , Guedes-Alonso Rayco , Mendoza-Grimón Vanessa , Montesdeoca-Esponda Sarah , Fernández-Vera Juan Ramon , Sosa-Ferrera Zoraida , Santana-Rodríguez José Juan , Palacios-Díaz Maria del Pino 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Cape Verde, a West Africa Island country, is exposed to climate change effect. An effective way of reducing its poverty and achieving food security is to provide its agricultural sector with water. The purpose of this study is to monitor treated water quality to ensure that any pollutants are below the limits set to ensure the safety and sustainability of reuse because only 10% of its treated wastewater is reused. For the first time on Cape Verde islands, besides chemical quality, the occurrence of 11 pharmaceutical compounds (PhC) in the influent and effluent of two natural wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was monitored to assess the effectiveness of the treatment technologies and removal efficiencies of these pollutants. Of the 11 target PhC, nine were detected in influent samples within the ng·L−1 to μg·L−1 range. Lower concentrations were detected in one WWTP vs. the other. Nevertheless, the removal efficiencies for most compounds were similar in both WWTPs: within the ranges of 82–92% for beta-blockers, 48–99% for stimulants and 44–95% for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, while carbamazepine (anticonvulsant) concentrations increased in effluents. WWTPs produce water that meets water quality standards for irrigation if a properly designed and managed reusing system is adopted.
Analysis of Indexes of the Russian Bank Cards Market by Various Criteria
Authors: Lapteva E. V. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of the study. The article presents the results of a study and analysis of the performance indexes of the Russian bank cards market on various grounds, because bank cards contribute to increasing the availability of financial services. Having a bank card allows you to carry out financial transactions anytime and anywhere and makes these transactions more convenient and transparent. The use of bank cards as a non-cash form of payment is not only convenient and practical, but also contributes to improving the economic situation in the country, expanding the availability of financial services and improving financial literacy.Materials and methods. As research tools, such methods were used as: analysis of the structure and dynamics of the main indexes, correlation and regression analysis, analysis of time series and forecasting, graphical and tabular methods for presenting research results.Results. The analysis carried out in relation to the issue of bank cards in Russia made it possible to establish the impact on the number of payment cards of two factors: the number of credit institutions and the average per capita income of the population (per month). The results obtained showed that an increase in the number of credit institutions leads to a reduction in the number of issued payment cards. In turn, with an increase in the average per capita monetary income of the population (per month), the number of payment cards increases. This suggests that a high level of income and good conditions for obtaining credit funds are an incentive to use payment cards. Bank cards are an integral part of the financial services market. The development of the bank card market has an impact on stimulating the country’s economic growth and improving the quality of life of the population. In modern conditions, banks are actively introducing electronic technologies and improving the use of bank cards by customers. The creation of convenient services and the introduction of new technologies make it possible to expand the possibilities of using bank cards for their holders.
Public Investments in Domestic Software as a Tool for Accelerating the Economic Development of Russia
Authors: Shimanovsky D. V. 
Published: October 2023

Purpose of the study. The state policy aimed at stimulating national economic growth should necessarily be based on justified scientific conclusions and the results of empirical studies. In particular, a relatively new method for accelerating the country’s economic development is state investment in the digitalization of the economy. In this respect, the present study aims to roughly estimate the economic effect of additional public investments in the development of domestic software and databases and the increase in the share of IT specialists in the total employment structure.Materials and methods. The paper used regression analysis methods for panel data based on Rosstat statistics. In particular, the authors applied the econometric fixed effects model.Results. The study demonstrated the higher efficiency of investment in the development of software and databases as compared to the similar efficiency of capital investment in other types of fixed assets. The possible economic effect of additional budget financing for domestic software developers was estimated. The results of calculations clearly demonstrate that additional capital investments in Russian software and databases in the amount from 0.16 to 0.64% of the Russian Federation’s consolidated budget annually (in 2020 prices and in relation to its size for the same period) can accelerate GDP growth in Russia by 0.16-2.44 percentage points per year. At the same time, these calculations hardly make it possible to speak about a strong impact of additional government spending on the increase in the number of people employed in the IT sector. Consequently, it cannot be stated with certainty that it is advisable to further increase the number of state-funded places at Russian universities in IT areas. However, this conclusion is based on panel data, the time interval of which ends in 2020. Taking into account the recent years’ trends can question the relevance of the obtained conclusion.Conclusion. Thus, additional public investment in the digitalization of the national economy and automation of business processes at Russian enterprises is an important tool for accelerating Russia’s economic development. Currently, many domestic enterprises and organizations implement large-scale projects aimed at deepening automation (creating “smart factories”, transferring state-financed institutions’ document flow into an electronic form, introducing artificial intelligence, and many others). Besides, the reduction in the presence of some foreign software manufacturers in Russia makes it relevant to minimize losses associated with the termination of access to foreign software and databases. One of the options for solving this problem is the financial stimulation of developers of their domestic counterparts.