bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power and positionality in the practice of health system responsiveness at sub-national level: insights from the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Kagwanja Nancy , Molyneux Sassy , Whyle Eleanor , Tsofa Benjamin , Leli Hassan , Gilson Lucy
Published: May 2024

Background Health system responsiveness to public priorities and needs is a broad, multi-faceted and complex health system goal thought to be important in promoting inclusivity and reducing system inequity in participation. Power dynamics underlie the complexity of responsiveness but are rarely considered. This paper presents an analysis of various manifestations of power within the responsiveness practices of Health Facility Committees (HFCs) and Sub-county Health Management Teams (SCHMTs) operating at the subnational level in Kenya. Kenyan policy documents identify responsiveness as an important policy goal. Methods Our analysis draws on qualitative data (35 interviews with health managers and local politicians, four focus group discussions with HFC members, observations of SCHMT meetings, and document review) from a study conducted at the Kenyan Coast. We applied a combination of two power frameworks to interpret our findings: Gaventa’s power cube and Long’s actor interface analysis. Results We observed a weakly responsive health system in which system-wide responsiveness and equity were frequently undermined by varied forms and practices of power. The public were commonly dominated in their interactions with other health system actors: invisible and hidden power interacted to limit their sharing of feedback; while the visible power of organisational hierarchy constrained HFCs’ and SCHMTs’ capacity both to support public feedback mechanisms and to respond to concerns raised. These power practices were underpinned by positional power relationships, personal characteristics, and world views. Nonetheless, HFCs, SCHMTs and the public creatively exercised some power to influence responsiveness, for example through collaborations with political actors. However, most resulting responses were unsustainable, and sometimes undermined equity as politicians sought unfair advantage for their constituents. Conclusion Our findings illuminate the structures and mechanisms that contribute to weak health system responsiveness even in contexts where it is prioritised in policy documents. Supporting inclusion and participation of the public in feedback mechanisms can strengthen receipt of public feedback; however, measures to enhance public agency to participate are also needed. In addition, an organisational environment and culture that empowers health managers to respond to public inputs is required.
Pink1/Parkin deficiency alters circulating lymphocyte populations and increases platelet-T cell aggregates in rats
Authors: Manganaro Jane E. , Emanuel Katy , Lamberty Benjamin G. , George Joseph W. , Stauch Kelly L.
Published: May 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder and results from the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Pink1 and Parkin are proteins that function together in mitochondrial quality control, and when they carry loss-of-function mutations lead to familial forms of PD. While much research has focused on central nervous system alterations in PD, peripheral contributions to PD pathogenesis are increasingly appreciated. We report Pink1/Parkin regulate glycolytic and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from rats. Pink1/Parkin deficiency induces changes in the circulating lymphocyte populations, namely increased CD4 + T cells and decreased CD8 + T cells and B cells. Loss of Pink1/Parkin leads to elevated platelet counts in the blood and increased platelet-T cell aggregation. Platelet-lymphocyte aggregates are associated with increased thrombosis risk, and venous thrombosis is a cause of sudden death in PD, suggesting targeting the Pink1/Parkin pathway in the periphery has therapeutic potential.
Feasibility of all single-qubit gates with four InGaAs Quantum Dots coupled to two silver nanowires
Authors: Kim Chol-Min , Kim Nam-Chol , Ko Myong-Chol , Ryom Ju-Song , Ri Su-Ryon
Published: May 2024

We have proposed all single-qubit logic gates with four InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) coupled to a T-type plasmonic waveguides (PWs) wherein binary qubits are encoded by frequency of photons. Our results reveal that by adjusting distance between QDs, coupling strength and frequency detuning in a proper manner, an arbitrary single-qubit gates can be achieved. We investigated schemes theoretically via the real-space approach and estimated feasibilities of a proposed one by fidelities for a variety of parameters. Under the present technology and high fidelities, our proposed schemes are feasible, opening the promising perspectives for constructing quantum computation and quantum information processing.
Quantification and Clustering of Immune States in Lymphocyte Populations of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis
Authors: Hou Wei , Xing Fangliang , Hu Zhongjie
Published: May 2024

Background: In Hepatitis B Cirrhosis, a severe progression of chronic Hepatitis B infection, understanding the interplay among lymphocyte populations like T cells, NK cells, and B cells is crucial. This insight aids in assessing immune status, diagnosing the condition, and optimizing treatment strategies, offering significant potential benefits.
Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 200 patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis. Correlation analysis and three-dimensional numerical fitting were performed to establish a mathematical model describing the relationships among lymphocyte subsets. Self-Organizing Feature Maps (SOFM) were employed for unsupervised clustering to identify distinct immune states.
Results: Analysis revealed that the percentages of T cells, NK cells, and B cells are constrained within a three-dimensional plane, as described by the equation: T percentage = -0.9879 ×B percentage - 1.041 ×NK percentage + 97.66, yielding a prediction error (RMSE) of 2.5%. Additionally, another equation was identified: Lymphocytes = 1.2 × T cells + 1.072 × B cells + 18.59, with an RMSE of 3.7%. SOFM clustering further identified four distinct immune states associated with the progression of the disease.
Conclusions: This study provides a quantitative mathematical model describing the states of lymphocyte populations in Hepatitis B Cirrhosis. The identification of distinct immune states associated with disease progression facilitate the assessment of immunological condition and the optimization of treatment strategies.
Ultrasound assisted synthesis and spectral correlations of some bio-active E-imines
Authors: Mayavel P. , Divya J. , Gayathri P. , Balasundari S. , Usha V. , Muthuvel I. , Thirunarayanan G.
Published: May 2024

Some aryl E-imines were synthesized by nano fly-ash H3PO4 catalyzed condensation of various aryl anilines and benzaldehydes under ultrasound irradiated greener solvent medium. In this condensation the obtained yield was more than 75%. These E-imines were characterized by their physico-chemical data, micro analysis and spectroscopic data. The characteristic spectral frequencies were employed for spectral QSAR study. The spectral QSAR study was performed with single and multi-regression analysis using Hammett σ, σ, σI, σR F R and Swain-Lupton’s constants. From the outcome of the regression, the effect of substituents on the spectral frequencies were predicted. The molecular docking study of these imines were performed by the assessment of protein -ligand interaction study with a characteristic protein. The antimicrobial activities of these imines were studied using Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion technique with various bacterial and fungal microbes. The in-vitro antimalarial activity of these imines was measure using P. Falciparum Thai protein-microbes.
Enhancing Carbapenem Resistance Detection: LAMP Coupled with Melting Curve Analysis- for Rapid Molecular Diagnostics in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Naik Vaishnavi Vishram , Kumar Sumit , Thrimurthy Tejal , Channareddy Vani , Shaw Tushar
Published: May 2024

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have become a major clinical and public health challenge due to the need for rapid administration of effective antimicrobials and implementation of supplemental infection control practices. Identifying genes associated with carbapenem resistance is crucial for managing these cases. The timely initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy and infection control interventions to prevent spreading are critical. Therefore, rapid diagnostic tests for detecting CP-CRE are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the use of LAMP and melting curve analysis in RT-PCR to identify carbapenem resistance genes (NDM and OXA) in clinical specimens. This study emphasizes the benefits of the LAMP strategy in comparison to traditional methods, demonstrating its effectiveness and practicality. LAMP has proven to be more sensitive than RT-PCR and conventional multiplex PCR, with a detection rate of 96.7% and 91.6% respectively. While LAMP has a slightly lower specificity rate of 88.7%, it remains a promising method for rapid and accurate identification. Furthermore, the study found that LAMP can detect bacterial DNA even in low quantities, with a limit of detection of 102 CFU/mL for both K. pneumoniae and E. coli. In settings where MDR bacteria are prevalent, this capability is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, RT-PCR systems that combine melting curve analysis with LAMP offer promise for quick and precise identification of carbapenem resistance genes in clinical specimens. This approach can enhance the diagnosis and management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Clinical Causal Analysis via Iterative Active Structure Learning
Authors: Tao Zhenchao , Chi Meiyan , Chen Lyuzhou , Ban Taiyu , Tu Qiang , Gao Fei , Wang Wei
Published: May 2024

Machine Learning (ML) has achieved considerable success in clinical applications such as image-based diagnostics, predictive modeling for patient outcomes, and personalized treatment planning. However, the black-box nature of deep neural networks (DNNs) often results in poor interpretability and reliability of predictions. Traditional neural network architectures, focusing primarily on correlations, fall short in elucidating underlying causal medical mechanisms. Addressing this, causal discovery, aimed at elucidating the structure of causal graphical models from observational or experimental data, is gaining prominence in clinical fields demanding high reliability. Nevertheless, the complexity of search algorithms, the scarcity of real-world data, and the challenges in identifying unique results significantly hinder the reliability of these approaches. To overcome these challenges, we propose an iterative active structure learning approach to ensure reliable clinical causal analysis. Our method begins with the recovery of a causal structure, guided by a set of prior causal presence, followed by an iterative process of active refinement to enhance the output reliability. This involves using violations of known clinical mechanisms as structural constraints to guide successive rounds of learning, thereby correcting and refining the model iteratively. The process continues until there is a convergence between expertise and the data-derived solutions. Our experiments on real-world clinical data demonstrate that Our approach can improve the quality of causal findings and discover new causal associations beyond the basis of expert knowledge. Furthermore, our approach has yielded novel and significant insights from various datasets, which we explore in our discussion.
The exceptional find of a Bronze Age votive bog offering of millet accompanied by a human sacrifice. Or was it the other way around?
Authors: Dreslerová Dagmar , Vondrák Daniel , Hošek Jan , Brychová Veronika , Hunt Harriet , Pokorný Petr
Published: May 2024

The first discovery of prehistoric human remains at the same wetland as millet plants (Panicum miliaceum), which is reported here for the Zahájí site in the Czech Republic, sheds curiously new light on the central European Middle Bronze Age. The millet and a human fingernail (both dated ca. 1400–1300 BC) were found in what was possibly a newly formed shallow lake in a small brook valley located in a fertile and continuously populated region. Their joint presence in the same layer does not appear accidental. Although a wealth of contextual information has been gleaned from multi-proxy investigations (such as sediment lithostratigraphy, geo and water chemistry, pollen, plant macrofossils, aquatic invertebrae and organic residua analyses, and aDNA of millet and the fingernail), archaeological interpretation of the find is still highly challenging. We present some possible scenarios for what might have happened, with ritual behaviour (in the sense of sacrifice or offering) being high on the list of probabilities. The find may also be related to reverence for the millet plant, a crop that had only recently become established in central Europe around the mid-2nd millennium BC following its rapid westward migration from southeastern Asia.
Integration of Kalman Filter with Ant Colony Optimization for Solving the Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Kriouich Mohamed , Sarir Hicham
Published: May 2024

In smart manufacturing, the job-shop scheduling problem (JSP) is a major obstacle that must be solved by the best possible sequencing of task operations. Dynamic job-shop environments require flexible scheduling systems that can adjust to changing conditions due to unpredictabilities like machine breakdowns. Traditional methods, which only provide the best answers when they are put into practice, are not adaptable enough to take into account shifting circumstances. Because of this limitation, temporal complexity has increased, highlighting the importance of sophisticated, flexible scheduling techniques in smart manufacturing. Several metaheuristic techniques, such as the well-known Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), are inspired by natural phenomena and are remarkably successful and efficient at solving extremely difficult (NP-hard) combinatorial optimization problems. This paper presents the implementation of an Ant Colony Optimization with Kalman Filter (ACO_KF) model algorithm applied to solve the JSP. ACO_KF is a combination of the recursive estimating algorithm for dynamic systems with the metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by ant foraging behavior to solve optimization problems. Our proposed approach aims to implement an ACO algorithm for solving a JSP and optimizing the makespan time by adjusting pheromone levels on paths. Also, the algorithm incorporates a Kalman filter to adaptively adjust pheromone levels according to recorded makespan times, to improve the convergence and efficiency of the ACO algorithm. Comparing the quality of the solutions to the most well-known outcomes from the most successful methods was necessary to evaluate the algorithm's performance on reference JSP. The solutions were obtained with remarkable efficiency and excellent quality.
An Efficient Method for Converting Irregular Logical Formula into DNF/CNF with Graph Structure
Authors: Park Sangmork
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we introduce an effective technique that converts an irregular logical formula into a set of Disjunctive Normal Form (DNF) or a Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF) [1][3] using Graph structure. In a situation where we must evaluate complex conditions containing diverse factors, we develop a convoluted logical formula and evaluate the formula from the beginning to the end. As the complexity of the logical formula grows, the time complexity for evaluation computation increases exponentially. The most efficient evaluation will be achieved if we convert the complex propositional logic formula into a set of DNF or CNF expressions and then evaluate each DNF or CNF expressions one by one. The suggested method in this paper efficiently converts a convoluted logical formula into a set of DNF/CNF expressions with the time complexity of O (log N * 2log N). We employed Graph structure to develop the proposed DNF conversion method in this paper. A Tree structure with a root node and one or more sibling nodes is constructed to represent a local irregular logical formula. A branch in the Tree is a disjunctive literal and each branch in the Tree has a corresponding conjunctive relationship with another. To describe the global logical formula, a Graph structure includes every Tree connected in all logical sequence from the front literal to the end literal. All paths from the root node to a leaf node in the Graph represent a disjunctive iteral of conjunctive relationship with another path and the set of the disjunctive literals will be a full disjunctive normal form if we prune redundant nodes. A logical formula evaluation process is repeated operations following the rules of logical equivalences, such as double negative elimination, De Morgan’s law, and distributive law. The time complexity of the operations can exponentially increase as the length of logical formula grows. The conversion method we present in this paper can reduce the complexity of conversion operations and it can be used for not only DNF conversion, but also Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF) conversion with minor modification of relational representations.
NS-Fuse: Noise-Suppressed Fusion of Infrared and Visible Images via Improved Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Cheng Yong , Li Xiang
Published: May 2024

Aiµing at the traditional discriµinator types based on the generated counterµeasure network, the coµplex network structure and the noise probleµs in infrared equipµent of the existing iµage fusion µethods, a noise suppression iµage fusion µethod based on the iµproved generated counterµeasure network (NS-fuse) is proposed. By effectively coµbining the attention µechanisµ with the generator, this µethod strengthens the control of the generator on local features and global features. Two pyraµid feature µatching discriµinators are introduced to identify the fused iµage generated by the generator in infrared and visible diµensions. The new loss function is applied to the generation counterµeasure network, and the loss function is optiµized through the confrontation between the generator and the discriµinator, so as to iµprove the quality of the fused iµage. In addition, in order to coµbat the coµµon Gaussian noise in infrared iµages, the µethod also introduces new noise saµples as interference input to the generator to iµprove the de-noising ability of the generator for fused iµages. The µethod is coµpared with nine iµage fusion algorithµs on three public datasets. The results show that NS-fuse is better than the µost advanced µethod in qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis, and the optiµal structure of NS-fuse network is also obtained through experiµental exploration. The experiµental results show that NS-fuse network can effectively reµove noise while iµproving the details of the fused iµage, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the fused iµage in coµplex environµent, and has a good engineering application prospect.Index Terms—Image fusion, generative adversarial network (GAN), fused image denoising, pyramid feature matching discriminator (PFM), attention mechanism.
Enhancing Broadband Absorption and Photocurrent Generation in Carbon Dots via P3HT Integration
Authors: Gopi Pavithra , Ponnusamy Kathirvel
Published: May 2024

The growing interest in carbon dots (CDs) arises from their diverse applications and unique properties. This study addresses challenges in CDs for photodetector (PD) applications, specifically surface defects and trap states hindering efficient charge transport. CDs/P3HT composites were prepared to overcome these issues by incorporating CDs in a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) matrix. Broad absorption in spectroscopic characterization revealed its utility in fabricating a broadband PD. The CDs/P3HT PD displays a remarkable broadband photoresponse, spanning both UV and visible regions. The CDs and P3HT are effectively combined via non-covalent π-π interactions constituted by their conjugated systems. The π-π interaction increases electron delocalization and facilitates efficient charge transfer due to band alignment at the junction interface. Hence, fabricated CDs/P3HT PD demonstrated enhanced photocurrent compared to pure CDs, exhibiting high responsivity of 6.12×10-3 AW-1 and detectivity of 0.69×109 Jones. This study highlights the potential of CD/P3HT composites for broadband photodetector applications with enhanced photoelectric conversion.
Status-neutral community-based multilevel intervention to address intersectional stigma and discrimination, and increase HIV testing, PrEP, and ART uptake among YGBMSM in Ghanaian Slums: A clustered randomized control trial protocol.
Authors: Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Torpey Kwasi , Guure Chris , Nelson LaRon E , Jeon Sangchoon , McMahon James , Leblanc Natalie M , Shamrock Osman Wumpini , Zigah Edem Yaw , Apreku Amos , Dakpui Henry Delali , Agbemedu George Rudolph Kofi , Boakye Francis , Adu Prince , Attisoe Andrew , Adjaka Gideon
Published: May 2024

Background
While GBMSM constitute less than 2% of Ghana's population, their HIV prevalence surpasses the national average by more than eightfold, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions to improve detection, care linkage, and reduce community transmission. This study seeks to increase HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) uptake (HPART) among YGBMSM through the adaptation of an evidence-based intervention (LAFIYA).
Methodology
We will employ the ADAPTT-IT framework to adapt LAFIYA and evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness in addressing intersectional stigma and increasing HPART uptake among YGBMSM residing in Ghanaian slums. In aim 1, we will hold focus groups (n=5) and interviews (n=20) among YGBMSM and two FGDs among GBMSM-led organizations. At the HCF level, we will hold 6 FGDs and interviews (n=20) among nurses. In AIM 2, we will randomly assign 6 healthcare facilities (HCFs) to receive the LAFIYA (n=3) or wait-list control (n=3). Friend groups (cluster) of YGBMSM (N=240) will be assigned to receive LAFIYA (n=120) or a wait-list control (n=120). We will collect 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention data among YGBMSM(n=240) and HCWs(n=300) to measure HPART adherence (primary outcomes), ISD reduction, HIV and status-neutral knowledge (secondary outcomes), and intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility (implementation outcomes).
Conclusion
The intervention group will observe increased HPART adherence, reduced ISD, and enhanced HPART knowledge and efficacy relative to the wait-list control group. The findings will inform ISD reduction and HIV status-neutral implementation strategies – and place-based interventions that address access to HIV prevention and care among YGBMSM, slum and in different settings.
Trail Registration
This study was registered on clinicalTrail.gov, with identifier number NCT06312514 on 03/14/2023. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06312514.
Nature as a Therapeutic Place and tool for Enhancing Service Users’ Engagement in Mental Health Services: A Comprehensive synthesis of Evidence
Authors: MSN Alexandra Troughton; , Chin Mellisa , PhD MS Isaac Amankwaa;
Published: May 2024

This systematic review explored how nature-based care settings influence engagement in mental health therapy. We relied on Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines for systematic reviews to synthesise data from nine articles selected from an initial pool of 649 records retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, SocINDEX, and JBI EPB. Synthesis revealed six analytical themes: nature as a therapeutic tool, therapeutic relationships, nature’s impact on power balance, nature as a safe space, risk of nature and patient-centered care. The findings shed light on the benefits while highlighting some of the challenges that influence participation in mental health interventions. The findings suggest that integrating nature into mental health care could be an alternative or complementary approach to enhancing patient engagement. However, the specific types of mental health care of this impact vary. Robust clinical trials that examine the effectiveness of the reported benefits is recommended. Such studies must target specific patient groups, such as the young and the elderly. Longitudinal studies that examine the long-term effects and moderating factors are needed to strengthen the evidence base and enhance patient-centered care.
The diagnostic performance of Cochlear Endolymphatic Hydrops and Perilymphatic Enhancement in Stratifying Ménière's Disease probabilities: A Meta-Analysis of semi-quantitative MRI-based grading systems
Authors: Azarpey Neda , Seyed-Bagher-Nazeri Shahrzad-Sadat , Yazdani Omid , Esbati Romina , Boustani Paria , Hajiabbasi Mobasher , Torabi Pouya , Farazandeh Dorreh , Farzaneh Hana , Azizi Ashkan , Amini Behnam , Ghasemi Zohre
Published: May 2024

Background
The diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease (MD) presents significant challenges due to its complex symptomatology and the absence of definitive biomarkers. Advancements in MRI technology have spotlighted endolymphatic hydrops (EH) as a key pathological marker, necessitating a reevaluation of its diagnostic utility amidst the need for standardized and validated MRI-based grading scales.
Methods
Our meta-analysis scrutinized the diagnostic efficacy of semi-quantitative MRI-based cochlear EH and perilymphatic enhancement (PLE) grading systems in delineating clinically relevant discriminations: “Spotting” the shift from normal or asymptomatic ears to pMD, “Confirming” the progression to dMD, and “Establishing” the presence of dMD. A thorough literature search up to October 2023 resulted in 35 pertinent studies, forming the basis of our analysis through a bivariate mixed-effects regression model.
Results
Using criteria from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and Barany Society, across varying thresholds and disease probabilities; the Establishment model at an EH grade 1 threshold revealed a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 82.7%. Adjusting the threshold to EH grade 2 results in a sensitivity increase to 92.1% (CI: 85.9–95.7) and a specificity decrease to 70.6% (CI: 64.5–76.1), with a DOR of 28.056 (CI: 14.917–52.770). The Confirmation model yields a DOR of 5.216, indicating a lower diagnostic accuracy. The Spotting model demonstrates a sensitivity of 48.3% (CI: 34.8–62.1) and a specificity of 88.0% (CI: 77.8–93.9), with a DOR of 6.882. The normal ears subgroup demonstrated a notably high specificity of 89.7%, while employing Nakashima's criteria resulted in a reduced sensitivity of 74.9%, significantly diverging from other systems (p-value < 0.001). The PLE grading system showcased exceptional sensitivity of 98.4% (CI: 93.7–99.6, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion
Our findings advocate for a deliberate, informed choice of grading system, encapsulating the essence of a customized diagnostic approach in MD management.
Exploring the Typhoon Intensity Forecasting through Integrating AI Weather Forecasting with Regional Numerical Weather Model
Authors: Xu Hongxiong , Zhao Yang , Zhao Dajun , Duan Yihong , Xu Xiangde
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have notably enhanced global weather forecasting, yet accurately predicting typhoon intensity remains challenging. This is largely due to constraints inherent in regression algorithm properties and inability of coarse resolution to capture the finer-scale weather processes. To address these insufficient in typhoon intensity forecasting, we propose an attractive approach by initiating regional Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with Pangu-weather, a state-of-the-art AI weather forecasting system (AI-Driven WRF), whose forecasting power can be further augmented by the implementation of dynamic vortex initialization. The results revealed a significant gap in Pangu-weather's ability to predict typhoon intensity, while the AI-Driven WRF model, on the other hand, exhibited a remarkable improvement over Pangu-weather with dramatic reductions in the Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs) for Typhoons Doksuri and Hato, demonstrating 87% and 63% improvements in forecast accuracy, respectively. The AI-Driven WRF model also showed potential advancements over traditional global numerical model-driven WRF models, performing more accurately typhoon intensity and wind details. Our analysis underscores the potential of AI weather forecasting models as a viable alternative for driving regional models, suggesting a promising avenue for future research in meteorology.
Diabetes-Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Stemness Decline Investigated via Transcription Factor-Driven Genetic Switches
Authors: Shafi Ovais , Irfan Saba , Ahmed Aelia , Maheshwari Ganpat , Kumar Rajesh , Raveena  , Rajpar Rahimeen , Saeed Ayesha
Published: May 2024

Background:Diabetes mellitus precipitates cardiovascular complications through hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, disrupting vascular cell function. This dysfunction involves altered regulation of transcription factors like Nrf2 and FOXP1, leading to endothelial dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, and faulty vascular remodeling. Additionally, diabetes reduces the stemness of vascular progenitor cells, hampering vascular repair and homeostasis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets to mitigate diabetic vascular complications.Methods:Databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and open access/subscription-based journals were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, to investigate the diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction and stemness decline through the lens of vascular transcription factor-driven genetic switches. Based on the criteria mentioned in the methods section, studies were systematically reviewed to investigate how diabetes harms vascular cells. This study adheres to relevant PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).Results:This study reveals significant dysregulation of key transcription factors including Nrf2, FOXP1, SMAD, PAX3/7, and GATA in diabetes, leading to compromised oxidative stress responses and increased inflammatory signaling in vascular cells. In endothelial cells, impaired function of these factors resulted in decreased nitric oxide production and increased endothelial permeability. Additionally, altered FOXP1 and GATA activity exacerbated vascular inflammation. In VSMCs, diabetes-induced transcription factor dysregulation promoted a shift from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype, characterized by increased proliferation and matrix production, contributing to vascular stiffness and atherosclerosis. The stemness of vascular progenitor cells was notably reduced, affecting their differentiation capabilities and exacerbating vascular complications in diabetic conditions.Conclusion:Diabetes impairs vascular health by disrupting key transcription factors and signaling pathways, leading to endothelial dysfunction, abnormal vascular remodeling, and a decline in stemness of vascular cells. Dysregulated factors like Nrf2, FOXP1, and GATA contribute to reduced nitric oxide production, increased vascular permeability, and enhanced inflammation, exacerbating atherosclerosis and hypertension. Addressing these dysfunctions through targeted therapies that enhance transcription factor activity and modulate signaling pathways may mitigate diabetes-related vascular complications. Further research is essential for developing effective interventions to restore vascular homeostasis in diabetic patients.
Boundary conditions for extremal black holes from 2d gravity
Authors: Detournay Stéphane , Smoes Thomas , Wutte Raphaela
Published: May 2024

We devise new boundary conditions for the near-horizon geometries of extremal BTZ and Kerr black holes, as well as for the ultra-cold limit of the Kerr-de Sitter black hole. These boundary conditions are obtained as the higher-dimensional uplift of recently proposed boundary conditions in two-dimensional gravity. Their asymptotic symmetries consist in the semi-direct product of a Virasoro and a current algebra, of which we determine the central extensions.
Corporate reporting behavior: Factors influencing the adoption of integrated reporting in India
Authors: P. Venugopala Rao K. , Ibrahim Farha
Published: May 2024

Corporations have a responsibility to provide a fair view of their financial state to their stakeholders. To facilitate the reporting process, the IFRS recommends the integrated reporting framework, which firms may may adopt voluntarily. This study examines the motivations of management in voluntarily disclosing capitals-related information in annual reports of companies listed on the Nifty Metal Index and their willingness to adopt the IR framework. It also empirically investigates how a company’s long-term and short-term goals impact integrated reporting adoption. The Integrated Reporting Capitals Index (IRCIN) was constructed to study the reporting behavior of companies within the specified framework. The reporting patterns within the metal industry are analyzed by employing the fixed effects model. Results highlight the interconnectedness of financial and non-financial capital dimensions in corporate reporting practices, albeit with a strong emphasis on financial capital. The average word count describing the financial capital was high, while the intellectual capital was the lowest. Strategic management evaluated via cash flow from investing activities proved statistically significant at the 5% level. Similarly, short-term goals indicated by profit after tax were found to play a crucial role in encouraging corporations within the Nifty Metal Index to adopt the integrated reporting framework. Conversely, book value per share exhibited a negative coefficient, indicating a historical disconnect with the reporting entities. These insights suggest that the adoption of the integrated reporting framework by management is driven by strategic goals, short-term objectives, and overall company performance.
Long-term water quality variations and influencing factors in Dianchi Lake, China – Insights from 30-year data
Authors: Shen Moyu , Liao Anran , Pan Min , Chen Zhuo , Lu Yun , Tao Yi
Published: May 2024

Changes in water quality in Dianchi Lake over a long temporal scale have been significantly influenced by climate change and policy issuance. This study utilized the Mann -Kendall test and Theil -Sen estimation to examine water quality trends at 10 monitoring sites within Dianchi Lake from 1989 to 2018. The corresponding impacts of policies, including point source (PS) and non-point source (NPS) pollution control, ecological restoration (ER), and enforcement and supervision (ES), along with climatic conditions, were evaluated. Analysis of regression curves of water quality indexes indicates a slight increase in ammonia (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen (TN), while total phosphorus (TP), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), permanganate index (CODMn), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) decreased from the baseline time (year 1989). During the mid-phase (2001 -2006) of the study period, the impacts of policies on water quality were inconspicuous, with water temperature affecting Chl-a concentration variations. During the 11th Five-Year Plan, pollutants like NH4+-N, TN, TP, and CODMn peaked and then significantly declined between 2009 and 2015, likely due to comprehensive issuance of NPS and ER policies. This study can provide a reference for water quality management in eutrophic lakes.
Assessment of irrigation suitability of water in Hirakud reservoir and Bargarh main canal, Odisha, India: A multivariate analysis
Authors: Ahmed Syed Nikhat , Sahoo Sawan Kumar , Baitharu Iswar
Published: May 2024

The present study assesses the chemical characteristics and irrigation suitability of water in the Hirakud reservoir and main canal. Water samples were collected from 10 different sites during the premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon seasons. The pH, EC, TDS, major ions, and trace metals were estimated using standard methods. The pH of water samples was slightly alkaline in a few sites. The concentration of all the major ions was below the permissible limit except for K+. The concentration of cations and anions in water was in the order of Ca2+ > Na+ >Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− respectively. Piper's trilinear diagram revealed that water samples were of Mg-HCO3− and mixed type. A strong correlation of Cl– with other ions suggested precipitation dominance in the hydrogeochemistry of water. The concentration of all trace metals in water samples was above the permissible limit across the season. Although reservoir water was of excellent category as per EC and SAR, RSC remained above the limit across the season. PCA suggested that anthropogenic and geogenic processes regulate water quality in the reservoir. The present work provides a baseline for water quality management policy for the Hirakud reservoir as well as the command area.
Screening for Hypertension in Adults of a Northern Delta Province in Vietnam
Authors: Van Minh Huynh , Bich Thuy Le Thi , Tu Nguyen Tran , Van Sang Phan , Bạch Yen Hoang  Thị , Anh Tien Hoang
Published: May 2024

Background:

The proportion of people with hypertension is increasing, and those affected
are relatively younger. Worldwide, it is estimated that people with high blood pressure are
more than 1.5 billion people. In Vietnam, from 2002 to 2008, according to a national survey on hypertension
and its risk factors within the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease program,
the prevalence of hypertension was 25.1%. This is alarming because high blood pressure
can cause serious complications, including death.

Objective:

The study aimed to explore the blood pressure characteristics and hypertension prevalence
in adults in a northern delta province of Vietnam, and describe some risk factors in hypertensive
subjects screened through the program.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study collecting data from people aged 18 years or older in
10 cantons and the city of Nam Dinh from July 15th to July 31st, 2020. Using semi-automatic OMRON
sphygmomanometers, sitting blood pressure was measured three times according to standardized
methods specified by the Ministry of Health and two National Vascular Societies.

Results:

Blood pressure screening of 183,632 adults included 84,438 males, which accounted for
45.98%, with an average age of 60.36 ± 13.18 years. The estimated prevalence of hypertension
was 27.20% (95% CI: 27.00% - 27.41%). The older the age, the higher the rate of hypertension in
both sexes; the prevalence of hypertension over 65 years was 45.36%. Hypertension grade 1 accounted
for 17.14%, followed by hypertension at grade 2 at 6.69%, and grade 3 at 1.15%; notably,
the percentage of prehypertension accounted for 49.64%. The percentage of treated hypertension
in Nam Dinh province was 56.85%, but the percentage of uncontrolled hypertension was 85.63%.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of hypertension in Nam Dinh province was relatively high (27.20%),
although the number of treated patients was also high (56.85%); moreover, the proportion of uncontrolled
hypertension remained extremely high (85.63%). Local campaigns and suitable interventions
are required to detect hypertension in the early stages and increase awareness for treatment
in the population.
Strategies to Enhance Ocular Penetration of Drugs in Controlled Release
Formulations
Authors: Singh Devesh , Kumar Mishra Akhilesh , Mishra Khushboo , Chanchal Dilip Kumar , Singh Chaudhary Jitendra
Published: May 2024

Objective::

The purpose of this study is to provide a thorough examination of methods for
improving ocular medication penetration within controlled-release formulations, with an emphasis
on their relevance to the treatment of eye disorders.

Method::

Employing a methodical and rigorous methodology, this study provides an in-depth survey
of current knowledge and research on the topic. Research on iontophoresis, prodrugs, pH modulation,
penetration enhancers, hydrogels, inserts, nanomicelles, microemulsions, dendrimers, contact lenses,
cationic emulsions, and targeted drug delivery are only some of the many topics covered in this study.

Results::

Results summarise and synthesize prior research to give useful insights into the efficacy and
potential of controlled-release formulations in increasing ocular medication delivery, providing a
thorough review of current insights into these techniques.

Discussion::

The discussion portion of the review critically assesses the guiding principles, advantages,
and downsides of each technique, and it also investigates the consequences and prospects
for this developing subject.

Conclusion::

The study highlights the revolutionary potential of controlled-release formulations in
the treatment of ocular illnesses, highlighting the importance of overcoming the obstacles associated
with restricted pharmaceutical penetration into ocular tissues. This study concludes the present level
of knowledge and paves the way for future improvements in the area of ocular medication administration,
making it an essential resource for scientists and medical professionals working on the subject.
Enabling young women to develop confidence, self-awareness and independent thinking through a self-development and coaching intervention in Devon, UK
Authors: Blackburn Anne , Shields Jessica , Westbury Alice , Jaqueline Katja , Hammond Jacqueline , Carter Angela J.
Published: May 2024

There are increasing mental health issues among UK youth with young women from disadvantaged backgrounds being particularly vulnerable. Recognising the complex issues facing young women in Devon, funding was obtained to deliver an ambitious programme entitled No Label No Limit providing emotional support and personal development to young women (aged 13 to 14 years) in 13 schools across Devon in the academic year 2022/2023. A subset of this group (45 young women from five educational establishments) received additional one to one youth coaching sessions. Although the youth coaching was originally intended to increase the potency of the No Label No Limit programme, it proved to be a highly effective standalone intervention for disadvantaged young women with complex and multiple needs. This paper will describe and discuss this coaching intervention and its evaluation.
Orchestrating an organizational mastery climate: Lessons from human resource managers
Authors: Hadiono Alvin
Published: May 2024

This study aims to explore how HR professionals orchestrate an organizational mastery climate (i.e., a climate that fosters employees’ effort and cooperation in learning, development and skill mastery) in their organizations. Theoretically, the study builds on HR systems theory (Bowen & Ostroff, 2004) and the literature on HR alignment. The study is informed by thirty-four in-depth interviews with senior HR leaders in Indonesia from multiple industries and scale of businesses. Several themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the data, accentuating the alignment between the HR function, the employees and the senior management team. These themes are found to be critical to achieve the synergistic effects of HR practices in order to establish organizational mastery climate. Theoretically, this study contributes to the expansion of the strategic human resource management (HRM) body of knowledge by highlighting (1) the crucial role the HR function plays in establishing organizational mastery climate; and (2) the importance of aligning HR practices with key stakeholder interests to establish an organizational mastery climate. The study provides a practical model and a checklist for people management professionals for creating and maintaining a strong and unified organizational learning climate.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Interaktif Dalam Mata Pelajaran Dasar-Dasar Desain Komunikasi Visual
Authors: Danisa May , Zakarijah Masduki
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan dan mengetahui analisis kelayakan media pembelajaran interaktif pada mata pelajaran Dasar-dasar Desain Komunikasi Visual yang digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran di SMK Negeri 1 ROTA Bayat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Research and Development dengan model pengembangan ADDIE. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket dengan subyek penelitian siswa kelas X Desain Komunikasi Visual di SMK Negeri 1 ROTA Bayat. Hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan dapat diketahui bahwa: (1) pengembangan media pembelajaran interaktif Fotografi Dasar melalui tahapan analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi, (2) media pembelajaran interaktif tersebut layak digunakan dengan penilaian tingkat kelayakan berdasarkan penilaian ahli media dengan rata-rata sebesar 90,89% dan penilaian ahli materi dengan rata-rata sebesar 97,92%. Uji coba kepada 34 siswa dengan rata-rata sebesar 91,68%. Dalam hal ini dapat dikatakan bahwa media pembelajaran interaktif ini sangat layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran di SMK Negeri 1 ROTA Bayat.
EVALUASI PERAN GURU PRODUKTIF OTOMOTIF DALAM PROSES PEMBELAJARAN JARAK JAUH (PJJ) MELALUI GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Authors: Suyitno Suyitno
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil evaluasi peran guru produktif otomotif dalam perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan penilaian Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh (PJJ) melalui google classroom di SMK Negeri 1 Ambal tahun pelajaran 2020/2021. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Deskriptif Kuantitatif. Subyek penelitian tindakan adalah guru otomotif di SMK Negeri 1 Ambal yang berjumlah 11. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian yaitu lembar observasi kuisioner evaluasi peran guru dalam proses pembelajaran jarak jauh melalui google classroom. Analisis data dengan analisis kuantitatif untuk mencari presentase hasil pembelajaran melalui google classroom. Hasil penelitian ini adalah, bahwa peran guru dalam proses pembelajaran jarak jauh melalui google classroom efektif digunakan pada masa pandemi. Hal ini terlihat dari 11 guru produktif otomotif di SMK Negeri 1 Ambal mempunyai administrasi pembelajaran yang lengkap dan dibuat sebelum melaksanakan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh (PJJ) melalui google classroom. Hasil evaluasi peran guru produktif otomotif dalam perencanaan Pembelajaran  Jarak Jauh (PJJ) melalu google classroom di SMK Negeri 1 Ambal tahun pelajaran 2021/2022 memiliki rata-rata nilai evaluasi pelaksanaan pembelajaran 86 dengan kategori baik. Hasil evaluasi peran guru produktif otomotif dalam pelaksanaan Pembelajaran  Jarak Jauh (PJJ) melalui google classroom di SMK Negeri 1 Ambal tahun pelajaran 2021/2022 memiliki rata-rata nilai evaluasi pelaksanaan pembelajaran 83 dengan kategori baik. Hasil evaluasi peran guru produktif otomotif dalam penilaian Pembelajaran  Jarak Jauh (PJJ) melalu google classroom di SMK NEGRI 1 Ambal tahun pelajaran 2021/2022 memiliki rata-rata nilai evaluasi pelaksanaan pembelajaran 75 dengan kategori cukup.