bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphic dynamic programming by algebraic shortcut fusion
Authors: Little Max A , He Xi , Kayas Ugur
Published: May 2024

Dynamic programming (DP) is a broadly applicable algorithmic design paradigm for the efficient, exact solution of otherwise intractable, combinatorial problems. However, the design of such algorithms is often presented informally in an ad-hoc manner. It is sometimes difficult to justify the correctness of these DP algorithms. To address this issue, this article presents a rigorous algebraic formalism for systematically deriving DP algorithms, based on semiring polymorphism. We start with a specification, construct a (brute-force) algorithm to compute the required solution which is self-evidently correct because it exhaustively generates and evaluates all possible solutions meeting the specification. We then derive, primarily through the use of shortcut fusion, an implementation of this algorithm which is both efficient and correct. We also demonstrate how, with the use of semiring lifting, the specification can be augmented with combinatorial constraints and through semiring lifting, show how these constraints can also be fused with the derived algorithm. This article furthermore demonstrates how existing DP algorithms for a given combinatorial problem can be abstracted from their original context and re-purposed to solve other combinatorial problems.

This approach can be applied to the full scope of combinatorial problems expressible in terms of semirings. This includes, for example: optimisation, optimal probability and Viterbi decoding, probabilistic marginalization, logical inference, fuzzy sets, differentiable softmax, and relational and provenance queries. The approach, building on many ideas from the existing literature on constructive algorithmics, exploits generic properties of (semiring) polymorphic functions, tupling and formal sums (lifting), and algebraic simplifications arising from constraint algebras. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this formalism for some example applications arising in signal processing, bioinformatics and reliability engineering. Python software implementing these algorithms can be downloaded from:
http://www.maxlittle.net/software/dppolyalg.zip
.
Employing Thermal Oxidation and Through-Silicon Via Technologies in CuO-Based Sensors for Room-Temperature NO2 Detection
Authors: Hou Jei-Li , Lin Yi-Ting , Hsueh Ting-Jen
Published: May 2024

We present the development and characterization of room-temperature CuO gas sensor fabricated through a thermal oxidation process complemented by a through-silicon via (TSV) structure. The TSV structure is a tapered hole with the top width measuring approximately 190 um and narrowing to 103 um at the bottom. The CuO film serves as the sensing material, with its predominant (111) orientation confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated lattice spacing of 0.23 nm within the CuO samples, corresponding to the (111) plane. Sensor performance was evaluated at a room temperature of 25 °C, showing response rates of 19.3%, 34.6%, 39.3%, and 46.3% to NO2 concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 ppm, respectively. Stability testing of the sensor at 1 ppm NO2 concentration across five cycles demonstrated a consistent response around 34.6% with a deviation of less than 2%. The CuO material exhibited enhanced selectivity for NO2 over other gases such as NH3, CO2, CO, H2, H2S, and SO2.
Surfactant Effects in Porous Electrodes for Microemulsion Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Barth Brian A. , Wood Avery L. , Albenice Philip J. , Imel Adam E. , Sharma Bhavya , Zawodzinski Thomas A.
Published: May 2024

The effect of surfactant additives on electrochemical behavior in porous electrodes was investigated using vanadium redox flow battery half-cells and the dependence of volumetric kinetics and mass transport on electrolyte, surfactant, and electrode type was explored. Without surfactant added, carbon paper electrodes demonstrated greater kinetics and transport compared to carbon felt, for a given electrolyte. Additionally, posolyte kinetics are greater than negolyte kinetics by one to three orders of magnitude, depending on the electrode type. Addition of surfactant increased electrode wettability and possibly electrochemical surface area. However, this was accompanied by a decrease in volumetric mass transport, due to stronger electrolyte-electrode interactions. The presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) influenced posolyte and negolyte kinetics differently. Kinetics showed a dependence on electrode type and surfactant. On carbon felt, volumetric kinetics decreased for both posolyte and negolyte with SDS addition. On carbon paper, SDS decreased volumetric kinetics for the posolyte but increased (>2X) kinetics for the negolyte! This kinetic enhancement depends on surfactant chemistry: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a cationic surfactant, failed to increase kinetics. Furthermore, SDS did not increase areal specific resistance. These findings show the superior performance of carbon paper compared to carbon felt and suggest SDS as a possible VRFB negolyte additive.
Correlating Electrolyte Infiltration with Accessible Surface Area in Macroporous Electrodes using Neutron Radiography
Authors: Boz Emre B. , van der Heijden Maxime , Jacquemond Rémy Richard , Boillat Pierre , Hjelm Johan , Forner-Cuenca Antoni
Published: May 2024

Carbon-based porous electrodes are commonly employed in electrochemical technologies as they provide a high surface area for reactions, an open structure for fluid transport, and enable compact reactor architectures. In electrochemical cells that sustain liquid electrolytes (e.g., redox flow batteries, CO2 electrolyzers, capacitive deionization), the nature of the interaction between the three phases - solid, liquid and gas - determines the accessible surface area for reactions, which fundamentally determines device performance. Thus, it is critical to understand the correlation between the electrolyte infiltration in the porous electrode and the resulting accessible surface area in realistic reactor architectures. To tackle this question, here we simultaneously perform neutron radiography with electrochemical measurements to correlate macroscopic electrode saturation/wetting with accessible surface area. We find that for untreated electrodes featuring neutral wettability with water, the electrode area remains underutilized even at elevated flow rates, both for interdigitated and parallel flow fields. Conversely, increasing the electrode hydrophilicity results in an order-of-magnitude increase in accessible surface area at comparable electrode saturation, and is less influenced by the electrolyte flow rate. Ultimately, we reveal useful correlations between reactor architectures and electrode utilization and provide a method that is broadly applicable to flow electrochemical reactors.
Development of Lab-made Flexible Screen-printed Electrode based on S-Graphene Enriched with AuNPs and CuO for Electrochemical Detection of Tyrosine
Authors: Duran Irem , Uruc Selen , Dokur Ebrar , Gorduk Ozge , Sahin Yucel
Published: May 2024

Tyrosine (Tyr) is an amino acid that serves as a precursor for the synthesis of numerous neurotransmitters in the human body. This study aimed to design paper-based lab-made screen-printing electrodes (SPE) for tyrosine determination using a flexible electrochemical sensor. To achieve this, conductive inks with this composition were developed for the first time in the literature by incorporating sulfur (S)-doped graphene, synthesized using Yucel’s method, as well as gold nanoparticles and copper oxide (CuO) as conductive fillers, which were then integrated into flexible paper substrates. The optimized electrodes (CuO/S-G/AuNPs/SPE) were used to investigate the best oxidation response to tyrosine. Characterization of CuO/S-G/AuNPs/SPE was performed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The sensor had a limit of detection of 0.024 μM and a limit of quantitation of 0.08 μM. In addition, the sensor’s affordability and ease of use make it advantageous for practical applications. The results demonstrate the sensor’s stability and reproducibility in measuring tyrosine. It is anticipated that the proposed sensor can effectively detect tyrosine in sweat samples and serve as a non-invasive, wearable, flexible sensor in the future.
Enhanced Cadmium Sensing in Fertilizer Samples using Zeolite-modified Graphite Electrode
Authors: Ait baha Abdellah , Rachid Idouhli , Tabit Kamal , Aboulaich Abdelmaula , Khadiri Mohy Eddine , Dikici Burak , Abouelfida Abdesselam
Published: May 2024

The presence of heavy metals in fertilizers poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating robust detection methods to ensure agricultural sustainability and food safety. This study focuses on synthesizing Na-P1 zeolite from coal fly ash and fumed silica wastes, employing it as a potent modifier in graphite electrodes to enhance the electrochemical detection of cadmium (II) in fertilizer samples. Through meticulous assessment using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in a potential window of −1.2 V to 0.5 V, square wave voltammetry (SWV) in a potential region of −1 V to 0.5 V, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a frequency ranging from 100 kHz to 10 mHz under open circuit potential polarization, the electrochemical performance of the zeolite-modified graphite electrode (ZGE) was evaluated. The optimization process involved fine-tuning various parameters such as paste composition, solution pH, scan rate, and analyte concentration. Real sample analysis confirmed the applicability of the method in fertilizer samples. Notably, in an HCl medium (pH = 1.0), the SWV oxidation peak of Cd(II) was observed at −0.56 V (vs SCE) with a deposition time of 20 s and a scan rate of 75 mV∙s−1. The ZGE exhibited a remarkable detection limit of 1 μM, a quantification limit of 5 μM, and a high sensitivity of 6.581 μA/μM.cm2 within a linear detection range of 10−3–10−6 M. These findings highlight the potential utility of Na-P1 zeolite in handheld analytic device manufacturing, offering promising applications in environmental monitoring, resource management, and water and soil resource remediation.
Oxidative stress induces release of mitochondrial DNA into the extracellular space in human placental villous trophoblast BeWo cells
Authors: Gardner Jennifer J. , Cushen Spencer C. , Oliveira da Silva Reneé de Nazaré , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Hula Nataliia , Gorham Isabelle K. , Tucker Selina M. , Zhou Zhengyang , Cunningham Rebecca L. , Phillips Nicole R. , Goulopoulou Styliani
Published: May 2024

This is the first study to test whether trophoblast cells release mitochondrial (mt)DNA in response to oxidative stress and to identify mechanisms of release and biological forms of mtDNA from this cellular type. This research identifies potential cellular mechanisms that can be used in future investigations to establish the source and biomarker potential of circulating mtDNA in preclinical experimental models and humans.
Advancements in the neurocirculatory reflex response to hypoxia
Authors: Shafer Brooke M. , West Christopher R. , Foster Glen E.
Published: May 2024

Hypoxia is a pivotal factor in the pathophysiology of various clinical conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, which has a strong association with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, posing significant health risks. Although the precise mechanisms linking hypoxemia-associated clinical conditions with hypertension remains incompletely understood, compelling evidence suggests that hypoxia induces plasticity of the neurocirculatory control system. Despite variations in experimental designs and the severity, frequency, and duration of hypoxia exposure, evidence from animal and human models consistently demonstrates the robust effects of hypoxemia in triggering reflex-mediated sympathetic activation. Both acute and chronic hypoxia alters neurocirculatory regulation and, in some circumstances, leads to sympathetic outflow and elevated blood pressures that persist beyond the hypoxic stimulus. Dysregulation of autonomic control could lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and increase the risk of developing hypertension.
Sorption Characteristics and Chromatographic Separation of 90Y3+ from 90Sr2+ from Aqueous Media by Chelex-100 (Anion Ion Exchange) Packed Column
Authors: El-Shahawi Mohammad S. , Alwael Hassan , Alsibaai Abdulaziz A. , Hamza Abdelgany , Algethami Faisal K. , Alshareef Fatmah M. , El-Khouly Sanaa H. , Eweda Neven
Published: May 2024

There is growing demand for separation of 90Y carrier free from 90Sr coexisting to produce high purity 90Y essential for radiopharmaceutical uses. Thus, in this context the sorption profiles of Y3+ and Sr2+ from aqueous solutions containing diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA), acetic acid, citric acid, or NaCl onto Chelex-100 (anion ion exchange) solid sorbent were critically studied for developing an efficient and low-cost methodology for selective separation of Y3+ from Sr2+ ions (1.0 × 10−5 M). Batch experiments displayed relative chemical extraction percentage (98 ± 5.4%) of Y3+ from aqueous acetic acid solution onto Chelex-100 (anion ion exchanger), whereas Sr2+ species showed no sorption. Hence, a selective separation of Y3+ from its parent 90Sr2+ has been established based upon percolation of the aqueous solution of Y3+ and Sr2+ ions containing acetic acid at pH 1-2 through Chelex-100 sorbent packed column at a 2 mL min−1 flow rate. Y3+ species were retained quantitatively while Sr2+ ions were not sorbed and passed through the sorbent packed column without extraction. The sorbed Y3+ species were then recovered from the sorbent packed column with HNO3 (1.0 M) at a 1.0 mL min−1 flow rate. A dual extraction mechanism comprising absorption associated to “weak-base anion exchanger” and “solvent extraction” of Y3+ as (YCl6)3− and an extra part for “surface adsorption” of Y3+ by the sorbent is proposed. The established method was validated by measuring the radiochemical (99.2 ± 2 1%), radionuclide purity and retardation factor (Rf = 10.0 ± 0.1 cm) of 90Y3+ recovered in the eluate. Ultimately, the sorbent packed column also presented high stability for reusing 2-3 cycles without drop in its efficiency (±5%) towards Y3+ uptake and relative chemical recovery. A proposed flow sheet describing the analytical procedures for the separation of 90Y3+ from 90Sr2+ using chelating Chelex 100 (anion exchange) packed column is also included.
Pathways and Environmental Impacts of Methane Migration: Case Studies in the Marcellus Shale, USA
Authors: Hammond Patrick A. , Wen Tao , Woda Josh , Oakley David
Published: May 2024

Gas migration incidents, particularly stream contamination cases, have been rarely investigated and gone through the peer review process, with the exception of three sites in northeast Pennsylvania (Dimock and two Sugar Runs in Lycoming and Bradford counties, respectively) where air emission surveys, dissolved methane measurements, and structural (hydro)geologic interpretations have been used to demonstrate potential environmental impacts due to shale gas operations. In addition to reviewing previously published work from these three sites, we report and analyze unpublished new data trying to determine if a direct relationship between methane migration, stream contamination, and air emissions exists at those sites. Our analysis indicates that subsurface methane migration, stream methane contamination, and air emissions might not be all present or detectable at a faulty/leaky shale gas well. Which of these signs of contamination, if any, exist is largely controlled by the local (hydro)geologic conditions. In each case, the most likely migration pathway was from gas charged zones up well annular spaces to confined permeable formations, then laterally to a direct discharge or by vertically controlled joints to streams, water wells, and the atmosphere. The confining units act as barriers to the buoyant movement of stray gases, allowing subsurface travel of gas for 1–4 km from a leaky gas well. The knowledge we learn from these three sites can guide the future investigations of methane contamination cases in other regions.
Development of a Clinical Pathway for Bariatric Surgery as an Integral Part of a Comprehensive Treatment for Adolescents with Severe Obesity in the Netherlands
Authors: van de Pas Kelly G.H. , Vreugdenhil Anita C.E. , Janssen Loes , Leclercq Wouter K.G. , Kusters Meeike , Chegary Malika , von Rosenstiel Ines , Hazebroek Eric J. , van Mil Edgar G.A.H. , Wassenberg Renske , Hover Linda M.W. , van Gemert Wim G. , van Dielen François M.H.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In the Netherlands, bariatric surgery in adolescents is currently only allowed in the context of scientific research. Besides this, there was no clinical pathway for bariatric surgery in adolescents. In this paper, the development of a comprehensive clinical pathway for bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe obesity in the Netherlands is described. Methods: The clinical pathway for bariatric surgery in adolescents consists of an eligibility assessment as well as comprehensive peri- and postoperative care. Regarding the eligibility assessment, the adolescents need to be identified by their attending pediatricians and afterwards be evaluated by specialized pediatric obesity units. If the provided treatment is considered to be insufficiently effective, the adolescent will anonymously be evaluated by a national board. This is an additional diligence procedure specifically established for bariatric surgery in adolescents. The national board consists of independent experts regarding adolescent bariatric surgery and evaluates whether the adolescents meet the criteria defined by the national professional associations. The final step is an assessment by a multidisciplinary team for adolescent bariatric surgery. The various disciplines (pediatrician, bariatric surgeon, psychologist, dietician) evaluate whether an adolescent is eligible for bariatric surgery. In this decision-making process, it is crucial to assess whether the adolescent is expected to adhere to postoperative behavioral changes and follow-up. When an adolescent is deemed eligible for bariatric surgery, he or she will receive preoperative counseling by a bariatric surgeon to decide on the type of bariatric procedure (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). Postoperative care consists of intensive guidance by the multidisciplinary team for adolescent bariatric surgery. In this guidance, several regular appointments are included and additional care will be provided based on the needs of the adolescent and his or her family. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention, in which the adolescents participated before bariatric surgery, continues in coordination with the multidisciplinary team for adolescent bariatric surgery, and this ensures long-term counseling and follow-up. Conclusion: The implementation of bariatric surgery as an integral part of a comprehensive treatment for adolescents with severe obesity requires the development of a clinical pathway with a variety of disciplines.
comorbidPGS: an R package assessing shared predisposition between Phenotypes using Polygenic Scores
Authors: Pascat Vincent , Zudina Liudmila , Ulrich Anna , Maina Jared G. , Kaakinen Marika , Pupko Igor , Bonnefond Amélie , Demirkan Ayşe , Balkhiyarova Zhanna , Froguel Philippe , Prokopenko Inga
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Polygenic Score (PGS) is a valuable method for assessing the estimated genetic liability to a given outcome or genetic variability contributing to a quantitative trait. While PRSs are widely used for complex traits, their application in uncovering shared genetic predisposition between phenotypes, i.e. when genetic variants influence more than one phenotype, remains limited.

Methods
We developed an R package, comorbidPGS, which facilitates a systematic evaluation of shared genetic effects among (cor)related phenotypes using PGSs. The comorbidPGS package takes as input a set of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) along with their established effects on the original phenotype (Po), referred to as Po-PGS. It generates a comprehensive summary of effect(s) of Po-PGS on target phenotype(s) (Pt) with customisable graphical features.

Results
We applied comorbidPGS to investigate the shared genetic predisposition between phenotypes defining elevated blood pressure (Systolic Blood Pressure, SBP; Diastolic Blood Pressure, DBP; Pulse Pressure, PP) and several cancers (Breast Cancer, BrC; Pancreatic Cancer, PanC; Kidney Cancer, KidC; Prostate Cancer, PrC; Colorectal Cancer, CrC) using the European ancestry UK Biobank individuals and GWAS meta-analyses summary statistics from independent set of European ancestry individuals. We report a significant association between elevated DBP and the genetic risk of PrC (β (SE)=0.066 (0.017), P-value=9.64×10^(-5)), as well as between CrC PGS and both, lower SBP (β (SE)=-0.10 [0.029], P-value=3.83×10^(-4))) and lower DBP (β (SE)=-0.055 [0.017], P-value=1.05×10^(-3)). Our analysis highlights two nominally significant relationships for individuals with genetic predisposition to elevated SBP leading to higher risk of KidC (OR [95%CI]=1.04 [1.0039-1.087], P-value=2.82×10^(-2)) and PrC (OR [95%CI]=1.02 [1.003-1.041], P-value=2.22×10^(-2)).

Conclusion
Using comorbidPGS, we underscore mechanistic relationships between blood pressure regulation and susceptibility to three comorbid malignancies. This package offers valuable means to evaluate shared genetic susceptibility between (cor)related phenotypes through polygenic scores.
Twenty Years of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke: Celebrating Past Successes, Lessons Learned, and Future Challenges
Authors: Reeves Mathew J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Smith Eric E. , Sheth Kevin N. , Messe Steven R. , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: May 2024

The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program which, began 20 years ago, is one of the largest and most important nationally representative disease registries in the United States. Its importance to the stroke community can be gauged by its sustained growth and widespread dissemination of findings that demonstrate sustained increases in both the quality of care and patient outcomes over time. The objectives of this narrative review are to provide a brief history of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, summarize its major successes and impact, and highlight lessons learned. Looking to the next 20 years, we discuss potential challenges and opportunities for the program.
Spatiotemporal Properties of Common Semantic Categories for Words and Pictures
Authors: Bezsudnova Yulia , Quinn Andrew J. , Wynn Syanah C. , Jensen Ole
Published: May 2024

The timing of semantic processing during object recognition in the brain is a topic of ongoing discussion. One way of addressing this question is by applying multivariate pattern analysis to human electrophysiological responses to object images of different semantic categories. However, although multivariate pattern analysis can reveal whether neuronal activity patterns are distinct for different stimulus categories, concerns remain on whether low-level visual features also contribute to the classification results. To circumvent this issue, we applied a cross-decoding approach to magnetoencephalography data from stimuli from two different modalities: images and their corresponding written words. We employed items from three categories and presented them in a randomized order. We show that if the classifier is trained on words, pictures are classified between 150 and 430 msec after stimulus onset, and when training on pictures, words are classified between 225 and 430 msec. The topographical map, identified using a searchlight approach for cross-modal activation in both directions, showed left lateralization, confirming the involvement of linguistic representations. These results point to semantic activation of pictorial stimuli occurring at ∼150 msec, whereas for words, the semantic activation occurs at ∼230 msec.
Brain Stimulation of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortices Influences Impulsivity in Delay Discounting Choices
Authors: Fan Cong , Sun Jiayi , Chen Xiwen , Luo Wenbo
Published: May 2024

Intertemporal decision-making is pivotal for human interests and health. Recently, studies instructed participants to make intertemporal choices for both themselves and others, but the specific mechanisms are still debated. To address the issue, in the current study, the cost-unneeded conditions (i.e., “Self Immediately – Self Delay” and “Other Immediately – Other Delay” conditions) and the cost-needed conditions (i.e., “Self Immediately – Other Delay” and “Self Delay – Other Immediately” conditions) were set with the identity of OTHER being a stranger. We manipulated the magnitude of reward (Experiment 1) and disrupted the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS; Experiment 2). We found that both the behavioral and rTMS manipulations increased smaller but sooner choice probability via reducing self-control function. The reduced self-control function elicited by rTMS affected both self- and other-related intertemporal choices via increasing the choice preference for smaller but sooner reward options, which may help people deeply understand the relationship between self- and other-related intertemporal choices in processing mechanism, especially when the OTHER condition is set as a stranger.
The Development of Socially Directed Attention: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Infant Monkeys
Authors: Kovacs-Balint Zsofia , Sanchez Mar M. , Wang Arick , Feczko Eric , Earl Eric , Styner Martin , Fair Damien , Bachevalier Jocelyne
Published: May 2024

Socially guided visual attention, such as gaze following and joint attention, represents the building block of higher-level social cognition in primates, although their neurodevelopmental processes are still poorly understood. Atypical development of these social skills has served as early marker of autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome. In this study, we trace the developmental trajectories of four neural networks underlying visual and attentional social engagement in the translational rhesus monkey model. Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data and gaze following skills were collected in infant rhesus macaques from birth through 6 months of age. Developmental trajectories from subjects with both resting-state fMRI and eye-tracking data were used to explore brain–behavior relationships. Our findings indicate robust increases in functional connectivity (FC) between primary visual areas (primary visual cortex [V1] – extrastriate area 3 [V3] and V3 – middle temporal area [MT], MT and anterior superior temporal sulcus area [AST], as well as between anterior temporal area [TE]) and amygdala (AMY) as infants mature. Significant FC decreases were found in more rostral areas of the pathways, such as between temporal area occipital part – TE in the ventral object pathway, V3 – lateral intraparietal (LIP) of the dorsal visual attention pathway and V3 – temporo-parietal area of the ventral attention pathway. No changes in FC were found between cortical areas LIP-FEF and temporo-parietal area – Area 12 of the dorsal and ventral attention pathways or between Anterior Superior Temporal sulcus area (AST)-AMY and AMY-insula. Developmental trajectory of gaze following revealed a period of dynamic changes with gradual increases from 1 to 2 months, followed by slight decreases from 3 to 6 months. Exploratory association findings across the 6-month period showed that infants with higher gaze following had lower FC between primary visual areas V1–V3, but higher FC in the dorsal attention areas V3-LIP, both in the right hemisphere. Together, the first 6 months of life in rhesus macaques represent a critical period for the emergence of gaze following skills associated with maturational changes in FC of socially guided attention pathways.
Integrating Faith and Fashion: How Muslim Women in Ghana Are Redefining Workplace Dress Codes
Authors: Abdulai Rashida , Appiah Ninette , Abraham Isaac
Published: May 2024

This study assessed the interplay of fashion, religion, and employment among Muslim women in Ghana’s formal sector. It examined their fashion consumption behaviors and how religion influences their attire choices, focusing on their awareness of Islamic fashion laws. Employing a concurrent mixed method approach, the study targeted Muslim women in various formal institutions in Accra, Ghana. Data collection involved questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Descriptive and Regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses. The study discovered a significant association between contemporary fashion features in Muslim women’s styles and their knowledge of Islamic fashion laws. It also revealed that Islamic and contemporary fashion characteristics influence their understanding of clothing regulations under Islamic law. The study suggested the integration of religious beliefs in the fashion industry. It recommends involving professionals with religious and fashion expertise in education, promoting current trends in fashion that align with Islamic laws, and enforcing workplace rights for Muslim women. This study provides unique insights into how Islamic laws influence the fashion choices of Muslim women in Ghana’s formal sector, bridging a gap in understanding the intersection of faith, fashion, and professional life. Additionally, the findings highlight the dual impact of fashion and religion not only on personal identity but also on professional engagement within the workplace. These results emphasize the need for a more inclusive fashion industry that respects and reflects diverse religious tenets while supporting women in their career endeavors. This integrative approach could potentially enhance workplace inclusion and boost the career prospects of Muslim women in the formal sector.
Characterization of Rectangular Waveguides Loaded E-Plane Dielectrics Using the Newton-Raphson Method
Authors: Moukengue Charmolavy , Tsahat Conrad , Gakosso Conscet , Labane Haroun
Published: May 2024

Homogeneous metallic waveguides have long been used to carry high powers. They are often filled with inhomogeneous, isotropic dielectrics to reduce their size and cut-off frequencies. To characterize these inhomogeneous rectangular waveguides made of homogeneous and isotropic media, the Newton-Raphson method is used in this article. Frequency of cutoff, attenuation, and power flow distribution are all properties of the EM wave that are highly dependent on the physical structure and composition within the guide. This article presents the characterization of an inhomogeneous and isotropic rectangular guide. The analysis of this type of guide is based on the Borgnis potential method for determining the components of the electric field E and the magnetic field H, to obtain the guide's dispersion equations. The modes that were found to exist in these waveguides are hybrid, meaning that they have both axial E- and H-fields. Numerical resolution of these equations using the Newton-Raphson method obtains the guide's propagation constants. A MATLAB program is used to plot these dispersion curves. The propagation constant increases as a function of frequency, and the d/a ratio influences the dispersion curves. Increasing the relative permittivity of the dielectric leads to an increase in the ratio of the propagation constant in the z direction to the wave number.
Study on the Influence of Canopy Density on Cycling of Soil Available N in Different Landform of Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Fu Wang , He Zhang , Qian He , Yan Sha , Qiang Zhao , Fen Han
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a total of 330 soil samples with 0-100cm soil depth of 66 planted square forest (10*10m) with different canopy density in the Loess Plateau were selected for the determination and analysis of soil N content in different soil layers, and the effects of different canopy density on soil N cycle under different topographic factors of planted forest were studied. The results showed as follows: (1) the migration mechanism of different N forms to the root surface was different, the migration of nitrate nitrogen to the root surface mainly depended on mass flow, there was enrichment phenomenon near the root, ammonium nitrogen mainly through diffusion, resulting in deficiency and loss in the near rhizosphere, and the leaching loss of nitrate nitrogen was affected by soil water and root growth. (2) The thickness, composition and decomposition rate of litter were different due to different canopy density, which affected the content of ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen in forest soil. (3) Although the change of different regions in this region was spatially different, keeping the stand cover in the middle and high range of 0.75-0.8 can be conducive to maintaining the balance between the consumption of soil nutrients by the stand and the supplement of nutrient consumption, which can also be conducive to the sustainable recovery and growth of the stand in this region.
Understanding the Influence of Psychosocial Factors and Multimorbidity on Patient Outcomes in Severe Hypertensive Patients Attending Health Institutions in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwaike Sylvia , Daniel Ebenezer , Lamidi Sheriff , Tomori Michael , Avwerhota Michael , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Salami Aisha , Alewi Olukayode
Published: May 2024

Hypertension is a prevalent problem worldwide and it is an important risk factor for a variety of health conditions. Severe hypertension (180+ systolic or 110+ diastolic) is associated with a two-fold increase in relative risk of death. Interventions to date fail to achieve sustained improvement in blood pressure, particularly in regional areas of high social disparity. Growing evidence points to multiple psychological, social and morbidity factors as contributors to the onset of and trajectory of hypertension. The main objective of this study is to examine the association of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity with response to treatment and treatment outcomes in the management of severe hypertensive patients providing additional knowledge and recommendations to improve their quality of care. We conducted cross-sectional research, using interview self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Data collected was transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Findings were presented in tables, charts, and in narrations as appropriate. Results: There was a significant association between age of the patients and response to treatment in severe hypertension. Overweight/obesity was noted to be significantly associated with response to treatment. In this study, the burden of psychosocial factors and multimorbidity’s in the management of severe hypertension is highlighted. There is a need for effective monitoring and surveillance to monitor progress in reducing the prevalence of severe hypertension and in increasing the awareness for the treatment and management of hypertension.
A Nigerian Perspective of Continuing Education and Knowledge Economy
Authors: Omoregie Christopher
Published: May 2024

Adult education programmes in both developed and developing nations usually include continuing education. The relationship between the two notions is that someone requires additional information, either inside or outside of school systems, in order to remain relevant wherever one is at any given time. The information, communication, and technology era brought in a knowledge economy that should normally support continuing education, nevertheless there are still obstructions that prevent people from learning. Although these hurdles are both personal and structural, there seems be no justification for anyone to remain without information for the purpose of individual and group survival. Continuing education and knowledge economy are two concepts that have become popular in educational theory and practice but they are not combined as related concepts in literature. This is an attempt to clarify the concepts for both professional and practicing adult educators generally in African countries and particularly in Nigeria where policy documents for the practice of adult education sometimes deviate from the extant principles and theories. This paper used a conceptual analysis of terms and a systematic review of the available literature. It concludes that continuing education and the knowledge economy necessitate more access to learning that takes into account individual needs and requirements from organisations. This is as a result of the increased availability and application of knowledge in positively changing human conditions.
A Systematic Review of the Role of School Management Committee for the School Performance in Nepal
Authors: Puri Peshal , Chhetri Dil
Published: May 2024

According to Nepal's Education Act (2028 B. S.), the School Management Committee (SMC) is crucial to educational institution governance. This legislation emphasizes the role of School Management Committees (SMCs) in infrastructure management, policy implementation, and school issues. The reviewed articles examine SMCs' complex formation, operational challenges, and crucial role in community involvement to improve education. Although attendance monitoring is difficult, the articles consistently emphasize SMCs' positive impact on community involvement. By encouraging citizen committees like SMCs to make decisions, the international perspective broadens the debate on school democratization. School Management in low-income countries can improve education despite its challenges by encouraging greater involvement, independence, and responsibility. An inclusive strategy that values diverse perspectives is essential for educators and administrators to work together. The Education Act of Nepal establishes and governs School Management Committees (SMCs) to ensure accountable administration and community engagement. The reviewed articles discuss SMCs' benefits and drawbacks and encourage educational institutions and local communities to work together. Complex SMCs require constant dedication to overcome challenges, demonstrating their vital role in improving education. Effective school governance and management shape education quality and equity, especially in poor nations. This article examines School Management Committees (SMCs) and their effects on education in Nepal. SMCs, which include parents, teachers, and local authorities, oversee school activities, encourage community participation, and assure responsibility. SMCs confront many obstacles, including lack of awareness, capacity restrictions, and political meddling, despite their importance. In response to these problems, School-Based Management (SBM) is being promoted to improve community involvement, autonomy, and accountability in school governance. SBM implementation may face resource restrictions and change resistance despite its potential benefits. Effective leadership at the school and SMC levels drives educational improvement and stakeholder collaboration, according to the paper. It promotes school democratization and community decision-making.
Educational Training: A Genuinely Historical Concept and a Disciplinary Field Under Construction
Authors: Perea María
Published: May 2024

Concepts have a polysemic nature, meaning that they are interpreted in different ways, depending on disciplinary fields and diverse elements such as intentions, historical periods, rationalities, life stories, cosmogonies, prejudices, ideologies, among other aspects. In this case, the concept of educational training is not the exception. Therefore, it becomes necessary to build its history and identify the meanings embedded in it by the authors who study it. This will allow to avoid the reduction and restriction of its meaning. The purpose of the present work is to reflect on the concept of educational training with the intention of showing both its polysemic nature and the implications it has with the people who interpret it. It has been prepared considering the results obtained from the research "Educational Training, a concept vitalized by Gadamer" and "The notions of training in researchers", which are based on the statements and privileged axes of analysis of the states of knowledge of the Mexican educational research and recent findings. The work is theoretical, and descriptive analysis is privileged, the approach is interpretive, and it is aimed at identifying the similarities and differences of a set of training notions. It is also based on assessing the degree of involvement between the person as its being trained and the person as it elaborates notions about it own training. Among the results obtained are the following: the concept of educational training is historical because it has been interpreted within different historical periods, disciplinary fields, research perspectives and life history of the people who study it. Also, the notions of educational training developed are characterized by the involvement that the person has when living it and conceptualizing it. The work concludes by stating that the construction of the history of the concept of training is under construction by people interested in the subject. The contributions made through the notions are the references to identify the evolution of the concept and the efforts to enable its original meaning and avoid the reduction and restriction of its meaning by evoking the instrumental meaning.
Simplification for Efficiency: Development of Schema-Based Chinese-English Interpretation Training Programs
Authors: Chen Yang
Published: May 2024

Due to the development of international trade and intercultural communication, interpretation is widely used as a necessary tool in some business occasions. The high demand for Chinese-English interpretation has also increased accordingly in recent years. Interpretation research has been built on the basis of multidisciplinary research, involving linguistics, psychology and sociology. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of the application of schema theory in teaching C-E interpretation. This study provides some evidence and interpreting examples of application of schema theory in terms of language schemas, formal schemas, and content schemas, as well as a three-stage workshop, namely preparation, training programs, and post-training enhancement, so as to shed light on some practical implications for interpreters, teachers and students. Effectively implementing of schema theory in C-E interpretation not only promotes oral output accuracy through words and information parsing, but also restructure information into an easier-perceived format, to solve the problem of vague oral expression. Therefore it is necessary for interpreters to clarify the content and characteristics of schema theory, receive systematic training, and proactively establish as well as activate as many schemas as possible to improve the efficiency and quality of C-E interpretation.
Rate of Post Obstructive Diuresis in Rapid Versus Gradual Bladder Decompression in Patients with Chronic Urinary Retention
Authors: Odeyemi Peter , Idowu Najeem , Aremu Is'haq , Ayinde Musa , Oladosu Olusola , Olanipekun Olaolu , Okunade Ibukun , Adenike Olalere , Adedokun Stephen , Ekunnrin Olusola , Muritala Wakeel , Akanbi Olusola
Published: May 2024

Background: Post-obstructive diuresis (POD) is a polyuric state in which copious amounts of salt and water are eliminated after the relief of a urinary tract obstruction. POD is a clinical diagnosis based on urine output exceeding 200 mL per hour for two or more consecutives hours or 3L in 24 hours after decompressing an obstructed bladder, bilateral ureteric obstruction or unilateral ureteric obstruction in a solitary kidney. Methodology: This was a prospective, randomized study in which patients with chronic urinary retention were randomized into two groups: A and B. Group A had rapid urinary decompression with 18Fr urethral catheter attached to a urine bag, while group B had gradual decompression using a urethral catheter attached to an intravenous fluid giving set which was then attached to urine bag. Post obstructive diuresis in each group were assessed at designated times. Data Analysis and Result Presentation: Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM) SPSS version 21. Data was summarized by descriptive statistics. The two arms were compared for similarities in demographic variables. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using student t- test and Pearsons‘ Chi – square respectively. Significant p value was 0.05. Result: Sixty patients were recruited into the study and randomized into group A (rapid urinary decompression) and B (gradual urinary decompression) with 30 patients in each group. Thirteen patients (43.33%) had post obstructive diuresis in group A compared to 15 patients (50%) in group B. p value of 0.584. Diuresis resolved within 24 hours in 9 patients (30%) in group A and 11 patients (36.7%) in group B. p value of 0.999. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 8.21 ± 2.63mmHg in group A and 7.63 ± 2.14mmHg in group B. p value of 0.583. The mean reduction diastolic blood pressure was 3.84 ± 1.31mmHg in group A and 3.41 ± 1.16mmHg in group B. P value of 0.624. No patient in both groups developed hypotension (BP of <90/60). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant different in post obstructive diuresis. However, over 46.7% of patients had diuresis in both groups without any one developing hypotension. This may be due to routine prophylactic fluid and electrolyte replacement using normal saline.
Patient-Driven Solutions: Integrating Vildagliptin and Dapagliflozin in Diabetes Management
Authors: Maladkar Manish , Yadav Ashok , Anchan Namita
Published: May 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an ongoing, chronic and multifactorial condition frequently necessitates multiple anti-hyperglycemic medications for optimal glycemic control. Diabetes rarely occurs in isolation, commonly coexisting with obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and kidney dysfunction. Shared risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices, contribute to the convergence of these health conditions. The interplay between obesity and insulin resistance (IR), a precursor to diabetes, amplifies cardiovascular risks through shared pathological pathways. Addressing this complex interrelation necessitates a holistic approach involving early detection, lifestyle modifications, and comprehensive management to navigate the intricate web of interrelated ailments. Clinical guidelines advocate early adoption of combination therapy. Combining two different therapeutic classes is a promising theoretical strategy for achieving safe and optimum glycemic regulation. Recent research trials combining dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) confirm their safety and clinical efficacy and consequently, this combination emerges as an appealing therapy for T2DM patients, offering a favorable safety profile and positive clinical effects in terms of weight management and cardiorenal protection. This review highlights the utilization of Vildagliptin and Dapagliflozin in diabetes management, underscoring their necessity, pleiotropic advantages, and the importance of an individualized, patient-centric approach for optimal outcomes.