bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The morphology of the lumbar vertebrae: a systematic review with meta-analysis of 1481 individuals with implications for spine surgery
Authors: Bonczar Michał , Koszewski Jan , Czarnota Wiktor , Dziedzic Martyna , Ostrowski Patryk , Możdżeń Kamil , Murawska Agnieszka , Hajdyła Paweł , Walocha Andrzej , Walocha Ewa , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based results regarding the morphometric properties of the lumbar vertebrae.

Methods

Medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched through.

Results

The results of this meta-analysis were established based on a total of 1481 patients. New results were established in 27 categories for each lumbar vertebra separately. The findings from this study reveal that the width of the spinal canal progressively increases towards the lower end of the lumbar spine (L1 = 22.04 mm, L5 = 26.46 mm). Additionally, the transverse processes exhibit a similar trend, widening as they approach the lower lumbar vertebrae (L1 = 68.08 mm, L5 = 85.91 mm). The pedicle height decreased from L1 to L4, with an increase observed at L5 (14.73 mm). No significant differences were observed between the measurements of the left and right pedicles.

Conclusion

The presented results provide physicians with normative morphometric data on the lumbar vertebrae. Having adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae may be of immense use for surgeons performing various spinal surgeries, such as pedicle screw fixation, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy, or lumbar disc replacement.
Implausible, not impossible: delayed supradiaphragmatic thoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a 17-month-old
Authors: Florian Ioan-Alexandru , Topal Paula , Florian Teodora-Larisa , Font Dragos , Florian Ioan-Stefan
Published: December 2024

Background

Intrathoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a phenomenally rare complication, with the supradiaphragmatic intercostal variant even more so. Whereas it can prove debilitating or even fatal via massive hydrothorax, the causative mechanism and proper management of this occurrence are undefined.

Case presentation

A 17-month-old girl who had undergone VPS insertion at one month of age was brought to our department for somnolence and dyspnea, which had a sudden onset. Despite a previous thoracostomy provided temporary symptom relief, she had relapsed. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed a large loop of the right-sided VPS penetrating into the thorax through the anterior wall, as well as marked right hydrothorax. She was subjected to VPS revision and thoracostomy, with the swift, complete, and lasting remission of her complaints.

Conclusion

It is possible that local reaction coupled with negative inspiratory pressure caused the catheter loop to break into the pleural cavity. Our case demonstrates an exceedingly rare event that has a favorable prognosis if diagnosed and treated quickly and appropriately.
An ERP study on multiplication and its relationship to phonological processing in children and adults
Authors: Simpson Heather G. , Henderson Lisa M. , Göbel Silke M.
Published: December 2024

Associations between arithmetic and reading skills suggest that these important abilities may rely, at least in part, on shared neurocognitive processes. It has been argued that retrieval of arithmetic facts may rely on phonological processing; however, very few studies have explored this association using neural indices and whether it manifests similarly in children and adults. Here we examined event related potentials (ERPs) as an indirect neural correlate of arithmetic fact retrieval, and whether variability in ERP modulation is associated with individual differences in phonological processing (verbal working memory, rate of access, and phonological awareness). Arithmetic processing was examined in two samples with different levels of arithmetic expertise: (1) young adults (n = 24; Mage = 21.8 years); and (2) children (n = 25; Mage = 11.2 years). Participants were presented with simple multiplication equations that were correct or incorrect. Significant modulations of the ERPs by correctness were found at posterior electrodes in both samples, however, in different components. In adults a modulation of the P300 was observed, while for children the N400 response was modulated. For both children and adults, the size of the ERP modulation in posterior electrodes was associated with individual differences in verbal working memory. These results highlight an important distinction between behavioral outcomes and their underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. Additionally, they provide insight into how arithmetic processing evolves over the course of development.
Backflow Simulation Combined with Laser Visualization Regarding Dust Removal Effect during Tunnel Construction
Authors: Wei Ranzhu , Galler Robert
Published: December 2024

The removal of respirable dust and harmful gasses in tunnel construction is a crucial topic for the occupational safety of tunnel construction workers. Mechanical ventilation is the most widely used method to remove the dust at present. But respirable dust is difficult to remove by sedimentation because of the small particle size. The setting of airflow rate in the ventilation duct and the distance between the ventilation duct and the working face highly affect the efficiency of dust removal. When the ventilation duct is far away from the working face, there is often no effective air flow reaching the working face due to the backflow. So, understanding the airflow distribution in the tunnel is necessary to evaluate dust removal effects. This contribution simulates the airflow of the Zentrum am Berg (ZAB) tunnel through numerical simulation and also sets up the laser device to visualize the air flow. The backflow sections from numerical simulation and laser visualization are verified and compared with each other to provide guidance on dust removal effect optimization during tunnel construction.
Determinants of undergraduate medical students’ satisfaction with clinical supervision: A cohort study in a longitudinally structured sixth year clinical placement
Authors: Wagner-Menghin Michaela , Hofhansl Angelika , Bach Lena , Mayer Anna-Maria , Rieder Anita , Zlabinger Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Background

Work satisfaction is associated with fewer employee turnover intentions, increased job engagement and interest, and has a greater impact on employee well-being than environmental factors, such as workload. In workplace learning, clinical supervisors promote student satisfaction by meeting students’ supervision needs in providing safe practice opportunities, training, and guidance in the social field. To quantitatively investigate this relationship, we proposed a supervision deficit index as a measure of learner-centered supervision received and explored its correlation with satisfaction in workplace learning.

Method

In total, 1017 Austrian medical students (2015–2017) in year 6 selected the 5 most helpful supervisory activities (from 26 options) and rated their experience levels of these activities during surgery and internal medicine placement. A supervision deficit index was then created (range 0–3; 0 = no deficit).

Results

Students with no, minor or moderate supervision deficits reported higher overall satisfaction with their placements than those experiencing considerable deficits. Students’ gender, clinical experience, hospital size, placement year, and clinical field did not influence the relationship. The deficit index’s psychometric qualities were good. Training activities supporting competence, such as discussing patients, planning disease management, and practicing skills, were selected more often than activities supporting autonomy, such as an appropriate level of clinical duties, and social relatedness.

Discussion

Students favored competence support. Highlighting the importance of autonomy support to students and encouraging supervisors to engage in learner-centered supervision may improve the supervision experience and work satisfaction for both. The deficit index can be used to evaluate the effects of such interventions.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte patches ameliorate right ventricular function in a rat pressure-overloaded right ventricle model
Authors: Watanabe Takuji , Kawamura Takuji , Harada Akima , Taira Masaki , Yoshioka Daisuke , Shimamura Kazuo , Watabe Tadashi , Shimosegawa Eku , Ueno Takayoshi , Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: December 2024

Right ventricular (RV) failure following surgical repair of congenital heart disease affects survival. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPS-CM) sheet transplantation ameliorated left ventricular dysfunction in preclinical studies, indicating its efficacy in RV failure in congenital heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate whether hiPS-CMs could improve RV function in rats with pressure-overloaded RV failure. F344/NJcl-rnu/rnu rats underwent pulmonary artery banding (PAB) via left thoracotomy. Four weeks after PAB, hiPS-CM patch transplantation to the RV was performed in the hiPS-CM group (n = 33), and a sham operation was performed in the sham group (n = 18). We evaluated cardiac catheterization, positron emission tomography data, and pathological results 8 weeks following PAB. RV end-diastolic pressure, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, and end-diastolic pressure–volume relation were significantly ameliorated in the hiPS-CM group compared with in the sham group. Picrosirius red staining revealed that anti-fibrotic effects were significantly higher in the hiPS-CM group than in the sham group. Von Willebrand factor staining revealed significantly higher myocardial capillary vascular density in the hiPS-CM group than in the sham group. hiPS-CMs were detected in the epicardium 4 weeks after hiPS-CM sheet transplantation. The angiogenic gene expression in the myocardium was significantly higher in the hiPS-CM group than in the sham group. Overall, in rats with pressure-overloaded RV failure, hiPS-CM patch transplantation could improve diastolic function, suppress ventricular fibrosis, and increase capillary density, suggesting that it is a promising treatment for RV failure.
Expensive today but cheaper tomorrow: lifetime costs of an active middle ear implant compared to alternative treatment options
Authors: Krohn Markus , Kiesewetter Klaas , Buchholz Annika , Schlick Bettina , Busch Susan , Lenarz Thomas , Lesinski-Schiedat Anke , Maier Hannes , Batsoulis Cornelia , Urban Michael , Flessa Steffen
Published: December 2024

Background

When choosing between different treatment options, implants often appear too costly. However, this perspective does not take future costs into account. This article evaluates lifetime costs for different surgical interventions to treat hearing loss.

Methods

The analysis focused on three groups from the perspective of health insurers. Group 1 comprises patients who have only been implanted with a middle ear implant. Patients in Group 2 had already undergone middle ear surgery to improve hearing prior to the implantation of a middle ear implant. Group 3 consists of patients who were treated exclusively with hearing-improvement surgeries (no implant). The lifetime costs were calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation. The inputs were based on medical data from a maximum-care hospital and data from the German healthcare system.

Results

Based on an average observation period of 26.73 years, the lifetime costs amounted to 28,325€ for group 1, 32,187€ for group 2 and 28,381€ for group 3. While the mean values between groups 1 and 3 appear comparable, group 1 has a significantly lower standard deviation (G1 vs. G3: 6120€ vs. 10,327€).

Discussion/conclusion

Choosing a treatment option can be a complex medical decision and impose a substantial economic burden for the statutory health insurance. Hence, treatment decisions should be patient-centred at first but also including a shared-decision making on economic feasibility, whether proposed treatment alternatives are likely to be successful and economically reasonable.
An elucidation of blended modeling from an industrial perspective
Authors: Holtmann Jörg , Ciccozzi Federico , Bast Wim , Pinxten Joost van
Published: December 2024

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) has been widely adopted across various industrial sectors due to its ability to manage the complexity of modern engineering products. However, traditional modeling languages and tools are often limited to a single, specific concrete syntax, which poses challenges for the diverse stakeholders involved in the modeling process.. To address these limitations, the emerging field of blended modeling introduces the use of multiple concrete syntaxes, and in some cases, even multiple abstract syntaxes, for representing the same information. In this expert perspective, we present generalized, technology-agnostic concepts developed within a European research and development project focused on blended modeling. Specifically, we contribute a standardized terminology and ontology for blended modeling, along with a methodology for creating blended modeling environments. These concepts were developed through collaboration between academic and industrial partners, who aligned on the motivations and benefits of this approach. The insights gained from this project are not only relevant to blended MDE but also can be applied to traditional MDE practices.
A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study of Preschool Children’s Reactions to Interparental Conflict and Their Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Japan
Authors: Jikihara Yasumitsu , Suzumura Shunsuke , Hirose Akiko , Todo Naoya , Kubo Takahiro , Aramaki Misako , Shiozaki Naomi , Ando Satoko
Published: December 2024

Background

Positive marital relations are crucial for healthy family functioning, whereas conflict-ridden marital relations are linked to children’s adjustment problems. According to the Emotional Security Theory, destructive interparental conflict leads to children’s emotional insecurity, impacting their adjustment.

Objective

This three-wave longitudinal study examined the temporal associations between preschool children’s reactions to interparental conflict, interparental conflict and children’s behavioral problems in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal three-wave study with Japanese parents of children at three time points: aged 3 (Time 1), 4 (Time 2), and 5 (Time 3). Children’s reactions to interparental conflict at Time 2 were assessed using the Security in the Marital Subsystem-Parent Report, which includes subscales for overt emotional reactivity, behavioral dysregulation, overt avoidance, and overt involvement.

Results

Our findings revealed a positive association between behavioral dysregulation at Time 2 and internalizing problems at Time 3. However, no significant association was found between behavioral dysregulation and externalizing problems. Emotional reactivity was not associated with behavioral problems or interparental conflict. Differences in age ranges across studies may account for the variance in findings.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study highlights the importance of focusing on behavioral dysregulation in preschool children as a factor associated with the relationship between interparental conflict and internalizing problems over time. Emotional reactivity may not serve as a reliable indicator of behavioral problems or interparental conflict in Japanese contexts. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive approaches in assessing children’s responses to interparental conflict and their potential associations with child development over time.
Quickest Change-point Detection Problems for Multidimensional Wiener Processes
Authors: Gapeev Pavel V. , Stoev Yavor I.
Published: December 2024

We study the quickest change-point (disorder) detection problems for an observable multidimensional Wiener process with the constantly correlated components changing their drift rates at certain unobservable random (change-point) times. These problems seek to determine the times of alarms which should be as close as possible to the unknown change-point times at which some of the components have changed their drift rates. The optimal stopping times of alarm are shown to be the first times at which the appropriate posterior probability processes exit certain regions restricted by the stopping boundaries. We characterise the value functions and optimal boundaries as unique solutions to the associated free-boundary problems for partial differential equations. It is observed that the optimal stopping boundaries can also be uniquely specified by means of the equivalent nonlinear Fredholm integral equations in the class of continuous functions of bounded variation. We also provide estimates for the value functions and boundaries which are solutions to the appropriately constructed ordinary differential free-boundary problems.
Embracing complexity: abductive reasoning as a versatile tool for analyzing international large-scale assessments
Authors: Sandoval-Hernández Andrés , Rutkowski David Joseph
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the potential of abductive reasoning to enhance the analysis of international large-scale assessments which have traditionally relied on deductive and inductive reasoning. While these conventional methods have provided valuable insights into global student achievement, they often fail to capture the complexity of educational systems and the nuanced interplay of variables influencing student outcomes. By proposing abductive reasoning as a complementary analytical approach, this study argues for its ability to account for surprising data points and embrace the complexity inherent in educational systems. Abductive reasoning, characterized by the formulation of the most plausible explanations for observed phenomena, offers a promising avenue for generating new hypotheses and uncovering unexpected relationships. Through a detailed examination of the strengths and weaknesses of inductive and deductive reasoning in the context of ILSA data and the introduction of abductive reasoning’s unique characteristics, this paper highlights the benefits and practical applications of abduction in educational research. It also addresses potential limitations and challenges, advocating for a structured application to enhance rigor and mitigate biases. Ultimately, abductive reasoning is presented as a versatile and creative tool that, when used thoughtfully alongside traditional methods, can significantly advance our understanding of global education systems and inform more nuanced and impactful educational policies.
Leaky gut in systemic inflammation: exploring the link between gastrointestinal disorders and age-related diseases
Authors: Escalante Jonathan , Artaiz Olivia , Diwakarla Shanti , McQuade Rachel M.
Published: December 2024

Global average life expectancy has steadily increased over the last several decades and is projected to reach ~ 77 years by 2050. As it stands, the number of people > 60 years currently outnumbers children younger than 5 years, and by 2050, it is anticipated that the global population of people aged > 60 years will double, surpassing 2.1 billion. This demographic shift in our population is expected to have substantial consequences on health services globally due to the disease burden associated with aging. Osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline associated with dementia are among the most common age-related diseases and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in the aged population. Many of these age-related diseases have been linked to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation which often accompanies aging. Gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction, also known as “leaky gut,” has been shown to contribute to systemic inflammation in several diseases including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, but its role in the development and/or progression of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation during aging is unclear. This review outlines current literature on the leaky gut in aging, how leaky gut might contribute to systemic inflammation, and the links between gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases and common age-related diseases to provide insight into a potential relationship between the intestinal barrier and inflammation.
Standardization and advancements efforts in breast diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Iima Mami , Honda Maya , Satake Hiroko , Kataoka Masako
Published: December 2024

Recent advancements in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have significantly enhanced breast cancer detection and characterization. Breast MRI offers superior sensitivity, particularly valuable for high-risk screening and assessing disease extent. Abbreviated protocols have emerged, providing efficient cancer detection while reducing scan time and cost. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a non-contrast technique, has shown promise in differentiating malignant from benign lesions. It offers shorter scanning times and eliminates contrast agent risks. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values provide quantitative measures for lesion characterization, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. Studies have revealed some correlations between ADC values and hormone receptor status in breast cancers, although substantial variability exists among studies. However, standardization remains challenging. Initiatives such as European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI), Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Screening Trial (DWIST), Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) have proposed guidelines to ensure consistency in imaging protocols and equipment specifications, addressing variability in ADC measurements across different sites and vendors. Advanced techniques like Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and non-Gaussian DWI offer insights into tissue microvasculature and microstructure. Despite ongoing challenges, the integration of these advanced MRI techniques shows great promise for improving breast cancer diagnosis, characterization, and treatment planning. Continued research and standardization efforts are crucial for maximizing the potential of breast DWI in enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Systematics of Mesozoic ‘Arctic’ polar cockroaches
Authors: Vršanský Peter V. V. , Kováčová Zuzana , Vasilenko Dmitrij V. , Pálková Helena , Nagy Štefan , Kosnáč Daniel , Vidlička Ľubomír , Martin Sarah K.
Published: December 2024

This is an exclusively systematic background study reviewing 85 Mesozoic (latest Jurassic and Cretaceous) cockroaches and praying mantises from northern palaeo-polar (i.e. deposited within polar circles) deposits in Yakutia, Taimyr, Khabarovsk, Magadan and Chukotka (Russia), revealing 15 new species, which are herein characterised using systematic two-way analysis. The taphonomic conditions within these ‘Arctic’ paleo- polar sites were strongly influenced by long periods of pre-depositional transport.
A comprehensive review on operating room scheduling and optimization
Authors: Al Amin Md , Baldacci Roberto , Kayvanfar Vahid
Published: December 2024

The growing number of publications on Operating Room Scheduling (ORS) in recent years reflects the rapid advancements in the field. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the historical developments and evolving trends in operating room scheduling by systematically examining the literature from 2000 to 2023. A multi-database search, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest and IEEE Xplore was employed to ensure the inclusion of key studies. This paper presents a review of the factors, descriptive fields, and key issues in operating room scheduling. It also focuses on optimization techniques and solution approaches for both deterministic and uncertain conditions. Special attention is given to real-world constraints, such as resource limitations, staff availability and patient variability which significantly impact scheduling. The review identifies that ORS research covers a broad spectrum of problems and solutions, with no singular research trend dominating the field. This indicates that researchers are tackling diverse challenges across various contexts. The final section outlines the significant pitfalls and proposes future research directions, including the integration of emerging technologies and sustainability considerations. This review is a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and academicians in healthcare operations and hospital management, offering insights into current practices and future opportunities for innovation in ORS.
Probiotic Mixture Attenuates Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Murine AOM/DSS Model by Suppressing STAT3, Inducing Apoptotic p53 and Modulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Leung Hoi Kit Matthew , Lo Emily Kwun Kwan , Chen Congjia , Zhang Fangfei , Felicianna  , Ismaiah Marsena Jasiel , El-Nezami Hani
Published: December 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The standard CRC chemo drug, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), has a poor response rate and chemoresistance, prompting the need for a more effective and affordable treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether Prohep, a novel probiotic mixture, would alleviate azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colorectal tumorigenesis and enhance 5-FU efficacy and its mechanism. Our results suggested that Prohep showed stronger anti-tumorigenesis effects than 5-FU alone or when combined in the AOM/DSS model. Prohep significantly reduced the total tumor count, total tumor size, caecum weight, colonic crypt depth, colonic inflammation, and collagen fibrosis. Prohep downregulated pro-inflammatory TNF-α and proliferative p-STAT3 and upregulated apoptotic p53. Metagenomics analysis indicated that Prohep-enriched Helicobacter ganmani, Desulfovibrio porci, Helicobacter hepaticus, and Candidatus Borkfalkia ceftriaxoniphila were inversely correlated to the total tumor count. In addition, Prohep-enriched Prevotella sp. PTAC and Desulfovibrio porci were negatively correlated to AOM/DSS enriched bacteria, while forming a co-existing community with other beneficial bacteria. From KEGG analysis, Prohep downregulated CRC-related pathways and enhanced pathways related to metabolites suppressing CRC like menaquinone, tetrapyrrole, aminolevulinic acid, and tetrahydrofolate. From Metacyc analysis, Prohep downregulated CRC-related peptidoglycan, LPS, and uric acid biosynthesis, and conversion. Prohep elevated the biosynthesis of the beneficial L-lysine, lipoic acid, pyrimidine, and palmitate. Prohep also elevated metabolic pathways related to energy utilization of lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) and acetate producers. Similarly, fecal acetate concentration was upregulated by Prohep. To sum up, Prohep demonstrated exceptional anti-tumorigenesis effects in the AOM/DSS model, which revealed its potential to develop into a novel CRC therapeutic in the future.

Graphical Abstract
Mindfulness and the Judging Mind in the Context of Buddhist Models of Mind
Authors: Seegers Manfred
Published: December 2024

Psychological research on mindfulness has often focused on the effects of mindfulness training, such as clinical application, rather than on the meaning of mindfulness itself as taught in various spiritual, philosophical, and medical traditions. Mindfulness is often seen as a general training in attentional awareness. From a Buddhist perspective, this approach does not allow for the effective solution of deep-rooted problems arising from a deluded state of mind, which requires insight into the nature of mind. In order to apply the practice of mindfulness as a soteriological path, a precise understanding of the full range of functions of mindfulness and the judgmental mind is essential. To this end, this study explores the relevant definitions and levels of this practice in the context of Buddhist models of mind. This paper provides a profound analysis of early Indian Buddhist sources such as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and later Tibetan Buddhist presentations, in particular those of the Kagyu lineage, such as the Distinction between Consciousness and Wisdom by the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339). Buddhist epistemology and meditation instructions offer various mind maps and discuss the steps in the process of perception, based on the application of mindfulness, to overcome deluded states of mind and develop highest wisdom. The theoretical and practical findings are intended to be helpful in integrating traditional Buddhist models of mindfulness and the judging mind, including issues of health and happiness, with our modern understanding of cognitive processes as described in applied psychology.
Vermicomposting of gastro waste does not produce high-quality fertilizer
Authors: Dvořáčková H. , Vlček V. , Cwiková O. , Menoušková K. , Záhora J.
Published: December 2024

The production of gastro-waste is an common issue part in all societies, but its disposal, including recycling, is not yet satisfactorily resolved. This research explored whether it is possible to manage this waste directly at its source without special equipment and high initial investments. The study was conducted on a university campus, where a simple three-tier vermicomposter was assembled to process cafeteria leftovers. The vermicomposting process and the quality of the resulting vermicompost were monitored, and a container experiment with a 20% vermicompost concentration was set up.The vermicompost was evaluated from a food perspective and found to attract insects, emite odors, and heat up to over 50 °C within the vermicomposter. The resulting vermicompost parameters were not as favorable for agricultural use as those from thermally untreated waste. The most problematic parameter was the electrical conductivity, which likely caused the early termination of the container experiment due to plant death in the vermicompost-applied variant. Additionally, high concentrations of microorganisms such as Salmonella and E. Coli were found in the vermicompost. In conclusion, using the vermicomposting process for heat-treated food residues is not suitable for regular institutions.

Graphical abstract
Verbal Abuse, Depersonalization, and the Innate Alarm and Defensive Systems: A Single Case Illustration of Treatment with Deep Brain Reorienting
Authors: Frau Costanzo , Corrigan Frank M.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to a) discuss the neurobiological mechanisms of depersonalization as arising from activation at the brainstem level and b) assess the effectiveness of deep brain reorienting psychotherapy (DBR) with a patient presenting with depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD). In the first part of the paper, we discuss verbal abuse as a severe form of relational trauma and how it can be connected to depersonalization. It is argued that suddenly aversive experiences engage the brainstem locus coeruleus in widespread noradrenergic activation of the thalamus and cortex such that the balance of functioning within the cortex becomes disturbed and a subjective experience of chronic depersonalization results. In the second part, the single-case study aims to provide initial evidence of how the patient experienced and responded to DBR therapy. Pre- and post-treatment measures consisted of instruments to measure depersonalization, social anxiety symptoms and quality of life. After 43 DBR sessions, the participant's depersonalization and comorbid symptoms decreased significantly. Patients with DDD may benefit from DBR. Future research is required to address generalizability to a larger population.
An algorithm and computation to verify Legendre’s conjecture up to $$7\cdot 10^{13}$$
Authors: Sorenson Jonathan , Webster Jonathan
Published: December 2024

We state a general purpose algorithm for quickly finding primes in evenly divided sub-intervals. Legendre’s conjecture claims that for every positive integer n, there exists a prime between $$n^2$$

n
2

and $$(n+1)^2$$

(
n
+
1
)

2

. Oppermann’s conjecture subsumes Legendre’s conjecture by claiming there are primes between $$n^2$$

n
2

and $$n(n+1)$$

n
(
n
+
1
)

and also between $$n(n+1)$$

n
(
n
+
1
)

and $$(n+1)^2$$

(
n
+
1
)

2

. Using Cramér’s conjecture as the basis for a heuristic run-time analysis, we show that our algorithm can verify Oppermann’s conjecture, and hence also Legendre’s conjecture, for all $$n\le N$$

n
≤
N

in time $$O( N \log N \log \log N)$$

O
(
N
log
N
log
log
N
)

and space $$N^{O(1/\log \log N)}$$

N

O
(
1
/
log
log
N
)

. We implemented a parallel version of our algorithm and improved the empirical verification of Oppermann’s conjecture from the previous $$N = 2\cdot 10^{9}$$

N
=
2
·

10
9

up to $$N = 7.05\cdot 10^{13} > 2^{46}$$

N
=
7.05
·

10
13

>

2
46

, so we were finding 27 digit primes. The computation ran for about half a year on each of two platforms: four Intel Xeon Phi 7210 processors using a total of 256 cores, and a 192-core cluster of Intel Xeon E5-2630 2.3GHz processors.
Eine Frage der Perspektive: Zur Einordnung von Wahlergebnissen aus Anlass der Europawahl 2024
Authors: Giebler Heiko , Wagner Aiko
Published: December 2024

Nach Europawahlen werden von Medien, Parteien und auch der Wissenschaft häufig Rückschlüsse auf die politische Stimmung in einem Mitgliedsland gezogen. Die Wahlen zum Europäischen Parlament stellen allerdings Nebenwahlen dar, die von den Bürger:innen häufig als „Denkzettel“ für die nationalen Regierungsparteien genutzt werden. Eine geringere und selektivere Wahlbeteiligung, sowie andere Themenlagen als bei nationalen Hauptwahlen tragen oft zu deutlich abweichenden Wahlergebnissen bei. Es stellt sich daher die Frage, was überhaupt eine sinnvolle Vergleichsperspektive zur Einordnung der Ergebnisse sein kann. Am Beispiel des Abschneidens der europäischen Regierungsparteien bei der Europawahl 2024 wird argumentiert, dass ein Vergleich sowohl mit nationalen Hauptwahlen als auch mit der vorangegangenen Europawahl 2019 sinnvoll und fruchtbar sein kann, wenn die jeweiligen Kontexte berücksichtigt werden. Die verschiedenen Wahlen folgen nicht nur unterschiedlichen Logiken, sondern führen auch zu divergierenden Ergebnissen hinsichtlich der Zustimmung der Wähler:innen und den daraus resultierenden Gewinnen und Verlusten. Eine Kombination beider Perspektiven kann helfen, Fehlschlüsse zu vermeiden.
Robust and Lightweight Challenge Obfuscation Mechanism for Anti-modeling Protection of Arbiter-PUFs
Authors: Ebrahimabadi Mohammad , Younis Mohamed , Mehjabin Suhee Sanjana , Tekeoglu Ali , Sookoor Tamim I. , Karimi Naghmeh
Published: December 2024

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are lightweight hardware security primitives that leverage the imperfection of the manufacturing process of integrated circuits to generate unique signatures (responses) when queried by various bit-strings (challenges). These signatures can be used not only to authenticate interconnected devices but also to generate cryptographic keys for preserving the integrity and confidentiality of data. Among the different designs, the arbiter-PUF and its variants have received the most attention due to the large cardinality of their challenge-response set. To prevent the PUF circuits from being modeled using machine learning techniques, challenge obfuscation is often being pursued. Particularly, the simplicity of bit scrambling makes it an attractive means to achieve such a goal without diminishing the low complexity advantages of PUFs. This paper first shows that the conventional, fixed pattern-based, bit scrambling scheme is vulnerable by developing a detailed attack scenario. Then, we propose a novel lightweight dynamic challenge scrambling (DCS) mechanism that predictably varies the bit-swapping pattern per packet and per node. Such variability severely degrades the PUF modeling accuracy. The results extracted from the FPGA implementation of DCS confirm its effectiveness in thwarting PUF modeling attacks.
Scoring model for exploring factors influencing mortality in dengue patients at a tertiary care hospital: a retrospective study
Authors: Rao Abhishek S. , Pai B. H. Karthik , Adithi K. , Keshav Lakshmi Belur , Malhotra Karan , Nayak Sneha , Sachidananda H. K.
Published: December 2024

This retrospective study took place at a tertiary care hospital involving hospitalized dengue patients in India. Various clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded. A practical score-based model (DENScore) was developed by calculating the risk score for each attribute. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to ascertain notable predictors of mortality. The study also conducted a survival analysis test to illustrate the composite interaction among disease parameters that affect survival probabilities. Among 255 patients, most were under 45 years old, with a survival rate of 96.47%. Univariate logistic regression revealed that patients with ages above 45 years showed symptoms associated with acute kidney injury as significant predictors for reduced survival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also confirmed that age, acute kidney injury, and Leukocytosis remained the most significant independent predictors of mortality. Gender, hospital stay duration, thrombocytopenia, and SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase) levels showed no mortality association. The model was developed using three state-of-the-art algorithms: Logistic Regression (LR), Linear SVM, and Ridge Classifier (RC). The developed model showed higher scores for acute kidney injury, leukocytosis, platelet count, and dengue shock syndrome features, achieving accuracy rates of 95%, 97%, and 91% respectively. The study findings suggest that age, acute kidney injury, Leukocytosis, and dengue shock syndrome are crucial prognostic factors for mortality in dengue fever patients. The developed DENScore model provides an accurate approach to identifying these predictors early, contributing to the enhancement of disease prognostics.
Efficacy of adipose tissue-derived stromal fraction in the treatment of osteochondral defects in rabbits
Authors: De Oliveira Ariane Barboza , Madeira Marina Cazarini , Rosado Isabel Rodrigues , Martin Ian , Bertassoli Bruno Machado , De Macedo Suzilaine Alves Oliveira , Mota Francisco Cláudio Dantas , Alves Endrigo Gabellini Leonel
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of stromal derived from adipose tissue in the treatment of osteochondral defects in rabbits. A total of 36 white New Zealand rabbits were used: 24 to perform an osteochondral defect in the trochlear groove of the joints and 12 to collect adipose tissue in the region of the adipose panicle, divided in three digestion times (30, 45 and 50 min). The groups were divided into negative control (C−), stromal fraction of adipose tissue (SFAT) and positive control (C +) with autogenous osteochondral graft. Clinical, radiographic, macroscopic and histopathological evaluations showed that the therapeutic effects of the stromal fraction of adipose tissue minimized the degenerative signs of articular cartilage in the treatment of osteochondral defects in rabbits. The digestion time of 30 min was the best option for obtaining the stromal fraction from adipose tissue of rabbits and its use at the lesion site was satisfactory, without any immunological complications, indicating potential as an alternative for the treatment of osteochondral defects.
Slime
Authors: Estok Simon C.
Published: December 2024

Slime has always stirred the imagination and evoked strong responses. It is as central to life and growth as to death, degeneration, and rot. Slime heals and cures; it also infects and kills. Slime titillates and terrifies. It fascinates children and is the horror in stories and the disgusting in fridges. Slime is part of good sex. Slime is also worryingly on the rise in the warming oceans. Engaging with slime is becoming more urgent because of its proliferation both in the seas and in our imaginations. Inextricable from racism, homophobia, sexism, and ecophobia, slime is the least theorized element and is indeed traditionally not even included among the elements. Things need to change. Addressing growing climate issues and honestly confronting matters associated with them depend to a very large degree on theorizing and thus understanding how people have thought and continue to think about slime.
Full-state-constrained intelligent adaptive control for nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics and mismatched disturbances
Authors: Yin Y. , Ning X. , Wang Z. , Li R.
Published: December 2024

This paper develops a novel full-state-constrained intelligent adaptive control (FIAC) scheme for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems under full state constraints, unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. The key point of the proposed scheme is to appropriately suppress and compensate for unmodeled dynamics that are coupled with other states of the system under the conditions of various disturbances and full state constraints. Firstly, to guarantee that the time-varying asymmetric full state constraints are obeyed, a simple and valid nonlinear error transformation method has been proposed, which can simplify the constrained control problem of the system states into a bounded control problem of the transformed states. Secondly, considering the coupling relationship between the unmodeled dynamics and other states of the controlled system such as system states and control inputs, a decoupling approach for coupling uncertainties is introduced. Thereafter, owing to the employed dynamic signal and bias radial basis function neural network (BIAS-RBFNN) improved on traditional RBFNN, the adverse effects of unmodeled dynamics on the controlled system can be suppressed appropriately. Furthermore, the matched and mismatched disturbances are reasonably estimated and circumvented by a mathematical inequality and a disturbance observer, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FIAC strategy.
Preparing for the Future Pandemic: Impact of Individual and Occupational Factors on Paramedics’ Mental Health
Authors: Celen Ozge , Şimsek Zeynep
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The mental health of paramedics is critical for disaster response in order to provide rapid and effective interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related individual and occupational factors in Turkish paramedics during the eleventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The “Sociodemographic Information Form,” “Life Events Checklist,” and “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist” were used to collect data from 440 randomly selected paramedics in this cross-sectional study.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD was 59.8% in the 11th month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple regression analysis revealed that approximately 25% of the total PTSD score could be independently explained by paramedics’ general health situation and sociodemographic characteristics; 27% by crisis management skills, long working hours, a lack of equipment, and intensive work; and 40% by past traumatic experiences due to difficult life events during their professional practice, such as responding to gunshot wounds, becoming a victim of a gunshot attack, or sexual assault (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Integrating a mental health monitoring system into the health and safety program, providing paramedics with supervision and psychological assistance, and engaging them in disaster preparedness planning would be beneficial.
Exposure to Seismic Hazard in a High-Complexity Hospital in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Estrella-Villarreal Camilo , Ospina-Ostios Lina , Díaz-Tamayo Alejandra
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The project aimed to characterize the exposure to seismic hazard in the emergency area of a high-complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia.

Methods

The occupancy of the emergency area was analyzed over 6 months, determining the value of material elements exposed to the seismic hazard. Four phases were executed: search for pre-existing information, occupancy analysis, evaluation of exposed assets, and results analysis. The information was analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS), which allowed the visualization of demographic behavior in different locations and times.

Results

The results confirmed that the seismic hazard is high, exacerbated by local geomechanical characteristics. It was observed that the average occupancy of most studied areas exceeded capacity. The value of the exposed assets was estimated at COP 3 221 008 640 (USD 959 844.76), the demolition value at COP 10 582 770 000 (USD 3 153 613.49), and the reconstruction value at COP 30 293 640 275 (USD 9 027 356.03). In the worst-case scenario, the losses were equivalent to 12.4% of the hospital’s annual budget.

Conclusions

The data allow the hospital to take preventive measures and educate the staff to identify and mitigate critical areas. It also contributes to the knowledge of the approximate value of economic losses and the impact of potential human losses.
Hunting Pit Systems as Landscape Domestication: Large-Scale Hunting in the Arctic Regions of Sweden
Authors: Rimpi Anna
Published: December 2024

Hunting pits are common archaeological features in northern landscapes, mainly researched from a morphological perspective, as dateable material is scarce. This has resulted in a limited and generalized understanding of hunting pits. While human land use in non-agrarian settings is often subtle, it can still be understood in terms of distribution and management by using relational approaches that address spatial organization and the nature of land use. This study, based on extensive field surveys and GIS analyses and guided by the concept of landscape domestication, has identified the characteristics of approximately 1500 previously unrecorded hunting pits in the Arctic region of Sweden. It examines how hunting pit systems, their selective spatial distribution, and strategic arrangement can be seen as expressions of landscape domestication. The author concludes that, through profound knowledge and deliberate resource management, communities invested in the landscape, generating dense spatial and temporal manifestations in the form of hunting pits. These systems reflect an elaborate hunting technique involving the whole landscape.
Unlocking the potential of miRNAs in detecting pulmonary tuberculosis: prospects and pitfalls
Authors: Arya Rakesh , Kumar Surendra , Vinetz Joseph M. , Kim Jong Joo , Chaurasia Reetika
Published: December 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, ranking as 13th leading cause of mortality and morbidity. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2022, TB claimed the lives of 1.6 million people worldwide in 2021. Among the casualties, 1 870 000 individuals with HIV co-infections contributed to 6.7% of the total fatalities, accounting TB as the second most lethal infectious disease following COVID-19. In the quest to identify biomarkers for disease progression and anti-TB therapy, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention due to their precise regulatory role in gene expression in disease stages and their ability to distinguish latent and active TB, enabling the development of early TB prognostic signatures. miRNAs are stable in biological fluids and therefore will be useful for non-invasive and broad sample collection. However, their inherent lack of specificity and experimental variations may lead to false-positive outcomes. These limitations can be overcome by integrating standard protocols with machine learning, presenting a novel tool for TB diagnostics and therapeutics. This review summarizes, discusses and highlights the potential of miRNAs as a biomarker, particularly their differential expression at disease stages. The review assesses the advantages and obstacles associated with miRNA-based diagnostic biomarkers in pulmonary TB and facilitates rapid, point-of-care testing.