bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivating Democratic Values in ELT Classrooms
Authors: Sugiono Sugiono
Published: December 2024

Institutions and democratic values come under a global threat, by which there is a pressing need to leverage education as a means of nurturing active, engaged citizens. This qualitative study examines how English language teaching (ELT) can be reimagined to foster democratic values and competencies among learners. Drawing on in-depth interviews and classroom observations across five rural secondary schools in Probolinggo regency, the research explores the perspectives and experiences of ELT educators implementing democratically-oriented curricula and pedagogies. The findings reveal how ELT classrooms integrating critical thinking exercises, intercultural communication activities, and civic engagement projects can empower language learners with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective democratic participation. Implications for teacher training, curriculum design, and ELT policy are discussed, highlighting the transformative potential of language education in advancing democratic principles worldwide
La dinámica de los territorios olivareros magrebíes en el nuevo contexto tecno-económico
Authors: Sánchez Martínez José Domingo , Rodríguez Cohard Juan Carlos , Garrido Almonacid Antonio
Published: December 2024

La expansión e intensificación del olivar se observa por doquier en los países mediterráneos. En Marruecos, Argelia y Túnez encontramos una contrastada convivencia de modernidad y tradición, mientras se implementan políticas públicas que tratan de reforzar este sector productivo. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los factores de cambio de los modelos de negocio oleícola. La investigación se ha nutrido de fuentes bibliográficas, documentales y trabajo de campo, consistente en la realización de sesenta entrevistas con diferentes actores implicados en estos procesos. Los resultados nos han permitido identificar el avance de las plantaciones de alta densidad regadas y los factores que lo impulsan.
Determinants of the Profitability of Savings Banks in the US and the Moderating Effect of the Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Amaral Marco
Published: December 2024

The pandemic crisis that began in 2020 and lasted until 2021 has raised concerns about the impact on banking profitability. As a result, the global banking system suffered a drop in the profitability of its banking business as part of the crisis. Taking into account the problem of profitability in the banking sector, some studies have been increasingly highlighted both in academia and in the financial market. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the determinants of bank profitability for banks operating in the savings segment in the United States, for the periods between 2012 and 2022. To this end, four factors explaining profitability (default rate, liquidity, solvency and productivity) were analyzed for 57 banks. In addition, we wanted to assess the moderating effect that the pandemic crisis had on the banking sector. To obtain the results, a panel data analysis model was used, combining cross-section data (banks) and time-series data (years), and a strongly balanced panel was obtained. Four multiple linear regression models were then used and it was possible to identify liquidity and solvency as the main positive factors in bank profitability. In contrast, the factors of default rate and productivity have a negative influence on bank profitability. The results also show that banks with high default rates had greater difficulties during the period of the pandemic crisis, that is, the crisis negatively moderated the effect of default on profitability.
Cambio estructural en África. Percepciones erróneas, nuevas perspectivas y desarrollo en el siglo XXI
Authors: Colom Jaén Artur
Published: December 2024

Desde hace algo más de una década se observa en la literatura un retorno a las ideas clásicas de cambio estructural como punto de partida de eventuales procesos de desarrollo económico en África. Los desastrosos resultados de los Programas de Ajuste Estructural del Banco Mundial y el FMI que se desplegaron en el continente (y América Latina) desde los años 80 hasta los primeros 2000 se encuentran en la base de este retorno. Los modelos implícitos en esos Programas, que apuntaban a que para facilitar el crecimiento económico eran necesarias la observancia de los equilibrios macroeconómicos, las privatizaciones y la apertura a los mercados globales, se han revelado inapropiados para el desarrollo económico de África.
El trabajo de Lopes y Kararach que presentamos aquí constituye una valiosa contribución a este regreso al ideario estructuralista. El impulso que ha conocido este tipo de literatura en la academia es realmente difícil de seguir, y abarca no solo la producción de grupos de investigación sino también las publicaciones institucionales de Naciones Unidas, la Unión Africana o incluso del Banco Mundial entre otros, en lo que se denomina la “literatura gris”.
Forecasting the Gender Wage Gap in Argentina from a Productivity-Based Approach
Authors: Suárez Diana , Fiorentin Florencia , Barletta Florencia
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes the association between the gender wage gap (GWG) and productivity at the industry level in Argentina from 2002 to 2022, drawing on gender studies and literature on structural change. Using dynamic OLS regression with random effects across the 1st to 4th quantiles, we examine the relationship between the GWG, female labor participation, and industry productivity. Results indicate that increased female participation is positively associated with reductions in the wage gap in the least productive industries. Additionally, female education rates contribute positively to reducing the GWG. The findings also reveal that productivity gains in the most productive sectors help narrow the gender wage gap, suggesting that structural shifts toward higher productivity levels may play a role in closing this gap.
O que a análise dos tributos diretos no topo da distribuição nos informa sobre a desigualdade racial no Brasil?
Authors: De Freitas Gomes João Pedro , Pereira di Rada Ruth , Rebello Cardomingo Matias , Nassif-Pires Luiza , Brenck Clara
Published: December 2024

Este artigo analisa os impactos distributivos do conjunto dos tributos diretos, considerando os recortes de gênero e raça, a partir de dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2017/2018. A análise é centrada no topo da distribuição de renda no qual parecem estar marcadas diferenças significativas. Em particular, discute-se a diferenciação da incidência dos tributos diretos entre homens brancos e negros. Enquanto para os primeiros é possível notar uma queda da progressividade dos tributos diretos comparando o 1% do topo com os 9% seguintes, o mesmo não ocorre para os últimos. Sugere-se que essa diferença pode ser explicada pelo fato do rendimento dos negros do topo ser majoritariamente proveniente do trabalho, em especial de regimes com carteira assinada ou emprego no setor público como estatutário. Já entre os homens brancos parte significativa dos rendimentos do estrato é proveniente daqueles que se declaram empregadores, potencialmente remunerados com rendimentos do capital. Tais diferenças indicam que a isenção tributária para lucros e dividendos é uma expressão do privilégio branco, sobretudo no topo da distribuição. Diante da discussão, no ano de 2024, de uma possível reforma na tributação da renda, este artigo aponta possíveis caminhos para se pensar elementos mais igualitários, em particular quando discute-se a garantia do princípio da equidade tributária.
O conceito timbre no piano: perspectivas de cinco pianistas pós-graduandos
Authors: Soares Nayane Nogueira
Published: December 2024

Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar como pianistas em nível de pós-graduação compreendem, explicam e produzem diferentes timbres no piano em obras dos séculos XX e XXI. Foram delineados dois estudos. O primeiro contou com a participação de dois pianistas executando um mesmo trecho da obra Vers la flamme, de Scriabin (c. 1-40). Após a análise preliminar dos dados coletados nessa fase, foi levantada a seguinte hipótese: o processo de maturação de uma obra requer tempo e reflexão relativa à prática. Em vista disso, realizaram-se alguns ajustes nos critérios da composição da amostra para a coleta de dados do segundo estudo. Este contou com a participação de três pianistas pós-graduandos executando obras de seus repertórios. Concluiu-se, que a produção de timbres no piano está associada ao resultado combinado entre múltiplos parâmetros de performance, pensamento metafórico, realização de diferentes toques pianísticos e gestos corporais.
The association between stent design and patient exercise intensity: structural coupling effects and hemodynamic analysis
Authors: Lv Rui , Li Daochun , Zhao Shiwei , Shu Peng , Xiang Jinwu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In-stent restenosis remains a significant challenge in coronary artery interventions. This study aims to explore the relationship between exercise intensity and stent design, focusing on the coupled response of the stent structure and hemodynamics at different exercise intensities.

Methods

A coupled balloon-stent-plaque-artery model and a fluid domain model reflecting structural deformation were developed to investigate the interaction between coronary stents and stenotic vessels, as well as their impact on hemodynamics. The study examines the influence of stent connectors on the mechanical response of both the plaque and the coronary artery, with hemodynamic analyses conducted under three exercise intensities: rest, moderate exertion, and maximal exertion.

Results

The model effectively simulates the gradual expansion of the stent, plaque, and artery, as well as the recoil behavior post-expansion. The gradual adaptation of the stent to the plaque during the initial expansion phase helps mitigate the adverse effects of the dog-boning phenomenon. Areas of low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and high relative residence time (RRT) are observed at both ends and near the stent, with a general decreasing trend as exercise intensity increases. Additionally, the study quantifies the changes in hemodynamic characteristics across different physiological states. Specifically, the areas of low TAWSS and high RRT are significantly reduced during moderate exertion, with no further substantial reduction observed at maximal exertion.

Discussion

These findings provide valuable insights for the design of stent connectors and offer guidance on optimal exercise intensity for patients undergoing stent interventions. Future research, combining dynamic vascular wall deformation and advanced imaging techniques, could lead to more precise and effective stent designs tailored to individual patients.
A data-driven impact-based analysis stemming from first responders reports to predict wind damage to urban trees
Authors: Garcia-Marti Irene , de Baar Jouke H. S. , Noteboom Jan Willem , Sluijter Rob , van der Schrier Gerard
Published: December 2024

Transitioning from weather forecasts and warnings to impact-based forecast and warning services represents a paradigm shift in service delivery for many national hydrological and meteorological services (NHMS). NHMS typically excel at delivering information about hazardous weather, but are less experienced at inferring measures of risk of impact of extreme weather. Severe wind storms are high-impact weather phenomena that generally have a detrimental effect on distinct socio-economic sectors. In the Netherlands, the emergency services record locations where wind damage occurred to public or private property. In this work, we take 10 years of damage locations (2013–2023) provided by two safety regions in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant. Each of the reports is enriched with an array of weather and environmental features, intended to describe the local conditions where wind damage was recorded. We model the wind reports using an ensemble of data-driven methods (i.e., One-Class Support Vector Machine) which are capable of learning from these hyper local conditions and predict for the rest of the study area. Results show how the ensemble of data-driven models are able to skillfully map locations where wind-induced damages are likely at spatial resolutions of 1 km and 5 km under high and low wind conditions scenarios. These results are encouraging for NHMS to strengthen national multi-hazard early warning systems by providing a new range of services at the urban scales in collaboration with external partners. As a consequence, the transition of scientific knowledge towards society would accelerate, hence helping at better protecting communities and livelihoods.
Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) from vaquita (Phocoena sinus) bones as indicators of habitat use in the Upper Gulf of California
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Mónica-Yanira , Sánchez-Velasco Laura , Rosas-Hernández Martha-Patricia , Hernández-Camacho Claudia J. , Cervantes Fernando A. , Gallo-Reynoso Juan P. , Arreguín-Sánchez Francisco , Godínez Víctor M.
Published: December 2024

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is an endemic species of the Upper Gulf of California (UGC), which is in a critical state of extinction. Bycatch has been considered the main factor leading to its potential extinction; however, the impact of the damming of the Colorado River on the species’ ecology has not been studied. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) from vaquita bones were analyzed as indicators of the carbon source of primary producers and habitat use in the UGC from 1982 to 1993. Based on the Colorado River’s flow into the UGC, two periods were markedly different: from 1982 to 1988, when freshwater arrived, and from 1989 to 1993, when the flow was null. Sea surface salinity (SSS) data showed the inverse of the river’s flow pattern, being significantly lower at the end of the 1980s than at the beginning of the 1990s. In agreement with the above, sea surface temperature (SST)/SSS diagrams showed the presence of two water masses inside a gradient from 33.8 to 35.2 psu. The δ13C was significantly different between both periods, with a mean value of -9.1‰ at the end of the 1980s and a mean value of -10.8‰ at the beginning of the 1990s. This means that, when the river flow was dammed, the carbon source of primary producers changed significantly in the UGC. However, the δ18O was not significantly different between both periods, with values of 30.4‰ and 30.5‰, respectively. Comparing the vaquita’s average values of δ18O from this study with those of other marine mammals obtained from previous studies revealed that the vaquita is the most enriched marine mammal species, which could be the result of the high evaporation and salinity that currently occur in the UGC, the vaquita’s habitat. A longer temporal series might show changes in δ18O, which have been detected in other species living in the UGC. From a conservation point of view, the results showed that the impact of environmental variability on the trophic ecology of the vaquita has potential effects on the species’ health.
Early motor developmental milestones and health outcomes in preadolescent children
Authors: Card Madison R. , Raine Lauren , Zimmerman Emily , Schott Nadja , Hillman Charles H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in children has risen in recent years, while childhood obesity and sedentary behavior continue to be a major public health concern. Existing evidence suggests early motor development and locomotor experiences contribute to psychosocial and physical development. By further understanding the far-reaching effects of early motor development, early life interventions aimed at preventing physical and mental health adversity may benefit from investigating early motor developmental milestones (MDM) attainment. The current study is the first to assess the longitudinal association between parent-reported gross MDM timing with objective measures of mental health, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), subcutaneous abdominal (SAAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) outcomes later in childhood.

Method

In total, 131 children aged 8–11 years (46% female) were recruited. The parents of these children reported the age of attainment for five MDMs: holding their head unsupported, rolling over, sitting unsupported, standing, and walking independently. The study encompassed a comprehensive assessment, including measures of mental health, CRF (VO2 max), body–mass index (BMI), SAAT, and VAT. Data were analyzed using multiple stepwise linear regressions, adjusting for demographic and parental factors in Step 1 and including each MDM individually in Step 2.

Results

Our findings indicated earlier rolling over and walking were associated with higher CRF during preadolescence. Earlier rolling over was also linked to healthier BMI and lower levels of VAT, lower levels of trait anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence with potential clinical implications that parent-reported MDM age of attainment is related to later preadolescent physical and mental health. The age at which a child first rolls over emerges as a particularly predictive factor for various preadolescent health outcomes, highlighting the multi-finality of MDM timing in understanding developmental trajectories.
Visual analysis of diversity and threat status of natural materials for musical instruments
Authors: Kusnick Jakob , Lichtenberg Silke , Wiegreffe Daniel , Huber-Sannwald Elisabeth , Nehren Udo , Jänicke Stefan
Published: December 2024

A classical symphony orchestra consists of up to 29 musical instruments manufactured from up to 758 distinct natural materials. The interrelationships between the extraction of raw materials for instrument making, the international trade conditions, and the protection status of endangered species and their ecosystems are highly complex and have yet to be sufficiently scientifically examined. However, rapidly progressing climate and ecological change call for sustainable solutions. To address this challenging task, we present MusEcology, a new interactive decision support system based on visualizations. The interactive visualizations offer entry points for users of various backgrounds to explore the interrelationships between musical instruments, natural resources and ecosystems. The tool’s fundamental objectives are to guarantee that the (1) data processing correlates related data resources, that (2) visual interfaces and interaction schemes encourage new interdisciplinary research on complex systems interactions, and that (3) high-level decision-making is supported to identify alternative pathways towards sustainable instrument making.
Attenuated afferent inhibition correlated with impaired gait performance in Parkinson’s disease patients with freezing of gait
Authors: Wen Puyuan , Zhu Hong , Liu Zaichao , Chang Amin , Chen Xianwen
Published: December 2024

Background

The neural mechanisms underlying freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have not been completely comprehended. Sensory-motor integration dysfunction was proposed as one of the contributing factors. Here, we investigated short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-latency afferent inhibition (LAI), and analyzed their association with gait performance in FOG PD patients, to further validate the role of sensorimotor integration in the occurrence of FOG in PD.

Methods

Twenty-five levodopa responsive-FOG PD patients (LR-FOG), fifteen levodopa unresponsive-FOG PD patients (LUR-FOG), twenty-eight PD patients without FOG (NO-FOG PD) and twenty-two healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Clinical features such as PD motor symptoms, FOG severity and cognitive abilities were evaluated using clinical scales in subjects with PD. All participants underwent paired associative stimulation (PAS) to evaluate SAI and LAI in addition to regular input-output curve by transcranial magnetic stimulation. The performances of gait were assessed using a portable gait analyzing system in 10-meter timed Up and Go task. The correlations between the gait spatiotemporal parameters or the scores of FOG scale and the magnitudes of SAI or LAI were analyzed.

Results

Compared to HC and NO-FOG PD patients, SAI was decreased in FOG PD subgroups. LAI was also reduced in both LR-FOG PD and LUR-FOG PD in relative to HC; however, only LUR-FOG PD showed significant reduction of LAI in comparison to NO-FOG PD group. FOG PD patients showed poorer gait performance compared to HC and NO-FOG PD group. The reduction of SAI and LAI were correlated with the impaired gait spatiotemporal parameters or scores of FOG scale in PD with FOG.

Conclusion

The SAI and LAI were attenuated in PD patients with FOG, and the reduction of SAI or LAI were correlated to disturbed gait performance, indicating that sensory-motor integration dysfunction played a role in the development of FOG in PD.
Multimodal sleep staging network based on obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Fan Jingxin , Zhao Mingfu , Huang Li , Tang Bin , Wang Lurui , He Zhong , Peng Xiaoling
Published: December 2024

Background

Automatic sleep staging is essential for assessing sleep quality and diagnosing sleep disorders. While previous research has achieved high classification performance, most current sleep staging networks have only been validated in healthy populations, ignoring the impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) on sleep stage classification. In addition, it remains challenging to effectively improve the fine-grained detection of polysomnography (PSG) and capture multi-scale transitions between sleep stages. Therefore, a more widely applicable network is needed for sleep staging.

Methods

This paper introduces MSDC-SSNet, a novel deep learning network for automatic sleep stage classification. MSDC-SSNet transforms two channels of electroencephalogram (EEG) and one channel of electrooculogram (EOG) signals into time-frequency representations to obtain feature sequences at different temporal and frequency scales. An improved Transformer encoder architecture ensures temporal consistency and effectively captures long-term dependencies in EEG and EOG signals. The Multi-Scale Feature Extraction Module (MFEM) employs convolutional layers with varying dilation rates to capture spatial patterns from fine to coarse granularity. It adaptively fuses the weights of features to enhance the robustness of the model. Finally, multiple channel data are integrated to address the heterogeneity between different modalities effectively and alleviate the impact of OSA on sleep stages.

Results

We evaluated MSDC-SSNet on three public datasets and our collection of PSG records of 17 OSA patients. It achieved an accuracy of 80.4% on the OSA dataset. It also outperformed the state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and Cohen's Kappa coefficient on the remaining three datasets.

Conclusion

The MSDC-SSRNet multi-channel sleep staging architecture proposed in this study enhances widespread system applicability by supplementing inter-channel features. It employs multi-scale attention to extract transition rules between sleep stages and effectively integrates multimodal information. Our method address the limitations of single-channel approaches, enhancing interpretability for clinical applications.
Insights into the molecular underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of endoplasmic reticulum stress in sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Li Guanzhen , Yang Huiming , Zhang Peiyuan , Guo Yan , Yuan Lili , Xu Shujiao , Yuan Yingxue , Xiong Huabao , Yin Haiyan
Published: December 2024

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is characterized by a compromised cochlear perception of sound waves. Major risk factors for SNHL include genetic mutations, exposure to noise, ototoxic medications, and the aging process. Previous research has demonstrated that inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, which are detrimental to inner ear cells, contribute to the pathogenesis of SNHL; however, the precise mechanisms remain inadequately understood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a key role in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, folding, lipid synthesis, cellular calcium and redox homeostasis, and its homeostatic balance is essential to maintain normal cellular function. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway. The adaptive UPR has the potential to reestablish protein homeostasis, whereas the maladaptive UPR, associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, can lead to cellular damage and death. Recent evidence increasingly supports the notion that ERS-mediated cellular damage responses play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various SNHLs. This article reviews the research advancements on ERS in SNHL, with the aim of elucidating molecular biological mechanisms underlying ERS in SNHL and providing novel insights for the treatment.
Copy number variations at the Rhg1 locus and their relationship with resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)
Authors: Poudel Dinesh , Yan Guiping , Miranda Carrie , Kreutz Gustavo Fernando , Chowdhury Intiaz Amin
Published: December 2024

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a devastating pest affecting soybean production worldwide. Host resistance is one of the primary practices used to manage SCN. The Rhg1 locus contributes to the strong and effective SCN resistance, with resistance levels predominantly governed by copy number variations (CNVs) and, to lesser extent, sequence variations. This study assessed the host resistance of 100 soybean breeding lines to SCN populations HG type 2.5.7 (S1) and HG type 7 (S2). Two controlled growth chamber experiments involved inoculating plants with 2,000 SCN eggs and juveniles, followed by counting SCN white females and calculating the female index (FI) to classify resistance responses. To determine CNVs at the Rhg1, a SYBR Green-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was optimized and validated using 12 soybean accessions with known copy numbers. The qPCR assay demonstrated 94.36% efficiency for the target gene at Rhg1 locus, Glyma18g02590, with copy number detected by the assay correlating strongly (r=0.994) with whole genome sequencing data in previous study. Copy number of each line was determined using 2−ΔΔCq method relative to Williams 82 (single copy) and correlated with the resistance response. One line, ND20-16996(GT) was resistant (FI<10%) to S2 in both runs, while none were resistant to S1. Copy number among the breeding lines ranged from 1 to 11, with higher copy numbers correlating negatively with female index, indicating greater resistance. The breeding lines with copy number ≥ 9 were either resistant or moderately resistant to S2, and mostly moderately resistant to S1, with few being moderately susceptible (FI=30 to <60%). The lines with low copy numbers (≤3) were mostly susceptible (FI≥60%) to S1, while moderately susceptible or susceptible to S2. These results show the importance of Rhg1 CNVs in determining levels of SCN resistance and selecting resistant soybean lines.
Neurodevelopmental benefits of judo training in preschool children: a multinational, mixed methods follow-up study
Authors: Križalkovičová Zuzana , Szabó Péter , Kumli Kata , Štefanovský Miloš , Makai Alexandra , Szentpéteri József
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In our quasi-experimental study, we evaluated the neurodevelopmental impact of judo on young children (n = 182) aged 4–7 years, specifically focusing on primitive reflex integration. Participants were divided into judo and non-judo control groups, and assessments were conducted over 6 months across Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.

Methods

Neurodevelopmental changes were measured using Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) and Physical and Neurological Examination for Soft Signs (PANESS) for children, while parents completed the Performance Skills Questionnaire (PSQ).

Results

Analysis with Repeated Measures ANOVA (significance set at p < 0.05) revealed significant improvements in cognitive and motor performance in judo-practicing children compared to their non-judo counterparts. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that INPP and PANESS were effective in identifying neurodevelopmental changes, PSQ was not suitable as a simplified screening tool for parents, potentially due to its absence of items focused on primitive reflexes.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of the study, our findings suggest that judo practice could foster central nervous system (CNS) maturation in young children, promoting the potential inclusion of judo in early childhood education programs.
Predictive model using autism diagnostic observation schedule, second edition for differential diagnosis between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nakamura Dan , Hanawa Yoichi , Seki Shizuka , Yamauchi Misato , Iwami Yuriko , Nagatsuka Yuta , Suzuki Hirohisa , Aoyagi Keisuke , Hayashi Wakaho , Otowa Takeshi , Iwanami Akira
Published: December 2024

Background

Although schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently conceptualized as distinct disorders, the similarity in their symptoms often makes differential diagnosis difficult. This study aimed to identify similarities and differences in the symptoms of schizophrenia and ASD to establish a more useful and objective differential diagnostic method and to identify ASD traits in participants with schizophrenia.

Methods

A total of 40 participants with schizophrenia (13 females, mean age: 34 ± 11 years) and 50 participants with ASD (15 females, mean age: 34 ± 8 years) were evaluated using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and other clinical measures.

Results

ADOS-2 Module 4 original and revised algorithms did not significantly discriminate schizophrenia and ASD, whereas the “Predictive Model” combining the A7, A10, B1, B6, B8, and B9 showed superior accuracy in differentiating both disorders. Both algorithms in the ADOS-2 had high schizophrenia false-positive rates, and significant positive correlations were observed between all domains and the total scores of both algorithms in the ADOS-2 and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative scale scores in the schizophrenia group. The PANSS negative-scale scores were significantly higher in patients positive for autism spectrum cut-offs (CutOff-POS) than in patients negative for autism spectrum cut-offs (CutOff-NEG) for both algorithms in the ADOS-2. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the positivity for both algorithm scales in the ADOS-2 was predicted using only the PANSS negative scale scores.

Conclusions

This study showed that a combination of several items in the ADOS-2 is useful for discriminating between ASD and schizophrenia. The study’s findings could help develop strategies benefiting ASD and schizophrenia treatments.
Investigating factors of pedestrian safety using ordinal logistic regression in Addis Ababa City roads
Authors: Bishaw Temesgen Walelign , Nurye Gebrechiristos , Singh Ranavijai Bahadur
Published: December 2024

Pedestrians are the most victimized group in traffic accidents, and this has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in urban Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect pedestrian safety in Addis Ababa city Roads. This study employed a concurrent mixed-methods research method and an explanatory research design. Perception-based pedestrian safety data was collected from respondents’ key informants and personal observation. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify significant variables. Besides, the fitness of each variable was evaluated under the assumption of ordinal logistic regression, and the effect size of significant variables was determined using the odds ratio. The result indicates pedestrians are 0.065, 0.181, 0.296, 0.324, 0.289, 0.306, 0.038, and 0.193 times less likely to be safe due to narrow sidewalk width, poor sidewalk and footpath pavement comfort, inclusivity problems of sidewalks and footpaths, illegal vehicle parking, street vending, fast vehicle speed, and absence of traffic signs and lights, respectively. Consequently, the use of ordinal logistic regression offers a practical and effective means of determining pedestrian safety factors. Better pedestrian facilities should be constructed by considering pedestrian flow and diversity. Besides, the concerned body should provide spaces for street vendors and car parking and enforce traffic rules in the appropriate system to control vehicle speed.
The Luna Analog Facility testbeds (ESA, EAC): contemporary characterization work of highland (lunar) and mare (EAC-1) lunar regolith simulants
Authors: Zemeny Aliz , Sardisco Lorenza , Quinteros Santiago , Mikesell T. Dylan , Pirrie Duncan , Rose Libby , Cowley Aidan , Manick Kamini
Published: December 2024

The Luna Analog Facility, a joint ESA-DLR endeavour, consists of three components and spans an area of 1,000 m2, providing testbeds of simulated lunar environments. The main sections within the facility are a large area filled with lunar mare regolith simulant resembling mare regions and a smaller, individual “Dust Chamber”. The latter replicates highland conditions and contains approximately 20 tons of material, specifically simulating the fine-particle lunar regolith portion up to 250 µm. The Dust Chamber serves as a platform for testing various technologies, such as mechanical tools, robotic operations, in-situ resource utilization activities, and astronaut attire, as well as different procedures including rover and astronaut tasks. This work represents the geotechnical, geochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Lumina Sustainable Materials Ltd. 2023 batch highland simulants, from which Lunar250 is intended for use in the Luna Dust Chamber. Additionally, this work provides new results for ESA’s mare simulant, EAC-1. We provide data on particle size distribution, particle shape, abrasivity, density, water content, major and trace element geochemistry and modal mineralogy. As the simulants in the Luna Facility will be constantly overseen, this work organized by the Vulcan Facility (ESA) intends to support the monitoring of the geotechnical property variations of the simulants over time. Ultimately, we analysed several properties with different tools to emphasize how different methods and instruments affect the variability and reliability of the results.
How low can you go? Antibiotic use in Swedish dogs with gastroenteritis
Authors: Ljungquist Ditte , Andersson Anna-Maria , Johansson Emelia , Tham Johan , Toresson Linda
Published: December 2024

Background

Canine gastroenteritis (CGE) is a common cause for seeking veterinary care in companion animal medicine and an area where antibiotics have been reported to be widely used. Therefore, creating relevant benchmarks for antibiotic use in CGE is important when implementing and analyzing antibiotic stewardship interventions. The aim of this paper was to describe the level and temporal trend of systemic antibiotic use for CGE in Sweden between 2020 and 2023.

Materials and methods

This was an observational multicenter cohort study. Retrospective data from 93,641 CGE consultations was extracted from the electronic health record and analyzed. All CGE consultations were included irrespective of age, breed, severity of disease and level of care. To evaluate the data, 100 medical records of CGE consultations were also manually reviewed using a predefined study protocol.

Results

The overall level of systemic antibiotic use in Swedish dogs diagnosed with gastroenteritis was 5.7% during the study period, with aminopenicillins being the most abundantly used antibiotics (60.2%). The yearly level of antibiotic use in CGE declined from 8.1% in 2020 to 3.9% in 2023, with a statistically significant annual percentage change (APC) of −21.3% (95% CI, −22.8 to −19.7). Concurrently, the annual all-cause mortality decreased for all CGE consultations. Higher levels of antibiotic use were seen in hospitalized CGE (21.7% compared to 2.1% for non-hospitalized CGE, OR 13.1, 95% CI: 12.3–14.0, p < 0.001) and hemorrhagic diarrhetic CGE (21.0% compared to 5.5% for non-hemorrhagic diarrhetic CGE, OR 4.6, 95% CI: 4.2–4.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study revealed a low level and a significantly declining trend of antibiotic use in canine gastroenteritis in Sweden, implicating a high level of awareness and compliance to antibiotic guidelines among Swedish veterinarians. During the same period, the all-cause mortality rates decreased significantly for all CGE consultations, implicating that this level of antibiotic use do not compromise patient safety. Benefiting from automatic surveillance, we hereby provide important benchmarks which should encourage more prudent use of antibiotics in CGE internationally.
A First-Order Derivative Spectrophotometric Method for the Quantification of Saquinavir in the Presence of Piperine in a Eutectic Mixture
Authors: Quesada-Soto Tamara , Vargas-Huertas Luis Felipe , Vega-Baudrit José Roberto , Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Araya-Sibaja Andrea Mariela
Published: December 2024

Saquinavir is a drug used as an HIV treatment, with recent reports of new uses. It has poor aqueous solubility and very low oral bioavailability. However, when prepared in a eutectic mixture with the natural bioenhancer, piperine, it demonstrated improvements in these drawbacks. Therefore, considering that EMs can be easily produced and scaled-up, it could potentially be used in new pharmaceutical formulations. For this purpose, an analytical method capable of quantifying SQV in the presence of PIP is required for quality control purposes. In this context, UV–Vis equipment is simpler to use and cheaper than HPLC, and it is commonly available in most laboratories. Therefore, a derivative spectrophotometry method at 245 nm was developed and validated to quantify SQV. The method showed good linearity from 0.5 to 100.0 mg/L, with a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 0.331 mg/L and 0.468 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, it was precise, accurate, and demonstrated good specificity up to a 1:4.3 SQV:PIP ratio. Consequently, the results demonstrate that the method can be employed for SQV quantification in the presence of PIP as an economical and simple technique. This contribution could be the basis for a quality control technique for these types of products.
Anti-Graying Effects of External and Internal Treatments with Luteolin on Hair in Model Mice
Authors: Iida Machiko , Kagawa Takumi , Yajima Ichiro , Harusato Akihito , Tazaki Akira , Nishadhi Delgama A. S. M. , Taguchi Nobuhiko , Kato Masashi
Published: December 2024

Little is known about the anti-graying effects of antioxidants on hair. The anti-graying effects of three antioxidants (luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin) on hair were investigated according to the sequential processes of hair graying that were previously clarified in model mice [Ednrb(+/−);RET-mice]. External treatment with luteolin, but not that with hesperetin or diosmetin, alleviated hair graying in Ednrb(+/−);RET-mice. Internal treatment with luteolin also mitigated hair graying in the mice. Although both luteolin treatments had very limited effects on hair cycles, the treatments suppressed the increase in p16ink4a-positive cells in bulges [senescent keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs)]. Both of the treatments also suppressed decreases in the expression levels of endothelins in KSCs and their receptor (Ednrb) in melanocyte stem cells (MSCs) and alleviated hair graying in the mice. Luteolin is a special antioxidant with an anti-graying potency through improvement of age-related dysfunction in signaling between endothelins in KSCs and their receptor in MSCs. Luteolin for topical and oral use is commercially available to people in the form of supplements. Similar processes of hair graying in Ednrb(+/−);RET-mice and humans have been reported. These results are encouraging for the practical application of luteolin as a medicine with an anti-graying effect on hair in humans.
Drying: A Practical Technology for Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)—Processes and their Effects on Selected Health-Promoting Properties
Authors: Uribe Elsa , Vega-Galvez Antonio , Pasten Alexis , Ah-Hen Kong Shun , Mejias Nicol , Sepúlveda Lorena , Poblete Jacqueline , Gomez-Perez Luis S.
Published: December 2024

The global dried blueberry market is steadily growing, driven by the creation of innovative blueberry-based products. This trend presents an opportunity to explore a previously untapped segment of the blueberry market in Chile. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of four drying techniques (hot-air drying [HAD], vacuum drying [VD], infrared drying [IRD], and freeze-drying [FD]) was conducted to determine best operating conditions and preserve the health-promoting properties of blueberries. Drying kinetics, proximate composition, color, anthocyanin content, individual phenols, and antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antidiabetic potential of blueberries were evaluated. VD showed the highest drying rates, reaching equilibrium moisture more rapidly (Deff value of 3.44 × 10−10 m2/s). Drying caused an increase in lipid content but a decrease in protein content. The color parameter L* increased in all dried samples, and C* reflected color intensification. FD best retained anthocyanin content, which decreased significantly in the other drying processes. Chlorogenic acid and rutin predominated in HAD, IRD, and FD samples. The antioxidant potential in ORAC assays increased for all drying methods but decreased in DPPH assays. Blueberry extracts from FD and HAD exhibited the greatest antiproliferative effect against A549 and H1299 cell lines, respectively. HAD showed the best inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 0.276 mg/mL, similar to acarbose (IC50 = 0.253 mg/mL). Given the significant retention of health-promoting properties and bioactive compounds in HAD-dried samples, this method is advisable as a sustainable option for drying blueberries in Chile.
Association Between Visceral Fat and Lung Function Impairment in Overweight and Grade I Obese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Silva-Reis Anamei , Brill Boris , Brandao-Rangel Maysa Alves Rodrigues , Moraes-Ferreira Renilson , Melamed Dobroslav , Aquino-Santos Helida Cristina , Frison Claudio Ricardo , Albertini Regiane , Lopes-Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandao , de Oliveira Luís Vicente Franco , Paixao-Santos Gustavo , Oliveira Carlos Rocha , Abbasi Asghar , Vieira Rodolfo P.
Published: December 2024

Beyond the common comorbidities related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, impaired lung function is already known, but whether the fat distribution (sub-cutaneous, visceral) affects the lung function and pulmonary immune response are poorly known. Few evidence has shown that visceral fat is associated with insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and reduced lung function. In the present study, the body composition and fat distribution were evaluated by multi-frequency octopolar bioimpedance. This study demonstrated a possible association of increased visceral fat with impaired lung function in obesity grade I (n = 28; 45.46 ± 10.38 years old) women that was not observed in normal weight (n = 20; 43.20 ± 10.78 years old) and in overweight women (n = 30; 47.27 ± 10.25 years old). We also identified a negative correlation in FVC% (R2 = 0.9129; p < 0.0236), FEV1% (R2 = 0.1079; p < 0.0134), PEF% (R2 = 0.1673; p < 0.0018), and VC IN% (R2 = 0.1330; p < 0.0057) in the obesity grade I group, clearly demonstrating that higher levels of visceral fat correlate with reduced lung function, but not with sub-cutaneous fat. In addition, for the first time, a negative correlation among anti-fibrotic protein klotho (R2 = 0.09298; p < 0.0897) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 (R2 = 0.1653; p < 0.0487) in plasma was observed, in contrast to increased visceral fat. On the contrary, in breath condensate, a positive correlation for adiponectin (R2 = 0.5665; p < 0.0120), IL1-Ra (R2 = 0.2121; p < 0.0544), and IL1-Beta (R2 = 0.3270; p < 0.0084) was found. Thus, increased visceral fat directly influences the impairment of lung function and the systemic and pulmonary immune response of women with obesity grade I.
Axion Mass and the Ground State of Deconfining SU(2) Yang–Mills Thermodynamics
Authors: Hofmann Ralf , Meinert Janning , Antonov Dmitry
Published: December 2024

For the deconfinement phase of an SU(2) Yang–Mills theory, we compute the axion mass mA by appealing to the Veneziano–Witten formula. The topological susceptibility χ arises (i) from a precisely computable thermal ground-state contribution due to a center of a relevant (anti)caloron, and (ii) from contributions due to free thermal quasi-particles in the effective theory. Both (i) and (ii) are derived by using standard Euclidean thermal field theory techniques. While contribution (i) is positive and ∝T4, contribution (ii) is negative, as demanded by reflection positivity, but negligible compared to contribution (i). As a consequence, practically from the critical temperature Tc onward, a real-valued axion mass mA(T)=23πT2MP emerges when the Peccei–Quinn scale is assumed to be the Planck mass MP, independently of the Yang–Mills scale that the axion associates with. We discuss why our results deviate from those found in the dilute instanton gas and interacting instanton liquid approximations, and from results obtained in lattice simulations. Assuming the universe is dark sector to be based on such ultralight axion species, which are nonrelativistic for T≪MP, we investigate the cosmological conditions for their global Bose condensation as the very early universe cooled to temperatures of the order of 109eV.
New Results of Differential Subordination for a Specific Subclass of p-Valent Meromorphic Functions Involving a New Operator
Authors: Shehab Nihad Hameed , Juma Abdul Rahman S. , Cotîrlă Luminița-Ioana , Breaz Daniel
Published: December 2024

The present article aims to significantly improve geometric function theory by making an important contribution to p-valent meromorphic and analytic functions. It focuses on subordination, which describes the relationships of analytic functions. In order to achieve this, we utilize a technique that is based on the properties of differential subordination. This approach, which is one of the most recent developments in this field, may obtain a number of conclusions about differential subordination for p-valent meromorphic functions described by the new operator IHp,q,s j,pν1,n,α,lJ(ζ)  within the porous unit disk Δ. Numerous mathematical and practical issues involving orthogonal polynomials, such as system identification, signal processing, fluid dynamics, antenna technology, and approximation theory, can benefit from the results presented in this article. The knowledge and comprehension of the unit’s analytical functions and its interacting higher relations are also greatly expanded by this text.