bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUIDEBOOK IN MUARA KONOCO LESTARI TOURISM AWARENESS GROUP ACTIVITIES
Authors: Ilhami M. Ridha , Ayurizky Nona , Arisanty Deasy , Angriani Parida , Abbas Ersis Warmansyah
Published: December 2024

The Muara Konoco Lestari Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) as a formal institution must of course carry out activities in accordance with the guidelines of the tourism awareness group. The research aims to describe the activities carried out by the Muara Konoco Lestari Tourism Awareness Group per the guidelines of the tourism awareness group book. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques include observing Pokdarwis activities, interviewing informants, and documentation. Data analysis starts from reduction, presentation and verification. Based on the guidebook for tourism awareness groups, there are six areas of activity that tourism awareness groups can implement. The results of the research show that Pokdarwis activities related to the guidelines implemented by Muara Konoco Lestari Pokdarwis still take the form of: 1. increasing the knowledge and insight of Pokdarwis members in the field of tourism; 2. Increasing the abilities and skills of members in managing the tourism business sector and other related businesses. Meanwhile, activities that have yet to be carried out are related to the Pokdarwis guidelines: 1. Encouraging and motivating the community to become good hosts in supporting tourism activities in their area; 2. Encourage and motivate the community to improve the quality of the environment and local tourism attractions through efforts to activate Sapta Pesona; 3. Collect, process and provide tourism information services to tourists and local communities; and 4. Providing input to government officials in developing tourism in the local area. The conclusion of the research is that several Pokdarwis function activities still need to be implemented optimally, so further action is needed so that the Muara Konoco Lestari tourism awareness group can implement activities based on the Pokdarwis guidebook.
The Nazi Camp Commandant’s House as a Space of Complicity: Understanding Art at Atrocity Sites – the Case of Falstad, Norway
Authors: Kjørholt Ingvild Hagen
Published: December 2024

The article examines the role of art at sites of atrocity heritage. Its case in point is the temporary art exhibition 'Perpetrator Perspectives' (2022–2023), which the Norwegian Nazi camp memorial, the Falstad Centre, commissioned to exhibit in its former commandant’s house. Through a close reading of the exhibition’s recurring commandant’s house motif, I argue that the Nazi camp commandant’s house becomes a space of complicity – a many-layered topographic matrix where an embodied visitor participates in shaping perpetrator memory through engaging with the space’s meanings as home, crime scene, and memorial space. In a concluding remark, I suggest potentials and pitfalls for visitor engagement in perpetrator memory in such a space of complicity.
Introduction: An Exchange on the Concept of Genocide
Authors: Üngör Uğur Ümit
Published: December 2024

Introduction to the Roundtable
Outcomes of Total Ankle Replacement Versus Ankle Arthrodesis for the Treatment of End-Stage Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Glazebrook Mark , Balasubramaniam Umatheepan , Walls Andrew , Younger Alastair S.E. , Penner Murray , Wing Kevin , Dryden Peter J. , Daniels Timothy R.
Published: December 2024

Despite the increasing utilization of total ankle replacement (TAR) for end-stage ankle arthritis, there remains a paucity of long-term follow-up data comparing arthroplasty to arthrodesis. The aim of the current paper was to provide the long-term clinical outcomes of TAR and ankle arthrodesis (AA), measured with use of validated scoring instruments, in a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with ankle arthritis. This cohort from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database comprised patients who underwent TAR or AA between 2001 and 2007. Data collection included demographics, comorbidities, and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale and Short Form-36 scores. A total of 211 patients were included in the present study, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years (range, 10 to 18 years) and a mean follow-up of 13.2 years. In this cohort, the baseline characteristics of those who underwent AA and those who underwent TAR differed with respect to mean age (53.8 versus 61.3 years; p < 0.001), smoking status (31% versus 50% with no smoking history; p < 0.001), and inflammatory arthritis diagnosis (2% versus 17%; p = 0.005). Patients in the AA group had a greater chance of having no further surgery following their index procedure compared with those in the TAR group (70% versus 58%; p = 0.02). The TAR and AA groups demonstrated similar functional outcomes. In conclusion, the long-term clinical outcomes of TAR and AA were similar in a diverse cohort in which the treatment was tailored to the condition of the patient.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Combate ao assédio moral e ao assédio sexual nas organizações: propondo uma agenda ESG com foco na valorização da diversidade e inclusão
Authors: Rezende Ana Flávia , Andrade Luís Fernando Silva , Paiva André Luiz de , Nascimento Grasiele Augusta Ferreira
Published: December 2024

Contexto do caso: A presente análise encontra-se inserida no contexto destacado por denúncias de assédio moral e sexual na Caixa Econômica Federal, relacionadas ao lado sombrio das organizações. Examina-se como políticas de diversidade e inclusão, mediadas por uma liderança inclusiva, podem ser empregadas para mitigar tais práticas. Dilema do caso: o dilema reside em propor ações que combatam as práticas de assédio no ambiente organizacional, apoiadas em uma política de diversidade e inclusão. Fechamento do caso: a discussão das questões para reflexão, ancorada em conceitos teóricos, legislações e exemplos de práticas no setor público, leva os estudantes a: (a) refletir sobre as implicações individuais, organizacionais e sociais das práticas de assédio moral e assédio sexual e como este último afeta prioritariamente mulheres; (b) conhecer as implicações jurídicas do assédio moral e do assédio sexual; (c) propor ações, dentro de uma política de diversidade e inclusão, para combater o assédio nas organizações; (d) refletir sobre diversidade e inclusão no setor público.
Gestão de Projetos Socioambientais: O Desafio da Dialogia e da Mobilização na Comunidade São Francisco
Authors: Frediani Daniel Augusto , Davel Eduardo , Cardoso Ventura Andrea
Published: December 2024

Contexto: o caso baseia-se na história de gestão de um projeto socioambiental financiado por uma pedreira, que ocorre em comunidade situada em suas proximidades, na cidade de Salvador.

Dilema: por causa de uma alteração operacional do projeto e por alguns deslizes no processo de mobilização social, a gestão do projeto enfrentou importantes desafios de continuidade.

Fechamento do caso: o caso de ensino proporciona uma aprendizagem voltada para: (a) compreender o papel vital da dialogia no processo de gestão de projetos socioambientais, (b) conceber a mobilização social como um desafio central no processo de gestão dialógica de projetos socioambientais e (c) conhecer as práticas de promoção da mobilização social no processo de gestão dialógica de projetos socioambientais.
Comunidades e cidades compassivas: potencial inovador do design urbano centrado na vida cidadã
Authors: Nesello Priscila , Fachinelli Bertolini Ana Cristina , De Tomasi Ribeiro Vinicius 
Published: December 2024

Objetivo da Pesquisa: Analisar de forma integrativa a pesquisa sobre as cidades compassivas na abordagem do design urbano.Enquadramento Teórico: Esta investigação está inserida no contexto das cidades compassivas no design urbano, em que a centralidade é a vida cidadã. Tal abordagem considera a Teoria da Motivação Humana como instrumento de alavancagem da dignidade humana nesses espaços.Metodologia: Procedeu-se a uma revisão integrativa da literatura, conduzida em sete bases de dados relevantes no campo das Ciências Sociais, que resultou em 37 artigos após a seleção. A análise de conteúdo foi realizada nos artigos completos, e as categorias foram definidas a priori.Resultados: A revisão revela quatro estruturas analíticas que caracterizam a pesquisa em comunidades e cidades compassivas, abrangendo seus modelos e projetos. Os principais resultados oferecem uma compreensão mais profunda do estado atual do conhecimento sobre esse tema.Originalidade: Este estudo se destaca pela abordagem inovadora do conceito de cidades compassivas no design urbano, preenchendo lacunas na literatura existente. As proposições ora apresentadas indicam áreas em que a pesquisa pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento desse campo emergente.Contribuições Teóricas e Práticas: Este estudo oferece implicações significativas para o avanço da teoria em design urbano, além de contribuir para os campos da Administração Pública e da Gestão Social. As implicações também se estendem para a prática, fornecendo insights para a promoção de comunidades compassivas e o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas e estratégias de gestão no contexto urbano.
Palavras-chave: Comunidades e cidades compassivas, Necessidades humanas, Revisão Integrativa, Modelos e projetos.
Os Interesses Acima dos Planos e Ações Estatais em Cenários de Crises Sanitárias e Conflitos Geopolíticos: Uma Análise Histórica e Comparativa
Authors: Calado João Eudes de Souza , Matias-Pereira José , Gonçalves Andrea de Oliveira , Bilhim João Abreu de Faria
Published: December 2024

Resumo
Objetivo da pesquisa: Identificar e analisar histórica e comparativamente as ações e decisões do planejamento estatal brasileiro nas crises de pandemia e de conflitos geopolíticos, desde a década da Grande Guerra Mundial e de pandemia da Gripe Espanhola no século passado até as crises recentes com a Covid-19 e a Guerra Rússia-Ucrânia.
Enquadramento teórico: Estudo histórico e comparativo sobre as ações do planejamento estatal brasileiro em cenários de crises e conflitos, utiliza como lentes teóricas os sistemas de governos, as ideologias políticas, as teorias da economia e do planejamento, entre outras.
Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, bibliográfico, a partir de uma revisão integrativa qualitativa e sistemática da literatura em fontes que contribuem para a compreensão dos diferentes cenários e processos decisórios.
Resultados: Infere-se que apesar da evolução do planejamento, os desafios recentes não representaram situações de crises ou conflitos desconhecidos e que as decisões se concentram no poder central dos governos e nem sempre alinhadas com os planejadores e interesses da sociedade, causando significativos impactos sociais, econômicos e ampliando-se as crises e os riscos de tensões e conflitos.
Originalidade: A pesquisa apresenta uma análise comparativa e histórica de desafios distintos para o planejamento estatal brasileiro, o estado da arte das crises e de conflitos recentes, o qual as discussões na literatura são incipientes, assim como as discussões em curso no cenário externo.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Do ponto de vista teórico, contribui para a revisão histórica do planejamento e processo decisório brasileiro, para o estado da arte da crise sanitária e dos conflitos Rússia-Ucrânia, e em termos práticos, por lançar luz as decisões recentes pautadas nos interesses do centro do poder político e nem sempre ordenadas com o planejamento e as demandas da sociedade, que mais sofre os impactos dessas decisões.  
Palavras-chave: Análise Comparativa, Planejamento Estatal, Cenários de Crises e Conflitos.
Signos imagenológicos descritos de la displasia ósea florida reportados en artículos publicados entre el 2012 y 2021 en revistas odontológicas
Authors:   , Martinez Irias Marcela Del Rocio
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: Identificar los signos imagenológicos característicos de la displasia ósea florida reportados en artículos publicados en revistas odontológicas indexadas en la principal fuente de información de salud (Medline) entre el año 2012 al 2021. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo evaluando las principales revistas odontológicas encontradas en publicaciones entre los años 2012 al 2021 mediante la búsqueda electrónica en la base de datos de Medline vía PubMed, usando los términos (cemento-osseus displasia) AND (radiology), luego se procedió a depurar la muestra siguiendo los criterios de selección estipulados. Resultados: Se evaluó un total de 7 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de selección en donde se recopiló la información de 363 casos de displasia ósea florida. Encontrándose en promedio esta lesión a los 51.88 años según la edad con predominio en el sexo femenino, en promedio 49.51 frente a 2.34 para el masculino. Según la ubicación de la lesión, los artículos muestran que es más frecuente en mandíbula con un promedio de 28 casos, seguido de ambos maxilares con 23.29 casos y muy raro en la maxila con 0.57 casos. Imagenológicamente los artículos describen lesiones radiolúcidas o hipodensas en promedio 2.29 casos, mixtas 36.57 casos y radiopacas o hiperdensas en promedio 20.29 casos. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con lo descrito en la literatura, la displasia ósea florida suele presentarse con mayor frecuencia en mujeres adultas, a partir de la quinta década de vida, disminuyendo su incidencia de la sexta década en adelante. Su localización más frecuente es en la mandíbula, en segundo lugar, en ambos maxilares y muy raramente solo en la maxila. Imagenológicamente se presentan con mayor incidencia con un patrón mixto.
Modelamiento ambiental aplicado en la evaluación del comportamiento espaciotemporal de emisiones PM10, NO2 y SO2 de empresas industriales en la provincia constitucional del Callao, 2015-2019
Authors:   , Lloclla Gamarra Claudia Anabel
Published: December 2024

Las empresas industriales son una de las fuentes causantes para la degradación de calidad de aire, representando un riesgo para el medio ambiente y la salud humana. Siendo relevantes en el sector los contaminantes PM10, NO2 y SO2. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar el comportamiento espacio-temporal de la emisiones en una temporada de 5 años sobre la calidad del aire (2015 – 2019) en la Provincia Constitucional del Callao emitidas por empresas industriales. Se analizaron dos etapas, la primera para predecir las concentraciones de las emisiones con el software SCREEN3, y la segunda para representar la dispersión en un plano cartográfico mediante plumas contaminantes con el software ArcGIS 10.8. Se evaluaron las concentraciones generadas en relación con la norma peruana ECA-Aire (2017) y las directrices de calidad de aire OMS. El modelo de dispersión del PM10 estimó que la empresa D (fabricante de sustancias químicas), fue el mayor generador de este contaminante. Los modelos de dispersión de NO2 y SO2 de las empresas estudiadas no superaron el ECA-Aire, pero si los de la OMS respecto al año 2015 por las empresas A y B (fabricantes de sulfato de cobre y fundición de plomo). Las plumas contaminantes evidenciaron que las áreas que rodean a las empresas industriales del estudio están expuestas a altas concentraciones de PM10, NO2 y SO2, lo que provoca impacto en la salud pública. Este estudio ofrece una referencia para el desarrollo de futuras investigaciones, al emplear un método apropiado que facilita el cálculo de concentraciones contaminantes.
Seguridad alimentaria y calidad de dieta en beneficiarios de las ollas comunes, por tipo de gestión en el distrito de Villa María del Triunfo
Authors:   , Cier Chilet Silvia Milagros , Herrera Delgado Isabel Paola
Published: December 2024

Fundamento: Las ollas comunes (OC) surgen como respuesta a situaciones de crisis social, sanitaria o cualquier otra emergencia que afecta la calidad de vida, con el propósito de brindar alimentación a las familias de bajos recursos económicos. Objetivo: Comparar la seguridad alimentaria y la calidad de dieta de hogares que se benefician de OC, según el tipo de gestión en el distrito de Villa María del Triunfo - Lima, durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Métodos: El tipo de estudio fue cualitativo, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 96 beneficiarios de 4 ollas de autogestión y 2 ollas con apoyo de organizaciones civiles. Se utilizaron el Índice de Alimentación Saludable y la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria. Se aplicó el estadístico de Chi cuadrado y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, para evaluar la relación entre las variables estudiadas. Resultados: El 75,0% de las OC se autogestionaban y el 25,0% contaban con apoyo de Organizaciones Civiles. De las cuales, en total el 62,5% fueron categorizadas como poco saludables y el 62,5% tenían IAM. Se identificó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la seguridad alimentaria y la calidad de dieta (p<0,05). Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas en función al tipo de gestión (p>0,05). Además, las OC autogestionadas mostraron un mayor consumo de frutas y carnes; aunque aún no alcanzaban las recomendaciones ideales, mostrando una diferencia significativa por tipo de gestión (p<0,05). Conclusiones: El tipo de gestión no tiene un impacto significativo en la seguridad alimentaria y la calidad de dieta en los beneficiarios de las OC. Se observó que las OC autogestionadas presentan una mejor calidad de dieta y una menor proporción de IA moderada. Además, los beneficiarios de OC autogestionadas tenían una mejor variedad de alimentos.
Estimación de la estatura según altura de corona dental decidua en una muestra peruana de niños
Authors:   , Pimentel Chalco Aldana Yanira
Published: December 2024

Introducción: La odontometría y estatura son rasgos biológicos distintivos por lo que su relación puede ser relevante en la identificación de los individuos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la estatura según la altura de corona de dientes deciduos en niños peruanos. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio analítico se aplicó a una muestra calculada de 204 niños de 3 a 5 años (34 por grupo de sexo/edad) con dientes deciduos anterosuperiores con erupción completa (del #53 al #63). Las mediciones incluyeron estatura con tallímetro (106±6,56 cm; 94-123 cm) y altura de corona de canino a canino (3,06 mm en #62 a 8,13 mm en #53) en modelos con vernier digital (CCI≥0,781). Modelos de regresión lineal incluyeron el cálculo de coeficiente de regresión (β) para predecir la estatura en función de la altura coronal por cada diente deciduo a un nivel de significancia de P<0,05. Resultados: No hubo correlación entre estatura y altura coronal por tipo de diente en la muestra total (P≥0,05), pero si en mujer de 3 años en #52 (r=0,4: moderada) y 5 años en #53 y #63 (r=0,36-0,38: baja) (P<0,05). Las ecuaciones de predicción de estatura se muestran según altura coronal por diente y grupos de sexo/edad. Las regresiones fueron significativas explicando de 13 al 18% de mujer de 3 años en #53 y #52 (1,85 a 1,86 cm de error) y 5 años en #53, #51, y #63 (4,61 a 4,63 cm de error) (P<0,05). Conclusiones: El método odontológico que utilizó la altura de corona de dientes deciduos anterosuperiores como referencia estimó la estatura en una muestra específica de niñas peruanas de 3 y 5 años.
Análisis de las desigualdades socioeconómicas en la utilización del servicio de consulta externa en el Perú, 2019
Authors:   , Diaz Ruiz Renato
Published: December 2024

Fondo. Las desigualdades socioeconómicas de las personas influyen en el acceso a la oferta o servicios de salud y constituyen un desafío para los sistemas sanitarios, sobre todo, en los países de bajos y medianos ingresos. En el Perú, se ha estimado un aumento en la utilización de los servicios médicos, sin embargo, el estudio de las desigualdades en la utilización de los servicios médicos es limitado. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar y descomponer las desigualdades socioeconómicas en la utilización del servicio de consulta externa en el Perú. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de tipo analítico de corte transversal utilizando datos secundarios de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares sobre Condiciones de Vida y Pobreza 2019. La variable desenlace fue el uso de una consulta externa atendida por un médico en las últimas 4 semanas en personas que presentaron algún síntoma o malestar, una enfermedad, alguna recaída de enfermedad crónica y/o accidente. Se utilizaron curvas de concentración e índices de concentración de Erreygers para determinar las desigualdades socioeconómicas, y un modelo de regresión lineal generalizado para el análisis de descomposición de las desigualdades. Resultados. Se incluyó a un total de 52 715 personas en el estudio. La frecuencia de consulta externa fue del 25,4 % (intervalo de confianza al 95 %: 24,8 % - 26,1 %). En el análisis de desigualdad, se encontró que el uso de las consultas externas se concentró en las personas más ricas. Los principales factores contribuyentes fueron tener otro tipo de seguro de salud (EsSalud, un seguro privado de salud, una entidad prestadora de salud, FF. AA. y policiales), residir en un área urbana, pertenecer al quintil de riqueza rico y más rico, tener una enfermedad crónica y residir en la sierra del Perú. Conclusiones. Sobre la base…
Modified Physiological Equivalent Temperature for monitoring heat stress: 20-year data from the Falmouth Road Race
Authors: Zhang Xinrui , Ren Kun , Ding Xiaoqing , Gao Binghong
Published: December 2024

Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a commonly used tool for monitoring heat stress in outdoor endurance races. The Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) have been proposed as alternatives to overcome WBGT's limitations, but PET also has shortcomings and needs improvement for effective use as a screening tool. The aim is to identify the best predictor for Exertional Heat Illness (EHI) and Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) in outdoor races. Based on a 20 - year dataset from the Falmouth Road Race, generalized linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the incident rate and the predictors, and model performance was evaluated by leave - one - out cross - validation. The modified version of PET, mPET, had the highest explanation for EHI rate at 63.9%, with WBGT at 34.6%. UTCI and PET had the lowest explanatory power, 21.6% and 20.7% respectively. For EHS, WBGT had the highest explanatory power at 47.2%, and mPET followed with 39.2%. Both PET and UTCI had an explanatory power of 17.3%. In cross - validation for EHI, the predicted values of mPET strongly correlated with the actual values (cor = 0.628, p = 0.003), but in cross - validation for EHS, no significant correlation was found between the predicted and observed values. Overall, mPET is a superior predictor for EHI rate compared with PET, WBGT and UTCI, but for EHS rate, further research is needed to identify the best predictor.
Ovarian Cryopreservation with Rapamycin Improves Fertility Restoration in a Murine Orthotopic Transplantation Model
Authors: Bindels Jules , Squatrito Marlyne , Bernet Laëtitia , Nisolle Michelle , Munaut Carine
Published: December 2024

Background
Currently, the only fertility preservation option of prepubertal patients is ovarian tissue cryopreservation followed by autotransplantation (OTCTP). Once in remission and patients desire to conceive, autotransplantation of frozen/thawed tissue is performed. A major issue of this technique is follicular loss directly after transplantation, mainly due to follicle activation. Our previous research showed that adding rapamycin to the freezing medium counteracted follicle proliferation and activation induced by OTCTP in heterotopic autotransplantation of ovaries in mice. Our current study aimed to test the potential of this approach to improve fertility restoration in mice.
Methods
Forty 4-week-old female C57BL/6 mice underwent unilateral oophorectomy followed by slow-freezing of ovaries with or without rapamycin. After chemically disabling the remaining ovary, orthotopic autotransplantation was performed. After recovery, estrus cycle analysis was conducted using daily vaginal smears. The mice were mated with males for 4 months, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. After mating, half the females were super-ovulated for oocyte quantification and ovarian analysis, while the others had their ovaries collected for analysis of remaining primordial follicles using immunohistochemistry.
Results
Female mice whose ovaries were cryopreserved with rapamycin prior to chemically disabling the remaining ovary and orthotopic autotransplantation, gave birth to more pups (102 rapamycin, 48 control). The live birth rate was also higher (P = 0.0025) when ovaries were cryopreserved in rapamycin compared to control medium. Additionally, more mice in the rapamycin group gave birth (13 rapamycin, 8 control) with a higher average litter size (P = 0.0837). More mice had primordial follicles left at the end of the experiment in the rapamycin group (P = 0.0397). Superovulation showed a similar number of oocytes collected (P = 0.4462). While rapamycin did not influence cyst formation after autotransplantation, mice that developed ovarian cysts gave birth to fewer pups per dam (P = 0.0119) with a lower live birth rate compared to mice without ovarian cysts (P = 0.0032).
Conclusion
The use of rapamycin improved fertility restoration in mice. Using rapamycin during OTCTP in humans could potentially resolve the massive follicular loss directly after grafting, and thus eventually lead to better opportunities for women to become pregnant.
Spatial and temporal distribution of drug-resistant tuberculosis and associated risk factors in the central region of Uganda (2019- 2023), a retrospective analysis
Authors: Sseddangira Ibrahim , Kabiito Duncan , Kasasa Simon , Kiwanuka Noah
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a major public health threat in Uganda, especially in densely populated and urbanized Central Uganda. National estimates indicate that 1.6% of new cases and 12.1% of previously treated cases involve DR-TB, but specific data on its distribution and predictors in Central Uganda are limited. This study aimed to map the spatial and temporal distribution of DR-TB and identify associated risk factors from 2019 to 2023 to guide resource allocation.
Methodology
A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using data from DR-TB treatment centers in Central Uganda from January 2019 to December 2023. R (Version 4.4.0) statistical software and QGIS version 3.36.3 were used for spatial analysis, and significant clusters were identified using SaTscan’s Kulldorff statistic. Multivariable Poisson regression was employed to identify factors associated with DR-TB using STATA version 14.
Results
Of 803 DR-TB cases, 729 were eligible for analysis. The majority were male (69%), aged 25-34 (34.2%), married (51.9%), and HIV-positive (57.8%). Rifampicin resistance was found in 59% of cases. Kampala and Wakiso had the highest case numbers (30.0% and 24.3%, respectively), with fourteen hotspot clusters identified in these and other districts. Temporal analysis showed fluctuations, peaking in 2019 and 2022. Significant risk factors included age, sex, marital status, occupation, HIV status, and risk group.
Conclusion
DR-TB in Central Uganda clusters in urban districts, driven by urbanization, population density, and socioeconomic factors. Temporal fluctuations, influenced by disruptions like COVID-19, highlight the need for resilient healthcare systems. Key risk factors such as HIV co-infection, malnutrition, and demographics call for targeted interventions, integrated care, and enhanced surveillance.
Effects of Breed, Diet and Sex on Expression of Growth-related Genes in Nigerian Goats
Authors: Mallam Iliya , Yakubu Abdulmojeed , Ari Maikano Mohammed , Musa Ibrahim Suleiman , Achi Neyu Patrick
Published: December 2024

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of breed, diet and sex on expression of growth-related genes in Nigerian goats. A total of 36 weaner goats of two breeds (West African dwarf, n=18; 9 males + 9 females) and Red Sokoto goats, n=18; 9 males + 9 females) of about 3-4 months of age were used for the experiment. A 2×3×2 factorial experiment comprising 2 breeds, 3 diets groups and 2 sexes in a Completely Randomized Design was used. The data for gene expression and their interaction effects were all analysed using Statistix Analytical software, file version 8.0. Results showed that breed, diet and breed × diet interaction had significant (P<0.05) effect on IGF-1 tissue expression. Sex had significant (P<0.05) effect on myostatin tissue expression. Breed × diet interaction had no significant (P>0.05) effect on MSTN expression in the tissue of goats. The results for breed × sex interaction had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the level of IGF-1 expression in the tissue of goats but had significant (P<0.05) effect on myostatin gene. Red Sokoto breed is recommended over West African dwarf breed while RS×50%DS+50%GH is recommended for IGF-1 expression.There is need for further research to fully understand the IGF-1 and MSTN gene expression levels in various tissues and organs of goats at different stages of growth.
Who freezes her eggs and why? Psychological predictors, reasons, and outcomes of social egg freezing
Authors: Schmid Julia Jeannine , Weber Seraina , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: December 2024

Background
Despite the growing use of social egg freezing (SEF), research focusing on its psychological aspects is lacking. This study aimed to investigate possible psychological predictors, reasons, and outcomes of SEF in German-speaking countries.
Methods
The cross-sectional study included 1,131 women (average age 31 years) who had never used medical egg freezing. The participants were at different stages of SEF decision-making: women who cannot imagine using SEF (SEF-non-use), women who can imagine using SEF (SEF-possible-use), women who plan to use SEF (SEF-planned-use), women who have used SEF (SEF-use), and women who have used their oocytes frozen during SEF for assisted reproduction (SEF + ART-use). Data on sociodemographic and psychological characteristics, attitudes towards motherhood, well-being, and reasons for SEF were assessed. We used multinomial logistic regression to identify predictors of SEF decision-making stages, principal components analysis to examine motives for SEF, and multiple linear regression to analyze associations between motives and psychological variables.
Results
The probability of belonging to the SEF-use group rather than SEF-non-use was higher among childless single women with tertiary education, high levels of employment, and high importance placed on the genetic relationship to the child, and rose with increasing age and importance of motherhood. The probability of belonging to the SEF-use group rather than SEF-planned-use was higher among childless women with a high importance placed on the genetic relationship to the child, and increased with age. The probability of belonging to the SEF + ART-use group rather than SEF-use depended mainly on the presence of infertility. The women froze eggs mainly to gain time to fulfill their desire for conventional parenthood (59%), including finding the right partner and enabling a genetic relationship to the child. Using SEF to actively shape one’s life and family planning was associated with positive psychological outcomes, whereas relying on SEF in the hope of personal and societal changes (e.g. improving fertility) was associated with negative outcomes.
Conclusion
SEF users can be characterized as mainly single, career-oriented, and greatly valuing genetic motherhood. As the motives for SEF, rather than its use per se, are linked to psychological variables, these should be considered when counseling and supporting women.
Long-Term Outcomes of Corneal Transplantation: A Review of 8,378 Patients
Authors: Hashemian Mohammad Nasser , Zia Mohammad Javad , Khorrami-Nejad Masoud , Abed Qaysser Sattar , Hashemian Hesam
Published: December 2024

Purpose
To analyze the outcomes of corneal transplantation procedures over a 13-year period at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran, to identify trends and determinants influencing the frequency and success of primary and re-transplantations.
Methods
Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the hospital's Hospital Information System, the study reviewed the records of 8,378 patients who underwent corneal transplants between 2009 and 2022. This analysis included demographic information, surgical details, and follow-up data. Statistical methods were applied to assess the impact of variables such as age, gender, surgeon experience, and surgical techniques on the likelihood of re-transplantation.
Results
Of the 8,378 transplants, 7,660 (91.4%) were primary procedures while 718 (8.6%) involved re-transplantation. The most common primary transplant was penetrating keratoplasty (PKP, 50.3%), followed by Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK, 29.3%), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, 18.5%). Analysis revealed no significant association between re-transplantation rates and patient gender or nationality. However, older recipient age and procedures performed by more experienced attending surgeons correlated with higher re-transplantation incidence. Specific pre-transplant comorbidities (e.g., keratoconus, ulcers), concurrent surgeries (e.g., vitrectomy), and prior/interim procedures like glaucoma surgeries or intraocular lens implantation also increased re-transplantation risk significantly.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of patient age, surgeon experience, and the choice of surgical technique in the success rates of corneal transplants. These factors are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing the necessity for re-transplantations.
Effects of herbage distribution, botanical composition, and rumen inoculum source on in vitro gas fermentation kinetics
Authors: Nampanzira Dorothy K , Kiggundu Muhamad , Esaete Josephine , Muwanika Vincent , Namatovu Azida , Mutebi Emmanuel , Tabuti John R S
Published: December 2024

The random sourcing of rumen liquor from abattoir-slaughtered cattle may influence in vitro gas production results due to variations in diet composition. This study evaluated the effects of herbage distribution, botanical composition, and rumen liquor source on rumen fermentation kinetics using the in vitro gas production technique. Three districts in Uganda's cattle corridor with different grazing systems and vegetation types were purposively selected: Mbarara (improved mixed pastures), Nakasongola (woody shrublands), and Napak (grasslands). Karamoja had the highest herbage diversity (n = 40), followed by Mbarara (n = 32) and Nakasongola (n = 19), with grasses comprising over 75% of samples from Nakasongola and Mbarara, and 53% from Karamoja. Karamoja herbage had significantly higher crude protein (132.6 g/Kg DM). Gas production varied significantly (P < 0.001) across herbage sources during incubation. Fermentation kinetics were influenced by both the rumen liquor and herbage source (P < 0.001), while gas production rate from the insoluble fraction (b) was only affected by herbage source (P < 0.001). In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) estimated metabolizable energy (ME), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were also significantly influenced by herbage source (P < 0.001). Herbage composition had a greater impact on fermentation kinetics and IVOMD than the source of rumen liquor. These results suggest that rumen liquor from cattle raised under similar grazing systems yields consistent in vitro gas production results.
Applying Grid Search, Random Search, Bayesian Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, and Particle Swarm Optimization to fine- tune the hyperparameters of the ensemble of ML models enhances its predictive accuracy for mud loss
Authors: Malakouti Seyed Matin , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher , Suratgar Amir Abolfazl
Published: December 2024

Oil and gas wells frequently encounter the issue of drilling fluid loss circulation as drilling progresses, leading to significant complications and expenses. Effective prediction of mud loss during drilling is crucial for optimizing the selection of loss circulation materials (LCMs), improving drilling efficiency, and reducing costs and risks. This study evaluates an ensemble method comprising five machine learning algorithms: Decision Tree (DT), Linear Regressor (LR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), and Random Forest (RF). Hyperparameters for these algorithms were fine-tuned using genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), Grid Search, Random Search, and Bayesian Optimization to achieve optimal performance (R² close to 1).The ensemble method (DT, LR, KNN, GBR) achieved the highest prediction accuracy with R² = 0.969 and RMSE = 15.89. The K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm showed the least performance with an R² of 0.519. Effective hyperparameter tuning using various optimization techniques significantly improved model performance. The purpose of this article is to apply Grid Search, Random Search, Bayesian Optimization, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to fine-tune the hyperparameters of an ensemble of machine learning (ML) models, thereby enhancing their predictive accuracy for mud loss. These methods offer a lower computational volume compared to deep learning techniques and simultaneously provide high execution speed.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on CO2 Emissions in Middle East and North African Countries in the Period 1990-2020: Using the Panel ARDL Model
Authors: Louail Bilal , Mebrek Nacer
Published: December 2024

To determine whether foreign direct investment (FDI) promotes environmental degradation or aids in the adoption of cleaner technology between 1990 and 2020, the article will examine the relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) nations. utilizing the Panel ARDL Model to investigate both immediate and long-term impacts. The analysis discovered a long-term positive correlation between GDP, CO2 emissions, population increase, power consumption, and FDI. Open trade lowers emissions. The GDP and power consumption were found to considerably increase emissions in the short-term coefficients; however, the Error Correction Term indicated a slow adjustment to equilibrium. The study is constrained by the availability of data, possible measurement mistakes, regional variations, and the consequences of short-term fluctuation. For sustainability, policymakers should support clean technology, control foreign direct investment in industries that pollute, and support trade liberalization. In MENA and East Asia, the study examines FDI's environmental effects in a novel way.
JEL Classification : F21 ; Q53 ; Q56 ; O13 ; C23.
MS-UNet: a lightweight Multi-Scale UNet for skin lesion segmentation
Authors: Yu Jiahao , Sun Gaofei , Han Ying , Cao Qiongfang , Huang Tianze
Published: December 2024

In recent years, transformer and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely employed in medical image segmentation due to their excellent feature extraction capabilities. However, the computational requirements imposed by the large number of model parameters have posed significant limitations on the practical applications of these models.In this paper, we propose a lightweight Multi-Scale UNet(MS-UNet), which significantly reduces the number of model parameters. Simultaneously, the model maintains high accuracy through the utilization of depth-wise separable convolutions and multi-scale fusion modules.Moreover, an improved pyramid convolution(PConv) is employed in encoders, while utilizing different strip convolutions in decoders to extract features of different scales.Experimental results demonstrate that MS-UNet achieves the performance of state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods with very low parameters and computation cost.Specifically, our MS-UNet has only 23.7K parameters and 78.3M GFLOPs on the ISIC2017 and ISIC2018 datasets, compared with EGE-UNet which is the first model with a parameter size within 50KB.
Correlation measures in metagenomic data: the blessing of dimensionality
Authors: Fuschi Alessandro , Merlotti Alessandra , Tran Thi Dong Binh , Nguyen Hoan , Weinstock George M. , Remondini Daniel
Published: December 2024

Microbiome analysis has revolutionised our understanding of various biological processes, spanning human health, epidemiology (including antimicrobial resistance and horizontal gene transfer), as well as environmental and agricultural studies. At the heart of microbiome analysis lies the characterization of microbial communities through the quantification of microbial taxa and their dynamics. In the study of bacterial abundances, it is becoming more relevant to consider their relationship, to embed these data in the framework of network theory, allowing characterization of features like node relevance, pathway and community structure. In this study, we address the primary biases encountered in reconstructing networks through correlation measures, particularly considering the compositional nature of the data, within-sample diversity, and the presence of a high number of unobserved species. These factors can lead to inaccurate correlation estimates. To tackle these challenges, we employ simulated data to demonstrate how many of these issues can be mitigated by applying typical transformations designed for compositional data. These transformations enable the use of straightforward measures like Pearson's correlation to correctly identify positive and negative relationships among relative abundances, especially in high-dimensional data, without having any need for further corrections. However, some challenges persist, such as addressing data sparsity, as neglecting this aspect can result in an underestimation of negative correlations.
Extraction efficacy, phytochemical profiling and radical scavenging potential of different parts of Ixora coccinea L.
Authors: Desai Nivas
Published: December 2024

The present work was aimed to evaluate extraction efficiency and quantification of phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential of different parts of Ixora coccinea L. Different extraction techniques like Continuous shaking extraction, steam bath assisted extraction, ultrasonic extraction and microwave assisted extraction were used for the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidants. Presence of wide range of plant metabolites were observed from the preliminary study. Ultra sound assisted extraction for 20 min was found most suitable for extraction phenolics (44.14 ± 2.25 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight) and flavonoids (23.95 ± 1.15 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of dry weight). High performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of six pharmaceutically important phenolic acids. 1, 1- diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) scavenging (ABTS) assays were used to determine antioxidant potential. Leaves showed higher yields of illustrated biochemical parameters, however fresh fruit pulp was found a chief source of polyphenols. The current investigation highlighted the variety of phytoconstituents from different parts of I. coccinea and its medicinal and nutritional implications were confirmed.
Enhancing perinatal brain maturity estimation using surface deep learning and cross-modal relationship inference technology
Authors: Yang Ziyi , He Rongzhao , Sheng Yucen , Zhu Dalin , Wang Ying , Zhang Yu , Hu Bin , Zheng Weihao
Published: December 2024

Neonates with marked brain developmental delays are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain chronological age is a valuable biomarker for assessing abnormal maturation in developing brains; however, accurately estimating brain age at birth remains challenging. In this study, we introduce a cross-modal relationship inference network (CMRINet) that integrates structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data to improve the accuracy of neonatal brain age estimation. The CMRINet employs a Transformer encoder and relational inference module to capture both the long- and short-range dependencies of multimodal features among cortical parcels. Our model outperformed others in predicting neonatal brain age, achieving a mean squared error of 0.51 and a mean absolute error of 0.55 on the test set. By applying the model trained on full-term neonates to preterm infants at term-equivalent age, we found that the predicted age was significantly lower than the chronological age, suggesting delayed development in preterm brains. Furthermore, the deviation of predicted age was significantly associated with long-term motor development of preterm infants. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the CMRINet for neonatal brain age estimation, with potential clinical utility in early detection of neurodevelopmental risks during the perinatal period.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment-seeking behaviours and its implications in the control of malaria in Dumbu community, Donga-Mantung Division, North West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Eyong Ebanga Echi Joan , Calvin Ebai Bissong , Purity Awah , Antoine Kada Sanda
Published: December 2024

Malaria remains a great public health problem in Cameroon where it accounts for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The management of the disease has been made worst in the North West region of Cameroon and in Dumbu in particular by the on-going socio-political crisis since 2016, which has limited the transporation of drugs to this community and has also forced the inhabitants of this community to rely on traditional concoctions for treatment with the notion that it is cheap. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, assess the malaria awareness level, the treatment seeking behaviours, and its implications on the prevalence of malaria in the Dumbu community. Questionnaires were administered to consented individuals. Blood samples were collected by finger prick using sterile lancets and blood films prepared on well labeled glass slides. The dry blood films were stained using 3% Giemsa staining solution for 30 mins. Data was collected were later analyzed using SPSS. Out of the 385 persons screened, malaria was recorded in 107 persons (27.8%). Those in the age group 11–25 years old were the most infected with malaria prevalence of 32.3% (41/127) while those in the age group ≥ 50 years recorded the least prevalence [19.3% (11/57)] and the difference was not significant (χ2 = 3.716, p = 0.294). Yaounde quarter recorded the highest prevalence 32.7% (35/107) and males were more infected than females. On awareness level, they have heard of malaria and knew its causal agent to be an infected mosquito, 48.3% considered fever as the sign of the infection. Sixty-nine-point 8 percent (69.8%) of the population rushes to the health centre for treatment while 5.6% prefers herbal treatment. Malaria is still a health challenge in this area and people infected should be advised to seek treatment, whenever they have malaria from a health facility to ensure that the treatment given is appropriate.