bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMITS: Research on Smart Mobility Intelligent Traffic Signal System based on Distributed Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Oh Yeon-Jae
Published: October 2023

Recently, smart mobility intelligent traffic services have become a critical task in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This involves not only the use of advanced sensors and controllers but also the ability to respond to real-time traffic situations at intersections, alleviate congestion, and generate policies to prevent traffic jams. DRL (Deep Reinforcement Learning) provides a natural framework for processing tasks. In DRL, each intersection can control itself and coordinate with neighbors to achieve optimal network-wide policies. However, comparing approaches remains a challenging task due to the existence of numerous possible configurations. This research performs a critical comparison of various traffic controllers found in the literature. It demonstrates that using a nonlinear approximator for coordination mechanisms and enhancing observability at each intersection are key performance drivers.
Weighted Generalized Group Inverse in Banach *-Algebras
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Sheibani Marjan
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce the notion of weighted generalized group inverse in a Banach algebra with proper involution. This is a natural generalization of weighted weak group inverse for a complex matrix and Hilbert space operator. We present several characterizations and representations of this generalized inverse. In addition, a new partial order on elements in a Banach *-algebra is investigated by using the weighted generalized group inverse and some known results are thus generalized.
Mind the Anterior Tibial Tendon in Oblique Distal Third Tibial Fractures with Anterior Inferior Proximal Spike
Authors: Bruce-Brand Robert , Wong-Chung John
Published: October 2023

Case:

An oblique fracture of the distal third of the tibia, treated nonoperatively in a 14-year-old adolescent boy, did not unite because of ensnarement of the anterior tibial tendon (ATT) around an anterior inferior bony spike from the proximal tibial fragment. Computed tomography scan with 3-dimensional volume rendering aided in preoperative diagnosis. Surgical extraction of the tendon from within the fracture site and internal fixation led to successful union and full painless function.

Conclusion:

Beware of possible ATT entrapment as a cause of irreducibility of oblique distal third tibial fractures with an anterior inferior bony spike of the proximal fragment.
Aprendizajes cooperativos en itinerarios bilingües de educación primaria
Authors: Gómez Parra Elena
Published: October 2023

Este trabajo de investigación se marca como objetivo fundamental conocer si el profesorado de Educación Primaria que está adscrito a itinerarios bilingües conoce y utiliza la metodología de aprendizaje cooperativo (AC) en sus clases, incluyendo en este análisis la planificación y la evaluación. Esta investigación de campo incluye el diseño de un instrumento ex profeso, cuyo contenido y adecuación fueron validados mediante el método Delphi. La población de este estudio está compuesta por 21 profesores de Educación Primaria, que trabajan en los itinerarios bilingües de 7 colegios andaluces. Este profesorado enseña diferentes materias de contenido en segundas lenguas (L2): Ciencias, Música y Matemáticas, entre otros. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados a través del software SPSS (v. 22) y nos indican que la población de este estudio declara conocer los principios básicos del AC. Asimismo, este profesorado es consciente y reconoce muchas de las dificultades que conlleva su implementación en el aula bilingüe (por ejemplo, falta de tiempo, estructura del horario escolar, o diferencias de nivel en la L2 entre el alumnado de un mismo grupo), al tiempo que identifica las ventajas que el AC aporta (por ejemplo, aumento de la motivación entre el alumnado), e implementa modelos de evaluación, acordes con la metodología de AC.
El trabajo terminológico para la traducción de textos enoturísticos (alemán-español): el uso del chino como lengua puente
Authors: He Dongxu
Published: October 2023

La traducción de textos enoturísticos supone el conocimiento de una terminología específica, que pertenece a dos ámbitos especializados: por una parte, el sector vitivinícola y de la enología, que reproduce textos y discursos centrados en el cultivo de la vid y la elaboración del vino; por otra, el lenguaje propio del sector del turismo y del uso y disfrute de productos y servicios turísticos, cuya principal finalidad es producir en el lector la necesidad de consumir el producto turístico que se ofrece en los textos y los discursos. En estas páginas abordamos la dificultad que plantea la traducción de textos enoturísticos desde el idioma alemán al español para un traductor no germanoparlante y no hispanoparlante, sino sinoparlante. Veremos en qué medida el chino puede servir como lengua puente para realizar con éxito este tipo de traducción.
La ficha ontoterminográfica para el análisis terminológico español-árabe-francés en materia de migración y asilo: un modelo de aplicación para la traducción de textos especializados
Authors: El Herch Moumni Sabah
Published: October 2023

El presente trabajo abordará el estudio ontoterminográfico aplicado a un ámbito especializado, como es el de las migraciones y los desplazamientos forzados, para elaborar un recurso multilingüe español-árabe-francés que pueda ser empleado para la traducción y la interpretación en los servicios públicos que atienden a las personas migrantes
The Effects of Leadership on the Organizational Culture: The Case of the National Institute of Social Security
Authors: Somenzari Marcel Sigrist , Sacomano Neto Mario , Ganga Gilberto Miller Devós , Lizarelli Fabiane Letícia
Published: October 2023

Research objective: Leadership and culture are critical dimensions to understanding organizational dynamics. This article analyses the effect of leadership on organizational culture at the National Institute of Social Security in Brazil. The study also identifies the predominant types of leadership through the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and the type of organizational culture through the Competing Values Framework.Theoretical framework: Models of leadership and organizational culture widely used in the international literature support the article. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire is a model composed of constructs about leadership styles and leadership outcomes. The Competing Values Framework is a model that provides a classification of corporate culture and values.Methodology: This study is based on the survey as a research method. Data collection includes 153 professionals from the National Institute of Social Security. For data processing, descriptive and exploratory analyzes were performed. Structural equation modelling and partial least squares estimation were also used in the research method.Results: The results reveal that leadership influences culture through a positive effect relationship with statistical significance. The results also show the predominance of the transformational leadership style and the clan culture in the case studied.Originality: The article originally contributed by exploring the relationship between forms of leadership and organizational culture in a public organization. The study uses new constructs for the national literature by incorporating the models of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Competing Values Framework.Theoretical and practical contributions: The article contributes to the advancement of theory in Public Administration by showing the influence of forms of leadership on organizational culture. The study also has practical and managerial implications as it indicates how forms of leadership should be developed to create collective identities.
Keywords: Leadership, Organizational culture, Structural Equations, Public administration, Non-profit organization.
Representação de Atores Sociais nos desdobramentos de um Crime Corporativo
Authors: Magalhães Ferreira Pamella Thaís , Pereira Jussara Jéssica , Naves Flávia Luciana
Published: October 2023

Objetivo da pesquisa: Compreender como a representação dos atores sociais no Termo de Transação e Ajustamento de Conduta (TTAC) do caso do rompimento da barragem de Samarco, em 2015, interfere no enfrentamento desse crime corporativo e influencia a ocorrência de outros similares.

Enquadramento teórico: O rompimento da barragem da Samarco é caracterizado como um crime corporativo (Medeiros; Silveira; Oliveira, 2018), assim, esse é o nosso principal enquadramento teórico. Ao mesmo tempo, num contexto tão conflituoso, o discurso tem papel central, por isso, utilizamos como referencial teórico e metodológico a Análise Crítica do Discurso de Norman Fairclough.

Metodologia: O presente trabalho utilizou como técnicas de coleta de informações a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. As análises foram dadas a partir da Análise Crítica do Discurso do TTAC, abordando especificamente a representação dos atores sociais no referido documento.

Resultados: A representação dos atores sociais no TTAC legitima e sobrepõe os interesses da corporação aos interesses sociais, apaga as vítimas de seu lócus discursivo, levando a continuidade do domínio corporativo sobre o caso. Assim, a representação dos atores sociais no TTAC perpetua os fatores sociais que dão permissividade à ocorrência dos crimes corporativos.

Originalidade: Estudos sobre crimes corporativos tem enfatizado os efeitos negativos das ações corporativas. Contudo, observa-se um menor engajamento da literatura sobre os processos discursivos que envolvem os contextos desses crimes. Dessa forma, este artigo contribui com a elucidação desses processos discursivos, pois, o discurso corporativo de enfrentamento da crise ou instabilidade é parte de um processo de gerenciamento das impressões sobre a corporação, para criar e manter recursos de poder (Medeiros; Silveira; Oliveira, 2018)

Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Ao analisar o discurso como uma prática social contribui com a elucidação de estratégias utilizadas pelas corporações diante de um crime corporativo para manter seu poder hegemônico e ideológico na sociedade.
Investigating the attitude-behavior gap through the lens of pandemic:
Authors: Buhamra Abreu Romero Cláudia , Maria Calíope Sobreira Érica , Robson Moreira da Silva Clayton , Vicente Sales Melo Francisco
Published: October 2023

Research objective: Our research seeks to study the gap between attitude and behavior during the pandemic. Considering the stay-at-home behavior as positive, we believed that all aspects of the attitudes would be unfavorable, since staying at home during the pandemic caused a series of discomfort to citizens, which configures an attitude-behavior gap.

Theoretical framework: The attitude-behavior gap is a phenomenon widely studied in psychology and marketing. The Theory of Rational Action (Azjen & Fishzbein, 1977) postulates that the individual's behavior derives from his/her attitude. When the individual’s behavior is inconsistent from s/he thinks or feels towards a behavior it is called the attitude-behavior gap. The Theory of Planned Action (Ajzen, 1991) explains the attitude-behavior gap based on the internal or external limitations imposed on the individual. In the present study, the attitude-behavior gap is brought to the context of the new coronavirus pandemic.

Methodology: We have developed a survey with 789 Brazilian citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, four factors were extracted from the attitude scale, of which two factors represent affective responses (i.e., negative emotions and worry and fear) and two factors represent cognitive responses (i.e., safety and trust).

Results: The results confirmed the existence of the gap once individuals presented unfavorable attitudes regarding the behavior on an affective basis. However, the individuals showed favorable attitudes related to the imposed behavior to stay-at-home on a cognitive basis, demonstrating an attitude-behavior consistency, and not an attitude-behavior gap.

Originality: The investigation of attitudes towards the “stay at home” behavior in the light of the Theory of Rational Action and the Theory of Planned Action, aiming to identify a possible gap between the attitudes of individuals and the mandatory behavior “stay at home”.

Theoretical and practical contributions: As for managerial implications, the research shows the importance of the communication of governments, authorities, professionals, and policy makers to lower the citizens negative feelings and to inspire trust and safety in the society, especially in hard situations.
Efeitos do Controle Orçamentário Rígido no Empowerment Psicológico e Engajamento nas IFES do Brasil
Authors: Desconsi Sutero Débora , Flores Costa Vânia Medianeira , Costa da Silva Zonatto Vinícius
Published: October 2023

Objetivo da pesquisa: Analisar os efeitos do controle orçamentário rígido no empowerment psicológico e engajamento no trabalho, na perspectiva de gestores públicos com responsabilidade orçamentária nas IFES brasileiras.

Enquadramento teórico: O modelo teórico testa as relações diretas do controle orçamentário rídigo e as dimensões de impacto, competência, significado e autodeterminação do empowerment psicológico, e as dimensões de vigor, dedicação e absorção do engajamento no trabalho.

Metodologia: Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa (MEE), foi operacionalizada mediante questionário aplicado a 253 gestores.

Resultados: Observou-se que o controle orçamentário rígido influencia de maneira distinta tais variáveis. Promove o impacto e a competência dos gestores, bem como seu engajamento no trabalho. Contudo, não é capaz de influenciar as dimensões de significado e autodeterminação do empoderamento. Estes gestores identificam sua influência no trabalho, mediante o impacto que a função orçamentária apresenta na gestão das IFES. Altos níveis de conhecimento nas rotinas e processos orçamentários também foram identificados, inferindo-se que as habilidades da gestão são suficientes para a realização das tarefas, mesmo frente às restrições orçamentárias. Por outro lado, a baixa autonomia e participação orçamentária limitada, reduzem o significado e a autodeterminação no trabalho, prejudicando o planejamento dos gestores na execução orçamentária, além de reduzir o empoderamento. Conclui-se que o vínculo com o controle orçamentário das Instituições torna os indivíduos mais envolvidos e comprometidos no trabalho.

Originalidade: A pesquisa inova ao analisar os efeitos das características do controle orçamentário rígido no empoderamento psicológico e no engajamento no trabalho, suprindo esta lacuna de pesquisa no contexto analisado.

Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Denota-se os efeitos das características da configuração orçamentária e seus reflexos consequentes em importantes aspectos cognitivos e comportamentais dos indivíduos no trabalho, apresentando avanços na literatura e contribuindo com as organizações ao conhecer fatores que motivam ou inibem a realização das tarefas de gestores com responsbilidade orçamentária.
Sexual Harassment Myths and Social Justice Perception among College Students in Southeast Nigeria: Implication to Gender-based Sexual Violence and Sustainable Development
Authors: Okafor Samuel
Published: October 2023

Sexual harassment across public institutions in some developing nations is more lenient on the sexual harassment myths supported by patriarchal structures. Although sexual harassment myths as a problem has attracted many attentions from the researching community so far, it is yet to be unravelled in some developing nations in connection with social justice and sustainable development. Sexual harassment myths as tools of social injustice are perpetuated by the patriarchal structure and false collective conscience among the youth in educational institutions. This has over the years, entrenched sexual violence against women in the everyday interactions among the youth and the general population in the developing world. In order to understand the prevalence and developmental consequences of sexual harassment myths, the present study focused on the college students (a group that may be expected to be more progressive in its thinking about sexuality and gender differences/relations than the general population), involving 1716 students (17+) of 44 higher institutions of learning in southeast Nigeria. While the study was guided by Structuration/Collective conscience models, survey design with questionnaire instrument was applied to manage the study and data collection procedure. Appropriate statistics were applied to check the relationship of the substantive variables to the study. From the findings, there is a prevalence of acceptance of sexual harassment myths (72.3%/55.6%) among the students; sexual harassment myths1&2 explained about 98%/94% variance of consciousness towards social justice against sexual harassment; predictors of gendered attitude towards sexual harassment myths acceptance are gender, age, source of sex education and perceived institutional sexual harassment policy,while the predicting factors to consciousness towards social justice against sexual harassment included age, religious affiliation, type of secondary school attended and source of sex education.
Sosialisasi Permainan Tradisional “Klangenan Dolanan Anak”
Authors: Endarto Putro Danang , Ismoko Anung Probo , Prastyo Tika Dedy , Febrianta Yudha
Published: October 2023

Pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pengetahuan baru kepada para siswa di tingkat sekolah dasar tentang keragaman permainan tradisional yang ada di Indonesia. Sosialisasi ini melibatkan 8 Sekolah Dasar yang berada di lingkup kabupaten pacitan. Sasaran utamanya adalah para siswa sekolah dasar yang notabennya kurang mengerti tentang permainan tradisional. Pelaksanaan kegiatan dilakukan pada bulan juni-juli 2023. Pelaksanaan dilakukan dengan memberikan sosialisasi permainan tradisional dengan tema “klangenan dolanan anak”. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegaitan tersebut adalah seluruh siswa sangat senang bisa mengenal, mengetahui, dan memainkan berbagai macam permainan tradisional. Terkhusus untuk bapak ibu guru, sosialisasi juga dapat menjadi informasi sebagai alternative dalam proses kegaitan belajar mengajar Pendidikan jasmani di lingkungan sekolah dasar.
Evaluation of major-ion chemistry for Niobrara River watershed, Nebraska, USA
Authors: Atkinson Jon C Atkinson
Published: October 2023

Examination of historical (1968–1991) aqueous geochemistry data [major cations and anions, pH, specific conductance, and total dissolved solids (TDS)] for 500 water samples provided by the Water Quality Portal maintained online by the US Environmental Protection Agency for the Niobrara River, a National Scenic River, and six tributary creeks, a reservoir, and two tributary rivers, located in northwestern and northcentral Nebraska, revealed that the mineralization (TDS) is relatively low. Calculated median TDS for the Niobrara River is 192 mg/L (n = 322); calculated median TDS for the tributary rivers and creeks is 129 mg/L (n = 181). Only a few sample analyses are not the Ca-HCO3 hydrochemical facies. The mineralization (salinity) level of Niobrara River water is essentially constant from upstream to downstream. Hydrochemical equilibrium modeling of the Niobrara River watershed (NRW) reveals that most samples occurred in an aqueous environment characterized by slight calcite and dolomite supersaturation and gypsum undersaturation; low supersaturation index values comprise a line of evidence for the thermodynamic equilibrium or near equilibrium of the NRW waters. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) and graphical methods (e.g., Stiff diagrams, scatter plots) are used to characterize and interpret the hydrogeochemistry of the NRW. Scatter plots of meq/L concentrations of (Ca + Mg) versus (HCO3 + SO4) reveal the impact of silicate minerals (e.g., feldspar) weathering on the aqueous geochemistry throughout the watershed. These ubiquitous feldspar minerals most likely originated along the eastern slope of the Front Range during Late Cretaceous and Tertiary time (Laramide Orogeny).
A comparative study on the clinical efficacy of UBETlif and Mis-Tlif in the treatment of degenerative Lumbar Stenosis with Instability
Authors: Zhou yixuan , Zhang jianing , Liang Dingjie , qian weiqing
Published: October 2023

Purpose To compare the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic technique transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in treating degenerative lumbar stenosis with instability. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 64 patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis with instability admitted between January 2018 and December 2021 and divided into UBE-TLIF and MIS-TLIF groups. Comparison of data; surgical index; postoperative complications; the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and MOS 36-Item Short-Form health survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate the function before surgery, 1 and 3 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up; and adult spinal deformity (ASD) at the last follow-up. Results All patients successfully completed the surgery, with a follow-up time of 6 to 16 months. There were no statistical differences in general data between groups. Reagarding surgical indicators: the UBE-TLIF group had more advantages in terms of intraoperative blood loss, surgical incision length, and postoperative hospital stay, although the operation time was longer. Regarding clinical efficacy evaluation indicators: the VAS, ODI, and SF-36 in both groups significantly improved at each time point after surgery, there was no difference in other time points. Compared with the MIS-TLIF group, there was no significant difference in the VAS or SF-36. The ODI of the UBE-TLIF group was better than the MIS-TLIF group 1 month after surgery, with no statistical difference at other time points. ASD incidence in both groups was 3.125%, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Compared with MIS-TLIF, UBE-TLIF achieved a similar interbody fusion effect in the treatment of degenerative lumbar instability with spinal stenosis, optimised surgical indicators, and reduced postoperative stress response.
Laboratory test utilization before and after intervention in a secondary care Finnish geriatric inpatient hospital
Authors: Jääskeläinen Anniina , Heikkinen Elina
Published: October 2023

Background
Laboratory testing influences up to 60–70% of treatment decisions, yet overuse, underuse and misuse of diagnostic tests is common. The aim of this study was to improve the quality of laboratory testing in a secondary care hospital.
Methods
The study design was a prospective before and after setting. The data regarding ordered laboratory tests, sample collections, and laboratory penalty charges during 2013–2015 was collected and evaluated. Areas of improvement were identified and an intervention was designed including updating the electronic form for ordering laboratory tests, and organizing educational sessions for doctors followed by monthly short reminders of the topic. Laboratory utilization before and after the intervention was compared using logistic regression analysis. The effect of the intervention was followed up throughout 2016–2018.
Results
Laboratory testing before the intervention was unchanged in 2013–2015. The five most common analyses: complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood creatinine (SCR), blood sodium and potassium, constituted 67.5% of all laboratory tests. Utilization of most common tests per patient (CBC, CRP, SCR, sodium, potassium, INR) was reduced statistically significantly after the intervention. The number on overall tests per bed day and per patient were discovered statistically significantly lower after the intervention along with sample collection. Most of the identified problems (the overuse of AST and FOBT, the underutilization of B12TC2) were corrected. Inappropriate test utilization, mix-up of tests, and use of outdated tests were identified and found to be unnecessarily costly. Laboratory test ordering decreased by 9.6% and sample collection by 7.2% in the year following the intervention due to the decrease in the number of the most ordered tests. No improvement was seen for laboratory tests usually ordered by nurses, as they were not included in the intervention.
Conclusions
Reduction of unnecessary laboratory testing was achieved by an intervention including two parts: education and changing the electronic ordering form. Continuous education of doctors was found to be an effective tool for efficient use of laboratory tests. Future interventions should include nurses.
Determination of N-acetyl-L-Cysteine and Glutathione by the colorimetric method with the use of a smartphone as a detector
Authors: Bevanda Anita Martinović , Arapović Anamarija , Vasilj Matej , Pušić Ante , Talić Stanislava , Ivanković Anita
Published: October 2023

The possibility of determining N-acetyl-L-cysteine or Glutathione based on the reaction with Cu(II)-neocuproine complex according to a simple procedure and using a spectrophotometer or a smartphone as detectors is described. The analytical applicability of the methods was tested and the excellent characteristics of the smartphone as a detector in the analysis of pharmaceuticals were observed. The prepared reaction solutions were yellow and their absorbance was measured at a wavelength of 450 nm. Also, due to the yellow color of the solution, the intensity of the blue RGB channel decreased with increasing thiol concentration. The proposed procedures allow the determination of both thiols in the linear dynamic range from 3.0×10− 6 to 2.0×10− 4 mol L-1 for a spectrophotometer as a detector, or from 6.0×10− 6 to 2.0×10− 4 mol L-1 for a smartphone as a detector. The obtained results indicate the usefulness of the CUPRAC method in the analysis of thiols, but also represent a smartphone as a comparable detector with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
Ecology of the extremely female-biased pest insect Hyperlasion breviantenna Sueyoshi et al., 2022 (Diptera: Sciaridae) occurring as outbreaks
Authors: Tagami Yohsuke , Ishihra Yuki , Ohata Yuta , Tsushima Yusuke , Sueyoshi Masahiro
Published: October 2023

Since approximately 2004, outbreaks of the sciarid species Hyperlasion breviantenna Sueyoshi et al., 2022, have occurred at Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan. We attempted to identify the reason for the outbreaks through ecological research. According to the results of our investigation on the annual occurrence and ecological characteristics of this species, it occurs in various habitats only in the rainy season, and adults emerge only in the morning. These individuals were only females. From the studies of this species in Tajimi city, Gifu, Japan, both females and males of this species usually emerge at the soil of forest edges rather than inside forests. The areas of forest edges where males emerged were limited depending on place. Males and females with intact wings, but only females come to houses or buildings. Small woodlands, gardens, and parks are the areas of origin in urban areas. We show that outbreaks of these insect leads are rarely nuisances because of the many fascinating characteristics of these pests.
A new Approach to Identify Gene-Environment Interactions and Reveal New Biological Insight in Complex traits
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Yang Yihe , Lorincz-Comi Noah , Li Gen , Bentley Amy , de Vries Paul , Brown Michael , Morrison Alanna , Rotimi Charles , Gauderman W. James , Rao Dabeeru , Aschard Hugues
Published: October 2023

There is a long-standing debate about the magnitude of the contribution of gene-environment interactions to phenotypic variations of complex traits owing to the low statistical power and few reported interactions to date. To address this issue, the CHARGE Gene-Lifestyle Interactions Working Group has been spearheading efforts to investigate G X E in large and diverse samples through meta-analysis. Here, we present a powerful new approach to screen for interactions across the genome, an approach that shares substantial similarity to the Mendelian randomization framework. We identified and confirmed 5 loci (6 independent signals) interacting with either cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption for serum lipids, and empirically demonstrated that interaction and mediation are the major contributors to genetic effect size heterogeneity across populations. The estimated lower bound of the interaction and environmentally mediated contribution ranges from 1.76–14.05% of SNP heritability of serum lipids in Cross-Population data. Our study improves the understanding of the genetic architecture and environmental contributions to complex traits.
Enhancing malaria prediction in Amazonas, Brazil: A comparative analysis of deep learning models based on clustering
Authors: Barboza Matheus Félix Xavier , Monteiro Kayo Henrique de Carvalho , Dourado Raphael Augusto , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: October 2023

Backgound: Malaria is a disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito and can be treatable. However, in 2019 there were over 247 million instances of malaria reported, along with 619,000 fatalities. More than 42 million Brazilians are at danger of developing malaria, with 99 percent of cases occurring in or around the Amazon forest (WHO, 2020). In Brazil, malaria is still a significant public health issue, despite the decline in occurrences and deaths.
Methods: Accurate spatiotemporal forecasting of malaria transmission could help to better allocate resources to help fight the disease. In order to estimate malaria cases in the Amazonas state, we compare and evaluate deep learning, machine learning, and statistical models in this work. We used k-means clustering to group municipalities using a Brazilian dataset of around 6 million records (January 2003 to December 2019) to test if the performance of the models may be improved when grouping municipalities with statistically similar incidence rates of malaria.
Results: The results indicate that the ARIMA model achieved better performance, but, the other models obtained similar values. The division of municipalities by clusters reinforced the application of models for municipalities with similar statistical values.
Conclusions: As for geographic distribution, the results are similar. However, evaluating municipalities by grouping K-means, based on statistical values, is an alternative for decision-makers, as it will be necessary to monitor only 5 large groups instead of 9 health regions. The behavior of the models comparing the dataset with all types of malaria and Malaria Vivax was similar since the amount of data available for the models to perform the learning is quite close.
CTGF, FN1, IL-6, THBS1, and WISP1 genes and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as prognostic and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer identified by gene network modeling
Authors: Khoshdel Farzane , Mottaghi-Dastjerdi Negar , Yazdani Fateme , Salehi Shirin , Ghorbani Abozar , Montazeri Hamed , Soltany-Rezaee-Rad Mohammad , Goodarzy Babak
Published: October 2023

Background:Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and it is considered as the fourth most common cause of cancer death. This study aimed to find critical genes/pathways in GC pathogenesis and therefore, discovery of drugs can be helpful in this case.Methods:Differentially expressed genes were explored between human gastric cancer and noncancerous tissues in Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (GSE54129) using the GEO2R tool, and their functions were annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analyses in the STRING database. Hub genes were identified based on the protein-protein interaction network constructed in the STRING database with Cytoscape software. The hub genes were selected for further analysis, and their expression patterns in gastric cancer patients were investigated using the GEPIA2 database.Results:Ten overexpressed hub genes in GC were identified in the current study, including FN1, TP53, IL-6, CXCL5, ELN, ADAMTS2, WISP1, MMP2, CTGF, and THBS1. The study demonstrated the PI3K-Akt pathway's central involvement in GC, with pronounced alterations in essential components. Survival analysis revealed significant correlations between CTGF, FN1, IL-6, THBS1, and WISP1 overexpression and reduced overall survival times in GC patients. A mutual interplay emerged, where PI3K-Akt signaling could upregulate certain genes, forming feedback loops and intensifying cancer phenotypes.Conclusions: The interconnected overexpression of genes and the PI3K-Akt pathway fosters gastric tumorigenesis, suggesting therapeutic potential. DrugBank analysis identified limited FDA-approved drugs, advocating for further exploration while targeting these hub genes could reshape GC treatment. These results might open up new insights into GC pathogenesis. The identified genes might be novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for GC. This work, being based on bioinformatics analysis acts as a hypothesis generator that requires further clinical validation.
Cosmic Ray Diffusion in Space: Insights from 2D Heat Equation Simulations
Authors: Raghavendra Ratnakaram , Reddy Saila Kumari Anna
Published: October 2023

Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) are high-energy particles originating from distant astrophysical sources, with significant implications for space environments and systems. Accurate modelling of GCR transport is essential for understanding their behaviour and mitigating their effects on space missions. This study presents a comparative analysis of two numerical methods, the Crank-Nicholson method and the Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) method, for simulating GCR transport in a magnetized environment. The Crank-Nicholson method offers stability and accuracy, using an implicit approach to solve the advection-diffusion equation. We derive and implement the Crank-Nicholson method, demonstrating its ability to capture GCR distribution and interactions. On the other hand, the ADI method combines implicit and explicit schemes, allowing efficient simulations of separable PDEs. We provide a derivation and implementation of the ADI method for GCR transport, highlighting its computational advantages. Through numerical experiments, we compare the performance of both methods in capturing GCR propagation patterns and evaluate their efficiency. Results indicate that the Crank-Nicholson method excels in accuracy but demands higher computational resources. The ADI method offers computational efficiency while maintaining reasonable accuracy, making it a promising choice for scenarios with separable terms. This study contributes to the advancement of GCR modelling techniques, aiding in space mission planning, radiation protection, and space weather forecasting. The insights gained from this comparative analysis enhance our understanding of GCR behaviour and its implications for space systems, facilitating safer and more effective space exploration endeavours.
Insights into RNA transcriptome sequencing of retinal tissues in hypertensive retinopathy rat model
Authors: Wen Shi , Wang Jun , Li Yue , Xiao Shiyuan , Jiang Wenmin
Published: October 2023

Background
Hypertensive retinopathy, a complication of systemic hypertension that affects the microvasculature of the retina which result in serious visual disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in a rat model of hypertensive retinopathy (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHR) with or without treatment and to explore their potential roles, involved functions, and signaling pathways.
Results
Our results revealed that the expression levels of mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were significantly changed in the hypertensive retinopathy models with or without drug therapy. The differentially expressed non-coding RNAs were predicted to target genes contributing to various biological processes and signaling pathways related to hypertensive retinopathy, including immune regulation, wound healing, blood vessel remodeling, and response to external stimuli. Besides, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network consisting of circRNAs and miRNAs identified potential interactions between ncRNAs and their possible roles in hypertensive retinopathy diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions
The results of this study shed light on the potential effects of mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs on hypertensive retinopathy pathogenesis and treatment. These molecules could serve as potential biomarkers for early-stage diagnosis or therapeutic targets for hypertensive retinopathy.
The effects of breast density on the benefits of mammograms with adjunctive ultrasonography in breast screening.
Authors: Nakamura Akira , Ohnuki Koji , Takahashi Haruka , Usami Shin , Ishida Yuki , Shibata Setsuko , Umemura Akiko , Takikawa Yuka , Kano Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Objective: Various efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screening. This study aimed to report differences in the contribution of ultrasonography to cancer screening assessments of dense and non-dense breasts.
Methods: The participants in this study were 29,640 Japanese women in their 40s who underwent breast cancer screening at the Iwate Cancer Society between 2018 and 2021. This included women who chose mammography alone or mammography with adjunctive ultrasonography (overall assessment). They were classified into two groups according to the breast density in mammography: dense breasts and non-dense breasts. The recall rate, breast cancer detection rate, and positive predictive value of the two screening-type groups were evaluated for each breast density group.
Results: Of the 29,640 women analyzed, 18,861 (63.6%) underwent by mammography alone and 10,779 (36.3%) were by overall assessments. The number of women recalled was higher in the overall assessment group than in the mammography-alone group (2.9% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.01). The proportion of women in whom breast cancer was detected was higher in the overall assessment group than in the mammography-alone group (0.31% [n = 33] vs. 0.15% [n = 28], p < 0.01). For non-dense breasts, there were no significant differences in either the recall rate or the breast cancer detection rate between those who underwent mammography alone and those who underwent overall assessment. Conversely, for dense breasts, the recall rate after mammography alone was lower than that after overall assessment (1.8% vs. 3.8%, p<0.01), and the breast cancer detection rate was higher after overall assessment than after mammography alone (0.40% vs. 0.18%, p<0.01).
Conclusion: We found the benefits of adjunctive ultrasonography with mammography to differ depending on breast density. This could be used to tailor the selection of screening modalities to individuals.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with ultrasound-guided erector spinal muscle plane block in senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Song xudong
Published: October 2023

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with ultrasound-guided vertical spinal muscle plane block in the treatment of senile osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).
Methods 60 patients diagnosed with OVCF in our department from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 30) by random method. The control group underwent PVP alone, and the observation group used PVP combined with ultrasound-guided erector spinal muscle plane block. Data of visual analog rating scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and spinal mobility before, 3,7 and 14 days after surgery were collected, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software.
Results Basic condition of both groups and preoperative VAS score (control group7.06 ± 1.31; observation 6.90 ± 1.09), Preoperative ODI (control group38.80 ± 2.96; observation 38.20 ± 3.09), Preoperative range of spinal flexion (control group17.00 ± 8.67; group 17.83 ± 6.52) And preoperative spinal extension range (control group8.50 ± 5.59; observation 7.67 ± 3.41), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Postoperative VAS score, ODI and spinal mobility improved significantly compared with preoperative patients. VAS scores in the observation group at 3 days and 7 days after surgery (3 days after surgery2.50 ± 1.16; 1.57 ± 1.22 on 7 days after surgery), ODI (3 days after surgery19.43 ± 3.18; 18.03 ± 2.19 on 7 days after surgery) And anterior spinal flexion motion (3 days after surgery23.67 ± 6.91; 34.90 ± 5.72 after 7 days) The improvement was more significant than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative spinal extension activity in the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion Compared with PVP alone, PVP combined with ultrasound can significantly improve pain and daily living ability in the short term.
Efficacy and Safety of Aflibercept and Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Zhang Jing , Hao Qingfei , Ma Shouhui , Cheng Xiuyong
Published: October 2023

To compare the efficacy, recurrence rate and recurrence interval of intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) and ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). From January 2018 to March 2023, neonates hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University who received intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF due to type 1 pre-threshold ROP, or threshold ROP, or aggressive posterior ROP (AP-ROP) were included, and clinical data were collected to record the cure, recurrence, times of injections and possible side effects of ROP. A total of 224 neonates (444 eyes) were enrolled in this study, of which 121 children (241 eyes) received IVA and 103 children (203 eyes) received IVR. The corrected gestational age of the first injection was 37.27 ± 3.07 weeks in the IVA group and 37.20 ± 4.89 weeks in the IVR group, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.582). The recurrence rate was 15.8% in the IVA group and 14.9% in the IVR group, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.841). For relapsed infants, the PMA were 34.89 ± 3.49 weeks in the IVA group and 35.28 ± 4.43 weeks in the IVR group at the first treatment, The PMA were 43.69 ± 4.57 and 40.96 ± 4.98 weeks in the second treatment, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.185). For the children who required the third treatment, there were 2 children in the IVA group, with PMAs of 58.71 and 57.29 weeks at the time of surgery, respectively, and 1 child in the IVR group, with a PMA of 43.14 weeks at the time of injection, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.221). There were no complications recorded in both groups. The efficacy of aflibercept and ranibizumab in treating ROP are similar, and the safety of the medications are good, which provides a new option for ophthalmologists to treat ROP.
Interaction of dietary total antioxidant capacity and less-polluted air on serum total antioxidant capacity
Authors: Mousavian Seyed Hossein , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Rahimi Mohammad Hossein , Pouraram Hamed
Published: October 2023

Objective
The proper nutrition for workers in areas with high air pollution has not been sufficiently investigated. We plan to study the interaction between air pollution and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) in terms of the balance between oxidative stress biomarkers.
Methods
This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 315 adults aged 25–60 among residents of Assaluyeh City (highly polluted) and Jam City (less polluted). A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine participants’ daily intake of dietary macro-and micronutrients. Dietary antioxidants were extracted from the two highly polluted and less polluted groups. After excluding outliers, the interaction between air pollution and DTAC affecting the serum total antioxidant capacity (sTAC) was investigated.
Results
The mean sTAC of workers in the less polluted areas was significantly higher than the mean sTAC of workers in the highly polluted areas. In addition, the mean sTAC among workers who consumed more antioxidants was significantly higher than that of other workers. Moreover, in the less polluted area, by increasing total antioxidant capacity, the serum total antioxidant capacity has also significantly increased. The interaction between air pollution and DTAC on the sTAC was significant (P interaction < 0.05).
Conclusion
The present evidence indicates that interactions between healthy dietary patterns and less polluted areas may be effective in reducing sTAC by consuming healthy food groups and working in less polluted areas.
Carbon supplementation in rearing water: Effect on sediment characteristics, growth and health of cultured marron (Cherax cainii) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , Foysal Md Javed , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Tay Alfred , Fotedar Ravi , Gagnon Marthe Monique
Published: October 2023

Carbon sources are considered as critical input for the health and immunity of aquatic animals. The present study investigated the impact of different carbon sources on water quality parameters, carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio and microbial community in sediments, and health responses of marron (Cherax cainii) under laboratory conditions. Following one week of acclimation, 120 marron were randomly assigned to 12 experimental tanks. There were four treatments including one untreated control and three groups with carbon addition to maintain a C/N ratio of 12 maintained in culture water. Carbon supplementation groups included corn flour (CBC12), molasses (MBC12) and wheat flour (WBC12). At the end of the 60-day trial, MBC12 resulted in the highest sediment C/N ratio, followed by CBC12. Weight gain and specific growth rate were higher in MBC12, compared to control. The protease activity in marron hepatopancreas, total haemocyte count and lysozyme activity in haemolymph were highest in MBC12. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data of tank sediments revealed increased bacterial alpha diversity in MBC12 and WBC12. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in MBC12 (88.6%), followed by control (82.4%) and CBC12 (72.8%). Sphingobium and Novosphingobium were the most abundant genera in control and MBC12 groups, respectively. Higher Aeromonas abundance in CBC12 and Flavobacterium in WBC12 were observed. Overall results indicated that MBC12 led to improved water quality, retaining high C/N ratio and enriched the bacterial populations in sediments resulting in improved growth and immune performance of marron.
Electrocaloric cooling with latent heat transfer enabling high power density
Authors: Bartholomé Kilian , Metzdorf Julius , Corhan Patrick , Bach David , Hirose Sakyo , Lellinger Dirk , Mönch Stefan , Kühnemann Frank , Schäfer-Welsen Olaf
Published: October 2023

Electrocalorics (EC) is potentially more efficient than refrigeration and heat pumps based on compressors and does not need detrimental fluids.
Current EC-prototypes use solid-state contact or forced convection with liquids to transfer the heat generated from the EC-material, which inhibits high cycle frequencies and thus limits power density.
Here we present a heatpipe system solution, where the heat transfer is realized through condensation and evaporation of a heat transfer fluid. Our prototype with lead scandium tantalate (PST) EC-material working at 5 Hz shows a specific cooling power of 1.5 W g-1. This is 36 times more than previously reported for ceramic EC-prototypes. Overcoming the limits of slow heat transfer is essential to reach high specific cooling powers enabling a future commercial success of the technology.