bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health care prioritization process for the elderly in rural Tanzania under decentralized system: Prospects and challenges
Authors: Tungu Malale , Sirili Nathanael , Frumence Gasto , Kagaigai Alphoncina , Anaeli Amani , Mwangu Mughwira A. , Kiwara Angwara D.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Beginning the early 1990s, many countries globally adopted the third-generation health sector reforms with a focus of strengthening the primary health care system through community participation. On the contrary, three decades later, primary health care systems in many Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) including Tanzania have remained weak. Specifically, priority setting for the vulnerable groups including the elderly have been weak. We aimed to analyse the prospects and challenges of the priority setting process for the elderly health care services following the 1990s health sector reforms in Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory case study on priority setting process for the elderly healthcare services in Igunga and Nzega Tanzania. We carried out 24 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with the positions of District medical officers, social welfare, Medical Officers in-charge (MOI), planning officers and health system information focal person. Additionally, we carried out two focus group discussions (FGDs), one from each district with six participants from each group. Participants for the FGDs were MOI, health secretary, representative members of Health Facility Governing Committee (HFGC) and Council Health Management Team (CHMT). Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis.

Results

Two categories emerged from the analysis of the transcripts. These were the prospects and challenges in priority setting for the elderly population under the decentralized health sector in rural Tanzania. The prospects included; the capacity of the LGAs on priority setting; existence of strategies used by LGAs; availability of teamwork spirit and the existence of guidelines for priority setting at LGAs. The challenges included difficulties of elderly identification, insufficient resources to implement the planned activities at the LGAs, unintegrated digitalized government health information tools or programs at the LGAs, interference of LGAs by the Central Government and low interest of stakeholders on elderly health care.

Conclusion

This study highlights the prospects and challenges facing priority setting for elderly care at the centralized health system in rural Tanzania. From the results the process is well organized but faces some challenges which if not addressed jeopardized and has potential to continue affecting the priority setting. Addressing the challenges highlighted requires joint efforts from both the elderly population in the community, healthcare providers and decision makers across all levels of the health system. This study serves as an eye-opener and calls for a bigger study to get a comprehensive picture of priority setting of the elderly health care in Tanzania.
Impact of the delay in cryopreservation timing during biobanking procedures on human liver tissue metabolomics
Authors: Goossens Corentine , Tambay Vincent , Raymond Valérie-Ann , Rousseau Louise , Turcotte Simon , Bilodeau Marc
Published: June 2024

The liver is a highly specialized organ involved in regulating systemic metabolism. Understanding metabolic reprogramming of liver disease is key in discovering clinical biomarkers, which relies on robust tissue biobanks. However, sample collection and storage procedures pose a threat to obtaining reliable results, as metabolic alterations may occur during sample handling. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of pre-analytical delay during liver resection surgery on liver tissue metabolomics. Patients were enrolled for liver resection during which normal tissue was collected and snap-frozen at three timepoints: before transection, after transection, and after analysis in Pathology. Metabolomics analyses were performed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Time at cryopreservation was the principal variable contributing to differences between liver specimen metabolomes, which superseded even interindividual variability. NMR revealed global changes in the abundance of an array of metabolites, namely a decrease in most metabolites and an increase in β-glucose and lactate. LC-MS revealed that succinate, alanine, glutamine, arginine, leucine, glycerol-3-phosphate, lactate, AMP, glutathione, and NADP were enhanced during cryopreservation delay (all p<0.05), whereas aspartate, iso(citrate), ADP, and ATP, decreased (all p<0.05). Cryopreservation delays occurring during liver tissue biobanking significantly alter an array of metabolites. Indeed, such alterations compromise the integrity of metabolomic data from liver specimens, underlining the importance of standardized protocols for tissue biobanking in hepatology.
A new financial settlement approach to stabilize profitability of pig production
Authors: Litwiński Michał , Wiza-Augustyniak Paulina Luiza , Kryszak Łukasz , Styburski Wojciech
Published: June 2024

This article proposes and evaluates a new solution that ensures the profitability in short and medium terms and stability of the operations of pork livestock producers through improved risk management An innovative tool for distributing the surplus between producers of piglets and finishers is presented. Manuals on pig farming and data combined from multiple sources were used to assess the current market situation, design a profit stabilization tool for pig producers, and evaluate the performance of this solution. We found that implementing the tool reduces the profits variability of finishers and piglets producers by 45% and 30%, respectively, while keeping the long-term average of profits constant.
Association of body image perception and (dis)satisfaction with adiposity in adults: The Pró-Saúde study
Authors: Cabral Magno C. , Coelho Gabriela M. O. , Oliveira Natalia , Canella Daniela S. , Brasil Raiane L. O. , Campos Tatiana A. M. , Faerstein Eduardo , Bezerra Flávia F.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Body image distortion and/or dissatisfaction may occur primarily due to body fat accumulation and/or distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of body image perception and (dis)satisfaction categories in adult men and women according to the adiposity classification.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study (n = 514; 33–79 years; 265 women) that is part of a prospective cohort (Pró-Saúde study). Adiposity measurements were determined by two methods: anthropometry, used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to estimate body fat percentage. Participants were grouped as “no excess adiposity” and “excess adiposity”, considering BMI and body fat percentage (>30% for men, >40% for women). Perception and (dis)satisfaction with body image were evaluated using the Kakeshita scale, composed by 15 silhouettes, developed for the Brazilian population. Degree of distortion (perceived BMI ‐ real BMI) and dissatisfaction (perceived BMI ‐ desired BMI) were calculated.

Results

A high proportion of men (58.6%; 74.3%), and especially of women (82.6%; 86.8%), presented body size overestimation and dissatisfaction due to excess weight, respectively. A relevant fraction of the women (32.6%) and men (30.8%) who were dissatisfied due to excess weight did not present excess adiposity, especially if classified by DXA. Variability in degree of distortion was hardly explained by anthropometric and DXA variables in women (<5%) and men (∼22%). Both anthropometric and DXA measurements accounted for ∼30% and ∼50% of the variability in degree of dissatisfaction among women and men, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a high frequency of body image distortion in Brazilian adult individuals, as well as dissatisfaction with excess weight, especially among women with excess adiposity. The findings indicate that anthropometric measurements explain much of the variability in degree of body image dissatisfaction in men, with no apparent advantage of the use of more refined DXA measurements.
Prediction of low-addition segmented refractive intraocular lens position and deviation using anterior-segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Mita Norihiro , Yamazaki Mai , Seki Yusuke , Sasaki Yu , Shibuya Eri , Mito Tsuyoshi , Hatsusaka Natsuko , Kubo Eri , Sasaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to develop and analyze the accuracy of predictive formulae for postoperative anterior chamber depth, tilt, and decentration of low-added-segment refractive intraocular lenses. This single-center, retrospective, observational study included the right eyes of 96 patients (mean age: 72.43 ± 6.58 years), who underwent a cataract surgery with implantation of a low-added segmented refractive intraocular lens at the Medical University Hospital between July 2019 and January 2021, and were followed up for more than 1 month postoperatively. The participants were divided into an estimation group to create a prediction formula and a validation group to verify the accuracy of the formula. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA 2, Tomey Corporation, Japan) and swept-source optical coherence tomography biometry (IOL Master 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) were used to measure the anterior ocular components. A predictive formula was devised for postoperative anterior chamber depth, intraocular lens tilt, and intraocular lens decentration (p <0.01) in the estimation group. A significant positive correlation was observed between the estimated values calculated using the prediction formula and the measured values for postoperative anterior chamber depth (r = 0.792), amount of intraocular lens tilt (r = 0.610), direction of intraocular lens tilt (r = 0.668), and amount of intraocular lens decentration (r = 0.431) (p < 0.01) in the validation group. In conclusion, our findings reveal that predicting the position of the low-added segmented refractive intraocular lens enables the prognosis of postoperative refractive values with a greater accuracy in determining the intraocular lens adaptation.
Trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance at the Ho Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Deku John Gameli , Aninagyei Enoch , Bedzina Israel , Nudo Gameli , Ativi Emmanuel , Mensah Prosper , Wireko Solomon , Osei-Tutu Aaron , Duker Emmanuel , Afeke Innocent
Published: June 2024

Background

Tuberculosis remains a major public health threat worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In recent years, efforts to combat tuberculosis have focused on strengthening healthcare systems and increasing access to diagnostics and treatment services. There is scarcity of data on the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in the Volta region of Ghana. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in a major teaching hospital in Ghana spanning a six-year period.

Methodology

A retrospective cross-sectional hospital study was conducted at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho, Ghana. Study data included archived results on tuberculosis testing using GeneXpert from 2016–2021. Archived data on tuberculosis testing were collected and entered using Microsoft Excel 2019. IBM SPSS (v26) was used for a statistical analysis of the prevalence of tuberculosis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study included 5128 presumptive tuberculosis cases from 2016 to 2021, of which 552 were positive, revealing an overall prevalence of 10.76%. Males exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of tuberculosis (14.20%) compared to females (7.48%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The burden of tuberculosis varied significantly between age groups, with those aged 30–45 years and 46–60 years facing twice the risk compared to those under 15 years (p<0.001). Rainy seasons correlated with heightened tuberculosis occurrences (12.12%) compared to dry seasons (8.84%) (p = 0.008). Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis was prevalent at 3.45%, slightly higher in women, particularly in the 45–59 age group (5.97%). In particular, tuberculosis prevalence exhibited fluctuations, peaking in 2016 (17.1%) and 2020 (11.5%), with a trough in 2019 (4.6%).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of laboratory confirmed tuberculosis was 10.76%, and resistance to rifampicin, 3.45%, indicating high infection and possible treatment failure. Considering its infectious nature, this calls for concerted efforts to curb the spread of the infection.
Drawings of sections and drawing with sections1
Authors: Koutsoumpos Leonidas
Published: June 2024

Our era has been described as an age of divided representation, where the instrumental, rationalistic and commodifiable aspects of life have overthrown the ethical, creative and communicative ones that used to give meaning to human existence. This schism has led to the fact that representations have lost their power to re-present things meaningfully and have become mere ghosts of reality – often by rejecting it overall. This paper discusses the role that the drawings of sections can play in the way that we come to know, understand and interpret space. Although the paper uses architecture as its main entry point, it relates to various other design-oriented spatial disciplines (landscape architecture, urbanism, engineering, product design, geography, etc.). Methodologically, the paper cuts the discourse about sections in two distinct parts. The first one has to do with drawings of sections that come to describe an already existing structure (drawings of sections). The second highlights the role that sections play during the designing of new things – things that do not yet exist – in order to bring them into being (drawing with sections). With the proposed distinction the paper calls us to rethink sections, from a mere outcome of the design process, to the design process per se.
De pobladores a ciudadanos. Cólera, ideología y ciudadanía
Authors: Bolet Francisco José
Published: June 2024

En este artículo se analiza la "Instrucción popular acerca del cólera morbo, o su mejor método de preservación, su descripción y el tratamiento que la experiencia ha probado ser el más feliz", publicada en Venezuela en 1832 por la Facultad Médica de Caracas ante la amenaza de cólera. Nos proponemos analizar de qué maneras el discurso de la representación del cólera conforma una práctica ideológica orientada a influir en la voluntad de los destinatarios en favor del cambio social, y de qué maneras el discurso terapéutico modela al ciudadano del naciente estado-nación. La investigación se fundamenta en el análisis crítico del discurso y en la teoría de las representaciones sociales. Encontramos que el discurso ideológico descansa sobre dos estrategias discursivas: la coerción emocional y el consenso. La primera representa el espacio de la enfermedad, las emociones, lo disruptivo, la pobreza y el atraso. El segundo simboliza espacios de orden, racionalidad, civilidad y ciudadanía. Concluimos que el discurso terapéutico modela al sujeto disciplinado, higiénico y virtuoso de la república civil, opuesto al que la mirada del discurso normativo representa y trata con dureza. Este discurso ideológico sugiere un proceso de domesticación de las otredades que va generando el proceso de formación del estado-nación.
A magyar neveléstudomány 1945 és 1965 között Kelemen László visszaemlékezése alapján
Authors: Darvai Tibor
Published: June 2024

A szocialista pedagógia magyarországi megjelenésének 20 éves évfordulója alkalmából hét neveléstudós vis�- szaemlékezése (Ágoston György, Jausz Béla, Kiss Árpád, Nagy Sándor, Földes Éva, Hermann Alice és Kelemen László) jelent meg Életemről, munkámról címmel 1963 és 1965 között a Pedagógiai Szemle hasábjain. Jelen vizsgálatunkban e hét visszaemlékezés közül egyet, a neveléslélektannal foglalkozó Kelemen László visszaemlékezését elemezzük. Kutatásunk azt vizsgáljuk meg, hogy Kelemen László visszaemlékezésében hogyan jelentek meg a gyorsan váltakozó politikai rendszerek és oktatáspolitikai ciklusok, legyen szó akár az 1945 előtti, akár az 1945 utáni korszakról. Ugyanakkor a visszaemlékezés és a Pedagógiai lexikonok Kelemen Lászlóról szóló szócikkei közötti különbségeket is elemezzük. Kutatásunk egyik forrása a Pedagógiai Szemle 1963 és 1965 közötti lapszámai, ahol a neveléstudósok, így Kelemen László visszaemlékezése is megjelent. Kutatásunk másik forrása a hetvenes években és a kilencvenes években megjelent pedagógiai lexikonok szócikkei. Mivel a neveléstudósok visszaemlékezéseit a korai Kádár-korszakban publikálták, ezért erősen megjelennek bennük a Horthy- és a Rákosi-korszak politikájának és oktatáspolitikájának opponálása, vagy az elhallgatás esete a politikailag érzékeny témák esetében – például az 1956-os forradalom kapcsán. Ugyanakkor a pedagógiai lexikonoknak a neveléstudósokról szóló szócikkei nem tartalmazzák a főiskolai tanulmányokról szóló részeket, ahogyan Kelemen László esetében sem. Végül, Kelemen László narratívájából is jól kivehető, hogy ekkor a neveléslélektan ideológiai tartalma okán inkább a szocialista tartalmú pedagógiához és nem a „nyugatos” pszichológiához tartozott.
A balatonfűzfői Nitrokémia az amerikai hírszerzés célkeresztjében
Authors: Somogyvári Lajos
Published: June 2024

A hidegháborús USA-hírszerzés dokumentumai ma már bárki számára hozzáférhetőek online a CIA oldalán – természetesen a titkosítás alóli feloldás protokollja, valamint a nemzetbiztonsági és személyi vonatkozások korlátai határt szabnak érdeklődésünknek. Tanulmányom azt mutatja be, hogy Balatonfűzfőt és az amerikai adminisztráció számára elsősorban fontos Nitrokémiát hogyan látta a CIA az ötvenes években: milyen információkat tudhattak Washingtonban egy Vasfüggöny mögötti magyar településről, ezek az adatok honnan származtak, és hogyan interpretálták őket. Sajátos mentális térkép rajzolódik így ki a szemünk előtt: helyek, személyek és az ezekhez társuló lehetséges jelentések. Mindezt a közösségi/nyilvános történelem (common/ public history) kurrens trendje által újra előtérbe helyezett módszertani kezdeményezésekkel ötvöztem, vagyis felhasználtam a helyi tudásanyagot, történeteket az írás folyamatában – az így létrejött narratíva természetesen újraírható, felhasználható a lokális történelem továbbépítésében.
Cigány/roma kisebbségekre vonatkozó kulturális tévhitek vizsgálata pedagógusjelöltek körében
Authors: Halász Csenge , Fejes József Balázs
Published: June 2024

A cigány/roma kisebbségekre vonatkozó kulturális tévhitek összefonódnak az előítéletekkel, így ezek megismerése, lebontása kulcsfontosságú lehet a tolerancia erősítésében. A hazai tankönyvek e tévhitek lebontásához nem járulnak hozzá, a média inkább felerősíti ezeket, így a pedagógusok megfelelő felkészítése kiemelten fontosnak tűnik. A kutatás célja a cigány/roma kisebbségekre vonatkozó kulturális tévhitek elfogadottságának, valamint a kulturális tévhitek és az előítéletek közötti kapcsolatoknak a feltárása pedagógusjelöltek körében. Kérdőíves felmérésünkben 319 tanár szakos hallgató vett részt. Likert-skálás állításokkal vizsgáltuk a kulturális tévhitek, diszkriminatív helyzetek elfogadottságát, emellett néhány toleranciát mérő skálát (társadalmi távolság, Szociális Dominancia Orientáció, rokonszenv) alkalmaztunk. Eredményeink szerint a pedagógusjelöltek körében felfedezhető egy romantikus kép a cigány/roma kisebbségek kapcsán, amelyben a hagyományos családi értékek főszerepet kapnak. A kérdezettek a cigány/roma kisebbségek eltérő kultúráját a társadalmi feszültségek lényeges forrásának vélik. A kulturális tévhitekre és diszkriminatív helyzetekre vonatkozó állítások összefüggése a toleranciát mérő skálákkal megerősíti, hogy ezen állítások egy része az intolerancia indikátoraiként is használható. A cigány/roma kisebbségekre vonatkozó kulturális tévhitek közvetlen beavatkozási pontot kínálhatnak különféle képzésekben (pl. pedagógusképzés, egészségügy, rendvédelem), amelyhez a munkában alkalmazott állítások kiindulópontként szolgálhatnak.
Digitális forradalom a társadalomtudományban.
Authors: Fekete Szabolcs
Published: June 2024

A mesterséges intelligencia (MI) és a gépi tanulás (ML) gyors fejlődése a társadalomtudományokat sem hagyja érintetlenül. Ez a tanulmány rövid áttekintést kíván nyújtani a mesterséges intelligencia társadalomtudományi kutatásokban való alkalmazásáról. Röviden ismerteti a különböző MI-algoritmusokat, azok előnyeit és hátrányait, kiemelve azokat a kulcsfontosságú szempontokat (mint például az átláthatóság, előrejelző képesség, skálázhatóság, robusztusság és értelmezhetőség), amelyek meghatározzák a MI hasznosságát és hatékonyságát a kutatási feladatokban. A cikk arra ösztönzi a kutatókat, hogy a mesterséges intelligencia alkalmazásakor gondosan mérlegeljék ezeket a tényezőket, hangsúlyozva a technológia felelősségteljes alkalmazásának fontosságát a társadalomtudományi kutatásban. A mesterséges intelligencia és a gépi tanulási eszközök csak akkor használhatók ki teljes mértékben, ha ezeket a szempontokat megfelelően figyelembe veszik és integrálják a kutatási folyamatokba.
DIGITAL SOCIAL CAPITAL IN RUSSIAN REGIONS: THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND PRACTICAL ISSUES
Authors: Borodkin Maxim A.
Published: June 2024

Digitalization is one of the strategic directions of the regional agenda in Russia, while the problem of digital inequality in various regions of the Russian Federation remains relevant, which affects the economic and social opportunities of the population of these regions. The relevance of the study is determined by the scientific and practical significance of studying the factors that determine the scale and pace of development of digital technologies for the expansion of various fields of activity in the regions of Russia and, in particular, shaping the social capital of the regions in the digital environment. The purpose of the article is to consider theoretical approaches to understanding digital capital, including the relationship between digital and human capital, as well as to analyze the practice of forming digital capital in the regions of Russia. The empirical basis of the study was made up of Rosstat data, presented using tables with subsequent description and analysis. The results show the absence of significant digital inequality in the regions, while for the period 2018-2022. There is a progressive increase in digitalization in all regions of the Russian Federation. The development of the digital capital of the region is determined not only by the formation of the digital environment, but also by the creation of conditions for increasing the digital capital of the population in terms of the relevant needs, skills and competence of the citizens living there. It should be noted, that special attention should be paid to elderly people and people with disabilities.
Heracles, violencia, atletismo y espectáculo: una interpretación de las Imágenes (2.21, 23, 25) de Filóstrato
Authors: Chialva Ivana Selene
Published: June 2024

Las Imágenes de Filóstrato contienen un número importante de escenas violentas, entre las que se destaca la serie dedicada a Heracles (2.21, 23, 25). La mayor parte de la crítica ha interpretado este motivo como actualización de los ideales heroicos del pasado griego en la paideia de la elite imperial; otras lecturas proponen leer las ecfráseis como expresiones de una estética del horror más amplia, que afecta a la iconografía escultórica de los siglos II y III d.C., y que se vincula con el espectáculo del furor como entretenimiento, propio de la ideología del poder de estos años del Imperio. El presente trabajo busca reconsiderar las hipótesis a partir de los vínculos entre ferocidad, fuerza, atletismo y espectáculo según la estética visual y la secuencialidad de las ecfráseis en la galería y en continuidad con la obra Gimnástico, donde estos tópicos resultan programáticos.
Making sense of student feedback and engagement using artificial intelligence
Authors: Dann Christopher , Redmond Petrea , Fanshawe Melissa , Brown Alice , Getenet Seyum , Shaik Thanveer , Tao Xiaohui , Galligan Linda , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

Making sense of student feedback and engagement is important for informing pedagogical decision-making and broader strategies related to student retention and success in higher education courses. Although learning analytics and other strategies are employed within courses to understand student engagement, the interpretation of data for larger data sets is more challenging and rarely pursued. This is concerning as data offers the potential for critical insights into engagement behaviour and the value students place on engagement. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a revolutionary ability to make sense of data, with capacity for prediction and classification, by consuming vast amounts of structured and unstructured data sets. This paper reports on how AI methodologies (specifically, deep learning and natural language processing) were used to leverage labelled student feedback in terms of online engagement in five courses in a regional Australian university. This paper reinforces the value of AI as a viable and scalable multilayered analysis tool for analysing and interpreting student feedback, particularly for categorising student responses as to the types of engagement that they most valued to support their learning. The paper concludes with a discussion of suggested further refinement, including how the AI-derived data may add insights for informing pedagogical practice.
 
Implications for practice or policy:

AI offers an ability to make sense of large data sets in higher education courses.
Teachers can use student feedback data categorised into types of engagement by AI to support reflection on what students value in their courses.
Educators and key stakeholders can use the insights AI analysed data offers for informing pedagogical practice and decision-making in higher education to enhance student experiences.
Hot deformation behaviors and microstructure characteristics of Cr–Mo–Ni–V steel with a banded structure
Authors: Du Yunfei , Bai Rui , Wang Bo , Zhang Li , Li Guodong
Published: June 2024

On a Gleeble-3800 thermal simulator, the hot deformation behavior of Cr–Mo–Ni–V steel was studied, with the designed deformation temperature varying from 900 to 1,200°C and the strain rate in the range of 0.01–10 s−1. It was observed that as the strain rate was increased and the hot working temperature was reduced, the flow stress of the experimental steel increased. The study also evaluated the safe parameters for deformation of the Cr–Mo–Ni–V steel in the hot working process, based on the established processing maps. It was found that the deformation temperature window varying from 1,050 to 1,150°C and the reasonable strain rate in the range of 0.01–1 s−1 are beneficial to the hot deformation of the steel. In this research, the effect of processing parameters of the hot working process on the microstructure evolution of the banded structure was also investigated. According to the research result, the banded structure in the steel remained visible under the conditions of a strain rate of 10 s−1 and the hot working temperature in the range of 900–1,200°C. However, it should be noted that the banded structure in the steel then gradually disappeared when the hot working temperature was increased to 1,200°C.
Investigating the spray drying damage mechanism of baijiu yeast with combined drying process and equipment
Authors: Xiong Fengkui , Li Jingyu , Yuan Yuejin , Xu Yingying , Hu Guangzhong
Published: June 2024

Traditional drying processes used to dry high-quality baijiu yeast-Sporidiobolus johnsonii A do not offer advantages such as high efficiency, high survival rate, and low energy consumption. Therefore, we investigated the damage inactivation mechanism of S. johnsonii A for the spray drying process. Subsequently, the combined drying process and equipment for spray + vacuum-microwave-vibration were designed. The results reveal selective permeability damage and collapse owing to gel and anti-hexagonal phase transitions of the cell membrane, resulting in S. johnsonii A inactivation and massive inactivation at 52 °C with a water content of 0.21 and at 71 °C with a water content of 0.07, respectively. The combined drying process developed in this study successfully dried S. johnsonii A with high efficiency (1.1 h) and excellent quality (85.4 ± 2 %).
Associations of clinical personnel characteristics and telemedicine practices
Authors: Phillips Gunnar , Millhollon Robert , Elenwo Covenant , Ford Alicia Ito , Bray Natasha , Hartwell Micah
Published: June 2024

Context

The use of telemedicine strategies has been increasing in the United States for more than a decade, with physicians taking advantage of this new tool to reach more patients. Determining the specific demographics of physicians utilizing telemedicine most in their practice can inform recommendations for expanded telemedicine use among all physicians and aid in mitigating the need for local physicians in urban and rural populations.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the use of telemedicine by physicians in 2021, based on four demographics utilizing the National Electronic Health Record Survey (NEHRS): physician age, sex, specialty, and training.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of the 2021 NEHRS to determine the relationship between physician characteristics and telemedicine practices. Differences between groups were measured through design-based chi-square tests.

Results

Compared to male physicians, female physicians were more likely to utilize telemedicine services (X
2=8.0; p=0.005). Compared to younger physicians, those over the age of 50 were less likely to utilize telemedicine services (X
2=4.1; p=0.04). Compared to primary care physicians, medical and surgical specialty physicians were less likely to utilize telemedicine services, with surgical specialty physicians being the least likely overall (X
2=11.5; p<0.001). We found no significant differences in telemedicine use based on degree (Osteopathic and Allopathic).

Conclusions

Our results showed a statistically significant difference between physician’s age, sex, and specialty on telemedicine use in practice during 2021. Efforts to increase telemedicine use among physicians may be needed to provide more accessible care to patients. Thus, by increasing physician education on the importance of telemedicine for modern patients, more physicians may decide to utilize telemedicine services in practice.
Identification of a high threshold value of serum ferritin in the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in hospitalized children in China
Authors: Huang Yanlong , Luo Xin , Li Biting , Zeng Liwei , Ye Ruoting , Liu Chengyi , Ji Cunwei , Chen Zhenhui , Luo Mingyong
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To explore and identify an optimal serum ferritin (SF) threshold level in diagnosing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in Chinese children.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 74 children with HLH admitted to Guangdong Women and Children Hospital between January 2015 and May 2021. Children in-hospital not diagnosed with HLH between January 2021 and May 2021 with a measurement of SF were enrolled as the non-HLH group. Patient charts were reviewed for SF levels upon admission and during hospitalization. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the optimal cutoff value of SF for diagnosing childhood HLH.

Results

This study included a total of 74 children with HLH and 302 children with non-HLH diseases. The difference in SF values between the HLH and non-HLH groups was statistically significant (8,975 μg/L vs. 165.5 μg/L, p<0.001). An optimal SF cutoff value of 1,830 μg/L provided a sensitivity of 88 % and specificity of 79 % in confirming childhood HLH. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.91 (95 % confidence interval 0.88–0.94, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

A serum ferritin level elevated above 1,830 μg/L might improve the specificity for HLH diagnosis in Chinese children.
Racial segregation and language variation in Louisiana Creole: Social meaning in language loss
Authors: Mayeux Oliver
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates how and whether speakers of endangered languages employ variation as a stylistic resource to make social meaning and index their identities. The study is set in historically Creole-speaking communities in rural Louisiana, which have now shifted almost completely to English. The Americanization of Louisiana induced language shift, but also a shift to the Anglo-American racial binary which supplanted local constructs of ethnicity and race. The study crafts a historical-sociolinguistic account of this process of Americanization, examining how linguistic differentiation was enacted through the enregisterment of iconic ‘Creole’/‘French’ variants as indexical links to the ‘Black’/‘White’ racial binary. Today, to a very limited extent, some speakers of Louisiana Creole still consider some variants socially meaningful and employ them to stylistic ends. This depends especially on racial identity and the variant in question. Subject pronouns retain some indexical value, occasionally employed stylistically by speakers racialized as White. However, front vowel rounding has fossilized: highly meaningful in the early-20th century, its social meaning has been lost resulting in synchronic personal-pattern variation. The paper ends by trying to reconcile classic studies of Language Death with contemporary variationist critique, answering recent calls for more nuanced approaches to sociolinguistic variation in threatened languages.
The VirTra V-100 Is a Test-Retest Reliable Shooting Simulator for Measuring Accuracy/Precision, Decision-Making, and Reaction Time in Civilians, Police/SWAT, and Military Personnel
Authors: Buga Alex , Decker Drew D. , Robinson Bradley T. , Crabtree Christopher D. , Stoner Justen T. , Arce Lucas F. , El-Shazly Xavier , Kackley Madison L. , Sapper Teryn N. , Anders John Paul V. , Kraemer William J. , Volek Jeff S.
Published: June 2024

Buga, A, Decker, DD, Robinson, BT, Crabtree, CD, Stoner, JT, Arce, LF, El-Shazly, X, Kackley, ML, Sapper, TN, Anders, JPV, Kraemer, WJ, and Volek, JS. The VirTra V-100 is a test-retest reliable shooting simulator for measuring accuracy/precision, decision-making, and reaction time in civilians, police/SWAT, and military personnel. J Strength Cond Res 38(10): 1714–1723, 2024—Law-enforcement agencies and the military have increasingly used virtual reality (VR) to augment job readiness. However, whether VR technology captures consistent data for shooting performance evaluation has never been explored. We enrolled 30 adults (24 M/6 F) to examine test-retest reliability of the VirTra shooting simulator. Approximately 30% of the sample had a tactical background (PD/SWAT and military). Trained research staff familiarized subjects with how to shoot the infrared-guided M4 rifle at digitally projected targets. Subjects then performed 3 identical experimental shooting sessions (consecutive or separated by 1–2 days) that assessed accuracy/precision, decision-making, and reaction time. Key metrics comprised projectile Cartesian position (x, y), score, time, and throughput (score or accuracy divided by time). Test-retest reliability was measured with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). After each visit, subjects completed a perceptual survey to self-evaluate their shooting performance and perceived VR realism. The simulator captured 21 ballistic variables with good to excellent test-retest agreement, producing a global ICC of 0.78. Notable metrics were the individual projectile distances to the center of the target (0.81), shot group radius (0.91), time-to-first decision (0.97), decision-making throughput (0.95), and target transition reaction time (0.91). Subjects had positive self-evaluations about their shooting performance, with “confidence” increasing from baseline to the end of the study (p = 0.014). The VirTra V-100 virtual ballistic shooting simulator captures data with a high degree of test-retest reliability and is easy to familiarize regardless of starting expertise levels, making it appropriate for use as a method to objectively track progress or a tactical research testing tool.
Theoretical and Empirical Integration of “Dark” Traits and Socially Aversive Personality Psychopathology
Authors: Scholz David D. , Zimmermann Johannes , Moshagen Morten , Zettler Ingo , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: June 2024

Conceptual work integrating constructs from mainstream personality research (especially so-called “dark” traits) and clinical psychopathology research has been limited. Herein, we propose all socially and/or ethically aversive traits as “flavored” manifestations of the D factor of personality (D). We argue that the D framework provides the commonality of all aversive traits, including the aversive traits from the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), a more thorough theoretical foundation. Moreover, D covers aspects that are not captured by any of the aversive AMPD traits directly (e.g., greed), thus offering indications for possible expansions to the AMPD. We tested our predictions in two online studies (N = 1,781 and N = 2,006) using quota-representative samples of the German population regarding age and gender. Twelve aversive traits from mainstream personality research and eight aversive AMPD traits were assessed together with consequential behavior in an economic game. Analyses using structural equation modeling overall confirmed predictions.
An Evolutionary Perspective on the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders
Authors: Yalch Matthew M. , Stone Sydney N.
Published: June 2024

Recent work has nested the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) within several theoretical paradigms of personality and clinical psychology (e.g., multivariate, psychodynamic). This has both spurred on additional research and aided in practical application. Connecting the model to other theoretical heuristics may lead to further advances. One candidate for such a theory is that of evolutionary psychology, which attempts to provide explanations of human behavior (including personality traits) rooted in adaptation. In this article, we review and integrate the theoretical and empirical literature on the AMPD and evolutionary psychology, providing a synthesis of the two models in the hope of furthering the research and application of both.
Pervivencia y vitalidad de los neologismos recogidos en el DVUA
Authors: Guerrero Ramos Gloria
Published: June 2024

En el presente trabajo pretendemos hacer un recorrido por el DVUA, dirigido por Manuel Alvar Ezquerra, que muestre lo allí contenido. Para ello pondremos de manifiesto el concepto de neologismo seguido en dicha obra y evaluaremos el grado de vitalidad y pervivencia de los neologismos o los usos neológicos recogidos en dicho diccionario.
Optimizing dimensions in furniture design: A literature review
Authors: Jasińska Anna , Sydor Maciej , Hitka Miloš
Published: June 2024

Wooden furniture design necessitates the integration of both technological requirements and aesthetic considerations. To guide designers in achieving this balance, this article explores how established design principles, such as proportions and preferred numerical sequences, can inform decision-making for both technological and aesthetic aspects. The goal is to demonstrate how these principles can be integrated with modern CAD tools. In reviewing the scientific literature, this study compiled and compared mathematical and non-mathematical models that support dimensional decision-making. These models included ancient canons (Egyptian, Greek, and Roman) alongside those of Leonardo da Vinci, Palladio, Dürer, Le Corbusier, Zeising, McCallum, and Brock. Additionally, the article examines numeral systems used in modern technology, such as Renard’s series and convenient numbers. It is proposed that designers should experiment with geometric design templates to achieve balanced proportions. All geometric design principles contribute to aesthetics, creativity and effectiveness in design. The literature identifies two groups of dimensional design templates: organic, inspired by the human body or the Fibonacci sequence, and inorganic, based on numerical order. It’s impossible to pinpoint a single “optimal algorithm” to support dimensional decisions in design. Specific geometric design principles serve as valuable tools, not the ultimate answer.
Phytoremediation and long-term metal uptake monitoring of silver, selenium, antimony, and thallium by black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold)
Authors: Sevik Hakan , Yildiz Yafes , Özel Halil Barıs
Published: June 2024

The usability of black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in both monitoring the changes in the concentrations of silver (Ag), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), and thallium (Tl), and in reducing soil or air pollution was investigated. In the study, annual rings of a Pinus nigra tree, cut in 2023 and identified as 356 years old, were grouped into 10-year intervals, and then the changes in these heavy metals throughout the process were determined by analysing the concentrations of these elements. Additionally, the relationship of these elements with other elements was also detected in the scope of the study. The study results suggested that Pinus nigra was not a suitable bio-monitor for monitoring the changes in Ag, Se, Sb, and Tl concentrations in the soil or air, but it was a highly suitable species for phytoremediation studies aimed at reducing the pollution of these elements. Moreover, it was determined that the relationships of the studied elements with essential nutrients, such as Mg, Ca, P, K, Al, Zn, Ni, and Fe, were not statistically significant and were very weak; whereas they exhibited positive and very strong relationships with elements known to be highly harmful for health such as V, Pb, and As.
Estudio observacional descriptivo de la presencia de palomas enespacios urbanos y su impacto en la salud pública en Montería,Colombia
Authors: Anaya Leandro , Cavadía Teodora , Pardo Enrique
Published: June 2024

The aim of this research was to identify the perception of the inhabitants of Montería, Colombia, about the presence of pigeons in urban spaces and their impact on public health. A survey was designed in Google Forms that obtained the following data: demographic information of the respondent, general perception about pigeons, perception of the impact that pigeons cause on public health and control methods. It was obtained 516 valid surveys. On this, 56% of the participants were women, 63.8% recognized doves as a symbol of peace, over 60% considered that they do not suffer due to the lack of shelter or food, and 65% recognized doves as dangerous to human health. Furthermore, over 50% agreed that these birds are a source of pollution and deteriorate infrastructure with their droppings, and 74% agreed with the need to create regulations that reduce the negative effects caused by the presence of pigeons in urban areas.
Protección de los animales de compañía a la muerte de sutitular en el derecho peruano
Authors: Marín M. Alessandra , Rojas U. Milushka
Published: June 2024

Companion animals lack succession rights because in Peruvian law there is no absolute freedom to testate, so it is necessary to find the legal figure that allows their owners to have the possibility of arranging their protection when they have died. The present study aims to determine how companion animals could be protected upon the death of the owner in Peruvian law. It is found that, although there is no specific regulation, the figure of the position incorporated in a legacy within the will or in a donation could protect them.
Efecto de la manzanilla (Chamaemelum nobile) en agua de bebida sobre el rendimiento productivo y salud de la codorniz ponedora
Authors: Cáceres Raúl , Perinango Javier , Chilón Deysi , Paredes Manuel , Vilela Luis , Zambrano Lizbeth , Tafur Lincol
Published: June 2024

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la infusión de manzanilla en el agua de bebida sobre el rendimiento productivo y supervivencia de la codorniz ponedora (Coturnix japonica). Se utilizaron 270 codornices de 20 semanas de edad, distribuidas en tres grupos: control (agua sin manzanilla), tratamiento intermitente (agua con manzanilla cada dos semanas) y tratamiento permanente (agua con manzanilla durante todo el experimento). El estudio duró 30 semanas. Los resultados mostraron que el agua de bebida con infusión de manzanilla suministrada de manera intermitente o permanente mejora la masa del huevo, el porcentaje de postura y la conversión alimenticia de la codorniz sin afectar el peso del huevo y el consumo de alimento. El suministro de manzanilla en el agua de bebida disminuyó la mortalidad de la codorniz, así como la ocurrencia de prolapso oviductal.
The Woman at the Source of History. A Collection of Scientific Articles Dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of Professor Irena Valikonytė
Authors: Saviščevas Eugenijus
Published: June 2024

Straipsnių rinkinyje, skirtame prof. Irenos Valikonytės 75 metų jubiliejui, autoriai iš Lietuvos, Lenkijos ir Ukrainos tyrinėja įvairius Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės istorijos objektus, daug dėmesio skiria istorijos šaltinių (ypač Lietuvos Metrikos) tyrimams, LDK teisinės kultūros ir moterų padėties klausimams. Knygos tekstai lietuvių ir lenkų kalbomis su angliškomis santraukomis, papildyti interviu, kuriame prof. I. Valikonytė pasakoja apie savo asmeninį ir mokslinį kelią.
Definitive superficial radiotherapy for challenging skin cancers – a case series of experiences and learnings
Authors: Fogarty Gerald B. , Maunder Rosemary , Nguyen Khang , Suen Carol , Depala Manasi , Tran Tai , Khan Sarah , Chaudhuri Anupam , Weller Paul
Published: June 2024

Definitive radiotherapy (RT) for cancer treatment offers tissue conservation. Superficial radiotherapy (SXRT) is an excellent modality for treating selected skin cancers. Through this case series, we aim to assist clinicians new to SXRT to deliver high quality care. We outline our experience in treating cancers of the lips, lower legs and ears, and discuss important planning and patient management techniques such as appropriate shielding, tumour radiation sensitivity, adequate nutrition, surveillance of regional lymph nodes, acute toxicities and patient follow-up. We highlight our experience with dose titration in response to the acute effects of RT on the cancer, and we also consider chyle leaks on the lower legs and the use of adaptive split course radiotherapy (ASCRT). Finally, we discuss the need for regular patient reviews as SXRT may not remain the most appropriate treatment modality if the lesion changes during the therapeutic course.
New record of Shiny Peeping Frog, Eleutherodactylus nitidus (Peters, 1870) (Anura, Eleutherodactylidae), in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Aguilar Diego I. , Montero-Vachier André G. , Castillo-Sánchez Víctor G. , García-Vázquez Uri O.
Published: June 2024

Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we report the ﬁrst record of Eleutherodactylus nitidus (Peters, 1870) from Mexico City, in the urban area of Panteón Xilotepec, Xochimilco. We discuss the remarkable urban adaptability of Eleutherodactylus and the need for additional sampling to determine if E. nitidus is native or introduced to Mexico City.