bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean Manufacturing Implementation in a Protective Mask Production Process: A Case of Study in Quito
Authors: Salazar Ricardo , Quitiaquez William , Simbaña Isaac , Quitiaquez Patricio
Published: January 2025

Face masks have been important to the personal protection against the COVID-19 pandemic, in different fields such as academic, industrial, and others., The dominant factors in mask performance are currently being investigated, including the thickness and filling rate of melt-blown fibers for a filtering layer (Shi et al., 2021). Masks are manufactured with nonwoven materials, such as spunbond (S) and melt-blown (M), which are most often utilized in composite form, in spunbond – meltblown - spunbond type structures designated as SMS fabric (Hutten, 2015).
Cambio climático y cambio de usode suelo en el bosque Alexander von Humboldt, Pucallpa, Perú: migración o desarrollo
Authors: Dunin Borkowski Ana Sabogal
Published: January 2025

Se calcula que en el 2017, 1/5 de la población peruana, algo más de 6 millones, eran migrantes internos (Bergman et al., 2021, p. 3). En la selva peruana entre 1940 y 2017, el porcentaje de población de la selva creció del 7 al 14 % (Bergman et al., 2021, p. 3). Al igual que en el resto del Perú. la tasa de pobreza es tres veces mayor en las zonas rurales que en las zonas urbanas y las brechas de g.nero y etnicidad subsisten (Bergman et al., 2021, p. 5).
Efficiency and Direction of Overseas Korean Peer Tutoring: Focusing on Korean Language Learners in Taiwan
Authors:   The Korean Society Of Bilingualism, Kim Sunhyo
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to explore the efficiency and direction of Overseas Korean Peer tutoring (OKPT) for Korean language learners. Peer tutoring is a learning assistance activity in which a tutor who has previously studied helps a tutee. Since OKPT involves students who want to have cultural exchanges or improve their Korean language skills, most of the participants were able to achieve positive results. Tutees can learn Korean with native Korean speakers, and tutors can receive help to adapt to the overseas environment and culture. However, in Korean peer tutoring, tutees expect tutors to be experts rather than peers, and they prefer directive tutoring. Although tutors are native Korean speakers, they have limited help because they do not have specialized knowledge of Korean. Therefore, the assignment organization should harmoniously operate external and internal systems. Tutors need to be provided with Korean language education-related materials and supplementary education, and training is needed to provide tutees with the function of indirect tutoring.
A study on request-refusal pragmatics instruction using Project-Based Learning
Authors:   The Korean Society Of Bilingualism, Park Soyeon
Published: January 2025

This study explores the instructional design of request-refusal speech act lessons using PBL-based role-playing, focusing on resolving pragmatic and sociopragmatic issues that learners face in intercultural communication. By analyzing student outputs such as task worksheets, role-play presentations, and reflection journals, the study found that learners deepened their understanding of sociocultural differences and recognized the importance of politeness strategies. Additionally, learners improved their communication skills by appropriately utilizing verbal and non-verbal expressions in request-refusal scenarios. While the overall satisfaction with the course was high, learners emphasized the need for more time to engage in deeper understanding.
A Study on the Use of Request Speech Act by Korean Native Speakers and Indian Learners of Korean.
Authors:   The Korean Society Of Bilingualism, Lee Hye Won , Lee Myungji
Published: January 2025

This study explores the differences in request strategies between Korean native speakers (KNS) and Indian Korean learners (IKL) based on social context. Both groups completed a Discourse Completion Task (DCT). The results reveal that KNS preferred indirect requests, especially with higher-status individuals, due to the cultural significance of age and hierarchy. KNS also avoided direct requests when complying with the request imposed a burden on the listener. In contrast, IKL consistently used direct strategies. KNS adjusted supportive strategies to mitigate face threats, while IKL either avoided them or used them primarily for explanatory purposes. These findings emphasize the need to teach sociocultural aspects of Korean to improve communication and reduce misunderstandings among learners.
A comparative study between linguistic expression produced by Korean native speakers and Thai native speakers in refusal speech act : Based on refusal speech act to an invitation
Authors:   The Korean Society Of Bilingualism, Kessri, Napassorn Kessri, Napassorn
Published: January 2025

This paper compares and analyzes the refusal speech act strategies and their associated linguistic expressions among Korean Native Speakers (KNSs) and Thai Native Speakers (TNSs). A Discourse Completion Task (DCT) was conducted to gather data from two groups, each comprising 20 KNSs and 20 TNSs, to explore the similarities and differences in their use of refusal strategies. The DCT included six scenarios involving varying degrees of social hierarchy and intimacy.The key findings are as follows: Firstly, there is a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the use of indirect refusal strategies and the participants' nationalities, as well as between additional expressions and nationalities. Specifically, KNSs tend to use more indirect refusals, such as offering alternatives and making promises, while TNSs favor additional expressions, such as calling, congratulating, or offering blessings. Secondly, regarding linguistic expressions, both KNSs and TNSs exhibit differences in their choice of terms when employing strategies like offering alternatives or making promises. These choices depend on the level of intimacy, with speakers opting for either specific or unspecific time references. Thirdly cultural differences in linguistic expressions were also observed. TNSs often use expressions like /pʰɔː.diː/ to highlight incidental situations when giving reasons for refusal, whereas KNSs frequently employ expressions like /kʌt̚.kat̚.t̕a/ to obscure the clarity of their refusal. This analysis provides insight into how cultural and linguistic factors influence refusal strategies in Korean and Thai contexts.
A Study on the Recognition of Semantic Differences between Loanwords and Synonymous Words: Focusing on the Vocabulary Usage Patterns of Korean University Students
Authors:   The Korean Society Of Bilingualism, Kim Nang-ye
Published: January 2025

As the number of loanwords is increasing in the use of the Korean language, there are many cases where they are used as synonyms of native words or Chinese characters. There are also many cases where foreign languages are used as they are before being recognized as loanwords. In this process, native words or Chinese characters, loanwords, and foreign words form their own semantic roles and become synonyms. This study, accordingly, aimed at identifying how native Koreans distinguish the differences in the meanings of synonyms involving loanwords or foreign languages, in relation to native words or Chinese characters and other loanwords, and how they use them differently depending on the context, through a survey conducted among students enrolled in colleges in Seoul. 10 pairs of target vocabulary were selected through a survey of university lecturers. This study analyzed specific aspects of how these vocabulary pairs share common meanings but are used differently depending on the context in actual linguistic life. This study is significant in that it identified a shared understanding among language users regarding the differences in the meanings of loanwords and synonyms that were not clearly recognized by them. It is hoped that the results of this study will define distinctions between synonyms that are not clearly explained by dictionary definitions alone, and that this will serve as basic materials for Korean synonym education in the future.
Brain-wide delivery of Janelia Fluor HaloTag ligand dyes for tracking protein turnover in mice v2
Authors: Mohar Boaz
Published: January 2025

These protocols are part paper titled: DELTA: A method for brain-wide measurement of synaptic protein turnover reveals localized plasticity during learning
JAX DPC:Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to primitive syncytium v1
Authors: Liu Zukai , Garofalo Jessica , Alcoforado Diniz Juliana , Robson Paul
Published: January 2025

This protocol describes how to differentiate hiPSC into primitive syncytium, a cell type within the trophoblast lineage. This 6-day protocol successfully differentiates cells by the addition of BMP4, SU-5402 and A-83 to the differentiation media. The end product has significant syncytialization, though not 100%, and these cells are able to make copious amounts of chorionic gonadotropin (CGA is the most highly expressed gene based on RNA-seq) and have many other gene expression features unique to the syncytial cells of the trophoblast lineage (e.g. PGF, CYP19A1, GCM1, ERVFRD-1, ERVW-1). The resulting syncytial cells are also positive for PRR9 which is unique to the primitive syncytium and absent in the syncytiotrophoblast of the more mature placental villi.
Crecimiento demográfico e higiene. El abastecimiento hídrico de Madrid (España): de los viajes de agua al Canal de Isabel II (siglos XVI-XIX)
Authors: Vallina Rodríguez Alejandro , Martínez Vicencio Karen , Aguilar Cuesta Ángel Ignacio
Published: January 2025

The present research focuses its objective on the analysis of the city of Madrid, capital of Spain, as an example of the management of existing water resources and the social and urban development of its population and its surroundings. Water has been an authentic precondition and a challenge for the existence of the city, marking its gestation in defined stages. This study covers the 16th to 19th centuries.
The main objective is to investigate the characteristics/ problems associated with water supply, delving into the techniques for guaranteeing supply, as well as the solutions, achievements and challenges facing the city’s water supply. The methodology is based on the use of geo-historical sources, such as maps, cadastral documents and medical topographies, and their comparative analysis. This translates into a journey with a strong patrimonial imprint, key to the consolidation and configuration of the present-day city.
El Campo de Cartagena-Mar Menor como referente del patrimonio hidráulico en la Región de Murcia (España)
Authors: Palazón Botella María Dolores , Griñán Montealegre María
Published: January 2025

The Campo de Cartagena-Mar Menor (Region of Murcia-Spain) bears witness of the history of men’s adaptation to the environment through a substantial and heterogenous hydraulic heritage. The aims of this work consist on analysing its reality as well as to studying the measures taken for its recovery, specially regarding touristic and cultural purposes. This task is approached by using a methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative criteria, which results have been transferred to a SWOT/TOWS matrix, which has enabled to display the union of the positive and negative aspects that affect it, on the basis of which a set of strategies have been established in order to implement an improvement plan that will lead to its consolidation, a matter that needs to be redefined.
Urban requalification projects along the water. Promotingthe preservation of the railway heritage on the banks of the Douro River (Oporto/Portugal)
Authors: De Lima Lourencetti Fernanda
Published: January 2025

The aim of this article is to promote Oporto's railway heritage located on the banks of the Douro River. The railway connection between Lisbon and Oporto was part of the first Portuguese railway plans. However, due to the natural features of the Douro River, the implementation of the railway in Oporto was only possible at the end of the 19th century, and a connection to the river was built in 1888. Meanwhile, the port of Leixões was already replacing Oporto's port services. At the end of the 20th century, the initial configuration of the Oporto railway was altered and part of its infrastructure was deactivated. Currently, some of the areas occupied by the old railway are undergoing interventions, but the urban requalification proposals do not clearly present initiatives to preserve the railway heritage. For this reason, it is important to promote knowledge about the history of railways in Oporto.
Caracterización, análisis y evaluación del sistema de regadío tradicional valenciano de la Font de Quart (España) desde una perspectiva paisajístico-patrimonial
Authors: Mayordomo Maya Sandra , Hermosilla Pla Jorge , Antequera Fernández Miguel
Published: January 2025

The elements that make up the historical irrigation systems and their cultivated spaces form an extraordinary cultural heritage. Water landscapes are representative of the Mediterranean area, adapted to a water-scarce environment. In this research, an analysis of the traditional Valencian irrigation system in the Font de Quart is carried out from a landscape-patrimonial perspective, with the aim of characterising it. This system is one of the most complex in the Valencian territory. Its origin is probably Roman, although it was perfected during the Islamic period. For its study, the usual methodology has been implemented in the analysis of historical irrigation systems, based on bibliographic consultation, fieldwork, and the design of a geographical database. Likewise, a method of patrimonial evaluation has been applied, with the cataloguing of about twenty properties. A structured hydraulic heritage has been detected, of notable heritage and landscape interest.
Los acueductos de Querétaro, México: patrimonio cultural del agua que normaliza la escasez provocada
Authors: Valdovinos Joyce , Romero Claudia
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes how the construction of large hydraulic infrastructure projects conditions, reproduces, and reinforces unsustainable water management models in rapidly growing cities. We analyze the case of Querétaro, a city in central Mexico that faces challenges in terms of availability, quality, and access to water, despite having access to two major aqueducts for regional water transfer. The instrumentalization of the concept of heritage, both historical and cultural, in the case of these large-scale infrastructure projects, has allowed water management policy to be oriented towards satisfying unlimited demand through a narrative that normalizes scarcity, as well as highlights short-term benefits and hides the potential impacts on environmental sustainability and water justice. This, in turn, blurs the ecological, cultural, and social value of water as an integral part of historical and cultural heritage itself.
Contaminación del agua e insuficiencia renal en la cuenca alta del río Grande de Santiago, Jalisco, México: una visión desde la perspectiva de la economía ecológica
Authors: Peniche Camps Salvador
Published: January 2025

The objective of this research is to analyze, from the theoretical-methodological perspective of ecological economics, the impacts on human health of water pollution in the upper basin of the Santiago River, located in western Mexico. The study was carried out using official sources such as the National Water Commission and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and studies by specialists. The inductive method and systems theory were used. The fundamental finding of the research consists of the determination of the synergies between the elements of the disruptive system of the basin. The main limitation of the study is the absence of an information system on the epidemiological characteristics in the study area. We consider that the work provides a novel and useful approach for the analysis and incidence of the socio-environmental crisis in the country’s river basins.
Variações no uso e cobertura da terra em uma região do Cerrado brasileiro: um estudo de caso da bacia do rio Farinha, MA e do Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas
Authors: Da Silva Cristiane Matos , Filho Jurandir Pereira
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of human activity on soil and land use in the Farinha river basin, MA, and the Chapada das Mesas National Park over the past two decades. Satellite images from 2012 to 2020 were analysed to determine changes in land use and cover. The results reveal an increase in human activities, particularly grazing, in both areas during this period. This expansion of human activity poses threats to the environment, such as erosion processes, loss of water, soil, and nutrients. It emphasizes the importance of quantifying these losses and understanding their consequences. The findings highlight the need to protect sensitive areas like indigenous lands and conservation units to ensure the preservation and sustainability of natural vegetation and plant growth.
Analyzing competitive relationships between volunteer activities based on niche theory
Authors:   center for social welfare research yonsei university, Her Wonbin , Oh Young Sam , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Harim , Park Haneul
Published: January 2025

This study aims to analyze the competitive relationships between different types of volunteering. Within society, most organizations and programs conflict and compete over limited resources. From this perspective, the analysis treats volunteers as resources and types of volunteering as competing entities. The relationships of competition between entities were analyzed using niche theory, and the data were derived from the 2022 Urban Policy Indicator Survey on volunteer outcomes. The results of niche breadth showed that volunteering for the socially disadvantaged had the largest niche breadth, indicating generality across various age groups. In contrast, volunteering related to child education primarily involved participants in their 30s and 40s and showed a relatively smaller niche breadth. Niche overlap, indicating competition between types, was highest between services for the socially disadvantaged and disaster relief. In terms of niche superiority, environmental protection activities showed a higher advantage over other types, whereas child education volunteering showed the lowest. Based on these results, this study proposes the development of pre-linkage volunteer activity programs to strengthen connections between different types of volunteering.
Gender differences in adolescent cyber delinquency patterns using multi-group latent transfer analysis
Authors:   center for social welfare research yonsei university, Lee Jonghyung , Lee Junvae
Published: January 2025

This study utilized MGLTA to derive longitudinal trajectories of adolescent cyber delinquency and analyzed the effects of gender and covariates on these trajectories. For this purpose, 1,954 students (1,050 male; 904 female) from 8th to 10th grade were sampled using KCYPS 2018 data. The four latent cyber delinquency statuses identified in this study were non-delinquents (71.6%), posting bad words (18.03%), moderate delinquents (9.39%), and serious delinquents (0.98%). The percentage of students who did cyber delinquency was about 28%. In terms of gender, males outnumbered females by 1.7-3.0 times, and the stability of cyber delinquency was significantly higher in males. As important factors predicting the gender development pattern of adolescent cyber delinquency identified in this study, for males, depression and phone dependence were risk factors, and self-esteem was a protective factor. On the other hand, for females, phone dependence was a risk factor, and attachment relationships were identified as protective factors. These results suggest the importance of targeted interventions differentiated by gender rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to adolescent cyber delinquency.
Combination of metformin and myoinositol: a powerful weapon to combat polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sharma Pragati , Malvi Abhijeet
Published: January 2025

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 13% of women of reproductive age, causing symptoms like menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, and infertility. Insulin resistance is the root cause of PCOS. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug, and Myo-inositol, a natural compound that enhances ovarian function and also an insulin sensitising agent, have both shown benefits in PCOS management. When combined, these agents act synergistically, that results in improved menstrual cycle regularity, reduction in hyperandrogenic symptoms, and enhancement in fertility outcomes. Recent clinical evidence supports this dual approach, and its approval for PCOS-related infertility treatment in India, along with endorsement by FOGSI, underscores its effectiveness as a promising therapeutic option for women with PCOS.
Clinical outcomes and quality of life following laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy for achalasia cardia: an observational study from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Madhanagopalan Kumar , Prabhakaran Raju , Sugaprakash Sankareswaran , Sugumar Chidambaranathan
Published: January 2025

Background: The clinical outcomes of Achalasia cardia (AC) following Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy in terms of improvement in clinical symptom scores as well as the quality of life (QOL) have not been investigated extensively in the literature, which has been analyzed in this study. The role of physiological tests after surgery, along with their relationship to symptom evaluation, was evaluated in the present investigation.
Methods: 65 patients who had Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy with Dor's fundoplication (LHMD) between August 2014 and July 2022 were included in this retrospective analysis. Eckardt score (ES) calculation, ASHRQOL (Achalasia Specific Health-Related Quality of Life) questionnaire score, measurement of 5-minute column height in TBE (Timed Barium Esophagogram), as well as median IRP (Integrated Relaxation Pressure) in HRM (High-Resolution Manometry) were done. All patients then underwent LHMD.
Results: ES (8.18±1.06 to 1.57±1.06, P=0.005), ASHRQOL score (63.10±11.84 to 7.29±6.20, P=0.005), 5-minute column height on TBE (104.86±16.42 mm to 11.43±16.83 mm, P=0.005), along with IRP (25.58±4.35 mm Hg to 3.88±3.15 mm Hg, P=0.005) all demonstrated substantial gains at a median follow-up of 24 months. Eckardt score correlated significantly with ASHRQOL scores (ρ=0.996, P=0.005), TBE height at 5-minute (ρ=0.921, P=0.005), as well as median IRP (ρ=0.866, P=0.005). The improvement in TBE height correlated strongly with median IRP (ρ=0.928, P=0.005).
Conclusion: LHMD leads to sustained symptom relief and significant enhancement in QOL. Clinical score improvement correlates among themselves as well as with physiological scores. Therefore, regular follow-up may not require physiological testing by manometry.
Learning by Gaming: Extramural English Gaming Effect on Indonesian Senior High Students' Pragmatic Competence
Authors: Dirwan Muh Ilham , Surtini Ni Wayan , Muhammad Zulfadhli
Published: January 2025

Several studies have found that learning English outside of school through Extramural English (EE) activities such as online gaming can enhance students' English language ability. However, not many information exists on whether this so-called extramural English gaming activity has implications on students' pragmatic competence. To answer that, this study aims to explore the effect of extramural gaming activity toward students’ pragmatic competence. The research was done by employing a task called the Multiple-Choice Discourse Completion Task (MCDCT) on 60 second-grade students interested in extramural gaming activity (male = 26, female = 34) in Luwuk, Indonesia. Students were divided into two groups, 30 gamer students and 30 non-gamer students. The students were instructed to answer several real-world communicative situations given in the MCDCT task. The data analyzed using statistical descriptive methods. The results of the study revealed that students who frequently played online games (M=3.523) were slightly better at doing the MCDCT than non-gamer students (M=3.220). Thus, it concluded that extramural gaming activity positively affected students' pragmatic competence.
Development of strength abilities in university students
Authors:   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov, Panina Olga V. , Frolova Lyudmila V. ,   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov
Published: January 2025

Effectiveness of the influence of plyometric exercises on the strength abilities of female students involved
in physical education at the university has been shown. The types of strength abilities and factors influencing their
development are presented. The article presents scientific and theoretical aspects that substantiate the fact that every
person, along with their general physical fitness, needs strength abilities, which are needed not only for physical education
and sports activities, but also for everyday life and as means of improving health. The purpose of the study was to determine
the effectiveness of plyometric exercises on the development of female students’ strength abilities by conducting test
physical exercises that determine maximum and explosive strength. The results of the study are mathematically processed
and indicated in percentage terms regarding development of indicators of these strength qualities at the beginning and at the end of the academic year. It has been established that plyometric exercises effectively influence the development of
female students’ strength abilities, in particular the development of maximum and explosive strength.
Effect of Strength-Based Narrative Therapy on Depression Symptoms and Quality of Life in the Elderly
Authors: Zhu Shengguo , Liao Qiaoyuan , Yuan Huaping
Published: January 2025

Background: Depression is a common psychological problem among the elderly. It undermines the elderly’s quality of life and imposes a heavy economic burden on society and families. Depression in this group must be addressed, but effective intervention therapies remain absent in existing studies. Strength-based cognitive behavior theory was combined with narrative therapy in this study. Its effect on depression in the elderly was verified through an intervention experiment.
Methods: From April to June 2024, 319 elderly people were recruited from Huoju Community in Changsha, Hunan Province, China to examine the factors influencing depression. A total of 85 of them with depression symptoms were included in a randomized intervention experiment and divided into two groups: 42 in the experiment group and 43 in the control group. The experiment group was intervened with strength-based narrative therapy, whereas the control group was given no targeted intervention.
Results: After the intervention, 1) the total depression score of the experiment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P=0.001); 2) the mental state score of the control group decreased more significantly than that of the experiment group (P<0.05); and 3) the quality-of-life score of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group at different time points (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Strength-based narrative therapy can effectively alleviate depression symptoms in the elderly, improve their mental state, delay their cognitive decline, and enhance their quality of life. It is an effective option to promote the elderly’s mental health.
La Pandemia de COVID-19 y su efecto en la nutrición de familias en zonas marginadas de Hermosillo
Authors: Félix Gutiérrez Andrea , Portillo Abril Gloria Elena , Grijalva Haro María Isabel , Quizán Plata Trinidad , Contreras Paniagua Alma Delia , María Isabel María Isabel
Published: January 2025

La emergencia sanitaria provocada por el COVID-19 ha tenido repercusiones significativas en la salud nutricional de la población de Hermosillo, México. Factores como la desnutrición, la obesidad y las enfermedades cardíacas se relacionan con una mayor mortalidad ante el virus. Este estudio se centró en analizar las consecuencias en el ambiente alimentario y la inseguridad alimentaria nutricional en hogares hermosillenses con niveles de marginación medio y alto. Durante 2021 se investigaron 104 mujeres y 41 niños, cuyos datos se contrastaron con información de 2019. Se identificaron cambios en los patrones de compra, con una preferencia creciente hacia las tiendas de conveniencia. Además, el 38.3% de las mujeres reportó una disminución en sus ingresos, lo que coincidió con un incremento del 7% en la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Paralelamente, se observó un aumento en la media del IMC en el siguiente periodo de medición (de 29.6 ± 6 a 30.5 ± 7). También se registró un incremento del 9% en los casos de inseguridad alimentaria nutricional moderada y se estableció una correlación entre los lugares de adquisición de alimentos y el estado nutricional.
Effect of Graviola Oil Extract on Anti-obesity Effect and Adipokine (Apelin and Adiponectin) Response in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Rats
Authors: Erkılıç T. Orkun , Bayraktar B.
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aims to investigate the anti-obesity effect of GOE with adipokine (apelin and adiponectin) response at different doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of GOE in normal healthy and obese rats with High-fat diet (HF). Methods: In this study, 36 adult male Wistar albino rats, aged between 8-10 weeks, were used. 6 groups were created, with 6 rats in each group: Control (C), Rat group without GOE and HF application, G100 (GOE 100 mg/kg group given with oral gavage route of administration (OGRA), G200 (GOE 200 mg/kg group given with OGRA), HFC (HF control group): no HF and no GOE group), HF100 (rats receiving HF were100 mg/kg graviola oil extract added to their diet), HF200 (rats receiving HF were 200 mg/kg graviola oil extract added to their diet). Blood samples were taken from the tail vein (vena caudalis) of all on days 0 and 60 of the study. Apelin and adiponectin levels in the serum samples were measured by ELISA method. Result: In the present study, a significant increase (p less than 0.01) was observed in the mean serum apelin level in the HF groups at the end of the 60 day after HF induction, while a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) was also detected in the adiponectin level. On the other hand, when examined in terms of BW, the most significant decrease due to GOE addition in the HF groups, i.e. the anti-obesity effect, was determined in the HFG200 mg/kg group (p less than 0.01). As a result, it was concluded that GOE may be safe and beneficial when administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg in obesity-induced rats.
Chronic Noise Exposure with Normal Hearing is Related to Adverse Quality of Life and Burnout
Authors: Karaiskos Christos , Vlastos Ioannis , Farantos Georgios , Rachiotis Georgios , Simou Effie , Dounias Georgios
Published: January 2025

Aims and scope: Occupational noise exposure is a well-known factor of hearing loss and other health-related problems. Its contribution to burnout and health-related quality of life, particularly when there is no hearing loss is less well studied. Herein we aim to study the effect of noise on the responses of normal-hearing industrial workers on validated instruments. Methods: 384 industrial workers from three pharmaceutical companies with normal hearing were stratified into two groups: a noise-exposure group (n=195) and a non-exposure group (n=125). In addition to basic demographic characteristics, factors such as smoking, and BMI were examined alongside responses to the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and SF-36 questionnaire. Findings: The noise-exposure group exhibited a higher prevalence of smokers (p<0.01), a slightly elevated median BMI (p=0.04), and reported more pronounced exhaustion as measured by the OLBI (p=0.03). Furthermore, they exhibited poorer responses in various dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire, particularly in bodily pain (p<0.01), physical functioning (p=0.03), physical role functioning (p=0.02), and emotional role functioning (p<0.01) scales. Conclusion: Occupational noise exposure, even in the absence of hearing loss, is associated with a higher prevalence of burnout symptoms and an overall reduced health-related quality of life among industrial workers. These insights underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate noise exposure's adverse impact on employee well-being and productivity in noisy work environments, independently of the findings in their audiometric results.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Greek Solid Waste Landfill Workers
Authors: Papastergiou St. , Karaiskos C. , Damikouka I., , Douna E., , Koupidis S. , Dounias G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Hearing loss at work is currently considered the most common cause of permanent hearing loss in adults and one of the most important health problems with economic and psychosocial consequences. The present study has the aim to investigate the prevalence and the determinants of hearing loss among solid waste workers. Material and methods: Eight-three (83) solid waste workers underwent audiometric test in the facilities of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (OEDA) in the area of Αttica, Greece. To assess hearing, an occupational history was first taken, followed by an otoscopy and audiogram. The findings of the audiograms were initially assessed as normal and pathological and then classified using diagnostic criteria (NIOSH, OYDOS). Findings: Statistical analysis has shown that 23% of solid waste workers had sensorineural hearing loss located mainly at 4000 Hz. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the intensity of occupational exposure to noise appears to be the strongest predictor of noise-induced hearing loss (p=0.02326) followed by the years of work (p=0.02728). Particularly, the analysis with the NIOSH criterion (probability of having a positive NIOSH criterion in at least 1 of both ears) increased by 1.33 times/year or 32.84%/year on average. Finally, no univariate statistically significant associations were found with any of the two criteria and smoking, BMI, hypertension or tinnitus Estimating exposure through self-reported data is not sufficient and accurate and in fact workers who are exposed to higher risk measures tend to underestimate the risk. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that solid waste workers are occupationally exposed to high levels of noise, and present high rates of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It is necessary to estimate the noise exposure with appropriate measurements in the work environment (individual sound exposure of employees and environmental measurements in the workplace) and take appropriate measures.
Assessment of Health Professionals' Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors During Home Radiography
Authors: Bidikoudis Panagiotis , Athanasakis Konstantinos , Michail Christos , Farantos Georgios , Dounias Georgios
Published: January 2025

Aim and purpose: The knowledge of health professionals about the potential risks of using ionizing radiation plays an important role in protecting themselves and patients. The use of mobile radiography units poses several threats to workers such as radiation exposure, ergonomic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders from the constant use of lead feet and moving the portable radiography machine. The aim of the study is to highlight the knowledge background of healthcare professionals on radiation and radiation protection. Methodology: 72 questionnaires were distributed and 60 were returned with an overall response rate of 83%. The main sections addressed through the questionnaire were demographic data, knowledge background on radiation dose and radiation protection rules and measures. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software. Results: From the results, the deficit of the knowledge background of health professionals on radiation and radiation protection is evident. It emerged that health professionals, especially medical doctors - radiologists have knowledge of the dose received by the patient when performing a chest X-ray in a percentage of 75%. Also, 6.6% of the respondents stated that they rarely or never use a protective lead apron, while 5% of the respondents stated that they never use a personal dosimeter. Conclusion: The guidelines for radiation protection of workers and patients when performing home radiography should be based on the pillars of continuous training of staff, but also on adherence to the very basic principle of justification.
HIV/AIDS dopo quattro decenni: l’aumento dei Late Presenters nelle nuove diagnosi - analisi di una serie di casi dal ...
Authors: Formica Giuseppe , al. et
Published: January 2025

Secondo i report nazionali stiamo assistendo a un incremento delle diagnosi annue di infezione avanzata da HIV nei cosiddetti “Late Presenters” cioè persone con alla diagnosi una conta di linfociti T CD4 <350 cell/mm³ o patologia diagnostica di AIDS indipendentemente dalla conta di CD4. In questo studio analizziamo le caratteristiche epidemiologiche, demografiche e cliniche dei nuovi casi riscontrati presso la Struttura di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali dell’AOU Careggi di Firenze negli ultimi due anni.
Studio monocentrico, osservazionale, retrospettivo, includente Persone che vivono con HIV (PLWH) maggiorenni, riceventi diagnosi di infezione da HIV presso l’AOU Careggi, tra 01/01/2023 - 31/08/2024. Dati raccolti da consultazione di cartelle cliniche elettroniche. Le variabili qualitative sono state riassunte in frequenze assolute e relative, le variabili quantitative in mediana e range interquartile (IQR).
Sono state riscontrate 46 nuove diagnosi di HIV, ventotto nei primi otto mesi del 2024, con prevalenza nel genere maschile (M 78,3%), italiani (67,4%), con un caso su tre nato all’estero; età mediana di 40,5 anni.
Il comportamento a rischio maggiormente riscontrato è stato rapporto non protetto eterosessuale nel 71.8%. In 17 casi (36,8%) lo screening è stato effettuato durante un ricovero ospedaliero. I Late Presenters sono stati il 54,3% di cui 16 casi (34,8%) con evento AIDS alla diagnosi (polmonite Pneumocystis Jirovecii in cinque casi e sarcoma di Kaposi in quattro). Alla diagnosi tre casi (6,5%) presentavano una coinfezione HIV/HBV, quattro (8,7%) una infezione occulta da HBV, cinque (10,9%) una infezione luetica attiva.
Il genotipo era disponibile per 43 pazienti, sette presentavano mutazioni maggiori per NNRTI. Un INSTI-based regimen è stata la prima terapia di scelta nel 97,8% dei casi.
La terapia antiretrovirale è stata introdotta con una mediana di 6 giorni. Non sono state riportate differenze statisticamente significative nelle caratteristiche epidemiologiche e cliniche al confronto tra late presenters e non.
I dati sono concordi alla tendenza riportata dai report di ISS e Regione Toscana.
È importante continuare a sensibilizzare la popolazione generale e gli ambienti sanitari riguardo allo screening per HIV in modo da affrontare l'aumento dei casi diagnosticati in stadi avanzati di infezione, poiché questo dato coinvolge particolarmente una popolazione, i maschi eterosessuali, che non rientra nei gruppi target più comuni a cui viene rivolto lo screening.
The Role of Chemotherapy in Patients with Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Sternby Hanna , Brandt Farima , Sanjeevi Srinivas , Unosson Jon , Reda Souheil , Muszynska Carolina , Urdzik Jozef , Frühling Petter
Published: January 2025

There is still no consensus as to whether patients with upfront resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM) should receive neoadjuvant treatment prior to liver surgery. Two randomized controlled trials have assessed the role of peri-operative chemotherapy in sCRLM; neither have shown a survival benefit in the neoadjuvant group. The aim of this population-based study was to examine overall survival in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and hepatectomy compared to patients who had upfront surgery. This is a retrospective observational study between 2009 and 2017 containing data extracted from two Swedish national registries. Descriptive statistics and Cox regression analyses were employed. Results: 2072 patients with sCRLM were treated with liver surgery between 2009-2017. A majority (n=1238, 60%) were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 834 patients (40%) had upfront surgery. Patients in the upfront surgery group were older (median age 70 compared to 65 years, p=<0.001). Median overall survival in the upfront surgery group was 26 months (95% CI 23-29 months) compared to 57 months (95% CI 42-48 months) in the neoadjuvant group, log rank p=<0.001. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, age ³70 years (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.25-1.70), T category of primary cancer (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09-1.84), lymphatic spread of primary cancer (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.41-1.99) and number of liver metastases (six or more metastases resulted in HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.38-3.01), negatively influenced overall survival. By contrast, adjuvant therapy was protective (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0-69-0.94), whereas neoadjuvant treatment compared to upfront surgery did not influence overall survival (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86-1.26). In conclusion, neoadjuvant treatment in sCRLM did not confer a survival benefit compared to upfront surgery.
Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Respiratory Functional Assessment in Patients with ALS
Authors: Iglesias Miguel , Cascón Juan Alejandro , Maimó Andrés , Albadalejo Antonio , Andreo Felipe , Sánchez Fernández Ana , Maciá Palazón María , Martínez González-Posada Isabel , García García Ruth , Cordovilla Rosa
Published: January 2025

Background: Diaphragmatic ultrasound could be useful for the non-invasive evaluation of diaphragm functionality in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Our study objective is to evaluate the diaphragmatic ultrasound characteristics of ALS patients and compare them with respiratory function test measurements and if there is any relationship with need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Methods: A prospective, descriptive, multicenter study including patients with recent diagnosis of ALS in 5 centers. Underwent diaphragmatic ultrasound and lung function at each visit every 3 months. Variables: age, sex, withdrawal from the study due to NIV or death, excursion, velocity, thickness, thickening fraction and spirometry and respiratory muscles function values. Results: 39 patients were included. 24 (61.5%) patients left the study before the year: 17 due to the onset of NIV, 4 due to clinical worsening without NIV, and 3 due to death. Statistically significant correlation was obtained between excursion and velocity and FVC and supine FVC (p<0.001) and with MIP and the snip test (p<0.05). Correlation between worse values in excursion and lung function (FVC, supine FVC and MEP) at the baseline visit and withdrawal from the study was observed (p<0.001). Conclusions: Assessing diaphragmatic excursion by ultrasonography can be a useful for monitoring ALS patients.
The Mediating Role of Profitability in the Impact Relationship of Assets Tangibility on Firm Market Value
Authors: AL-ATHAMNEH Mustafa , Obeidat Mohammed , Almomani Mohammad , Darkel Nadeen , Almomani Tareq
Published: January 2025

The study objects for investigating whether assets tangibility of the listed mining and extraction firms at Amman Stock Exchange, affects the market value of these firms, and whether firm profitability mediates the impact relationship of assets tangibility on firm market value. To achieve the objectives of the study, secondary data, covering the period 2013-2022, of the entire listed mining and extraction firms, had been collected and used in the analysis. Tobin’s Q, is used as a good indicator for firm market value, while return on assets, is used as a common indicator for firm profitability. Assets tangibility is the percentage relationship of tangible fixed assets to total assets. Employing both, the single and multiple linear regression methods, the results showed a significant impact of assets tangibility on firm profitability and firm market value. The results also demonstrated that firm profitability has a significant impact on firm market value. In addition, the results revealed that firm profitability mediates the effect of assets tangibility on firm market value. More research is recommended to investigate this relationship in other industries.
Preliminary Study on Pressure and pH Control of the Size of Silver Nanoparticles: A Rapid and Cost-Effective Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis for Further Applications
Authors: Riascos Paula , Llamosa Daniel , Amaya Jahaziel , Murcia Hansen
Published: January 2025

The use of plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensor technology is dependent on nanoparticle size and morphology. This study determined the effect of pH and pressure on synthetized silver nanoparticles size. In method 1, a mixture of NaBH4 and sodium citrate was added to a solution of AgNO3 monodispersed by ultrasound energy. In method 2 the reducer was added to the precursor-dispersant mixture solution. The effect of pH was evaluated by using buffer solutions at pH 4,0, pH 7,0, pH 10,0 and water as control. To determine the effect of pressure, AgNPs were subjected for 0, 4 and 23 hours to 1,75 MPa at 200°C. AgNPs produced with method 1 showed a more symmetric SRP and a smaller nanoparticle diameter (±6 nm). The SPR with method 1 at pH 10,0 produced a higher UV peak with a shift around 20 nm. In the case of the pressure treatment, a shift of approximately 20 nm was observed at all time conditions studied, and a higher AgNPs diameter was found in contrast to method 1. Finally, EDX and Raman analysis confirm the presence of AgNPs and a mild oxidation of these. These results suggest that alkalinity and pressure allow affect the diameter of AgNPs.
The Kombucha Market in Portugal Until 2021
Authors: Sandambi Nerhum
Published: January 2025

This study provides a descriptive analysis of the Kombucha market in Portugal, which is its main objective. As this is a market on the rise, the period analysed covers the years from the resurgence of the industry in the 2000s to the present and the emergence of new companies in the European market in general and particularly in the Portuguese market. The analysis shows the general behaviour of the Kombucha market in Europe, where the main consumers are countries such as Germany, France and Italy. The study also shows how the kombucha market is concentrated worldwide, with the USA being the largest market in the world and also having the highest concentration of consumers. According to the analysis, there seems to be a correlation between consumers and prior knowledge of the beverage segment, with kombucha consumption initially being made by consumers with a tendency to have health problems, especially with intestinal health. On the other hand, there was also a direct relationship between the price of the drink and the purchasing power of individuals, and it was found that individuals with greater purchasing power are also the main consumers of the drink in this segment of the market. On the other hand, analysing the market share shows that the market is led by The Gutsy Captain Kombucha, with a 60% market share, thus showing consolidation in the functional drinks market in Portugal.