bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy on nasal airway obstruction: insights from imaging and the NOSE scale: a retrospective study
Authors: Dikici Oğuzhan , Durgut Osman
Published: July 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nasal septum deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal obstruction by utilizing the Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) values and paranasal sinus computed tomography (PSCT) findings for correct preoperative evaluation.

Methods

Ninety-six patients (57 males and 39 females) aged between 18 and 54 years (mean age, 30.3 ± 9.7 years) participated in this study. Among them, 56 patients underwent septoplasty combined with inferior turbinate outfracture, while 40 patients underwent septoplasty alone. Preoperative nasal examinations were performed on all patients. The direction, location, nasal septum deviation classification, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy size classification were carefully evaluated and compared with the NOSE survey results. PSCT of 56 patients were evaluated and classified by calculating the coronal location of septum deviation, the axial location of septum deviation, the coronal angle of septum deviation, and the axial angle of septum deviation.

Results

A positive correlation was found between the coronal location of the septal deviation and the preoperative NOSE 2, and the NOSE total, and the difference of postoperative and preoperative NOSE (p = 0.032, p = 0.007, p = 0.021, respectively). There was a statistically significant relationship between the coronal location of the septal deviation classification and the NOSE preoperative total values (p = 0.26). A negative statistically significant correlation was found between inferior turbinate hypertrophy and preoperative NOSE 5 values (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

We conclude that the combination of PSCT and the NOSE scale is helpful in determining the severity of nasal obstruction prior to surgery. Specifically, we found that nasal septum deviations located in the anterior and coronal planes have a greater impact on nasal obstruction compared to deviations in the axial plane. Inferior turbinate fracture does not provide more benefit than septoplasty alone in treating patients’ nasal obstruction. These findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach in addressing nasal obstruction for optimal patient outcomes.
Borderline personality disorder: part 2 – psychiatric management
Authors: Ratnam Ashutosh , Garland Jacqueline , Miller Stephen
Published: July 2024

The large volume of seemingly conflicting guidance on the management of borderline personality disorder (BPD), combined with the ongoing shortage of specialised resources, can make the task feel like an exclusive undertaking that the general psychiatrist is underprepared for. In this article, we distil current evidence to submit that sound psychiatric management principles used to treat all serious and enduring mental disorders (diagnostics, comorbidity management, rational pharmacotherapy and dynamic risk management) are readily applicable and particularly therapeutic for BPD. We offer actionable practice guidance that we hope will render the clinical management experience a more lucid and rewarding one for both practitioner and patient.
Do we need a more individualised approach to the management of comorbid depression and diabetes?
Authors: Moodley Surina , Pavlou Panagiotis
Published: July 2024

Diabetes and depression have a bidirectional relationship, but some antidepressants (such as the tricyclics) may have detrimental effects in diabetes that are exacerbated by behavioural changes associated with depression. This month's Cochrane Review evaluated the efficacy of psychological and pharmacological treatments of comorbid depression in diabetes and found that such interventions have a moderate and clinically significant effect on depression outcomes in people with diabetes. However, conclusions were limited by significant heterogeneity within examined populations and interventions, and significant risk of bias within trials. This commentary critically appraises the review and aims to contextualise its findings.
What Is the Value of Palliative Care for Inpatients With Cancer?
Authors: Sedhom Ramy , Smith Thomas J. , Cassel J. Brian , Isenberg Sarina R.
Published: July 2024

@ramsedhom and colleagues highlight the opportunity of palliative care to bend the cost (and value) curve in cancer. Enhanced, early, and expanded access to PC offers benefits to inpatients with cancer and cost savings to health systems and payors.
Monotone Function Intervals: Theory and Applications
Authors: Yang Kai Hao , Zentefis Alexander K.
Published: July 2024

A monotone function interval is the set of monotone functions that lie pointwise between two fixed, -monotone functions. We characterize the set of extreme points of monotone function intervals and apply this to a number of economic settings. First, we leverage the main result to characterize the set of distributions of posterior quantiles that can be induced by a signal, with applications to political economy, Bayesian persuasion, and the psychology of judgment. Second, we combine our characterization with properties of convex optimization problems to unify and generalize seminal results in the literature on security design under adverse selection and moral hazard. (JEL C61, C65, D72, D82, D91, G12)
DISPONIBILIDADE DA INFRAESTRUTURA DE TRANSPORTE E EFICIÊNCIA DAS ATIVIDADES ECONÔMICAS: MODELO PARA ESTIMAÇÃO DE IMPACTOS
Authors: Santos Ricardo
Published: July 2024

Embora haja uma ampla aceitação de que os investimentos públicos nos sistemas transportes favoreçam o desenvolvimento, a mensuração dos impactos e a identificação das contribuições específicas das modalidades de transporte ainda pode ser aprimorada. Dessa forma, esse estudo buscou quantificar os impactos do desempenho conjunto da disponibilidade dos sistemas de transporte na produtividade das atividades econômicas. Como metodologia, contribui com a proposição e a aplicação de modelagem não-paramétrica da Análise Envoltória de Dados – DEA. O estudo foi aplicado à Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, em Minas Gerais. Como resultados, constatou-se que, a metodologia permite identificar o impacto da disponibilidade de infraestrutura municipal por modalidade de transportes para as atividades econômicas avaliadas.
O REGIME JURÍDICO DE COMPARTILHAMENTO DE FERROVIAS AUTORIZADAS
Authors: Coelho Ribeiro Leonardo , Liebl Fernandes Paulo Vinícius , Egídio Altoé Junior José
Published: July 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar o regime jurídico de compartilhamento de infraestrutura ferroviária incidente sobre as ferrovias exploradas sob o regime de autorização. Buscou-se examinar se haveria um dever de os autorizatários compartilharem a sua malha ferroviária com terceiros, ou se a disponibilização de acesso constituiria sempre uma mera faculdade. Para tanto, em um primeiro momento, o trabalho identificou os fundamentos que justificam o compartilhamento de redes de infraestrutura no setor ferroviário. Com base nestes alicerces, analisou, em seguida, as regras de compartilhamento de infraestrutura incidente sobre as autorizações ferroviárias. Por fim, foi examinado o regime de compartilhamento das ferrovias autorizadas que se enquadram como uma essential facility. Ao final, conclui-se que, em regra, não há um dever legalmente imposto aos autorizatários de compartilhamento de suas malhas com terceiros. Essa obrigação poderá incidir, no entanto, em situações excepcionais, nas quais a ferrovia autorizada assuma os contornos de um monopólio natural.
Adult-onset chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: A case report of a rare entity
Authors: Jibril Huzefa , Riaz Mehmood , Syed Ahsan Ali
Published: July 2024

Background: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare autoimmune disorder causing inflammatory joint lesions. It has an estimated prevalence of 1-2 per million while adult-onset disease constitutes only 6.3% of patients.
Case report: We present a case of a 44 years old male who presented to the rheumatology clinic with lower back pain for twelve years. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine showed ovoid areas of abnormal signal intensities along superior and inferior endplates of multiple vertebrae of the dorsolumbar and sacral spine. Computed tomography guided biopsy of L4 vertebrae was done. Histopathology revealed linear cores of degenerating fibrocartilage focally exhibiting small spicules of mineralized bone and fibro-collagenous tissue. He initially did not respond to traditional therapy. His symptoms improved with the addition of a Janus Kinase inhibitor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis to be reported from Pakistan.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8765
How to cite this: Jibril H, Riaz M, Ali SA. Adult-onset chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: A case report of a rare entity. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8765
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Assessing the quality and standards of operative notes in general surgery; A teaching institute’s experience in Pakistan
Authors: Muneeb Muhammad Danish , Mirza Agha Naushad Baig  , Muhammad Kamran  , Shafaatullah Qudratullah  , Muhammad Saddique Arain
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the quality and standard of hand-written operative notes in a teaching institute.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the department of surgery, Fatima Hospital, Baqai Medical University, from January 2023 till May 2023. One hundred fifty operative notes from general surgery domain were considered. These notes were evaluated according to the guidelines of Royal College of Surgeons, with added-on a few variables by the author.
Results: All 150 notes were handwritten. Resident surgeon wrote the operative notes under the supervision of primary surgeon. There was a deficiency in mentioning medical record number, procedure starting time and duration of surgery. An important statement about the hemostasis is that it is secured-per-operatively was not documented. The residents were reluctant to explain the surgical procedures diagrammatically. The operative room number was missing in all notes. Post operative instructions lacked the information for nothing per oral, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and input and output charting.
Conclusion: It is observed that the operative surgical notes were however explainable about the procedure, but quality and standard was not matchable with that of Royal College of Surgeons notes. Hence, a lack of formal training for the resident surgeons in operative notes writing was observed. This study is a thought provoker to the surgeons and a guide to resident trainees, and hospital management to provide a handful operative notes writing theme in the form of performa provided in the department.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9443
How to cite this: Muneeb MD, Baig MAN, Kamran M, Qudratullah S, Arain MS. Assessing the quality and standards of operative notes in general surgery; A teaching institute’s experience in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9443
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Εξόρυξη μεγάλων δεδομένων (Data Mining) στην πολιτική επιστήμη
Authors: Μεσσήνη Σοφία
Published: July 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά τον πολιτικό λόγο και αναφέρεται στην ανάλυση της εκλογικής συμπεριφοράς. Εφαρμόζει μια θεωρητική προσέγγιση της αριστεράς από τη σκοπιά της λακανικής παράδοσης, και τη συνδυάζει με την υπολογιστική εξόρυξη (data mining) και ανάλυση των δεδομένων από το Twitter το οποίο υπήρξε ένα από τα πιο ισχυρά εργαλεία της πολιτικής επικοινωνίας. Η χρονική περίοδος που ερευνήσαμε καλύπτει τις τρεις εκλογικές αναμετρήσεις στην Ελλάδα, τα έτη 2015 (Ιανουάριος και Σεπτέμβριος) και 2019. Για τις ανάγκες της επεξεργασίας και ανάλυσης των δεδομένων συμπληρώσαμε ένα ειδικό λεξικό προσαρμόζοντάς το στα ελληνικά και μεριμνώντας για την κάλυψη του πολιτικού λόγου. Παράλληλα, τα συμπεράσματα κάθε εκλογικής αναμέτρησης έχουν οπτικοποιηθεί συμπληρώνοντας με αυτόν τον τρόπο καθοριστικά το κείμενο. Με αυτή την έννοια, η οπτικοποίηση δεν συνιστά απλή εικονογράφηση, αλλά αποτελεί ουσιαστικό μέρος της έρευνας και παρουσίασής της, χωρίς το οποίο η κατανόηση των λόγων και των πινάκων παραμένει ημιτελής. H ανάλυση του αισθήματος, που πραγματοποιήθηκε σύμφωνα με τη θεωρία του Plutchik, ανέδειξε διαφοροποιήσεις στην ένταση των αρνητικών αισθημάτων. Η δυναμική της έντασης αυτής είναι ικανή να επηρεάζει την εκλογική συμπεριφορά και να προετοιμάζει για εναλλαγή στους ρόλους μεταξύ κυβέρνησης και αντιπολίτευσης. Ο Θυμός και η Αηδία, όπως η Απογοήτευση και η Ντροπή κυριάρχησαν και στις τρεις εκλογικές αναμετρήσεις, και φαίνεται πως αιτιολογούν τη σημαντική άνοδο του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, τον Ιανουάριο του 2015, όταν για πρώτη φορά ανέλαβε τη διακυβέρνηση. Αντίθετα, η Περιφρόνηση φαίνεται πως συνδέεται με την παλινόρθωση του παλαιού κομματικού συστήματος τον Ιούλιο του 2019. Στην έρευνά μας εστιάσαμε στις μεγαλύτερες κοινότητες του δικτύου το οποίο συγκροτείται κάθε φορά γύρω από τα tweets που συγκεντρώσαμε. Σε αυτές τα κεντρικά πρόσωπα προέρχονται από τα μεγαλύτερα κόμματα, εκείνα που καταλαμβάνουν τις πρώτες θέσεις στις επιλογές των ψηφοφόρων και συμμετέχουν στη νομή της εξουσίας. Σε μελλοντική έρευνα σκοπεύουμε να εστιάσουμε στις κοινότητες μεσαίου μεγέθους, όπου είναι πιθανόν να συναντήσουμε λιγότερο γνωστά δημόσια πρόσωπα, προερχόμενα από μικρότερα κόμματα, και είναι πιθανότερο να διεξάγεται εντονότερη συζήτηση και αντιπαραθέσεις. Η πρωτοτυπία της διατριβής αυτής, έγκειται στο γεγονός ότι εφαρμόζει θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις σε συνδυασμό με την υιοθέτηση υπολογιστικών μεθόδων για τη συγκριτική ανάλυση των ευρημάτων από τρεις διαδοχικές εκλογικές αναμετρήσεις, και αφ’ ετέρου στον πειραματισμό με νέους τρόπους ανάδειξης και οπτικοποίησης των ευρημάτων της ανάλυσης αισθήματος.
Ανάπτυξη υβριδικών πολυμερικών νανοφορέων τριϊωδοθυρονίνης για την επιδιόρθωση της καρδιάς μετά από έμφραγμα του μυοκαρδίου και από διαβητικές παθήσεις
Authors: Σκούρτης Δημήτριος
Published: July 2024

Οι καρδιολογικές παθήσεις, όπως η διαβητική καρδιομυοπάθεια και η στεφανιαία νόσος, αποτελούν τις κυριότερες αιτίες θνησιμότητας στις αναπτυγμένες χώρες. Όμως, οι υπάρχουσες στρατηγικές θεραπείας συχνά αποτυγχάνουν να επιδιορθώσουν το πρόβλημα, ενώ πολλές φορές είναι επεμβατικές. Ωστόσο, η χορήγηση της θυρεοειδικής ορμόνης L-τριϊωδοθυρονίνης (Τ3), η οποία είναι ένας κρίσιμος ρυθμιστής της ωρίμανσης του μυοκαρδίου, αλλά και των νεφρών, φαίνεται να έχει αναγεννητικό ρόλο. Οι προκλινικές και αρχικές κλινικές μελέτες δείχνουν ότι η θεραπεία με Τ3 θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει πιθανή στρατηγική για την αποτροπή της καρδιακής και νεφρικής δυσλειτουργίας, αλλά και για την αναγέννηση της καρδιάς. Επιπλέον, έχει αποδειχθεί ότι η Τ3 παρεμποδίζει την κυτταρική απόπτωση, ενώ συμβάλλει στον πολλαπλασιασμό και τη διαφοροποίηση των καρδιακών κυττάρων. Παρόλα αυτά, οι υψηλές δόσεις Τ3 που απαιτούνται για τη θεραπεία μπορεί να προκαλέσουν παρενέργειες. Για να ελαχιστοποιηθούν οι δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις, στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής αποτελεί η ανάπτυξη καινοτόμων συστημάτων χορήγησης της Τ3 με πολυμερικά νανοσωματίδια τα οποία θα είναι ικανά να στοχοθετήσουν και να παραδώσουν την Τ3 σε τραυματισμένα καρδιομυοκύτταρα ή ποδοκύτταρα για να αποκαταστήσουν την καρδιακή και νεφρική λειτουργία και ενδεχομένως να αναγεννήσουν τον τραυματισμένο ιστό. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, αναπτύχθηκαν έξυπνοι πολυμερικοί νανοφορείς της Τ3 που φέρουν στην επιφάνεια ένα μόριο που μπορεί να αναγνωρίσει ειδικά και να δεσμευτεί σε καρδιομυοκύτταρα και ποδοκύτταρα που πάσχουν. Η Τ3 στα συστήματα αυτά είναι ικανή να απελευθερωθεί από τα νανοσωματίδια κοντά στο σημείο της βλάβης, αυξάνοντας έτσι την θεραπευτική δράση. Η ασφάλεια και η αποτελεσματικότητα των νανοφορέων αξιολογήθηκε μετά από ανάλυση δεδομένων από φαρμακοκινητικές, φαρμακοδυναμικές και τοξικολογικές μελέτες σε πειραματόζωα και κυτταροκαλλιέργειες. Τέλος, αξιολογήθηκε η θεραπευτική ικανότητα των συστημάτων σε μοντέλα επίμυος με ανάλυση μοριακών, βιοχημικών και φυσιολογικών δεδομένων.
Distributionally Robust Newsvendor Under Stochastic Dominance with a Feature-Based Application
Authors: Fu Mingyang , Li Xiaobo , Zhang Lianmin
Published: July 2024

Problem definition: In this paper, we study the newsvendor problem under some distributional ambiguity sets and explore their relations. Additionally, we explore the benefits of implementing this robust solution in the feature-based newsvendor problem. Methodology and results: We propose a new type of discrepancy-based ambiguity set, the JW ambiguity set, and analyze it within the framework of first-order stochastic dominance. We show that the distributionally robust optimization (DRO) problem with this ambiguity set admits a closed-form solution for the newsvendor loss. This result also implies that the newsvendor problem under the well-known infinity-Wasserstein ambiguity set and Lévy ball ambiguity set admit closed-form inventory levels as a by-product. In the application of feature-based newsvendor, we adopt general kernel methods to estimate the conditional demand distribution and apply our proposed DRO solutions to account for the estimation error. Managerial implications: The closed-form solutions enable an efficient computation of optimal inventory levels. In addition, we explore the property of optimal robust inventory levels with respect to the nonrobust version via concepts of perceived critical ratio and mean repulsion. The results of numerical experiments and the case study indicate that the proposed model outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches, particularly in environments where demand is influenced by covariates and difficult to estimate.

Funding: X. Li is supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education [Tier 1 Grant 23-0619-P0001, 24-0500-A0001] and National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72331004]. L. Zhang is partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72171156 and 72231002] and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grant 16212419].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0159 .
Day-Ahead Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch Considering Photovoltaic Predicted Output Using Sailfish Optimizer and Simulated Annealing
Authors: Wisbar Andi Hidayah , Priyadi Ardyono , Lystianingrum Vita
Published: July 2024

The Indonesian government continues to focuson boosting equitable access to environmentally friendlyelectricity to all levels of Indonesian society. This can be shownthrough the achievement of an electrification ratio of 99.40 percent in the third quarter of 2021 coupled with promisinggrowth in the capacity of Renewable Energy (RE) powerplants. Economic Dispatch (ED) aims to optimize the outputpower of generating units to minimize the total cost of powersystem operations. With the application of ED, the minimumgeneration cost will be obtained for the production of electricpower generated by generating units in an electricity systemwhile still paying attention to constraints. For hybrid plantssuch as the Selayar Solar Power Plant, the challenge toperforming ED is the intermittency of solar energy. So thatbefore the ED is carried out, solar radiation forecasting iscarried out using LSTM. To measure the accuracy offorecasting, RMSE, MSE MAE, and MAPE are used withaverage results of 6.311, 40.11, 4.61, and 4.87. With theapplication of ED, the minimum generation cost is obtained forthe production of electric power generated while stillconsidering the constraints. Through ED, fuel allocation can beoptimized, helping to reduce production costs and carbonemissions, and making a positive contribution toenvironmental sustainability. To improve ED results in thesailfish optimizer, the use of simulated annealing is added sothat the results have lower total cost and emission values thanED without simulated annealing. Rp 128.024 and 398 kg,respectively.
Parkinson’s, where are we heading?
Authors: Pavese Nicola , Ledingham David
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has rapidly increased over the last decade. This editorial discusses our current understanding of the pathophysiological basis for the condition, with a particular focus on the potential role of α-synuclein, and the consequent implications this has for both the development of new investigations and disease-modifying therapies. Specifically, the article discusses the development of a new diagnostic test for cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein, the development of a new staging system for Parkinson’s disease, which takes into account the α-synuclein, genetic and neuro-imaging status, and the results of two recently completed clinical trials, using monoclonal antibodies wherein α-synuclein is the principal target. We also discuss the increasing awareness of the importance of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease including hyposmia, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, and autonomic and cognitive symptoms.
Incorporating Honey Badger Algorithm in Estimating Gamma Distribution With Application to Stock Price Modelling
Authors: Abubakar Hamza , Sayed Amani Idris Ahmed , Mansor Kamarun Hizam bin
Published: July 2024

This study evaluates the performance of various estimation methods in stock price analysis across diverse parameters, focusing on the Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA). The purpose is to determine the most accurate and reliable method for parameter estimation. Methodologically, we analyze data spanning eight years from publicly traded Malaysian property companies, employing financial metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Our findings highlight HBA’s consistent precision in parameter estimation, with values closely aligning with initial parameters across different stock sizes. For example, HBA-Gamma model achieves an MAE of 0.0592 and an RMSE of 0.8458 for 13 stocks, demonstrating its proficiency in capturing stock price distributions in dynamic markets. In contrast, the Artificial Immune System (AIS) provides reasonable estimates but with higher variability. The Regression Method exhibits mixed outcomes, displaying accuracy in some cases but notable variability and reduced precision, especially with larger datasets. The Moment Method, while adequate, shows slightly higher variance compared to both HBA and AIS. Further analysis using Log Likelihood values confirms HBA’s superior fit to the data, consistently surpassing AIS, Regression Method, and Moment Method in likelihood maximization across various stock numbers. Specifically, HBA exhibits lower MAE and RMSE values of 0.1034 and 0.06723, respectively, for 26 stocks, further validating its effectiveness in parameter estimation and stock price prediction. These findings underscore the importance of integrated approaches that account for market nuances rather than relying solely on individual model forecasts. The results affirm HBA’s potential for informed investment decision-making, emphasizing its robust performance and enhanced predictive capabilities compared to alternative methodologies. However, further research is needed to assess the generalizability of these findings to other markets and contexts.
Lheuadores dera Val d’Aran: ajudar a nèisher, ajudar a pujar ath cèu (1669-1963)
Authors: Riera Socasau Joan Carlos
Published: July 2024

El nom de les llevadores de la Vall d’Aran passa per l’anàlisi dels llibres conservats a l’Arxiu Parroquiau de Vielha. S’ha recollit el nom de les llevadores i també el de les possibles per la seva reiteració al llarg dels anys. Es comenta la importància del “baptisme de necessitat”. També es presenta la troballa de la primera i única cesària postmortem trobada a l’Aran l’any 1729.
Multimode solitons in optical fibers: a review
Authors: Sun Yifan , Parra-Rivas Pedro , Agrawal Govind P. , Hansson Tobias , Antonelli Cristian , Mecozzi Antonio , Mangini Fabio , Wabnitz Stefan
Published: July 2024

This review describes recent theoretical and experimental advances in the area of multimode solitons, focusing primarily on multimode fibers. We begin by introducing the basic concepts such as the spatial modes supported by a multimode fiber and the coupled mode equations for describing the different group delays and nonlinear properties of these modes. We review several analytic approaches used to understand the formation of multimode solitons, including those based on the 3D+1 spatiotemporal nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) and its approximate 1D+1 representation that has been found to be highly efficient for studying the self-imaging phenomena in graded-index multimode fibers. An innovative Gaussian quadrature approach is used for faster numerical simulations of the 3D+1 NLSE. The impact of linear mode coupling is discussed in a separate section using a generalized Jones formalism because of its relevance to space-division multiplexed optical communication systems. The last section is devoted to the relevant experimental studies involving multimode solitons.
Determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention among women of reproductive age 15–49 years in Nigeria
Authors: Nzelu Charles , Nzelu Uche , Ugwunze Amara Uche , Azodoh Ngozi
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention has been reported as a necessary factor for ending the HIV epidemic. Women of reproductive age identified as a vulnerable group to HIV infection require this knowledge to prevent contracting HIV infection. Therefore, this study aimed to identify those factors that impact these women’s comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. This study used secondary data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of women of reproductive age with complete data on the determinants and comprehensive knowledge of HIV was included in each analysis. The Chi-square test of Independence was used to determine the association between the determinants and the dependent variable. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to predict the effects of the determinants on the comprehensive knowledge of women of reproductive age. Variables with a p-value of ≤ .01 were considered statistically significant determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. The findings showed that women of reproductive age with no or lower level of education, living in rural areas, poor wealth index, do not listen or listen less frequently to radio, and watch television less frequently were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention at Alpha = .01. The number of women with comprehensive knowledge of HIV was low compared with those with no comprehensive knowledge. This is a concern that needs to be addressed. Further studies using primary data to validate the findings of this study that individuals with no or lower level of education, living in rural areas, poorer or middle wealth index, do not listen or listen less frequently to radio and do not watch or watch less frequently television were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention are recommended.
“Actually, even me I wouldn’t think that it is there” exploring the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards autism spectrum disorders in Uganda
Authors: Kasujja Rosco , Kissa Barbara Yeko , Murphy Tara , Fleetwood-Meade Kirstie
Published: July 2024

Globally, the prevalence of ASD is reported to be increasing requiring more health professionals to provide care. However, to-date, there is little research from Uganda. This study aimed to explore health professionals’ knowledge and attitudes in the identification, diagnosis, and management of ASD in children and adolescents in Uganda. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 20 health professionals working with children and adolescents in three regional hospitals in Uganda. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Perceptions and understanding by health professionals about ASD were captured as three themes: competence of health professionals in identifying and managing ASD; constraints to the identification and management of ASD; and, optimism. Findings suggest there are challenges in the identification and management of ASD, which results in the low detection of ASD in Uganda. Delivery of education to the wider community and health professional training is recommended.

Key practitioner message

Detection and identification of ASD in children and young people is limited in Uganda.

Health professionals in Uganda experience challenges that impact on their ability to appropriately diagnose and support individuals with ASD.

Lack of knowledge has been cited as a factor in the caregivers’ health seeking behavior.

The low numbers of caregivers seeking help for the children with ASD from the health centers implies that some community members still have faith in the medical field.

The sensitization of both professionals and community about the treatment and available services was recommended as a powerful tool in improving health-seeking behavior
A label-free G-quadruplex aptamer/gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric biosensor for rapid detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus genotype 1
Authors: Rabiei Parisa , Mohabatkar Hassan , Behbahani Mandana
Published: July 2024

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is the cause of bovine viral diarrhea disease, one of the most economically important livestock diseases worldwide. The majority of BVD disease control programs rely on the detection and then elimination of persistent infection (PI) cattle, as the continuing source of disease. The main purpose of this study was to design and develop an accurate G-quadruplex-based aptasensor for rapid and simple detection of BVDV-1. In this work, we utilized in silico techniques to design a G-quadruplex aptamer specific for the detection of BVDV-1. Also, the rationally designed aptamer was validated experimentally and was used for developing a colorimetric biosensor based on an aptamer-gold nanoparticle system. Firstly, a pool of G-quadruplex forming ssDNA sequences was constructed. Then, based on the stability score in secondary and tertiary structures and molecular docking score, an aptamer (Apt31) was selected. In the experimental part, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an average particle size of 31.7 nm were synthesized and electrostatically linked with the Apt31. The colorimetric test showed that salt-induced color change of AuNPs from red to purple-blue occurs only in the presence of BVDV-Apt31 complex, after 20 min. These results approved the specificity of Apt31 for BVDV. Furthermore, our biosensor could detect the virus at as low as 0.27 copies/ml, which is an acceptable value in comparison to the qPCR method. The specificity of the aptasensor was confirmed through cross-reactivity testing, while its selectivity was confirmed through plasma testing. The sample analysis showed 90% precision and 94% accuracy. It was concluded that the biosensor was adequately sensitive and specific for the detection of BVDV in plasma samples and could be used as a simple and rapid method on the farm.
Prevalence of movement asymmetries in high-performing riding horses perceived as free from lameness and riders’ perception of horse sidedness
Authors: Zetterberg Ebba , Persson-Sjodin Emma , Lundblad Johan , Hernlund Elin , Rhodin Marie
Published: July 2024

A high proportion of horses in training, perceived as free from lameness by their owner, exhibit vertical movement asymmetries. These types of asymmetries are sensitive measures of lameness, but their specificity as indicators of orthopaedic pathology or locomotor function remains unclear. Equine athletes performing at a high level could be assumed to exhibit a higher degree of movement symmetry compared with the general horse population, but this has not been confirmed. This study investigated the prevalence of movement asymmetries in horses performing at a high level in three equestrian disciplines; show jumping, dressage and eventing, as well as the association between riders’ perception of horse sidedness and said movement asymmetries. Using an inertial measurement unit-based system (Equinosis), gait analysis was performed on 123 high-performing horses. The mean difference between the two vertical minimum and between the two maximum values of each stride was recorded for the head (HDmin, HDmax) and pelvis (PDmin, PDmax). The horses were defined as asymmetric if one or multiple asymmetry parameters exceeded an absolute trial mean of: >6mm for HDmin or HDmax, and >3mm for PDmin or PDmax, with standard deviation less than the respective mean value. Based on the results, 70% of the horses were classified as asymmetric, which is similar to previous findings for young riding horses and horses competing at a lower level. More than one-third of these high-performing horses had asymmetry values of similar magnitude to those seen in clinically lame horses. No clear associations were observed between rider-perceived sidedness and the vertical movement asymmetry values, indicating that the perceived unevenness between sides is not a determinant of vertical movement asymmetry. Longitudinal studies on movement asymmetries in relation to training intensity and full clinical examinations with local or systemic analgesic testing are desired as further research to determine whether these movement asymmetries indicate a welfare problem.
100 Bible Films, Matthew Page (2022)
Authors: Cockrell Joe
Published: July 2024

Review of: 100 Bible Films, Matthew Page (2022)

London: Bloomsbury, 226pp., ISBN: 9781839023521 (pbk), $26.95, ISBN: 9781839023538 (hbk), $90.00
A preface to research in medieval studies II
Authors: Campos Maria Amélia , Faria Tiago Viúla de , Miranda Flávio
Published: July 2024

Following its first meeting in November 2020, the Research in Medieval Studies seminar series kept its aim of being a space for debate and discussion of research topics in the History of the Middle Ages, in a broad sense and chronology
Bishops and Dignitaries of Coimbra in the Thirteenth century: a Prosopographical Study
Authors: Morujão Maria do Rosário
Published: July 2024

The diocese of Coimbra was restored around 1080, following the definitive conquest of the city by the Christian armies led by the emperor Fernando the Great. Together with Sesnando Davides, the Mozarabic count to whom he handed over the government of an immense territory that included the city, one of the first measures he took was to provide the main church of the city with a canonical body that would assist the bishop in his pastoral tasks. About a century later, a new cathedral was built, which had a strategic role in the organization of the space of Coimbra’s “almedina”, as the headquarters of the main parish of the city.
Although the general features of the chapter’s evolution are already known, as well as the action of its bishops, neither the social compo­sition nor the dynamics of the canonical recruitment in the Cathedral of Coimbra have been studied yet. Studying them is the purpose of this paper.
Monólogo de uma mulher chamada Maria com a sua patroa
Authors: Leitão Sara Barros
Published: July 2024

Monólogo de uma mulher chamada Maria com a sua patroa é um título roubado clandestinamente a um texto do livro “Novas Cartas Portuguesas”. O texto deu origem a um espetáculo com o mesmo nome e partiu de um confronto com o primeiro Sindicato do Serviço Doméstico em Portugal, contando a história, pouco reconhecida, pouco valorizada, do trabalho das mulheres, do seu poder de organização e reivindicação, do seu desejo subjetivo e objetivo de mudança. Estamos simultaneamente perante a história das mulheres que limpam o mundo, das mulheres que cuidam do mundo, das mulheres que produzem, educam e preparam a força de trabalho; perante a história e a narrativa do trabalho invisível que põe o mundo a mexer.
Patient Flow Analysis with a Custom Simulation Engine
Authors: Szabó Zoltán , Hompoth Emőke Adrienn , Bilicki Vilmos
Published: July 2024

Patient flow simulation and analysis is one of the oldest IT -based methods used to optimize patient care processes and hospital management. During the pandemic, interest in this domain suddenly increased due to the various constraints and recommendations to reduce the likelihood of further infections in the hospital. Suddenly, metrics such as the number of patients waiting in the same area, the maximum time a patient could stay in a single room, and the minimum distance between patients became important issues to monitor and optimize. Using data and modelling concepts from various hospitals, our team developed a simulation tool that used bpmn models to define an emergency department. We then modified a single day's usual patient flow with various real-world inspired edge cases to evaluate how the simulated flow would change and which stations would become bottlenecks, where the quality of patient care would deteriorate and rooms would become overcrowded. To execute the models, we developed our own tool based on the open-source Camunda modeling tool and the Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) file format. To execute the generated models, we use our own Python-based execution environment based on the SpiffWorkflow library, which permits extensive logging and extensive customization of the attributes analysed. In addition, the modelling toolkit of Camunda was narrowed down and compiled so that it could be easily used by researchers who are not programmers. In the paper, we present both the modeling process and the scenario design process, as well as the results obtained through the runs, including the maximum waiting times during the model runs and the maximum number of patients waiting at once, which allowed us to validate the effectiveness of the framework.
A feminização do cuidado e a desvalorização das trabalhadoras no cenário capitalista vigente
Authors: Silva Borges de Siqueira Flavia
Published: July 2024

A feminização do cuidado tem se revelado na raiz da estrutura social do patriarcado, como fruto do sistema capitalista que atribui às mulheres ocupações relacionadas ao cuidar, incumbindo tais habilidades ao fator puramente biológico do sexo feminino. As baixas remunerações praticadas com essa população fortalecem as desigualdades entre os gêneros, além de perpassarem por diversas outras formas de discriminação que, cumulativamente, segregam mulheres a exercerem majoritariamente profissões atribuídas estritamente ao cuidar, feminizando essa dinâmica, desvalorizando economicamente tais trabalhos, e, ao mesmo tempo, mantendo constante a manutenção do sistema capitalista: a garantia da reprodução da mão de obra. Faz-se necessário reforçar e unificar o discurso anticapitalista no projeto político dos diversos movimentos sociais feministas, a fim de combater a desigualdade de gênero, e emancipar a população feminina em busca da expansão de direitos.
Validation of the Peruvian version of the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-P)
Authors: Cejudo Javier , Vilca Pareja Vilma , Rojas Zegarra María Elena , Yana-Calla Víctor , Rodríguez Donaire Alba
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Research has confirmed that emotional intelligence (EI) is an important theoretical and empirical construct associated with psychological well-being and physical and mental health. One of the most used EI assessment instruments in research is the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of the Peruvian version of the WLEIS-P scale. Method: The sample consisted of 2,574 adults: 1,859 were women (72.2%), and 715 were men (27.8%). The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 30 years (M = 20.83, DT = 2.46). Participants completed a test battery that included the WLEIS-P and a subjective well-being scale. Results: The results showed a four-factor structure with a good fit, adequate internal consistency, and convergent validity in line with the original instrument and the adaptations made in other contexts. Conclusion: Finally, the results confirmed scalar invariance for both sex and age. In summary, our results provide evidence that the WLEIS-P could be a helpful tool for evaluating emotional intelligence in the Peruvian adult population.
Zur Neuvermessung und Neukonstruktion von Obdachlosigkeit in pandemischen Zeiten
Authors: Drilling Matthias , Böhnel Martin , Iyadurai Gosalya
Published: July 2024

Die Einrichtungen der Obdachlosenhilfe und die dort versorgten Menschen trafen diese Schutzbestimmungen der COVID-19 Pandemie unvorbereitet. In der Folge von Schliessungen, Kurzarbeit, Umstellen auf take away standen die Einrichtungen für Menschen, die von Obdachlosigkeit betroffen sind, einer weitgehend unüberschaubaren Lage gegenüber. Auf dieses situative doing in der Pandemie geht dieser Beitrag ein und vertritt die These, dass es dabei zu einer Neuvermessung und Neukonstruktion von Obdachlosigkeit kam, die weit über die pandemische Zeit anhält.
Making Dope Shit
Authors: Oddekalv Kjell Andreas
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, Kjell Andreas Oddekalv presents methodological tools for the analysis of flow-rap's rhythmic structure-and suggests how this type of analysis can be utilised in higher education. Some of Hip-Hop's cultural tenets, like "keeping it real" and a focus on individual expression and "not biting" might seem at odds with the typical structures of formalised music education, the chapter foregrounds these discussions. Hip-Hop's cultural and social values are intimately connected with its aesthetics, and this chapter provides educators with a toolbox capable of letting students unpack what makes the shit dope, and make some dope shit themselves.
Memoria
Authors: Ahnemüller Manuel
Published: July 2024

Manuel Ahnemüller stellt in diesem Artikel die Rauminstallation »Memoria« vor. Aufbauend auf einer theoretischen Analyse der >Materiellen Kultur< reflektiert er, wie Objekte zu künstlichen Erweiterungen des Körpers werden können, die Raum und Zeit überwinden. Der Text beleuchtet kulturidentitäre Transformationsprozesse und die semantische Bedeutung von Material und Form, die der Installation zugrunde liegen. Dabei wird der theoretische Rahmen der Installation fragmentarisch skizziert und verdeutlicht die prothetische Eigenschaft materieller Dinge sowie ihre Verbindung zu transzendenten Erinnerungen und individueller sowie kollektiver Identität. »Memoria« schafft einen imaginären Raum der Erinnerungen voller Gedächtnismedien und erweitert unser Erlebnis der Umwelt, indem sie das Unsichtbare sichtbar macht.
Metaphysical measures
Authors: Speckert Marie Lynn
Published: July 2024

In this paper, Marie Lynn Speckert delves into the multifaceted dimensions of human existence, intertwining art, philosophy, and science. Beginning with the German distinction between Körper and Leib, the discussion navigates through historical measurement standards, investigations into the soul's weight, and the evolving understanding of consciousness. Starting from Dr. Duncan MacDougall's measurements on his quest for the soul's weight, the paper explores the intersection of science and metaphysics. It critically examines perspectives on the anatomical seat of the soul, challenging traditional notions and probing the explorations of consciousness and its neural underpinnings. By drawing parallels between the human body and technical systems, the article contemplates the profound interconnectedness of body, soul, consciousness, and perception, offering a holistic view of human existence. The article is dedicated to Marie Lynn Speckert's exhibition "58106g - WEIGHT OF SOUL," which was presented in 2023 at the Paul Scherzer Gallery.
Zivilgesellschaft zwischen Lückenbüßer und Utopie
Authors: Dudek Simon
Published: July 2024

Simon Dudek widmet sich in diesem Beitrag der Frage, welches utopische Potenzial sich für die Raumplanung aus dem sich wandelnden Verhältnis von Staat und Zivilgesellschaft gewinnen lässt. Aus der Kritik der Neuen Sozialen Bewegungen an der Planungseuphorie der Nachkriegszeit, der Umdeutung von Bottom-up-Initiativen durch den neoliberalen Zeitgeist und dem damit einhergehenden Rückbau öffentlicher Leistungen entwickelt der Beitrag die Utopie einer starken staatlichen Regulation mit einem hohen Partizipationsgrad in der Raumplanung.
VALIDAÇÃO DE UM INSTRUMENTO PARA AVALIAR A ADESÃO À PROFILAXIA PRÉ-EXPOSIÇÃO AO HIV (PrEP)
Authors: Alves Patrícia Iolanda Coelho , Remor Eduardo , Zullo Sérgio Antônio , Haas Vanderlei José , Elias Henrique Ciabotti , Reis Karina Renata , Castro Sybelle de Souza
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: adaptar e validar a versão em português do Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral (CEAT-VIH), para a utilização em pessoas que fazem uso da Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao HIV (PrEP) no Brasil, avaliar as propriedades métricas e descrever os níveis de adesão à PrEP, observados na amostra do estudo. Método: a adaptação consistiu em adequação (substituição de alguns itens do CEAT-VIH para adaptá-lo para a verificação da adesão à profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV (CEAT-PrEP)) e modificação das escalas de resposta em alguns itens, análise por comitê de juízes, análise semântica e pré-teste. A validação psicométrica foi realizada com 83 indivíduos. As propriedades psicométricas do CEAT-PrEP foram analisadas por meio de evidências de validade relacionadas a critérios externos relevantes. A confiabilidade e o teste-reteste foram analisados pelo alfa de Cronbach e pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), respectivamente. Resultado: após finalizado o processo de adaptação, foram avaliados 83 participantes, com idades entre 22 e 73 anos, 86,7% homens. A confiabilidade (alfa de Cronbach) para o instrumento foi de 0,74 (dimensões: cumprimento do tratamento 0,64 e barreiras para a adesão 0,68). No teste-reteste, o CCI foi 0,64 para a adesão global. Do total da amostra, 61,4% apresentaram algum grau de insuficiência na adesão. O grupo com maior autoestima apresentou menos barreiras em relação à adesão ao tratamento. Conclusão: a adaptação do instrumento obteve êxito, portanto, recomenda-se o CEAT–PrEP para uso em pesquisas e serviços de saúde.