bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning and Text Mining for Advanced Information Sharing Systems in Blockchain and Cybersecurity Applications
Authors:   , Hajian Ava
Published: October 2024

This research explores the role of blockchain technology in advanced information sharing systems with the applications of energy systems and healthcare. Essay 1 proposes a blockchain application to improve resilience in smart grids by addressing cyber security and peer-to-peer trading potentials. The results show that blockchain-based smart contracts are positively related to smart grid resilience. The findings also show that blockchain-based smart contracts significantly contribute to zero trust cybersecurity, which results in a better capability to mitigate cyber-attacks. Essay 2 proposes a blockchain application to improve electronic health record (EHR) systems by increasing patient's empowerment. Confirmatory factor analysis is used for the validity and reliability tests of the model. The results show that blockchain-based information systems can empower patients by providing the perception of control over their health records. The usage of blockchain technology motivates patients to share information with healthcare provider systems and has the advantage of reducing healthcare costs and improving diagnosis management. Essay 3 contributes to the existing literature by using a multimethod approach to propose three new mediators for blockchain-based healthcare information systems: digital health care, healthcare improvement, and peer-to-peer trade capability. Based on the findings from the text analysis, we propose a research model drawing upon stimulus-organism-response theory. Through three experimental studies, we test the research model to explain the patient's willingness to share their health records with others, including researchers. A post hoc analysis is conducted to segment patients and predict their behavior using four machine learning algorithms. The finding was that merely having peer-to-peer trade capability by ignoring healthcare improvement does not necessarily incentivize patients to share their medical reports.
New sightings of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) in México: Citizen science and wildlife dispersion
Authors: Barba-Acuña Isai David , Gallo-Reynoso Juan Pablo , Ortega-Borchardt José Ángel , Muñoz-Espinoza Manuel , Hernández-Camacho Claudia J. , Eder Elena B. , Dobbin-Turner Lynda , Casillas-Angón Christian
Published: October 2024

El elefante marino del sur (Mirounga leonina) tiene una distribución circumpolar en el hemisferio sur.  Sin embargo, observaciones recientes han documentado esta especie en varios lugares del hemisferio norte.  Con la integración de la ciencia ciudadana, se reportan 3 nuevos registros de esta especie en México.  Se recopilaron fotografías, videos e información de elefantes marinos con la colaboración de ciudadanos (pescadores y fotógrafas) en el Golfo de California y la costa sur del Pacífico mexicano.  De los avistamientos se obtuvo información sobre la fecha, hora, ubicación geográfica y comportamiento general del elefante marino.  La especie, sexo y categoría de edad de los pinnípedos se identificaron con base en características morfológicas externas.  Se registraron 3 avistamientos de individuos diferentes de elefante marino del sur en las costas del océano Pacifico de México.  En febrero de 2021 se observó un macho juvenil en Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.  En mayo de 2022 se avistó un macho subadulto en la Bahía de San Jorge, Sonora.  En febrero de 2023 se observó otro macho subadulto en el Golfo de Santa Clara, Sonora.  Documentamos 3 avistamientos extralimitales del elefante marino del sur, uno de los cuales es el registro más septentrional de esta especie en el Océano Pacífico.  Estos registros contribuyen a la comprensión de los patrones de dispersión de los elefantes marinos del sur y resaltan la importancia de la ciencia ciudadana para avanzar en el conocimiento de las distribuciones de los mamíferos marinos.
Analysing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in university students with ADHD: A systematic review
Authors:   Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Final year Occupational Therapy student, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK., Maraschin Gabriella , Gokhale Preetee ,   Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK.
Published: October 2024

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and often persists into adult life. University students with ADHD frequently experience great difficulty with global academic functioning, resulting in higher drop-out rates and, consequently, higher unemployment rates. Objective: This literature review aims to analyse the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions to reduce ADHD-related symptoms in university students with ADHD. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted via EBSCO database in October 2023 using key terms: ADHD OR attention deficit hyperactivity disorder AND cogniti* intervention OR cogniti* therapy AND college student* OR university student*. The inclusion criteria were studies using cognitive behavioural therapy as their primary intervention for individuals with ADHD who are enrolled in university or college and are 18 years or above in age. Results: Seven out of 115 papers were deemed eligible and were included in this review. This review’s studies included four randomized control trials and three before and after open trials. Three key themes were identified through data extraction: intervention design, outcome measures used, and effectiveness of interventions on ADHD-related symptoms. All the studies tailored their CBT intervention toward university students. There was a statistically significant improvement in core domains of ADHD-related impairment, in particular, inattention (N=7), overall executive functions (n=5), and hyperactivity-impulsivity (N=1). Conclusion: While the current findings suggest positive results of CBT for reducing ADHD-related symptoms in university students with ADHD, further research should explore the sustainability of these gains over the long term. Due to the lack of explicit published study on this topic in the United Kingdom, further research should be conducted in the UK to assess the applicability and effectiveness of tailored CBT interventions within the British university environment.
Optimizing range of motion in reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Mouchantaf Mark , Parisi Marco , Secci Gregorio , Biegun Manon , Chelli Mikael , Schippers Philipp , Boileau Pascal
Published: October 2024

Aims

Optimal glenoid positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is crucial to provide impingement-free range of motion (ROM). Lateralization and inclination correction are not yet systematically used. Using planning software, we simulated the most used glenoid implant positions. The primary goal was to determine the configuration that delivers the best theoretical impingement-free ROM.

Methods

With the use of a 3D planning software (Blueprint) for RSA, 41 shoulders in 41 consecutive patients (17 males and 24 females; means age 73 years (SD 7)) undergoing RSA were planned. For the same anteroposterior positioning and retroversion of the glenoid implant, four different glenoid baseplate configurations were used on each shoulder to compare ROM: 1) no correction of the RSA angle and no lateralization (C-L-); 2) correction of the RSA angle with medialization by inferior reaming (C+M+); 3) correction of the RSA angle without lateralization by superior compensation (C+L-); and 4) correction of the RSA angle and additional lateralization (C+L+). The same humeral inlay implant and positioning were used on the humeral side for the four different glenoid configurations with a 3 mm symmetric 135° inclined polyethylene liner.

Results

The configuration with lateralization and correction of the RSA angle (C+L+) led to better ROM in flexion, extension, adduction, and external rotation (p ≤ 0.001). Only internal rotation was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.388). The configuration where correction of the inclination was done by medialization (C+M+) led to the worst ROM in adduction, extension, abduction, flexion, and external rotation of the shoulder.

Conclusion

Our software study shows that, when using a 135° inlay reversed humeral implant, correcting glenoid inclination (RSA angle 0°) and lateralizing the glenoid component by using an angled bony or metallic augment of 8 to 10 mm provides optimal impingement-free ROM.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):851–857.
Study on Design Methodologies for Compact Electric Machines Used in Electrified Mobile Hydraulics
Authors: Tawarawala Parth , Sarode Shanmukh , Assaf Hassan , Vacca Andrea , Shang Lizhi , Sudhoff Scott D.
Published: October 2024

Electric Machines (EMs) have gained increasing importance in the mobile hydraulic industry as prime movers for hydraulic actuation systems. Therefore, their design and sizing are important aspects for any system layout architecture. The on-road vehicle industry has exploited EM versatility by proposing different sizes for various applications. However, off-road vehicles cannot borrow designs from on-road applications directly due to their unique challenges pertaining to drive cycle dynamics and limited space availability. Furthermore, considerations of the thermal limitations of EM and their cooling must also be studied to devise an effective methodology for designing prime movers suitable for mobile hydraulic applications.
This paper proposes EM operational sizing strategies based on corner point operation, flux weakening and transient operation that can downsize EMs by carefully selecting sizing points from the operating domain. These strategies can leverage the operational capabilities of EMs and involve trade-offs in terms of EM compactness and efficiency. Therefore, based on a specific requirement, a given strategy can have certain benefits explored in this paper. The paper also examines two other downsizing methods based on switching the ePump architecture to variable displacement pump operation and improving the cooling performance. The paper considers a 5-ton mini excavator’s arm actuator as a reference application. The resulting EMs are compared in terms of size and efficiency to study the effectiveness of each operational sizing strategy. This paper uses a well-established genetic algorithm-based multi-objective algorithm to design a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) for each sizing strategy. The effect of cooling technology is considered in terms of limiting winding current density for the EMs, and the impact of cooling technology on the size and efficiency of the EM is also demonstrated. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed operational sizing strategies in downsizing EMs is combined with, and compared to other methods like variable displacement operation and aggressive cooling to identify the best ways to obtain the most compact EMs for any hydraulic application.
Uso comum, terra comum, conflitos comuns: sobre terras de uso comum e a questão agrária / Common Land, Common Use, Common Conflicts: The Common Use of Land and the Agrarian Question
Authors: Olesko Gustavo F.
Published: October 2024

resumo: O entendimento do uso comum da terra como prática intrínseca à construção classista e do modo de vida de uma fração do campesinato faz-se na práxis. Busca-se compreender como a classe camponesa tem no uso comum da terra uma prática que lhe permite escapar, ainda que relativamente, da sujeição de sua renda e de seu trabalho. Tendo por base o materialismo dialético, analisa-se o que é o comum, tanto em seu sentido etimológico quanto em seu sentido prático, da realidade do campesinato. Debate-se a terra de uso comum e a questão da imposição da propriedade privada como elementos inseparáveis. Argumenta-se que o Estado age como ferramenta de imposição e formação da propriedade privada, de forma que fortalece o desenvolvimento desigual do modo de produção capitalista. Finalmente, explora-se a formação dos territórios camponeses no Brasil, notando que, em sua origem, esses são construções de terras de uso comum. abstract: This paper explores the use of land as a common practice that is intrinsic to the class construction and way of life of a sub-section of the peasantry. The aim is to understand how the common use of land among the peasant class allows them to escape, albeit relatively, from the subjection of their income and labor. Grounded in dialectical materialism, we analyze what is common in both its etymological and concrete sense in relation to the experiences of the peasantry. We discuss common land and the imposition of private property as inseparable, and argue that the state acts as a tool for imposing and shaping private property, in a way that strengthens the uneven development of capitalist production. Lastly, we use our analysis to explore the formation of peasant territories in Brazil, which have emerged from land in common use.
Fundamental limits of light-wave sensing for non-contact respiration monitoring
Authors: Martin Brenden , Islam Md Zobaer , Gotcher Carly , Martinez Tyler , Ekin Sabit , O’Hara John F.
Published: October 2024

An experimental testbed was constructed to rigorously assess the fundamental limits of light-wave sensing—an economic, non-contact vitals monitoring approach previously reported. We improve the testbed using lock-in amplification and demonstrate that a photodetector and a commonplace array of infrared LEDs are sufficient to detect respiratory motion and quantify respiration rate up to 2.5 meters away. We propose a novel scattering model, from which we derive the performance limits of the light-wave sensing system in terms of a theoretical range resolution limited by the dynamic range of the system. Using a robotic breathing phantom, we experimentally assess, for the first time, the range resolution of the testbed system and compare this to theoretical predictions. This work also introduces a process for generating stochastic respiration patterns, which may prove broadly useful to the designers of breathing phantoms. Holistically exploring practical challenges and analytical models, this paper serves as a unique and comprehensive tutorial for understanding and designing light-wave sensing systems.
Image formation through aspheric concave Fresnel-type mirrors
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Martín , Avendaño-Alejo Maximino , Castillo-Santiago Gabriel , Huerta-Carranza Oliver
Published: October 2024

We study the formation of caustic surfaces produced by concave Fresnel-type mirrors, whose parent curve is defined by an aspherical curve rotationally symmetric about the optical axis. We assume that a point light source is placed at arbitrary distances along the optical axis considering three different cases, providing either real or virtual caustic surfaces. Alternatively, varying the parameters of design, it is possible to reduce the size and modify the shape of the caustic surfaces, which have wide potential applications in both fields of imaging and non-imaging optical systems based on Fresnel-type mirrors. Finally, the cuspid of the caustics formed around the central groove near the optical axis coincides with the position of paraxial images in such a way that we provide the mirror-image equation for Fresnel-type mirrors.
Frequency tuning of a squeezed vacuum state using interferometric enhanced acousto-optic effect
Authors: Deng Qiqi , Li Wenqi , Guo Xueshi , Li Xiaoying
Published: October 2024

Quantum frequency conversion is one of the important tools for quantum information processing. So far, the frequency conversion of continuous variable quantum state in radio frequency range has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the optical frequency fine tuning of a squeezed vacuum state by using an acousto-optic modulator based bi-frequency interferometer. The systematic efficiency of the frequency tuning device is 91%, which is only confined by the optical transmission efficiency of the acousto-optic modulators. The amount of frequency tuning is 80 MHz, which is orders of magnitude larger than the line-width of the laser used to generate the squeezed state and can, in principle, be further extended. A squeezed vacuum state with −3.47 ± 0.02 dB squeezing level is sent to the frequency tuning device, and a squeezing level of −1.98 ± 0.02 dB is directly measured by a fiber coupled homodyne detector after the frequency tuning. Our scheme can also be applied to a variety of other quantum optical states as well and will serve as a handy tool for quantum networks.
N × N MMI performance improvement method by suppressing propagation constant errors
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Qiu Jifang , He Yijun , Liu Chang , Li Qiuyan , Li Yan , Wu Jian
Published: October 2024

We propose a method to improve the performance of N × N(N⩾3) multimode interference couplers (MMIs) by suppressing propagation constant errors through controlling excited guided modes and the width of MMI, without increasing their fabrication complexity. 5 × 5 MMIs were fabricated on a commercial 220-nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform to verify the method. Measurement results show that insertion losses (ILs) and imbalances (Ims) are reduced from 2.28 dB to 0.16 dB and from 6.94 dB to 0.33 dB, respectively.
Microsecond electro-optic switching in the nematic phase of a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Thapa Kamal , Paladugu Sathyanarayana , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: October 2024

Nematic liquid crystals exhibit nanosecond electro-optic response to an applied electric field which modifies the degree of orientational order without realigning the molecular orientation. However, this nanosecond electrically modified order parameter (NEMOP) effect requires high driving fields, on the order of 108 V/m for a modest birefringence change of 0.01. In this work, we demonstrate that a nematic phase of the recently discovered ferroelectric nematic materials exhibits a robust and fast electro-optic response. Namely, a relatively weak field of 2 × 107 V/m changes the birefringence by ≈ 0.04 with field-on and-off times around 1 μs. This microsecond electrically modified order parameter (MEMOP) effect shows a greatly improved figure of merit when compared to other electro-optical switching modes in liquid crystals, including the conventional Frederiks effect, and has a potential for applications in fast electro-optical devices such as phase modulators, optical shutters, displays, and beam steerers.
Snapshot coherent diffraction imaging via a physics-embedded untrained neural network
Authors: Yang Yixiao , Li Ziyang , Yang Xiaodong , Liu Zhengjun , Tao Ran
Published: October 2024

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a lens-free imaging paradigm that
avoids the diffraction limit caused by lens chromatic aberration.
However, due to the ill-posed problem of phase retrieval, experiments
often require the collection of multiple diffraction patterns for
image reconstruction, which limits its application in dynamic imaging
scenarios. In this Letter, we propose a physics-embedded untrained
neural network for snapshot coherent diffraction imaging. Our network
embeds a physical model of diffraction propagation and can be trained
in an unsupervised learning paradigm. Moreover, the proposed method is
applicable to complex-valued samples and is flexible for various
imaging settings. Simulation and experiments demonstrate that the
proposed physics-embedded network architecture performs better and
achieves state-of-the-art results in snapshot CDI, compared with
existing unsupervised methods.
Association between in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding and subsequent exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Takano Tomoka , Okawa Sumiyo , Nanishi Keiko , Iwamoto Azusa , Obara Hiromi , Baba Hiroko , Seino Kaori , Amano Yuki , Hachiya Masahiko , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: October 2024

Breastfeeding practices during hospitalisation may influence subsequent breastfeeding practices; however, this association has not been well studied in Japan. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during hospitalisation and that under 6 months and describe the change in breastfeeding patterns from the first to the sixth month based on the breastfeeding status during hospitalisation. This nationwide cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan included 1,433 postpartum women of < 6 months who underwent live singleton deliveries between January 2021 and August 2021. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to analyse the association of first day EBF (24 h after birth) and the first 7 d of EBF, a proxy for the hospitalisation period, with a 24-h recall of EBF before the survey. We described the proportion of breastfeeding practices per age group under 6 months. The rates of EBF during the first day and the first 7 d were 29.7% and 10.0%, respectively. The EBF during the first-day group and the first 7-d group showed significantly higher prevalence ratios of 24-h recall EBF under 6 months of age than the non-EBF groups. The area graphs showed that the rate of EBF was the lowest in the first month of age and gradually increased over time until weaning was initiated. This rate was higher among infants exclusively breastfed during the first 7 d than among those exclusively breastfed on the first day. In conclusion, EBF during hospitalisation was significantly associated with subsequent EBF practice for < 6 months. However, 90% of the infants were supplemented with milk rather than breast milk during hospitalisation. Strengthening breastfeeding support during hospitalisation and after discharge may increase the rate of EBF in children under 6 months, and more mothers and their infants will benefit from breastfeeding.
Direct patient costs for drugs and consumables at fifteen health facilities in Southern Madagascar, a secondary analysis of patient invoices
Authors: Franke Mara Anna , Neumann Anne , Nordmann Kim , Suleymanova Daniela , Ravololohanitra Onja Gabrielle , Knauss Samuel , Emmrich Julius Valentin
Published: October 2024

Background

Financial risk protection in health is a key objective of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, financial risk protection mechanisms are limited, especially in low-income countries, such as Madagascar. To design effective financial risk protection mechanisms, solid and reliable data on the costs patients incur when seeking care are essential. With this study, we therefore aim to describe medical costs for drugs and consumables for patients as well as model the likelihood of catastrophic health expenditure at fifteen health facilities in Southern Madagascar.

Methods

We conducted a costing analysis of patient invoices from fifteen health facilities (four primary and eleven secondary facilities) in Southern Madagascar, including public, private, and faith-based facilities. We included invoices from patients accessing care for life-threatening conditions, accidents and injuries, paediatric, or maternity care between February 2021 and July 2022. Costing data were limited to costs for drugs and consumables. We used regional household expenditure data from a representative household survey to calculate the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure in our sample.

Results

We analysed data from 9,855 cases, including 4,980 outpatient cases, 3,447 inpatient cases without surgical intervention, and 1,419 surgical cases. The average patient cost for drugs and medical consumables across all cases was USD 39.52 (range: USD 0.13–1,381.18, IQR: USD 9.07–46.91). Average costs for surgical treatment were USD 119.33 (range: USD 8.10–522.88, IQR: USD 73.81–160.49), for inpatient treatment USD 47.07 (range: USD 1.82–1,381.19, IQR: USD 22.38–58.91), and for outpatient treatment USD 11.73 (range: USD 0.15–207.79, IQR USD: 6.00–15.53). On average patients at faith-based facilities paid USD 47.20 (range: USD 0.49–530.33, IQR: 10.74–58.54), USD19.47 (range: USD 0.40–1,381.23, IQR: 6.77–24.07) at private facilities, and USD 34.65 (range: USD 0.58–245.24, IQR: USD 6.08–60.11) at public facilities. Patients requiring surgical care were most likely to experience catastrophic health expenditure and average costs for maternity care were significantly higher than for other patient groups.

Conclusions

Financial risk protection schemes in Madagascar, such as the national UHC policy, and the national solidarity fund, as well as interventions by non-governmental and multilateral organisations, need to focus on surgical cases and maternity care to protect vulnerable populations from catastrophic health expenditures for life-threatening conditions, accidents and injuries, and maternity and paediatric care.
A search for bacteria identified from cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in previous surgical events
Authors: Hodor Paul , Pope Christopher E. , Whitlock Kathryn B. , McDonald Patrick J. , Hauptman Jason , Hoffman Lucas R. , Limbrick David D. , Simon Tamara D. ,   on behalf of the Cerebrospinal FLuId MicroBiota in Shunts (CLIMB) Study Group
Published: October 2024

Shunt infections are a common complication when treating hydrocephalus by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement. The source of infecting pathogens is not well understood. One hypothesis, which we explored here, is that microorganisms persist chronically in the host long before a symptomatic infection occurs and may be detectable in surgical events preceding infection. A cohort of 13 patients was selected, for which CSF samples were available from an infection episode and from a previous surgery event, which was either an initial shunt placement or a revision. Microbiota were analyzed both directly from CSF and from isolates cultured from CSF on aerobic and anaerobic media. The detection and identification of bacteria was done with high throughput DNA sequencing methods and mass spectrometry. The presence of bacteria was confirmed in 4 infection samples, of which 2 were after initial placement and 2 after revision surgery. Taxonomic identification was consistent with clinical microbiology laboratory results. Bacteria were not detected in any of the CSF samples collected at the time of the previous surgical events. While our findings do not provide direct evidence for long-term persistence of pathogens, they suggest the need for consideration of additional source material, such as biofilm and environmental swabs, and/or the use of more sensitive and specific analytical methods.
Transcriptome profiling of two rice varieties reveals their molecular responses under high night-time temperature
Authors: Mustahsan Wardah K. , Liang Yuya , Mohammed Abdul R. , Johnson Charles D. , Septiningsih Endang M. , Tarpley Lee , Thomson Michael J.
Published: October 2024

High night-time temperatures (HNT) pose a threat to the sustainability of crop production, including rice. HNT can affect crop productivity and quality by influencing plant physiology, morphology, and phenology. The ethylene perception inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), can minimize HNT-induced damage to plant membranes, thereby preventing decrease in rice yield. In this study, we employed a transcriptome approach to investigate the effects of HNT, 1-MCP, and their interaction on two Texas rice varieties, Antonio and Colorado. The plants were exposed to temperatures of 25°C (ambient night-time temperature, ANT) and 30°C (HNT) using an infrared heating system from the booting stage until harvest, while 1-MCP was applied at the booting stage of rice development. Several physiological and agronomical traits were evaluated under each condition to assess plant responses. Leaf tissues were collected from the plants grown in the ANT and HNT conditions after the heat stress and 1-MCP treatments. Based on agronomic performance, Colorado was less negatively affected than Antonio under HNT, showing a slight reduction in spikelet fertility and leaf photosynthetic rate but no significant reduction in yield. The application of 1-MCP significantly mitigated the adverse effects of HNT in Antonio. However, no significant differences were observed in yield and leaf photosynthetic rate in Colorado. Furthermore, transcriptomic data revealed distinct responsive mechanisms in Antonio and Colorado in response to both HNT and 1-MCP. Several ethylene and senescence-related transcription factors (TFs) were identified only in Antonio, suggesting that 1-MCP affected the ethylene signaling pathway in Antonio but not in Colorado. These findings contribute to our understanding of the physiological differences between varieties exhibiting susceptible and tolerant responses to high night-time temperatures, as well as their response to 1-MCP and ethylene regulation under 1-MCP.
Developing lifestyle intervention program for pre-hypertensive patients; consensus building using a modified Delphi approach
Authors: Hassan Danish , Shakil Ur Rehman Syed , Khalid Saira , Tipu Imran , Husnain Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Background

Prehypertension is a preclinical state of hypertension which leads to an increased likelihood of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease as well as target organ damage. Addressing pre-hypertension through early lifestyle interventions is crucial to mitigating these detrimental effects and improving long-term health outcomes. So, the main objective of this study is to develop a lifestyle intervention program (LSIP) for the management of prehypertension using consensus building approach.

Methods

It was a three round online modified Delphi study with 70 members panellists. All panellists had an experience of prehypertension either as patients (n = 30) or professionals (n = 40). Round 1 included initial recommendations developed from a previous systematic review and metanalysis, which were rated by panellists for their importance on a 5-point Likert scale. Panellists could also suggest additional items in the Round 1. Round 2 and 3 included all items from the Round 1 with new items suggested by the panellists. Data was analysed descriptively using SPSS version 29. All items receiving at least 70% of all respondents combined rating of ‘Important’ and ‘Very Important’ in Round 3 were included in the final set of recommendations.

Results

Fifty-one panellists (80.9%) (patients = 25, professionals = 26) completed Round 3. Twenty-six recommendation items were included in the Round 1. Twenty new items were added in Round 2 with 46 total items in Round 2 and 3. Thirty-five of these items reached consensus in Round 3. The final set of recommendation comprised of 15 educational. 10 dietary, and 10 exercise recommendations.

Conclusion

This modified Delphi study developed a comprehensive LSIP for the prevention of prehypertension, incorporating a holistic approach with educational, dietary, and exercise components aimed at the general population. Previously established standards of care (SOC) for managing prehypertension varied significantly and often provided fragmented guidance particularly on physical activity and education. This preventive model offers a novel and scalable approach for early intervention in prehypertension, potentially reducing reliance on medications and improving long-term health outcomes.
Preventive and treatment efficiency of dendrosomal nano-curcumin against ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis in mouse model
Authors: Beikzadeh Behnaz , Khani Mona , Zarinehzadeh Yasamin , Abedini Bakhshmand Elham , Sadeghizadeh Majid , Rabbani Shahram , Soltani Bahram M.
Published: October 2024

Cardiac fibrosis (c-fibrosis) is a critical factor in cardiovascular diseases, leading to impaired cardiac function and heart failure. This study aims to optimize the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced c-fibrosis model and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of dendrosomal nano-curcumin (DNC) in both in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Also, we were looking for the differentially expressed genes following the c-fibrosis induction. At the in-vitro condition, primary cardiac fibroblasts were exclusively cultured on collagen-coated or polystyrene plates and, were treated with ISO for fibrosis induction and post-treated or co-treated with DNC. RT-qPCR and flow cytometry analysis indicated that DNC treatment attenuated the fibrotic effect of ISO treatment in these cells. At the in-vivo condition, our findings demonstrated that ISO treatment effectively induces cardiac (and pulmonary) fibrosis, characterized by pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory gene expression and IHC (α-SMA, COL1A1, and TGFβ). Interestingly, fibrosis symptoms were reduced following the pretreatment, co-treatment, or post-treatment of DNC with ISO. Additionally, the intensive RNAseq analysis suggested the COMP gene is differentially expressed following the c-fibrosis and our RT-qPCR analysis suggested it as a novel potential marker. Overall, our results promise the application of DNC as a potential preventive or therapy agent before and after heart challenges that lead to c-fibrosis.
The expansion bias: Loss in Landy’s role theory and method
Authors: Kanter Jodi
Published: October 2024

Since its inception, Landy’s role theory has posited that expansion of the client’s role system is indicative of greater well-being. But this expansion bias bypasses a fundamental human experience, that of loss. This article draws on theoretical writings in cultural and performance studies, as well as a case study in role methods, to consider the loss of roles and the contraction of the role system as potentially positive outcomes for trauma survivors.
‘Just Play’: Developing a drama therapy dyadic play intervention for children with intellectual developmental disabilities and their parents
Authors: Stern Amitai , Feniger-Schaal Rinat , Rabinowitch Tal-Chen
Published: October 2024

This clinical commentary presents ‘Just Play’ – a dyadic drama therapy play intervention for children with intellectual developmental disabilities and their parents and the process of its development. These parents tend to be more didactic and less playful in interactions with their children, yet existing interventions for this population have not aimed to specifically target parent–child playfulness or encourage free-play interactions. The ‘Just Play’ intervention emphasizes the intrinsic values of play for the sake of play and playfulness for these parents and children. In this commentary, we will present the theoretical background for the intervention and its unique contribution. We will describe the process of the intervention’s development side-by-side with clinical vignettes performing the intervention, integrating research and praxis. The ‘Just Play’ intervention focuses on promoting free play and playfulness both as the medium and as the very goal of the intervention itself.
Método Delphi para categorizar e hierarquizar riscos nos incêndios em edificações hospitalares
Authors: Pugas André Francisco , Suski Cassio Aurélio Suski
Published: October 2024

Edificações hospitalares, devido a natureza das atividades exercidas e a alta concentração de pessoas sem condição de locomoção, apresentam cenários complexos durante eventos de incêndio em relação ao gerenciamento dos riscos. Este artigo explora o gerenciamento de possíveis riscos durante as ações de combate a incêndio por meio do método Delphi. Equipes especializadas de bombeiros militares foram reunidas para deliberar sobre os riscos existentes nas edificações hospitalares da Grande Florianópolis. O método Delphi permitiu realizar o processo de categorização e hierarquização dos possíveis riscos a serem gerenciados nessas edificações, realizados pelos bombeiros militares do 10º Batalhão de Bombeiros Militar, com base em suas experiências e conhecimentos das edificações. Foram categorizados 20 possíveis riscos a serem encontrados nesses cenários. A análise desses riscos, de forma prospetiva, permitirá às equipes estarem melhor preparadas para gerenciar os riscos de forma sistemática.
Conflitos relativos ao acionamento da buzina de trem: de alerta antecipado a incômodo sonoro
Authors: Fernandes Karen Andressa , Valencio Norma , Trombetta Zannin Paulo Henrique , Da Rosa Marluza , Alves Orsi Rafael
Published: October 2024

A buzina de locomotiva é um dispositivo técnico e legal que visa à redução de riscos relacionados ao tráfego ferroviário. No entanto, há controvérsias: populações circunvizinhas a ferrovias podem entendê-la como incômodo sonoro e reivindicar seus direitos ambientais. Com o objetivo de compreender o teor desse tipo de conflito socioambiental, foi analisado um caso que tem ocorrido em São Carlos (São Paulo, Brasil). Por meio de pesquisa qualitativa (bibliográfica, documental e análise do discurso) e sob um prisma interdisciplinar, verificou-se que os segmentos sociais envolvidos no conflito adotam visões inconciliáveis sobre os prós e contras deste dispositivo de alerta antecipado, indo do cumprimento de deveres inderrogáveis de segurança de tráfego ferroviário ao direito inalienável a uma paisagem sonora condizente com o bem-estar humano. Conclui-se que tal conflito expõe a emergência de uma fobia sonora e uma disputa por definição de riscos motivadas por três choques: superposições territoriais, ancoradas em fases distintas da modernidade, racionalidades e práticas sociais antagônicas, e diferentes noções de risco que embasam os discursos.
COMPARISON OF PREHABILITATION FOR ENHANCING POSTSURGICAL RESULTS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING
Authors: Umar Dr Umama
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of prehabilitation for enhancing postsurgical results in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Methods: Quasi- experimental study , conducted at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Sample size 58 patients, aged 40 to 65 years , both genders underwent CABG were selected and divided into two groups (Resistance Training Group 1 ) was performed resistance exercises of major muscle groups of upper and lower limbs Whereas (Conventional Group 2 ) was performed Early Mobilization and Deep Breathing exercises were provided for 2 times a day , 10-15 repetitions, five days and for three weeks to both groups.. (HHQ-GP-1) was used as screening tool. In outcome measuring tools (CFS), (6MWT); Heart rate; oxygen saturation were used at baseline, 3
rd week and postoperatively. Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation (hours) and Hospital Stay were also noted as outcome measures of this study.

Results: Results obtained indicate that level of (CFS) has improved in group 1 (Resistance Training Group) 6.06±1.64 to 1.34±0.48 showing significant improvement Similarly in postoperative comparison of resistance and conventional training group ; Resistance Training Group showed significant improvement in Postoperative Mechanical ventilation 4.62
±0.86 to 7.68±0.76 and Postoperative Hospital Length of stay 4.34± 0.93 to 8.44±0.82 .

Conclusion: It was concluded. that Prehabilitative Resistance Training effective in improving postoperative Clinical Frailty, Mechanical ventilation and Hospital Length of stay in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Keywords: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Pre-operative Rehabilitation, Prehabilitation
Enhanced Agricultural Parcel Segmentation Through Multi-Modal Satellite Image Time Series Prediction
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Authors: Vasilescu Vlad , Datcu Mihai , Faur Daniela
Published: October 2024

Land monitoring plays a vital role in modern farming practices and agricultural management. An accurate tracking of status and conditions for agricultural parcels could help farmers and landowners make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, pest control and crop rotation choices. Moreover, it enables early detection of potential problems such as soil erosion, plant disease or invasive species infestations, allowing for timely intervention and mitigation measures. Consequently, this leads to promoting sustainable farming practices, improving crop yields and supporting the long-term health of both farmland and ecosystems.

One-off acquisitions of satellite images may not be sufficient to accurately identify land crop categories due to temporal variations in agricultural activities and other natural phenomena. Satellite image time series (SITS) data provide a comprehensive view over time, capturing seasonal changes, crop growth cycles and land dynamics, enabling the development of robust classification models and for a more informed decision-making process in agriculture and land management.

In this paper, we tackled the task of semantic segmentation of agricultural fields, using both optical and radar modalities. Our experiments made use of the PASTIS dataset, containing over 2.4k 128 x 128 time series, each acquisition encapsulating 10 relevant Sentinel-2 (S2) bands (out of the 13 bands provided by Sentinel-2, bands B1, B9 and B10 were excluded). We have also experimented with it's multimodal counterpart, namely PASTIS-R, containing corresponding Sentinel-1 (S1) time-series, in both ascending and descending orbit. The versatility of these datasets, acquired over the French metropolitan area, motivates their usage in training algorithms which could be further applied on a variety of environments. While S2-based SITS segmentation has been the most attempted approach in recent years, very few works succesfully address the multimodal fusion of optical and radar data (S1 + S2). In our study, we experimented with both trajectories, aiming to find a good trade-off between accuracy and inference speed. We tested multiple fusion techniques for S1 + S2 prediction, drawing conclusions regarding the best approach, while also proposing a technique to retrieve the most influential/non-influential timestamps, through a cross-attention module encapsulated in a mid-fusion strategy. Our experiments reveal that we can achieve comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art (SOA) methods, albeit with improved computational speed.

The development of fast and accurate automatic systems for crop segmentation is mostly driven by the need of rapid climate change adaptation, lowering the risk of future unpredictable losses, while also increasing resilience through the pre-emptive adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques.
Navigating the Productivity of Local Government in Lagos State: A Case Study of Alimosho Local Government
Authors: Ayobamidele Damilola David
Published: October 2024

AbstractLocal government productivity is extremely important to the development and management of grassroots communities. In Lagos State, Nigeria, Alimosho Local Government serves as a crucial case for understanding the dynamics of local government operations. This paper examines the factors influencing productivity within the Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State, it evaluates the effectiveness of governance structures, and suggests some strategies for improving service delivery. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys, and secondary data analysis, this study highlights both the challenges and opportunities in enhancing local government productivity.
Impact of Auditory Training on Speech Recognition and Quality of Life in Adults with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Warde Hasnaa
Published: October 2024

Auditory training (AT) plays a critical role in optimizing speech perception outcomes for adults with cochlear implants (CIs). This literature review explores the impact of auditory training on auditory skills development for adults using cochlear implants (CIs). Cochlear implants have revolutionized hearing rehabilitation, yet many recipients face challenges in adapting to the new auditory signals. Auditory training, which involves structured exercises designed to enhance listening skills, has been proposed as a method to improve auditory outcomes in CI users. This review synthesizes findings from various studies, highlighting that auditory training can lead to significant improvements in speech recognition, especially in challenging listening environments, and improves overall auditory processing. A qualitative summary of 23 studies sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL revealed that all but four studies reported significant improvements in at least one measured or patient-reported outcome following auditory training. However, the outcomes are highly variable, with some studies reporting minimal or no benefits, likely due to differences in training protocols, duration, and participant characteristics. A major limitation across studies is the lack of standardized training programs and the small sample sizes, which hinder the generalizability of results. Moreover, the long-term effects of auditory training remain underexplored. Despite these limitations, the evidence suggests that individualized auditory training could be a valuable component of post-implantation rehabilitation, warranting further research to optimize and standardize these interventions.
What is the factorization of

x

n

+

y

n

when
n is an even positive integer?
Authors: Hassani Mohamed Elmansour
Published: October 2024

The main motivation behind this paper is the question ‘What is the factorization of
x

n

+

y

n
when
n is an even positive integer?’ which
was and
is frequently asked on the Internet by many high school and university students and, to my knowledge, even the specialized textbooks and research articles have not yet answered the question, and over time the question itself is transformed into a problem that needs to be solved. In the present article, the question is positively answered and the problem is solved through the detailed study of the factorization that leads directly to an apparently new type of indefinite irrational integrals.
Preposições órfãs no português brasileiro
Authors: Antonelli André , Franzão Daiara Negri Godoi
Published: October 2024

Neste trabalho, apresentamos evidências de que o PB é uma língua que licencia preposições órfãs, ao contrário do que já havia sido defendido na literatura. Também mostramos por que esse fenômeno não é generalizado, com alguns itens preposicionais admitindo P-stranding, ao passo que outros descartam completamente essa possibilidade. Defendemos que, na base, a diferença entre esses dois grupos está na possibilidade de se aplicar ou não uma operação de contração sintática, possibilidade esta que dependeria do valor lexical/funcional de cada preposição. A ideia de contração não é uma ferramenta teórica nova para explicar o fenômeno de preposition stranding. O diferencial de nossa análise é explicitar que a contração impedindo o licenciamento de P-stranding é um processo puramente sintático, que afetaria apenas preposições de conteúdo mais funcional. Basicamente, tais preposições sofrem um processo de fusão com seu complemento, o que inviabiliza a extração de tal elemento. Em relação a preposições de natureza mais lexical, nossa proposta é que elas selecionam uma categoria preposicional nula que seria responsável por atribuir caso ao DP complemento. Esse item nulo intermediário impediria a operação sintática de contração entre o DP complemento e a preposição foneticamente visível. Por não haver contração, licencia-se a extração do DP complemento, o que explicaria o fenômeno de P-stranding.