bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIPRAJA's impact on Community Engagement can be seen from the public service revolution
Authors: Sentifolia Shendya Rossi , Mursyidah Lailul
Published: September 2024

This research evaluates the effectiveness of SIPRAJA in Porong Village, Indonesia, aiming to enhance public service quality. Despite challenges like low community participation, the study identifies factors hindering and supporting SIPRAJA and assesses its impact using qualitative methods. Results show strategic planning, policy coordination, and effective monitoring as key to its success, emphasizing the importance of improved socialization for community engagement.
Highlights:

SIPRAJA Program Evaluation: Assessing public service effectiveness in Porong Village.
Key Success Factors: Strategic planning, policy coordination, and community engagement.
Community Participation: Improving socialization for enhanced public service involvement.

Keywords: SIPRAJA, public service effectiveness, community engagement, strategic planning, qualitative research
Insights into Enhancing Rural Service Quality through Community-Driven Research
Authors: Pratama Yoga Putra Nur , Fitria Agustina Isna
Published: September 2024

This research analyzes the quality of population administration services in Kejapanan village, Gempol District, Pasuruan Regency, focusing on both inhibiting and supporting factors. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were gathered through interviews, observations, and documentation with village officials and community users. Findings indicate deficiencies in service facilities, reliability due to established standards, responsiveness through a suggestion box, inadequate punctuality, and strong empathy from officials. Challenges include human resource quality and employee discipline, while training supports service improvements. Enhancing facilities, discipline, and training are recommended to boost service quality.
Highlights:

Service Deficiencies: Gaps in facilities, infrastructure, and punctuality impact quality.
Officer Reliability: Established standards ensure reliable administration and service support.
Community Interaction: Responsiveness and empathy foster positive community relations.

Keywords: population administration, service quality, village governance, qualitative research, community satisfaction
Transforming Food Security for Economic Independence in Indonesia
Authors: Sari Endang Kumala , Fitria Agustina Isna
Published: September 2024

Food security, crucial for ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious food, is a key government focus. This study examines the food security program in Watutulis Village, Prambon District, aimed at achieving economic independence. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, with purposive sampling of knowledgeable informants. Results show successful efforts in food production and access, notably through fish farming, but limited utilization of these resources beyond household consumption. The study suggests enhancing collaborations with local businesses to create value-added food products, driving economic growth and independence for the village.
Highlights:

Successful food production and access via fish farming.
Limited food utilization beyond household consumption.
Need collaboration with local businesses for economic growth.

Keywords: food security, Watutulis Village, economic independence, food utilization, qualitative research
Effective Facilitation and Major Improvements through Revamping Wage Regulations in Indonesia
Authors: Evendi Zakaria , Fitria Agustina Isna
Published: September 2024

This study examines the role of the Sidoarjo Regency Manpower Office in determining the Regency/City Minimum Wage (UMK). Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation with key informants such as workers' unions, employers, and government officials. The findings reveal that the Manpower Office effectively facilitates wage determination by providing necessary infrastructure, forming wage councils, and aligning with central government regulations. However, improvements in infrastructure efficiency and the development of clearer, faster regulatory methods are needed. This research highlights the office's strengths and areas for enhancement in setting fair minimum wages.
Highlights:

Effective Facilitation: Provides infrastructure and forms wage councils for UMK determination.
Regulatory Alignment: Complies with central government policies and living needs.
Infrastructure Improvement: Enhances efficiency and develops faster, clearer regulations.

Keywords: Sidoarjo Regency, Manpower Office, Minimum Wage, Labor Regulation, Qualitative Research
Impact and Dynamics of Stakeholders in Indonesia through the Public Service Evaluation Revolution
Authors: Prasetyo Rizki Aninditya , UB Ahmad Riyadh
Published: September 2024

This qualitative descriptive study investigates the implementation of PermenPAN RB No. 6 of 2022 on civil service performance assessment at BKD Sidoarjo, Indonesia. Using interviews, observation, and documentation, the research explores how the policy provides subjective assessments, tracks employee work for personal and organizational evaluation, and involves stakeholders in the assessment process. Findings indicate that the policy aligns with stakeholder expectations, facilitates dialogue between employees and superiors, and employs various strategies for performance evaluation. This study contributes to understanding policy implementation dynamics in public administration, emphasizing the importance of aligning policy objectives with practical strategies to improve employee competency and organizational effectiveness in the public sector.
Highlights:

Examines PermenPAN RB No. 6's implementation, effectiveness in civil service assessment.
Emphasizes stakeholder involvement, vital for policy alignment and organizational goals.
Highlights need for practical strategies, enhancing employee competency in public administration.

Keywords: Policy Implementation, Civil Service Performance Assessment, Stakeholder Involvement, Public Administration, Organizational Effectiveness
Evaluating Samarinda City's Sub-district Digitalization Policy for Enhanced Public Services
Authors: Hidayatullah Aji Syarif
Published: September 2024

General Background: The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly impacted public service delivery, with governments worldwide exploring digital transformation to enhance administrative efficiency and public engagement. Specific Background: In Samarinda City, the implementation of a digitalization trial program in sub-districts has been undertaken to address the existing dissatisfaction among the public with conventional public services. Knowledge Gap: While digitalization is presumed to improve service efficiency and accessibility, empirical evidence on its effectiveness, particularly at the sub-district level, remains sparse. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the policy of the digitalization trial program in Samarinda City's sub-districts, focusing on its capacity to improve service quality and its broader impacts on public administration. Results: The findings reveal significant enhancements in service efficiency and user satisfaction, marked by a decrease in physical visits to sub-district offices as residents increasingly access services online. Novelty: This research contributes to the understanding of digital transformation at a micro-administrative level, a less explored area in digital governance studies. Implications: The successful implementation of the digitalization program in Samarinda City suggests potential scalability to other regions, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and continuous training to realize the benefits of digital governance fully.
Highlights:

Efficiency Gains: Reduced physical visits signify increased service efficiency.
User Satisfaction: Digital services improved accessibility and speed, enhancing satisfaction.
Scalability: The program's success highlights its potential for broader application, requiring strategic planning and continuous training.

Keywords: E-Government, Digitalization Program Policy, Community Services
Theoretical Study of the Steady Time of Thermal Transmission in Materials That Have Engineering Uses
Authors: AlAttar Raghad Hikmet , Allawy Asim S. , Dakkama Hassan. J
Published: September 2024

General Background: Understanding the time required to achieve steady-state heat transfer in construction materials is crucial for various engineering applications, including construction, architecture, and electronics. Specific Background: This study investigates the steady time of thermal transmission in engineering materials using both theoretical and experimental approaches. Knowledge Gap: Despite existing research on heat transfer, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that integrate both simulation and experimental validation for a wide range of building materials.Aims: The primary aim is to evaluate the steady-state time of heat transfer in fifteen construction materials through theoretical models and simulations using MATLAB and ANSYS, and to experimentally validate these findings with four selected materials. Results: The study finds that the steady time for heat transfer varies significantly among materials, with wood packaging requiring the longest time (32.49 hours) and aluminum the shortest (0.49 hours). Theoretical results, validated by simulations, show close agreement between MATLAB and ANSYS (0.087% deviation) and between numerical and experimental results (9.5% deviation). Brick demonstrated a 61.18% longer heat transfer time compared to concrete, while thermostone showed a 17.45% and 89.31% increase over brick and concrete, respectively. Novelty: This research provides new insights into the comparative stability of heat transfer times across a broad spectrum of materials, highlighting significant performance variations and validating simulation methods against experimental data. Implications: These findings are vital for optimizing material selection in construction to enhance thermal efficiency. The study’s methodologies can aid in developing more accurate predictive models for heat transfer in construction materials, thereby contributing to improved design and energy performance in building applications.
National “Kurash”: History and Contemporary (On the Example of the Uzbek People)
Authors: Jalilov Ikhtiyor
Published: September 2024

Just as every nation in the world has its own national sport, the history of Uzbek national kurash goes back a long way, and they have been improving over the centuries and are still respected as a national and universal value.
Significance Of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines (Il-8, Ifnγ) In Prediction Of The Course In AD, COPD, and ACO
Authors: Fayzullaeva N.Ya  , Raufov A.A.
Published: September 2024

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Asthma and COPD are the most common chronic respiratory diseases, each with a specific pathophysiology. Usually, asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways with reversible symptoms, while COPD is characterized by persistent respiratory changes in the bronchopulmonary system. The importance of the need for its further study is beyond doubt, since this pathology significantly reduces the quality of life of patients, being a serious medical and social problem.
Correlation Analysis Of Clinical And Immunological Parameters In Patients With AD, COPD, AND ACO
Authors: FayzullaevaN.Ya
Published: September 2024

Due to the significant prevalence of chronic nonspecific lung diseases and the high level of disability, one of the most important tasks of healthcare is the prevention and effective diagnosis, as well as the treatment of patients withchronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Asthma and COPD are the most common chronic respiratory diseases, each with a specific pathophysiology. Usually, asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways with reversible symptoms, while COPD is characterized by persistent respiratory changes in the bronchopulmonary system. However, patients can sometimes have clinical features of both diseases, and this condition is called asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). recommended by the joint guidelines of GINA (Global Strategy for the Management and Prevention of Asthma) and GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). According to this guide, ACOis characterized by "permanent airflow limitation with some features of asthma and COPD."
Educational Issues in the Views of Eastern Thinkers
Authors: Khalilov Farhod Furqat-ugli
Published: September 2024

This thesis examines the thinkers of the East and their rich scientific and educational heritage. The thesis provides a brief overview of the modesty of some scientists and their activities.
Uzbekistan's Experience in Social Protection
Authors: Rustamova Manzura Rustamovna
Published: September 2024

The greatest wealth of the Uzbek state is its hardworking people. In its recent history, independent Uzbekistan has consistently adhered to the principle of strong social protection of the people. This was especially evident during the coronavirus pandemic, which caused a major economic crisis in the world.
Formation of Trade Relations in the Fergana Valley (1920-1925)
Authors: Kayumova Feruzakhon
Published: September 2024

The Fergana Valley was the largest, most populous and economically developed part of the Turkestan ASSR, consisting of Kokand, Andijan, Namangan, Margilan and Osh districts. Irrigated agriculture was developed in the Fergana region, and the industry of the region also specialized in the processing of agricultural products [1.1. 41-45 b.]. However, the Fergana Valley did not have ample opportunities for entrepreneurs active in the development of trade.
Study of Stone Period Monuments (On the Example of the Medium Zerafshan OAS)
Authors: S T Mirsoatova
Published: September 2024

This article is devoted to the history of the discovery of one of the archaeological cultures of the Neolithic era - Sazagan culture, studied in the territory of Central Zarafshan and notes the special services of the M. Jurakulov. The Sazagan culture was in cultural contact with the cultural communities of Kaltaminar, Central Fergana, Ustyurt, which were studied in Uzbekistan and Gissar in Tajikistan. At the same time, the Middle Zarafshan region has been inhabited by people since the Paleolithic era, and later periods, in particular the Sazagan Neolithic communities, were also interpreted as belonging to the local indigenous population due to the specifics of their material culture.
Improving Brand Management In Commercial Enterprises
Authors: Allaberganov Abrorjon Gayratdzhan ugli
Published: September 2024

The article considers the concept of brand management of trade enterprises, as well as its essence in relation to modern conditions of transformation of market relations. The specific functions of thebrand management of trade enterprises in terms of marketing orientation in the context of its elements areidentified.
Marsel: The Past and the Present
Authors: Makhtumova Ulbo’lsin
Published: September 2024

By the XI-XII centuries, the period of development in Europe began. By this time, handicrafts, trade, and manufacturing had increased in a number of countries in the region. Along with England, Italy and Germany, development has also reached a high level in France. It was at this time that cities in France rose considerably. Especially in the south of France, the economy of the cities began to change dramatically. At the same time, these cities were engaged in intensive trade with Italy and the Middle East through the Mediterranean. Now cities have become not only industrial centers, but also commercial centers. Such cities include Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon and Montpellier. But in these spheres, Marseilles has come a long way.
Interpassivity as a Strategy for Preserving the Subject
Authors:   RAS Institute of Philosophy, Rakhmanovskaya Ekaterina
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of paradoxical human behavior, which is expressed in the delegation of one's own pleasure or other personal experience to another. The concept of interpassivity developed by R. Pfaller and S. Žižek The concept of interpassivity, developed by R. Pfaller and S. Žižek, turns out to be directly related to the problem of preserving the subject in conditions where people outsource more and more of their functions, face the fragmentation of their own existence, and fall under the power of temptation to abandon awareness and responsibility. It is concluded that the spread of interpassive forms of behavior is associated with the dictate of activity in the modern experience of subjectivity. Man is forced to increase activity in order to meet the rhythm of life at high speeds. But at the same time, being overloaded with demands, he looks for ways to escape from this kind of pressure. Delegating experience to another is a way of coping with alienation, preserving oneself and asserting one's own subjectivity.
The Nonhuman Desire of Jacques Lacan
Authors:   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Rodin Igor
Published: September 2024

The romanticization of the ‘non-human’ which implicitly ideologizes and transhumanizes modern thought in the form of all that is associated with object-oriented ontology, builds not only on obvious starting points (‘deep ecology’, the philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari), but also tries to rethink ‘in its favor’ antagonistic paradigms and discourses. These include the Freudian-Lacanian psychoanalysis. In this article, we will show that not only an external orientation, but also internal gaps, can create an impetus for such a ‘neutralization’. Jacques Lacan’s attempt to remain ‘loyal’ both to the ‘classical subject of the soul’ and to the Real (pre-/beyond-subjective, residual) has resulted in a contradictory concept of desire, having a paradoxical implosive potential which, in turn, was unlocked by the new-materialist, post/transhumanist reading of Lacan. The analysis of desire topic, fundamental to Lacan’s clinical methodology, shows how fragile and susceptible to external attacks is the hermetic conceptual apparatus developed for purely clinical purposes. Based on the logic of Lacan himself, who defined psychoanalysis as a symptom of a concomitant era, we have to state that formal attempts to dissociate oneself from ‘ordinary reality’ cannot save one from the crucible of history, and this fatality is always present in inescapable traps of language. In the vein of psychoanalysis understood as an ‘impossible profession’, the attempt to dialecticize Freud’s thermodynamic ‘biologism’, the fiasco of the Western subject ‘after Auschwitz’ and the belief in the immanence of interpersonal communication, has turned out to be an ‘impossible project’ for Lacan.
N.M. Karamzin as a discoverer of personality
Authors: Gurevich Pavel
Published: September 2024

The objective of the article is to show a great significance of N.M. Karamzin as a pioneer in the field of personality. Using methods of comparative analysis, the author points out that in the 17th century European philosophy attempted to express the idea of man’s high measure but there were no exact word to designate this idea. How can we judge that a particular individual, presenting himself as different persons, passing through a series of all possible transformations, still remains himself? What can guarantee to us that it is the same individual? How is the personal innermost kernel bound? If each individual becomes mature, acquires social roles, changes his views throughout his life time, then every attempt to correct identity seems impossible. The English philosopher J. Locke carefully thought out many variants of this mystery. But he did not find, in our view, an answer to the question what it is that permits an individual to ensure his integrity as a unique human being. Nevertheless, his merit is in advancing the word «personality». In Russian philosophy and literature there was no analogue. It was N.M. Karamzin who introduced his analogue of this phenomenon. But he coined it using a Russian word «lik (face, image)». Therefore, an individual who expresses a particular fullness of his existence was called «lichnost’». Many authors introduced new words into the Russian language. N.M. Karamzin’s significance was that he created a philosophical tradition. It might be called personalistic. It is related to philosophical comprehension of such a phenomenon as «lichnost’» (personality). The article shows how Russian philosophers, having received the appropriate word at their disposal, tried to define also the signs that correlate with personality. Karamzin’s new word needed assimilation, it required facetting and conceptual content.
Distancing alters the controllability of emotional states by affecting both intrinsic stability and extrinsic sensitivity
Authors: Malamud Jolanda , Huys Quentin
Published: September 2024

Background: Emotion regulation strategies such as distancing are a core component of many evidence-based, effective psychotherapeutic interventions. They allow individuals to exert more 'control' over their emotional state. However, objectively disentangling how emotion regulation increases control has been difficult for reasons including a lack of a coherent theoretical framework for emotion control and insufficient experimental control over external inputs. Here, we apply a well-established theoretical framework for controllability to a tightly controlled experimental setup to examine the computational mechanisms by which emotion regulation interventions enhance emotional controllability.
Methods: 109 participants were randomized to either a short emotion regulation intervention (distancing) or a control intervention. Both before and after the intervention, participants reported their emotional state along five dimensions repeatedly while watching a series of short, standardized, emotional video clips. A Kalman Filter was used to quantify how multidimensional emotional states changed with video inputs. The consequences of the emotion regulation intervention were examined by Bayesian model comparison, comparing models allowing for a change in intrinsic dynamics and/or input weights. Controllability was quantified using the controllability Gramian.
Results: The Kalman filter captured participants' emotional trajectories, showing that emotional states were affected by the emotional videos; persisted; and interacted with each other. The distancing strategy made emotional states less externally controllable. It did so by altering two aspects of the dynamical system: by stabilizing specific emotional patterns and by reducing the impact of the external video clips.
Conclusions: Our study used a novel approach to examine emotion regulation, finding that a brief distancing intervention increased perceived emotion control by reducing how much external stimuli can control emotional states. This is due to both an increase in the intrinsic stability of certain emotional states; and a reduction of the sensitivity to certain extrinsic affective stimuli.
Bridging the Gap Between GPDR and Software Development: The MATERIALIST Framework
Authors: Saltarella Marco , Desolda Giuseppe , Esposito Andrea , Greco Francesco , Lanzilotti Rosa
Published: September 2024

As software production evolves, privacy is becoming an increasingly important consideration. This is especially true as national and supranational regulations, such as GDPR, require privacy as a mandatory aspect of software development. However, challenges such as a lack of knowledge about privacy and data protection regulations hinder the adoption of effective and compliant privacy implementation mechanisms. To address this issue, this article presents MATERIALIST, a methodological and technological framework that supports stakeholders involved in a software development lifecycle in including GDPR in their activities. Specifically, it provides design patterns that can be selected starting from GDPR articles, code vulnerabilities, and software lifecycle phases. The framework aims to facilitate the adoption of appropriate privacy implementation mechanisms in the software development lifecycle, thereby improving software quality.
WITHDRAWN: Development and Validation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Early Screening Model for Coronary Heart Disease in the Community of Tianjin, China: A Simple and Practical Risk Model for Community Physicians
Authors: yang ji , ZHANG Yao , GAO Shengwei , zhao Yingqiang
Published: September 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Identifying and integrating consumer-prioritised topics and outcomes in clinical practice guidelines on managing kidney stones
Authors: Tunnicliffe David J , Wickham Ieuan , Jauré Allison , Johnston Brydee , Mallett Andrew J , Mullan Adam , Lloyd Lyn , Scholes-Roberston Nicole , Hassan Hicham Cheikh , Jose Matthew , Lee Vincent , See Emily , Boag Jane , Coolican Helen , Cullen Vanessa , Fortnum Debbie , Jun Min , Krishnasamy Rathika , Lambert Kelly , Craig Jonathan , Light Casey , Nguyen Thu , Scuderi Carla , Viecelli Andrea
Published: September 2024

Aim
The prevention and management of recurrent kidney stones can be challenging and requires patients to modify their diet and daily rountines that impact their quality of life. Our study aims to describe the process of integrating consumer-prioritised topics and outcomes in guidelines on kidney stones to ensure patient relevance.
Methods
Two workshops were convened in Aotearoa New Zealand with people with kidney stones invited to identify topics and outcomes for inclusion in the guidelines. Flipcharts and transcripts were analysed thematically to identify the reasons for participants’ choices.
Results
The topics identified by the twenty-eight participants included education on nutrition, better diagnosis, and individualised nutritional and pharmacological management. Pain, equity of access, anxiety about recurrence, and life participation were identified as important outcomes to be included. Four themes (and subthemes) underpinning priorities were: unresolvable debilitating pain (complexity of exctruciating acute episodic pain, inadequacy of pain relief medication, frustrated by stigma associated with opioids), dissatisfied at delayed access to care (prolonged difficulties in diagnosis, struggling to obtain individualised care), inadequate knowledge to enable self-management (insufficient information on kidney stones, conflicting nutrition advice, cultural deficit), and limiting life participation (restricting life choices, psychological burden of kidney stones).
Conclusions
Participants identified topics that would support symptom management to improve quality of life and reduce the burden on families. Guidelines should provide essential, consistent and clear guidance, particularly on nutrition, to support self-management. Incoporating consumer priorities in guidelines can help to support decision-making and patient-centred care in kidney stones.
Prevalence, associated factors and impact of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly medical inpatients
Authors: Papakitsou Ioanna , Papazachariou Andria , Filippatos Theodosios
Published: September 2024

Methods
This retrospective cohort study investigates the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, the associated factors and its relation to frailty and functional status. Data were collected from elderly inpatients (≥ 65 years) sequentially admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of a tertiary university hospital. Clinical and laboratory characteristics, including age, gender, somatometric data, cause of admission, past medical history, chronic medication use, and laboratory tests, were recorded. Frailty and functional status were assessed using the Fried Frailty Scale (FFS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Barthel Index, and Katz Index. Vitamin B12 levels were categorised as deficient (< 200 pg/ml), borderline (200–300 pg/ml), and normal (> 300 pg/ml).
Results
A total of 961 patients were included; the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 9.1%, while 17.3% of the sample had borderline levels. Multivariate analysis identified polypharmacy (≥5 drugs), low albumin levels/GNRI, and nursing home residency as independent factors associated with low B12 levels. Multivariate analyses showed that B12 deficiency was significantly associated with higher frailty rates and lower functional status.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among hospitalized elderly patients and is significantly associated with increased frailty and reduced functional status. These findings underscore the importance of routine screening for B12 deficiency in this vulnerable population to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Relationships among premonitory urges, tics, and quality of life in drug-naïve children with tic disorders: A mediation analysis of a Chinese sample
Authors: Wang Xianbin , Xu Hui , Li Yanlin , Hu Shujin , Yang Kai , Zhang Wenyan , Jiang Zhongliang , Cui Yonghua , Li Ying
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Premonitory urges (PUs) are a growing area of interest for research on tic disorders. Understanding the contributions of urges to quality of life (QoL) is important. This study explores the relationships among PUs, tic severity, and QoL in individuals with tic disorders (TDs).
Methods
Clinical data were collected from drug-naïve TD patients aged 6–16 years using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), the Premonitory Urge to Tic Scale (PUTS), and the Tourette-Quality of Life Scale (GTS-QOL). Patients were categorized into PU (PUTS > 9) and non-PU (NPU, PUTS = 9) groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of age and sex on the presence of PUs. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed.
Results
Among 1015 patients with PU and 259 without PU, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in age, YGTSS scores, and overall GTS-QOL scores and its factors such as obsessive‒compulsive and psychological factors. No significant sex differences were observed (p = 0.291). Age was a significant predictor of PU presence (OR = 1.111, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that tic severity significantly mediated (p < 0.05) the relationship between PU and overall QoL, and this effect was evident across all YGTSS subscales.
Conclusions
PUs incidence in TD increases with age, correlating with higher tic severity and lower QoL. Tic severity mediates the PU-QoL relationship, but since the direct effect of PUs on QoL is the main factor, improving QoL requires greater attention to PUs over tic symptoms.
Correlation between pelvic bone marrow dose volume parameters and acute hematologic toxicity in neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Sicheng , Wang Gang , Wang Wenling , Wu Songyou , Li Xiaokai , Li Yun , Jiang Guangyi
Published: September 2024

Objective
To explore the correlation between pelvic bone marrow dose volume parameters (Vx) and acute haematological toxicity (HT) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant intensity- modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC), and to provide clinical data to reduce the risk of radiotherapy-associated HT and to optimise radiotherapy planning.
Methods
Seventy-five patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant concurrent radiotherapy (CCRT) from October 2019 to November 2023 at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent 5-field intensity- modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a prescribed dose of 45-50.4 Gy/25–28 times in the planned target (PTV). Simultaneous capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) chemotherapy was delivered during radiotherapy. Acute HT during radiotherapy was assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 5.0 (NCI-CTC.V5.0). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the dose-volume of bone marrow in the pelvis (Vx of hip, sacrum, and femur) and acute HT, and the non-linear relationship and threshold effect between the two were further analysed using the generalised additive model (GAM) and segmental regression.
Results
Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between total pelvic bone marrow irradiated volume (TV) and coxal bone marrow irradiated volume (CV) at low doses (V5, V10) and ≥ 2 degrees of leukocyte reduction and neutrophil reduction (P < 0.05).There was a significant negative correlation between low-dose (V5, V10, V15) sacral bone marrow irradiated volume (SV) and ≥ 2 degrees of leukocyte reduction (P < 0.05). Threshold effect analysis showed that there was a threshold effect of CV10 with both ≥ 2 degrees of leukopenia and neutropenia, with similar thresholds of 483–495 ml for both.
Conclusion
In neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy for rectal cancer, CV is a better predictor of acute HT compared with TV. CV associated with acute HT is mainly concentrated at low dose levels (CV5, CV10, CV15). The threshold of 483 ml for CV10 can be used as a reference for reducing the risk of acute HT and optimising radiotherapy planning in pelvic radiotherapy.
Assessment of Selected Chickpea Accessions for Tolerance to Aluminium and Manganese Toxicities in Solution Culture and Pot Experiments
Authors: Langat Elkanah Kipkoech , Ndemo Richard Onwonga , Karuma Ann
Published: September 2024

A good understanding of existing variability in Mn and Al toxicity tolerance among chickpea accessions is required to tackle ion-induced toxicities through the use of tolerant accessions. This study sought to identify acid-tolerant accessions through hydroponic and pot experiments for promotion and adoption in acidic environments. About 26 accessions were screened in nutrient solutions containing 0, 15, and 60µM Al, and 2 and 150µM Mn concentrations, and in pot experiments of pH levels 4.5 and 6.5. The experiments were conducted in a glasshouse with temperatures averaging 17OC at night and 25OC during the day. Split plot designs with Al and Mn concentrations as the main plot factor and accessions as the sub-plot factor and replicated thrice were used. Relative tolerance index (RTI), relative root length (RRL), relative shoot length (RSL), relative root weight (RRW), and relative shoot weight (RSW) were used as indices for tolerance for Al, and RSL, RSW, and symptom scores for Mn. Accessions Saina 1, ICCVs 11514, 11519, 11504, 11316, and 07114 were consistently tolerant or moderately tolerant across all indices at 15µM Al. Chania 1, ICCVs 03305, 93954, 07313, 96329, and 97110 were sensitive. At 60µM Al, most accessions were sensitive across all indices. Pot RRL results correlated significantly (r = 0.8) with those from the hydroponic experiments at 15µM Al, with ICCV 11504, ICCV 11514, Saina 1, ICCV 07114, Chania 2, ICCV 11316, ICCV 00108, K036, Leldet 068, and ICCV 10515 being moderately tolerant. In screening for tolerance to Mn, ICCV 07313, 07101, 97128, 11514, Chania 2, and Saina 1 were tolerant. Pot RSL values correlated weakly (r = 0.1) with those of hydroponic experiments. In conclusion, ICCV 11514 and Saina 1 emerged as the accessions with moderate tolerance to soil acidic conditions
Case Report: Successful Multidisciplinary Management of Adult Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver (AESL) Complicated by Pregnancy
Authors: Chang Yau-Ren , Chiang Chi-Yuan , Chen Jen-Shi , Chu Shih-Ming , Chen Tse-Ching , Wu Yu-Tung , Hsieh Chi-Hsun
Published: September 2024

Background
Adult embryonal sarcoma of the liver (AESL) is an exceptionally rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of primary hepatic tumors in adults. While typically diagnosed in the pediatric population, its occurrence in adults is extremely uncommon and often presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. AESL is characterized by aggressive behavior, rapid growth, and lacks well-established risk factors. The association between AESL and pregnancy is underexplored, with limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Case presentation
A 29-year-old pregnant woman at 16 weeks of gestation presented with escalating right abdominal pain and an enlarging mass. Imaging revealed a sizable cystic liver mass, prompting thorough diagnostic evaluation. Laboratory tests and aspiration cytology were inconclusive, leading to decisive intervention with total right lobectomy and cholecystectomy. Pathological analysis confirmed AESL. The intricacies of managing therapeutic decisions during pregnancy called for a multidisciplinary approach. This included the collective expertise of hepatobiliary surgeons, obstetricians, neonatologists, and oncologists, and encompassed vigilant fetal monitoring alongside subsequent cesarean section. In the postpartum phase, the patient received chemotherapy without evidence of tumor recurrence at the two-year follow-up. Despite a short ICU stay for early infections, the infant showed no serious complications or developmental delays.
Conclusions
Our successful multidisciplinary treatment for AESL during pregnancy emphasizes the importance of tailored care and interdisciplinary collaboration. The positive outcome underscores the significance of individualized treatment for pregnant cancer patients, contributing valuable insights to the limited literature on AESL during pregnancy and showcasing the potential effectiveness of this approach.
A Physics-Informed Stochastic Model for Long-Term Correlation of Earthquakes
Authors: Taroni Matteo , Barani Simone , Zaccagnino Davide , Petrillo Giuseppe , Harris Pietro Artale
Published: September 2024

In this work, a simple physics-informed stochastic earthquake catalog simulator is presented for the modeling of long memory on a single fault (or crustal volume). The simulation combines the fundamental statistical laws of seismology (i.e., the Gutenberg-Richter law and the exponential distribution of inter-event times of spontaneous events) with two physical assumptions: 1) earthquake magnitudes are constrained by the amount of potential energy accumulated within the crustal volume at a given time, 2) existence of an upper boundary for stress on the fault. The consequence is a deviation from the conventional exponential inter-event distribution. We analyze a set of simulated catalogs to inspect long memory. We found that, depending on the relative proportion of energy accumulation and release, catalogs can exhibit complex patterns and long memory behavior. Despite its simplicity, our simulator can replicate the key features of seismic activity observed in real data, thus enabling a consistent physical interpretation.
Dermatoscopic Assessment of Nailfold Capillary Structures in Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Dogdu Murat , Altinyazar Hilmi Cevdet , Yilmaz Sema , Demirbas Abdullah , Diremsizoglu Esin
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate nailfold capillary abnormalities in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) using a videodermatoscope and compare the findings with healthy controls. Seventy-two patients diagnosed with CTDs, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), and thirty-three healthy controls, were included. Capillary abnormalities such as enlarged capillaries, avascular areas, tortuous-twisted capillaries, ramified-bushy capillaries, and hemorrhages were assessed at magnifications of ×20, ×30, and ×40. The scleroderma pattern (SScP) was defined by the presence of two or more abnormalities in at least two nailfolds, with a revised SScP excluding tortuous-twisted capillaries. The standard SScP exhibited a sensitivity of 78.57% and a specificity of 96.97%. SScP was observed in 25% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases, 42.9% of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) cases, and 57.1% of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) cases, but none in primary RP or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases. The revised SScP showed a sensitivity of 64.29% and a specificity of 100%. It was found in 28.6% of primary SS cases and 42.9% of UCTD cases, but none in primary RP, SLE, or RA cases. One (3%) of healthy controls exhibited SScP, but none showed the revised SScP. There was no statistically significant difference in detecting tortuous-twisted capillaries between patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in identifying the other four parameters (p < 0.05). Comparison of magnifications showed no significant difference between ×30 and ×40 (p > 0.05), but a significant difference between ×20 and ×40 in detecting tortuous-twisted capillaries (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between disease duration and capillaroscopic abnormalities. Videodermatoscopy is a reliable tool for evaluating nailfold capillaries in connective tissue disease (CTD) patients, with magnifications of ×30 and above providing the most detailed assessments. It effectively differentiates primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon and highlights the diagnostic value of capillaroscopy in identifying CTD-specific abnormalities, particularly in systemic sclerosis (SSc).
The effect of exercise adherence on life satisfaction of rural left-behind children：the chain mediation of school bullying and loneliness
Authors: Jia Peng , He Xinqi , Zhang Ting
Published: September 2024

Purpose The objective of this study is to examine the influence of exercise adherence on the life satisfaction of rural left-behind children and to investigate the mediating effects of school bullying and loneliness. The findings will provide a theoretical and practical foundation for enhancing the life satisfaction of rural left-behind children through exercise adherence. Methods A total of 472 left-behind children in five rural primary and middle schools in Hubei Province were surveyed using the Exercise Adherence Scale (SEA), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Victim Questionnaire(VQ), and Children's Loneliness Scale (CLS). The relevant data were then subjected to statistical and analytical analysis using the correlation analysis method, the multiple regression analysis method, and the Bootstrap test method. Results The relationship between the four variables of exercise adherence, school bullying, loneliness, and life satisfaction among rural left-behind children was significant, and the results of multiple regression analysis showed that exercise adherence significantly and positively predicted life satisfaction (β = 0.451, P < 0.01); exercise adherence had a significant negative predictive effect on school bullying (β=-0.258, P < 0.01) and loneliness (β=-0.329, P < 0.01) negatively predicted significantly, school bullying positively predicted loneliness significantly (β = 0.269, P < 0.01), school bullying negatively predicted life satisfaction significantly (β=-0.098, P < 0.05); and loneliness negatively predicted life satisfaction significantly (β=-0.415, P < 0.01).Bootstrap test results show that:The direct effect of exercise adherence on the life satisfaction of rural left-behind children is significant, with an effect value of 0.436, and the proportion of the direct effect is 57.80%; the mediating effect of school bullying between exercise adherence and life satisfaction is significant, with an effect value of 0.042, and the proportion of the mediating effect is 5.62%; the mediating effect of loneliness between exercise adherence and life satisfaction is significant, with an effect value of 0.228, and the percentage of mediation effect is 30.20%; the chain mediation effect of school bullying and loneliness between exercise adherence and life satisfaction is significant, the effect value is 0.048, and the percentage of mediation effect is 6.82%, and the percentage of indirect effect is 43.20%. Conclusion Exercise adherence can enhance life satisfaction of rural left-behind children by reducing the incidence of school bullying and loneliness.
Kinetics and mechanism of the uncatalyzed and copper (II) catalyzed color removal of thionine and methyl violet dyes in presence of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Salem Ibrahim A. , Elamry Salem , Salem Sarah I.
Published: September 2024

In aqueous solutions, the kinetics of the color removal of two cationic dyes, thionine and methyl violet, both catalyzed by copper (II) ions and uncatalyzed have been studied. The progress of the reaction was seen by tracking the decay in absorbance at λmax = 600 and 584 nm for methyl violet and thionine, respectively. The rate of an uncatalyzed reaction increased progressively as the starting peroxide concentration [H2O2]o increased, peaking at 0.8 M for thionine and 2.0 M for methyl violet, respectively. However, for the catalyzed reactions, the rate of reaction rose as [H2O2]o increased, peaking at ≈ 0.4 and 2.0 for methyl violet and thionine, respectively, before declining. The creation of the extremely active and non-selective hydroxyl radicals produced by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with copper (II) ions was thought to be the source of the catalytic action of copper (II) ions. However, a first order dependence with respect to the original dye concentration was noted. Nevertheless, employing high methyl violet concentrations reduced the rate and order of the reaction, with the latter becoming zero-order at such concentrations. In the case of thionine dye, the addition of copper (II) ions routinely increases the rate of reaction, and the concentration of copper (II) ions gradually decreases the order of enhancement. In contrast, the rate increased, peaked, and then declined when methyl violet was used. Furthermore, no detectable reaction happened at pH ≤ 6.0 for thionine and pH ≤ 5.0 for methyl violet; rather, the rate of reaction increased with increasing pH of the reaction media, particularly in the pH range 9.0–11.0. The interaction between two single, oppositely charged ions is indicated by the influence of ionic strength on the reaction rate. This suggests that, in the case of an uncatalyzed reaction, the hydropeorxide anion, HOO−, rather than H2O2, is the active oxidant. This also explains why the concentration of the hydropeorxide anion increases with increasing pH, leading to the rate enhancement seen. When a radical scavenger was added to the catalyzed reaction, the rate of reaction was slowed down, indicating that active free radicals were involved in the reaction process. Even at low concentrations below the threshold micelles concentration, the addition of the surfactant SDS also reduced the rate. Anionic micelles electrostatic interaction with the cationic dye may be the cause of this rate drop. The work could be used for the reuse of dye bath water to lower costs in textile and dyeing industries as well as for environmental reasons. Reaction mechanisms for both catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions were proposed.