bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought Potential in Borneo Based on the RCP 4.5 Scenario
Authors:   Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia,, Bandung, 40173, West Java, Indonesia, Nurlatifah Amalia , Adany Fildzah ,   Research Center for Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, South Tangerang, 15314, Banten, Indonesia, Darojatun Aulia ,   Research Center of Smart Mechatronics, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Bandung, 40135, West Java, Indonesia, Siswanto Bambang ,   Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia,, Bandung, 40173, West Java, Indonesia, Sipayung Sinta Berliana ,   Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia,, Bandung, 40173, West Java, Indonesia
Published: April 2023

One of the impacts of climate change is an increase in the frequency and intensity of hydrometeorological disasters such as prolonged droughts. Borneo is one of the areas threatened by drought due to climate change. Therefore, it is important to identify and implement appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures. This study used the dynamical downscaling method by the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) to evaluate the potential for drought events in Borneo based on the RCP 4.5 scenario. The annual rainfall in Borneo for 2021-2050 is projected to increase compared to 1991-2020. However, the increase in annual rainfall does not free Borneo from the possibility of drought events in the future. This study’s results indicate that areas in southern Borneo, such as Banjarmasin, Pangkalan Bun, and Pontianak, will have a higher frequency of meteorological drought events and are also expected to experience longer periods of consecutive dry days between 2021-2050 compared to 1991-2020.
Occurrence and characteristics of snowfall on the highest mountain of Mexico (Citlaltépetl volcano) through the ground’s surface temperature
Authors:   Colegio de Geografía, Facultad de Economía, Universidad Veracruzana, Soto Víctor , Delgado-Granados Hugo ,   Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM
Published: April 2023

Snow has great environmental importance. Its physical properties influence the ground temperature; its long-term accumulation adds to the mass of glaciers and is also a clear indicator of climate variability. However, despite the frequency of snowfall in tropical high-mountain environments, its quantitative study is very scarce, and it is non-existent in the case of Mexico. Due to the altitude of a large part of the Mexican territory and the high ecosystem value of the snow, in this work we analyze the temporality, accumulation, and duration of the snow cover on the highest mountain in the country. The data obtained through continuous monitoring of the surface temperature of the ground allowed us to identify that snowfall occurs with greater frequency and volume during the summer and autumn months, while during the winter snowfall of less intensity occurs. The accumulation values are mostly less than 30 cm thick, and the duration of the snowpack is on average less than two weeks; however, there are episodes of greater depth and duration.
A Review of Permanent Grassland Grazing Management Practices and the Impacts on Principal Soil Quality Indicators
Authors: Milazzo Filippo , Francksen Richard M. , Abdalla Mohamed , Ravetto Enri Simone , Zavattaro Laura , Pittarello Marco , Hejduk Stanislav , Newell-Price Paul , Schils René , Smith Pete , Vanwalleghem Tom
Published: April 2023

Grasslands are at risk of degradation due to unsustainable management practices and climate change. Sustainable grassland soil management can promote ecosystem service delivery and improve the resilience of the entire grassland ecosystem to anthropogenic change. Here, we re-view the principal soil quality indicators (SQIs) and how they have been used to evaluate the sustainability of different grassland management practices globally. We then discuss sustainable grazing management practices, before reviewing some novel grassland species which may im-prove grassland resilience with relevance for grassland management in Europe and the UK. We also give an overview of current sustainable grassland management methods and their assessment at field scale. From this, we suggest that sustainable Grazing Management Plans (GMPs), together with the testing of drought-resistant grass species and appropriate SQIs monitoring, is key to increasing resilience of grassland ecosystems to anthropogenic change.
Examining the Dual Effects of the Pandemic-Induced Telework and Financial Liquidity Crisis in Lebanon on Performance Appraisals in the Banking Sector : A Case Study.
Authors: KASSAR George
Published: April 2023

The Covid-19 health crisis and its related confinement measures and policies has had a significant impact on the telework adoptions rates, where many businesses were affected abruptly without being prepared, resulting in numerous ad-hoc applications especially while assessing employee’s performance and productivity while working remotely. The difficulties that have emerged with the pandemic have revealed the fragility of the traditional performance appraisal process and the unintentional existence of proximity bias. The Lebanese liquidity crisis is an ongoing financial crisis affecting Lebanon that became fully apparent toward late-2019 when large demonstrations erupted amid acute political instability and economic challenges. In light of the compounded simultaneous occurrence of recurring episodes of COVID-19 outbreaks and the ongoing country’s financial liquidity crisis, the standing of the Lebanese banking sector – who played key roles in the Lebanese economy and were long considered as financially sound and stable – has drastically changed. Faced with such a situation, Lebanese commercial banks started contracting both their branch network and human capital base, and thus they been forced to rethink their human capital strategies by implementing new practices allowing them to adapt to this context of crisis. It is in this perspective that the present research work is inscribed, where we explore the main managerial practices and processes implemented within top Lebanese banks to assess their employee’s performance during the compounded simultaneous crises. A thematic qualitative analysis method of an exploratory nature was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers from top Lebanese commercial banks. Results were processed using a deductive approach for themes identifications. Accordingly, it was concluded that in such times of acute crisis, Lebanese banks have altered the purpose of their Performance Appraisal Review (PAR) process and have implicitly or explicitly adopted a Forced Ranking method to primarily focus on retaining just the top performers, while placing those at the bottom on probation with the risk of termination.
Applying the Good Publication Practice 2022 Guidelines in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Practical Guide
Authors: Hesp Blair , Arai Katsuhisa , Bose Namita , Profit Rachael , Katariya Malvika , Lee Jonathan , Lin Ronnie , Chu Magdalene , Sakko Andrew , Fernandez Hazel
Published: April 2023

Objective: The Asia-Pacific region (APAC) represents a unique environment for the publication of biomedical research, particularly industry-funded research. Awareness and adoption of international guidelines on ethical publication practices continues to increase across APAC, but the reframing and expansion of many of the recommendations in the Good Publication Practice (GPP) 2022 guidelines versus GPP3 published in 2015 have important implications for publishing industry-funded biomedical research in the region. Methods: This review provides practical guidance for stakeholders in APAC on interpreting and applying the recommendations made in the GPP 2022 guidelines. Results: Key focus areas include navigating new opportunities for communicating industry-funded research, such as plain language summaries, social media, and preprints; implementing formal processes to improve the integrity of published research in APAC; and methods of promoting transparency and inclusion when publishing industry-funded research. Key APAC-specific issues, including encore presentations, leadership on publication ethics in the region, access to professional resources, and support for educating regional stakeholders are also discussed. Conclusions: Overall, this review offers a pragmatic guide for stakeholders in industry-sponsored research on applying GPP 2022 in practice with a focus on effectively integrating these guidelines in an APAC context.
The Metaverse: Economic and Social Values and Risks of New Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies
Authors: Radanliev Petar
Published: April 2023

The aim of the article is to present a snapshot in time, of the current state in cryptocurrencies, the values and risks associated to blockchains. With emergence of over 20,000 crypto projects, the first objective of this article is to present the stage as it is in 2023, with historical overview since Satoshi presented the first paper on decentralised blockchains, until today. Second objective of the article is to review the values and risks associated to cryptocurrencies, and to clarify the differences between cryptocurrencies from blockchain technologies. The research questions that drive this article are related determining if the blockchain technology an innovation or its already obsolete technology? Are there any significant risks from cryptocurrencies? And are the potential values to society and economy worth pursuing? Would developed or developing countries benefit more from these technologies? And which blockchain projects will survive in the long run? In other words, where is the money and is there money or just hype. The review discusses the high probability that some crypto projects will fail, and given the vast number of cryptos, the article acknowledges that many of these projects are nothing more than ponzies. These are discussed and acknowledged, then the focus is shifted to the real-world use cases of blockchain projects.
Analisis Anggaran Pemerintah (APBN dan APBN-P) dalam Perspektif Demokrasi Multipartai dan Koalisi
Authors:   Swiss German University, Sitepu Badikenita
Published: April 2023

Perubahan sistem demokrasi di Indonesia berdampak terhadap perubahan sistem politik dan ekonomi Indonesia. Perubahan sistem politik juga diikuti dengan reformasi di bidang keuangan negara (atau anggaran) dalam proses perubahan menuju kemakmuran penduduk yang lebih baik. Dengan menggunakan data time series tahun 1982–2011, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa koalisi yang terbentuk berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap tingkat persetujuan anggaran pendapatan pada APBN dan APBN-P, serta tingkat persetujuan anggaran belanja pada APBN-P. Koalisi tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tingkat persetujuan anggaran belanja pada APBN-P. Jumlah partai politik hanya berpengaruh pada tingkat persetujuan anggaran pendapatan pada APBN. Tingkat persetujuan pajak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tingkat persetujuan anggaran pada APBN dan APBN-P. Tingkat persetujuan anggaran pendapatan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tingkat persetujuan anggaran belanja, baik pada APBN maupun APBN-P.
Inflasi Makanan dan Implikasinya terhadap Kebijakan Moneter di Indonesia
Authors:   Departemen Administrasi Bisnis Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, Pratikto Rulyusa , Ikhsan Mohamad ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia
Published: April 2023

Pengendalian inflasi makanan penting untuk dilakukan di Indonesia terutama karena dua hal, yaitu sifat inflasi makanan yang persisten dan dampaknya terhadap penurunan daya beli keluarga miskin yang relatif tinggi dibandingkan dengan komoditas lainnya. Dengan demikian, tujuan utama penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas dari kebijakan moneter terhadap pengendalian inflasi makanan di Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan metode Structural Vector Autoregression, hasil empiris menunjukkan bahwa kebijakan moneter secara efektif dapat mencegah dampak spillover inflasi makanan ke inflasi non-makanan. Selain itu, stabilitas nilai tukar dapat memiliki peran untuk mengurangi volatilitas inflasi makanan terutama pada jangka panjang.
Analisis Potensi Pajak Daerah untuk Peningkatan Kapasitas Fiskal Kabupaten dan Kota di Sulawesi Utara
Authors:   Pemerintah Kabupaten Minahasa Utara, Ering Sherly , Hakim Dedi Budiman ,   Departemen Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Juanda Bambang ,   Departemen Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor
Published: April 2023

Meskipun terjadi pertumbuhan sebesar dua digit sejak tahun 2005, rasio pajak daerah terhadap PDRB di Sulawesi Utara cukup stabil di 0,25% secara rata-rata (6,89% terhadap total pendapatan). Penelitian ini mengkaji faktor-faktor yang dapat menjelaskan potensi pajak di Sulawesi Utara yang dapat memperkuat kapasitas fiskalnya. Berdasarkan perhitungan potensi pajak daerah, khususnya pajak restoran, didapatkan bahwa penerimaan riil masih berada di bawah potensi sebesar 1.061 miliar rupiah. Analisis data panel menggunakan data 15 kabupaten dan kota di Sulawesi Utara selama periode tahun 2009–2014. Ditemukan bahwa sejumlah faktor penentu potensi pajak daerah yaitu pendapatan per kapita, sektor pertanian, dan jumlah siswa SMA, sedangkan jumlah pekerja tidak signifikan.
Analisis Ekspor Kakao Olahan Indonesia ke Sembilan Negara Tujuan Tahun 2000–2014
Authors:   Badan Pusat Statistik Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah, Kalimantan Selatan, Maulana Arif , Kartiasih Fitri ,   Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Statistik
Published: April 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis daya saing ekspor kakao olahan Indonesia ke sembilan negara tujuan dan faktor-faktor penentu volume ekspor kakao olahan Indonesia. Dua metode analisis yang digunakan yaitu Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) dan regresi data panel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kakao olahan Indonesia memiliki keunggulan komparatif yang tinggi di Spanyol, sementara di Singapura memiliki keunggulan komparatif yang terendah. Hasil regresi data panel menunjukkan bahwa PDB, populasi, RCA, dan kebijakan bea keluar signifikan secara statistik dan berpengaruh positif terhadap volume ekspor kakao, sedangkan harga kakao olahan memiliki pengaruh yang negatif.
Structural Breaks dan Ketidakstabilan Permintaan Uang di Indonesia
Authors:   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Deviyantini Deviyantini , Sugema Iman ,   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Irawan Tony ,   Departemen Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor
Published: April 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi sumber-sumber ketidakstabilan fungsi permintaan uang (M1 dan M2) akibat dari perubahan struktural yang terjadi karena adanya guncangan ekonomi. Guncangan tersebut, yang secara teknis ditunjukkan oleh keberadaan structural breaks di dalam data, dapat menyebabkan parameter menjadi tidak konstan. Ketidakstabilan fungsi permintaan uang dianalisis dengan menggunakan Gregory and Hansen test. Sumber ketidakstabilan dari permintaan uang diidentifikasi dengan menggunakan time varying parameter model. Penelitian ini menggunakan data time series dalam bentuk kuartalan dari 1993Q1 sampai 2013Q4. Hasil Gregory and Hansen test menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada keseimbangan jangka panjang di antara variabel-variabel (permintaan uang, pendapatan, suku bunga domestik, suku bunga luar negeri, nilai tukar, dan inflasi) di dalam model, baik pada model M1 maupun M2. Dengan kata lain, fungsi permintaan uang tidak stabil. Sumber ketidakstabilan tersebut berasal dari variabel nilai tukar.
Design of Peptide-Guided Protein Degraders with Structure-Agnostic Language Models
Authors: Brixi Garyk , Ye Tianzheng , Palepu Kalyan , Hong Lauren , Yudistyra Vivian , Vincoff Sophia , Christopher Jayani , Li Xinning , Bhat Suhaas , Monticello Connor , Lopez-Barbosa Natalia , Petersen Lillian , Zang Tian-Lai , Liu Tong , Zhao Lin , Zhang Sue , Ponnapati Manvitha , Tysinger Emma , Stan Teodora , Koseki Sabrina , DeLisa Matthew , Chatterjee Pranam
Published: April 2023

Here, we integrate fine-tuned protein language models and protein-protein interaction databases to develop a Structure-agnostic Language Transformer & Peptide Prioritization module that efficiently selects peptides from interaction interfaces, without the need for structural information. We experimentally fuse SaLT&PepPr-derived “guide” peptides to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains and reliably identify candidates that induce robust intracellular degradation of clinically-relevant targets, and exhibit high binding affinities, low off-targeting rates, and functional transcriptional effects.
Time restricted fasting improves liver steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – a single blinded cross over trial
Authors: Feehan Jack , Mack Alexandra , Tuck Caroline , Tchongue Jorge , Holt Darcy , Sievert William , Moore Gregory , de Courten Barbora , Hodge Alexander
Published: April 2023

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with visceral adiposity. We assessed the effectiveness of intermittent fasting (IF) for 16 hours daily without calorie restriction, compared to standard care (SC; diet and lifestyle advice) in improving visceral adiposity and steatosis by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP).
Methods: In a prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial, 32 participants with NAFLD were randomly assigned to IF or SC for 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in liver stiffness, anthropometry, blood pressure, and other metabolic factors.
Results: Twenty-eight participants completed the first arm of the study (IF = 14, SC = 14), with 23 completing the cross over arm (IF = 10, SC = 13). Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. Intermittent fasting caused a significant decrease in hepatic steatosis (p = 0.038), weight (p=0.005), waist circumference (p=0.001), and BMI (p=0.005) compared to standard care. Intermittent fasting also resulted in additional within group changes, not seen in the standard care intervention.
Conclusion: IF offers superior improvements in patients with NAFLD, improving steatosis, weight and waist circumference, despite no change in overall caloric intake. Time restricted fasting should be considered as a primary weight loss intervention in the context of NAFLD.
Trial registration: ACTRN12613000935730
Cannulated screw fixation assisted by a self-designed guide for the treatment of Garden stage I-III femoral neck fracture: A retrospective case-series study
Authors: Li Jianwen , Wang Cheng , Wang Xiao , Chen Cheng , Jiang Jiantao
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To explore the effects of a self-designed Kirschner wire guiding and adjustment apparatus for internal fixation with cannulated screws for the treatment of femoral neck fracture.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the patients with femoral neck fracture (Garden I-III) treated at our hospital between 01/2018 and 3/2022. The cases were included in the present study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The operation time, The times of provisional Kirschner wires(K-wires) insertion, times of fluoroscopy , estimated blood loss in operation, Harris score, and VAS score of the hip joint were recorded and analyzed.
Results: Forty patients were included (13 females and 17 males, (median, 58 years of age), with 20 patients in the unguided and 20 in the guided groups, respectively. Their body mass index (BMI) was 23.03±1.86 kg/m2. Compared with the unguided group, the guided group showed shorter operation time (median 0.20 vs. 0.43 h, P<0.001), less blood loss (median, 2 vs. 20 mL, P<0.001), less Insertion times of Kirschner wire (median, 7 vs. 15, P<0.001) and fluoroscopy times (median 12 vs. 20, P<0.001). The VAS score (median, 1vs. 1, P=0.359)and Harris score (92.75±4.83 vs. 89.75±5.20, P=0.066).shows no significant difference between groups at the final follow-up.
Conclusions: Using theself-designed Kirschner wire guiding and adjustment apparatus during fixation of femoral neck fracture with cannulated screws reduces the operation time, blood loss, insertion times of Kirschner wire and fluoroscopy. This might promote the recovery of patients. Those results should be confirmed in further studies.
Levels of Evidence: Level IV
The Efficacy and Safety of the Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Agonist Fingolimod in Cerebrovascular Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aljabali Ahmed , Abdelhady Mariam , Altal Mohamed khadr , Negida Ahmed , Masadeh Majed Mohammad , Alrabadi Nasr Salieba
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with limited effective treatment options. Fingolimod has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in previous studies and has been approved for use in multiple sclerosis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of Fingolimod in cerebrovascular stroke.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for studies published up to January 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the efficacy of Fingolimod in subjects with cerebrovascular stroke and reported outcomes.Results: This meta-analysis included six studies with a total of 251 patients, 124 in the fingolimod group and 127 in the control group. Fingolimod was associated with significant improvements in NIHSS scores on days 7, 14, 30, and 90 post-stroke, with the greatest improvement seen after one month (MD = -7.1, 95% CI [-9.73, -4.65], P < 0. 00001). Additionally, fingolimod was associated with significant reductions in mRS scores after three months (MD = 7.3, 95% CI [3.06, 17.40], P < 0. 00001) and significant improvements in Modified Barthel Index scores on days 7, 14, 30, and 90 post-stroke. After three months, the mean difference in Modified Barthel Index scores was 14.6 (95% CI [5.80, 23.36], P = 0.0005). Fingolimod was also associated with significant reductions in microvascular permeability ratio (rT%) and infarct volume (MD = -15.2, 95% CI [-23.33, -7.15], P < 0. 00001).Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that Fingolimod may have potential as a neuroprotective agent in cerebrovascular stroke. However, more high-quality clinical trials are warranted.
Prevalence and influencing factors of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi city: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gao Yongwei , xu peiru , Aizetiguli Maiming , Surong Shan , Zhu Zhaoxuan , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2023

Background: Sleep disorders refer to physiological and psychological states that cause adverse consequences due to the inability to fall asleep or poor sleep quality. The prevalence of sleep disorders varies greatly in different countries and regions due to different causes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi city, China.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with stratified random cluster sampling. Children aged 3–6 years old in one kindergarten randomly selected from each of the 8 districts of Urumqi from March to July 2022, and their parents were surveyed with a sleep quality questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi was 14.29% (191/1336), and the prevalence of different symptoms was 42.81% for limb movements, 19.61% for snoring, 18.11% for molars, 16.39% for balderdash, 12.57% for sweating, 11.60% for nocturnal awakening, 8.46% for nightmares, 6.89% for bed wetting, 3.74% for apnea, and 3.29% for sleepwalking. The prevalence of body movements, snoring, sweating, night-wake, nightmares, bed-wetting, apnea, and sleepwalking among different ethnicities were significantly different (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the major risk factors of sleep disorders were difficulty adapting to new environments, unwillingness to express emotions, inconsistent attitudes of the family toward children’s education, running before bed, strict family education methods, etc.
Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disorders in preschool children in Urumqi is lower than the average level reported in other studies. Many factors affect the prevalence of sleep disorders in preschool children, but it is necessary to focus on the ability to adapt to new environments, psychological problems, and the impact of family education on sleep disorders. Further studies on the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders are needed for different ethnicities.
Diagnostic utility of Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay in Invasive Aspergillosis in Pediatric patients with Hematological Malignancy
Authors: Das Sutapa , Capoor Malini R. , Singh Amitabh , Agarwal Yatish
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aims to determine the diagnostic utility of GM EIA in IA in terms of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) at various cut offs while validating the revised EORTC/MSG 2019 criteria.
Material and methods: For 100 pediatric patients, serum and respiratory samples were collected. Clinical, mycological workup (potassium-hydroxide mount, fungal culture) and GM EIA was done to classify proven, probable, and possible IA as per EORTC-MSG guidelines,2019. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were calculated of GM indices at cut-off 0.5, 0.7 and 1, and validated with revised EORTC -MSG, 2019.
Results: Of 100 patients enrolled, 75 were diagnosed with ALL, 14 with AML, two with Hodgkin's, three had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and six had undifferentiated leukemia. With routine mycological findings, 51 were classified as probable IA, 11 as possible IA, and 38 as no IA. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent on culture (56.9%, 29/51) followed by A. fumigatus (29%, 15/51) A. niger (7.8%, 4/51), A. terreus (3.9%, 2/51) and A. nidulans (2%, 1/51). GM EIA demonstrated sensitivity 82.3%, specificity 97.4%, PPV 98.1%, and NPV 77.1% at cut-off 0.67 when comparing probable/possible IA v/s no IA groups. The GM EIA had the best sensitivity (82.4%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (95.5%), and NPV (50%) at cut off 0.78 when the probable IA group was compared to the possible IA. Seven patients succumbed of whom 5 had GMI ≥2.
Conclusion: This study deduces the optimal cut off for serum GM EIA to be 0.725 and reinforces the definition of probable category of EORTC-MSG criteria, 2019. GM EIA when performed adjunctive to clinico-radiological findings can prove to be screening, diagnostic and prognostic test for IA in paediatric hematological malignancy patients.
Modeling Daily Travel Choices in an Activity- based Framework considering Spatiotemporal Constraints
Authors: Cho Shin-Hyung , Park Shin Hyoung
Published: April 2023

Activity-based models (ACBMs) are developed to estimate individual travel patterns and improve the accuracy of forecasting aggregated travel demand. Two essential elements of ACBM are the decision to travel, often known as mobility, and the travel choice purpose of the journey. This study aims to develop sequential models of daily mobility and trip purpose choice using an activity-based framework that incorporates some useful features of the activity-based perspective. Random utility maximization (RUM)-based mobility and trip purpose choice models explain key elements of individuals’ daily activity patterns, incorporating spatiotemporal and socio-demographic characteristics. Based on the national household travel survey data collected in South Korea in 2016, these two models were estimated to represent 70% of the full sample, and applied to the remaining 30%. The mobility model reveals that licensed drivers and high-income travelers are more likely to travel, whereas the elderly and homemakers are less likely to do so. The previously selected trip purpose as well as the total number of trips for each purpose during the departure time of the trip influence the choice of the current trip. Demand forecasting and the policy implications of the empirical results are discussed.
What is the awareness of rare diseases among medical students? A survey in Bulgaria
Authors: Hristova-Atanasova Eleonora Hristova , Iskrov Georgi , Atanasov Ivan , Genc Atilla , Stefanov Rumen
Published: April 2023

Background: Rare diseases (RD) are life-threatening or chronically debilitating and offer a high level of complexity. The aim of this study is to assess medical students’ knowledge and awareness of RD as well as their perceptions of potential measures to boost training in RD.
The cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in 2019. The questionnaire contained 12 questions, divided into three main categories: (1) sociodemographic profile; (2) knowledge and awareness of RD; and (3) attitudes about potential measures to improve training in RD.
Results: A total of 1189 students completed the survey with an overall response rate of 56.4%. Only 13% of participants knew the correct definition of RD, and a low overall level of awareness was found with regard to orphan drugs (20.3%) and genetic counselling and testing (0.5%). Respondents believed that society as a whole was largely unaware of RD as a major public health issue. Students suggested elective courses, and invited lectures by RD experts, and participation in research projects as the most preferred measures to improve undergraduate training.
Conclusions: It is crucial to address the gaps in medical students' knowledge and awareness of RD. University curricula should consider incorporating different RD training modalities. It is essential to encourage various stakeholders to play a more proactive role and to collaborate in these activities. Involvement of patient organisations and advocacy groups might enhance students' knowledge of the challenges faced by people with RD. Not last, the media should be partners in this important endeavour as well.
Late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and red blood cell distribution width during late pregnancy among Japanese primipara: A nested case-control study
Authors: Sugeno Misa , Kyozuka Hyo , Jin Toki , Ito Fumihiro , Suzuki Daisuke , Nomura Yasuhisa , Murata Tsuyoshi , Hiraiwa Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Toma , Yasuda Shun , Yamaguchi Akiko , Fujimori Keiya
Published: April 2023

Background
This study aimed to compare the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) between patients with late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and healthy pregnant Japanese primiparas.
Methods
This nested case-control study was conducted at Ohta Nishinouchi Hospital in Fukushima, Japan, from 2014 to 2020. We included 110 patients with late-onset HDP and 110 propensity score-matched control participants with healthy pregnancies. Late-onset HDP was further categorized into gestational hypertension (n = 43) and preeclampsia (n = 67). The RDW was compared between the control and HDP groups during the first and third trimesters. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to examine changes in RDW during the two phases in the control and HDP groups.
Results
In the comparison between the control and HDP groups, no significant difference was noted in the median RDW during the first trimester (p = 0.569) or median RDW during the third trimester (p = 0.570). Comparing the gestational hypertension and preeclampsia groups, there was no significant difference in the RDW at the first (p = 0.179) and third trimesters (p = 0.828). The GLMMs showed significant phase changes in the RDW in both the control (p < 0.05) and HPD (p < 0.05) groups.
Conclusions
Although the RDW increased as the pregnancy progressed in the late-onset HDP group, the same changes were observed in the control group. RDW changes common to all groups may reflect maternal inflammatory responses that occur during pregnancy.
Effect of O-arm on reduction quality and functional recovery of acetabular dome impaction fractures: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Deng Hongli , Cong Yuxuan , Lei Jinlai , Li Dongyang , Ke Chao , Fan Zhiqiang , Wang Hu , Wang Pengfei , Zhuang Yan
Published: April 2023

Background
Acetabular dome impaction fractures (ADIF) are difficult to reduce and have a high failure rate. the consistency between the acetabulum and femoral head is usually assessed under intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction.This study examines the effects of intraoperative mobile 2D/3DX imaging system (O-arm) on the reduction quality and functional recovery of Acetabular dome impaction fractures.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of the data of 48 patients with ADIF treated in Honghui Hospital from October 2018 to October 2021 was conducted.The patients were divided into the X-ray group and O-arm group. Residual step-off and gap displacements in the acetabular dome region were measured and the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. Hip function was also evaluated according to the modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system.
Results
There was no significant difference in preoperative general data between the two groups (P > 0.05).The residual average step displacement in the acetabular dome region was 3.48 ± 2.43mm and 1.61 ± 1.16mm(P < 0.05), and the gap displacement was 6.72 ± 3.69mm and 3.83 ± 1.67mm(P < 0.05) in the X-ray group and the O-arm group. In the X-ray group, according to the fracture reduction criteria described by Verbeek and Moed et al., 1 case was excellent, 13 cases were good, 11 cases were poor, and the rate of excellent and good was 56%; In the O-arm group, 7 cases were excellent, 12 cases were good, and 4 cases were poor, and the rate of excellent and good was 82.6% (P < 0.05). 46 patients gained follow-up, fracture healing, X-ray group at the last follow-up according to the modified Merled 'Aubigne&Postel function score: 3 cases were excellent,12 cases were good, 6 cases were middle, 3 cases were poor, the excellent and good rate of 62.5%, O-arm group: 15 cases were excellent,4 cases were good, 2 cases were middle, 1 cases were poor, the excellent and good rate was 86.4% (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Application of O-arm in ADIF can have a positive impact on the improvement of fracture reduction quality and functional recovery.
Development and testing of physical activity literacy scales for elementary school students
Authors: li mengyu , gu hanxin , zan ziqing , liu lizhu , zhang yu , zhang siqi , lu liu , you lili
Published: April 2023

Background: At this stage, Chinese research on physical activity literacy is still in its infancy, and the domestic primary school students' physical activity literacy assessment questionnaire is also in a state of development. In this study, a set of questionnaire scales for measuring the physical activity literacy of primary school students was compiled according to the characteristics of primary school students in different school stages, and the population measurement was carried out by using this scale, and then the accuracy of the scale and the fit according to the Rasch model were judged.
Methods: We compiled a set of scales for measuring the physical activity literacy of primary school students, and directly distributed the questionnaires to primary school students in four regions of Hebei Province, Sichuan Province, Shenzhen City and Qinghai Province for actual measurement. We also used Rasch analysis to study the single-dimensionality, reliability, resolution and fitting degree of the questionnaire to judge the accuracy of the scale, aiming to provide a strong reference for the subsequent revision and wide application of the questionnaire.
Results: The item reliability coefficient of all questionnaires was 1, and the item separation degree was 16.08, 16.71 and 18.18, respectively, all of which were greater than 3, indicating that the internal consistency of the questionnaire was better and the students with different ability levels could be better distinguished. The one-dimensional hypothesis of the three questionnaires holds. The project-person figure shows that the difficulty of the questionnaire items can be well matched with the subject's ability level. The average values of Infit MNSQ and Outfit MNSQ in the questionnaire were between 0.5-1.5, and the overall fit was good, and the data were in good agreement with the ideal model. In the fitting statistics of a single entry, it was found that the three grade levels generally showed poor fitting on the questions of whether they should continue to exercise after injury, whether it was appropriate to be sedentary and inactive, whether weather with severe air pollution was suitable for outdoor sports, and motivation for sports tests and motivation to like challenges. In subsequent modifications, we will delete and improve these questions or modify the statements of these questions to appropriately increase the difficulty of the questions.
Conclusion: The one-dimensional test passed, reliable and internally consistent of the questionnaire was high, the difficulty of the item and the matching degree of population ability were high, and the questionnaire fit the model well. The questionnaire as a whole can form a questionnaire on sports health literacy of primary school students with good reliability and validity.
An experimental framework to assess biomolecular condensates in bacteria
Authors: Vecchiarelli Anthony , Hoang Y , Azaldegui Christopher , Ghalmi Maria , Biteen Julie
Published: April 2023

High-resolution imaging of biomolecular condensates in living cells is essential for correlating their properties to those observed through in vitro assays. However, such experiments are limited in bacteria due to resolution limitations. Here we present an experimental framework that probes the formation, reversibility, and dynamics of condensate-forming proteins in Escherichia coli as a means to determine the nature of biomolecular condensates in bacteria. We demonstrate that condensates form after passing a threshold concentration, maintain a soluble fraction, dissolve upon shifts in temperature and concentration, and exhibit dynamics consistent with internal rearrangement and exchange between condensed and soluble fractions. We also discovered that an established marker for insoluble protein aggregates, IbpA, has different colocalization patterns with bacterial condensates and aggregates, demonstrating its applicability as a reporter to differentiate the two in vivo. Overall, this framework provides a generalizable, accessible, and rigorous set of experiments to probe the nature of biomolecular condensates on the sub-micron scale in bacterial cells.
Distancing alters the controllability of emotional states by altering both intrinsic stability and extrinsic sensitivity
Authors: Malamud Jolanda , Huys Quentin
Published: April 2023

Our mental health is influenced by the emotional states we experience. Emotional states, in turn, depend on external experiences and internal processes that determine the form and persistence of emotional states. Emotion regulation strategies aim to alter emotional states and are an important element of evidence-based, effective psychotherapeutic interventions. However, the mechanisms by which emotion regulation works remain incompletely understood. Here, we combine experimental induction of momentary emotions with formal dynamical system theory to study how emotion regulation strategies influence emotion dynamics. Participants (N=109) repeatedly reported their
multidimensional emotional state while watching brief validated emotional video clips. Participants were then randomized to either an emotion regulation (distancing) or control intervention before watching further video clips. Dynamical and controllability features were inferred from participants' emotion ratings using a Kalman Filter, which captures how emotions evolve, interact, and are affected by external inputs. First, we showed that the Kalman filter provided an adequate account of the data. Emotions were maintained across stimuli, interacted and were richly influenced by emotional stimuli. Second, distancing had a dual effect: It reduced the (external) controllability of emotional states both by stabilizing specific emotional dynamics and by reducing the driving force external emotional stimuli exerted. These results provide a novel, quantitative approach to characterizing how emotions are controlled and how a distancing intervention alters emotional experience. The quantitative characterization of specific psychotherapeutic interventions may help better understand and target interventions.
Design and Development of VGI Systems for Online Monitoring of Rivers with Emphasis on Sand mining from Riverbeds(Case study :Gadar River)
Authors: Bayazidyhasanabad Mansour , Azaryan Kamyar
Published: April 2023

Rivers play a crucial role in the hydrologic cycle and are central to economic and industrial development in many countries. However, in recent years, rivers have become highly vulnerable to environmental threats due to unsustainable extraction of sand, gravel, and sediments from the riverbed. This activity has caused severe damage to the ecosystem of rivers, resulting in adverse effects on plant and animal communities, increased risk of potential floods, and other associated issues. Conventional methods of monitoring and managing riverbeds have proven to be time-consuming and expensive.To address this issue, this study proposes the use of new web-based technologies for online monitoring of rivers. Advanced location detection systems and web-based technologies have enabled citizens to generate geospatial information, regardless of their knowledge or specialization. The timeliness of the volunteered geographic information (VGI) highlights the value of such information in all stages of monitoring and management, such as prevention, preparation, and response.To this end, a web-based public reporting system was developed and implemented to record violations and reports pertaining to the riverbeds. These reports were then collected in a geographic database, and a land displacement map was produced using Sentinel satellite data. The collected data was subsequently verified through phone calls and site visits to the reported locations. Finally, data from public reports and interferometry radar data were combined to achieve significant results. These results identified a strong correlation between sand mining from the riverbed and displacement of neighboring lands. Moreover, the study concluded that such online monitoring systems offer faster monitoring of rivers and help in effective river management and violation control.
Transcranial direct current stimulation attenuates the chronic pain of osteoarthritis in rats via the top-down modulation
Authors: Li Xinhe , Liu Zhe , Mao Fei , Li Yan , Di Xiaoning , Shang Cuixia , Qiao Jin
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Osteoarthritis (OA) has been the common cause to lead to chronic pain. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can revert maladaptive changes and relieve chronic pain. TDCS is effective in the treatment of a number of chronic pain conditions, but the top-down analgesic mechanism involved is still unclear. This study observed the analgesic effects of tDCS and the changes of NMDA receptors levels in the spinal cord after tDCS treatment in rats to explore the top-down analgesic mechanism of tDCS.
Methods
Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was injected into the ankle joint of rats to establish OA chronic pain model. After 21 days, the rats received tDCS for 14 consecutive days (20 min/day). As indicators of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, we used Von Frey test and hot plate test to assess the pain-related behaviors at different time points. Western blot and Immunohistochemistry were performed to observe the expression level of NMDAR2B in the spinal cord after tDCS treatment.
Results
After MIA injection, rats developed apparent mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia. However, the pain-related behaviors of rats were significantly improved after tDCS treatment. In addition, the expression of NMDAR2B and the proportion of positive stained cells of NMDAR2B were reversed by tDCS treatment.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that tDCS can attenuate OA-induced chronic pain in rats via reducing NMDAR2B expressions in the spinal cord. We believe that this may be the result of tDCS participating in the top-down modulation of pain pathway in the endogenous analgesic system.
Clinical efficacy and acceptability of remote fetal heart rate self-monitoring in southern China
Authors: Gan Yujie , Zhu Caixia , Zhou Yueqin , Wu Jieying , Cai Fenge , Wu Qiang , Huang Jingwan , Zhu Yanna , Chen Haitian
Published: April 2023

Background Compared to traditional fetal heart rate monitoring (FHR) for the outpatients in clinic, remote FHR monitoring shows real-time assessment of fetal wellbeing at home. The clinical function of remote FHR monitoring in pregnant wome in outpatient is still unclear.
Objective: To explore the feasibility of remote FHR self-monitoring in singleton pregnant women from southern China.
Study Design This prospective cohort studywas conducted at one tertiary center in southern China. Pregnant women used a mobile cardiotocogram device to measure the FHR at least once a week until delivery in the remote group. For the control group, pregnant women underwenttraditional FHR monitoring once a week in the outpatient clinic. The rate of cesarean section, risk of postpartum hemorrhage and adverse neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. All the pregnant women completed a questionnaire survey to evaluate their acquisition of remote FHR self-monitoring.
Results Approximately 500 women were recruited in the remote FHR self-monitoring group (remote group), and 567 women were recruited in the traditional FHR monitoring group (control group). The women in the remote FHR monitoring group were more likely to be nulliparous (P<0.001), more likely to have a higher education level (P<0.001) and more likely to be at high risk (P=0.003). There was no significant difference inthe risk of cesarean section (P=0.068) or postpartum hemorrhage (P=0.836) between the two groups. No difference in fetal complications was observed across groups, with the exception of the incidence of NICU stays, which was higher in the remote group (12.0% vs. 8.3%, P=0.044). The questionnaire survey showed that the interval time (P=0.001) and cost (P=0.010) of fetal heart rate monitoring were lower in the remote group. Regarding age, prepregnancy BMI, risk factors, education level, maternal risk and household income, senior high school (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.67-4.90, P<0.001), undergraduate (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.73-5.06, P<0.001), advanced maternal age (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89, P=0.015) and high-risk pregnancy (OR 1.61, 95% CI1.11-2.35, P=0.013) were independent factors for pregnant women to choose remote fetal monitoring. Multiparty (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.51, P<0.001), full-time motherhood (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.678, P<0.001) and high household income (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.88, P=0.004) were negatively correlated with the choice of remote FHR self-monitoring.
Conclusion Remote FHR self-monitoring technology has a lower cost and shows potential clinical efficacy for the outpatient setting in southern China. This approach does not increase the risk of cesarean section or adverse neonatal outcomes. It is acceptable among nulliparous pregnant women with a high education level, high household income or high risk. Further research is needed to assess the impact of this technology on obstetric outcomes in different health settings.