bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ice in the intertidal: patterns and processes of freeze tolerance in intertidal invertebrates
Authors: Gill Lauren T. , Kennedy Jessica R. , Box Isaiah C. H. , Marshall Katie E.
Published: July 2024

Many intertidal invertebrates are freeze tolerant, meaning that they can survive ice formation within their body cavity. Freeze tolerance is a fascinating trait, and understanding its mechanisms is important for predicting the survival of intertidal animals during extreme cold weather events. In this Review, we bring together current research on the ecology, biochemistry and physiology of this group of freeze-tolerant organisms. We first introduce the ecology of the intertidal zone, then highlight the strong geographic and taxonomic biases within the current body of literature on this topic. Next, we detail current knowledge on the mechanisms of freeze tolerance used by intertidal invertebrates. Although the mechanisms of freeze tolerance in terrestrial arthropods have been well-explored, marine invertebrate freeze tolerance is less well understood and does not appear to work similarly because of the osmotic differences that come with living in seawater. Freeze tolerance mechanisms thought to be utilized by intertidal invertebrates include: (1) low molecular weight cryoprotectants, such as compatible osmolytes and anaerobic by-products; (2) high molecular weight cryoprotectants, such as ice-binding proteins; as well as (3) other molecular mechanisms involving heat shock proteins and aquaporins. Lastly, we describe untested hypotheses, methods and approaches that researchers can use to fill current knowledge gaps. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of freeze tolerance in the intertidal zone has many important ecological implications, but also provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of freeze tolerance more generally.
Η αφίσα στην παγκόσμια πολιτική προπαγάνδα κατά το πρώτο μισό του 20ου αιώνα μέσα από τις περιπτώσεις της γαλλικής, ρωσικής / σοβιετικής και ιταλικής αφίσας
Authors: Γκότσης Παναγιώτης
Published: July 2024

Η διατριβή πραγματεύεται τον ρόλο και την εξέλιξη της προπαγανδιστικής αφίσας κατά το πρώτο μισό του 20ου αιώνα και ιδιαίτερα κατά την περίοδο 1915 - 1945. Η μελέτη επικεντρώνεται στα πλαίσια τριών κρατών, τα οποία κατά το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της συγκεκριμένης 30ετίας ταυτίστηκαν με τα κυριότερα ιδεολογικοπολιτικά συστήματα της νεότερης ευρωπαϊκής Ιστορίας: Της δημοκρατικής Γαλλίας, της κομουνιστικής ΕΣΣΔ και της φασιστικής Ιταλίας. Βασικό κριτήριο για την επιλογή των συγκεκριμένων κρατών αποτέλεσε η έμφαση που έδωσαν οι ηγετικοί τους μηχανισμοί στη χρήση της έντυπης εικονογραφίας και ιδιαίτερα στην αφίσα, την οποία ανέδειξαν σε πρωταγωνιστικό φορέα της πολιτικής τους προπαγάνδας. Κινούμενοι σε αυτό το ιστορικό και γεωγραφικό πλαίσιο ιχνηλατούμε αυτή την, παραγκωνισμένη στις μέρες μας, μορφή καλλιτεχνικής έκφρασης φιλοδοξώντας να συμβάλουμε στη συμπλήρωση του σχετικού κενού που εντοπίζεται στην ελληνική ακαδημαϊκή έρευνα. Κεντρικό αντικείμενο της ανάλυσής μας αποτελεί η διερεύνηση της λειτουργικής σχέσης που συνδέει την καλλιτεχνική εικονογραφία με την προπαγάνδα και την πολιτική. Η διερεύνηση αυτή επιχειρείται μέσα από την επιμέρους «αποκωδικοποίηση» των λεκτικών και εικονογραφικών μηνυμάτων μεγάλου αριθμού παραδειγμάτων. Η συγκέντρωση των εικόνων που παρατίθενται είναι αποτέλεσμα πολυετούς έρευνας σε ελληνικές και ξένες βιβλιογραφικές, αρχειακές, διαδικτυακές και άλλες πηγές. Μετά από την προσεκτική επιλογή και ταξινόμηση του υλικού με χρονολογικά κριτήρια ακολούθησε η κριτική ανάλυσή του σε επίπεδο θεματολογίας, συνθηματολογίας αλλά και αισθητικής, σε σχέση πάντοτε με το εκάστοτε πολιτικό και ιδεολογικό πλαίσιο. Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα της προσπάθειάς μας, πέραν της αξίας που μπορεί να έχει η συγκέντρωση και ο κριτικός σχολιασμός ενός τόσο μεγάλου αριθμού σπάνιων προπαγανδιστικών αφισών ως ένα αποκαλυπτικό ιστορικό, πολιτικοκοινωνικό και εικαστικό ντοκουμέντο ή έστω ως ένας «θησαυρός» από κορυφαία δείγματα γραφιστικής Τέχνης, είναι ο συσχετισμός των πολιτικών, κοινωνικών και ιδεολογικών τάσεων κάθε χώρας και εποχής με συγκεκριμένες εικαστικές διαλέκτους όπως αυτές εκφράστηκαν προς το ευρύ κοινό με όχημα την αφίσα.
K. Polke's Theorem in Computer Model Space in 2D Modeling
Authors: Sokolova L.
Published: July 2024

The application of Polke's theorem in the search for a coordinate system for an electronic geometric model in the model space of a computer in 2D geometric modeling is considered.

The possibility of creating an electronic geometric model in a system of axonometric axes in 2D modeling for scientific and educational purposes using a coordinate method is shown.

It is possible to solve problems on axonometric coordinate planes that do not provide solutions in a rectangular coordinate system. In the computer model space, it has become possible to solve classical problems of descriptive geometry, the solution of which is associated only with the method of projecting space onto the projection plane.

Secondary axonometry in the system of axonometric coordinate axes in 2D modeling has allowed us to solve a number of problems that do not have a solution in a rectangular coordinate system:

• simulate the parallel (oblique) direction of the correspondence of two related shapes;

• move the shape in space by rotating around the axonometric coordinate axes;

• the construction of an arbitrary relationship of two affine corresponding figures with mutual perpendicularity of the axis of kinship and the direction of kinship;

• switch to the coordinate solution method instead of projecting on the projection plane;

• vased on the numerical equality of isometric coordinates with natural ones, it is possible to switch from one coordinate system to another right in the process of solving problems.

A new reading of Polke's theorem expands the possibilities of the model space of personal computers for solving scientific and educational problems. However, a necessary condition for the implementation of these capabilities is the availability of isometric constructions by software.

The possibility of learning how to create an electronic drawing from a full-scale part in the educational process is shown. In this case, it is advisable to use an isometric image as an electronic model, as it has visibility in a single-picture view and simplicity of drawing in a coordinate way.

According to the constructed axonometric view, rectangular views are programmatically obtained using rectangular coordinates. A rectangular electronic drawing is formed from these types. If the purpose of its creation is to build a 3D geometric model of an object, then the construction can be continued, considering the created electronic drawing as the initial conditions for building a 3D model of the object
Expansion of Formation Options Linear Surfaces
Authors: Sal'kov N.
Published: July 2024

When solving large geometric problems, in some cases there is a need to solve smaller auxiliary problems. So, when expanding the options for forming ruled surfaces, a solution arose for constructing a plane or a straight line at certain angles of inclination to the planes of projections or to some given plane of general position. The article presents this related task of constructing a plane, as well as building a straight line using a sphere. The basis for constructing a plane and a straight line at certain angles to the projection planes is the application of a contiguous cone of rotation to an arbitrarily specified sphere. The same method is already used to construct a straight line and a plane to a given plane of general position, taking into account that this plane is tangent to some given surface. All constructions of linear surfaces are based on the principle of specifying three guides and three conditions limiting each of the generators in relation to the specified guides. The condition of passing the guide at certain angles to the surfaces expands the possibilities of designing ruled surfaces almost indefinitely.
Excess Asset Returns Predictability in an Emerging Economy: The Case of Colombia
Authors: López Martha , Sarmiento Gómez Eduardo
Published: July 2024

The study examines the predictive capacity of book-to-market and earnings-to-price ratios in forecasting excess asset returns in an emerging market economy like Colombia’s. The objective is to determine the magnitude in which these ratios help to forecast excess returns and if there is any evidence that one of the ratios outperforms the other. Furthermore, the study addresses the impact of the spread between the domestic and the foreign policy interest rate in the excess asset returns. Using Bayesian techniques, the findings suggest that the magnitude of the effect is similar for both ratios and that the impact is slightly higher in the case of firms with higher book-to-market ratios. Moreover, the study identifies evidence that the spread of interest rates explains the excess returns in a way according to the Uncovered Interest Parity theory.
A Community-based Intervention to Improve Health Outcomes for Vietnamese Americans
Authors: Unger Jennifer B. , Budzinski Tiffany Nguyen , Nguyen Thang D. , Tran TrangKhanh
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Vietnamese Americans experience significant health disparities compared with other groups, but their health care utilization is suboptimal. Boat People SOS (BPSOS), a nationwide Vietnamese-serving community-based organization, implemented a community health worker and community-clinical linkage electronic referral system to improve health care utilization. Three sites (in Alabama, California, and Virginia) received the intervention; Mississippi was the comparison site. The intervention included bridging between communities and health systems, culturally appropriate health education, informal counseling and social support, advocating for individual and community needs, direct services, and building individual and community capacity through partnerships with service providers. Compared with the comparison site, clients at the intervention sites reported better overall perceived health after the intervention. Past-year medical checkups declined in both groups during the COVID-19 pandemic but declined less in the treatment group. The intervention did not reduce emergency room visits. Findings suggest that this intervention can improve health care utilization and health status among Vietnamese Americans.
Cluster Randomized Trial of Diabetes Group Visits in Community Health Centers across the Midwest
Authors: Baig Arshiya A. , Staab Erin M. , Zhu Mengqi , Nunez Daisy , Li Jefferine , Wan Wen , Campbell Amanda , Schaefer Cynthia T. , Quinn Michael T.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background. Diabetes group visits (GVs) have not been rigorously evaluated in community health centers. Methods. This cluster randomized controlled study recruited adults with diabetes mellitus with glycosylated hemoglobin, A1C greater than or equal to eight percent: 75 intervention and 120 usual care. Group visit patients completed a six-month program. Primary outcome was A1C change from baseline to 12 months. Results. Participants improved their A1C by 0.38%–0.40% with no difference across arms (p=.63). Group visit patients improved their diabetes social support, knowledge, and distress and were more likely to receive guideline-based care compared with control. Group visit patients with anxiety or depression were more likely to have a visit with behavioral health compared with usual care (p=.02). Conclusions. Community health center patients with diabetes had improvements in glucose control across arms. Group visits improved the receipt of mental health care and guideline-based care.
Project DINE: Addressing Disparities in Nutrition and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity through Nutrition and Father Engagement
Authors: Rollins Latrice , Giddings Tiara , Henes Sarah T. , Mubasher Mohamed , White Chris
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This study assessed the outcomes of an intervention (Project DINE) that added nutrition and breastfeeding education to Healthy Start programs in Georgia for a sample of Black expecting parents. Using a community-based participatory approach and a 2 × 2 randomized cluster factorial design, three of six Healthy Start sites were intervention sites. Participants completed the Adult Food and Physical Activity Behavior Questionnaire and a breastfeeding education survey pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests determined that there was an improvement in overall self-reported diet quality among the expecting couples (n=61; p = .025). Breastfeeding survey data showed that the percentage of correct answers increased from 78% to 84% (n=89; p=.0009) for all participants. Qualitative data were also collected through open-ended responses on the breastfeeding post-test (n=66) and focus groups with fathers (n=10). This project demonstrates the need for nutrition and breastfeeding education for both expecting parents during pregnancy to improve maternal health.
A Mixed-methods Approach to Understanding Language Interpretation Services in Health Care Settings among Asian American Immigrants from Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds
Authors: Lozano Paula , Veitch Zachary , Sharp MaryGrace , Southworth Alia , Randal Fornessa T. , Kim Karen E.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Background. Asian Americans (AA) face cultural and linguistic barriers to health care access, resulting in poor health outcomes. This study investigates the experiences of AAs using language interpretation services (LIS) in health care settings. Methods. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a community survey (N=401) and seven focus groups between April and September 2023. We use the Andersen model to understand the experience around LIS for AAs and calculated descriptive statistics for predisposing (i.e., sociodemographic factors and attitudes toward LIS), enabling (i.e., perceived barriers), and need factors (i.e., perceived need for LIS). Focus groups were analyzed using a modified template approach to text analysis. Results. Quantitative and qualitative analyses found that although AAs recognize the benefits and need for LIS, various barriers (e.g., lack of interpreters when booking an appointment) preclude these communities from accessing these services. Conclusions. Results from this study will help inform interventions that seek to improve LIS within health care systems.
Eliminating Health Care Access and Quality Inequities in Sickle Cell Disease: Policy Lessons from the End Sepsis Initiative
Authors: Rivlin Kenneth , Poulard Jean-Bernard , Stein-Albert Marcy
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Sickle cell disease is a prime example of the devastating impact of healthcare inequities. The End Sepsis Initiative developed after a tragic death due to sepsis, provides a powerful model for the sickle cell community. This model recognizes the importance of evidence-based protocols and policy recommendations/mandates to drive transformative systems change. We propose that the sickle cell community mirror this approach. We propose that hospital systems, healthcare organizations, and insurers implement evidence-based protocols, including personalized pain plans, stigma reduction through staff training, vaccinations, preventative screening, disease-modifying therapies, pediatric to adult transition, and connecting unaffiliated SCD patients to a medical home. We recommend state-level interventions, such as using SCD navigator in electronic health records for quality reporting, supporting community health workers' use, and ensuring rural hospitals have access to SCD specialists.
Actualizing the Full Potential of Public Health Community Health Workers
Authors: McKinnon Andrea
Published: July 2024

Summary: Community health worker career paths that include policy, system change, program and process development, and advocacy will increase job satisfaction and sustainability. Community health workers employed at an organizational level can be liaisons between public health and community organizations to improve relationships and develop system-level culturally and linguistically appropriate services, information, resources, and policies.
Promoting Equitable Access to Language Services in Oral Health: A Report from the Field
Authors: Holland Nicole , Rogers Dara
Published: July 2024

Summary: Providing equitable, patient-centered oral health care requires the dental community to address the cultural and linguistic needs and preferences of patients and their communities. This report describes our three-part demonstration project, providing an innovative framework and interprofessional approach to enhance language access in oral health care.
Community Health Workers Promote Health Literacy and COVID-19 Vaccine Equity
Authors: Murphy Caitlin , Carter Ernest , Thomas Laurine , Buchanan Elizabeth , Torres Villegas Liz , de LaRue Michelle
Published: July 2024

Summary: At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, racial/ethnic minority residents of Prince George's County were disproportionately affected by the virus. This report from the field details an intervention that trained community health workers recruited from racial/ethnic minority communities to promote COVID-19 vaccination and health literacy among racially/ethnically diverse communities.
Amplifying Youth Voice to Promote Black Youth Mental Health Through Policy in Georgia
Authors: Nzinga Malaka Y. , Blount Mitchell A. , Johnson Ebony , Newton Brittney , Desai Dimple , Wallack Rachel Alterman , Allen Zariyah , Kendall Mikayla , Tyus Dawn , Douglas Megan D.
Published: July 2024

Summary: There is an unmet need for mental health policies that are culturally competent, engaging, and equitable for Black youth. This paper describes a youth-adult partnership advisory council approach to identify, assess, and measure the effectiveness of innovative policy solutions to promote Black youth mental health in Georgia.
Implementing Community Clinical Linkages in Underserved Communities: Lessons Learned from Six Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Rivera Jesabel , Knock Kayla
Published: July 2024

Summary: This report highlights the efforts of six community-based organizations (CBOs) implementing community-clinical linkages (CCLs) to identify individuals with hypertension in underserved populations and connect them to community health centers (CHCs) participating in the National Hypertension Control Initiative. This report emphasizes the importance of understanding the CBOs' capacity to implement CCLs.
Religion at Sea
Authors: Marrs Cody
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This article examines the relationship between Melville’s ideas about religion and Melville’s representations of the ocean. Across Melville’s long career, the ocean is a site of profound spiritual significance. That significance is tied to the openness and formlessness of the sea, which Melville frequently compares to the openness and formlessness of religious belief. This article tracks the development of Melville’s ideas about the ocean, and the spiritual dimensions of those ideas, from his early experiences at sea through his later fiction and poetry.
Billy Budd: (An inside revision narrative.)
Authors: Bryant John
Published: July 2024

Abstract: As John Wenke observed in his contribution to Leviathan ’s inaugural issue of Melville’s Hand twenty-five years ago, “Genetic evidence is biographical evidence.” This essay instantiates that claim through a set of late revisions Melville made in Billy Budd , Chapter 24, regarding the insertion of a skeleton in sleeping Billy’s cheek-bone and of “fervid hearts self-contained” regarding Billy’s “secret fire.” The revisions are sourced in Melville’s 1839 trip to Liverpool and his life-long fascination with that city’s Lord Nelson Monument. These later revisions not only link the passage to Melville’s earlier Liverpool recollection of the African sailor as a Black avatar of the Handsome Sailor type, but they also broaden Billy’s condition to embrace all “fervid hearts,” including Melville’s self-containment in his “inside narrative” of Billy’s lethal anger.
Laser contacting of hairpin windings in electrical vehicle motors using ring-mode laser beams based on angularly-uniform Lissajous trajectories
Authors: Zhu Tieshuang , Ji Shuai , Zhang Chengrui , Yu Hongyu , Yin Yisheng
Published: July 2024

The contacting process of hairpin windings is deemed the most important and challenging process in manufacturing electric vehicle motors. This paper proposes a ring-mode laser contacting method for copper hairpin windings based on Lissajous-shaped cyclic scanning with a uniform angular speed. Two key variables, trajectory cycle n and angular multiplier k, which represent the laser energy input and distribution respectively, were investigated via single-factor experiments. Morphology, microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties were analyzed consequentially to show the influence on the contact quality. The results show that, as n increases, contact appearance is criticized for being under-contacted, well-contacted, or over-contacted. Molten pool behaviors affected by n variations determine morphology formation. Larger k facilitates molten pool evolution and improves laser contacting efficiency. Fusion zone (FZ) has directional columnar grains, while heat-affected zone (HAZ) has overgrown equiaxed grains coarser than those of base metal (BM). The microstructure of FZ becomes coarser if n increases, or finer if k increases. The highest tensile force of 712.5 N was reached when k = 4, n = 6. Ductile dimple fractures in FZ indicate the contacts’ excellent strength and toughness. FZ and HAZ show lower microhardness than BM due to thermal softening. FZ is slightly harder than HAZ due to its densely-interlaced microstructure. Poor contacts cause reduction in their electrical conductivity and increase in their resistance.
Perioperative estimations of oxygen consumption from LiDCO™plus-derived cardiac output and Ca-cvO2 difference: Relationship with measurements by indirect calorimetry in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery
Authors: Jakobsson Julia , Norén Carl , Hagel Eva , Backheden Magnus , Kalman Sigridur , Bartha Erzsébet
Published: July 2024

Background

Feasible estimations of perioperative changes in oxygen consumption (VO2) could enable larger studies of its role in postoperative outcomes. Current methods, either by reverse Fick calculations using pulmonary artery catheterisation or metabolic by breathing gas analysis, are often deemed too invasive or technically requiring. In addition, reverse Fick calculations report generally lower values of oxygen consumption.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between perioperative estimations of VO2 (EVO2), from LiDCO™plus-derived (LiDCO Ltd, Cambridge, UK) cardiac output and arterial-central venous oxygen content difference (Ca-cvO2), with indirect calorimetry (GVO2) by QuarkRMR (COSMED srl. Italy), using data collected 2017–2018 during a prospective observational study on perioperative oxygen transport in 20 patients >65 years during epidural and general anaesthesia for open pancreatic or liver resection surgery. Eighty-five simultaneous intra- and postoperative measurements at different perioperative stages were analysed for prediction, parallelity and by traditional agreement assessment.

Results

Unadjusted bias between GVO2 and EVO2 indexed for body surface area was 26 (95% CI 20 to 32) with limits of agreement (1.96SD) of -32 to 85 ml min−1m−2. Correlation adjusted for the bias was moderate, intraclass coefficient(A,1) 0.51(95% CI 0.34 to 0.65) [F (84,84) = 3.07, P<0.001]. There was an overall association between GVO2 and EVO2, in a random coefficient model [GVO2 = 73(95% CI 62 to 83) + 0.45(95% CI 0.29 to 0.61) EVO2 ml min−1m−2, P<0.0001]. GVO2 and EVO2 changed in parallel intra- and postoperatively when normalised to their respective overall means.

Conclusion

Based on this data, estimations from LiDCO™plus-derived cardiac output and Ca-cvO2 are not reliable as a surrogate for perioperative VO2. Results were in line with previous studies comparing Fick-based and metabolic measurements but limited by variability of data and possible underpowering. The parallelity at different perioperative stages and the prediction model can provide useful guidance and methodological tools for future studies on similar methods in larger samples.
Streamlining Canadian parliamentary data access: A user-friendly R package
Authors: Millette Alexandre
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the methodological and empirical challenges researchers encounter when accessing government open data through the case study of Canada’s Open Government Action Plan, with a specific emphasis on datasets hosted by the House of Commons. To address these challenges, we have created an R package designed to streamline the retrieval process of datasets, that are not-so-user-friendly, from the House of Commons website. Furthermore, we have made complete datasets available in both French and English, which are the official languages of Canada, and in multiple formats to improve accessibility. Our package aims to be an invaluable resource for researchers interested in Canadian politics or conducting comparative research. Therefore, a portion of this paper is allocated to showcase the potential utility of our package. Through our research, we highlighted three crucial lessons: firstly, the heterogeneous nature of datasets requires flexibility and adaptability; secondly, open data curators encounter various challenges in addressing user-reported issues; and thirdly, there is a nuanced understanding of “openness” in government datasets. In conclusion, we reflect on the potential scalability of open data initiatives while advocating for a nuanced approach that considers the complex challenges associated with open data accessibility.
Shared decision-making interventions in the choice of antipsychotic prescription in people living with psychosis (SHAPE): Protocol for a realist review
Authors: Fitzgerald Ita , Sahm Laura J. , Howe Jo , Maidment Ian , Wallace Emma , Crowley Erin K.
Published: July 2024

Background

Shared decision-making (SDM) has yet to be successfully adopted into routine use in psychiatric settings amongst people living with severe mental illnesses. Suboptimal rates of SDM are particularly prominent amongst patients with psychotic illnesses during antipsychotic treatment choices. Many interventions have been assessed for their efficacy in improving SDM within this context, although results have been variable and inconsistent.

Aims

To generate an in-depth understanding of how, why, for whom, and to what extent interventions facilitating the application of SDM during antipsychotic treatment choices work and the impact of contextual factors on intervention effectiveness.

Methods

This review will use realist review methodology to provide a causal understanding of how and why interventions work when implementing SDM during antipsychotic treatment choices. The cohort of interest will be those experiencing psychosis where ongoing treatment with an antipsychotic is clinically indicated. The review will take place over five stages; (1) Locating existing theories, (2) Searching for evidence, (3) Selecting articles, (4) Extracting and organising data and (5) Synthesizing evidence and drawing conclusions. An understanding of how and why interventions work will be achieved by developing realist programme theories on intervention effectiveness through iterative literature reviews and engaging with various stakeholder groups, including patient, clinician and carer representatives.

Discussion

This is the first realist review aiming to identify generative mechanisms explaining how and why successful interventions aimed at improving SDM within the parameters outlined work and in which contexts desired outcomes are most likely to be achieved. Review findings will include suggestions for clinicians, policy and decision-makers about the most promising interventions to pursue and their ideal attributes.
Southern Madagascar, polycrisis and project failures: A scoping review
Authors: Delpy Léo , Gondard Delcroix Claire , Galon Maxime , Lallau Benoît , Droy Isabelle
Published: July 2024

The southern region of Madagascar experiences a series of crises related to agro-climatic, nutritional, security, institutional, and political conditions despite the presence of numerous development aid projects over several decades. To understand this apparent paradox, this scoping review examines 63 peer-reviewed and grey literature studies in both French and English from 1990 to 2023, focusing on project failures in the southern region of Madagascar. The article makes two main contributions. Firstly, in terms of methodology, it presents an original approach to conduct a scoping review in a geographical area characterized by the presence of numerous development players and a low number of scientific articles. Secondly, it represents the very first article to offer a synthesis of the literature analyzing development failures in southern Madagascar. It thus appears that the equilibrium of maldevelopment in southern Madagascar is rooted in the systemic interaction between agri-environmental tensions, the failures of the state and aid, and the inadequate consideration of socio-anthropological dimensions and gender relations.
Burden of early neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moges Natnael , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Zemene Melkamu Aderajew , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Adella Getachew Asmare , Kassie Gizachew Ambaw , Mengstie Misganaw Asmamaw , Seid Mohammed Abdu , Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Gesese Molalegn Mesele , Kebede Yenealem Solomon , Feleke Sefineh Fenta , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw , Tesfa Natnael Amare , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Chanie Ermias Sisay , Bantie Berihun
Published: July 2024

Background

Globally, with a neonatal mortality rate of 27/1000 live births, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate in the world and is responsible for 43% of all infant fatalities. In the first week of life, almost three-fourths of neonatal deaths occur and about one million babies died on their first day of life. Previous studies lack conclusive evidence regarding the overall estimate of early neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this review aimed to pool findings reported in the literature on magnitude of early neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This review’s output is the aggregate of magnitude of early neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Up until June 8, 2023, we performed a comprehensive search of the databases PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Hinary, Google, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The studies were evaluated using the JBI appraisal check list. STATA 17 was employed for the analysis. Measures of study heterogeneity and publication bias were conducted using the I2 test and the Eggers and Beggs tests, respectively. The Der Simonian and Laird random-effect model was used to calculate the combined magnitude of early neonatal mortality. Besides, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta regression were carried out to identify the source of heterogeneity.

Results

Fourteen studies were included from a total of 311 articles identified by the search with a total of 278,173 participants. The pooled magnitude of early neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa was 80.3 (95% CI 66 to 94.6) per 1000 livebirths. Ethiopia had the highest pooled estimate of early neonatal mortality rate, at 20.1%, and Cameroon had the lowest rate, at 0.5%. Among the included studies, both the Cochrane Q test statistic (χ2 = 6432.46, P <0.001) and I2 test statistic (I2 = 99.80%, p <0.001) revealed statistically significant heterogeneity. Egger’s weighted regression (p <0.001) and funnel plot show evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis.

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that the pooled magnitude of early neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is substantial. Therefore, governmental and nongovernmental agencies, international organizations, healthcare providers and institutions and academic and research institutions should give a due attention and design strategies to reduce early neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Evaluation of pregnancy associated glycoproteins assays for on farm determination of pregnancy status in beef cattle
Authors: Kline Adalaide C. , Menegatti Zoca Saulo , Epperson Kaitlin M. , Quail Lacey K. , Ketchum Jaclyn N. , Andrews Taylor N. , Rich Jerica J. J. , Rhoades Jim R. , Walker Julie A. , Perry George A.
Published: July 2024

Transrectal ultrasonography is known as the gold standard for pregnancy detection, but requires costly equipment and technical skills; therefore, access to an inexpensive and more user-friendly method with similar accuracy could benefit cattle producers. Detection of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins can accurately determine pregnancy in ruminants; however, usually requires specialized equipment for the assay. Thus, the objectives of these studies were to 1) validate the IDEXX Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test (lateral flow) and compare the accuracy of all three commercial PAG assays to transrectal ultrasonography and 2) to determine the postpartum interval necessary for clearance of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins from the previous pregnancy to avoid false positives. In study 1, blood samples from previously identified pregnant Bos taurus females from six different herds (nulliparous n = 1,205 and multiparous n = 1,539; samples collected between d 27 to 285 of gestation over a three-year period) were utilized. In study 2, postpartum females (primiparous n = 48 and multiparous n = 66) from one herd were utilized: (n = 1,066; samples collected weekly for up to 12 weeks postpartum). In study 1, level of agreement between different methods of pregnancy detection was determined by Pearson’s correlation and Kappa scores. In study 2, data were analyzed as a repeated measure using the MIXED procedure of SAS with main effects of parity, days postpartum (dpp), and parity by days postpartum, then data were analyzed further using the REG procedure of SAS. In study 1, transrectal ultrasonography and lateral flow were positively correlated (r = 0.77; P <0.01), with 92.4% agreement. In study 2, the abundance of absorbance of PAGs rapidly decreased from 0 to 50 days postpartum, then continued to gradually decrease (P <0.01; r = 0.90). Prior to 42 days postpartum, PAG concentrations were sufficiently elevated resulting in false positive readings in all assays. In conclusion, there is very good agreement between transrectal ultrasonography and PAG assays, but likelihood of false positive results are highif assays are performed fewer than 42 days postpartum.
Empathy and redemption: Exploring the narrative transformation of online support for mental health across communities before and after Covid-19
Authors: Cai Yuxuan , Wei Ertong , Cai Xintong
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ mental health and their online interactions, particularly within Reddit’s mental health communities. By analyzing data from 15 subreddits categorized into mental health and control groups from 2018 to 2022, we observed that forums dedicated to mental health exhibited higher levels of user engagement and received more supportive responses than those in other categories. However, as the pandemic evolved, a significant decrease in online support was noted, especially within these mental health groups. This decline hints at a risk of emotional burnout among users, which poses a particularly acute challenge for individuals grappling with mental health issues. Intimate relationships have also an impact on online expression of mental health. The research underscores the pandemic’s effect on online support and interaction dynamics, signaling the necessity for a deeper understanding and the development of strategies to maintain support within online communities during times of crisis.
Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Organo-Montmorillonites and their Plumbagin-Nanohybrids
Authors: Noichan Jirawan , Khaorapapong Nithima , Senawong Thanaset , Moosophon Panawan
Published: July 2024

Plumbagin is a naphthoquinone derivative obtained from medicinal plant and displayed cytotoxic activity against several cancer cells. To increase the cytotoxicity of plumbagin on cancer cell lines, it was adsorbed by organo-montmorillonites, used as an adsorbent and prepared by the ion-exchange reaction between three quaternary ammonium surfactants and sodium ion in montmorillonite. Three plumbagin-nanohybrids were successfully synthesized by adsorption of plumbagin in the interlayer space of the organo-montmorillonites and accessed antiproliferation effect on three cancer cells including human colon cancer, human cervical cancer and human breast cancer cell lines and a non-cancer cell line. The organoclays and plumbagin-nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR and CHN analysis. The combination index (CI) value was used to determine the degree of organo-montmorillonites and plumbagin interaction, indicating a synergistic cytotoxicity between plumbagin and all three organo-montmorillonites on MCF-7 cell proliferation, while they showed additive effect on Vero cell.
Nanogold Supported Titania Loaded SBA-15: An Efficient Catalyst for Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol
Authors: Chandralayam Soumini , Sankaran Sugunan
Published: July 2024

Gold nanoparticles with an average particle size below 5 nm were effectively dispersed over titania loaded SBA-15. The nanogold supported systems were found to be highly effective in the liquid phase reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol at room temperature (304 K) obeying pseudo-first-order kinetics. The highly effective catalyst with 3 wt.% Au incorporation to 20 wt.% Ti loaded SBA-15 (3Au/20Ti/SBA) showed a TON of 5.8 × 1021 molecules/g and a TOF of 6.5 × 1018 molecules/g/s in the reaction.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Methylene Blue Degradation and Chromium(VI) Photoreduction under Sunlight by Fe3O4@rGO@CeO2/Nd2O3 as Magnetic Recyclable Photocatalyst
Authors: Naik Vishal A. , Thakur Vikas A.
Published: July 2024

A significant global concern is in the easy separation, recyclability and reusability of photocatalysts in industrial wastewater treatment applications. Therefore, in this study, the synthesis of magnetically separatable Fe3O4@rGO@CeO2/Nd2O3 photocatalyst using a one-step solvothermal method is reported, which overcomes all these challenges. A binary lanthanide oxides CeO2/Nd2O3 anchored on rGO-wrapped Fe3O4 core-shell magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic photocatalyst nanocomposite has been characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, HRTEM, TGA-DTA-DSC, VSM, FTIR and UV-visible spectrophotometer. In this work, the Fe3O4 synthesized by solvothermal technique achieved the highest saturation magnetization (MS), 101.84 emu/g. The results showed that Fe3O4@rGO@CeO2/Nd2O3 photocatalyst had more excellent stability up to 880 ºC confirmed by TGA-DTA-DSC analysis and efficient potential for the degradation of methylene blue by photo-Fenton reaction and reduction of Cr(VI) in formic acid under sunlight. The prepared photocatalyst efficiently degrades 98% of methylene blue in 50 min at neutral pH and quick photoreduction of Cr(VI) of 99% takes place within 40 min. After six cycles, the repeatability of the photocatalytic activity exhibited just a slight reduction in catalytic efficiency for degradation of methylene blue and photoreduction of Cr(VI).
Preference modelling with a graph theoretic approach
Authors:   , Szádoczki Zsombor
Published: July 2024

A preferenciák modellezésében, a döntéselméletben, de még a sportokban is rendkívül fontos szerep jut a páros összehasonlításoknak. Az egyik legnépszerűbb többszempontú döntési módszertan, az Analytic Hierarchy Process, esetében ezeket az összehasonlításokat egy mátrixba rendezzük, ami egy páros összehasonlítás mátrixot eredményez. Gyakran előfordul, hogy az összehasonlítások egy része hiányzik, aminek az egyik legfontosabb oka lehet, hogy a döntéshozónak nincs ideje, lehetősége vagy energiája elvégezni az összes összehasonlítást. Ilyenkor nem teljesen kitöltött páros összehasonlítás mátrixokat kapunk, amelyekből bizonyos feltételek teljesülése mellett, hasonlóan tudunk súlyvektorokat, rangsorokat számítani, mint a teljes esetben. A nem teljesen kitöltött mátrixok elméleti kérdései jól kezelhetőek a páros összehasonlításokat reprezentáló gráffal, és annak tulajdonságaival, mellyel az angol nyelvű, cikkalapú értekezés is foglalkozik. Ebben az esetben az eredményekre (a számított rangsorra) nagy hatása van az ismert összehasonlítások száma mellett azok elhelyezkedésének, a kitöltési mintázatnak. Az erre vonatkozó különböző javaslatokat és modelleket szimulációk segítségével vizsgálja meg a dolgozat, amikből kiderül, hogy a gráf regularitása és átmérője fontos tulajdonságok; előzetes információként a két legjobb elem ismerete fontosabb, mint a sok modell által használt legjobb és legrosszabb elemé; sőt, a teljes mátrixból kapott sorrendhez, adott összehasonlításszám mellett a legközelebbi eredményeket biztosító optimális gráfok (kitöltési minták) is meghatározásra kerülnek hat alternatíváig. Emellett a női teniszezők örökrangsorán is alkalmazásra kerül a nem teljesen kitöltött páros összehasonlítás mátrixok módszere, demonstrálva, hogy a módszer nagy, valós adatbázis alapján történő rangsorolásra is alkalmas. Továbbá a kapott gráf reprezentáció tulajdonságaival, különböző részrangsorokkal, és az intranzitív triádokkal (körbeverésekkel) is részletesebben foglalkozik az értekezés. A prezentált eredmények nem csak elméleti szempontból fontosak, hanem a többszempontú döntési problémákban azonnal alkalmazható gyakorlati javaslatokat is bemutatnak.
Precision and innovation: Carbon dioxide laser excision of ranula
Authors: Goyal Pankaj , Kumawat Kishan , Chouhan Manisha , Chatterjee Chandrani , Kothari Nirupama
Published: July 2024

A ranula is a relatively uncommon condition characterized by the formation of a mucus-filled cyst within the floor of the mouth. This benign lesion typically originates from a blocked or damaged sublingual salivary gland duct, accumulating saliva in a localized cyst-like structure. Aspiration of cystic fluid, sclerotherapy, marsupialization, incision and drainage, excision of the ranula alone, excision of the sublingual gland with or without ranula, laser excision, and ranula vaporization are just a few of the suggested therapies for ranula. The outcomes of the varied treatments have been inconsistent. Most surgeons concur that the sublingual gland must be removed from the ranula. The authors provide a case report on carbon dioxide laser treatment for ranula, as well as a literature review. According to the authors' experience and literature, carbon dioxide laser excision of ranula is a safe procedure with minimum recurrence.
Linear-Array Endoscopic Ultrasound and Narrow-Band Imaging Measure the Invasion Depth of Nonpedunculated Rectal Lesions With Comparable Accuracy Based on a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Lingzhi , He Jiaming , Hu Haiyan , Wang Yingying , Li Weixin , Huang Shaohui , Rownoak Jahan , Xu Shenglin , Xie Fang , Wang Junfen , Mi Wenting , Cai Jianqun , Ye Yaping , Liu Side , Wang Jing , Li Yue
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Linear-array endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) are both used to estimate the invasion depth of nonpedunculated rectal lesions (NPRLs). However, it is unclear which procedure is more accurate. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of linear EUS and NBI for estimating the invasion depth of NPRLs.

METHODS:

This study is a single-center, randomized, tandem trial. Eligible patients with NPRLs were randomly assigned to A group (assessment with EUS followed by NBI) or B group (assessment with NBI followed by EUS). The invasion depth of each lesion was independently measured by each procedure and categorized as mucosal to slight submucosal (M-SMs, invasion depth <1,000 μm) or deep submucosal (SMd, invasion depth ≥1,000 μm) invasion, with postoperative pathology as the standard of measurement. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy, and secondary outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, and procedure time.

RESULTS:

Eighty-six patients with NPRLs were enrolled, and 79 patients were finally analyzed, including 39 cases in the A group and 40 cases in the B group. Comparable diagnostic accuracies were observed between EUS and NBI (96.2% vs 93.7%, P = 0.625). EUS identified lesions with deep submucosal invasion with 81.8% sensitivity while that of NBI was 63.6% (P = 0.500). The specificity of both EUS and NBI was 98.5%. The procedure time was also similar between EUS and NBI (5.90 ± 3.44 vs 6.4 ± 3.94 minutes, P = 0.450). Furthermore, the combined use of EUS and NBI did not improve diagnostic accuracy compared with EUS or NBI alone (94.9% vs 96.2% vs 93.7%, P = 0.333).

DISCUSSION:

Linear EUS and NBI measure the invasion depth of NPRLs with comparable accuracy. The combination of the 2 methods does not improve the diagnostic accuracy. Single NBI should be preferred, considering its simplicity and convenience in clinical practice.
The Association Between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Exposure and Key Cirrhosis-Related Outcomes
Authors: Wang Roy X. , Serper Marina , Taddei Tamar H. , Kaplan David E. , Mahmud Nadim
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) may have hepatic benefits in patients with primarily chronic liver disease. ACE-I/ARB have not been evaluated in broad cohorts inclusive of those with decompensated cirrhosis. We analyzed the real-world association between ACE-I/ARB exposure and cirrhosis-related outcomes in a national cohort.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, active comparator new user study of patients with cirrhosis in the Veterans Health Administration. We identified new initiators of ACE-I/ARB or calcium channel blockers (CCB, comparator). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced key confounders and Cox regression evaluated the association between ACE-I/ARB and outcomes of mortality, cirrhosis decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In exploratory analysis, cause-specific competing risk models evaluated liver-related versus cardiovascular (CV)-related versus non-liver/non-CV-related mortality.

Results:

There were 904 ACE-I/ARB and 352 CCB new initiators. In IPTW Cox regression, ACE-I/ARB exposure was associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.81, p<0.001). In patients with compensated cirrhosis, ACE-I/ARB was not associated with hepatic decompensation or HCC. Cause-specific hazard models showed ACE-I/ARB exposure was associated with reduction in non-liver/non-CV-related mortality (csHR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38-0.62, p<0.001) but not liver-related or CV-related mortality. In CTP A patients, ACE-I/ARB was associated with decreased CV-related mortality (csHR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.65, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

ACE-I/ARB exposure was associated with reduced mortality, potentially through CV and other (renal, malignancy-related) mechanisms. In patients with compensated disease, ACE-I/ARB was not associated with hepatic decompensation or HCC. Future research should identify subsets of patients who benefit from ACE-I/ARB exposure.