bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid warfare and the challenge to international law
Authors: Tursyn Alisher , Turuntaeva Aigerim
Published: May 2024

This article explores the complex landscape of hybrid warfare, a multifaceted conflict strategy blending conventional military tactics with cyberattacks, information warfare, and economic coercion. It examines the challenges hybrid warfare poses to international law, the difficulties in establishing legal definitions, and the strategic responses by major powers including Russia, the United States, and China. The discussion extends to the adaptation of national and international strategies to address the gray zones of conflict that hybrid warfare exploits. Emphasizing the need for innovative legal frameworks and international cooperation, the article highlights hybrid warfare’s impact on global security dynamics and the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age.
Öğretmenlerin Tükenmişlik Deneyimi: Nedenler ve Çözüm Önerileri
Authors: İş Engin , Güçlü Eren
Published: May 2024

Öğretmenler arasında sıklıkla gözlemlenen tükenmişlik olgusunun nedenleri, etkileri ve bu sorunun üstesinden gelmek için yapılması gerekenlerin belirlenmesi, araştırmanın temel amacını oluşturmaktadır. Bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden betimleyici örnek olay yaklaşımı kullanılmıştır. Araştırma amacıyla toplanan veriler içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmada, verilerin toplanması için yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Bu araştırmada, çalışma grubu Mardin ilinin merkez Artuklu ilçesindeki okul öncesi, ilköğretim ve ortaöğretim düzeylerinde görev yapan toplamda 12 öğretmenden oluşmaktadır. Katılımcıların belirlenmesinde amaçlı örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada, öğretmenlerin tükenmişlik algılarına yönelik bulgularda duyarsızlaşma, düşük başarı hissi ve duygusal tükenme öne çıkmıştır. Duyarsızlaşma durumunda, ders yükünün fazlalığı, yönetimsel baskı ve çalışanlar arası iletişim eksikliğinin etkili olduğu ifade edilmiştir. Düşük başarı hissinde ise kişisel yetersizlik hissi, yüksek beklenti ve haksız rekabetin etkili olduğu söylenebilir. Duygusal tükenmede ise stres en önemli etken olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu sonuçlar, öğretmenlerin iş stresiyle başa çıkma stratejilerinin ve çalışma koşullarının iyileştirilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Bu sebeple, öğretmenlerin desteklenmesi ve çalışma ortamlarının iyileştirilmesi, tükenmişlik hissinin azaltılması ile öğretmenlerin öğrencilere daha etkili bir şekilde rehberlik etmelerini sağlayabilir. Bu destek, öğretmenlerin mesleki gelişimlerini teşvik ederek iş yüklerini dengeleyerek ve psikolojik destek sunarak gerçekleştirilebilir. Ayrıca, pozitif çalışma ortamları ve işbirliği kültürü oluşturulması, öğretmenlerin motivasyonunu artırabilir, onları daha başarılı bir şekilde öğrencilerine yönlendirebilir ve öğrencilerin başarısı üzerinde olumlu etkiler yaratılabilir.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTING STYLES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTANI STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Abrar Tahira , Zeshan Muhammad , Iqbal Waheed
Published: May 2024

There is ample research on the role of parenting in the academic performance of students that highlights parenting styles and their importance. While this research is extensively done in the Western world, research in the cultural context of South Asia and particularly Pakistan is lacking. Therefore, this review was done to analyse the existing research on the two variables in Pakistan and to provide guidance for future research. The review included studies that were previously conducted on parenting styles and academic performance of students from elementary to postgraduate level. The focus was to analyse relevant data exclusively from Pakistan. For this purpose, 17 studies from the past ten years were selected. Articles from six databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, SAGE Journals, and Taylor and Francis Journals) were identified relating to the topic using a pre-established set of terms that included both parenting styles and academic performance. 15 of the studies highlighted that parenting styles affect the academic achievement of students, while 2 studies showed no association. It was analysed that the authoritative parenting style was the most effective in enhancing the academic performance of young children. More in-depth research is needed on parenting styles to have a better understanding of the cultural effect of parenting styles on academic performance in Pakistan.
DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REACTIONS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS POST COVID-19: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Ghafoor Muqqadas , Khan Lodhi Mishal
Published: May 2024

Objective: To identify the mediating role of Perceived Social Support in Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions in university students post COVID-19.
Study Design: Cross-sectional (correlation) research design was used.
Place and Duration of study: The data was collected from November 2021 to January 2022 from different state and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan.
Subject and Method: The purposive sample of N=150 (men=70 and women=80) university students studying in first and last year of 18-24 years old (M=20.75, SD=1.76) were drawn from different public and private universities of Lahore.  Data was collected using Psychological Strength Scale (PSS; Bashir, 2020), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet et al., 19  88) and Psychosocial Reactions Scale (PRS; Mahmood et al., 2020). Data was analyzed using SPSS 25.
Results: Of the 150 participants, 70(46.7%) were men and 80(53.3%) were women. The overall mean age was 20.75 ± 1.76 years. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that a significant negative relation of Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support with Psychosocial Reactions. Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support had positive significant relationship (r= .68***), but a negative relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.56***) and Psychological Strength with Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.33***) was also found in university students post COVID-19. Mediation analysis showed that Perceived Social Support fully mediated the relation among Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions (p<.001).
Conclusion: Study implicates that by increasing Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support in university students we could reduce Psychosocial Reactions faced by them.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AND SKIN SYMPTOMS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS STUDYING IN KARACHI
Authors: Imam Mustafa Hussain , Karatela Muzzamil Ahmed , Kamal Muskan , Baig Muskan , Shah Muhammed Aalam , Barry Muhammad Umer , Hussain Muhammad Shoaib , Ali Muhammad Yahya ayan , Umm-e-Rabab
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE: To determine any association between psychological stress and skin symptoms in medical students.
DESIGN OF STUDY: It is a cross-sectional study
PLACE AND DURATION: The study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from 30th September 2022 to 1st August 1 2023, on medical students enrolled in the MBBS programme at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College.
METHOD: We studied medical students through self-reported, validated questionnaires that inquired about socio-demographic information, perceived stress, and skin complaints. Data analysis was done on SPSS version 22, and descriptive frequencies presented as the mean and standard deviation. Associations were assessed by applying the chi-square test among the variables.
RESULTS: A total of 401 questionnaires were used to analyse the data, with a mean age of 20.9 (SD =1.6). We found that 15.7% (n = 28) of the medical students were highly stressed, 77.3% (n = 310) were moderately stressed, and 7% (n = 63) were under low stress. The most common skin symptoms among medical students were hair fall (76.6%) (n = 315) and dark circles (77.3%) (n = 314). Individuals with high PS levels were more likely to develop skin symptoms such as itchy skin on the hands (p = 0.005), pimples or acne (p = 0.049), troublesome sweating (p = 0.04), dark circles (p = 0.01), and hair greying (p = 0.035).
CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stress is associated with skin symptoms reported by medical students, especially dark circles, loss of hair, greying of hair, troublesome sweating, and itchy rashes on the hands. Further studies and interventions should be done to assess and assist medical students.
PAKISTAN PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY: A REFLECTION OF EARLY YEARS
Authors: Ahmed Syed Haroon
Published: May 2024

It is nostalgic to recall formative years of the society for the reason that we psychiatric met in different cities of West and the then East Pakistan (now BanglaDesh) to ponder and agree to set up this society.
We should be grateful to the Pakistan Medical Association, our national and parent bowly because it was during its annual and biennial conferences that few of us psychiatrists first met to share our frustrations regarding the sate of mental health and psychiatric profession in
At a time when our morale was at its lowest ebb and in an attempt to overcome our inhibitions, we, during one of the bigger ventures of Pakistan Medical Association, the joint meeting of Pakistan Medical Association and British Medical Association, met to discuss the possibility of organizing ourself. It was at the lawns of the Boat Club, on a sunny aftercon of a cold December, in 1966, that we used the hospitality of Dr. Afzal Habib. Besides the host, those present included the late Dr. G. A. Asghar, Dr. Zaki Hasan, Dr. H.A.G. Kazi. Dr.
Iftikhar, Dr. Raihana Beg and the writer Dr. Farrukh Hashmi from U.K. also attended.
GREED
Authors: Corner Creative
Published: May 2024

Humans have been exploiting glaciers through unsustainable practices like overextraction, hydropower projects, reckless tourism, and mining, driven by their greed for water, power, and profit. Rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity are all consequences of this avarice threatening glaciers and their ecosystems. Stricter laws, community involvement, ethical travel, and investments in renewable energy are needed to counteract this in order to preserve these natural treasures and secure a sustainable future.
By recognising the perils of greed and taking proactive steps to address its role in exploitation of nature and its resources such as glaciers, we can protect these magnificent natural wonders and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Thus, it is imperative for us to understand that glaciers are not just frozen rivers, but they are vital components of our planet's ecosystems, and their preservation is intricately connected to our own existence.
PREGNANT WOMEN STRUGGLING WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND STRESS IN PREGNANCY AND ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE SUPPLEMENTS L-ARGININE FOR PROLONG PERIOD
Authors: Soomro Khalida , Memon Sadaf
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION: Mental stress can contribute to the exacerbation of hypertension in pregnant women and preeclampsia by the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol level. Less nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation and excess formation of reactive oxygen species could explain poor placenta perfusion already in PIH and Preeclampsia due to impaired endothelial function. Studies have indicated that Nitric oxide supplement L-arginine can lead to beneficial effects on various cardiometabolic markers, including blood pressure and vascular function especially in pregnant mothers.
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials was to assess and ascertain the evidence of effectiveness of L-arginine and its use in enhancing nitric oxide synthesis to translate into tangible improvement in Hypertension and preeclampsia management, Nitric oxide supplement L-arginine’s ubiquitous molecule’s role is a subject of debate and research with focus on both systolic and diastolic values, pregnancy outcomes and understanding of its role in Hypertension resistant to currently available therapies.
METHODS: In this study focused on role of L-arginine on high blood pressure during pregnancy, we did a thorough research, effective communication of information from relevant and up-to-date research articles, studies from reputable sources and great places of academic database like PubMed, Google Scholar, medical journals. Around 16 trials were searched in Pub-Med and Google scholar. A total of six trials were included in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Result of this meta-analysis shows Nitric Oxide L-arginine supplementation showed a mean decrease in diastolic blood pressure and can lead to beneficial effect on blood pressure and vascular function especially in pregnant mothers with stress, mean increase up to 1. 23 weeks (p = 0. 002) for gestation period to delivery but did not showed reduction in systolic blood pressure as compared to placebo.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis study supports the notion that availability of this substrate for NO synthesis prolongs the latency to development of preeclampsia and decrease the hypertension in a high-risk pregnant woman with Hypertension and stress.
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF FCPS PART 2 (PSYCHIATRY) TRAINEES AMONG ACCREDITED TRAINING INSTITUTES IN SINDH
Authors: Awan Inayatullah
Published: May 2024

There is a dire need to take effective steps to ensure equitable distribution of FCPS Part 2 (Psychiatry) trainees among accredited institutes in Sindh.
ASSOCIATION OF RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG MALE PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ali , Shahzad Salman , Bano Nasreen , Siddiqui Mehreen , Ali Ahmad
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES
Religion has been discussed in numerous research studies with reference to its significance in mental health outcomes. It has gained its attention of researchers due to its pivotal role in the lives of human kind. Present study aims to investigate the predictive relationship of religious orientation on psychological constructs including depression, anxiety & stress) in male patients with substance use disorder (SUD).
STUDY DESIGN
This study was conducted by using a Cross-sectional study design.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY
Study was carried out from April- July, 2018 in Karachi Pakistan.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS
The sample included 200 Muslim male patients with SUD. The age ranges between 18 to 45 years (M =28.14; SD =6.55) were taken from substance use treatment and rehabilitation centers located in Karachi, Pakistan using purposive sampling. Personal Information Form and Urdu translations of the scales including Muslim Attitude towards Religion Scale (MARS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to conduct this study.
RESULTS
Results revealed a significant association of religious orientation with the variables of psychological distress, i.e., depression (adj R2=.994, F (4, 196) =5424.24, P < .01(, anxiety (adj R2=.97, F (4,196) =1309.5, P < .01(, and stress (adj R2 =.991, F (4,196) =3854.2, .00 P < .01(.
CONCLUSION
Religion has significant role in wellbeing of its believers in general, and specifically among patients with SUD. Present findings also show that religious orientation has significant contribution in psychological distress such as, “depression”, “anxiety” and “stress” in male patients with SUD. Substance use treatment practitioners may develop interventions by considering the cultural and religion aspect for better treatment outcome and to improve their wellbeing. Further, religious orientation may serve an important variable to have better treatment outcome, and to address mental health issues which may also improve their wellbeing.
CHARACTERISTICS AND PATTERNS OF PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI PAKISTAN
Authors: Suleman Fawad , Iqbal Samiya , Sher Zainab , Halo Liaquat Ali , Pirani Shahina
Published: May 2024

Objective
To assess the patterns of psychiatric illness among children and adolescents presented at psychiatric clinic of a public sector teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Study Design
A cross sectional study
Place and Duration of the study
The study was conducted at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outpatient clinic of the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi, during February 2019 to October 2019.
Methodology
Using consecutive, non-probability sampling, all male and female participants, age less than 18 were recruited from the study setting. Data collection was done using a pre-designed semi-structured proforma. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results
A total of 250 pediatric patients visiting the psychiatric clinic were enrolled in this study. These included 161 (64.4%) males and 89 (35.6%) females. Mean age was 9.55 ±3.374 years. 31 (12.4%) patients reported directly to the psychiatry clinic while 160 (64%) patients were referred from pediatric medicine clinics. The remaining 59 (23.6%) patients were referred from adult psychiatry clinics. 126 (50.4%) were diagnosed to have stress and related disorders, 85 (34%) patients were diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. About 5 (2%) patients were diagnosed with psychotic and mood disorders, 34 (13.6%) were diagnosed with other nonspecific disorders.
Conclusion
The study reveals a male predominance among children and adolescents at a public sector hospital, with a high referral rate from pediatricians. The diverse mental health issues include stress, neurodevelopmental, and other diagnoses, highlighting the need for deeper investigation and targeted clinical attention.
RAMADHAN FASTING (صوم): A TRUE REJUVENATION OF BODY AND MIND.
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Iqbal
Published: May 2024

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims around the world. It is not just a religious and spiritual journey but also a potential period of physical and mental rejuvenation. Islam, with over two billion followers, is the second-largest religion globally and projected to outnumber Christians by 2050.1 Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk for a month can bring about significant changes in the body and mind, promoting overall well-being.
Ramadan fasting is a deeply spiritual practice that promotes self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual reflection. It is also a significant cultural and religious tradition that promotes social connection, contributing to mental rejuvenation. It has been associated with improved biochemical parameters and reduced risk of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, contributing to physical rejuvenation.2
Early Metal Age Pottery from Fatu Aki Anik Knua, Timor-Leste and the Appearance of Ceramics in the Wallacean Islands.
Authors: Beaumont Phillip , O'Connor Sue , Leclerc Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Fatu Aki Anik Knua is an archaeological site in the mountainous interior of Timor-Leste comprising of a limestone cave and open site locale. Excavations in 2015 yielded an extraordinary quantity of earthenware pottery with over 13,000 potsherds recovered, all dating within the last 1800 years. The Faak pottery is described and examined in the context of Timor-Leste and eastern Indonesian assemblages more widely. The intensification of ceramic technology transfers and initial pottery use, which occurred at many sites in the region during the Paleometallic era, is highlighted. The essential features of this hinterland site assemblage show affinities with Early Metal Age pottery occurring extensively throughout eastern Indonesia after 2500 BP.
MODELING PAST AND PRESENT IN THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
Authors: Cole FrancisJ. David , Pataki-Schweizer Kerry J.
Published: May 2024

Supplement 1: Contact history in the project areaSupplement 2: Archaeological sequences in the study areaSupplement 3: Methodology
Districts of Paris. 9th arrondissement of Paris
Authors: Brzeziński Piotr
Published: May 2024

9th Arrondissement of Paris - Stretches from the Palais Garnier in the south to the foot of Montmartre in the north. In between there are some good museums and some of the most concentrated shopping in Paris. The Opera House, as the 9th is sometimes called, is known for its grand shops, the 19th-century Opera Garnier and the Grands Boulevards. Two huge Belle Époque warehouses, Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps, dominate the bustling shopping district, full of French and international designer stores and smaller boutiques. Many international companies and banks also call the 9th arrondissement "home", making the area (along with parts of the 2nd and 8th arrondissements) the city's largest business district. To understand Paris, you have to stop for a moment.
In vitro anti-cancer potency of Mortierella elongata lipids against MCF 7 cells through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Poornima S. Ida , Sumathy V. Judia Harriet
Published: May 2024

Globally, cancer remains the second-whacking cause of mortality. Several studies, like in vitro cell studies, clinical trials, in vivo studies, and cohort studies, have authenticated the anticancer potency of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) against various cancer types. The present study reports the in vitro anticancer potency of PUFA produced by Mortierella elongata (Accession No. OK402027) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of M. elongata lipids were evaluated against human embryonic kidney and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of M. elongata lipids was examined at three different concentrations based on the inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. The apoptotic activity of M. elongata lipids was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy by implementing three different staining methods, such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and propidium iodide. Further, the biological activity of M. elongata on apoptosis induction, cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were evaluated. The MTT assay revealed the anti-proliferative activity of M. elongata lipids, and the IC50 value of M. elongata lipids at 24 h was found to be 28 ± 1.3 μg/mL. A significant decrease in the percentage of live cells with 57.36% of apoptotic and 14.10% of necrotic cells was revealed in cells treated with 100 μg/mL of M. elongata lipids. Anti-proliferative activity is associated with increased ROS generation and the loss of MMP. The lipids of M. elongata induced a dose-dependent G1 arrest and were found to be more effective at 100 μg/ml, accumulating 54.49% of MCF-7 cells in the G1 phase. Taken together, the present study has confirmed the in vitro anticancer potency of M. elongata lipids via apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Therapeutic doses of ketamine acutely attenuate the aversive effect of losses during decision-making
Authors: Oemisch Mariann , Seo Hyojung
Published: May 2024

The discovery of rapid-acting antidepressant, ketamine has opened a pathway to a new generation of treatments for depression, and inspired neuroscientific investigation based on a new perspective that non-adaptive changes in the intrinsic excitatory and inhibitory circuitry might underlie the pathophysiology of depression. Nevertheless, it still remains largely unknown how the hypothesized molecular and synaptic levels of changes in the circuitry might mediate behavioral and neuropsychological changes underlying depression, and how ketamine might restore adaptive behavior. Here, we used computational models to analyze behavioral changes induced by therapeutic doses of ketamine, while rhesus macaques were iteratively making decisions based on gains and losses of tokens. When administered intramuscularly or intranasally, ketamine reduced the aversiveness of undesirable outcomes such as losses of tokens without significantly affecting the evaluation of gains, behavioral perseveration, motivation, and other cognitive aspects of learning such as temporal credit assignment and time scales of choice and outcome memory. Ketamine’s potentially antidepressant effect was separable from other side effects such as fixation errors, which unlike outcome evaluation, was readily countered with strong motivation to avoid errors. We discuss how the acute effect of ketamine to reduce the initial impact of negative events could potentially mediate longer-term antidepressant effects through mitigating the cumulative effect of those events produced by slowly decaying memory, and how the disruption-resistant affective memory might pose challenges in treating depression. Our study also invites future investigations on ketamine’s antidepressant action over diverse mood states and with affective events exerting their impacts at diverse time scales.
Deciphering deep-sea chemosynthetic symbiosis by single-nucleus RNA-sequencing
Authors: Wang Hao , He Kai , Zhang Huan , Zhang Quanyong , Cao Lei , Li Jing , Zhong Zhaoshan , Chen Hao , Zhou Li , Lian Chao , Wang Minxiao , Chen Kai , Qian Pei-Yuan , Li Chaolun
Published: May 2024

Bathymodioline mussels dominate deep-sea methane seep and hydrothermal vent habitats and obtain nutrients and energy primarily through chemosynthetic endosymbiotic bacteria in the bacteriocytes of their gill. However, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate mussel host-symbiont interactions remain unclear. Here, we constructed a comprehensive cell atlas of the gill in the mussel
Gigantidas platifrons
from the South China Sea methane seeps (1100m depth) using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and whole-mount
in situ
hybridisation. We identified 13 types of cells, including three previously unknown ones, and uncovered unknown tissue heterogeneity. Every cell type has a designated function in supporting the gill’s structure and function, creating an optimal environment for chemosynthesis, and effectively acquiring nutrients from the endosymbiotic bacteria. Analysis of snRNA-seq of
in situ
transplanted mussels clearly showed the shifts in cell state in response to environmental oscillations. Our findings provide insight into principles of host-symbiont interaction and the bivalves’ environmental adaption mechanisms.
The MODY-associated KCNK16 L114P mutation increases islet glucagon secretion and limits insulin secretion resulting in transient neonatal diabetes and glucose dyshomeostasis in adults
Authors: Nakhe Arya Y , Dadi Prasanna K , Kim Jinsun , Dickerson Matthew T , Behera Soma , Dobson Jordyn R , Shrestha Shristi , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Sampson Leesa , Magnuson Mark A , Jacobson David A
Published: May 2024

The gain-of-function mutation in the TALK-1 K+ channel (p.L114P) is associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). TALK-1 is a key regulator of β-cell electrical activity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The KCNK16 gene encoding TALK-1 is the most abundant and β-cell-restricted K+ channel transcript. To investigate the impact of KCNK16 L114P on glucose homeostasis and confirm its association with MODY, a mouse model containing the Kcnk16 L114P mutation was generated. Heterozygous and homozygous Kcnk16 L114P mice exhibit increased neonatal lethality in the C57BL/6J and the CD-1 (ICR) genetic background, respectively. Lethality is likely a result of severe hyperglycemia observed in the homozygous Kcnk16 L114P neonates due to lack of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and can be reduced with insulin treatment. Kcnk16 L114P increased whole-cell β-cell K+ currents resulting in blunted glucose-stimulated Ca2+ entry and loss of glucose-induced Ca2+ oscillations. Thus, adult Kcnk16 L114P mice have reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and plasma insulin levels, which significantly impairs glucose homeostasis. Taken together, this study shows that the MODY-associated Kcnk16 L114P mutation disrupts glucose homeostasis in adult mice resembling a MODY phenotype and causes neonatal lethality by inhibiting islet insulin secretion during development. These data suggest that TALK-1 is an islet-restricted target for the treatment for diabetes.
A dynamic neural resource model bridges sensory and working memory
Authors: Tomić Ivan , Bays Paul M
Published: May 2024

Probing memory of a complex visual image within a few hundred milliseconds after its disappearance reveals significantly greater fidelity of recall than if the probe is delayed by as little as a second. Classically interpreted, the former taps into a detailed but rapidly decaying visual sensory or ‘iconic’ memory (IM), while the latter relies on capacity-limited but comparatively stable visual working memory (VWM). While iconic decay and VWM capacity have been extensively studied independently, currently no single framework quantitatively accounts for the dynamics of memory fidelity over these time scales. Here, we extend a stationary neural population model of VWM with a temporal dimension, incorporating rapid sensory-driven accumulation of activity encoding each visual feature in memory, and a slower accumulation of internal error that causes memorized features to randomly drift over time. Instead of facilitating read-out from an independent sensory store, an early cue benefits recall by lifting the effective limit on VWM signal strength imposed when multiple items compete for representation, allowing memory for the cued item to be supplemented with information from the decaying sensory trace. Empirical measurements of human recall dynamics validate these predictions while excluding alternative model architectures. A key conclusion is that differences in capacity classically thought to distinguish IM and VWM are in fact contingent upon a single resource-limited WM store.
Laminar specificity and coverage of viral-mediated gene expression restricted to GABAergic interneurons and their parvalbumin subclass in marmoset primary visual cortex
Authors: Federer Frederick , Balsor Justin , Ingold Alexander , Babcock David P , Dimidschstein Jordane , Angelucci Alessandra
Published: May 2024

In the mammalian neocortex, inhibition is important for dynamically balancing excitation and shaping the response properties of cells and circuits. The various computational functions of inhibition are thought to be mediated by different inhibitory neuron types, of which a large diversity exists in several species. Current understanding of the function and connectivity of distinct inhibitory neuron types has mainly derived from studies in transgenic mice. However, it is unknown whether knowledge gained from mouse studies applies to the non-human primate, the model system closest to humans. The lack of viral tools to selectively access inhibitory neuron types has been a major impediment to studying their function in the primate. Here, we have thoroughly validated and characterized several recently developed viral vectors designed to restrict transgene expression to GABAergic cells or their parvalbumin (PV) subtype, and identified two types that show high specificity and efficiency in marmoset V1. We show that in marmoset V1, AAV-h56D induces transgene expression in GABAergic cells with up to 91–94% specificity and 79% efficiency, but this depends on viral serotype and cortical layer. AAV-PHP.eB-S5E2 induces transgene expression in PV cells across all cortical layers with up to 98% specificity and 86–90% efficiency, depending on layer. Thus, these viral vectors are promising tools for studying GABA and PV cell function and connectivity in the primate cortex.
Memorable first impressions
Authors: Salinas Emilio , Sheikh Bashirul I
Published: May 2024

Our ability to recall details from a remembered image depends on a single mechanism that is engaged from the very moment the image disappears from view.
Evaluation of Thermal Radiation Blocking Effect of Water Mist Curtain in Fire of Hazardous Material Storage Tank
Authors: Kang Jun Suk , Lee Chi Young
Published: May 2024

In this study, the thermal radiation blocking effect of a water mist curtain in a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire was numerically simulated. A fire dynamics simulator (FDS) was used for the numerical simulation, and the accuracy of the heat flux prediction of the FDS was verified using an earlier experimental study on a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire. Subsequently, a water mist curtain system was installed in a full-scale hazardous material storage tank, and the effects of fire source conditions and water mist curtain characteristics on the heat flux and thermal radiation blocking rate of the water mist curtain were examined. The results of the numerical simulation showed that the water mist curtain decreased the heat flux and increased the thermal radiation blocking rate when the fire source was a tank and dike and when the nozzle had a large spray angle and a small droplet size. Near the adjacent protected tank (in the height of 2∼14 m from the ground at the nozzle installation position), the thermal radiation blocking rate of the water mist curtain was measured to be 62.5∼72.4% and 33.5∼67.4% for the tank and dike fire and the tank fire, respectively, 62.5∼72.4% and 54.4∼65.3% for the spray angles of 180° and 90°, respectively, and 62.5∼72.4% and 71.2∼83.0% for the droplet sizes of 400 and 200 µm, respectively. This study confirmed that the water mist curtain could effectively block the thermal radiation from the fire tank to the adjacent tanks during a full-scale hazardous material storage tank fire.
Analysis of Wildfire-Damaged Buildings Using Spatial Information: The Case of the 2023 Gangneung Wildfire
Authors: Lee Yoon-Ha , Kim Min-Seok , Seo Hyun-Cheol
Published: May 2024

In Korea, several policies and previous studies have focused on forest fire prevention; however, research on the characteristics of building damage caused by wildfires is insufficient. This study investigated a large wildfire that occurred in Gangneung on April 11, 2023, and analyzed the characteristics of the damaged buildings. Furthermore, several discussion points related to building damage due to wildfires are presented through a comparison with previous research. First, because piecemeal measures have limitations in reducing damage to buildings, comprehensive and organic measures are needed, such as supplementing building regulations, managing the surrounding environment, installing damage-reduction facilities, and securing access to firefighting services. Second, although vulnerable infrastructure (fire stations, roads, etc.) must be expanded, additional research is needed focusing on actual cases. Third, because cooperation between various agencies and organizations such as the Korea Forest Service and the National Fire Agency is important in responding to wildfires, systematic improvements are required to make quick and accurate decisions.
Fire Dynamics and Evacuation Simulation Study on the Library Adapting BIPV Based on the Experimental Data of a Cone Calorimeter
Authors: Jung Si Woo , Park Hee Kyung , Lee Min Chul
Published: May 2024

A building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system can function as a solar cell and as a building exterior material. As some of its components are made of combustible materials, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of fire. In this study, the risk of fire before and after BIPV installation was compared through fire simulation using the PyroSim program. Prior to the simulation, a BIPV combustion characteristic database was established via a cone calorimeter experiment with a BIPV system panel, and the results were analyzed through a fire simulation using these experimental values as input values. The fire risk evaluation confirmed that when BIPV was installed, the fire propagation due to vertical diffusion was fast. Additionally, the amount of heat and smoke emitted increased, resulting in an increase in the risk of fire by 54.94% based on the center of the building at 805 s. Therefore, it is expected that the results of this study will contribute to securing the reliability of evacuation and manual measures for people in BIPV-installed buildings as well as improve fire safety.
RELACIÓN DE CONOCIMIENTO, INCERTIDUMBRE EN LA ENFERMEDAD Y ESTRÉS EN DIABETES TIPO 2 EN ADULTOS MAYORES DE SALTILLO, COAHUILA, MÉXICO
Authors: Puc Burgos Ivet Estefanía , Cortez González Luis Carlos , Sifuentes Leura Daniel , Esparza González Sandra Cecilia , Trujillo Hernández Pedro Enrique
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. La diabetes es una enfermedad que representa un grave problema para los sistemas sanitarios de salud; es causada por diversos factores los biológicos, físicos, genéticos y/o metabólicos; sin embargo, existen factores de riesgo poco considerados pero que juegan un papel importante en la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento como el conocimiento, incertidumbre y estrés causados por la enfermedad. OBJETIVO. Analizar la relación entre los conocimientos de la diabetes, la incertidumbre y el estrés de los adultos mayores con diabetes tipo 2 de Saltillo, Coahuila. METODOLOGÍA. Corresponde a una investigación de tipo cuantitativo de diseño correlacional; la población objetivo fueron adultos mayores con diabetes tipo 2 de la ciudad de Saltillo, Coahuila; en el periodo del 10 de octubre al 8 de noviembre de 2022. RESULTADOS. Hubo una correlación significativa entre el nivel de conocimiento en diabetes sobre la incertidumbre frente a la enfermedad y estrés en diabetes; sin embargo, se halló correlación significativa entre la incertidumbre respecto al estrés (rs= 0,471; p= <0,05). CONCLUSIÓN. A pesar de un nivel de conocimientos de los participantes adecuado, los aspectos psicológicos como la incertidumbre en la enfermedad y estrés en diabetes aun a siguen presentes por ello se recomienda considerar el estudio de variables que aborden el bienestar psicológico emocional de personas con una enfermedad crónica como la diabetes.
PERCEPCIÓN DE LA ATENCIÓN EN SALUD DE PERSONAS DE LA COMUNIDAD LGBT+ DEL GRAN CONCEPCIÓN, CHILE.
Authors: Alarcón Muñoz Javiera , Catalán González Constanza , Inostroza Villarroel Esperanza , Muñoz Ceballos Isidora , Vargas Salas Ángel , Vásquez Araneda Pía , Rodríguez-Domínguez María Carolina , Arriagada-Corrales Victoria , González-Burboa Alexis
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: La atención en salud en Chile es un derecho para toda la población, por lo cual, se debe garantizar una atención integral, adecuada y segura para todos (as) los (as) usuarios (as). OBJETIVO: Se buscó describir la percepción respecto a la atención en salud de personas pertenecientes a la comunidad LGBT+ del Gran Concepción, Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal de carácter descriptivo con 172 personas pertenecientes a la comunidad LGBT+ del Gran Concepción. Se utilizó la estrategia de muestreo consecutivo y en bola de nieve. Los datos fueron analizados con el Software IBM Statistics SPSS v.22. RESULTADOS: El sexo biológico predominante fue Mujer, así como la identidad de género más representada. Al 58,7% no se les había preguntado su orientación e identidad de género y el 77,9% dijo que ni se les dejó hablar y ni se les escuchó. Al 78,5% se le consultó sobre el uso de pronombres, siendo usado posteriormente. Un 75,6% dijo haber tenido alguna vez en su vida una mala experiencia en los servicios de salud por pertenecer a la comunidad LGBT+. CONCLUSIÓN: Los miembros de la comunidad LGBT+ del Gran Concepción, participantes de este estudio, en su mayoría, refirieron sentirse Neutrales, respecto a la atención recibida en los centros de salud. No obstante, se reportaron aspectos sugerentes de mala atención, tales como, no ser consultados o no manifestar la orientación e identidad de género, no dejárseles hablar y/o no ser escuchados.
THE EXPERIENCE UNDERWENT BY FAMILIES OF PEOPLE SUBJECTED TO BARIATRIC SURGERY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Caicedo-Bejarano Yiby Solange , Fuentes-Ramírez Alejandra , Henao-Castaño Ángela María
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a non-communicable disease. Surgical procedures and patient care are some of the aspects of caring for people who endure obesity, and it is often forgotten that they have a family that accompanies them in all related health care procedures. As the family is present throughout life's processes, it is important to have a greater knowledge of all the factors that influence family care during such procedures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the meaning of the experience underwent by relatives of patients who have been subjected to bariatric surgery during the first year. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study with 11 female and 9 male participants who participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis used tools from the Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The family members acknowledged that bariatric surgery meant a change in health, the experiencing of surgery itself, and changing eating habits. CONCLUSIONS: The family of a person subjected to bariatric surgery lives through the changes together with the member who undergoes the procedure. Family members accompany their relative during the processes associated with the surgery and must assume adjustments in their everyday life to accommodate the changes implied by the surgery to improve the health of their relative.INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a non-communicable disease. Surgical procedures and patient care are some of the aspects of caring for people who endure obesity, and it is often forgotten that they have a family that accompanies them in all related health care procedures. As the family is present throughout life's processes, it is important to have a greater knowledge of all the factors that influence family care during such procedures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the meaning of the experience underwent by relatives of patients who have been subjected to bariatric surgery during the first year. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study with 11 female and 9 male participants who participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis used tools from the Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The family members acknowledged that bariatric surgery meant a change in health, the experiencing of surgery itself, and changing eating habits. CONCLUSIONS: The family of a person subjected to bariatric surgery lives through the changes together with the member who undergoes the procedure. Family members accompany their relative during the processes associated with the surgery and must assume adjustments in their everyday life to accommodate the changes implied by the surgery to improve the health of their relative.
EXPLORANDO EL CLIMA DE SEGURIDAD DEL PACIENTE EN UN HOSPITAL DEL CARCHI-ECUADOR; UNA PERSPECTIVA DEL PERSONAL DE SALUD
Authors: Mora Tobar Miguel Ángel , López-Aguilar Eva C. , Espinel Jara Viviana Margarita , Tito Pineda Amparo Paola , Tapia Paguay María Ximena
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años el registro de eventos adversos asociados con la atención en salud, constituyen un reto en la gestión del clima de seguridad del paciente. Un aspecto esencial es el clima de seguridad que influye en el comportamiento individual y organizacional reflejado como un conjunto de creencias y valores dirigidos a reducir riesgos asociados con la atención. OBJETIVO: determinar el clima de seguridad del paciente en un hospital público del Ecuador. METODOLOGÍA: estudio descriptivo, transversal, cuantitativo, no experimental, aplicó el instrumento “Encuesta hospitalaria sobre la cultura de seguridad en la paciente 2.0” que evaluó el clima de seguridad, las dimensiones se expresaron en promedios de preguntas afirmativas, negativas y neutras, los resultados se analizaron en el programa estadístico SPSS. RESULTADOS: participaron 157 profesionales que cumplieron con criterios de inclusión. Las dimensiones con alta percepción afirmativa (≥ 45%): aprendizaje organizativo 52,2%, personal y ritmo de trabajo 50,0%, trabajo en equipo 48,2% y respuesta al error 47,7%, consideradas fortalezas, mientras que las dimensiones con percepciones negativas (≥ 35%): apertura de la comunicación 36,0%, junto a comunicación sobre errores, transferencia de información, apoyo en administración, reporte de eventos y apoyo del supervisor con porcentajes (≥ 35%) de respuestas positivas, fueron oportunidades de mejora. CONCLUSIÓN: la percepción de clima de seguridad en general es positiva, aunque existen oportunidades de mejora que pueden ser abordadas para promover un clima de seguridad sólido y comunicación efectiva entre el personal de salud.
Assessing the Impact of Oral Disorders on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Preschool Children and their Families: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Siddaiah Shakuntala Bethur , Vijaya Pragna S
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Oral disorders such as Traumatic Dental Injury (TDI) and Early Childhood Caries (ECC) can significantly impact the functional, social, and psychological well-being of growing children and their families. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) serves as a proxy assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in children, developed to evaluate the effects on the quality of life of preschool children. Aim: To assess the impact of oral disorders on the OHRQoL of children aged two to six years and their families. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1000 children aged 2 to 6 years from various preschools in South Bangalore were selected. All children underwent examinations for caries, stains, and fractures. A modified questionnaire survey based on ECOHIS, consisting of 26 questions, was completed by the parents of the children. The answered questionnaire was then evaluated to assess the impact of dental conditions on the quality of life of both children and parents. Kruskal-Wallis Test, Dunn’s post-hoc Test, and Mann-Whitney Test were used to compare the mean scores of different domains of the OHRQoL scale based on ECC and dental trauma, respectively. Results: The severity of ECC demonstrated an adverse effect on the symptom domain (p<0.001), function domain (p=0.002), psychology domain (p=0.03), and the entire score of the Child Impact Section (CIS) (p<0.001). In the Family Impact Section (FIS), the mean scores of the family distress domain and the overall FIS were statistically significant (p<0.001). Dental trauma also showed an adverse effect on the symptoms domain (p<0.001) and the entire scores of the CIS (p=0.001). Additionally, the mean scores of the family distress domain and the overall FIS were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The presence of ECC and dental trauma is likely to have a negative impact on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of preschool-aged children and their families.
Assessment of Mechanization Index of Sugarcane Cultivation in Mandya District, Karnataka, India
Authors: T N Aruna , K Bharath Kumar , Ramappa . , Hallad Sachin C , V Kavan Kumar , Kumar Kishan , Singh Avesh Kumar , V Soumya Krishnan
Published: May 2024

Farm mechanization is the development and introduction of mechanized assistance of all forms and at any level of sophistication in agricultural production to improve the efficiency of human time and labour. Mandya District is one of the most agriculturally prosperous districts in Karnataka. Sugarcane is the major commercial crop in the district. Farmers used to grow in all seasons. This study was carried out to assess the mechanization index in sugarcane cultivation in selected regions. Respondents from the selected region were selected randomly and collected information regarding types of machinery availability and usage in sugarcane cultivation. The overall mechanization index found 50.5 per cent in sugarcane cultivation in selected regions. The findings indicate that the process of laying seed beds had the highest mechanisation index (98.46 per cent), followed by irrigation (97.37 per cent) and weeding/spraying operations (57.81 per cent). Semi medium farmers found high mechanization index followed by medium, small and marginal farmers. The mechanization index was not uniform in selected region for all operations in sugarcane cultivation. Seedbed preparation found higher mechanization index followed by irrigation and weeding operation and zero per cent mechanization index for planting and harvesting operations of sugarcane. The results clearly depicted the importance of the farm mechanization in realizing additional profit to the farmers.