bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liposomes and Beyond: Pioneering Vesicular Systems for Drug Delivery
Authors: Sengar Ashutosh
Published: December 2024

Vesicular drug delivery systems, especially liposomes, have revolutionized the pharmaceutical scenario with massive improvements in drug targeting, bioavailability, and controlled release. We trace the historical development and progress of liposomes as well as other novel vesicular systems such as archaeosomes and glycerosomes in therapeutic applications and present their evolution from liposomes to these advanced systems highlighting their structural differences, strategies for formulation, and potentials for targeted drug delivery. We also outline some of the significant events in the development and commercialization of liposomes and examine a few of the FDA-approved formulations, like Doxil and Ambisome, that exemplify clinical success. Other up-and-coming trends are the use of archaeosomes for vaccine delivery and glycerosomes for topical and oral delivery. The scaling problems, consistency of manufacture, and regulatory problems, however, remain with these liposomal formulations. The paper also ends with the potential in the future of such delivery systems, especially as nano-technology and personalized drugs are being integrated with it thereby indicating a transformative effect in determining the future of drug delivery. In the course of this review, we emphasize continued innovation and optimization in the vesicular drug delivery systems to achieve their full therapeutic potential.
Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency is a Risk Factor for Infants’ Epigenetic Gestational Age Acceleration at Birth in Japan: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kawai Tomoko , JWA Seung Chik , Ogawa Kohei , Tanaka Hisako , Aoto Saki , Kamura Hiromi , Morisaki Naho , Fujiwara Takeo , Hata Kenichiro
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency has been frequently observed in every generation worldwide. Pregnant women are no exception. The associations between maternal vitamin D status and fetal growth, immune system, or metabolism are reported. These infant characteristics are also reported to be associated with epigenetic gestational age at birth. Epigenetic gestational age acceleration at birth longitudinally relates to infant health. This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal serum vitamin D levels and infants' epigenetic gestational age acceleration in Japan. Methods: The data were obtained from the hospital-based birth cohort study conducted at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Tokyo, Japan. Maternal blood was collected in the 2nd trimester to measure serum vitamin D concentration. Cord blood was collected at birth to measure serum vitamin D and to extract DNA. DNA methylation was assessed using Illumina methylation EPIC array. Epigenetic gestational age was calculated using “methylclock” R package. Linear regression analysis was performed to see associations. Results: Maternal serum vitamin D levels in the 2nd trimester were negatively associated with epigenetic gestational age acceleration at birth when calculated by Bohlin’s method (regression coefficient [95% CI]: -0.022 [-0.039, -0.005], n = 157), which was still significant after considering infants sex (-0.022 [-0.039, -0.005]). Cord blood serum vitamin D levels were not associated with epigenetic age acceleration. Maternal age at delivery and birth height were associated in positive and negative ways with epigenetic gestational age acceleration, respectively (0.048 [0.012, 0.085] and -0.075 [-0.146, -0.003]). Conclusions: Maternal vitamin D deficiency was related to an infant’s epigenetic gestational age acceleration at birth. These results indicate that maternal vitamin D epigenetically programs fetal development which may affect an infant's health after birth.
A Review of Indoor Localization Methods for Smartphone with Multi-source Sensors Fusion
Authors: Jianhua Liu , Zhijie Yang , Zlatanova Sisi , Li Songnian , Bing Yu
Published: December 2024

Smartphone indoor positioning and navigation is a crucial technology for realizing indoor location services. The fusion of multi-source sensors in complex indoor scenarios benefits from the complementary advantages of various sensors and has become a research hotspot in the field of pervasive indoor localization applications for smartphones. In this paper, we extensively review the current mainstream sensors and indoor positioning methods for smartphone multi-source sensor fusion. We summarize the recent research progress in this domain along with the characteristics of the relevant techniques and applicable scenarios. Finally, we collate and organize the key issues and technological outlooks of this field.
Photovoltaic-Thermal Side-Absorption Concentrated Module with Micro-Structures as Spectrum-Division Component for a Hybrid-Collecting Reflection Solar System
Authors: Sze Jyh-Rou , Wei An-Chi
Published: December 2024

A photovoltaic-thermal side-absorption concentrated module (PT-SACM) based on planar optics for photovoltaic-thermal hybrid applications is carried out. In order to reduce the absorption by materials and the axial-chromatic aberration caused by the transmissive optical system and to improve the performance of the entire system, the reflective-focusing mirror array fabricated by the ultra-precision diamond turning technology is proposed for the system herein. For the purposes of spectrum division, thinner volume, light weight, and wide acceptance angle, the proposed module is designed with a diffraction optical element (DOE), a light-guide plate with a micro-structure array, and a reflective-focusing mirror array. Among them, the DOE can separate the solar spectrum into the visible band, which is converted to electrical energy via photovoltaics, and the infrared band, whose thermal energy is collected. Experimental measurements show that the overall optical efficiency of the entire system can reach 46.63%, while an error of 4.5% is calculated based on the simulation. The system has successfully demonstrated the separation of visible and infrared bands of the solar spectrum. Meanwhile, the lateral displacement between the micro-structures of the light-guide plate and the focus of the reflective-focusing mirror array can be used to compensate for the angular deviation of the sun incidence, thereby achieving wide-angle acceptance via the proposed solar concentration system.
Screening for Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Insights and Implications
Authors: Deniz Muhammed Furkan , Guven Baris , Ebeoglu Abdullah Omer , Gul Omer Burak , Nayir Ali , Ozkan Pelinsu , Bulat Zubeyir , Turk Ibrahim , Demirelce Ozlem , Kimyonok Husamettin Alper , Deniz Habibe , Ersanli Murat Kazim , Oktay Veysel , Konukoglu Dildar , Sinan Umit Yasar
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic dyslipidemia that leads to early cardiovascular events. Subclinical atherosclerosis refers to the formation of atheromatous plaques in arterial territories before any clinical events. In our study, we investigated the presence, extent and independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis among patients diagnosed with FH. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective and cross-sectional study involving a cohort of 215 patients diagnosed with FH. Carotid and femoral ultrasonography were performed, and coronary artery calcium score was measured to screen for subclinical atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B and Lipoprotein (a) were analyzed using the nephelometric method. Results: The study cohort comprised 136 females (63%) with a mean age of 54 (43–62) years. The stigmata rate was 18%. The rate of statin use during subclinical atherosclerosis screening was 32% and only eight patients (4%) attained LDL-C values
Impacts of Human Activity and Climate Change on the Suitable Habitats for Xanthium spinosum in China
Authors: Liu Yabin , Li Yuyu , Wang Rui , Guo Lizhu , Ji Yu , Chen Yihao , Hao Lifen , Lin Kejian
Published: December 2024

Xanthium spinosum (X. spinosum) is a highly invasive weed native to South America and distributed in 17 provinces (municipalities) of China. It has severe negative influences on ecosystems, agriculture, and husbandry. However, few studies have reported on the impact of human activity and climate change on the future distribution and centroid shift of X. spinosum. This study aimed to investigate the potential geological distribution of X. spinosum in China, as well as the distribution pattern, centroid shift, and key environmental factors influencing its distribution, under four future climate scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, SSP3-70, and SSP5-85) based on the biomod2 integrated model. The results indicated that the suitable habitats for X. spinosum would expand in the future, mainly in Inner Mongolia, Northeast China, and the plateau regions (e.g., Xinjiang and Xizang). Under future climate scenarios, the centroid would shift toward the northwest or northeast part of China, with the SSP2-45-2050s scenario showing the maximum shift distance (161.990 km). Additionally, the key environmental variables influencing the distribution of X. spinosum, including human impact index, bio5, bio7, and bio12, were determined, revealing that most of them were related to human activities, temperature, and precipitation. This study enhanced the understanding of the influence of human activity and climate change on the geographic range of X. spinosum. It provided references for early warning and management in the control of X. spinosum.
Highly Effective Asymmetric Henry Reaction Catalyzed by Chiral Aziridine-Functionalized Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Rachwalski Michał , Wojtaszek Julia , Szymańska Julia , Pieczonka Adam M.
Published: December 2024

Remaining in the research topic related to the discovery of new catalytic abilities of chiral organophosphorus derivatives of aziridines, we decided to synthesize organophosphorus compounds containing an aziridine ring, previously described by our group, and to investigate their catalytic activity in the asymmetric nitroaldol (Henry) reaction between aromatic aldehydes and nitromethane in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper (II) acetate. In some cases, the chiral β-nitroalcohols obtained with high chemical yield were characterized by very high values ​​of enantiomeric excess (over 95%). What is quite important, the use of two enantiomerically pure catalysts differing in the absolute configuration of the aziridine unit led to the formation of two enantiomeric products of the Henry reaction.
Boscisucrophage, a New Dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 Inhibitor from Boscia senegalensis Pers. Lam. Ex Poir, Improved Glycemic Control
Authors: Eto Bruno , Akissi Zachée Louis Evariste , Soudy Imar Djibrine , Ndjip Rosette Christelle , Outman Ahlam , Tchatchouang Eric Ngansop , Johson Madeleine , Bourhim Mohamed , Bechir Seid Abakar , Sahpaz Sevser , Gressier Bernard
Published: December 2024

Background: Boscia senegalensis Pers.) Lam. Ex Poir (Capparaceae) (BS), is an evergreen, perennial woody shrub, or tree native to Sahel region in Africa. It is an important local food plant in Africa and widely exploited for its fruits and seeds. Aim of the Study: The objective of this study was to test the antihyperglycemic effect of BS ex-vivo an in vivo and the mechanism involve in the reduction of blood sugar. Materials and Methods: We studied the antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous extract of seeds of BS. The chemical composition of BS aqueous extract was determined using UHPLC-MS. The inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption was studied ex-vivo in mice using a short-circuit current technique. The antihyperglycemic of BS in vivo was assess using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in rat. Results: In preclinical studies, BS (5 µg/mL to 2 mg/mL) induced concentration-dependent inhibition of sodium-dependent glucose transport across isolated mouse jejunum. The maximal inhibition was obtained with 2 mg/mL and was represented more than 75 % of the effect of Phloridzine and IC50 was close to 477.53 ± 1.22 µg/mL. Chronic BS treatment improved glucose tolerance and reduced body weight without any toxic effect in rat. The major compound found in the aqueous extract of BS seed was Glucocapparin (methyl glucosinolates). Conclusion: The result shows that BS directly inhibits the intestinal absorption of glucose ex-vivo in mice and it improved glucose tolerance and body weight in rats after acute and chronic oral administration in vivo.
Experimental and Finite Element Model-based framework for grasping force analysis with electrostatic microgrippers: a case study using a human hair
Authors: Bocchetta Gabriele , Fiori Giorgia , Filippi Federico , Ursi Pietro , La Battaglia Vincenzo , Marini Stefano , Sciuto Salvatore Andrea , Scorza Andrea
Published: December 2024

Microgrippers (MGs) are MEMS devices designed specifically for microscopic-scale object manipulation, which makes them ideally suited for implementation in biomedical tissue manipulation applications. This work presents a novel method for estimating the grasping force of a MG prototype equipped with electrostatic rotary comb-drives and Conjugate Surface Flexure Hinges using a cross-approach based on both experimental and a finite element analysis. Firstly, the torque exerted by the microactuators, necessary to deform the MG has been evaluated. The rotation of the microactuators is measured in the experimental analysis through an image analysis approach developed by the Authors from videos acquired by a camera mounted on a trinocular optical microscope, while the hinge stiffness has been determined using numerical simulations. This torque provided an initial estimate of the grasping force potential. Subsequently, in order to evaluate the force that the jaws of the MG are capable of applying in grasping operations, experimental tests have been carried out on a human hair with a diameter of (86 ± 3) µm. The results obtained show that the jaws of the device apply a maximum force of (1.42 ± 0.18) µN while grasping the hair.
Power system frequency and rate-of-change of frequency measurement under steady-state and dynamic conditions by means of electronic instruments
Authors: Belega Daniel , Gasparesc Gabriel
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the accuracy of the power system frequency measurement achieved by means of two commonly used electronic instruments, which are a universal counter and a bench top digital multimeter, is investigated under steady-state and dynamic conditions in the case of synthetized and real-life power system signals. Moreover, the accuracy of the rate-of-change of frequency estimates achieved by means of the frequency measurements is analysed. The results obtained by both instruments are compared with each other. From this comparison some remarks are drawn.
Botanical representations from Villa della Piscina di Centocelle (Rome, Italy) for a reconstruction of ancient Roman gardens
Authors: Kumbaric Alma , Bartoli Flavia , Hosseini Zohreh , Bellini Amii , Caneva Giulia
Published: December 2024

Plants remains and phytoiconographic elements are important tools to reconstruct the lost gardens. Archaeobotanical data can give controversial results in areas having great anthropic disturbance, such as in the suburban Villa della Piscina in Centocelle (Rome). Then, we analyzed the plant representations to provide information for the reconstruction of the ancient gardens, studying the fragments of the decorated wall and of the ceiling structures remains that are usually neglected in their size, shape and color. After the identification of the plant species, we collected information on their symbolic value and on their role in the garden. Preliminary data showed the presence of about twenty species, mainly from the Mediterranean area. The symbolic groups presented a slight prevalence of solar and salvific elements. For the garden we identified species used to decorate and border the flowerbeds, but also with productive role. The analysis of these represented naturalistic elements gives support in understanding the historical greenery behind their representation.
Measurement-driven load change compensation for robust secondary voltage regulation
Authors: Bonavolontà Francesco , Di Palma Pasquale , Liccardo Annalisa , Mottola Fabio , Villacci Domenico
Published: December 2024

Voltage regulation ensures the reliable and efficient operation of power systems by maintaining voltage levels within specified limits despite changing load conditions. Modern grids integrating renewable energy sources face new challenges. These sources, such as wind and solar power, cause rapid power fluctuations. Furthermore, high-demand loads like electric vehicles could also result in very fast power variations. This paper explores an advanced control strategy related to the integration of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices within an improved Secondary Voltage Regulation (SVR) based on an optimal linear quadratic control. The control strategy can compensate the effects of fast load variations, by exploiting the information provided by the Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). The PMUs are, however, affected by non-idealities, which can reduce the compensation's efficiency. In the paper, the performance of the regulation strategy is assessed according to the two main PMU's characteristics: the report rate and the accuracy associated with the measurement results. The paper thus provides a walkthrough to properly select the characteristics and, thus, the cost of the PMU, according to the desired voltage regulation's performance.
Sebebin Müsebbep Yerine Kâim Olması Kuralının Usuldeki Yeri ve Fürû-i Fıkıhta Kullanılması
Authors: Kayapınar Hasan
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışmada sebeplerin meydana gelmesinin müsebbebin (sonuç) hükmen var kabul edilmesi için yeterli görüldüğü bazı örnekler incelenmiş, mezheplerin bu örneklere ilişkin yaklaşımları ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada ulaşılan sonuca göre, sebeplerin müsebbep yerine ikâme edilmesi kuralına en geniş Hanefî mezhebinin yer verdiği tespit edilmiştir. Sebeplerin sonuç yerine geçmesi kuralı Hanefî hukukçularının tamamı tarafından kabul edilse de bu kuralın uygulanacağı örnekler konusunda görüş ayrılıkları bulunmaktadır. Mâlikî mezhebine müntesip fakihler de Hanefî mezhebine yakın bir biçimde sebeplerin sonuç yerine geçmesi kuralına atıfta bulunmaktadırlar. Bu durum Şâfiî ve Hanbelî fürû kitaplarında pek görülmemektedir. Hanefî âlimlerin sebeplerin sonuç yerine kabul edilmesi kuralını iki şekilde kullandığı görülmektedir. Bunlardan birincisine göre Hanefî âlimler bu kuralı naslarda mevcut olan hükümleri açıklamak amacıyla kullanmışlardır. Bu kuralın Hanefî mezhebindeki ikinci kullanım şekli ise naslarda kesin hüküm bulunmayan konularda yeni hüküm konulurken bu kuraldan hareket edilmesidir. Bu çalışmada, Hanefî hukukçularının sebeplerin sonuç yerine geçmesi kuralını kullanma tercihleri ve keyfiyetleri ele alınmıştır.
Medine-i Münevvere’nin İsimleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme
Authors: Çevik Nilgün
Published: December 2024

Sosyal, kültürel, siyasi ve ekonomik gelişmeleri inceleyen medeniyet tarihi incelemelerinde şehirler özel öneme sahiptir. Zira şehirler toplum, kültür ve medeniyetlerin merkezidir. İslâm medeniyetinin ilk merkezi Medine-i Münevvere’dir. Bu merkeze ad olan “Medine” kelimesi Arapça’da nekre (belirsiz) kullanımında cins ismi niteliğinde ve şehir anlamındadır. Aynı kelime İslâm döneminde marife (belirli) olarak (el-Medine) ifadesiyle “Yesrib” şehrinin özel ismi olarak kullanılmıştır. “Yesrib” Hicaz bölgesinin önemli şehirlerinden olup hicretle birlikte daha itibarlı ve çekici hale gelmiştir. Kaynaklarda mezkûr şehrin “el-Medine” özel ismi dışında yüzü aşkın ismi bulunmaktadır. Bir yerin isim sayısının çokluğu, o yerin ehemmiyeti ve değeri ile ilgilidir. Bu makalede Medine-i Münevvere’nin isimleri ve bu isimlerin anlamları incelenmektedir. Söz konusu isimler genellikle dinî ve kültürel unsurlar, tarihî olaylar, coğrafi özellikler veya şehirde bulunan önemli yerlerle ilgili olup, Medine tarihi açısından önem arz etmektedirler. Araştırmamızda, literatürde tespit etmiş olduğumuz Medine-i Münevvere’nin isimlerinin anlam ve mülâhazalarına odaklanılarak, İslâm medeniyetinin ilk başkenti olan bu şehrin oluşum ve biçimlenişinin isimlerdeki tezahürü açıklanmıştır.
Şii Makâlât Eserlerinde Kerrâmiyye ve Muhammed b. Kerrâm
Authors: Alimoğlu Sürmeli Zeynep
Published: December 2024

Kerrâmiyye, Muhammed b. Kerrâm’ın (255/869) fikirleri zemininde ortaya çıkan ve kendisinden sonra önemli Kerrâmî isimlerin katkısı ile teşekkül eden bir fırkadır. Horasan ve Maverâünnehir bölgelerinde taraftar edinmiş bir fırka olan Kerrâmiyye, bölgede hâkim olan diğer dinî-siyasî topluluklar ile çeşitli konularda ihtilaf içerisinde olmuştur. Söz konusu muhalefet mezheplerin makâlât yazımında Kerrâmiyye’nin konumlandırılma biçimine etki etmiştir. Kerrâmiyye, makâlât eserlerinde, bağımsız bir fırka, Mürcie’nin alt kolu veya Mücessime-Müşebbihe ile ilişkilendirilen bir fırka şeklindeki tasniflere konu olmuştur. Kerrâmiyye, Şiî makâlât eserlerinde ise Mürcie ile ilişkili veya bağımsız bir fırka olarak ele alınmıştır. Kerrâmiyye’ye yönelik tasnifler, tasnifi yapan kesimin konumuna bağlı olarak farklılaşabildiği gibi sınıflandırmaya konu olan kesimin tarihsel seyirle birlikte politik ve sosyal gücündeki değişimden de etkilenmiştir. Bu nedenle değişen şartların Kerrâmiyye ile ilgili algıda ve Kerrâmiyye’nin sunumunda meydana getirdiği değişimi süreç merkezli olarak işlemek önemlidir. Bu makalede, Kerrâmiyye’nin Şiî makâlât eserlerindeki sınıflandırılma şekli ve bu eserlerde Kerrâmiyye’ye nispet edilen görüşlerin tahlili konu edinilmektedir.
Sünnetullah Bağlamında Allah’ın Yardımına Liyakat
Authors: Nas Hasan
Published: December 2024

Allah Teâlâ’nın, kendisine inanan ve dini uğrunda mücadele eden kullarına yardımı, Kur’an-ı Kerîm’de dikkat çeken en açık mesajlardan biridir. Cenâb-ı Hak, elçilerine ve İslam davasına içtenlikle bağlı olan kullarına açık desteğini bildirmiş ve bu yönde onlara birçok lütufta bulunmuştur. Bununla birlikte Allah’ın yardımı, mümin ile kâfiri ayırmaksızın bütün toplumlar için geçerli olan sünnetullah yasasıyla birlikte değerlendirilmediği takdirde sonuçsuz birtakım beklentiler içerisine girilmesi ve nihayetinde ümitsizliğe düşülmesi mukadder olacaktır. Kur’an’da anlatılan ilahî yardım sahnelerine bakıldığında, bunlardaki liyakat, içtenlik, üstün gayret ve eldeki bütün imkânların seferber edildiği gerçeği hemen fark edilecektir. Buna göre ilahî yardıma nail olabilmek, öncelikle mücadele için gerekli teçhizatı edinmeyi ve imkânlar ölçüsünde tedbir almayı lüzumlu kılmaktadır. Öte yandan Allah’ın inananlara yönelik yardımı, çoğu kez onları zafere ulaştırması şeklinde tahakkuk etmekle birlikte bu, her zaman için dünyalık başarılar şeklinde düşünülmemelidir. Zira ilahî yardım tek boyutlu ve dünya hayatıyla sınırlı olmayıp bu, müminlerin birçok vesileyle inayete nail olmalarını ifade etmektedir.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 21 по 27 декабря 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: December 2024

SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 21 по 27 декабря 2024 г.
Academic Procrastination among Nursing Students at Private Nursing Schools in Karachi
Authors:   Department of Nursing, Horizon School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Ali Rizwan , Shaikh Muhammad Hasnain ,   Department of Nursing, Horizon School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Bibi Afsha ,   Department of Nursing, Horizon School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Khan Nasar ,   Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan., Tamraiz Muhammad Adnan ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Agha Khan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Background: Academic Procrastination refers to the act of delaying any academic task or assignment without any logical reason including academic assignments, examinations, and their preparation.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine academic procrastination among nursing students at private nursing schools in Karachi.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in two private nursing colleges Horizon School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences and Suvastu School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, from May 2023 to July 2023. The study participants were approached by a convenient sampling technique utilizing Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS) with a total sample size of 235 nursing students enrolled in Generic Bachelor of Science Nursing (GBSN) including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years.
Result: The study findings show that 52.13% nursing students reported moderate levels of procrastination, 45.72% showed severe procrastination, and 2.56% mild procrastination. Moreover, there is a statistically significant difference between procrastination scores and gender (p = 0.001), but no significant difference was found regarding relationship status (p = 0.582), college attendance (p = 0.240), and academic year (p = 0.442) among the participants.
Conclusion: Majority of nursing students reported moderate to severe levels of academic procrastination, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions and support to enhance time management and study habits in this student population.
The Effect of Retention Rate, Debt to Equity Ratio, and Current Ratio on Company Sustainable Growth Rate
Authors: Halim Kusuma Indawati
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of financial metrics on sustainable growth, defined as the maximum rate at which a company can grow without changing its financial leverage, a concept supported in recent studies on corporate growth strategies. The analysis focuses on the retention ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, and current ratio. Data is sourced from non-financial companies listed on the Kompas 100 Index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, selected based on consistent financial reporting and comprehensive data availability during this period. Utilizing a panel data regression model with Stata 17 software, the findings reveal that the retention ratio positively affects sustainable growth, supporting the idea that reinvesting profits promotes long-term company growth. Conversely, DER has a negative impact, indicating that higher leverage increases financial risk. The current ratio does not significantly affect sustainable growth within this model. These results emphasize the importance of strategic financial management, particularly in optimizing retention and leverage, to foster sustainable growth. The study offers stakeholders and legislators practical advice on how to encourage financial practices that foster long-term organizational growth.
Auditors' Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence, Institutional Pressure, and Auditor Personality on Audit Quality
Authors: Abiyyu Achmad Daffa , Mustafida Nurul
Published: December 2024

This study analyses the effect of Artificial Intelligence, institutional pressure, and auditor personality on audit quality. The respondents were 84 auditors at Public Accounting Firms in Surabaya. This research is motivated by the inconsistency of previous research results. In addition, AI, which has begun commonly used by auditors to assist in audit tasks, has become the focus of new research. Auditors' perceptions may differ in accepting that AI will provide benefits or cause disruption during the audit process. Empirical results show that institutional pressure and auditor personality influence audit quality, while the use of AI does not affect audit quality. Although AI can help answer various questions, it's not always directly correlated with audit quality. This research show that managers at public accounting firms need to consider the presence of AI to increase the speed and quality of auditor work. However, they also need to organize and plan AI adoption to avoid unsatisfactory results. In addition, managers must also choose skilled professional auditors who can integrate with AI systems to improve company performance and reduce the risk of misuse of AI systems. In practice, managers still really need to consider personality in the auditor profession and use it as an indicator for assessing quality. In addition, auditors' perception of institutional pressure will improve audit quality if they perceive such pressure as a driving factor for performance quality.
Predictores del destete exitoso o fracaso de ventilación mecánica en pacientes del servicio de emergencia del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, 2023
Authors:   , Diaz Cruz Angely Milagros
Published: December 2024

Objetivos del estudio: Identificar los factores predictores que influyen en el éxito o fracaso del destete de la ventilación mecánica en pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza durante el año 2023. Metodología: El diseño de investigación será cuantitativo, analítico y observacional. Corresponde a un estudio de casos y controles, el cual es utilizado para establecer la asociación entre las variables por lo que se dispondrá de dos grupos de pacientes: con destete exitoso (controles) o destete de fracaso (casos) de ventilación mecánica. Se utilizó el programa estadístico Epidat 4.2 para determinar el tamaño de la muestra, para lo cual se consideró una proporción de casos expuesto de 17.3%, con un odds ratio a detectar del 1.06, un numero de control de uno por caso y un nivel de confianza del 95% de acuerdo con el estudio de Cinesi et al. De manera que se obtiene un tamaño muestral de 110 pacientes, los cuales 55 casos (pacientes con destete de fracaso o fallido) y 55 controles (pacientes con destete exitoso).
Capacitación del personal y desempeño laboral del área administrativa de un Hospital público nivel III (Lima-Perú), 2023
Authors:   , Maravi Asipali Sara Luz , Alamo Bernuy Kely Karina
Published: December 2024

La investigación titulada "Capacitación del personal y desempeño laboral del Área Administrativa de un hospital público nivel III (Lima-Perú), 2023" tiene como objetivo general abordar la relación entre la capacitación del personal y el desempeño laboral en el Área Administrativa de la entidad objeto de estudio. La metodología empleada en este estudio se caracterizó por un enfoque cuantitativo de naturaleza no experimental, específicamente transeccional correlacional-causal. La población objetivo consistió en trabajadores administrativos, de los cuales se seleccionó una muestra representativa de 127 individuos. A partir de este riguroso análisis, se obtuvieron datos pertinentes en relación con la capacitación del personal y su desempeño laboral dentro de la institución. Como resultado, se arribó a la conclusión de que existe una asociación significativamente positiva entre ambas variables. Estos hallazgos se encuentran respaldados por el coeficiente de correlación obtenido (Rho=0.743), lo cual confirma la validez de la hipótesis alterna que sostiene la existencia de una relación positiva entre los mencionados aspectos.
The population frequency of Marfan syndrome and the associated cardiac risks in a normal population
Authors: Choi K , Huang M , Savige J
Published: December 2024

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominantly (AD)-inherited disease that results from pathogenic variants in the Fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene, and is characterised by tall stature, elongated limbs and digits, lens abnormalities and aortic root dilatation, aneurysms and dissection but milder forms also occur. Radiological imaging suggests that Marfan syndrome affects between one in 3000 and 5000 of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the population frequency of Marfan syndrome from the number of pathogenic FBN1 variants found in a normal variant database. FBN1 variants were downloaded from gnomAD v2.1.1 and annotated with ANNOVAR. The population frequency was determined from the number of pathogenic null and structural variants, and the number of predicted pathogenic missense changes classified by rarity and computational scores. This population frequency was then compared with the frequencies in the control subset, and from gnomAD variants assessed as Pathogenic or Likely pathogenic in the ClinVar or LOVD databases. Our strategy identified predicted pathogenic FBN1 variants in one in 416 individuals, which was confirmed in the control subset (one in 356, p NS). Predicted pathogenic variants were most common in East Asian people (one in 243, p < 0.0001) and least common in Ashkenazim (one in 5,185, p = 0.0082). The population frequencies based on pathogenic variants in the ClinVar or LOVD databases were one in 718 and one in 1014 respectively. Null variants which are associated with aortic aneurysms affected only one in 8624. Thus, Marfan syndrome is more common than previously recognised. Emergency departments and cardiac clinics in particular should be aware of undiagnosed Marfan syndrome and its cardiac risks, but many individuals may have a milder phenotype.
evoke and evoke+: design of two large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies evaluating efficacy, safety, and tolerability of semaglutide in early-stage symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L. , Atri Alireza , Feldman Howard H. , Hansson Oskar , Sano Mary , Knop Filip K. , Johannsen Peter , León Teresa , Scheltens Philip
Published: December 2024

Background: Disease-modifying therapies targeting the diverse pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including neuroinflammation, represent potentially important and novel approaches. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity and has an established safety profile. Semaglutide may have a disease-modifying, neuroprotective effect in AD through multimodal mechanisms including neuroinflammatory, vascular, and other AD-related processes. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in early-stage symptomatic AD.
Methods: evoke and evoke+ are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials investigating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-daily oral semaglutide versus placebo in early-stage symptomatic AD. Eligible participants were men or women aged 55–85 years with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD with confirmed amyloid abnormalities (assessed by positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] analysis). After a maximum 12-week screening phase, an anticipated 1840 patients in each trial are randomized (1:1) to semaglutide or placebo for 156 weeks (104-week main treatment phase and 52-week extension). Randomized participants follow an 8-week dose escalation regimen (3 mg [weeks 0–4], 7 mg [weeks 4–8], and 14 mg [weeks 8–156]). The primary endpoint is the semaglutide–placebo difference on change from baseline to week 104 in the Clinical Dementia Rating– Sum of Boxes score. Analyses of plasma biomarkers, collected from all participants, and a CSF sub-study (planned n=210) will explore semaglutide effects on AD biomarkers and neuroinflammation.
Results: Enrollment was undertaken between May 18, 2021, and September 8, 2023. Completion of the trials’ main phase is expected in September 2025, and the 52-week extension (in which participants and investigators remain blinded to treatment assignment) will continue to October 2026.
Conclusions: evoke and evoke+ are the first large-scale trials to investigate the disease-modifying potential of semaglutide in participants with early-stage symptomatic AD, including exploration of effects on AD biomarkers and neuroinflammation. The trials will provide data on the potential disease-modifying effects of semaglutide and will be important in evaluating its utility in the treatment of early-stage symptomatic AD.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04777396 and NCT04777409. Date: 02/03/2021.
The relationship between the classroom environment, trait emotional intelligence, and the level of hope and burnout: insights from Chinese college EFL learners
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Li Huan , Xiong Wei
Published: December 2024

This study explores the relationship between the classroom environment (CE), trait emotional intelligence (TEI), hope, and burnout among 425 Chinese vocational college students. Data were collected using the Classroom Environment Scale, the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS), the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), and burnout measures. The results revealed significant associations between TEI, hope, and burnout, with CE playing a pivotal role in influencing hope and burnout levels. These findings offer important insights for educators and policymakers. By fostering a supportive and emotionally engaging classroom environment, educators can enhance students' emotional intelligence, cultivate hope, and mitigate academic burnout. The results underscores the necessity for teacher training programs that emphasize the development of emotional and social competencies to improve classroom dynamics and student success.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Affordability of Medication: A Panel Data Econometric Analysis in Iran
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Javad , Ghasemi Mojtaba , Peikanpour Mohammad , Rasekh Hamid Reza
Published: December 2024

Background
one of the key aspects of fair access to healthcare is access to affordable medications, that is important almost for every government. Exploring and estimation the effects of the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) on affordability is an important step to clear and picture the equity health and targets for policy making. This paper attempt to estimate these effects on medication affordability in Iran.
Methods
We used data from Iran Households Survey (IHS) in a 26-year period from 1997 to 2022. We developed a panel data econometric model to estimate the effects of Socioeconomic Determinants (SEDs) on medication expenses and three ratios including: medication expense/ health costs, income and all costs, as affordability indices. We employ Fixed Effect (FE) estimators, Random Effect (RE) estimators, Panel Tobit estimators and Maximum Likelihood Estimators (MLE) for this purpose.
Results
the mean of medication expenses for each household is about 1.45E + 07 IRR adjusted in 2021(1400 Persian calendar) inflation rate. the Concentration Index (CI) is about 0.12. median of the medication expenses/ health expenses is near and about 33.5%, and we don’t see inequality for this ratio between provinces (CI = -0.01), increase prevalence of rare disease, age oh households’ head, increase the share of food and housing expenses, increase family size can increase the expenses and financial burden for households. instead getting transfer payment as cash subside, having insurance can reduce the medication costs.
Conclusion
we saw a little inequality in medication expanses tend to richer provinces, in contract no inequality in the ratio of medication expenses to health expanses. Our findings confirm previous studies that old aged members and family size are barrier to access to affordable medications. our results also show the negative effect of rare disease on affordability of medicines. we didn’t find relation between availability and insurance with affordability of medication, future research could explore these connections further, along with examining the impact of occupation on affordability.
YouTube and Bilibili as sources of information on oral cancer: cross-sectional content analysis study
Authors: zhang Qilei , Li Zhe , Zhang Huiping , Han Ling , Zhao Shugang , Jia Siyu
Published: December 2024

This study aims to assess the informational quality of oral cancer-related videos on YouTube and Bilibili. A total of 300 oral cancer-related videos meeting the inclusion criteria were selected from YouTube (150 videos from 111 uploaders) and Bilibili (150 videos from 134 uploaders) for evaluation and analysis. YouTube videos were more popular in terms of views and likes, whereas the average likes per 30 days and comments showed no significant difference between the two platforms. The uploaders from YouTube mainly consisted of hospitals/non-profit organizations (66.7%) and companies with profit (17.1%), while Bilibili's uploaders mainly were self-media (55.2%) and doctors (29.1%). YouTube videos covered more topics than those on Bilibili. Solo narration was the most common video style across all platforms, but TV shows/documentaries were more popular on YouTube (31.3%). The video quality was assessed using the four tools as follows: Though mDISCERN (modified DISCERN) and PEMAT-Actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool) were similar across platforms, YouTube videos scored higher on PEMAT-Understandability, VIQI (Video Information and Quality Index), and GQS (Global Quality Score) than Bilibili videos. Videos from health professionals were deemed more reliable. Spearman correlation analysis revealed no strong relationships between the video quality and the audience interaction. In conclusion, YouTube videos demonstrated higher audience interactions and quality but both platforms still require improvements. More professional content creators and platform algorithm optimization are necessary to promote high-quality health information.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy responses to facial stimuli in infants
Authors: Silva Cintia Ricaele Ferreira da , de Almeida Valéria Azevedo , Morya Edgard , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: December 2024

The ability to interpret emotional expressions is crucial for human social interactions. Recognizing these expressions during interpersonal interactions allows individuals to identify others' emotional states, providing important cues for appropriate responses in various social contexts. From birth, babies are biologically prepared to rapidly develop emotion-related perceptual skills, extracting vital information from faces and voices. The present study investigated brain activity related to emotions in infants aged 4 to 11 months, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and eye tracking. The study focused on identifying neural responses to emotional stimuli (happy and anger) presented in social (human faces) and nonsocial objects (toys). Brain activity in frontotemporal, parietal, and occipital regions was analyzed. The results offer valuable insights into emotional and social development in infants and contribute to improving early assessment and intervention strategies.
Effect of Twin Block on Intracranial Pressure
Authors: Hezenci Yasin , Bulut Musa , Demirel Oğuzhan
Published: December 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the impact of Twin Block appliances on intracranial pressure (ICP) in adolescents by measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasonography.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study involving 20 adolescents (8 girls and 12 boys) with skeletal mandibular retrognathia undergoing treatment with Twin Block appliances. ONSD measurements were taken at six different time points: before appliance placement (T0), 1 minute after placement (T1), 10 minutes after placement (T2), one month after appliance use (T3), immediately after appliance removal (T4), and 10 minutes after removal (T5). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also monitored. Statistical analyses were performed using Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests with Bonferroni correction, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant.
Results
Significant increases in ONSD were observed at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p < 0.05), with the highest ONSD recorded at T1. No significant changes in ONSD were noted at T3 or T5, indicating that the initial increase in ONSD was temporary. MAP showed a significant decrease at T2, but no significant changes were observed in SpO2 or heart rate across the time points.
Conclusion
This study is the first to report a significant increase in ICP, as indicated by ONSD, in adolescents using Twin Block appliances. The observed rise in ONSD shortly after appliance placement suggests a temporary increase in ICP. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring intracranial pressure during orthodontic treatment, particularly in adolescents.
Evaluation of Health Laboratory Ethical Compliance Among Laboratory Practitioners in Kinondoni District, Tanzania.
Authors: Lwenge Catherine , Mahiti Gladys , Paul Heavenlight
Published: December 2024

Background: Laboratory science rears a special pattern in medicine, which helps promote different biological phenomena, which will aid in the management of disease through analysis of samples and laboratory tests. Laboratory practitioners provide results that are used to make critical decisions. The aim of the study was to evaluate how health laboratory practitioners understand and comply with the laboratory ethical conduct as per ISO 15189:2012
Methodology: An exploratory study design that involved a qualitative approach for data collection. A total of 16 laboratory personnels participated in an in depth Primary data was collected from the laboratory practitioners through in-depth interviews, semi - structured questions that were audio recorded then verified for accuracy and completeness by the researcher. Audio recorded interviews were then transcribed into text, translated, and then analyzed using a thematic method of analyzing qualitative data.
Results: Despite most of the laboratory practitioners claiming of being aware and follow of laboratory ethical conducts there were several misconducts that still exists in the laboratories e.g., mislabeling, miscommunication with clients. study has brought about valuable knowledge on the ethical conducts among laboratory practitioners and importance of abiding the ethical standards while performing laboratory activities and impacts on the results.
Conclusion: There were still some incidences of information breaching that still happen to some of the laboratories. More frequent trainings were of concern, it should be a mandatory for each laboratory staff to attend all ethical trainings.
Revolutionizing Disease Diagnosis with Large Language Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bojesomo Alabi , Seghier Mohamed , Hadjileontiadis Leontios , AlShehhi Aamna
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The underlining success of large language models (LLMs) in general language understanding has revolutionized many domains, including healthcare. This systematic review aims to explore the application of LLM in disease diagnosis, acknowledging its success in reducing diagnosis delays in areas with limited health resources or when health costs are not affordable.
Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature on LLMs used for disease diagnosis tasks, such as differential diagnosis, question-answering, and report generation, from January 2014 to September 2024. The included studies are categorized based on input data types (text, images, others), learning approaches (zero-shot, few-shot, retrieval-augmented generation, fine-tuning, etc.), and diagnostic contexts.
Results: We observe that LLMs used for disease diagnosis primarily employ zero-shot learning, prompting, and retrieval-augmented generation techniques. While some LLMs are explicitly fine-tuned for this purpose, only a few have been trained from scratch. Most LLMs are trained using data from the Internet and research publications. Despite this, LLM models have successfully diagnosed many common chronic diseases and addressed some rare and uncommon diseases with reasonable accuracy. Despite these promising trends and successes, concerns about the potential for misdiagnosis persist, particularly with less common and rare diseases.
Conclusion: The use of LLMs in disease diagnosis has a promising future in reducing diagnostic delay and complementing the work of health professionals in resource-constrained environments. The success of LLM in disease diagnosis calls for proper analysis of data from health domains and for encouraging the inclusion of information on otherwise uncommon diseases.