bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment discontinuation in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS): A qualitative study of international experts’ perspectives with associated cost-consequence analysis
Authors: Germeni Evi , Cooper Jacie , Briggs Andrew , Laurence Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Background
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) related to congenital mutations impeding control of the alternative pathway of complement. Following approval of the complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab by the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, initial guidelines suggested lifelong therapy. Yet, growing evidence indicates that discontinuation of eculizumab, or its long-acting form ravulizumab, is possible for many patients. This mixed-methods study sought to explore international experts’ perspectives and experiences related to treatment duration in adult patients with aHUS, while also estimating the financial and potential health consequences of early discontinuation.
Methods
Between January and December 2023, we conducted 10 qualitative interviews with experts in the treatment of aHUS, based upon which we constructed a quantitative decision tree, designed to estimate time on treatment and treatment- and disease-related adverse events.
Results
Thematic analysis of the interview data identified four main themes: (1) Concerns and prior experience; (2) High-risk vs. low-risk groups; (3) Patient preference and adherence; and (4) Funding for monitoring and re-treatment. Although most interviewees were in favour of considering treatment discontinuation for many patients (citing the high cost, burden, and potential side effects of lifelong treatment as key reasons), a prior negative experience of discontinuation seemed to make others more reluctant to stop. Deciding which patients required lifelong treatment and which not involved consideration of a wide range of factors, including patient- and system-related factors. Cost-consequence analysis demonstrated the financial savings associated with early treatment discontinuation at the expense of increased risk of recurrent TMA events. Close monitoring for these events had the potential to minimise any long-term injury, primarily renal, with an estimated one event per 100 patient years. For patients at high risk of TMA and with poor adherence to monitoring, rates of renal injury rose to three events per 100 patient years.
Conclusions
aHUS treatment protocols are changing globally in response to new clinical evidence. Against this backdrop, our mixed-methods study provides compelling evidence on the complexity of factors influencing treatment discontinuation decisions in aHUS, as well as the financial and health consequences of early discontinuation.
DF-DM: A foundational process model for multimodal data fusion in the artificial intelligence era
Authors: Restrepo David , Wu Chenwei , Vásquez-Venegas Constanza , Nakayama Luis Filipe , Celi Leo Anthony , López Diego M
Published: April 2024

In the big data era, integrating diverse data modalities poses significant challenges, particularly in complex fields like healthcare. This paper introduces a new process model for multimodal Data Fusion for Data Mining, integrating embeddings and the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining with the existing Data Fusion Information Group model. Our model aims to decrease computational costs, complexity, and bias while improving efficiency and reliability. We also propose "disentangled dense fusion," a novel embedding fusion method designed to optimize mutual information and facilitate dense inter-modality feature interaction, thereby minimizing redundant information.We demonstrate the model's efficacy through three use cases: predicting diabetic retinopathy using retinal images and patient metadata, domestic violence prediction employing satellite imagery, internet, and census data, and identifying clinical and demographic features from radiography images and clinical notes. The model achieved a Macro F1 score of 0.92 in diabetic retinopathy prediction, an R-squared of 0.854 and sMAPE of 24.868 in domestic violence prediction, and a macro AUC of 0.92 and 0.99 for disease prediction and sex classification, respectively, in radiological analysis.
These results underscore the Data Fusion for Data Mining model's potential to significantly impact multimodal data processing, promoting its adoption in diverse, resource-constrained settings.
A new strategy based on multi-source remote sensing data for improving the accuracy of land use/cover change classification
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yuan XiPing , Gan Shu , Luo WeiDong , Li RaoBo , Bi Rui , Gao Sha , Kang Xiong
Published: April 2024

Land Use/Cover Change (LUCC) plays a crucial role in sustainable land management and regional planning. However, contemporary feature extraction approaches often prove inefficient at capturing critical data features, thereby complicating land cover categorization. In this research, we introduce a new feature extraction algorithm alongside a Segmented and Stratified Principal Component Analysis(SS-PCA) dimensionality reduction method based on correlation grouping. These methods are applied to UAV LiDAR and UAV HSI data collected from areas concentrated with crops, buildings, and trees. We utilize LiDAR and HSI data to extract 157 features, including intensity, height, Normalized Digital Surface Model (NDSM), spectral, texture, and index features, to identify the optimal feature subset. Subsequently, the best feature subset is inputted into a random forest classifier to classify the features. Our findings demonstrate that the SS-PCA method successfully enhances downscaled feature bands, reduces hyperspectral data noise, and improves classification accuracy (Overall Accuracy = 91.17%). Additionally, the CFW method effectively screens appropriate features, thereby increasing classification accuracy for LiDAR, HSI, and LiDAR + HSI data across various areas. Moreover, the integration of LiDAR and HSI data holds promise for significantly improving ground fine classification accuracy while mitigating issues such as the ' salt and pepper noise '. Furthermore, among individual features, the LiDAR intensity feature emerges as critical for enhancing classification accuracy, while among single-class features, the HSI feature proves most influential in improving classification accuracy.
Sensitivity analysis guided Bayesian parameter estimation for neural mass models : Applications in Epilepsy
Authors: Subramaniyam Narayan Puthanmadam , Hyttinen Jari
Published: April 2024

It is well established that neural mass models (NMMs) can effectively simulate the mesoscopic and macroscopic dynamics of electroencephalography (EEG), including the epileptic EEG. However the use of NMMs to gain insight on the neuronal system by parameter estimation is hampered by their high dimensionality and the lack of knowledge on what NMM parameters can be reliably estimated. In this article, we analyze the parameter sensitivity of Jansen and Rit NMM (JR-NMM) in order to identify the most sensitive JR-NMM parameters for reliable parameter estimation from EEG data. We then propose a Bayesian approach for estimating the JR-NMM states and parameters based on expectation--maximization combined with unscented Kalman smoother (UKS-EM). Global sensitivity analysis methods including Morris method and Sobol method are used to perform sensitivity analysis. Results from both the Morris and Sobol method show that the average inhibitory synaptic gain, $B$ and the reciprocal of the time constant of the average inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (PSPs), $b$ have significant impact on the JR NMM output along with having the least interaction with other model parameters. The UKS-EM method for estimating the parameters $B$ and $b$ is validated using simulations under varying levels of measurement noise. Finally we apply the UKS-EM algorithm to intracranial EEG data from $16$ epileptic patients. Our results, both at individual and group-level show that the parameters $B$ and $b$ change significantly between the pre-seizure and seizure period, and between the seizure and post-seizure period, with transition to seizure characterized by decrease in average $B$ and high frequency activity in seizure characterized by an increase in $b$. These results establish sensitivity analysis guided Bayesian parameter estimation as a powerful tool for reducing the parameter space of high dimensional NMMs enabling reliable and efficient estimation of the most sensitive NMM parameters, with the potential for online and fast tracking of NMM parameters in applications such as seizure tracking and control.
Differences between human male and female neutrophils in mRNA, translation efficiency, protein, and phosphoprotein profiles
Authors: Pilling Darrell , Consalvo Kristen M. , Kirolos Sara A. , Gomer Richard H.
Published: April 2024

Background
Human males and females show differences in the incidence of neutrophil-associated diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and reactive arthritis, and differences in neutrophil physiological responses such as a faster response to the chemorepellent SLIGKV. Little is known about the basis of sex-based differences in human neutrophils.
Methods
Starting with human neutrophils from healthy donors, we used RNA-seq to examine total mRNA profiles, mRNAs not associated with ribosomes and thus not being translated, mRNAs in monosomes, and mRNAs in polysomes and thus heavily translated. We used mass spectrometry systems to identify proteins and phosphoproteins.
Results
There were sex-based differences in the translation of 24 mRNAs. There were 132 proteins with higher levels in male neutrophils; these tended to be associated with RNA regulation, ribosome, and phosphoinositide signaling pathways, whereas 30 proteins with higher levels in female neutrophils were associated with metabolic processes, proteosomes, and phosphatase regulatory proteins. Male neutrophils had increased phosphorylation of 32 proteins. After exposure to SLIGKV, male neutrophils showed a faster response in terms of protein phosphorylation compared to female neutrophils.
Conclusions
Male neutrophils have higher levels of proteins and higher phosphorylation of proteins associated with RNA processing and signaling pathways, while female neutrophils have higher levels of proteins associated with metabolism and proteolytic pathways. This suggests that male neutrophils might be more ready to adapt to a new environment, and female neutrophils might be more effective at responding to pathogens. This may contribute to the observed sex-based differences in neutrophil behavior and neutrophil-associated disease incidence and severity.
Empowering Health Literacy in Low Socioeconomic Status Populations: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Heart Failure
Authors: Cox Jessica , Yu Hannah , Ravanassa Shayan , Hyde Gabrielle , Hernandez Elliott , Reisler Jenna , Davis Elizabeth , Wilkerson Marysuna
Published: April 2024

Background: Socioeconomic status and health literacy are key factors in improving health outcomes. Among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), this is especially important as patients must simultaneously manage their diet, exercise, and medication regimen.
Objectives: To improve health literacy and understanding of CHF among low socioeconomic patients through educational binders.
Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were enrolled during their first visit to CHF clinic and provided an educational binder created by an interdisciplinary team. At each visit, patients were administered the health literacy questionnaire and the CHF education questionnaire until graduation from the program.
Results: Twenty-three patients were enrolled between February and November 2023, with 8 (34.8%) graduating an average of 22.0±9.0 weeks after enrollment. From baseline to graduation/last visit, health literacy score was significantly improved from 13.8±4.4 to 25.5±3.9 (p=0.03) while CHF education score trended from 46.2±11.3 to 50.2±8.1 (p=0.66). Between enrollment and up to 12 weeks after graduation, 5 patients (21.7%) were readmitted to the hospital at least once with 3 (13.0%) readmitted specifically for CHF.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a positive impact on health literacy among patients enrolled in the binder program with low all-cause and CHF-related readmission rates. Overall, the CHF binder program exemplifies a promising approach to bridging the information gap for low-income patients with CHF. Further research and broader implementation of similar initiatives are warranted to advance health equity and improve outcomes for low-income individuals with chronic conditions.
Exosomes derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells promotes angiogenesis in hUVECs by delivering novel miRNA N-194
Authors: Song Yang , Zhang Tao , Shi Ping , Gao Yingzhuo , Pang Xining
Published: April 2024

Background: To investigate the effect and mechanism of exosomes derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSC-Exos) promoting angiogenesis.
Methods: HAMSC-Exos were isolated using ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, NTA, and Western blot. The uptake of hAMSC-Exos by hUVECs was analyzed using PKH-26 labeling, and the effect of hAMSC-Exos on angiogenesis was analyzed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells hUVECs by cell viability assay, Transwell migration assay, Matrigel tube formation assay, and Matrigel plug assays in nude mice. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze miRNA high-throughput sequencing data of hAMSC-Exos, and RT-qPCR was used to validate the novel miRNAs. HAMSC-Exos with high and low N-194 expression were obtained by transfection, respectively. Target genes were predicted using TargetScan, and the mRNA and protein levels of potential target genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot after N-194 mimics transfection. Interaction between miRNAs and target genes was detected using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Target genes were overexpressed in hUVECs by transfection. The roles of target genes in the influence of N-194 on cell function were determined by analyzing angiogenesis.
Results: The extracted hAMSC-Exos showed teato-like under transmission electron microscopy, and the NTA results showed the particle size of 115.6±38.6 nm. The positive expression of CD9, CD63, and CD81 were verified using Western blot. The treatment of hUVECs with hAMSC-Exos significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. HAMSC-Exos contained the novel miRNAs N-194, N-314, N-19, N-393, and N-481, and the expression of N-194 was higher. The Exos derived from hAMSCs which were transfected with FAM-N-194 mimics were able to deliver FAM-N-194 mimics to hUVECs. The hAMSC-Exos with high N-194 significantly promoted angiogenesis in hUVECs. N-194 mimics transfection significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels of potential target gene ING5, and N-194 mimics significantly reduced the luciferase activities expressed by wild-type reporter gene vectors for ING5. The ING5 overexpression significantly reduced the angiogenic capacity of hUVECs. ING5 overexpression suppressed the expression of HSP27 and PLCG2.
Conclusions: HAMSC-Exos promotes angiogenesis in hUVECs by delivering novel miRNA N-194 which targets ING5.
Coupling Efficiency of Partially-Coherent Airy Beam into Few- Mode Fiber under Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Lei Sichen , zhang rongrong , wu pengfei , tan zhenkun , wang jiao
Published: April 2024

When a signal beam propagates through the atmosphere, it is affected by turbulence. The Airy beam, with its characteristics of diffraction-free propagation, self-healing, and self-focusing, can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, the coupling efficiency is constructed based on the theory of cross-spectral density, using a structure consisting of partially coherent Airy beams, a single lens, and a four-mode optical fiber. In addition, we also investigated the effects of atmospheric turbulence, lens parameters, and beam parameters on the coupling efficiency. The results indicate that under moderate turbulence conditions (scintillation index AR/AC = 5), the coupling efficiency of the partially coherent Airy beams is 25.7% higher than that of the Gaussian-Schell model beams.
Deciphering the Anthocyanin Metabolism Gene Network in tea plant(Camellia sinensis) through Structural Equation modeling
Authors: Xia Pan , Chen Mei , Chen Linbo , Yang Yijian , Ma Ling , Bi Pinpin , Tang Song , Luo Qiongxian , Chen Jiwei , Chen Hongwei , Zhang Hongling
Published: April 2024

Background：Tea is an important cash crop that significantly contributes to rural development, poverty reduction and food security in many developing countries. It provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder producers and aids their economic stability. Anthocyanins in tea leaves provides excellent commercial quality and germplasm exploration potential. These compounds give tea leaves vibrant colors and increase health benefits. The current understanding of the synergistic regulation mechanisms responsible for color changes in purple tea, attributed to anthocyanin degradation, remains unclear.
Results: In this study, we have identified 30 gene families within the tea genome that are associated related to with anthocyanin metabolism from tea genome. These gene families play distinct roles in the biosynthesis of anthocyanin including the formation of the core, structure, modification of the molecular framework, facilitation of transport process, regulation of gene expression, breakdown pathways, sugar transportation and iron ion respectively. The transcriptome expression pattern of gene families associated with anthocyanin accumulation in tea leaves of two varieties (N61 and Zikui) and natural development fading of these pigments in the tea leaves of one variety (ZJ). Subsequently, we investigated the synergistic mechanisms of anthocyanin metabolism related gene families within tea leaves using structural equation modeling. The results showed that sugar transport positively affects anthocyanin transportation, and promotes anthocyanin degradation during leaf pigmentation, whereas, it inhibits anthocyanin degradation during the fading of leaf color. Further, Iron ions facilitate the degradation of anthocyanins during their deposition and conversely, impede this degradation process during digestion. These finding suggests that tea plants may regulate the synthesis and degradation of anthocyanins through sugar transport and iron ions. And ensures healthy levels and vibrant colors.
Conclusions：Our study contributes valuable information into the dynamic equilibrium anthocyanin mechanism and sheds light on complex regulatory mechanisms that govern the synthesis, transport and degradation of these pigments. These insights could be further used to develop strategies for enhancing anthocyanins content in unique tea germplasm to aid tea industry in producing new tea products with increased health benefits and aesthetic appeals.
Structural and Functional Social Support in UK Military Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Grover Laura Elizabeth , Sharp Marie-Louise , Jones Margaret , Burdett Howard , Fear Nicola
Published: April 2024

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the implementation of social distancing laws in the UK. This had several negative consequences on health, wellbeing and social functioning within the general population. Military veterans may have had unique experiences of social isolation during this time. This study examined the level of, and relationship between, structural and functional social support, and its association with mental health and wellbeing in a sample of UK veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Throughout the first summer of the pandemic (June-September 2020), an additional wave of cross-sectional data was collected from UK Armed Forces personnel who had left regular military service and were participating in a longitudinal cohort study. In total, 1562 participants (44.04% response rate) completed a series of online questionnaires measuring sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 experiences and psychosocial health and wellbeing. Multivariable logistic and ordinal regression analyses were conducted.Results For structural social support, 86.8% were in a relationship and 89.0% lived with others. For functional social support, one-quarter reported feelings of loneliness (27.4%) and low levels of perceived social support (28.1%). Structural support was associated with functional support. Being single, living alone and experiencing loneliness were associated with worse mental health and wellbeing, while living with other adults and reporting high levels of perceived social support were associated with better mental health and wellbeing.Conclusions UK veterans showed greater social support than the UK general population during the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has enhanced our understanding of social support among veterans and its implications for health and wellbeing. This knowledge is essential for advising the development of psychosocial interventions and policies to improve the psychological wellbeing of veterans in future pandemics and more broadly in their daily lives.
High through put and fast method for isolating bacteriophages using 96 well flat bottom plate
Authors: Ullah Aman , Aslam Muhammad Aamir
Published: April 2024

Bacteriophages are the viruses of prokaryotes. Emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria have prompted scientists to look for alternative ways of curing bacterial infections other than antibiotics. In this regard, phages have gained attention of scientific community. Entire phage particles and endolysin enzymes have been shown to be effective for killing bacteria and curing various bacterial infections in different pre-clinical and clinical trials. Since the very beginning of their discovery, phages are being isolated using agar over lay method using bacterial culture petrie plates. Here in this paper, we introduced a new method of isolating phages from environmental samples using flat bottom 96 well plates instead of bacterial culture petrie plates. Conceptually and principally this method is very similar to conventional agar overlay method. Using 96 well plates, it made it possible to screen for more samples using less experimental material, less human labour and using less laboratory space. In our view, this is more efficient and high throughput method, it can be used for quick initial screening of large number of sample for phage isolation and subsequently positive samples can be confirmed using conventional agar over lay method. Adoption of this method for phage discovery can accelerate new discoveries and developments in this field.
Educational attainment, media and pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age in Ghana
Authors: Ferka Listowel , Oduro Joseph Kojo
Published: April 2024

Background
Pregnancy termination is considered a major global public health challenge, especially in developing countries, where a large proportion of unsafe pregnancy terminations occur. In Ghana, pregnancy termination is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and death among women of reproductive age. Maternal level of education and media exposure may have effects on pregnancy termination due to better access to reproductive health information including abortion. Although many published studies in Ghana have examined pregnancy terminations, none of these studies examined educational attainment, media exposure in relation to pregnancy termination. This study aimed to assess the association between educational attainment, media and pregnancy termination in Ghana.
Methods
This quantitative cross-sectional study utilized the women's file from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), which is part of the DHS program monitoring health indicators in low- and middle-income countries. Using a cluster sampling technique, the study sampled 5,882 women who had previously terminated a pregnancy and had complete data on all variables of interest. Data analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics, was conducted in three phases using SPSS Version 27.
Results
The results revealed that women who have attained primary and secondary education (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.14, 1.67; OR=1.16, 95% CI=0.94, 1.44), women who listen to the radio message on reproductive health (OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.96, 1.29), watched TV programme on reproductive health (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.88, 1.24), read newspapers/magazines (OR=1.08, 95% CI=0.77, 1.50), and exposed to the internet (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.08, 1.51) were more likely to terminate pregnancy when compared with their colleagues who were not. The results further show that women in the ages between 25-34 years (OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.35, 1.97), 35-44 years (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.39, 2.12), women who were married and cohabiting had higher odds (OR=1.42, 95% CI=0.93, 1.97; OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.07, 1.98) of pregnancy termination. Again, women in the richer and richest income quintile were more likely to terminate their pregnancy (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.32, 2.23; OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.36, 2.47) when compared with those in the poorest income quintile.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that educational levels of primary and secondary schooling, as well as exposure to reproductive health content through radio, television, internet, and newspapers, are significantly linked to an increased likelihood of pregnancy termination among women. Policies aimed to regulate pregnancy termination should target educated women and women who have been exposed to radio, television, internet and newspaper messages on reproductive health education, and women who are rich, married, cohabiting, residing in urban areas and aged 25-34 and 35-44.
Fluvio-Geomorphic Change of the Padma-Meghna River Course Using the NDWI and MNDWI Techniques
Authors: Hossain Faruk , Kamal Mohammad Ashraful , Afrin Tahera
Published: April 2024

This study intends to investigate the fluvial-geomorphic change and erosion-accretion processes of two significant rivers. The 2149 km2 research area's overall erosion and accretion were depicted using multi-temporal Landsat images and NDWI, MNDWI methods to measure and investigate change. However, focus has been placed on four unique sections that are prone to erosion, and the bank migration of the section has been measured in order to depict the actual state of erosion. The Padma-Meghna River eroded approximately 11.0, 77.0, and 13.0 km2 between 1973–1978, 1978–1989, and 1989–1994. However, 78.0 and 48.0 km2 of accretion occurred in the years between 1994 and 1999 and 1999 and 2004. Moreover, between 2004 and 2021, the river's erosional activity was remarkably dynamic compared to deposition. Besides, 64 km2 and 4 km2 of land accretion occurred during 2008–2014 and 2014–2019, while 77 km2 and 68 km2 of land eroded during 2004–2008 and 2019–2021. The overall rates of erosion and accretion are 5.12% and 4.04%, respectively. Statistically, both banks of the Padma River eroded about 2 kilometers from 1973 to 2021. Padma-Meghna confluences are more unstable and susceptible to change. The Meghna's left bank moved 4.5 km east between Goshairhat and Haimchar in 1989, and in 2008, the river shifted 4.8 km west from the river of 1994. In 1989, it moved 5 kilometers east from a previous location between Goshairhat and Haiderganj, and in 2008, it moved 6.3 kilometers west from the 1989 river. The bank migrated 12 kilometers eastward in 2014 from where it was in 2008 through the bar development. The Mehendiganj Upazila's eastern side lost more than 7.4 kilometers between 1973 and 2021, and the current major channel is simply 7.4 kilometers west of the 1973 river. The findings of the dynamic changes might be useful to planners, developers, researchers, and government agencies as they develop and put into practice new development initiatives and river basin management.
Ergonomic LLM or LLM for Ergonomics? Prompt engineering insights for an interventional case study
Authors: Mortezapour Alireza
Published: April 2024

Background
With the arrival of new technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0), the way humans interact with technology has undergone fundamental changes. In the last two years, a new generation of technology, large language models (LLMs), and with the leader position of ChatGPT from OpenAI has gained a lot of attention.
Objective
In the current study, prompt engineering technique usefulness regards to Human-Chat GPT interaction is discussed.
Methods
Three types of interaction with Chat GPT including zero-shot, little-shot and fine-tune prompting are considered.
Results
Our small case study implies that Human-Chat GPT interaction can be influenced under the proper usage of prompt engineering.
Conclusion
I implied that, prompt engineering can be included in future Human Factors and Ergonomics courses in academia (for ergonomists) or in industries (for employees or employers).
Manteltext: Elterliche Medienerziehung in einer tiefgreifend mediatisierten Gesellschaft
Authors: Potzel Katrin
Published: April 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund einer tiefgreifend mediatisierten Lebenswelt und dem damit verbundenen Wandel von Medienumgebungen, familialen Medienensembles und kindlichen Medienrepertoires widmet sich die vorliegende kumulative Dissertation der Fragestellung, wie sich elterliche Medienerziehung gestaltet. Hierbei wird das Ziel verfolgt, medienbezogene Erziehungsprozesse sowohl theoretisch, methodologisch als auch empirisch zu erfassen. Die Thematik wurde anhand von vier Artikeln bearbeitet. Ein Beitrag verdeutlicht unter Aufarbeitung des aktuellen Forschungsstandes und eigener empirischer Ergebnisse aus theoretischer und methodologischer Perspektive, wie der Ansatz der kommunikativen Figurationen eine umfassende Betrachtung elterlicher Medienerziehung, nicht nur als relationale, sondern auch als situative und über die Zeit hinweg dynamische Aushandlungsprozesse zwischen allen beteiligten Akteur:innen, ermöglicht. Dabei werden insbesondere Machtdynamiken und die Bindung zwischen Eltern und Kindern bzw. Jugendlichen, aber auch weiteren wichtigen Personen und sozialen Domänen berücksichtigt. In drei Artikeln wurden darüber hinaus empirische Erkenntnisse zu elterlicher Medienerziehung anhand von qualitativen und quantitativen Daten zweier Panelstudien eigenständig hervorgebracht. Die längsschnittlichen Daten lieferten dabei jeweils die Perspektiven der Erziehenden als auch der Zu-Erziehenden, die über mehrere Zeitpunkte hinweg erhoben und analysiert wurden. Unterschiedliche Kohorten mit gerade eingeschulten Kindern (ab sechs Jahren) bis hin zu Jugendlichen in der späten Adoleszenz (bis 17 Jahre) ermöglichen einen Einblick über eine grosse Zeitspanne des Aufwachsens. Zwei qualitative Ergebnisse darstellende Artikel geben einerseits Aufschluss darüber, wie elterliche Medienerziehung in den familialen Mediensozialisationsprozess eingebunden ist und welchen Stellenwert sie dort einnimmt. Andererseits verdeutlicht der zweite Beitrag, inwiefern Medienerziehung als dynamische Machtbalance zwischen Eltern, deren Kindern und weiteren familienexternen Akteur:innen verstanden werden kann. Ein Artikel, der quantitative Ergebnisse vorstellt, berücksichtigt dagegen, inwiefern sich Eltern in ihrer Medienerziehung konstant verhalten, ebenso wie Unterschiede in den Sichtweisen von Erziehenden und Zu-Erziehenden. Die Dissertation beleuchtet demnach nicht nur den aktuellen Stand der Forschung zu elterlicher Medienerziehung, sondern bringt eigene theoretische, methodologische und empirische Ergebnisse hervor.
Pilot studies on the application of triple media filtration at Morton Jaffray Water Works, Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Hoko Zvikomborero , Musima Brian T. , Mapenzauswa Clarence Farai
Published: April 2024

Lake Chivero, Harare's main source of raw water for drinking water, is algae infested thus affecting water treatment processes at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works (MJWTW). Consequently, several challenges have been encountered including frequent filter backwashing, leading to a reduced plant output. In this study, the potential of substituting single-media filters (currently used at MJWTW) with triple-media filters was investigated. This was done using pilot filters of a single-media filter (SMF) and a triple-media filter (TMF) and piloted using clarified water from MJWTW. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, and temperature were the water quality parameters that were monitored. Headloss and flow rate were the filter operation parameters that were monitored. Both water quality and operational parameters were monitored at hourly intervals until one filter reached the maximum allowable headloss or turbidity limit. The variation in effluent turbidity, TDS, EC, and pH between the filters was insignificant. Nevertheless, the headloss development for the TMF was significantly slower than that of the SMF resulting in the SMF reaching the maximum headloss earlier. Therefore, the TMF performed better overall. Therefore, the adoption of TMF could result in a longer filter run and improve filtration and water production at MJWTW.
Editorial Introduction
Authors: Kong Hoi , Young Margot
Published: April 2024

In this editorial introduction, guest issue editors Hoi Kong and Margot Young provide a survey of the Constitutional Crossroads issue, noting its roots in a co-sponsored conference hosted at UBC's Allard School of Law in January 2023.
Abortion Rights Without Law: A Constitutional Reflection
Authors: Erdman Joanna
Published: April 2024

Abortion rights in Canada seem both too small and too big for law, or perhaps we only think so because of how we think about law, which confirms the view that we are better off without it. Maybe then we should ask a different question: is there an abortion rights law to which we would say yes? Can we imagine a statutory scheme, or, more provocatively, a legislative package, with a radically reimagined role for the state and its power? Could law assemble the diverse experiences of abortion into something material rather than abstract? Could law create a care infrastructure to support people in all their reproductive decisions and throughout their reproductive lives: the right to end a pregnancy, the right to continue one, and the right to parent your child in a safe and healthy environment? Wouldn’t we say yes to a law that holds space for this political future? In Canada, this is no speculative imagination. Our Supreme Court accepts that constitutional futures can take shape in innovative laws that affirm and reach ahead to our political aspirations. We need only make them.
A case series Percutaneus Dilatasional Tracheostomy (PDT) in Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Helen Yudi Irianto Helen Yudi
Published: April 2024

Critically ill patients with cerebrovascular disease may require airway securing management. Airway management is defined as an intervention using a technique, maneuver or a device to keep its patency, providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. Endotracheal intubation (ETI) and percutaneus dilatational tracheostomy (PDT)are procedure to keep the patency of airway. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy may decrease the risk of pneumonia and facilitate weaning ventilator. Twelve cases of PDT performed by attending senior anesthesiologist were divided into two groups, early (less than 7 days after intubation) and late (more than 7 days after intubation).There are three re-use PDT set which sterilized in CSSD unit of RSUD Ciawi and cultured by BLKK team in Jakarta. All of the PDT procedure were successfully performed without any complication and has a similar outcome in both groups. Complications and adverse consequences, which occurred during the procedures, as well as days needed to weaning ventilator, sputum and PDT instrument culture evaluation were recorded. Further studies are required to elucidate the advantage of PDT and finding the best time to perform PDT procedure in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Re use PDT set which sterilized in deconect liquid and cold themperature could be safe from bacterial infection.

Keywords :

cerebrovascular disease, airway management, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, complication
HUBUNGAN ANTARA TINGKAT KEPARAHAN DAN JENIS TERAPI OKSIGEN TERHADAP KUALITAS HIDUP PENYINTAS COVID-19 YANG PERNAH DIRAWAT DI ICU RSUP DR SARDJITO
Authors: Wandito Gayuh Utomo
Published: April 2024

Latar Belakang: Proses infeksi COVID-19 dapat meninggalkan gejala sisa, sehingga dapat mempengaruhi kualitas hidup penyintasnya, terutama pada penyintas COVID-19 dengan derajat sedang, berat dan kritis. Pasien yang pernah mendapatkan perawatan di ruangan ICU dengan terapi oksigen beragam, memiliki kualitas hidup yang lebih rendah.

Tujuan: Mengetahui hubungan antara tingkat keparahan dan jenis terapi oksigen terhadap kualitas hidup penyintas COVID-19 yang pernah dirawat di ICU RSUP dr Sardjito.

Metode Penelitian: Jenis dan rancangan penelitian ini adalah observasional kohort prospektif. Peneliti mengambil data sekunder dari rekam medis pada pasien yang terkonfirmasi COVID-19 derajat sedang, berat, kritis dan mendapatkan terapi oksigen yang pernah dirawat di RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta dan kualitas hidup diukur dan menggunakan kuesioner EQ-5D-5L secara langsung pada saat penelitian. Subjek penelitian adalah seluruh penyintas COVID-19 yang pernah dirawat di ICU RSUP dr Sardjito bulan Januari 2020 sampai dengan Desember 2021. Analisis bivariat untuk menganalisis hubungan hubungan antara tingkat keparahan dan jenis terapi oksigen terhadap kualitas hidup adalah uji Kruskal Wallis. Variable yang memiliki p < 0,25 pada uji bivariat dilanjutkan analisis multivariat dengan uji regresi linier berganda.

Hasil: Total subjek penelitian yang memenuhi kriteria adalah 56 subjek. Skor EQ-5D-5L pada pasien dengan suplementasi oksigen dengan , nasal kanul 0.82, non-rebreathing mask 0.96, High Flow Nasal Canule 0.53 dan ventilator 0.81 yakni (p=0,115). Skor EQ-5D-5L pada COVID-19 derajat sedang 0.92, derajat berat 0.92, sedangkan derajat kritis, yakni 0,75 (p=0,254).

Kesimpulan: Tidak terdapat hubungan antara tingkat keparahan dan jenis terapi oksigen terhadap kualitas hidup penyintas COVID-19 yang pernah dirawat di ICU RSUP dr Sardjito.

 

 

Kata Kunci: COVID-19, derajat keparahan, terapi oksigen, kualitas hidup
A Cognitive Comparison of Color Metaphors in Chinese and English
Authors: Wang Jianwei
Published: April 2024

In interaction with the world, human beings categorize and code colors perceived by their visual systems. Color words are often used metaphorically to express and understand the concepts of non-color domains. The research aims to explore the similarities and dissimilarities of metaphors in Chinese and English through examining the target domains (emotion, politics and economy domains) onto which Chinese “红” and English “red” map. It is found that there are more differences than similarities in metaphorical meanings between Chinese and English. The motivations behind these metaphorical meanings are also analyzed. The research could shed light on language acquisition, cross-cultural communication and foreign language teaching.
The Analysis of the Spatio-temporal Evolution of the Heat Island Effect and its Influencing Factors in Huadu District, Guangzhou
Authors: Li Bingyi , Wang Ruei-Yuan
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explore the urban heat island intensity and change characteristics of Huadu District, Guangzhou. Landsat 8 was used as the data source, and an atmospheric transmission model was used to invert the surface temperature of Huadu District, Guangzhou, in winter 2013 and 2021, extract the urban core area, and divide the heat island effect area. The results show that the urban heat island of Huadu District in Guangzhou has changed greatly in 2021. Compared with 2013, the proportion of low-temperature areas and sub-low temperature areas in urban areas has decreased in 2021, while the high-temperature area, sub-low temperature area, and middle-temperature area have increased. In terms of space, the high-temperature area of Huadu District, Guangzhou, is mainly distributed in the built-up area in the south and north of the city; the sub-low temperature area is distributed on the edge of the built-up area; the medium-temperature area occupies most of the district of Huadu District, distributed in the city’s central area and the edge of the low-temperature area; and the low-temperature area is distributed in the water body and dense vegetation area.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SATISFACTION WITH ONE’S PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Authors: Čolović Milica , Mitić Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The main goal of this research is to determine to what degree people engaged in physical activity are actually satisfied with their physical appearance. The goal is also to investigate whether there are differences in the examined variables, concerning different demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education and income. The research was conducted online, using a Google questionnaire. The sample consists of 585 respondents. Data was processed in the SPSS programme. Due to the fact that the distribution of scores on the registered variables deviates statistically significantly from the norm, non-parametric techniques were applied. The results show that people who are most satisfied with their physical appearance are also the most physically active and committed to doing more intensive work on their body and appearance (ρ=0.473; p<0.01). Women (U=24470.500; p<0.05), people with higher incomes (X2=8.102; p<0.05), and younger people (X2=20.533; p<0.01) are the most physically active and committed to their physical appearance, while there are no statistically significant differences in scores when it comes to physical activity and commitment to physical appearance (p>0.05) between groups of people with different levels of education. The implications of this research lie in the identification of the part of the population which is not physically active enough, which may provide the state and its agencies the opportunity to more actively promote various types and aspects of physical activity, in order to raise awareness about importance of physical activity and the benefits it generally provides.
THE SELF-EFFICACY OF TEACHERS IN THE PROCESS OF INCLUSION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES
Authors: Jorgić Bojan , Mirčić Anđela , Aleksandrović Marko , Đorđević Stefan , Hadžović Miljan
Published: April 2024

One of the more important preconditions for successful inclusion is the teachers’ high level of self-efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to determine the self-efficacy of physical education teachers in the process of inclusion of children with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and visual impairment. The study was carried out on a sample of 38 physical education teachers, aged 50.89 ± 10.56 years, working in elementary schools on the territory of the city of Niš. To evaluate self-efficacy, the Serbian version of the Situational-specific Self-efficacy and Inclusion Students with Disabilities in Physical Education questionnaire was used. The results indicated that physical education teachers have moderate levels of self-efficacy (3.70). Based on types of disability, the greatest degree of self-efficacy was noted for intellectual disability (3.77), followed by physical disability (3.71), and visual impairment (3.60). The results of the Friedman test showed that the obtained differences were not statistically significant (p= 0.76). The results of the Mann-Whitney U-test showed that gender (p=0.189) and teaching experience (p=0.970) do not lead to statistically significant differences in the self-efficacy of physical education teachers. This pilot study represents a foundation for future studies, which would include a greater number of respondents. In addition, it is necessary to study other factors which can impact self-efficacy, such as direct teaching experience involving children with disabilities, private acquaintance with children with disabilities, the level of academic education in the field of adaptive physical exercise, and attendance of additional workshops.
THE LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION COMPETITION LAW TO SPORTS RULES
Authors: Vuković Zoran
Published: April 2024

The subject of the author’s interest in this paper is the consideration of the impact of autonomous sports rules on competition in the relevant sports market. The results of the research are primarily based on the principled opinions or attitudes of the European Court of Justice and the General Court, brought forth in the so-called leading cases, in which the scope of the application of the basic provisions on the competition law of the European Union to sports rules is specified. The basic rules of the Community competition law are found in Articles 101 through 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Although it is not a formal source of the European Union law, the practice of the European Court of Justice and the General Court is extremely important for the interpretation and application of the aforementioned rules. It acts like a kind of signpost on the way to the application of norms governing the protection of competition on the common market. On the basis of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, the Republic of Serbia undertook the legal obligation to implement community law (acquis communautaire) in the domestic legal system. The legal basis for harmonising the competition law in the Republic of Serbia with the law of the European Union is represented by Articles 72 and 73 of the Law on Confirmation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their member states
Desafíos de la investigación nanomédica en México
Authors: Soto Vázquez Roberto , Foladori Guillermo , Záyago Lau Edgar
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: identificar los desafíos que enfrenta la investigación en nanomedicina en México según la opinión de expertos en la materia. Diseño metodológico: se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a investigadores mexicanos del área de nanomedicina. Los entrevistados fueron seleccionados a través de un muestreo intencional. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo de manera presencial y a distancia. El procesamiento de la información se realizó con el software ATLAS.ti. Resultados: se identificaron desafíos en distintos rubros: financiamiento, beneficio social, recursos humanos, infraestructura, nanotoxicología, patentamiento, investigación preclínica y clínica, vinculación academia-industria, regulación, política científica y trabajo multidisciplinario. Limitaciones de la investigación: las entrevistas se realizaron únicamente a investigadores. Sería necesario entrevistar a otros agentes involucrados en la cadena de valor de la nanomedicina tales como empresarios y funcionarios del sector salud. Hallazgos: los principales desafíos que enfrenta la investigación nanomédica en México son el financiamiento reducido, investigaciones con poca incidencia en la sociedad, inexistencia de programas educativos específicos en nanomedicina, escaso patentamiento, nula vinculación con empresas y falta de regulación. Algunas propuestas para encarar estos desafíos se analizan en el presente trabajo.