bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning the layout of different environments: common or dissociated abilities?
Authors: Topete Alexis , He Chuanxiuyue , Hegarty Mary
Published: February 2025

People navigate in various types of spaces, including indoor and outdoor environments. These differ in availability of navigational cues, such as distal landmarks, clear boundaries, and regular grid structures. Does learning the layout of different types of environments rely on the same or diverse cognitive abilities? Do separate measures of learning reflect different abilities? In a study of individual differences, 88 people learned the layout of two virtual environments from first person experience: a grid-like maze, and a campus-like open environment. After learning each environment, their knowledge was measured by three tasks; onsite pointing, map-reconstruction, and wayfinding. Performance on these measures was significantly correlated. In confirmatory factor analyses, the best fitting model indicated separate factors for spatial knowledge acquisition of the grid-like maze and the outdoor open environment. However, these two factors also shared considerable variance, indicating that they reflect a common underlying ability. There was no evidence that different measures of learning (pointing, map reconstruction, and wayfinding) defined separate abilities, adding to their validity as alternative measures of configural knowledge. Performance of map-based navigation and path integration in the mobile navigation game Sea Hero Quest was generally not correlated with performance in the environment learning tasks, nor were self-report measures of sense of direction and spatial anxiety. Our research suggests that there is a common ability related to learning spatial layout in different contexts, but this may be distinct from other navigation abilities.
Predictive ability of serum osmolarity for contrast-induced nephropathy after elective percutaneous coronary intervention: Are we having a new target?
Authors: Samir Ahmad , Radwan Aly , Elhossary Hossam , Baghdady Yasser
Published: February 2025

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains a serious complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), often leading to poor outcomes. Although the overall incidence of CIN is low, the risk can be significantly higher in certain susceptible cohorts.

Results

This prospective observational analytic study enrolled 174 consecutive eligible patients. The study selectively included diabetic patients with heart failure who are receiving regular diuretic therapy, being scheduled for elective coronary angiography (CAG) and/or PCI. CIN occurred in 24.7% of the study participants. CIN patients had significantly higher baseline osmolarity compared to those who did not develop CIN. After adjusting for other factors, pre-procedure osmolarity ≥ 302.3 mOsm/L, higher CHA2DS2VA score, and larger contrast volume proved to be independent predictors for CIN with an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of 7.07 (2.47–20.26), 3.99 (2.02–7.9), and 1.01 (1.0–1.014), respectively.

Conclusions

In patients at high risk for CIN, serum osmolarity can serve as a practical stratification tool for CIN risk before elective CAG or PCI. Future studies should evaluate whether targeting a specific pre-procedural osmolarity threshold can reduce the risk of post-PCI CIN.

Graphical abstract
Impact of Online Diabetes Education Counseling on Treatment adherence and Quality of Life of Type-II Diabetics
Authors: Ahmed Ibrar , Javed Adan , Ullah Nazeer , Kaifi Hoor Maab
Published: February 2025

Objective: To determine the impact of online diabetes education counseling on treatment adherence and quality of life of Type-II diabetics in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Method: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in Mardan and its peripheries, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The duration of the study was from October 2022 till March 2023. A total of 196 patients with diagnosed Type-II Diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Baseline Information was gathered regarding demographics, dietary pattern, medicine adherence, quality of life, Random blood sugar (RBS), HbA1c, Blood pressure, and BMI. Counseling regarding Diabetes treatment and lifestyle were carried out for each patient, patients were followed twice weekly for a period of six months with possible interventions if needed. RBS, HbA1c, Blood pressure, BMI, medicine adherence and quality of life were determined on last visit.
Results: The study showed that out of 196 patients, 108(54.6%) were males and 88(45.4%) were females. Statistically significant difference was observed between baseline and at six months follow up with respect to RBS, HbA1c, BMI and blood pressure, (p<0.001). Drug adherence was significantly improved after intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Online diabetes education counseling had a significant impact on treatment adherence. Post intervention quality of life of Type-II diabetics was adequate. Moreover, online diabetes education counseling significantly reduced the blood glucose level, body mass Index and blood pressure.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10468
How to cite this: Ahmed I, Javed A, Nazeer Ullah, Kaifi HM. Impact of Online Diabetes Education Counseling on Treatment adherence and Quality of Life of Type-II Diabetics. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):843-847. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10468
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Destination management for small scale cities for sustainable tourism development
Authors: Κυριακού Ευάγγελος
Published: February 2025

H αποτελεσματική διαχείριση προορισμού, ακόμη και για πόλεις μικρής κλίμακας είναι κλειδί για την βιώσιμη τουριστική ανάπτυξη. Η επιλογή της γεωγραφικής περιοχής της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης, στα Βαλκάνια, εστιάζει σε τρεις προορισμούς με μια μεγάλη ιστορία και πολιτισμικούς μετασχηματισμούς που σχετίζονται με τον αρχαίο ρωμαϊκό δρόμο της Εγνατίας οδού. Τουρισμός και ταξίδια, ενεργοποιούν τις κοινωνίες των προορισμών, αλλά έχουν σημαντική και ευρύτερη, οικονομική, κοινωνική, πολιτιστική και περιβαλλοντική επίδραση. Η διαχείριση προορισμών είναι η κινητήρια δύναμη πάνω σε πολιτιστικούς διαδρόμους γνωστούς από παλαιότερα χρόνια. Οι προσκυνητές έγιναν σύγχρονοι τουρίστες, νέες χώρες και όρια επηρεάζουν την κατάσταση βιωσιμότητας κάθε προορισμού. Το μοντέλο διαχείρισης προορισμού ως εργαλείο αειφόρου τουριστικής ανάπτυξης, συνδέει μικρές πόλεις χρησιμοποιών άυλη και απτή πολιτιστική κληρονομιά μέσω της συμπληρωματικότητας που περιέχει ανταγωνιστικό πλεονέκτημα για την εικόνα, τα χαρακτηριστικά, την ισότητα, την προσωπικότητα, την ελκυστικότητά τόσο προς την κατεύθυνση της βελτίωσης της ποιότητας ζωής των πολιτών όσο και την ποιότητα των εμπειριών των επισκεπτών. Τα ευρήματα σε 3 διαφορετικές χώρες, σε 3 μικρές πόλεις, σε 3 συστήματα, αλλά σε έναν διάδρομο πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς της Via Egnatia ο οποίος εδώ και αιώνες αποτελεί έναν ισχυρό δεσμό σύνδεσης που παρέχει μια ευκαιρία πρόκλησης από κοινού ανάπτυξης χρησιμοποιώντας ένα καινοτόμο μοντέλο διαχείρισης προορισμού για βιώσιμη τουριστική ανάπτυξη. Οι σχετικές αναμενόμενες επιπτώσεις τέτοιων αποτελεσμάτων στην πρόοδο του τομέα της γνώσης για την διακυβέρνησης προορισμού θα μπορούσαν να προσθέσουν στις κοινότητες πολύ περισσότερα πράγματα από την οικονομική ευημερία, όπως μακροπρόθεσμα εκπαιδευτικά συστήματα και συνδέσεις με οργανισμούς με πολιτιστικό, περιβαλλοντικό ή κοινωνικό υπόβαθρο στο δρόμο προς την βιωσιμότητα. Στόχος αυτού του ερευνητικού έργου ήταν να προσδιορίσει τον αντίκτυπο των συστημάτων διαχείρισης ποιότητας στην επιχειρησιακή απόδοση των DMO στην περιοχή. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν πώς τα συστήματα επηρεάζουν τις εσωτερικές λειτουργίες του μάρκετινγκ, των λειτουργιών και της διαχείρισης ανθρώπινων πόρων στην τοπική κοινωνία και τις επιπτώσεις στην αγορά ως προορισμών ή ως μέρη συμπληρωματικών θεματικών διαδρομών.
Bergen social media engagement and experiences scale (Be-SMEE): A short questionnaire covering important aspects of social media use among adolescents. Development and association with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Authors: Skogen Jens Christoffer , Finserås Turi Reiten , Sivertsen Børge , Colman Ian , Andersen Amanda Iselin Olesen , Hjetland Gunnhild Johnsen
Published: February 2025

Background There is a need to go beyond mere measures of time used on social media. Existing tools inadequately capture the multidimensional nature of social media use, leaving a gap for concise yet comprehensive assessment tools. Aims This study aimed to develop a short questionnaire addressing three critical dimensions of social media use: self-presentation, negative experiences, and problematic use. The association between these dimensions and symptoms of anxiety and depression was also investigated. Methods This study uses two independent datasets of adolescents aged 16+ years in Norway. Using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) analyses, a pool of 31 social media items was analyzed to investigate factor structure and associations with symptoms of anxiety and depression. For model development, the “LifeOnSoMe”-study was employed (>3,500 participants), and data from a pilot study (~500 participants) was used for external validation. Results Based on ACO-analyses, a 20-item six-factor model was identified, encompassing social comparison and self-presentation (five items), and three items for each of the following domains: negative experiences (Negative acts and Unwanted attention from others) and problematic use (Subjective overuse, Social obligations, and Source of concern). Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated very good to excellent fit in both datasets, and consistent associations between the six different domains and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Discussion The suggested 20-item questionnaire provides a robust and succinct tool for evaluating social media’s impact on mental health, offering substantial explanatory power for variance in anxiety and depression symptoms. This can serve as meaningful tool for assessing the potential impact of social media use for mental health and related outcomes.
Enhancing energy efficiency in tiny houses: The role of sustainable thermal insulation materials in Faiyum, Egypt
Authors: Yasser Ayah , Hany Nermine , Mosaad Gihan
Published: February 2025

Background According to “Data Bridge Market Research”, tiny houses are increasingly popular, encouraging people globally to downsize and minimize their ecological footprint. Egypt ranks as one of the nations listed in the worldwide tiny house industry, with a notable increase in interest from 2022 to 2029. This can be developed using sustainable, energy-efficient materials that enhance insulation and thermal comfort, making them an affordable and environmentally friendly option. The study aims to demonstrate how applying insulation to walls and roofs can facilitate a transition from unsustainable lifestyles to more sustainable, economical living, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the environment. Methods This study focuses on the concept of tiny housing, environmental sustainability, and guidelines that are applicable during any step of the design procedure. Four thermal insulation materials will be assessed with a passive design approach on a 40 square metre tiny house, with the help of “Design Builder” software, applied to the walls and roof to discover which material possesses the greatest energy efficiency while lowering the energy consumptions. Results Results showed that the base case scenario achieved 30.96% of the total hours feeling discomfort, and after applying the four insulative materials on a 40 square meters tiny housing, the cellulose insulation has proved to be the most effective one among the others in Faiyum, Egypt, experiencing 24.49% of the total hours being discomfort, with 20.92% highest reduction. PPD% has been examined as well for all four scenarios, proving that the cellulose insulation with a 52.36 PPD% showed a 12.28 PPD% reduction. Conclusion Given Egypt’s financial challenges, architects must prioritize thermal considerations and insulative materials in construction. This study evaluates thermal performance between a no-insulation case and four scenarios using common insulative materials to enhance thermal comfort in Fayium housing, Egypt.
The genome sequence of the lesser earwig, Labia minor (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Telfer Mark G. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Labia minor (the lesser earwig; Arthropoda; Insecta; Dermaptera; Spongiphoridae). The genome sequence spans 604.50 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. Two mitochondrial scaffolds were also assembled.
Evaluating Mortgage Renegotiation Strategies: A Data-Driven Framework for Investors
Authors: Korgaonkar Sanket
Published: February 2025

This paper offers a novel framework to quantify the expected gains from renegotiating delinquent loans. The framework accounts for important trade-offs between concessions to borrowers, postdelinquency loan performance, and expected collateral values. The framework’s parameters are calibrated using data on renegotiated 30-year residential fixed-rate mortgages that went delinquent during the Great Recession. Our model-implied expected gains increase during the 2007–2009 period coinciding with an increase in the rate of loan renegotiation. Counterfactual analyses show that larger expected gains can be generated from employing principal forbearance and extensions of the term to maturity compared with principal write-downs and interest-rate reductions. On the other hand, principal write-downs can be a powerful tool when borrowers are deeply underwater. Our analyses illustrate how lenders or policymakers might deploy this framework when faced with another delinquency crisis.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.

Funding: The author thanks the Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics at the University of California, Berkeley and the Center for Investors and Financial Markets at the University of Virginia for funding for this paper.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02672 .
Factors influencing treatment success in drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients in Ghana: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Djochie Richard Delali Agbeko , Anto Berko Panyin , Opare-Addo Mercy Naa Aduele , Boakye-Yiadom Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Optimal rates of positive tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes are crucial for patient well-being and preventing the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Unfavourable outcomes present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, making it essential to identify factors that influence treatment success. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes and explore determinants of success to inform effective interventions and contribute to TB eradication efforts. Patients with active TB were monitored from treatment initiation to completion between January 2021 and December 2021. Data were collected using a Redcap-based tool to capture demographics, adverse reactions to antitubercular medications, and treatment outcomes. Quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form 12 version 2 questionnaire at baseline, the second month, and the sixth month. Logistic regression was performed to analyse associations between participant characteristics and treatment success, with odds ratios indicating the strength of associations at a 0.05 significance level. Among 378 participants, 77.3% achieved successful treatment outcomes, while 13.5% were lost to follow-up, 0.5% experienced treatment failure, and 8.7% died. Key factors influencing treatment success included baseline body weight, weight gain during treatment, HIV status, adverse drug reactions, and mental well-being at treatment initiation. Multivariate analysis revealed that gaining at least 3 kg during treatment and having no risk of depression at baseline significantly increased the likelihood of treatment success.
Voices of surgical wards nurses on barriers hindering acute post-operative pain management at Tshwane municipality, South Africa
Authors: Makou Nnene Melia , Rasweswe Melitah Molatelo , Mooa Ramadimetja Shirley
Published: February 2025

Introduction and background

Acute pain is expected following a surgery, but it is often inadequately managed by health care providers. However, little is known about the barriers that hinder acute post-operative pain management among surgical wards nurses.

Objective

Uncovering barriers that hinder the surgical wards nurses to manage acute post-operative pain at the selected public hospital in Tshwane municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Methods

This study utilized a qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposive sampling of 13 professional nurses. Data collected were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim by the first author. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis.

Findings

The barriers described by the participants include: 1) Organisational/ management related barriers; 2) Personnel related barriers, which were discussed as shortage of nurses, inadequate skill competency to manage acute post-operative pain, and interprofessional communication; and 3) Patient related barriers.

Conclusion

This paper comes to the conclusion that, due to a number of stated barriers or obstacles, the nurses employed in the surgical wards of the selected hospital in South Africa are not adequately managing the acute post-operative pain. As a result, hospital management must devise practical solutions to the stated obstacles.
To study the effect of the aqueous extract of Atriplex hortēnsis L. on adaptation to physical and stress loads in an in vivo model
Authors:   Kemerovo State University, Sergeeva Irina , Anshukov Andrey ,   Kemerovo State University, Ryabokoneva Larisa ,   Kemerovo State University, Mukhlynina Elena ,   Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Shkrabtak Natalia ,   Amur State University
Published: February 2025

Plant raw materials contain physiologically active secondary metabolites that help our body neutralize the negative impact of adaptation syndrome. The purpose of the studyis to study the effect of Atriplex hortēnsis L. on the formation of a compensatory-adaptive mechanism of body de-fense during physical activity in combination with a stress factor. Results. The chemical composition of Atriplex hortēnsis L. has been studied: the percentage of crude protein is (33.55 ± 0.65) %, the mass fraction of reducing sugars is (0.92 ± 0.02) %, the mass fraction of crude ash is (19.24 ± 0.36) %, minerals (calcium – (2.53 ± 0.04) %, phosphorus – (0.37 ± 0.01) %, iron – (0.0160 ± 0.0003) %, copper – (0.430 ± 0.008) mg/kg, zinc – (6, 83 ± 0.14) mg/kg), mass fraction of tannins – (3.74 ± 0.05) %, antioxidant activity – (0.37 ± 0.01) mmol-eq/l. In an in vivo model, the effect of an aqueous extract of Átriplex hortēnsis L. in various concentrations on increasing performance and nonspecific resistance in female Wistar rats exposed to physical and stress loads (simulated running loads, swimming and exposure to low temperatures) was studied. By the 30th day, the fatigue of rats with the administration of quinoa extract decreases compared to rats receiving water by 45.3; 53.5; 57 % with increasing dosage of the extract. The use of Átriplex hortēnsis L. extract by animals with cold stress, even at the lowest concentration, improves the performance of rats in the run-to-failure test. Prevents the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products. in the lung tissue of animals exposed to chronic cold stress, the content of highly toxic secondary products of lipid peroxidation – hydroperoxides (reduction by 2.1–2.6 times depending on the dose of the extract), diene conjugates (reduction by up to 68 %), Histological studies of experimental rats groups showed changes in the myocardium, compensatory-adaptive reactions develop aimed at improving transcapillary metabolism and stimulating the biosynthesis of contractile and energy-producing structures, which indicates the prospects and feasibility of using Atriplex hortensis L. as a source of phytoadaptogens.
Time‐dependent bladder activity changes in streptozotocin‐induced female diabetic rats
Authors: Izumi Keiichiro , Kamijo Tadanobu Chuyo , Oshiro Takuma , Kimura Ryu , Ashikari Asuka , Kurobe Masahiro , Akimoto Takahiro , Miyazato Minoru
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the long‐term physiological and morphological changes in the bladders of diabetic rats. Sixty‐nine female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into a control and six diabetic (3 days and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after induction of type 1 diabetes) groups. Metabolic cages and cystometry were used to evaluate bladder function. Bladder contractility was assessed using an organ bath test, and Masson's trichrome staining was performed. In the metabolic cage study, the urination frequency during the dark period significantly increased in the early stages at 3 days of diabetes (p < 0.05). The voiding interval significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 8–12 weeks of diabetes, while the residual urine volume and voiding efficiency worsened at 24 weeks. In the organ bath study, the dose–response curve of carbachol for median effective concentration did not change; however, the bladder contractile force was enhanced at 8 weeks (p = 0.028). Histological analysis revealed increased fibrosis at 4 weeks of diabetes. Diabetic bladder dysfunction is characterized by storage and voiding bladder activity changes in the early stages that induces urinary frequency and reduced voiding efficiency in the late phase; this turning point occurs at 8 weeks after diabetes.
Go to church or die in prison: PPs with bare institutional nouns in the history of English
Authors: Sommerer Lotte , Zehentner Eva
Published: February 2025

This paper traces the diachronic development of prepositional phrases (PPs) with bare institutional/location nouns (e.g. go to church, stay in bed, die in prison) from Middle English to Late Modern English. Based on a dataset of 2,249 instances extracted from the Penn Parsed Corpora of Historical English (PPCME2, PPCEME, PPCMBE2), we investigate changes in the usage of these constructions (i.e. formal and functional features). One question addressed is why a definite determiner is apparently ‘missing’ in these constructions (died in prison rather than died in the prison) and what kind of semantic interpretation this lack of overt definiteness marking triggers. Moreover, we assess whether there is evidence of these PPs becoming increasingly integrated into the extended verb phrase, by zooming in on the patterns’ semantic functions and formal features. By using collostructional analyses as well as by fitting a conditional random forest model, we show that different constructional types can be identified, which differ regarding the association strength between the elements involved as well as regarding their preferred semantic function, among other things. These results are then discussed from a usage-based, cognitive constructional perspective, indicating that the constructions at hand force us to revisit traditional assumptions about phrase structure boundaries and compositionality.
Ultra-high field fMRI reveals effect of ketamine on vocal processing in common marmosets
Authors: Dureux Audrey , Zanini Alessandro , Jafari Azadeh , Everling Stefan
Published: February 2025

Auditory deficits are a well-known symptom in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. The non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine has been used to model sensory and cognitive deficits in nonhuman primates, but its whole-brain effects remain largely unknown. Here we employed ultra-high-field fMRI at 9.4T in awake male and female marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) to compare brain activations to conspecific vocalizations, scrambled vocalizations, and non-vocal sounds following the administration of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine. Our findings reveal a broad suppression of activations across auditory regions following ketamine compared to saline. Additionally, we observed differential effects depending on the type of sound, with notable changes in the mediodorsal thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex, particularly during the processing of vocalizations. These findings suggest a potential overlap between the effects of ketamine and neural disruptions observed in schizophrenia, particularly affecting vocalization processing.

Significant StatementThis study explores the effects of ketamine, a compound known for its psychotomimetic effects that mimic those of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, on auditory processing in common marmosets using ultra-high-field fMRI. We reveal a global suppression of neural activity across auditory regions under ketamine, with varying effects depending on the sound type in certain regions. Notably, the mediodorsal thalamus showed significant susceptibility in processing socially relevant sounds. These findings suggest parallels between ketamine's impact and auditory processing disruptions seen in schizophrenia.
Detection of individual differences encoded in sequential variations of elements in zebra finch songs
Authors: Cheng (程柘皓) Zhehao , Yazaki-Sugiyama (杉山（矢崎）陽子) Yoko
Published: February 2025

Zebra finches sing individually unique songs and recognize conspecific songs and individual identities in songs. Their songs comprise several syllables/elements that share acoustic features within the species, with unique sequential arrangements. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the detection of individual differences and species specificity have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we examined the neuronal auditory responsiveness of neurons in higher auditory area, the caudal nidopallium (NCM), to songs and their elements in male zebra finches to understand the mechanism for detecting species and individual identities in zebra finch songs. We found that various adult male zebra finch songs share acoustically similar song elements but differ in their sequential arrangement between individuals. The broader spiking (BS) neurons in the NCM detected only a small subset of zebra finch songs, whereas NCM BS neurons, as a neuronal ensemble, responded to all zebra finch songs. Notably, distinct combinations of BS neurons responded to each of the 18 presented songs in one bird. Subsets of NCM BS neurons were sensitive to sequential arrangements of species-specific elements, which dramatically increasing the capacity for song variation with a limited number of species-specific elements. The naïve Bayes decoder analysis further showed that the response of sequence-sensitive BS neurons increased the accuracy of song stimulus predictions based on the response strength of neuronal ensembles. Our results suggest the neuronal mechanisms that NCM neurons as an ensemble decode the individual identities of songs, while each neuron detects a small subset of song elements and their sequential arrangement.

Significance statementZebra finches develop unique songs by learning from tutors. Various zebra finch songs consist of repeats of species-specific syllable elements that differ in their sequential arrangements. In vivo, single-unit electrophysiological recordings from neurons in the zebra finch's higher auditory area (caudal nidopallium [NCM]) revealed that each broad-spiking (BS) NCM neuron responded to a small subset of the zebra finch songs. However, a NCM neuronal ensemble detected all the songs. Some NCM BS neurons responded sensitively to sequential song element arrangement, which increased the prediction accuracy in the naïve Bayes decoder analysis. These findings suggest a neuronal mechanism for discriminating individual song variations in NCM neuronal ensembles, in which each neuron detects small subsets of song elements and their sequential arrangements.
Strategies for Preventing Religious Radicalism at the Village Level through Legal Counseling Optimizing Islamic Recitation Groups
Authors: Jufri Muwaffiq , Mukhlis Mukhlis , Boemiya Helmy , Abdullah Saiful
Published: February 2025

Religious radicalism poses a significant threat to social harmony and security, especially in rural communities where access to educational resources and legal guidance can be limited. This study, explores the use of Islamic recitation groups (pengajian) as a platform for preventing the spread of religious radicalism in Blumbungan Village, Pamekasan. The research focuses on empowering the community, Quran teachers, and local officials through legal counseling and training to build a comprehensive understanding of Islam and to identify early signs of radicalism. The activity aims to train the general public, religious educators, and village officials to understand Islam in its entirety, emphasizing tolerance and the importance of protecting the community from extremist ideologies. The method centers around two main activities: first, providing training to deepen participants’ understanding of Islam, and second, assisting the community in detecting and addressing the spread of radical Islam. These efforts help ensure that individuals can recognize extremist ideologies early and prevent their influence, protecting the village from potential religious extremism. Implemented over three months, the community service activities in Blumbungan Village have shown significant impact, enhancing the community’s capacity to independently prevent the spread of radicalism. The collaboration between the village government and Islamic recitation groups proves to be an effective approach to countering radical ideologies at the village level. This study contributes to the broader effort to strengthen local resistance against radical Islamism by leveraging legal education and religious practice, ultimately fostering a more resilient, tolerant, and united community.
Los medicamentos y su huella ambiental: estudio exploratorio de la gestión de sus residuos en una ciudad argentina
Authors: Fontana Marcela
Published: February 2025

[Introduction]: Pharmaceutic contamination is a growing global concern, and Latin America is no exception. However, information specific to this phenomenon in the region remains scarce. This study addresses one aspect of the problem: the generation and management of pharmaceutical waste in healthcare settings. [Objective]: To characterize the generation and management of pharmaceutical waste produced by healthcare institutions, including community pharmacies, healthcare facilities with and without inpatient services, pharmaceutical distributors, and veterinary clinics. Additionally, to analyze the operations and regulations governing this waste in regulatory entities within the city of Neuquén, Argentina (2023). [Methodology]: Observational, cross-sectional,and prospective study. Data collection involved validated surveys applied to a proportional stratified sample of 114 healthcare establishments and interviews with representatives of regulatory entities. [Results]: All establishments comply with current environmental regulations. Pharmaceutical distributors demonstrate superior management, excelling in traceability, standardization, and training. While stock control is utilized, there are few secondary strategies to reduce waste and insufficient material recovery. Municipal initiatives and attitudes towards controlling this phenomenon are positive but lack support from higher levels of government. [Conclusions]: The management of pharmaceutical waste in the healthcare institutions studied shows room for improvement. According to the variables analyzed, the use of recommended tools and strategies for quality management is limited. A positive municipal commitment to addressing the issue was identified, but this is not reflected at all governmental levels. Furthermore, the perception and awareness of pharmaceutical contamination and its risks remain low among stakeholders in the pharmaceutical use chain.
Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto mokslininkių kolektyvinės monografijos „Mokytojų galia: klestėti, ne tik išgyventi“RECENZIJA
Authors: Žadeikaitė Loreta
Published: February 2025

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A Few Psychometric Properties of Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism Scale in Two Countries: A Pilot Study in Lithuania and Turkey
Authors: Vadvilavičius Tadas , Stelmokienė Aurelija
Published: February 2025

Culture is an important contextual factor affecting human attitudes and behavior. Reliable and valid instruments are needed to measure this complex phenomenon. The psychometric properties of the Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism Scale (Triandis & Gelfand, 1998) were tested in two countries – Lithuania (n = 110) and Turkey (n = 80). Internal reliability and factorial validity were investigated. The results revealed adequate internal reliability for group analysis and confirmed the factorial structure for a four-factor model. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.
La masonería en la prensa de Guadalajara (España) de la Segunda República
Authors: Martínez García Julio
Published: February 2025

Las logias se han constituido como un tema de confrontación en los periódicos, generándose un importante debate sobre los masones y su intervención en la esfera pública. Un ejemplo es Guadalajara (España). Por tanto, se hará un acercamiento a este tema durante la Segunda República, una etapa clave para la historia española, en la que se transformó el sistema político del país. En consecuencia, es interesante saber cómo los medios locales arriacenses trataron la entidad, eligiéndose Flores y Abejas, publicación generalista; Abril, cabecera de partido; y El Henares, rotativo católico.
Per Rosam ad Crucem, per Crucem ad Rosam: La dimensión cristológica de inspiración rosacruz en el imaginario masónico
Authors: García Arranz José Julio
Published: February 2025

El aparato simbólico francmasónico, que parte en origen del uso moral de las herramientas de construcción, se incrementa durante el siglo XVIII con aportes procedentes de la Biblia, la moda caballeresca templaria, las tradiciones alquímica y hermético-cabalística, las imaginarias correspondencias con cultos mistéricos antiguos o, en fin, la filosofía rosacruz. Esta enigmática corriente de pensamiento, generada a inicios del siglo XVII, será el fundamento nominal de uno de los Altos Grados de la masonería, el de Caballero Rosacruz, cuyo ceremonial se caracterizará por el recurso a símbolos y atributos de naturaleza cristológica que son sistemáticamente analizados en el presente trabajo.
New Light on Canaanite-Phoenician Pottery
Authors: Regev Dalit
Published: February 2025

This book follows a continuous line of development from Canaanite pottery to the Phoenician pottery corpus. Phoenician pottery typically is considered to have first emerged in the Iron Age, and most research is limited to the first half of the first millennium BCE. The current analysis, however, shows the Canaanite predecessors as well as the ongoing continuity of Phoenician forms and techniques during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. There are two areas of focus, both of which will be illustrated from materials drawn primarily from the Levant. The first is Phoenician container products, especially amphorae and bottles, although other coarse ware forms are included. The second is red-slip pottery, which was a constant feature of the Phoenician assemblage. These were mainly open vessels that did not contain other products and were valued for their ritual attributes.
Maternidade atrás e além das grades: análise na perspectiva da bioética da proteção
Authors: Santos Denise Santana Silva dos , Schneider Dulcinéia Ghizoni , Vargas Mara Ambrosina de Oliveira
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar de que modo se expressa a maternidade nas unidades prisionais femininas na perspectiva da Bioética da Proteção. Método: pesquisa qualitativa com abordagem etnográfica, desenvolvida em duas unidades prisionais femininas. Participaram do estudo seis mães em privação de liberdade; 15 profissionais de saúde e nove agentes penitenciárias. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se entrevista semiestruturada e observação descritiva. A Análise dos dados baseou-se na técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, categoria temática. Resultados: emergiram três categorias: mulheres e crianças vulneradas atrás das grades (iniquidades); mães e crianças no cárcere exacerbando desequilíbrios, tensões e conflitos; e limites e referências para a ressocialização. Considerações Finais: a proposta da Bioética da Proteção surge como ferramenta válida para o direcionamento analítico do processo de enfrentamento às questões no âmbito da saúde pública nas unidades prisionais, considerando os grupos vulnerados e visando à equidade e à dignidade humana.
Os estudantes de enfermagem e a internet: uma reflexão da ética digital
Authors: Brandão Ana Carolina Barboza , Ramos Ingrid Bemfica , Oliveira Anna Carolina Caetano Griesang de , Duarte Sabrina da Costa Machado , Tavares Joyce Martins Arimatea Branco , Broca Priscilla Valladares
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar como acadêmicos de enfermagem do primeiro período usam o ciberespaço e propor um guia de orientação com critérios norteadores do uso do ciberespaço. Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, realizada com 24 acadêmicos de enfermagem de instituição pública federal do Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevista semiestruturada. Análise dos dados ocorreu pelo IRAMUTEQ®. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Resultados: os estudantes usam o ciberespaço para se comunicar, estudar, achar “coisas legais”, compartilhar fotos e memórias. Além disso, preocupam-se com discursos de ódio, intolerância e fake news. Também foram retratados o lado bom e o ruim e os tipos de tecnologias mais usadas. Considerações finais: os valores morais e éticos da convivência física, juntamente com a consciência de responsabilidade individual, são os pilares para o uso do ciberespaço. O guia vem como um instrumento de conscientização.
Inventário de problemas éticos no atendimento pré-hospitalar móvel
Authors: Oliveira Simone da Silva , Ferraz Mariana Oliveira Antunes , Rosa Darci de Oliveira Santa , Freitas Kátia Santana , Souza Elaine de Oliveira , Santos Deisy Vital dos , Malvestio Marisa Aparecida Amaro
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: construir e validar conteúdo de um inventário de problemas éticos vivenciados por enfermeiras no atendimento pré-hospitalar móvel. Método: estudo com abordagem psicométrica, desenvolvido com as seguintes etapas: (1) construção do instrumento através de uma matriz teórica fundamentada na bioética deliberativa, revisão de escopo e pesquisa qualitativa online; (2) validade de conteúdo por juízes; (3) pré-teste com enfermeiras do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência de variados estados brasileiros. Para a análise de validade de conteúdo, calculou-se o Content Validity Ratio (CVR>0,45 para os juízes e CVR>0,35 para a população-alvo). Resultados: o instrumento contou com 44 itens, distribuídos em quatro dimensões. Considerações finais: o instrumento construído apresentou fontes de evidências de validade de conteúdo, conferindo boas medidas psicométricas e constituindo uma ferramenta útil para a prática de enfermeiras no cenário pré-hospitalar.
Representações Sociais da gestação entre homens trans
Authors: Pereira Danilo Martins Roque , Araújo Ednaldo Cavalcante de , Oliveira Sheyla Costa de , Sousa Anderson Reis de , Espíndola Mariana Mercês Mesquita , West Milka Gabrielle de Lira Nóbrega , Ramalho Marclineide Nóbrega de Andrade , Cardoso Joecio Cordeiro
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer os significados e as experiências da gestação entre homens trans à luz da Teoria das Representações Sociais. Métodos: trata-se de estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, realizado com homens trans selecionados por conveniência e disponibilidade. A produção de dados ocorreu de setembro a outubro de 2021, pela plataforma Google Meet®, a partir de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado. A análise textual lexicográfica das entrevistas foi pelo método Reinert e instrumentalizada pelo IRAMUTEQ, versão 7.0. Resultados: as representações sociais da gestação envolveram um amplo campo de significados, em que foram articulados esforços em aceitar a gravidez oportuna e solitária, medo do processo de parturição e influência das mudanças físicas e emocionais. Considerações finais: o estudo reforça a importância de uma prática avançada de enfermagem na assistência ao ciclo gravídico-puerperal, partindo da perspectiva de uma integralidade no cuidado, da equidade no acesso à serviços e do respeito às diferenças.
Surgical treatment of bronchopulmonary malformations in children: experience in a Brazilian center
Authors: VICTÓRIA ÁTILA MAGALHÃES , BOTELHO FABIO , PICARRO CLECIO , CRUZEIRO PAULO CUSTÓDIO FURTADO , EMIL SHERIF , FRAGA JOSÉ CARLOS , MIRANDA MARCELO ELLER
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bronchopulmonary malformations (BPM) are lower respiratory tract anomalies that include congenital malformations of the pulmonary airways (CMPA), bronchogenic cysts (BC), bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS), and congenital lobar emphysema (CLE). Prenatal detection in low- and middle-income countries is less common than in high-income ones. This study aims to show the experience in the surgical approach to BPM in a Brazilian center, with emphasis on clinical evolution and surgical results, according to the time of diagnosis (prenatal versus postnatal). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients under the age of 18 who underwent surgery for BPM at a referral center in a middle-income country between 2000 and 2021. Based on the time of BPM diagnosis, we divided the children into two groups: prenatal and postnatal. These groups were evaluated in terms of age at surgery, history of pneumonia before the operation, surgical outcomes (perioperative and postoperative complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of chest tube, length of hospital stay), and histological type of BPM. Results: In the cohort of 66 patients, 43 (65.1%) had a prenatal diagnosis of BPM, while 23 (34.8%) were identified after birth. Compared with patients diagnosed prenatally, those diagnosed after birth underwent surgery at a higher age (mean of 978 days ± 1341.0 versus mean of 200 days ± 360.9; p<0.01), and had a higher incidence of pneumonia before surgery (65% vs. 12%, p < 0.01). There was no association between the time of BPM diagnosis and postoperative outcomes. All patients with BPS were in the prenatal group, and all patients with CLE were in the postnatal one. There was a higher prevalence of CMPA in the prenatal group compared with the postnatal one (72% vs. 39%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In a Brazilian center, approximately 2/3 of the patients had an intrauterine diagnosis of bronchopulmonary malformations and were treated early at a neonatology center. Patients diagnosed with BPM only after birth were more likely to have pneumonia and undergo surgery at an older age than patients with an intrauterine diagnosis. Prospective, multicenter studies, including asymptomatic patients treated conservatively, without surgical interventions, and patients operated by video-assisted thoracoscopy, would be well indicated to evaluate the future evolution of children with BPM and to establish protocols appropriate to the Brazilian reality.
Entre projetos e realidade: A conexão marítima direta entre a Romênia e o Brasil
Authors: CONSTANTIN CRISTIAN
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Este trabalho explorar o potencial impacto do estabelecimento de uma companhia de navegação romeno-brasileira no incentivo à emigração da Romênia para o Brasil e no apoio tácito à implementação do projeto latino de eugenia. Além de reinterpretar algumas informações conhecidas dos pesquisadores das relações romeno-brasileiras, previamente publicadas em volumes submetidos aos rigores da historiografia comunista, pretendemos trazer à tona novas informações identificadas nos arquivos romenos. O processamento das fontes de arquivo nos permitiu escrever um novo capítulo na história das relações comerciais entre o Brasil e a Romênia. O comércio de longa distância é um método eficiente de obter lucro, mas nem todos podem pagar seu preço. A rota direta entre os portos da América do Sul e o Mar Negro era uma questão premente na agenda dos governos do Rio de Janeiro e de Bucareste durante o período entreguerras. Na maioria das vezes, contudo, apesar do lobby da comunidade empresarial e dos diplomatas dos dois países, o problema da implementação de tal linha de navegação manteve os cofres do Ministério das Finanças romeno quase vazios.
Between Projects and Reality: The Romanian-Brazilian Direct Maritime Connection
Authors: CONSTANTIN CRISTIAN
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential impact of the establishment of a Romanian-Brazilian shipping company on facilitating emigration from Romania to Brazil and tacitly supporting the Latin eugenics project. Aside from reinterpreting some information known to researchers of Romanian-Brazilian relations, which was previously published in volumes subject to the rigors of communist historiography, we aim to shed light on new findings from Romanian archives. The processing of archival sources has allowed us to write a new chapter in the history of trade relations between Brazil and Romania. Long-distance trade is an efficient method of making profit, but not everyone can afford it. The question of a direct route between the ports of South America and the Black Sea was a pressing matter on the agenda of the governments in Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest during the interwar period. However, despite the lobby of the business community and diplomats of the two countries, the issue of implementing such a shipping line more often than not kept the Romanian Ministry of Finance’s coffers mostly empty.
Comparison of echocardiographic parameters in Santa Inês sheep breed and healthy Brazilian human adults
Authors: Almeida V.G.F. , Teixeira A.L.S. , Gouvêa L.V. , Silva S.S.M. , Lessa D.A.B. , Alencar N.X.
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the values of echocardiographic parameters in healthy Santa Inês sheep with standardized values for normal Brazilian human adults. Two-dimensional echocardiography, Movement mode, and pulse wave and color flow Doppler were performed in 39 non-sedated young adult sheep of Santa Inês breed. Dimensions such as the end-diastolic diameter, ejection fraction, and shortening fraction were similar to those of Brazilian human adults. The end-diastolic and -systolic volumes were within the intervals established by the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Echocardiography for normal human adults; guidelines followed in Brazil as references for humans. The normalized end-diastolic diameter exceeded the normal upper limit but approached it when the index was corrected with the cardiac mass/body surface area of sheep in relation to humans. Diastolic parameters were also within normal human intervals, except for a slightly shorter Mitral E-wave deceleration time. We conclude that the echocardiographic parameters of the systolic and diastolic performance of the left ventricle in Santa Inês sheep can be reliably extrapolated to that of Brazilian human adults, thus supporting the use of national sheep models in human heart disease research.