bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entre o interior e a capital
Authors: Lima de Menezes Maria Clara
Published: March 2024

O setor da construção aparece na história brasileira como um dos mais atuantes e lucrativos do último século. Neste artigo, nos detivemos nas tensões entre trabalho e migração como estímulo à uma condição migrante que marca a vida de trabalhadores da construção civil do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Fizemos uso de entrevistas em profundidade com trabalhadores migrantes do setor, em conjunto a discussões teóricas amparadas pelas principais categorias envolvidas – trabalho, migração e setor da construção. Ao fim, identificamos as dificuldades que aparecem no convívio diário desses trabalhadores com a cidade e como são afetados por ela, desde dificuldades financeiras para se manter na capital a questões de sofrimento psíquico geradas pelas condições de trabalho.
Lektury Wawrzyńca Jelitowskiego, dworzanina królowej Barbary Radziwiłłówny
Authors: Kowalski Waldemar
Published: March 2024

Artykuł przedstawia spis szesnastu książek będący częścią pośmiertnego inwentarza rzeczy Wawrzyńca Jelitowskiego, zmarłego w 1551 r. szafarza dworu królowej Barbary Radziwiłłówny. Ingrosowany do akt wójta Krakowa inwentarz jest jednym z nielicznych takich szesnastowiecznych rejestrów przybliżających zainteresowania czytelnicze szlachcica. Jest też jednym z najstarszych szlacheckich spisów książek. Księgozbiór ten potwierdza szerokie zainteresowanie literaturą reformacyjną w ówczesnych kręgach dworskich oraz ignorowanie przez ówczesne elity królestwa zakazów zakupu oraz udostępniania luterańskich druków.
The experiences of patients using a cancer hotline service
Authors: Baksh Farzana , Carvalho Filipe
Published: March 2024

Background:

The present study aimed to evaluate oncology patients' experiences with a hotline service in a tertiary cancer centre, identifying areas for local improvement and to inform the work of the hotline.

Methods:

A link to an online platform to complete a survey was sent through bulk messaging to 3028 mobile numbers. The survey answers and results were saved and consolidated in the online platform.

Findings:

The survey received 368 responses: 49% of participants had their calls answered within 10 minutes, while 18% (n=66) waited 30 minutes or more. Eighty-two per cent were satisfied with the length of time they waited to speak with a nurse and 71% reported that their overall experience was very good. Ninety-seven per cent of participants felt listened to and were offered support and 91% felt that their reason for calling was adequately addressed.

Conclusion:

The present study offers persuasive evidence indicating that oncology patients are largely satisfied with the hotline service; nonetheless, it is recognised that a more robust evaluation is needed. Regardless, the need for certain improvements has been identified to offer the potential to enhance patients' experience.
Pertussis: management and diagnosis in primary care
Authors: Rickards Emma
Published: March 2024

Emma Rickards looks at this often distressing respiratory condition which has been on the rise this winter
The Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children and Perceived Functioning among Parents in Italy
Authors: Vitale Elsa , Trevisi Francesca , Lezzi Alessia , Zacchino Simone , Valenzano Laura , Caldararo Cosimo , D’Amanzo Erika , Benedetto Angelo , Petrelli Cosimo , Cucci Federico , Calabrò Antonino , Latina Salvatore , Lupo Roberto
Published: March 2024

Aim: To evaluate how the life of a parent changes from a psychological, social and economic point of view and to investigate levels of anxiety and depression perceived from the moment of diagnosis of the child's Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Methods: From March to December 2021 an observational, cross sectional multicentre study was conducted.

Results: A total of 372 parents were recruited in this survey. From data collected, most of parents reported high depression than anxiety levels. Parents interviewed declared that in most of the life spheres, such as: social, working, family, the presence of their sons with ADS have importantly influenced their lives. No significant associations were recorded between the autistic child habits or behaviors and the presence of anxiety among participants. On the other hand, motor and vocalist which could create serious disturbance among neighborhood was significantly associated with depression condition (p=0.021).

Conclusions: It has been shown that social, psychological and economic support from institutions and professionals is still very low.
Nurses Launch Billboard Campaign Against Renewal of Desert Regional Medical Center Lease
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: March 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. The California Nurses Association and National Nurses United have launched a billboard campaign against the lease renewal of public-owned, Palm-Springs-based Desert Regional Medical Center to Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare (Figure 1) (1). The billboard campaign is in response to the posting of two videos that showed a water leak in Desert Regional's neurological intensive care unit and an infestation of cockroaches in the emergency department break room (2,3). Desert Regional is a public hospital governed by an elected district board. Tenet Healthcare is a private company that leases and runs the hospital. The nurses’ union said Tenet has a long-standing practice of short-staffing Desert Regional, which they said has caused patient safety issues (1). Tenet is currently in the process of renegotiating another 30-year lease with the hospital, which would include the option to purchase the hospital from the Desert Healthcare District at the end of the new lease (1). Desert …
Multi-function sensing applications based on high Q-factor multi-Fano resonances in an all-dielectric metastructure
Authors: Cao Shuangshuang , Fan Xinye , Fang Wenjing , Du Mengcheng , Sun Qinghe , Niu Huijuan , Li Chuanchuan , Wei Xin , Bai Chenglin , Tao Jifang , Li Mingxin , Chen Baoxi , Kumar Santosh
Published: March 2024

A multi-function sensor based on an all-dielectric metastructure for temperature and refractive index sensing simultaneously is designed and analyzed in this paper. The structure is composed of a periodic array of silicon dimers placed on the silicon dioxide substrate. By breaking the symmetry of the structure, the ideal bound states in the continuum can be converted to the quasi-bound states in the continuum, and three Fano resonances are excited in the near-infrared wavelength. Combining with the electromagnetic field distributions, the resonant modes of three Fano resonances are analyzed as magnetic dipole, magnetic toroidal dipole, and electric toroidal dipole, respectively. The proposed sensor exhibits an impressive maximal Q-factor of 9352, with a modulation depth approaching 100%. Our investigation into temperature and refractive index sensing properties reveals a maximum temperature sensitivity of 60 pm/K. Regarding refractive index sensing, the sensitivity and figure of merit are determined to be 279.5 nm/RIU and 2055.1 RIU-1, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the all-dielectric metastructure for simultaneous multi-parameter measurements. The sensor's versatility suggests promising applications in biological and chemical sensing.
Optimization of AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes with superlattice step doped electron blocking layers
Authors: Zhang Aoxiang , Xing Zhongqiu , Qu Yipu , Wang Fang , Liou Juin J. , Liu Yuhuai
Published: March 2024

The superlattice electron blocking layer (EBL) has been proposed to reduce the electron leakage of the deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs). However, the hole transport is hindered by the barriers of EBL and the improvement of hole injection efficiency still suffers enormous challenges. The superlattice step doped (SLSD) EBL is proposed to improve the hole injection efficiency while enhancing the electron confinement capability. The SLSD EBL enhances the electron confinement capability by multi-reflection effects on the electron wave function. And a built-in electric field towards the active region is generated by superlattice step doping, which facilitates the transport of holes into the multiple quantum wells. The Advaced Physical Model of Semiconductor Devices (APSYS) software is used to simulate the DUV-LEDs with conventional EBL, superlattice EBL, superlattice doped EBL, and SLSD EBL. The results indicate that the SLSD EBL contributes to the increased electron concentration in the multiple quantum wells, the reduced electron leakage in the p-type region, the increased hole injection current, and the increased radiative recombination rate. When the current is 60 mA, the external quantum efficiency of DUV-LED with SLSD EBL is increased to 5.27% and the output power is increased to 13.81 mW. The SLSD EBL provides a valuable reference for solving the problems of serious electron leakage and insufficient hole injection of the DUV-LEDs.
Vertically spliced tabletop light field cave display with extended depth content and separately optimized compound lens array
Authors: Yu Xunbo , Dong Haoxiang , Gao Xin , Li Hanyu , Zhang Zhaohe , Fu Bangshao , Pei Xiangyu , Wen Xudong , Zhao Siming , Yan Binbin , Sang Xinzhu
Published: March 2024

Tabletop three-dimensional light field display is a kind of compelling display technology that can simultaneously provide stereoscopic vision for multiple viewers surrounding the lateral side of the device. However, if the flat panel light field display device is simply placed horizontally and displayed directly above, the visual frustum will be tilted and the 3D content outside the display panel will be invisible, the large oblique viewing angle will also lead to serious aberrations. In this paper, we demonstrate what we believe to be a new vertical spliced light field cave display system with an extended depth content. A separate optimization of different compound lens array attenuates the aberration from different oblique viewing angles, and a local heating fitting method is implemented to ensure the accuracy of fabrication process. The image coding method and the correction of the multiple viewpoints realize the correct construction of spliced voxels. In the experiment, a high-definition and precisely spliced 3D city terrain scene is demonstrated on the prototype with a correct oblique perspective in 100-degree horizontal viewing range. We envision that our research will provide more inspiration for future immersive large-scale glass-free virtual reality display technologies.
UV-VIS-NIR absorber to harvest energy for solar thermophotovoltaics
Authors: Ijaz Sumbel , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Aljaloud Khaled A. , Hussain Rifaqat , Alqahtani Ali H. , Alomainy Akram
Published: March 2024

Ideal ultraviolet-visible-infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) absorbers with consistent performance at elevated temperatures and severe climate conditions are crucial to harvest energy for solar-thermophotovoltaic systems (STPVs). As solar energy promises to fulfill the power demands, its efficient utilization through high-performing light-absorbing devices is inevitable. The requirement of high-temperature durability makes conventional plasmonics an infeasible choice, and those highly thermostable refractory metals/their derivatives suitable ones. In this work, a lossy refractory plasmonic material i.e. Zirconium-Nitride-based subwavelength, ultra-broadband, wide-angle, polarization-insensitive, and free-space impedance-matched metasurface absorber in a three-level Pythagorean fractal structure is demonstrated. A comprehensive investigative study is conducted with the successful attainment of more than 90% absorption between ∼ 500–900 nm with a peak of more than 98% at 655 nm. The mean absorption for wideband (200–2500 nm) is 86.01% and it is 91.37% for visible range. The proposed study provides an efficient choice of meta-absorbers for realizing highly efficient STPVs.
Nanohardness and Young’s modulus of II-IV-V2 chalcopyrite nonlinear optical crystals: a comparative study
Authors: Exner Ginka , Schunemann Peter G. , Ivanova Elizabeth , Grigorov Aleksandar , Petrov Valentin
Published: March 2024

Nanohardness and Young’s modulus of oriented monocrystalline II-IV-V2 chalcopyrite semiconductors are measured by nanoindentation for the first time. The tests are performed on (100) and (001) surfaces. Anisotropy is observed for Young’s modulus only. It is most pronounced for CdSiP2. The hardness results display linear dependence on the melting temperature (except for CdSiP2) and the values decrease with the molar mass. They can be well fitted as a function of the molar mass and the unit cell volume. Young’s modulus dependences show similar trends.
Perovskite quantum laser with enhanced population inversion driven by plasmon-induced hot electron transfer under potential shift polarization conditions
Authors: Pan Yong , Wu Lijie , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Yihao , Xu Jie , Xie Haixia , Cao Jianguo
Published: March 2024

The hot electron transfer resulting in fluorescence enhancement is significantly meaningful for theory and experiment of the study on photoelectric devices. However, the laser emission based on direct hot electron transfer is difficult to realize because of the low transfer efficiency. To achieve a laser with a new-generation mechanism based on hot electron transfer, the photoelectric co-excitation is proposed for improving the efficiency of hot electron transfer. The lasing behavior at 532 nm is realized with a threshold of 5  kw cm−2 and 1 μA, which can be considered as the hot electron transfer resulting in population inversion enhancement. Meanwhile, the lasing output power is 0.3 mW. The hot electrons transfer process was described via the transient absorption spectrum according to the improved ground-state bleaching and excited-state absorption signal in device ON. Through comparison with the optical pump only, the quantum efficiencies of hot electron generation (HEG) and hot electron transfer (HET) were increased ∼31% and 31%, respectively. Most importantly, a triple gain mode coupling device including local surface plasmon, hot electron transfer, and array oscillation was presented. Two modes of population inversion enhancement are proposed. This study can provide theoretical and experimental reference for the research of hot electron lasers and devices.
The impact of the 2022 spring COVID-19 booster vaccination programme on hospital occupancy in England: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Jain Vageesh , Kerr Gabriele , Beaney Thomas
Published: March 2024

Regular booster vaccination programmes help protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19 and limit pressure on health systems. Existing studies find booster doses to be effective in preventing hospital admissions and deaths but focus on individual effects, failing to consider the population impact of incomplete vaccination coverage and seasonal patterns in disease transmission. We estimated the effectiveness of the 2022 spring booster vaccination programme, available for those aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes, and adults with weakened immune systems, on COVID-19 hospital bed occupancy in England. Booster vaccine coverage in the eligible population increased rapidly in the months after rollout (from 21st March 2022), flattening out just below 80% by July 2022. We used interrupted time series analysis to estimate a 23.7% overall reduction in the rate of hospital occupancy for COVID-19 following the programme, with a statistically significant benefit in the 6–12 weeks following rollout. In the absence of the programme, we calculate that a total of 380,104 additional hospital bed-days would have been occupied by patients with COVID-19 from 4th April to 31st August 2022 (95% CI: –122,842 to 1,034,590). The programme delayed and shortened the duration of the peak while not reducing its magnitude. In sensitivity analyses adjusting the start of the post-intervention period or removing the rate of COVID-19 infection in the over 60s from the model, the effect of the spring booster programme on hospital bed occupancy remained similar. Our findings suggest that timing is a critical consideration in the implementation of COVID-19 booster programmes and that policymakers cannot rely on intermittent booster vaccination of high-risk groups alone to mitigate anticipated peaks in hospital pressure due to COVID-19 epidemics.
New genomic techniques, old divides: Stakeholder attitudes towards new biotechnology regulation in the EU and UK
Authors: Menary Jonathan , Fuller Sebastian S.
Published: March 2024

The European Union and United Kingdom are in the process of establishing new regulation regarding the use of new genomic techniques in crop and animal breeding. As part of this process, consultations have been launched to understand the views of stakeholders towards the use of new genomic techniques in plant and animal breeding. The responsible research and innovation framework emphasises the importance of dialogue between technology developers and stakeholders, including the public, but what are the opinions of stakeholders towards the regulation of NGTs in Europe and do they view these consultations as opportunities to engage with technology governance? We conducted semi-structured interviews with experts from a range of agri-food stakeholder groups in the European Union and United Kingdom to understand current attitudes towards new biotechnology regulation, how they viewed the process of consultation in both places and what influence they felt they had in shaping regulations. We found that the discussion is similar in both EU and UK, with predictable and fixed opinions determined by attitudes towards the perceived risks associated with direct mutagenesis. Both UK and EU consultations were considered to have the same weaknesses and stakeholders discussed a desire for more dialogic forms of engagement. We highlight several options for new forms of involvement in biotechnology regulation by exploring relevant responsible research and innovation literature.
Studying mixed-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus using evolutionary game theory
Authors: Dühring Sybille , Schuster Stefan
Published: March 2024

Mixed-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus pose a significant clinical challenge due to their resistance to the human immune system and antimicrobial therapy. Using evolutionary game theory and nonlinear dynamics, we analyse the complex interactions between these organisms to understand their coexistence in the human host. We determine the Nash equilibria and evolutionary stable strategies of the game between C. albicans and S. aureus and point out different states of the mixed-species biofilm. Using replicator equations we study the fungal-bacterial interactions on a population level. Our focus is on the influence of available nutrients and the quorum sensing molecule farnesol, including the potential therapeutic use of artificially added farnesol. We also investigate the impact of the suggested scavenging of C. albicans hyphae by S. aureus. Contrary to common assumptions, we confirm the hypothesis that under certain conditions, mixed-species biofilms are not universally beneficial. Instead, different Nash equilibria occur depending on encountered conditions (i.e. varying farnesol levels, either produced by C. albicans or artificially added), including antagonism. We further show that the suggested scavenging of C. albicans’ hyphae by S. aureus does not influence the overall outcome of the game. Moreover, artificially added farnesol strongly affects the dynamics of the game, although its use as a medical adjuvant (add-on medication) may pose challenges.
The queen bee phenomenon in Canadian surgical subspecialties: An evaluation of gender biases in the resident training environment
Authors: Goff Lydia , Greene Helena , Munn Alexandra , Furey Andrew , Smith Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Background

The queen bee phenomenon (QBP) describes the behavioural response that occurs when women achieve success in a male-dominated environment, and in this position of authority, treat their female subordinates more critically. It has been demonstrated in business, academia, the military, and police force. The goal of this study was to determine whether the QBP occurs in surgical specialties. We hypothesized that female surgeons, fellows, and senior surgical residents would be more critical in their assessment of junior female residents than their male counterparts.

Methods

A scenario-based survey was distributed via email to all Canadian surgical programs between February and March 2021. Scenarios were designed to assess either female or male learners. Centers distributed surveys to attending surgeons, surgical fellows, resident physicians, and affiliate surgeons. Respondents average Likert score for female-based and male-based questions were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender, age, seniority, and surgical specialty.

Results

716 survey responses were collected, with 387 respondents identifying as male (54%) and 321 identifying as female (45%). 385 attending surgeons (54%), 66 fellows (9%), and 263 residents (37%) responded. The mean Likert scores for female respondents assessing female learners was significantly lower than male learners (p = 0·008, CI = 95%). During subgroup analysis, some specialties demonstrated significant scoring differences.

Discussion

The QBP was shown to be present among surgical specialties. Female respondents assessed female learners more critically than their male counterparts.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of tackling organizational biases to create more equitable educational and work environment in surgery.
A remarkable new deep-sea nereidid (Annelida: Nereididae) with gills
Authors: Villalobos-Guerrero Tulio F. , Huč Sonja , Tilic Ekin , Hiley Avery S. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: March 2024

Nereidid polychaetes are well known from shallow marine habitats, but their diversity in the deep sea is poorly known. Here we describe an unusual new nereidid species found at methane seeps off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Specimens of Pectinereis strickrotti gen. nov., sp. nov. had been observed dating back to 2009 swimming just above the seafloor at ~1,000 m depth but were not successfully captured until 2018. Male epitokes were collected as well as a fragment of an infaunal female found in a pushcore sample. The specimens were all confirmed as the same species based on mitochondrial COI. Phylogenetic analyses, including one based on available whole mitochondrial genomes for nereidids, revealed no close relative, allowing for the placement of the new species in its own genus within the subfamily Nereidinae. This was supported by the unusual non-reproductive and epitokous morphology, including parapodial cirrostyles as pectinate gills, hooked aciculae, elfin-shoe-shaped ventral cirrophores, and elongate, fusiform dorsal ligules emerging sub-medially to enlarged cirrophores. Additionally, the gill-bearing subfamily Dendronereidinae, generally regarded as a junior synonym of Gymnonereidinae, is reviewed and it is here reinstated and as a monogeneric taxon.
Systematic investigation of inadequate food access at a large southeastern land grant university
Authors: Hall Ralph P. , Agnew Jessica , Liu Wei , Petrie Lana , North Chris
Published: March 2024

Over the past decade, the impact of low food security on student well-being and academic performance has become a growing concern at institutions of higher education across the U.S. This mixed methods study adds to the growing body of evidence on the association between student socio-demographic and economic characteristics and food security. An online survey covering food access, student well-being, and housing security was sent to 35,337 undergraduate and graduate students at a large southeastern land grant university. A total of 2,116 complete responses were received; a 6% response rate. The survey responses also included 176 written statements by students. The survey found that 16% of both undergraduate and graduate students had low or very low food security, as defined by a modified USDA food security measure. The socio-demographic and economic characteristics that were linked to a higher likelihood of low food security included: having a GPA of less than 3.0, having a disability, being an international student, being a first-generation student, being a transfer student, going into debt to pay for food, being a Black or African American student, having poor mental health, having uncertain living arrangements, and having no medical insurance. Recommendations for enhancing student access to food, housing, and mental health services are discussed.
Can policy advantages be transformed into industrial advantages? Evidences from digital economy industry development in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhou Lin , Fan Jianshuang , Ding Liang , Xu Zhiqian , Zhang Junshen
Published: March 2024

The digital economy is a new impetus to promote high-quality economic development. We use the policies of Zhejiang Information Economy Development Demonstration Base (IEDD) and Zhejiang Software and Information Service Industry Base (SISI) established between 2015 and 2017 to design a quasi-natural experiment. By using a panel data from 2005 to 2020 in Zhejiang and the difference-in-differences model, we test the impacts of IEDD and SISI policies on digital economy development. We find that there are significant spatial differences for digital economy in Zhejiang. IEDD and SISI policies improve the digital economy development, that is, the policy advantages can indeed be transformed into industrial advantages. The IEDD policy can promote the digital economy industry development by enhancing the digital infrastructure and financial development; SISI policy can promote the development of the digital economy industry by promoting financial development. The results of quantile regression show that the promotion effect of IEDD and SISI policies increases with the improvement of the industrial basis of regional digital economy. The results of group regression show that the IEDD policy promotes the digital economy development in counties and county-level cities of Zhejiang, and the SISI policy plays a significant role in municipal districts.
Does county financial marketization promote high-quality development of agricultural economy?: Analysis of the mechanism of county urbanization
Authors: Liu Yang , Cui JunFu , Feng Liang , Yan Hua
Published: March 2024

China’s agricultural economy has been hindered by insufficient accumulation of agricultural capital and credit constraints. It is worth investigating whether China’s county financial marketization reform policy can alleviate these constraints and promote high-quality development of the agricultural economy (HQDAE). This paper presents an empirical analysis of the impact of county financial marketization reform on the HQDAE, based on county panel data. The focus is on the mechanism of county urbanization in the above relationship. The results show that county financial marketization has a significant non-linear impact on the HQDAE. Specifically, it has a ’U-shaped’ impact on the overall growth of the agricultural economy and an inverted ’N-shaped’ impact on the quality improvement of the agricultural economy. Secondly, the relationship between county financial marketization and the HQDAE is influenced by a threshold effect based on the level of county urbanization. As the level of county urbanization increases, the promoting effect of county financial marketization on HQDAE also increases significantly. Additionally, county financial marketization helps to promote county urbanization and accelerate urban-rural integration, which in turn leads to HQDAE. The research in this paper suggests that county-level local governments should promote a differentiated county financial system. In the early stages of financial market-oriented reform, the government should enhance the capacity of financial services in rural areas through tax breaks, policy incentives, and other measures to prevent financial leakage from agriculture. In the later stages of financial marketization reform, the government should strengthen financial supervision to prevent financial resources from being diverted from industry to capital. Moreover, to achieve the HQDAE, it is necessary to promote county financial market-oriented reform and accelerate the construction of county urbanization. This will help break the dual economic structure of urban and rural areas and promote the flow of financial capital, technology, and human capital from county cities to rural areas.
Female researchers are under-represented in the Colombian science infrastructure
Authors: Paz Andrea , Pardo-Díaz Carolina
Published: March 2024

Worldwide women have increased their participation in STEM, but we are still far from reaching gender parity. Although progress can be seen at the bachelor’s and master’s level, career advancement of women in research still faces substantial challenges leading to a ‘leaky pipeline’ phenomenon (i.e., the continuous decrease of women’s participation at advanced career stages). Latin America exhibits encouraging rates of women participation in research, but the panorama varies across countries and stages in the academic ladder. This study focuses on women’s participation in research in natural sciences in Colombia and investigates career progression, leadership roles, and funding rates by analyzing data on scholarships, grants, rankings, and academic positions. Overall, we found persistent gender imbalances throughout the research ecosystem that were significant using classical statistical analyses. First, although women constitute >50% graduates from bachelors in natural sciences, <40% of researchers in this field are female. Second, women win <30% of research grants, and in turn, their scientific productivity is 2X lower than that of men. Third, because of the less research funding and output women have, their promotion to senior positions in academic and research rankings is slower. In consequence, only ~25% of senior researchers and full professors are women. Fourth, the proportion of women leading research groups and mentoring young scientist in Colombia is <30%. Our study deepens our understanding of gender gaps in STEM research in Colombia, and provides information to design initiatives that effectively target gender disparities by focusing on key areas of intervention, and then gradually building up, rather than tackling structural inequities all at once.
Mining co-location patterns of manufacturing firms using Q statistic and additive color mixing
Authors: Song Yi , Li Guanglei , Wang Yihan , Wang Yiheng , Ren Chang
Published: March 2024

The agglomeration effect significantly influences firms’ site selection. Manufacturing firms often exhibit intricate spatial co-location patterns that are indicative of agglomerations due to their reliance on material input and product output across various subdivisions of manufacture. In this study, we present an analytical approach employing the Q statistic and additive color mixing visualization to assess co-location patterns of manufacturing firms. We identified frequent pairs and triplets of manufacturing divisions, mapping them to reveal distinct categories: labor-intensive clusters, upstream/downstream industrial chains, and technology-spillover clusters. These agglomeration categories concentrate in different regions of the city. Policy implications are proposed to promote the upgrade of labor-intensive divisions, enhance the operational efficiency of upstream/downstream industrial chains, and reinforce the spillover effects of technology-intensive divisions.
Putative bloodmeal sources in Glossina austeni tsetse fly of Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve in Kenya
Authors: Ogolla Kennedy O. , Bwana Billiah K. , Mang’era Clarence M. , Onyango Tevin , Otiende Moses Y. , Ochieng Benard , Hassanali Ahmed , Mugambi John M. , Omondi Patrick , Mireji Paul O.
Published: March 2024

Tsetse flies, the sole biological vectors of trypanosomiasis, are predominantly controlled using visual traps and targets baited with attractant lures. Formulation of the lures is informed by compositions of odors from vertebrate hosts preferred by specific tsetse species. However, there are no effective lures for Glossina austeni, a major vector of trypanosomiasis along eastern-coastal region of Africa. Formulation of the lure can be informed by knowledge of G. austeni, preferred vertebrate hosts. We thus sought to understand these hosts by assessment of putative bloodmeal sources of this tsetse fly in Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve where this species is naturally present. We sampled tsetse flies using NGU traps, isolated non-teneral G. austeni flies based on their feeding status, and identified vertebrate source of bloodmeals in their midgut contents using vertebrate 16S rRNA-PCR High-Resolution Melting analysis. We analyzed the relative vertebrate species frequencies in the bloodmeals using Fisher’s exact tests. Overall, we trapped 122 flies, most of which (66.39%) were non-teneral, among which we successfully identified the vertebrate bloodmeals in 30 samples. Specifically, we detected putative suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus), harnessed bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle (Bos taurus) derived bloodmeals. Putative suni antelope bloodmeals were significantly more frequent (63.22%), than those of the harnessed bushbuck (23.33%), buffalo (10.00%) or cattle (3.33%) (p < 0.05 Fisher’s exact tests) among the samples analyzed. Suni antelope thus appears to predominate vertebrate bloodmeal source for G. austeni in the reserve, coincident with findings reported elsewhere, and is therefore a viable candidate for bioprospecting for G. austeni responsive attractants.
Vision transformer with masked autoencoders for referable diabetic retinopathy classification based on large-size retina image
Authors: Yang Yaoming , Cai Zhili , Qiu Shuxia , Xu Peng
Published: March 2024

Computer-aided diagnosis systems based on deep learning algorithms have shown potential applications in rapid diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Due to the superior performance of Transformer over convolutional neural networks (CNN) on natural images, we attempted to develop a new model to classify referable DR based on a limited number of large-size retinal images by using Transformer. Vision Transformer (ViT) with Masked Autoencoders (MAE) was applied in this study to improve the classification performance of referable DR. We collected over 100,000 publicly fundus retinal images larger than 224×224, and then pre-trained ViT on these retinal images using MAE. The pre-trained ViT was applied to classify referable DR, the performance was also compared with that of ViT pre-trained using ImageNet. The improvement in model classification performance by pre-training with over 100,000 retinal images using MAE is superior to that pre-trained with ImageNet. The accuracy, area under curve (AUC), highest sensitivity and highest specificity of the present model are 93.42%, 0.9853, 0.973 and 0.9539, respectively. This study shows that MAE can provide more flexibility to the input image and substantially reduce the number of images required. Meanwhile, the pretraining dataset scale in this study is much smaller than ImageNet, and the pre-trained weights from ImageNet are not required also.
Different types of mobile phone use while driving and influencing factors on intention and behavior: Insights from an expanded theory of planned behavior
Authors: Okati-Aliabad Hassan , Hashemi Habybabady Raheleh , Sabouri Mohammad , Mohammadi Mahdi
Published: March 2024

Mobile phone use while driving (MPUWD) is a significant concern due to its negative impact on road safety. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess different types of MPUWD and identify factors influencing intention and behavior among drivers in Zahedan. A total of 392 participants provided information on demographic and driving characteristics, as well as constructs derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) augmented with moral norms. Findings revealed that a majority of drivers (86.4%) engaged in MPUWD, primarily involving calling, using applications, and texting. However, most participants did not intend to use their phones while driving in the following week. Multiple regression analysis identified age, receiving driving fines, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control as significant predictors of intention for MPUWD. Additionally, factors such as age, receiving driving fines, driving hours, car gearbox type, attitude, perceived behavior control, behavioral intention, and moral norm were significant predictors of actual MPUWD. Older participants demonstrated better behavior in various mobile phone activities while driving. Overall, the study emphasized that the main TPB constructs and moral norms have a greater influence compared to other variables in predicting MPUWD. Perceived behavioral control was the most important predictor of the intention and behavior of MPUWD. Understanding these factors can guide efforts to discourage MPUWD through targeted interventions and strategies to promote safer driving practices.
Apgar scores in puppies following the induction of etomidate compared with alfaxalone or propofol for cesarean section
Authors: Srithunyarat Thanikul , Jitpean Supranee , Wipoosak Piyasak , Nonthakotr Chalermkwan , Boonbal Nitaya , Kunkitti Panisara , Seesupa Suvaluk
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim: The Apgar score is a useful assessment of neonatal viability in dogs. The Apgar score in puppies born by cesarean section can be lower than vaginal delivery because all anesthetic drugs can cross the placenta. Therefore, anesthetic drugs with minimal cardiorespiratory effect and rapid elimination are recommended for cesarean section. The present study aimed to compare Apgar scores in puppies born after the induction of etomidate, alfaxalone or propofol, and those maintained with isoflurane inhalation during cesarean section.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six bitches were equally divided in the three anesthetic drug groups. Modified Apgar scores were assessed at 5, 15, and 60 min after delivery. Intraoperative vital signs and Apgar scores were compared using a linear mixed model and adjusted pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni analysis.

Results: A total of 125 puppies were included in this study. Age, body weight, litter size, type of surgery, delivery time, anesthetic and surgical duration, and intraoperative vital signs did not significantly differ between the groups. Puppies in the alfaxalone and propofol groups had significantly higher Apgar scores than the etomidate group in both elective and emergency surgery. In elective surgery, Apgar scores at 5 min after delivery did not differ significantly between groups. At 15 and 60 min after delivery, Apgar scores in the etomidate group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. In emergency surgery, Apgar scores were significantly lower in the etomidate group than in the alfaxalone group at all time points.

Conclusion: Induction with alfaxalone and propofol resulted in better outcomes with higher Apgar scores and neonatal viability than etomidate. Therefore, alfaxalone and propofol should be used as anesthetic induction drugs in both elective and emergency cesarean sections.

Keywords: anesthesia, Apgar, puppies, viability, vigorous.
High Body Mass Index and Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ebach Dawn R. , Jester Traci W. , Galanko Joseph A. , Firestine Ann M. , Ammoury Rana , Cabrera Jose , Bass Julie , Minar Phillip , Olano Kelly , Margolis Peter , Sandberg Kelly , Linnville Tiffany M. , Kaplan Jess , Pitch Lisa , Steiner Steven J. , Bass Dorsey , Moses Jonathan , Adler Jeremy , Gulati Ajay S. , Wali Prateek , Pashankar Dinesh , Ivanova Anastasia , Herfarth Hans , Wohl David A. , Benkov Keith J. , Strople Jennifer , Sullivan Jillian , Tung Jeanne , Molle-Rios Zorela , Saeed Shehzad A. , Bousvaros Athos , Kappelman Michael D.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Obesity is common among patients with pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD). Some adult studies suggest obese patients respond less well to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. This study sought compares anti-TNF response and anti-TNF levels between pediatric patients with normal and high body mass index (BMI).

METHODS:

The COMBINE trial compared anti-TNF monotherapy with combination therapy with methotrexate in patients with PCD. In this secondary analysis, a comparison of time-to-treatment failure among patients with normal BMI vs BMI Z-score >1, adjusting for prescribed anti-TNF (infliximab [IFX] or adalimumab [ADA]), trial treatment assignment (combination vs monotherapy), and relevant covariates. Median anti-TNF levels across BMI category was also examined.

RESULTS:

Of 224 participants (162 IFX initiators and 62 ADA initiators), 111 (81%) had a normal BMI and 43 (19%) had a high BMI. High BMI was associated with treatment failure among ADA initiators (7/10 [70%] vs 12/52 [23%], hazard ratio 0.29, P = 0.007) but not IFX initiators. In addition, ADA-treated patients with a high BMI had lower ADA levels compared with those with normal BMI (median 5.8 vs 12.8 μg/mL, P = 0.02). IFX trough levels did not differ between BMI groups.

DISCUSSION:

Overweight and obese patients with PCD are more likely to experience ADA treatment failure than those with normal BMI. Higher BMI was associated with lower drug trough levels. Standard ADA dosing may be insufficient for overweight children with PCD. Among IFX initiators, there was no observed difference in clinical outcomes or drug levels, perhaps due to weight-based dosing and/or greater use of proactive drug monitoring.
WHEN STATE REGULATES HUSBAND'S IDAH: Pros and Cons among Penghulu in Yogyakarta
Authors: Permata Cindera
Published: March 2024

In 2021, the Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a policy concerning the prohibition of husbands remarrying (another woman) during the wife waiting period (idah). This policy evoked both pros and cons. This study aims to investigate the emergence of this policy and analyze the responses from the marriage registrars (penghulu) at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). Taking place in Yogyakarta, this research constitutes fieldwork employing a socio-legal approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the penghulu. The research reveals that the policy was fiercely motivated by three factors: firstly, the occurrence of concealed polygamous marriages during the idah period; secondly, the endeavor to actualize the wisdom of idah associated with the opportunity to reconcile (ruju') within the (on-going broken) marriage; and thirdly, the desire toward the protection of women. Some marriage registrars supported this policy, citing arguments aligned with its content. Conversely, others perceive that it is too far distorting fiqh and deemed incompatible with the National Marriage Law. Moreover, it was observed that penghulu mostly refused to register marriages for husbands during the idah period, although a small minority accepted such registrations.[Abstrak: Pada 2021, Kementerian Agama mengeluarkan kebijakan terkait pelarangan suami menikah dalam masa idah istri. Kebjakan ini menimbulkan pro dan kontra di berbagai kalangan, baik eksternal maupun internal lembaga tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji konteks mengapa kebijakan tesebut muncul dan bagaimana respon dari para penghulu KUA. Mengambil seting di Kota Yogyakarta, penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lapangan dengan pendekatan sosiologi hukum. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dengan para penghulu. Penelitian ini mengungkap bahwa lahirnya kebijakan tersebut dimotivasi oleh tiga faktor, yaitu, fenomena poligami terselubung yang dilakukan dalam masa idah, upaya Kementerian Agama merealisasi hikmah idah yang terkait dengan kesempatan kembalinya pasangan ke dalam perkawinan, dan pemberian perlindungan dan kesetaraan terhadap perempuan. Atas kebijakan tersebut, sebagian penghulu mendukung dengan argumen yang sesuai dengan isi kebijakan. Sedangkan sebagian yang lain menolak karena menganggap hal tersebut terlalu jauh dari norma fikih dan dianggap tidak sejalan dengan UU Perkawinan. Selain itu, ditemukan juga bahwa penghulu telah menolak pendaftaran pernikahan suami dalam masa idah. Namun sebagian kecil ada yang menerima.]
ADJUDICATING UNDERAGE MARRIAGES AT RELIGIOUS COURTS: A Progressive Collaboration between Judiciary and Health Authority
Authors: Nur Mustofa Kholifatun
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the state policies through the judiciary and health institutions in curbing underage marriage. Furthermore, the article sheds light on the extent to which these efforts are realized in the legal practices of the Religious Courts. Data were gathered by analyzing the decisions of the Religious Courts and supplemented with interviews. This paper argues that the state, through the judiciary, has enacted strict mechanisms via the Supreme Court Regulation Number 5 of 2019 concerning Guidelines for handling marriage dispensation cases. Other efforts have been undertaken by the Ministry of Health by requesting the Supreme Court to instruct all judiciary bodies under its jurisdiction to collaborate with health services or relevant institutions to combat underage marriage. To the author's investigation, there are 14 Religious Courts that have collaborated with the Ministry of Health. Judges in these courts consider recommendation letters as one of the considerations. The judges also exhibit a non-permissive attitude by rejecting applications for marriage dispensation without supplementary documents such as recommendation letters from the health services. This study indicates that state institutions, through the judiciary and healthcare sectors, are making progressive efforts to reduce the prevalence of underage marriage.[Abstrak: Paper ini mengkaji kebijakan negara melalui lembaga kehakiman dan kesehatan dalam menekan pernikahan di bawah umur. Selain itu, artikel ini juga melihat sejauhmana upaya tersebut terrealisasikan dalam praktik hukum di Pengadilan Agama. Data dikumpulkan dengan menelaah putusan-putusan Pengadilan Agama dan dilengkapi dengan wawancara. Paper ini menegaskan bahwa negara melalui lembaga kehakiman mengeluarkan ketentuan mekanisme yang ketat melalui Peraturan Mahkamah Agung Nomor 5 Tahun 2019 tentang Pedoman menangani kasus dispensasi nikah. Upaya lain dilakukan oleh Kementerian Kesehatan dengan cara meminta Mahkamah Agung memberikan intruksi kepada seluruh lembaga kehakiman yang berada dibawahnya untuk melakukan kerjasama dengan dinas kesehatan atau lembaga terkait guna menekan pernikahan di bawah umur. Sejauh penelusuran penulis, ada 14 Pengadilan Agama yang berkolaborasi dengan Kementerian Kesehatan. Hakim-hakim di pengadilan tersebut menjadikan surat rekomendasi sebagai salah satu pertimbangan. Hakim juga menunjukkan sikap yang tidak permisif berupa penolakan permohonan dispensasi nikah tanpa dokumen pelengkap seperti surat rekomendasi dari dinas kesehatan. Kajian ini menunjukkan bahwa lembaga negara melalui kehakiman dan kesehatan melakukan upaya progressif untuk menekan tingkat pernikahan di bawah umur.]