bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute blood volume and long-term survival in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kron Joachim , Broszeit Stefanie , Leimbach Til , Kron Susanne
Published: November 2024

Current online hemodiafiltration devices can be used to determine the absolute blood volume in clinical practice using the dialysate bolus method. Most of publications on this method have focused on preventing intradialytic complications. The influence of absolute blood volume on long-term prognosis has not been reported yet. A total of 79 participants in a previous study about absolute blood volume were followed for 5 years. Patients with a specific blood volume above ( n = 45) and below 75 ml/kg ( n = 34) respectively were compared with regard to survival using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Patients with a specific blood volume below 75 ml/kg had a significantly higher overall 5-year survival rate than patients above 75 ml/kg (70% vs 39%, p = 0.0233). In patients without cardiac dysfunction, there were no significant differences in 5-year survival between a specific blood volume below or above 75 ml/kg (66% vs 51%). A specific blood volume above 75 ml/kg was associated with an increased mortality in patients with mildly impaired left-ventricular systolic ejection fraction of 40%–59%, whereas in patients with normal blood volume this cardiac impairment did not impact mortality (22% vs 90% 5-year survival, p = 0.0036). This demonstrates the significance of optimum volume control for long-term survival particularly in cases of reduced cardiac function.
Challenges Identifying Domestic Violence in Chinese Judicial Practice: An Empirical Analysis of Personal Safety Protection Orders
Authors: Zheng Rui , Xie Ziyi , Duan Zhizhuang
Published: November 2024

Domestic violence is a global social issue that not only poses a significant threat to the stability of families but also has a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of family members. In China, due to the broad criteria for defining domestic violence in the Anti-domestic Violence Law, challenges have arisen in the practical handling of domestic violence cases. The study is based on 238 civil protection order rulings available on the China Judgments Online website for the year 2021. In China, the criteria for identifying domestic violence are not only still subject to theoretical debate, but contentious viewpoints have also translated into inconsistencies in judicial practice. This study aims to further assess the underlying reasons for the difficulties in identifying domestic violence in Chinese judicial practice and to propose recommendations for improvement.
Safety Assessment of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Peterson Lisa A. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: November 2024

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside in cosmetic products. These ingredients are reported to have the following functions in cosmetics: antioxidant, and skin-conditioning agent—miscellaneous. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations, and concluded that Ascorbyl Glucoside and Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Systematic review of indoor soundscape assessments: Activity-based psycho-acoustics analysis
Authors: Hossain Md Robiul , Manohare Manish , King Eoin A
Published: November 2024

This study examines 22 peer-reviewed papers to offer insights into the current utilization of psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics in research focused on indoor soundscapes. The selection of papers followed the PRISMA method for systematic review, followed by descriptive and bibliometric analyses. The review focuses on (i) identifying what psycho-acoustic indicators can be utilized to obtain an objective soundscape assessment, and (ii) determining if soundscape descriptors vary with the desired activities within the indoor space. The findings provide an overview of how psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics are used to predict perceived annoyance in indoor environments. The discussion delves into response variables related to occupants’ sound perception across various indoor settings. It highlights the lack of sufficient research on prediction models based on psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics within indoor soundscapes. Further research is required to develop tools enabling the optimal design of indoor soundscapes, which can vary according to the intended use of the room.
Emerging MRI biomarkers for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maggi Pietro , Absinta Martina
Published: November 2024

The need to improve diagnostic precision in multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely recognized. In recent years, several novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers have been proposed to enhance diagnostic specificity and reduce misdiagnosis. Some of these imaging biomarkers are deemed highly specific for MS and are likely ready to enter the MS diagnostic work-up, while others are still in their exploratory phase. In addition, new synthetic MRI contrasts and artificial intelligence-based diagnostic algorithms are being tested to reduce the time burden related to imaging data acquisition and analysis. In this review, we summarize the most recent advancement in the field, focusing on the adoption of these novel MRI biomarkers—whether used alone or in combination—for the differential diagnosis of MS.
Performance of vibration and current signals in the fault diagnosis of induction motors using deep learning and machine learning techniques
Authors: Ayankoso Samuel , Dutta Ananta , He Yinghang , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew , Pal Surjya K.
Published: November 2024

Induction motors (IMs) play a pivotal role in various industrial applications, powering critical systems such as pumps, compressors, fans, blowers, and refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Monitoring the health of these IMs is essential for ensuring reliable operation. Numerous sensors, including vibration, current, temperature, acoustic, and power sensors, can be employed for their health monitoring. This article conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of two widely used sensors—vibration and current, for classifying different health states of IMs, such as a healthy condition, bearing fault, and misalignment. The study employed deep learning techniques, specifically 1D and 2D convolutional neural networks, trained on raw data. Additionally, machine learning techniques, including random forest and XGBoost, were utilized and trained on features derived from preprocessed signals using fast Fourier transform and discrete wavelet decomposition. Comparative results indicated that vibration signals achieved remarkably high accuracy, nearly 100%, in detecting the investigated mechanical faults, while current signals, after signal processing and manual feature extraction, achieved an accuracy of 87.41%. These results demonstrate that, though current sensors are a viable alternative to vibration sensors, their performance can be affected by the type and degree of the considered faults. This study also highlights the attributes of vibration and current signals in the health monitoring of rotating machinery such as IMs.
Nurturing holistic talent, addressing systemic inequity: Canadian coaches’ insights on optimizing youth soccer talent identification and development
Authors: Howell Stephen , Lee Younghoon , Yi Kyoung June
Published: November 2024

Evidence suggests that youth talent identification and development systems (TIDS) are lacking in quality due to various complex and multifaceted factors specific to youth players. Given the importance of consistently identifying and developing high-achieving players, soccer organizations and coaches rely heavily on effective and productive youth TIDS. This study explored the perspectives of youth coaches in Canada to: (1) enhance the capacity of youth soccer organizations and coaches to make informed decisions about TIDS, (2) maximize the advancement of youth players, (3) identify approaches, practices, and priorities for developing youth players to compete at higher levels. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 National Licensed coaches from professional youth academy or Canada's Youth National Teams. A thematic analysis identified three central themes: (1) Views on TIDS are specific to organizations and coaches, (2) More inclusive and sustainable TIDS are necessary for success, and (3) Exposure to holistic talent development environments is essential. The findings emphasized informed decisions to establish coherent, effective, and player-centered systems through professionalized organizations and coaches, a collective philosophy with clear standards, and prioritization of players’ needs. Inclusive environments increase access to opportunities and resources that motivate players with diverse backgrounds and talents, supporting longterm engagement. An equity-based lens expands the player pool through equitable and sustainable opportunities for all players. A holistic approach to promoting psychosocial well-being and personal development is necessary for meaningful experiences within TIDS. Flexible, differentiated, and empowering approaches are needed for playercentered pathways that meet players’ evolving needs.
Effects of immersive virtual reality stimulation and/or multicomponent physical exercise on cognitive and functional performance in hospitalized older patients with severe functional dependency: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de la Casa-Marín Antón , Zambom-Ferraresi Fabiola , Ferrara Maria Cristina , Ollo-Martínez Iranzu , Galbete Arkaitz , González-Glaría Belén , Moral-Cuesta Débora , Marín-Epelde Itxaso , Chenhuichen Chenhui , Lorente-Escudero Marta , Molero-de-Ávila Rodrigo , Baztán Agurne García , Zambom-Ferraresi Fabricio , Martínez-Velilla Nicolás
Published: November 2024

Background

Hospital-associated functional decline affects nearly one-third of the hospitalized older adults. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of a cognitive stimulation intervention provided via immersive virtual reality (IVR), with or without a multicomponent physical exercise intervention (ME) in hospitalized patients aged 75 or older with severe functional dependency at admission (Barthel Index < 60 points).

Methods

This clinical randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the Acute Geriatric Unit of a tertiary hospital in Spain. A total of 212 acute patients will be enrolled according to the following criteria: age ≥ 75, Barthel Index < 60, able to collaborate, expected length of stay ≥ 5 days, absence of clinical instability and severe dementia (Global Deterioration Scale 7) or other end-stage disease. Patients will be randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or any of the three intervention groups (IG): IVR, ME, or IVR + ME. The IVR group will watch ad-hoc videos showing Spanish regional landscapes and villages, approximately 4 min per day for three consecutive days. The ME group will undergo aerobic and strength exercise for progressive training of the upper and lower limbs. The IVR + ME group will do both cognitive and physical intervention. The primary outcomes will be cognitive and physical measures at discharge. Mood, quality of life, isometric strength, and acceptance of IVR will be also assessed.

Discussion

This project has the potential to enhance physical and psychological well-being of patients with severe functional dependency hospitalized for acute conditions, using technology. Virtual reality is expected to be favourably perceived by hospitalized older adults. This intervention represents a novelty in the geriatric patients’ care, comprising IVR and/or ME dispensed within the patient’s room, and including patients who are commonly excluded from research clinical trials.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Navarra Clinical Research Ethics Committee on May 17th, 2023 (PI_2023/60). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT06340282, 24th May 2024.
The centrality of nursing in realizing high quality palliative care: Exploring Canada’s framework on palliative care priorities
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Thorne Sally , Wright David Kenneth , Banwell Michael
Published: November 2024

Background

Following an earlier mixed-method survey in which we asked stakeholders to report on their perceptions of the progress made in relation to Canada’s Framework on Palliative Care and Action Plan, the purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth qualitative exploration of the factors influencing that progress, or lack thereof.

Methods

This was a qualitative interview study conducted in Canada. Inclusion criteria included experience with palliative care in Canada in a professional or volunteer capacity. Interviews were conducted by telephone using an interview guide that asked specific questions in relation to the Framework on palliative care priorities (e.g., education, caregiver support, and equitable access). Data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.

Results

Thirty-five diverse stakeholders with extensive experience in palliative care were interviewed. In relation to palliative education, participants indicated that although there were excellent palliative care resources available across the country there was further need for embedding palliative care in undergraduate education and for mentored opportunities to engage in care across diverse contexts. The identification, development, and strategic positioning of champions was an important strategy for improving palliative care knowledge and capacity. The development of standard competencies was viewed as an important step forward; although, there was a need to include more members of the care-team and to create pathways for life-long learning. In relation to support for family caregivers, even as participants cited numerous community-based resources offered by not-for-profit organizations, they described significant barriers including a shortage of in-home support, lack of understanding of what caregivers do, and policy-based contractual and privacy issues. In relation to palliative care access, participants described a nurse-centered, consult-based, multi-site and multi-provider model of care that was facilitated by technology. Barriers to this model were systemic healthcare issues of siloed, fragmented, and for-profit care.

Conclusion

Participants in this study had clear insights into the factors that would support or impede progress to the development of palliative care in Canada. Some of those factors were achievable within current health and educational systems. Other factors were going to require longer term and more comprehensive solutions.
Exploring successes, barriers, and enablers in the one-year digital Healthy Weight Coaching
Authors: Joki Anu , Ahola Aila J. , Suojanen Laura U. , Pietiläinen Kirsi H.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Healthcare professionals’ perspectives are often overlooked in the evaluation of digital weight loss interventions. Thus, we examined how healthcare professionals perceive patient success in a one-year web-based weight management program, the Healthy Weight Coaching, aiming to identify key success factors and common challenges within the coaching process.

Methods

Thematic analysis was conducted on ten semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals from the Healthy Weight Coaching. Interviewees included individuals of both sexes, with an average age of 41 years, ranging from 10 months to 5 years of coaching experience, and treating 90 to 500 patients.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Positive progress during the Healthy Weight Coaching, (2) Factors facilitating success, and (3) Barriers hindering progress. The coaches noted significant positive changes among patients, including increased self-compassion, reduced weight-related stress, and a shift toward holistic well-being. Improvements in eating habits, physical activity, and vegetable consumption were observed, along with reductions in binge eating behaviors. Personal factors such as internal motivation and engagement with the program were crucial for success. Additionally, aspects of the Healthy Weight Coaching program, such as its individualized and supportive environment, flexible coaching approach, and the pivotal role of coaches, were seen as facilitators of success. Patients valued being treated equally and acceptingly and fostering trust and collaboration. However, challenges such as burdensome life situations, limited resources, and inadequate support posed significant barriers to progress. Unrealistic goals and societal pressures were also observed to hinder successful weight management efforts.

Conclusion

A comprehensive, individualized approach addressing resource limitations and societal norms can enhance long-term success in weight management programs like the Healthy Weight Coaching, ultimately promoting overall well-being.
Behavior of 1-octanol and biphasic 1-octanol/water droplets in a digital microfluidic system
Authors: Wagner Jan , Fiukowski Oliver , Nebesnyi Roman , Ingebrandt Sven , Pich Andrij , Schnakenberg Uwe
Published: November 2024

Digital microfluidic systems, based on the electrowetting-on-dielectric mechanism, allow the manipulation, dispensing, merging, splitting, and mixing of micro- to nanoliter droplets on hydrophobic surfaces by applying voltages to an array of planar electrodes. The manipulation of both a non-aqueous and an aqueous phase droplet in a single experiment has gained considerable interest. This study focuses on characterizing the dispensing and dosing of 1-octanol droplets, merging with a water droplet, and phase separation with minimal residue formation by shearing off the biphasic droplet at a tear-off edge of a hydrophilic well, using optimized actuation parameters. The volume of the 1-octanol droplet dispensed from an L-junction reservoir design increased with increasing dispensing speed. Dispensing can only occur within a certain reservoir volume range. Under identical conditions, 1-octanol droplets could be dispensed with volume variations of less than 0.55%, and manipulated at a maximum velocity of 5.6 mm/s when the frequency of the applied AC voltage was about 200 Hz. At the tear-off edge of the hydrophilic well, the 1-octanol residue on the water droplet was reduced to less than 0.15% of the original 1-octanol droplet volume. The results will be used for future applications, such as for the precise quantitative characterization of the reaction kinetics of complex parallel or sequential interfacial catalytic reactions, for the study of self-assembly processes or for liquid–liquid extractions at the 1-octanol–water interface.
“Fresh vs dry grafting in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty”
Authors: Parmar Bhagirathsinh D. , Joshi Krupal J. , Solanki Dharmendra
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic otitis media is a common middle ear disease that leads to varying degrees of hearing loss and otorrhoea. Tympanoplasty is a common surgery used for the reconstruction of sound conductive pathways in mucosal-type COM.

Aims

The study aims to compare the fresh and the dry grafting technique in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty amongst the patients of inactive mucosal type chronic otitis media.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to compare graft uptake rate, pre-op and post-op AB gap, residual hearing loss, and average graft epithelialization time between the fresh and the dry grafting technique in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 48 patients of COM inactive mucosal-type who underwent interlay type-1 tympanoplasty between July 2020 and March 2022.

Results

Out of 48 patients, in 23 patients, the fresh graft was used, while in the rest 25 patients, the dry graft was used. The overall (fresh + dry group) graft uptake rate at the end of three months was 97.9%. The graft uptake rate was 100% with the use of the fresh graft and 96% with the use of the dry graft. The pre-op average air-bone (AB) gap was 12.21 ± 4.23 dB in patients where the fresh graft was used and in patients where the dry graft was used. An overall pre-op average AB gap was 13.35 ± 3.81 dB. The average time for epithelialization was 24.43 ± 4.17 days with the use of the fresh graft and 49.75 ± 6.93 days with the use of the dry graft. It was also statistically significant with a P-value of 0.001.

Conclusions

The fresh graft in the interlay type-1 tympanoplasty shows higher graft uptake rates, reduced epithelialization time, and better hearing improvement compared to dry graft. However, different complication rates are similar with the use of both types of grafts.
Association of Limited Health Literacy With Frailty, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults With Cancer: The Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation Registry
Authors: Padamatinti Srihitha , Fowler Mackenzie E. , Stephenson Coryn , Dai Chen , Giri Smith , Outlaw Darryl , Hollis Robert , Williams Grant R.
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

Limited health literacy—ability to obtain, process, and understand health information—can hinder communication, access to medical treatment, and identification and management of comorbidities. Older adults have high rates of poor health literacy, but its role in aging-related outcomes among older adults with cancer is understudied.

METHODS

We included 876 older adults age 60 years and older with cancer from the Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation Registry completing self-reported geriatric assessment, including health literacy, at first visit to medical oncology. The exposure was limited health literacy. Outcomes were frailty, physical/mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and health care utilization. We used modified Poisson regression to examine the association of exposure on outcomes adjusting for age, race-ethnicity, sex, and cancer type/stage.

RESULTS

Median age at enrollment was 68; 57.8% were male; 20.2% were non-Hispanic Black. The most prevalent cancers were advanced-stage (46.8% stage IV) colorectal (26.9%) and pancreatic (19.0%). Those with limited health literacy were older (70
v
68 years;
P
< .001), male (63.0%
v
55.1%;
P =
.026), non-Hispanic Black (28.8%
v
16.1%;
P
< .001), ≤high school educated (62.3%
v
28.1%;
P
< .001), and retired/disabled (86.3%
v
71.2%;
P
< .001). In multivariable analysis, limited health literacy was associated with higher prevalence of frailty (prevalence ratio [PR], 2.64 [95% CI, 2.15 to 3.26]), impaired physical (PR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.59 to 2.27]) and mental (PR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.76 to 2.47]) HRQOL, and hospitalization in the last year (PR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10 to 1.48]) versus adequate health literacy.

CONCLUSION

Older adults with cancer and limited health literacy had higher adjusted prevalence of frailty, impaired physical and mental HRQOL, and recent hospitalization. Interventions to address limited health literacy should be explored in this vulnerable and growing cancer population.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurement by Ultrasonography for Noninvasive Estimation of Intracranial Hypertension in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Uparela-Reyes Maria José , Ordoñez-Cure Sebastian , Moreno-Drada Johana , Villegas-Trujillo Lina María , Escobar-Vidarte Oscar Andrés
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Intracranial hypertension (IH) is associated with an unfavorable outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI), and management strategies guided by intracranial pressure monitoring improve prognosis. Owing to the limitations of using invasive devices, measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) by ultrasonography is an alternative noninvasive method. However, its accuracy has not been validated in patients with TBI, so we aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of measuring ONSD by ultrasonography in patients with TBI to estimate IH, compared with invasive monitoring.

METHODS:

Systematic review of electronic databases and manual literature review from inception to June 2023. The analysis included diagnostic accuracy studies of ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD compared with invasive monitoring published in any language and with patients of any age. A qualitative synthesis was performed describing the clinical and methodological characteristics, strengths, limitations, and quality of evidence. In addition, a bivariate random effects model meta-analysis and a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics model were performed for the pediatric and adult population separately.

RESULTS:

Five hundred and forty eight patients of 688 in 16 eligible studies were adults and 120 were children. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of ONSD measurement by ultrasonography were 84% (95% CI, 76%-89%) and 83% (95% CI, 73%-90%), respectively. During the sensitivity analysis, these parameters exhibited consistent values. Pooled area under the curve was 0.91 for adults and 0.76 for children. Optimal threshold for estimating IH was 5.76 mm for adults and 5.78 mm for children.

CONCLUSION:

Measurement of ONSD by ultrasonography is a reliable, low-cost, and safe alternative for the estimation of IH with TBI in adults. More robust studies are needed to overcome the high risk of bias and heterogeneity for this analysis.
Two dynamic N-terminal regions are required for function in ribosomal RNA adenine dimethylase family members
Authors: McGaha Danielle A. , Collins Alexandrea , Ajisafe Luqman O. , Perdigao Calvin C. , Bondrowski Jordan L. , Fetsch Karen , Dunkle Jack A.
Published: November 2024

Prominent members of the ribosomal RNA adenine dimethylase (RRAD) family of enzymes facilitate ribosome maturation by dimethylating 2 nt of small subunit rRNA, including the human DIMT1 and bacterial KsgA enzymes. A subgroup of RRAD enzymes, named erythromycin resistance methyltransferases (Erm), dimethylate a specific nucleotide in large subunit rRNA to confer antibiotic resistance. How these enzymes regulate methylation so that it only occurs on the specific substrate is not fully understood. While performing random mutagenesis on the catalytic domain of ErmE, we discovered that mutants in an N-terminal region of the protein that is disordered in the ErmE crystal structure are associated with a loss of antibiotic resistance. By subjecting site-directed mutants of ErmE and KsgA to phenotypic and in vitro assays, we found that the N-terminal region is critical for activity in RRAD enzymes: The N-terminal basic region promotes rRNA binding, and the conserved motif likely assists in juxtaposing the adenosine substrate and theS-adenosylmethionine cofactor. Our results and emerging structural data suggest that this dynamic, N-terminal region of RRAD enzymes becomes ordered upon rRNA binding, forming a cap on the active site required for methylation.
Σχεδιασμός και ανάπτυξη μαθησιακών εμπειριών επαυξημένης πραγματικότητας στη σχολική εκπαίδευση για την παιγνιώδη επικοινωνία και την κατανόηση θεμελιωδών εννοιών και φαινομένων φυσικής
Authors: Τομαρά Παναγιώτα-Μαρίνα
Published: November 2024

Σε μία εποχή που το σχολείο δυσκολεύεται όλο και περισσότερο να ευθυγραμμιστεί με τα ενδιαφέροντα των μαθητών και τους νέους τρόπους πρόσληψης πληροφοριών είναι φανερή η ανάγκη αναζήτησης διαδικασιών που θα είναι ικανές να εμπλέξουν τους μαθητές στη μαθησιακή διαδικασία, δίνοντας κίνητρα μάθησης και νοηματοδοτώντας τελικά την δόμηση νέας γνώσης. Από την άλλη μεριά, η τεχνολογία επινοεί συνεχώς νέους τρόπους επικοινωνίας της πληροφορίας και της γνώσης. Ειδικότερα, οι έξυπνες φορητές συσκευές διαθέτουν πλέον αρκετές ιδιότητες που τις καταστούν δυνητικά ικανές να επεκτείνουν σημαντικά τα πλαίσια μέσα στα οποία συντελείται η μάθηση. Σήμερα, η πρακτική που σχετίζεται με την μάθηση μέσω κινητών συσκευών (mobile learning) κινείται ολοένα και περισσότερο προς συστήματα Επαυξημένης Πραγματικότητας (Augmented Reality). Ειδικότερα σε σχέση με τη διδασκαλία των Φυσικών Επιστημών, ένας σημαντικός αριθμός ερευνών έχουν ήδη αναδείξει σημαντικές αξίες που απορρέουν από την αξιοποίησή της. Η παρούσα διατριβή αφορά στο σχεδιασμό και την ανάπτυξη ενός αριθμού ψηφιακών μαθησιακών εφαρμογών οι οποίες αξιοποιούν την τεχνολογία Επαυξημένης Πραγματικότητας με χρήση έξυπνων κινητών συσκευών για να διδάξουν με παιγνιώδη τρόπο θεμελιώδεις έννοιες της Φυσικής. Οι εφαρμογές αυτές υλοποιούν ουσιαστικά τρισδιάστατα περιβάλλοντα κατάλληλα για συνεργατική, διερευνητική μάθηση μέσα στη σχολική τάξη. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διατριβής, με βάση τα παραπάνω περιβάλλοντα ΕΠ σχεδιάστηκαν και οργανώθηκαν κατάλληλες μαθησιακές εμπειρίες οι οποίες ενσωματώθηκαν στη σχολική διδασκαλία της Φυσικής. Τέλος, επιχειρήθηκε μια εμπειρική έρευνα με στόχο να διερευνηθεί η στάση των μαθητών απέναντι στον προτεινόμενο τρόπο μάθησης και ο βαθμό εμπλοκής και κινητοποίησης τους στη μαθησιακή διαδικασία, αξιοποιώντας τις παραπάνω μαθησιακές εμπειρίες. Βασική προϋπόθεση κατά τον σχεδιασμό των μαθησιακών περιβαλλόντων Επαυξημένης Πραγματικότητας ήταν να είναι εφικτή η ενσωμάτωση τους στη σχολική διδασκαλία με χρήση φθηνού, τοπικά διαθέσιμου εξοπλισμού χωρίς να δαπανάται πολύτιμος διδακτικός χρόνος. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας ήταν ιδιαίτερα ενθαρρυντικά, αφού έδειξαν ότι η παρούσα διδακτική προσέγγιση ευθυγραμμίζεται με τα ενδιαφέροντα και τους σύγχρονους τρόπους πρόσληψης πληροφοριών από τους μαθητές και μπορεί να αποτελέσει ισχυρό κίνητρο για την εμπλοκή τους στη μαθησιακή διαδικασία. Κάτω από αυτό το πρίσμα, διαφαίνεται ότι ο συγκεκριμένος τρόπος μάθησης εισάγει μια νέα προοπτική στη διαδικασία δόμησης της επιστημονικής γνώσης στο πλαίσιο της σχολικής εκπαίδευσης, για το μάθημα της Φυσικής.
Quantitative cytotoxicity analysis of antibacterial Janus nanoparticles in immune and cancer cells
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Peck Matthew , Richman Hunter , Bhattacharyya Swagata , Yu Yan
Published: November 2024

Background Nanoparticles (NPs) hold promise as alternatives to antibiotics in the fight against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. However, concerns about their cytotoxicity, particularly their effects on mammalian cells, must be thoroughly addressed to ensure therapeutic safety. Amphiphilic Janus NPs, which have segregated hydrophobic and polycationic ligands on two hemispheres, have previously been shown to exhibit potent antibacterial activity. Methods In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of amphiphilic Janus NPs in immune and cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to assess the effects of Janus NPs on cell viability and membrane integrity, with a particular focus on how internalization of the nanoparticles influenced cellular responses. Results The results revealed that both immune and cancer cells exhibited negligible cytotoxic effects when exposed to Janus NPs. However, phagocytic immune cells demonstrated greater susceptibility to membrane damage and viability loss, suggesting that internalization plays a significant role in nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity. Conclusions Amphiphilic Janus NPs show great potential as highly effective antibacterial agents with minimal cytotoxicity. While immune cells may be more vulnerable to nanoparticle-induced damage due to their internalization capacity, these findings support the further investigation of Janus NPs for clinical applications.
The genome sequence of a cranefly, Nephrotoma guestfalica (Westhoff, 1879)
Authors: Januszczak Inez , Stubbs Alan ,   Natural History Museum 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: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Nephrotoma guestfalica (a cranefly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tipulidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 916.00 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.17%) is scaffolded into 4 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.18 kilobases in length.
Case Report: Multi drug resistant tuberculosis in an 18-month-old boy with seizure, vomiting, and loss of vision
Authors: Deo Mukund Kumar , Rayamajhi Amod , Baniya Bimala , Bhattarai Susan , Upadhyay Sristi , Shrestha Sanjeet Kumar , Basnyat Buddha , Rayamajhi Ajit
Published: November 2024

Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in children is rare and requires tremendous skill and knowledge of clinicians for early detection and treatment. This case highlights the complexities in diagnosing and treating MDR-TB in young children. An 18-month-old immunocompetent boy presented with prolonged fever, sudden onset of vision loss, vomiting, and seizures, which led to a suspicion of meningitis. Given his family history of treated pulmonary TB (TB) in the father and uncle one year ago, the initial treatment followed the Nepali national protocol for non-MDR tuberculous meningitis (TBM). However, the child's lack of response to this treatment raised concerns about MDR-TB, particularly after discovering on close questioning that the uncle, who lived with the boy’s family, had actually been diagnosed with MDR-TB. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular tests of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and customized treatment for MDR TBM administered. The boy then slowly improved and became less irritable, afebrile, seizure-free, developed spontaneous movements of all four limbs, and was discharged after one month. Delays in suspicion, confirmation, and treatment of MDR TBM led to complications of leptomeningitis with non-communicating hydrocephalus and bilateral optic atrophy, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. This case highlights the importance of taking a very thorough and proper history and considering the possibility of MDR, especially in countries like Nepal where TB in general is rampant so that timely diagnosis and treatment is possible and complications are avoided.
Para, mieszkanie, małżeństwo. Dynamika związków intymnych na tle przemian historycznych i współczesnych dyskusji o procesach indywidualizacji
Authors: Schmidt Filip
Published: November 2024

Jaką rolę w związkach intymnych pełnią dziś moment rozpoczęcia relacji, zamieszkania razem oraz ślubu, a jaką pełniły dawniej? W jakim stopniu koncepcja miłości romantycznej opisuje doświadczenia współczesnych par? Czy trafne są tezy mówiące o indywidualizacji, kryzysie rodziny lub rosnącej popularności życia w pojedynkę? Cel tej pracy to analiza przemian charakteru związków intymnych w kontekście ogólnych trendów obecnych w kulturze europejskiej ostatnich stuleci, ze zwróceniem szczególnej uwagi na relację między życiem intymnym a formami zamieszkiwania. Punktem wyjścia jest problematyzacja uproszczeń towarzyszących nieraz myśleniu o przemianach intymności, takich jak wyobrażenie przeszłości jako ery licznej i wielopokoleniowej rodziny, miłości – jako zjawiska kulturowo niezmiennego, czy współczesności – jako epoki ludzi niezdolnych do tworzenia bliskich relacji, żyjących w świecie pozbawionym kulturowych wzorów. Zarówno przeszłość, jak i współczesność pary intymnej jak znacznie bardziej wielowątkowa, dynamiczna i pełna napięć oraz zawsze uwikłana w różne formy uspołecznienia, a książka dokumentuje to na trzy sposoby. Pierwszy to analiza zmieniających się historycznie relacji między miłością, mieszkaniem razem, małżeństwem i rodziną – z naciskiem na kontekst Polski – oparta na teoria przemiany więzi społecznych oraz bogatych danych z prac historyków i socjologów. Drugi to analiza badań intymności prowadzonych współcześnie, dotyczących zwłaszcza trwałości związków, rosnącej liczby singli i upowszechniania się ko habitacji, a także pułapek związanych z ich projektowaniem i interpretowaniem. Trzeci to wnioski z badań autora przeprowadzonych w Polsce, od sondażowych po pogłębioną eksplorację historii dwudziestu par młodych ludzi.
Renewing Organizational Culture, One Conversation at a Time
Authors: Molinaro Michael
Published: November 2024

A newly appointed CEO sought to renew her company’s culture to focus on innovation, decentralized decision-making and faster product delivery. Company leadership engaged in a series of dialogues to align culture with strategy by embedding Appreciative Inquiry into well-understood existing group practices. By focusing on strengths and leaning into its highly affiliative and collaborative culture, the company developed actionable strategies and established cultural momentum for embracing change as part of its forward-looking identity.
AI, Visualization and Leadership: A Nexus for Deeper Impact
Authors: Greenbaum Jill , Hoover Kristine F.
Published: November 2024

Visualizing Meaning and Purpose, an innovative experiential course, blends Appreciative Inquiry, visual thinking and leadership. Our unique design, created by a visual practitioner and leadership faculty member, empowered students to apply their learning directly to real-life leadership challenges. We invite you to get a glimpse of the course and its impact, and ask yourself: How might visualization amplify and deepen my impact as an AI practitioner and leader?
Flourishing Together in Relationship
Authors: Subirana Miriam
Published: November 2024

We have such immense potential as human beings. We can flourish and shine beyond our imagination. Appreciative Inquiry provides us a way to flourish together by listening deeply inwards and outwards, by allowing our inner voice to guide us and by focusing on what is life giving and we want to see growing. In this article I provide some experiences of flourishing together through small summits with couples and my own experience.
Pedagogía de los enfermos. Las campañas del Estado argentino contra las enfermedades venéreas en la década de 1930
Authors: Biernat Carolina
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de este capítulo es analizar la acción pedagógica de la repartición sanitaria nacional argentina durante la década de 1930 para prevenir la transmisión de los males venéreos. Nos enfocamos especialmente en el estudio de un dispositivo, las campañas públicas de información a través de afiches. Con ella se pretendió, por un lado, apelar a un sujeto “ideal” que implicaba una ciudadanía sexualmente masculina y que debía comprometerse de forma responsable con el futuro de la nación y, por otro, instruir acerca de los riesgos sociales e individuales de la enfermedad y de las posibilidades de su prevención y/o cura. En esta operación de construcción cultural de los enfermos y de la enfermedad por parte de la agencia sanitaria se combinaron representaciones y metáforas que modularon no solo la política de profilaxis venérea y sus alcances, sino también los imaginarios disponibles con los que los sujetos organizaron su experiencia contingente de enfermar.
¿Estado proxeneta o visita conyugal eugénica? Sexo en la cárcel: un debate latinoamericano en la década de 1930
Authors: Sánchez Delgado Marcelo , Palacios Laval Cristián
Published: November 2024

Inicialmente, este capítulo da cuenta de algunos antecedentes de esa primera etapa represiva de la sexualidad de los penados con el fin de caracterizar y exponer algunos rasgos de su pesimismo biológico y social, lo que permitirá percibir las dinámicas de cambio y continuidad de la segunda etapa. Luego avanza hacia el debate médico, jurídico y criminológico que surge del nuevo acercamiento permisivo de la década de 1930, analizando un corpus de trabajos, artículos y libros en los que se proponen medidas concretas para administrar la sexualidad de los penados combinando elementos de control eugénico con propuestas en pro de la actividad sexual de los penados y en los que se puede rastrear tanto la influencia de la endocrinología como del psicoanálisis.
Stabilization responses of an infinite porous flow channel containing ferrofluids
Authors: Alrashidi Azizah , Alkharashi Sameh A.
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the effect of a magnetic field on the stability of two interfacial waves propagating between three infinite layers of viscous fluids. The flow propagates saturated in porous media so that liquids have distinct physical properties and are immiscible. The principal purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the porosity outcome and fluid viscosity on the growth rate in the existence of a magnetic field. In the horizontal axis direction. Fluid stability results from the amplitude of the waves and the extent to which they are affected by the interference between magnetic features and the effect of the media's porosity. The stability conditions are realized theoretically in which stability diagrams are achieved. The influence of the various quantities of the problem on the interface stability is thoroughly evaluated.
Mimicking aneurysm in a patient with chronic occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery
Authors: Wang Xue-Jian
Published: November 2024

The chronic occlusion of intracranial arteries generally has no or mild clinical symptoms, and the clinical symptoms of acute cerebral artery occlusion are mostly manifested as severe cerebral infarction symptoms, which often make early diagnosis difficult, thus losing the best treatment opportunity. Once cerebral infarction occurs, the consequences are difficult to recover. This is also an important reason for the high misdiagnosis rate and mortality of this disease. In this paper, the characteristics of the disease were analyzed to provide clinical reference.
ANÁLISE BIBLIOMÉTRICA DA APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO DUPONT NAS PESQUISAS INTERNACIONAIS DE 1981 A 2022
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique César Melo
Published: November 2024

O Modelo DuPont é considerado uma maneira de organizar e investigar os números contábeis divulgados nos relatórios financeiros de uma empresa, buscando verificar e analisar o seu desempenho, assim sendo, é importante estudá-lo no âmbito científico. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as características e a conduta da produção científica e da estrutura das redes sociais do Modelo DuPont na literatura científica internacional. Em relação a metodologia, utilizou-se das técnicas de análise bibliométrica e sociométrica, alicerçada pela pesquisa documental em 29 estudos identificados, mediante a base de dados internacional EBSCO, de 1981 a 2022. O principal achado foi de qye apesar do tema investigado se encontrar nascente na academia, ele tem uma tendência de crescimento. As instituições mais prolíferas foram: ASE Bucuresti, Louisiana State University e УНСС. Os periódicos científicos mais relevantes foram: Audit Financiar e IDES. As palavras-chave mais centrais foram: Roe, Dupont model, Dupont system, Profit margins, Equity, Company's performance, Capital structure, Profitability, Profit, Roa e Analysis. Logo, esta pesquisa, ao evidenciar o estado da arte da produção científica das pesquisas sobre o tema Modelo DuPont sob a perspectiva da estrutura e da formação das redes sociais, contribui para alavancar seu conhecimento, sua importância e maturidade na literatura acadêmica internacional.
FINANÇAS SUSTENTÁVEIS NO CONTEXTO DOS OBJETIVOS DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL (ODS): UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Bazani Camila Lima , Ferreira Giselle Fernandes , De Carli Ananda Silva Singh , Borsatto Jaluza Maria Lima Silva , Araújo Aracy Alves
Published: November 2024

O objetivo desta pesquisa é realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura acerca das finanças sustentáveis no contexto dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) a partir do Acordo de Paris. Foram analisados 100 artigos científicos das bases Scopus e Web of Science por meio do pacote Bibliometrix da linguagem R. A pesquisa verifica a integração entre temas emergentes que, de acordo com a literatura se encontra ainda de modo disperso. Identificou-se um aumento no interesse pela temática em estudo, embora ainda tenha sido confirmado não haver um termo exato para tratar de finanças sustentáveis. Termos correlacionados e essenciais para compreensão da conjuntura também foram identificados. Em suma, os artigos analisados exploram as finanças sustentáveis para diferentes contextos e apresentam a transição para essas finanças como uma forma de ferramenta para o alcance dos ODS. Lacunas foram identificadas, como a necessidade de aprofundamento dos incentivos políticos, além dos instrumentos financeiros necessários.
SISTEMAS DE CONTROLE DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS À LUZ DO MARCO REGULATÓRIO DO SETOR: ESTUDO DE CASO A PARTIR DO CONDECA/SP
Authors: Sobral Ricardo Miguel , Costa André Lucirton
Published: November 2024

O artigo descreve os preceitos fixados no Marco Regulatório das Organizações da Sociedade Civil (Lei 13.019/2014) e a respectiva concretização em uma ferramenta gerencial para acompanhamento e gerenciamento de uma política púbica executada por Organizações da Sociedade Civil (OSCs), a partir do caso concreto efetivado junto ao Conselho Estadual da Criança e do Adolescente do estado de São Paulo. Para tal, a partir dos relatórios de pesquisa decorrentes do projeto, foram analisados a fase de implementação do sistema, o mapeamento dos processos e as diversas etapas do projeto, discutindo, sobretudo, os desafios de uma implementação com amplitude estadual envolvendo diferentes culturas organizacionais e diversas instituições. Os resultados foram a formação de equipes especializadas para coordenação e trabalho em campo, processo de mapeamento de processo longo e com diversos atores de segmentos e com demandas diferentes, a necessidade de capacitação por meio de tutoriais para as OSCs e criação de portal da transparência.
EFEITOS DO AMBIENTE POLÍTICO-ELEITORAL E INSTITUCIONAL NO COMPORTAMENTO FISCAL: AS ESTRATÉGIAS EMPÍRICAS IMPORTAM? UMA ANÁLISE POR META-REGRESSÃO
Authors: Almeida Wallace Da Silva , Saiani Carlos Cesar Santejo
Published: November 2024

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar se opções empíricas influenciam os resultados de trabalhos econométricos que investigam efeitos do ambiente político-eleitoral e institucional no comportamento fiscal dos governantes. A fim de viabilizar o alcance do objetivo, efetuou-se uma revisão da literatura com uso de um procedimento metodológico sistemático em que é averiguado se as diferentes estratégias empíricas de trabalhos da temática afetam as heterogeneidades de seus resultados. Para isso, emprega-se a Análise de Meta-Regressão com regressões por Mínimos Quadrados Ponderados e Probit Ordenado. As evidências sinalizaram que as significâncias estatísticas dos efeitos estimados dependem dos atributos específicos dos modelos. Além disso, ideologia, competição e sistema político-eleitoral tendem a influenciar negativamente os t-valores dos modelos com indicadores fiscais como dependentes. Assim, considerar essas variáveis aumenta a probabilidade de um efeito restritivo significativo no comportamento fiscal. Portanto, as opções empíricas afetam os efeitos estimados de fatores político-eleitorais e institucionais no comportamento fiscal.