bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Silico Comparison of Thermal Microwave Ablation Therapy for Segmental Microcalcifications in Homogenous and Heterogenous Breast Tissue Models
Authors: García Eduardo Pinto , Rubio Mario Francisco Jesús Cepeda , López Geshel David Guerrero , Félix Kristian Segura , Jaquez José Irving Hernández , García Francisco Flores , Hernández Arturo Vera , Salas Lorenzo Leija
Published: November 2023

Among women across the world, breast cancer is the number one cause of death since 2020. Some of the main treatments against this affection represent severe physiological and aesthetic adverse effects. To reduce these side effects, many minimally invasive treatments have been researched. One of these many techniques is ablation therapy by emission of electromagnetic waves, chemical or cryogenic means. This work aims to compare the computational modelling of microwave ablation therapy in heterogeneous (volume of tissue driven) and homogeneous (density of tissue driven) breasts that present segmental microcalcifications. The main objective is to compare the differences between thermal, reflection parameters and power reflection between the two model simulations. For the application of microwave radiation, a coaxial dual-slot antenna model, at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz, and 12 W of input power was used. The simulations of each homogeneous model yielded a power reflection below 17% and reached the desired 50°C ablation temperatures below 250s therapy time. Specifically, the Low-Density model got an SWR of 1.78, a -11.023 dB S11and a power reflection of 7.913%. The heterogenous model simulations got a power reflection above 18% and reached the desired 50°C ablation temperatures below 250s therapy time. Where each desired parameter yielded closed results, being the best the High-Density model with respect to a SWR of 2.4897, and 18.223% of reflected power. The data shows that it is best to consider the variation in dielectric properties of a homogenous breast model rather than the segmentation of the tissues. Therefore, more research is required for the optimization of the antenna for each homogenous breast density considering other malignant tissues.
Socioeconomic position, family context, and child cognitive development
Authors: González Llúcia , Popovic Maja , Rebagliato Marisa , Estarlich Marisa , Moirano Giovenale , Barreto-Zarza Florencia , Richiardi Lorenzo , Arranz Enrique , Santa-Marina Loreto , Zugna Daniela , Ibarluzea Jesús , Pizzi Costanza
Published: November 2023

Background
Socioeconomic position (SEP) may have different effects on cognitive development and family context could play a role in this association. This work aimed to analyse the role of socioeconomic positions, measured via various indicators collected longitudinally, in cognitive development at 7–11 years of age, evaluating the role of family context as a potential mediator.
Method
The study sample included 394 and 382 children from the INMA Gipuzkoa and Valencia cohorts, respectively. SEP indicators were assessed during pregnancy (family social class, parental education, employment, and disposable income) and at 7 (Gipuzkoa) and 11 (Valencia) years of age (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE)). Family context and cognitive development were measured with the Haezi-Etxadi Family Assessment Scale 7–11 (HEFAS 7–11) and Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (Raven’s CPM), respectively. Linear regression models were developed to assess the relationships between a) SEP-family context, b) SEP-cognitive development, and c) family context-cognitive development, adjusting for a priori-selected confounders. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were performed to explore the role of family context in the SEP-cognitive development relationship.
Results
Lower SEP was related with a lower cognitive score, this association being particularly robust for family social class. SEP indicators were related to subscales of family context, in particular those regarding cognitive stimulation, parental stress, and parenting. A relationship was also found between these three subscales and child cognitive development, mediating the effect of family social class on child cognition by 5.2, 5.5, and 10.8%, respectively, and 12.0% jointly.
Conclusions
Both family SEP and context contribute to a child’s cognitive development. Equalising policies and positive parenting programmes could contribute to improving cognitive development in children.
Data-Driven Queueing Science Approach to Manage Secondary Queue Formation of Passenger Flow in Indian Railways: A Case of Overbooking on Vaishali Train
Authors: QASIM S M , Farooquie Jamal A
Published: November 2023

Overbooking has been far and wide embraced to save any system from being idle. Rarely does the literature focuses on the unique queue formation nomenclatures as secondary queue due to overbooking. In this background, deciding the buffer capacity in the secondary queue is a major concern. The hypothetical design of a buffer often leads to wrong decision-making. In this paper, we take a real data-driven approach to explore the passenger flow through the lens of a queueing scientist. The means is to perform the statistical analysis using stationarity (Augmented Dickey-Fuller test), independence (Pearson's correlation) and distribution fitting for the data to validate the queueing system of Advanced Passenger Reservation. Further, what are the unique features of this queueing system in terms of its system primitives, key performance measures, and buffer capacity have been evaluated. What-if analysis has been explored for the different buffer capacities, and operational policy has been suggested for the passenger flow based on different scenarios. Our results show that Inter arrival and service time must be governed by a combination of N and F policies of queueing with suitable channels (servers) to quantify the overbooking.
A Synthetic Cytotoxic T cell Platform for Rapidly Prototyping TCR Function
Authors: Sharma Govinda , Round James , Teng Fei , Ali Zahra , May Chris , Yung Eric , Holt Robert A.
Published: November 2023

Current tools for functionally profiling T cell receptors with respect to cytotoxic potency and cross-reactivity are hampered by difficulties in establishing model systems to test these proteins in the contexts of different HLA alleles and against broad arrays of potential antigens. We have implemented and validated a granzyme-activatable sensor of T cell cytotoxicity in a novel universal prototyping platform which enables facile recombinant expression of any combination of TCR-, peptide-, and class I MHC-coding sequences and direct assessment of resultant responses. This system consists of an engineered cell platform based on the immortalized natural killer cell line, YT-Indy, and the MHC-null antigen-presenting cell line, K562. These cells were engineered using contemporary gene-editing techniques to furnish the YT-Indy/K562 pair with appropriate protein domains required for recombinant TCR expression and function in a non-T cell chassis, integrate a fluorescence-based target-centric early detection reporter of cytotoxic function, and deploy a set of protective genetic interventions designed to preserve antigen-presenting cells for subsequent capture and downstream characterization. Our data show successful reconstitution of the surface TCR complex in the YT-Indy cell line at biologically relevant levels. We also demonstrate successful induction and highly sensitive detection of antigen-specific response in multiple distinct model TCRs, with significant responses (p < 0.05 and Cohen’s d > 1.9) in all cases. Additionally, we monitored destruction of targets in co-culture and found that our survival-optimized system allowed for complete preservation after 24-hour exposure to cytotoxic effectors. With this bioplatform, we anticipate investigators will be empowered to rapidly express and characterize T cell receptor responses, generate new knowledge regarding the patterns of T cell receptor recognition, and optimize novel therapeutic T cell receptors for improved cytotoxic potential and reduced cross-reactivity to undesired antigenic targets.
What Explains Recent Trends in Income Inequality in the European Union?
Authors: Filauro Stefano , Parolin Zachary , Valetto Pietro
Published: November 2023

We investigate trends in income inequality in the European Union (EU) from 2007 to 2019. Using EU-SILC data, we find that EU-wide inequality declined between 9% and 20%, depending on the inequality measure applied, despite rising within-country income inequality during the same time period. Applying a series of decomposition techniques, we find that between-country convergence in pre-tax/transfer incomes fully explains the declining EU-wide inequality. Changes in tax and transfer systems, in contrast, contributed to marginally higher inequality in 2019 compared to 2007. Nonetheless, the 10th percentile of the EU-wide income distribution grew six times the rate of the 90th percentile, a product of widespread earnings gains among residents of lower-income EU Member States. Re-centered influence functions and Kitigawa-Oaxaca-Blinder analyses reveal that those earnings gains are not due to specific compositional or employment changes but rather are due to rising earnings returns to employment in lower-income Member States. Despite the contribution of between-country income convergence in reducing EU-wide inequality between 2007 and 2019, however, within-country income disparities continue to explain the larger share of EU-wide inequality levels in 2019. Thus, reducing within-country economic disparities is increasingly important for achieving further reductions in EU-wide inequality moving forward.
Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of adult-onset glutaric aciduria type 1: report of two cases and a literature review
Authors: Li Jieyu , Xie Zhiying , Zhu Ying , Chen Jing , Zhao Yawen , Yuan Yun , Huang Yining , Yang Yanling , Wang Zhaoxia , Chen Jing , Wei Luhua
Published: November 2023

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by GCDH variations. GA-1 is a rare disease that typically manifests in infancy and early childhood, with adult-onset cases being even rarer. Currently, data on the clinical and genetic characteristics of adult-onset GA-1 remains limited. We hereby reported two new cases of adult-onset GA-1 and systematically summarized reported studies to investigate its genotypic and phenotypic features. Patient 1 presented with seizures as the onset symptom. Patient 2 exhibited recurrent stroke-like episodes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed subependymal lesions. Urine organic acid analyses were performed since both patients had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and found significantly elevated glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. Genetic analysis further identified four missense variants in the GCDH gene (c.937C > T, c.383G > A, c.533G > A, c.1205G > A). A literature review found seven cases and 12 variants in adult-onset GA-1. Most of them showed nonspecific neurological manifestations. The most common symptoms were cognitive impairment and headache. Subependymal lesions have been reported in 5/7 cases. One of them also had HHcy. All adult-onset GA-1 cases were high excretors. A common feature of the 12 variants was that they spared the binding site of flavin adenine dinucleotide or 4-nitrobutyryl-CoA. This study characterized the phenotype of adult-onset GA-1 emphasizing subependymal lesions and the coexistence of HHcy. The latter might suggest the influence of environmental factors on the age of onset. No clear phenotype-genotype correlation was found. However, the variants in adult-onset GA-1 mainly affect the non-active binding regions.
A general equilibrium model with real exchange rates
Authors: Tariffi Leonardo
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I revisit the Balassa-Samuelson effect. I explain that the behaviour of the real exchange rate shows structural breaks only in the short term. I also explain that any change in a currency’s price in terms of another currency in real terms is transitory in the very long run, thereby disappearing after a certain period of time. I first write a partial equilibrium model “á la Rogoff” where there are relative prices of non-tradable goods in terms of tradables goods in the supply side. Secondly, I obtain a general equilibrium model after I add a utility function to the partial-equilibrium model. In the general equilibrium model, I find that any price's change in non-tradables goods will be compensated by either way a price´s change in tradables goods or changes in the nominal exchange rate. The mathematical mechanism behind the general equilibrium model shows a stationary state in the real exchange rate considering not only non-tradables goods but also tradables goods either in the domestic market and the foreign market. Therefore, the real exchange rate is constant over the time in the long run.
JEL Classification F31, F41
Living Kombucha Electronics with Proteinoids
Authors: Nikolaidou Anna , Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: November 2023

The work introduces a composite material that combines Kombucha cellulose mats with synthetic thermal proteinoids to create electroactive biofilms, capable for sensing and computation. The synthesis of proteinoids involves heating amino acid mixtures, which leads to the formation of proto–cell structures capable of biological electrical signalling. We demonstrate that these hybrid biofilms exhibit adjustable memristive and memfractance properties, which can be utilised for unconventional computing tasks. The potential applications of living biofilms extend beyond neural interfaces, encompassing bioinspired robotics, smart wearables, adaptive biorobotic systems, and other technologies that rely on dynamic bioelectronic materials. The composite films offer a wide range of options for synthesis and performance customisation. Current research is dedicated to customising the composition, nanostructure, and integration of proteinoids in hybrid circuits to achieve specific electronic functionalities. Overall, these cross–kingdom biofilms are an intriguing category of materials that combine the unique properties of biological organisms and smart polymers. The Kombucha–proteinoid composites are a significant step forward in the development of future technologies that bridge the gap between living and artificial life systems. These composites have the remarkable ability to support cellular systems and demonstrate adaptive bioelectronic behaviour.
Filtering out redundant sites to alleviate the p>>n problem in genomic selection
Authors: Xie Zhengchao , Xu Xiaogang , Ma Yinxing , Wang Jun , Wu Cuiling , Wei Sidi , He Jingjing , Feng Xianzhong , Li Nannan
Published: November 2023

A significant problem in genomic selection (GS) is that the number of SNPs is far greater than the number of samples. Eliminating redundant SNP sites is one way to improve the GS model. This paper introduces pairwise squared allele-frequency correlation to evaluate the correlation strength between sites. One of the two sites is randomly removed if the correlation strength exceeds a threshold. Through haplotype analysis, many strongly correlated SNP sites exist in rice, sunflower, and maize. By filtering out 50% of the SNPs through pairwise squared allele-frequency correlation, the prediction accuracy of the GS model does not decrease or even increase slightly. Meanwhile, the training time of the GS model is reduced by half. Through the filtering site method introduced in this paper, the training time of the maize GS model is steadily reduced in six environments. Calculating only the correlation strength between sites on the same chromosome can significantly reduce computational resources, making this method of filtering sites practical. Parallel computing can further reduce the computing time.
Comparison of the conservation of medium and large-sized mammals in a national park and military area
Authors: Kim Mihyeon , Kim Hyo Gyeom , Hong Sungwon
Published: November 2023

National parks (NP) and military areas (MA) preserve natural ecosystems. Although both regions have positive and negative effects on animal communities, studies comparing their impacts on conservation are limited. We monitored mammalian communities using 21 sensor cameras in a MA (6 sites) and NP (15 sites) located on Gyeryongsan Mountain, South Korea from May to November 2021 to compare the conservation of medium and large-sized mammals between the two regions. Forty-one environmental variables, including anthropogenic and geographical factors, were extracted from different spatial ranges (50, 500, and 1000 m). A linear model and non-metric multidimensional scaling were used to identify the factors influencing community diversity. We also analyzed species habitat type preferences using a multispecies occupancy model and compared temporal activities in the two regions. Species diversity was similar between the two sites, with most animals preferring habitats with lower slopes located at greater distances from human trails. Only the Korean hare (Lepus coreanus) preferred the NP habitat of the eight species found. Active periods were similar for the species in both regions, except for differences in some carnivore species. Although not all species were affected by human activity, most preferred the MA over the NP. The carnivores were especially able to flexibly alter their active periods and locations in response to human activities, especially in the NP where human activity was more prevalent. Thus, strategies should be implemented to improve NP conservation success, such as spatial and temporal accessible and inaccessible section separation.
Screening Tools for Autism in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Paediatric Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huda Elmee , Hawker Patrick , Cibralic Sara , John James Rufus , Hussain Aniqa , Diaz Antonio Mendoza , Eapen Valsamma
Published: November 2023

Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has varying prevalence rates worldwide, often higher in culturally diverse populations. Cultural differences can affect autism symptom recognition. Language barriers and differing healthcare attitudes may delay diagnosis and intervention. Most autism screening tools were developed in Western, predominantly Caucasian populations, and their appropriateness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) contexts remains uncertain. There is a lack of comprehensive data on the accuracy of these tools in identifying autism in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Consequently, it is unclear whether current screening tools are culturally sensitive and appropriate. Methods A research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022367308). A comprehensive search of literature published from inception to October 2022 was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Medline Complete, Scopus, PsychInfo and CINAHL Complete. The articles were screened using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted included participant demographics, screening tool psychometric properties (validity, reliability, accuracy) and acceptability. A thematic narrative approach was used to synthesise results. Results From the initial retrieval of 2310 citations, 56 articles were included for analysis. The studies were conducted in 33 different countries with screening tools in the following languages: Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Serbian, Italian, French, Sinhala, Taiwanese, Finnish, Northern Soho, Albanian, German, Japanese, Vietnamese, Farsi, Greek and English. There was no data on acceptability of the screening tools in CALD populations. Validity, reliability, and accuracy ranged from poor to excellent with consistently high performance by screening tools devised within the populations they are intended for. Conclusions The review evaluated autism screening tools in culturally diverse populations, with a focus on validity, reliability, and acceptability. It highlighted variations in the effectiveness of these tools across different cultures, with high performance by tools devised specifically for the intended population, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive screening tools. Further research is needed to improve culturally specific, reliable autism screening tools for equitable assessment and intervention in diverse communities.
Comparable species diversity and forest structure between sacred groves and protected forests reveal high conservation value of customary forests in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Undaharta Ni Kadek Erosi , Martini Francesco , Wee Alison Kim Shan
Published: November 2023

Sacred groves are forest patches managed and preserved by local communities to support their cultural and religious practices. Though often poorly documented, these forests provide refuge for threatened species and act as crucial nodes of biodiversity in an increasingly human-dominated landscape. Understanding the floristic and ecological characteristics of sacred groves, especially as compared to formally protected forests, is therefore key to their effective governance and incorporation into existing protected area network. In this study, we compared the tree diversity and forest structure of sacred groves and protected forests in Bali, Indonesia. We assessed the species richness, species diversity, basal area (or abundance) and community composition of trees from three ontogenetic stages (adults, saplings, and seedlings). Specifically, we focused our analysis on Dipterocarpus hasseltii, an endangered canopy tree species of local cultural significance. Sacred groves generally had similar levels of tree species richness, species diversity and demographic structure as protected forests at every ontogenetic stage, but differed significantly in community composition. Adult trees in sacred groves had a significantly higher basal area than that of protected forests. The population demography of D. hasseltii was similar in sacred groves and protected forests. We provide novel evidence that sacred groves that are managed to preserve a single tree species (i.e. D. hasseltii) could positively impact the conservation of other species, providing a similar conservation value as protected forests in terms of tree diversity and forest structure. Ultimately, our study supports the efficacy of social forestry and highlights its importance in biodiversity conservation.
Clinical prediction model for red cell blood transfusion in elective primary posterior lumbar spine fusion
Authors: Pirot Chatchawan , Tantrakansakul Chakkraphan , Sirithiantong Todsaporn
Published: November 2023

Overestimated the cross-match of preoperative PRC preparation for elective primary lumbar spinal fusion needs revision for cost-effectiveness. We aimed to develop a novel preoperative predictive model for appropriate PRC preparation. This clinical prediction model in a retrospective cohort was studied between January 2015 and September 2022. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess predictive variables. The logistic coefficient of each predictor generated scores to establish a predictive model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC) was used to evaluate the model. The predictive performance was validated using bootstrapping techniques and externally validated in 102 independent cases. Among 416 patients, 178 (43%) required transfusion. Four final predictors: preoperative hematocrit level, laminectomy level, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion level, and sacral fusion. When categorized into two risk groups, the positive predictive values for the low-risk score (≤4) were 18.4 (95% Cl 13.9, 23.6) and 83.9 (95% CI 77.1, 89.3) for the high-risk score (>4). AuROC was 0.90. Internal validation (bootstrap shrinkage = 0.993) and external validation (AuROC:0.91). A new model demonstrated exemplary performance and discrimination in predicting the appropriate preparation for PRC. This study should be corroborated by rigorous external validation in other hospitals and by prospective assessments.
Reduced-dose without the post-procedure infusion of bivalirudin in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhou Tienan , Yang Lin , Li Jingyuan , Zhang Quanyu , Wang Xiaozeng
Published: November 2023

Introduction: In clinical practice, the dose of bivalirudin may not be fully applicable to the Chinese population. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of a reduced dose (80% of the recommended dose) of bivalirudin without post-procedure infusion for 3-4 h in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria were divided into reduced-dose and recommended-dose groups for analysis. Confounders were corrected using propensity score matching. The incidence of net adverse clinical events (NACE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2-5 bleeding events were observed 30 days postoperatively.
Results: In total, 1,584 patients (792 per group) were obtained after propensity score matching. The results after propensity score matching were as follows: The activated clotting time (ACT) after 5 min in the reduced-dose group was 349.30±47.60 s, which was statistically lower than that in the recommended-dose group, 353.41±44.89 s (P = 0.021). There was no significant difference in the proportion of ACT values of ≥250 s after 5 min between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in NACE, MACE, and BARC type 2-5 bleeding events between the two groups (5.1% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.638; 0.0% vs. 0.1%, P = 1.000; 0.3% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.687). There were no statistically significant differences in cumulative NACE and cumulative bleeding events between the two groups at 30 days (P = 0.633 and P = 0.715, respectively).
Conclusion: In patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing elective PCI, 80% of the recommended dose of bivalirudin without post-procedure infusion can be used for anticoagulation without increasing the risk of thrombosis and bleeding.
Study on the mechanism of BGN in progression and metastasis of ccRCC
Authors: Xia Hanqing , He Tianzhen , Li Xueyu , Zhao Kai , Zhang Zongliang , Zhu Guanqun , Wang Zhenlin , Yang Han , Yan Xuechuan , Wang qinglei , Li Zhaofeng , Jiang Zaiqing , Wang Ke , Yin Xinbao
Published: November 2023

Purpose
To investigate the role of BGN in the progression and metastasis of ccRCC.
Methods
Based on multiple public databases, we investigated the expression level of BGN in ccRCC, its clinical significance, and its association with immune cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was employed to validate BGN expression in tumor and adjacent normal tissues. BGN knockdown cells were generated through lentiviral transfection to examine the impact of BGN on ccRCC. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed using wound healing, transwell migration, and invasion assays, respectively. Differential gene analysis, GO-KEGG analysis, and GSEA analysis were performed by RNA sequencing to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways .
Results
Our findings from database analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed a significant upregulation of BGN expression in kidney cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Further analysis demonstrated a correlation between high BGN expression and ccRCC progression and immune infiltration. In vitro experiments confirmed that BGN silencing effectively inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC. Mechanistically, these effects may be mediated through the MAPK signaling pathway .
Conclusion
BGN potentially plays a pivotal role in the progression and metastasis of ccRCC, possibly acting through the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, BGN holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
The effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Silicon on Tomato growth in normal and arid conditions through different water regulation mechanisms
Authors: ÇELİK Yusuf , BAYDAR Alper
Published: November 2023

Drought has a greater effect on tomato cultivation in greenhouse conditions. Therefore, alternatives have been selected that promote more efficient use of water and fertilizer through exogenous application of Silicon (Si) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) inoculation. The research was established according to the randomized block trial design with three replications. Irrigation issues according to the amount of evaporation in Class A evaporation container; It was created by giving 40% (I0.40), 60% (I0.60), 80% (I0.80) and 100% (I1.00) full irrigation. Si treatments; It was created from doses of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1. Due to increased irrigation, the sixAMFxI combination increased fruit length by 11.5%, fruit diameter by 8.2%, fruit weight by 16.1%, fruit firmness by 7.8%, and fruit number by 7.9% compared to single applications of Si and AMF. In addition, nutritional values; It increased at 21% N, 33% P, 22% K, 14.1% Ca, 15.7% Mg, 11.9% Fe and 46% Mn. In conclusion; Si+AMF fertilizer combination can be considered as a suitable water management strategy for tomato cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions.
Design and analysis of polarization-insensitive Molybdenum-based ultra-wideband solar energy absorber with wide-incident-angle
Authors: Abouelez Ahmed Elsayed , Eldiwany Essam A.
Published: November 2023

We introduce an ultra-wideband absorber with a molybdenum and Al2O3 multilayer structure for solar energy harvesting. The proposed structure could maintain its structural integrity at high temperatures thanks to the refractory materials used in its construction. Under normal incidence of optical waves, absorption of more than 90% is achieved throughout a broad range of wavelengths from 300 nm to approximately 3177 nm with a bandwidth of 2877 nm which covers ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral bands. The average absorption in that band is calculated to be 96.46%. The proposed design's symmetrical characteristic makes the absorber insensitive to the polarization of the incident optical wave. Furthermore, throughout a broad range of optical wave angles of incidence for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations, the absorber supports absorptivity greater than 80%.
Consumption of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba by mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari off the South Orkney Islands: filling an information gap in the current ecosystem based management approach
Authors: Canseco Jose Antonio , Alegría Nicolas , Niklitschek Edwin
Published: November 2023

The Antarctic marine ecosystem is largely dominated by Euphausia superba, the most abundant krill species consumed by a large number of predators, including whales, penguins, flying birds, seals, fish and cephalopods. Current management of the krill fishery follows an ecosystem-based approach which takes into account the distribution, abundance of E. superba and its main predators plus their interactions. Mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari, was once considered the most abundant meso-pelagic fish species and a very important consumer of E. superba until its population was collapsed by overfishing in the early 90s. Currently, C. gunnari populations are slowly recovering which will increase E. superba predation. Therefore, in the present work, we analyze the distribution and density of E. superba and C. gunnari, gain some insights about the type of foraging strategy of C. gunnari and estimate its consumption on E. superba is consumed by C. gunnari under three different biomass scenarios: 7,000 (Bt), 70,000 (B50%) and 140,000 (B0) t. We put special focus on the potential area of overlapping between C. gunnari and Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) off the South Orkney islands. Bayesian geostatistical models were used to test whether C. gunnari followed an ideal or generalized ideal free distribution. Spatially explicit consumption estimates were obtained under scenarios of 7,000 (Bt), 70,000 (B50%) and 140,000 (B0) t of C. gunnari biomass. We found that both species have a higher probability of presence and density north of the South Orkney Islands, where they present a high overlap. The probability of presence of Champsocephalus gunnari was best explained by the ideal free distribution whereas its acoustic density was best explained by an independent spatial model that lacked any relation with the distribution of E. superba. Individual consumption of E. supeba by C. gunnari was estimated to be 153.5 ± 77.9 g ind-1. Thus, current biomass (Bt) would only remove ~ 0.07% of E. superba biomass in the focus area. Under a pre-exploitation biomass level (B0), C. gunnari would remove ~ 1.4% of E. superba biomass. The present work present novel information on the relationship between a key species like E. superba and a highly specialized consumer such as C. gunnari around the South Orkney Islands and contributes to fill in an important gap regarding fish consumption of krill in the Antarctic ecosystem.
Automatic calculation for pulse wave morphology change: a rheoencephalographic study
Authors: Szabo Sandor , Bodo Michael , Bagany Mihaly , Pinter Istvan
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The intracranial pressure (ICP) pulse waveform morphological alteration indicates the decreasing intracranial compliance/elevation of ICP by increasing the amplitude of the second peak (P2). It is useful information at the bedside, but its invasive nature is a problem. It was demonstrated that a noninvasive method, called rheoencephalography (REG), correlates with ICP. We compared the correlation of the new program calculating automatically the P2 change to manually calculated results.
Methods
REG was measured in 19 healthy volunteers. Pulse waves were recorded with a 200 Hz sampling rate on a laptop. Measurements were made by cursor operation and with a MATLAB script developed for the automated calculation of P2 amplitudes on 10 pulse waves during control and head-down tile (HDT) positions.
Results
During the HDT position, the P2 amplitude increased. Manual reading resulted in a significant difference in the female group (P = 0.0007) and the male group (P < 0.0001). With automated analysis, the REG P2 increase was significant, and the ratios were 4/5 (80%) for females and 10/14 (71%) for males.
Conclusion
The significance difference can be interpreted as follows: the manual P2 reading was clearer from artifacts than the automated calculation, which involved all lengths of the HDT position time, while the manual reading involved only 10 artifact-free P2 values. We initiated a study in which ICP and REG are recorded together, and it will be possible to compare their correlation. Such confirmation opens the use of REG in neurocritical care monitoring, space research, and military applications.
Asthma Prevalence among United States Population: Updated Estimation from NHANES Dataset
Authors: Swed Sarya , Sawaf Bisher , Abidat Firas , Hafez Wael , Rakab Amine , Alibrahim Hidar , Nasif Mohamad Nour , Alghalyini Baraa , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Zia , Alshareef Lamees , Alqatati Fadel , Zahir Fathima Zamrath , Ahmed Ashraf I. , Alom Mulham , Sultan Anas , AlMahmoud Abdullah , Bakkour Agyad , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan
Published: November 2023

Background
Asthma is a prevalent respiratory condition that poses a substantial burden on public health. Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors is vital for informed policymaking and public health interventions. This study aims to examine asthma prevalence and identify major risk factors in the U.S. population.
Methods
Our study utilized NHANES data between 1999 and 2020. We analyzed a dataset of 64,222 participants, excluding those under 20 years old. We performed chi-square test to examine various demographic and health-related covariates.
Results
The study found that asthma affected 8.7% of the U.S. population. Gender emerged as a significant factor, with 36.0% of asthma patients being male and 64.0% female (p < 0.001). Individuals aged 60 and older having the highest asthma prevalence at 34.0%. Non-Hispanic whites had the highest prevalence at 46.4%, followed by non-hispanic blacks at 26.0%. In contrast, Mexican Americans and other hispanic individuals had lower rates, at 9.6% and 9.0%, respectively. Females were 1.76 times more likely to have asthma than males (p < 0.001). Obese individuals had a 1.74 times higher likelihood of current asthma compared to underweight individuals (p < 0.001). Notably, both Non-Hispanic Whites and Non-Hispanic Blacks showed higher odds of current asthma compared to Mexican Americans (with adjusted odds ratios of 2.084 and 2.096, respectively, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The research findings indicate that asthma is prevalent in 8.7% of the U.S. population. Our study highlights that individuals who are female, have low income, are obese, and smoke have the highest likelihood of being affected by asthma. Therefore, public health policies should prioritize addressing these risk factors in their preventive strategies.
Nurses' Level of Awareness of Patients' Rights in hospitals
Authors: Alraimi Ammar , Shelke Prof. Abhijeet
Published: November 2023

This research evaluated the awareness levels of nursing staff concerning patients' rights in Yemeni hospitals. Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, the research employed a simple random sampling technique to enlist 384 nursing personnel across four hospitals situated in Sana'a, Yemen. A questionnaire based on the Yemeni Patients' Rights Charter and relevant literature on patients' rights was employed to gather data. The findings revealed a high overall awareness level among nursing staff regarding patients' rights, with a mean of 84.4%. The special right dimension exhibited the highest awareness level (88%), while the knowledge dimension recorded the lowest level (79%). The investigation identified no statistically significant variations in awareness levels attributable to demographic factors such as gender, marital status, age, occupation, experience, and educational qualifications. However, differences were observed in awareness levels based on the hospital type, as private hospitals displayed higher awareness than government hospitals. The results underscore the necessity for tailored educational initiatives targeting nursing staff to address identified knowledge gaps, particularly in government hospitals. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of safeguarding patients' property against theft, damage, and loss by educating nursing staff on patients' right to know the identity and qualifications of healthcare providers – a crucial aspect of patients' rights that nursing staff must be cognizant of to ensure quality care provision.
Moving Beyond Frameworks: Stakeholders' Perceptions of Risk Assessment in National Electronic Identity System
Authors: Edu Jide , Hooper Mark , Maple Carsten , Crowcroft Jon
Published: November 2023

National Electronic Identity System (NeIDS) has become crucial for verifying the identities of citizens and granting access to digital services in public and private domains. However, implementing NeIDS has raised concerns about security, privacy, and exclusion. Furthermore, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment for NeIDS is challenging, as it is interconnected, multifaceted, and relational. To understand the challenges faced by stakeholders during the risk assessment process and explore the reality of conducting a risk assessment for NeIDS, we conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 17 stakeholders. Following a thematic analysis of the interview transcript data, we found that i) stakeholders are concerned with assessment bias, political influences, lack of transparency, inclusion issues, and inadequate communication about the assessment process, and ii) there are key issues around framework considerations, implementation, regulation, and funding of risk assessments. Finally, we offer recommendations to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive assessment process.
Creating an automated system for monitoring emergency situations with a radiation factor in Bryansk region
Authors:   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apanasyuk Oleg N. , Gavrilov Sergey L. ,   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Shikin Sergey A. ,   Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pimenov Artem E.
Published: November 2023

The article describes the structure and composition of an automated emergency monitoring system (AEMS) with a radiation factor designed to perform prompt emergency rescue operations in radioactively contaminated territories (RCT) in Bryansk region and to localize emergency zones (EZ). The study analyzed scientifi publications and patents on radiation control and environmental monitoring in case of radiation emergencies. Territorial automated systems for monitoring radiation situations (ASMRS) and mobile means for monitoring radiation situations (RS) using unmanned aerial vehicles were explored. The integrated monitoring system for protecting the population (KSM-ZN), including in radioactively contaminated areas, in Bryansk region was described. Functions and structure of AEMS means were described. It was concluded that the AEMS can improve the effi ncy of response to radiation emergencies and decisionmaking in protecting the population and territory by transmitting real-time data on RS monitoring in the emergency zone and current assessment of the emergency and environmental situation for prompt notification about the danger.
ZOOPLANKTON IN THE DEEP-SEA AREA NEAR THE WESTERN AND EASTERN COASTS OF SOUTHERN BAIKAL IN 2021
Authors:   Irkutsk State University, Pislegina Elena V. , Rusanovskaya Оlga O. ,   Irkutsk State University, Silow Еvgenii А. ,   Irkutsk State University, Kraschuk Lyudmila S. ,   Irkutsk State University, Shimaraeva Svetlana V. ,   Irkutsk State University
Published: November 2023

Zooplankton in the deep-water zone of Lake Baikal features endemism, a specific trophic structure, intensive food relationships and pronounced interannual variability. In the late summer period, the dynamics of zooplankton at the deep-sea zone near the western (Point 1, village Bolshye Koty) and eastern (former BCBC area of wastewater discharge) coasts, taking into account natural conditions. The total number of zooplankton in the 0-100 m layer off the west coast was 2,493 thousand per/m2. Epischura baikalensis Sars 1900 prevails - more than 51 % (1260,76 thousand per/m2). The share of rotifers was 47 % (1138,0 thousand per/m2). The number of Cyclops kolensis Lilljeborg, 1901 was 13,7 thousand per/m2 and Bosmina longirostris Muller, 1785 - 15,98 thousand per/m2 which accounts for about 2 % of the total amount of zooplankton. The total number of zooplankton in the 0-100 m layer off the east coast was 2399,18 thousand per/m2. Epischura baikalensis dominates the zooplankton community - more than 57 % (1379,99 thousand per/m2). The share of rotifers was 40 % (965,1 thousand per/m2). The number of Cyclops kolensis was 49,62 thousand per/m2 and Bosmina longirostris - 4,51 thousand per/m2 which accounts for about 3% of the total amount of zooplankton. The average temperature values in the 0-100 m layer and water transparency at the western and eastern coasts differed slightly from the long-term average. At the western shore, the maximum surface concentration of chlorophyll «a» was 1,84 mg/m3 with an average value of 1,16± 0,27 mg/m3. At the eastern coast, the maximum concentration of chlorophyll «a» at a depth of 25 m was 2,41 mg/m3 with an average value of 1,39±0,31 mg/m3. No significant differences in the state of plankton were found at the western and eastern coasts of Southern Baikal.
WORK ENVIRONMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OFFICE WORKERS
Authors:   Far Eastern Federal University, Agoshkov Alexander I. , Sushkova Anna V. ,   State budgetary professional educational institution in Moscow “Educational complex “South-West”, Kurochkinц Pavel A. ,   Research and Design Institute for Gas Processing (Moscow office)
Published: November 2023

Improving the safety of the working environment through occupational risk management (informing workers about relevant risks, creating a system for identification, assessment and control) and economic motivation is a relevant issue. Working conditions that affect human health depend on the condition of buildings and structures, the design and organization of workplaces, equipment, tools and materials used to perform labor duties. Labor stress is one of the main factors which has a negative impact on the human conditions inherently reflecting the load on the central nervous system, sensory organs, emotional and intellectual spheres directly related to the job performed. The article analyzes experience of developing and implementing measures intended to ensure safe working conditions, reducing general and micro-injuries, morbidity, based on the development and implementation of an environmental management strategy and targeted programs to improve working conditions.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND DANGER OF MICA CRYSTALS FOR THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Fedorova Svetlana V.
Published: November 2023

Mica is a group of rocks and minerals with a layered structure created under the influence of volcanic processes. Due to the delamination of the stone, it was used instead of glass. Irkutsk region is an area with the richest reserves of various types of mica. Since the beginning of the 20th century, mica has been used for the needs of electronics as an electrical insulation material. Nowadays, mica is used in aircraft and radio industries. Vermiculite, one of the types of mica, is extremely useful as a concrete filler for obtaining sound and heat protective materials and insulation, as well as for heat insulation of furnaces. Mica is a popular component in the production of agricultural products, the paint and varnish industry, perfumes, and in the cosmetic industry. It is hoped that rare natural qualities of mica, new promising applications and current scientific research in this area can stir interest in this mineral. The lamellar shape of mica crystals is the key property of mica from waste rock. The shape of mica crystals is the basis for solving the problem of mechanical enrichment of mica in the rock mass.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF SOLID MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SEVASTOPOL
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Osadchaya Lilia I.
Published: November 2023

One of the trends in municipal solid waste (MSW) management is the phased implementation of the Zero Waste concept based on the separate waste collection and its subsequent processing into useful products and expanding its reuse. This concept can be implemented within the municipal waste flow management, where it is relevant to search for low-cost ways to reduce the volume of deposited waste in conditions of limited funding. The paper examines the problems of managing municipal waste flows using the example of Sevastopol. Elements of the promising structural and technological scheme for the selective waste collection were developed, and strategic goals for managing municipal solid waste in a federal city were determined. Economic and infrastructural barriers that prevent the expansion of the range of materials and raw materials isolated from MSW were revealed. It is recommended to increase the volume of processed organic waste to produce compost: implementation of technologies for anaerobic biofermentation of organic components of MSW that are capable of biological decomposition, technologies for aerobic biofermentation of garden waste (green waste) mixed with municipal sewage sludge; thermal processing of alternative fuels from waste with heat recovery and full use of the waste energy resource using environmentally friendly and waste-free technologies.