bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of imputation strategies to improve the sarcopenia prediction task
Authors: Karimov Shakhzod , Turimov Dilmurod , Kim Wooseong , Kim Jiyoun
Published: January 2025

Objective

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, poses significant challenges in research due to missing data. Incomplete datasets undermine the accuracy and reliability of studies, necessitating effective imputation techniques. This study conducts a comparative analysis of three advanced methods—multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE), support vector regression, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN)—to address data completeness issues in sarcopenia research.

Methods

Following imputation, we utilized machine learning models, including logistic regression, gradient boosting, support vector machine, and random forest, to classify sarcopenia. The methodology encompassed rigorous data preprocessing, normalization, and the synthetic minority oversampling technique to address class imbalance and ensure unbiased model performance.

Results

The results revealed substantial variations in model accuracy based on the imputation method employed. The gradient boosting model consistently exhibited superior performance across all imputation strategies, demonstrating its robustness with imputed datasets. Additionally, KNN and MICE emerged as effective imputation techniques, preserving the original data distribution and enabling more accurate classification outcomes.

Conclusion

This study underscores the pivotal role of imputation methods in maintaining data integrity and enhancing predictive accuracy in sarcopenia research. The gradient boosting model's reliability across all strategies highlights its potential as a robust classifier, while the suitability of KNN and MICE for preserving data distribution supports their application in similar research contexts. These findings contribute to more reliable and valid insights in sarcopenia studies, ultimately supporting improved clinical outcomes.
Microstructure and thermal conductivity of short carbon fiber/Al composites with nickel-coated carbon fibers consolidated by vacuum hot pressing for electronic packaging applications
Authors: Liu Tingting , He Xinbo , Zhang Lin , Ren Shubin , Qu Xuanhui
Published: January 2025

Short carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites exhibit suitable thermal conductivity and desirable coefficient of thermal expansion for electronic packaging applications. The interfacial bonding characteristics between carbon fibers and aluminum matrix play a crucial role in determining the performance of the composites. In the present study, the surface modification of carbon fibers and optimization of fabrication processing parameters were used to ameliorate the interface bonding and improve the properties of carbon fiber/Al composites. The electroless plating method was employed to deposit a nickel coating on the surface of carbon fibers. Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with 20∼50 vol.% uncoated or nickel-coated carbon fibers were fabricated by vacuum hot pressing technique. The microstructures, interface structures, relative density and thermal conductivity of the composites were systematically investigated. The results indicated that carbon fiber/Al composites with relatively high density of 98.9% and acceptable thermal conductivity of 218.1 W·m−1 K−1, as potential candidates for electronic packaging applications, were successfully fabricated. Through the application of nickel coating, the interfacial thermal resistance was effectively reduced by one order of magnitude derived from the experimental calculations using Maxwell-Garnett effective medium approach as a result of improved interface bonding.
A case study in statistical software development for advanced evidence synthesis: the combined value of analysts and research software engineers
Authors: Bradbury Naomi , Morris Tom , Nevill Clareece , Nevill Janion , Field Ryan , Freeman Suzanne , Cooper Nicola , Sutton Alex
Published: January 2025

Background

Since 2015, the Complex Reviews Synthesis Unit (CRSU) has developed a suite of web-based applications (apps) that conduct complex evidence synthesis meta-analyses through point-and-click interfaces. This has been achieved in the R programming language by combining existing R packages that conduct meta-analysis with the shiny web-application package. The CRSU apps have evolved from two short-term student projects into a suite of eight apps that are used for more than 3,000 h per month.

Aim

Here, we present our experience of developing production grade web-apps from the point-of-view of individuals trained primarily as statisticians rather than software developers in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring other groups to develop valuable open-source statistical software whilst also learning from our experiences.

Key challenges

We discuss how we have addressed challenges to research software development such as responding to feedback from our real-world users to improve the CRSU apps, the implementation of software engineering principles into our app development process and gaining recognition for non-traditional research work within the academic environment.

Future developments

The CRSU continues to seek funding opportunities both to maintain and further develop our shiny apps. We aim to increase our user base by implementing new features within the apps and building links with other groups developing complementary evidence synthesis tools.
The CD4/CD8 ratio is associated with T lymphocyte functions in long-term virally suppressed patients with HIV
Authors: Xiao Qing , Yu Fengting , Yan Liting , Lao Xiaojie , Liang Xuelei , Zhao Hongxin , Zhai Liuyue , Yang Zailin , Zhang Xiaomei , Liu Yao , Zhang Fujie
Published: January 2025

Objective

Long-term management of people living with HIV (PLWHs) often relies on CD4+ T cell counts for assessing immune recovery, yet a single metric offers limited information. This study aimed to explore the association between the CD4/CD8 ratio and T lymphocyte activities in PLWHs.

Methods

125 PLWHs and 31 HIV-uninfected controls (UCs) were enrolled and categorized into four groups based on their CD4/CD8 ratios: extremely low ratio (ELR) group: 0.4 < CD4/CD8; low ratio (LR) group: 0.4 ≤ CD4/CD8<0.7; medium ratio (MR) group: 0.7 ≤ CD4/CD8<1; high ratio (HR) group: CD4/CD8 ≥ 1. The activation and proliferation phenotypes, mitochondrial functions, and inflammatory indexes of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were measured, and correlations between the CD4/CD8 ratio and T cell functions were analyzed.

Results

T cell activation and proliferation were significantly elevated in the ELR group compared to UCs. However, the ELR group had a larger proportion of T cells with lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) abnormalities compared to the other groups. As the CD4/CD8 ratio increased, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation damage decreased and MMP was restored. Additionally, the ELR group had more inflammatory markers in CD4+ T cells. Correlation analysis revealed that the CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with multiple T cell functions, and its correlation coefficient with mitochondrial function was higher than that of CD4+ T cell count.

Conclusion

The CD4/CD8 ratio is closely related to T lymphocyte functions and is significantly superior to the CD4+ T cell count in reflecting the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation level and mitochondrial functions within T lymphocytes.
Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in children: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Du Junye , Yao Jiafeng , Ma Honghao , Li Li , Wei Ang , Zhang Liping , Wang Dong , Li Zhigang , Zhang Rui , Wang Tianyou
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the clinical features, pathological phenotype, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease (iMCD)in children.

Methods

From January 2017 to September 2023, basic information, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis of children diagnosed with iMCD who attended Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University were collected.

Results

A total of 9 children were enrolled, with a median age of onset of median 11 (2–15) years, 6 males and 3 female. 3 cases were pathologically typed as plasma cell type, 1 case was mixed type, and the remaining 5 cases were hyaline vascular type. 9 children received different regimens of chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 26 (13, 58) months, with no deaths, 7/9 cases showing improvement, 1/9 cases showing stable condition, and 1/9 cases showing active condition.

Conclusion

Children with multicentric CD often have systemic symptoms, lymph node enlargement and related compression symptoms are the most common manifestations, followed by fever, malaise and other systemic symptoms. Anti-IL-6-based therapy combined with hormones lenalidomide and other medications have a specific therapeutic effect on multicentric CD.
Prognostic impact of psychoeducation program completion on inpatients with schizophrenia: a pilot cohort study
Authors: Noguchi Hiroki , Tarutani Seiichiro , Takei Yoshiki , Matsumoto Koichi , Okamura Takehiko , Yoneda Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Background

Psychoeducation programs can reduce the risk of recurrence and readmission in patients with schizophrenia. However, almost all previous studies of program efficacy have included only patients completing the program, which may not be possible in all cases. The objective of this pilot cohort study was to compare the prognoses of inpatients with schizophrenia who did or did not complete a well-established institutional psychoeducation program.

Methods

This study is a pilot cohort study, and the participants were 32 inpatients in the psychiatric acute care ward. Among these patients, 18 completed the institutional psychoeducation program by discharge, whereas 14 missed one or more sessions for various reasons. The primary outcome was the duration of outpatient treatment (DOT) during the 5-year follow-up period, and the secondary outcomes were comparisons of the risk of all-cause discontinuation for outpatient treatment and correlations between the program participation rates and DOT.

Results

DOT was significantly longer in the program completion group than in the noncompletion group (918.2 (174.3) days vs. 225.5 (35.7) days, p = 0.001), and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that program noncompliance was associated with a 4.450-fold (p = 0.002) greater risk of discontinuation of outpatient treatment according to multivariate analysis. A significant weak correlation was found for DOT and rates of sessions admitted to the programme (Pearson's r = 0.384, p = 0.030).

Conclusions

Completion of a psychoeducation program could enhanced the success of outpatient treatment. As psychoeducation and related factors may have a positive effect of the prognosis after discharge, inpatient psychoeducation programs should be flexible enough to provide opportunities for completion.
Prevalence and associated factors of healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults in Lishui city, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Jian-Hua , Mohd Zain Norhasmah , Yusuf Azlina , Ying Bi-He
Published: January 2025

Background

Identifying the level of healthy aging and exploring its associated factors are prerequisites in the planning of effective measures among the elderly population. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of healthy aging and determine its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults from mountain areas in Lishui, China.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted. Participants were recruited by a multi-stage stratified cluster-sampling procedure from a mountainous region in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China. A validated questionnaire of Healthy Aging Instruments (HAI), Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction (BPNS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Ascertain Dementia 8 questionnaire (AD8), Family Adaption Scale (FAS), Community-Based Health Promotion Activity Questionnaires (HPAQ), Social Function Questionnaire for Chinese Older Adults (SFQCOA), Adult Health Self-Management Skills (ability) Rating Scale (AHSMSRS) was incorporated. The questionnaire also captured sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and Self-Perceived Healthy Ageing (SPHA). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

The mean score of the Healthy Aging index was 136.5 (18.22). The majority of the participants have a high level of healthy aging (65.5%). Regression analysis showed 12 predictors of healthy aging: self-perceived economic independence, lifestyle-related behaviors, subjective physical health, psychological health, better competence of BPNS, frequency of community-based HPA participation, lower HPA-perceived barriers, social support, social engagement, and Health Self-Management (HSM) ability with two dimensions HSM-Consciousness and HSM-Behavior, as well as SPHA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study contributed to the existing gap in both subjective and objective understanding of healthy aging, especially in terms of its relationship with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle-related behaviors, individual health conditions, environmental coverage, as well as family, community and social support. Both individual-environment interaction factors as better HSM ability as well as SPHA might help predict older adults’ healthy aging in mountainous areas in China. Developing an accurate, reliable health promotion program that provides insights may improve healthy aging changes in mountainous regions for community healthcare staff, especially nurses.
Enhancing prehospital decision-making: exploring user needs and design considerations for clinical decision support systems
Authors: Bai Enze , Zhang Zhan , Xu Yincao , Luo Xiao , Adelgais Kathleen
Published: January 2025

Background

In prehospital emergency care, providers face significant challenges in making informed decisions due to factors such as limited cognitive support, high-stress environments, and lack of experience with certain patient conditions. Effective Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have great potential to alleviate these challenges. However, such systems have not yet been widely adopted in real-world practice and have been found to cause workflow disruptions and usability issues. Therefore, it is critical to investigate how to design CDSS that meet the needs of prehospital providers while accounting for the unique characteristics of prehospital workflows.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 prehospital providers recruited from four Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in an urban area in the northeastern U.S. The interviews focused on the decision-making challenges faced by prehospital providers, their technological needs for decision support, and key considerations for the design and implementation of a CDSS that can seamlessly integrate into prehospital care workflows. The data were analyzed using content analysis to identify common themes.

Results

Our qualitative study identified several challenges in prehospital decision-making, including limited access to diagnostic tools, insufficient experience with certain critical patient conditions, and a lack of cognitive support. Participants highlighted several desired features to make CDSS more effective in the dynamic, hands-busy, and cognitively demanding prehospital context, such as automatic prompts for possible patient conditions and treatment options, alerts for critical patient safety events, AI-powered medication identification, and easy retrieval of protocols using hands-free methods (e.g., voice commands). Key considerations for successful CDSS adoption included balancing the frequency and urgency of alerts to reduce alarm fatigue and workflow disruptions, facilitating real-time data collection and documentation to enable decision generation, and ensuring trust and accountability while preventing over-reliance when using CDSS.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical insights into the challenges and user needs in prehospital decision-making and offers practical and system design implications for addressing these issues.
BMP6, a potential biomarker of inflammatory fibrosis and promising protective factor for dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jiang Feng , Tang Jiayang , Wei Xiaoqi , Pan Hai , Fan Xinyi , Zhang Peng , Guo Shuzhen
Published: January 2025

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) stands as one of the most prevalent and severe causes of heart failure. Inflammation plays a pivotal role throughout the progression of DCM to heart failure, while age acts as a natural predisposing factor for all cardiovascular diseases. These two factors often interact, contributing to cardiac fibrosis, which is both a common manifestation and a pathogenic driver of adverse remodeling in DCM-induced heart failure.

Method

Bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, Mendelian randomization analysis, animal model construction, and BMP6 knockdown were utilized to identify and validate potential specific markers and targets for intervention in DCM heart failure.

Results

We found that DCM hearts exhibit pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. Both bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq analyses revealed aberrant BMP6 expression specifically in fibroblasts. The ROC curve underscores the high specificity of BMP6 in relation to DCM, while Mendelian randomization analysis further confirms BMP6 as a protective factor against DCM. Notably, BMP6 knockdown led to a decrease in SMAD6 expression and a marked elevation in COL1A1 expression levels, indicating its antifibrotic role.

Conclusion

BMP6 emerges as a promising biomarker for DCM, and its functional role in exerting an antifibrotic effect underscores its potential as a therapeutic target.
Trends in views of democracy and society and support for political violence in the USA, 2022–2024: findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Wintemute Garen J. , Crawford Andrew , Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Pear Veronica A.
Published: January 2025

Background

In 2022, a nationally representative longitudinal survey in the USA found concerningly high prevalences of support for and personal willingness to engage in political violence, but those prevalences decreased in 2023. This study examines changes in those prevalences from 2023 to 2024, an election year in the USA.

Methods

Participants were members of Ipsos KnowledgePanel. Wave 3 of the survey was conducted May 23-June 14, 2024; invitations to participate were sent to all respondents to prior waves who remained in KnowledgePanel. Outcome measures concern justification for the use of violence to advance any of 17 specified political objectives, personal willingness to engage in political violence at 4 levels of severity and against 9 target populations, and expectation of firearm use in political violence. Outcomes are expressed as weighted proportions. Year-to-year change is based on the means of aggregated individual change scores, which have a potential range from 0 (no change) to ± 2.

Results

The 2024 completion rates were 88.4% (8896 respondents/10,064 invitees) overall, 91.6% (8185 respondents/8932 invitees) for invitees in 2024 who had responded in 2023, and 62.8% (711 respondents/1132 invitees) for invitees in 2024 who had responded in 2022 but not in 2023. After weighting, 50.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 49.5%, 52.3%) were female; weighted mean (SD) age was 48.5 (24.9) years. From 2023 to 2024, the prevalence of the view that violence was usually or always justified to advance at least 1 political objective did not change (2024: 26.2%, 95% CI 25.0%, 27.5%; 2023: 25.3%, 95% CI 24.1%, 26.5%). There were no changes from 2023 to 2024 in willingness to damage property, threaten a person, injure a person, or kill a person in an act of political violence, and no changes in expectations of firearm use in situations where respondents considered political violence justifiable. Changes on other measures were infrequent (17 of 58 comparisons in the main analysis) and small where they occurred (with 2 exceptions, change < 0.05).

Conclusions

Contrary to expectation, support for and willingness to participate in political violence in this cohort showed little to no change from 2023 to 2024, an election year in the USA. These findings can help guide prevention efforts.
Artificial Intelligence–Powered Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 and Tumor Microenvironment Analysis in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Amplified Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of Phase II TRIUMPH Trial
Authors: Imai Mitsuho , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Shin Sangwon , Okamoto Wataru , Kato Takeshi , Esaki Taito , Kato Ken , Komatsu Yoshito , Yuki Satoshi , Masuishi Toshiki , Nishina Tomohiro , Sawada Kentaro , Sato Akihiro , Kuwata Takeshi , Yamashita Riu , Fujisawa Takao , Bando Hideaki , Ock Chan-Young , Fujii Satoshi , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–targeted therapies have shown promise in treating
HER2
-amplified metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Identifying optimal biomarkers for treatment decisions remains challenging. This study explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting treatment responses to trastuzumab plus pertuzumab (TP) in patients with
HER2
-amplified mCRC from the phase II TRIUMPH trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AI-powered HER2 quantification continuous score (QCS) and tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis were applied to the prescreening cohort (n = 143) and the TRIUMPH cohort (n = 30). AI analyzers determined the proportions of tumor cells (TCs) with HER2 staining intensity and the densities of various cells in TME, examining their associations with clinical outcomes of TP.

RESULTS

The AI-powered HER2 QCS for HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) achieved an accuracy of 86.7% against pathologist evaluations, with a 100% accuracy for HER2 IHC 3+ patients. Patients with ≥50% of TCs showing HER2 3+ staining intensity (AI-H3-high) exhibited significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS; median PFS, 4.4
v
1.4 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.12 [95% CI, 0.04 to 0.38]) and overall survival (OS; median OS, 16.5
v
4.1 months; HR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.38]) compared with the AI-H3-low (<50% group). Stratification among patients with AI-H3-high included TME-high (all lymphocyte, fibroblast, and macrophage densities in the cancer stroma above the median) and TME-low (anything below the median), showing a median PFS of 1.3 and 5.6 months for TME-high and TME-low respectively, with an HR of 0.04 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.19) for AI-H3-high with TME-low compared with AI-H3-low.

CONCLUSION

AI-powered HER2 QCS and TME analysis demonstrated potential in enhancing treatment response predictions in patients with
HER2
-amplified mCRC undergoing TP therapy.
Mean first-passage time of heterogeneous telegrapher's process under stochastic resetting
Authors: Jolakoski P. , Trajanovski P. , Iomin A. , Kocarev L. , Sandev T.
Published: January 2025

We study the first-passage time of the heterogeneous telegrapher's process, which is a stochastic process with a multiplicative dichotomic noise and a position-dependent velocity. As special cases we recover results for heterogeneous diffusion in the Stratonovich interpretation, as well as the standard telegrapher's process with a constant velocity. In the framework of the renewal equation approach, we study the survival probability and the first-passage time density. An exact result for the mean first-passage time in the presence of Poissonian stochastic resetting of the particle to the initial position is obtained as well. An optimal resetting rate is obtained. In this case, the mean first-passage time becomes minimal for every power-law exponent of the power-law position-dependent velocity. We have also observed that the optimal resetting rate increases when the power-law exponent of the velocity decreases.
Relationship Among Fragility Fractures and the Overall Cardiovascular Burden in Endogenous Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Voltan Giacomo , Mazzeo Pierluigi , Cannito Michele , Pinelli Silvia , Barbot Mattia , Scaroni Carla , Ceccato Filippo , Camozzi Valentina
Published: January 2025

Context

Patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS), in addition to significant cardiovascular morbidity, are burdened by a high prevalence of fragility fractures. Bone mineral density (BMD) alone poorly predicts the risk of fracture, and the implementation of trabecular bone score (TBS) is supported only by scant evidence. Indeed, reliable predictors of fractures in endogenous CS are still lacking.

Objective

This work aimed to analyze the prevalence and the potential predictors of fragility fractures in our patients with CS.

Methods

A monocentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 51 patients with overt CS were enrolled. Main outcome measures included biochemical evaluation, BMD measurement, TBS evaluation, fracture presence, body composition evaluation, and arterial intima-media thickness (IMT) assessment.

Results

Fragility fractures were found in 62.7% of patients at diagnosis. Fractured patients exhibited lower spine T-score (P = .03), longer disease duration (P = .025), higher waist circumference (P = .006), and predominantly male sex (P = .008). Increased serum uric acid levels (P = .001), greater IMT (P = .017), and higher prevalence of venous thromboembolism events (31.3% vs 5.3%, P = .037) and atherosclerotic plaques (47% vs 5.3%, P = .002) were described in the fracture group.

Multivariable logistic regression identified the presence of atherosclerosis (OR 13.35; 95% CI 1.154-154.34, P = .038) and osteoporosis (OR 11.30; 95% CI 1.55-82.56, P = .017) as independent predictors. TBS values were inversely correlated with body mass index, fat and lean mass, and serum uric acid, and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion

CS patients with higher overall burden of cardiovascular morbidity are more prone to experience fragility fractures.
THE LEGEND OF THE UNICORN BY MICHAEL CHONIATES: SOURCES AND IMITATIONS
Authors: TZIATZI-PAPAGIANNI Maria
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on the poem of Michael Choniates on the image of the unicorn, which has not been systematically researched since its publication by Spyridon Lampros in 1880. I present a new critical edition of the poem based on the two manuscripts transmitting it, most notably the Vaticanus, which Lampros had not used for his edition. I argue that Choniates' main source for the legend of the unicorn is the Byzantine novel Barlaam and Joasaph, by comparing Choniates' verses with the text of his source. I proceed by tracing the iconographic models of this legend which inspired Choniates, primarily the representations of the unicorn in Greek psalteries. Finally, I examine its reception in the Byzantine literature after Choniates (especially in Manuel Philes) until the early 15th century, as well as in the iconographic tradition up to the 18th century.
Thervingian Gothic Uprising and the Obscure Battle of Marcianople (Early AD 377):
Authors: LEVENIOTIS Georgios , KALAFIKIS Georgios
Published: January 2025

The article points out and comments on some research questions regarding the opening stages of the AD 377–382 (not 376-382, as it is usually claimed) Gothic War, namely the Gothic entrance and subsequent revolt in Late Roman Thrace, as well as the so-called Battle of Marcianople that followed immediately after. Although this latter conflict has not been the subject of a specialized study until now, in our opinion, it bears significant historical importance for a variety of reasons: first, it was the first major armed conflict won by irregular Gothic warriors against the regular Roman army in decades; moreover, it led to the destruction of the Roman army of Thrace by the Thervingi Goths; finally, it constituted the prelude to the so-called “great disaster” or alternatively the “lamentable war”, namely the momentous Battle of Adrianople in August AD 378, with far-reaching implications for the integrity and fate of the Late Roman Empire.
Ερμηνευτικά και κριτικά σχόλια στον Ιωάννη Γεωμέτρη
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ Γρηγόριος
Published: January 2025

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Verse aus hauptsächlich drei Gedichten (zwei im elegischen und einem im „jambischen“ Metrum) des IoannesGeometres (10. Jh.) kommentiert; konkret werden: eine Vermutung über den Vornamen des Vaters des Dichters geäußert, weitere Quellen bzw. Parallelen beigesteuert, eine textkritische Bemerkung bzw. eine Konjektur unterbreitetund, schließlich, eine bereits bekannte Interpretation weiter untermauert
The Last Byzantine Military Manuscript: Istanbul TSMK G.İ. 36 and the Taktika of Nikephoros Ouranos
Authors: RANCE Philip
Published: January 2025

Περίληψη: Το χειρόγραφο Ιstanbul TMSK G.İ. 36 (παλαιότερα γνωστό ως codex Constantinopolitanus / Seragliensis graecus 36) αποτελεί σημαντικό και σε αρκετά χωρία μοναδικό μάρτυρα του κειμένου των Τακτικά του Νικηφόρου Ουρανού, μιας ιδιαιτέρως εκτεταμένης πολεμικής πραγματείας που συντάχθηκε περί το 1000 και παραμένει σε μεγάλο βαθμό ανέκδοτη. Ο κώδικας TSMK G.İ. 36, έργο των αρχών της δεκαετίας του 1430, αποτελεί το τελευταίο παράδειγμα βυζαντινού χειρογράφου του είδους και είναι μια σπάνια περίπτωση κώδικα παλαιότερου του 1453 που διασώθηκε στην οθωμανική σουλτανική βιβλιοθήκη. Αν και εντοπίστηκε στο ανάκτορο του Τοπκαπί το 1887, δυσκολίες στην πρόσβαση εμπόδισαν επί μακρόν την επιστημονική του έρευνα και παραμένει έως σήμερα το λιγότερο μελετημένο χειρόγραφο στον χώρο των βυζαντινών στρατιωτικών πραγματειών. Η παρούσα εργασία είναι η πρώτη συστηματική μελέτη του TSMK G.İ. 36. Αποπειράται μια ολοκληρωμένη κωδικολογική και φιλολογική έρευνα, όπου μελετάται και αναθεωρείται η παλαιότερη βιβλιογραφία, παρέχεται μια λεπτομερής περιγραφή του κώδικα και αξιολογούνται οι ομοιότητες σε επίπεδο κειμένου και η σημασία του για μια πλήρη κριτική έκδοση των Τακτικών του Νικηφόρου Ουρανού
Sentiment analysis of internet posts on vaccination using ChatGPT and comparison with actual vaccination rates in South Korea
Authors: Park Sunyoung
Published: January 2025

Background This study used ChatGPT for sentiment analysis to investigate the possible links between online sentiments and COVID-19 vaccination rates. It also examines Internet posts to understand the attitudes and reasons associated with vaccine-related opinions. Methods We collected 500,558 posts over 60 weeks from the Blind platform, mainly used by working individuals, and 854 relevant posts were analyzed. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant content, attitudes toward and reasons for vaccine opinions were studied through sentiment analysis. The study further correlated these categorized attitudes with the actual vaccination data. Results The proportions of posts expressing positive, negative, and neutral attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines were 5%, 83%, and 12%, respectively. The total post count showed a positive correlation with the vaccination rate, indicating a high correlation between the number of negative posts about the vaccine and the vaccination rate. Negative attitudes were predominantly associated with societal distrust and perceived oppression. Conclusions This study demonstrates the interplay between public perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines as expressed through social media and vaccination behavior. These correlations can serve as useful clues for devising effective vaccination strategies.
Development and validation of the HEALTH scoring system = A novel and non-invasive laboratory panel to differentiate intestinal tuberculosis from other gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Indrasari Nuri Dyah , Simadibrata Marcellus , Rustamadji Primariadewi , Yusra Yusra , Suwarto Suhendro , Kekalih Aria , Wibowo Heri , Parwati Ida , Roswita Harahap Alida , Auliana Nindy
Published: January 2025

Backgrounds Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health issue in Indonesia, ranking second globally in TB incidence in 2021. Diagnosing intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is challenging due to its symptoms, which mimic other diseases, limited laboratory tests, and the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopy. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive laboratory panel for ITB using various biomarkers. Methods A cross-sectional study from November 2020 to December 2022 was carried out at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital. Laboratory parameters from 143 subjects were identified by Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis. The scoring system was developed based on the identified independent diagnostic parameters scored by regression coefficient β value and standard errors, with the cut-off value determined by the ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system were determined using the ROC curve. Results Among 143 subjects, 22 were diagnosed with ITB and 121 Non-ITB (prevalence of 15.38%). This study was dominated by females (65.03%), with a ratio of 1.86: 1. The median age in this study was 41 years. The scoring system to differentiate ITB and Non-ITB consisted of 6 diagnostic parameters (referred to as the HEALTH scoring system) as follows: stool HBD-2 (1 and 0 points), ESR (1 and 0 points), blood ADA activity (1 and 0 points), Lymphocyte (0 and 1 point), stool TB PCR (2 and 0 points), and NLR (1 and 0 points). Subjects with scores ≥ 4 could be diagnosed as ITB. The sensitivity and specificity of the HEALTH scoring system were 68.18% and 95.04%, respectively. Conclusion This study developed and validated a laboratory panel called the HEALTH scoring system based on clinical biomarkers of stool HBD-2 level, ESR, blood ADA activity, lymphocytes, stool TB PCR, and NLR, which could be used to differentiate ITB from other gastrointestinal diseases.
Consequential Implication and the Implicative Conditional
Authors: Gomes Gilberto , Pizzi Claudio , Raidl Eric
Published: January 2025

This paper compares two logical conditionals which are strengthenings of the strict conditional and avoid the paradoxes of strict implication. The logics of both may be viewed as extensions of KT, and the two conditionals are interdefinable in KT. The implicative conditional requires that its antecedent and consequent be both contingent. The consequential conditional may be viewed as a weakening of the implicative conditional, insofar as it also admits the case in which the antecedent and the consequent are strictly equivalent (either both necessary or both impossible). The two conditionals share a number of properties, among them Transitivity, Contraposition, Aristotle’s Thesis, Weak Boethius’ Thesis and Aristotle’s Second Thesis. They also share some restricted principles such as Possibilistic Monotonicity, Possibilistic Simplification and Possibilistic Right Weakening. They differ in relation to Identity, which is validated by consequential implication, while the implicative conditional only validates the restricted principle of Possibilistic Identity. The relations between the two conditionals are represented by two Aristotelian cubes of opposition, one involving the contrariety between If A, then B and If A, then ¬B, according to Weak Boethius’ Thesis, and the other the contrariety between If A, then B and If ¬A, then B, according to Aristotle’s Second Thesis. We also explore the relations between the two logical conditionals and natural language conditionals, emphasizing the dependence of the latter on the context, and the need to distinguish natural language conditionals which may be viewed as consequential or implicative, on one side, and concessive and some other types of conditionals, on the other.
Problem Trzech Miast
Authors: Machinek Marian Szczepan
Published: January 2025

Do Tertuliańskiej diady Aten i Jerozolimy, która symbolicznie określa relację wiary i rozumu, a tym samym teologii i nauki, należy współcześnie dodać jeszcze trzecie „Miasto”: Dolinę Krzemową. Oznacza ona nowy typ związku nauki, techniki i obrazu świata, który z jednej strony stanowi istotne wezwanie dla refleksji filozoficznej i teologicznej, z drugiej zaś wykazuje tendencje do formułowania tez filozoficzno-teologicznych. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza wybranych przeszkód w owocnym dialogu trzech „Miast”, który jest nie tylko możliwy, ale także niezbędny. Zakłada on przede wszystkim przestrzeganie granic metodologicznych, bez czego niemożliwe jest ustalenie punktów stycznych między tymi trzema spojrzeniami na rzeczywistość. Dialog wymaga otwarcia i wzięcia pod uwagę nie tylko najnowszych wiedzy naukowej i dociekań filozofii, ale także współczesnych koncepcji teologicznych, szczególnie tych dotyczących Stwórcy i stworzenia świata. W ponad trzydzieści lat od ogłoszenia encykliki Jana Pawła II Fides et ratio o wzajemnej relacji wiary i rozumu warto ponownie postawić pytanie o warunki dialogu Jerozolimy, Aten i Doliny Krzemowej.
W jaki sposób pościł prorok Daniel?
Authors: Rucki Mirosław
Published: January 2025

Artykuł poświęcony jest zagadnieniu „postu Daniela”, porównując perspektywę stosowanych dzisiaj diet warzywno-owocowych oraz perspektywę biblijnego Daniela. Dzisiejsze katolickie pojęcie postu znacznie różni się od postu w judaizmie, który polega na absolutnej głodówce, a takie praktyki zachowały się też w Kościołach orientalnych. Również motywacja Daniela jest wyjaśniona w tekście biblijnym jako unikanie pokarmów nieczystych i pochodzących z ofiar bałwochwalczych, oraz jako powstrzymanie się od mięsa na znak solidarności z oblężoną Jerozolimą. W przeciwieństwie do Daniela, motywacją dzisiejszych adeptów „postu Daniela” jest pozbycie się nadwagi, mimo że relacja biblijna utrzymuje, że Daniel przytył po 10 dniach stosowania diety warzywno-owocowej.
The Seeds of Modern Existential Philosophy in St. Augustine
Authors: Warchał Robert Artur
Published: January 2025

This article delves into Augustine’s doctrine from anthropological and cognitive perspectives within the framework of existential philosophy. Central to this analysis is Augustine’s stance on transcendence and his adoption of a bottom-up approach to anthropology. The article explores the existential aspects of human experience, examining how Augustine’s conception aligns with the existential movement’s focus on individual crises. The relevance of his doctrine lies in its depiction of human positivity stemming from a metaphysical source—God, who serves as the unconditioned model of human fullness. Through an exploration of Augustine’s views on human emotions and their conditions, the author explains the parallels with the existential movement focusing on individual situations. In this context, what warrants close attention is the principle of the significance of critical inquiry and analytical rigor in the pursuit of truth. The very process of seeking truth can lead to an improvement in understanding and to the discovery of genuine facts. Through a synthesis of critical thinking, analysis, and research, individuals can navigate through uncertainty and arrive at deeper insights into the human condition. Augustine’s anthropological analysis of human existence is intertwined with reflections on the transient nature of life and the pursuit of meaning. By situating human existence within the broader framework of metaphysical realities, Augustine underscores the positive aspects of human nature emanating from a source beyond the material realm. His doctrine serves as a testament to the enduring importance of metaphysical inquiry in contemporary philosophical discourse.
Troska Kościoła o trzeźwość rodzin na terenach polskich na przełomie XIX i XX wieku
Authors: Skoczylas Kazimierz Stanisław
Published: January 2025

Na przełomie XIX i XX wieku rozszerza się nadużywanie alkoholu na terenach ziem polskich. W każdym z zaborów pojawiają się inicjatywy kościelne prowadzące do kształtowania umiarkowania i abstynencji od alkoholu. Zakładane są liczne bractwa trzeźwości. Po odzyskaniu przez Polskę niepodległości poszerza się udział Kościoła w pracy trzeźwościowej. Pojawia się szeroka promocja trzeźwości. Kościół przez biskupów i księży włącza się w tę aktywność. Do tego celu w Kościele wykorzystuje się również prasę. Promują ją także różne organizacje dla dorosłych, dzieci i młodzieży.
The Moderating Role of National Culture on Perceptions of Psychological Contract Breach and Job Satisfaction in Multinational Corporations
Authors:   , Wright Erik Scot
Published: January 2025

This study sought to answer critical questions surrounding the impact that national culture has on specific parts of the employment experience of employees working for multinational organizations. As globalization expands and organizations are gaining larger footprints beyond regional operations, there has become a need to understand how cultural nuances could be playing a role in the employee experiences at these organizations. This study looks at two pieces of the employee experience in great detail, the psychological contract and job satisfaction. Understanding the process that builds psychological contracts between employee and employer is a critical piece to promoting a satisfied and productive workforce. The perception of a breach of the psychological contract has substantial negative implications. Understanding how the psychological contract and employee job satisfaction are linked is a key focus of this study. Binary logistic regression and path analysis were conducted on a sample of employees of multinational organizations which provided key findings and evidence that both nationality and job satisfaction play a statistically significant role in the perception of a psychological contract breach. The path analysis provided results that warrant further research, but was unable to substantiate the moderating effects of the dimensions of national culture on job satisfaction and psychological contract breach. Implications and recommendations for multinational organizations and learning technology practitioners are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.
Using TAM to Examine Faculty Perceptions of Online Learning at Technical Colleges in South Georgia
Authors:   , Sumter La'Quata
Published: January 2025

The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used in this study to evaluate the faculty's perceptions of online learning. This study adopted a deductive approach that involved a move from theory formulation to data gathering. This study utilized a descriptive, correlational design to describe the study variables, which included the participants'' perceptions and attitudes. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of technology have statistically significant correlations with technology competence levels of technical college faculty members, influencing their behavioral intentions to use online learning. Specific strategies that bolster perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of technology in learning should be prioritized. These strategies include improving technological infrastructure, offering technology competency training, instituting facilitative technology use policies, and improving teacher-student motivation to use technology in learning.
Wireless Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor for PM2.5 Detection
Authors:   , Mamidipally Sai Karthik
Published: January 2025

Currently, there is no equipment to measure the real-time fit of EHMR or N-95masks which are used in harsh environments. Improper fit of these EHMRs or N-95 masks exposes the personnel to hazardous environments. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have been around for few decades and are being used in various applications. In this work, real-time PM2.5 detection using passive wireless SAW sensors is presented. The design of meander antenna at 433MHz for wireless interrogation of SAW sensor using HFSS and ADS is also presented in this thesis. This works also includes the design of YZ-lithium niobate SAW sensor including COMSOL simulation.
Understanding the Hazard Adjustments and Risk Perceptions of Stakeholders in El Reno, Oklahoma
Authors:   , Smith Jeremy Austin
Published: January 2025

This qualitative study utilized the protective action decision model to explore the risk perceptions and hazard adjustments to the earthquake risk of residents in El Reno, Oklahoma.
Optimization of Silica Nanocomposite Membranes for Air Dehumidification
Authors:   , Appaji Tejas
Published: January 2025

This thesis is focused on understanding the correct method to simulate atomistic models to calculate coefficient of diffusion of water through the membrane. It also aims to fix the method previously used in molecular modelling in which the simulation results did not match the experimental results. These membranes will be used in air dehumidification systems. The four types of membranes namely, polyurethane, polyurethane with silica nano particles, polyurethane with silica nano particles and amine surface modifier, and polyurethane with silica nano particles and aniline surface modifier. These membranes were also simulated to understand the effects of temperatures and pressure using molecular dynamics. The software packages used are MAPS 4.3, Avogadro, EMC, OVITO, and LAMMPS. MAPS, Avogadro and EMC were used to model the membrane at an atomistic level while LAMMPS is used to simulate the model generated. OVITO is used to analyze the simulation visually. The movement of water vapor molecules were tracked through the membrane in the simulation and diffusion coefficient was calculated using Mean square displacement equation. To create a realistic model, silica was dispersed in the Polyurethane matrix, simulated under standard atmospheric conditions. These results will help in further optimizing the membrane for air dehumidification. This will be an energy efficient, and environment friendly way of dehumidification compared to the traditional heat pump type.
Goering's Boys in Blue: The Luftwaffe Field Divisions, 1942-1945
Authors:   , Stout Michael John
Published: January 2025

The Luftwaffe Field Divisions have remained on the periphery of World War II historiography for over seventy years, overshadowed by the myth of German military excellence during the conflict. The Heer is still known for lightning-quick attacks, brutal firepower, ably trained soldiers, and formidable success on the battlefield; an army of almost faceless, remorseless pain that grimly and efficiently faced down the Allies until the very end. Only recently, flaws have begun opening in this pristine picture as historians have examined how quickly the quality of the German army deteriorated from 1942-onward. Despite the vast landscape of scholarship on the war and the recent historical analysis of the weaknesses the Germans suffered, serious study on the creation and management of the Luftwaffe Field Divisions has been sparse. What has been written about them since 1945 has done little to offer a full picture of the units, their creation, or their significance to the German war effort. The purpose of this study was to fulfill this need by answering the necessary questions about the divisions, provide a complete history of the units, and place the LwFDs properly within the historiography of the Second World War.
An Investigation into the Use of a Facebook Group by Secondary English Teachers During a Pandemic
Authors:   , Flagg Joy Evaline
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on a Facebook group utilized by secondary English teachers during the initial crisis period of COVID 19, defined as March 2020-June 2020. During this period, teacher participants used this Facebook group as a community of practice to re-envision pedagogy, using social media as a third space in which to have discussions with other teachers, either to seek help or to share resources. After a qualitative content analysis of 630 initial posts, 14,500 comments, and 13,539 reactions, three themes were determined. Teachers used the Facebook group to re-envision pedagogy by discussing texts and related activities, teachers sought strategies for lessons to implement during a pandemic; by offering a forum for discussion about ethical considerations of social justice and school responsibility, the teachers sought a space to talk openly about how to respond to current events; and by serving as a space for solidarity and support among fellow English teachers, the teachers supported each other through change.