bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Left-behind Places in a Contrastive Approach
Authors: Sandu Dumitru
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Left-behindness is usually studied on the regional level or, in a qualitative way, on the local level. Here we expand the approach to all the rural and urban localities of a country. How are left-behind places in a country compared to other types of places in an Eastern European country? A typology of local human development is designed and tested for the case of the Romanian society.
Methods
One starts from the United Nations model of human development, structured by the three dimensions of education, economic development and health. This is adapted to the local level and two contrasting measures are designed – an index and a typology of local human development. The typology resulted from a cluster analysis. It is validated by bi-variate and multivariate analysis (multinomial regression).
Results
High emigration rates, irrespective of the destination, do not bring lower development, and, implicitly, left behindness, to the local origin in Romania. A key finding of the analysis is that the destination of migration counts. There is a higher probability, in 2018, of bringing left-behindness in localities with a higher number of emigrants to Italy, in the years preceding 2011. In a contrasting vay, high emigration to Italy favours lower comprehensive or economic development later on, at the local level.
Conclusions
Human development is highly differentiated by destination countries of emigration and by historical subregions. It is especially for such contexts that the quantitative approach could be misleading. Public policy targets could be better identified if qualitative and quantitative approaches are simultaneously used. The proposed approach could be adopted by keeping the same dimensions and measuring them by available and appropriate indicators.
Feature selection for constructing datasets toward automated lifecycle assessment for additive manufacturing
Authors: Naser Ahmed Z. , Defersha Fantahum , Yang Sheng
Published: September 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is considered an innovative technology to fabricate goods with green characteristics. In comparison to conventional manufacturing (CM) approaches, AM technologies have shown impressive results in enhancing sustainability in production systems. Various research has been conducted to assess the environmental impacts of AM based on the well-known life cycle assessment (LCA) framework. However, this approach requires intensive domain knowledge to build the environmental impact model and interpret the impacts of input variances. This knowledge barrier may cause delays and challenges in the selection of the optimal design and process parameters for additively manufactured parts in the product design and planning stages due to the iterative design-evaluation process. As such, the research community demands an automated LCA tool for supporting AM toward elevated sustainability. To achieve this ambitious goal, this paper particularly investigates the fundamental question – “What are the key influential parameters that pose an impact on the environmental sustainability of AM?”. A methodological framework for identifying the key influential parameters for AM is proposed. The framework was demonstrated by taking the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process as an example. Based on instantiation, LCA of over 200 AM instances, and correlation analysis, the key influential parameters are identified. Finally, a dataset with the identified features could be constructed. This dataset is expected to establish a common base for scale-up with joint efforts from the AM community.
Modeling and indexing the drought severity by augmenting SPI metric system to incorporate multi-modal ground temperature data
Authors: Karunarathne Sachini , De Silva Kushani , Perera Sanjeewa
Published: September 2023

Drought is a global threat caused by the persistent challenges of climate change. It is important to identify drought conditions based on the weather variables and their patterns. In this study, we enhanced the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) by integrating ground temperature data to develop a more comprehensive metric for evaluating drought severity. Our metric offers a dual assessment of drought severity, taking into account both the intensity of the drought and its duration. We employ this evaluation in the primary paddy cultivation region of Sri Lanka, with the aim of shedding light on the prevailing drought conditions affecting paddy crops due to insufficient water supply and prolonged periods ofelevated temperatures. Additionally, we calibrate our metric by aligning it with historical drought records and subsequently compare the outcomes with those derived from the conventional SPI index.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Assembly of Bangladeshi Native Cattle, Mirkadim
Authors: Ahammad Ishtiaque , Amin U.S. Mahzabin , Ahsan Tamim , Bhattacharjee Arittra , Chowdhury Zeshan Mahmud , Rahman Md. Hadisur , Jahan Nusrat , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal , Das Keshob Chandra , Salimullah Md
Published: September 2023

Mirkadim breed of Bos indicus is a cattle native to Bangladesh. For whole genome sequencing of Mirkadim, a sample was collected from the Munshiganj district of Bangladesh. It was subjected to short read sequencing using the NextSeq 2000 Illumina platform with 2x150-bp paired-end reads configuration at the National Institute of Biotechnology, Ganakbari, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Approximately 62.2 Gb of raw data in compressed format were generated which was subsequently assembled into a draft genome spanning 2,234,532,856 bp, comprising 1,007,556 contigs. The genome data has been deposited under the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BioProject number PRJNA947975.
Problems of the Ukrainian blogosphere in the context of the development of the people’s cultural code
Authors: Sergieieva Anna
Published: September 2023

Introduction. The media space is one of the least studied sources of the cultural code, representing reels, posts and stories that broadcast cultural code at verbal and non-verbal levels.
Relevance of the study. Various scholars addressed the issues of culture code, but less attention is paid to studying the problems of the development of the people’s cultural code in the media space. The purpose of our research is to define the problems of the development of the people’s cultural code in the Ukrainian blogosphere.
Methodology. The main research method is analysis of scientific literature on the research problem; survey to study the opinions of Ukrainian bloggers regarding problems of the development of the people’s cultural code in the media environment; content analysis of blogs to identify existing problems.
Results. The results of the survey indicate that Ukrainian bloggers in TikTok, Instagram and Facebook publish content of a national and cultural direction, through which patriotic, national and cultural values are broadcast, developing the people’s cultural code. At the same time, they face certain difficulties, mostly related to the policies of the social networks.
Conclusions. The results of the study of the problems of the Ukrainian blogosphere in the context of the development of the people’s cultural code indicate that some part of Ukrainian bloggers face a number of restrictions in the online media environment, which force them to carefully select content for their blogs and monitor the status of their accounts. The perspective of further research consists in studying the markers of cultural code in the Instagram, Facebook and TikTok media space, as well as in the formation of an actual structural model of cultural code.
Cross-cultural communications in the digital age: relevance for the activities of journalists
Authors: Lashkina Mariia , Khrystokin Hennadii , Vasylchenko V’yacheslav
Published: September 2023

Introduction. The article examines the problems of cross-cultural communications in the context of information technologies development and globalization, the influence of the media on the formation of moral and cultural systems in society. Journalism, as a socially important profession, should report all processes in a multicultural, multinational environment, considering cross-cultural interaction.
Relevance of the study. The relevance of the study of cross-cultural communications in journalism is determined by the intercultural information environment, the need to take into account the ethno-cultural and socio-political differences of other countries journalists’ work, that requires developing intercultural sensitivity.
The goal of the study is to consider the problems of cross-cultural communication from the point of view of journalistic activities in a transparent information environment. We need to: 1) analyze the main definitions and modern approaches to various aspects of cross-cultural interaction; 2) consider the influence of cross-cultural differences on psychological, political and social processes, on their reflection in the information space; 3) formulate the main directions of cross-cultural interaction for journalistic activities.
Methodology. The methods of comparative analysis of scientific sources, hermeneutic interpretation of terms and postulates, situational modeling, monitoring of publications in Ukrainian and foreign mass media made it possible to determine reference points of cross-cultural communications for the media, to model options for the activities of journalists after the war in an information-rich world.
Results. In the conditions of the development of technologies, the creation of various types of cross-media, and the popularity of social media, the role of journalistic activity is becoming more and more decisive. The development of society’s perception of the diversity, the formation of tolerance, and the understanding of the importance of multiculturalism and multilingualism for society depends on the reflection of cross-cultural differences, taking into account the theoretical background of such interaction.
Conclusions. For Ukrainian journalists, the problem of underestimating knowledge of cross-cultural communications is especially acute during the war and lies in several areas: coverage of events inside the country, based on compliance with journalistic standards; coverage of the events in Ukraine to an international audience that lives in another dimension, often cannot imagine the scale of the loss and grief of Ukrainians; activities of fixers to accompany journalists from other countries coming to cover events in Ukraine.
KETAHANAN KELUARGA NELAYAN PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Surur Saefi Fatikhu
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the specific changes that occurred in fishing families when hit by the pandemic covid-19. Also to understand in depth the meaning of a family and their efforts to maintain family harmony amidst the pandemic covid-19 outbreak. In general, the people of Pangandaran Regency live in the seacoast area, so that the majority of the people work as fishermen. When Large-Scale Restrictions (PSBB) were imposed, fishermen's families in Pangandaran district had to stop their activities. The method used is a qualitative study that is descriptive analytic with analysis tools of family resilience theory and functional structure theory. In the initial research, there were interesting findings, fishing families in Pangandaran Regency had quite varied efforts to maintain harmony and there were several changes in the roles and functions of family members in implementing these efforts.
Fabrication Method of Carbon-based Materials in CH4/N2 Plasma by RF-PECVD and Annealing Treatment for Laser Diodes
Authors: Abbas Arwa Saud , Hiazaa Abdulrhman Faraj M , Jalalah Abdullah , Alkhamisah Mohammed , Alrasheed Rasheed , Alfadhl Fadhl S , Aljalham Ghadeer H , Basem Fatimah
Published: September 2023

The present research addresses the synthesis of carbon materials thin films by RF-PECVD in N2/CH4 gas mixture. Carbon materials film was formed at 40/48 sccm of CH4/N2 of the total gas flow rate ratio CH4/CH4+N2 = 0.45 and 200/100 W HF/LF power at a deposition temperature of 350 oC and 1000 mTorr pressure. Then, post-annealing of carbon materials film took place at 400 oC by means of RTA under N2 flow. The formation of carbon nanostructures was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, respectively. AFM shows that the films consisted of nanocrystalline grains. The surface morphology and structural characteristics of materials were studied as a gas flow function and substrate temperature. EDX results indicated the carbon presence, and Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed two broad bands: D-band 1381.64 cm−1 and G-band 1589.42 cm−1. The temperature-dependent post-annealing of carbon materials plays a key role in the graphite crystallites growth at high substrate temperatures. Our results indicate carbon materials incorporation for laser diode applications.
The Asymptotically Safe Standard Model: From quantum gravity to dynamical chiral symmetry breaking
Authors: Pastor-Gutiérrez Álvaro , Pawlowski Jan M. , Reichert Manuel
Published: September 2023

We present a comprehensive non-perturbative study of the phase structure of the asymptotically safe Standard Model. The physics scales included range from the asymptotically safe trans-Planckian regime in the ultraviolet, the intermediate high-energy regime with electroweak symmetry breaking to strongly correlated QCD in the infrared. All flows are computed with a self-consistent functional renormalisation group approach, using a vertex expansion in the fluctuation fields. In particular, this approach takes care of all physical threshold effects and the respective decoupling of ultraviolet degrees of freedom. Standard Model and gravity couplings and masses are fixed by their experimental low energy values. Importantly, we accommodate for the difference between the top pole mass and its Euclidean analogue. Both, the correct mass determination and the threshold effects have a significant impact on the qualitative properties, and in particular on the stability properties of the specific ultraviolet-infrared trajectory with experimental Standard Model physics in the infrared. We show that in the present rather advanced approximation the matter part of the asymptotically safe Standard Model has the same number of relevant parameters as the Standard Model, and is asymptotically free. This result is based on the novel UV fixed point found in the present work: the fixed point Higgs potential is flat but has two relevant directions. These results and their analysis are accompanied by a thorough discussion of the systematic error of the present truncation, also important for systematic improvements.
Holographic quantum scars
Authors: Liska Diego , Gritsev Vladimir , Vleeshouwers Ward , Minář Jiří
Published: September 2023

We discuss a construction of quantum many-body scars in the context of holography. We consider two-dimensional conformal field theories and use their dynamical symmetries, naturally realized through the Virasoro algebra, to construct scarred states. By studying their Loschmidt amplitude, we evaluate the states’ periodic properties. A geometrical interpretation allows us to compute the expectation value of the stress tensor and entanglement entropy of these scarred states. We show that their holographic dual is related by a diffeomorphism to empty AdS, even for energies above the black hole threshold. We also demonstrate that expectation values in the scarred states are generally non-thermal and that their entanglement entropy grows with the energy as \log(E)log(E) in contrast to \sqrt{E}E for the typical (bulk) states. Furthermore, we identify fixed points on the CFT plane associated with divergent or vanishing entanglement entropy in the limit where the scarred states have infinite energy.
Multiple periodic motions of a two degrees-of-freedom carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminated cylindrical shell
Authors: Gao Ting , Li Jing , Zhu Shaotao , Guo Ziyu
Published: September 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer is a composite material, which is widely used in various engineering fields due to its excellent properties. We systematically discuss the influence of axial load amplitude parameters on the multiple periodic motions of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminated cylindrical shell model. Based on the Melnikov vector function, the bifurcation regions of periodic orbits are obtained. It is found that the system has at most four periodic orbits under parameters conditions. Moreover, the phase portraits of periodic orbits are given by numerical simulation. The results offer an idea for parameter control of shell structure.
Effect of ZnO content on structure and properties in high refractive index BaO-ZnO-TiO2-SiO2 glass system
Authors: Ding Ximao , Wu Si
Published: September 2023

In this study, BaO-ZnO-TiO2 SiO2 was used as the research system, and IR, XRD and DTA analysis were used to study the structure, thermal behavior, crystallization phenomenon and chemical stability of the glass when different proportions of ZnO gradually replaced BaO in this system. The results indicate that replacing BaO with ZnO does not change the amorphous structure of the glass, and the density of the glass increases with the increase of ZnO content. With the increase of ZnO content in glass, the tendency of devitrification increases during cooling, indicating an increased tendency for surface crystallization of glass. The glass with high ZnO content has the highest density and refractive index, and has the best water resistance. However, at this time, the glass is easier to crystallize after heat treatment.
Practical implementation and experimental testing of control system for vibratory lapping-polishing machine
Authors: Kachur Oleksandr , Korendiy Vitaliy , Zakharov Viktor , Borovets Volodymyr , Havrylchenko Oleksandr , Palash Roman
Published: September 2023

Vibratory technological machines are widely implemented in various branches of industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. Particularly, such equipment can be effectively used while conducting finishing technological operations, e.g., lapping and polishing of different machine parts. The present paper is focused on developing the control system for the novel design of a vibratory lapping-polishing machine driven by six solenoids. The main purpose consists in providing the circular trajectory of the working member and ensuring the machining uniformity at each point of the surface being treated. In such a case, it is proposed to actuate the solenoids with the specified time shift depending on the forced frequency needed to be provided. The duration of the signal actuating the solenoid is equal to one-sixth of the total duration of a cycle (period) of the working body oscillation. The corresponding control approach is developed and simulated in the Tinkercad application, while the control system is designed based on the Arduino software and hardware. In addition, the laboratory prototype of the vibratory lapping-polishing machine and the corresponding control system are implemented in practice. The performed experimental investigations substantiate the possibilities of generating the circular oscillations of the working member of the vibratory lapping-polishing machine. The obtained results may be useful for engineers and technologists dealing with control systems of various vibratory technological equipment based on electromagnetic and solenoid-type drives.
Dynamic identification of a stone masonry building: influence of damage and of CRM retrofitting
Authors: Boem Ingrid , Dilena Michele , Gattesco Natalino
Published: September 2023

The dynamic identification of a full-scale, two-storey building, made of rubble stone masonry, was achieved. Different configurations were analyzed: unstrengthened masonry and retrofitted masonry, in both undamaged and damaged conditions. Damage was accomplished by testing the building under lateral cyclic loading, to reproduce the seismic effects. The strengthening technique (CRM – Composite Reinforced Mortar) consisted in plastering the outer facades by means of a 30 mm tick mortar coating reinforced with glass-fiber polymer meshes and in introducing transversal connectors injected in the masonry. The mode shapes and natural vibrating frequencies were analyzed and compared, evidencing the effects of damage and of retrofitting. A finite element numerical model was developed, to perform eigenvalue analysis and calibrate the equivalent masonry stiffness for the different configurations.
Implementasi Perubahan Peraturan mengenai Pembebasan Bea Masuk dan Pajak Impor pada Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah
Authors: Lestari Nanik , Hati Shinta Wahyu , Bakhroni Fery Yudha , Hadyjah Besse
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the effect of the characteristics of the board of directors and audit committee on real earnings management. Three measurements are used to measure real earnings management, namely abnormal cash flow from operations, abnormal discretionary expenses, and abnormal production costs. Company management can manipulate operational activities such as sales, reduce discretionary costs, and manipulate production levels excessively. Using purposive sampling method, this study uses a total of 98 observation of manufacturing companies that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2017 to 2021. The data collected will be tested with the help of Eviews software. The data analysis methods used in this study include descriptive statistical analysis, panel data regression test, and hypothesis testing. The results of this study reveals that audit committee size variable hasa significant positive effect on real earnings management, while the board of directors size variable, board of directors independence, board of directors meetings, audit committee independence, audit committee meetings, and audit committee expertise do not affect real earnings management.
Contamination, ecological, and human health risks of heavy metals in water from a Pb–Zn–F mining area, North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Adewumi Adeniyi JohnPaul , Laniyan Temitope Ayodeji
Published: September 2023

In Nigeria, artisanal mining has become a serious issue. In the Nigerian mining region of Arufu Pb–Zn–F, this study assessed the level of pollution, ecological hazards, and health risks related to the presence of metals in the water. In the dry and rainy seasons, 36 water samples (20 from the ground, 10 from the surface, and six from the mine) were gathered. Samples were examined for the presence of heavy metals such as Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb. Other than Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Cd (surface water, dry season), which were below the acceptable norm, all water samples had metals over the suggested limits. Heavy metals from nearby mining activities polluted the water, according to contamination evaluations utilizing the contamination factor (CF). Metals in the water may pose very significant ecological dangers, according to ecological risk assessments. The evaluation of human health risks revealed that both adults and children in the region are susceptible to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards since the hazard index (HI) values for both indices were above 1 × 10−5 and above 1, respectively. This report emphasizes the need for monitoring mining operations in the nation to safeguard public health.
Ionanofluids: A review on its properties and thermal applications
Authors: Almutairi R.
Published: September 2023

Abstract. The dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) into ionic liquids results in ionanofluids (INFs) (ILs). INFs are regarded as the newest type of heat transfer fluids (HTFs). INFs are discovered to improve the fluids' thermophysical characteristics at high temperatures with negligible vapor pressure. The preparation techniques and theoretical models used to calculate the physical characteristics of ionofluids, including their density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermal applications, are summarized in this work.
Statistical analysis of fatigue behavior in additively manufactured steels
Authors: Alhajeri A.
Published: September 2023

Abstract. The effect of building orientations, sample conditions, and loading ratio (R-value) are important factors in terms of fatigue behavior. The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect the fatigue behavior in additively manufactured laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) 316L stainless steel. A statistical analysis was performed to point the significant and insignificant factors with different building orientations, samples conditions, and R-value. This statistical analysis provides the most significant factors to be considered for fatigue behavior of 316L stainless steel additive manufacturing.
Propylthiouracil Induced Neurotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice Fetus
Authors: Tiwari Samta , Arora Neel Kamal , Pandey S. K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Anti-thyroid drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, as pregnancy-associated hyperthyroidism causes fetal and maternal complications. Propylthiouracil is recommended for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in the first trimester, though limited reports of congenital anomalies are associated with its antenatal usage.Aim: The present study aims to reveal the teratogenicity of propylthiouracil by studying its neurotoxic effect in mice fetuses.Material and Methods: Propylthiouracil was orally administered in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day to pregnant Swiss albino mice during the period of organogenesis (treated group), while pregnant dams of control group were given distilled water orally (same volume and for same duration). The pregnancy was terminatedon the 18th day of conception after sacrificing the pregnant dams and fetuses were collected. The fetal brains (from both, control and treated groups) were dissected out, examined and processed for further histological study.Results: The brains of the treated group shows hemorrhagic spots on gross examination, while microscopic examination shows degeneration in the hippocampal area, degeneratedchoroid plexus and dilatation of lateral and fourth ventricles along with the destruction of ependymal lining of these ventricles. No such findings are present in brain of controlgroup.Conclusion: The safety of propylthiouracil must be re-evaluated through large randomised clinical trials, as it is observed to have neurotoxic effect on mice fetus in the present study
Elucidation of the organ fibrosis-inducing action of quinolinic acid and search for food ingredients that protect the body from organ fibrosis
Authors: Kobayashi Ken-Ichi
Published: September 2023

Fibrosis is a condition in which tissue thickens or scars in response to injury. It can affect multiple parts of the human body, including organs, but there are few treatments. The condition was previously thought to be irreversible but, since the discovery that fibrosis is not captured
in any single particular organ, but is caused by a complex network of cells and organs, researchers believe there is a common pathophysiological mechanism at play, and the condition may be reversible. Professor Ken-Ichi Kobayashi, Notre Dame Seishin University, Japan, is working on a project
to discover more about the mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on the role that quinolinic acid, a known neurotoxin, might play. Reports that quinolinic acid is increased in the brain in varied conditions led to the ‘Quinolinic Acid Hypothesis’. In a study focused
on obesity-induced NASH diet, the researchers examined the effects on the liver and other organs and found that the kynurenine metabolic pathway was decreased in the liver of NASH. The team also demonstrated for the first time that fibrosis is enhanced in the liver and the kidney in a GAN
diet-induced NASH mouse model. The researchers also showed that the liver and kidneys have very different effects on the kynurenine metabolic pathway. The researchers want to clarify the relationship with non-alcoholic fatty pancreas (NAFPD) and other organs, to better understand the pathomechanisms
of organ fibrosis. Based on these findings, they are now focusing on renal fibrosis and researching food ingredients that prevent and improve organ fibrosis.
Social implementation trial of the ALD/NAFLD predictive model to increase health literacy and promote behaviour change
Authors: Motomura Jun
Published: September 2023

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are serious health problems across the globe and research has shown that, within Japan, the situation in Okinawa Prefecture is particularly concerning. Researchers from Meio University, Hirosaki University,
and Kyoto University in Japan are collaborating on ‘The Yambaru Health Promotion Project’ (YHPP). This epidemiological survey is designed to collect data on the people of Okinawa Prefecture with the goal of extending life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and improving quality
of life. The big data collected by the YHPP will be analysed by the Prediction Application for Liver Disease (PALD) Plan and the PALD Plan will implement a trial of an ALD/NAFLD predictive model in the community to increase health literacy and promote behaviour change. Senior Associate
Professor Jun Motomura is part of the team working on this research. He and his collaborators are working to develop a low-cost algorithm for predicting the future risk of developing ALD/NAFLD from health check-up results and a smartphone application that utilises the predictive model.
The researchers are hopeful that the PALD Plan means that Okinawans could enter their annual health check-up results into their low-cost ‘ALD/NAFLD Prediction Model’ smartphone app that the team is developing and use the app to view lifestyle improvement advice specific to
them.
Multidisciplinary co-development of a chronic constipation management education programme for older people with dementia and the establishment of a model facility
Authors: Naito Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2023

Chronic constipation (CC) is prevalent among the elderly population and particularly those with dementia. Associate Professor Tomoyoshi Naito, School of Nursing, Seirei Christopher University, Japan, is exploring supportive care of elderly patients with dementia. He is working with
collaborators to develop a multidisciplinary CC management education programme for healthcare professionals involved with elderly patients suffering from dementia. The researchers will also build a model facility to implement and verify the impact of the programme. Part of this research concerns
gaining a more in-depth understanding of management and care techniques, based on the Japanese Chronic Constipation Treatment Guidelines from 2017, especially in relation to the diet and differentiation of chronic functional constipation. The goal is to reduce the number of painful medical
procedures by enhancing therapy, exercise therapy, lifestyle guidance and making it possible to select step-by-step drug therapy. The programme will be executed at two facilities in Japan, targeting specialist caregivers who work with elderly patients with dementia, including doctors, nurses,
pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. They will receive basic education on chronic constipation in elderly people with dementia, as well as practical training on the management of CC in addition to self-training and evaluations based on case studies. In a randomised controlled trial,
Naito sought to verify the impact of bowel training as a treatment for CC and found that, together with the training, encouraging patients to use appropriate defecation posture significantly improved the condition. This was associated with a corresponding improvement in the mental health and
wellbeing of patients and caregivers.
Towards Personalized Nutrition Based on Multimodal Data
Authors: Miyamoto Takafumi
Published: September 2023

At the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, a team led by Assistant Professor Takafumi Miyamoto are performing investigations to promote personalised nutrition solutions by developing technology to correctly regulate processes that occur at the cellular level. The researchers want to fill knowledge gaps and better understand how different factors impact health and well-being. Their diverse investigations cover cancer metabolism, synthetic biology, digital biology integrating life science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology; personalised nutrition; and organelle code, all with the goal of creating a ´well-being` society. Lifestyle-induced diseases are on the rise and, by better understanding the complexities of diet and how it is related to well-being, Miyamoto and the team want to bring about a ´paradigm shift` in society. As such, studies including the visualisation of biological information encoded in blood, AI nutrition and epidemiological studies on food and health, are underway. Miyamoto believes that personalised nutrition will be the catalyst for establishing a society where food, education and medical care serve as social common capital locally. The researchers are developing novel biomolecular technologies and devices which foster physical wellness, including technology to correctly regulate the process of information processing at the cellular level. This involves research in synthetic biology. The team is currently fabricating wearable apparatus that can provide detailed information to deliver personalised nutrition.
Construction of radiation protection training program for nurses using virtual reality
Authors: Daioku Tomihiko
Published: September 2023

There are also risks associated with X-rays as they are a form of radiation and although precautions are taken to protect patients, exposure of radiology personnel can be neglected. Senior Assistant Professor Tomihiko Daioku, from Chubu University, has been working to educate nurses about radiation in the workplace as many nurses may not have important knowledge about radiation and correct radiation protection methods and experience fear and anxiety about exposure. Given that nursing training courses are intensive, opportunities to learn about radiation are limited. Daioku believes it is vital to provide nurses with more education on radiology and equip them to stay safer in the workplace and has been developing an education programme to raise awareness of radiation and precautionary measures that can be taken by nurses. He has been using projection mapping and VR as useful educational tools for understanding the characteristics of invisible radiation, ensuring the teachings are fun and experience-based. As Daioku found that clinical experience was essential in recalling situations within the VR environment, he has been focusing on practising nurses, building a programme based on Kolb's experiential learning model. He has confirmed the efficacy of his teaching materials and wants to determine how to utilise these for nursing students without any clinical experience, with the additional hurdle that they have heavy workloads and therefore little time for lengthy education programmes.
Minimally invasive tibial nerve decompression procedure could improve QOL in DFU patients with TTS
Authors: Uemura Tetsuji
Published: September 2023

Professor Tetsuji Uemura is a Visiting Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Showa University and Clinical Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Saga University Hospital. He is an expert in plastic surgery working to develop
techniques and treatments for patients with diabetic food diseases, such as foot ulcers and gangrene. Although there is broad agreement regarding the existence of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), there are still differences of opinion regarding its epidemiology as an etiology for foot pain and
paresthesia, particularly in patients with diabetes. There is also still confusion regarding the best conservative treatment, timing of surgical intervention, best surgical approach, and management of recurrences. In Japan and ASEAN countries, more and more patients with diabetic foot disease
need to have lower limb amputations due, in part, to a lack of medical specialists for diabetic foot diseases. Uemura wants to help overcome this by harnessing his interest in chronic nerve compression of the tibial nerve inside the tarsal tunnel, caused by diabetes and how this can be treated
and prevented. Five key themes for Uemura and his fellow researchers in the Department, known as SEEDs for the Project, are: Shaping the relationship between the progression of diabetic, neuropathy and changes in foot and gait; Establishing a simple and early diagnostic method for acute infections
that lead to amputation; Establishing the effectiveness of prophylactic foot surgery for diabetic foot lesions, especially verifying the possibility of treatment to improve the neuropathy that causes diabetic foot lesions; and Developing shoes that effectively prevent the occurrence of diabetic
foot lesions.
Comprehensive quantitative analysis of single-molecule proteins using ribosome fusion nanopore technology
Authors: Uemura Sotaro
Published: September 2023

The detection and analysis of proteins is important for science and medicine and methods for sequencing and synthesising proteins have been developed to assist with this. The analysis of single molecules provides more detailed and targeted information and the development of single-molecule techniques has helped to advance molecular research. Professor Sotaro Uemura, The University of Tokyo, Japan, has over 20 years experience in this field of research, with a focus on singling out and measuring single-molecule proteins using optical tweezers, fluorescence imaging and other techniques. Labelling is a key technology that facilitates the detection of target molecules and molecular sorting by the labelling process provides numerous advantages. However, there are restrictions to this technique, leading to Uemura's involvement in utilising label-free technology to assist in the detection and measurement of single molecules. Nanopore measurement is interesting, especially in its use as a DNA sequencer but, using this method, it isn't possible to pinpoint which molecule each signal comes from. Uemura is interested in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an additional analysis method that can link the signals. He is working with collaborators to use machine learning to determine which molecules are producing the signals identified by nanopore measurement. Single-molecule detection, biological target samples, antibodies, ribosome fusion nanopore technology, quantitative analyses, single molecule research, molecular motors, protein synthesis, optical tweezers, fluorescence imaging technologies, biomolecular functions, DNA sequencing, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence.
Anti-IFNg DNA aptamer for Hunner Type Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Koseki Chizuko
Published: September 2023

There is no widely accepted definition for Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) and very few effective diagnostic biomarkers. Chizuko Koseki is combining her deep knowledge of both urology and nucleic acid/oligonucleotides to develop innovative treatments for Hunner-type IC (HIC). Patients with IC/BPS are classified as either HIC, presenting with a specific Hunner lesion, or BPS presenting without Hunner lesion. There is a distinct lack of treatments, with only one approved drug; 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as intravesical instillation therapy, with the drug put directly into the bladder. An important study enabled scientists to surmise that HIC is a distinct inflammatory disorder that is characterised by pancystitis with an increase in plasma cells and frequent expansion of clonal B-cells, and epithelial denudation. Koseki is the CEO of TAGCyx Biotechnologies, a pre-clinical stage drug development company based in Komaba Open Laboratory, The University of Tokyo, Japan focused on developing novel nucleic acid-based drugs for therapeutic applications. The company focuses on: autoimmune disease; women's disease; apheresis; thrombosis; and chronic kidney disease. Oligonucleotides are key to Koseki's work; she is using the advantages and characteristics of single strand DNA oligonucleotides to develop some focused disease areas, such as autoimmune diseases, topical applications and women's diseases. The team has established a technology platform called Xenoligo® that can screen and stabilise drug candidates utilising oligonucleotide drug discovery. The platform can generate highly potent and efficacious single strand DNA aptamers. Interstitial cystitis, IC, bladder pain syndrome, BPS, urology, nucleic acid, oligonucleotides, Hunner-type IC, HIC, TAGCyx Biotechnologies, autoimmune disease, women's disease, apheresis, thrombosis, chronic kidney disease, oligonucleotide drug discovery, DNA aptamers.
Differing Behaviors Around Adult Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants and Opioids: Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Rockhill Karilynn M , Olson Richard , Dart Richard C , Iwanicki Janetta L , Black Joshua C
Published: September 2023

Background

The availability of central nervous system stimulants has risen in recent years, along with increased dispensing of stimulants for treatment of, for example, parent-reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and new diagnoses during adulthood. Typologies of drug use, as has been done with opioids, fail to include a sufficient range of behavioral factors to contextualize person-centric circumstances surrounding drug use. Understanding these patterns across drug classes would bring public health and regulatory practices toward precision public health.

Objective

The objective of this study was to quantitatively delineate the unique behavioral profiles of adults who currently nonmedically use stimulants and opioids using a latent class analysis and to contrast the differences in findings by class. We further evaluated whether the subgroups identified were associated with an increased Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10) score, which is an indicator of average problematic drug use.

Methods

This study used a national cross-sectional web-based survey, using 3 survey launches from 2019 to 2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic). Data from adults who reported nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (n=2083) or prescription opioids (n=6127) in the last 12 months were analyzed. A weighted latent class analysis was used to identify the patterns of use. Drug types, motivations, and behaviors were factors in the model, which characterized unique classes of behavior.

Results

Five stimulant nonmedical use classes were identified: amphetamine self-medication, network-sourced stimulant for alertness, nonamphetamine performance use, recreational use, and nondiscriminatory behaviors. The drug used nonmedically, acquisition through a friend or family member, and use to get high were strong differentiators among the stimulant classes. The latter 4 classes had significantly higher DAST-10 scores than amphetamine self-medication (P<.001). In addition, 4 opioid nonmedical use classes were identified: moderate pain with low mental health burden, high pain with higher mental health burden, risky behaviors with diverse motivations, and nondiscriminatory behaviors. There was a progressive and significant increase in DAST-10 scores across classes (P<.001). The potency of the opioid, pain history, the routes of administration, and psychoactive effect behaviors were strong differentiators among the opioid classes.

Conclusions

A more precise understanding of how behaviors tend to co-occur would improve efficacy and efficiency in developing interventions and supporting the overall health of those who use drugs, and it would improve communication with, and connection to, those at risk for severe drug outcomes.
Relationship Between Depression and Falls Among Nursing Home Residents: Protocol for an Integrative Review
Authors: Matos Queirós Alcina , von Gunten Armin , Rosselet Amoussou Joëlle , Martins Maria Manuela , Verloo Henk
Published: September 2023

Background

Aging exposes individuals to new health disorders and debilitating chronic diseases, yet most older adults, even in functional decline, do not want to leave their homes. Nevertheless, for many, institutionalization in a nursing home (NH) may become essential to ensure their continued safety and health. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among older adults, especially among those who are institutionalized. Depressed NH residents face a high risk of future functional decline and falls, decreasing their quality of life. The relationship between depression and falls is complex and bidirectional. Previous reviews have focused on home-dwelling older adults or explored the relationship between antidepressant drugs and falls. To the best of our knowledge, no integrative literature reviews have explored the relationship between depression and falls among NH residents.

Objective

Analyze studies on the relationship between depression and falls among NH residents.

Methods

We will conduct an integrative literature review of published articles in relevant scientific journals on the relationship between depression and depressive symptomatology and falls among NH residents. As usually defined, we will consider NH residents to be people aged 65 years and older who can no longer live safely and independently in their homes. We will also consider older adults on short-term stays in an NH for rehabilitation after hospital discharge. Retrieved articles will be screened for eligibility and analyzed following previously reported steps. The most pertinent bibliographical databases will be examined for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies, from inception until August 31, 2023, thus ensuring that all relevant literature is included. We will also hand-search the bibliographies of all the relevant articles found and search for unpublished studies in any language. If appropriate, we will consider conducting a meta-analysis of the studies retrieved.

Results

A first round of data collection was completed in March 2023. We retrieved a total of 2276 references. A supplementary literature search to ensure the most up-to-date evidence is ongoing. We anticipate that the review will be completed in late September 2023, and we expect to publish results at the end of December 2023.

Conclusions

This integrative review will increase knowledge and understanding of the complex relationship between depression and falls in NH environments. Its findings will be important for developing integrated, multidisciplinary models and care recommendations, adaptable to each NH resident’s situation and health status, and for creating preventive interventions to help them maintain or recover optimal health stability.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46995