bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Centralized Offshore Power Generation Design With Petri Net-Based Availability and Reliability Analysis
Authors: Melani Arthur Henrique de Andrade , de Souza Gilberto Francisco Martha , de Oliveira Silvio , Freire Ronaldo Lucas Alkmin
Published: September 2023

The offshore industry has actively sought technological solutions that reduce CO2 emissions from platform operations. One of the possible solutions being studied is the implementation of Power Hubs, which would generate electricity and distribute it to nearby platforms. Unlike the traditional approach, in which the electricity is generated in the platform for its operation, centralizing such generation via Power Hubs can make the process more efficient, reducing CO2 emissions. However, such a configuration increases the complexity of the operation and can impact the reliability and availability of platforms connected to the Power Hub. Therefore, this work aims to perform reliability and availability estimates of this type of operational configuration and compare it with the traditional offshore operation to quantify the difference between them. Various kinds of Power Hubs configurations were also analyzed to compare the results obtained. Such analyzes were performed using Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets (GSPNs) models. Results show that, depending on their configurations, Power Hubs can guarantee an average availability of energy generation close to 100% even in periods of higher demand for oil and gas production.
Analytical Solution for the Bending Problem of Micropolar Plates Based on the Symplectic Approach
Authors: Wu Qiong , Chen Long , Gao Qiang
Published: September 2023

An analytical solution for the bending problem of micropolar plates is derived based on the symplectic approach. By applying Legendre's transformation, we obtain the Hamiltonian canonical equation for the bending problem of a micropolar plate. Utilizing the method of separation of variables, the homogeneous Hamiltonian canonical equation can be transformed into an eigenvalue problem of the Hamiltonian operator matrix. We derive the eigensolutions of the eigenvalue problem for the simply supported, free, and clamped boundary conditions at the two opposite sides. Based on the adjoint symplectic orthogonal relation of the eigensolutions, the solution of the bending problem of the micropolar plate is expressed as a series expansion of eigensolutions. Numerical results confirm the validity of the present approach for the bending problem of micropolar plates under various boundary conditions and demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to capture the size-dependent behavior of micropolar plates.
Comparative study of the etiology of nosocomial bacteremic pneumonia in ventilated and non-ventilated patients: a 10-year experience in an institution
Authors: Bouza Emilio , Guillen-Zabala Helmuth , Rojas Adriana , Cañada Gabriela , Cercenado Emilia , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Díez Cristina , Puente Luis , Muñoz Patricia , Galar Alicia
Published: September 2023

The etiology of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in non-mechanically ventilated patients [hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)] is poorly understood because of difficulties in obtaining reliable respiratory samples. While it is thought to resemble that of mechanically ventilated patients [ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)], few studies compare etiology in both groups. We compared the etiology of bacteremic NP (bNP) episodes in HAP and VAP over 10 years in our institution. We defined NP in adults according to the American Thoracic Society criteria. bNP episodes were defined as significant isolates in ≥1 blood culture concordant with ≥1 respiratory pathogen isolated with <7 days of difference. During 2010–2019, 188 patients were included. The comparison between HAP (
n
= 104) and VAP (
n
= 84) revealed the following factors: male sex (80.8%/63.1%;
P
< 0.01); median age (69.3/67.8 y-o;
P
= 0.602); etiology [
Staphylococcus aureus
(40.49%/21.4%;
P
< 0.01), Enterobacterales (35.6%/39.3%;
P
= 0.601), and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(14.4%/34.5%;
P
< 0.01)]. Microorganisms were considered multidrug-resistant in 29.8%/21.4% of cases, respectively (
P
= 0.193). Median hospital stay in HAP/VAP was 45.0/53.5 days (
P
= 0.255), mortality was 55.8%/53.6% (
P
= 0.770), and related mortality was 45.2%/35.7% (
P
= 0.233). The etiology of bNP in hospitalized patients is similar but not identical in HAP and VAP. The differences included a higher prevalence of
S. aureus
in HAP and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in VAP. bNP is a serious disease, with mortality >40%.

IMPORTANCE

This study on bacteremic nosocomial pneumonia (bNP) demonstrates the importance of this condition both in patients undergoing and not undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Staphylococcus aureus
, Enterobacterales, and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli are all causative agents in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), with a predominance of
S. aureus
in HAP and of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in VAP. Mortality in this condition is very high. Therefore, new therapeutic and preventive approaches should be sought.
Supplemental Material: Neogene faulting, basin development, and relief generation in the southern Klamath Mountains (USA)
Authors: Michalak Melanie J. , al. et
Published: September 2023

Figures include effective uranium (eU) versus apatite (U-Th)/He individual grain ages, Wetherill Concordia plots of Miocene detrital U-Pb ages, and structure contour map of Weaverville basin and Lowden Ranch graben. Tables include HeFTy inverse and forward model parameters, all detrital U-Pb ages and isotope ratios, and all Lu-Hf isotopic values. 
Career intentions of medical students in the UK: a national, cross-sectional study (AIMS study)
Authors: Ferreira Tomas , Collins Alexander M , Feng Oliver , Samworth Richard J , Horvath Rita
Published: September 2023

Objective

To determine current UK medical students’ career intentions after graduation and on completing the Foundation Programme (FP), and to ascertain the motivations behind these intentions.

Design

Cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey of UK medical students, using a non-random sampling method.

Setting

All 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council.

Participants

All UK medical students were eligible to participate. The study sample consisted of 10 486 participants, approximately 25.50% of the medical student population.

Outcome measures

Career intentions of medical students postgraduation and post-FP, motivations behind these career intentions, characterising the medical student population and correlating demographic factors and propensity to leave the National Health Service (NHS).

Results

The majority of participating students (8806/10 486, 83.98%) planned to complete both years of the FP after graduation, with under half of these students (4294/8806, 48.76%) intending to pursue specialty training thereafter. A subanalysis of career intentions after the FP by year of study revealed a significant decrease in students’ intentions to enter specialty training as they advanced through medical school. Approximately a third of surveyed students (3392/10 486, 32.35%) intended to emigrate to practise medicine, with 42.57% (n=1444) of those students not planning to return. In total, 2.89% of students intended to leave medicine altogether (n=303). Remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions were identified as important factors in decision-making regarding emigration and leaving the profession. Subgroup analyses based on gender, type of schooling, fee type and educational background were performed. Only 17.26% of surveyed students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall prospect of working in the NHS.

Conclusions

The Ascertaining the career Intentions of UK Medical Students study highlights UK students’ views and career intentions, revealing a concerning proportion of those surveyed considering alternative careers or emigration. Addressing factors such as remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions may increase retention of doctors and improve workforce planning efforts.
What does the general public know about palliative care? A population-based survey
Authors: Matthys Marjolein , Chambaere Kenneth , Beernaert Kim , Cohen Joachim , Van Brussel Leen , Deforche Benedicte , Quintiens Bert , Deliens Luc , Dhollander Naomi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The need for public education on palliative care has been widely argued for. To develop effective educational strategies, a stronger evidence base is needed on what exactly is known and unknown about palliative care as well as what the differences are between subgroups.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey. Mail questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 4400 citizens (aged ≥16 years) within 4 municipalities in Flanders, Belgium. The Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) was used to measure knowledge. Associations between knowledge and sociodemographics and various experiential factors were tested, as well as the congruence between actual and self-perceived knowledge scores.

Results

Response was obtained from 2008 (45.6%) citizens. The mean PaCKS score was 7.87 (SD 3.41; range 0–13) with the highest proportion (84.7%) correctly answering that palliative care is not specifically for older adults and the lowest (32.1%) correctly answering that improving the ability to participate in daily life is a palliative care goal. Being aged between 30 and 59, non-religious, more highly educated, having professional healthcare experience and knowing palliative care through personal experience were significantly associated with higher knowledge, while sex and informal caregiving experience were not. 52.4% self-perceived their knowledge as lower than it actually was.

Conclusions

While the general public seems to be familiar with some basic concepts of palliative care, several key aspects remain unknown. Educational strategies, with suggested potential for community-based and experience-based approaches, may need to focus specifically on these aspects and not just on the broader palliative care concept.
Effect of chemostat turnover rate and select antibiotics on Salmonella Typhimurium in the presence of porcine gastrointestinal tract bacteria
Authors: Anderson R.C. , Poole T.L. , Crippen T.L. , Harvey R.B. , Ricke S.C.
Published: September 2023

The effect of select antibiotics on Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 persistence in a porcine cecal continuous flow culture was examined under two different washout rates. Porcine continuous flow cultures were conducted in the presence or absence of Gram-positive antibiotic carbadox. Carbadox eliminated chemostat anaerobes culturable on Brucella agar under 24 h turnover conditions, allowing Salmonella Typhimurium to persist for 15 days. Decreasing the culture dilution rate from a 24 to 48 h turnover time enabled Salmonella Typhimurium to maintain higher population levels more reflective of the theoretical washout rate when grown with than without added carbadox. This observation suggests that at the slower growth rate the presence of carbadox was antagonistic to the indigenous competitive exclusion potential of the mixed microbial population.
A novel cuproptosis-related gene prognostic signature in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Yongqin , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2023

Cuproptosis is the latest cell death type caused by enhanced mitochondrial-dependent energy metabolism. This study plans to establish a survival prognosis model for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients based on cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs). We investigated the genetic alterations of CRGs in COAD based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and validated in the GSE41328 dataset. Our results showed that LIPT1, PDHA1, GLS, and CDKN2A had significantly higher expression in COAD tissues than in normal tissues, while FDX1, DLD, and MTF1 had significantly lower expression in COAD tissues than in normal tissues (|(log2(fold change))| > 2, p < 0.05). DLD (hazard ratio (HR): 0.658; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.445, 0.974; p = 0.037) and CDKN2A (HR: 1.785; 95% CI: 1.200, 2.654; p = 0.004) expressions were linked with overall survival throughout a log-rank test. CRG prognostic scores exhibited an area under the curve of 0.737, 0.646, and 0.633 at 1, 3, and 5 years. Patients with a high-risk factor suffered from poor prognosis (HR = 1.514; 95% CI: 1.022, 2.243; p = 0.0386). An independent validation dataset (GSE41328 ( N = 20)) confirmed the above results. The CRGs’ signature may be used as a prognostic predictor for COAD patients, providing unique insights into anticancer therapy.
Signature flip in deceleration parameter: a thermodynamic phase transition?
Authors: Duary Tanima , Banerjee Narayan , Dasgupta Ananda
Published: September 2023

Using the Hayward–Kodama temperature for the apparent horizon, it is found that matter content in the Universe is not thermodynamically stable, and the entry to the late accelerated expansion is actually a second order phase transition. The cosmological model used for the purpose is one that imitates the $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM model, the favoured model for the present Universe.
Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: September 2023

Improved biomarkers are needed for early cancer detection, risk stratification, treatment selection, and monitoring treatment response. Although proteins can be useful blood-based biomarkers, many have limited sensitivity or specificity for these applications. Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) open reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p) is a transposable element protein overexpressed in carcinomas and high-risk precursors during carcinogenesis with negligible expression in normal tissues, suggesting ORF1p could be a highly specific cancer biomarker. To explore ORF1p as a blood-based biomarker, we engineered ultrasensitive digital immunoassays that detect mid-attomolar (10−17 mol/L) ORF1p concentrations in plasma across multiple cancers with high specificity. Plasma ORF1p shows promise for early detection of ovarian cancer, improves diagnostic performance in a multianalyte panel, provides early therapeutic response monitoring in gastroesophageal cancers, and is prognostic for overall survival in gastroesophageal and colorectal cancers. Together, these observations nominate ORF1p as a multicancer biomarker with potential utility for disease detection and monitoring.

Significance:

The LINE-1 ORF1p transposon protein is pervasively expressed in many cancers and is a highly specific biomarker of multiple common, lethal carcinomas and their high-risk precursors in tissue and blood. Ultrasensitive ORF1p assays from as little as 25 μL plasma are novel, rapid, cost-effective tools in cancer detection and monitoring.

See related commentary by Doucet and Cristofari, p. 2502.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489
Clinical Correlates of Venetoclax-Based Combination Sensitivities to Augment Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy
Authors: Eide Christopher A. , Kurtz Stephen E. , Kaempf Andy , Long Nicola , Joshi Sunil Kumar , Nechiporuk Tamilla , Huang Ariane , Dibb Charles A. , Taylor Akosha , Bottomly Daniel , McWeeney Shannon K. , Minnier Jessica , Lachowiez Curtis A. , Saultz Jennifer N. , Swords Ronan T. , Agarwal Anupriya , Chang Bill H. , Druker Brian J. , Tyner Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2023

The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax combined with the hypomethylating agent azacytidine shows significant clinical benefit in a subset of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, resistance limits response and durability. We prospectively profiled the ex vivo activity of 25 venetoclax-inclusive combinations on primary AML patient samples to identify those with improved potency and synergy compared with venetoclax + azacytidine (Ven + azacytidine). Combination sensitivities correlated with tumor cell state to discern three patterns: primitive selectivity resembling Ven + azacytidine, monocytic selectivity, and broad efficacy independent of cell state. Incorporation of immunophenotype, mutation, and cytogenetic features further stratified combination sensitivity for distinct patient subtypes. We dissect the biology underlying the broad, cell state–independent efficacy for the combination of venetoclax plus the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Together, these findings support opportunities for expanding the impact of venetoclax-based drug combinations in AML by leveraging clinical and molecular biomarkers associated with ex vivo responses.

Significance:

By mapping drug sensitivity data to clinical features and tumor cell state, we identify novel venetoclax combinations targeting patient subtypes who lack sensitivity to Ven + azacytidine. This provides a framework for a taxonomy of AML informed by readily available sets of clinical and genetic features obtained as part of standard care.

See related commentary by Becker, p. 437 .

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 419
TABLE 3 from Association of Employment Disruptions and Financial Hardship Among Individuals Diagnosed with Cancer in the United States: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study
Authors: Halpern Michael T. , de Moor Janet S. , Han Xuesong , Zhao Jingxuan , Zheng Zhiyuan , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: September 2023

Differences in financial hardship by employment disruptiona
Primary Cardiac Epithelioid Angiosarcoma with Sustained Remission following Surgical Resection: A Case Report
Authors: Kyaw May Myint Thanda , Shiuan Eileen , Robledo Gomez Ariannette Yaniz , Singh Arun S. , Abdo Nasser
Published: September 2023

Epithelioid angiosarcoma is an extremely rare subtype of cardiac angiosarcoma that is highly aggressive and associated with poor prognosis. Due to its rare nature, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not well-known. Thus, effective diagnostic and treatment modalities are limited. Here, we report a case of a primary epithelioid angiosarcoma in a patient who was treated successfully with surgical resection. A 45-year-old woman who initially presented with chronic systemic symptoms and severe anemia and subsequently developed new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate was found to have a right-sided cardiac mass with a large pericardial effusion. Several years prior to presentation, she was treated for localized papillary thyroid cancer with Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (Gc-MAF) therapy after declining thyroidectomy. After initial workup of her cardiac mass, including a transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac MRI, she was transferred to an outside hospital where her mass was surgically resected. She was found to have stage IIIA high-grade epithelioid angiosarcoma involving the inferior vena cava, right atrium, and pericardium. She subsequently had complete resolution of her pericardial effusion and anemia and continues to have good performance status 16 months after her excellent surgical outcome without evidence of recurrence. This unique case contributes to our knowledge of epithelioid cardiac angiosarcoma, of which limited number of cases has been reported. It highlights a favorable outcome following surgical resection of a rare, life-threatening primary cardiac tumor.
СПЕКТРОФОТОМЕТРИЧНЕ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ МЕТФОРМІНУ ГІДРОХЛОРИДУ В ТАБЛЕТКАХ ЗА РЕАКЦІЄЮ З БРОМКРЕЗОЛОВИМ ЗЕЛЕНИМ
Authors: Leleka L. H. , Vasyuk S. O.
Published: September 2023

Мета роботи. Розробка і валідація спектрофотометричної методики кількісного визначення метформіну гідрохлориду в таблетках за реакцією з сульфофталеїновими барвниками.
Матеріали і методи. Для аналізу були використані:
- субстанція метформіну гідрохлориду фармакопейної чистоти;
- таблетки – «Метформін Астрафарм» 500 мг, «Метформін Тева» 1000 мг, «Метформін Сандоз» 850 мг, «Метформін Глюкофаж» 500 мг;
- реагенти – сульфофталеїнові барвники: бромкрезоловий зелений (Synex Pharma, Китай), бромкрезоловий пурпуровий (Шосткинський завод хімічних реактивів, Україна), бромтимоловий синій (Synex Pharma, Китай), тимоловий синій (Шосткинський завод хімічних реактивів, Україна). Всі реагенти кваліфікації «чда»;
- розчинник – ацетон кваліфікації «чда» та вода очищена;
- аналітичне обладнання – спектрофотометр «Specord-200» (Analytic Jena AG, Німеччина), ваги лабораторні електронні RADWAG XA 210. 4Y, мірний лабораторний посуд класу А.
Результати й обговорення. Розроблено нову, просту спектрофотометричну методику кількісного визначення метформіну гідрохлориду в таблетках за реакцією з бромкрезоловим зеленим (БКЗ) в 1 % водно-ацетоновому середовищі. Максимум поглинання знаходиться при 408 нм. Підпорядкування основному закону світлопоглинання перебуває в межах концентрацій 0,5–1,2 мг/100 мл. Значення межі виявлення складає 0,433×10-6 г/мл, що свідчить про високу чутливість реакції. Відповідно до вимог Державної Фармакопеї України (ДФУ) для розробленої методики були визначені деякі валідаційні характеристики, а саме, лінійність, точність, правильність та робасність. Також було проведено перевірку «зеленості» методики за допомогою інструменту AGREE (Analytical GREEnness) та аналітичної еко-шкали.
Висновки. За результатами проведеного дослідження було розроблено та валідовано спектрофотометричну методику кількісного визначення метформіну гідрохлориду. Методика є простою, доступною та відповідає вимогам ДФУ, тому може бути рекомендована для застосування в лабораторіях із контролю якості лікарських засобів.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ОСВІТНЬОГО ПРОЦЕСУ В ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКОМУ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОМУ МЕДИЧНОМУ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІ ІМЕНІ І. Я. ГОРБАЧЕВСЬКОГО МІНІСТЕРСТВА ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я УКРАЇНИ В ПЕРІОД ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ
Authors: Корда М. М. , Шульгай А. Г. , Машталір А. І.
Published: September 2023

Анотація. У статті розглянуто особливості організації освітнього процесу в Тернопільському національному медичному університеті імені І. Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України у період воєнного стану. Висвітлено заходи, спрямовані на забезпечення безпечного освітнього середовища та подолання викликів сьогодення. На підставі проаналізованих даних зроблені висновки щодо забезпечення якості надання освітніх послуг, набуття здобувачами практичних навичок та безпечного середовища.
TEST CONTROL IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Savaryn T. V. , Kichula M. Ya.
Published: September 2023

Abstract. This article explores the key characteristics of tests as an effective method of knowledge assessment in the teaching of foreign languages at higher educational institutions. The article discusses the various forms of tests used at different stages of the educational process and highlights the advantages of their application. Tests provide valuable feedback to both students and teachers, aiding in the evaluation of language proficiency and monitoring of progress. They help maintain accountability, ensure quality education, and promote active learning. The article identifies the major forms of tests used in the educational process, which vary depending on the stage of language learning. These forms may include written tests, oral examinations, listening comprehension assessments, and even project-based evaluations. Each form serves a specific purpose in assessing different language skills and competencies. Moreover, tests promote active learning and engagement among students. The anticipation of upcoming tests motivates students to actively participate in their language studies, review and revise their knowledge, and seek further improvement. Tests also encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and set achievable goals, fostering a sense of ownership and self-motivation. In conclusion, the use of tests as a method of knowledge assessment in the teaching of foreign languages at non-linguistic higher educational institutions brings numerous advantages. These include structured evaluation, accountability, valuable feedback, and promotion of active learning. By incorporating tests into the educational process, educators can effectively evaluate students' language proficiency, monitor their progress, and provide a high-quality language learning experience. The article concludes that the use of tests in foreign language education at higher educational institutions is highly advantageous for both educators and students.
Tratamento farmacológico da estrongiloidíase em humanos: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Silva Jefferson Noronha Bezerra , Soares Marcilyo Max Bezerra , Silva Edvaldo Lucas da Costa da , Sousa Daniel Matos de , Oliveira Hérmeson Sttainer Silva , Mendes-Sousa Antonio Ferreira
Published: September 2023

Introdução: A estrongiloidíase é uma parasitose endêmica no Brasil e em boa parte do mundo, causada pelo Strongyloides stercoralis, que se destaca por sua propriedade de causar autoinfecção no hospedeiro, podendo levar a quadros graves em situações de imunossupressão. Atualmente, a medicina dispõe de arsenal terapêutico limitado para esta infecção. Objetivo: Descrever as recomendações, novas possibilidades e a eficiência dos tratamentos farmacológicos mais atuais para estrongiloidíase. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, utilizando as bases de dados PUBMED, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e SciELO, de publicações dos últimos 5 anos e com alto nível de evidência. Resultados: Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, 10 estudos foram selecionados para serem analisados de forma qualitativa. Discussão: O tratamento padrão para estrongiloidíase permanece sendo a ivermectina por via oral, reservando-se o albendazol e tiabendazol como terapia de segunda linha. O rastreio e tratamento da estrongiloidíase a todos os pacientes que necessitem de terapia imunossupressora é recomendado, incluindo corticoterapia para COVID-19 ou uso de metotrexato. Embora não seja recomendada para crianças com menos de 15 kg por falta de estudos de segurança, a ivermectina já foi utilizada neste público em certas situações, sem grandes efeitos adversos. Inclusive, sendo recomendada, de forma diluída, pela Agência Reguladora Francesa de Medicamentos, para crianças menores. A moxidectina está sendo estudada como uma possível alternativa à ivermectina principalmente por oferecer algumas vantagens farmacocinéticas. Na síndrome de hiperinfecção, uma formulação veterinária de ivermectina subcutânea tem sido utilizada em pacientes que não suportam a via oral. Conclusão: Discretos avanços foram realizados a respeito da terapia farmacológica para estrongiloidíase. Dentre as principais demandas, destaca-se a urgência de estudos clínicos que testem a ivermectina por via parenteral e sua segurança em crianças abaixo dos 15 kg.
Participação popular: um gesto de conservação de jardim público no Recife
Authors: Silva Jônatas Souza Medeiros da , Ferreira Raquel Nadine Cavalcante , Sá Carneiro Ana Rita , Silva Joelmir Marques da
Published: September 2023

A conservação de um jardim histórico requer ações estratégicas que dependem da atuação de especialistas e, em grande parte, do envolvimento da população usuária. Nessas ações, deve-se considerar a concepção do paisagista, o caráter perecível e renovável do jardim e o uso da população, o que demanda uma integração de diferentes saberes que irão repercutir no pacto da gestão. O presente artigo trata da participação popular na prática da conservação de um jardim histórico reconhecido como patrimônio cultural em 2017, a Praça Faria Neves, que representa um avanço no processo de gestão de um patrimônio vivo, reunindo diferentes atores sociais. Foi projetada pelo paisagista Roberto Burle Marx em 1958 e restaurada em 2006 com o apoio dos moradores locais, o que a diferencia das intervenções em outros jardins históricos do paisagista na cidade do Recife. Esse processo participativo, que prenuncia a educação patrimonial, foi fortalecido no processo de restauração, junto aos técnicos responsáveis da Prefeitura do Recife e aos pesquisadores do Laboratório da Paisagem da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Além disso, concorreu, significativamente, para consolidar o protagonismo dos moradores e, até certo ponto, dos comerciantes informais na constituição do primeiro Conselho Gestor previsto no Plano de Gestão dos Jardins Históricos de Burle Marx no Recife de 2019.
An East-Syriac Scholar in Ninth-Century Damascus
Authors: Treiger Alexander
Published: September 2023

The ninth-century Damascene Christian scholar, priest, and monk Bišr ibn al-Sirrī (fl. ca. 870) is known as the author of Arabic biblical translations and commentaries and Arabic festal homilies. The present contribution demonstrates that the homilies contained in Sinai ar. 431 without attribution are to be ascribed to Bišr ibn al-Sirrī. It also examines new evidence for Bišr ibn al-Sirrī’s Christology and proves that Bišr ibn al-Sirrī was an East-Syriac Christian.
Two new synonyms of Ormosia semicastrata (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Ormosieae)
Authors: NIU MIAO , JIANG KAI-WEN , SONG ZHU-QIU , DUAN LEI , TU TIE-YAO , LI SHI-JIN
Published: September 2023

Based on the examination of herbarium specimens and observations of the living plants in the wild, Ormosia apiculata H. Y. Chen and O. howii Merr. & Chun ex Merr. & H. Y. Chen, are considered conspecific with O. semicastrata Hance, a species widely distributed in southern China. Here we synonymized O. apiculata and O. howii under O. semicastrata.
Effect of Personality Types on Demonetization Generated Stress among employees of Banking Sector at Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: R Bala Subramanian
Published: September 2023

The government of India announced demonetization of all ? 500 and ?1,000 banknotes on 8 November 2016 to curtail the shadow economy and crack down on the use of illicit and counterfeit cash to fund illegal activity and terrorism in the country. With immediate effect, the bank officials put in extra hours every day to conduct as many possible transactions as possible. There are published reports that banks are unable to concentrate on their core banking activities because of the demonetization. Stretched working hours and the tense atmosphere was taking a toll on their health. The employees handling customers were the persons who were actually stressed very much. The literature of personality supports that people with Type A personality traits are aggressive, ambitious, controlling, highly competitive, workaholics, hostile, and lack patience. On the contrary, people with type B personality traits are relaxed, less stressed, flexible, emotional and expressive, and have a laid-back attitude. This study intends to find out the impact of demonetization and the stress level with respect to the personality among the bank employees in the city of Bhubaneswar, India. The population of the study includes the bank (both government and private) employees of Bhubaneswar. The population size is 100 inclusive of public urban banks, private urban banks, public rural banks, private rural banks and government banks.
Volatility and Firm Size of Banking Sector of National Stock Exchange in India
Authors: Ali Md Intaz , Talukdar Alfina Khatun
Published: September 2023

The paper examines the relationship between the stock market volatility and returns, volatility clustering, leverage effect and the persistence of volatility for the banking sector of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India for the period from 2005-06 to 2013-14. The study further investigates the impact of firm size and volatility of returns. The GARCH-M model is used to examine the volatility clustering and persistence of volatility and the relationship between returns and volatility. The EGARCH model is used to examine the asymmetric effect. A panel regression is estimated to show the relationship among firm size, volatility and returns. The study reveals that the volatility in all the banking sector firms exhibits the characteristics like volatility clustering, asymmetry effect and persistence of volatility in their daily returns. The study also finds the existence of leverage effect in ABL, BOI, CBL, IDBI, ILB, PNB, SBI, YSB and CNX Bank indicating that the negative shocks or bad news have more impact on volatility than that of positive shocks or good news. The relationship between returns and volatility is statistically significant for CBL, ICICI, INGV, J&K and KMB. The study also finds significant small size effect on returns.
An Improved Solution for Sustaining Health Using ADIET Recommender System
Authors: Acharyya Somdeep , Hasan Hera , Gupta Sumit
Published: September 2023

A deep understanding of a balanced diet required by our body for the perfect amount of vitamins and nutrients in order to stay fit and healthy and be in a good shape has been taken up by many researchers who primarily work on building an efficient balanced diet recommender system. Moreover, unlike previous works, the focus of our study is not only on just recommending food items at random but also to offer a list of items keeping in mind one’s taste, choice, and/or preference. Such systems provide a tailor-made diet chart with a perfect balance of health requirements and one’s dietary needs without having to keep visiting health and nutrition experts. In this paper, a diet recommender system is proposed using k-modes clustering and RDF (resource description framework) ontology. Here, based on one’s preference and the calories and other nutrition requirements, the food items are recommended. The developed system takes into account the amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, etc. required by any individual as per one’s age and vital statistics. For every cluster, the respective centres are created, and the food items are recommended based on the choice made by the user. At the end, the experimental results are shown where it is inferred that the system performs quite well. Thus, the work contributes to the society by implementing proper health management based on optimally balanced diet recommendations. It is high time to define and implement sustainable approaches towards health management with proper nutritional intake to create an efficient food industry that can aid people in adopting healthy habits by transforming the recommendations into simplified dietary advice expressed in terms of food and food patterns.
Amazon Prime Video in India: Is it Customer Engagement or Media Content Strategy?
Authors: Upadhyay Parijat
Published: September 2023

In India, service media content for entertainment has undergone disruptive transformation. One such disruption is the introduction of over-the-top (OTT) entertainment and media business. There are many prominent players in this market but a major online e-tailer has used this platform to supplement its online retail business. Amazon started in 1994 as an online retailing platform selling books. Since then Amazon has grown both in terms of its product catalogue and geographies. Global players in the online retail space are looking for a slice of the growing Indian e-commerce space. In the initial years, Amazon saw huge success with the US customers. As time passed, the market become increasingly competitive and Amazon started to look for strategies to attract customers to its platform and to retain the existing ones. In such a scenario, Amazon started Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime offers free delivery and subscription to various media content, which the customers seem to like. Given the growing popularity of Amazon Prime, should Amazon continue its service like Prime Video as part of their online business to help it effectively engage its customers in a seemingly competitive market or turn into a new media subsidiary?
A Comparative Study on the Role of Tourism Industry on Iran and Malaysia Economic Growth
Authors: Farahani Tayebeh , Torkashvand Eshagh
Published: September 2023

Tourism plays a significant role in the economic growth of a country. Considering the cultural, natural, and historical attractions of Iran, it is necessary to take effective steps to attract foreign tourists in order to increase the economic growth of Iran. This study examines the impact of tourism on economic growth within the framework of the neoclassical growth model for the years 1980_2015. To test the reliability of the variables, Dickey-Fuller test and Zeut-Andrews structural failure test are used. To estimate the long-term and short-run relationship between economic growth and tourism, Johansen co-integration test and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) tests are conducted using Eviews software (V.9). Our empirical findings indicate that the impact of tourism on Iran’s economic growth is far higher in Malaysia in the short and long term, reflecting the potential of tourism in the country, which can have a direct and indirect effect on economic growth. And the policy makers should strive to develop tourism in Iran.
Storytelling Management and its Application in Organisations
Authors: L Gandhi , Kumar K. Senthil
Published: September 2023

Throughout literature, there are several approaches and resources available that strengthen and increase leaders’ powers over their followers. Storytelling is among the most powerful resources. Doing it appropriately lets the leaders communicate their ideas to the constituents, share their experience with them, create a common vision and respectfully resolve disputes. Business organisations have been employing storytelling as a powerful tool to connect with their employees. The authors have endeavoured to explore the storytelling management process and its application in organisations that may pave the way for leaders to tell stories in a structured manner. This paper is divided into four sections; the first section includes the introduction to storytelling; storytelling management and the process has been explained in section two; section three discusses the application of storytelling and examples have been highlighted from the corporate world on how stories are connected to managerial aspects. In the fourth section, conclusions and future directions for research have been presented.
Do Stock Returns Reflect the Influence of the Pandemic on Businesses? An Empirical Study from the Indian Capital Market
Authors: Nagpal Gaurav , Nagpal Ankita , Kashyap Pamu Sai Pruthvi , Siddharth Hruday
Published: September 2023

This research study aims to explore whether the impact of the pandemic on different sectors was reflected in the stock market returns or not. The study has taken eight sectors of the Indian economy and started with the assumed impact of the pandemic on those industries based on popular perceptions. Then, it validated the assumed impact with the help of the analysis of the financial statements. Once the impact has been validated with the help of the financial statements, the effect on the stock market returns has been computed by comparing the changes in the stock returns for each industry with those in the index returns from the pre-pandemic times to post-pandemic times. The study reveals that the stock returns in most of the sectors reflected the influence of the pandemic on the businesses with a few exceptions. The exceptions where the stock market returns did not reflect the influence of the pandemic have been explained with the help of the measures taken by the businesses to mitigate the effect of the pandemic or with the help of other intervening factors.
Effect of high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid on microcirculation and endothelial glycocalyx during sepsis and septic shock: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Belousoviene Egle , Pranskuniene Zivile , Vaitkaitiene Egle , Pilvinis Vidas , Pranskunas Andrius
Published: September 2023

Previous studies indicate supplemental vitamin C improves microcirculation and reduces glycocalyx shedding in septic animals. Our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate whether a high dose of intravenous ascorbic acid (AA) might improve microcirculation and affect glycocalyx in septic patients. In our study, 23 septic patients were supplemented with a high dose (50 mg/kg every 6 h) of intravenous AA or placebo for 96 h. Sublingual microcirculation was examined using a handheld Cytocam-incident dark field (IDF) video microscope. A sidestream dark field video microscope (SDF), connected to the GlycoCheck software (GlycoCheck ICU®; Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands), was employed to observe glycocalyx. We found a significantly higher proportion of perfused small vessels (PPV) 6 h after the beginning of the trial in the experimental group compared with placebo. As an indicator of glycocalyx thickness, the perfused boundary region was lower in capillaries of the 5–9 μm diameter in the AA group than placebo after the first dose of AA. Our data suggest that high-dose parenteral AA tends to improve microcirculation and glycocalyx in the early period of septic shock. The study was retrospectively registered in the clinicaltrials.gov database on 26/02/2021 (registration number NCT04773717).
Comparing analytical strategies for balancing site-level characteristics in stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials: a simulation study
Authors: Ma Clement , Lee Alina , Courtney Darren , Castle David , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials (SWCRTs) are a type of cluster-randomized trial in which clusters are randomized to cross-over to the active intervention sequentially at regular intervals during the study period. For SWCRTs, sequential imbalances of cluster-level characteristics across the random sequence of clusters may lead to biased estimation. Our study aims to examine the effects of balancing cluster-level characteristics in SWCRTs.

Methods

To quantify the level of cluster-level imbalance, a novel imbalance index was developed based on the Spearman correlation and rank regression of the cluster-level characteristic with the cross-over timepoints. A simulation study was conducted to assess the impact of sequential cluster-level imbalances across different scenarios varying the: number of sites (clusters), sample size, number of cross-over timepoints, site-level intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC), and effect sizes. SWCRTs assumed either an immediate “constant” treatment effect, or a gradual “learning” treatment effect which increases over time after crossing over to the active intervention. Key performance metrics included the relative root mean square error (RRMSE) and relative mean bias.

Results

Fully-balanced designs almost always had the highest efficiency, as measured by the RRMSE, regardless of the number of sites, ICC, effect size, or sample sizes at each time for SWCRTs with learning effect. A consistent decreasing trend of efficiency was observed by increasing RRMSE as imbalance increased. For example, for a 12-site study with 20 participants per site/timepoint and ICC of 0.10, between the most balanced and least balanced designs, the RRMSE efficiency loss ranged from 52.5% to 191.9%. In addition, the RRMSE was decreased for larger sample sizes, larger number of sites, smaller ICC, and larger effect sizes. The impact of pre-balancing diminished when there was no learning effect.

Conclusion

The impact of pre-balancing on preventing efficiency loss was easily observed when there was a learning effect. This suggests benefit of pre-balancing with respect to impacting factors of treatment effects.
Dementia and Parkinson’s disease diagnoses in electronic health records vs. Medicare claims data: a study of 101,980 linked patients
Authors: Lusk Jay B. , Choi Sujung , Clark Amy G. , Johnson Kim , Ford Cassie B. , Greiner Melissa A. , Goetz Margarethe , Kaufman Brystana G. , O’Brien Richard , O’Brien Emily C.
Published: September 2023

Background

Medicare claims and electronic health record data are both commonly used for research and clinical practice improvement; however, it is not known how concordant diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD, comprising dementia and Parkinson’s disease) are in these data types. Therefore, our objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of neurodegenerative disease (NDD) diagnoses contained in structured electronic health record (EHR) data compared to Medicare claims data.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 101,980 unique patients seen at a large North Carolina health system between 2013–2017, which were linked to 100% North and South Carolina Medicare claims data, to evaluate the accuracy of diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases in EHRs compared to Medicare claims data. Patients age > 50 who were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare were included in the study. Patients were classified as having or not having NDD based on the presence of validated ICD-CM-9 or ICD-CM-10 codes associated with NDD or claims for prescription drugs used to treat NDD. EHR diagnoses were compared to Medicare claims diagnoses.

Results

The specificity of any EHR diagnosis of NDD was 99.0%; sensitivity was 61.3%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 90.8% and 94.1% respectively. Specificity of an EHR diagnosis of dementia was 99.0%, and sensitivity was 56.1%. Specificity of an EHR diagnosis of PD was 99.7%, while sensitivity was 76.1%.

Conclusions

More research is needed to investigate under-documentation of NDD in electronic health records relative to Medicare claims data, which has major implications for clinical practice (particularly patient safety) and research using real-world data.