bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teologia e Políticas Públicas: a condição humana entre Malcos, Samaritanos e Barnabés
Authors: De Souza Filho Adilson
Published: December 2024

O que antes era apenas uma abstração, dos mais esperançosos, de um dia tornar-se popular na sociedade brasileira, hoje vivemos, inegavelmente, o tempo do empoderamento da representação evangélica como a religião que mais cresce no país. De espaços públicos – como a conhecida e divulgada marcha pra Jesus, realizada há anos na tradicional Avenida Paulista – a espaços tipicamente específicos consagrados como igrejas – até mesmo uma réplica do templo de Salomão - para as enormes concentrações de pessoas, bem como a expressiva bancada evangélica de deputados federais, estamos assistindo a grandes e a perceptíveis mudanças sociais em nosso país. Do fundamentalismo religioso ao advento da polarização entre progressistas e extremistas de direita, vivemos atualmente um caldo de cultura que não pode mais ser ignorado pela imprensa oficial, pela academia e pela política. Neste artigo abordaremos esse assunto sob a premissa da política, da teologia e das ciências humanas.
Review: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Metformin dan Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Dibandingkan dengan Metformin dan Sulfonilurea pada Pasien Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2
Authors: Kusumawati Nuring Novita , Andayani Tri Murti
Published: December 2024

Prevalensi diabetes melitus tipe 2 (DMT2) meningkat, sehingga manajemen terapi yang efektif dan cost-effective sangat penting. Kombinasi metformin dengan dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4 inhibitor) dan metformin dengan sulfonilurea (SU) merupakan terapi lini kedua pada pasien DMT2, masing-masing memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan terkait biaya dan efektivitas. Review ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan hasil penelitian cost-effectiveness dari kedua kombinasi tersebut guna membantu praktisi kesehatan dalam membuat keputusan pemilihan terapi dalam pengelolaan DMT2. Review ini menganalisis temuan dari berbagai jurnal yang dipublikasikan secara online, menggunakan database SCOPUS dan PubMed serta mengikuti skema PRISMA dan PICO.  Penelitian yang memenuhi kriteria pencarian adalah 75 studi, 35 di antaranya berasal dari Scopus dan 40 PubMed. Terdapat beberapa artikel dikecualikan dan didapatkan 5 studi yang memenuhi kriteria akhir kemudian dilakukan penilaian kualitas berdasarkan standar CHEERS 2022. Analisis menunjukkan bahwa kombinasi DPP-4 inhibitor dan metformin lebih efektif dibandingkan kombinasi sulfonilurea dan metformin dalam mengelola diabetes melitus tipe 2, temuan ini didukung oleh pemelitian dari berbagai negara, menunjukkan pengurangan risiko hipoglikemia dan peningkatan kualitas hidup pasien. Tinjauan sistematis ini menunjukkan bahwa kombinasi DPP-4 inhibitor dengan metformin adalah terapi lini kedua yang cost effective dibandingkan dengan kombinasi sulfonilurea dan metformin untuk penderita diabetes melitus tipe 2.
EDUCATION AS A GOAL AND FACTOR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Oleksandr Ponomaryov , Kharchenko Alla , Kvasnyk Olga
Published: December 2024

It is shown that the current global ecological crisis is caused by a violation of the coevolution of man and nature. Man, as an integral part of nature, considers himself the pinnacle of evolution, because it is in him that nature achieves self-knowledge and self- understanding. At the same time, the prematurity of a person's self-definition as Homo sapiens is substantiated, because the actions and behavior of too many people demonstrate that they are still far from being sapiens. Since the main condition for harmonizing the relationship between man and nature is compliance with the norms of the Concept of Sustainable Development, an important role in it is given to education, which provides not only learning, but also personal development and the formation of social consciousness and its ecological orientation and ecological thinking. The practice of humanizing professional education and the corresponding system developed and successfully functioning at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” are revealed. The requirements for education and its use of innovative pedagogical technologies are given, which directly follow from the goals and characteristic features of sustainable development.
legitimación del cardenal Mella, y otras alternativas ante el retablo de San Ildefonso de Fernando Gallego en Zamora
Authors: Muñoz Gómez Elena
Published: December 2024

En este texto se ha procurado dejar abiertas distintas vías de estudio del retablo de San Ildefonso, firmado por el pintor Fernando Gallego (Catedral de Zamora, s. XV). Para ello se recuerda su historiografía crítica, documentos editados sobre las reinvenciones de la reliquia de Ildefonso en Zamora, y descripciones literarias del donante, el cardenal Juan de Mella, que, a nuestro parecer, no habían sido suficientemente consideradas. Para interpretar esta pintura en función de estos textos, se compara con otras representaciones que lo conectan con empresas papales, y se ahonda en el contexto local donde el clero zamorano se vincula con las sedes toledana y ovetense a través de la promoción del culto ildefonsino. Además se repara en la faceta oscura del Cardenal, que se hubiera querido ocultar o ‘limpiar’ con el retablo honorífico. Todo ello plantea vías alternativas para pensar la cuestión irresuelta de su encargo, y se señala, como una de las funciones políticas de la obra, la legitimación de la cabeza de un linaje poderoso, infame para sus detractores.
objeto con múltiples funciones: vivencias en torno a la mesa granadina en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Criado Enguix Marta
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se presenta la importancia del mobiliario doméstico en la Granada del siglo XVIII, tema de gran novedad por su inexistencia en la historiografía histórica. Dentro de la variedad de tipologías que lo albergan, nos centramos en la mesa, pieza básica y trascendental en el acontecer de la vida cotidiana. Con su análisis se interpreta una de las manifestaciones culturales más importantes de la historia que responde a las inquietudes de una sociedad y a los modos de vivir de los propios residentes. Su uso, configuración y disposición, así como los materiales y las técnicas empleadas para su construcción, nos hablan sobre un periodo cultural del que aún queda mucho por descubrir. Gracias al contenido que arroja la documentación de archivo podemos conocer esta tipología, como pieza inherente de la vivienda granadina del siglo XVIII.
Editorial: TESOL in Context: Bridging theory and practice for inclusive education
Authors: Nallaya Shashi , Ollerhead Sue , Choi Julie
Published: December 2024

As the global landscape of education continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of what it means to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The diverse array of five research articles and two book reviews presented in this edition of TESOL in Context, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of language education, offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that are essential for fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.
Low-Frequency Tremor-Like Episodes Before the 2023 MW 7.8 Türkiye Earthquake Linked to Cement Quarrying
Authors: Zali Zahra , Martínez-Garzón Patricia Patricia , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Jara Sebastian Nunez , Beroza Gregory C , Cotton Fabrice , Bohnhoff Marco
Published: December 2024

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enhanced the detection and identification of transient low-amplitude signals across the entire frequency spectrum, shedding light on deformation processes preceding natural hazards. This study investigates the low-frequency, low-amplitude signals preceding the 2023 MW 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye. Using a deep neural network, we extract key features from the spectrograms of continuous seismic signals and employ unsupervised clustering to reveal distinct transient patterns. We identify an increased occurrence of low-frequency tremor-like signals during the six months preceding the mainshock. However, locating these signals indicates their source may be linked to anthropogenic activities at quarry sites and cement plants along the Narlı Fault, where the mainshock nucleated. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding potential patterns detected by machine-learning methodologies. Moreover, this study raises the question of whether years of mass removal and quarrying activity could have altered the stress loading along the Narlı Fault, contributing to the nucleation of the MW 7.8 earthquake. MAIN TEXT
Assessing the quality of life of Prostate cancer patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Authors: Naab Isaac Zaskpaya , Darfuor-Oduro Sandra
Published: December 2024

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the commonly diagnosed cancers among men and data shows cases of PCa are increasing in Ghana. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of PCa patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed and 205 patients with PCa were enrolled in the study. Socio-demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, social support, education, cost of treatment), stage of cancer diagnosis and Depression were used to assess QoL. Depression was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). QoL was measured using the Short Form 8 (S-F 8) standardized QoL tool. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with QoL.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 65.26±8.93 years. Almost half of the participants were pensioners (46.83%) and had had graduate level education (75.61%). Almost all the study participants (99%) were enrolled in the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS), however, 46.80% paid for their treatment expense using monies from their personal savings. Most participants (53.96%) had advanced stage PCa. We also found that 53.17% were depressed and 51.0% of participants had low QoL. The study found that age [aOR=0.13 (CI = 0.03-0.51); p-value = 0.004], stage of cancer [aOR= 0.08(CI=0.01-0.79); p-value = 0.030] and source of financing medical expenses [aOR=3.48 (CI = 1.23-9.85); p-value = 0.019] to be associated with QoL of PCa patients. Patient’s age, cost of treatment, depression and stage of cancer are associated with QoL.
Conclusion: A number of factors were associated with quality of life of participants in this study. To mitigate the effects of these factors on quality of life, care for patients must be well-rounded and grounded in the biopsychosocial model of health care.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable
Navigation in brain networks is possible using only local measures
Authors: Hocking Alex , Vogelsang Lena , Jiang Frank , Le Hung , Morgan Kerri , Shelyag Sergiy , Parsons Nicholas , Poudel Govinda , Ugon Julien
Published: December 2024

A major question in neuroscience is how the brain structure facilitates its complex functions via the synchronous activity of separate parts of the brain. Recent research has indicated that the mechanisms underlying this facilitation are based on local interactions between neurons. We investigated whether it is possible in a network structured like the human brain to facilitate communication between functionally connected parts of the brain. We observed that using a combination of local criteria to direct it, a simple greedy algorithm can achieve similar efficiency (within 80\% and 90\% of the shortest paths) to the propagation mechanisms proposed in the literature, without relying on global explanations.
A novel feature extractor based on Constrained Cross Network for Detecting Sleep State
Authors: Tian Chenlei , Song Fei
Published: December 2024

With increasing awareness of healthy living and social pressure, more and more people have begun to pay attention to their sleep state. Therefore, detecting sleep state is important for personal physical and mental health. Usually, when we talk about sleep detection, the main data source is polysomnography (PSG). Sleep detection based on wrist-worn device data is an excellent alternative to PSG data. However, the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques to wrist-worn device data is still in its early stages. Most existing methods that utilize this type of data for detection rely on heuristic algorithms or traditional machine learning, which suffer from low classification efficiency and insufficient accuracy. To further increase the accuracy, this paper improves the weight matrix of Cross Network in Improved Deep&Cross Network and adds it to the traditional feature extractor. First, we verify the theoretical validity of this method. Then, in the experimental phase, the effectiveness of different feature sets and parameter scales of the feature extractor is carried out. The experimental results show that the accuracy increases from 90.0% to 95.7% when using fully connected layers as the classifier. The ablation experiment shows that at a baseline of 90.00%, the accuracy of the feature derivation module has increased by 3.72%, and the accuracy of the feature crossover module has increased by 2.90%. Using the Constrained Cross Network, the average accuracy increases from 4.45% to 5.67%, which can accurately detect sleep state and then be used to evaluate sleep quality.
FIB-4: a screening tool for advanced liver fibrosis in a cohort of subjects participating in a primary care weight-loss program
Authors: Mignot Victoria , Fabre Odile , Legrand Rémy , Bailly Sebastien , Costentin Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Systematic screening for liver fibrosis using FIB-4 score is recommended in primary care for patients with chronic liver disease risk factors. This study assesses the prevalence and characteristics of patients at risk for advanced fibrosis in a weight loss program. This multicenter retrospective cohort study includes obese and overweight subjects participating in a weight loss program across 100 French centers. 27 643 participants with baseline FIB-4 available were included, predominantly women (78.3%), median age of 54 years, 70% obese. Baseline FIB-4 values were < 1.3, 1.3–2.67 or > 2.67 in 80.9%, 18.1% and 1% of the participants, respectively. When moving from the lower risk category (< 1.3) to the highest (> 2.67), the rates of metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes rose (from 3.2–13.3%). After 5 [3–7] months, all anthropometric parameters improved. A follow-up FIB-4 value was available in 20,7% participants. Among high-risk, 43% changed classes, 4.6% moving to the lower risk-category. Prevalence of patients at risk for advanced fibrosis according to initial FIB-4 was 19.1%, with higher rates of metabolic comorbidities in higher-risk participants. General practitioners and nutrition professionals play crucial role for implementing the two-step algorithm to screen for advanced fibrosis in patients at risk.
Clinical Application of Deep Learning for Enhanced Multistage Caries Detection in Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Pornprasertsuk-Damrongsri Suchaya , Vachmanus Sirawich , Papasratorn Dhanaporn , Kitisubkanchana Jira , Chaikantha Sarunya , Arayasantiparb Raweewan , Mongkolwat Pattanasak
Published: December 2024

The detection of dental caries is typically overlooked on panoramic radiographs. This study aims to leverage deep learning to identify multistage caries on panoramic radiographs. The panoramic radiographs were confirmed with the gold standard bitewing radiographs to create a reliable ground truth. The dataset of 500 panoramic radiographs with corresponding bitewing confirmations was labelled by an experienced and calibrated radiologist for 1,792 caries from 14,997 teeth. The annotations were stored using the annotation and image markup standard to ensure consistency and reliability. The deep learning system employed a two-model approach: YOLOv5 for tooth detection and Attention U-Net for segmenting caries. The system achieved impressive results, demonstrating almost perfect agreement with dentists for both caries counts and classifications (enamel, dentine, and pulp). However, some discrepancies exist, particularly in underestimating enamel caries. While the model occasionally overpredicts caries in healthy teeth (false positive), it prioritizes minimizing missed lesions (false negative), achieving a high recall of 0.96. Overall performance surpasses previously reported values, with an F1-score of 0.85 and an accuracy of 0.93 for caries segmentation in posterior teeth. The deep learning approach demonstrates promising potential to aid dentists in caries diagnosis, treatment planning, and dental education.
Development and study of a salt tolerance Gemini cationic viscoelastic surfactant with spacer of neopentyl-glycol applied in seawater-based cleaning fracturing fluid
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Zhang Qi , Xia Tianbao , Ji Qiuhan , Liu Xingwen , Wang Lan , Wang Longyao
Published: December 2024

Herein, a cationic Gemini VES with high salt tolerance, named NEPB was synthesized through one-step reaction to simplify the process, using erucamide propyl dimethylamine and pentaerythritol dibromide dissolved in DMF. The double hydroxyl groups on the spacer imparts NEPB superior salt tolerance to the Gemini VESwith single hydroxyl (JS-(OH)-JS). A series of tests including salinity cloud point, DLS, fluorescent probe was conducted, and it proves that NEPB is less sensitive to salinity in aggregation behavior than JS-(OH)-JS. The apparent viscosity of 3 wt% JS-(OH)-JS solution reaches peak at the NaCl concentration of 1.5 wt%, then it falls down sharply. The apparent viscosity of 3 wt% NEPB solution rises to the peak value at the NaCl concentration of 5 wt%, and it falls down slightly with NaCl concentration increased further, which indicates NEPB meets the wide range of salinity to form WLMs. Through oscillatory measurement, it proves that the NEPB solution with the peak apparent viscosity exhibits superior viscoelasticity to the JS-(OH)-JS solution. And the NEPB VES fracturing fluids prepared by the simulated seawater of the South China Sea exhibits excellent heat and shear resistance, among which the fracturing fluid with NaSal added performs best since the embedding structure of salicylic acid ion. Static proppant carrying test proves the NEPB VESfracturing fluid with NaSal added exhibit superior proppant carrying capacity to others. Ethylene glycol butyl ether exhibits superior gel breaking performance to crude oil as to the viscosity, surface tension and insoluble residue, and the core damage rates caused by the ethylene glycol butyl ether gel breaking fluid are comparably low. The seawater-based VES fracturing fluid system was developed with ethylene glycol butyl ether as gel breaking agent, which is meaningful to the development of low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs offshore.
Determinants of Household’s Educational Investment in Somalia: Empirical Analysis of a Multinomial Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Osman Bashir Mohamed , Jirow Mohamed
Published: December 2024

This paper analyzes the determinants of household educational investment in Somalia, using data from the Somali Integrated Household Budget Survey (SIHBS) 2022, carried out by the Somali National Bureau of Statistics. The dataset contains 7,212 households that epitomize varied urban, rural, and nomadic areas, capturing a range of socio-economic and demographic factors. The dependent variable, household educational investment is classified into low, medium, and high categories. Explanatory variables used are those of income of the household, parental education, number of school-going children, location, availability of educational facilities, employment status of the head, gender of the child, and size of the household. Using multinomial logistic regression analysis, it was found that household income and education of parents determine significantly higher probabilities of being in the middle and high categories of educational investments. It also shows that urban location and closeness to schools positively influence investment in education, while household size and rural or nomadic locations present increased difficulties. It further shows that male children receive more educational investment, which points to a gender gap. These results indicate the need for strengthening policies, including those related to income support, access to education, and gender equity, particularly for under-resourced areas. This provides the crucial insights that policymakers need to drive fair educational investments for better long-term educational outcomes in Somalia.
Lactate-Related Gene Signatures as Prognostic Predictors and Comprehensive Analysis of Immune Profiles in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Changlin , Ni Chuping , Li Chao , Tian Hu , Jian Weiquan , Zhong Yuping , Zhou Yanqing , Lyu Xiaoming , Zhang Yuanbin , Xiang Xiao-Jun , Cheng Chao , Li Xin
Published: December 2024

Objectives
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with high rates of morbidity and mortality, largely because of its late diagnosis and metastatic potential. Lactate metabolism and protein lactylation are thought to play roles in NPC pathogenesis by modulating the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion. However, research specifically linking lactate-related mechanisms to NPC remains limited. This study aimed to identify lactate-associated biomarkers in NPC and explore their underlying mechanisms, with a particular focus on immune modulation and tumor progression.
Methods
To achieve these objectives, we utilized a bioinformatics approach in which publicly available gene expression datasets related to NPC were analysed. Differential expression analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NPC and normal tissues. We performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify module genes significantly associated with NPC. Overlaps among DEGs, key module genes, and lactate-related genes (LRGs) were analysed to derive lactate-related differentially expressed genes (LR-DEGs). Machine learning algorithms can be used to predict potential biomarkers, and immune infiltration analysis can be used to examine the relationships between identified biomarkers and immune cell types, particularly M0 macrophages and B cells.
Results
A total of 1,058 DEGs were identified between the NPC and normal tissue groups. From this set, 372 key module genes associated with NPC were isolated. By intersecting the DEGs, key module genes, and lactate-related genes (LRGs), 17 lactate-related DEGs (LR-DEGs) were identified. Using three machine learning algorithms, this list was further refined, resulting in three primary lactate-related biomarkers: TPPP3, MUC4, and CLIC6. These biomarkers were significantly enriched in pathways related to "immune cell activation" and the "extracellular matrix environment." Additionally, M0 and B macrophages were found to be closely associated with these biomarkers, suggesting their involvement in shaping the NPC immune microenvironment.
Conclusion
In summary, this study identified TPPP3, MUC4, and CLIC6 as lactate-associated clinical modelling indicators linked to NPC. linked to NPC, providing a foundation for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.
Renoprotective effects of tadalafil on ischemia-reperfusion injury during partial nephrectomy in an animal model
Authors: Ha Yun-Sok , Yoo Eun Sang , Yoon Bo Hyun , Jeon Minji , Kwon Tae Gyun , Kim Bum Soo , Ha Yun-Sok , Chung Jae-Wook
Published: December 2024

Background:The safe time for partial nephrectomy is reported as 25 min for warm ischemia. However, even in the case of arterial ligation within 25 min, acute renal injury occurs, which causes serious complications in patients with chronic renal disease. Various drugs are being studied, but the effectiveness and safety are insufficient. This study aims to prove that tadalafil has a protective effect on renal function.
Methods: We orally treated tadalafil for 14 days prior to ischemic-reperfusion (IR) injury with partial nephrectomy. 24 hours after IR injury, blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and molecular analysis. Serum BUN, serum creatinine and urine KIM-1 were analyzed from blood samples and collected kidney tissue samples were used for qPCR and histology analysis.
Results: We observed that there was no effect on blood urea nitrogen or creatine levels, but it improved damaged kidney tissue by increasing number of glomeruli. Tadalafil protected kidney in the loss of glomerulus from IR injury. As oxidative stress related markers, tadalafil was effective in reducing iNOS, eNOS, and MPO expression. In addition, we confirmed that tadalafil significantly suppressed inflammatory related gene expressions, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CD4 and CD8.
Conclusions: In conclusion, it was demonstrated that tadalafil inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation and increases renal tissue recovery ability in ischemic-reperfusion damage during partial nephrectomy.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Shared Decision Making for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bonnah Juliet , Awuah Baffour , Williams Michelle S.
Published: December 2024

Background: Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Ghana. Several studies have identified healthcare providers as key stakeholders in cervical cancer prevention. There is limited data on the role healthcare providers in Ghana play in shared decision making for cervical cancer prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate healthcare providers’ perceptions about women’s cervical cancer prevention behaviors and their practices for recommending cervical cancer prevention services to their patients.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (n=27) working at healthcare institutions in Ghana. Qualitative analysis was done using in-vivo coding and thematic content analysis. The PEN-3 model, and the SHARE approach were used as the theoretical framework for the study.
Results: Healthcare providers were the main source of cervical cancer information for their patients. However, several providers acknowledged that they have inadequate knowledge about cervical cancer. Several providers stated that they seek their patients’ opinion about cervical cancer when recommending cervical cancer prevention services to them. Most of the providers recommend cervical cancer prevention services when patients have suggestive symptoms. They address their patients’ concerns and fears about cervical cancer by educating and reassuring them. The cost of preventive services, lack of knowledge, cultural and religious beliefs, were identified as major factors that influence their patients’ health seeking behavior for cervical cancer prevention services.
Conclusion: In Ghana, healthcare providers play a significant role in cervical cancer prevention. Therefore, there is a need for training programs to empower providers in shared decision making, and in recommending cervical cancer prevention services to patients.
Using Real Options Approach to Risk and Uncertainty in Wind Power Plant Valuation
Authors: Biyikli Duygu , Sesli Faik Ahmet , Kasap Pelin
Published: December 2024

Since the future cannot be predicted clearly, each parameter value in investment is variable within probabilities. Costs, expenses, inflation rate, unit prices, government support, and incentives or income amount contain risks and uncertainties for every investment. While these risks and uncertainties decrease the investment value in traditional valuation, they increase the value in real options. Investors may also want to defer, expand, or abandon the investment according to market conditions. These flexibility factors offered by real options for large-budget investments such as Wind Power Plants (WPPs) also add extra value to the investment. This study aimed to investigate how the flexibility situations predicted for this WPP with positive Net Present Value (NPV) affect the investment. In particular, the defer option was applied in two different ways. First, the return scarcity parameter was used to calculate the opportunity cost lost to competitors due to differences. Secondly, this loss was applied as a numerical change to cash flows. In the application where the return scarcity parameter was used, the results obtained with the Black-Scholes and Binomial methods were quite different from each other. In the second application, the loss percentage applied to cash flows, although higher than the return scarcity parameter, returned more positive results. The fact that the return scarcity parameter gave very low results, especially with the Black-Scholes method, was also an important result for the literature on the use of the defer option. In addition, the demonstration of the extra value that real options bring to investments was another important result for the increase in the installation of renewable energy plants and the use of clean energy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To tell or not to tell? Abortion disclosure and social support among women who received abortion care in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Okunlola David Aduragbemi , Roemer Matthea , Akiode Akinsewa , Taiwo Anne , Idoko Ochanya , Ajah Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Objective
In restricted and stigmatized contexts, women having trusted individuals to share their experiences and seek support can make a difference when seeking abortion care. This study examines how women in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, disclose their abortion care needs within their social support networks and the nature of the support they receive. related to their abortion.
Methods
The data reported in this study came from a component of a larger study to map abortion service points and assess abortion safety was conducted in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. The study was conducted among women who received induced abortion care in the past five years. The sample was 200 women who responded to questions about their abortion disclosure practices, reasons for disclosure, abortion experiences that necessitated them seeking support, the support received, and abortion methods used. We used descriptive statistics to present the distribution of respondents’ disclosure, reasons for disclosure, and the support received. We assessed the relationship between disclosure, support received, and abortion method using cross-tabulations.
Results
Most respondents (79.5%) disclosed their abortions to someone, predominantly to their spouse or partner (66.7%). Various forms of support were reported, including emotional support, practical assistance in accessing abortion services, and advice on methods and providers. For all support, most respondents (average = 65%) receive it before the actual abortion, helping with decision-making and sources of abortion care. We found disparities in the level of support received based on age groups, with adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years old) receiving the least high-level support. Conversely, non-disclosure was based on the belief that abortion is a personal and women’s right or choice and to avoid breach of privacy and stigma.
Conclusions
Women and girls disclose their abortions selectively and aim to leverage disclosure for information and support in abortion decision-making and care-seeking. Efforts to destigmatize abortion and support women's autonomy in reproductive decision-making are essential, including advocating policies that protect women's right to privacy and confidentiality regarding their reproductive choices, as well as initiatives to engage men in supportive roles and challenge harmful cultural norms.
The health care needs of multidimensional frail elderly patients with multimorbidity in non-inpatient settings: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Chang Bingjie , Hu Qinghua , Chen Xiaolei , Du Juan , Shao Shuang
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Our study aimed to explore the health care needs of older adults with multimorbidity assessed as multidimensionally frail from their perspective in Beijing, China, in a predominantly ambulatory setting.
Methods
This study was conducted using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews of 21 at the Outpatient clinics, in four primary health care institutions (PHCIs), Beijing, China. The subjects were drawn from a cross-sectional survey that assessed frailty in older adults with multimorbidity. The Participants meeting the criteria were selected through purposive sampling until subject saturation. The interviews were transcribed and organized verbatim and then subjected to thematic analysis using inductive approach.
Results
A total of four themes on the needs of the multidimensional frail elderly patients with multimorbidity were identified, including enhancing self-management ability, reconstructing family intergenerational support, obtaining high-quality primary healthcare services, and improving the community home-based care service system.
Conclusion
This exploratory study is helpful to understand the healthcare needs of the frail elderly with multimorbidity from the perspectives of individuals, families, communities and society, in turn formulate healthcare promotion strategies. Appropriate policies and measures should be taken, such as assessing comprehensively the physiological, psychological and social functional status, determining priority interventions, improving family support functions, and formulating medical checklists for the frail elderly,as well as building a community- and home-based care service model that combines medical and nursing care.
Patient Activation, Acculturation, and Doctor's Trust: Key Factors in Healthcare Satisfaction for Albanian Immigrants in Germany
Authors: Dautaj Anxhela , Pistulli Filip , Noack Peter , Eckstein Katharina , Hübner Jutta , Ahmadi Emadaldin
Published: December 2024

Background
This research focuses on the Albanian community in Germany, a notable segment of the immigrant population. These immigrants, having relocated for diverse reasons, face opportunities and health-related challenges in their new milieu. It is essential to identify and address these challenges, which predominantly stem from cultural discrepancies, linguistic barriers, and insufficient patient activation to facilitate their integration.
Methods
A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was employed over four months, involving 106 participants. Data collection was executed via a structured questionnaire designed to collect information on the following variables: Patient Activation Measure (PAM), patient satisfaction, doctor’s trust, acculturation, cultural competency.
Results
The study reveals that Albanian immigrants frequently struggle with healthcare access in Germany. Significant factors influencing patient satisfaction include the perceived trustworthiness of healthcare providers, patient activation levels, cultural competence, and degree of acculturation. In contrast, economic factors such as personal financial resources did not significantly affect satisfaction outcomes. These insights are vital for healthcare providers and policymakers, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to bolster patient activation among Albanian immigrants.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the critical importance of enhancing patient activation and fostering a trust-based relationship between doctors and patients. Additionally, improving acculturation processes could significantly augment the healthcare experiences of immigrants. This study contributes to the broader discourse on immigrant health integration, offering evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice adjustments in Germany.
Creation and characterization of warm dense matter isochorically heated by an intense laser-driven
proton beam to temperatures exceeding 100 eV.
Authors: Bailly-Grandvaux Mathieu , Bolaños Simon , Kim J , Saret Jacob , McGuffey Christopher , Bhutwala Krish , Nilson Philip , Theobald Wolfgang , Haid Alex , Ivancic Steven , Beg Farhat
Published: December 2024

The warm dense matter (WDM) is an exotic state of matter encountered in inertial confinement implosions for fusion energy, as well as the interiors of giant planets like Jupiter, brown dwarfs, the atmospheres of white dwarfs, neutron star crusts, and newly discovered exo-planets. One efficient way to create WDM is to use protons accelerated by a high-intensity short-pulse laser to isochorically heat dense samples to WDM states. Despite its importance, direct temperature measurements within WDM targets are scarce. This study utilizes an intense proton beam generated by the kilojoule EP laser further focused and guided by a curved foil and cone structure to efficiently heat a thin copper sample. A high-resolution streaked spectrometer tuned to copper Kα fluorescence lines provided bulk temperature measurements every ~2 ps, revealing temperatures exceeding 100 eV in under 50 ps. Particle-in-cell simulations of proton transport and energy deposition closely matched the observed heating dynamics, including transverse temperature gradients revealed by the broadening of Kα lines.
Diphenhydramine-mediated modulation of inward rectifier IK1 current induces conduction blocks in the rat pulmonary veins myocardium and facilitates supraventricular proarrhythmicity
Authors: Egorov Yury , Abramov Alexandr A. , Filatova Tatiana S. , Pustovit Oksana B. , Karhov Andrew M. , Voronina Yana A. , Kuzmin Vlad S.
Published: December 2024

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is a first-generation antihistamine drug widely used for allergy and other non-allergic conditions. It is known that DHP is not free of adverse effects including induction of tachyarrhythmias. Nevertheless, the mechanisms behind DPH proarrhythmicity is not well understood. In the present study in vivo ECG recordings in rats, microelectrode registration in ventricular, atrial and pulmonary vein (PV) isolated tissue, optical mapping of bioelectrical activity in supraventricular tissue preparations as well as patch-clamping for IK1 recordings in rat cardiac myocytes were used for analysis of mechanisms of DHP-induced proarrhythmicity. It is shown that DPH unable to alter heart rate, however, significantly increases duration of QT intervals in rats. Also, DPH induces substantial prolongation of action potentials (AP) in the rat ventricular myocardium. These effects are mediated by DPH-induced attenuation of both inward and functional outward components of inward rectifier (IK1) current. In the rat pulmonary veins the diphenhydramine causes substantial proarrhythmic changes including resting potential (RP) shift to less negative values, AP amplitude decrease and electrotonic-like responses as well as inexcitability, slowing of the conduction velocity, conduction blocks. An adrenaline partially antagonizes DPH-caused RP shift and inexcitability induction, however facilitates PV-derived ectopy and circulation of excitation in presence of DPH in the cardiac tissue of the pulmonary veins. In conclusion, DPH-induced attenuation IK1 promotes formation of the functional substrate highly prone to re-entrant conduction and adrenergically-induced ectopy in the cardiac tissue of pulmonary veins. Thus, DPH in addition to its torsadegenicity may facilitate induction of atrial fibrillation.
YOLOv8-GK: Tomato leaf disease detection algorithm
Authors: Xiao Huiting , Ning Chongyang , He Haojie
Published: December 2024

Tomato leaf diseases seriously affect the yield and quality of tomatoes, so it is crucial to detect leaf diseases accurately. In recent years, the use of deep learning techniques has significantly improved the accuracy of plant leaf disease detection. However, the existing deep learning detection models perform poorly when confronted with the mutual occlusion between leaves, the change of light, and interference from complex backgrounds such as plants and soil. To overcome the challenge of accurately locating and classifying tomato leaf diseases in complex scenarios, this paper proposes a real-time leaf disease detection method based on YOLOv8. On the one hand, to address the defect of capturing global contextual information and the problem of gradient vanishing in deep networks, a GIP-SPPF module is constructed by integrating global background information and edge information. This module preserves the edge cross information, effectively reducing the training difficulty while improving the model performance. On the other hand, to effectively reduce the size of model parameters, we introduced a depthwise separable convolutional structure and combined it with the idea of a residual connection mechanism to construct KOIDSConv, which not only significantly improves the lightweight of the model, but also enhances feature fusion and information complementarity between different channels. The results show that the YOLOv8-GK model has better detection performance than other detection methods in the dataset constructed in this paper, with a high mAP of 98.06%.
Effect of deltoid–trapezius overlap repair on acromioclavicular joint stability: A biomechanical study using fresh-frozen cadavers
Authors: Kurata Shimpei , Inoue Kazuya , Tsujimura Keisuke , Imanaka Akira , Mondori Takamitsu , Shimizu Takamasa , Kawamura Kenji , Omokawa Shohei , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: December 2024

Background: Severe acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is associated with damage to the deltoid and trapezius muscles. However, studies on the role of these muscles in AC joint stability are limited. To evaluate AC joint stability achieved by deltoid–trapezius overlap repair (DTOR) and compare it with that provided by the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament. We hypothesized that DTOR would improve the vertical and horizontal stability of the AC joint.
Methods: This study was conducted using six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders from three male and three female specimens (mean age, 76.5 years; range, 67–92 years). The study involved fixing the left side of the trunk, upper limb, and spine and measuring clavicular displacement via an electromagnetic tracker. Distal clavicular dislocation was simulated with sequential sectioning of the deltoid, trapezius, AC, and CC ligaments, followed by DTOR as follows: Stage 0, intact; Stage 1, the deltoid, trapezius, AC ligament, and AC joint capsule were sectioned; Stage 2, the trapezoid ligament was sectioned; Stage 3, the conoid ligament was sectioned; and Stage 4, DTOR was performed. The superior displacement was measured during inferior traction of the upper limb, and the posterior and lateral displacements were measured during horizontal adduction of the upper limb.
Results: After sectioning the conoid ligament, the superior displacement significantly increased. Although performing DTOR afterward significantly reduced the superior displacement, it remained significantly larger than the displacement observed before sectioning the conoid ligament. Posterior and lateral displacements significantly increased after sectioning the conoid ligament but did not significantly decrease after DTOR.
Conclusion: The DTOR-induced restraint of the AC joint in the superior, posterior, and lateral directions to improve its dynamic stability of the AC joint was inferior to the static stability provided by the CC ligament. However, because DTOR can achieve superior stability of the AC joint, it can be performed as an additional reinforcement procedure for treating AC joint dislocation.
Covalent-fragment screening identifies selective inhibitors of multiple Staphylococcus aureus serine hydrolases important for growth and biofilm formation
Authors: Bogyo Matthew , Upadhyay Tulsi , Woods Emily , Ahator Stephen , Julin Kjersti , Faucher Franco , Hollander Marijn , Pedowitz Nichole , Abegg Daniel , Hammond Isabella , Eke Ifeanyichukwu , Wang Sijie , Chen Shiyu , Bennett John , Jo Jeyun , Lentz Christian , Adibekian Alex , Fellner Matthias
Published: December 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacteria-associated mortality worldwide. This is largely because infection sites are often difficult to localize and the bacteria forms biofilms which are not effectively cleared using classical antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need for new tools to both image and treat S. aureus infections. We previously identified a group of S. aureus serine hydrolases known as fluorophosphonate-binding hydrolases (Fphs), which regulate aspects of virulence and lipid metabolism. However, because their structures are similar and their functions overlap, it remains challenging to distinguish the specific roles of individual members of this family. In this study, we applied a high-throughput screening approach using a library of covalent electrophiles to identify inhibitors for FphB, FphE, and FphH. We identified inhibitors that irreversibly bind to the active-site serine residue of each enzyme with high potency and selectivity without requiring extensive medicinal chemistry optimization. Structural and biochemical analysis identified novel binding modes for several of the inhibitors. Selective inhibitors of FphH impaired both bacterial growth and biofilm formation while Inhibitors of FphB and FphE had no impact on cell growth and only limited impact on biofilm formation. These results suggest that all three hydrolases likely play functional, but non-equivalent roles in biofilm formation and FphH is a potential target for development of therapeutics that have both antibiotic and anti-biofilm activity. Overall, we demonstrate that focused covalent fragment screening can be used to rapidly identify highly potent and selective electrophiles targeting bacterial serine hydrolases. This approach could be applied to other classes of lipid hydrolases in diverse pathogens or higher eukaryotes.
Single-cell multi-omics analysis identifies metabolism-linked epigenetic reprogramming as a driver of therapy-resistant medulloblastoma
Authors: Vibhakar Rajeev , Veo Bethany , Wang Dong , DeSisto John , Pierce Angela
Published: December 2024

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, exhibiting clinical and genomic heterogeneity. Of the four major subgroups, Group 3 tumors (MYC-MB), display high levels of MYC and metastasis rates. Despite treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, patients with Group 3 MB are more likely to develop aggressive recurrent tumors with poor survival. To examine resistance mechanisms, single nuclei multiome analysis of matched primary and recurrent tumors was performed in this study. A persistent progenitor population supporting resistance to therapy was identified. Additionally, distinct chromatin landscapes are linked to altered transcription and correspond to metabolic reprogramming. In vivo modeling of radiation resistance resolves similar chromatin-based metabolic reprogramming focused on wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) activity. IDH1 inhibition reverses resistance-mediated chromatin changes and enables radiation re-sensitization. Ultimately, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of single-cell multiome analysis in elucidating resistance mechanisms and identifying novel target pathways for MYC-driven medulloblastoma.