bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme ingroup and outgroup perspectives counter-intuitively impact intergroup polarisation at the level of neural oscillations
Authors: Kluge Annika , Levy Jonathan
Published: March 2024

A powerful example of affective polarisation occurred between vaccine-supporters and -opposers when vaccinations were implemented to counter the recent global pandemic. In this social neuroscience study, we scanned 121 individuals using magnetoencephalography to test on three levels: explicit, implicit, and neural – whether exposing people to extreme ingroup perspectives (following paradoxical thinking principles) or extreme outgroup perspectives can modulate the affective polarisation between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. We show that a neural proxy for intergroup polarisation, expressed as beta rhythm suppression, can detect subtle changes in affective polarisation. More specifically, we find that exposing vaccine-supporters to extreme ingroup (i.e., pro-vaccination) viewpoints leads to a decrease in this neural proxy of affective polarisation. Conversely, exposure to extreme outgroup (i.e., anti-vaccination) narratives increases polarisation, which in turn predicts a decrease in positive affect towards vaccine opposers almost one year later. The results show that although it can seem intuitive to expose people to counter-arguments (i.e., extreme outgroup perspectives) to change their opinions, such an approach can backlash and increase polarisation instead. However, using subtler methods such as the paradoxical thinking intervention (i.e., extreme ingroup perspectives) for attitude change can have the desired effects and reduce intergroup polarisation.
The General Factor of Environmental Sensitivity (GFS): Relationships with the General Factor of Personality (GFP)
Authors: Iimura Shuhei , Yano Kosuke
Published: March 2024

Environmental sensitivity is a meta-concept that describes individual differences in susceptibility to both positive and negative environmental influences and has been repeatedly reported to correlate with other established personality traits, including the Big Five. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the general factor of environmental sensitivity (GFS) and the general factor of personality (GFP). A total of 1,046 adult participants (52% female; Mage = 45.15, SDage = 12.70) completed a self-report psychological questionnaire on an online form. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that GFS had a strong negative correlation with GFP (r = -.41, 95%CI[-.52, -.30], p <.001). Focusing on the relationship with the Big Five, individuals with higher environmental sensitivity were less emotionally stable and introverted. The trait of environmental sensitivity may be described not only in relation to the Big Five but also in relation to GFP, which is assumed to be an indicator of social effectiveness.
Overconfidence persists despite years of accurate, precise, public, and continuous feedback: Two studies of tournament chess players
Authors: Heck Patrick Ryan , Benjamin Daniel Jacob , Chabris Christopher F. , Simons Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Overconfidence is thought to be a fundamental cognitive bias, but it is typically studied in environments where people lack accurate information about their abilities. Tournament chess players receive objective, precise, and public feedback, so we conducted a preregistered survey experiment and replication to learn whether overconfidence persists in an environment that should diminish or eradicate it. Our combined sample comprised 3388 rated players aged 5–88 years, from 22 countries, with M=18.8 years of tournament experience. On average, participants asserted their ability was 89 Elo rating points higher than their observed ratings indicated—expecting to outscore an equally-rated opponent by 2:1. One year later, only 11.3% of overconfident players achieved their asserted ability rating. Low-rated players overestimated their skill the most and top-rated players were calibrated. These patterns emerged in every sociodemographic subgroup we considered. We conclude that overconfidence persists even in real-world information environments that should be inhospitable to it.
Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Avoidant Coping Influence Negative Autobiographical Memory Recall
Authors: Okan Aysenur , Imamoglu Aslihan , Gulgoz Sami
Published: March 2024

In three separate multilevel structural equation models (MSEM), we investigated how emotion regulation difficulties and avoidant coping predicted episodic features (i.e., episodic details, vividness, vantage point) in positive and negative autobiographical memories. Ninety-six young adults completed the Autobiographical Memory Task, consisting of 6 negative and 6 positive cue words that were used to elicit autobiographical memories. Individual differences (i.e., between-person variance) in emotion regulation difficulties predicted increased vividness, and avoidant coping predicted third-person perspective in negative autobiographical memories. Notably, accounting for within-person variance in our outcome measures, emotion regulation difficulties did not predict the number of episodic details reported. Cognitive control did not moderate these pathways, and these processes did not affect positive memories. These findings highlight the importance of studying individual differences in emotion regulation and coping styles as they relate to the experience of autobiographical remembering. The implications of these findings in psychopathology are discussed.
Meta-Representations as Representations of Processes
Authors: Kanai Ryota , Takatsuki Ryota , Fujisawa Ippei
Published: March 2024

In this study, we explore how the notion of meta-representations in Higher-Order Theories (HOT) of consciousness can be implemented in computational models. HOT suggests that consciousness emerges from meta-representations, which are representations of first-order sensory representations. However, translating this abstract concept into a concrete computational model, such as those used in artificial intelligence, presents a theoretical challenge. For example, a simplistic interpretation of meta-representation as a representation of representation makes the notion rather trivial and ubiquitous. Here, we propose a refined interpretation of meta-representations. Contrary to the simplistic view of meta-representations as mere transformations of the first-order representational states or confidence estimates, we argue that meta-representations are representations of the processes that generate first-order representations. This presents a process-oriented view whereby meta-representations capture the qualitative aspect of how sensory information is transformed into first-order representations. To concretely illustrate and operationalize thus formulated notion of meta-representation, we constructed "meta-networks" designed to explicitly model meta-representations within deep learning architectures. Specifically, we constructed meta-networks by implementing autoencoders of first-order neural networks. In this architecture, the latent spaces embedding those first-order networks correspond to the meta-representations of first-order networks. By applying meta-networks to embed neural networks trained to encode visual and auditory datasets, we show that the meta-representations of first-order networks successfully capture the qualitative aspects of those networks by separating the visual and auditory networks in the meta-representation space. We argue that such meta-representations would be useful for quantitatively compare and contrast the qualitative differences of computational processes. While whether such meta-representational systems exist in the human brain remains an open question, this formulation of meta-representation offers a new empirically testable hypothesis that there are brain regions that represent the processes of transforming a representation in one brain region to a representation in another brain region. Furthermore, this form of meta-representations might underlie our ability to describe the qualitative aspect of sensory experience or qualia.
The Environmental Costs of Political Interference: Evidence from Power Plants in the Amazon
Authors: Costa Francisco J M , Szerman Dimitri , Assunção Juliano
Published: March 2024

This paper estimates the impacts of ten recently built hydroelectric power plants in the Brazilian Amazon on deforestation. Using the inventory of all sites with hydropower potential yet undeveloped, we apply the synthetic control method to estimate the causal impact of each power plant on forest loss. Overall, the construction of the ten plants contributed to 13 percent of the observed forest loss within a 50-kilometer radius of the construction site. Notably, this impact is solely attributed to four plants. In at least three of these plants, construction licenses were granted despite technical recommendations against them. In contrast, the remaining plants, which received technical clearance from the environmental agency, have negligible effects. These findings highlight the effectiveness of robust environmental regulations and underscore their vulnerability to high-level political interference.
Will Europe be forged in crises? The impact of the Covid-19 and Ukraine crises on EU actorness
Authors: Eisl Andreas , Rubio Eulalia
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study the effect of crises on EU actorness, defined as the EU’s capacity to defend its interests and values at the global level. Our research focuses on two major crises, the Covid-19 crisis and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Drawing on a process-tracing approach, we analyse four of the Union’s policy initiatives that were proposed, negotiated and implemented to respond to these crises: joint vaccine procurement, common gas purchases, and the COVAX and FARM initiatives. The paper assesses the outcomes of these four initiatives and discusses the extent to which these initiatives led to the development of EU actorness and the achievement of common objectives. The analysis identifies the degree of internal cohesion, and how it is influenced by specific crises, as a key factor in fostering or hampering EU actorness in different policy fields. It also shows that the formal distribution of competences between the EU and the member states in specific policy areas matters little in crisis times, as the EU can resort to emergency competences in such situations. The findings of this paper contribute to the literature on EU actorness and equally provide some insights on policy legacies and learning.
The Relationship between Access to Mental Health Resources, Administrative Support, and Teacher Burnout
Authors: Pressley Tim , Marshall David T. , Odeniyi Okunola , Gonzales Matthew A.
Published: March 2024

Using the Job Demands-Resources model, this study explored the impact of administrative support and mental health resources on teacher burnout. The sample included 822 PK-12 teachers across the United States, representing 46 states. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression modeling. The results showed that access to mental health resources such as mindfulness programming and mental health days had a positive effect on teacher burnout. Teachers with greater support from their administrators, including support with student behavior, similarly reported lower levels of burnout. These findings suggest that mental health resources school administrators may play a vital role in providing appropriate and necessary support for limiting teacher burnout. We conclude with implications for teacher mental health.
Discussing Environmental Justice in India: Findings from Workshops Using a Pedagogy of the Oppressed approach
Authors: Srikanth Yamini V. , Rau Kaustubh
Published: March 2024

Workshops based on Pedagogy of the Oppressed (PO) and Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) techniqueswere used to build an understanding of environmental justice in India. These workshops were conductedthrice in groups with different participant profiles and utilized case studies from India. PO providedways to uncover root causes of environmental problems and build a deeper understanding amongstthe participants. The use of theatre also greatly heightened the participants’ experiences, especially inunderstanding power and one’s own role within power structures. Interviews post-workshop revealed thatparticipants demonstrated a greater knowledge of the role caste plays in environmental justice in India, aswell as an enhanced understanding of the intersections of identity with caste. The findings demonstratethe utility of a Freirean Pedagogy of the Oppressed based approach for adult-centric environmentaleducation in India.
Face-to-Face and Virtual Instruction Practices in Nepali Schools
Authors: G.C. Krishna Bahadur
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the education sector along with the other sectors in Nepal. The education system and its major components have been disrupted by the pandemic. In this regard, I have prepared a research article to explore the status and practice of face-to-face and virtual instruction in school education in Nepal.

The first objective of this paper is to assess the present situation of the face-to-face mode of schooling. The second objective is to analyze the current state of virtual learning and the third objective is to study the change from face-to-face and virtual learning in the education system. This research is qualitative one. This is delimited in the secondary schools of the Gorkha Municipality. I have selected the schools of the study area purposively. I have used non-participant observation, focus group discussion, and open-ended interviews to generate information and it was the primary source. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an alternative mode of instruction, i.e., a virtual mode. I have found that depending solely upon the virtual mode of instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic situation has been less effective in the study site due to poor internet access and electronic devices. The blended approach has been more effective in the instructional process.
Factores asociados con caídas de pacientes y su relación con la valoración de riesgo
Authors: Agudelo Turriago Ángela , Castiblanco Montañez Ruth Alexandra , Pérez Pérez Margarita , Buitrago Buitrago Carmen Yaneth
Published: March 2024

Introducción: la seguridad como atributo de la calidad de atención incluye las actividades orientadas a reducir o mitigar un evento adverso. Las caídas intrahospitalarias son un problema grave y una de las principales causas de lesiones, incapacidad e incluso muerte. El profesional de la salud debe realizar la valoración del riesgo del paciente, determinando la probabilidad de sufrir una caída según sus condiciones individuales. Objetivo: describir los factores asociados con caídas de pacientes en el Hospital de San José de Bogotá y su relación con la valoración del riesgo en el período 2018. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de 90 historias clínicas de pacientes adultos que presentaron este evento adverso. Las variables cuantitativas se reportan como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Según la Resolución 8430 de 1993 del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, este estudio se clasifica sin riesgo. Resultados: la edad promedio fue 55 años, 81% estaban clasificados de bajo riesgo, 21% alto, siendo 51% de las valoraciones acorde con la situación del paciente; 38% de las caídas ocurrieron en el baño y con mayor frecuencia (43%) en el turno de la mañana, 27% requirió exámenes adicionales y 12% aumentó la estancia hospitalaria. Conclusión: las caídas constituyen un fenómeno frecuente independiente de la causa de hospitalización, por lo que la “clasificación del riesgo” exige evaluación permanente para conocer los factores predisponentes e intervenir en las causas para mejorar los resultados en salud y favorecer el aprendizaje organizacional.
Percepción bioética de ginecólogos residentes de mastología sobre la interrupción del embarazo en cáncer de seno
Authors: Guío Ávila José Ismael , Castiblanco Montañez Ruth Alexandra , Cuadrado Franco Daniela María
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: describir la percepción bioética en un grupo de residentes de mastología frente a la interrupción voluntaria en el primer trimestre del embarazo (IVE,) en casos con cáncer de mama temprano, y las implicaciones de sus conductas médicas en un hospital universitario. Metodología: estudio cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico descriptivo. La técnica de recolección de datos fue la entrevista a profundidad, Para la inclusión de los participantes se utilizó un muestreo intencional. La información se analizó siguiendo el método de Colaizzi que considera la codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Se elaboraron matrices (microsoft office Excel) para el análisis y comparación de los datos, y para las categorías mediante la consolidación de los descriptores. Para mantener el rigor de la investigación y la validez de sus resultados se tuvieron en cuenta los criterios de credibilidad, auditabilidad y transferibilidad propuestos por Lincoln y Guba, analizando los datos dos investigadores para triangulación de la información. Estudio de riesgo mínimo dado que no se modifican variables en los participantes, se tuvieron en cuenta consideraciones de la Resolución 8430 de 1993 y se obtuvo aprobación del comité de ética de investigación en seres humanos. Resultados: participaron médicos, especialistas en ginecología y obstetricia, residentes de la especialidad de mastología. A partir de la categorización de los significados formulados de las entrevistas, se organizaron en cinco categorías que dan cuenta del dilema de sugerir o no la interrupción de un embarazo en mujeres con cáncer de mama temprano, dudas de los profesionales encargados en la toma de decisiones y sensación de carga de responsabilidad aumentada. Conclusión: la autonomía del médico se ve afectada en casos complejos, en especial cuando considera que no es adecuada la interrupción. Se debería incluir en los programas académicos una formación en bioética no principialista sino centrada en la persona.
Prevalencia del consumo de bebidas energizantes y efectos adversos en estudiantes de medicina
Authors: Gonzalez Rausseo Marina del Valle , Fajardo Borda Luisa Fernanda , Esteban Silva Héctor Luis , Gordon Bustacara Cristian Camilo , Abril Rodriguez Ludy Dayana , Vargas Rodríguez Ledmar Jovanny
Published: March 2024

Introducción: las bebidas energizantes son preparados estimulantes e hidratos de carbono. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia, características del consumo y los efectos adversos en estudiantes de un programa de medicina Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo, que incluyó estudiantes de medicina de una institución de educación superior, excluyendo a aquellos que no cursaban la carga académica completa para su semestre, quienes diligenciaron de manera inadecuada la encuesta o que no aceptaron la participación en el estudio.  Resultados y discusión: participaron 241 estudiantes, de los cuales 72,20% eran mujeres. Solo 55 manifestaron trastornos patológicos de tipo insomnio (13,69%) y cefalea o migraña (8,30%) y 49,38% informaron sobre el consumo de bebidas energizantes. Existe la probabilidad de una mezcla con sustancias alcohólicas dada la elevada frecuencia de consumo (51,26%), lo que no ocurrió con el hábito de fumar. Los eventos adversos informados fueron insomnio (21,58%), taquicardia (17,43%), cefalea (14,52%), enrojecimiento facial (13,28%) y en menor medida temblor, ansiedad o trastornos gastrointestinales (17,42%). Conclusiones: el consumo de bebidas energizantes es alta durante la adolescencia y en especial en los universitarios, pero estas sustancias a largo plazo pueden generar efectos adversos cuyas principales complicaciones son cardíacas, por lo que es importante vigilar la comercialización de las mismas.
Inclusion, Organising, Commoning
Authors: Sareen Siddharth , Ribeiro Leo
Published: March 2024

This comic book is an art-science collaboration made possible through the Responsive Organising for Low Emission Societies (ROLES) project, which undertook engaged ethnographic research dur- ing 2020-2023 in Bergen and Stavanger in Norway. The project was funded by the Joint Program- ming Initiative Climate in partnership with the Research Council of Norway and national funding bodies in the UK and Italy through the SOLSTICE call on enabling societal transformation in the face of climate change. Research was undertaken by a team at the University of Bergen, University of Stavanger, University of Sussex and EURAC Research. ROLES was a no fly project, where we worked locally, held monthly online meetings as an international consortium, and undertook a single in- person consortium meeting using surface transport to convene in Groningen. We formed friend- ships and collaborated successfully. The project produced many publications in and across case studies on smart local energy systems (with an emphasis on solar energy) in Brighton in the UK, on smart electric meters and grids in Tren- to in Italy, and on smart urban transport in Bergen and Stavanger in Norway. It also featured more than ten Master theses and hosted interns, thus building capacity to enable actionable knowledge, and even led to concrete changes in policy. Team members conducted and contributed to a wide range of public events. Throughout its multi-pronged approach to enabling societal transforma- tion, the project was centred on how the twin transition of digitalisation and decarbonisation could take place in a socially inclusive manner. This comic book shines a light on the key insights from Team Norway on urban transport. Like the overarching thrust of ROLES, these insights are summed up in the mantra of ‘Inclusion, Organising, Commoning’ reflected in the title of this comic book. Promoting these principles with science outreach through transdisciplinary collaboration is vital in order to engage with and mobilise diverse publics. The poem, in ten stanzas, captures the essence of the many hundreds of thousands of words used in the peer-reviewed scientific publications from ROLES. Our hope is that policymakers, transport users, urban planners, and transport authorities will resonate with the key messages and their underlying philosophy. The decisions needed for socially inclusive, common urban transport fu-tures are in our grasp. In the solarpunk spirit of this comic book and its companion textile art by Margrethe Brekke featuring the same poem, we close with a request to readers to engage in ‘re- sponsive organising’ for commoning.
Seed dormancy of Paspalum sexual species from the Dilatata group (Poaceae): ecological, physiological and genetic studies: Doctoral thesis abstract
Authors: Glison Lartigau Nicolás Alberto
Published: March 2024

Paspalum dilatatum is a perennial warm-season grass whose incorporation into sown pastures is desired. However, like other non-domesticated species, it presents poor and irregular seedling emergence explained by seed dormancy. This characteristic is highly variable and genotype-dependent. Paspalum dilatatum cannot be bred because it is apomictic. Still, there are self-pollinated sexual species related to P. dilatatum, which can produce fertile hybrids that can be bred by conventional methods. To obtain an attractive cultigen, it is necessary to know the expression and heritability of seed dormancy in these species. In this work, ecological, physiological and genetic aspects of seed dormancy in sexual species of the Dilatata group were explored. First, field seedling emergence of different Paspalum species was modelled using environmental variables, and the results were associated with seed dormancy. It was evidenced that the emergence dynamics depend on the temperature and soil moisture. Contrary to expectation, high temperatures reduced the number of emerged seedlings due to a greater expression of seed dormancy. Second, the seed dormancy of the sexual species of the Dilatata group was quantified, and it was evaluated whether the differences between species can explain their geographic distributions. Paspalum urvillei has a larger distribution area, explained by a lower seed dormancy level. While the other species (P. dasypleurum, P. flavescens, P. plurinerve and P. vacarianum), with more restricted and allopatric distributions, showed higher dormancy levels associated with the rainfall level at each origin sites. Third, QTLs for seed dormancy were searched using a population of recombinant inbred lines between P. flavescens and P. plurinerve. The germination of the population was phenotyped, and the genetic map was obtained with genotyping-by-sequencing method. Four significant QTLs were found, revealing that seed dormancy in these species is explained by the additive effect of more than one locus.
FEATURES OF IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF ASTRAGALUS DASYANTHUS PALL PLANTS
Authors: Kvasko О. , Manzhura O.
Published: March 2024

The research is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of in vitro cultivation of the medicinal plant Astragalus dasyanthus Pall, which is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and has the status of an endangered species. The cultivation of woolly-flowered astragalus in Ukraine is currently difficult due to the inaccessibility of the raw material base in the temporarily occupied southern part of Ukraine, as well as due to the low seed productivity of the crop. The use of in vitro plant tissue cultivation methods to restore natural communities of A. dasyanthus and expand possible sources of raw materials for the synthesis of medicinal substances is promising. In this work, we investigated the conditions for obtaining aseptic Astragalus dasyanthus plants from seeds and evaluated the effect of preliminary mechanical scarification on its germination energy, taking into account the percentage of sterile seedlings obtained. In addition, the efficiency of microclonal propagation of A. dasyanthus was determined depending on the composition of the culture medium, in particular the concentration of macronutrients and the presence and concentration of growth regulators. It has been shown that aseptic plants of Astragalus dasyanthus can be obtained by surface sterilization of seeds that have been previously subjected to mechanical scarification or by germination on Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium with the addition of 0.1 mg/l benzylaminopurine. It was determined that the type and concentration of cytokinin affects the efficiency of microclonal propagation of A. dasyanthus plants, while halving the content of macronutrients in the nutrient medium does not significantly affect this item. It was found that the addition of benzylaminopurine to the culture medium stimulates the formation of more additional shoots of A. dasyanthus in vitro compared to the culture medium containing kinetin. Thus, Murashige and Skoog medium with the addition of 0.5 mg/l of benzylaminopurine is optimal for in vitro cultivation of woolly-flowered Astragalus plants.
ACOUSTIC POLLUTION OF CITIES AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN LIFE ACTIVITIES
Authors: Piskunova L. , Serbeniuk H. , Holichenko N.
Published: March 2024

The results of acoustic measurements and sociological studies indicate that the main source of acoustic pollution in cities is motor vehicles. About one in two city residents suffers from the noise it generates.

Imperfect legislative and regulatory framework, lack of economic instruments to regulate acceptable levels of noise is the reason for the growth of acoustic pollution in cities.

The most investigated is industrial noise, while the problem of urban street noise is less studied. It is very difficult to study street noise because this type of noise can originate from a large number of sources.

The aim of the study was the measurement of noise pollution and its mode within two cities of different countries. In particular, it is the review of the processes of noise pollution impact on human health and the environment, analysis of the current state of noise pollution in urbanised territories, as well as the identification of modern mechanisms for solving noise pollution issues in urbanised territories.

Research methods: field measurements of acoustic pollution levels, analysis, statistical processing of research results, generalisation. Measurements of the maximum level of sound were carried out with the help of FLUSET-965 device. Measurements were conducted according to the standard methodology.

The dynamics of noise pollution in the streets of Holosievsky district of Kyiv in comparison with the streets of Cologne, Germany allows us to understand that the type of road surface, traffic intensity, organisation and composition of traffic flow has a significant impact on the level of noise pollution. The methods of calculation of the expected noise level of road transport can be taken as a basis for the selection of building-acoustic measures for protection of residential premises and public buildings from transport noise.
Multiple three-column osteotomies successfully correcting cervicothoracic kyphosis in the setting of ankylosing spondylitis: illustrative case
Authors: Mugge Luke , Gorka Paul , Brewer Cristie , McHugh Brian
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune spondylarthritis often associated with rigid kyphoscoliosis. The authors describe a surgical approach that employs multilevel three-column osteotomies for the restoration of normal global alignment.

OBSERVATIONS

A 48-year-old male with a past medical history of AS presented to the clinic with a stooped-over posture: his chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) was 58.0°; T1 slope (T1S), 97.8°; thoracic kyphosis (TK; T1–12), 94.2°; proximal TK (T1–5), 50.8°; distal TK (T5–12), 43.5°; and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), 22.6 cm. A two-stage procedure was planned. During stage 1, instrumentation was placed from C5 to T10, followed by a T3 vertebral column resection. During stage 2, bilateral pedicle screws were placed from T11 to the pelvis. An L3 pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was completed and was followed by a T7 PSO. Postoperatively, the patient had significant postural improvement: CBVA was 29.3°; T1S, 57.8°; TK, 77.3°; proximal TK, 33.5°; distal TK, 43.8°; and SVA, 15 cm. At 6 years postoperatively, the patient continued to do well and was without evidence of construct breakdown.

LESSONS

The authors propose that multilevel three-column osteotomies, if optimally located, successfully correct spinal malalignment associated with AS.
Surviving against the odds: exploring the clinical and radiological features of iniencephaly compatible with life. Illustrative case
Authors: Kadri Hassan , Dughly Mazen , Shehadeh Agha Mohamad , Abouharb Raed , Mackieh Rostom , Bakleh Sameer , Kadri Thea
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Iniencephaly is a rare neural tube defect (NTD) characterized by deformities in the occiput and inion, along with rachischisis in the cervical and thoracic spine, resulting in the head appearing in retroflexion.

OBSERVATIONS

This report details the case of a female newborn who underwent surgery for an encephalocele. She survived up to 6 months, exhibiting good overall health, although she displayed physical abnormalities, including facial deformity, a short neck, and minor spasms in all limbs. Both cardiovascular and abdominal assessments remained stable, and imaging revealed defects in the occipital bone, a large cephalocele, and spinal dysraphism.

LESSONS

Although iniencephaly is generally incompatible with life, a few cases have been reported otherwise. Our patient, one of these notable exceptions, remains alive at 6 months old, possibly due to the lack of major vascular deformities. However, she does exhibit significant psychomotor retardation.
The improvement of the CAPS-marker for St, J and V subgenome identification in Triticeae tribe plants using the 5S non-transcribed spacer polymorphism
Authors: ALEXANDROV OLEG S. , KROUPIN PAVEL YU. , KARLOV GENNADY I. , DIVASHUK MIKHAIL G.
Published: March 2024

In the Triticeae tribe, several subgenomes (St, J, V and others) were described, and a subgenome-specific molecular marker development is an actual branch of studies. Non-transcribed spacers (NTS) of 5S rDNA are perspective to create species-specific or genome-specific molecular markers in closely related organisms. Early, the 5S rDNA NTS based CAPS marker (StJV-f/StJV-r primers with the SmiM1 enzyme digestion) was designed for identification of the St, J and V subgenomes. The V subgenome amplicons were differed from the St and J amplicons in length. The St amplicons were distinguishable from the J amplicons after the SmiM1 enzyme digestion (St fragments were digested, J fragments were not digested, which is a disadvantage, because a failure with the digestion of St amplicons can be mistaken for J amplicons). This article presents the results of the StJV marker improvement. Comparative analysis of restriction enzyme maps revealed that the Hpy166 II enzyme cuts the StJV amplicons of all studied subgenomes in such a way that different product patterns are obtained. Experimental testing confirmed this finding. Thus, the improved CAPS marker can serve as a promising tool for verifying samples in Triticeae plant collections, screening herbarium materials, as well as in the breeding process aimed at improving wheat by involving its wild relatives in traditional breeding programs efficiently.
Ceftriaxone Usage and Resistance Rates in Internal Medicine Departments
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Froom Paul
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Ceftriaxone has been recommended for empiric treatment for urinary tract and respiratory tract infections, but continued widespread use might increase resistance rates.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if ceftriaxone usage has increased resistance rates over a three-year period.

METHODS: We included all patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments from 2019-2021 and extracted administered antibiotics, urine, and blood cultures with resistance reports from the computerized data base. We compared the yearly proportion of patients treated with specific antibiotics and the resistance rates of urine and blood pathogens.

RESULTS: Overall, 44.1% of patients received antibiotics during 63.3% of the hospital days. The proportion of patients treated with ceftriaxone increased from 22% in 2019 to around 30% in 2020 and 2021. Resistance rates to ceftriaxone were approximately 30% for _Escherichia coli_, and 40-50% for _Klebsiella pneumonia_ and _Proteus mirabulis _without significant changes over the three-year period. The overall usage rates of carbapenems and amikacin were 3.4% and 1.4% respectively, with low resistance rates that did not change over the follow-up period. The resistance rates for blood cultures were the same observed for urine bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that despite increased usage, resistance rates to ceftriaxone have remained stable over the past three years, and rates of resistance to broader-spectrum antibiotics have remained low. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine whether resistance rates will remain stable, and studies are needed to balance the clinical benefits and drawbacks of using ceftriaxone to treat suspected bacterial infections of the urinary tract and other areas of the body.
"Mealtime Hydration's Impact on Digestion": An Editorial Article
Authors: Abbasi Nooshin
Published: March 2024

Understanding the impact of mealtime hydration on digestion is important for optimizing nutrition. Water plays various roles in human health, including as a solvent and transport medium. Its influence on digestion and gastric emptying is still not fully understood. Contemporary studies challenge traditional recommendations against consuming beverages with meals, particularly questioning the timing and temperature of water intake. Despite extensive research, clarity on this topic is lacking. Some studies suggest that meal temperature and composition affect gastric emptying, but when matched for calorie content and volume, gastric emptying times may be similar regardless of composition or initial state. Understanding how water temperature, when consumed at mealtimes, alters food temperature and further influences digestion is crucial. Additionally, in cases where calorie content and total volume are not matched, consuming water at mealtime can change the food composition, making it more liquid and facilitating digestion. This editorial article aims to identifies research gaps and suggests avenues for future investigations into optimal hydration at mealtimes, and to guide nutritionists and health professionals in developing strategies for promoting gastric health in their patients.
Cadmium Toxicity Induced Changes on Antioxidative Enzymes Level in Fresh Water Catfish Channa Punctatus (Bloch)
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Rajesh , Tripathi Madhu , Lal Patel Sipahee
Published: March 2024

Aquatic ecosystem of India is being affected by various heavy metals. In present, cadmium contamination in aquatic organism as well as its accumulation in food chain has become a global environmental concern. Cadmium exposure to fishes alter the various enzymatic and histopathologic profiles. Such alteration can be act as a bioindicator for aquatic environment. The present study has been planned to observe the effect of cadmium chloride on commercially important fish _Channa punctatus _(body weight 27.04±0.19 g and length 16.7±0.20 cm). For Invitro assessment of cadmium effect in term of enzymatic and nonenzymatic assay have been done. Fishes were acclimatized and treated separately with different concentration of CdCl2. Dissected out the liver and homogenized in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Biochemical analysis was done for lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and protein estimation. The results were shown as mean and standard error (Mean± SEM). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was analysed and significantly applied for the Dunnett test for multiple comparison of groups against the control which determine the significant differences among the groups. This study is for academic importance and will provide valuable information regarding cadmium toxicity. At the same time, it will address the public health issue as for as consumption of the fishes from contaminated water is concerned.
Self-consciousness — In a Naturalistic Framework
Authors: Sá Pereira Roberto Horácio
Published: March 2024

In this essay, I present a brand-new naturalistic model of self-consciousness that draws inspiration from Dretske's program for naturalizing the notion of representation. Dretske's naturalization program is very ambitious in many respects. However, one of the crucial aims is overlooked in the literature, namely the abandonment of the traditional conception of representational content as a "Vorstellung," in which the individual occupies both poles of representation: the represented subject and the represented object. Just as sensory states containing information about a mind-independent source are "recruited" by selection with the function of representing that source without a subject, an "EGO file" housing autobiographic information is "recruited" by selection with the function of representing the cognitive system itself without a subject. The most basic form of self-reference is not the result of an act carried over by an "underlying subject:" The subject does not need to occupy both poles of the representation, the subject and the object poles. Instead, it is the result of the "recruitment" of the autobiographic memory with the function of representing the subject itself.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Non-communicable Diseases Among People Living With HIV at Kalisizo Hospital in Kyotera District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kasango Asani , Kabwijamu Lydia , Negesa Lilian , Daama Alex , Muteesasira Edrisa , Buregyeya Esther
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: In rural Uganda, there exists a paucity of data on the prevalence and factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV, despite heightened concerns about their increased susceptibility. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and assess factors associated with selected NCDs, namely hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and depression, among people living with HIV (PLHIV) seeking HIV care at Kalisizo Hospital.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kalisizo Hospital, involving a randomly selected sample of 290 individuals living with HIV between August 8th to 24th, 2020. Data on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics were collected using an adapted WHO steps questionnaire, a medical records review, and a patient Health Questionnaire-9. We further conducted anthropometric and laboratory measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA Version 15.0, employing Modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of NCDs was 39.7% (95% CI=34.2%-45.4%). This prevalence was higher among participants with tertiary education (aPR=1.55, 95% CI=1.05,2.77, p=0.026), those who were obese (aPR=2.01, 95% CI=1.40,2.87, p<0.001), individuals in WHO clinical staging 3 and 4 of HIV (aPR=1.45, 95% CI=1.02,2.05, p=0.037), and those with unhealthy dietary habits (aPR=1.61, 95% CI=1.20,2.16, p=0.002).

CONCLUSION: This study unveiled a significant prevalence of NCDs among PLHIV seeking HIV care at Kalisizo Hospital. This highlights the pressing necessity for swift and impactful measures to be taken by the Ugandan government, development partners, and other stakeholders. It is imperative to implement tailored interventions designed to address the high NCD prevalence observed in PLHIV who are obese, engage in unhealthy dietary habits, possess tertiary education, and fall into WHO clinical stage 3 or 4 of HIV.
Relativistic Effects and Photon-Mirror Interaction – Energy Absorption and Time Delay
Authors: Thakur Soumendra Nath
Published: March 2024

This abstract presents a revised research paper focusing on the complex interaction between photons and mirrors, aiming to elucidate the processes occurring during these interactions. Through meticulous analysis, the paper explores fundamental principles such as energy absorption, time delay, and relativistic effects. The optimization of mirror reflectivity by minimizing energy absorption is investigated, emphasizing the relationship between energy difference and time delay. The study also delves into the angles of incidence and reflection, challenging conventional notions of light's constancy of motion. By examining the intricate relationship between energy absorption and time delay, the research contributes to a nuanced understanding of photon-mirror interactions and their implications. The abstract further outlines key equations describing energy absorption, photon frequencies, time delay, and their relationships, providing a comprehensive overview of the research's scientific foundations and methodologies.
The Outcomes of Emergency Admissions and Associated Factors Among Children Admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit at Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asinakew Tsegaye , Habte Teshome
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: A pediatric emergency condition is a life-threatening process that, without timely and standard clinical intervention, may lead to death. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the outcomes of emergency admissions and associated factors among children admitted to the pediatric emergency of selected public hospitals.

METHODS: An institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted on children admitted to the emergency unit/ward from January 02, 2020, to January 08, 2022, in the emergency units of randomly selected public hospitals. Data were extracted with prepared checklists from February 1 to March 1, 2022.

RESULT: A total of 303 admitted children’s charts were reviewed with 100% coverage. The mean age of children was 37.47 months, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.16:1. The study revealed that the most common causes of emergency admission were pneumonia (22.4%), surgical emergencies (14.5%), and late-onset sepsis (9.2%), respectively. More than half (53.8%) of children were admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department for less than 24 hours, and the mean length of stay was 2 days. 39.6% of children were discharged with clinical improvement. Known comorbidity (AOR=4.65, 95% CI (1.23-17.64)) and length of stay less than 24 hours (AOR=4.2, 95% CI (1.2-14.7)) were strongly associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSION: Pneumonia is still the most common cause of pediatric emergency admission, and the mortality rate of children at the Pediatric Emergency Department is high, with known comorbidity showing a significant association with mortality. FMOH recommended developing national pediatric emergency care guidelines and providing skill gap training for healthcare workers.
Tutela dos direitos humanos: a reafirmação da força coercitiva por meio do direito penal
Authors: Lima Vladimir Sampaio Soares de
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo utiliza os principais argumentos veiculados no livro “A Força do Direito” de Frederick Schauer, em especial a dúvida por ele suscitada se a força do direito está estritamente ligada à sua coerção (assim como Hobbes, Bentham e Austin tratavam), contrastando com as ideias de H. L. A. Hart, que propõe uma definição linguística e convencional do direito, onde a normatividade é determinada pelo impacto das regras jurídicas reconhecidas pelas autoridades na tomada de decisões. Para tanto, se realizará um percurso a partir da chamada Tutela Penal dos Direitos Humanos, passando pela criminologia crítica e pela chamada nova esquerda punitiva, para investigar se, a busca por novas punições penais por grupos vulnerabilizados não teriam o condão de demonstrar que a força coercitiva continua sendo a principal característica das normas e da estrutura jurídica, haja vista que mesmo com toda a crítica ao sistema penal como um todo, perdura a busca pela criminalização de novas condutas como forma de reconhecer a importância de tais direitos. Dessa forma, a busca por uma tutela penal de graves violações a direitos humanos poderia corroborar com a perspectiva de Schauer sobre a importância contínua da coerção no sistema jurídico.
Análise espacial e covid-19: revisão sistemática sobre os aspectos metodológicos de georreferenciamento
Authors: Pinheiro Rejane Barbosa Ciriaco , Soares Ricardo de Sousa , Abreu Sandra Costa Cavalcante Leite de
Published: March 2024

Introdução:A pandemia da COVID-19 demandou uma rápida reorganização das estratégias e ferramentas de vigilância e controle da doença. Uma das técnicas bastante utilizada para compreensão do vírus e sua evolução foi o georreferenciamento e as análises espaciais. Objetivo: Analisar as evidências cientificas sobre quais métodos são utilizados para análise espacial da COVID-19. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática orientada pelas diretrizes e recomendações do PRISMA. Foram pesquisados artigos relevantes sobre o tema, publicados nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS e SCIELO, no período de 2020 a 2023. Após a busca, os artigos passaram por uma avaliação que ocorreu em duas etapas: leitura do título e resumo; em seguida, avaliação do texto na integra. Resultados: Foram encontrados 54 artigos, restando 17 após a exclusão das duplicidades e aplicação dos critérios de seleção e elegibilidade. Conclusão: Dentre os principais resultados identificados nos estudos, destacamos que a letalidade pela COVID-19 está associada a baixas condições sociais e econômicas. As taxas de mortalidade foram maiores em regiões com maior carência de leitos de UTI e ventiladores pulmonares.