bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFIKASI DIRI AKADEMIK DAN OPTIMISME DENGAN RESILIENSI AKADEMIK SISWA YANG BELAJAR DARING DI SMAN 2 CIKARANG UTARA
Authors: Monata Real , Ekasari Agustina , Puspitasari Devi
Published: October 2024

This study aims to determine the relationship between Academic Self-Efficacy and optimism with the academic resilience of the students studying online at SMAN 2 Cikarang Utara. This research will use quantitative method with research design using correlation and regression. The subject in this study were high school student who were studying online, which consisted of three classes, grades 10, 11, 12 totaling 138 student. This study uses a standard scale. The results of Alpha Cronbach formula include, The Academic Resilience Scale-30 with a value r=0,907, Online Learning Self-Efficacy Scale (OLSES) with a value r=0,755, and Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R) with a value r= 0,441. Data anaylsis technique used rank spearman correlation and multiple regression test. The results of the correlation test between academic self-efficacy and academic resilience showed a positive and significant relationship with the value of sig= 0, 000 (< 0,05), while the correlation test between optimism and academic resilience showed a positive and significand relationship with the value of sig= 0, 000 (<0,05). On the results of multiple regression tests between academic self-efficacy and optimism on academi on academic resilience show a significant effect with a value of sig= 0, 000 (<0,05)
SELF REGULATED LEARNING DAN OPTIMISME KARIER TERHADAP ADAPTABILITAS KARIER PADA MAHASISWA TINGKAT AKHIR
Authors: Zakila Adinda , Purwantini Lucky
Published: October 2024

This study aims to determine the relationship and influence between self-regulated learning and career optimism in final year students. This research uses quantitative method with correlational type. The subjects in this study were final year students at the Islamic University 45 Bekasi with a sample of 88 respondents. This study uses a self-regulated learning scale with Cronbach's alpha reliability value, the value of ralpha = 0.935, the career optimism scale of ralpha = 0.858, and the career adaptability scale of ralpha = 0.950. The results of data analysis obtained a value of p = 0.000 (p <0.05), which means that there is a significant relationship between self-regulated learning and career adaptability in final year students and a correlation coefficient of 0.538 is obtained. Meanwhile, in the Spearman rank correlation test between career optimism and career adaptability, the results showed that there was no relationship with a correlation coefficient of -0.163 and p value = 0.129 (p>0.05). Then for the simple linear regression test, the R correlation value is 0.294. And obtained the value of the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.322 which means that there is an influence of the variable self-regulated learning on career adaptability with a percentage of 29.4% while 70.6% is influenced by other variables not examined in this study.
Bacterial Sex and Death: Darwirigaray and Life Death
Authors: Timár Eszter
Published: October 2024

This article discusses the New Materialist interest in biology and agency, drawing on Elizabeth Grosz's Becoming Undone, a work that provides a feminist ontology of life based on sexual difference. Grosz presents a ‘cross-fertilized’ reading of Charles Darwin and Luce Irigaray, placing them in what she calls the vitalist philosophy of ‘the question of life’. In order to conceptualize life, she posits sexual reproduction as the philosophical essence of life in terms of the maximalization of creativity, productivity (overabundance) and diversity. In this context the article contrasts this vision with Jacques Derrida's reading, in Life Death, of the notion of life based on sexual reproduction in François Jacob's The Logic of Life, with particular attention to Jacob's discussions of sexual reproduction and death. Read in the light of Derrida's insights, Grosz's deployment of this vitalist discourse of infinite productivity necessarily misses complexity in the notion of life that she develops.
Gentle Biologies: Reconceptualizing Bodily Transformation and Healthcare between Catherine Malabou and Anne Dufourmantelle
Authors: Dalton Benjamin
Published: October 2024

This article brings Catherine Malabou’s philosophy of the plasticity of biological life into dialogue with Anne Dufourmantelle’s concept of gentleness, theorizing gentle biologies at the intersections of both thinkers. It explores how, for both Malabou and Dufourmantelle, gentleness is not an innately occurring power or characteristic predetermined within biological life, but rather a force that must be plastically shaped, honed, practised. Further, if Dufourmantelle argues in Power of Gentleness (2018 [2013]) that gentleness can constitute a formidable resource for both transformation and resistance, this gentleness will be seen to resonate with conceptualizations of plasticity across Malabou’s oeuvre as a similarly revolutionary potentiality. The article finishes by turning to engage with interdisciplinary work on gentleness in healthcare, arguing that such contexts constitute sites in which new modes of care towards Malabou’s and Dufourmantelle’s gentle biologies can be imagined.
Exploration of Real-World Obstetric Data Regarding Cesarean Delivery Rate Since the ARRIVE Trial
Authors: Levine Elliot M. , Tam Teresa , Fernandez Carlos M.
Published: October 2024

The cesarean delivery rate reported for the USA is an important element which impacts parturients in many ways, and which is a measurable factor. It is essential to determine if this rate compares with what had been predicted according to a previously published randomized controlled trial recommending an early term induction of labor. Such a comparison is possible, and should be reviewed, and which follows.
Determinants of Syphilis among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Public Hospital in South West Shoa, Ethiopia, Unmatched Case-control Study, 2023
Authors: Chuko Bacha Merga , Kibrat Fikru Assefa , Gari Zufela Sime , Tafese Ararso , Girma Teka , Marami Shambal Negese , Edea Gada
Published: October 2024

Background: Syphilis is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease caused by the Spirochete Treponema palladium. Untreated maternal syphilis causes adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal death, and congenital syphilis. This is a limited case control study to identify determinants of syphilis infections at the study area.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify determinants of syphilis infections among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at Public hospital in South West Shoa, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: A facility based unmatched case-control study among 240 women (48 case and 192 control) with 1:4 ratios were conducted from March 10, 2023–May 20, 2023, among pregnant women attending antenatal care follow up at public hospital, South West Shoa. Cases were selected by convenience and systematic sampling techniques were employed to select control and data was collected by using structured and pretested questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Variables having p-value <0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into logistic regression model for multi variable analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05. Adjusted odd ratio along with 95% confidence interval was used to show strength of association. The results were presented using text, tables, and graphs.

Results: In this study 235 women (47 cases and 188 controls) had completed the interview resulting in a response rate of 97.92%. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, significantly associated factors with syphilis infection were status of current pregnancy [AOR = 2.697, 95% CI (1.003-7.249, ANC follow-up [AOR = 4.556, 95% CI (1.759-11.80)], history of STI [AOR = 3.080, 95% CI (1.347-7.043)], alcohol intake [AOR = 3.965, 95% CI (1.56-10.078)], age at first sexual intercourse [AOR = 8.951, 95% CI (3.70-21.646)], and multiple sexual partners [AOR = 2.754, 95% CI (1.065-7.118)].

Conclusion: Status of current pregnancy, ANC follow-up, history of STI, alcohol intake, age at first sexual intercourse, and multiple sexual partners were variables significantly associated with syphilis infections among pregnant women. Therefore, health care providers and managers should focus to give health education on these determinants, and strengthening early diagnosis and treatment for syphilis infections among pregnant women.
İlkokul Öğrencileri Hikâye Edici Metinlerde Konu ve Ana Fikri Belirleyebiliyor mu?
Authors: Ceyhan Sümeyra
Published: October 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı ilkokul öğrencilerinin hikâye edici metinlerdeki hikâye unsurlarını özellikle ana fikir ve konuyu belirlemeye yönelik eğilimlerini ortaya koymak ve bunu gerçekleştirirken nasıl bir yol izlediklerini tespit etmektir. Bu bağlamda karma desen ile yürütülmüş bu araştırmada 230 öğrenciden hikâye edici bir metindeki karakter, yer, zaman, olay, konu ve ana fikri belirlemeleri istenmiş ardından bu öğrenciler arasından rastgele seçilen 28 öğrenci ile bu unsurları belirlemelerine yönelik gerçekleştirdikleri süreç için görüşme yapılmıştır. Öğrencilerin unsurları özellikle ana fikir ve konuyu nasıl belirledikleri ve belirlemeyi nasıl öğrendiklerine yönelik olarak da öğretmenler ile görüşme yapılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen nicel veriler için frekans ve yüzdelikler hesaplanmış nitel veriler için içerik analizi yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucuna göre ilkokul öğrencilerinin çoğunluğunun hikâye unsurlarını belirleyemediği özellikle ana fikir ve konuyu belirlemede çok daha düşük beceri düzeyine sahip oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Öğrenci ve öğretmenlerden elde edilen görüşmelerdeki sonuçlarda bu durumla paralellik göstermekte ve bu durumun ana kaynağının öğrencilerin ana fikir ve konuyu bulmayı bilmedikleri ayrıca bu ik unsuru birbirleri ile karıştırdıkları belirlenmiştir.
Hat Optimization of Redox Flow Battery Flow Fields Through Physics-Informed Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shah Vivaan , Venu Ganeshan , Lopes Colin
Published: October 2024

The realization of a low-carbon economy and the large-scale transition to renewable energy encompasses some of the most pressing challenges of the era. A developing technology in the energy sector is the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). This is a promising long-term energy storage solution that can alleviate the intermittency of renewable sources while boasting benefits over the traditional lithium-ion centered grid structure. However, VRFBs require further enhancement before becoming dominant market players; one target area of improvement is the design of the flow fields (FF) that facilitate pressure consistency, distributed diffusion, and uniform electron transfer between the electrodes and active species ions in an electrolyte solution. Guided by their increasingly pervasive nature, I plan to analyze the effectiveness of physics-informed machine learning techniques to design and maximize these favorable characteristics in a FF, with the end goal being a method to improve VRFB performance without being cost-intensive. Specifically, I will implement a SARSA network that will iteratively improve FF design through reinforcement learning. I will train the network using a FF path generation algorithm and physical simulation of each iteration with components derived from relevant fluid dynamics. Then, I will evaluate it against the three standard FF designs. With guidance, I would love to be able to construct the optimized FF and VRFB in real life.
(Multi-) omics studies of ILC2s in inflammation and metabolic diseases
Authors: Kral Maria , van der Vorst Emiel P. C. , Weber Christian , Döring Yvonne
Published: October 2024

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have emerged as pivotal regulators in the pathogenesis of diseases, with their roles in inflammation, metabolism, and tissue homeostasis becoming increasingly recognized. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of ILC2s in inflammation and metabolic disorders, including their functional contributions. Moreover, we will discuss how these cells adapt their metabolic processes to support their function and survival and how their metabolic requirements change under different physiological and pathological conditions. Lastly, we will review recent omics studies that have provided insights into the molecular and cellular characteristics of ILC2s. This includes transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses that have elucidated the gene expression profiles, protein interactions, and metabolic networks, respectively, associated with ILC2s. These studies have advanced our understanding of the functional diversity of ILC2s and their involvement in metabolic disease.
Enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning in Saudi Arabia: the academic contribution of YouTube in EFL learning and cultural awareness
Authors: Yassin Baderaddin
Published: October 2024

The incorporation of technology in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom has drastically transformed conventional learning models by offering innovative ways to boost students’ engagement and improve learning outcomes. This study investigates the impact of using YouTube as an educational tool to enhance EFL instruction in Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 EFL students were divided into two groups: An experimental group which used You Tube as a source of learning and another group which used normal curriculum. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from a paired-sample t-test with qualitative feedback from students. The results for paired-sample t-test computations revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0. 003) across the proficiency level indicating improvement in students’ speaking and listening skills at higher proficiency levels. Of the qualitative answers, motivational and participation enhancement were overemphasized. The research points that the integration of YouTube in EFL classrooms can lead to a remarkable increase in language learning especially in the learning area of listening and speaking abilities among the students. These results offer practical implications for educators seeking to integrate multimedia tools into their teaching strategies to promote more interactive and effective learning experiences.
A perspective on restoration with foundation plants across anthropogenic dry forests of the Southern Cone and the Sahel
Authors: Root-Bernstein Meredith , Addo-Danso Shalom D. , Bestelmeyer Brandon
Published: October 2024

Rewilding is a flexible conservation approach that may be applicable to a wide variety of ecological, historical and socio-cultural contexts. We believe that comparative socio-ecological research on woodland habitat trajectories among contexts is an excellent opportunity to consider possible rewilding approaches. Here, we draw on a comparison between arid and seasonally dry woodlands of the Sahel region of Africa and the Southern Cone of South America. The two regions, while sharing a common Gondwanan floral origin, differ in terms of subsequent biogeographical processes and have different climatic gradients. Historically, both regions were colonised, although along different models, and the Southern Cone has experienced greater land-use change and agricultural modernisation. Culturally, both regions have indigenous populations with traditional management techniques and local ecological knowledge, although attention to these topics in research and conservation has had different emphases in each region. Rewilding, focusing on charismatic animals, has been proposed and implemented in some parts of the Southern Cone, but has hardly been mentioned for the Sahel. We discuss the applicability of potential rewilding models involving key plants for each region, and what a plant-focused rewilding practice could gain from a comparative approach in the two regions.
Light attenuation parameterization in a highly turbid mega estuary and its impact on the coastal planktonic ecosystem
Authors: Lin Qiyinan , Feng Zhixuan , Wang Yihe , Wang Xue , Bian Zhaoxuan , Zhang Fan , Cao Fang , Wu Hui , Wang Ya Ping
Published: October 2024

Light is essential for phytoplankton photosynthesis and many other biogeochemical processes in the aquatic system. However, light regimes vary greatly in the estuaries and coasts due to the optical complexity of the Case-2 waters. In this study, observed vertical profiles of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400-700 nm) in a highly turbid mega estuary, the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary, are used to quantify the effects of sedimentary and biogeochemical components on PAR attenuation in the water column and associated ecological impacts. The in-situ data suggest suspended sediment plays the most crucial role in light diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) distribution, followed by salinity (i.e., an index for colored dissolved organic matter) and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a. A new parameterization of Kd, based on suspended sediment, chlorophyll-a concentration, and salinity, is fitted using multiple linear regression. The previous and new Kd parameterizations are further applied to a coupled hydrodynamics-sediment-ecosystem model to simulate spring phytoplankton blooms. Comparative model runs reveal that the new Kd parameterization resulted in a better representation of the spring bloom patterns in magnitude, horizontal distribution, and vertical thickness of the high chlorophyll-a band offshore the turbidity maximum zone during the spring bloom. In summary, accurate representations of underwater light fields in the optically complex Case-2 water are critical in understanding biophysical processes that control planktonic ecosystem dynamics in the estuaries and coastal seas.
Effects of high-dose glucose oxidase on broiler growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal microbiota in broilers
Authors: Jiang Zipeng , Huang Zhiyi , Du Hongfang , Li Yangyuan , Wang Min , Chen Dandie , Lu Jingyi , Liu Ge , Mei Liang , Li Yuqi , Liang Weifan , Yang Bo , Guo Yuguang
Published: October 2024

Glucose oxidase (GOD) has been investigated as a potential additive for enhancing intestinal health and growth performance in poultry. However, limited research exists on the effects of ultra-high doses of GOD in practical poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the impact of high dietary GOD levels on broiler growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota. A total of 400 healthy, 1-day-old, slow-growing broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. The control group was fed a standard basal diet, while the other groups (G1, G2, and G3) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 4 U/g, 20 U/g, and 100 U/g of VTR GOD, respectively. The results showed that a dose of 100 U/g GOD significantly improved the final body weight and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the G3 group exhibited a marked increase in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05), reflecting enhanced antioxidant function. Gut morphology remained intact across all groups, indicating no adverse effects on intestinal barrier integrity. Microbiota analysis revealed significant increases (p < 0.05) in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobiota abundance at the phylum level in the GOD-supplemented groups. Moreover, GOD treatments significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Mucispirllum, and CHKCI001 at the genus level. Metabolic function predictions suggested that high-dose GOD supplementation enriched carbohydrate metabolism, particularly starch and sucrose metabolism. Correlation analysis indicated that Faecalibacterium and CHCKI001 were two bacteria strongly influenced by GOD supplementation and were associated with enhanced growth performance and improved gut health. In conclusion, high-dose GOD supplementation had no adverse effects and demonstrated significant benefits, promoting both growth performance and gut health in broilers.
Euterpe music therapy methodology and procedure algorithms
Authors: Liuzzi Tommaso , D’Arienzo Fiammetta , Raponi Massimiliano , De Bartolo Paola , Tarabay Miled , Giuliani Roberto , Castelli Enrico
Published: October 2024

Introduction

As highlighted by the scientific literature, music therapy (MT) represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention within neurorehabilitation programs. MT offers benefits in the recovery process and enhances the quality of life for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. A review of the literature reveals a lack of MT models focusing on real-time personalized composition using electronic music techniques. Furthermore, studies on MT conducted within a multisensory therapeutic context are limited. Recent literature reviews on MT in telerehabilitation have highlighted that the application of the Euterpe Method (EM) is complex due to limited technical information available and the combined background required for music therapists to replicate the EM protocol.

Methods

This paper presents a manual which specifies the procedures and algorithms of the EM, developed during a research program conducted in a pediatric hospital in Italy. The prerogative of the EM is the use of procedures aimed at creating personalized therapeutic compositions within a multisensory environment.

Discussion

The efficacy and resilience of the EM have been demonstrated in two experimental studies. The first focused on the use of telerehabilitation in children with developmental disorders, while the second involved hospitalized children with cerebral palsy.

Conclusion

This study integrates medicine, neuroscience, and MT to develop personalized interventions in pediatrics, fostering collaboration among specialists and families, enhancing patient well-being, and opening new therapeutic perspectives, while ensuring the replicability of the EM approach.
Case report: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced paraneoplastic neurological syndrome in two patients: a case series
Authors: Shi Guang-Qing , Lian Heng-Ning , Wang Huan , Xia Jie-Qiang , Ma Li-Jie , Zhou Jing
Published: October 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with chemotherapy have improved overall survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer, but have also led to an increase in adverse effects. The incidence of ICI-induced paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) is relatively low when the primary lung lesion is well controlled. However, it is associated with high mortality and disability rates. In this report, we present two cases of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer with neurological symptoms and positive paraneoplastic antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following ICI therapy. Although the symptoms improved after treatment with systemic high-dose immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids, one patient, unfortunately, succumbed to tumor progression four months later, whereas the other patient experienced persistent difficulty in standing and walking despite improved muscle strength. In cases where neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by tumor metastases arise during ICI treatment, paraneoplastic syndromes should be considered and testing for antineuronal antibodies is crucial, as early detection and intervention can help mitigate their impact. Further research is needed to develop better predictive strategies and treatment protocols for these adverse reactions.
Case report: Long-term progression-free survival in advanced ovarian cancer treated with apatinib in first-line maintenance treatment
Authors: Zan Ning , Zhang Xuan , Yu Danfei , Liu Juan , Lin Zhiyu , Zhu Yanlin
Published: October 2024

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. The current first-line treatment strategies for advanced ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and maintenance therapy. Bevacizumab and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are primary maintenance treatments for advanced ovarian cancer. Previously, many patients declined these therapies before medicare coverage because of high costs. Bevacizumab and apatinib are anti-tumor angiogenic agents. In this case study, we describe a patient with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, interval debulking surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy. She declined bevacizumab and PARPi maintenance therapy owing to the prohibitive expenses. The patient was administered off-label apatinib and achieved a progression-free survival of 54 months. Thus, apatinib may offer substantial therapeutic value as a first-line maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive local treatment in locally advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Jina , Hong Min Hee , Kim Hye Ryun , Lim Sun Min , Kim Chang Gon , Kim Da Hee , Sim Nam Suk , Hong Hyun Jun , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Se-Heon , Wee Chan Woo , Lee Chang Geol , Keum Ki Chang , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Kyung Hwan
Published: October 2024

Background

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare disease entity, comprising less than 5% of malignancies of the head and neck. While surgery is the primary treatment approach, neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies play crucial roles in enhancing the prognosis of patients undergoing treatment with the goal of cure. In this study, we aimed to explore the treatment outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with locally advanced sinonasal SCC.

Methods

Medical records of patients diagnosed of locally advanced (cT3-4b, N0-3) sinonasal SCC treated with a definitive aim between January 2005 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into the following groups based on the initial treatment: NAC followed by surgery, NAC followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), definitive CCRT, or upfront surgery. Initial treatment plan was decided by a multidisciplinary team. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and objective response rate, and secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), cumulative incidence of local and distant failures, and treatment-related toxicity. The treatment response was assessed according to the RECIST criteria.

Results

Total 126 patients were included, and the median follow-up period was 25.6 months. The objective response rate to NAC was 48.2%. The subsequent resection rate was 70%, 42.9%, and 16.7% for patients with stage T3, T4a, and T4b disease, respectively. Two-year progression-free survival did not differ significantly between the NAC followed by surgery and upfront surgery groups (53.6% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.615) or between the NAC followed by CCRT and definitive CCRT groups (26.7% vs. 37.4%, P = 0.506).

Conclusion

NAC may be a valuable treatment option for patients with locally advanced sinonasal SCC, as it provides an opportunity for curative surgery and exhibits non-inferior oncological outcomes compared with upfront definitive local treatments.
Assessing Greece’s social vulnerability patterns in times of perma-crisis (2008–2022)
Authors: Melidis Michail , Tzagkarakis Stylianos Ioannis , Papadakis Nikos
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The study aims to map and analyse the development of social vulnerability patterns in Greece through a perma-crisis context (economic crisis, austerity, covid-19, energy, and inflation crisis) over the period 2008-2022.

Methods

The paper rests on the construction of a composite index of four key pillars of social vulnerability (employment, living conditions, health, and education) consisting of 15 selected variables obtained from the official Eurostat datasets and using PCA analysis.

Results

Our findings show that social vulnerability patterns in Greece demonstrate a considerable shift during the stated period where certain social groups (i.e., NEETs and precarious workers) seem to suffer the most. The first pattern (2008-2016) is largely characterized by the intensity and severity of the economic crisis and austerity measures, which contributed to the exacerbation of social vulnerability. The second pattern (2017-2022) presents a gradual decline mainly due to the recovery of the economy and a decrease in unemployment rates featuring a strong tendency to reach the pre-crisis levels in the years to come.

Discussion

The high levels of social vulnerability leading to social exclusion, poverty, and the widening of inequalities, impede the country’s resilience and recovery efforts and undermine social cohesion.
The efficacy of neuroendoscopic surgery treating patients with thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma
Authors: Yang Feilong , Xu Wuhuan , Tang Xielin , Yang Yan , Ku Buqian A. , Zhang Yiping , Yang Xiaoli , Xie Wei , Hui Xuhui
Published: October 2024

Objective

Neuroendoscopic surgery (NES) has been proven to be safe and effective in hematoma evacuation for cerebral hemorrhage. However, its efficacy for thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma (THAVH) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of NES in treating THAVH.

Method

A retrospective study was carried out. The data of patients diagnosed with THAVH were collected from January 1st, 2019, to January 1st, 2022. Patients received the NES or external ventricle drainage (EVD) treatment were assigned to the NES or EVD group, respectively. As primary outcomes, the hematoma evacuation volume, residual hematoma volume, and hematoma clearance rate were separately calculated based on the hematoma site; and the 180-day-mRS score was assessed. As secondary outcomes, the length of stay in the ICU and hospital, and the adverse events were also compared.

Results

Thirty-five patients, aged 66.37 ± 6.62 years, were in the NES group; and 40 patients, aged 68.75 ± 7.22 years, were in the EVD group. The baseline characteristics in the two groups were similar (P > 0.05). The gross hematoma evacuation volume, volume of hematoma evacuated in the thalamus or the ventricle, and the hematoma clearance rate were greater in the NES group than in the EVD group on the 1st day after surgery (P < 0.05). The patients had a better rank of mRS in the NES group (P < 0.05). Compared with patients with mRS > 3, the mean residual hematoma volume in the thalamus of patients with mRS ≤3 on the 1st and 7th day were less in each group (P < 0.05), respectively. A residual hematoma volume in the ventricle of patients with mRS ≤3 was less than that of patients with mRS >3 in the EVD group on the 1st day after surgery (P < 0.05). GCS score on the 3rd day was greater in the NES group (P < 0.05). The incidence of lung infection was lower in the NES group (P < 0.05). The length of stay in the ICU and hospitalization duration were shorter in the NES group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Neuroendoscopic surgery has a greater hematoma clearance rate, a lower lung infection rate and a shorter duration in the hospital. Neuroendoscopic surgery might improve patients’ prognosis. Neuroendoscopic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for treating thalamic hemorrhage accompanied by intraventricular hematoma.
Barriers to finding and maintaining pet-inclusive affordable housing: Tenant experiences in Houston, Texas
Authors: Mascitelli Tess M. , Graham Taryn M. , Loney Lauren , Applebaum Jennifer W. , Murray Christa M. , Binns-Calvey Miranda , Hawes Sloane M. , Morris Kevin
Published: October 2024

The city of Houston, Texas has a growing deficit of available and affordable rental units for low-income residents. Due to pet policies, the shortage of affordable housing potentially puts renters who own pets at greater risk of housing insecurity. In this qualitative study, we use a community-engaged approach to document the lived experiences of finding and maintaining affordable housing among 24 current, former, and aspiring pet owners. The majority of the participants identified as female, were aged 44–60 years, identified as Black, had a high school education, and were employed full-time or on disability or government assistance. Many expressed having experienced homelessness in the past and/or having lived in several different types of affordable housing over their lifetime. Participants highlighted challenges in finding pet-inclusive affordable housing, emphasized its importance, and discussed issues faced, such as high pet charges, size and breed restrictions, and confusion surrounding pet policies. Landlord relationships and living conditions varied, with safety concerns prevalent. Having one’s pet designated as an Emotional Support Animal made tenants feel safe and secure, knowing they could not be refused, evicted, or otherwise charged extra. Participants shared what is working well and what could be improved. This study concludes with recommendations for fair application and awareness of pet policies in affordable housing, drawing on participating tenants’ experiences and existing efforts for policy and practice improvements.
A New Source of Inoculum for Stemphylium vesicarium: Consequences for the Management of Brown Spot of Pear
Authors: Cavina Federico , Baiocco Serena , Tomba Lorenzo , Ravaglia Fabio , Moretti Christian , Raso Rosario , Rettore Valentino Giorgio , Parrilli Martina , Pradolesi Gianfranco , Bugiani Riccardo
Published: October 2024

Brown spot of pear (BSP), caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, is one of the most dangerous pear fungal diseases, being responsible for huge losses in production. Currently, in order to increase its containment, chemical control is implemented in conjunction with agronomic techniques able to reduce BSP inoculum sources (e.g., orchard grass sanitation, litter removal or application of biocontrol agents). Regardless, despite the introduction of agronomic practices, the complete control of the disease is still rarely possible, which suggests that other sources of S. vesicarium inoculum that are currently neglected may be involved. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible wintering forms of Pleospora allii/S. vesicarium on pear wood and whether any spore-forming productions (conidial or ascosporic) might infect the green tissues of the plant in the following spring. Symptomatic fragments of woody tissue from a commercial pear orchard (in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) with a high BSP pressure (~40% incidence) were analysed. The results prove that pseudothecia and the maturation of ascospores of P. allii also develop on one-year-old branch cankers of pear trees, thus representing an additional source of inoculum. In conclusion, the pruning of affected branches and removal of relative residues should be preventatively performed in order to improve BSP management and control.
Impact of Areal Factors on Students’ Travel Mode Choices: A Bayesian Spatial Analysis
Authors: Azimian Amin , Azimian Alireza
Published: October 2024

A preliminary analysis of the 2018/2019 Austin Travel Survey indicated that most off-campus students in Travis County, TX, tend to use cars rather than more sustainable transportation modes, significantly contributing to traffic congestion and environmental impact. This study aims to analyze the impacts of areal factors, including environmental and transportation factors, on students’ choices of travel mode in order to promote more sustainable transport behaviors. Additionally, we investigate the presence of spatial correlation and unobserved heterogeneity in travel data and their effects on students’ travel mode choices. We have proposed two Bayesian models—a basic model and a spatial model—with structured and unstructured random-effect terms to perform the analysis. The results indicate that the inclusion of spatial random effects considerably improves model performance, suggesting that students’ choices of mode are likely influenced by areal factors often ‘unobserved’ in many individual travel mode choice surveys. Furthermore, we found that the average slope, sidewalk density, and bus-stop density significantly affect students’ travel mode choices. These findings provide insights into promoting sustainable transport systems by addressing environmental and infrastructural factors in an effort to reduce car dependency among students, thereby supporting sustainable urban development.
DecoupleCLIP: A Novel Cross-Modality Decouple Model for Painting Captioning
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Hou Xia , Yan Yujing , Sun Meng
Published: October 2024

Image captioning aims to describe the content in an image, which plays a critical role in image understanding. Existing methods tend to generate the text for more distinct natural images. These models can not be well for paintings containing more abstract meaning due to the limitation of objective parsing without related knowledge. To alleviate, we propose a novel cross-modality decouple model to generate the objective and subjective parsing separately. Concretely, we propose to encode both subjective semantic and implied knowledge contained in the paintings. The key point of our framework is decoupled CLIP-based branches (DecoupleCLIP). For the objective caption branch, we utilize the CLIP model as the global feature extractor and construct a feature fusion module for global clues. Based on the objective caption branch structure, we add a multimodal fusion module called the artistic conception branch. In this way, the objective captions can constrain artistic conception content. We conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate our DecoupleCLIP’s superior ability over our new dataset. Our model achieves nearly 2% improvement over other comparison models on CIDEr.
Fluid Force Reduction and Flow Structure at a Coastal Building with Different Outer Frame Openings Following Primary Defensive Alternatives: An Experiment-Based Review
Authors: Dissanayaka Kannangara Dissanayakalage Charitha Rangana , Tanaka Norio
Published: October 2024

A well-constructed tsunami evacuation facility can be crucial in a disaster. Understanding a tsunami’s force and the flow structure variation across various building configurations are essential to engineering designs. Hence, this study assessed the steady-state flow structure at building models (BM) incorporating outer frame openings, including piloti-type designs with a different width-to-spacing ratio of piloti-type columns following an embankment model (EM) with a vegetation model (VM). The experiments also demonstrated the outer frame opening percentage’s impact and orientation toward the overtopping tsunami flow at the BM. The results show that the arrangement of an opening on the outer frame and the piloti-type columns are critical in reducing the tsunami force concerning the experimental setup. Moreover, allowing a free surface flow beneath the BM implies that the correct piloti-pillar arrangement is crucial for resilient structure design. In addition, the three-dimensional numerical simulation was utilized to explain the turbulence intensity of the overtopping flow around the critical BM type. The derived resistance coefficient (CR) defined the drag and the hydrostatic characteristics at the BM due to the overtopping tsunami flow. Furthermore, for the impervious BM, the value CR was consistent with the previous studies, while the CR value for the BMs with an outer frame opening was directly coincident with the percentage of porosity.
Ocean Wave Energy Conversion: A Review
Authors: Bouhrim Hafsa , El Marjani Abdellatif , Nechad Rajae , Hajjout Imane
Published: October 2024

The globally increasing demand for energy has encouraged many countries to search for alternative renewable sources of energy. To this end, the use of energy from ocean waves is of great interest to coastal countries. Hence, an assessment of the available resources is required to determine the appropriate locations where the higher amount of wave energy can be generated. The current paper presents a review of the resource characterizations for wave energy deployment. The paper gives, at first, a brief introduction and background to wave energy. Afterward, a detailed description of formulations and metrics used for resource characterization is introduced. Then, a classification of WECs (wave energy converters) according to their working principle, as well as PTO (power take off) mechanisms used for these WECs are introduced. Moreover, different sources for the long-term characterization of wave climate conditions are reviewed, including in situ measurements, satellite altimeters, and data reanalysis on one hand, and numerical simulations based on spectral wave models on the other hand. Finally, the review concludes by illustrating the economic feasibility of wave farms based on the use of the levelized cost of the energy index.
Matrix Factorization and Prediction for High-Dimensional Co-Occurrence Count Data via Shared Parameter Alternating Zero Inflated Gamma Model
Authors: Kim Taejoon , Wang Haiyan
Published: October 2024

High-dimensional sparse matrix data frequently arise in various applications. A notable example is the weighted word–word co-occurrence count data, which summarizes the weighted frequency of word pairs appearing within the same context window. This type of data typically contains highly skewed non-negative values with an abundance of zeros. Another example is the co-occurrence of item–item or user–item pairs in e-commerce, which also generates high-dimensional data. The objective is to utilize these data to predict the relevance between items or users. In this paper, we assume that items or users can be represented by unknown dense vectors. The model treats the co-occurrence counts as arising from zero-inflated Gamma random variables and employs cosine similarity between the unknown vectors to summarize item–item relevance. The unknown values are estimated using the shared parameter alternating zero-inflated Gamma regression models (SA-ZIG). Both canonical link and log link models are considered. Two parameter updating schemes are proposed, along with an algorithm to estimate the unknown parameters. Convergence analysis is presented analytically. Numerical studies demonstrate that the SA-ZIG using Fisher scoring without learning rate adjustment may fail to find the maximum likelihood estimate. However, the SA-ZIG with learning rate adjustment performs satisfactorily in our simulation studies.
Spectrum Broadening Due to Nonselective Linear Absorption
Authors: Zhang Xingchu , She Weilong
Published: October 2024

The position and linewidth of an emission spectrum reflect the physical properties of the luminophor. So, keeping the spectrum from distortion is very important in its measurement. However, we find that the spectrum linewidth will be broadened when the near-infrared radiation from a sodium lamp passes through a nonselective linear absorbing filter. This counterintuitive linewidth-broadening phenomenon is obvious when the residual light power after the filter is low enough, typically lower than 2.48×10−4 μW. This novel linewidth-broadening effect is different from the well-known Lorentzian, Doppler, and Voigt broadening, and is likely to be more independent evidence of the discrete wavelet structure of classical plane light waves. The effect is significant in high-sensitivity spectroscopy measurements, for example streak camera spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy experiments. In addition, this effect may also be significant for cosmological research.
Increase in Congenital Toxoplasmosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US
Authors: Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina G. , Bonetti Valerie , Montoya Jose G.
Published: October 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal care services were disrupted. We analyzed the trajectory slopes of cases of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and acute toxoplasmosis during pregnancy from 2019 to 2022 (to reflect the cases during the pandemic years 2020–2022) vs. 2000 to 2019, using data from the Remington Laboratory, the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis in the US. During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant upward trajectory in the yearly number of CT cases. Monitoring of this trend is needed.
‘TLDetect’: AI-Based Application for Detection and Correction of Anomalous TLD Glow Curves
Authors: Amit Gal , Vagerman Roy , Revayev Oran
Published: October 2024

This research reviews a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based application called TLDetect, which filters and classifies anomalous glow curves (GCs) of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Until recently, GC review and correction in the lab were performed using an old in-house software, which uses the Microsoft Access database and allows the laboratory technician to manually review and correct almost all GCs without any filtering. The newly developed application TLDetect uses a modern SQL database and filters out only the necessary GCs for technician review. TLDetect first uses an artificial neural network (ANN) model to filter out all regular GCs. Afterwards, it automatically classifies the rest of the GCs into five different anomaly classes. These five classes are defined by the typical patterns of GCs, i.e., high noise at either low or high temperature channels, untypical GC width (either wide or narrow), shifted GCs whether to the low or to the high temperatures, spikes, and a last class that contains all other unclassified anomalies. By this automatic filtering and classification, the algorithm substantially reduces the amount of the technician’s time spent reviewing the GCs and makes the external dosimetry laboratory dose assessment process more repeatable, more accurate, and faster. Moreover, a database of the class anomalies distribution over time of GCs is saved along with all their relevant statistics, which can later assist with preliminary diagnosis of TLD reader hardware issues.
The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection on the Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Wang Jingsi , Su Shengyao , Zhang Shu , Wen Qi , Wang Yaye , Li Ling , Han Jianxin , Xie Nairong , Liu Haoran , Sun Yanan , Lu Yan , Di Li , Wang Min , Xu Min , Chen Hai , Wang Suobin , Wen Xinmei , Zhu Wenjia , Da Yuwei
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that can exacerbate for various reasons, including vaccination and infection. This study aimed to investigate the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for MG patients, factors influencing MG exacerbation after COVID-19 infection (MECI), the course and prognosis of MECI, and the impact of COVID-19 vaccine on infected MG patients. Methods: Patients were enrolled from the MG database in the Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University. Two questionnaires were administered to collect data concerning COVID-19 vaccination (questionnaire 1, Q1) and infection (questionnaire 2, Q2) during two distinct periods. MG exacerbation was defined as an increase of at least two points in the MG activity of daily living (MG-ADL) score. COVID-19 severity was categorized as “hospitalization” or “home management”; Results: During the first data-collecting period, our database registered 1013 adult patients: 273 (26.9%) had received COVID-19 vaccinations and completed Q1, and 8 (2.9%) experienced MG exacerbation after vaccination. During the second data-collecting period, among the newly registered patients, 366 patients completed Q2. Of these, 244 were infected, with 39 (16.0%) experiencing MECI and 21 (8.6%) requiring hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed that generalized myasthenia gravis was associated with MECI (OR 3.354, 95% CI: 1.423–7.908, p = 0.006). Among the 244 infected patients, 143 had received COVID-19 vaccinations, including 14 who received their booster dose within 6 months before COVID-19 and 129 who were vaccinated more than 6 months before COVID-19. The remaining 101 were unvaccinated. No significant associations were found between COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 severity (p = 0.292) or MECI incidence (p = 0.478); Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccines were found to be safe for MG patients in stable condition. Patients with gMG were more susceptible to experiencing MECI. No significant impact of the vaccine on COVID-19 severity or MECI incidence was observed.