bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sudden Death of Cardinal Decio Azzolino Junior (1623–1689), the Universal Heir of Queen Christina of Sweden: A Dropsy Case?
Authors: Zurlini Fabiola , Iorio Silvia , Nigrisoli Wärnhjelm Vera
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Cardinal Decio Azzolino Jr. (1623–1689), a leading figure at the Roman curia in the 17th century met in 1655 queen Christina of Sweden, arrived in Rome after her conversion to Roman Catholicism. The queen appointed the cardinal as her universal testamentary heir before her death on April 16th, 1689. Azzolino died of a sudden death shortly after, on June 8th. The article aims to question Azzolino's sudden death through the analysis of the cardinal's illnesses from which he was afflicted in the last decades of his life, examining the most likely causes of his demise. Methodology: Various unpublished epistolary letters were analysed, according to the chronological order of production between 1660 and 1689. A philological approach coupled with clinical-medical hypothesis inferable by the examined sources. Results: The cause of death is identified as an unexpected dropsy in some letters and the death certificate. The analysis of the letters allows the reconstruction of Azzolino’ state of health and illnesses in the last two decades of life: bilious excesses, inflammations, podagra and gout, which appeared with the inflammation of the knee and walking difficulties, and, finally, asthenia, dyspnea and a probable stroke. Conclusion: The dropsy is a symptom underlying various possible pathologies. The cardinal's state of health had been precarious and already marked by various symptoms, which were progressively worsening over the last decades of his life. The hypothesis of a stroke is also plausible. His death was not sudden as the Roman curial environments lead us to believe.
“Enhancing Nutritional Profile, Functional Properties, Therapeutic Attributes of Finger Millet (Eluesinecoracana) by Germination: A Comprehensive Exploration”
Authors: Rajkumar Haritha , Muthu Ilamaran , James Prabhaharan , Baskaran Sivasankari , Lakshmanan Karpagapandi , Vellaichamy Meenakshi , Jeyaraj Selvi , Pandi Prema
Published: December 2024

Millets are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger). Finger millet ( Eleusinecoracana L.) is stands out as a Nutri-cereal, gluten free making it a versatile and nutritious choice due to good source of carbohydrate (81.5%), protein (9.8%), fat (1.59 g), dietary fiber (11.5 g), phytochemicals, and essential amino acids and its unparalleled richness of calcium (220-450 mg/100 g) and iron (3-20%) compared to other cereals (rice and wheat). Among, the different processing technique, germination is a simple and traditional technique that can also be employed at the household level, which is used to soften the kernel structure, increase the nutritional composition and to enhance nutrient absorption of finger millet grains. The profusion of phytochemicals, a health-promoting reservoir compound in germinated finger millet significantly amplifies its nutraceutical capacity. It possesses notable health-enhancing attributes, including anti-diabetic effects against type 2 diabetes mellitus, anti-diarrheal properties, antiulcer activity, anti-inflammatory characteristics, antitumor effects specifically against K562 chronic myeloid leukemia, anti-atherosclerogenic effect, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In terms of functional characteristics, the germination process significantly improves the ability of the millet flour to absorb water and/or oil, its emulsion capacity and stability, but reduced the bulk density and swelling power. This review mainly focuses on the germinated finger millet's nutritional, functional, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties.Household food processing strategy such as germination can be used for improving the nutritional quality to promote finger millet utilization.
Research on the Extraction Conditions of Naringin, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Properties From Duong La Cam Pomelo Peel, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Truc Phuong , Hoang Bich Ngoc , Huynh Xuan Phong , Bach Long Giang
Published: December 2024

Objective

Naringin was known to be a flavonoid compound with many biological activities and was present in pomelo peel. Duong La Cam pomelo was a speciality grapefruit in Tan Trieu commune, Vinh Cuu district, Dong Nai province. This study evaluated Duong La Cam pomelo extract's naringin content and antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Method

Duong La Cam pomelo extract was extracted by ultrasonic method. Naringin content was determined based on the naringin standard curve. Biological activities were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, Agar disk-diffusion method and The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Results

The research results of enriching the Naringin component in the Duong La Cam Pomelo extract were recorded with a content of 114 mg/gDW. Duong La Cam Pomelo extract was extracted by ultrasonic method with solvent and raw material ratio 1 g/10 mL, time 60 min, temperature 70 °C and using 80% Ethanol solvent. The results showed antioxidant capacity with IC50 values of 0.127 mg/mL (ABTS); 14 511 mg/mL (DPPH). Besides, the antibacterial ability of the sample was also recorded at the minimum inhibitory concentration of Escherichia coli of 2.5 mg/mL and Staphylococcus aureus of 5 mg/mL.

Conclusions

The study showed that the ultrasonic extraction method saves time but still ensures high naringin content and good activity in extraction. It can be seen that naringin extract from Duong La Cam grapefruit has great potential for application in the medical field.
Perceived barriers and facilitators of implementing a sustained smartphone-based telemonitoring program for pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia in the public and private sectors in Pakistan
Authors: Shahil-Feroz Anam , Riaz Andaz , Yasmin Haleema , Saleem Sarah , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Seto Emily
Published: December 2024

Background

In Pakistan, a smartphone-based telemonitoring (TM) program (Raabta) has been designed to support pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia (HRPE) in Pakistan. However, implementing TM interventions is often challenging, particularly in low-resource settings, given the complexity of healthcare environments and variations in public and private health sectors. This study explores the potential barriers and facilitators for a sustained implementation of the Raabta program in public and private sector hospitals in Pakistan.

Methods

Using a qualitative description design, 57 semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of participants including patients from the public ( n = 15) and private sector hospitals ( n = 17), obstetricians from the public ( n = 5) and private sector hospitals ( n = 7), decision-makers ( n = 7) and telehealth experts ( n = 6). Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interview transcripts were deductively analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains.

Results

Based on the CFIR domains, the findings included: (1) Raabta being perceived as user-friendly even for patients with low digital and language literacy; (2) Outer settings: Limited health and digital literacy, poor language proficiency, and cultural norms can influence the willingness and ability of public sector patients to use the Raabta; (3) Inner settings: The private health sector is well-equipped for the Raabta implementation, while the public health sector faces challenges related to physical space, limited human and financial resources, and physician resistance; (4) Individual characteristics: Majority participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward the Raabta program and expressed confidence in using it (5) Process: Recommendations included adopting a nurse-led model for the private sector, leveraging paramedics for monitoring the Raabta dashboard, integrating Raabta with existing digital platforms, and establishing an advisory committee for program sustainability.

Conclusion

Raabta implementation may be more feasible in the private sector due to patient demographics, health and digital literacy, cultural norms, financial resources, physician readiness, and hospital infrastructure.
RemoteHealthConnect: Innovating patient monitoring with wearable technology and custom visualization
Authors: Arun Sasipriya , Sykes Edward R. , Tanbeer Syed
Published: December 2024

Objective

This paper introduces RemoteHealthConnect, a novel web-based healthcare system designed to enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely with enhanced efficacy. Central to our system is its integration with the Vitaliti™ wearable, equipped with biosensors for real-time vital signs monitoring. RemoteHealthConnect distinguishes itself by offering advanced, custom visualizations for interactive engagement with medical data, facilitating rapid clinical decision-making through intuitive access to vital signs and trends. The primary research question we sought to answer was: ‘Which design of vital sign visualizations is most effective in improving intuitive and rapid understanding for healthcare practitioners?’

Methods

An iterative agile/SCRUM methodology was employed in the design and development of RemoteHealthConnect. We describe the architectural design of our web-based application, data visualization techniques, and user interface design. A user interface/user experience (UI/UX) study was conducted to assess the efficacy of our system.

Results

The usability study revealed the system's capacity to translate complex bedside data into accessible, real-world visualizations, promoting efficient pattern recognition and anomaly detection. This is crucial for enhancing clinician performance, regardless of the patient's location. The paper further details a usability study involving healthcare practitioners to ascertain RemoteHealthConnect's efficacy. The System Usability Scale (SUS) assessment yielded a score of 71.5, indicating high usability. This score is significant, positioning our system above the average usability threshold for healthcare technologies, and suggesting it as a valuable tool for remote patient monitoring.

Conclusion

Our web-based healthcare system and findings from the usability study contribute to the domains of Mobile Health (mHealth) and e-Health by advancing remote monitoring capabilities and offering a promising avenue for healthcare IT to improve patient care and clinician workflow.
Complex audio signal data compression and reconstruction: A benchmark data pre-processing approach for machine classification of chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Albiges Timothy , Sabeur Zoheir , Arbab-Zavar Banafshe
Published: December 2024

Objective

To develop and evaluate innovative methods for compressing and reconstructing complex audio signals from medical auscultation, while maintaining diagnostic integrity and reducing dimensionality for machine classification.

Methods

Using the ICBHI Respiratory Challenge 2017 Database, we assessed various compression frameworks, including discrete Fourier transform with peak detection, time-frequency transforms, dictionary learning and singular value decomposition. Reconstruction quality was evaluated using mean squared error (MSE). The study has been conducted at Bournemouth University from January 2023 to 2024.

Results

The multi-resolution wavelet transform (MRWT) framework demonstrated superior performance with the lowest average MSE score of 0.037. The proposed time-frequency framework with MRWT achieved 80% accuracy in distinguishing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from healthy samples.

Conclusion

Our study advances signal processing in medical auscultation, while it offers insights into effective compression and reconstruction methods for preserving diagnostic information. The MRWT approach shows promising outcomes for balancing compression efficiency and reconstruction accuracy in complex audio signals.
Targeting alpha-4 integrin with natalizumab for intermediate uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Calma Aicee Dawn , Young Stephanie , Sandbach Jennifer , Riminton Sean , Reddel Stephen W , Ramanathan Sudarshini
Published: December 2024

Intermediate uveitis (IU) may be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), with both conditions possibly sharing pathogenic mechanisms. Two patients presented with bilateral IU. Despite targeted uveitis treatment with corticosteroids and methotrexate, both had ongoing disease activity with symptoms, and fluorescein angiographic abnormalities. Both were subsequently identified to have radiologically isolated MS in the absence of clinical demyelination. Treatment with natalizumab in isolation, led to rapid and sustained resolution of uveitis, enabling discontinuation of other immunosuppression. This case series adds evidence supporting use of alpha-4 integrins in the treatment of MS-associated uveitis, in addition to its known high-efficacy in MS.
Scientific images from the history of science to primary education: Insights from historiographic research on the visual history of science for the compilation of primary school science textbooks
Authors: Song Jinbang
Published: December 2024

Since 2008, the author of this paper has conducted historiographic research on the visual history of science in the West since the mid-twentieth century. The findings show that the cognitive functions of visual scientific representations in the history of science are connected with theories of knowledge development in dialectical materialist epistemology and theories on children's cognitive features at different ages in developmental psychology, as well as the stage-specific curriculum objectives outlined in the Compulsory Education Science Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition). These insights provide essential inspiration and theoretical support for the establishment of the twin-theme logical structure in the Primary School Science Textbooks (Daxiang Edition)—core competencies as the warp and cognitive development as the weft—and for the intentional cultivation of students’ cognitive abilities using scientific images across different learning stages and textbooks.
Member Adherence to a Health Insurer-Sponsored Gap Closure Program Using Multi-Target Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Greene Mallik , Pew Timo , Le Quang , Philp Alisdair , Johnson William K. , Ozbay A. Burak , Kisiel John , Dore Michael , Ebner Derek , Fendrick A. Mark , Limburg Paul
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To describe member adherence to a mail-based, health insurer-sponsored gap closure program for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA; Cologuard®) tests.

Methods:

Combined patient data from Exact Sciences Laboratories LLC and data from mass-mailed mt-sDNA orders placed by a large Medicare Advantage Insurance Plan were analyzed (03/01/2023-06/30/2023). Adherence and time to test return were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Their association with patient characteristics was evaluated using multivariable regression.

Results:

Among the 3201 member-patients included (86.6% aged 65-75 years; 58.7% female), adherence rate was 49.4%, and mean time to test return was 25.5 days. After multivariable adjustment, the odds of test return were significantly higher among 65- to 75-year-olds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59 relative to 45- to 64-year-olds), those living in small towns (OR = 1.43 relative to metropolitan-located individuals), and with digital outreach via both SMS and email (OR = 4.31 relative to no digital outreach). Time to test return was shorter in 65- to 75-year-olds than in 45- to 64-year-olds and was not associated with other patient characteristics.

Conclusions:

Mass-mailed mt-sDNA tests for CRC screening were associated with an overall adherence rate of about 50% in this Medicare Advantage population, with higher likelihood of test return among patients receiving digital outreach.
Measuring Future Selves in Second Language Learning Motivation in Collectivist Cultures: Case Study From Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shaalan Danya
Published: December 2024

The second-language (L2) Motivational Self System (L2MSS) proposed by Zoltán Dörnyei described how L2 learners are motivated through envisioning their ideal future L2 self. The L2MSS framework for studying L2 motivation has had mixed results. The aim of this study was to evaluate measuring future selves as L2 motivators consistent with the L2MSS in Saudi female college students enrolled in a higher education English language program, and consider how these findings are applicable to collectivist cultures. A 20-item instrument was developed that showed evidence of validity and reliability in measuring ideal L2 future self and two ought-to ideal future selves as sources of L2 motivation. However, given the collectivist nature of Saudi culture, these measurements were positively correlated, giving rise to the question as to the utility of such a measurement. Future research on further validating the instrument and exploring ways to increase L2 motivation among learners in collectivist cultures is discussed.
Selecting building height control indicators of landmark skylines: A visual perception experiment
Authors: Yuan Gao , Yuyao Wei , Miao Yu
Published: December 2024

The landmark skyline contains a modern high-rise landmark taller than neighboring buildings. Landmark prominence and overall volatility are two essential environmental features connecting to skyline building height control, described in previous research by several indicators. A visual perception experiment is conducted in this study to assess these indicators. The experiment involves a correlation analysis between physical attributes calculated from sample images and relevant perceptions acquired by semantic differential questionnaires. The results reveal that A2 (landmark primacy by second tallest height) and A4 (landmark primacy by average height) are suitable indicators for describing the perception of landmark prominence, and B4 (average adjacent height difference) is a better indicator for the perception of overall volatility. Concerning relations, high landmark prominence and high overall volatility perceptions are incompatible. High overall volatility may suppress the perception of high landmark prominence. In addition, increasing the height of the landmark can effectively improve landmark prominence perception, while improving overall volatility perception requires regulating the heights of more buildings and conducting more precise height controls.
Sexual and Gender Minority Health Care Issues Related Competence and Preparedness Among the Health Care Professionals and Trainees in India: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sharma Mini , Mohlia Apoorva , Kukreti Prerna , Saurabh  , Kataria Dinesh
Published: December 2024

Background:

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and additional Queer, Intersex, asexual and agender (LGBTQIAA+) community is roughly 3.8% of the population of India. However, the services in terms of availability and competence are currently limited in the Indian healthcare system.

Aim:

To assess self-reported competence and preparedness of primary healthcare individuals and trainees in India (primarily Delhi) and compare the findings with Western studies.

Setting and design:

A cross-sectional study was designed to study sexual and gender minority (SGM) healthcare issues related to the competence and preparedness among the primary healthcare individuals and trainees at a tertiary healthcare centre. The study population included: Faculty members, Residents, Postgraduate trainees, Undergraduate trainees and Nursing staff. The study was conducted using an online Google survey after ethical clearance.

Method and material:

A cross-sectional Web-based survey was conducted for the medical and nursing healthcare professionals and trainees at a tertiary healthcare centre to assess competence and preparedness to deal with SGM healthcare issues using a questionnaire for the assessment of self-reported competence, comfort and preparedness for sexual orientation, gender identity and sex development health issues based on competencies outlined by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). A minimum of 25 participants in each of the four equally stratified groups were recruited using purposive sampling over 3 months.

Statistical analysis used:

The data was analysed using Epicollect software.

Results:

Satisfactory comfort and competence among the study groups are in line with the available Western literature though contrary to findings of Indian studies where inadequacy of knowledge regarding homosexuality was a major finding. A majority of positive responses in comfort, competency and knowledge are reflective of the change in attitude and culture among the modern society and effectiveness of awareness and support groups in government colleges of Delhi which was comparable with the available Indian and Western literature.

Conclusion:

Our study is a pioneer work to assess the healthcare workers’ skills in the assessment approach for the SGM population. The findings of our study may be useful further to develop objective measures to evaluate the competency and knowledge of healthcare providers.
A Literature Review of Employee Moonlighting in the IT Industry and Its Impact
Authors: Bhatt Vishwa Rajesh , Jhala Pratha
Published: December 2024

The global economic landscape and environment are undergoing rapid transformations, prompting changes in human resource management (HRM) practices. The rise of flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and work-from-home options, offered primarily by IT companies, has led to a surge in moonlighting—where individuals take on secondary jobs to meet financial demands or to earn additional income. This shift reflects a growing concern among employees for financial stability rather than career growth amid economic uncertainties. Employees often work beyond their primary employment for extra compensation, impacting their work-life balance and employers’ compliance policies. The phenomenon of moonlighting in the IT sector has become a point of concern, especially regarding its effects on efficiency. This study also looks at the prevalence of moonlighting in the IT industry and the connection between employees’ primary and secondary jobs. Is it feasible for employees to work for multiple companies without their employer’s knowledge? How can organizations provide financial support to reduce the appeal of moonlighting? What if employees could manage multiple roles efficiently without compromising any of them? Understanding when employees shift from occasional to full moonlighting is crucial for addressing these concerns.
Outcomes of an integrated knowledge translation approach in five African countries: a mixed-methods comparative case study
Authors: Sell Kerstin , Rehfuess Eva , Osuret Jimmy , Bayiga-Zziwa Esther , Geremew Bezinash , Pfadenhauer Lisa
Published: December 2024

Background

Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) aims to enhance evidence-informed decision-making in public health and healthcare by establishing continuous relationships between researchers and knowledge users, in particular decision-makers. The Collaboration for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Public Health in Africa (CEBHA+) undertook research on noncommunicable diseases in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. Alongside the research activities, we implemented an IKT approach, which entailed training and the development and implementation of site-specific IKT strategies. We evaluated these strategies according to a predefined programme theory.

Methods

Drawing on our published protocol (https://rdcu.be/dyfBP), we interviewed and surveyed CEBHA+ researchers and their decision-making counterparts during two project stages (3/2020–2/2021; 9/2022–5/2023) and collected IKT-related documents. Transcripts and documents were analysed using qualitative content analysis and surveys were analysed descriptively, with subsequent integration, cross-case analysis and revision of the programme theory.

Results

A total of 36 researchers and 19 decision-makers participated in surveys, focus groups and/or interviews, and we collected 92 documents. Relationship building, capacity building and collaborative research were the most proximal intervention outcomes: CEBHA+ researchers and their counterparts built mutual appreciation and partnerships, accessed contacts and networks, and expanded skills in conducting and using research and in IKT. The level of trust between partners varied. Intermediate outcomes were changes in attitudes and knowledge; beyond the conceptualization in our initial programme theory, researchers substantially increased their understanding of the decision-making context and developed a vision for “research impact”. While it was challenging to evaluate distal outcomes, the IKT approach was linked to the production of research perceived as addressing local priorities and being highly applicable and contextualized, and some consideration of evidence among decision-makers. Unintended effects included high opportunity costs associated with undertaking IKT. An unanticipated outcome was the heightened interest of the research funder in policy engagement. Our updated programme theory constitutes a low-level theory for IKT.

Conclusions

Whilst this study faced many challenges common to the evaluation of knowledge translation interventions, it presents rich, theory-informed insights into IKT outcomes. These are based on documented IKT activities and participants’ views, particularly in-depth insights of researchers’ experiences with implementing the CEBHA+ IKT approach.
Longitudinal study on the influence of sow and piglet vaccination on seroprevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium in rearing pigs and at slaughter in a farrow-to-finish production system
Authors: Nicolaisen Thies , Vornholz Hubertus , Köchling Monika , Lillie-Jaschniski Kathrin , Brinkmann Detert , Vonnahme Jörg , Hennig-Pauka Isabel
Published: December 2024

Background

Salmonella is widespread in pig husbandry and pork is an important source for human salmonellosis. Surveillance programmes are conducted in many European countries and various management measures are implemented on farm level to control Salmonella. Piglet or maternal vaccination can reduce Salmonella shedding and lower the likelihood of piglet infection. Proper management of risk factors can help to maintain low infection pressure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sow vaccination and piglet vaccination on Salmonella seroprevalence at slaughter.

Results

Different vaccination strategies were evaluated for their effect on seroprevalences in nursery (serum) and slaughter pigs (meat juice) in a farrow-to-finish production chain tested positive for Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Antibody levels of four piglet groups from one rearing farm and of pigs from four downstream fattening farms were measured by Salmonella LPS-ELISA in a longitudinal study (UNVAC: no vaccination against Salmonella; PIGVAC: piglets vaccinated twice with an attenuated Salmonella Cholerasuis (SC) live vaccine; SOWVAC-1: piglets born from sows vaccinated twice before farrowing with attenuated ST live vaccine; SOWVAC-2: Piglets from vaccinated sows (ST) which had been vaccinated twice already as a piglet (ST). Results revealed significantly lower ELISA optical density (OD) values (p < 0.05) and fewer serological positive piglets (OD > 40) from groups PIGVAC, SOWVAC-1 and SOWVAC-2 compared to group UNVAC at the end of rearing period. Summarizing results from pigs of all fattening farms revealed that pigs from group PIGVAC had significantly lower ELISA OD values in meat juice samples than all other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Piglet (SC) and sow vaccination (ST) led to significant reduction in detectable antibodies in a ST positive production chain and thus to reduced likelihood of infection during rearing. The results reflect that vaccination with a live attenuated SC vaccine resulted in cross-protection against ST without producing antibodies detectable by standard Salmonella LPS-ELISA. Summarizing all fattening farms, piglet vaccination reduced seroprevalence at the time of slaughter. In conclusion, sow and piglet vaccination with attenuated live vaccines against Salmonella are good instruments to reduce the infection pressure in the rearing period but need additional management measures to show effect on seroprevalence at slaughter.
Enhancing Thyroid Pathology With Artificial Intelligence: Automated Data Extraction From Electronic Health Reports Using RUBY
Authors: Culié Dorian , Schiappa Renaud , Contu Sara , Seutin Eva , Pace-Loscos Tanguy , Poissonnet Gilles , Villarme Agathe , Bozec Alexandre , Chamorey Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Thyroid nodules are common in the general population, and assessing their malignancy risk is the initial step in care. Surgical exploration remains the sole definitive option for indeterminate nodules. Extensive database access is crucial for improving this initial assessment. Our objective was to develop an automated process using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract and structure biomedical insights from electronic health reports (EHRs) in a large thyroid pathology cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We randomly selected 1,500 patients with thyroid pathology from our cohort for model development and an additional 100 for testing. We then divided the cohort of 1,500 patients into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets. We used EHRs from initial surgeon visits, preanesthesia visits, ultrasound, surgery, and anatomopathology reports. We selected 42 variables of interest and had them manually annotated by a clinical expert. We developed RUBY-THYRO using six distinct CNN models from SpaCy, supplemented with keyword extraction rules and postprocessing. Evaluation against a gold standard database included calculating precision, recall, and F1 score.

RESULTS

Performance remained consistent across the test and validation sets, with the majority of variables (30/42) achieving performance metrics exceeding 90% for all metrics in both sets. Results differed according to the variables; pathologic tumor stage score achieved 100% in precision, recall, and F1 score, versus 45%, 28%, and 32% for the number of nodules in the test set, respectively. Surgical and preanesthesia reports demonstrated particularly high performance.

CONCLUSION

Our study successfully implemented a CNN-based natural language processing (NLP) approach for extracting and structuring data from various EHRs in thyroid pathology. This highlights the potential of artificial intelligence-driven NLP techniques for extensive and cost-effective data extraction, paving the way for creating comprehensive, hospital-wide data warehouses.
Percolation transitions in simplicial complexes with interdependent relationships
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Qin Bingfa , Xu Xin-Jian
Published: December 2024

We study higher-order percolation phenomena in two interdependent simplicial complexes. Based on the generating function approach, we develop a theoretical framework that provides insights into the percolation dynamics via pairwise or higher-order 2-simplex interactions among individuals. Our findings reveal that higher-order percolation in such structures displays a richer phase transition behavior than that observed in a single simplicial complex or interdependent dyadic networks. We observe both continuous and discontinuous transitions, which occur with either the removal of a small or large fraction of nodes. The initial phase of the transition, triggered by the removal of a small fraction of nodes, is primarily influenced by the density of triangles in each complex. In contrast, the terminal phase of the transition, during which the giant component disappears, is predominantly determined by the strength of interdependence between two complexes.
A timed epigenetic switch balances T and ILC lineage proportions in the thymus
Authors: Pease Nicholas A. , Denecke Kathryn M. , Chen Lihua , Gerges Peter Habib , Kueh Hao Yuan
Published: December 2024

How multipotent progenitors give rise to multiple cell types in defined numbers is a central question in developmental biology. Epigenetic switches, acting at single gene loci, can generate extended delays in the activation of lineage-specifying genes and impact lineage decisions and cell type output. Here, we analyzed a timed epigenetic switch controlling expression of mouse Bcl11b, a transcription factor that drives T-cell commitment, but only after a multi-day delay. To investigate roles for this delay in controlling lineage decision making, we analyzed progenitors with a deletion in a distal Bcl11b enhancer, which extends this delay by ∼3 days. Strikingly, delaying Bcl11b activation reduces T-cell output but enhances innate lymphoid cell (ILC) generation in the thymus by redirecting uncommitted progenitors to the ILC lineages. Mechanistically, delaying Bcl11b activation promoted ILC redirection by enabling upregulation of the ILC-specifying transcription factor PLZF. Despite the upregulation of PLZF, committed ILC progenitors could subsequently express Bcl11b, which is also needed for type 2 ILC differentiation. These results show that epigenetic switches can control the activation timing and order of lineage-specifying genes to modulate cell type numbers and proportions.
Formação da agenda governamental de enfrentamento à violência contra a mulher
Authors: Santana Maribel Fernandes Ribeiro , Fernandes Antonio Sergio , Mac-Allister da Silva Monica de Aguiar , Teixeira Marco Antonio Carvalho
Published: December 2024

O artigo analisa a formação da agenda governamental federal de enfrentamento à violência contra a mulher no Brasil no período de 1988-2022. O procedimento metodológico desenvolvido foi a análise documental. Como resultado, o trabalho mostra a formação de uma agenda governamental federal de enfrentamento a violência contra a mulher, destacando a criação da Secretaria Especial de Políticas para Mulheres que implementou a Política Nacional de Enfrentamento à Violência contra a Mulher e a criação da Lei n. 11.340/06 – Lei Maria da Penha (LMP). Além disso, tenta-se discutir como foi e está sendo a agenda governamental de enfrentamento à violência contra a mulher pelos estados.
Long-Term Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: Obesity Prevention, Metabolic Health, and Cardiovascular Protection
Authors: Lewandowska Dominika , Rosińska-Lewandoska Dominika , Ufnal Julia , Szewczyk Marcelina , Jarosz Kinga , Wolff Anna , Morawska Maria , Gruszka Szymon , Kożuchowska Klaudia , Pilarz Dawid
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Recent research highlights a link between early dietary habits, especially breastfeeding, and reduced obesity risk in adulthood. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and compounds that may shape an infant’s metabolism. This article reviews current findings to guide parents in supporting lifelong healthy development.
Material and Methods:
This review examined 30 studies focusing on the relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of developing obesity. Relevant studies were identified through searches on PubMed and Google Scholar.
Literature Analysis:
The reviewed literature suggests a possible link between breastfeeding and a decreased likelihood of obesity in adulthood, although comprehensive, systematic research on this relationship is still scarce. Findings indicate that bioactive elements in breast milk and breastfeeding behaviors may play a role in early metabolic and appetite regulation, which could influence weight control later in life. Observational studies and case reports show varying impacts, often dependent on factors like the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, as well as broader environmental influences.
Conclusions:
Breastfeeding offers significant long-term health benefits, including reduced risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that longer breastfeeding duration is associated with healthier weight trajectories, improved metabolic outcomes, and lower BMI and HDL levels later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months or more provides substantial protection against obesity in childhood and adulthood. Early formula introduction is linked to higher BMI trajectories and increased metabolic risks. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting breastfeeding as a key public health strategy to support long-term health and disease prevention.
Konstruowanie „małżeńskiego ja”. Rodzina jako przestrzeń wsparcia i uczenia się partnerstwa małżonków
Authors: Ostrouch-Kamińska Joanna
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest analiza funkcjonowania współczesnej rodziny jako przestrzeni budowania partnerstwa między małżonkami, którego pod- stawą jest wzajemne wspieranie się kobiet i mężczyzn w realizowaniu wielu ról równocześnie. Rekonstruuję w nim również potrzeby wsparcia, które ujawniają przepracowane rodziny, w dużej mierze wynikające z funkcjonującego w naszej kulturze mitu „normalnej” rodziny, utożsamianej z rodziną stereotypowych ról kobiet i mężczyzn, a których zaspokojenie ułatwiłoby małżonkom budowanie partnerstwa. Proces ten traktuję jako aktywne konstruowanie przez małżonków „małżeńskiego ja” – części tożsamości w zbiorowej postaci (Kaufmann, 2004). W analizach odwołuję się do koncepcji: J.C. Kaufmanna (2004), „fuzji biografii” P. Bergera i H. Kellner (1964) oraz biograficznego uczenia się dorosłych w ujęciu P. Alheita (2002).
Od miejsc pamięci narodowej do miejsc żywej pamięci – implikacje dla andragogiki
Authors: Majchrzak-Ptak Kinga
Published: December 2024

Rozumienie miejsc pamięci w tym tekście wykracza poza wytwory kultury materialnej. Jego osnową są wartości transcendentalne, uniwersalne. Zaakcentowano w nim wielowymiarowość miejsc żywej pamięci, które dzięki swojej złożonej istocie mogą być zarówno obszarem edukacji formalnej, nieformalnej, jak i pozaformalnej, edukacji skierowanej nie tylko do dzieci, ale także osób dorosłych. W artykule ukazano, że symboliczna natura miejsc żywej pamięci może stać się inspiracją do autorefleksji, impulsem do dalszych poszukiwań i samowychowania, które nabiera szczególnego znaczenia w postmodernistycznym świecie. Zaznaczono, że powodem rozwijania perspektywy edukacji opartej na miejscach pamięci jest skuteczne dostarczenie za jej pomocą wiedzy i doświadczenia potrzebnego do aktywnego uczestnictwa w procesie demokratycznym, możliwość wykorzystania jej na potrzeby edukacji obywatelskiej i ekologicznej. Pedagogika miejsca cechuje się zatem także społecznym ukierunkowaniem. Podkreślono, że cele i praktyka edukacji zorientowanej na miejsca żywej pamięci może być powiązana z uczeniem się eksperymentalnym, uczeniem problemowym, uczeniem się kontekstualnym, uczeniem się w działaniu, uczeniem się przez biografie miejsca, z edukacją demokratyczną, edukacją multikulturalną, edukacją zorientowaną na wspólnotę lokalną oraz z innymi nurtami dotyczącymi kontekstu i wartości ucze- nia się specyficznych miejsc, a także pielęgnowania ich, tak jak i wspólnot lokalnych czy regionów.
O potencjale oddolnych akcji. Refleksja na kanwie książki Pawła Rudnickiego Kto, jak nie my? Wspólnota i działanie na Dworcu Głównym we Wrocławiu (marzec–kwiecień 2022)
Authors: Szczygieł Przemysław
Published: December 2024

Tekst jest refleksją nad książką Pawła Rudnickiego Kto, jak nie my? Wspólnota i działanie na Dworcu Głównym we Wrocławiu (marzec–kwiecień 2022). Monografia będąca przedmiotem analizy dokumentuje działania wolontariackie wobec osób uchodzących przed pełnoskalową wojną, która wybuchła w Ukrainie w 2022 r. Wolontariat ma wyraźny edukacyjny wymiar. Rozważania nad książką dotyczą istoty pomagania, uczenia się osób biorących w nim udział. Odnoszą się również do kwestii trudności w związku z działaniem wolontariackim. Książka prowokuje do przemyśleń na temat konfliktów i napięć, które mogły pojawiać się w tak intensywnym środowisku pracy. Podkreśla wartość działań oddolnych w kontekście współczesnych badań nad aktywizmem i obywatelskością, akcentując fakt, że troska o innych i budowanie wspólnoty są dziś nie tylko możliwe, ale i niezbędne.
Using Discussion Boards to Teach CSS and Improve Canvas Course Layouts
Authors: Shepherd Craig Erschel , Hall Andrea , Evans Maxine
Published: December 2024

In this three-week lesson, situated in a five-week, shortened summer course, instructional design graduate students learn basic cascading stylesheet (CSS) skills to facilitate page layouts within learning management systems. During Week 1, basic HTML tags (e.g., heading levels, lists, paragraphs, images, divider, span, link tags) and tag attributes, including style (used for inline CSS in Canvas), are introduced. In Week 2, learners are introduced to CSS attributes: background color, font color, borders, margins, and padding. During Week 3, they learn about block position, float, clear, and z-index. Throughout the three weeks, learners leverage low-stakes discussion boards to share ideas and refine skills.
Building Math Skills with Computational Thinking
Authors: Ali Rosalind
Published: December 2024

This elementary math intervention lesson plan integrates computational thinking (CT) and generative AI tools, focusing on addition strategies. It combines tech-enhanced experiences with hands-on activities to develop CT skills and content knowledge. This three-part lesson includes reviewing addition facts, engaging in interactive games, and creating digital content. Students practice pattern recognition, abstraction, problem decomposition, and step-by-step solution development. The plan emphasizes CT connections, engagement, and deepening understanding of addition strategies. This adaptable, multimedia approach offers a comprehensive learning experience blending traditional math instruction with modern tech tools across various grade levels and content areas.
Introduction
Authors: Shepherd Craig Erschel
Published: December 2024

As the third year of JTILT ends, I find myself reflecting on what the journal provides, how it was established, and where it is heading. Past issues and articles capture various teaching styles, strategies, delivery approaches, and purposes. Each article presents candid details regarding their use of technology and how that influenced learning. I am constantly reminded that teaching is a science and an art. I relish detailed procedures and steps that authors articulate in their work. I also marvel at the art of teaching and the broad possibilities that exist in developing instruction. JTILT has helped me broaden my perspectives and consider new facets of the field.
YOLO-TS: Detection Loosening Rate of Tobacco Bundles Based on YOLOv8
Authors: Zhang Chunjie , Yun Lijun , Wang Yansong , Luo Ruilin , Chen Zaiqing , Cheng Feiyan
Published: December 2024

Highlights

Establishing a tobacco stem dataset. This study collected tobacco images; each image contains several tobacco leaves. Owing to the difficulty in laying each tobacco leaf flat on the conveyor belt, yellow leaves frequently experience partial or complete coverage; it is almost impossible to label each tobacco leaf completely. Therefore, in this study, labeled tobacco stems were selected to compose the dataset during the annotation process of samples.

A method for detecting tobacco stems was proposed, named YOLO-TS, based on YOLOv8n. Designed an adaptive feature extraction backbone network combined with an attention mechanism to extract tobacco stem features and optimized the loss function of the model to better and faster identify tobacco stems.

A method for calculating the tobacco bundles’ loosening rate has been proposed. Detecting tobacco stems utilizing the YOLO-TS model, the quantity of tobacco stems within the image was determined, and based on this, this research calculated the loosening rate of tobacco bundles.

Abstract. The tobacco purchased from the farmers is bundled, when loosening these tobacco bundles, a range of issues including the blending of various grades of tobacco, the inclusion of mold-infested tobacco, and the admixture of non-tobacco substances frequently emerge as a result of uneven looseness, significantly impacting the quality of subsequent tobacco sorting. In response to this challenge, this study introduces YOLO-TS, an enhanced iteration of the YOLOv8n model, which tailored for the precise detection of the loosening rate of tobacco bundles. Firstly, collected a set of tobacco images, preprocessed them and labeled tobacco stems to construct a tobacco stem dataset. Then, the YOLO-TS model was constructed. An adaptive feature extraction backbone network, integrated with an attention mechanism, has been devised. This network architecture facilitates the extraction of intricate features of tobacco stems. Concurrently, we have undertaken optimization efforts to enhance the loss function, with the objective of expediting and fine-tuning both the training and inference processes of the model. Conclusively, meticulously devised a series of experiments and subsequently conducted them using the tobacco stem dataset. The mAP (mean Average Precision) achieved by the YOLO-TS network on the test set amounts to 82.8%, which is 4% higher than the baseline YOLOv8n model. In addition, the loosening rate of tobacco bundles can be calculated based on the number of detected tobacco stems. YOLO-TS satisfactorily fills the requirements for tobacco stem detection, thereby furnishing robust technical assistance to personnel engaged in tobacco leaf sorting endeavors. Keywords: Deformable convolution, Loosening rate, Multi-head self-attention, Tobacco stem, YOLOv8n, YOLO-TS.