bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought in the United States of America: How does it affect Africa
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

Those of us who have spent time in the USA either going to school, visiting or living there have been aware of the special attribute of this country of being able to feed its citizens. Something else we know is that America is very generous with their food and Americans are always ready to invite you to their home for a generous meal. America is the biggest contributor to emergency food aid worldwide and Africa, including my own county of Kenya, is a major beneficiary of this food aid. I have spent the better part of my life concerned about hunger and malnutrition issues in Africa, and whenever I get a chance, I appeal to African governments to prioritize agriculture and food security and nutrition concerns. As I have said before, governance and food security go hand in hand. We need to get our priorities right. As I write this editorial, I am in the USA, and have experienced heat in Washington DC above 100 degrees Celcius, that I have not felt anywhere in a long time. Food prices have not yet been affected, not yet, but as the drought continues to be felt across the country, there is no doubt negative impact will result in hiked food prices.
Food security problems in various income groups of Kenya
Authors:   Maseno University, Kenya, Olielo Tom
Published: April 2024

Poverty and hunger are common in Kenya especially in arid and semi arid lands that cannot support crops and are also overgrazed thereby yielding low incomes, and in urban low income dwellings. Indicators of food insecurity and malnutrition such as proportion of the poor in the population, those requiring food assistance and anthropometric measurements have through the years shown that large proportions, about half the population of Kenya are food insecure. Among the affected, around 3.5 million go hungry or are malnourished. Increasing income promotes consumption of diverse foods and facilitates change in diets from basic staples such as maize to foods that require less preparation fruits and processed foods. This research was carried out to assess consumption of foods and characteristics of various income groups and determine factors that cause food insecurity. Three Nairobi housing estates were selected to represent low income group, medium income group, and high income group. These estates are, respectively, Kayole, Buruburu and Westlands. Monthly income by the low income, medium income and high income households were, respectively, KES ≤ 14000 (US$ 177.5), 14001 to 56000 (US$178 to 812) and ≥ 56000 (US$ 812). In each estate, a sample of 130 households was studied. The average household had 5 people. Ugali (thick porridge) is the main staple food and was consumed by 88% of the households, while vegetables were consumed by 92 %. Meat was consumed by 46 % of the households and fruit products by 17 %. It was found that the low income group could not purchase adequate food and amounts they consumed did not meet the FAO recommended levels for foods and nutrients. Low incomes and poverty are the main cause of food insecurity in Kenya. It is recommended that there be better education for employment, irrigation of crops especially in arid and semi arid lands for food production as well as improved health status and sanitation to enable earning of high income to reduce poverty and consequently enhance food security and nutrition.
Overcoming challenges: the case of the young scientists in Africa
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

As we prepare our 10th issue of the journal, we feel compelled to prepare and send out fresh supplementary instructions to our authors, reviewers and general readership. Starting this journal was, I feel, one of the best professional decisions I made in my life. Even as I became busier as a politician, I have continued to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the journal. I founded it, have steered its growth against all odds, and have remained a float, thanks to the support of the so many friends who continue to render their selfless and tireless support.
Unrealistic Parental Optimism
Authors: Karadeniz Gülçin
Published: April 2024

Unrealistic optimism is considered as an optimism bias based on the individual's motives of self-exaggeration and protection and is defined as evaluating oneself more positively than others. An important example of nurturing one's own self through the concept of unrealistic optimism is the parent-child relationship. The parent's having unrealistically positive perceptions about his/her child is reported to play an important role in the parenting experience, nourishing the parent's own self and changing the interaction with the child. An individual's placing parenting at the center of their life is not only limited to seeing themselves as better than they are, but can also affect their evaluations of their child. Unrealistic parental optimism can lead to disappointment, inappropriate persistence and unpreparedness for personal threats. The expectations created by the evolutionarily adaptive ability to look on the bright side of events and the disappointments that may be experienced in line with these expectations are significant for psychological science to be examined in an important context such as child rearing. This review focuses on the motives of parents to exhibit unrealistic parental optimism, what kind of behaviors they exhibit in this context and the outcomes of these behaviors on children.
Posttraumatic Growth in Battered Women and the Reflection of Violence on Post-Divorce Growth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ceylan Melike , Kışlak Şennur
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the literature on post-traumatic growth in women who have faced intimate partner violence. Five steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley were followed to carry out this review. When the 3,129 scientific studies obtained from the databases were evaluated according to appropriate criteria, it was reduced to 50 articles. A total of 11 studies were included in this study due to a special focus on posttraumatic growth and intimate partner violence. According to the literature, it has been observed that intimate partner violence is associated with post-traumatic growth. In addition, the effects of intimate partner violence and post-traumatic growth on divorced women are explored in the discussion section. Although a specific tool is needed for these examinations in the literature, there are currently no standardized screening procedures in use. As a result, it is thought that this study will shed light on the literature on recognizing and evaluating post-traumatic growth symptoms and indicators caused by intimate partner violence.
Discrimination and Violence against Transgender People
Authors: Göksel Pelin
Published: April 2024

Violence against transgender individuals is pervasive across many sectors, yet discourse on the issue remains limited to a few platforms, with minimal action taken to address it. This inaction contributes significantly to public health problems. Transgender individuals often face myriad forms of violence, including familial ostracization, physical abuse, emotional neglect, school bullying, unemployment, and discrimination in public arenas. Such experiences hinder their social integration and infringe on their personal rights. Research indicates that violence against transgender people has detrimental effects on their mental health, and the rates of reporting such incidents are distressingly low. Factors like stigma, misunderstandings by authorities, fear of transphobic reactions, unequal legal protections, and the risk of unjust arrest discourage seeking help. These challenges increase the vulnerability of transgender people to violence. This review will analyze the existing literature on violence against transgender individuals and explore the societal underpinnings of such violent behaviors.
Barocklyrik als Inspirationsquelle – Andreas Gryphius’ Sonnette als Lebensphilosophie
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: April 2024

Obgleich der Barockdichter Andreas Gryphius bereits vielmals kritisch unter die Lupe genommen worden ist, bestehen weiterhin recht viele Desiderata bei der Erkundung insbesondere seiner Lyrik. Einige seiner Sonette, die auch hier zur Sprache kommen, haben praktisch kanonischen Rang erworben, aber die Masse seiner Gedichte ist doch bisher nur sehr kümmerlich untersucht worden. Welchen Stellenwert sie für den modernen Rezipienten haben mögen, ist bis heute eine ganz offene Frage. Dieser literarhistorischen Herausforderung kann man sich am besten so nähern, indem man zunächst überhaupt eine interpretative Sonde an sein umfangreiches Werk heranführt. Durch die sorgfältige Analyse einer Auswahl seiner Sonette wird hier eine Reihe von bemerkenswerten Aussagen universaler Art identifiziert, die es uns erlauben, Gryphius’ Texte nicht nur in ihrer literarischen, sondern auch religiösen, philosophischen und ethischen Dimension genauer in den Griff zu bekommen. Auf dieser Grundlage ist es möglich, spezifisch die Überlegung in den Vordergrund zu rücken, warum und wie man sich heute mit Gryphius allgemein oder im deutschen Literaturunterricht auseinandersetzen kann.
Das Beschreibungsmodell von deutschen Wortbildungen nach ihrer Prädikat-Argumentstruktur
Authors: Stopyra Janusz
Published: April 2024

Der Aufsatz unternimmt den Versuch, die Wortbildungen des Deutschen nach ihrer Prädikat-Argumentstruktur zu beschreiben. Das Modell berücksichtigt primär Derivate, erfasst aber auch Zusammensetzungen, deren Grundwort funktional den Derivationssuffixen entspricht. Besprochen werden sowohl einfache Derivate als auch Inkorporationen. Als der häufigste inkorporierte Aktant ergibt sich das Akkusativobjekt. Das Beschreibungsmodell erlaubt nicht nur eine konsequente Klassifizierung von Derivaten, sondern ermöglicht auch einen Einblick in deren syntaktisch-semantische Struktur.
Five o’clock przy pielęgnowanym winie. Analiza językowa i źródłowa pomorskich druków ulotnych z lat 1945–1948 dotyczących gastronomii
Authors: Kwiatkowska Aneta
Published: April 2024

Po wojnie odradzająca się gastronomia wykorzystywała do kontaktu z klientami głównie akcydensy. Stosowano na nich różnorodne środki perswazji językowej, graficznej i typograficznej. Artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie wyników analizy językowej i źródłowej powojennych afiszy, ulotek i zaproszeń związanych z gastronomią i rozrywką. Badaniu poddano sposób przedstawiania miejsca, czasu, nadawcy oraz najchętniej wykorzystywane leksemy wpływające na perswazyjność odbioru komunikatów. Z analizy wynika, że autorzy druków nie tylko korzystali z przedwojennego doświadczenia, ale też poszukiwali nowych sposobów wpływania na odbiorcę. W 1947 roku władze rozpoczęły akcję likwidacji inicjatywy prywatnej. Reklamę zastąpiła oficjalna propaganda.
Historical applications of the Goldberg and Huxley Pathway to Psychiatric Care Model
Authors: Hall John
Published: April 2024

The Pathway to Psychiatric care Model was published by David Goldberg and Peter Huxley in 1980, based on practice within the British NHS from 1948, and on epidemiological data mostly from Europe and the USA. The ‘filters’ in the model were derived from assumptions about practice, and levels of care, at that period. This paper explores the implications of applying the model historically to patterns of English psychiatric care firstly from 1834/1845 to 1959, with parallel public, philanthropic and private systems of healthcare; and secondly to patterns of care after c.2000. The model is a powerful conceptual tool for understanding how mental health systems function, and the central importance of referral and transition decisions. This analysis points to the influence of changing ‘regulatory cultures’, at one remove from the immediate clinical encounter, and to the implications of a much wider range of mental health practitioners than in 1980
Quality of life as a basis for system change
Authors: Maxwell Nina
Published: April 2024

his paper celebrates Peter Huxley’s contribution to placing quality of life at the centre of service planning and responses. Drawing on our research findings with 81 patients from Community Mental Health Teams, this paper argues that patient outcomes are improved when their voices are used to inform service design. Using the Manchester Short Assessment Quality of Life (MANSA), patients prioritised three of the eight domains: employment, financial stability and leisure activities. These findings were used to inform system change by addressing patient needs to increase their financial and social inclusion. This paper seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of Peter’s work with reference to two examples: mental health needs arising from COVID-19 and the needs of criminally exploited children and young people. It concludes that Peter’s legacy provides the tools needed to ensure that services work together efficiently and effectively to address unmet needs and enhance quality of life
Measuring quality of life of people with severe mental illness: Evaluation of the Dutch version of the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA) in three different populations and a look into innovative opportunitiesMeasuring quality of life
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuizen Chrijs , Nugter M. Annet , Bongers Ilja L.
Published: April 2024

Purpose. The Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA; Priebe et al., 1999) is one of the most widely used QoL-measures in psychiatry. We aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the MANSA in a broad sample of people with severe mental illnesses (SMI). Method. QoL-data from three studies were available (total n = 806). Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the 12 subjective MANSA-items were capable of discriminating between specific psychiatric disorders. Results. Cronbach’s alpha ranges from 0.78 to 0.85; overall convergent and divergent validity of the MANSA is good. For people with SMI, their financial situation, mental health and life as whole are the most important QoL-domains. Conclusions. The psychometric properties of the MANSA are good and the instrument can be used to discriminate between important QoL domains within people with SMI.
Deterioro funcional y neurocognitivo en pacientes con esquizofrenia deficitaria en Perú y confiabilidad de la estructura bidimensional de la sintomatología negativa
Authors: Huarcaya Victoria Jeff David
Published: April 2024

La mayoría de los estudios sugieren que los pacientes con esquizofrenia deficitaria presentan un deterioro funcional y neurocognitivo más grave en comparación con los pacientes con esquizofrenia no deficitaria. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios al respecto en América Latina. Objetivo: Examinar las diferencias entre el funcionamiento y el deterioro neurocognitivo en pacientes con y sin esquizofrenia deficitaria; y analizar la validez de la estructura bifactorial de los síntomas negativos en una muestra de pacientes peruanos. Materiales y métodos: Se reclutó a un total de 53 pacientes peruanos con esquizofrenia. Se utilizó la versión en español del Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS) para diagnosticar el síndrome deficitario, el Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) para evaluar el funcionamiento global, y el Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP) para evaluar el funcionamiento neurocognitivo. Resultados: La prevalencia de esquizofrenia deficitaria fue del 62,3 %. Los pacientes con esquizofrenia deficitaria presentan un mayor deterioro en la memoria de trabajo (p = 0,003), fluidez verbal (p = 0,002), aprendizaje verbal retardado (p = 0,039) y velocidad de procesamiento (p = 0,004). En cuanto al funcionamiento global, los pacientes con esquizofrenia deficitaria muestran un rendimiento inferior en las dimensiones de autonomía (p = 0,002), laboral (p = 0,001), cognitiva (p = 0,010), finanzas (p = 0,015), relaciones interpersonales (p < 0,001) y tiempo de ocio (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con esquizofrenia deficitaria muestran un mayor deterioro en el funcionamiento global y cognitivo. La replicación de la estructura bidimensional de los síntomas negativos en una muestra peruana contribuye a la hipótesis de la universalidad del modelo de «déficit expresivo» y «apatía-abulia».
Meningkatkan Literasi Digital Untuk Memerangi Penyebaran Hoax Pada Siswa SMPN 2 Banjarbaru
Authors: Gina Liliana  , Lieta Dwi Novianti  , Riska Aulia Noor  , Hanan Latifah
Published: April 2024

ABSTRAK: Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan di SMPN 2 Banjarbaru dengan mengusung tema meningkatkan literasi digital untuk memerangi penyebaran hoaks. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan pada hari Selasa, 28 November 2023 dengan bentuk pelaksanaan kegiatan yang terdiri dari ceramah penyampaian materi, sosialisasi, dan diskusi tanya jawab.  Sementara evaluasi yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan PKM dengan analisis hasil pelaksanaan dalam bentuk analisis kualitatif deskriptif. Berdasarkan kegiatan pengabdian yang dilaksanakan di SMPN 2 Banjarbaru dapat disimpulkan bahwa kegiatan ini mengedukasi para siswa bagaimana tentang cara memverifikasi informasi online, meningkatkan pemahaman mengenai risiko penyebaran hoaks, serta memberikan keterampilan dalam menggunakan media digital secara bijak untuk mengurangi penyebaran informasi palsu
Kata kunci : Hoax, Sosial Media, Pengabdian, Edukasi, Literasi Digital
ABSTRACT: This service activity was carried out at SMPN 2 Banjarbaru with the theme of increasing digital literacy to combat the spread of hoaxes. This service activity was carried out on Tuesday, November 28 2023 day with the form of implementation of the activity consisting of lectures delivering material, socialization, and question and answer discussions. Meanwhile, evaluation is carried out in PKM activities by analyzing implementation results in the form of descriptive qualitative analysis. Based on the service activities carried out at SMPN 2 Banjarbaru, it can be concluded that this activity educates students on how to verify online information, increases understanding of the risks of spreading hoaxes, and provides skills in using digital media wisely to reduce the spread of false information.
Keywords: Hoax, Social Media, Community Service, Education, Digital Literacy
Effect of Horticulture Crop Based Border Row System on the Yield of Cumbu Napier Hybrid Grass Fodder in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Suganthi M. , Usha S.
Published: April 2024

Profitable agriculture could be achieved through diversified farming system. High economic return could be obtained only with the inclusion of animal husbandry. Border row horticulture system is recommended in the intensive fodder production system. The study was conducted during 2017-2018 in field no.23. Cumbu Napier hybrid grass was cultivated as per cultivation techniques. Coconut and Jack fruit trees were maintained as borders rows of Cumbu Napier hybrid grass. As per the study, it could be concluded that the yield of Cumbu Napier Hybrid grass was significantly increased in open system to the tune of 5.96 percent compared to the treatment (with boarder rows of coconut). This might be due to shading effect of nine years old coconut palm. Whereas, in Jackfruit boarder row system there is no significant reduction in the yield of Cumbu Napier Hybrid grass. Hence, boarder row system of Jackfruit with regular pruning interval of three months could be recommended in the agroforestry system.
Role of GA in Commercial Flower Crops
Authors: R. Wadagave Anuradha , Sateesh R. P. , Jhanavi D. R.
Published: April 2024

Plant hormones are a group of naturally occurring, organic substances which influence physiological processes at low concentrations. There are six classical groups of plant hormones includes auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid and brassinosteroids which occur naturally. The use of plant hormones in ornamental crops is more prevalent than in edible crops. The most common types of hormones used are gibberellins, ethylene and their antagonists. Gibberellic acids are one among them which are used to enhance stem elongation of many cut flowers and to promote bud break, thus producing more flowering shoots. They are commonly used to promote flowering of long day plants and of autonomous-flowering plants of the Araceae. The largest use of plant hormones in ornamental crops is GA antagonists, which are used in pot plant production to achieve more compact and attractive structure and to promote flowering in certain woody ornamentals (Halevy, 1995) Gibberellic acids are known to coordinate and control various phases of growth and development including flowering at optimum concentrations. Exogenously applied GAs act through the alteration in the levels of natural hormone thus modifying the growth and development of flower crops.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Endostemon viscosus (Roth) aqueous leaf extract; Characterization; Evaluation of Antibacterial, DPPH and Anticancer efficacy
Authors: Nagadasari Jayachandra , Vijaya T.
Published: April 2024

Nanoparticles are being constantly exploited through scientific community because of their multifaceted properties and applications. Production of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with plant material is extremely cost effective and environmentally non-hazardous. Plant extracts are wealth of various phytochemicals such as secondary metabolites and frequently act as reducing and capping agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles. The present study deals with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the aqueous leaf extract of Endostemon viscosus (Roth). Synthesized silver nanoparticles characterized by different recent spectroscopic tools such as UV-Visible spectrophotometer, DLS-Zeta potential, FT-IR, TEM with EDS, and XRD (X-ray diffraction). UV-Vis showed that the peak at 414 nm. DLS-Zeta potential analysis revealed about stability and even size of the particles. FT-IR was studied to know what phyto-constituents are actually acting as capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles. TEM is used to find shape, size and agglomeration pattern of the nanoparticles. TEM image exhibited size range from 11.03 to 37.87 nm and average size of the EvL-AgNPs are 16.77 nm. Eventually green synthesized nanoparticles are evaluated for their efficacy on anti-bacterial, DPPH, and anti-cancer activities. Biologically synthesized EvL-AgNPs expressed excellent anti-bacterial, anti-oxidants, and anti-cancer activities. Hence, the bio-synthesized AgNPs could be considered as auspicious therapeutic option against infectious pathological situations.
The Impact of Downsizing on Occupational Stress and Organizational Commitment
Authors: Ghassani Sondoss F. , Zeine Hala M.
Published: April 2024

Downsizing is an organizational strategy used to reduce costs and improve performance to remain competitive. It is used by organizations to survive and adapt to changing market demands. The method used was to review thirty articles from well-recognized and highly ranked journals. The review process aims to gather all the factors and strategies of organizational downsizing from previous researches and articles between the years 1980 to 2019. The paper advances a deeper understanding of staff downsizing and addresses theoretical and methodological issues pertaining to the literature. The literature review assembled under the process of reviewing in the area of organizational downsizing and its impact on occupational stress and organizational commitment in these articles. After reviewing these papers, the findings gathered will be useful for organizations and employees.
What does it mean to be?
Authors: Stevens Robin
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the value of career coaches asking philosophical questions, specifically relating to existentialism, in order to enhance clients’ self-awareness, goal-setting, and decision-making. It argues that existential concepts, such as authenticity and essence, could potentially serve as valuable additions to a coach’s toolkit to help stimulate, challenge and shift forwards a client’s thinking when faced with difficult career-related questions. Existentialism’s potential value is explored in relation to three established career coaching models – the GROW model, the OSKAR model, and the Skilled Helper model.
ANGINA SCORE ANALYSIS BASED ON CLINICAL FINDINGS AND ON THE RESULTS OF STRESS-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY EXERCISE TEST IN PATIENTS WITH SILENT MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA
Authors:   Kazan Federal University, ABDRAHMANOVA ALSU I. , TSIBULKIN NICOLAY A. ,   Kazan State Medical Academy, AMIROV NAIL B. ,   Kazan State Medical University
Published: April 2024

Abstract. Introduction. Stress echocardiography is an important method for detecting silent myocardial ischemia. Aim of the study was to analyze the exercise test results in silent ischemia and ordinary angina (control group) and compare angina scores based on exercise tests or clinical ﬁndings. Materials and Methods. Data of 202 patients were analyzed. Stress tests were performed using a treadmill. The statistics included parametric t-test criterion for normally distributed samples and nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Fisher criteria for the other ones. Diﬀerences were considered signiﬁcant at p<0.05. Results and Discussion. According to exercise tests in patients with ST depression, the angina scores were higher in the control group (M=2.1) than in the silent ischemia group (M=1.03, p=0.000001). Angina scores based on clinical ﬁndings did not diﬀer between the groups. Among patients with decrease in contractility in exercise test, angina scores were higher in the control group (M=2.29) than in the silent ischemia group (M=1.36, p=0.000001). In the silent ischemia group, angina scores based on exercise tests were higher (p=0.015) than those based on clinical ﬁndings. In the control group, angina scores based on exercise tests were lower (p=0.0003) than those based on clinical ﬁndings. In the silent ischemia group, ventricular extrasystole occurred in exercise tests less frequently than in the control group (p=0.04). Conclusions. In exercise tests with ST depression, in the silent ischemia group, angina scores based on exercise tests coincide with those based on clinical ﬁndings; in the control group, angina scores based on exercise test are lower than those based on clinical ﬁndings. In exercise test with a decrease in segmental contractility, in the silent ischemia group, angina scores based on exercise tests are higher than those based on clinical ﬁndings; in the control group, angina scores based on exercise tests are lower than those based on clinical ﬁndings. Maximum ST depression is greater in the silent ischemia group than in control one, which indicates a pronounced myocardial ischemia in the silent ischemia group on exercise. Ventricular extrasystole occurred less frequently in the silent ischemia group than in the control group on exercise test with ST depression or with a decrease in segmental contractility. In silent myocardial ischemia patients, their myocardium tolerates exercise tests worse than that of the patients in the control group, which may be a typical characteristic of silent ischemia myocardium.
Investigating and Controlling the Libration and Rotation Dynamics of Nanoparticles in an Optomechanical System
Authors: Li Cuihong , He Chaoxiong , Wang Jinchuan , Dong Ying , Zhu Shaochong , Ying Qianwen , Ma Yuanyuan , Feng Fu , Yin Zhang-qi , Hu Huizhu
Published: April 2024

In optomechanical systems, the libration and rotation of nanoparticles provide profound insights for ultrasensitive torque measurements and macroscopic quantum superpositions. The achievements include transitioning the libration to the rotation up to 6 GHz and cooling the libration to millikelvin temperatures. Libration and rotation are driven by restoring and constant optical torques, respectively. However, the transition mechanisms between these two states warrant further exploration. From this perspective, in this study, monitoring lateral-scattered light enables real-time observation of the libration/rotation transitions and associated hysteresis as the ellipticities of trapping laser fields are varied. By calculating optical torques and solving the Langevin equation, the transitions are linked to the balance between anisotropic-polarization-induced sinusoidal optical torques and constant torques, and absorption is identified as the main contributor to constant torques. These findings enable direct weak torque sensing and precise nanoparticle control at rotational degrees, facilitating the study of quantum effects such as nonadiabatic phase shifts and macroscopic quantum superpositions, and thereby enriching quantum optomechanics research.
Shortening older in-patients’ stay by at least one day through direct geriatric unit admission using virtual emergency medicine tools
Authors: Riaz Imran Muhammad , Clarnette Roger , O’Brien Janet , Mandel Bhaskar , Ong Kevin
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Virtual emergency medicine (VEM) was introduced to improve ambulance and emergency-department flow through video calls with paramedics before hospital arrival. That way, acute geriatric patients may be referred from the Fiona Stanley Tertiary Hospital VEM service to the Rapid Assessment and Treatment Unit (RATU) at Fremantle Hospital, a specialised centre for geriatric care. The ambulance takes the patient directly to Fremantle Hospital instead of the Fiona Stanley Hospital ED.
Aim and Method
This retrospective observational study aimed to compare outcomes for older patients admitted to the RATU through the VEM–RATU and non-VEM pathways between January and June 2022.
Results
This study included 131 patients (64 VEM and 67 non-VEM). The groups were well matched in terms of comorbidities and demographics. However, the mean age of non-VEM patients (81.7 [7.3]) was lower than that of VEM patients (84.4 [8.0]) by 2.7 years (p < 0.05). On average, VEM patients underwent 2.0 fewer interdepartmental bed moves (1.0 [0.0]) than non-VEM patients (3.0 [0.2]; p < 0.0001). Inpatient length of stay (LoS) ≤ 80th percentile was generally ≥ 1 day shorter for VEM than for non-VEM patients (p < 0.001). The discharge destination (usual residence or nursing home) and the total number of hospital-acquired complications were similar between groups.
Conclusions
Our preliminary data show that patients admitted through the VEM–RATU pathway are slightly older than those admitted through the non-VEM pathway. In addition, the VEM–RATU pathway reduces bed moves and helps to reduce LoS up to the 80th percentile by ≥ 1 day. However, the VEM–RATU pathway does not appear to offer additional advantages in terms of discharge destination or reduced hospital-acquired complications. Further research is needed to clarify these preliminary observations.
Application of polymer corrosion inhibitors in metal corrosion control: a review
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Feiyu , Wang Baozheng , Ma Hongyan , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Yanchao
Published: April 2024

Corrosion can bring serious safety issues, environmental issues, and economic losses. The use of corrosion inhibitors is an important technology for controlling metal corrosion. Compared to small molecule corrosion inhibitors, polymer corrosion inhibitors have better film-forming ability, multifunctionality, viscosity, high temperature resistance, solubility flexibility, and more attachment sites, making them one of the hotspots for the future development of corrosion inhibitors. Here, we review the research progress of natural polymers, polymeric surfactant, polymeric ionic liquids, β-cyolodextrin-based polymers and polymeric nanocomposite as corrosion inhibitors. These types of polymer corrosion inhibitors do not require a high molecular weight to achieve their desired functions and exhibit excellent corrosion inhibition performance. However, from the current application situation, polymer corrosion inhibitors still have some drawbacks. For example, although natural polymer modified polymers do not pollute the environment, their extraction and separation operations are cumbersome, and it is difficult to accurately analyze the active components of polymer corrosion inhibitors; Chemically synthesized polymer corrosion inhibitors still pose a threat to the environment and are not conducive to ecological protection. Here, we review the scientific research of polymer corrosion inhibitors and discuss solutions to make them practical industrial corrosion inhibitors. The major points are the following: 1) Whether substances with good corrosion inhibition performance can be grafted onto the polymer has become a key point in preparing efficient and soluble polymeric corrosion inhibitors; 2) Research and optimization of polymer synthesis processes or extraction and modification methods of natural polymer from the perspectives of material sources, solubility, dosage, and composition; 3) Develop inexpensive, efficient, and environmentally friendly polymer corrosion inhibitors to promote their practical industrial applications. We aim to propose broad application prospects and development potential for polymer corrosion inhibitors in industry.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Complications and Mortality in Hospitalized Octogenarian Patients with COVID-19: An Ambispective Study
Authors: Arroyo-Huidobro Marta , Fontanet Natàlia Pallarès , Cordomí Cristian Tebé , Simonetti Antonella F. , Pérez-López Carlos , Abelenda-Alonso Gabriela , Rombauts Alexander , Bermudez Isabel Oriol , Izquierdo Elisenda , Díaz-Brito Vicente , Molist Gemma , Melis Guadalupe Gómez , Videla Sebastian , Soto Alfons López , Carratalà Jordi , Molinero Alejandro Rodriguez
Published: April 2024

Objective
This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients aged 80 or above and to identify predictors for death and complications throughout the epidemic waves of the disease.
Methods
This was an observational, multicenter, ambispective study conducted between March 2020 and August 2021 using data collected in five centers from southern metropolitan area of Barcelona (COVID-MetroSud cohort). Patients were grouped based on the pandemic waves of inclusion in the registry.
Results
A total of 1192 patients (mean [SD] age 85.7 [4.22] years) were included. The most frequently reported symptoms in all waves were fever (63.1%), cough (56.5%), dyspnea (48.2%), and asthenia (27.5%). Laboratory and radiological findings consistently showed abnormal bilateral chest X-ray results (72.5% of patients) and elevated inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (mean [SD] 335 [188] U/L), C-reactive protein (CRP) (mean [SD] 110 [88.4] U/L), and ferritin (mean [SD] 842 [1561] U/L). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (43.7%), renal failure (19.2%), and alterations in baseline mental status (17.5%) were the most frequent complications. The overall mortality rate was 41.4% and declined across the epidemic waves. Age, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, dyspnea, and higher baseline levels of creatinine were identified as risk factors for general complications, while a higher Barthel index and presence of cough were found to be protective. Age, dyspnea, abnormal bilateral chest x-ray, CRP, and sodium were identified as risk factors for death.
Conclusions
This the first study that analyzed the clinical presentation of COVID-19 and the risk factors for complications and death in octogenarian hospitalized patients across the different waves of the disease.
On-Treatment Blood Pressure and Dose-Dependent Effects of ARNI in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: Insights from a Multicenter Registry
Authors: Park Jiesuck , Park Chan Soon , Rhee Tae-Min , Choi Hye Jung , Choi Hong-Mi , Lee Hyun-Jung , Park Jun-Bean , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Lee Seung-Pyo , Kim Yong-Jin , Cho Goo-Yeong , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Hwang In-Chang
Published: April 2024

Achieving the target dose of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains challenging due to concerns related to hypotension. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of ARNI based on on-treatment blood pressure (BP). Using 1,097 HFrEF patient data from a multicenter HF registry who received ARNI for at least 6 months, subjects were stratified into low-dose (<100 mg/day; n=249) and intermediate- to high-dose (≥100 mg/day; n=848) groups based on the average ARNI dose over a 1-year period. Changes in echocardiographic features and clinical outcomes were assessed, considering on-treatment BP profiles (high-BP [average systolic BP ≥110 mmHg] and low-BP [<110 mmHg]). Low-BP was an independent predictor for low-dose ARNI. Echocardiographic improvements were observed in both dose groups, with more pronounced changes in the intermediate- to high-dose group. Over a median follow-up of 3.1 years, the low-dose group demonstrated an increased risk of mortality compared to the intermediate- to high-dose group. These trends were consistently observed in both BP profiles. In conclusion, low-dose ARNI leads to insufficient improvements in echocardiographic parameters and worse clinical outcomes regardless of on-treatment BP, suggesting the importance of optimal dose titration, which should not be discouraged by low-BP response.
Effects of rice flour substitution on the structure and processing characteristics of mixed rice-wheat dough
Authors: Gao Xin ru , Ma Chun min , Yang Yang , Bian Xin , Wang Bing , Zhang Guang , Chen Zhi peng , Zhang Na
Published: April 2024

Rice contains lysine, which is lacking in general grains, which can make the nutrition more balanced when it is added to cereal foods.Therefore, this study explored the effects of rice flour substitution on the structure and processing properties of mixed rice-wheat dough. With the addition of rice flour (0–50%), the content of water, fat, protein, amylose and ash in the mixed flour decreased, while that of total starch and amylopectin increased significantly. The results from the mechanical characteristics indicated that the viscosity disintegration (0.15–0.59 Nm) and β value (0.526–0.716) increased, while the retrogradation value (from 1.15 to 0.69 Nm) and the cooking stability (from 0.92 to 0.73) decreased, revealing that the shear resistance and stability of the mixed flour dough decreased after the addition of rice flour, but its increased gelatinization rate delayed aging and improved the storage characteristics. Moreover, mixed rice-wheat dough mainly undergone elastic deformation, and the addition of rice flour interfered with the formation of gluten network structure. Part of the bound water in the mixed flour dough migrates to free water, which showed that the continuity and uniformity of gluten network structure become worse by competing with wheat gluten for water absorption. When the addition of rice flour was 20%, the dough had the greatest viscoelasticity, micro-structure tensile property and texture, when the addition amount exceeded 30%, the toughness of the dough reduced, which made dough difficult to process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the processing and application of rice flour in staple food in the future.
In-hospital hypernatremia prior to discharge to primary care hospitals predicts 90-day mortality in older hip fracture patients
Authors: Pehkonen Matias , Collin Sanna , Korhonen Päivi , Nuotio Maria S
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Discharge is a critical time point in the care pathway of geriatric hospital patients, and post-acute care facilities often have less monitoring possibilities. Active medical issues such as electrolyte disturbances should be treated before transfer. We studied the impact of in-hospital hypernatremia on the mortality of older hip fracture patients at 90 days.
Methods
A retrospective study population of 2240 hip fracture patients from 2015 to 2019 was collected from the Hospital District of Southwest Finland data pool. In the present study we included patients aged ≥65 years who were transferred from the operating hospital to primary health care wards after surgery (n=1,125). Laboratory results were collected on admission and before discharge. The main outcome was mortality at 90 days.
Results
Hypernatremia, defined as serum sodium ≥144 mmol/l, was present in 8.5 % (n = 114) of the patients on admission and in 6.8 % (n = 91) before discharge. For patients with hypernatremia the crude mortality at 90 days was 35.8 % (95 % CI 27.1 to 46.3) and for patients with normal serum sodium 9.6 % (95 % CI 8.0 to 11.6). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio of hypernatremia compared to normal serum sodium was 3.91 (95 % CI 2.62 to 5.82).
Conclusion
In-hospital hypernatremia had predictive value for 90-day mortality. We recommend active screening for and prompt treatment of perioperative hypernatremia in hip fracture patients. Local guidelines and discharge checklists are recommended to secure the discharge period.
Discovering nuclear localization signal universe through a novel deep language learning network with attention as the neurons
Authors: Shen Hongbin , Li Yifan , Pan Xiaoyong
Published: April 2024

Nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are pivotal peptide fragments within proteins, playing a decisive role in guiding proteins into the cell nucleus. Determining the existence and precise locations of NLS through experimental methods is time-consuming, resulting in a scarcity of experimentally validated NLS fragments. Consequently, annotated NLS dataset for training deep learning models in this domain are relatively small. In this study, we propose a novel interpretable approach NLSExplorer, which leverages large-scale protein language models to capture crucial spatial information with a novel deep attention network for NLS identification. NLSExplorer achieves superior predictive performance to existing methods on two NLS benchmark datasets. Furthermore, we leverage NLSExplorer to perform a comprehensive analysis of all proteins located in the nucleus within the SwissProt database, revealing a multi-level universe of potential NLS with variations in NLS preferences across different species. Moreover, the potential evolutionary trends of nuclear localization proteins across species are explored with NLSExplorer, showing the dynamic nature of NLS across diverse organisms. This study not only enhances our understanding of cross-species evolutionary trends for nuclear localization proteins, but also showcases NLSExplorer as a powerful tool for predicting and exploring NLS space.
Wild bee abundance and diversity in an urban landscape: the importance of preserving native vegetation
Authors: Prado Alberto , Ramírez-Infante Ana Sofía , Hernández-Sandoval Luis , de-la-Mora Marisol
Published: April 2024

Urbanization is considered to be a major threat to biodiversity, habitat destruction and fragmentation hamper the establishment and dispersal of many species. Nevertheless, some species are resilient to urbanization. As important pollinators, wild bees provide an ecosystem service to natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems. It is not clear to what degree the urban environment can be a refuge for wild bees. We assessed changes in the abundance, species richness, and composition of wild bee community along an urbanization gradient in a semi-arid climate. Over two years and on a monthly basis, bees were sampled using colored pan traps at six sites with different degrees of urbanization. A total of 525 individual bees belonging to 15 species were trapped. The abundance and species richness of bees was positively correlated with native vegetation and negatively correlated with urbanization with soil-nesting species completely absent from highly urbanized sites. The amount of native vegetation was found to be the most important driver of wild bee species abundance and diversity. Our results suggest that the degree of urbanization is an important factor that can cause loss of pollinator diversity. Nonetheless, the incorporation of areas with native vegetation in urban planning has the potential to mitigate the negative effect of urbanization.
Agriculture and Nanotechnology: National Infrastructure Readiness. 1
Authors: Berube David , Whitley Ben , Njathi Anne Wangari , Jones Jacob , Cuchiara Maude , Olatunde Folasewa
Published: April 2024

Agriculture will face many challenges in the next 25 years, including water, population demands, supply chain disruptions, storage, safety, and distribution. Whether discussing smart farming, genetically modified seeds, or alternatives to traditional productivity enhancements, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers, it is all about increasing resiliency by broadening the options for the industry. One of the platform technologies that may offer solace could be nanotechnology especially given the temporal variables involved. We may need to act quickly, so we must prepare to do so. In addition, we must not avoid viable solutions while searching for the silver bullet. There may be none. The following gleans expert opinions from the different stakeholder communities in nanotechnology and agriculture disciplines. Our approach involved diverse sampling and analysis in producing a modicum of information to help inform debates over nanotechnology and agriculture. Put simply; these are observations and suggestions for those who participated.
Podocyte exopher-formation as a novel pathomechanism in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Lahme Karen , Sachs Wiebke , Frömbing Sarah , Brehler Michael , Loreth Desiree , Surmann Kristin , Gaffling Simone , Wedekind Uta , Böttcher-Dierks Vincent , Adler Marie , Saez Pablo , Conze Christian , Thünauer Roland , Skuza Sinah , Neitzel Karen , Zielinski Stephanie , Brand Johannes , Bonn Stefan , Völker Uwe , Zimmermann Marina , Wiech Thorsten , Meyer Tobias , Fester Lars
Published: April 2024

Background
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is caused by autoantibody binding to podocyte foot process antigens such as THSD7A and PLA2R1. The mechanisms of the glomerular antigen/autoantibody deposition and clearance are unknown.
Methods
We explore the origin and significance of glomerular accumulations in (1) diagnostic and follow-up biospecimens from THSD7A+ and PLA2R1+-MN patients compared to nephrotic non-MN patients, and (2) in experimental models of THSD7A+-MN.
Results
We discovered podocyte exophers as correlates of histological antigen/autoantibody aggregates found in the glomerular urinary space of MN patients. Exopher vesicle formation represents a novel form of toxic protein aggregate removal in Caenorhabditis elegans neurons. In MN patients, podocytes released exophers to the urine. Enrichment of exophers from MN patient urines established them as a glomerular exit route for antigens and bound autoantibody. Exophers also carried disease-associated proteins such as complement and provided a molecular imprint of podocyte injury pathways. In experimental THSD7A+-MN, exophers were formed from podocyte processes and cell body. Their formation involved the translocation of antigen/autoantibody from the subepithelial to the urinary side of podocyte plasma membranes. Urinary exopher-release correlated with lower albuminuria and lower glomerular antigen/autoantibody burden. In MN patients the prospective monitoring of urinary exopher abundance and of exopher-bound autoantibodies was additive in the assessment of immunologic MN activity.
Conclusions
Exopher-formation and release is a novel pathomechanism in MN to remove antigen/autoantibody aggregates from the podocyte. Tracking exopher-release will add a non-invasive diagnostic tool with prognostic potential to clinical diagnostics and follow-up of MN patients.