bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Heat Waves on the Redistribution of Tourist Flows: The Case of Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez María-Dolores , De Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Botella José Luis Montes
Published: May 2024

Heat waves represents a major concern for the tourism industry in the Mediterranean area. Therefore, it is necessary to deepen the study of the influence of high temperatures and their effects on tourist behavior. This research aims to develop a structural model that allows measuring how heat waves affect the behavior of external tourist demand in coastal destinations. The results are useful for the design by tourist destinations of adaptation measures to climate change. The proposed hypotheses have been contrasted using non-linear structural equations (SEM), estimated with data from the National Institute of Statistics on external demand in Spain. The results confirm lower tourist flows with the increase in high temperatures to the coasts of the Spanish Mediterranean area from traditional source markets, such as the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the tourist flow to the Balearic Islands decreases with high temperatures.
Driver-to-Driver Communication Skills: Contributing Factors to Traffic Accidents on South African Roads?
Authors: Adedeji Jacob Adedayo , Feikie Xoliswa E. , Dijanic Domagoj
Published: May 2024

Road traffic accidents are associated with different factors, such as non-signalized road networks, inexperienced drivers, lack of communication skills, distraction, and visual or cognitive impairment of road users, which have led to this increase in traffic accidents. Understanding these factors in alignment with road user communication skills can provide solutions that can reduce traffic fatalities. Road users’ communication is predominantly formal in nature, but informal means of communication also exist but are not given proper attention during the driving training and licence testing processes. Therefore, this study investigated communication skills between drivers as a factor contributing to traffic accidents in South African cities. Consequently, 16 traffic scenarios of communication between drivers were simulated using PTV Vissim and Blender software, and a semistructured interview questionnaire was used to collect data from South African road users. The questionnaire was further used to evaluate the confidence level of road users concerning informal communication. The data were analysed via regression analysis to establish the relationship between traffic accidents and miscommunication between drivers. The information gathered and analysed from this study helps to understand the informal communication types between drivers and establish where communication loss exists, which ultimately leads to a traffic accident. The results also show that misinterpretation of communication signals can present the possibility of traffic safety risk.
Research on the Forecast of Emergency Supplies for Major Public Health Emergencies - An Empirical Study Based on the Distribution of Donated Facial Masks by the Wuhan COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters
Authors: Xiaoxin Zhu , Zhimin Wen , Regan David , Wenlong Zhu
Published: May 2024

An adequate provision of medical supplies is critical in the battle against pandemics, such as the ongoing one against COVID-19. First, this paper proposes a generalized analysis based on the fluctuation period of emergency material demand. Second, the nonlinear problem in the low-dimensional space is transformed into a linear problem in the high-dimensional feature space by using the support vector machine method, constructing a combined forecasting model of time series and support vector machines. Lastly, the daily demand of specific protective masks donated by the Wuhan COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters in the period from February 1 to March 16, 2020 is predicted through the use of data from the Wuhan Red Cross. Compared with traditional linear time series forecasting models, the proposed forecasting model sees its accuracy increased by 37.55%, with the relative errors of mean square error, average absolute error, and average absolute error percentage being respectively reduced by 37.57%, 60.88%, and 37.86%. It transpires that the ARIMA–SVM combined model is able to make full use of the potential information implied in the original data. The decision-making process provides a reference point for the forecast of the demand of medical emergency materials in future major public health emergencies.
Factors Contributing to the Enhancement of Feasibility in Public–Private Partnership During Disasters
Authors: Torayashiki Tetsuya , Watanabe Kenji
Published: May 2024

This study aims to quantitatively identify the factors associated with companies that actively enhance the feasibility of public–private partnerships (PPP) during disasters. Based on these identified relationships, the study seeks to propose strategies to improve PPP effectiveness in proactive companies. A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting companies in Japan that have concluded disaster assistance agreements with local governments. Based on the response data, scales were constructed for the following variables: “feasibility of public–private agreements (FPPA),” “experience in implementing public–private agreements (EPPA),” “social contribution to disaster-stricken area,” “implementation level of disaster risk reduction measures,” “feasibility of business continuity,” “organizational culture toward risk and crisis (OCRC),” and “employee autonomy (EA).” Path analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between FPPA and other variables. The results revealed that FPPA is associated with EPPA, EA, and OCRC. In terms of strategies to improve FPPA, it was suggested to promote the internal sharing of information about EPPA from other companies. Additionally, for EA and OCRC, implementing human resource policies and management practices was discussed as potential measures.
CONSTITUCIÓN, INSTITUCIONES Y SU DISEÑO: EL CAMBIO POSIBLE Y VIABLE PARA MÉXICO2
Authors: Badillo Moreno Gonzalo
Published: May 2024

El presente ensayo tiene como objetivo analizar la creación de un fundamento teórico para un nuevo diseño institucional con posibilidad de nuevos contenidos en la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Intenta ser una reflexión enunciativa, pero no limitativa, con carácter cualitativo, exploratorio, descriptivo, analítico, histórico y comparativo, con orientación propositiva. Atiende el objeto del conocimiento del derecho en el marco del positivismo jurídico, del constitucionalismo, y en el entendido de que dicho objeto coexiste, interactúa y confluye con otros campos de las ciencias sociales, como el de la ciencia política y el de la historia. En ese sentido, se basa también en las teorías del diseño institucional y constitucional desde la perspectiva neoinstitucional y del garantismo.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 25 по 31 мая 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: May 2024

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 25 по 31 мая 2024 г.
Obstructive uropathy secondary to accidental ureteric placement of indwelling urinary catheter at time of caesarean section
Authors: Hariz Sara , Pradhan Priti
Published: May 2024

This case describes a rare complication of Foley catheter insertion where accidental instrumentation of a ureter occurred at time of caesarean section with subsequent development of bladder obstruction and acute kidney injury. This has only been documented in literature a handful of times however rapid identification and management can minimise associated long term implications. As such this necessitates greater awareness of this possible complication and risk factors such as pregnancy that may predispose patients.
Study on radiographic grading of ankle joint in adult patients with Kashin Beck disease in Shaanxi and Gansu Province, China
Authors: Zheng-ming Sun , Fei-xiang Miao , Xin-Ke Zhu , Zhan-kui Jin , Xue-yuan Wu , shi-xun Wu , Shi-zhang Liu , Ming Chen , Xin Tian , Ming Ling
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to establish an X-ray imaging grading for assessing ankle joints in adult Kashin Beck disease (KBD), and investigate its correlation with clinical grading of hand and ankle pain.
Methods
The study involved 160 adult KBD patients (a total of 320 ankles) as the case group and 100 matched healthy subjects (a total of 200 ankles) as the control group. Digital Radiographs of bilateral ankle joints were obtained, and the talus trochlea angle was measured according to the radiographs. The X-ray grading of adult KBD ankles was conducted using the Kellgren Lawrence grading as a reference. Correlation analysis was performed to study the relationship between X-ray grading and clinical grading of hand.
Result
The X-ray imaging of KBD ankle joints was categorized into grade 0-IV, with grade IV further divided into subtypes a, b, c, and d. There was no correlation between ankle X-ray grading and the clinical grading of the hands in patients with KBD (r = 0.208, p = 0.001). There was a significant correlation between X-ray grading and ankle pain (r = 0.610, p = 0.000), but no correlation between ankle pain and the clinical grading of hand (r = 0.101, p = 0.071).
Conclusion
This study introduced an X-ray grading method for KBD ankles, although it showed no correlation with the clinical grading of the hands. Importantly, a moderate correlation was identified between X-ray grading and ankle pain, but no significant link was established between ankle pain and the clinical grading of hand.
Disease profile and main outcomes of COVID 19 in a population with nephrologic concern: a mono centric study
Authors: Salah Manel Ben , Mahmoud Nouha Ben , Hafi Khouloud , Fredj Manel Ben , salem Mariem ben , Bchir Sirine , Letaief Ahmed , Aloui Sabra , Hamouda Mouna , Skhiri Habib
Published: May 2024

Background:
Patients with CKD as well as patients who developed acute renal failure both affected by SARS-COV2 have a poor disease prognosis. The aim of our work: is to study the profile and outcomes of COVID 19 in patients with nephrology concern
Methods:
The patients included were chronic renal patients, kidney transplanted recipients and patients who developed acute renal failure. Patients were recruited over a period of one year.
Results:
We included 165 patients with a mean age of 57 years. There was a slight male predominance. Our patients had three main diseases (hypertension: 61.8%, diabetes: 44% and cardiovascular disease: 19%) and were obese in a third of cases. Chronic kidney disease accounted for 85% of patients. The death rate was 15.8%.
The main complications were acute renal failure: 16.4%, worsened chronic renal failure 32.7%, pulmonary bacterial super infection: 23.6% and a moderate or severe form of COVID in 57% of cases. The main conclusions of the analytic study were: a significantly positive association of severe COVID 19 with advanced age (p=0.001), hypertension (63.7%, p=0.012), diabetes (66.2%, p=0.018), underlying heart disease (75%, p=0.017) and renal patients not necessitating renal replacement therapy (67.5%, p=0.044). The clinical signs most associated with moderate and severe forms of the disease (MSD) were asthenia (63.4%, p=0.024), fever (68.6%, p=00.1) and dry cough (71%, p=0.001). The main complications significantly associated with Moderate or Severe Disease were ARF (77.8%, p=0.017) and bacterial pulmonary super infection (94.9%, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, pulmonary bacterial super infection and dry cough are clearly associated with MSD: respective OR were 37.23 and 3.434. Diarrhea appears to be a factor associated with mild forms of COVID 19 as evidenced by an OR of 0.374. Increasing age by one year multiplies the risk of developing a severe form of COVID 19 disease by 1.044.
Conclusion:
According to our study, the most serious COVID patients are the elderly, hypertensive, diabetic, cardiopathic patients and, above all, those who develop ARF. Some clinical symptoms and biological findings were correlated with severe disease but the strongest indicators are asthenia, dry cough and advanced age.
Trial registration: not done as we did not make any health care intervention on study participants
RETRACTED: Resource Allocation for Secure and Efficient Communication in 5G Networks using a Modified Crossover Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Khdhir Radhia , Othmen Salwa , Belghith Aymen
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Biomechanical Coordination and Variability Alters Following Repetitive Movement Fatigue in Athletes with Painful Shoulder
Authors: Sheikhhoseini Rahman , Abdollahi Sajjad , Salsali Mohammad , Anbarian Mehrdad
Published: May 2024

Background
Most sports and leisure activities involve repetitive movements in the upper limb, which are typically linked to pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulder area. Movement variability is generally expressed by changes in movement parameters from one movement to another and is a time-dependent feature of repetitive activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of repeated movement induced fatigue on biomechanical coordination and variability in athletes with and without chronic shoulder pain (CSP).
Methods
In this controlled laboratory study, 24 elite male badminton players in two groups of athletes with (N = 12) and without (N = 12) CSP were recruited. Biomechanical and Electromyographical data were recorede while the athletes asked to perform repeating reaching task (RRT). Kinematic data was recorded every 30 seconds of the minutes of the repetitive pointing task (RPT). The kinematic and electromyography data were recorded at the first 30 seconds of "Fatigue-Terminal" (FT) and the last 30 seconds of "No-Fatigue" (NF) in the repetitive pointing task (RPT). Raw data was analyzed by using MATLAB code to extract the relevant coordination and movement variability data.
Results
different fatigue conditions (non-fatigue and terminal fatigue) led to significant kinematic changes during the performance of the repetitive pointing task. The CSP group exhibited smaller variability after fatigue than before fatigue. Moreover, altered coordination between trunk movement and shoulder elevation were recorded after fatigue. In addition, the variability of the shoulder muscles in both groups was significantly differ after fatigue (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Results of our study show that both groups can accomplish the repetitive movement task but in doing so use different movement strategies. The CSP group’s movement strategy was only focused on controlling the shoulder joint, while that of the CON group was focused both on the shoulder joint and elbow joint. This suggests that chronic pain may have found a pain–minimizing strategy to accomplish the task
A topological route to engineering robust and bright supersymmetric laser arrays
Authors: Roychowdhury Krishanu , Datta Soujanya , Alizadeh Mohammadmahdi , El-Ganainy Ramy
Published: May 2024

In recent years, leveraging principles from condensed matter and high-energy physics has significantly advanced the engineering of laser systems. Chief among these concepts are topology, which enables the construction of robust zero-mode laser devices, and supersymmetry (SUSY), which holds the potential for achieving phase locking in laser arrays. In this work, we show that the relation between supersymmetric coupled bosonic and fermionic oscillators on one side, and bipartite networks (and hence chiral symmetry) on another side can be exploited together with non-Hermitian engineering for building one- and two-dimensional laser arrays with in-phase synchronization. To demonstrate our strategy, we present a concrete design starting from the celebrated Su-Schieffer-Heeger (SSH) model to arrive at a new SUSY laser structure that enjoys two key advantages over those reported in previous works, namely that the design parameters of the laser and reservoir feature near-uniform arrays which are of great importance for practical implementation, and a two-fold far-field intensity scaling. Not only do our results present a unification for the otherwise two distinct physical concepts of topology and SUSY, but also provide a roadmap for pushing the frontier of SUSY laser arrays beyond the proof-of-concept phase.
Exploring the health benefits of a mobile-based multidomain lifestyle program for older adults living in assisted living facilities
Authors: Kim Yongseop , Kim Junhyoung , Ory Marcia , Ko Myungjin
Published: May 2024

Background
Cognitive decline stands as a significant factor contributing to disability and dependency among older adults. Multi-domain lifestyle (MDL) interventions are widely recognized for their effectiveness in preserving cognitive functioning in older adults with dementia. However, little is known about MDL interventions using technology-based approaches in older adults residing in assisted living facilities. This qualitative study aims to explore the benefits of a mobile-based multidomain application, the Silvia Program, in enhancing the cognitive functioning of residents in assisted living facilities.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews to capture the health-related benefits and perspectives of the Silvia Program after a 12-week period. Ten participants (70% female; age range 66–93), all at risk of dementia (with MoCA scores between 18 and 25), were recruited from two local community assisted living facilities in the Midwestern area. Five steps of high-quality analysis of interview transcript was conducted.
Results
We identified three salient themes resulting from Silvia Program participation: (a) Cognitive benefits, (b) psychological wellbeing, (c) Health-related behavior management, (d) Technology anxiety, and (e) Content issues.
Discussion
The present study provides suggestive evidence for an overall positive effect of the use of the Silvia Program on the cognitive functioning among residents in ALFs. Practical implications and further discussion are addressed in this paper.
Dried Anaerobic Digestate From Slaughterhouse by-products: Emerging Cues for a Bio-based Fertilization
Authors: Ciurli Andrea , Biase Giampaolo Di , Rossi Mario , Grigatti Marco , Ciavatta Claudio , Cavani Luciano
Published: May 2024

The slaughterhouse and meat industry are worldwide rapidly growing and produce billions of tonnes of organic wastes annually. These materials can be used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion and the resulting digestate represents a potential source of organic carbon and nutrients that could be applied to the soil as organic fertilizer. The present work aims to assess the fertilizing potential of a dried anaerobic digestate (DD) produced from beef slaughtering waste. DD was characterized at the physic-chemical level, particularly focusing on macro- and micronutrient contents, potentially toxic element and organic contaminants. Then, a short-term soil incubation experiment was performed on two different soils. After the incubation, DD released 10-26% of their total nitrogen (N) and 13-16% of total phosphorus (P), depending on the soils that had different characteristics and responded differently to the treatments. However, DD had e positive effect on the principal soil fertility indicators, such as chitinase and phosphatases, stimulating the microbial activity and therefore exploiting a fertilizing potential as well as other organic fertilizers. Moreover, DD had minor effects on soil extractable carbon (Cext) suggesting the presence of recalcitrant C forms in spite of soluble C, indicating a higher stability of slaughterhouse by-products after anaerobic digestion in respect to the other organic fertilizers tested. The results obtained in this work raise the concrete possibility use DD as a bio-based fertilizer.
Improving communication strategies for vulnerable populations during health crises: Learnings from COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study in an informal settlement in Mumbai, India
Authors: Krishnan Supriya , Spencer Jennifer , Tiwari Apurva , Das Sushmita , Waingankar Anagha , Shende Sushma , Pantvaidya Shanti , D’souza Vanessa , Fernandez Armida , Jayaraman Anuja
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic provided lessons for health policies across the globe. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of vulnerable populations in an informal settlement in Mumbai, India, during the pandemic. We discuss the viability and effectiveness of communication strategies using the results and provide suggestions for policy modifications regarding awareness generation and behavioral change during health emergencies. The study was conducted through a telephone survey among 460 respondents (233 men and 226 women) from April to May 2021. Television (94%) and family (70%) were the most common sources of information, but they were not the most trusted. Most respondents knew the causes and preventive measures of COVID-19, including vaccination. However, awareness did not always result in changes in attitudes and behavior- 66% perceived low or no risk to COVID-19, while 93% did not consider it essential to wear masks in workspaces and 78% did not sanitize hands before entering workspaces. More respondents had fears related to loss of employment (53%) than their physical (10%) or mental (4%) health. The study highlights the need for context-specific communication strategies among vulnerable populations. This includes reliable and accessible sources of information, an emphasis on information accuracy and detail, and a holistic and multidimensional approach to awareness and information sharing.
Surveillance of Antimicrobial resistance among organism causing Bacteremia in patients admitted in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Southwestern Uganda
Authors: bazira Joel , Petra Nalumaga Pauline , Iramiot Jacob , Kuraishi Baluku , Walekhwa Abel , Derick Hope , Mugisha Lawrence
Published: May 2024

Blood stream infections are the major cause of fevers of undetermined origin in Africa. The continuing emergence of pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to first-line antimicrobials is a cause of increasing Anti-Microbial Resistance concern. This study aimed at understanding the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in order to serve as a quality assurance tool to determine common pathogens causing bacteremia, trends of antimicrobial resistance which will guide drug-policy decisions and facilitate rational use of drugs to prevent the further emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
This study analyzed results of blood cultures that were routinely taken from patients of different age groups with fever or suspicion of sepsis among patients admitted in different wards of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and transported to Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the microbiology laboratory between 2015 and 2022. Bacterial isolates of clinical significance from specimens received during the study period were recorded in WHONET (surveillance software) and exported to STATA for analysis.
Bloodstream infections were confirmed in 259 cases over the seven-year study period. Gram positive pathogens accounted for 160 (61.7%) in the confirmed infections while gram negative pathogens accounted for 99 (38.2%) of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most isolated pathogen accounting for 57.1% (n=148) of the blood stream infections. Both the Gram positive and gram negative bacteria demonstrated increasing resistance towards among Ceftriaxone and Ampicillin. Using advanced information technology to study antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of resistant bacteria in blood culture isolates will be useful in directing empiric antibiotic therapy of severe sepsis in Uganda because laboratory data being will be collected and analyzed rapidly.
Regional Variation in Phragmites australis Reproductive Traits and Seedling Performance in North America
Authors: Lee Sean , McCormick Melissa K. , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Clay Keith , Farrer Emily C.
Published: May 2024

Seedling recruitment is an important mode of spread utilized by many invasive plants. In widespread invasive plants, regional variation in the rates of seedling recruitment can contribute to differences in invasion intensity across regions. In this study we examined regional variation in reproductive traits and seedling performance in a cosmopolitan invasive wetland grass, Phragmites australis. We tested whether nitrogen levels and regions with different histories and intensities of invasion would affect reproductive traits and seedling performance. We sampled invasive Phragmites inflorescences from 34 populations across three regions in North America: The Northeast (oldest most intense invasion), the Midwest (recent intense invasion), and Southeast (recent sparse invasion). We hypothesized that Northeast Phragmites populations would have the highest reproductive output and seedling performance, and that populations experiencing high nitrogen pollution would have higher reproductive output and seedling performance under high nitrogen conditions. We found that populations in the Northeast had the highest inflorescence mass, as expected. We also found that despite sparse distribution of Phragmites in the Southeast, populations from the Southeast displayed a high potential for sexual reproduction. However, increasing watershed-level nitrogen decreased percent seed germination in Southeastern populations, suggesting that Southeastern populations are sensitive to rising nitrogen levels. While elevated nitrogen increased belowground growth in Southeastern Phragmites seedlings, elevated nitrogen decreased belowground growth in Midwestern seedlings. These results suggest that the southeastern region of North America may become the next invasion front of Phragmites, warranting more research into the possible management of Phragmites spread in the region.
Hydro-Morphometric Analysis for Flood Potential Assessment in Swarna Watershed, Karnataka, India- Implication on Coastal Water Conservation and Protection
Authors: T Nagamani K , N Bhagwat T
Published: May 2024

A thorough understanding of mountain hydrological processes and a careful assessment of the hydrological characteristics of coastal watersheds are essential for managing floods effectively. This work uses RS and GIS approaches to analyze hydro-morphometric aspects in the Swarna watershed. Gaining important insights into flood zone assessment through the integration of innovative techniques is essential for addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the management of water resources. Finding the highest priority sub-watersheds based on morphometric traits, flood potential indicators, and land use/land cover (LULC) analysis is the main goal of the current study. This all-inclusive approach prioritizes and classifies the detected sub-watersheds by considering thirteen different morphometric characteristics, such as linear, areal, and relief measurements. Further, to improve the ranking process, the current study also incorporates nine LULC features and two indicators of flood potential. Following these extensive evaluations, three groupings of significance—high, moderate, and low—have been established for the sub-watersheds. Within high-priority sub-watersheds, SW5 and SW6 are designated as low flood risk and high groundwater recharge, while SW1 and SW2 are designated as high-risk flood zones and low groundwater recharge areas. These developments present significant opportunities for decision-makers, providing them with a strong foundation for formulating and implementing efficient watershed management plans. Interdisciplinary approaches play a critical role in properly integrating techniques for groundwater recharge and surface water harvesting into flood management plans. Techniques including artificial recharge structures, check dams, and rainwater harvesting systems merged smoothly with conventional flood protection strategies. The long-term welfare of coastal communities is secured by implementing these strategies, which not only reduce the risk of flooding but also improve water supply and ecosystem sustainability.
The effects of plants extracts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on Varroa destractor (Acarina: Varroidae) and Nosema ceranae (Dissociodihaplophasida: Nosematidae) in adult worker honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Sarhangzadeh Keikhosrow , Yakhchali Mohammad , Moradi Mostafa
Published: May 2024

Varroa destructor is one of the important mites of the Western honey bees in Iran and throughout the world. Nosema ceranae is also cause of decreasing honey bee colony population. Herbal extracts are applicable replacement for chemical compounds in order to control bee mites and microsporidian agents. The aim of this study was to determine effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of thyme and lavender in infected adult worker bees with V. destructor and N. ceranae. Hydro-alcoholic extracts and doses consisting of 2% thyme (2g/100ml) and 2% lavender (2g/100ml) were prepared and employed in treatment groups with three replicates. Dead mites were collected at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours and efficacy was measured. Twenty examined adult bees were collected at 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours and spores’ reduction were determined. The highest mortality effects of plant extracts of thyme and lavender on V. destructor was 81% and 76% at 48h, respectively. The extracts had significant association with mortality of V. destructor and their efficacies were comparable to Apistan. Decreasing of number of N. ceranae spores was significant in comparing with each plant extracts and their efficacies were comparable to fumagilin. Nosema spores' reduction in bees was 4–5 fold less after extract treatment. The plant extract of thyme had higher antimicrosporidian activity against N. ceranae than lavender and inhibited the development of Nosema spores after 72h of treatment. It is concluded that the extract plants might be applicable alternative compounds in V. destructor and N. ceranae control in bees' colonies.
ThyroNet-X4 Genesis: An Advanced Deep Learning Model for Auxiliary Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules' Malignancy
Authors: Wang Xiaoxue , Niu Yupeng , Liu Hongli , Tian Fa , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yimeng , Wang Yeju , Li Yijia
Published: May 2024

Thyroid nodules are common endocrine disorders, and the discrimination between benign and malignant nodules is crucial for treatment decisions. Traditional ultrasound diagnosis relies on the experience of physicians, which may pose risks of misdiagnosis. In this study, we propose a novel deep learning model, ThyroNet-X4 Genesis, for the automatic classification of thyroid nodules' malignancy. This model is based on the ResNet module, which optimizes computational efficiency and enhances feature extraction capabilities by introducing grouped convolution and increasing the convolution kernel size, thus extracting features and classifying nodules in ultrasound images. We obtained data from publicly available medical imaging databases for internal training and validation and used ultrasound images collected from HanZhong Central Hospital as an external validation set to evaluate the model's generalization ability and practical application value.ThyroNet-X4 Genesis achieved training and validation accuracies of 85.55% and 71.70%, respectively, on the internal validation set, with a testing accuracy of 67.02% on the external validation set, outperforming other mainstream comparative models, indicating its good performance in actual clinical applications. The development of this model showcases the potential of deep learning in thyroid imaging analysis, providing valuable references for future development of high-performance medical diagnostic models.
Construction Algorithm of Non-degenerate Complex Domain Chaotic System with Application on PRNG
Authors: Dai Xu , Wang Xiaotong , Han Haotong , Wang Erfu
Published: May 2024

Based on the theory of eigenvalue estimation, this paper proposes a construction algorithm for N-dimensional discrete non-degenerate chaotic system defined in complex domain. Through theoretical analysis, it's proved that the system constructed by the algorithm not only exhibits non-degenerate properties in complex domain, but also maintains non-degeneracy for its real and imaginary components. In order to verify the effectiveness and feasibility, the example of a three-dimensional discrete complex domain chaotic system is taken. The dynamic properties of this system is thoroughly analyzed including the chaotic generation mechanism, Lyapunov exponents (LEs), chaotic phase diagram and sequence statistical characteristics. The algorithm reversely manages the positional relationship between the Gerschgorin disk of the coefficient matrix and the unit circle, ensuring all eigenvalues fall within the desired range. Subsequently, a non-degenerate chaotic system is constructed in which all LEs are positive. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG), and various indicators are experimentally analyzed. The results demonstrate that the constructed PRNG exhibits favorable statistical characteristics and is excellent for application in secure communication.
A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 5700 reported medication incidents in residential aged care
Authors: Silva S. Sandun M. , Wabe Nasir , Raban Magdalena Z. , Nguyen Amy D. , Huang Guogui , Xu Ying , Mercado Crisostomo , Firempong Desiree C. , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: May 2024

Background
Problems with medication management are consistently identified as key concerns for the quality of residential aged care (RAC). Incident reports can provide valuable information on key issues related to medication management; however, few studies have explored medication incidents in residential aged care (RAC) settings. Therefore, this study investigates the characteristics of medication incidents at different stages of medication management and identifies risk factors associated with incidents.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medication incidence data from 25 RAC facilities in New South Wales, Australia. All medication incidents reported between 1st July 2014 and 31st August 2021 relating to 5709 aged care residents aged ≥ 65 years were included. The outcome measure was the medication incidence rate (IR), quantified as the number of medication incidents per 1000 resident days. A multilevel Poisson regression model was performed to identify risk factors associated with exposure to medication incidents.
Results
A total of 5708 medication incidents were reported. The overall medication IR was 1.81 per 1000 resident days (95% CI 1.76, 1.86). Of 5709 residents, 35% (n = 2,016) had at least one recorded medication incident, of which 1,095 had more than one. The majority of the incidents were associated with medication administration (3023 incidents, 53%), followed by supply (n = 1546, 27%) and monitoring the response to the medication (n = 548, 9.6%). The outcome of the incident on residents was reported in 5165 (90%) incidents, with 724 (14%) requiring the resident to be monitored by the hospital, general practitioner (GP), or staff. Respite admissions were associated with a higher risk of medication incidents compared with permanent admissions (rate ratio (RR) = 1.908, 95% CI 1.646, 2.211, p < 0.01). Residents with Parkinson’s disease had a 1.5-fold greater risk of a medication incident (RR = 1.586, 95% CI 1.318, 1.908) compared to other residents. The administration of more than five medications (polypharmacy) was associated with an increased risk of medication incidents (RR = 2.019, 95% CI 1.930, 2.111).
Conclusion
Medication incidents affected more than one-third of older adults in RAC facilities. Improvement strategies should focus on medication administration, supply and monitoring, with particular attention given to respite residents and those with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of MoS 2 / CNTs nanomaterials
Authors: Zhou Meipan , Wei Zhiqiang , Zhang Huining , Bai Jinglong , Zhao Jiwei , Ding Meijie
Published: May 2024

MoS2 is a fascinating two-dimensional material with a range of remarkable properties. The structure of this composite material comprises a layer of molybdenum atoms sandwiched between two layers of sulfur atoms，which imparts several remarkable properties to the material, including exceptional chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and a large specific surface area. This article describes the successful synthesis of MoS2 and MoS2/CNTs (carbon nanotube) nanocomposites via a hydrothermal method, the introduction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) significantly enhancing specific surface area and improving electrical conductivity. At a current density of 1 A g-1, the MoS2/CNTs composite exhibited a specific capacity of 108.8 m Ah g-1. Following 5000 cycles with a current density of 10 A g-1, the material retained 74.49% of its capacity and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. The hybrid supercapacitor, denoted as MC2//AC, exhibited a specific capacity of 90.44 m Ah g-1 at a moderate current density of 1 A g-1. Even after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g-1, the capacity retention remained at 66.46%. At a power density of 799.27 W kg-1, the energy density reached 41.88 Wh kg-1. The result of research shows that the MoS2/CNTs nanocomposites display outstanding electrochemical performance, making them promising electrode materials in energy storage applications.
Enhancing Individual Task Performance and Productivity: An Ethnographic Observational Study of Supported Employment Among Social Services Clients in Finland
Authors: Juvonen-Posti Pirjo , Vuorento Mirkka
Published: May 2024

Background:
The purpose of the study was to investigate the various aspects of employees' work environment, including their job characteristics; the level of support provided by supervisors, job coaches and coworkers; and their perceptions of job performance and productivity from the perspectives of both employees and supervisors in the context of sustainable employability in supported employment interventions. This study was part of the Finnish Work Ability Programme Evaluation Study (2020–2024).
Methods:
This study is theoretically informed by the concepts of specific work ability and sustainable employability, as well as how health affects productivity at the task level—approach. The research is based on qualitative data obtained through ethnographic fieldwork, nonparticipating observing with interaction at work, which includes observing employed individuals in their workplaces. Additionally, we recoded discussions, took photos at work, and conducted interviews with supervisors and job coaches.
Results:
The main findings were that persons with disability or decreased work ability were employed in precarious low-productivity work, with limited opportunities for more sustainable employment. Several means from public employment services to decrease the employer's personnel costs were used. The supervisors appeared to have a strong grasp of each employee's task-specific productivity level. Supervisors had to adapt their usual tasks to provide extra support for employees, often focusing more on work performance. The role of coworkers and the work community as whole was also important. The personal support of job coaches during the employment phase was crucial, but their role in the workplace was unclear, especially to employers.
Conclusions:
To strengthen sustainable careers, the matching of jobs and individuals should be promoted through closer and productivity-oriented cooperation with employers and work communities in vocational rehabilitation and re-employment. The chosen qualitative research strategy, ethnographic fieldwork at work and multiperspective data collection provided new interpretations of the possibilities for sustainable employability using the Supported Employment method. From the perspectives of both enabling prolonged working careers for employees and providing a clear understanding of task-performance-based productivity to employers, there is a need for more microlevel data on what happens in work and workplaces, particularly the social mechanisms through which results are achieved.
Substrate stiffness regulates collective colony expansion of the social bacterium Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Faiza Nuzhat , Welch Roy , Patteson Alison
Published: May 2024

Many cellular functions depend on the physical properties of the cell’s environment. Many bacteria have different types of surface appendages to enable adhesion and motion on a variety of surfaces. Myxococcus xanthus is a social soil bacterium with two distinctly regulated modes of surface motility, termed the social motility mode driven by type iv pili and the adventurous motility mode based on focal adhesion complexes. How bacteria sense different surfaces and subsequently coordinate their collective motion remains largely unclear. Using polyacrylamide hydrogels of tunable stiffness, we found that wild-type M. xanthus spreads faster on stiffer substrates. Here, we show using motility mutants that disrupt adventurous motility suppresses this substrate-stiffness response, suggesting focal-adhesion-based adventurous motility is substrate-stiffness dependent. We also show that modifying surface adhesion by the addition of adhesive ligands, chitosan, increases the amount of M. xanthus flairs, a characteristic feature of adventurous motility. Taken together, we hypothesize a central role of M. xanthus adventurous motility as a driving mechanism for surface and surface stiffness sensing.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of the Lhc Gene Family in Tetradesmus obliquus
Authors: Tan Hailing , Ma Yonghua , Cai Gaolei , Tan Hui , You Deyu , Yin Yuhang , Yang Jun , Tan Fengxia , Chai Yi
Published: May 2024

The process of photosynthesis depends heavily on the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins (Lhc). However, to date, there has been a lack of systematic understanding of the Lhc gene family members in T. obliquus. This study conducted a systematic identification and analysis of the Lhc family genes in T. obliquus using bioinformatics. The findings show that 33 ToLhc genes in total, dispersed unevenly over 14 chromosomes, were found in T. obliquus. Most ToLhc genes encode stable proteins, with the majority predicted to localize in the chloroplast. The most prevalent cis-acting elements were those linked to both biotic and abiotic stress responses, according to analysis.RT-qPCR analysis showed that all ToLhc genes were down-regulated under 6 mg/L Cr6+ conditions, except for ToLhca1/5.3 and ToLhcb1.1, which maintained expression levels. This study systematically identified and characterized members of the ToLhc gene family in the green algae T. obliquus. Additionally, it offered an initial comprehension of the expression patterns of 33 genes under Cr6+ heavy metal stress. The aim was to assess and predict the ecological risk of heavy metal Cr6+ pollution to aquatic organisms, and to offer a theoretical framework for assessing how Cr6+ affects algae.
Reel for a Good Feel: Impact of Social Media Use During Microbreaks on Employee Resources
Authors: Grobelny Jaroslaw , Glinka Marta , Chirkowska-Smolak Teresa
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of social media-related microbreaks on the resource recovery of employees. Specifically, we examined whether or not the brief, hedonic use of social media through algorithmic videos could fully replenish resources, such as vigor and fatigue, that are depleted after performing clerical tasks. We also compared this form of recovery to other established microbreak activities. We used a pre-registered, mixed-method experimental design to collect data from 308 employees. A series of mixed-method ANOVA tests complemented by quadratic linear contrast terms and post-hoc analyses were performed to test hypotheses and address research questions. The findings indicate that although social media microbreaks offer a certain degree of resource replenishment, they do not provide full recovery, particularly regarding fatigue. Social media facilitate a reasonable psychological detachment but fall short in other recovery experiences. Notably, exposure to nature yielded more beneficial results. The study contributes novel insights to a field primarily focused on the negative impacts of excessive social media use and suggests that rational and brief usage can be advantageous for employee well-being.
Research on the Identification Method of Respiratory Tract Infections Based on Multi-parameter Fusion
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Shaokang , Wang Jingyi , Zhao Mengmeng , Tang Jiantong , Zhang Haoyang , Wang Huiquan , Yu Xin , Zhang Yuan
Published: May 2024

Background
Cough sounds, as one of the common symptoms of respiratory diseases, are not only rich in information but also translate the health status of the respiratory system. In order to achieve non-invasive, accurate, and rapid identification of respiratory tract infections,this study designed experiments to collect cough sound data from individuals with different symptoms.
Methods
Various feature parameters were extracted from the cough sound data, and a respiratory tract infection identification model was established based on machine learning methods. A total of 20 patients with upper respiratory tract infections and 37 patients with lower respiratory tract infections were included in this study.
Results
From these patients, 165 upper respiratory tract infection cough events and 265 lower respiratory tract infection cough events were extracted. MFCC feature parameters, wavelet coefficient-related feature parameters, and entropy-related feature parameters were extracted from the cough events and various combinations were considered. Random forest was employed to construct the respiratory tract infection identification model using different combinations of feature parameters. The results showed that different feature combinations resulted in different modeling performance. Among them, three feature combination strategies showed the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 90% and an AUC of 94%.
Conclusions
This study successfully realized effective classification of respiratory tract infections through cough sounds, providing doctors with a non-invasive, accurate, and rapid auxiliary diagnostic tool.
Structure design and vibration control of vibration reduction boring bar with variable damping
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Jingxin , Ma Jing , Gao Dayong , Han Jiaming , Li Jianran
Published: May 2024

A vibration reducing boring bar with variable damping is proposed as a solution to the issue of poor stability of boring bars during boring machining. This will enhance the stability of boring machining. Firstly, this article places a variable damping absorber in the cavity at the front end of the boring bar. An excitation coil, a mass block, and a cantilever beam make up the absorber structure. It contributes to damping adjustment by adjusting the excitation coil's energizing voltage, which alters the damping force on the mass block. On this basis, establish a dynamic model and analyze the damping and magnetic field of the variable damping absorber. Simultaneously building a vibration damping boring bar system platform based on LabVIEW to monitor and control the vibration status of the boring bar. Ultimately, performance testing of the absorber and boring experiments confirmed the viability of the vibration damping boring bar. The results showed that the maximum vibration acceleration of the vibration damping boring bar decreased by about 34.7%. It has been proven that the variable damping vibration reduction boring bar has good vibration reduction effect.