bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating a 4-photon tetrahedron state: toward simultaneous super-sensitivity to non-commuting rotations
Authors: Ferretti Hugo , Batuhan Yilmaz Y. , Bonsma-Fisher Kent , Goldberg Aaron Z. , Lupu-Gladstein Noah , Pang Arthur O. T. , Rozema Lee A. , Steinberg Aephraim M.
Published: February 2024

It is often thought that the super-sensitivity of a quantum state to an observable comes at the cost of a decreased sensitivity to other non-commuting observables. For example, a squeezed state squeezed in position quadrature is super-sensitive to position displacements, but very insensitive to momentum displacements. This misconception was cleared with the introduction of the compass state [Nature 412, 712 (2001)10.1038/35089017], a quantum state equally super-sensitive to displacements in position and momentum. When looking at quantum states used to measure spin rotations, N00N states are known to be more advantageous than classical methods as long as they are aligned to the rotation axis. When considering the estimation of a rotation with unknown direction and amplitude, a certain class of states stands out with interesting properties. These states are equally sensitive to rotations around any axis, are second-order unpolarized, and can possess the rotational properties of Platonic solids in particular dimensions. Importantly, these states are optimal for simultaneously estimating the three parameters describing a rotation. In the asymptotic limit, estimating all d parameters describing a transformation simultaneously rather than sequentially can lead to a reduction of the appropriately weighted sum of the measured parameters’ variances by a factor of d. We report the experimental creation and characterization of the lowest-dimensional such state, which we call the “tetrahedron state” due to its tetrahedral symmetry. This tetrahedron state is created in the symmetric subspace of four optical photons’ polarization in a single spatial and temporal mode, which behaves as a spin-2 particle. While imperfections due to the hardware limited the performance of our method, ongoing technological advances will enable this method to generate states which out-perform any other existing strategy in per-photon comparisons.
Is addressing violence against women prioritised in health policies? Findings from a WHO policies database
Authors: Burke Eva , Watson Katherine , Eva Gillian , Gold Judy , Garcia-Moreno Claudia , Amin Avni
Published: February 2024

Violence against women (VAW) affects almost 1 in 3 women and can lead to short and long-term adverse health outcomes. The health sector is an important entry point to respond to VAW. Globally, countries have committed to eliminating VAW through the SDGs and WHO Member States have endorsed a Global Plan of Action on Violence, which asks countries to provide comprehensive health services to VAW survivors. To track progress and establish a baseline for the Global Plan of Action on Violence, WHO developed a VAW Policies Database to assess how countries are addressing VAW in health and multisectoral policies. This paper presents findings from 15 select indicators related to the existence of VAW-related policies and the inclusion of health services for survivors in policies in line with WHO recommendations. Results show that while 80% of countries have multisectoral VAW policies in place, only 34% have national health policies that include VAW response and/or prevention as a strategic priority, and 48% have clinical guidelines for the health sector response. Policies were analysed to identify inclusion of WHO-recommended VAW health services: 75% of countries’ policies mention provision of first-line support; while 50% or fewer of countries mention clinical enquiry to identify intimate partner violence, post-rape care services, or mental health assessment, referral and treatment. The high-income countries group had the lowest proportion of countries that specified each of the above-mentioned health services in policies. Findings show that more efforts are needed to raise the awareness of ministries of health about the public health impact of VAW and the importance of including VAW in health policies. Where policies exist, many are not aligned with WHO-recommendations. Policy dialogues should be conducted with governments on how to better align their VAW policies with internationally-agreed, evidence-based standards, and to implement them through programmes and services.
Assessment of a screening tool to aid home-based identification of adolescents (aged 10–14) living with HIV in Zambia and South Africa: HPTN 071 (PopART) study
Authors: Chaila Mwate Joseph , Mcleod David , Vermund Sten H. , Mbolongwe-Thornicroft Moomba , Mbewe Madalitso , Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa Constance , Harper Abigail , Schaap Albertus , Floyd Sian , Hoddinott Graeme , Hayes Richard , Fidler Sarah , Ayles Helen , Shanaube Kwame ,   on behalf of the HPTN 071 (PopART) for Youth (P-ART-Y) Study Team
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The HPTN071 (PopART) for Youth (P-ART-Y) study evaluated the acceptability and uptake of a community-level combination HIV prevention package including universal testing and treatment (UTT) among young people in Zambia and South Africa. We determined whether a four-question primary care level screening tool, validated for use in clinical settings, could enhance community (door-to-door) identification of undiagnosed HIV-positive younger adolescents (aged 10–14) who are frequently left out of HIV interventions.

Method

Community HIV-care Providers (CHiPs) contacted and consented adolescents in their homes and offered them participation in the PopART intervention. CHiPs used a four question-screening tool, which included: history of hospital admission; recurring skin problems; poor health in last 3 months; and death of at least one parent. A “yes” response to one or more questions was classified as being “at risk” of being HIV-positive. Rapid HIV tests were offered to all children. Data were captured through an electronic data capture device from August 2016 to December 2017. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were estimated for the screening tool, using the rapid HIV test result as the gold standard.

Results

In our 14 study sites, 33,710 adolescents aged 10–14 in Zambia and 8,610 in South Africa participated in the study. About 1.3% (427/33,710) and 1.2% (106/8,610) self-reported to be HIV positive. Excluding the self-reported HIV-positive, we classified 11.3% (3,746/33,283) of adolescents in Zambia and 17.5% (1,491/8,504) in South Africa as “at risk”. In Zambia the estimated sensitivity was 35.3% (95% CI 27.3%-44.2%) and estimated specificity was 88.9% (88.5%-89.2%). In South Africa the sensitivity was 72.3% (26.8%-94.9%) and specificity was 82.5% (81.6–83.4%).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of the screening tool in a community setting in Zambia was low, so this tool should not be considered a substitute for universal testing where that is possible. In South Africa the sensitivity was higher, but with a wide confidence interval. Where universal testing is not possible the tool may help direct resources to adolescents more likely to be living with undiagnosed HIV.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Number: NCT01900977.
Prevalence of fever and its associated risk factors among patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana
Authors: Bashir Muhyideen Alhassan , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Amponsah-Manu Forster
Published: February 2024

Background

In Ghana, temperature check at various points of entry was adopted as a means of screening people for coronavirus disease 2019 without taking into consideration data on the local prevalence of fever associated with the disease. Our objective was to assess fever prevalence and its associated risk factors among patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua in Ghana.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of 301 coronavirus disease 2019 patients who were admitted at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua between May 5, 2020, and August 31, 2021. Data collected on a pre-designed extraction sheet was processed, entered and analysed using Microsoft excel 2019 and Stata/IC version 16.1 software. Prevalence of fever was estimated and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to establish risk factors associated with fever among hospitalised coronavirus disease 2019 patients. A relationship was accepted to be significant at 5% level of significance.

Results

The prevalence of fever among hospitalised coronavirus disease 2019 patients was 21.6% (95% CI, 17.1%-26.7%). Risk factors associated with fever were age group [0–19 years (AOR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.46–22.68; p = 0.013); 20–39 years (AOR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.42–7.29; p = 0.005)], comorbidity (AOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.04–4.59; p = 0.040), and disease severity [moderate (AOR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.44–10.49; p = 0.007); severe (AOR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.36–12.21; p = 0.012); critical (AOR, 4.85; 95% CI, 1.03–22.85; p = 0.046)].

Conclusions

The prevalence of fever was low among hospitalised coronavirus disease 2019 patients at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua. However, there was an increasing risk of fever as the disease severity progresses. Fever screening may be utilised better in disease of higher severity; it should not be used alone especially in mild disease.
Barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: The perspective of adolescents
Authors: Karchynskaya Viktoryia , Kopcakova Jaroslava , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Katrusin Boris , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , de Winter Andrea F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Interventions to improve physical activity (PA) among adolescents continue to be a public health priority. To promote PA more effectively, we need to identify the main factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA in the perspective of adolescents themselves. Thus, we explored the barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents from their point of view.

Methods

We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We obtained data from 14–17 years old adolescents from the first year of Slovak high school. We conducted 11 online, semi-structured individual and group interviews with 24 participants in total (7 boys; mean age = 15.17, SD = 0.87) in Slovakia. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis.

Results

In the statements of adolescents, four main themes were identified regarding factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA among adolescents. ‘Myself as a source’ represents the importance of adolescents’ own efforts, knowledge, physical predispositions and PA experience. ‘How PA can be done’ represents school as an opportunity for PA, and PA teachers and sports coaches as specialists who can create an enabling environment for sports. ‘Others as a source’ represents the social circle that can set a positive sports example and can encourage adolescent’s efforts in PA. ‘Factors outside’ represents other factors that can inspire adolescents, e.g. by giving them a comfortable space and time to exercise, or can be a barrier to PA.

Conclusion

The potential factors that include adolescents’ perspectives can be more leveraged in designing supportive, inclusive, enjoyable, and skills-appropriate PA programmes.
Paired assistance and poverty alleviation: Experience and evidence from China
Authors: Wang Quanzhong , Tian Zhongbao , Zhu Sai
Published: February 2024

This paper used the micro panel data from 2016 to 2019 of 2031 registered poor households in B Town, W County, Lu’an City of Anhui Province in China to analyze the diversified patterns and poverty alleviation effect of paired assistance based on the PSM-DID model. The empirical results show that paired assistance provided by social forces can significantly contribute to the poverty alleviation of poor households, promoting the poverty alleviation rate by 7.8%, which can be concluded through sample matching and control of relevant variables. Furthermore, based on the subsample of poor households with social assistance, we found that external social assistance subject to paired assistance can significantly improve the poverty alleviation rate of poor households by 14.26%, mainly hung on their economic base and strength of poverty alleviation.
Gender differences in Dutch research funding over time: A statistical investigation of the innovation scheme 2012–2021
Authors: Albers Casper , van der Molen Sense Jan , Bol Thijs
Published: February 2024

Background

In 2015, the Dutch research council, NWO, took measures to combat gender bias disadvantaging female applicants in a popular three-tiered funding scheme called the Talent Programme. The innovation scheme consists of three grants for different career stages, called Veni, Vidi and Vici.

Objectives

This paper studies the question whether or not NWO has been successful in removing gender differences in their funding procedure.

Methods

Using all available data from 2012 onwards of grant applications in the Talent Programme (16,249 applications of which 2,449 received funding), we study whether these measures had an effect using binomial generalized linear models.

Results

We find strong statistical evidence of a shift in gender effects in favour of female applicants in the first tier, the Veni (p< .001). Significant gender differences are not found in the two other tiers, the Vidi and Vici schemes.

Conclusions

In recent years, female applicants are more likely to be awarded with a Veni grant than male applicants and this gender gap has increased over time. This suggests that gender differences still exist in the assessment of Talent Programme submissions, albeit in a different direction than a decade ago.
Association between mean platelet volume and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Jun , He Jie , Chen MeiFeng , Li Jia
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite polysomnography (PSG) being acknowledged being considered the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), researchers have been seeking a biomarker that is less invasive, more practical in detection, and cost-effective for diagnosing and assessing the severity of the disease. To address this concern, the values of mean platelet volume (MPV) between patients with OSAHS and healthy controls were compared, and the relationship between MPV and multiple sleep monitoring parameters was analyzed in this study.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across medical databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang, up until August 2, 2023, to identify published articles related to OSAHS. This study reviewed the literature regarding the values of MPV in individuals with OSAHS and control groups, the Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients between MPV and sleep monitoring parameters, and the odds ratios (OR) of MPV concerning the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with OSAHS. Meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean difference (SMD), Fisher’s z values correlation coefficients (ZCOR) and odds ratio (OR) as effect variables. A fixed-effect model was used if the heterogeneity was not significant (I2<50%); otherwise, a random-effect model was applied. We will also combine the treatment effect estimates of individual trials using fixed‐effect and random‐effects models. Statistical analysis was carried out by employing STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3.

Results

In total, 31 articles were selected for the final analysis. The study involved 3604 patients and 1165 control individuals. The MPV in the OSAHS group was considerably elevated in comparison to the healthy controls (SMD = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.21–0.53, P < 0.001), particularly among individuals with severe OSAHS (SMD = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.23–0.90, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, mean body mass index (BMI), and study design type also revealed a considerably higher MPV in the OSAHS category in comparison to the healthy controls. Furthermore, MPV showed correlations with various sleep monitoring parameters. The elevation of MPV may be one of the risk factors for CVDs in individuals with OSAHS (adjusted OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.08–2.73, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

MPV is a relatively simple, cost-effective, and practical indicator of the severity of OSAHS, with its values being linked to the risk of CVDs in individuals with OSAHS.
Impact of bread diet on intestinal dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in quiescent ulcerative colitis: A pilot study
Authors: Lluansí Aleix , Llirós Marc , Carreras-Torres Robert , Bahí Anna , Capdevila Montserrat , Feliu Anna , Vilà-Quintana Laura , Elias-Masiques Núria , Cueva Emilio , Peries Laia , Torrealba Leyanira , Miquel-Cusachs Josep Oriol , Sàbat Míriam , Busquets David , López Carmen , Delgado-Aros Sílvia , Garcia-Gil Librado Jesús , Elias Isidre , Aldeguer Xavier
Published: February 2024

Gut microbiota may be involved in the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptomatology in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in remission. Bread is an important source of dietary fiber, and a potential prebiotic. To assess the effect of a bread baked using traditional elaboration, in comparison with using modern elaboration procedures, in changing the gut microbiota and relieving IBS-like symptoms in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. Thirty-one UC patients in remission with IBS-like symptoms were randomly assigned to a dietary intervention with 200 g/d of either treatment or control bread for 8 weeks. Clinical symptomatology was tested using questionnaires and inflammatory parameters. Changes in fecal microbiota composition were assessed by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. A decrease in IBS-like symptomatology was observed after both the treatment and control bread interventions as reductions in IBS-Symptom Severity Score values (p-value < 0.001) and presence of abdominal pain (p-value < 0.001). The treatment bread suggestively reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (p-value = 0.058). In addition, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio seemed to be associated with improving IBS-like symptoms as suggested by a slight decrease in patient without abdominal pain (p-value = 0.059). No statistically significant differential abundances were found at any taxonomic level. The intake of a bread baked using traditional elaboration decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which seemed to be associated with improving IBS-like symptoms in quiescent ulcerative colitis patients. These findings suggest that the traditional bread elaboration has a potential prebiotic effect improving gut health (ClinicalTrials.gov ID number of study: NCT05656391).
Remote measurement based care (RMBC) interventions for mental health—Protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Machleid Felix , Michnevich Twyla , Huang Leu , Schröder-Frerkes Louisa , Wiegmann Caspar , Muffel Toni , Kaminski Jakob
Published: February 2024

Background

Poor management of mental illnesses is associated with lower treatment adherence, chronification, avoidable re-hospitalisations, and high costs. Remote measurement based care (RMBC) interventions have gained increasing relevance due to its potential in providing a comprehensive and patient-centric approach to mental health management.

Objectives

The systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of existing evidence on the use of RMBC for patients with mental illness and to examine the effectiveness of RMBC interventions in alleviating disorder-specific symptoms, reducing relapse and improving recovery-oriented outcomes, global functioning, and quality of life.

Methods and analysis

Our multidisciplinary research team will develop a comprehensive search strategy, adapted to each electronic database (PubMed, Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO) to be examined systematically. Studies with patients formally diagnosed by the International Classification of Diseases or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which include assessment of self-reported psychiatric symptoms will be included. Publications will be reviewed by teams of independent researchers. Quality of studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Outcomes cover symptom-focused or disease-specific outcomes, relapse, recovery-focused outcomes, global functioning, quality of life and acceptability of the intervention. Further data that will be extracted includes study characteristics, target population, intervention, and tracking characteristics. Data will be synthesised qualitatively, summarising findings of the systematic review. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will be considered for meta-analysis if data is found comparable in terms of mental illness, study design and outcomes. Cumulative evidence will be evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022356176.
Performance of an offline systematic error correction strategy in pediatric patients receiving adjuvant conformal radiotherapy for Wilm’s tumor
Authors: Mruma Rashid Mussa , Dharsee Nazima , Malichewe Christina Vallen , Kisukari Jumaa Dachi , Yoram Furahini , Myanza Hemed Said , Meena Stephen Shedrack , Soko Geofrey Filbert
Published: February 2024

Background

Radiotherapy plays a key role as an adjuvant treatment in pediatric Wilm’s tumor, improving both survival and quality of life. The success of radiotherapy depends on the precise delivery of radiation dose to the tumor while sparing radiosensitive structures in the vicinity of the tumor. Pediatric patients pose unique challenges in achieving accurate radiotherapy delivery due to their inability to understand instructions and the high radiosensitivity of their tissues. Thus, it is important to determine the optimum geometric verification strategy that will ensure accurate delivery of the prescribed target as specified in the patient’s treatment plan.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of an offline geometric correction strategy in ensuring accuracy and reproducibility during radiotherapy delivery in Wilm’s tumor patients.

Material and methods

The extended no-action level offline correction strategy was applied in the radiotherapy delivery of 45 Wilm’s tumor patients. Gross errors from the first three fractions were used to calculate the mean errors which were then applied as offline correction factors. Mean errors among different groups were compared using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett’s pairwise comparisons. All statistical analyses and data visualization were performed using GraphPad Prism version 7 (Insight Partners, GraphPad Holdings, LLC).

Results

A total of 45 patients were included in the study. In all three orthogonal directions, the recorded gross errors were significantly lower after the application of the systematic error corrections. Random errors were significantly larger in the longitudinal direction compared to lateral (mean difference = 0.28, p = 0.036) and vertical directions (mean difference = 0.37 cm, p = 0.003). Patients’ age was a significant predictor of random errors whereby the magnitude of random error decreased with increasing age.

Conclusion

This study shows that the offline correction strategy used is effective in ensuring the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery in pediatric Wilm’s tumor patients.
Molecular network analysis of 308 newly diagnosed HIV infection and 210 ART failure patients from rural counties in Sichuan
Authors: Zhong Xia , Yuan Dan , Fan Shuang feng , Liu Yang , Su Ling , He Shi Jiao , Liang Shu , Yang Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Few studies on molecular epidemiology have studied people with newly diagnosed HIV infection and ART Failure Patients at the same time in rural China. With more serious HIV epidemic than in other provinces in China, Sichuan is an area suitable for this study.

Objective

To analyze the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular networks and factors related to network entry among newly diagnosed HIV infection and ART Failure Patients in three county-level cities (A, B, C) in Sichuan Province, to provide scientific basis for accurate prevention and control.

Methods

Nested PCR amplification method was used to amplify HIV-1 pol gene region of 530 blood samples, Sequencer 4.9 was used to edit, clean and splice the gene sequence, Bioedit correction, Fastree 2.1.8 and Figtree 1.4.2 to construct evolutionary tree and determine genotype. HyPhy2.2.4 and Cytoscape 3.6.1 software were used to construct molecular network. Logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results

523(98.68%) pol sequences were obtained, and a total of 518 valid sequences with basic information came into the final analyses. A total of 6 genotypes were detected, namely CRF01_AE (320,61.78%), CRF07_BC (149,28.76%), B (30,5.79%), CRF08_BC (11, 2.12%), CRF55_01B (6, 1.16%) and C (2, 0.39%). 186 of 518(35.91%) sequences entered the network at a genetic distance of 0.8%, forming 42 propagation clusters. “High-risk transmitters”(connected with two and more) accounted for 21.62%. Logistic regression showed that≥50 years old (OR = 2.474) were more risky than 18–49 years old, CRF07_BC sub-type (OR = 0.174) were less risky than CRF01_AE sub-type, B sub-type (OR = 6.698) is higher risky than CRF01_AE sub-type, and District B (OR = 0.077) less risky than that of A city.

Conclusion

The sources of HIV infection in rural Sichuan are diversified and complicated. The prevention and control of HIV infection in Sichuan Province should focus on strengthening the long-term dynamic detection of elderly population, B strain sub-type, and in City A.
On the use of fractional calculus to improve the pulse arrival time (PAT) detection when using photoplethysmography (PPG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals
Authors: Mohammadpoor Faskhodi Mahtab , A. Garcia-Gonzalez Miguel , Fernandez-Chimeno Mireya , Guede-Fernández Federico , Mateu-Mateus Marc , Capdevila Lluis , J. Ramos-Castro Juan
Published: February 2024

The pulse arrival time (PAT) has been considered a surrogate measure for pulse wave velocity (PWV), although some studies have noted that this parameter is not accurate enough. Moreover, the inter-beat interval (IBI) time series obtained from successive pulse wave arrivals can be employed as a surrogate measure of the RR time series avoiding the use of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Pulse arrival detection is a procedure needed for both PAT and IBI measurements and depends on the proper fiducial points chosen. In this paper, a new set of fiducial points that can be tailored using several optimization criteria is proposed to improve the detection of successive pulse arrivals. This set is based on the location of local maxima and minima in the systolic rise of the pulse wave after fractional differintegration of the signal. Several optimization criteria have been proposed and applied to high-quality recordings of a database with subjects who were breathing at different rates while sitting or standing. When a proper fractional differintegration order is selected by using the RR time series as a reference, the agreement between the obtained IBI and RR is better than that for other state-of-the-art fiducial points. This work tested seven different traditional fiducial points. For the agreement analysis, the median standard deviation of the difference between the IBI and RR time series is 5.72 ms for the proposed fiducial point versus 6.20 ms for the best-performing traditional fiducial point, although it can reach as high as 9.93 ms for another traditional fiducial point. Other optimization criteria aim to reduce the standard deviation of the PAT (7.21 ms using the proposed fiducial point versus 8.22 ms to 15.4 ms for the best- and worst-performing traditional fiducial points) or to minimize the standard deviation of the PAT attributable to breathing (3.44 ms using the proposed fiducial point versus 4.40 ms to 5.12 ms for best- and worst-performing traditional fiducial points). The use of these fiducial points may help to better quantify the beat-to-beat PAT variability and IBI time series.
How can we promote vaccination of the mass population?—Lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination defaults
Authors: Takebayashi Masaki , Namba Mira , Kaneda Yudai , Koyama Tatsuya , Miyashita Soichiro , Takebayashi Kurenai , Ohnishi Motoki
Published: February 2024

While vaccines are pivotal in combating COVID-19, concerns about side effects and complex procedures have hindered complete vaccination. Prior studies suggest that individuals defaulted to opt-out exhibit higher COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to those in opt-in systems. However, these studies were conducted in countries with a tolerant attitude towards vaccination and default changes, targeting specific age groups, and did not address potential deterrents like the increase in cancellation rates on the day, discomfort towards changing defaults, or the possibility of the opt-out effect being a one-time occurrence. Under the hypothesis that the default nature of the COVID-19 vaccination system influences attitudes towards vaccination even in countries conservative about vaccination and default changes like in Japan, we aimed to examine the differences in the first and second dose vaccination rates, cancellation rates, and the number of complaints between the opt-in and opt-out systems for COVID-19 vaccination. An email survey was conducted in 10 cities in A Prefecture, Japan. The results showed not only higher COVID-19 vaccination rates across all comparable age groups in the opt-out group but also a notably smaller decrease in the second-dose vaccination rate compared to the opt-in group, all achieved without any complaints about the system’s introduction. Consequently, it can be inferred that the potential inhibiting factors were largely overcome. Despite some limitations, such as regional specificity, the study suggests that opt-out systems might increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage without leading to significant cancellations or complaints, presenting a promising strategy to facilitate vaccination efforts.
STUDY OF THE MECHANISM OF SORPTION OF Cu2+, Co2+, AND Mn2+ IONS ON A MODIFIED NATURAL POLYMER – PECTIN
Authors: Mudarisova Roza Khanifovna , Kukovinets Olga Sergeevna , Sagitova Alina Failovna
Published: February 2024

Sorption materials based on apple pectin modified with biologically active organic acids (salicylic, anthranilic, 5-aminosalicylic, nicotinic) capable of effectively extracting Cu2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ ions from aqueous solutions of their salts have been obtained. The regularities of the sorption kinetics of Cu2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ ions by modified pectin samples were studied. An increase in the efficiency of extraction of d-metal ions by modified pectin sorbents compared to the original polysaccharide was revealed. Sorption isotherms of Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+ ions by modified pectins have been obtained and analyzed for compliance with known theoretical models. Integral kinetic curves have been obtained, and the values of the experimental sorption capacity of biosorbents have been calculated. It was found that the process of sorption of Cu2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ ions on the studied biosorbents proceeds in the diffusion mode. The predominance of the external diffusion nature of the limiting stage of the process of extracting transition metal ions with modified pectins was established. The rate constants of sorption processes are calculated. The values of the apparent activation energy of the sorption process are determined. The thermodynamic parameters of the extraction of Cu2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ ions by pectin sorbents have been calculated. It has been established that the sorption of Cu2+, Co2+, and Mn2+ ions by modified polysaccharide materials is an exothermic process, which can be considered as physical adsorption of metal ions due to solvation and complex formation with the participation of sorbent sorption centers and solvent (water) molecules. The obtained new highly active biosorbents can be recommended as enterosorbents for detoxification of the human body.

Keywords: sorption, d-metal ions, pectin, modification, kinetic curves, thermodynamic parameters.
COMPARATIVE CONTENT OF ASCORBIC ACID, TANNINS, TOTAL ASH IN ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND ORGANS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GENUS HOSTA TRATT.
Authors: Sedelnikova Lyudmila Leonidovna , Tsandekova Oksana Leonidovna
Published: February 2024

The content of phenolic compounds (tannins), ascorbic acid, ash substances in leaves, flowers, roots of Hosta decorata, H. sieboldiana, H. lancifolia, H. crispula, H. undulata and two varieties: Stiletto, Night before Cristmas cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia was analyzed. Stable indicators were found in ascorbic acid leaves in the range of 11.01–11.90 mg/100 g. The content of tannins (2.01–2.24%) in the leaves of H. undulata, H. ventricosa, cultivar Stiletto is 2 times higher than that of H. decorata, H. sieboldiana, H. lancifolia, H. crispula, cultivar Night before Cristmas. It was established for the first time that in the flowers of H. sieboldiana and the Night before Cristmas variety, the content of ash substances, ascorbic acid, tannins is 1.5–2 times higher than H. crispula, H. undulata, H. ventricosa, H. decorata and Stiletto varieties. It was found that in the underground organs of H. decorata the concentration of tannins, ascorbic acid and ash substances is 1.5–2 times higher. In general, the adaptive ability of introduced species and varieties is manifested in the individual content of secondary metabolites and ash substances in vegetative and generative organs during the period of mass flowering of plants.
A fehérneműreklámokban megjelenő női diverzitás és szexualitás – Attitűdvizsgálat a Z generációs nők körében
Authors: Török Anna , Szebenszki Noémi , Kriveczky Villő , Malota Erzsébet
Published: February 2024

A tanulmány különböző reklámokban bemutatott diverz és szexualizált női ábrázolásmódot vizsgál az eddig még hazánkban kevéssé kutatott Z generációs nők körében. A kutatás keretén belül kiemelt figyelmet kap a nőket bátorító femvertising típusú hirdetés és annak relevanciája a fehérnemű-iparág kapcsán, mely a sokszínű ábrázolásmód támogatásával és a szexualizált ábrázolásmód visszaszorításával pozitívan hathat a testképre. A feltáró jellegű mélyinterjúkat tartalomelemzéssel, a kísérlet eredményeit pedig varianciaanalízissel és regresszióelemzéssel dolgozták fel a szerzők. Az eredmények alapján megállapítható, hogy a vizsgált Z generációs nők számára egyre inkább fontos a nők diverz, sokszínű megjelenítése a reklámokban. Az interjúalanyok bár szociálisan érzékenyeknek vallják magukat, ugyanakkor fontos számukra az ábrázolásmódban az adott kultúrával összhangban lévő hitelesség és relevancia. A megkérdezettek által leginkább kedvelt a diverz és nem szexualizált hirdetés, amely a femvertising reklámozásnak feleltethető meg. A szexualitás hiánya és a diverzitás összességében szignifikánsan és pozitívan befolyásolja a hirdetés iránti attitűdöt.
Exploring Effective Models of Leadership in the Age of AI within Private Higher Education Institution in England
Authors: Khawaja Sarwar
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained significant interest and application in various fields and the impacts are evident in teaching, learning, and assessment. On one hand, AI can bring the much-needed revolution in higher education by assisting leaders and management to offer personalized teaching approaches that meet specific student needs, it can also enhance efficient feedback and the automation of administrative functions including assessment and grading. These capabilities make AI an important instrument in promoting efficiency in higher education and creating room for institutions to redirect their focus on other equally important aspects such as curriculum development. However, despite these advantages, AI comes with significant setbacks that adversely impact the quality of education. Particularly, various platforms allow students to do their assignments automatically thus negating their responsibility to research and learn. As such, institutions must put in place effective models of leadership and approaches that will ensure the use of AI in an ethical manner without compromising the quality of education.
Prevalence And Mortality Of Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fan Si Wei David , Ong Leong Tung
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is characterised by acute or chronic dysfunction of the heart or kidneys resulting in acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ. These two organs which are interrelated physiologically, may often affect each other under pathological states. Hence, we set forth to investigate the prevalence and mortality rate of CRS in patients with heart failure or acute coronary syndrome and acute kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science up until 31 December 2022. Statistical analysis was conducted using Cochrane Review Manager v5.4. Pooled prevalence and the overall mortality rate were calculated using the random effect models and generic inverse variance method.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies which fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of cardiorenal syndrome in patients with heart failure or acute coronary syndrome was 32% (95% CI, 0.23–0.41; P=<0.00001; I
2=95%). Furthermore, the overall prevalence of cardiorenal syndrome in patients with acute kidney injury was 15% (95% CI, 0.02–0.29; P=<0.00001; I
2=97%). In addition, the overall mortality rate of cardiorenal syndrome was 28% (95% CI, 0.18–0.35; P=<0.00001; I
2=95%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CRS in patients with heart failure or acute coronary syndrome (32%) is higher compared to the prevalence of CRS in patients with acute kidney injury (15%). Additionally, CRS had high overall mortality rate, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Metode Pembelajaran Inquiry dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Islam: Tinjauan Teoritis dan Praktis
Authors: Syafruddin Muhammad Andi , Idawati  , Safari
Published: February 2024

Berbagai model pembelajaran dan pengajaran dalam dunia pendidikan dapat dijadikan kajian menarik untuk diimplementasikan pada kegiatan pembelajaran di sekolah, hal ini digunakan untuk mencapai tujuan bagi para perancang pembelajaran. Salah satu model pembelajaran yang menekankan pada peserta didik adalah model pembelajaran inquiry. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan metode pembelajaran inquiry dalam pespektif pendidikan Islam. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dengan menggunakan metode literatur review yang berfokus pada teori dan hasil penulisan yang berkaitan dengan variabel penulisan. Metode inquiry merupakan metode pengajaran yang memberikan kesempatan pada peserta didik untuk menemukan sendiri pengetahuan dengan berpikir kritis dan analisis dari suatu masalah yang dipertanyakan. Melalui metode inquiry, peserta didik diajak untuk berfikir kritis dan diajak mengenal Islam lebih dalam. Dalam proses pembelajaran pendidikan Islam, metode Inquiry ini sering kali diwujudkan dalam bentuk diskusi; sedangkan materi pendidikan Islam yang biasanya menggunakan metode ini adalah mata pelajaran Fiqih. Oleh karenanya, melalui pembelajaran inquiry pendidik bisa memastikan peserta didik benar-benar memaknai pelajarannya. Pendidik berusaha memahamkan peserta didik secara perlahan melalui pengalaman mengkaji konsep, membuktikan statement, menarik kesimpulan temuan dan mengkomunikasikan hasil.
Day-neutral jute plant: a hallmark for developing new jute genotype
Authors: Tareq Md. Zablul , Sadat Md. Abu , Islam Syed Nazrul , Fakir Md. Solaiman Ali , Hossain Md. Alamgir
Published: February 2024

Jute has more than 100 globally distributed species and is well known for its bast fibre biogenesis as well as its nutritional and medicinal properties. Unfortunately, year-round jute cultivation is highly limited due to its photosensitive character. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyse the flowering behaviour of selected cultivated jute species and their wild relatives to support the year-round supply of jute vegetables. A total of eight jute genotypes viz., Merha red, Merha green, Merha pink, Birol red, Birol green, Birol pink, BJRI deshi pat shak-1, and BINA pat shak-1 were examined, with the latter two selected as controls. In most cases, the six wild species had more surviving plants per unit area, better plant height, and more leaves and branches compared with controls. The highest stem base diameter, leaf area, leaf dry weight, and shoot dry weight were recorded in the control species. Days to 1st flowering, days to average flowering, and days to seed maturity were significantly earlier in wild species compared with the controls, indicating the existence of photo-insensitive characters. The desired vegetative and reproductive properties with high heritability and genetic variability can likely be transmitted from wild germplasm to cultivated jute species through crossing to produce a photo-insensitive jute variety.
Assessment of heavy metals retention in sediments and mangroves along the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat
Authors: Karangiya Ridhdhi , Dangar Kiran , Gadhvi Kamlesh , Vyas Suhas
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on the mangrove ecosystem on the Gujarat coast, which is facing pressure due to rapid industrialization. The concentrations of 5 heavy metals, including Pb+2, Cd+2, Zn+2, Cu+2, Fe+2 and Mn+2, were measured in the sediments and tissues of 4 mangrove species, Avicennia marina (Family: Acanthaceae), Rhizophora mucronata (Family: Rhizophoraceae), Ceriops tagal (Family: Rhizophoraceae) and Aegiceras corniculatum (Family: Primulaceae), in 8 habitats along the coast of Gujarat, India. The results indicated that the sediments in the study sites had relatively high heavy metal accretion (Pb+2 > Cu+2 > Fe+2 > Zn+2 > Mn+2 > Cd+2), but A. marina selectively accumulated only Cu (3.59 ppm) and Zn (0.63 ppm), while avoiding other heavy metals. The morphology of the plants did not show any visible impact from heavy metals stress. These findings highlight the significance of comprehending how industrial pollution affects mangrove ecosystems and the potential processes by which these plants can adapt to survive in such settings. Another advantage of mangroves is their capacity to absorb pollutants from many environments. Mangrove stems play a major role in absorbing pollutants.
Corrosion mechanism and research progress of metal pipeline corrosion under magnetic field and SRB conditions: a review
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Wang Guofu , Xie Fei , Wu Ming , Zhou Yi , Liu Fugang , Cheng Longsheng , Du Mingjun
Published: February 2024

Biocides are used to prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which damages and disables metal structures. However, biocides can make microorganisms resistant and contaminate the environment. Some studies have found that magnetic fields have an inhibitory effect on MIC, providing a new way of thinking for MIC control. In this paper, the current research status of MIC is discussed for typical anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), the MIC of different metals in different environments is summarized, and the corrosion mechanism of SRB on metal structures, including cathodic depolarization and metabolite corrosion, is introduced. On this basis, the research progress of metal corrosion under magnetic field and microbial conditions in recent years is summarized, and discussed from three aspects, namely, electrochemical corrosion, SCC, and microbial corrosion, respectively. The corrosion process of microorganisms on metals in magnetic field is summarized, including biofilm theory, ion interference theory, free radical theory, and so on. Finally, the prevention and control of microbial corrosion by magnetic fields are prospected using the relevant mechanisms of magnetic field corrosion on metals.
Environmental Social Responsibility, Local Environmental Protection Strategy, and Corporate Financial Performance – Empirical Evidence from Heavy Pollution Industry
Authors: Ji Changlin , Feng Yuwei , Guo Xingnan
Published: February 2024

This article empirically examines the “responsibility-performance” interaction in the process of environmental social responsibility decision-making by enterprises, using the listed companies in the heavy pollution industry as the research sample. We also use the evolutionary game theory to construct a system dynamics model for simulation analysis to explore the evolutionary qualities of the environmental responsibility behavior of heavily polluting enterprises and its relationship with financial performance under the influence of local government environmental regulation. It finds that for environmental social responsibility, a company's expected performance surplus is more likely to promote positive interaction between responsibility and performance than a gap; for regions with relatively negative environmental strategies, environmental social responsibility provides more efficient reputation transformation and motivates companies to invest in it; more competitive industries and enterprises with forward-looking environmental strategies tend to put performance feedback into the undertaking of environmental social responsibility. Therefore, the government and regulatory authorities should urge heavy polluting enterprises to implement environmental responsibility, so that they can fully realize that emission reduction and growth can be achieved at the same time and promote the financial performance of enterprises and environmental responsibility while forming a win–win situation at the ecological level and corporate social level.
Nominal constructions in spoken academic Englishes: A quantitative corpus-based approach
Authors: Stefanowitsch Anatol , Middeke Kirsten , Lin Fuying
Published: February 2024

Academic English was traditionally treated as a monolithic register with respect to grammar, but recent research has shown that there is considerable variation across modes, dialects, research traditions and disciplines. We apply two quantitative corpus-linguistic methods (keyword analysis and a variant using PoS-grams instead of words) to investigate noun-noun and adjective-noun sequences in two discipline-specific Academic Englishes, that of the Arts and Humanities and that of the Physical Sciences. We show that the function of the various constructions underlying these sequences are exploited in different ways in these discipline clusters, in accordance with specific communicative needs. In the Physical Sciences, there is a need for standardized terminology. Noun-noun compounds are the preferred strategy for creating this terminology, with a specific adjective-noun construction involving relational adjectives playing a minor part and syntactic adjective-noun constituents playing no particular role. In the Arts and Humanities, there is a need for precise ad-hoc descriptions, and syntactic adjective-noun constituents are the preferred way of doing so. This difference accounts for the previously observed distribution, confirmed in our study, that noun-noun sequences are more typical for the natural sciences and adjective-noun sequences are more typical for the humanities.