bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing iatrogenic HCV infection: A quantitative risk assessment based on observational data in an Egyptian hospital
Authors: Henriot Paul , Anwar Wagida A. , El Gaafary Maha , Abdo Samia , Rafik Mona , Hussein Wafaa M. , Sos Dalia , Magdy Isis , Jean Kévin , Temime Laura
Published: February 2024

When compliance with infection control recommendations is non-optimal, hospitals may play an important role in hepatitis C (HCV) transmission. However, few studies have analyzed the nosocomial HCV acquisition risk based on detailed empirical data. Here, we used data from a prospective cohort study conducted on 500 patients in the Ain Shams hospital (Cairo, Egypt) in 2017 with the objective of identifying (i) high-risk patient profiles and (ii) transmission hotspots within the hospital. Data included information on patient HCV status upon admission, their trajectories between wards and the invasive procedures they underwent. We first performed a sequence analysis to identify different hospitalization profiles. Second, we estimated each patient’s individual risk of HCV acquisition based on ward-specific prevalence and procedures undergone, and risk hotspots by computing ward-level risks. Then, using a beta regression model, we evaluated upon-admission factors linked to HCV acquisition risk and built a score estimating the risk of HCV infection during hospitalization based on these factors. Finally, we assessed and compared ward-focused and patient-focused HCV control strategies. The sequence analysis based on patient trajectories allowed us to identify four distinct patient trajectory profiles. The risk of HCV infection was greater in the internal medicine department, compared to the surgery department (0·188% [0·142%-0·235%] vs. 0·043%, CI 95%: [0·036%-0·050%]), with risk hotspots in the geriatric, tropical medicine and intensive-care wards. Upon-admission risk predictors included source of admission, age, reason for hospitalization, and medical history. Interventions focused on the most at-risk patients were most effective to reduce HCV infection risk. Our results might help reduce the risk of HCV acquisition during hospitalization in Egypt by targeting enhanced control measures to ward-level transmission hotspots and to at-risk patients identified upon admission.
Implementation and optimization of hydraulic wave energy generation system
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Liu Shi , Chen Wen , Yang Yi , Feng Guoliang
Published: February 2024

Wave energy is one of the primary sources of marine energy, representing a readily available and inexhaustible form of renewable clean energy. In recent years, wave energy generation has garnered increasing attention from researchers. To study wave energy generation technology, we have constructed a real wave energy generation system and designed wave simulation and hydraulic energy storage systems. The wave simulation system is mainly composed of a frequency converter and an electric boost pump, while the hydraulic energy storage system consists of a hydraulic control unit and hydraulic motors. Corresponding mathematical models have been established to investigate the characteristics of wave energy generation. Specifically, a mathematical model for wave input using the double-parameter JONSWAP wave spectrum has been created for wave simulation in the wave simulation system. For the hydraulic energy storage system, known as the Power Take Off (PTO) system, mathematical models have been developed for double-acting hydraulic cylinders, energy storage devices, and precise displacement hydraulic motors, taking into consideration fluid Reynolds numbers and leakage. During the generation of wave energy, there is a problem of prolonged power interruption when wave conditions are unfavorable, which hinders continuous power generation. To address this issue, a system structure with an energy storage unit and two parallel generator sets, as well as a power operation optimization scheme, have been proposed. This system structure and optimization approach efficiently and reasonably utilize wave energy, achieving the goal of uninterrupted power supply in the hydraulic wave energy generation system.
Neural recordings can differentiate between spontaneously metastasizing melanomas and melanomas with low metastatic potential
Authors: Shiralkar Jay , Anthony Tiana , McCallum Grant A. , Durand Dominique M.
Published: February 2024

Multiple studies report that melanomas are innervated tumors with sensory and sympathetic fibers where these neural fibers play crucial functional roles in tumor growth and metastasis with branch specificity. Yet there is no study which reports the direct neural recording and its pattern during in-vivo progression of the cancer. We performed daily neural recordings from male and female mice bearing orthotopic metastasizing- melanomas and melanomas with low metastatic poential, derived from B16-F10 and B16-F1 cells, respectively. Further, to explore the origins of neural activity, 6-Hydroxidopamine mediated chemical sympathectomy was performed followed by daily microneurographic recordings. We also performed the daily bioluminescent imaging to track in vivo growth of primary tumors and distant metastasis to the cranial area. Our results show that metastasizing tumors display high levels of neural activity while tumors with low metastatic potential lack it indicating that the presence of neural activity is linked to the metastasizing potential of the tumors. Moreover, the neural activity is not continuous over the tumor progression and has a sex-specific temporal patterns where males have two peaks of high neural activity while females show a single peak. The neural peak activity originated in peripheral sympathetic nerves as sympathectomy completely eliminated the peak activity in both sexes. Peak activities were highly correlated with the distant metastasis in both sexes. These results show that sympathetic neural activity is crucially involved in tumor metastasis and has sex-specific role in malignancy initiation.
Temporomandibular joint disorders in skeletal class II patients referred to orthognathic surgery: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suassuna Thalles Moreira , de-Barros Allan Vinícius Martins , da Silva Bárbara Araújo , dos Santos Araújo Fernanda Souto Maior , Faro Tatiane Fonseca , de Souza Lucena Eudes Euler , Filho José Rodrigues Laureano , de Oliveira e Silva Emanuel Dias , da Costa Araújo Fábio Andrey
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in subjects with skeletal class II dentofacial deformity referred for orthognathic surgery, as well as to elucidate its association with sociodemographic and psychosocial features. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The sample comprised class II skeletal patients referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery center in the Brazilian Northeast. Results: Seventy-three subjects were enrolled and completed the data collection, which consisted of a physical examination according to Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and facial analysis. Women represented 82.2% of the sample. Among the assessed subjects, 68.5% were already undergoing orthodontic treatment, and the mean overjet of patients was 6.97 mm. The prevalence of TMD in this sample was 46.6%, with muscular disorders being the most common. Patients with an anteroposterior discrepancy greater than 7 mm showed a higher occurrence of TMD (p = 0.017). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of TMD in skeletal class II patients referred for orthognathic surgery, especially in those with a pronounced overjet, being Group I (muscular disorders) and Group III (degenerative disorders) the most prevalent.
Aire zabaleko Haur Hezkuntza balioztatzen
Authors: Altuna Gabilondo Larraitz
Published: February 2024

Azken urteetan Haur Hezkuntzako aire zabaleko ereduek sinesgarritasuna irabazi dute eta, zalantzarik gabe, naturaren onurak aldarrikatzetik joan dira bidea urratuz. Covid-19aren izurriteak osasuna erdigunera ekarri duelarik, aire zabaleko hezkuntzaren dohainak inoiz baino agerikoago egin zaizkigu. Mugimendu horren ondotik galdera berriak planteatu asmo ditu xede-esploratzailea duen idazki honek. Naturara itzultzea eta naturarekiko lotura beharra argudio sendoak dira eskolek ateak ireki ditzaten, eta hain beharrezko duten arnasa berria jaso dezaten. Baina, nahikoa al da naturak haurren hazkuntzan eragiten dituen onurez jardutea metodologia horiek balioztatzeko? Zer ebaluatu eta zertarako? Naturaren onurez harago joan nahi izan dugu, eta Haur Hezkuntzako haurren irteera-profilean eta hezkuntza-eskaintzan oinarritzen diren ebaluazio-ereduak eztabaidara ekarri. Balioztaze-ikuspegitik, “Onuragarria al da haurrak aire zabalean heztea?” galderatik hasi eta “Baso-eskola Haur Hezkuntzako haurren garapenerako berme osoko eredua al da?” formulaziora jo dugu, eta bien arteko jauzi kontzeptuala nabarmendu. Bigarrenak, haurrari eta ingurumenari ez ezik, eskola-esparruan gertatzen diren prozesuei eta eskaintzaren egiturazko alderdiei erreparatuko die.
Irakasle hasi berria
Authors: Amenabarro Iraola Esti
Published: February 2024

Irakasleek haien garapen profesionalean zehar aldi edo etapa desberdinak bizi dituzte. Hasi berria da, formazio aldia amaitu eta lan munduan, eskola zehatz bateko errealitatean barneratzen den irakaslea. Honek maila profesionalean jauzi bat suposatzen du, ikasle izateari utzi eta irakasle izatea dakar bere baitan. Lan honetan, irakasle berriak esperientzia duten beste irakasleekin elkartzean, haien artean sortzen diren harremanak aztertzen dira. Donostiako (Gipuzkoa) Derrigorrezko Bigarren Hezkuntzako ikastetxe publiko batean burutu da kasu analisia. Oinarri kualitatiboa du, etnografiaz baliatu gara eta arakatze narratibo bisuala burutu, datuak eskuratzeko sakoneko elkarrizketa eta foto-elizitazioa bezalako teknikak hobetsiz. Lau irakasleren parte hartzearekin osatu da, bi hasi berriak eta beste bi esperientziadunak. Emaitzei dagokionean, eskola bateko errealitatera sartzea prozesu konplexua da, ideia, balio, jarrera eta igurikapen desberdinak dituzten pertsonen lan lekua delako; sartze horrek, pertsonarteko harreman zein komunikazio prozesu esanguratsuak sortzen ditu eta eskola antolakuntza zein garapenari dagokionean eragin zuzena dute. Honela, irakasle hasi berriak ispiluaren aurrean jartzen dira, aurrez eskola kulturan finkatuta dauden errutina eta egiteko modu zein prozeduren aurrean kokatu eta sarri haietara egokituz bestetan konfrontazioa eraginez. Irakasleak jaso eta haiek eskolara sartzeko unea, ikuspegi etikotik, bestea hartzea den neurrian, zaindu beharreko unea da.
Influence of idiopathic epilepsy on blood pressure and electrocardiography in dogs treated with phenobarbital
Authors: Trevisan Yolanda Paim Arruda , de Freitas Maria Sabrina , de Freitas Maria Natalia , Konrad Jaqueline , Bortolini Juliano , Schipiura Ana Carolina , de Freitas Ana Flávia Borges , Pazzini Sarah Szimanski , de Almeida Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) experience a shortened lifespan, neurobehavioral changes, and an increased risk of comorbidities during the interictal period. There have been several reports of sudden death in humans with epilepsy, suggesting changes in cardiac rhythm secondary to seizures. In veterinary medicine, there are still no such conclusive studies. The present study aimed to evaluate blood pressure values, electrocardiographic findings, and laboratory parameters in dogs with IE treated with phenobarbital and to correlate these findings with possible cardiac alterations.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-one dogs were divided into 11 healthy dogs and 10 idiopathic epileptic dogs for blood analysis, computerized electrocardiogram, and oscillometer-based blood pressure measurement.

Results: QRS complex and S-T interval values differed significantly between groups, but blood pressure values were not significantly different.

Conclusion: IE can occur with alterations in cardiac conduction and is a pathological condition.

Keywords: arterial hypertension, cardiac conduction, electrocardiogram, epileptic seizures, hemogasometry, tachycardia.
Brazilian gay tourists’ hedonistic leisure and pleasure practices
Authors: Neves Christopher Smith Bignardi , Trigo Luiz Gonzaga Godoi
Published: February 2024

This study aims to determine whether the leisure travel consumption behavior of gay tourists reflects hedonistic tendencies, as seen through the lens of the French philosopher Michel Onfray. The methodology employed in this research is a qualitative-quantitative study, which combines theoretical and empirical investigations grounded in exploratory-descriptive research, incorporating elements of Queer Theory. It provides a concise bibliometric analysis of LGBTQIA+ tourism, drawing from dissertations, proceedings of the ANPTUR Seminar, and articles in the Journal of Homosexuality. The theoretical-philosophical foundation of the study is rooted in the philosophy of hedonism, which connects the pursuit of pleasure with tourism. Empirically, it draws on three sources of data: (1) data published by Community Marketing & Insights from 2012 to 2019; (2) exploratory research carried out during the 22nd LGBTI Pride Parade in São Paulo (2018); and (3) a survey conducted with 1406 gay and bisexual male respondents. The findings revealed distinctions between the Brazilian audience and North American tourists across various dimensions, not aligning with the economic and motivational traits identified by the World Tourism Organization.
“In His Eyes, I am Foreign to France”: Migration and Repatriation between France and Senegal, 1858–1911
Authors: Valdespino Gregory
Published: February 2024

Between 1858 and 1913, well over one hundred individuals in France sought state-sponsored repatriation to Senegal. The materials required for this process reveal how French and African actors sought to manage intra-imperial mobility as the French Empire expanded during the second half of the nineteenth century. Repatriation began as an ad hoc process used to maintain familial and professional ties between France and outposts off the coast of Senegal, but by the 1890s, it became a more formalized system that tried to limit unregulated African migration to the metropole. Despite these changes, Senegalese applicants used repatriation across this period to manage their mobility and household positions in social landscapes upended by enslavement, emancipation, and colonial expansion. These repatriation files shed light on the social lives of African migrants in the nineteenth century and changing attitudes towards intra-imperial migration.
Universidad, extensión e integralidad. Claves para la democracia
Authors: Wursten Andrés Gabriel
Published: February 2024

En 2023, Argentina conmemora 40 años de democracia ininterrumpida, lo que resulta una ocasión especial para abordar un tema sensible en toda América Latina. Este artículo presenta a la universidad como institución susceptible de contribuir al fomento de la inclusión social, velar por los derechos ciudadanos y el fortalecimiento de la democracia, amparada en su vasta experiencia en extensión y en la propuesta de integralidad de funciones. Para tal fin se exponen un recorrido teórico–conceptual y el análisis de prácticas concretas, a través de los cuales la academia aporta en dicho sentido.
La internacionalización en casa como movimiento integral instituyente en la universidad
Authors: Galarza Barbara
Published: February 2024

El artículo aborda los desafíos planteados por un programa de internacionalización en casa en la carrera de Antropología social, durante 2021–2022, cuya propuesta se enuncia como integral y se caracteriza por promover iniciativas universitarias que permitan acercar la dimensión internacional a las funciones sustantivas. A partir de un enfoque antropológico que contrasta la visión del programa con la de los docentes, desarrollamos un análisis con dos tipos de fuentes: a) documentos oficiales que resultan relevantes para entender el lugar de la internacionalización, la integralidad y lo universal en la institución, y b) los imaginarios respecto de la internacionalización de los docentes relevados en el contexto de grupos focales y entrevistas personales. Nuestra interpretación sugiere que los docentes–investigadores de Antropología podrían servirse de una estrategia para realizar un rodeo dialéctico con lo universal y lo local de otro lugar, integrando así los contenidos del currículum al desarrollo de competencias interculturales y a la producción de conocimiento de relevancia tanto para las agendas públicas locales como para las agendas teóricas disciplinares.
Integralidad de funciones: reflexiones y experiencias en torno a las Prácticas Socioeducativas en el marco de la asignatura Antropología y Sociología de zonas secas
Authors: Gili Diez Valeria , Montani María Cecilia , Lucero Agostina Belén , Rebuffo Juárez Leandro Martín
Published: February 2024

En el año 2016 nos constituimos como equipo de cátedra de la asignatura Antropología y Sociología de zonas secas, perteneciente al cuarto año de la Licenciatura en Biología de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de San Juan. El presente artículo procura compartir experiencias y reflexiones sobre el desarrollo de prácticas socioeducativas desde la extensión crítica durante el período 2022–2023 para, desde allí, integrar, articular, vincular y entramar las funciones universitarias. Las experiencias que presentamos no se desarrollan aisladamente, más bien se articulan, con sus matices y particularidades, a un conjunto de propuestas y decisiones del sistema universitario nacional argentino. Partimos de comprender la integralidad de funciones en las universidades públicas como una apuesta política en construcción–tensión.
Experiencia de prácticas integrales en la carrera de Farmacia de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario
Authors: Basurto María Inés , Majic Sofia , Intilangelo Aldana , Colautti Marisel Andrea
Published: February 2024

La experiencia a partir de la cual reflexionaremos está anclada en el Área Farmacia Asistencial de la Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario. En 2022 implementamos un proyecto de extensión que habilitó una asignatura electiva y tareas de investigación. El objetivo es promover la reflexión a partir de la experiencia de integración de funciones de enseñanza, extensión e investigación, en un territorio priorizado por la Universidad. Trabajamos en un barrio del distrito oeste de Rosario: en el Club Social y Deportivo 20 amigos, un Centro de Salud y una farmacia comunitaria. Promovimos el abordaje crítico de la utilización de medicamentos: realizamos entrevistas e intervenciones en el marco de Atención Farmacéutica y relevamos eventos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización. Nuestro horizonte es generar estrategias de integración del trabajo territorial y académico para estimular una perspectiva humanizadora y comprometida con la realidad social.
Reseña / Epistemología de la extensión universitaria: constructos contrahegemónicos
Authors: Santos de Souza Amauri , Garcia de Paulo Weslei , De Oliveira Ferreira Jeane
Published: February 2024

La extensión universitaria y la formación docente deben trascender barreras para promover una perspectiva emancipadora. Es fundamental integrar la tríada de investigación, docencia y extensión, para desarrollar un trabajo que se materialice en la praxis. La obra “Epistemología de la extensión universitaria: constructos contrahegemónicos” de Andréa Kochhann es fundamental para comprender la práctica de la extensión universitaria en la formación académica, que puede manifestarse a través de una epistemología de la praxis crítica. Esto favorece los constructos de emancipación omnilateral, basados ​​en el materialismo histórico dialéctico, a través del currículum de una pedagogía contrahegemónica.En cuatro capítulos, el autor traza los caminos que permiten al lector comprender cómo la extensión y la capacitación pueden ponerse al servicio de la acción contrahegemónica.
Procesos de talento humano y direccionamiento estratégico en la mediana empresa de Barranquilla, Colombia
Authors: Cabarcas Velásquez Marcos , Arrieta Valderrama Edwin Javier
Published: February 2024

Estudios han comprobado que las áreas de gestión de talento humano son dependencias que funcionan de manera aislada con respecto a la planeación estratégica organizacional establecida por su dirección, con tendencia a lo funcional y nada a lo estratégico. Este artículo tiene por objetivo examinar los procesos de talento humano y de direccionamiento estratégico en la mediana empresa. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo en 84 empresas de diversos sectores mediante encuesta, con estudio de tipo exploratorio. Al realizar la determinación de las relaciones entre los procesos de gestión del talento humano y el direccionamiento estratégico, los resultados indicaron que no existe relación entre estos dos elementos. Lo anterior permitió concluir que no existe alineación entre las estrategias de la empresa y las de gestión del talento humano; además, refleja la incoherencia de los estilos estratégicos entre los distintos procesos.
Academic success of students and educational trajectories: Characteristics and needs for a digital learning environment at the University of Abomey-Calavi
Authors: Ahouansou Wildfrid , Salifou-Bio Fadhel Medard , Dangvenon Arnaud
Published: February 2024

The upsurge of COVID-19 proved the need to improve higher education capabilities to continue training even during class discontinuity. In UAC’s context, adopting e-learning is also a way to mitigate the significant number of students enrolled yearly (approximately 60.000) and provide quality education to all. Therefore, this research on students’ success and needs aims to identify the optimal learning conditions conducive to academic and professional success. Targeting two schools of UAC, we investigated the online learning environment, considering material and virtual environments, as well as pedagogical support provided to students at UAC. We analyzed the choice made at UAC to promote blended learning. We conducted in-person interviews with students, faculty, and staff and held a focus group with selected students. We collected information about what is being done regarding e-learning and users' perceptions and requested their needs for an optimal learning environment. We found that UAC does not have optimal conditions to provide quality e-learning to students. Many do not have access to devices (laptops, smartphones, or tablets) or a quality Internet connection. Faculty members still seek training, even if some have received Instructional Design and Pedagogy training from Arizona State University. Students and faculty members also express a need to receive coaching, tutoring, and pedagogical support from the technical staff, which are in a low number (only 3 in charge of supporting e-learning at the whole university). Based on this, we recommended that UAC: 1) develop a better material learning environment for students, faculty members, and staff through the acquisition of devices and improvement of the Internet connection, 2) provide training to students on how to learn online, and 3) develop staff capabilities to coach, tutor and support students and faculty members on the integration of e-Learning in academic practices.
The Spirit of Terrorism – its Contemporary Evolution and Escalation
Authors: Wojciechowski Sebastian
Published: February 2024

From the editor
A transfer learning approach for the classification of liver cancer
Authors: Abdulsahib Fatimah I. , Al-Khateeb Belal , Kóczy László T. , Nagy Szilvia
Published: February 2024

Problem

The frequency of liver cancer is rising worldwide, and it is a common, deadly condition. For successful treatment and patient survival, early and precise diagnosis is essential. The automated classification of liver cancer using medical imaging data has shown potential outcome when employing machine and deep learning (DL) approaches. To train deep neural networks, it is still quite difficult to obtain a large and diverse dataset, especially in the medical field.

Aim

This article classifies liver tumors and identifies whether they are malignant, benign tumor, or normal liver.

Methods

This study mainly focuses on computed tomography scans from the Radiology Institute in Baghdad Medical City, Iraq, and provides a novel transfer learning (TL) approach for the categorization of liver cancer using medical images. Our findings show that the TL-based model performs better at classifying data, as in our method, high-level characteristics from liver images are extracted using pre-trained convolutional neural networks compared to conventional techniques and DL models that do not use TL.

Results

The proposed method using models of TL technology (VGG-16, ResNet-50, and MobileNetV2) successfully achieves high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in identifying liver cancer, making it an important tool for radiologists and other healthcare professionals. The experiment results show that the diagnostic accuracy in the VGG-16 model is up to 99%, ResNet-50 model 100%, and 99% total classification accuracy was attained with the MobileNetV2 model.

Conclusion

This proves the improvement of models when working on a small dataset. The use of new layers also showed an improvement in the performance of the classifiers, which accelerated the process.
Farmer’s willingness to accept the sustainable zoning-based organic farming development plan: A lesson from Sleman District, Indonesia
Authors: Irham Irham , Nurhayati Azizatun , Widada Arif Wahyu , Subejo Subejo , Devi Laksmi Yustika , Simarmata Rikardo , Anantasari Esti , Rosidah Afifatur , Anggraini Anila Indrianti
Published: February 2024

Zoning-based organic farming has become increasingly attractive in Indonesia for producing healthy food, improving the quality of land and the environment, and increasing the welfare of farmers. The problem is that organic farming areas should be certified by a legal agency called the National Standardization Agency and the cost should be paid by farmers in those areas. Zoning allows the farmers to jointly manage farming areas, including payment of certification costs. However, the success of zoning-based organic farming implementation depends on farmers’ acceptability. This study aims to analyse perceptions and knowledge regarding zoning-based organic farming plans, measure the level of farmers’ willingness to accept (WTA) zoning-based organic farming plans and determine the effect of economic, ecological, and social support factors, as well as other factors towards WTA the zoning-based organic farming system. This study found that the majority of farmers perceive zoning-based organic farming as economically viable and ecologically and socially supported compared to conventional farming since most of the farmers have good knowledge regarding the importance of zoning. Although the farmers have long been experiencing conventional farming, the number of WTA farmers in zoning-based organic farming is very high. The study confirmed that the ecological aspect is the most influential in accepting zoning-based organic farming. Economic factors have a very strong influence on increasing farmers’ WTA zoning-based organic farming. This study also suggests that the implementation of zoning-based organic farming needs to be sustainably supported by the community.
Chronology of hominin activity at Vindija Cave, Croatia: new dates recorded via standard and ultrafiltration AMS
Authors: Karavanić Ivor , Krajcar Bronić Ines , Sironić Andreja , Radović Siniša , Banda Marko , Smith Fred H.
Published: February 2024

The project ‘Last Neanderthals at the Crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean’ (NECEM) combines lithic analyses of previously excavated material with new sampling for dating and environmental DNA. New radiocarbon dates from Vindija, presented here, help clarify the chronology of late Neanderthal and early modern human occupations in South-eastern and Central Europe.
Ignorance Is Not Bliss: On Issues Measuring the Awareness of Suboptimal Stimuli
Authors: March David S.
Published: February 2024

It is standard practice to assess participants’ perception of suboptimal stimuli by using an awareness measure. Yet the assessment of stimulus awareness is a difficult issue in masked priming studies; there is no standard for what constitutes participants’ conscious “awareness” nor what measure is best to assess awareness. Nonetheless, researchers make claims of participant (un)awareness based on idiosyncratic operationalizations of “awareness” and unstandardized practices for testing awareness. This unstandardized practice can lead to spurious conclusions based on faulty assumptions. The current work adds to an ongoing discussion on the methodology of the field by drawing attention to how operational definitions and tasks impact the results obtained from experiments. The concept of awareness is briefly discussed, work testing awareness across three attempts is presented, each using different oft-employed awareness measures that render different empirical conclusions, and finally the article discusses choosing an awareness measure that reflects one's research goal.
Roditeljsko ponašanje majki i procjena agresivnog ponašanja djece obzirom na neke sociodemografske značajke
Authors: Atlaga Maša , Klarin Mira , Guberina Zorana
Published: February 2024

Unatoč tome što se mnoga istraživanja usmjeravaju na problematiku utjecaja roditelja na djetetov razvoj, manji broj istraživanja se usmjerava isključivo na majke uzimajući u obzir neke njihove sociodemografske značajke. Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati samoprocjenu roditeljskog ponašanja majki i majčinu procjenu agresivnog ponašanja djece s obzirom na neke sociodemografske značajke majki (dob majki, bračni status, broj djece, bračni staž). U istraživanju je sudjelovala 531 majka u rasponu dobi od 21 do 50 godina. Primijenile su se Skala percepcije roditeljskog ponašanja (Macuka, 2004) i Skala agresivnosti za djecu i adolescente (Vulić-Prtorić, 2008) čije su čestice preformulirane u smjeru majčine procjene roditeljskog ponašanja i agresivnog ponašanja djece. Rezultati ovog istraživanja pokazuju da nema razlike u majčinoj samoprocjeni roditeljskog ponašanja na dimenzijama prihvaćanja, odbacivanja i kontrole obzirom na njihov bračni status (partnerski odnos/samohrano majčinstvo). Što se sociodemografskih značajki tiče, pokazalo se da majke u partnerskom odnosu s većim brojem djece izvještavaju o višoj razini odbacivanja i kontrole, a one koje su duže u braku izvještavaju o djetetovom većem prkošenju i suprostavljanju. Na uzorku samohranih majki se pokazalo da majke s većim brojem djece izjavljuju o većoj razini odbacivanja djece, a majke koje imaju više djece, ujedno postižu veće rezultate na subskalama Prkošenje i suprostavljanje, Ophođenje, Žrtva i Nasilnik, a veća dob samohranih majki povezana je s manjim prihvaćanjem djece. Nalazi istraživanja ukazuju na važnost podizanja svijesti roditelja, odgojitelja i nastavnika o ulozi obiteljske dinamike u pojavi neprihvatljivih oblika ponašanja kod djece, kao i na jačanje kompetencija odgojno-obrazovnih djelatnika u prepoznavanju takvih ponašanja kod djece.
Electronic and magnetic properties of ZnSeS solid solution modified by Mn impurity, Zn vacancy and pressure
Authors: Syrotyuk S.V. , Nakonechnyi A.Y. , Klysko Yu.V. , Vlakh-Vyhrynovska H.I. , Veres Z.E.
Published: February 2024

The spin-polarized electronic energy spectra of the ZnSeS solid solution were obtained based on calculations for the supercell, which contains 64 atoms. At the first stage, the properties of the material based on the Mn:ZnSeS supercell, in which Mn replaces the Zn atom, were calculated. The calculation results reveal that the material is a semiconductor for both spin orientations. The second stage is based on the simultaneous presence of a Mn impurity and a cation vacancy. Comparing the results of the first two stages allows us to reveal significant changes in the electronic energy structure caused by the cation vacancy. The material with a vacancy exhibits metallic properties for both spin orientations. The third stage is implemented for the supercell without a vacancy, but under the action of hydrostatic pressure. The material exhibits semiconducting properties for both values of the spin moment. At the fourth stage, the Mn:ZnSeS supercell with a vacancy and under pressure is considered. In the presence of pressure and a VZn vacancy, the ZnMnSeS material exhibits metallic properties for both spin orientations. A material with a vacancy and under pressure can be characterized as a magnetic metal.
Bank Resolution and Fundamental Rights
Authors: Kokott Juliane
Published: February 2024

This article deals in particular with the right to property of shareholders and creditors suffering from the negative consequences of bank resolution. Although the General Court recognizes the possibility of de facto infringements or expropriations falling within the scope of Article 17 of the Charter, the Court of Justice is reluctant in that regard. The application of the “no creditors worse off principle” may provide for the necessary protection under the condition, however, that a valuable ex ante evaluation of the bank´s assets is assured.
Bank Resolution and the European Convention on Human Rights – A Note from the UK
Authors: Moloney Niamh
Published: February 2024

This note considers human rights review of resolution decisions and processes – a context in which property rights can be limited or suspended given the operation of resolution decisions, including bail-in and sale decisions – in the context of the UK resolution regime and the relevance of the European Convention on Human Rights (the Convention) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (the Charter) following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. It outlines the UK framework, considers the current approach to rights review, and closes with the implications of the UK withdrawal from the EU on rights review, ex ante and ex post, against the Convention and Charter.
Circulating D-dimer level may predict tumor burden in chronic hepatitis C related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rabea Ghada M , Gharabawy Sahar A EL , Elfakhry Ashraf AE , Azzam Hanan A , Shabana Hany R
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Coagulation and fibrinolysis activation has been implicated in angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, tumor progression and metastatic spread. D-dimer is a biomarker that globally indicates the activation of hemostasis and fibrinolysis. Aim: To study the correlation of circulating D-dimer level with the tumor grade in HCV related HCC. Methods: HCC was diagnosed by non- invasive method in cirrhotic patients according to EASL criteria using contrast enhanced abdominal CT and or MRI. After metastatic work up, HCC grade was described as grade one if it was within Milan criteria (one nodule <5cm or up to 3 nodules; the largest is <3cm without vascular invasion or extra- hepatic involvement); grade two if it was beyond Milan criteria but non –metastatic & grade three if it was metastatic (vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis). BCLC staging depending on HCC burden, Child -Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and ECOG performance status (PST), was done for all studied cases. Chromic HCV was diagnosed by 4th generation ELIZA for HCV antibody and confirmed by quantitative PCR for HCV RNA. Circulating D dimer level, serum AFP level, liver biochemical tests, serum creatinine & complete blood count were measured for all studied cases. Patients with history of previous treatment for HCC; recent benign thrombo-embolic disorder or renal impairment were excluded. Results: Fifty chronic HCV related HCC cases; 43 males and 7 females with age 62.2±7.4 years were enrolled. Circulating D-dimer level was significantly higher in HCC grade 2 and 3 than HCC grade 1 [(400-800) versus (0-400 ng/ml), p=0.001] & in BCLC stage D than BCLC stage C HCC [(400-800) versus (0-700 ng/ml), p=0.021].There was significant positive correlation between circulating D-dimer level and HCC size and HCC grade (r =0.35, p = 0.012, r =0.33, p = 0.016 respectively). There was also significant positive correlation between circulating D-dimer level and both serum AFP level (r =0.45, p=0.001) and ECOG performance status (r =0.4, p = 0.002). Serum level of circulating D-dimer at cut off level ≥300 ng/ml can predict HCC grade beyond Milan criteria (G2& 3) with PPV of 77.1%, NPV of 73.3%, AUC= 0.8 and p <0.0005.Also, serum AFP level at cut off ≥394.5 can predict HCC grades beyond Milan criteria with PPV of 89.3%, NPV of 72.7%, AUC= 0.81 and P<0.0005. Conclusion: In HCV related HCC, circulating D-dimer level was positively correlated with HCC grade and largest tumor size with higher level in HCC grades 2&3 as well as BCLC stage D. Cut off level of circulating D-dimer level of ≥300 ng/ml can predict HCC grades beyond Milan criteria.
Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis B at the Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou in 2017
Authors: Sokpon Comlan N’dehougbèa Martin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Extrahepatic manifestations (EEM) are frequently encountered in chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MEH in chronic viral hepatitis B (CVH) and to identify factors associated with these manifestations. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from May 15 to August 31, 2017. Data were collected prospectively on the basis of the results of clinical examinations and paraclinical examinations of patients with HVB who consulted us during this period. Results: A total of 121 patients with HVB were included. Of the 121 patients with HVB, MEH was found in 103 patients (85.1%). These MEH were clinical (MCEH) in 86 patients (71.1%), and biological (MBEH) in 57 patients (47.1%). The main MCEH were asthenia (58.7%), arthralgia (27.3%), dermatological manifestations (17%) and paresthesias (12.4%). Biological manifestations included renal impairment (33.8%) and thrombocytopenia (25.6%). None of the factors studied was associated with the presence of extrahepatic clinical manifestations of HVB. However, age and antiviral treatment were associated with the presence of renal involvement (p= 0.011). Conclusion: MEH was present in the majority of chronic HVB carriers, and was dominated by asthenia. However, no factor was associated with the presence of extrahepatic clinical manifestations; whereas age and antiviral treatment were associated with the existence of an extrahepatic biological manifestation.
Oscillations through a barrier tunneling potential for a particle in a central potential (double potential well)
Authors: Erbil Hasan Hüseyin , Selvi Ahmet Saim
Published: February 2024

In some molecules such as ammonia, double vibrations are observed at small energies. These small vibrations are thought to arise from double well potentials. To explain these small energy gaps, double potential wells are investigated, and complex calculations are made. Until recently, since the exact solution of the Schrödinger equation was not known, approximate solutions were always obtained. The exact solution of the Schrödinger equation is now known. In previous studies, a simple procedure for the general solution of the radial Schrödinger Equation has been found for spherical symmetric potentials without making any approximation. In this article, the Schrodinger equation was solved with this new solution method. It has been applied to the oscillations through a barrier tunneling potential for a particle in a central quadratic deformed potential well (double potential well). It is seen that there is no need to look for complex potentials to explain the double wells observed in small vibrations in ammonia and similar molecules, they were compared with experimentally measured energies. The results were found to be fully compatible. It has been seen that there can always be double well potentials at small energies for all molecules, atomic nuclei, and similar particles with angular momentum other than zero.
Suicide Risk Screening Tools for Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review of Test Accuracy
Authors: Lowry Nathan J. , Goger Pauline , Hands Ruz Maria , Ye Fangfei , Cha Christine B.
Published: February 2024

CONTEXT

Health care settings have increasingly adopted universal suicide risk screening tools into nonpsychiatric pediatric care; however, a systematic review examining the accuracy of these tools does not yet exist.

OBJECTIVE

Identify and review research on the test accuracy of suicide risk screening tools for pediatric patients in nonpsychiatric medical settings.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published before March 23, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles that quantified the accuracy of a suicide risk screening tool (eg, sensitivity, specificity) in a nonpsychiatric medical setting (eg, primary care, specialty care, inpatient or surgical units, or the emergency department) were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Screening tool psychometric properties and study risk of bias were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sensitivity among individual studies ranged from 50% to 100%, and specificity ranged from 58.8% to 96%. Methodological quality was relatively varied, and applicability concerns were low. When stratifying results by screening tool, the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions and Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth had the most robust evidence base.

LIMITATIONS

Because of considerable study heterogeneity, a meta-analytic approach was deemed inappropriate. This prevented us from statistically testing for differences between identified screening tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions and Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth exhibit satisfactory test accuracy and appear promising for integration into clinical practice. Although initial findings are promising, additional research targeted at examining the accuracy of screening tools among diverse populations is needed to ensure the equity of screening efforts.
Chinese View of the World in Global Times Caricatures in 2022: Features of Constructing Images and Meanings
Authors: Zakharova Milana , Kiseleva Ekaterina
Published: February 2024

The article examines the main features of the presentation of the position of the Chinese government on a wide range of issues on the world stage, as well as the specifics of constructing a positive image of the country for the world community in visual materials of the English-language Chinese newspaper Global Times in September-December 2022 (at example of cartoons in the Cartoon section on the publication’s website).
The graphic images included in the final sample (101 drawings in total) can be divided into two groups: those dedicated to international issues and those revealing the features of life in modern China. Much attention is paid to the study of the thematic focus of publications and the geography of the event series, the features of their visualization, as well as the analysis of the lexical originality of title complexes, the semantic content of which directly affects the nature of the representation of a figure/event/phenomenon in the media space and their perception by the wider public. mass audience all over the world. One of the emphasis is placed on examining the characteristics of the representation of different countries and regions of the world. The authors concluded that the main object of criticism of the publication is the United States, its hegemony on the world stage and failures in domestic politics. At the same time, the EU countries act as the injured party as a result of US actions in the geopolitical arena. In turn, materials about Chinese life are presented through the prism of a positive, balanced narrative, demonstrating the advantages and features of the Chinese way of life, constructing an image of a harmoniously developing, attractive society.
The Forming China's Image in the Western Mass Media in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative (Based on the Materials of the British News Channel BBC News)
Authors: He Niu
Published: February 2024

The article offers an analysis of the creation of the image of the PRC in the context of the One Belt — One Road initiative in the Western mass media (on the example of the British news channel BBC News). The author of the study proceeds from the thesis about their important role in shaping and promoting the image of the country. In the context of information globalization, the role that the media play in international relations is multiplied many times over. A special place in such processes is occupied by global news channels, which are often of decisive importance in constructing world public opinion, setting the agenda and assessing the importance of ongoing or planned events. The Belt and Road Initiative is not only an example of global cooperation, but also a reflection of a new approach to development in the modern world as a whole, which has a serious impact on China's international prestige and image. In the course of the study, we find out that the Western mass media more often perceive the One Belt, One Road initiative in a negative aspect, ignoring the real achievements and successes of this global project. On the example of the analysis of news releases of the British television channel BBC News, it was revealed that, despite external neutrality, its editorial staff uses different methods and technologies to form a negative image of China. The preference of the editors of the TV channel to economic and political topics, specific events and positions of states as an information occasion was revealed. With the external prevailing neutral position of the TV channel towards One Belt, One Road, its real achievements and successes are ignored, the negative assessment of the Western expert community is covered, and lexemes with a negative meaning are often used.
Flexible Path Planning of Mobile Robot for Avoiding the Dynamic Obstacles Using Fuzzy Controllers
Authors: Tuan Pham Minh , Tai Nguyen Duc , Huy Tran Quang , Thinh Nguyen Truong
Published: February 2024

Mobile robots are increasingly used in service and industrial activities. For many previous decades, its navigation has always remained an open problem for researchers in the World. The target of this research is to develop a control method for mobile robots operating in dynamic and unknown environments with both static and moving obstacles. The method utilizes a fuzzy logic approach based on a Lidar sensor to gather information about the environment and make decisions for navigation. The study focuses on the use of mobile robots in material handling applications such as warehouses or libraries with flat floors. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to navigate the mobile robot around both static and moving obstacles, enabling its use in various material handling applications. The study provides a potential solution for the open problem of mobile robot navigation in complex environments.
A review on usefulness of millets in current prospects
Authors: Dubey Shivam
Published: February 2024

An important food crop on a global scale, millets have a big economic impact on developing countries. Millets are a useful grain because they are a dry-spell and annoyance-causing obstruction grain. Millets are regarded as sustaining food types that produce a lot of energy and aid in reducing hunger. Foods made from millet are thought to include probiotics and prebiotics that might have future health benefits. They are consumed as a staple meal, especially in non-industrialized countries, are necessary for certain moderately developed countries' traditional diets, and are spreading around the globe. It is a crucial nutritional source of energy. Millet seeds have been scientifically shown to have several health-promoting characteristics in addition to their high caloric value.