bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of asymmetrical rotational flow in the flow part of a well jet pump
Authors: Panevnik Denys
Published: September 2023

In order to improve the mathematical model of the working process of the above-bit ejection system for the conditions of its asymmetric rotation in the well, a method of modeling the circulating injected flow using a hydrodynamic vortex function, the center of which is shifted relative to the axis of the mixing chamber of the jet pump, has been developed. In the process of modeling the rotating asymmetric movement of the injected flow, the concept of circulation of the vector of the translational velocity of the liquid along a closed circuit is used. With the help of the components of the complex potential of the hydrodynamic circulation function, a graphical interpretation of the equipotential lines and flow lines of the spatial vortex with one-sided and two-sided displacement of the coordinate center was obtained. Using analytical relations for the velocity potential and stream function, the components of the circulation velocity are determined and the analyticity of the function of the complex potential with a shifted vortex center is proven. The fulfillment of the Cauchy-Riemann conditions allowed us to present the resulting velocity of the circulating current with the coordinate center shifted along the vertical axis in the form of a partial derivative of the complex potential. In contrast to the complex potential for a symmetric vortex, the ratio for determining the circulation speed in case of misalignment of the working nozzle and the mixing chamber of the jet pump contains an additional component in the form of the displacement of the vortex center.In the process of analyzing the results of using the proposed mathematical model, it was established that the resulting speed of the circulation current and the relative displacement of the spatial vortex center are directly proportional. The conducted studies proved that the ratio of the velocities of the symmetric and asymmetric circulation flow is a function of the displacement of the center of the vortex flow coordinates and varies from 1 to zero. The magnitude of the relative speed of the circulation flow is inversely proportional to the displacement of the coordinate center and the distance to the mixing chamber of the jet pump. The developed mathematical model can be used to predict the influence of the rotation of the ejection system on its pressure characteristic in the case of radial relative displacement of the working nozzle and the mixing chamber of the jet pump.
Стартап як форма підприємницької діяльності: методика просування Customer Development
Authors: Левчук О. М. , Опря Д. І.
Published: September 2023

У статті розглянуто стартап як форму підприємницької діяльності. Старта-пи в сучасному світі є необхідним складником господарського розвитку країни, оскільки вони є джерелом нових ідей, технологій та інновацій. Однак, багато стартапів зазнають невдачі на стадії запуску через недостатню увагу до стратегії просування.
New Approaches to Using Plant Flavor-Forming Enzymes
Authors: Dubova Halyna , Levchuk Iryna , Galkin Alexander , Hmelnitska Yevgenia , Poyedinok Natalia
Published: September 2023

Background. Proteases, as well as enzyme complexes with various combinations of lipase, amylase, and cellulase, are used as flavor enzymes to impart aroma to processed raw materials. Plant-derived enzymes have significant potential for influencing aroma-forming reactions.
Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate the intentional alteration of the aroma of onions, linden leaves, and cherry leaves by either activating (in the case of linden and cherry leaves) or inhibiting (in the case of onions) specific plant enzyme complexes.
Methods. Linden and cherry leaves, as well as onion bulbs, were selected as the subjects that change their aroma by a complex of enzymes. To activate the enzymes present in the tree leaves, fermentation conditions similar to those used in tea leaf processing were applied. Mustard seeds and horseradish roots were employed as supplementary sources of enzymes. Ginger, extracts of bleck tea, grean tea, and oark bark were used to influence the reactions of onion aroma formation.
Results. It was determined that flavor enzymes of tree leaves are active in different periods of leaf formation: enzyme complex in cherry leaves becomes active after flowering, while linden leaves exhibit enzymatic activity before flowering. Plant enzymes, such as mustard myrosinases and horseradish polyphenol oxidases, were found to be effective in modifying the onion's flavor. The substances contained in extracts of black tea, green tea, and ginger were observed to effectively inhibit the development of onion aroma.
Conclusions. The compounds of ginger, black tea, and green tea extracts were found to slow down or inhibit the development of the onion aroma. The aroma of cherry and linden tree leaves undergoes transformation due to the natural leaf enzymes, resulting in aromas reminiscent of cherry berries and linden blossoms, respectively. Plant aroma-forming enzymes in linden leaves have a a more significant impact on the aroma before flowering, whereas aroma-forming enzymes in cherry leaves exert a stronger influence after fruiting.
CRIMINALISTIC AND PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF EVIDENCE AND SUBSTANTIATING IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Authors: Murgoski Boris , Jankoska Angela , Murgoski Vladimir
Published: September 2023

The intricate and perpetual issues pertaining to evidence and substantiating hold a central position in the realm of criminal procedure, particularly within the sphere of criminalistic-cognitive and heuristic activities. Primarily, evidence serves as the subject of examination within the theory of judicial evidence, as an integral component of the criminal procedural sciences. Simultaneously, it represents a subject that is continuously studied and investigated within the field of criminalistics science and practice. Conversely, the criminalistics theory of evidence primarily directs its attention towards exploring the informational nature, epistemological content, and relevance of evidentiary information, facts, and evidence in the course of investigating a criminal offense and identifying the perpetrator. Essentially, it encompasses the same object of study, but from two distinct approaches, thereby avoiding duplication of evidentiary theories. In light of these considerations, this scientific paper initially delves into certain theoretical aspects of evidence, subsequently delving into the intricate problem of criminalisticcognitive and heuristic activities within the criminal procedure, akin to a syllogistic criminalistic procedure.
BEYOND PROPAGANDA AND FAKE NEWS: ELEMENTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS AND INFORMATION WARFARE
Authors: Peshev Aleksandar
Published: September 2023

The topic of “fake news” has been determined to be one of the main factors that contribute to the creation of alternate realities, not based in fact, in what is called the posttruth era. Specifically, disinformation is being singled out as a serious threat to individual and collective security in campaigns via traditional media such as TV print and radio and on social networks. These campaigns are more than a random spread of disinformation. They are organized in systematic approaches for influence, known as psychological operations, and a specific approach in PsyOps that has been recorded in peacetime – information warfare.
KEY QUALITY CRITERIA FOR PRIVATE SECURITY IN THE PROTECTION AND RESILIENCE OF CRITICAL ENTITIES
Authors: Kermetchieva Sanja
Published: September 2023

Security is a key concern in societies worldwide. Moreover, societies are dependent on the continual operation of critical infrastructure i.e., critical entities (sectors: energy; transport; banking and finance; water; health; digital infrastructure; food; public administration; space) that are key and vital for national security, economic vitality, and public health and safety, and relevant regionally and globally, due to its physical, cyber, geographic, and logical interdependency. However, in the dynamic security context, there are risks and threats to critical infrastructure with potential cross-sectoral or cross-border nature, including accidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, and hybrid threats, including terrorist offences, criminal infiltration, and sabotage. Hence, strengthening the security and resilience of critical infrastructure is high on the agenda of authorities. Private security companies are part of the security continuum and have always complimented state security efforts. Moreover, the increasing security risks to critical infrastructure driven by natural and geopolitical events have increased the role of private security services, and security companies and personnel are an integral part of Critical Infrastructure Protection. The main tendency of this paper will be to elaborate on the new EU Directive on the resilience of critical entities 2022/2557 of 14 December 2022. The theoretical explication will cover the wider critical infrastructure protection and resilience concept. The main focus will be to analyze the role of private security in critical infrastructure protection. Furthermore, this paper will elaborate on the sector-specific Standard EN 17483, Private security services -Protection of critical infrastructure, which illustrates requirements for quality in organizations, processes, personnel and management. The final goal will be to systematize the body of knowledge about the key quality criteria of private security in the protection and resilience of critical entities.
THE EFFECTIVE NUMBER OF PARLIAMENTARY PARTIES AS AN ASSUMPTION OF THE STABILITY OF THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MACEDONIAN ASSEMBLY IN THE PAST MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF POLITICAL PLURALISM
Authors: Ambarkov Nikola
Published: September 2023

Even before the formal negotiation process of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) for membership in the European Union began, the important role that the Parliament should play in this process was highlighted. The main contribution of the Parliament to the European integration process should be ensuring the sustainability of the reforms. The Assembly is the key place for organizing a dialogue between the government, the opposition, and civil society about the far-reaching goals of the reforms that will be made in the rapprochement process. And the European Commission further emphasized that it sees the national parliaments of the countries of the Western Balkans as a link between the citizens and Brussels. Without a stable, functional, effective representative body, these challenges will not be met. In every developed democracy, the problem of the relationship between the government and the political parties represented in the parliament has always been an actual issue. The increase in the number of political forces in the parliament leads to the need to form coalitions and, accordingly, the greater the fragmentation of political interests, the more difficult it is to build consensus, which should imply an agreement between influential MPs, regardless of whether they are in the majority or the opposition. Hence, the aim of this paper is an analysis of the representation of political forces in the Macedonian parliament in the last ten election cycles through the “index of the effective number of parties” as a tool, designed to consider the problem of balance between the representation and effectiveness of the elected bodies and their dependence from the electoral mechanisms. For this purpose, first, in a theoretical sense, the typologies of party systems and the index for the effective number of parties (developed by Estonian political scientists Laakso and Taagepera) will be reviewed. Then, with the help of this index, will be determined the number of effective parliamentary parties in the past ten parliamentary compositions in RNM. The RNM is very convenient for such an analysis because in the country’s three-decade plural history different electoral models were applied – in the parliamentary elections in 1990 and 1994, the majority, in 1998, there was a mixed (parallel) model, and since 2002, a proportional model has been applied.
Manajemen Talenta dan Implementasinya di Industri
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Sumartik Sumartik , Ambarwati Rita
Published: September 2023

Era perang talenta mengacu pada periode di mana persaingan untuk mendapatkan dan mempertahankan bakat terbaik dalam dunia kerja menjadi semakin intens. Dalam era ini, organisasi harus bersaing untuk menarik perhatian calon karyawan yang berkualitas, membangun tim yang kuat, dan menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang menarik bagi para talenta. Perang talenta ini dipicu oleh perubahan lanskap tenaga kerja, perkembangan teknologi, dan pergeseran nilai serta harapan generasi baru. Salah satu faktor utama yang mendorong perang talenta adalah globalisasi. Kemajuan teknologi dan komunikasi telah menghapus batasan geografis, memungkinkan organisasi untuk mencari bakat di seluruh dunia.
Measurement of Effective Hydrogen-Methane Gas Diffusion Coefficients in Reservoir Rocks
Authors: Arekhov Vladislav , Zhainakov Timur , Clemens Torsten , Wegner Jonas
Published: September 2023

If hydrogen is stored in depleted gas fields, the remaining hydrocarbon gas can be used as cushion gas. The composition of the backproduced gas depends on the magnitude of mixing between the hydrocarbon gas and the hydrogen injected. One important parameter that contributes to this process of mixing is molecular diffusion. Although diffusion models are incorporated in the latest commercial reservoir simulators, effective diffusion coefficients for specific rock types, pressures, temperatures, and gas compositions are not available in the literature. Thus, laboratory measurements were performed to improve storage performance predictions for an underground hydrogen storage (UHS) project in Austria.

An experimental setup was developed that enables measurements of effective multicomponent gas diffusion coefficients. Gas concentrations are detected using infrared light spectroscopy, which eliminates the necessity of gas sampling. To test the accuracy of the apparatus, binary diffusion coefficients were determined using different gases and at multiple pressures and temperatures. Effective diffusion coefficients were then determined for different rock types. Experiments were performed multiple times for quality control and to test reproducibility.

The measured binary diffusion coefficients without porous media show a very good agreement with the published literature data and available correlations based on the kinetic gas theory (Chapman-Enskog, Fuller-Schettler-Giddings). Measurements of effective diffusion coefficients were performed for three different rock types that represent various facies in a UHS project in Austria.

A correlation between static rock properties and effective diffusion coefficients was established and used as input to improve the numerical model of the UHS. This input is crucial for the simulation of backproduced gas composition and properties which are essential parameters for storage economics. In addition, the results show the impact of pressure on effective diffusion coefficients, which impacts UHS performance.
Research Status and Development Prospect of Wellbore Integrity in China
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Zhao Yuanjin , Cai Nan , Xiang Shilin , Ding Chenyu
Published: September 2023

As the exploration and development of oil and gas move into increasingly challenging locations and harsher environments, well integrity becomes more difficult to maintain. High temperatures, pressures, and corrosion can all contribute to wellbore integrity failure. Such failures can have significant financial and environmental consequences, including gas leakage and fluid spills. In this paper, we review the development and technical advancements of wellbore integrity research both in China and abroad and look forward to the development direction of wellbore integrity in China. We provide basic background knowledge for those interested in wellbore integrity and also share the progress and development direction of integrity research for wellbore integrity researchers. Through research and analysis, some conclusions can be drawn.

Countries around the world are actively studying wellbore integrity and have developed a large number of standards, especially the United States and Norway, which have the most standards. The most common way to analyze wellbore integrity is to first divide the entire wellbore into different wellbore barrier units according to different standards, such as ISO 16530-1, and then study risk factors and integrity management measures in different units. Mainstream research is mostly carried out around the integrity of casing, cement, and tubing, and many achievements have been made, but the study of packer and downhole safety valve is still on the way. Wellbore integrity risk assessment aims to quantify potential risks and establish risk levels to support decision-making for on-site wellbore integrity control. This is achieved by identifying factors affecting wellbore integrity, establishing an evaluation index system and processing evaluation indicators to determine failure probability and impact consequences. The resulting risk value can be divided into different areas using the “as low as reasonably practicable principle” or a risk matrix graph. However, due to the complexity of the factors involved and the subjectivity of risk classification rules, there are still challenges in promoting the evaluation model and reducing errors in the evaluation results. China should actively promote interdisciplinary integration and respond to the call for “dual carbon goals” to break through the current bottleneck in wellbore integrity research. This can be achieved by promoting the development of quantitative wellbore integrity risk assessment methods, developing supporting evaluation software based on big data, and by tackling the integrity challenges faced by different types of wells and promoting the development of wellbore integrity discipline.
A novel properties of rice bran: rice bran supplement alleviates chronic restraint stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice
Authors: Um Min Young , Kim Minji , Yoon Minseok , Cho Suengmok
Published: September 2023

Depression is emerging as a social and health-related issue in many countries. Rice bran supplement (RBS) possesses a variety of biological properties; however, its potential antidepressant effects have not been previously reported. This study investigated the antidepressant effects of RBS in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression. RBS (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered to mice subjected to CRS for 5 weeks. RBS significantly improved depressive symptoms in CRS-exposed mice, as evidenced by increased sucrose preference and reduced immobility time. It reduced serum corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticosterone. Additionally, RBS downregulated the expression of glucocorticoid receptor and FK506 binding protein 5 and upregulated the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, RBS increased serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels and decreased monoamine oxidase mRNA and protein levels in the brain. Thus, RBS administration could be a promising therapeutic approach to treating chronic stress-induced depression.
Quality of parent-child interaction in underserved migrant areas in Kyrgyzstan: a pilot study
Authors: Rim Dahae , Shin Hyunsook , Shon Soonyoung , Ma Hyunhee , Muratbekova Medina , Akimbaev Erlan Muratovich , Babalieva Zamira Buzurmanovna , Djumaeva Nuraiym Talapovna , Tentieva Aijamal Ashimbekovna
Published: September 2023

Background
After societal change in Kyrgyzstan, the pattern of parent-child interaction in the changing parenting culture is an important factor influencing the positive development of Kyrgyz children. This study is aim to assess the quality of parent-child interactions in Kyrgyzstan by analyzing the interaction patterns and playfulness of children during free play at home.
Methods
This was a descriptive pilot study using video-recorded observations to explore parent-child interactions. The Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System and a playfulness instrument were used to assess the patterns and quality of the interaction. A total of 20 dyads of children aged 24 to 58 months and their parents, living in migrant communities of Kyrgyzstan, participated in this study.
Results
Major parent-child interaction patterns included 731 turns of parent-child dyads during 1040 episodes. Verbal as well as nonverbal behaviors of parents were observed while interacting with their children. Parents used direct and indirect commands most frequently, while praise was used the least in interactions. Children frequently used compliance as well as noncompliance when they interacted with their parents. Children had low playfulness scores while interacting with their parents. Cognitive spontaneity was the component with the lowest score among all subdomains of playfulness.
Conclusion
Future studies are recommended to develop strategies to facilitate parents’ active interaction with their children, promote children’s playfulness, and improve the quality of their mutual interaction.
Identifying novel radioprotective drugs via salivary gland tissue chip screening
Authors: Piraino Lindsay R. , Chen Chiao Yun , Mereness Jared A. , Dunman P. M. , Ovitt Catherine , Benoit Danielle S.W. , DeLouise Lisa A.
Published: September 2023

During head and neck cancer treatment, off-target ionizing radiation damage to the salivary glands commonly causes a permanent loss of secretory function. Due to the resulting decrease in saliva production, patients have trouble eating, speaking and are predisposed to oral infections and tooth decay. While the radioprotective antioxidant drug Amifostine is FDA approved to prevent radiation-induced hyposalivation, it has intolerable side effects that limit its use, motivating the discovery of alternative therapeutics. To address this issue, we previously developed a salivary gland mimetic (SGm) tissue chip platform. Here, we leverage this SGm tissue chip for high-content drug discovery. First, we developed in-chip assays to quantify glutathione and cellular senescence (β-galactosidase), which are biomarkers of radiation damage, and we validated radioprotection using WR-1065, the active form of Amifostine.
Other reported radioprotective drugs including Edaravone, Tempol, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Rapamycin, Ex-Rad, and Palifermin were also tested to validate the ability of the assays to detect cell damage and radioprotection. All of the drugs except NAC and Ex-Rad exhibited robust radioprotection. Next, a Selleck Chemicals library of 438 FDA-approved drugs was screened for radioprotection. We discovered 25 hits, with most of the drugs identified exhibiting mechanisms of action other than antioxidant activity. Hits were down-selected using EC50 values and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data from the PubChem database. This led us to test Phenylbutazone (anti-inflammatory), Enoxacin (antibiotic), and Doripenem (antibiotic) for in vivo radioprotection in mice using retroductal injections. Results confirm that Phenylbutazone and Enoxacin exhibited radioprotection equivalent to Amifostine. This body of work demonstrates the development and validation of assays using a SGm tissue chip platform for high-content drug screening and the successful in vitro discovery and in vivo validation of novel radioprotective drugs with non-antioxidant primary indications pointing to possible, yet unknown novel mechanisms of radioprotection.
Healthcare service use in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a questionnaire on patient and parent care experiences in Germany
Authors: Boerkoel Aletta , Tischler Luisa , Kaul Kalina , Krause Heiko , Stentzel Ulrike , Schumann Stefan , Berg Neeltje , Laffolie Jan
Published: September 2023

Background
Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients require chronic care over the lifespan. Care for these patients is complex, as it is adapted for childrens’ life stages and changing disease activity. Guideline based care for this patient group recommends a multidisciplinary approach, which includes in addition to paediatric gastroenterologists nutritional and psychological care services. For PPIBD patients, a discrepancy between available guideline-based multidisciplinary care and actual care has been found from the provider side, but to what extent patients experience this is unclear.
Objectives
To identify which healthcare services were used and whether socio-demographic, geographic or disease related factors have an influence on health service utilisation.
Methods
A standardised questionnaire (CEDNA) was distributed amongst parents of children aged 0-17 diagnosed with PIBD and adolescents (aged 12-17) with an PIBD. Items related to health service use were analysed, these included specialist care, additional care services, reachability of services and satisfaction with care. Logistic regression models on additional service use were calculated. Service availability and reachability maps were made.
Results
Data was analysed for 583 parent and 359 adolescent questionnaires. Over half of the respondents had Crohn’s Disease (CD, patients n=186 parents n=297). Most patients and parents reported their paediatric gastroenterologist as their main care contact (patients 90.5%; parents 93%). Frequently reported additional services were nutritional counselling (patients 48.6%; parents 42.2%) and psychological counselling (patients 28.1%; parents 25.1%). Nutritional counselling was more frequently reported by CD patients in both the patient (OR 2.86; 95%CI 1.73-4.70) and parent (OR 3.1; 95%CI 1.42-6.71) sample. Of the patients, 32% reported not using any additional services, which was more likely for patients with an illness duration of less than one year (OR 3.42; 95%CI 1.26-9.24). This was also observed for the parent population (OR 2.23; 95%CI 1.13-4.4).
The population-based density of specialised paediatric gastroenterologists was not proportionate to the spatial distribution of patients in Germany, which may have an influence on access.
Conclusions
Parents and children reported highly specialised medical care. Multidisciplinary care offers do not reach the entire patient population. Access to multidisciplinary services needs to be ensured for all affected children.
Risk factors for hip dislocation in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Liu Gang , Bai Huizhong , Deng Bowen , Yu Ruiqin , Jiao Yong , Hu Chuanyu , Ren Jingpei , Zhao Yi , Xu Lin , Mu Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

Background and objectives:Hip dislocation is a prevalent occurrence among children afflicted with spastic cerebral palsy. It has the potential to induce impairment of function, and a decline in the quality of life. Early prevention and management of hip dislocation remains an intricate problem. Our objective is to elucidate the risk factors influencing hip dislocation in children with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:We included children with spastic cerebral palsy who were admitted to Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine between January 2016 and January 2023. Participants' comprehensive clinical information, encompassing aspects such as gender, age, gestational age, birth weight, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and age of first standing, could be meticulously retrieved from medical records. All participants underwent pelvic X-ray examination. The severity of hip dislocation was assessed through the meticulous calculation of the Migration Percentage (MP) of the femoral head. Meanwhile, Acetabular Index (AI) and Neck-Shaft Angle (NSA) were obtained. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed in the subsequent process.Results:A total of 291 patients (206 males and 85 females) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subsequently included in the analytical scope. The mean age was 8.3 years, ranging from 2 to 16 years. Correlation analysis showed that gender, age, gestational age, and birth weight were not related to MP (p> 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that GMFCS level (p< 0.001), AI (p< 0.001), NSA (p< 0.001), and age of first standing (p< 0.001) bore the stature of independent risk factors for MP.Conclusions:Our finding has revealed that GMFCS level, AI, NSA, and age of first standing are independent risk factors for the progression of MP in spastic cerebral palsy children. This study provided a new insight for the anticipation of hip dislocation.
Effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease on adverse pregnancy outcomes: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Haihong , Lu Pinpin , Zhang Xiaowei , Jin Cuiping , Wang Yongfang , Yu Qiulan , Zhen Meng , Zhu Liling , Zhu Xiaojie , Zhang Yanhua
Published: September 2023

Background
More and more studies have shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is negatively associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), including spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, premature separation of the placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between the two is not clear. The study aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between GERD and APOs.
Methods
Based on published genome-wide association studies, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to infer the causal relationship between GERD and APOs, in which the fixed-effects inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was the primary method. Various methods were conducted for sensitivity analysis. First, Cochran's Q test assessed heterogeneity among individual SNP estimates. Secondly, MR Egger addressed the pleiotropy effect. Third, a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to determine whether a single SNP was responsible for the results. Fourth, the funnel plot and forest plot are used to show the pleiotropy directly.
Results
GERD causally increased the risks of spontaneous abortion (odds ratio (OR) = 1.127, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.030–1.233, p = 0.009), gestational diabetes (OR = 1.201, 95% CI = 1.075–1.342, p = 0.001), and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (OR = 1.183, 95% CI = 1.020–1.372, p = 0.026). No associations were observed for premature rupture of membranes, premature separation of the placenta, or postpartum hemorrhage. No evidence of heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy was detected. The leave-one-out sensitivity analysis revealed that the overall estimates were not disproportionately affected by any individual SNP.
Conclusions
This two-sample MR analysis found that GERD was positively associated with spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
Perceptions of and Preparedness for Cross-Cultural Care: A Survey of Final-Year Medical Students in Ireland
Authors: O'Brien Lesley , Wassall Nicola , Cadoret Danielle , Petrovic Aleksandra , O’Donnell Patrick , Neville Siobhán
Published: September 2023

Background Migration is increasing globally, and societies are becoming more diverse and multi-ethnic. Medical school curricula should prepare students to provide high-quality care to all individuals in the communities they serve. Previous research from North America and Asia has assessed the effectiveness of medical cultural competency training, and student preparedness for delivery of cross-cultural care. However, student preparedness has not been explored in the European context. The aim of this study was to investigate how prepared final-year medical students in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) feel to provide care to patients from other countries, cultures, and ethnicities. In addition, this study aims to explore students’ experiences and perceptions of cross-cultural care.Methods Final-year medical students attending all six medical schools within the ROI were invited to participate in this study. A modified version of the Harvard Cross-Cultural Care Survey (CCCS) was used to assess their preparedness, skill, training/education, and attitudes. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, and Fisher's Exact Test was employed to compare differences within self-identified ethnicity groups and gender.Results Whilst most respondents felt prepared to care for patients in general (80.5%), many felt unprepared to care for specific ethnic patient cohorts, including patients from a minority ethnic background (50.7%) and the Irish Traveller Community (46.8%). Only 20.8% of final-year students felt they had received training in cross-cultural care during their time in medical school. Most respondents agreed that they should be assessed specifically on skills in cultural competence whilst in medical school (83.2%).Conclusions A large proportion of final-year medical students surveyed in Ireland feel inadequately prepared to care for ethnically diverse patients. Similarly, they report feeling unskilled in core areas of cross-cultural care, and a majority agree that they should be assessed on aspects of cultural competency. This study explores shortcomings in cultural competency training and confidence amongst Irish medical students. These findings have implications for future research and curricular change, with opportunities for the development of relevant educational initiatives in Irish medical schools.
HNF4A-AS1 inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting the ubiquitin-modulated degradation of PCBP2 and suppressing the stability of ARG2 mRNA
Authors: Ding WenZhou , Jia Wenbo , Yu Liang , Xu Bin , Feng Yanzhi , Wang Jinyi , Zhu Deming , Xu Chao , Liang Litao , Zhou Yongping , Kong Lianbao
Published: September 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Extensive research has revealed the significant role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of tumor development. In this particular study, high-throughput sequencing analysis was used to evaluate the expression levels of lncRNAs in three pairs of HCC tissues and their corresponding noncancerous tissues. Through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and clinicopathological analysis, it was discovered that HNF4A-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues. Furthermore, its expression levels were found to be positively correlated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo functional studies demonstrated that HNF4A-AS1 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and stemness of HCC cells. Mechanistically, it was observed that HNF4A-AS1 physically interacts with the KH3 domain of PCBP2 through a specific segment (491–672 nt). This interaction facilitates the recruitment of PCBP2 by AIP4, leading to the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of PCBP2. Furthermore, HNF4A-AS1 was found to regulate the stability of AGR2 mRNA by modulating PCBP2, thereby influencing the malignant phenotype of HCC. Overall, this study elucidates the involvement of the HNF4A-AS1/PCBP2/AGR2 axis in the progression of HCC, thereby identifying a potential therapeutic target for intervention in HCC.
Humidity and Temperature Monitoring in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: DE JESUS THIAGO CAMILO , Ferracioli Laercio
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the realization of a study of monitoring and data analysis using humidity and temperature data loggers in a biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. The study was carried out with students from the José Pinto Coelho State School of Elementary and Secondary Education who collected data from their homes located in different regions of the Municipality of Santa Teresa, found 80 km from Vitória, capital of the State of Espírito Santo. It had the participation of 84 students from three classes of the 1st year of high school. It aimed to introduce them to the practice of citizen science, seeking to promote understanding of how they can use accessible technologies to monitor local environmental conditions and contribute to studies on climate change. The study consisted of workshops focusing on the production of data loggers, the importance of preserving the Atlantic Forest, how climate change affects this ecosystem and collecting and analyzing data with data loggers. The results reveal that students were engaged in the proposal of citizen science, showing an understanding of environmental issues, and in the bid to use digital technologies and programming as a tool for data collection and analysis.
Infection Point of Care Tests (POCT) in simulated vignettes can improve the education of Antibiotic Stewardship Programmes. An observational comparative study of Clinicians vs Medical Students
Authors: Singhal Archit , Nurek Martine , Lau Timothy. , Mcentee James , Moore Luke , Mughal Nabeela , Mason Sonia , Vizcaychipi Marcela , Singh Suveer
Published: September 2023

Background
Point of Care Tests (POCTs) offer accurate rapid diagnostics for infections but have not improved antibiotic-free-days. This has been attributed to clinician prescribing behaviour rather than test performance. Hypothesising experience to influence prescribing behaviour, we compared the effect of POCT-use on antibiotic decision-making amongst clinical medical students versus intensive care clinicians.
Methods
In a within- and between groups cohort study, clinicians and students saw four clinical vignettes depicting resolving hospital acquired pneumonia on ICU, after a course of antibiotics. Each vignette comprised clinical and biological data, to create four distinct trajectories at the point of antibiotic decision: “clinical-biological improvement”, “clinical improvement/biological worsening”, “clinical worsening /biological improvement”, “clinical-biological worsening”. Participants made an initial antibiotic decision (stop/continue). Then a polymerase-chain-reaction POCT was offered (accepted/declined). Regardless, a negative POCT result was always subsequently presented. Participants updated their antibiotic decision. Stop decisions were compared between groups pre- and post-POCT.
Results
Eighty-eight students and seventy clinicians responded. Pre-POCT result, students stopped antibiotics significantly less than clinicians (42% vs. 53%, p = 0.007); most markedly in the “clinical improvement/biological worsening” case (36% vs. 73%, p < 0.001). Students and clinicians requested a POCT to assist their judgement with equal frequency (65% vs. 67%, p = 0.650). A negative POCT result raised student stop rates to those of clinicians in all scenarios (70% vs. 67%, p = 0.466); the greatest rise in student stop rate being the “clinical improvement /biological worsening” scenario (p = 0.006).
Conclusion
Infection-detecting POCTs (when negative) improved students’ antibiotic stop rates to the level of experienced clinicians, particularly in cases of clinico-biological trajectorial ambiguity. Utilisation of a POCT result, if negative, can reduce (over)cautious prescribing. Simulated vignettes of clinical infection incorporating POCT diagnostics offer a promising learning tool to improve students’ antimicrobial judgement, and confidence in decision making. Such educational interventions in the medical school curriculum may improve antimicrobial stewardship.
Poor feto maternal outcomes and associated factors among labouring mothers referred to Nekemte city public hospitals, East Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Authors: Tolessa Roba , Lema Matiyos , Wodajo Seid , Merdasa Emiru , Raga Imana , Garuma Worku , Fayera Hunde , Gemechu Garuma , Dessalegn Markos
Published: September 2023

Background: Deliveries are not always free from poor fetal and maternal outcomes. The majority of obstetric complications are referred to tertiary hospitals however, there is limited evidence regarding the magnitude of poor maternal and fetal outcomes and their associated factors among referred laboring mothers in Ethiopia and especially in the study area.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the magnitude ofpoor fetal and maternal outcomes and associated factors among laboring mothers referred to Nekemte City public Hospitals, Oromia region, Ethiopia.
Methods and Materials: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 420 referred laboring mothers in the two public hospitals of Nekemte City from February 10, 2023, to April 10, 2023. The data were entered to EPI- DATA software version 4.6 and then, exported to SPSS Version 26.0 for analysis. A binary Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor feto-maternal outcomes. A bivariable binary logistic regression model was used to select candidate variables at p-value ≤ 0.25. A multivariable binary logistic regression model with 95% CI and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) was used to identify variables associated with poor feto-maternal outcomes at a P-value < 0.05.
Result: Poor fetal and maternal outcome was 46.2% (95%CI: (41% - 51%) and 24.1% (95% CI: 20%- 29%) respectively. Unable to read and write (AOR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.11-11.96), multiple pregnancies (AOR: 4.23, 95% CI: (1.26, 14.25), and Preeclampsia 3.9, 95% CI: (1.11-13.67) were significant factors for poor maternal outcome. Rural residence (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: (1.21, 3.29), a cesarean delivery (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: (1.56, 4.47), gestational age <37 weeks (AOR: 8.09, 95% CI: (1.52, 12.91), <4 antenatal care visit (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI: (1.23-4.58), were found to be significant factors for poor fetal outcome.
Conclusion and Recommendation: In this study, the poor fetal and maternal outcomes were linked to obstetric complications among referred pregnant women. Unable to read and write, multiple pregnancies, and, - pregnancy induced hypertention were factors associated with poor maternal outcomes. Rural residence, cesarean deliveries, Gastational age less than 37 weeks and less than four ANC visits were factors associated with poor fetal outcomes. Therefore, detecting and managing obstetric complications early, improving antenatal care further and pregnant women should also have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Engineering synthetic magnetic fields for polarized photons
Authors: Fu Shenhe , Liu Guohua , Zeng Zepei , Lin Haolin , Xin Zhang , Zhang Xiliang , Hu Yanwen , Zhen Li , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: September 2023

Charged particles exhibit nonzero magnetic moments and interact with external magnetic fields, which lead to a rich variety of fundamental spin transport phenomena including the Lorentz force, Landau quantization, Aharonov-Bohm effect and topological Hall effect. Unlike the charged particles, uncharged particles such as photons do not contain spinning-induced magnetic moments and are therefore decoupled from the real magnetic fields. As a result, emulations of the fundamental quantum phenomena by using the uncharged particles are thought to be elusive. Here, we theoretically identify an equivalent spin-1/2 model for polarized photons and synthesize a general magnetization vector for coupling the differently polarized photons in an engineered photonic anisotropic medium. The synthetic magnetic field can be spatially engineered to manipulate the magnetic moments of the pseudo-spin-1/2 photons, leading to observation of the Lorentz force and the resulting analogous Stern–Gerlach phenomena. We experimentally demonstrate these fundamental effects by using different spins including the purely single-polarization spins and mutually two-polarization mixing spins. We report the first demonstration of higher-order Stern–Gerlach effects by using spins, which exhibit nontrivial topological structures. Our findings offer new avenues to polarization-based elements with potential applications such as in photonic polarization selection and conversion, benefiting classical and quantum information processing. This work constitutes a general formulism for synthesizing the magnetic field, allowing emulation of intriguing quantum phenomena such as the topological Hall effect by using the polarized photons.
Mitigating MEV Attacks with a Two-Tiered Architecture Utilizing Verifiable Decryption
Authors: Alnajjar Mustafa Ibrahim , Kiraz Mehmet Sabir , Al-Bayatti Ali , Kardas Suleyman
Published: September 2023

A distributed ledger is a shared and synchronized database across multiple designated nodes, often referred to as miners, validators, or peers. These nodes record, distribute, and access data to ensure security and transparency. However, these nodes can be compromised and manipulated by selectively choosing which user transactions to include, exclude, or reorder, thereby gaining an unfair advantage. This is known as a Miner/Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) attack. Existing solutions can be classified into various categories, such as MEV auction platforms and time-based ordering properties, which rely on private transaction Mempools. In this paper, we first identify some architectural weaknesses inherent in the latest proposals that divide the block creation and execution roles into separate functions: block builders and block executors. The existing schemes mainly suffer from the verifiability of the decryption process, as a corrupted builder or executor can simply deny the inclusion of specific targeted transactions by exploiting the fact that all transactions are in plain format. To address this, we propose an enhanced version that incorporates a verifiable decryption process. On a very high level, within our proposal, whenever an executor or a builder performs a decryption, the decrypted values must be broadcasted. This enables any entity in the network to publicly verify whether the decryption was executed correctly. In this way, this approach prevents malicious behaviour by either party from going undetected. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive security analysis of our protocol against potential adversaries and present a performance analysis of the proposed solution.
Machine learning-enabled chemical space exploration of all-inorganic perovskites for photovoltaics
Authors: Im Jino , Kim Jin-Soo , Noh Juhwan
Published: September 2023

The vast compositional and configurational spaces of multi-element metal halide perovskites (MHPs) result in significant challenges when designing MHPs with promising stability and optoelectronic properties. In this paper, we propose a framework for the design of B-site-alloyed ABX3MHPs by combining density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML). We performed generalized gradient approximation with Perdew–Berke–Ernzerhof functional for solids (PBEsol) on 3,159 B-site-alloyed perovskite structures using a compositional step of 1/4. Crystal graph convolution neural networks (CGCNNs) were trained on the 3,159 DFT datasets to predict the decomposition energy, bandgap, and types of bandgaps. The trained CGCNN models were used to explore the compositional and configurational spaces of 41,400 B-site-alloyed ABX3MHPs with a compositional step of 1/16, by accessing all possible configurations for each composition. The electronic band structures of the selected compounds were calculated using the hybrid functional (PBE0). Based on the DFT/ML-combined screening, 10 promising compounds with optimal bandgaps were selected and, from among these 10 compounds, CsGe0.3125Sn0.6875I3and CsGe0.0625Pb0.3125Sn0.625Br3were suggested as photon absorbers for single-junction and tandem solar cells, respectively. Then, we calculated the optical absorption spectra and spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency of these 10 compounds. The design framework presented herein is a good starting point for the design of novel mixed MHPs for optoelectronic applications.