bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling up community participation in watershed management for food security improvement: the case of Qarsa woreda , East Haraghe zone, Ethiopia
Authors: gobena Tena , Bantider Amare , Mulugeta Messay , Teferi Ermias
Published: February 2025

Background The watershed management approach has been well-acknowledged as an effective strategy for improving food security. However, the significance of community engagement, which is vital for the success of this strategy, has not been adequately acknowledged. The study examined the level of community involvement and the factors influencing their participation in watershed management. Methods A household survey of 337 household heads, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, a people participation index, and a binary regression model were used for data analysis. Result The results of the people participation index indicated a moderate level of farmers’ participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases, with no significant differences observed between the three micro watersheds. However, there were variations in the indicator metrics within and across the micro watersheds, with participants from the Sustainable Land Management Program II (SLMPII), micro watershed showing significant differences compared to those from the Productive Safety Net Public work (PSNP_PW) and free mass mobilization at levels of 0.01 and 0.05, respectively. The results of binary logistic regression indicated that the overall level of farmer participation was significantly affected by the frequency of extension contact, livestock ownership, education level, family size, and group membership. Conclusions The study highlights the need to consider variability in indicator measurements for effective watershed management to improve food security. It stresses the importance of building farmers’ capacity and fostering ownership, rather than simply providing them with explícitas instructions to follow.
Nódulo de la hermana Mary Joseph como manifestación de tumor ovárico
Authors: Chao Pereira Caridad , Caicedo Segura Juan Jose , Goelkel Perez Snayder Jose
Published: February 2025

Introducción: El nódulo de la hermana Mary Joseph es una lesión cutánea umbilical de origen metastásico secundario a una neoplasia de cualquier órgano, principalmente de localización intrabdominal o pélvica. Tiene incidencia de 1-3% en personas diagnosticadas con neoplasias abdominopélvicas. Presentación del caso: paciente femenina de 63 años con cuadro clínico de 4 meses de evolucion, consistente en aumento de volumen a nivel del ombligo con coloración rojiza, hiporexia, pérdida ponderal, aumento de circunferencia abdominal, dispepsia, emesis y edema en miembros inferiores. En exploración abdominal se identificó lesión nodular en región umbilical color rojizo violáceo, centro necrótico y friable, además se palpó hipogastrio pétreo con superficie irregular y signo de tarral positivo. Se realizó tomografía abdominopélvica que evidenció aumento del tamaño de anejo derecho y se procedió a tomar citología mediante punción aspirativa con aguja fina de la lesión umbilical cuyo análisis reveló carcinoma pobremente indiferenciado, se definió la existencia de nódulo de la hermana Mary Joseph secundario a carcinoma ovárico. Discusión: el nódulo de la hermana Mary Joseph es metástasis umbilical de una neoplasia maligna no conocida o signo de recurrencia en pacientes con proceso anarcoproliferativo maligno. Alrededor del 55% de los tumores primarios que lo causan son de origen digestivo, seguido por neoplasias ginecológicas (34%) con tipo histológico más frecuente carcinoma de ovario. La prueba diagnóstica de elección es punción aspirativa con aguja fina para obtener material que permita determinar las características histopatológicas e inmunohistoquímicas para definir el origen de la neoplasia primaria.
Time-domain Hybrid Method for the Coupling Analysis of Curved Power Lines Illuminated by Early-time High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse
Authors: Ye Zhihong , Gao Zhiwei , Hong Guangzhi , Tong Chen , Ji Ziran , Xiao Zeyu
Published: February 2025

An efficient time-domain field-to-line hybrid method is presented to realize the rapid coupling calculation of curved power lines (CPLs) illuminated by Early-Time (E1) high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP). Firstly, improved transmission line equations are derived by ideal conductor boundary conditions and transmission line theory, which are employed to construct the E1 HEMP coupling model of CPLs. Then, based on the image principle, a rapid calculation method for the excitation fields of CPLs is investigated, and improved transmission line equations are solved by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to achieve fast iterative calculation of voltage and current responses along CPLs. Finally, relevant numerical simulations are utilized to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. On this basis, the impact of power line lengths, heights, and ground electromagnetic parameters on E1 HEMP coupling of CPLs is analyzed.
A Wideband High Front-to-Back Ratio Directional Filtering Slot Antenna and its Application in MIMO Terminals
Authors: Yang Hailong , Liu Haitian , Li Xuping , Li Yapeng , Wang Shanzhe , Zhang Jinsheng , Wang Chenhao , Fang Yun
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a directional filtering slot antenna with a wideband high front-to-back (F/B) ratio is proposed, which aims to improve the anti-interference capability of the unit antenna in the spatial and frequency domains and reduce the coupling between MIMO units. The fundamental structure of this antenna is a transformed defective ground slot antenna, featuring superior filtering attributes in the frequency domain. To achieve a wideband F/B, boost the directional characteristics, and further augment the anti-interference capabilities of the filtering slot antenna, the leading terminal and slot are, respectively, integrated into the filtering antenna. A 2×2 MIMO antenna ensemble is also designed, utilizing the directional filtering slot antenna as the element. This antenna not only exhibits commendable filtering proficiency across the frequency and spatial domains but also effectively inhibits the surface wave and space wave coupling between MIMO antenna units. The simulated and measured results show that the operating bandwidth of the directional filtering slot antenna is 2.8-11.3 GHz, the F/B of the radiation pattern is larger than 15 dB, and the isolation between the 2×2 MIMO antenna units is greater than 20 dB without any decouplingstructure.
Optimizing Multi-coil Integrated High-speed On/Off Valves for Enhanced Dynamic Performance with Voltage Control Strategies
Authors: Huang Shuai , Zhou Hua
Published: February 2025

In optimizing high-speed on/off valves (HSVs), key components of digital hydraulic systems, this study introduces a method designed for multi-coil integrated HSVs, differing from the traditional focus on single-coil solenoid configurations. The proposed method is an optimization framework that matches with voltage control strategies to significantly enhance the dynamic performance of HSVs. Through the integration of simulation and experimental analyses, the investigation explores the functional relationship among coil volume, temperature rise, and input power. Additionally, utilizing multi-objective optimization (MOO) techniques to improve coil design and optimize performance based on meta-model of optimal prognosis (MOP) and evolution algorithm (EA), the results demonstrate that, when employing a three-voltage control strategy, coils designed with this strategy, compared to those with a single-voltage control strategy, significantly reduce the opening time for normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) valves by up to 40% (from 5.0 ms to 3.0 ms) and 36.4% (from 5.5 ms to 3.5 ms).
Outdoor Wi-Fi Dual-band Dual-polarized Base Station Antenna Design
Authors: Fan Yida , Li Lijuan , Arya Ravi K. , Ma Xianghua , Kong Shiyuan , Dong Junwei
Published: February 2025

In this manuscript, a dual-band and dual-polarized coupled patch array antenna operating at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz for outdoor Wi-Fi applications is proposed. Two sets of antenna arrays made of four-element stacked patches act as main radiators. The height of this antenna is 0.04λ0, which is much smaller than the general size of other low-profile antennas. The arrays are fed by two feed ports which are used to separately feed vertical and horizontally polarized signals with stable port isolation. The antenna structure also employs a duplex filter to filter 2.4-2.484 GHz and 5.1-5.9 GHz operating band frequencies. The measured impedance bandwidths of the prototype antenna structure are 2.41-2.484 GHz and 5.1-5.9 GHz, respectively. The isolation between the two ports is greater than 20 dB, and the cross-polarization level is better than 20 dB in the operating bands. In addition, the average gain of the prototype antenna is approximately 13 dBi in horizontal and vertical polarization. Overall, because of the stable structure, high reliability, small size, and light weight of the patch antenna, the outdoor base station antenna has a huge potential market value, this antenna is a good candidate for commercial outdoor Wi-Fi applications.
Design of a Single-fed Gain-enhanced Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna for Microwave Power Transmission
Authors: Jiang Ziyang , Ma Zhonghua , Sun Xiaojing , Liang Weiqian , Xing Haitao
Published: February 2025

A high-gain single-fed circularly polarized (CP) microstrip patch antenna for microwave transmission systems is proposed in this paper. Two narrow rectangular slots are added to the rectangular microstrip patch to enhance the antenna gain. The patch is rotated by 90∘ to form a cross microstrip patch antenna, and a pair of narrow microstrip strips are added at the edge of the cross patch along the -45∘ diagonal direction of the antenna to implement circular polarization. Two short rectangular microstrip lines are added on both sides of the narrow microstrips to adjust the phase of the current to further reduce the axial ratio (AR) value. The designed antenna model is simulated, fabricated and measured. The results of the measurement show that the antenna has a gain of 11.3 dB at the resonance frequency of 5.8 GHz, and the CP AR is 2.73 dB. The antenna can be applied to microwave power transmission systems and other personal wireless communication systems.
Research on Electromagnetic Interference of Liquid Crystal Display Screen on Low-medium Speed Maglev Trains
Authors: Tang Yutao , Li Xin , Zhou Chao
Published: February 2025

Low-medium speed maglev trains might suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI) during operation, which is specifically manifested as a blurred image on the liquid crystal display (LCD) screens of the passenger information system (PIS). In order to study the characteristics of the EMI, firstly, the working principle of PIS is analyzed in response to the fault phenomenon of the LCD screens. Possible interference sources are studied. Research results indicate that the leakage magnetic field generated by the transverse end effect of linear motors is the main interference source causing LCD screen faults. Secondly, the coupling mechanism of the EMI is analyzed. Results show that the transverse end effect can cause an increase in the ground potential of the LCD screen casing, resulting in a blurred image on the LCD screen. Finally, the EMI suppression method by suspending and grounding the LCD screen is proposed and its feasibility is verified. In this paper, we comprehensively study the EMI of LCD screens, which provides a theoretical basis for solving the tangible faults of maglev trains.
Single-pixel holographic video camera
Authors: Yoneda Naru , Bados Erick Fabian Ipus , Ordóñez Luis , Martinez Lluís , Matoba Osamu , Tajahuerce Enrique
Published: February 2025

Optical scanning holography (OSH) can measure three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence targets by recording incoherent holograms with two-dimensional Fresnel zone pattern (FZP) scanning and a single-pixel detector.
However, the complexity of the optical setup has limited its applicability.
Computational OSH (COSH) has been proposed as a solution to this problem and has shown to be feasible with optical applications such as ghost imaging or Hadamard transform single-pixel imaging. However, the problem of FZP's scanning speed has limited its ability to visualize dynamic objects.
In this study, dynamic objects were visualized using a high-speed digital micromirror device (DMD).
In addition, a microscope based on COSH was constructed and then applied to capture moving images of dynamic objects behind dynamic scatterers.
The experimental results show that the proposed method captures incoherent holograms with a frame rate of 1.27 Hz using a single-pixel detector.
Moreover, numerical simulations indicate that the proposed method achieves imaging with a frame rate of approximately 27 Hz by using random sparse sampling and compressive sensing-based reconstruction.
Systematic identification of needlefish (Belonidae) species using molecular genetic and morphological markers in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Authors: Turan Cemal , Ivanova Petya Pavlova , Doğdu Servet Ahmet , Ergüden Deniz , Raykov Violin Stoyanov , Yankova Maria , Yağlioğlu Deniz , Ergenler Ayşegül
Published: February 2025

In this study, we aimed to clarify the taxonomic status of Belonidae species distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea by conducting detailed genetic and morphological markers. A total of 550 needlefish samples were caught between January 2022 and January 2024. The data set used in the study contains a total of 171 sequences for the COI gene and 120 sequences for the 12s rRNA gene from different Belonidae species, including data from GenBank. Systematic analysis of needlefish species was investigated by using sequencing of mtDNA COI and 12s rRNA gene regions and morphological characters in the Turkish Marine Waters. A separate analysis of the two mitochondrial genes supported by morphological characters revealed that each species is grouped within itself. The genetic and morphological analyses showed that Belone belone acus and Belone belone euxini which are considered as the subspecies of Belone belone are not subspecies of the genus Belone and should be considered at the species level, Belone belone. Belone svetovidovi is also considerably different from Belone belone and should be considered as a different species. T. acus imperialis, which is thought to be distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, is not a subspecies of Tylosorus acus and should be revised as Tylosorus imperialis which genetically differs from Tylosorus acus and also other Tylosorus species at the species level.
Impact of COVID-19 on In-Patient and Out-Patient services in Bangladesh
Authors: Manna Ridwana Maher , Rahman Md Hafizur , Ara Tasnu , Usmani Nasimul Ghani , Tanvir K. M. , Haider M. Sabbir , Akter Ema , Shomik Mohammad Sohel , Hossain Aniqa Tasnim
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare systems, reducing access to medical services. In Bangladesh, strict lockdowns, healthcare worker shortages, and resource diversion further strained the system. Despite these challenges, the impact on inpatient and outpatient service utilisation in Bangladesh remains unaddressed. This study explored the levels of inpatient admissions and outpatient visits in public healthcare facilities before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of inpatient and outpatient data from all public hospitals collected via District Health Information System, version 2 (DHIS2) from January 2017 to June 2021. Using 2017-2019 as the baseline, we analysed healthcare utilisation indicators (outpatient visits and inpatient admissions) with descriptive and segmented Poisson regression to assess the impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.

Results

In 2020, outpatient visits and inpatient admissions significantly declined to 34.1 million and 37.5 million, respectively, from 47.6 million and 56.2 million in 2019. Segmented regression analysis confirmed these drops, especially in Dhaka (IRR =  0.62, p < 0.001) and Barisal (IRR =  0.69, p < 0.002) for outpatient visits, and in Dhaka (IRR =  0.64, p < 0.000) and Khulna (IRR =  0.70, p < 0.000) for inpatient admissions. In 2021, most divisions saw an increase in outpatient visit and inpatient admission numbers, with the lowest rebound in Sylhet.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced Outpatient Department (OPD) visits and Inpatient Department (IPD) admissions in Bangladesh in 2020, with partial recovery in 2021. To ensure sustained access to care, it is crucial to strengthen healthcare facilities and equip healthcare providers to be prepared for future pandemics or emergencies.
Ethiopian antimicrobial consumption trends in human health sector: A surveillance report 2020–2022
Authors: Eshete Hailemariam , Tileku Melaku , Aschenaki Abiyot , Shiferaw Eshetu , Mulugeta Haregewoin , Teferi Mengistab , Shute Teshita , Alemu Asnakech , Gerba Heran , Fentie Atalay Mulu
Published: February 2025

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a severe global health threat, driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials across the human, agricultural, and veterinary sectors. To combat this, global and national AMR prevention and containment strategies have been implemented, necessitating continuous monitoring of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) as an integral part of antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Objective

This study aims to assess and analyze trends in AMC in Ethiopia from 2020 to 2022, with the goal of informing national and sub-national strategies to combat AMR.

Methods

A three-year AMC surveillance was conducted from 2020 to 2022. Data on locally manufactured and imported antimicrobials were collected from local manufacturers and Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)-regulated ports of entry. AMC was analyzed using the WHO GLASS AMC tool, with antimicrobials categorized using the WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. Consumption was measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) and DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DID), normalized using population estimates from the World Population Prospects for Ethiopia.

Results

The total AMC in Ethiopia increased from 432 million DDDs in 2020 to 485 million DDDs in 2022. The DID rose from 10.63 in 2020 to 11.34 in 2022. Antibacterials dominated consumption, comprising 98.87% in 2020, 95.96% in 2021, and 99.79% in 2022. Penicillins (J01C) and quinolones (J01M) were the most consumed antimicrobials. As per the Ethiopian AWaRe classification, the majority of antibacterial agents consumed were in the Access group, accounting for 71.14% in 2020, 70.65% in 2021, and 74.2% in 2022. Oral formulations consistently made up over 87% of the total consumption each year. Reliance on imported antimicrobials remained high, with imports comprising 64.76% in 2020 and 74.47% in 2022.

Conclusion

The increasing trend in AMC in Ethiopia from 2020 to 2022 underscores the urgent need to establish and strengthen national, sub-national, and facility-level surveillance and reporting systems to better monitor and ensure rational antimicrobial use.
Effects of cochlear implantation on gait performance in adults with hearing impairment: A systematic review
Authors: Rafoul Bahaa , Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Lubetzky Anat V. , Cohen-Vaizer Mauricio , Karawani Hanin , Agmon Maayan
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous systematic reviews evaluated the effect of hearing interventions on static and dynamic stability and found several positive effects of hearing interventions. Despite numerous reviews on hearing interventions and balance, the impact of cochlear implantation on gait and fall risk remains unclear.

Objective

This systematic review examines the effects of cochlear implantation on gait performance in adults with hearing loss.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PEDro scale assessed the methodological quality, risk of bias, and study design of included articles.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five focused solely on cochlear implantation, while two included both cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids. Methodological inconsistencies were evident in measurement approaches and follow-up durations, leading to variable outcomes. Short-term follow-up post-implantation showed no improvement or even worsened gait outcomes. However, a longer follow-up of three months post-implantation indicated partial improvements in specific gait measures like Tandem Walk speed, though not in comfortable walking speed. Cross-sectional studies comparing on-off CI conditions revealed no significant differences in gait outcomes.

Conclusions

Improvements in gait due to cochlear implantation require at least three months to manifest. The variability in study methodologies complicates understanding the full impact of cochlear implantation on gait. Given that only seven, methodologically inconsistent articles were found, it is necessary to conduct additional research to understand the relationship between hearing, gait and fall risk and to specifically include longer post-CI monitoring periods.
Reorienting urban stream management to focus on equitable delivery of benefits
Authors: Wenger Seth J. , Bhaskar Aditi S. , Murphy Brian , Neale Martin , Scoggins Mateo , Barrett Isabelle , Bledsoe Brian , Capps Krista A. , Castillo María M. , Diaz Pascacio Erika , Hadwen Wade L. , Hawley Robert J. , Jackson Rhett , Margetts Belinda I. , Middleton Jen A. , Nolan Shayenna , Osborne Jelks Na’Taki , Rogers Britt , Scarlett Rachel , van Rees Charles B.
Published: February 2025

Urban streams are often managed in ways that contribute to societal inequities. Members of marginalized groups are frequently exposed to elevated flood risk and impaired water quality, with reduced access to essential water infrastructure and greenspace within stream corridors. The freshwater science research community has traditionally argued for stream management that improves ecological integrity, which can have the unintended consequence of steering investments away from the most degraded streams, which are often in low-income neighborhoods. We argue that it is time to reorient municipal stream management programs towards the objective of equitable delivery of benefits, which can take many forms, and to de-emphasize the goal of restoring streams to the pre-development ecological condition. To meet the objective of equitable delivery of benefits, municipalities will need to establish systems of collaborative governance, in which community organizations are empowered to participate as equal partners in urban stream management decision-making. We recognize the many practical challenges municipalities face in making these transitions, which will vary by country and region. Here, we identify some opportunities and highlight case studies illustrating how some communities are taking steps toward more equitable urban stream management.
Resource allocation for environmental health services in healthcare facilities: A qualitative case study from Niger
Authors: Landa Silvia , Sanoussi Elisha Y. , Mahamane Ezechiel , Mahamadou Kairou Oudou Bilo , Salzberg Aaron , Anderson Darcy M.
Published: February 2025

Water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and other environmental health services are critical for safe health systems, but global access is lacking. Adequate financing is a key barrier, and understanding resource allocation can help identify solutions in resource-limited contexts. We conducted a qualitative case examining resource allocation in rural Niger. Our objectives were to understand resource allocation processes, key actors and their roles, and contextual factors that influenced resource allocation. We interviewed thirty-three healthcare workers, community leaders, and government officials. We found that resource allocation followed formal and informal processes. Formal processes encompassed annual budgets and monthly supplies through government channels, while informal processes depended on healthcare workers’ out-of-pocket expenses, unpaid labor, in-kind community support, healthcare facility revenue, and contributions from non-governmental and United Nations agencies, and the diaspora. Informal resource allocation was critical to fill the gap when formal processes were slow or insufficient. Resource allocation was highly decentralized with minimal influence of national policies and legal frameworks at the local level. Key contextual factors influencing resource allocation included politicization of budgets at the commune level, sometimes leading to inefficiency or inequity. We observed that healthcare facility actors who were most knowledgeable of needs often held the least decision-making power. We concluded that informal processes were complementary to formal processes, not conflicting. In contexts where government funding is severely limited, informal mechanisms may be the only viable short-term option to ensure the availability of services, demonstrating greater flexibility and adaptability. However, ultimately informal processes are an interim solution that should be explored to ensure service delivery without undermining long-term government systems strengthening. We recommend that funders commit to long-term initiatives promoting local government democratic decision-making, account for local actors’ capacities and incentives, and acknowledge dynamic formal and informal resource allocations to optimize investments and trade-offs.
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Co-precipitation Synthesized Fe3O4/ZnO Nanocomposites for Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Kubheka N.S.M. , Nxumalo E.N. , Managa M. , Moloto M.J.
Published: February 2025

Severe global issues with a great deal of water scarcity and contamination by organic materials such as dyes dominate the challenges of the 21st century in environmental-related areas. Recently, there has been a plethora of opportunities for nanotechnology to produce multifunctional nanocomposites with high surface-to-volume ratios and distinctive surface functions to address these contaminants. This study report on the synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite through co-precipitation method and investigate of degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible irradiation. The prepared different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) of Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The SEM images illustrated that the nanomaterials had an irregular flake-like shape and TEM images depicted well defined core-shell Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite structures. The FTIR and Raman spectroscopic results confirmed the functional groups and the different vibrational modes of the composite nanoparticles. The UV-Vis, PL spectra and Tauc plot revealed that the molar ratio had band gap energies below 3.0 eV. The 1:1 ratio was highly mesoporous (94.36 m2/g) with distinct vibrational mode features of core-shell structures and a band gap energy of 2.85 eV, making it a suitable photocatalyst. A comparison of the photo-degradation of the 1:1 Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite ratio using visible and solar irradiation light revealed that RhB exhibited a high degradation efficiency of 83.81% under visible light.
TiO2-Zeolite Composite Modified Iron Nanoparticles for the Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater
Authors: Puthukkara P. Anju Rose , Jose T. Sunil , Lal S. Dinoop
Published: February 2025

Zero valent iron (Fe0) particles are significant in wastewater treatment because of their high reactivity, rapid kinetics, magnetic characteristics, and eco-friendliness. The primary drawbacks of Fe0 nanoparticles are their rapid oxidation and aggregation. In this study, novel TiO2-zeolite composites with different percentages of TiO2 were prepared and applied for Fe0 stabilization. The TiO2-zeolite composite was synthesized using the sonication of components, subsequently employing the hydrothermal technique. Iron nanoparticles were included into the TiO2-zeolite composite using the wet impregnation method followed by liquid-phase reduction. For comparative study with TiO2-zeolite-Fe nanoparticles, TiO2-Fe and zeolite-Fe nanoparticles were also prepared. The characterization of TiO2 and zeolite modified Fe nanoparticles were done by XRD, HRTEM, EDAX, FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques. The study evaluated the efficiency of prepared TiO2-Fe, zeolite-Fe and TiO2-zeolite-Fe nanoparticles to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater.
New breast cancer screening guidelines
Authors: Singh Maneesh
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to outline the new breast cancer screening guidelines. The new guidelines now recommend biennial screening mammography for all women ages 40 to 74 years old. This is shown to have a moderate benefit with a USPSTP grade B. There is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of risks and benefits regarding screening mammography for women age 75 or older. There is insufficient evidence to the use of ultrasound or MRI for women with dense breasts
Plasma TREM2 Levels, Alcohol Consumption, and Liver Enzymes in Patients with Alcohol use Disorder: A Sex-Dependent Relationship Involving MS4A6A Genetic Polymorphism
Authors: Ho Ming-Fen , Zhang Cheng , Coombes Brandon , Biernacka Joanna , Skime Michelle , E Croarkin Paul , Oesterle Tyler , M Karpyak Victor , Li Hu , Weinshilboum Richard
Published: February 2025

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a range of health issues. We set out to identify inflammatory markers linked to alcohol consumption, which might ultimately offer novel insight into genetic underpinnings and have implications for alcohol-associated disease. Alcohol consumption and blood-based multi-omics data were collected by The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Treatment of Alcohol Dependence study. Plasma samples from patients with AUD were used for proteomics analysis using the OLINK “Explore Inflammation” panel (n=410). Liver enzymes were also measured. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to explore the relationship between genetic variants and plasma TREM2 levels. Our findings show thatplasma triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a key gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, was the most significant signal correlated with alcohol consumption, and has also been associated with liver enzyme levels in patients with AUD. We identified the rs7232 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MS4A6A as a key genetic variant associated with plasma TREM2 levels, with the minor allele (A) linked to higher TREM2 levels and increased alcohol consumption, particularly in men. Furthermore, MA4A6A is an ethanol-responsive gene in a SNP-dependent manner, and the variant genotype of the rs7232 SNP was associated with lower expression for MA4A6A due to proteasome-mediated protein degradation. In summary, this study provides insight into the relationship between plasma TREM2 levels, alcohol consumption, and liver function in AUD patients, shedding light on genetic factors underlying alcohol-related diseases.
Multi-column continuous chromatography effectively improves the robustness of bind-elute mode chromatography in which a pre-elution wash is applied to reduce weakly bound impurities and charge variants
Authors: Yuan Gaoya , Qu Meng , Bu Yingyue , Zhang Xudong , Li Yifeng
Published: February 2025

Background: For the purification of monoclonal antibodies, we employed a wash step in the cation exchange (CEX) chromatography to reduce acidic charge variants. Although optimal wash conditions, determined under a specific loading density, ensured both effective reduction of charge variants and good process yield, applying the same wash conditions to runs where the loading density moderately deviated from the optimal value could result in insufficient reduction of charge variants or low step yield. This issue is particularly problematic with large-scale manufacturing, where the same wash condition (including buffer and volume) is applied across all runs, despite variations in loading density due to fluctuations in harvest titer. Objective: To address this problem, we intended to demonstrate that multi-column continuous chromatography could offer an effective solution. Methods: A multi-column setup was implemented, in which all runs except the final one were performed under optimal conditions to ensure both high product quality and yield. Results: The multi-column approach allowed for both effective charge variant reduction and achievement of good step yield. Although the final run might be conducted under suboptimal conditions, potentially compromising quality or yield, its impact is minimal, as it contributed only a small fraction to the total product, thereby exerting a limited effect on overall quality and yield. Conclusion: The current study successfully demonstrated the proof-of-concept using CEX chromatography. In fact, the multi-column strategy proposed here may provide a universal solution to the load-dependence issue in wash steps that is aimed at removing or reducing weakly bound impurities or charge variants in any type of bind-elute mode chromatography.
Sergio Paolo Solano D.Trabajo y sociedad. Trabajadores de los sistemas defensivos de Cartagena de Indias, 1750-1811
Authors: Vanegas Beltrán Muriel del Rosario
Published: February 2025

El autor del libro motivo de esta reseña es profesor titular del programa de Historia de la Universidad de Cartagena; lleva varios decenios dedicados a estudiar el mundo del trabajo y de los trabajadores de la región Caribe de Colombia. El libro es el resultado de su tesis doctoral sustentada en el 2020 en la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Iztapalapa de Ciudad de México.
EDITORIAL N 55
Authors: González Martínez Nelson Fernando
Published: February 2025

El número 55 de la revista Memorias se complace en anunciar que Santiago Colmenares Guerra hará parte del grupo de coeditores de la revista. Colmenares actualmente se desempeña como profesor investigador del departamento de Historia y Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Norte. De seguro su contribución podrá ser fundamental para fomentar la proyección internacional de la revista, pero sin desatender las preocupaciones por el Gran Caribe con las cuales la revista ha logrado posicionarse en los últimos 20 años.
Impulsores e inhibidores de la agricultura urbana a partir de una aproximación diacrónica desde 1821 hasta 2023: el caso de Xalapa (Veracruz, México)
Authors: Fontalvo Buelvas Juan Camilo , Pulido Silva María Teresa , Escalona Aguilar Miguel Ángel , Romero Ramírez Raúl
Published: February 2025

Este es un estudio diacrónico sobre los impulsores e inhibidores de la agricultura urbana que remite al pasado como fundamento para comprender su actualidad en Xalapa, Veracruz (México). Se trata de un rastreo histórico con base en revisión de archivo, literatura secundaria y diálogos semiestructurados. Inicialmente, se describe un preámbulo que incluye las influencias que tuvieron en el fenómeno las comunidades prehispánicas y su mezcla con las costumbres españolas durante la colonia y el virreinato. Luego, se señala desde el México Independiente hasta la época contemporánea una cantidad progresiva de hallazgos sobre huertos urbanos. Se destacan impulsores como las inmigraciones de personas rurales, la academia y los programas gubernamentales, y algunos inhibidores como la diversificación de oficios, leyes ejidales, las remesas, las políticas de salubridad y los mercados de alimentos. La agricultura urbana ha evolucionado de la autosuficiencia alimentaria hacia causas socioecológicas en una ciudad que hoy es referente nacional.
Implementasi Program Puskesmas Terhadap Penanggulangan Kejadian Berat Bayi Lahir Rendah (BBLR) di Kota Salatiga
Authors: Lesnussa Merya Meisce C
Published: February 2025

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a baby born weighing less than 2500 grams which causes infant mortality rate (IMR). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of the Puskesmas program in preventing LBW in Salatiga City.Method: The research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Also, data collection techniques are in-depth interviews using an interview guide as a research instrument. Moreover, the research participants were 4 health workers. Meanwhile, data analysis techniques were data reduction and conclusion drawing. Also to support this research, the researcher used narrative presentation of data.Results: Therefore, the results showed 5 LBW prevention programs at the Sidorejo Kidul Health Center, in the form of a complete ANC 10T examination service. The giving supplementary Feeding (PMT) in the form of biscuits, green beans, sugar, margarine, eggs, regal, and shredded for 3 months. Neonatal visits (KN) are carried out at health facilities or home visits using the integrated management of young toddlers (MTBM). The maternal care group (KSI) consists of health workers, cross-sectors, and cadres who monitor and collect data on the target group. The class for pregnant women is carried out by providing education to pregnant women and their closest family which includes pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.Conclusion: Thus, the researcher concluded that the Puskesmas program for the prevention of LBW events has been implemented.
Estimasi Dampak Penyalahgunaan Narkoba pada Produktivitas Kerja: Studi Corss Sectional Pada Pekerja di Indonesia
Authors: Sudaryo Mondastri Korib , Antasari Erma
Published: February 2025

Background: Prevalence of drugs abuse among workers is still high. Drug use among workers has a negative impact on the health and safety of both workers and the community. This study was aimed to examine the relationship between impaired work productivity and drug behaviour among workers in Indonesia.Methods: This study used secondary data from the national survey on drug abuse among workers in 2017.  The total sample size was 34,397 persons. We used cox regression model to estimates the Prevalence Ratios (PR) and its 95% confidence intervals for associations between drug abuse and impaired work productivityResults: Drug abuse, marijuana and methamphetamine, used by workers were associated with impaired work productivity. Drug abuse in workers increased the likelihood of impaired work productivity by 2.3 times (p-value: <0.001; 95% CI: 1.97-2.73). Meanwhile, the use of marijuana types increased the probability of impaired work productivity by 1.6 times (p-value <0.001; 95% CI: 1.32-2.00). Workers using methamphetamine drugs were 1.29 times more likely to experience impaired work productivity than workers who did not use methamphetamine (p-value: 0.03; 95% CI: 1.03-1.62).Conclusion: impaired work productivity among workers was significantly associated with drug abuse
Keputusan untuk Melahirkan dengan Tenaga Kesehatan Terlatih pada Persalinan di Rumah (Analisis Data Survei Demografi dan Kesehatan Indonesia 2017)
Authors: Choirunisa Septyana , Adisasmita Asri
Published: February 2025

Background: IDHS 2017 reported that there are 20.5% of births occur at home. Among births at home, the presence of a skilled health provider as a birth attendant is critical to ensure safe birth care, especially for mothers who could not access health facilities. However, the presence of skilled birth attendants has not been accessible during home births.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design using the 2017 IDHS data. The sample of this study was all women of childbearing age who gave birth at home in 2012-2017. The variables analyzed included maternal education, ownership index, region, place of residence, insurance, pregnancy complications, delivery complications, ANC visits, parity, maternal age at delivery, and delivery assistants. Predictive model analysis was performed using Cox regression.Results: 59.5% of home deliveries were attended by skilled birth attendants, while 40.5% were attended by traditional birth attendants/relatives.  Higher wealth index/socioeconomic status (PR=1.35; 95% CI 1.23-1.48), >4 ANC visits (PR=1.28; 95% 1.18-1.40), and higher education (PR=1.21; 95% CI 1.10-1.32) were the most dominant characteristics affecting the odds of delivery by a skilled birth attendant. Conclusion: Increasing coverage of skilled birth attendants can be pursued by increasing the coverage of recommended ANC visits (>4 times), improving socio-economic status, and increasing maternal education levels.
Efektivitas Intervensi Non-Farmakologis dalam Program Pengendalian Rokok pada Remaja: Sistematik Literatur Review
Authors: Mazaya Betsy Elisse , Dolifah Dewi , Rahmat Delli Yuliana
Published: February 2025

Background: The increase in cigarette consumption is not only among adults, but also among the younger generation. The health sector in Indonesia urgently needs to understand how policies and programs can be more effectively implemented to combat smoking among adolescents in Indonesia. Aims to identify interventions and important factors that facilitate successful smoking cessation in adolescents.Methods: A Systematic review, using Publish Or Perish databases (PubMed, Crossref, Google Scholar, Scopus, Semantic Scholar) and the COCHRANE Library. Selection was based on PICOTS, which included adolescents and young adults who had never smoked, had been exposed to tobacco smoke, had ever smoked, or were planning to quit. Non pharmacological intervention, RCT studies with a minimum duration of 6 weeks were published in English in 2019-2024.Results: Reported interventions were successful in strengthening tobacco-free behaviors, but the impact and scale of implementation were limited. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, social support, policy and environment, satisfaction and participation, and program effectiveness play an important role in the success of the intervention. Interventions range from training, consultation, skills development, to collaboration using personalized and interactive content, and development of tobacco-free content on social media.Conclusion: The use of non pharmacological interventions has the potential to create tobacco-free behaviors in adolescents. It is important to differentiate between interventions for adolescent smokers and non-smokers in order to tailor the intervention to the content to be delivered.
Is there any logic at all?
Authors: Arazim Pavel
Published: February 2025

Though to this point not as popular as logical pluralism or logical monism, logical nihilism has become a serious position in the philosophy of logic and a new alternative in the disputes about the notion of a logical system being right. We will review some basic moments of the discussions that have occurred so far and try to propose a viable version of logical nihilism. Some of the aspects of the doctrine as it has been proposed, mainly by Gillian Russell need revision but overall it proves plausible and well suited in particular to incorporation into inferentialist and expressivist accounts of meaning and logic. From a more general point of view, logical nihilism shows how essential it is to appreciate the pragmatic significance of logic and acknowledge that logical practice bestows its legitimacy on logical theory and not the other way round. Appreciating this, together with lessons about the open-ended nature of meaning of even logical vocabulary, leads to a more dynamic conception of logic.
Embeddings, projections, and Easton’s lemma
Authors: Stejskalová Šárka
Published: February 2025

We survey some lesser-known facts concerning properties of embeddings and projections between forcing notions. We will also state some generalizations of Easton’s lemma. To our knowledge, many of these facts have not been published, so we include their proofs for the benefit of the reader.
Pleural effusion as a sample matrix for laboratory analyses in cancer management: a perspective
Authors: Spisarová Martina , Študentová Hana , Holá Kateřina , Melichar Bohuslav
Published: February 2025

Malignant effusions, pleural effusion or ascites, represent a common problem in cancer patients. Pleural effusion in a cancer patient may be caused also by non-neoplastic conditions, and the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion is established by the demonstration of tumor cells in pleural fluid. Microscopical detection of tumor cells in pleural fluid often fails, and there is an unmet medical need for more sensitive methods. New approaches, including isolation using magnetic beads coated with monoclonal antibodies targeting antigens expressed on tumor cells not only increase the diagnostic sensitivity, but also provide material for the analysis of predictive biomarkers. The advent of new technologies illustrates the incremental role of laboratory medicine in the management of patients with malignant effusions.
EMI and CLIL in Kazakhstani Higher Education: Current Policies and Future Possibilities
Authors: Goodman Bridget , Assylbekova Aliya , Yembergenova Almira
Published: February 2025

Since joining the Bologna Process in 2010, the Kazakhstani government has increasingly encouraged universities to develop full or partial (i.e., trilingual) English-Medium Instruction (EMI) programs. In other contexts, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has simultaneously been advocated as an approach to teaching English and additional languages in higher education and treated as a separate entity from EMI (Macaro, 2018). Whether CLIL is advocated in policy or practice in Kazakhstani EMI contexts remains an empirical question. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic overview of national policy documents and select institutional curriculum documents. The analysis will consider not only concrete policies and pedagogies but also ideological and implementational spaces (Hornberger, 2020) for CLIL pedagogy development. The paper concludes with recommendations for what may be possible and beneficial for the implementation of CLIL pedagogies in Kazakhstani higher education.
Curators and Mediators of Language, Content, Pedagogy, and Technology: Teachers’ Expanding Roles in Fully-Online CLIL Contexts
Authors: Novitskaya Yuliya , Gordon Rebekah R. , Hartman Douglas K. , Green-Eneix Curtis
Published: February 2025

As world events have morphed teachers’ roles within English medium of instruction (EMI) contexts to incorporate more online teaching practices, teachers’ integration of digital tools has faced technological and curricular challenges. While previous research has examined the integration of digital tools in face-to-face and hybrid EMI settings (e. g., Finardi, 2015; O’Dowd, 2018), more research is needed to understand the familiarization process teachers engage in as they implement fully-online teaching to support their content and language integrated learning (CLIL) teaching. As part of a larger project, this case study sets out to fill this gap by examining the practices and perspectives of 30 Kazakhstani university teachers who adopted CLIL approaches while needing to adapt to fully-online teaching contexts. Using the concept of technological pedagogical content knowledge (Mishra & Koehler, 2006) in tandem with Ball et al.’s (2016) seven CLIL principles as a framework, this study thematically analyzed workshop artifacts, survey responses, semi-structured interview transcripts, and videos from online class lessons to find that teachers were mediators and curators of content, language, pedagogy, and digital tools. The findings offer pedagogical insights for the implementation of professional development (PD) to prepare teachers to meaningfully curate and mediate technology into their CLIL pedagogy to teach content within EMI contexts.