bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CHANGE ATTITUDES, RELATIONSHIP TO NATURE AND PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR OF STUDENTS FROM THREE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Nepras Karel , Strejckova Tereza , Kroufek Roman , Kubiatko Milan
Published: April 2023

Climate change is not a future problem, it is a significant variation of weather conditions becoming warmer, wetter or drier. It is the longer-term trend that differentiates climate change from natural weather variability. The aim of this research was to determine primary school students’ knowledge and attitudes related to climate change among primary school students (n = 473) in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Portugal using a questionnaire survey. The dimensions of climate change knowledge, environmental attitudes and values, pro-environmental behaviour, and climate change attitudes were measured and analysed. The results showed gender differences in favour of girls in all the dimensions studied, except for climate change knowledge, where the results of boys and girls were comparable. In an international comparison, UK children scored higher on climate change knowledge and climate change attitudes dimensions. A multiple regression analysis showed the dimensions of nature preservation and appreciation of nature as the strongest positive predictors of pro-environmental behaviour and the dimensions of climate change knowledge and nature preservation as the strongest predictors of climate change belief. The results suggest the importance and implications of the wider societal debate on climate-related personal dimensions. The interconnectedness of environmental and climate-related topics at the primary school level is also evident.
Keywords: climate change attitudes, climate change education, climate change knowledge, environmental attitudes, pro-environmental behaviour, primary school
Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Children with Communication Disorders in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Tawhida , Fidel Tanvir Rana , Rahman Md Ashfikur
Published: April 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 imposed an adverse effect on mental health across the globe, and when it comes to children with special needs facing a rapid change in their daily routine, an unfulfillment of their higher healthcare needs and inability to communicate appropriately may increase the risk. This study aims to examine the effect of COVID-19 on mental health in children with Communication Disorders in Bangladesh. Data were collected over the phone among 210 parents from urban and rural areas having a child with Communication Disorders. The child’s general socio- demographic information and clinical characteristics were reported through a bivariate test, while the risk factors associated with developing anxiety were measured using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-6) scales. The result shows that children aged 11-15 suffer from severe anxiety (28.6%), and children who do not possess any language level 20(9.5%) have severe anxiety. Similarly, among children from families with Covid-19 positivity, 42(20.0%) of them have a severe level of anxiety. Therefore, counseling services should be provided to the families of COVID-19 positivity. Besides, speech and language therapy services must be ensured, as children without a language level are more prone to anxiety.
Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 1-14
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Money Market Liquidity in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Rezwanul Huque , Afrin Tasneema , Alvi Rakin Irshad
Published: April 2023

Recently, there has been a significant interest among the researchers to investigate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on different economies of the world. While most of those studies focus on mac ro-economic perspective and are based on the western and developed economies, this study aims to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the money market of a developing economy (e.g., Bangladesh), the series of steps undertaken by the policy makers of the country and the consequences of those interventions on the liquidity of the money market based on the data from July 2018 to June 2021. Our analysis shows that the central bank of the country, Bangladesh Bank, without any delay implemented an expansionary monetary policy to ease the financial stress caused by the pandemic. We identified the policies adopted by the authorities included injecting liquidity, reducing interest rates, easing inflows of inward remittance, reducing CRR requirements, increasing Repo facilities at lower rates, reducing Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation, borrowing from foreign channels instead of domestic markets etc. We also discussed the consequences (e.g., the record Foreign Exchange Reserve, a huge inflow of BDT liquidity in the market etc.) of the series of those interventions and outline the theoretical implications drawing on the findings.
Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 179-198
La formación de docentes en la República Dominicana: un reto para las Instituciones de Educación Superior.
Authors: Matos Lluberes Patricia
Published: April 2023

En el presente artículo se hace una reflexión sobre los procesos de mejora en torno a la formación de docentes en la República Dominicana. La misma se realiza a partir de una revisión bibliográfica de autores reconocidos en torno al enfoque pedagógico asumido por las universidades. Se trata de una visión que propicia la meditación sobre la práctica misma y el desarrollo de nuevas competencias profesionales que requiere el profesor del siglo XXI. Además, se describen los retos que presentan las instituciones formadoras de docentes ante la demanda inminente de la sociedad.
Educación comunitaria, impacto familiar y social en al aparición de labio leporino y paladar hendido.
Authors: Cordero Rogelio , Silva-Vetri María Guadalupe , Botero González Tiffany
Published: April 2023

La educación comunitaria constituye una herramienta fundamental en la prevención de enfermedades, porque potencia los diferentes esfuerzos, saberes, experiencias y voluntades de un grupo de personas que persiguen un mismo fin: la solución de la problemática que afecta al enfermo, a la familia y a la comunidad. En este trabajo se consideran estudios que avalan el hecho de que la patología de labio leporino puede ser impactada de manera positiva con este tipo de aproximación. Se decidió realizar: primero, un estudio del tipo revisión bibliográfica como base teórica y luego, un estudio descriptivo de carácter exploratorio de los expedientes de los pacientes que asisten al servicio de la â€œFundación niños que ríenâ€. Se focalizaron los esfuerzos de educación y se determinaton las áreas de mayor incidencia para dirigir los esfuerzos hacia esos lugares en busca de disminuir los factores predisponentes.
Análise da vacinação contra o HPV no Brasil frente as metas implementadas até 2030 pela Organização Mundial da Saúde
Authors: Lopes Raquel Justakowski , Simão Rita de Cássia Garcia , Turkiewicz Maurício , Plewka Jacqueline
Published: April 2023

A vacina contra o HPV atualmente é a melhor forma de prevenção contra o câncer de colo de útero. Mediante a um estudo retrospectivo, este trabalho teve como objetivo levantar dados da distribuição de vacinas contra o HPV no Brasil, avaliando o percentual de doses distribuídas, visto que o país se comprometeu com a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de atingir a meta global de 90% de cobertura vacinal das meninas antes dos 15 anos até 2030. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do algoritmo TabNet desenvolvido pelo DATASUS e os resultados mostraram que o número de imunizações contra o HPV foi maior nos anos de 2014 e 2015, com 7.874.743 e 5.774.727 doses distribuídas respectivamente, e menor em 2022 com 2.050.724 doses. Na análise por doses aplicadas, entre 2014 e 2022 ocorreu 73,90% de redução do número de doses, além disso a distribuição da vacina foi menor para 2ª dose tanto no ano de 2014 quanto no ano de 2022. Embora seja cientificamente comprovado que vacina contra o HPV tem extrema relevância para a redução no número de casos de CCU na prevenção primária, os achados deste trabalho apontam para uma redução considerável na procura dessa vacina ao longo dos últimos nove anos. O impacto das Fake news seria um dos responsáveis para a diminuição no número de imunizações no país, agravado pela interrupção da vacinação durante a Pandemia COVID-19. É urgente que o Brasil faça o uso de estratégias mais eficazes para atingir a meta global de imunizações.
Alterações bucais em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva – Revisão de literatura
Authors: Steinle Érika Caroline , Braz Aurea Joanna Silva , Seixas Gabriela Fleury , Ramos Solange de Paula , Carvalho Elaine Judite de Amorim
Published: April 2023

O objetivo desse artigo foi a realização de uma revisão na literatura sobre lesões bucais em pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Foram selecionados artigos científicos nas bases de dados: PUBMED e LILACS, escritos em inglês ou português, publicados de 2000 a 2023. Foram excluídos os artigos de opinião e caso clínico. Os termos utilizados para busca foram: “unidade de terapia intensiva”, “COVID-19” E “diagnóstico oral” OU “saúde oral”. Os resultados descrevem que rotineiramente os pacientes internados em UTI são admitidos com uma má condição bucal, que pode ser agravada durante o tempo de internamento e contribuir para a piora no prognóstico do indivíduo. Diversos estudos já demonstram a importância da higiene bucal na prevenção de pneumonias nosocomiais, mas poucos apresentam a descrição da condição bucal dos pacientes em UTI. Dos achados clínicos de saúde bucal nos pacientes de UTI estão acúmulo de biofilme bucal e saburra lingual, doença periodontal, candidose, úlceras, abscessos dentários e raízes residuais. A presença de lesões orais em pacientes internados evidencia a importância da atuação da Odontologia Hospitalar na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento dessas lesões, que causam piora na qualidade de vida do paciente e podem ser porta de entrada para infecções secundárias. Além disso, mais pesquisas são necessárias para descrever as alterações bucais de pacientes internados e sua possível correlação com a saúde geral do indivíduo.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AS A FOUNDATION OF THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE STATE AND HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CONDITIONS OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING TRANSFORMATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: KACHULA SVITLANA , LYSIAK LIUBOV , BARANNYK LILІIA , MASIUK IULIІA , TERESHCHENKO TETIANA , SALNYKOVA TETIANA
Published: April 2023

Among other mechanisms for maintaining the financial stability of state/local finances and household finances, the potential of public-private partnerships is significant. In this regard, the constructive interaction of the state and business in order to solve common financial, economic, and social problems is especially important. The article defines the role of public-private partnership in supporting the health care sector for providing the population with high-quality medical services and at the same time preserving the financial stability of the state and households; moreover, measures for its development are justified in the research. An assessment of the expenditures of the consolidated state budget for financing the industry, the degree of implementation of state programs and the results of self-assessment of the financial status of households for health care services in the conditions of the transformation of the mechanism of financing the industry and the Russian-Ukrainian war, under which the modern financial system of Ukraine functions, was carried out. The problems of implementation of the planned indicators of the state budget for the financing of the industry have been identified, which need to be solved. The advantages of public-private partnership for the state, private partners, and society are summarized. It is shown that the intensification of the process of implementation of projects/programs based on the principles of public-private partnership in the field of health care will ultimately contribute, other things being equal, to maintaining greater stability of household budgets and the state budget, increasing the efficiency of budget funds spending, as well as expanding the number of medical services and improving their quality. Measures for the development and support of public-private partnership are proposed, which will contribute to balancing the interests of the state, the private sector, and society to eliminate/solve problems in the field of health care under difficult conditions of war and the decline of economy, which will eventually become the basis for supporting the financial stability of the state/local budgets and finances of households and the private sector itself.
GreenLight™ Laser System for Day-Case Surgery
Authors: Moloney Juliane
Published: April 2023

This symposium took place on 2nd October 2015 at the 33rd
World Congress of Endourology and SWL 2015 in London, UK
A UK Best Practice Model for Diagnosis and Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Adshead Rebecca , Tahir Hasan , Donnelly Simon
Published: April 2023

Objectives: To examine the combined effectiveness of a care pathway for patients with suspected inflammatory back pain (IBP) in conjunction with an educational campaign targeting primary and secondary care and the local community. Methods: Between June 2010 and June 2013, general practitioners referred patients fulfilling the Berlin IBP criteria into our Early Inflammatory Back Pain Service (EIBPS). Investigations were undertaken in line with our service model pathway and consultant rheumatologists made a diagnosis based on the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria. A concurrent educational awareness campaign addressing IBP and axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), aimed at primary and secondary care colleagues and the local community, was undertaken in order to assist early identification of IBP. Results: Of the 222 patients referred into the EIBPS, 57 (26%) were newly diagnosed with AxSpA. A diagnosis of AxSpA was made in 48% of the patients with IBP or >1 SpA feature. The median time between onset of back pain and diagnosis was 3.1 years (mean: 5.7 years). Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was initiated or continued as appropriate in 68/71 patients (96%; new and previously diagnosed AxSpA patients). All patients (100%) meeting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria for tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy were offered treatment, with 14 patients (45%) starting this treatment within 6 months of their initial EIBPS appointment. Conclusion: Our EIBPS provides a best practice model for assessment and management of patients with suspected IBP in the UK. The pathway facilitates prompt admission of appropriate patients into the service and assists early diagnosis and management of AxSpA patients.
Outcomes of Six Patients Who were Treated with Selective Embolisation Due to Arteriovenous Fistula Following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Selcuk Isoglu Cemal , Suelozgen Tufan , Yoldas Mehmet , Turk Hakan , Karabicak Mustafa , Ergani Batuhan , Ozlem Ilbey Yusuf
Published: April 2023

Objective: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare yet serious complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients treated with single-session selective embolisation following a diagnosis of AVF after PCNL. Methods: Data from 1,200 patients who underwent PCNL in our department between January 2008 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, six patients who experienced delayed haematuria and were diagnosed with AVF formation were included. Patient characteristics, stone burden, PCNL procedure, and perioperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated. Results: Six patients with a mean age of 52 years (range: 42-57) were admitted to hospital with delayed intermittent haematuria following PCNL. All pre-PCNL stones in these patients were staghorn in type. Four patients (66%) had multiple access. Three patients needed blood transfusion due to development of hypotension. Following the diagnosis of AVF via angiography, all six patients were treated with selective embolisation during the same session. No additional treatment was required and no complications detected. Conclusion: AVF formation is one of the causes of delayed haemorrhage after PCNL. Multiple accesses, staghorn stones, and upper calyx entry increase the risk of bleeding and AVF formation. Patients with risk factors should be informed about delayed bleeding and possible complications of PCNL.
The Efficacy and Utilisation of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Does it Change the Surgical Dissection Plan? A Preliminary Report
Authors: Tavukçu Hasan Hüseyin , Aytaç Ömer , Balcı Cem , Haluk Kulaksızoğıu Haluk Kulaksızoğıu , Atuğ Fatih
Published: April 2023

Purpose: We investigated the effect of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the dissection plan of the neurovascular bundle and the oncological results of our patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy operation. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 30 consecutive patients, 15 of whom had prostate MRI before the operation, and 15 of whom did not. With the findings of MRI, the dissection plan was changed as intrafascial, interfascial, and extrafascial technique in the MRI group. Two groups were compared in terms of age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and Gleason scores (GSs). Surgical margin status was also checked with the final pathology. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, PSA, biopsy GS, and final pathological GS. MRI changed the initial surgical plan to a nerve-sparing technique in 7 of the 15 patients. Only one patient in the MRI group had a positive surgical margin on bladder neck. MRI was confirmed as the primary tumour localisation in the final pathology in 93.3% of patients. Conclusion: Preoperative prostate MRI influenced the decision to carry out a nerve-sparing technique in 46% of the patients in our study; however, the change to a nerve-sparing technique did not seem to compromise the surgical margin positivity.
Bladder Cancer and Genetic Polymorphisms: A Review
Authors: Erol Bulent , Ulus Ismail , Onur Danacıoglu Yavuz , Çaşkurlu Turhan
Published: April 2023

The aetiology of bladder cancer (BC) is still not fully understood. Genetic factors and many different pathways could be involved in the formation and progression of the BC. Some investigators have reported genetic polymorphisms (GPMs) in various genes which might be associated with BC. As summarised below, we have seen an explosion of literature reporting an association between genetic variation and BC risk, as well as between GPM and clinical outcome. In this review GPMs are categorised based on their primary cellular functions: genes in carcinogen metabolism, DNA repair, cell cycle control, inflammation, apoptosis, methylation, genes functioning as G proteins, and cell adhesion molecules. A pathway-based genotyping approach, which assesses the combined effects of a panel of polymorphisms that act in the same pathway, may amplify the effects of individual polymorphisms and should be more advantageous to association study than the candidate gene approach
An Overview of the Management of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Obstruction
Authors: Nayar Richard Christian Rowan , Hashim Hashim
Published: April 2023

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men are common and often bothersome, resulting in a significant use of healthcare resources. Symptoms were thought to be secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) or benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). However, it should be noted that such storage symptoms are also seen in men without enlarged prostates and in women. These symptoms may be caused by detrusor overactivity, non-urological conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors. Management of BPO constitutes to a significant proportion of a urologist’s workload, and will continue to do so with an increasingly ageing population. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of BPE and male LUTS as well as investigations and treatment options. The primary source of data was PubMed, this was searched using Boolean strategies and by scanning a list of related articles. We also examined secondary sources from reference lists of retrieved articles.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in Ambulatory Surgery
Authors: Fourmarier Marc
Published: April 2023

The focus of this work is the need to give an update on the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) technique in ambulatory surgery. Indeed, over the last two decades, there has been a significant change in surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Laser surgery has been growing in popularity as an alternative to standard transurethral prostatectomy. Our goal was to analyse the opportunity to perform HoLEP in one-day surgery. Furthermore, there is a willingness of the French Ministry of Health to develop this kind of management. A pilot study was performed in 50 selected patients to evaluate HoLEP feasibility in ambulatory surgery from June 2013 to April 2014. The results were good with minimal morbidity and a high satisfaction rate, but excellent organisation is necessary, leaving no room for improvisation.
Fears of Enchantment: Advertising Theory in Britain and the Making of a Modern Myth
Authors: Rosenberg Anat
Published: April 2023

This article examines the first emergence of theories of advertising in the psychological language of the nonrational mind in Britain. The theories appeared from the close of the nineteenth century in a new genre of advertising literature: books, essays, pamphlets, course offerings, and periodical publications dedicated to advertising. In dialogue with forgotten 1911 novel by Oliver Onions, Good Boy Seldom: A Romance of Advertisement, the analysis considers the anxieties that attended the new theories, which attributed unusual power to advertising and therefore challenged perceptions of the capitalist economy as disenchanted and disenchanting. It also shows the efforts that professional advertisers made to reconcile their theories with views of consumers as rational, and of the advertising industry itself as a rationalizing force. Their efforts suggest a misinterpretation by Onions and critics of advertising that he foreshadowed, who portrayed advertising professionals as bold canvassers of the public psyche. In fact, they were insecure and uncomfortable with their terms of expertise, and developed them because mounting criticisms levelled at advertising left them little choice. Nonetheless, Onions captured the lasting power of this transformation. Despite their insecurity, early professionals created a myth still harbored today, that advertisers are masters of subliminal control in capitalism.
IMPACT OF DERIVATIVES USER ON FIRMS’ PERFORMANCE OF SHARI’AH COMPLIANT FIRMS
Authors: Zamzamir@Zamzamin Zaminor , Haron Razali , Zatul Karamah Ahmad Baharul Ulum  , Anwar Hasan Abdullah Othman
Published: April 2023

The study examined the impact of derivatives usage on the performance of Shari'ah-compliant firms in Malaysia. The study employed a Generalised Method-of-Moment estimator (System-GMM) on a set of panel data from 2012 to 2017. A paired sample t-test for mean difference and a Wilcoxon Signed-ranks test was performed to examine the performance difference between users and non-users of derivatives. The study provided strong evidence of a significant difference in performance between users and non-users of derivatives. Moreover, the study observed better performance among derivative users than non-derivative users. The findings enriched the current Islamic financial market literature and contributed to a better understanding of the hedging activities among Shari’ah-compliant firms. The study offered new evidence on risk management using derivatives in the Islamic financial market.
S M Nazmuz Sakib's Toxic Comparative Theory: An Analysis of Sakibphobia
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: April 2023

S M Nazmuz Sakib's toxic comparative theory, commonly referred to as Sakibphobia, is a concept that has gained attention in recent years. This theory suggests that individuals may experience fear, hatred, or discrimination towards those who they perceive as being more successful or accomplished than themselves. This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Sakibphobia, including its definition, causes, manifestations, and potential impacts on individuals and society. The paper also includes a literature review to explore the existing research and theories related to this phenomenon. Through this analysis, the paper aims to highlight the importance of understanding and addressing Sakibphobia in various social and cultural contexts.
Vascular contributions to the neurobiological effects of prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Momin Sarah Z. , Le Jacqueline T. , Miranda Rajesh C.
Published: April 2023

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are often characterized as a cluster of brain-based disabilities. Though cardiovascular effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been documented, the vascular deficits due to PAE are less understood, but may contribute substantially to the severity of neurobehavioral presentation and health outcomes in persons with FASD.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of research articles curated in PubMed to assess the strength of the research on vascular effects of PAE. 40 pertinent papers were selected, covering studies in both human populations and animal models.

Results: Studies in human populations identified cardiac defects, and defects in vasculature, including increased tortuosity, defects in basement membranes, capillary basal hyperplasia, endarteritis, and disorganized and diminished cerebral vasculature due to PAE. Preclinical studies showed that PAE rapidly and persistently results in vasodilation of large afferent cerebral arteries, but to vasoconstriction of smaller cerebral arteries and microvasculature. Moreover, PAE continues to affect cerebral blood flow into middle-age. Human and animal studies also indicate that ocular vascular parameters may have diagnostic and predictive value. A number of intervening mechanisms were identified, including increased autophagy, inflammation and deficits in mitochondria. Studies in animals identified persistent changes in blood flow and vascular density associated with endocannabinoid, prostacyclin and nitric oxide signaling, as well as calcium mobilization.

Conclusion: Although the brain has been a particular focus of studies on PAE, the cardiovascular system is equally affected. Studies in human populations, though constrained by small sample sizes, did link pathology in major blood vessels and tissue vasculature, including brain vasculature, to PAE. Animal studies highlighted molecular mechanisms that may be useful therapeutic targets. Collectively, these studies suggest that vascular pathology is a possible contributing factor to neurobehavioral and health problems across a lifespan in persons with a diagnosis of FASD. Furthermore, ocular vasculature may serve as a biomarker for neurovascular health in FASD.
Automated detection and growth tracking of 3D bio-printed organoid clusters using optical coherence tomography with deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bao Di , Wang Ling , Zhou Xiaofei , Yang Shanshan , He Kangxin , Xu Mingen
Published: April 2023

Organoids are advancing the development of accurate prediction of drug efficacy and toxicity in vitro. These advancements are attributed to the ability of organoids to recapitulate key structural and functional features of organs and parent tumor. Specifically, organoids are self-organized assembly with a multi-scale structure of 30–800 μm, which exacerbates the difficulty of non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging, tracking and classification analysis for organoid clusters by traditional microscopy techniques. Here, we devise a 3D imaging, segmentation and analysis method based on Optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology and deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for printed organoid clusters (Organoid Printing and optical coherence tomography-based analysis, OPO). The results demonstrate that the organoid scale influences the segmentation effect of the neural network. The multi-scale information-guided optimized EGO-Net we designed achieves the best results, especially showing better recognition workout for the biologically significant organoid with diameter ≥50 μm than other neural networks. Moreover, OPO achieves to reconstruct the multiscale structure of organoid clusters within printed microbeads and calibrate the printing errors by segmenting the printed microbeads edges. Overall, the classification, tracking and quantitative analysis based on image reveal that the growth process of organoid undergoes morphological changes such as volume growth, cavity creation and fusion, and quantitative calculation of the volume demonstrates that the growth rate of organoid is associated with the initial scale. The new method we proposed enable the study of growth, structural evolution and heterogeneity for the organoid cluster, which is valuable for drug screening and tumor drug sensitivity detection based on organoids.
Quantification of heat vulnerability using system dynamics
Authors: Bayomi Norhan , Fernandez John E.
Published: April 2023

One of the major climate threats is extreme heat events, as they pose significant risks to public health that are well documented in the epidemiologic literature. The effects of extreme heat events have been evident over the past years by several extreme heat events worldwide. With the growing concerns of future heat exposure, numerous studies in the literature have developed heat vulnerability indices based on determinants that have heat-related impacts. However, there has been limited guidance on heat vulnerability assessment that accounts for the impacts of the characteristics of the built environment and changes in population dynamics over time. This paper focuses on developing the methodology for heat vulnerability assessment in urban areas using System Dynamics (SD) based on integrating three levels of the physical urban environment: the urban level, the building level, and the human adaptive capacity to heat exposure. We examine the viability of using SD modeling as an approach to examine the key drivers in heat vulnerability assessment in urban areas. Thus, the paper assesses the dynamic relationship between heat vulnerability components, namely, Susceptibility, Exposure, Coping Capacity, and Adaptive Capacity, and their effect on increased or decreased vulnerability under extreme heat events. The paper concludes with an applied case study in Cairo, Egypt, to test the use of the SD approach in assessing heat vulnerability in urban settings. Results from the proposed SD model confirm the underlying hypothesis that vulnerability from heat exposure is dynamically linked to the coping and adaptive capacity of the surrounding built environment with the urban population’s socioeconomic characteristics. The main contribution of this approach is that it allows for parallel examination of the effect of the human system that simulation models cannot include and the performance of the built environment system that epidemic heat vulnerability studies cannot capture.
Bibliometric evaluation of publications on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Tan Yu , Yu Yanqiao , Liu Wei , Ma Xiaojuan , Shi Dazhuo
Published: April 2023

Background

Inflammasomes have emerged as an important and promising area of investigation in atherosclerosis. This field, however, lacks bibliometric studies. To help understand how basic and clinical research on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis will develop in the future, we used bibliometric analysis to visualize hotspots and trends.

Methods

Studies related to inflammasomes in atherosclerosis were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Each study was analyzed bibliometrically and visually. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to generate knowledge maps.

Results

A total of 894 articles were identified. Sixty-two countries and 338 institutions led by China and the United States contributed to these publications. The leading research institutions were Harvard Medical School and Columbia University. Circulation was the most frequently cited journal in this field. Among the 475 authors determined, Eicke Latz authored the most studies, and Peter Duewell has been cocited the most. NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-kappa B, macrophage and oxidative stress are the most commonly used keywords.

Conclusion

There has been a blooming of research on inflammasomes in atherosclerosis during the last two decades. Future studies will likely explore the molecular mechanism of inflammasomes in cell death. More compellingly, researchers may further delve into the potential clinical value of affecting pathological changes in atherosclerosis by modulating the initial transcription immune response and intracellular multiprotein assembly process of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our research will be helpful to scholars focusing on inflammation—a much-needed breakthrough in the pathophysiological alterations of atherosclerosis—with a novel perspective.
Watchful surgery in asymptomatic mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Carpenito Myriam , Gelfusa Martina , Mega Simona , Cammalleri Valeria , Benfari Giovanni , De Stefano Domenico , Ussia Gian Paolo , Tribouilloy Christophe , Enriquez-Sarano Maurice , Grigioni Francesco
Published: April 2023

The most common organic etiology of mitral regurgitation is degenerative and consists of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Volume overload because of mitral regurgitation is the most common complication of MVP. Advocating surgery before the consequences of volume overload become irreparable restores life expectancy, but carries a risk of mortality in patients who are often asymptomatic. On the other hand, the post-surgical outcome of symptomatic patients is dismal and life expectancy is impaired. In the present article, we aim to bridge the gap between these two therapeutic approaches, unifying the concepts of watchful waiting and early surgery in a “watchful surgery approach”.
Mega-lake formation in the eastern Hetao Basin, China, during marine isotope stages 7 and 5: A comparison of quartz and feldspar luminescence dating
Authors: Liu JianGang , Fan HaiYan , An Ping , Wen Huan , Yu LuPeng
Published: April 2023

Paleo-lacustrine sediments indicate that a mega-lake developed in the Hetao Basin (HTB), suggesting dramatic changes in the geomorphology and surface process of the Yellow River and surrounding regions. However, the formation time of the mega Hetao paleo-lake (HTPL) in the HTB remains unclear. In this study, a set of 7.6-m-thick lacustrine sediments in the middle of the HTB is dated by both quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and K-feldspar (KF) post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (p-IR IRSL, pIRIR). The results are as follows. 1) The quartz OSL ages do not increase with depth as the KF pIRIR ages displayed but are saturated at ca. 80–100 ka with the consequence of age underestimation. The influence of signal saturation may occur below 96 Gy (ca. 32 ka) in this region. Thus, the KF pIRIR ages are chosen for geomorphological evolution reconstruction. 2) These ages suggest the level of the HTPL exceeded 1033 m asl twice—at the early stages of MIS 7 (∼255–245 ka) and MIS 5 (∼130–120 ka). However, the exact scale of the HTPL and its relationship with the Jilantai paleo-lake is unclear. 3) This chronology suggests strong linkage between periodic formation of the HTPL and glacial-scale climatic change. We therefore propose an alternative hypothesis to interpret these processes: the Hobq dunefield expanded eastward to dam the narrow Jin-Shaan Gorge during the glacial periods when the flow of the Yellow River was weak. Then, in the beginning of the interglacial periods, the basin was filled by abruptly resumed runoff in response to increased glacial meltwater and precipitation on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Once the lake spilt out, the loose dune dam was quickly breached.
Student-centered teacher responses to student behavior in the classroom: A systematic review
Authors: Karasova Jirina , Nehyba Jan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Effective communication skills are essential for successful behavior management in the classroom. Teachers who can respond proactively and in a student-centered manner can create a positive and productive learning environment. However, the empirical support for student-centered communication practices in behavior management is limited.

Methods

To address this gap, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the characteristics of student-centered behavior management strategies that lead to lower behavior problems and increased student engagement. The review utilized a PRISMA protocol to ensure the rigor of the study selection process.

Results

Five main categories were identified that characterize student-centered behavior management responses. A table of 24 communication strategies was presented based on the findings of the review. The study also discussed the further impact of these strategies on student motivation, learning outcomes, responsibility, and interpersonal classroom climate.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of effective communication skills in behavior management and provide valuable insights for teachers to improve their practice. By implementing these student-centered communication strategies, teachers can manage the classroom effectively, creating a more positive and productive learning environment and supporting students in achieving better learning outcomes.
Extreme learning Kalman filter for short-term wind speed prediction
Authors: Wang Hairong
Published: April 2023

Accurate prediction of wind speed is critical for realizing optimal operation of a wind farm in real-time. Prediction is challenging due to a high level of uncertainty surrounding wind speed. This article describes use of a novel Extreme Learning Kalman Filter (ELKF) that integrates the sigma-point Kalman filter with the extreme learning machine algorithm to accurately forecast wind speed sequence using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based state-space model. In the proposed ELKF method, ANNs are used to construct the state equation of the state-space model. The sigma-point Kalman filter is used to address the recursive state estimation problem. Experimental data validations have been implemented to compare the proposed ELKF method with autoregressive (AR) neural networks and ANNs for short-term wind speed forecasting, and the results demonstrated better prediction performance with the proposed ELKF method.
Hybrid membrane-cryogenic CO2 capture technologies: A mini-review
Authors: Sreenath S. , Sam Ashish Alex
Published: April 2023

The use of membranes to capture CO2 is a proven carbon capture technique. Gas separation membranes enhance the mole fraction of CO2 in the feed gas. The membrane separation technique is low-cost because of its compact size, excellent energy efficiency, minimum environmental effect, simplicity of scale-up, fewer moving parts, moderate energy consumption, and ease of handling. Hybrid membrane cryogenic (HMC) and low-temperature membrane cryogenic (LTMC) are hybrid capture systems that combine the advantages of membrane and cryogenic techniques. In the HMC process, the flue gas is first pre-treated by the membrane process for CO2 enrichment and the cryogenic process to capture the CO2. In the LTMC process, low-temperature membrane units increase flue gas CO2 concentration to 50%–75%, and a cryogenic process liquefies the rich CO2 stream. Permeability and selectivity are the crucial parameters of the membrane which determine the CO2 purity and recovery of capture. Most polymeric membranes have a trade-off of CO2/N2 selectivity (αCO2/N2) and CO2 permeability (PCO2). The operating temperatures also impact membrane performance. An anti-trade-off effect was observed upon cooling down by increasing PCO2 and αCO2/N2. With increased PCO2 and αCO2/N2, sub-ambient temperature-based membrane cryogenic CO2 capture techniques will lower power consumption and energy cost for CO2 capture (CC). This review analyses the costs and energy requirements of various HMC and LTMC configurations for CO2 capture. The study also examines the features of the different membranes used and the effect of operating and membrane parameters on the process performance.
A new approach to meteorological observations on remote polar glaciers using open-source internet of things technologies
Authors: Filhol Simon , Lefeuvre Pierre-Marie , Ibañez Juan David , Hulth John , Hudson Stephen R. , Gallet Jean-Charles , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar , Burkhart John F.
Published: April 2023

Key regions of the world lack sufficient infrastructure to collect geophysical observations, often due to logistical challenges such as difficult accessibility and cost. With the advent of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies and low-cost electronics, it is possible today to build monitoring systems collecting spatially distributed, in-situ data with real-time connectivity to online servers for immediate and long-term usage at costs comparable to those of a single autonomous weather station. We present here a custom-built, modular system that collects quality data, and, that is, robust to adverse meteorological conditions and lack of energy. It integrates commercial and custom-built sensors connected to a node (main device) that manages power, data and radio communication. Data is sent to gateways and then to a server that parses, stores and quality controls the data. We deployed two networks in the vicinity of Ny-Ålesund in Svalbard, and operated from May 2021 to April 2022 to measure meteorological and glaciological variables. Our system collected reliable data and had sufficient power resources to survive 4–5 months of darkness during the polar night. Here, we present the design considerations and performance metrics, report our lessons learned from this challenging deployment, and suggest pathways for future improvements.
Diet composition, niche overlap and partitioning of five sympatric rhinolophid bats in Southwestern China during summer
Authors: Dai Wentao , Li Aoqiang , Chang Yang , Liu Tong , Zhang Lin , Li Jun , Leng Haixia , Li Zhongle , Jin Longru , Sun Keping , Feng Jiang
Published: April 2023

Understanding trophic niche differentiation is critical for exploring interspecific competition and stable coexistence among morphologically similar sympatric species. Bats are an ideal model for studying trophic niche differentiation among species because of their high taxonomic and ecological diversities, as well as their special life history traits. Although many factors can affect bat trophic niches, few studies have combined multiple factors to investigate the influences on bat trophic niches. In this study, we analyzed the summer diet and potential influencing factors of five sympatric rhinolophid bats in southwestern China: Rhinolophus macrotis, Rhinolophus osgoodi, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus affinis, and Rhinolophus pusillus. All five species mainly fed on Lepidopteran and Dipteran insects, with a large trophic niche breadth for each species and a low degree of dietary overlap. With the exception of R. affinis and R. pusillus, significant differences in diet composition were detected among species, which indicated relatively low interspecific competition. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that both echolocation calls and body size significantly affected interspecific diet differentiation, while wing morphology and bite force had relatively weak effects. This study suggests that the combined effects of multiple factors may drive trophic niche differentiation among five rhinolophid bat species in the study area.
Comprehensive analysis of a novel RNA modifications-related model in the prognostic characterization, immune landscape and drug therapy of bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Ziying , Chen Peng , Yun Jingping
Published: April 2023

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is the leading reason for death among genitourinary malignancies. RNA modifications in tumors closely link to the immune microenvironment. Our study aimed to propose a promising model associated with the “writer” enzymes of five primary RNA adenosine modifications (including m6A, m6Am, m1A, APA, and A-to-I editing), thus characterizing the clinical outcome, immune landscape and therapeutic efficacy of BCa.

Methods: Unsupervised clustering was employed to categorize BCa into different RNA modification patterns based on gene expression profiles of 34 RNA modification “writers”. The RNA modification “writers” score (RMS) signature composed of RNA phenotype-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), which was evaluated in meta-GEO (including eight independent GEO datasets) training cohort and the TCGA-BLCA validation cohort. The hub genes in the RMS model were determined via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and were further validated using human specimen. The potential applicability of the RMS model in predicting the therapeutic responsiveness was assessed through the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database and multiple immunotherapy datasets.

Results: Two distinct RNA modification patterns were determined among 1,410 BCa samples from a meta-GEO cohort, showing radically varying clinical outcomes and biological characteristics. The RMS model comprising 14 RNA modification phenotype-associated prognostic DEGs positively correlated with the unsatisfactory outcome of BCa patients in meta-GEO training cohort (HR = 3.00, 95% CI = 2.19–4.12) and TCGA-BLCA validation cohort (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.13–2.09). The infiltration of immunosuppressive cells and the activation of EMT, angiogenesis, IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling were markedly enriched in RMS-high group. A nomogram exhibited high prognostic prediction accuracy, with a concordance index of 0.785. The therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutic agents and antibody-drug conjugates was significantly different between RMS-low and -high groups. The combination of the RMS model and conventional characteristics (TMB, TNB and PD-L1) achieved an optimal AUC value of 0.828 in differentiating responders from non-responders to immunotherapy.

Conclusion: We conferred the first landscape of five forms of RNA modifications in BCa and emphasized the excellent power of an RNA modifications-related model in evaluating BCa prognosis and immune landscape.