bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validação de caso clínico para uso em simulação sobre comunicação de notícias difíceis para às famílias em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Silva Camila Cazissi da , Fonseca Luciana Mara Monti ,   Universidade de São Paulo, Melo Luciana de Lione ,   Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Published: February 2024

Introdução: Os profissionais de saúde se sentem despreparados para comunicar notícias difíceis e apontam a distância entre teoria e prática. A simulação clínica é uma metodologia ativa, que pode ser utilizada para a formação e o treinamento de habilidades técnicas e não técnicas dentro de um ambiente controlado de aprendizagem. Para isso, faz-se necessário a validação de caso clínico para o uso em simulação, a fim de obter um cenário o mais fidedigno à realidade. Objetivo: Descrever o processo de construção e validação de caso clínico para uso em simulação sobre comunicação de notícias difíceis para às famílias em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Método: Estudo metodológico, com o desenvolvimento de caso clínico e validação por enfermeiros da prática clínica em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica. Para a validação de conteúdo foi realizado o cálculo do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo e, também, o coeficiente kappa modificado. O projeto foi aprovado sob o CAAE: 59355022.4.0000.5404. Resultados: Para a construção do caso clínico, foi realizada revisão livre da literatura sobre o perfil epidemiológico de crianças hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica e sobre a temática comunicação de notícias difíceis. Os participantes foram onze enfermeiros da prática clínica, das cinco regiões do Brasil e do Distrito Federal, que avaliaram e propuseram sugestões para o aprimoramento do caso. A validação obteve elevada concordância entre os participantes, mantendo o índice de concordância acima de 0,9 em todos os itens avaliados, caracterizando o caso clínico como validado e apto, inclusive no item aceitabilidade cultural, demonstrando que pode ser utilizado nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica das diferentes regiões do país. Conclusão: O caso clínico pode contribuir em práticas simuladas para o aprimoramento de habilidades de comunicação de notícias difíceis para profissionais que atendem famílias em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica.
Automatic Diagnosis Method for Short Circuit Faults in Power Measurement Instruments Based on CNN
Authors: Xu Xiuni
Published: February 2024

The accuracy of short-circuit fault diagnosis methods for power measuring instruments is still low, which can directly lead to abnormal power data statistics. To address this issue, a convolutional neural network is used to construct an automatic diagnosis model for short circuit faults in power measuring instruments. The model utilizes wavelet packet energy spectrum to extract crucial features from the signal. The model identifies and determines the fault type based on the obtained operation characteristic data and the set short-circuit fault diagnosis criteria. The Sparrow optimization algorithm is used to optimize the model's parameters and enhance its performance. Experimental analysis revealed that after the signal features were extracted by using the wavelet energy spectrum distribution, the error value fluctuated in the range of 0.00 ~ 0.04 with regard to the measured value and was mainly around 0.02. The extracted features achieved high accuracy levels. The designed model exhibited an average diagnostic accuracy of 97.03%, surpassing the other three models by 9.24%, 7.10%, and 4.25%. The presented model can improve the precision and productivity of fault detection, support the safety and reliability of power system operations, and facilitate the collection and analysis of power usage data
RANSAC Algorithm and Distributed Framework for Point Cloud Processing of Ancient Buildings
Authors: Shen Zhu , Luo Ni , Wang Wei , Yang Bo
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for the point cloud processing of traditional buildings. The framework includes segmentation using the RANSAC algorithm and distributed storage based on a fuzzy weighting approach. The methodology employs a height threshold parameter for segmentation to extract building structural elements effectively. Furthermore, an interactive access control model distributes tasks across nodes to achieve load balancing during point cloud matching and analysis. Experimental results demonstrate segmentation accuracy exceeding 99% and alignment time reduction to 967 ms for point cloud models. The distributed computation efficiency reaches 0.8, outperforming conventional methods. The proposed techniques enable accurate dimensional capture, efficient data storage, and information extraction from traditional buildings to support digital preservation.
FROM HERITAGE TOURISM TO SUN AND BEACH DESTINATIONS: THE EXPLANATORY ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE AVERAGE DAILY RATE
Authors: AZNAR Pedro
Published: February 2024

Purpose – This study aims to analyse whether the impact of external factors on the average daily rate (ADR) varies according to the type of destination. The study measures the effects of length of stay, share of international tourism and seasonality on hotel rates for sun and beach tourism, city tourism and heritage destinations.. Methodology/Design/Approach –We collected monthly data from January 2021 to June 2023 and conducted a regression analysis to measure how international tourism, length of stay or seasonality differ by destination type and what impact these factors have on ADR. The data refers to the 106 tourist destinations defined by the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE). Findings – Increasing the length of stay has a positive effect on ADR for cultural heritage destinations. In all types of destinations, a higher share of international tourism increases ADR, but the effect is particularly strong for city tourism. Greater seasonality is associated with higher hotel prices and is particularly relevant for sun and beach destinations. Originality of the research –A better understanding of ADR determinants, depending on the different destination types, is important for hotel managers and those designing tourism policies at destination level
Analysis of Potential Development of Goat Farming at Bantul Regency, in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Nirmala Regita Aisyah , Atmoko Bayu Andri , Andarwati Siti , Panjono Panjono
Published: February 2024

The objective of study was to analyze the potential development of goat farming at Bantul Regency, in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research was conducted from January to April 2023. Data collection were obtained from stakeholder i.e farmers, goat traders, the Central Statistics Agency, the Food Security and Agriculture Office, the Communication and Information Office. These data were collected by using interview, survey, and direct observation. The collected data then were analyzed to calculate; population dynamics, location quotient, growth share, population pressure, carrying capacity and carrying capacity index (CCI). Analysis of the location quotient were five sub-districts which included in the base sector. Analysis of the growth share were Bantul Regency included in the leading sectors. Bantul Regency has not been experienced population pressure. The potential for feed dry matter at Bantul Regency was 82.319,68 tons dry matter/year. There was potential for the development of goats around 17.186,77 animal unit. To a large extent, the Bantul Regency area was obtained CCI values above 2 which was safe criteria. In conclusion, Bantul Regency has good potential in the development of goat. Then, the potential needs support from the government, private sector and the community.
Communication barriers and deaf learner misbehaviour in a South African special needs school
Authors: Shoko Ratidzai
Published: February 2024

Mainstream schools often encounter problems with learner behaviour which disrupt effective teaching and learning. Inclusive special schools with learners with disabilities, including learners who are deaf, are not spared such problems. This is so especially when they face the challenges of communication barriers. This paper focuses on the influence of communication barriers on misbehaviour by learners who are deaf. The research was a qualitative case study conducted in Gauteng province of South Africa at an inclusive special needs school with learners with disabilities. It aimed to establish the effectiveness of interventions for managing behaviour among the learners. The study found that effective communication plays a vital role in the positive management of the behaviour of deaf learners. It recommends that the learners who are deaf be provided access to language and specialized communication support and language resources such as oral interpreting, sign language, and hearing aids.
Confiabilidade das medições obtidas em radiografias panorâmicas para determinação automatizada de gênero
Authors: Michel-Crosato Edgard , Ortiz Adrielly Garcia , Haye Biazevic Maria Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Introduction: forensic anthropology currently serves as a potent tool in primary and secondary identification, especially in mass disasters, increasingly common in our society.  Objective: Verify the reproducibility of measured measurements. proposes methods of personal identification. Method: to verify the reliability of the method, 25 radiographs were selected, the intra-class coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altiman statistical technique were calculated. accuracy of the method, was used. R studio and Medcalc were used. Results: The ICC was above 0.90 for all measurements. According to the Bland-Altman analysis, the average differences observed between examiners ranged from 0.017 (m5) to 0.020 (m7). These results highlight the reliability of measurements made by two different examiners performing the same tasks. Conclusion: The variables used in this study have shown satisfactory reproducibility. Thus, the selected and evaluated data can be used as metadata in automating the gender determination process from panoramic radiographs.
AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL TECHNICAL CHALLENGES IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY PRACTICE – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: Viraliyur Ramaswami Sweta , Franco Ademir , Manica Scheila
Published: February 2024

Forensic Odontology deals with the presentation of dental evidence in a court of law. An academic exploration revealed instances of technical challenges within the field. This study endeavours to delve into the spheres where these challenges occur, with the core objective of enhancing the quality of practice. An integrative literature review was conducted using the online platforms SCOPUS and Web of Science. Based on the selection criteria, 29 pertinent papers dated 2000-2023 were included. Quantitative analysis of the categories of selected articles was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA). Technical concerns were reported in all facets of Forensic Odontology with the general role of expert witnesses being reported the most (n=8; 27.58%). Within the different facets of the field, age estimation was the most prominent area of concern (n=8; 27.58%) and child abuse and neglect (n=1; 3.57%) represented the least reported category.  Findings indicate that there is a need to prioritize avenues to enhance the quality of practice in the general role of expert witnesses and the specific area of dental age estimation. To this end, increased support for researchers must be provided to help validate methodologies. It is advisable to institute mandatory formal training and proficiency testing within the field. Inadequate knowledge of dentists regarding child abuse and neglect has been noted, demonstrating the need for more dedicated quality training. Recommendations for Forensic Odontologists have been curated combining this study's results and the codes of ethics of various forensic organisations
IMUTABILIDADE EM QUEILOSCOPIA APÓS APLICAÇÃO DO ÁCIDO HIALURÔNICO – ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Dotti Jennifer Gomes , Krause Ricardo Guilherme da Silva , Angar Karine , Rabello Patrícia Moreira , Fernandes Mário Marques , Conde Alexandre
Published: February 2024

O ácido hialurônico (AH) composto empregado na especialidade de harmonização orofacial para fins de preenchimento facial confere obtenção de harmonia em casos de estética deficiente. O objetivo desse trabalho é verificar se existe alteração dos sulcos labiais após a aplicação de ácido hialurônico, por meio de um relato de prontuário e análise de fotografias periorais. O prontuário selecionado foi de um paciente do sexo feminino, que se submeteu a um procedimento de preenchimento labial com infiltração de um volume total de 0,7 mL de ácido hialurônico da marca comercial (Hialurox Soft 8mg/mL São Carlos - Brasil) e apresentava documentação fotográfica completa, anterior ao procedimento e pós-operatório tardio de 108 dias. Foi realizada uma simulação de confronto queiloscópico comparando as imagens entre si com o auxílio da ferramenta de edição Paint Microsoft, os sulcos foram classificados de acordo com o método de Suzuki e Tsuchihashi (1971), e os dados foram registrados na ficha modificada de Stamm (2014). A técnica utilizada no presente estudo não promoveu alteração significativa nos sulcos labiais pré-existentes. No entanto, o período do pós-operatório tardio de 108 dias não foi suficiente para o reaparecimento de alguns sulcos encontrados na fase pré-procedimento.
Peran Motivasi Belajar dalam Memediasi Pengaruh Penggunaan E-Learning dan Kemandirian Belajar terhadap Hasil Belajar
Authors: Genarsih Tunjung , Tisngati Urip
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh secara parsial penggunaan e-learning dan kemandirian belajar terhadap hasil belajar pengantar statistik ekonomi dan bisnis dengan motivasi belajar sebagai pemediasi. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dengan metode survei. Sampel diambil dengan menggunakan rumus Slovin dan didapatkan sebanyak 96. Analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis jalur. Hasil riset yang diperoleh antara lain: 1) penggunaan e-learning berpengaruh signifikan terhadap motivasi belajar karena nilai sig. sebesar 0,000; 2) kemandirian belajar tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap motivasi belajar karena nilai sig. 0,645; 3) penggunaan e-learning berpengaruh signifikan terhadap hasil belajar karena nilai sig. 0,007; 4) kemandirian belajar berpengaruh siginifikan terhadap hasil belajar karena nilai sig. 0,000; 5) motivasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap hasil belajar karena nilai sig. 0,000; 6) motivasi belajar mampu memediasi pengaruh penggunaan e-learning terhadap hasil belajar dengan nilai Z = 4,89; 7) motivasi belajar tidak mampu memediasi pengaruh kemandirian belajar terhadap hasil belajar dengan nilai Z = 0,4572. Riset lanjutan masih perlu dilakukan dengan mengunakan variabel-variabel lain yang relevan.
Groundbreaking Techniques to Assist Students in Learning Grammar
Authors: Puspitasari Indah
Published: February 2024

This research aims to determine the students' responses to the groundbreaking grammar teaching techniques after their boredom with conventional teaching methods. The digital learning platform of the British Council Learn English website combined with communicative games used by the researcher. This research is descriptive qualitative. Using purposive sampling, twenty-five students from the second semester in the English Study Program of STKIP PGRI Pacitan became the selected sample. The result of this study showed that 74% of students need breakthrough techniques to assist them in learning Grammar, 68% of students agree that the methods used by researchers make students understand grammar lessons, 80% of students argued that implementing the British Council Learn English website combined with communicative language game is quite effective in improving students' understanding of Grammar.
Evaluación de las características de las puntas de gutapercha de cuatro marcas comerciales mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido
Authors:   , Azula Wong Shirley Sofía
Published: February 2024

El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar las características morfológicas y composición química de las puntas de cono de gutapercha de cuatro marcas comerciales (Endomedic, Maillefer, TF Adaptive y MTWO). La investigación fue de tipo descriptiva transversal. Se observaron 20 conos de gutapercha en el microscopio electrónico de barrido, (cinco conos por marca), de los cuales 10 presentaban conicidad de 2% y el resto conicidad de 4%, se evaluó las características, superficie de punta, configuración de la punta, tipo de punta según marca comercial y tipo de uso). La muestra fue determinada a partir de la fórmula para estimar una proporción y presenta un nivel de confianza de 95%. En los resultados del estudio se presenta que la marca MTWO en su totalidad presentó una irregularidad severa y con punta roma. También se pudo observar que la marca Endomedic fue la que presentó en un 80% de su muestra superficie rugosa. En cuanto al promedio de la composición química de las cuatro marcas de conos de gutapercha, se pudo observar que los elementos que en mayor cantidad contenían y en orden descendente fueron: Zinc 39,98%; Carbono 36,67%; Oxígeno 15,15%; Bario 6,45% y Bismuto 6,36%. Se concluye que el 70% de los conos de gutapercha no presentaron deformación de la punta.
Évaluation des projets humanitaires au Cameroun : quand les consultant.e.s locaux.ales essaient de redéfinir les asymétries Nord-Sud
Authors: Mba Jean Émile
Published: February 2024

Le Cameroun, depuis 2013, apparait comme un champ privilégié des interventions humanitaires. Celles-ci, en matière d’évaluation des projets, ont longtemps été effectuées par le recours à une expertise internationale. Mais les restrictions à la mobilité internationale imposées par le COVID-19 ont favorisé l’immobilisme de cette expertise, immobilisme qui existait déjà avant la pandémie. Le COVID-19 n’a fait qu’exacerber un processus déjà amorcé par des crises sécuritaires. Si les organisations de solidarité internationale ont longtemps hésité à transférer l’exécution des évaluations des projets humanitaires aux expert.e.s locaux.ales, la crise sécuritaire et sanitaire a permis de surmonter cette réticence. En s’appuyant sur les apports du modèle de la « fenêtre d’opportunité » (Kingdon, 1984), l’article démontre comment les expert.e.s camerounais.e.s ont bénéficié de l’absence d’expertise internationale (immobilisme) pour prendre en charge les missions d’évaluation des projets humanitaires. Ce repositionnement en faveur de l’expertise locale aurait contribué à une redéfinition des asymétries Nord-Sud et des rapports de domination entre expert.e.s nationaux.ales et internationaux.ales.
From Design to Experimental Validation of the Fully Mechanical Gravity Tool Face Measurement-While-Drilling System
Authors: Qu Jun , Xue Qilong , Wang Jin , Sun Jinchao , Lu Jintao , Zhang Haiping , Sun Feng , Tao Xinghua
Published: February 2024

Exploiting geothermal resources such as hot dry rocks (HDRs) requires directional drilling technology. Measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technology plays a crucial role in directional measurement. However, its high temperature and environment limit downhole measurement instruments in application. For this research, we designed an MWD system with a mechanical gravity tool face, and the fully mechanical structure was used to overcome the high-temperature constraints. The bias stabilization platform, gravity tool face coding method, and mud pulse generation structure were designed. The eccentric stable model and pulse generation structure model were established through numerical analysis, and a gravity tool face angle coding and identification method was also established. The experimental prototype testing system was built on theoretical analysis and hydrodynamics. The feasibility of the tool functions and the recognition algorithm were verified experimentally, with a maximum measurement error of 6° and an average measurement error of 2.6°. The average measurement error of the system in the well test is 6°, which verifies the reliability of the system.
WITHDRAWN: Impact of Dark Current on Pinned Photo-Diode Capacitance of CMOS Image Sensor in Low illumination Regime
Authors: Suharwerdi Mohsin , Qazi Gausia
Published: February 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors in order to comply with an institutional policy on preprints. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference.
Shenmai injection in treating chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Ming , Huang Hong , Yao Chang
Published: February 2024

Shenmai injection (SMI) is an established treatment for cardiac diseases, and we performed to evaluate the efficacy of SMI combined with chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. The primary outcome was abnormal ECG, LVEF and E/A. The secondary outcomes included myocardial injury biomarkers (CK, CK-MB, and cTnI) and lipid peroxide markers (SOD, GSH, and MAD). Studies indicated that SMI combined with chemotherapy drugs has advantages over chemotherapy drugs alone in reducing the incidence of abnormal ECG (ST-T: RR = 0.613, 95% CI [0.437, 0.862], p = 0.005; extrasystole: RR = 0.527, 95% CI [0.349, 0.798], p = 0.002). Myocardial injury biomarkers in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (CK: SMD = − 2.614, 95% CI [–3.156, − 2.071], p = 0.000; CK-MB: SMD = − 6.882, 95% CI [–8.982, − 4.782], p = 0.000; cTnI: SMD = − 3.610, 95% CI [–4.949, − 2.271], p = 0.000). Ultrasonic cardiogram analysis showed that the experimental group had a higher LVEF and E/A than the control group (LVEF: SMD = 1.572, 95% CI [1.176, 1.969], p = 0.000; E/A: SMD = 0.280, 95% CI [0.153, 0.407], p = 0.000). Lipid peroxide meta-analysis showed that the experimental group had higher SOD and GSH levels (SOD: WMD = 39.783, 95% CI (32.524, 47.042), p = 0.000; GSH: WMD = 32.960, 95% CI [26.055, 39.865], p = 0.000), and lower MDA (WMD = − 4.962, 95% CI [–6.041, − 3.883], p = 0.000). SMI is effective in reducing cardiac injury and the incidence of cardiotoxicity.
The minimal geoengineering problem concerning the Paris 2015 agreement
Authors: Bodai Tamas , Lembo Valerio , Aneesh Sundaresan , Lee Sun-Seon , Ishuzu Miho , Franz Matthias O.
Published: February 2024

There is a palpable shift in mainstream attitude towards geoengineering technologies, seen now as potential parts of a climate policy mix. Still, concerning solar radiation management (SRM) in particular, because of the known and unknown undesirable side-effects of various engineering implementations of theirs, it is important to know what is the minimal intervention that can achieve a certain goal. Such questions lead mathematically to inverse problems. Solving them is feasible only with lightweight models of the climate system, various types of which are nowadays often referred to as emulators – some more accurate than others. Here we develop an emulator using linear and nonlinear response theory and apply it to the minimal SRM problem concerning the Paris 2015 climate agreement, say, with the aim of constraining the global mean surface temperature below a certain limit. Our results suggest that SRM geoengineering, most commonly envisaged as sulfate aerosol injection, will likely have to be part of our climate policy mix, because realistic CO2 abatement effort to come alone cannot restrict global temperatures below the coveted 1.5 ◦C change or below even higher levels of change. Minimal sulfate use for the 1.5 ◦C limit is very likely to dictate immediate and rather abrupt deployment. However, SRM would be no use to achieve such a goal if the geoengineeringfree “asymptotic” temperature is not below the target limit, as it would then need – in the absence of CDR – maintaining SRM “indefinitely”. The latter could be the case even if the temperature response to an anthropogenic CO2 emission pulse is nonmonotonic, and it would be certainly the case if it is monotonic. We show that the model that we use is near the boundary in parameter space between monotonic and nonmonotoninc temperature responses. In the unfortunate case of monotonicity concerning the real Earth system, the only use of SRM would be “buying time” to develop CDR.
Inhibition of autotrophic nitrifiers in soil by elevated CO2
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhang Kaihang , Lei Weilei , Zhang Huixin , Xu Chenchao , Xiao Jing , Li Shuyao , Liang Maojun , He Junpan , Lai Yancen , Li Ruiyang , Dong Jiahua , Jiang Mingkai , Zhu Jianguo , Hu Shui-jin , Koide Roger , Firestone Mary
Published: February 2024

Autotrophic nitrifiers, by catalyzing the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate, play a vital role in the global nitrogen cycle 1–5. They convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass 1,3,6 and, therefore, are expected to respond positively to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations 1,3,6. However, in a long-term free-air CO2 enrichment experiment, we demonstrated that elevated atmospheric CO2 inhibited the growth of autotrophic nitrifiers, resulting in a reduction in nitrification in a rice ecosystem. By coupling stable isotope probing with metagenomics, we found that the CO2 inhibition of nitrifiers was mainly a consequence of CO2-induced functional loss (that is, incapable of recovering genomes) of dominant but previously uncharacterized autotrophic nitrifying species, especially those of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, which comprised 63% of total dominant members identified from the active nitrifying communities. We further found that the loss of these novel nitrifying species under elevated CO2 was due largely to the CO2-induced aggravation of anoxic stress in the paddy soil. Our results provide insight into the fate of inorganic nitrogen pools in global lowland soil and water systems under future climate change scenarios.
Estimating canopy cover using a Spatially Balanced Sampling approach: A case study of miombo woodlands in Western Tanzania
Authors: Nkya Siwa E. , Shirima Deo D. , Hedenas Henrik , Temu August B.
Published: February 2024

Long-term monitoring is essential to understand the impacts of land use and climate change on miombo woodlands. This study introduces an innovative monitoring design for miombo woodlands with a two-stage sampling utilizing spatially balanced techniques to estimate the area and canopy cover of miombo woodland across the Tabora, Sikonge, Mlele, and Tanganyika districts. The first step involved the selection of 68 tracts, each comprising an average of 1025 plots, with the aid of spatially balanced sampling. Each of the 69,716 plots was classified into closed (canopy cover > 70%), open (40% ≤ canopy cover ≤ 70%), very open (10% ≤ canopy cover < 40%), and non-miombo (canopy cover < 10%) based on woodland cover derived from Sentinel 2 images, followed by the second step consisting of stratified random sampling and inventorying of 2,690 plots within 68 tracts. Using PlanetScope images, we determined the canopy cover for the 2,690 plots selected in the second step and reclassified them accordingly. Employing the Horvitz–Thompson estimator, our results showed that miombo woodlands in these districts cover 37,359 ± 4,618 km² with an average canopy cover of 55% ± 5%. Closed miombo woodland (canopy cover > 70%) was the dominating woodland type, covering 29,546 ± 4,382 km² of the study area with an average canopy cover of 84% ± 7%. The study's innovative sampling design provides reliable estimates of the area of miombo woodlands and average canopy cover, with relative standard errors consistently below 25%, offering a robust foundation for monitoring different miombo types.
Emergent Constraint on Future Changes in the Tropical Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Madakumbura Gavin D. , Norris Jesse , Thackeray Chad , Po-Chedley Stephen , Ahmed Fiaz , Hall Alex
Published: February 2024

Intensification of the hydrological cycle manifests through a global increase in precipitation at a rate lower than the increase in water vapor, and a consequent weakening in the atmospheric tropical overturning circulation (ATOC). This circulation change shapes future precipitation patterns, but is highly uncertain across Earth System Models (ESMs), complicating efforts seeking to constrain projected changes in regional precipitation. Using two ESM ensembles, we present an emergent relationship between the ATOC’s response to anthropogenic warming, and the ATOC’s variability associated with interannual temperature anomalies. Models simulating the largest future ATOC weakening per degree warming also tend to simulate the largest weakening in association with an internally-generated warm anomaly. Observational estimates of ATOC sensitivity suggest that future ATOC weakening due to climate change is likely larger than expected from a simple multimodel mean (from -1.41±1.06 %/K to -2.20±0.93 %/K). Lastly, we show how this enhanced ATOC weakening impacts regional precipitation patterns. These constrained circulation and precipitation estimates provide a better understanding of how tropical hydroclimate will respond to future warming and associated regional climate impacts.
Identification of a novel diagnostic biomarker for osteoarthritis associated with chromatin regulators and its association with immune cell infiltration
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Zhiwei , Guo Runsheng , Wang Song , Zhu Meisong , Mo Fengbo , Wu Binkang , Dai Min , Liu Xuqiang , Zhan Haibo
Published: February 2024

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered to be a common chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and extracellular matrix degeneration. However, its specific pathogenesis is still unclear. This study aimed to find a novel diagnostic biomarker for osteoarthritis associated with chromatin regulators (CRs) and analyze possible associations between signature genes and immune cell infiltration.
Methods: OA datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and integrated them with the CRs dataset to create a new dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CRs were obtained by differential expression analysis, and functional enrichment analysis of these genes was performed. The CRs-related hub genes were further identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The infiltration level of immune cells in OA was analyzed by Single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) to explore the correlation between the expression level of hub genes and immune infiltration, and the potential targeted therapeutic drugs of hub genes were predicted by Drug SIGnatures DataBase (DSigDB). Hub genes were used to construct OA diagnostic risk model, identify OA diagnostic biomarkers, and verify its diagnostic value by ROC curve and correction curve. Finally, signature genes were validated in vitro and in vivo by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and mouse models of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM).
Results: A total of 86 CRs-related DEGs were obtained. These DEGs were enriched in the histone binding and modification, cell cycle, and FoxO signaling pathways. After PPI analysis, we obtained 10 CRs-related hub genes, and finally determined Aurora kinase B (AURKB) as a diagnostic biomarker for OA by constructing a OA risk prediction model. In mouse DMM models and IL-β-induced chondrocytes, qRT-PCR and WB results showed significantly high expression of AURKB in diseased joints and cells. Moreover, ssGSEA analysis showed that there were significant differences in the infiltration levels of 11 immune cells and 12 immune infiltrating functions in the OA samples. Infiltration analysis of immune cells showed that AURKB expression was positively correlated with tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), Th1 cells, T cell co-inhibition and check-point. Finally, based on the obtained 10 CRs-related hub genes, we found that dasatinib, enterolactone and genistein may be potential targeted therapies for OA.
Conclusion: Overall, our study shows that AURKB is an important biomarker in the development and progression of OA and is significantly correlated with immune infiltration, providing a new way to explore the pathogenesis of OA.
Subnational Persistence of State History: Evidence from Geolocalized Civilizations
Authors: Cook C. Justin
Published: February 2024

This paper uses a novel data set that geolocalizes civilizations across the globe and human history. The data document roughly 1,450 civilizations over 500 time-periods. I spatially and temporally aggregate the civilizations to pre-defined grid-cells to show accumulated civilization years are statistically linked to contemporary nighttime lights and population. The data allow for di↵ering historical cuto↵s to examine deeper and more proximate mechanisms of state history. Estimates illustrate di↵ering roles for state history between the New World, where colonial settlement patterns describe the spatial distribution of people and output, and the Old World, where longer settled areas are tied to better institutional quality.
JEL-Classification: O11, O43, N10, R12
Sleep quality and related predictors among women in the first trimester of pregnancy: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Liu Siqi , Tan Yingyao , Cai Shu , Wang Lixia , Qin Meijiao
Published: February 2024

Background: This study identifies latent profiles of sleep in the first trimester of pregnancy using a person-centered method, and investigate the predictive role of demographics, perinatal features, physical activity, depression, and social capital across profiles.
Methods: A total number of 1,066 pregnant women in Shenzhen were invited to participate in this study. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify sleep profiles. Regression Mixture Modeling (RMM) was used to explore the predictive role of demographic variables, clinical features, physical activity, depression, and social capital among sleep profiles.
Results: Three profiles were identified:(1) good sleep quality (n = 732, 68.7%), (2) poor sleep efficiency (n = 87, 8.2%), (3) daily disturbances (n = 247, 23.2%). Age, education, occupation, gravidity, childbirth, pregnancy BMI, depression, and social capital were the predictive factors among sleep profiles. Compared with good sleep quality group, pregnant woman in poor sleep efficiency group were more likely to be younger, have education of high school or technical secondary school and undergraduate or above, and higher level of depression, but less likely to have twice pregnancy and one childbirth. Those in daily disturbances group were more likely to be older, obesity and have lower lever of social capital, but less likely to be worker and public servant.
Conclusion: This study revealed three sleep profiles using a person-centered method and underlined the predictive role of depression and social capital across profiles. Our results may provide information for tailored interventions that can promote sleep quality of pregnant women and prevent a worsened sleep quality unprecedented situation.
The association between blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio and the 28-day all-cause mortality in tuberculosis patients complicated by sepsis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cui Kunping , Feng Shuang , Mao Yi , Luo Haixia , Yang Jiao , Xu Ruyi , Bai Lang
Published: February 2024

Objective
The relationship between blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio (BAR) and the prognosis of patients with tuberculosis (TB) complicated by sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between BAR and overall patient prognosis.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with TB complicated by sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between January 2019 and February 2023. The relationship between BAR values and prognosis in these patients was investigated using multivariate Cox regression, stratified analysis with interaction, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and threshold effect analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results.
Results
Our study included 537 TB patients complicated by sepsis admitted in the ICU, with a median age of 63.0 (48.0, 72.0) years; 76.7% of whom were men. The multivariate-restricted cubic spline analysis showed a non-linear association between BAR and patient prognosis. In the threshold analysis, we found that TB patients complicated by sepsis and a BAR < 10.168 mg/g had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for prognosis of 1.126 (95% CI, 1.066–1.188; P < 0.001). However, when the BAR was ≥ 10.168 mg/g, there was no significant increase in the risk of death. The results of the sensitivity analysis were stable.
Conclusion
A non-linear relationship between BAR and prognosis was observed among patients with TB complicated by sepsis.
Body roundness index and risk of developing hypertension: A prospective cohort study in southwest China
Authors: Zhan Qingqing , Liu Tao , Wang Yiying , An Qinyu , Zhang Fuyan , Zhang Tianlin
Published: February 2024

Background
Body roundness index (BRI) is an obesity-related anthropometric index that combines waist circumference (WC) and height to better reflect body fat. This study aims to prospectively explore the relationship between BRI and the risk of hypertension based on a population cohort of the Chinese Western region.
Methods
The study data came from a natural population cohort of Guizhou province established in 2010, and a total of 9,280 people in 48 townships in 12 districts (counties) were surveyed at baseline using multistage stratified randomized whole cluster sampling. Follow-up surveys were completed from 2016 to 2020, and after excluding deaths, lost visits, baseline hypertension, unclear follow-up hypertension diagnosis, and missing relevant variables, a final 5,230 people entered the analysis. Cox proportional risk models were used to analyze the association between BRI and the development of hypertension and to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Analyzing the relationship between BRI and time to onset of hypertension using the time failure acceleration model.
Results
The total person-years (PYs) of follow-up were 36,950.24 years, with a median follow-up time of 6.64 years. During the follow-up period 1157 study subjects developed new hypertension with an incidence density of 31.31/1000 PYs. After adjusting for confounding variables, BRI increased the risk of hypertension by 17% per unit increase (HR = 1.17,95% CI: 1.108–1.235, P trend < 0.001). Compared with the population in the first quartile (Q1) of BRI, the risk of hypertension in the population in the third quartile (Q3) and fourth quartile (Q4) is 1.309 (95% CI: 1.1-1.558) and 1.534 (95% CI: 1.282–1.837), respectively. For each unit increase in BRI, the onset of hypertension is advanced by 0.255 years (95% CI: -0.348-0.162).
Conclusion
There is a significant correlation between elevated body mass index (BRI) and an increased propensity for hypertension, BRI could serve as a valuable instrument for weight management among individuals already diagnosed with hypertension.
Computational investigation of the functional landscape of the protective role that Extra Virgin Olive Oil consumption may have on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bourdakou Marilena M. , Melliou Eleni , Magiatis Prokopios , Spyrou George M.
Published: February 2024

Background: The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are partially attributed to the polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, the possible effect that EVOO could have on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) has not been fully explored.
Methods: This study investigates the anti-CLL activity of EVOO through a computational multi-level data analysis procedure, focusing on the identification of shared biological functions between them. Specifically, publicly available data from genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics related to EVOO consumption and CLL were collected from several resources and analyzed through a computational pipeline, highlighting common molecular mechanisms and biological processes. Computational verification of a number of the highlighted functional terms associating CLL and EVOO has been performed as well.
Results: Our investigation revealed four molecular pathways and three biological processes that overlap between mechanisms associated with CLL and those impacted by the consumption of EVOO. To further investigate the common biological functions, we focused on AKT1-related terms, aiming to investigate the potential importance of AKT1 in the anti- CLL effects associated with EVOO.
Conclusions: Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the potential beneficial effect of EVOO in CLL and highlight EVOO’s bioactive compounds as promising candidates for future investigations.
Association of the Previne Brasil Program in prenatal care and maternal-child mortality
Authors: Arato Caio Vieira de Barros , Probst Livia Fernandes , Guerra Luciane Miranda , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: February 2024

Background: Brazil has witnessed a significant reduction in maternal-child mortality with the establishment of the Unified Health System. However, the rates remain high and should be mitigated through effective public policies that comprehend the factors involved in these elevated rates.
Objective: To investigate the impact of prenatal care on the reduction of maternal-child mortality in Brazilian municipalities following the new financing model of Primary Health Care, the Previne Brasil program.
Methods: This study comprised a nationwide cross-sectional observational analysis, utilizing secondary data from the Brazilian public health system. Medians of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and prenatal care rates were calculated for Brazilian municipalities from 2016 to 2022. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between independent variables (primary care coverage, population, Gross Domestic Product, and Gini index) and outcomes (variation in maternal and infant death rates). Raw and adjusted odds ratios were estimated, with a significance level set at 5%.
Results: Prenatal care rates increased by 86.7%, while maternal death rates decreased by 30.9%, with no significant association between them (p>0.05). Region, primary care coverage, municipal GDP, and population showed significant associations (p<0.05) with the variation in maternal death rates. The Southern region had a higher chance of reducing maternal death rates. No significant association was found between an increase in prenatal care rates and a decrease in infant death rates (p>0.05). The country's region, primary care coverage, population, and Gini index were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the variation in infant death rates, with a greater chance of reduction in more populous municipalities and in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions.
Conclusion: The Previne Brasil Program led to an increase in prenatal care consultations in Brazilian municipalities but did not significantly impact the reduction of maternal-child mortality.
Design and Characterization of Gelatin-Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles: Insights into Structural, Relaxometric, Luminescent, and Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: de Lima Joyce Francine da Silva , Oliveira Giovanna Nogueira da Silva Avelino , Santos Dayane Kelly Dias do Nascimento , Pereira Giovannia Araújo de Lima , Viana Rodrigo da Silva , Junior Severino Alves
Published: February 2024

T he present study aimed to develop a theranostic nanoprobe for application. This nanoprobe is composed of upconversion nanoparticles (NPs) coated with gelatin. Initially, erbium-ytterbium co-doped gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3:Yb/Er) was synthesized using the homogeneous precipitation technique. The Gd2O3:Yb/Er particles were coated with gelatin (Gd2O3:Yb/Er@Gelatin) using the desolvation method. Four syntheses were conducted with different gelatin concentrations and the use of glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linking agent. The characterization of the nanoprobe included structural, relaxometric, luminescent, and cytotoxicity analyses. The results indicate that cross-linking with GA reduces the size of the NPs, suggesting a greater compaction of the gelatin chains. It was observed that the gelatin coating increases the concentration of water molecules near the NPs through hydrogen bonding interactions and modulates their diffusion time near the paramagnetic center, influencing the decrease in proton relaxation time. On the other hand, cross-linking with GA restricts the mobility of water molecules, by all relaxivity values were found to be higher than those of commercial contrast agents. The luminescent data showed that although the spectral emission profile of upconversion between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions did not change compared to the oxide, the emission intensity ratio (IR/IG) decreased with coating, and the emission in the green region is generated by the absorption of three photons, while the emission in the red region is generated by the absorption of two photons. It was also observed that Gd2O3:Yb/Er and Gd2O3:Yb/Er@Gelatin NPs had no cytotoxic effect on healthy cells, with cell viability above 90%. The developed nanoprobe showed interesting luminescent and relaxometric properties, making it a promising tool for optical and magnetic bioimaging.
Alterations of the peptidomic composition of peripheral plasma after portal hypertension correction by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Bagarolo Giulia Ilaria , Bhargava Shruti , Schierwagen Robert , Gu Wenyi , Jankowski Vera , Soppert Josefin , Barzakova Emona , Cascone Federica , Tyc Olaf , Kuhl Christiane , Noels Heidi , Trebicka Jonel , Jankowski Joachim
Published: February 2024

Portal-hypertension develops in patients with advanced chronic liver diseases(CLD), especially cirrhosis and is associated with complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites resulting in high mortality. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is a treatment option for portal-hypertension, aiming to decrease portal venous pressure by establishing an artificial passage for blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver vein. This study focuses on the differences in the molecular composition of plasma samples from patients with portal-hypertension before and after TIPS intervention to identify and characterise mediators influencing gut-liver cross-talk. The plasma of 23 patients suffering from advanced CLD with portal-hypertension was collected from peripheral veins before and after TIPS treatment and analysed using a well-established non-targeted chromatography-mass spectrometric(LC-MS) approach. Sialomucin core protein 24(CD164)(160–180), meckelin(99–118), Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase(MLL3)(3019–3045) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 5(TRPV5)(614–630) were identified to be downregulated after the TIPS treatment. In addition, the metabolites 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropionic acid(CMPF), uric acid, Dopamine, homoarginine, leucylproline and 5-methyluridine were significantly decreased after TIPS, whereas one yet unidentified low molecular-weight metabolite showed an increase after the medical procedure. In conclusion, these substances are novel biomarkers for portal-hypertension in patients with CLD, with mechanistic clues of involvement in regulating pathological gut-liver cross-talk.