bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of neuroprotective drugs with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke: A Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Dang Chun , Wang Qinxuan , Zhuang Yijia , Li Qian , Lu Yaoheng , Xiong Ying , Feng Li
Published: December 2024

Neuroprotective drugs as adjunctive therapy for adults with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains contentious. This study summarizes the latest evidence regarding the benefits of neuroprotective agents combined with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) intravenous thrombolysis. This study conducted a structured search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wanfang Data, and CNKI databases from their inception to March 2024. Grey literature was also searched. The outcomes included efficacy (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and Barthel Index (BI) score) and safety (rate of adverse reactions). A total of 70 randomized controlled trials were selected for this network meta-analysis (NMA), encompassing 4,140 patients with AIS treated using different neuroprotective agents plus RT-PA, while 4,012 patients with AIS were in control groups. The top three treatments for NIHSS scores at the 2-week follow-up were Edaravone Dexborneo with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, Edaravone with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, and HUK with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA. HUK with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, Dl-3n-butylphthalide with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, and Edaravone Dexborneo with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA were ranked the top three for BI scores at the 2-week follow-up. The top three treatments with the lowest adverse effect rates were 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA, HUK with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, and Edaravone Dexborneo with 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA due to their excellent safety profiles. Compared to rt-PA alone, the combination treatments of Edaravone+rt-PA, Edaravone Dexborneol+rt-PA, HUK+rt-PA, Dl-3n-butylphthalide+rt-PA, and Ganglioside GM1+rt-PA have shown superior efficacy. This NMA suggest that combination therapies of neuroprotective agents and rt-PA can offer better outcomes for patients with AIS. The results support the potential integration of these combination therapies into standard AIS treatment, aiming for improved patient outcomes and personalized therapeutic approaches.
A meta-analysis of technology-based interventions on treatment adherence and treatment success among TBC patients
Authors: Huda Mega Hasanul , Rahman Muhamad Fauzi , Zalaya Yusuf , Mukminin Muhammad Amirul , Purnamasari Telly , Hendarwan Harimat , Su’udi Amir , Hasugian Armedy Ronny , Yuniar Yuyun , Handayani Rini Sasanti , Putranto Rudi Hendro , Yulianto Aris , Suryatma Anton , Despitasari Mieska , Siregar Riswal Nafi
Published: December 2024

Various technology-based interventions have been designed to improve medication adherence and treatment success. However, research on the most effective mode to address this issue is still limited. Our study evaluated the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in improving treatment adherence, completion, and treatment success among tuberculosis (TBC) patients. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by searching articles from six databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Jstor, Embase, and Scopus from 2018 to April 2023. Two independent reviewers assessed the study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. We analysed the data using a random-effects model. We also conducted publication bias and sensitivity analysis. In total, 13 studies were identified and 4,794 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that technology-based interventions were effective in improving treatment adherence, completion, and success (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.57, 95% Confident Interval (CI): 1.01–6.50, I2 = 86.6%; OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 0.95–3.28, I2: 82.3%; OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 0.85–3.06, I2: 84%, respectively). We examined the possibility of publication bias in the published studies included in this systematic review. However, no evidence of publication bias was found. From the sensitivity analysis by removing one study randomly, we found that our results are robust. Based on the results, we can conclude that technology-based interventions like MERM, text-based messages, video conferencing, and VOT are effective in increasing treatment adherence and completion in tuberculosis management. Therefore, technology shows immense potential in enhancing patient outcomes.
Fetal ECG-based analysis reveals the impact of fetal movements and maternal respiration on maternal-fetal heart rate synchronization
Authors: Samjeed Amna , Wahbah Maisam , Hadjileontiadis Leontios , Khandoker Ahsan H.
Published: December 2024

Identifying and understanding prenatal developmental disorders at an early stage are crucial as fetal brain development has long-term effects on an individual’s life. The maturation of the fetal autonomic nervous system (ANS) is believed to influence the coordination and direction of maternal-fetal heartbeat synchronization. Fetal behavioral states (FBSes) include quiet sleep (1F), active sleep (2F), quiet awake (3F), and active awake (4F). In this study, the focus is on fetal movements, leading to the grouping of 1F and 3F into a quiet state, while 2F and 4F are combined to form an active state. Thus, the FBSes discussed in this article consist of fetal quiet and active states. Here, we explore the relationship between FBSes and the coupling of maternal and fetal heartbeats. We also seek to understand how maternal breathing patterns influence this coupling while considering FBSes. The study involved 105 healthy fetuses with gestational ages (GA) from 20 to 40 weeks. Non-invasive electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded for 3 to 10 minutes. The ECG samples were separated into three gestational groups (Early: 16 ≤ GA < 25, Mid: 25 ≤ GA < 32, and Late: 32 ≤ GA < 40 weeks). Maternal respiration rate and coupling strength parameters were calculated for various maternal-fetal heartbeat coupling ratios. The findings of the study indicated that FBSes influenced maternal-fetal HR coupling strength during late gestation but not during early and mid-gestation. The changes in maternal-fetal HR synchronization or communication as gestation progresses occur in both FBSes. Furthermore, we noticed a significantly higher level of maternal-fetal heartbeat synchronization during periods of higher respiratory rates when the fetus was in a quiet state. These results emphasize how FBSes impact the synchronization of maternal-fetal HR and contribute to the understanding of fetal growth and health.
SRFACS: A secure and robust framework for anonymous communication systems
Authors: Zhu Daxin , Tu Jiazhi , Cai Danlin , Jiang Tianyu , Xiahou Jianbing , Chen Yusi , Liu Chao
Published: December 2024

Anonymous communication is crucial for preserving user privacy in various applications, such as anonymous browsing, secure online payments, and electronic voting. However, current systems face significant challenges related to robustness, fault tolerance, and efficient communication management. This paper introduces SRFACS (Secure and Robust Framework for Anonymous Communication Systems), designed to address these issues by integrating advanced cryptographic techniques with a structured communication framework. Traditional anonymous communication systems usually lack sufficient fault tolerance, making them vulnerable to node failures, especially in asynchronous environments. In order to overcome these limitations and ensure that the system can keep running in the event of node failure (especially in an asynchronous environment), SRFACS integrates an improved asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerant (ABFT) protocol. We use this protocol to expand the traditional single communication node into a structured node group, and handle up to (n − 1)/3 faulty nodes in these groups, so as to enhance fault tolerance and maintain continuous operation. To efficiently manage inter-group communication, SRFACS utilizes leader nodes to coordinate and streamline the communication processes. To mitigate the risks associated with leader failures, we have implemented an efficient leader change protocol that promptly replaces defective leaders, ensuring uninterrupted system performance. Additionally, to prevent erroneous leader actions from compromising the system, we have introduced an advanced multi-signature scheme. This approach secures communication by requiring multiple signatures for verification processes. Furthermore, we have implemented a reputation incentive mechanism to encourage nodes to maintain optimal performance and avoid malicious behavior. This mechanism evaluates nodes according to their past activities and reliability to achieve dynamic updates of SRFACS node groups. We have conducted rigorous security analyses and component performance evaluations of SRFACS, further confirming its potential as a promising secure communication solution.
Do neighborhoods have boundaries? A novel empirical test for a historic question
Authors: Vachuska Karl
Published: December 2024

Do neighborhoods have boundaries? Scholars have debated how neighborhoods should be operationalized for decades. While recent scholarship has de-emphasized boundaries, I argue that boundaries are focal to understanding what neighborhoods are and why they are so segregated. Relying on everyday mobility patterns data from a panel of 45 million nationally representative devices, I demonstrate that divisions between contiguous census block groups in terms of everyday mobility patterns align with divisions in race, educational attainment, occupation, and age. Employing a novel clustering procedure, I further demonstrate that sets of census block groups can be easily separated in terms of differences in mobility patterns, indicating that meaningful clusters and boundaries within cities do exist. Subsequent results indicate these clusters are uniquely segregated in terms of race, educational attainment, and age, highlighting how other spatial aggregations can underestimate true segregation. Additional results suggest that unique social processes divide these clusters from one another, as indicated by exceptional variation in both COVID-19 case incidence and criminal offense timing. While I do not believe these clusters represent objective “neighborhoods,” I do assert that they can serve as a useful geographical unit for social analyses. These clusters may also be useful for measuring segregation in mobility patterns as well as for studying mobility network resiliency.
Perspectives on the implementation of post-validation surveillance for lymphatic filariasis in the Pacific Islands: A nominal group technique-based study protocol
Authors: Craig Adam T. , Lawford Harriet , Viali Satupaitea , Tuitama George , Lau Colleen L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms, transmitted via mosquito bites. Significant global efforts have led to the interruption of LF transmission, with eight of the 16 previously endemic Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) validated by WHO as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance (PVS) is recommended to verify the absence of a resurgence in transmission; however, there are no guidelines on how to implement such surveillance effectively.

Aim

This protocol outlines a research study that aims to explore, synthesise, and prioritise the perspectives of LF program staff from LF-eliminated PICTs. The study will focus on identifying the challenges faced in implementing PVS in the PICT settings and determining corresponding context-relevant operational research priorities.

Method

The study will employ a nominal group technique (NGT) involving representatives from LF-eliminated PICTs. The NGT will adhere to a structured process for generating, ranking, and prioritising ideas, followed by group discussions, debates, and the collation of shared views.

Discussion

The research will provide insights into the most significant challenges faced in implementing PVS in the PICTs. It will also identify priority areas where operational research is required to inform policy and practice. To our knowledge, this study is the first to apply a rigorous consensus group method to distil challenges and research priorities for LF PVS in PICTs. We expect that this research will inform the development of national and regional LF guidelines.
Exploring risk and protective factors of intimate partner violence in Korean young adults
Authors: An Soonok , Youn Jisoo , Zhan Qihao , Byoun Soo-Jung
Published: December 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is most prevalent in young adults, yet scarce evidence is available regarding South Korean young adults’ experience of IPV and culturally tailored IPV prevention programs. To address this gap, this study aimed to holistically assess IPV victimization and perpetration rates and the related risk and protective factors among Korean young adults. Using online survey data from 600 Korean young adults using simple random sampling, this study found that the lifetime prevalence of both IPV victimization and perpetration was about 30%. Both IPV victimization and perpetration had affected over 20% in the past 12 months. Independent variables in multiple logistic regression models explained 18% and 23% of variances in lifetime IPV victimization and perpetration, respectively. Korean young adults who reported more depressive symptoms were more likely to report IPV victimization. Those who reported more alcohol consumption, traditional attitudes about gender roles, being more tolerant of IPV, and poorer physical health status were also more likely to commit IPV. However, those who had experienced family neglect were less likely to report IPV perpetration. The findings of this study highlighted that childhood adverse experiences minimally explained IPV and that alcohol consumption, mental health, and attitudinal variables should be targets of IPV prevention among Korean young adults.
Reporting a regular medical doctor index: A new measure of patient-physician affiliation for health administrative data
Authors: King Caroline , Lavergne M. Ruth , McGrail Kimberlyn , Strumpf Erin C. ,   on behalf of the Quebec-British Columbia Patient Enrolment Project Team
Published: December 2024

Having a regular medical doctor is associated with better process of care and health outcomes. The goal of this study was to harness the richness in health administrative data to create a measure which accurately predicted whether patients self-identified as having a regular medical doctor. The Canadian Community Health Survey (2007–2012) was linked with health administrative data (HAD) (2002–2012) from Quebec, Canada’s second largest province. The Canadian Community Health Survey includes respondents’ answer to whether they have a regular medical doctor, but health administrative data does not. We therefore used LASSO and Random Forests to build prediction models that predict whether a patient reports having a regular medical doctor using their data only available in the HAD. Our results show that predicting patient responses to ‘do you have a regular medical doctor?’ using an average of single-year Usual Provider Continuity over 3 years results in an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.782 (0.778–0.787). This was almost a 14% improvement in predictive accuracy compared to the frequently used single-year Usual Provider Continuity (0.688 (0.683–0.694)). We have called this new measure the Reporting a Regular Medical Doctor (RRMD) index. The RRMD index is easy to implement in HAD, is an elegant solution to the difficulties associated with low-users having unstable UPC scores, and brings a patient-oriented perspective to previous efforts to capture patient-physician affiliations in HAD. We recommend that researchers seeking to measure whether patients have a regular medical doctor using HAD consider using the RRMD index.
Platelet count and hypertension as indicators of height loss in the general population: A prospective study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Noguchi Yuko , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Arima Kazuhiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Circulating CD34-positive cell count is inversely associated with height loss. It acts as an indicator of endothelial repair activity. In conjunction with CD34-positive cells, platelets contribute to endothelial repair. The presence of hypertension increases the demand for endothelial repair. Therefore, platelet count could be associated with height loss among individuals with hypertension. A retrospective study of 2,343 individuals aged 40 to 79 years was conducted. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quartile of annual height decrease (1.6 mm/year for men and 2.0 mm/year for women). A significant inverse association between platelet count and height loss was observed only among participants with hypertension. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for height loss per 1 standard deviation increment in platelet count (5.09×104/μL for men and 5.03×104/μL for women) was 0.83 (0.70, 0.98) for participants with hypertension and 1.02 (0.90, 1.16) for participants without hypertension. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, platelets could prevent accelerated height loss among individuals with hypertension. Unlike CD34-positive cell count, platelet count and blood pressure, which are easy to assess in daily clinical practice, influence height loss.
Aplicando a condutividade elétrica no controle da compactação de pilhas de rejeito de mineração
Authors: Vaillant João Marcos , Magalhães Batista e Costa Lara
Published: December 2024

O estudo avalia o uso da condutividade elétrica como método alternativo no controle da compactação de Pilhas de Disposição de Rejeito de Mineração (PDR). As curvas de compactação do rejeito em laboratório foram obtidas na Energia Normal e, sobre essas mesmas amostras, foram também realizadas medidas de condutividade elétrica. O equipamento para aferição das medidas elétricas foi construído para uma tensão contínua de 12V, utilizando dois eletrodos de haste de aço inoxidável, com ponta biselada, com 70 mm de comprimento e 40 mm de espaçamento entre eles. Os resultados indicaram que o grau de compactação (GC) do rejeito de mineração varia com a condutividade elétrica conforme uma função quadrática. Os valores da condutividade elétrica para um mesmo GC são maiores na compactação de campo, cuja curva se aproxima mais da compactação manual controlada em laboratório. Conclui-se que, para obter um GC=100%, ou maior, em relação à Energia Normal, a camada compactada do rejeito de mineração no campo deve apresentar uma condutividade elétrica igual ou superior a 0,23 mS/cm.
Volunteer Activity of Transcarpathian Youth During the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian War
Authors: Pallay Katalin , Markos Valéria , Fényes Hajnalka
Published: December 2024

The Orange Revolution and the Euromaidan protests led to a significant increase in civic engagement among the Ukrainian population. After the turn of the millennium, civic participation among the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia also expanded. During the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2022, young people from Transcarpathia played an important role as volunteers in helping refugees in Transcarpathia, on the Ukrainian–Hungarian border, and in Hungary. In our exploratory study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with young volunteers from Transcarpathia. In the thematic analysis, we explored the interviewees’ pre-war volunteer experience, their voluntary activities during the war, their motivations for volunteering, and finally, the potential returns to volunteering. The interviews were also used to carry out type analysis, delimiting three volunteer types based on motivations and frequency of volunteering. According to our most important result, despite the social tensions caused by the war, young volunteers in Transcarpathia show strong solidarity with Ukrainian refugees from central regions, and the activity has generally increased volunteers’ well-being. Another important implication could be that the group of interviewees who only started volunteering during the war may be open to helping others in the future, which could further spread the culture of volunteering in the region.
The Financialisation of Housing and Housing-related Family Support in Hungary, By Bence Kováts (Budapest, Akadémiai Kiadó, 2023)
Authors: Dorjnyambuu Byambasuren
Published: December 2024

Bence Kováts’s book, The Financialisation of Housing and Housing-related Family Support in Hungary, builds on his doctoral dissertation and is driven by a pressing need to better understand the dynamics of commodification and de-commodification in housing, particularly within the context of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with a particular focus on Hungary. While global trends indicate a resurgence of commodification in housing, leading to increased reliance on familial support, it is unclear whether similar patterns are evident in the CEE region, where the transition from state socialism to market capitalism has uniquely shaped housing systems. Existing literature has concentrated mainly on high-income countries, creating a gap in understanding how familial support in housing has evolved in countries like Hungary, where historical and socioeconomic contexts differ significantly.
Long-Term Outcomes of EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy: A Large, Single-Center Experience
Authors: Trieu Judy A. , Kahlenberg Sam , Gilman Andrew J. , Hathorn Kelly , Baron Todd H.
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is effective and safe in benign and malignant indications. However, there is a paucity of literature on the outcomes of these patients. Our study evaluates the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent EUS-GE and stent-related adverse events (AEs).

METHODS:

This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care institution from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022. Patients who underwent EUS-GE were included. Procedure details and outcomes were recorded. Patients were followed for at least 3 months after the procedure.

RESULTS:

A total of 207 patients (50.3% male, mean age 62.3 years) underwent EUS-GE for malignant (N = 117, 56.5%) and benign (N = 90, 43.5%) indications. Overall technical success was 95.7%. Patients were followed for a mean of 406 days. Stents were removed in 25.6% of patients; common reasons include completed access for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (N = 13, 25%), resection/resolution of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) (N = 28, 53.8%), and surgical resection of malignant GOO (N = 8, 15.4%). EUS-GE stents remained in place in 63.6% of patients for ≥3 months and in 21% of patients for ≥1 year. Late AEs occurred in 3.4%. Among patients who were stent-dependent (N = 24, 11.6%) and underwent annual stent exchanges, no late AEs occurred.

DISCUSSION:

Long-term outcomes of EUS-GE are promising with few AEs, particularly with pre-emptive annual exchanges of stents to prevent stent delamination and occlusion among patients who require long-term indwelling stents. EUS-GE plays an increasing role in access for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in altered anatomy, acute or chronic management of benign GOO, or bridge to definitive surgery for GOO.
Survival Benefit From Corticosteroids in Severe Alcohol-associated Hepatitis Attributed to Clinical and Treatment Differences in a Large Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Durkin Claire , Schaubel Douglas E. , Kaplan David E. , Mahmud Nadim , Bittermann Therese
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Corticosteroids are recommended by multiple society guidelines for the treatment of severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). However, their use remains controversial due to inconsistent studies regarding their survival benefit.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of first-time hospitalizations for severe AH (Maddrey discriminant function ≥ 32) admitted to the Veterans Health Administration between January 3, 2005, and December 5, 2020, (i) evaluating the effect of corticosteroid therapy on all-cause survival, (ii) characterizing the clinical and psychosocial factors associated with corticosteroid use, and (iii) determining the effect of duration of corticosteroid therapy on all-cause survival among treatment-responsive patients (Lille score < 0.45).

RESULTS:

During the study period, 2,618 patients were admitted with severe AH, of whom 1,083 (41.37%) received corticosteroids. Although corticosteroids were significantly associated with improved all-cause survival in the unadjusted model (P = 0.022), no survival benefit was observed in the adjusted model after accounting for baseline and admission characteristics (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.01, P = 0.818). Psychiatry consultation was the only factor evaluated that was protective against mortality (aHR = 0.67, P < 0.001). Among the 428 patients (49.7%) responsive to corticosteroids, duration of therapy was not associated with overall survival on unadjusted (P = 0.696) or adjusted models (aHR = 1.12, P = 0.710 for a ≥28-day course compared with a ≤7-day reference).

DISCUSSION:

Despite being recommended by clinical guidelines for severe AH, corticosteroids have low utilization with no survival benefit after accounting for differences in patient characteristics and practice patterns. Among patients with treatment response per the Lille score, no difference was observed in overall survival between shorter and longer durations of corticosteroid therapy.
Accuracy of Fecal Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing in Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter Pylori: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al Qady Ahmed , Aldhaleei Wafa , Salih Mohamed , Ali Marriam , Menakuru Sasmith , Nayar Kapil Dev , Wang Zhen , Stancampiano Fernando F. , Harris Dana , Bi Yan
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The increasing prevalence of clarithromycin (CLA)-resistant Helicobacter pylori
(H. pylori) strains poses a significant challenge in the management of H. pylori infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the diagnostic accuracy of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in identifying CLA-resistant H. pylori strains in stool.

METHODS:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 30, 2023. Eligible studies evaluated the effectiveness of PCR stool tests in detecting CLA-resistant H. pylori strains in adults (>18-year-old). Studies of pediatric populations, alternative methods to PCR or stool samples, and reference tests other than gastric biopsy were excluded. The bivariate random-effects model was used to pool diagnostic accuracy from the included studies.

RESULTS:

The analysis of 11 prospective diagnostic studies with a total of 866 patients showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.9–0.99) and a pooled specificity of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.81–1.00). Subgroup analysis based on the used technique demonstrated consistent findings without notable variations. The diagnostic odds ratio was calculated at 1843.92 (95% CI: 134.28–25,321.3). The positive likelihood ratio was determined as 51.02 (95% CI: 4.61–564.5), while the negative likelihood ratio was found to be 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.1).

DISCUSSION:

PCR testing for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori was highly sensitive and specific across studies with proven reliability in clinical practice, particularly in outpatient settings. Their implementation offers cost-effectiveness and the potential for tailored treatment strategies, holding promise for improved patient outcomes.
Implementation and Performance Evaluation of Intelligent Techniques for Controlling a Pressurized Water Reactor
Authors: Abougarair Ahmed , Oun Abdulhamid A. , Guma Widd B. , Elwefati Shada E.
Published: December 2024

Pressurized water reactors (PWRs) are the most common and widely used type of reactor, and ensuring the stability of the reactor is of utmost importance. The challenges lie in effectively managing power fluctuations and sudden changes in reactivity that could result in unsafe situations. Reactor power fluctuations can cause changes in behavior. At the same time, the transfer of heat from the fuel to the coolant and reactivity changes resulting from differences in fuel and coolant temperatures can also make the systemunpredictable. The primary goal of a power controller used in a nuclear reactor is to sustain the specified power level, which guarantees the security of the power plant. To address these challenges, this paper presents a dynamic model of a PWR and applies several control techniques to the system for power level control. Specifically, a traditional PID controller, a Neural Network controller, a Fuzzy self-tuned PID controller, and a Neuro-Fuzzy self-tuned PID controller were individually designed and evaluated to enhance the performance of the reactor power control system under constant and variable reference power. In addition, the robustness of each controller was appraised against time delays and external disturbances. The system was tested with various initial power values to evaluate its performance under different conditions. The results demonstrate that the Neuro-Fuzzy self-tuned PID controller has the best performance, as well as the fastest response time compared to the other controllers.Furthermore, the intelligent controllers were found to exhibit good robustness against time delays and external disturbances. The system's stability was not significantly affected by changes in the initial power value, although it had a minor effect on the transient response. Overall,the findings of this study can inform the design and optimization of control systems for PWRs, with the ultimate goal of improving their safety, reliability, and performance.
Efficient Vehicle Detection and Classification Algorithm Using Faster R-CNN Models
Authors: EL MALLAHI Imad , RIFFI Jamal , TAIRI Hamid , Mahraz Mohamed Adnane
Published: December 2024

This work focusses the issue of traffic analysis of video surveillance using Efficient-RCNN. The challenge here is expressed as classifying and counting vehicles in Traffic. To provide this proposed issue, we used the related work of efficient RCNN and detector vehicles. For the classification in live traffic movement. The robustness of the efficient RCNN was provided by many restrictions such as adaptive feature pooling, anchors optimization, focal loss, and other mask branch. For training the proposed model, we used UA-DETRAC dataset of ten hours of videos at twenty-five frames / seconds, with resolution of ninety hundred sixteen× five hundred fourteen pixels, this dataset has more than one hundred fourteen k frames in the UA-DETRAC dataset and eight Townend two hundred fifteen vehicles that are manually annotated with DarkLabel, we have 80% recall for proposed method compared to 79% for YOLO, and we also have 79% of precision for the proposed method compared to 78 in YOLO
Thermal characteristics and recycling of bolus – a polyurethane-based material used in radiotherap
Authors: Worzakowska Marta , Szajnecki Łukasz , Tarasiuk Bogdan , Kozłowska Aleksandra , Podkościelna Beata
Published: December 2024

The thermal resistance was investigated and the potential for recycling of a polyurethanebased polymer material (bolus) in the form of a gel constituting medical waste after irradiation with ionizing energy was indicated. The same gel, which was not subjected to radiotherapy, was used asa reference material. Thermal stability, the course of oxidative decomposition and the type of volatile substances released during heating in an oxidizing atmosphere were examined using the TG/FT-IR method. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the tested materials before and after irradiation was determined using the DSC method. It was found that irradiation caused a slight change in Tg and increased thermal stability. However, the irradiation time had no effect on the type of gaseous decomposition products released during heating in an oxidizing  atmosphere. The used polyurethane material (bolus)was recycled to obtain new composite materials with different physicochemical properties.
Rainfall Patterns in Indonesian Provinces During El-Nino and La-Nina: FFT and Lomb Periodogram Analysis
Authors: Nugraheni Melly , Zakaria Ahmad , Wahono Endro Prasetyo , Kusumastuti Dyah Indriana , Herison Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Indonesia is a country affected by the El Nino and La Nina climate anomalies. The provinces of Aceh, Central Kalimantan, and Maluku are three regions representing parts of Indonesia that have a variety of rainfall distribution and climatic conditions. This research was conducted to determine the influence of the El Nino and La Nina climate anomalies on these three regions by looking at the areas that have a dominant influence due to these climate anomalies. The research used BMKG Indonesia rainfall data with a total of 16 rainfall stations and a data range of 22 years. The methods used for modeling are the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Lomb Periodogram to obtain rainfall spectrum data. Then, the amplitude value was obtained, and a comparison of the data from the two methods was carried out to determine the recurrence value and the area with the highest impact due to climate anomalies. The results of data analysis according to the FFT and Lomb Periodogram showed that the highest affected area was the eastern part of Indonesia, namely Maluku Province, with the dominant frequency according to the FFT method being 5.61 years with a PSD of 7.67 mm2 and the Lomb Periodogram 6.06 years with a PSD of 18.64 mm2. Based on the average PSD value, using both FFT and Lomb Periodograms, it also shows that the influence of El Nino and La Nina is greatest in the eastern part of Indonesia; as you move towards the west, this influence decreases. The smallest influence occurred in western Indonesia. This shows that the influence of ENSO is more dominant than the influence of IODM.
Magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on poly-1H pyrrole: A promising photocathode for green hydrogen generation from sanitation water without using external sacrificing agent
Authors: Alnuwaiser Maha Abdallah , Rabia Mohamed , Elsayed Asmaa M.
Published: December 2024

The Fe3O4 magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on additional poly-1H pyrrole film, denoted as Fe3O4-P1HP/P1HP, is synthesized by oxidative polymerization utilizing (Fe(NO3)3·5H2O for the pyrrole monomer. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits a notable bandgap of 1.97 eV and demonstrates broad optical absorption up to 625 nm. The structure of each particle consists of numerous smaller internal particles, which are composed of nanofibers of approximately 2.0 nm in length and porous structures of around 5.0 nm. These porous structures cluster together to form a larger configuration, with an overall diameter of ∼230 nm and a length of approximately 300 nm, giving the composite a nano-cactus-like appearance. The fabricated Fe3O4–P1HP/P1HP photocathode is inserted into a three-electrode cell to facilitate green hydrogen production from sanitation water without the need for any external sacrificial agent. The performance of H2 gas generation is assessed by measuring the photocurrent density (J
ph) under light, which serves as an indicator of the efficiency of hydrogen production. The J
ph value reaches −0.23 mA/cm² under light conditions. The highest J
ph values of −0.164 and −0.158 mA/cm² are observed at wavelengths of 340 and 440 nm, respectively. However, as the wavelength reaches 540 nm, the J
ph value decreases to −0.134 mA/cm² and drops to its lowest point of −0.128 mA/cm² at 730 nm, which is comparable to the dark current (J
o). The fabricated photocathode demonstrates a promising hydrogen generation rate of 90 µmol/h cm², reflecting its potential for commercial applications. The combination of this impressive hydrogen production rate, along with the photocathode’s cost-effectiveness and straightforward fabrication process, suggests that this technology could be commercially viable for converting sanitation water into hydrogen gas.
Trade Globalization, Overseas Investment, and Tax Revenue Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi , Igodo Winner Ayanate , Adesuyi-Gideon Esther Opeyemi
Published: December 2024

The financial setbacks of the sub-Saharan African regions have necessitated this study. The study assesses the role of trade openness and foreign direct investment (FDI) in driving tax revenue growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The major parameter representing the dependent variable is tax revenue growth while the independent factors include trade openness, exports, imports, and GDP as a moderating element. The research runs from 1990 to 2022 and employs the vector error correction model (VECM), with a unit root test that yields order one, while the Johansen co-integration test shows a long-run connection for all variables. The VECM results suggest that the long-run disequilibrium is corrected at a positive rate of 8.5%. It is also noteworthy that a percentage change in trade openness would result in a 13.7% decrease in tax income, but fluctuations in all other parameters except GDP will enhance tax revenue growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The test for the impact of all criteria on tax revenue growth yields minor results; however, tax revenue growth initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa have a negative short- term effect on FDI but a favourable long-term impact. In addition, trade openness has a negative effect on GDP and exports in the short run, while imports have a negative impact on foreign investment. The policy implications include that bilateral trade policies will need to be reviewed, with an emphasis on exports, economic growth, and tax collection schemes. In addition, the governments in sub-Saharan African regions are encouraged to enact tax policies that would engender the inflow of overseas investment.
Just Peace – A Lutheran Perspective
Authors: Nüssel Friederike
Published: December 2024

The paper describes the different approaches to peace ethics in the consultations of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) since the 1980s and in the development and modifications of the concept of “just peace” in German debates on nuclear armament and the politics of deterrence. For a specifically Lutheran perspective, it then examines Luther’s understanding of peace and his distinction between political and ecclesial responsibility and sketches the re-interpretation in a recent LWF study document.
Content creators as social influencers: predicting online video posting behaviors
Authors: Jeffres Leo , Atkin David , Neuendorf Kimberly
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Creative content influencers are increasingly seizing the opportunity not only to express themselves, but also to monetize their videos and become entrepreneurs. The present study tests an integrative framework to determine whether the “creative influencers environment” impacts the degree of motivation for posting videos online, alongside the gratifications derived from such activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a national online survey of video “creators” (n = 327), we test a hierarchical model assessing the impact of social categories, personality factors (e.g., narcissism), and mediated communication constructs (e.g., uses and gratifications [U&G]).

Findings

Multiple regression analyses explain roughly half or more of the variance in our models for predicting (1) motivations for and (2) gratifications received from posting videos on social media.

Practical implications

Study findings reveal a different mix of predictors for each video content category that creative influencers post on social media. This includes a strong pattern of influences on posting motivations from the larger environment in which people live, social categories, and personality factors, but not from the use of legacy media nor the use of newer technologies.

Social implications

Results also underscore “different influences for different types of content,” which can be explained by a “content trumps form” theme that has emerged in recent research. Overall, mixed support was found for the proposed model, although we did establish this collection of constructs as important in predicting the strength of gratifications received and motivations sought by posting videos on social media.

Originality/value

The present analysis of larger environment factors, social categories, personality indicators, and use of media (legacy and newer) helps profile a social media “creator culture” for the production of online videos. Study findings offer a clear signpost that an additional component could be added here—that of “content types” for online videos—as a moderator for the variegated predictive power of the model components.
Casticin inhibits the hedgehog signaling and leads to apoptosis in AML stem-like KG1a and mature KG1 cells
Authors: Erkmen Doğru Tuğba , Gülfidan Gizem , Ateş Halil , Arga Kazım Yalçın , Koçtürk Semra
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe blood cancer with less than 50 % long-term survival. Despite advancements in treatment options, relapse is still the major obstacle. The main reason of this problem is ineffective targeting of leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which play an important role in tumor development and relapse. In our previous studies, we found that casticin, the major polyphenolic component of Vitex trifolia’s fruit, targets both leukemic cells and LSCs without affecting healthy tissues. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of casticin-mediated cell death in relation to the LSCs-favored survival pathways at gene and protein expression levels using in vitro LSC-like and parental leukemic cell models.

Methods

We validated the LSC character of KG1a and KG1 cells (84.55 % CD34+, CD38- and 93.55 % CD34+, CD38+, respectively) by flow cytometry. For the investigation of casticin’s mechanism of action, we employed real time-PCR, western blotting and bioinformatics analyses.

Results

Our results showed an increase in cleaved PARP/β-actin ratio but no change in LC3BI/II and SQSTM/β-actin ratios. Our gene expression, bioinformatics and immunoblotting analyses represented significant decrease in Shh, Gli and Wnt levels. We also elucidated a possible crosstalk between Hedgehog and other oncogenic cascades via the Gli, Notch, YAP, p38, Mcl-1, and Myc proteins in casticin mediated anti-leukemic effect.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we found that casticin induces apoptosis in both LSC-like and parental leukemia cells mainly by suppressing Shh signaling, which is crucial for LSC survival and AML relapse.
Apresentação do Número 11
Authors: Editorial Equipe
Published: December 2024

Apresentação da Equipe Editorial dos trabalhos selecionados para o número 11
Apresentação Dossiê "Corporeidades em luta: feminismos e corpos de resistência ao sul global"
Authors: Da Silva Eduarda Borges , Fagundes Marluce Dias
Published: December 2024

Apresentação das doutorandas Eduarda e Marluce, proponentes do dossiê acima citado.
ALTERNATİF PROTEİN KAYNAĞI OLARAK MAKROALGLER VE MAKROALGAL PROTEİNLERİN EKSTRAKSİYONU: BİR DERLEME ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: Şensu Eda , Yücetepe Aysun , Özçelik Beraat
Published: December 2024

Nüfus artışı, ekilebilir arazi ve su kaynaklarının giderek azalması ve hayvancılığın olumsuz çevresel etkisi alternatif protein kaynaklarını bulma konusunda araştırma yapmayı gerekli kılmaktadır. Biyoaktif bileşenler açısından zengin olan makroalgler potansiyel sağlık yararları nedeni ile ilgi çekmektedir. Makroalgler, ekilebilir araziye ihtiyaç duymadan yetiştirilebilmeleri nedeni ile karasal bitkilere göre önemli bir avantaja sahiptir. Ayrıca, makroalgler diğer bitkisel ve hayvansal kaynaklı proteinlere kıyasla protein ve amino asit içeriği açısından önemli ölçüde zengindir. Ancak, makroalglerden protein ekstraksiyonu için kullanılan geleneksel yöntemler yüksek enerji ve su tüketiminin yanı sıra düşük ekstraksiyon verimi nedeniyle dezavantajlar sunmaktadır ve bu da makroalgal proteinlerin kullanılabilirliğini sınırlamaktadır. Bu noktada, makroalglerden proteinlerin ekstraksiyonu için düşük maliyetli, yeni ve sürdürülebilir teknolojilere ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu derleme çalışmasında, öncelikle makroalglerin özellikleri, protein kalitesi, amino asit bileşimi ve sindirilebilirliğine dayalı olarak kullanım potansiyelleri açıklanmıştır. Ayrıca, makroalglerden proteinlerin ekstraksiyonu için enzimatik, darbeli elektrik alan, ultrases, mikrodalga, yüksek basınç ve sub-kritik akışkan ekstraksiyon gibi yeni yöntemler tartışılmıştır.
GÖLEVEZ (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA (L.) SCHOTT): BESLENME VE SAĞLIK ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: Horzum Suhide Bilge , Bayrak Ebru
Published: December 2024

Gölevez (Colocasia Esculenta (L.) Schott), yenilebilir soğanları ve yaprakları için yetiştirilen en eski kültür bitkilerinden birisidir. Gölevez; kalo, kolakas, dasheen, eddoe, malanga, cocoyam, fil kulağı, taro olarak da bilinmektedir. Sodyum, potasyum, magnezyum, kalsiyum, fosfor, demir, çinko, bakır minerallerine ilaveten B1, B2, B6 ve C vitamininin önemli bitkisel kaynağı olduğu belirtilmektedir. Yüksek oranda nişasta içeren tropikal bir yumru mahsul olan gölevezde bulunan nişasta granüllerinin küçük boyutu gölevezin sindirilebilirliğini artırmaktadır. Gölevez; aynı zamanda ikincil metabolitler olan flavonoid, kampesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol gibi biyoaktif bileşenlerden de zengindir. Bu sebeple antioksidan, antitümöral, antimetastatik, antimutajenik, antihiperglisemik ve antihiperkolesterolemik biyoaktiviteler göstermektedir. Gölevezin makro ve mikro besin ögesi kompozisyonu, beslenme ve sağlık üzerindeki rolü bu makalede derlenmiştir.
The Relationship between Family Ownership and Tax Avoidance: The Moderating Role of Business Ethical Commitment
Authors: Maulana Nanda  , Arifin Rosid
Published: December 2024

Purposes: This study investigates the relationship between family ownership and tax avoidance, with business ethics commitment as a moderation. If well committed by the company, business ethics will improve the quality of decision-making in the business process and create ethical leadership that will carry an ethical practice.
Methods: The study utilized regression analysis to examine the hypothesis in a sample of 110 companies listed on the IDX from 2016 to 2019.
Findings: The results show that family-owned companies are not involved in tax avoidance and that a company’s commitment to business ethics can help reduce its tax avoidance practices. The interaction of business ethics commitment in family companies has no relationship with tax avoidance. This finding implies the importance of a company’s commitment to business ethics in running its business.
Novelty: To the best of our knowledge, the nature of the relationship between business ethics commitment to tax avoidance and family ownership remains minimal. Thus, this study fills the research gap by further examining corporate tax avoidance practices determined by family ownership factors and testing the role of business ethics commitment with family ownership on tax avoidance.