bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic gradients in pupils’ self-efficacy: evidence, evolution and main drivers during the primary school years in France
Authors: Bonomi Bezzo Franco , Panico Lidia , Solaz Anne
Published: August 2024

Socio-emotional skills, vital for navigating life’s challenges, significantly influence educational success and well-being. Thus, socio-economic disparities in these skills may contribute to broader inequalities in achievement. Despite their importance, research in certain contexts, like France, remains limited. Self-efficacy, a cornerstone of socio-emotional well-being, develops early and it is influenced by familial and contextual factors. The primary school years are central for self-efficacy development. During this period, socio-economic gaps in self-efficacy may emerge, influenced by family environments and experiences at school. Using data from the 2011 Panel of Pupils we find that French pupils have similar academic self-efficacy whatever their socio-economic background at the start of primary school. However, at the end of primary school, children coming from more disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds exhibit lower academic self-efficacy as compared to more advantaged peers, and this socio-economic gap is particularly strong among girls. The findings of this work underscore the need for educational policies to focus on socio-emotional skills development alongside cognitive skills from an early age to reduce socio-economic inequalities.
Polarization non-reciprocity error suppression in dual-polarization fiber optic gyroscopes
Authors: Liu Yakang , Liu Yishi , Jin Jichao , Chen Xingfan
Published: August 2024

The dual-polarization interferometric fiber optic gyroscope is distinguished by the
fact that both orthogonal polarized light beams in the fiber coil are
simultaneously sensitive to the rotation rate. The relative intensity
noise can be effectively suppressed due to the strong correlation
between the two polarized light beams. However, the system exhibits
significant polarization non-reciprocity errors, which worsen the bias
instability. In this paper, we demonstrate how modulation depth
affects the angular random walk and the bias instability. Polarization
non-reciprocity errors can be efficiently mitigated while the angular
random walk approaches optimal value by adjusting the modulation depth
to π/2rad rather than 2.7 rad. It is
confirmed that the bias instability and angular random walk can be
simultaneously improved by optimizing the modulation depth without
increasing the complexity of the optical path. Experimental results
indicate that for a 500-m-long fiber coil, the bias instability is
improved from 0.025∘/h (2.7 rad) to 0.010∘/h (π/2rad) while the angular random walk
remains at 0.001∘/h through modulation depth
optimization, which advances its application in navigation.
Automated analysis of scattering-based light sheet microscopy images of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Kim Yongjun , Zhao Jingwei , Liang Brooke , Sugimura Momoka , Marcelino Kenneth , Romero Rafael , Nessaee Ameer , Ocaya Carmella , Lim Koeun , Roe Denise , Khan Michelle J. , Yang Eric J. , Kang Dongkyun
Published: August 2024

We developed an algorithm for automatically analyzing scattering-based light sheet microscopy (sLSM) images of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. We developed a method for automatically segmenting sLSM images for nuclei and calculating seven features: nuclear intensity, intensity slope as a function of depth, nuclear-to-nuclear distance, nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio, cell density, nuclear area, and proportion of pixels corresponding to nuclei. 187 images from 80 anal biopsies were used for feature analysis and classifier development. The automated nuclear segmentation method provided reliable performance with the precision of 0.97 and recall of 0.91 when compared with the manual segmentation. Among the seven features, six showed statistically significant differences between high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and non-HSIL (non-dysplastic or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, LSIL). A classifier using linear support vector machine (SVM) achieved promising performance in diagnosing HSIL versus non-HSIL: sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 70%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 for per-image diagnosis, and sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 80%, and AUC of 0.92 for per-biopsy diagnosis.
Polar coded SCMA-OCDM based on chaotic scrambled SLM
Authors: Bai Yu , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Mao Yaya , Song Xiumin , Wu Xiangyu , Chen Shuaidong , Li Ying , Sun Tingting
Published: August 2024

In this work, the polar coded sparse code multiple access (SCMA) scheme based on chaotic scrambled selective mapping (CS_SLM) is proposed for future passive optical networks (PONs). The original bits are coded by polar and mapped into constellation symbols by sparse code. Then orthogonal chirp division multiplexing (OCDM) modulation is adopted which has better anti-interference ability than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). At the receiver, the joint iterative detection and decoding for polar and SCMA is used to further improve the BER performance. The CS_SLM is helpful to improve the reliability and security, while keeping high spectral efficiency of SCMA-OCDM modulation. A 49.42 Gb/s coded SCMA-OCDM PON over 2 km seven-core fiber is demonstrated in the experiment. The results show that the SCMA-OCDM scheme gets a receiver sensitivity of 0.8 dB at a bit error rate (BER) of 3.8 × 10−3, compared with SCMA-OFDM. Because of peak to average power ratio (PAPR), the polar coded SCMA-OCDM based on CS_SLM is compared with clipping and filtering (CAF) method, about 2.08 dB receiver sensitivity gain is obtained when BER is lower than 10−5. The polar coded SCMA-OCDM based on CS_SLM also takes security into the consideration, due to the downlink broadcasting of PON. It can be a promising candidate for the next generation PONs.
Eight-wavelength-switchable single-frequency fiber laser with scattering-enhanced fiber-based wavelength self-adaptive linewidth compression
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Guo Wenya , Feng Ting , Guo Shaoheng , Yan Fengping
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate an eight-wavelength-switchable single-frequency (SF) ultra-narrow linewidth erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). A switchable polarization-dependent eight-channel filter (S-PDECF), fabricated using femtosecond laser direct-writing technology, determines the eight wavelengths of the laser output, with four channels concentrated near 1530 nm and the other four near 1550 nm. A dual-coupler ring-based compound-cavity filter is utilized to achieve single-longitudinal-mode selection for the EDFL. The introduction of a femtosecond laser direct-written scattering-enhanced fiber (SEF) effectively narrows the laser linewidth, enabling ultra-narrow linewidth outputs lasing at all eight wavelengths, and the wavelength self-adaptive linewidth compression of the SEF is verified for the first time. Furthermore, the incorporation of SEF significantly enhances the overall performance of the EDFL. The eight switchable single-wavelength laser outputs all exhibit exceptional characteristics, including spectral wavelength fluctuations of ≤0.011 nm, spectral peak power fluctuations of ≤0.54 dB, optical signal-to-noise ratios of ≥71 dB, linewidths of ≤248 Hz, output power fluctuations of ≤0.252 dB over a 10-min measurement period, and relative intensity noise of ≤−150.17 dB/Hz @≥ 3 MHz.
Stain transformation using Mueller matrix guided generative adversarial networks
Authors: Fan Jiahao , Zhang Xinxian , Zeng Nan , Liu Shaoxiong , He Honghui , Luo Lin , He Chao , Ma Hui
Published: August 2024

Recently, virtual staining techniques have attracted more and more attention, which can help bypass the chemical staining process of traditional histopathological examination, saving time and resources. Meanwhile, as an emerging tool to characterize specific tissue structures in a label-free manner, the Mueller matrix microscopy can supplement more structural information that may not be apparent in bright-field images. In this Letter, we propose the Mueller matrix guided generative adversarial networks (MMG-GAN). By integrating polarization information provided by the Mueller matrix microscopy, the MMG-GAN enables the effective transformation of input H&E-stained images into corresponding Masson trichrome (MT)-stained images. The experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of the generated images by MMG-GAN and reveal the potential for more stain transformation tasks by incorporating the Mueller matrix polarization information, laying the foundation for future polarimetry-assisted digital pathology.
Study of the population genetic structure of Opisthorchis-like eggs in northern Thailand using mitochondrial genes
Authors: Suwannahitatorn Picha , Mungthin Mathirut , Subrungruang Ittisak , Charoensuk Lakhanawan , Aksorn Nithikoon , Buathong Saiwasan
Published: August 2024

Background

Opisthorchis-like eggs are a public health problem in northern and northeastern Thailand. However, the genetic epidemiology and structure of these parasites in northern Thailand are unknown. Thus, this study investigated their population genetic structure using cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) nucleotide sequences.

Methodology/Principal findings

A study was conducted in the hill tribe regions of Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Internal transcribed spacer 2 polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to distinguish 205 positive feces samples for Opisthorchis-like eggs. The results showed that the prevalence of O. viverrini and Haplorchis taichui was 10.5% and 38.2%, respectively, and the co-infection rate was 37.2%. To determine the genetic structure of O. viverrini and H. taichui using cox1 and nad1 genes, genetic analysis was performed using 30 randomly chosen fecal samples for Opisthorchis-like eggs. Pairwise FST analysis indicated that O. viverrini and H. taichui displayed nonsignificant genetic differentiation within Chiang Mai Province and between interpopulations from different geographic areas. Moreover, within the intrapopulation in Chiang Mai Province, cox1 presented higher gene flow than nad1 in O. viverrini, while nad1 demonstrated higher gene flow than cox1 in H. taichui. The neutrality tests based on Fu’s Fs indicated population expansion and selective sweep from bottleneck or hitchhiking in O. viverrini and H. taichui populations, supported by haplotype network patterns. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on cox1 and nad1 revealed the monophyly of O. viverrini and H. taichui and genetic relationships with other isolates collected from Thailand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), and Vietnam.

Conclusions/Significance

This study investigated the molecular discrimination and genetic structure of Opisthorchis-like eggs in northern Thailand. The genetic information derived from this study could be associated with the background, molecular epidemiology, and disease severity of these parasites.
The validity and safety of multispectral light emitting diode (LED) treatment on grade 2 pressure ulcer: Double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lim Nam Kyu , Goo Hyeyoon , Yoon Sung-Ryeong , Ahn Jin Chul , Hong Namgue , Choi Young Hoon , Bang Hyung Bin , Kim Sungyeon , Choi Yong Won , Chung Phil-Sang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The management of pressure ulcers (PUs) poses challenges due to their chronic nature and the lack of established conservative treatment methods. In this clinical trial, our objective was to examine the validity and safety of using a light-emitting diode device contained four wavelengths in the treatment of grade 2 sacral PUs.

Method

A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: sham device (Sham) and experimental device (LED) group. The treatment sessions were conducted over a period of four weeks, with a frequency of three times per week. The study was conducted in a double-blinded manner. The study assessed the primary validity by measuring wound size and re-epithelialization after 0 and 4 weeks. Secondary evaluations included epidermal regeneration, collagen density, and immunological markers. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse reactions throughout the trial.

Result

The presence of eschar was found to have a significant impact on wound healing. Sham consisted of 15 wounds without eschar, while LED had nine. After treatment in without eschar situation, the post-treatment size of wounds in Sham was 13.80 ± 20.29%, while it was 3.52 ± 6.68% in LED. However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.070). And analysis of epidermal thickness showed a significant increase in LED (495.62 ± 327.09 μm) compared to Sham (195.36 ± 263.04 μm) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

While LED treatment had a potential for wound reduction in PUs without eschar, we could not uncover evidence to support the efficacy of LED treatment in grade 2 PUs.
The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among medical students and resident physicians in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shafiee Arman , Teymouri Athar Mohammad Mobin , Seighali Niloofar , Amini Mohammad Javad , Hajishah Hamed , Arabazadeh Bahri Razman , Akhoundi Amirhossein , Beiky Maryam , Sarvipour Nastaran , Maleki Saba , Zandifar Atefeh , Bakhtiyari Mahmood
Published: August 2024

Background

We sought to conduct this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in Iranian medical students and resident physicians.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on 23 December 2023 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Iranian national databases. We pooled the prevalence of individual studies using the random effect model.

Results

Our systematic search showed 36 articles that meet the eligibility criteria. Most included studies were cross-sectional. The most used questionnaire to assess depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance were Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance among Iranian medical students were 43% (95%CI: 33%–53%%, I2 = 98%), 44% (95%CI: 31%–58%%, I2 = 99%), 48% (95%CI: 39%–56%%, I2 = 97%), respectively. The results of subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed questionnaires used and the place of the medical school were significantly associated with the prevalence of aforementioned outcomes. Funnel plot and Begg’s regression test did not show a significant source of funnel plot asymmetry for depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study showed that nearly half of the medical students had some type of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance problems. To address this serious national public health issue, efficient preventive measures, routine screenings, and prompt interventions are required.
The potential role of religiosity, psychological immunity, gender, and age group in predicting the psychological well-being of diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia within the Bayesian framework
Authors: Al Eid Nawal A. , Arnout Boshra A. , Al-Qahtani Thabit A. , Pavlovic Slavica , AlZahrani Mohammed R. , Abdelmotelab Abdalla S. , Abdelmotelab Youssef S.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the differences in Religiosity (R), Mental Immunity (MI), and Psychological Well-Being (PWB) in patients with diabetes due to gender and age group variables, and to detect the best predictors of PWB in diabetic patients within the Bayesian framework. The study was conducted from May 2022 to February 2023 on a random sample of 186 Saudis diagnosed with diabetes. After obtaining participants’ consent, they completed three R, MI, and PWB scales. Bayesian Independent Samples t-test was performed to identify differences, and Bayesian linear regression analysis was used to reveal the best prediction model of PWB. The results of the Bayesian independent samples t-test indicated strong evidence supporting the alternative hypothesis H1, suggesting differences between male and female diabetic patients in R, MI, and PWB, with Bayesian factor values exceeding 10 (8.338×10+23, 1.762×10+25, and 1.866×10+24), and Cohen’s δ of (-1.866, -1.934, -1.884). These results indicated that females with diabetes have higher means of R, MI, and PWB compared to males. However, the results also suggested evidence for the null hypothesis H0 of no differences in R, MI, and PWB among diabetic patients due to age group, with Bayesian factor values (0.176, 0.181, and 0.187) less than 1.00 and small Cohen’s δ of (-0.034, -0.050, -0.063). Bayesian linear regression analysis detected strong evidence that the model including MI is the best predictive model (BF10 for mental immunity is 1.00 and for the other two models are 0.07 and 4.249×10−16) for the PWB of diabetic patients, however, there is no evidence that the model including R or the interaction between R and MI is the best predictor of PWB for diabetic patients. These findings highlight the need for direct psychological care services for male diabetic patients and the urgent need to enhance IM in diabetic patients to improve their PWB. Furthermore, results recommended that healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia integrate MI interventions into diabetes care programs.
Calculation and analysis of the efficiency of resource allocation for technological innovation in China
Authors: Chen Ruying , Wu Lanyu
Published: August 2024

The efficiency of resource allocation in technological innovation is a critical factor influencing the output level of technological innovation. By expanding and optimizing the Hsieh & Klenow (2009) framework for analyzing the efficiency of resource allocation and relaxing the assumption of constant returns to scale, this study utilizes sample data from Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2019 to measure and analyze the resource allocation efficiency level in China’s technological innovation. The findings indicate that in the process of technological innovation, companies face heterogeneous resource usage costs, leading to a deviation from the optimal resource allocation state, with evident issues of resource misallocation. The loss of efficiency in technological innovation output due to resource misallocation is significant, and addressing this issue can substantially enhance the level of technological innovation output. The misallocation of research and development capital resources is more severe than that of research and development personnel, resulting in greater efficiency losses in technological innovation output. Government subsidies are identified as a significant factor affecting resource allocation in technological innovation. Addressing the issue of resource misallocation, accelerating the market-oriented reforms of technological innovation resource allocation, and optimizing the government subsidy screening mechanism are crucial for improving the efficiency of resource allocation in technological innovation.
Geographical epidemiology of Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus microplus in Pakistan: A systematic review
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Hussain Sabir , Yu Ao , Varga Csaba , De Leo Giulio A. , Smith Rebecca L.
Published: August 2024

The livestock sector contributes almost 11% of Pakistan’s GDP and is crucial to 35 million people’s livelihoods. Ticks are a major economic threat, as over 80% of livestock, such as bovines, are tick-infested with Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus tick species. Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus microplus are the most common tick species collected from livestock, transmitting primarily anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and theileriosis. We aimed to identify the geographical distribution of these two tick species and hot spot areas where the risk of these diseases being transmitted by these ticks is high. Following the PRISMA guideline, two authors conducted an independent review of literature sourced from various databases. We screened 326 research articles published between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2023, focused on identifying the tick species at the district level. Thirty studies from 75 districts, representing 49.3% of the country’s total area, detected at least one tick species through collection from animals. R. microplus was present in 81% (n = 61) and H. anatolicum in 82% (n = 62) of these sampled districts. We employed spatial and conventional statistical methods with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) after mapping the weighted distribution of both ticks (the number of ticks per standard unit of sampling effort). We identified northwestern and northcentral regions of the country as hotspots with the highest tick distribution, which aligned with the documented high prevalence of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), and theileriosis in these regions. This underscores the urgent need for robust tick control measures in these districts to safeguard animal health and boost the livestock economy.
Desafíos de la Educación en Brasil en tiempos de crisis
Authors: Alexandre Netto Carlos , Luce Maria Beatriz
Published: August 2024

Texto de presentación del dossier.
Patrimonio de la Humanidad Cultural y Natural en España y Brasil
Authors: Martín Jiménez María Isabel
Published: August 2024

El artículo presenta algunas reflexiones sobre el patrimonio tanto cultural como natural, su conceptualización y su articulación en la escala internacional. Se toma como primera referencia la Carta de Atenas de 1931 y se analiza la evolución del concepto a través de los documentos elaborados en el seno de la UNESCO. La escala nacional se aborda a partir de la normativa de los gobiernos brasileño y español sobre la protección de su respectivo patrimonio y como se han incorporado las recomendaciones de los organismos internacionales. Por último, las respectivas declaraciones de Bienes Patrimonio de la Humanidad en los dos países de referencia, permite confrontar las distintas sensibilidades en cuanto a la aplicación de las normas y el sentido de su declaración.
Conservación ambiental en Brasil: una revisión crítica de su institucionalización
Authors: Gamba Carolina , Costa Ribeiro Wagner
Published: August 2024

Este artículo presenta los elementos clave de la configuración del marco jurídico ambiental brasileño, que es el resultado de un largo proceso iniciado, sobre todo a principios del siglo XX y que desde el inicio, refleja intereses de diferentes agentes sociales. Se discute la definición de los códigos forestales de 1934, de 1965 y su revisión en 2012. Además, trata de la creación de instituciones vinculadas a la preservación / conservación del medio ambiente, tales como el Instituto Brasileño de Desarrollo Forestal, la Secretaría Especial del Medio Ambiente y el Instituto Brasileño del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Renovables. También analiza leyes claves como la Política Nacional del Medio Ambiente, las resoluciones del Consejo Nacional del Medio Ambiente, la Ley de Delitos contra el Ambiente y el Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservación. El objetivo es poner de relieve la importancia de dichas leyes y las instituciones, así como las dificultades para lograr alcanzar los objetivos que llevaron a su conformación. Reitera la necesidad de movilización social para que, efectivamente, se sea aplicado y para evitar retrocesos que conduzcan a una mayor degradación del medio ambiente; y la importancia del Estado en la planificación y gestión del medio ambiente en Brasil.
La inversión exterior directa de España en Brasil 1996-2015
Authors: Alonso Santos José Luis , Aparecido Mendes Auro , Guarnieri Ortigoza Silvia Aparecida
Published: August 2024

Las relaciones económicas entre España y Brasil tienen en la inversión su capítulo más relevante. El texto analiza su evolución principalmente a partir del inicio de los años 2000 que marca un nuevo momento de contracción e incremento de las relaciones económicas y políticas. Desde los años noventa del siglo pasado el capital español encuentra en Brasil un mercado estratégico en el proceso de internacionalización de sus empresas. La intensa inversión española de los años finales de la centuria pasada, muy polarizada hacia los servicios públicos que se liberalizan y privatizan, dará paso a partir de 2000, a un proceso de inversión de menor volumen, pero de mayor diversidad de las actividades que desarrollan las empresas. En la actualidad, las grandes empresas del Ibex de España están bien acompañadas en Brasil por un importante número de medianas y pequeñas empresas que creen en el país y han llegado para quedarse.
La movilidad académica entre España y Brasil. Trayectoria y perspectivas de futuro
Authors: Martínez-cachero Laseca Álvaro
Published: August 2024

Este artículo analiza el crecimiento de la movilidad académica internacional tanto a nivel general, como la existente entre España y Brasil. Para ello se parte del estudio de la trayectoria histórica de intercambios académicos entre ambos países; se contextualiza el papel dinamizador jugado por los programas Erasmus y Ciência sem Fronteiras y se concluye analizando las posibilidades presentes y futuras de la movilidad académica Brasil/España, así como los obstáculos a superar.
Endometriosis of the Colon and Pericolic Lymph Nodes Presenting as Cecal Volvulus
Authors: Lin Frank , Bahirwani Janak , Stoll Lisa , Kapoor Sarina
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis, characterized by the ectopic implantation of endometrial tissue, typically involves pelvic structures but infrequently extends to extrapelvic sites such as the gastrointestinal tract. In this report, we present a case of a 44-year-old woman with diffuse abdominal discomfort and constipation. Computed tomography imaging revealed a mass in the cecum, leading to diagnostic colonoscopy and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging. Ultimately, laparoscopy revealed a puckered cecal mass suspected to be invasive malignancy but pathologically confirmed as extensive endometriosis involving the colonic wall and pericolic lymph nodes. Cecal volvulus secondary to endometriosis is exceedingly rare, with surgical intervention being the primary treatment modality. Endometriosis-associated gastrointestinal involvement often masquerades as irritable bowel syndrome, highlighting the importance of considering atypical presentations in young women. This case underscores the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for unusual etiologies in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and atypical imaging findings to facilitate timely diagnosis and management.
Gastrointestinal Alpha Heavy Chain Disease With Persistent Campylobacter Jejuni Colonization and Refractory Giardiasis
Authors: Tang Wei , Lin Zilan , Sharma Pritika , Heering Gabriel , Dworkin Brad , Steinberg Amir , Shakil Fouzia , Schorr-Lesnick Beth
Published: August 2024

Alpha heavy chain disease (αHCD) is a rare variant of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma characterized by expression of a monotypic truncated immunoglobulin α heavy chain. αHCD frequently involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and its pathogenesis has been linked to clonal B-cell expansion from chronic immune stimulation by infectious agents. We report a rare case of GI αHCD with 5 concomitant pathogens identified on a GI multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction panel, featured by persistent Campylobacter jejuni colonization and refractory giardiasis.
Influence of obesity on the formation and development of cancer. Obesity and metabolism
Authors: Mustafina S. V. , Vinter D. A. , Alferova V. I.
Published: August 2024

It has now been shown that overweight and obesity are associated with the development of at least 13 types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon and rectum, endometrium, esophagus (adenocarcinoma), gallbladder, stomach, kidney (renal cell), liver, ovaries, pancreas and thyroid glands, as well as multiple myeloma. Obesity-related cancers account for about 40% of all cancers. Thus, obesity is ahead of smoking as the most common modifiable risk factor for carcinogenesis. This review collects the latest data on the impact of obesity phenotypes on the risk of developing cancer, including a discussion of the contribution of the metabolically healthy obesity phenotype (MHO) to tumorigenesis. Possible mechanisms contributing to the emergence and progression of cancer are analyzed, for example: stimulation of cell proliferation, evasion of growth suppressors, inhibition of apoptosis and provision of replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, activation of invasion and metastasis, influence on genome instability, as well as chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to the development of cancer. Understanding how obesity influences the above mechanisms may facilitate the development of new cancer prevention and treatment strategies for obese populations.
Narración y conocimiento histórico: el uso de la narrativa para el aprendizaje de la historia en 4º de ESO
Authors: Fraile-Delgado Francisco J.
Published: August 2024

Este trabajo discute la importancia del desarrollo de las competencias asociadas al pensamiento histórico y del uso de las narraciones para el aprendizaje de la historia. El objetivo de la investigación ha sido indagar sobre las percepciones del alumnado respecto al uso de las producciones narrativas históricas para el aprendizaje y sobre la incidencia de estas en las concepciones sobre el conocimiento histórico. Para ello, se ha optado por un estudio de caso, realizando un análisis descriptivo y análisis de contenido. Los instrumentos utilizados han sido un cuestionario semiestructurado y las producciones del alumnado. Los participantes estaban conformados por un grupo de 19 estudiantes de 4º de ESO de Geografía e Historia. El análisis y los resultados del estudio de caso muestran una valoración positiva del alumnado respecto al uso de las narrativas y un desarrollo favorable de las concepciones y reflexión sobre el conocimiento histórico.
Ten rules for oral anticoagulants prescription after a stroke
Authors: Kulesh A. A. , Demin D. A. , Kucherenko S. S.
Published: August 2024

Every third or fourth ischemic stroke is cardioembolic. Prescribing oral anticoagulants can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, but this strategy requires the physician to have a firm orientation in the “efficacy – safety” coordinate system. We formulate 10 rules that should help any interested specialist (neurologist, cardiologist, therapist) to decide on the prescription of oral anticoagulants for cardioembolic stroke in daily clinical practice. We discuss issues of selection of an anticoagulant in atrial fibrillation, mitral stenosis and mechanical heart valves, the timing of prescription (also in haemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke and after intracerebral hemorrhage), the special features of anticoagulant prophylaxis in comorbid and “fragile” patients are discussed, the development of a stroke while taking an anticoagulant, the timing of discontinuation and resumption of therapy during surgical interventions, the choice of dose and peculiarities of therapy in cognitively impaired patients.
Efficacy and safety of Russian tableted rizatriptan 10 mg in the treatment of migraine attacks in clinical practice
Authors: Filatova E. G. , Latysheva N. V. , Kadymova N. B. , Berdnikova A. V.
Published: August 2024

Triptans are a targeted therapy for acute migraine attacks. They are recommended for the treatment of severe attacks when non-specific analgesics are not effective. Four of the seven known triptans with different efficacy and individual tolerability are registered in the Russian Federation.

   Objective: to determine in an open-label non-comparative single center study efficacy and safety of the new Russian generic tableted rizatriptan 10 mg (Relonova) in real-life clinical practice.

   Material and methods. Thirty individuals with migraine took part in the study. Patients took rizatriptan to relieve 4 migraine attacks and filled out self-observation diaries and HIT-6 questionnaire before and after therapy.

   Results. The study involved 30 patients (26 women and 4 men) with mean age of 38.7 ± 9.3 years. Duration of migraine was 19.6 ± 11.4 years, mean number of days with migraine per month was 9.5 [5.25; 16.75]. Most patients (67 %) suffered from episodic migraine and 33 % from chronic migraine; 6 patients (20 %) had migraine attacks with aura; 20 individuals (67 %) received preventive therapy. After taking Relonova medication, pain relief was observed in 86 % of attacks, and in 45 % of cases pain disappeared completely; after 24 hours, pain relief was observed in 87 % of cases, and in 68 % – absence of attacks. A significant decrease in headache intensity was observed within 30 minutes after taking the first dose; in 34 % of attacks the headache returned. Additional analgesic treatment was required in 39 % of cases. Adverse events were observed in 25 % of attacks and were mild. The majority (63 %) of the participants were able to successfully terminate 3 attacks and were responders.

   Conclusion. Relonova is an effective and safe medication for the relief of migraine attacks.
Расширенная математическая модель обратной задачи ядерного гамма-резонанса. Достоверность и информативность применения
Authors: Nemtsova Olga Mikhailovna , Konygin Grigorii Nikolaevich , Veselkov Ivan S.
Published: August 2024

При изучении свойств твердых растворов на основе железа методом мессбауэровской спектроскопии возникает проблема интерпретации результатов обработки экспериментальных данных в рамках традиционной математической модели. Поскольку для разупорядоченных, например в результате механоактивации, твердых растворов характерно наличие ансамбля различных локальных атомных конфигураций, соответствующие им мессбауэровские спектры содержат большое количество смещенных относительно друг друга спектральных составляющих с близкими значениями параметров сверхтонкого взаимодействия. При этом величина и знак смещения определяются многими факторами: количественным распределением атомов каждого сорта в координационных сферах, симметрией их распределения относительно оси квантования, возможным локальным смещением относительно среднестатистического положения в кристаллографической структуре и т.д. Аналитически учесть все эффекты смещения в математической модели, как правило, невозможно.
Предложенная расширенная математическая модель описания мессбауэровских спектров твердых растворов дает возможность учесть смещения спектральных составляющих посредством введения в модель функции нормального распределения Гаусса, описывающей статистический набор локальных искажений. Ширина распределения Гаусса позволяет оценить степень локальных искажений кристаллической решетки, возникающих из-за различий в размерах атомов смешиваемых компонентов, локальных искажений структуры и симметрии окружения резонансного атома.
Обратная задача ядерного гамма-резонанса выражается интегральным уравнением Фредгольма 1 рода и является некорректно поставленной задачей с априорными ограничениями на искомое решение. Введение в ядро интегрального уравнения двух функций Гаусса с неизвестными априори ширинами линий приводит к проблеме решения уравнения классическими методами. В работе предложен алгоритм получения достоверного решения, опирающийся на метод регуляризации Тихонова с коррекцией параметров ядра интегрального уравнения. Достоверность и информативность расширенной математической модели обратной задачи ядерного гамма-резонанса продемонстрирована на примерах исследования реальных объектов.
Construction of elastic fields in the problem from the action of body forces of a cyclic nature
Authors: Ivanychev Dmitriy Alekseevich , Levina Ekaterina Yu.
Published: August 2024

Представлен метод определения напряженно-деформированного состояния трансверсально-изотропных тел вращения, возникающего под действием неосесимметричных стационарных объемных сил.
Поставленная задача предполагает использование понятий метода граничных состояний. Базис пространства внутренних состояний формируется с помощью фундаментальных полиномов.
Многочлен ставится в любое положение вектора смещения плоского вспомогательного состояния и по формулам перехода формируется пространственное состояние.
Множество таких состояний образует конечномерный базис, по которому после ортогонализации искомое состояние разлагается в ряды Фурье с теми же коэффициентами. Коэффициенты рядов представляют собой скалярные произведения векторов заданной и базисной объемных сил. Наконец, поиск упругого состояния сводится к решению квадратур.
Анализируются решения задач теории упругости для трансверсально-изотропного кругового цилиндра от действия объемных сил, заданных различными циклическими законами (синуса и косинуса).
Даны рекомендации по построению базиса внутренних состояний в зависимости от вида функции заданных объемных сил. Даны анализ сходимости рядов и оценка точности решения в графическом виде.
Анализ двухкомпонентных композиционных покрытий
при производстве элементов электроники с использованием методов компьютерного зрения
Authors: Nenashev Maxim Vladimirovich , Rakhmanin Oleg S. , Kiyashchenko Victoria V.
Published: August 2024

Представлен метод анализа двухкомпонентных композиционных покрытий при производстве элементов электроники, основанный на системе математически обоснованных алгоритмов обработки изображений.
Метод позволяет определять удельную поверхность, общую площадь материала и границы контакта, обеспечивая высокую точность и стабильность результатов. Полученные результаты могут быть успешно внедрены в промышленные процессы для оценки качества материалов и контроля производства.
В рамках работы создана информационно-измерительная система обработки изображений, минимизирующая накопление ошибок на каждом этапе и обеспечивающая высокую точность определения характеристик материалов.
Представлены примеры успешного применения метода, подчеркивающие его эффективность и перспективы в различных областях, включая промышленное производство элементов электроники. Полученные результаты представляют собой основу для дальнейших исследований и усовершенствования методов анализа композиционных материалов.
Research progress of nanoparticles in diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xing Lijun , Chen Yun , Zheng Tingting
Published: August 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common malignant liver tumors. Despite progress in anticancer drugs and surgical approaches, early detection of HCC remains challenging, often leading to late-stage diagnosis where rapid disease progression precludes surgical intervention, leaving chemotherapy as the only option. However, the systemic toxicity, low bioavailability, and significant adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs often lead to resistance, rendering treatments ineffective for many patients. This article outlines how nanoparticles, following functional modification, offer high sensitivity, reduced drug toxicity, and extended duration of action, enabling precise targeting of drugs to HCC tissues. Combined with other therapeutic modalities and imaging techniques, this significantly enhances the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term prognosis of HCC. The advent of nanomedicine provides new methodologies and strategies for the precise diagnosis and integrated treatment of HCC.
IVDCheckR – simplifying documentation for laboratory developed tests according to IVDR requirements by introducing a new digital tool
Authors: Kaur Yadwinder , Rosenkranz Daniel , Bloemer Anna , Aykurt Ozan , Brandhorst Gunnar , Spitzenberger Folker , Petersmann Astrid
Published: August 2024

Objectives

A recent challenge for clinical laboratories is the lack of clear guidelines for handling significant modifications of CE-marked assays. The modifications may involve, for example, extending measurement intervals, changing dilution procedures or using non-validated sample materials. The challenge arises due to the amended Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR), which is now poised for implementation, despite the extended transition periods. The IVDR application imposes challenges not only for diagnostic companies but also for clinical laboratories when using laboratory developed tests (LDTs), often referred to as in-house assays. In this context, a coherent and meticulously structured LDT documentation is highly beneficial. While laboratories are obliged to meet the IVDR requirements, the absence of a streamlined framework or guideline hampers the ability to gain a comprehensive overview on the requirements and possible options for their fulfilment.

Methods

To address this issue, we introduce a web based digital tool powered by an R Shiny web application. This tool facilitates a seamless implementation of IVDR requirements for LDTs across diverse laboratory environments in terms of their transparency and validity. Our approach focuses on adequate handling of significant modifications of CE-marked in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD).

Results

IVDRCheckR is an open-source tool that is easily accessible and free from system dependencies. The tool promotes a seamless process and a guide to enhance transparency, reliability, and validity of laboratory examination results based on LDTs. Additionally, the tool further provides modules for evaluating quality control data and quantitative method comparison data.

Conclusions

Our Shiny web application-based platform is a digitised, user-friendly tool that simplifies the documentation for LDTs according to IVDR requirements with special emphasis on solutions for handling modifications to CE-marked assays.
In a Stranger’s House: Social Isolation of Internally Displaced People in Ukraine During Wartime
Authors: Tsybuliak Natalia , Popova Anastasiia , Lopatina Hanna , Suchikova Yana
Published: August 2024

This article explores the impact of internal displacement during wartime in Ukraine on individuals’ social isolation. This study focused on understanding and comparing feelings of isolation in two different contexts: the native community in territories temporarily occupied by Russian troops since the full-scale war and the host community. The research reveals a consistent pattern of isolation characterized by feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion among internally displaced people (IDPs), irrespective of their location. Cultural disconnection emerges as a significant factor in both settings, with war-induced changes in social norms and practices leading to a sense of alienation in native communities, and the challenge of adapting to new cultural environments in host communities. Furthermore, it highlights IDPs’ increased vulnerability to bias, stigma, and anxiety in social interactions. Overall, this qualitative study advances the understanding of the effects of displacement on social isolation and provides insights that can inform effective recovery strategies and foster a resilient, cohesive national identity in post-war contexts in Ukraine.
Exploiting the nanotechnological approaches for traditional Chinese medicine in childhood rhinitis: A review of future perspectives
Authors: Zhang Yao , Dong Haicheng , Zhu Yu , Wang Wenfei , Zhang Xinyue
Published: August 2024

Childhood rhinitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the nasal mucosa of children worldwide. The physical, social, and cognitive performance of children is affected by the chronic symptoms of childhood rhinitis. Effective treatment is essential to avoid long-term effects on children’s lifestyles and well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat and prevent several illnesses, and it plays a crucial role in healthcare and rehabilitation. TCM has traditionally been used to holistically treat rhinitis. However, the drawbacks of TCMs, such as their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, single-use, and poor targeting ability, severely restrict their use. In recent years, nanotechnology has been used for various drugs to improve their therapeutic effectiveness and reduce their associated adverse effects. Nanomaterials for TCM formulations are synthesized to be compatible with herbal extracts and sustain active component therapeutic qualities. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery improves bioavailability, circulation time, and targeted distribution, resolving TCM administration issues. This review assesses the innovative combination of TCM and nanotechnology developments for the treatment of childhood rhinitis, providing insights into novel therapeutic approaches. This review also provides significant insights into the potential of this multidisciplinary approach to transform treatment techniques in childhood rhinitis and offers a road map for future research initiatives in this promising sector.
Residual Flexural Capacity Prediction in Heat-Affected Concrete Members through Ground Penetrating Radar and Thermal Imaging
Authors: Quadir Upal Mohammad Towfiqul , Yazdani Nur , Beneberu Eyosias , Riad Mina
Published: August 2024

Extreme fire and related heat exposure that is attributable to natural or man-made events may cause significant damage to concrete members, with associated strength reduction. Rapid and effective on-site post-fire assessment is essential in estimating the associated damage and loss of load carrying capacity, leading to decisions on rehabilitation or replacement. Current knowledge on this subject considers a single nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique and only qualitative estimations of the damage or destructive methods such as coring. This study fills this critical knowledge gap through the experimental utilization of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and thermography techniques on laboratory heat-affected concrete beam samples. Parameters such as concrete strength, heat level and duration, and presence of fireproofing, steel, and fiber reinforced polymer rebars were considered through experimental design. The thermal imaging method was found to be successful in a qualitative way as supplementary to the more reliable GPR approach. Predictive quantitative models with high reliability relating the parameters to the expected GPR output amplitude and residual flexural capacity of beam samples were developed. User-friendly and rapid in-situ post-fire NDEs of concrete flexural members were proposed based on the availability of information on the considered parameters from as-built plans or actual observations.
Maximizing the Utilization of the Treated RAP by a Two-Step Enhancement Method in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Jizhe , Zhang Wenwu , Xiao Yushuai , Hu Xueliang , Feng Zhengang , Kuang Dongliang , Yao Zhanyong
Published: August 2024

In a circular economy toward zero waste, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a secondary resource into new asphalt pavement is one of the important waste management strategies for circularity. In view of the issues of low RAP usage and performance variation of recycled asphalt mixtures (RAM), this paper developed a two-step treatment method to enhance the properties of the coarse RAP as aggregates by removing old mortar and to restore the properties of old mortar/fine RAP by using a rejuvenating agent. First, the aged asphalt was extracted from RAP to evaluate its aging degree. The recycled asphalt mortar was prepared with fine RAP. The changes in surface morphology of recycled asphalt mortars were characterized by a computerized tomography scan, and the influence of the rejuvenating agent on the performance of recycled asphalt mortars was evaluated by a dynamic shear rheological test and a Bending Beam Rheometer test. Finally, RAM were prepared with 60 % of the treated RAP, and their properties were evaluated, including the water stability, low-temperature, and fatigue performance. Experimental results demonstrated that the rheological behavior and low-temperature performance of the recycled asphalt mortar can be effectively recovered by incorporating an appropriate rejuvenating agent with related parameters even better than that of the new asphalt mortar. Regarding RAM that incorporated a high dosage of the treated RAP, its pavement performance can be improved, and this proves the feasibility of using a high percentage of RAP in recycled asphalt pavements.