bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the factors related to how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth and families access mental health and substance use services: A scoping review
Authors: Gao Chloe , Cho Lianne L. , Dhillon Avneet , Kim Soyeon , McGrail Kimberlyn , Law Michael R. , Sunderji Nadiya , Barbic Skye
Published: July 2024

The objective of the review is to identify factors related to how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth aged 12–24 and their families access mental health and substance use (MHSU) services. To address how East and Southeast Asian youth and their families access mental health and substance use services, a scoping review was conducted to identify studies in these databases: PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Sociology Collection. Qualitative content analysis was used to deductively identify themes and was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the process-person-context-time (PPCT) model, and the five dimensions of care accessibility (approachability, acceptability, availability and accommodation, appropriateness, affordability). Seventy-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The dimensions of healthcare accessibility shaped the following themes: 1) Acceptability; 2) Appropriateness; 3) Approachability; 4) Availability and Accommodation. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the PPCT model informed the development of the following themes: 1) Immediate Environment/Proximal Processes (Familial Factors, Relationships with Peers; 2) Context (School-Based Services/Community Resources, Discrimination, Prevention, Virtual Care); 3) Person (Engagement in Services/Treatment/Research, Self-management); 4) Time (Immigration Status). The study suggests that there is a growing body of research (21 studies) focused on identifying acceptability factors, including Asian cultural values and the model minority stereotype impacting how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth access MHSU services. This review also highlighted familial factors (16 studies), including family conflict, lack of MHSU literacy, reliance on family as support, and family-based interventions, as factors affecting how East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth access MHSU care. However, the study also highlighted a dearth of research examining how East and Southeast Asian youth with diverse identities access MHSU services. This review emphasizes the factors related to the access to MHSU services by East and Southeast Asian immigrant youth and families while providing insights that will improve cultural safety.
Inflammatory profiles are associated with long COVID up to 6 months after COVID-19 onset: A prospective cohort study of individuals with mild to critical COVID-19
Authors: Wynberg Elke , Han Alvin X. , van Willigen Hugo D. G. , Verveen Anouk , van Pul Lisa , Maurer Irma , van Leeuwen Ester M. , van den Aardweg Joost G. , de Jong Menno D. , Nieuwkerk Pythia , Prins Maria , Kootstra Neeltje A. , de Bree Godelieve J. ,   on behalf of the RECoVERED Study Group
Published: July 2024

Background

After initial COVID-19, immune dysregulation may persist and drive post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We described longitudinal trajectories of cytokines in adults up to 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection and explored early predictors of PASC.

Methods

RECoVERED is a prospective cohort of individuals with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 2020 and June 2021 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Serum was collected at weeks 4, 12 and 24 of follow-up. Monthly symptom questionnaires were completed from month 2 after COVID-19 onset onwards; lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) was tested at 6 months. Cytokine concentrations were analysed by human magnetic Luminex screening assay. We used a linear mixed-effects model to study log-concentrations of cytokines over time, assessing their association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics that were included in the model as fixed effects.

Results

186/349 (53%) participants had ≥2 serum samples and were included in current analyses. Of these, 101/186 (54%: 45/101[45%] female, median age 55 years [IQR = 45–64]) reported PASC at 12 and 24 weeks after COVID-19 onset. We included 37 reference samples (17/37[46%] female, median age 49 years [IQR = 40–56]). In a multivariate model, PASC was associated with raised CRP and abnormal diffusion capacity with raised IL10, IL17, IL6, IP10 and TNFα at 24 weeks. Early (0–4 week) IL-1β and BMI at COVID-19 onset were predictive of PASC at 24 weeks.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that immune dysregulation plays an important role in PASC pathogenesis, especially among individuals with reduced pulmonary function. Early IL-1β shows promise as a predictor of PASC.
Bullying experiences in childhood and health outcomes in adulthood
Authors: Momose Yurie , Ishida Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

This study examines whether the experience of being bullied at school has a long-term impact on three health outcomes in adulthood in Japan: subjective health, mental health, and activity restriction due to health conditions. We employed a random effects model and the Karlson-Holm-Breen method to decompose the total effect of being bullied at school on health inequality into a direct effect and an indirect effect working through intervening factors including education, marriage, economic well-being, and social networks. We used the Japanese Life Course Panel Surveys 2007–2020 (waves 1–14), a nationally representative panel data set that includes 2,260 male and 2,608 female respondents. The results demonstrate that for both men and women, the direct effect of being bullied at school was strong and significant. Bullying experiences in childhood had a long-term impact on health outcomes in adulthood, regardless of social background and mediating factors of education, marriage, economic well-being, and social networks. Bullying victimization increased the risk of poor subjective health, low mental health scores, and activity restriction due to health conditions. Intervening factors (especially economic well-being and friendship) mediated the association between bullying experiences and all health outcomes, but their contributions were modest. Policy measures not only to prevent bullying during childhood but also to alleviate its negative consequences in adulthood should be considered to help people who have encountered adverse childhood experiences.
Modeling epidemic dynamics using Graph Attention based Spatial Temporal networks
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhang Yi , Ying Haoru , Chi Huanning , Sun Guanqun , Zeng Lingxia
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and influenza outbreaks have underscored the critical need for predictive models that can effectively integrate spatial and temporal dynamics to enable accurate epidemic forecasting. Traditional time-series analysis approaches have fallen short in capturing the intricate interplay between these factors. Recent advancements have witnessed the incorporation of graph neural networks and machine learning techniques to bridge this gap, enhancing predictive accuracy and providing novel insights into disease spread mechanisms. Notable endeavors include leveraging human mobility data, employing transfer learning, and integrating advanced models such as Transformers and Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) to improve forecasting performance across diverse geographies for both influenza and COVID-19. However, these models often face challenges related to data quality, model transferability, and potential overfitting, highlighting the necessity for more adaptable and robust approaches. This paper introduces the Graph Attention-based Spatial Temporal (GAST) model, which employs graph attention networks (GATs) to overcome these limitations by providing a nuanced understanding of epidemic dynamics through a sophisticated spatio-temporal analysis framework. Our contributions include the development and validation of the GAST model, demonstrating its superior forecasting capabilities for influenza and COVID-19 spread, with a particular focus on short-term, daily predictions. The model’s application to both influenza and COVID-19 datasets showcases its versatility and potential to inform public health interventions across a range of infectious diseases.
An inhibitory mechanism of AasS, an exogenous fatty acid scavenger: Implications for re-sensitization of FAS II antimicrobials
Authors: Huang Haomin , Chang Shenghai , Cui Tao , Huang Man , Qu Jiuxin , Zhang Huimin , Lu Ting , Zhang Xing , Zhou Chun , Feng Youjun
Published: July 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is an ongoing “one health” challenge of global concern. The acyl-ACP synthetase (termed AasS) of the zoonotic pathogen Vibrio harveyi recycles exogenous fatty acid (eFA), bypassing the requirement of type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS II), a druggable pathway. A growing body of bacterial AasS-type isoenzymes compromises the clinical efficacy of FAS II-directed antimicrobials, like cerulenin. Very recently, an acyl adenylate mimic, C10-AMS, was proposed as a lead compound against AasS activity. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we present two high-resolution cryo-EM structures of AasS liganded with C10-AMS inhibitor (2.33 Å) and C10-AMP intermediate (2.19 Å) in addition to its apo form (2.53 Å). Apart from our measurements for C10-AMS’ Ki value of around 0.6 μM, structural and functional analyses explained how this inhibitor interacts with AasS enzyme. Unlike an open state of AasS, ready for C10-AMP formation, a closed conformation is trapped by the C10-AMS inhibitor. Tight binding of C10-AMS blocks fatty acyl substrate entry, and therefore inhibits AasS action. Additionally, this intermediate analog C10-AMS appears to be a mixed-type AasS inhibitor. In summary, our results provide the proof of principle that inhibiting salvage of eFA by AasS reverses the FAS II bypass. This facilitates the development of next-generation anti-bacterial therapeutics, esp. the dual therapy consisting of C10-AMS scaffold derivatives combined with certain FAS II inhibitors.
Breaking the normalization of appropriation and exploitation
Authors: Jansen Emile
Published: July 2024

Capitalism often gives away gold in exchange for something much more lucrative. Breaking was created by people of color whose ancestors originally owned the land from which the gold, now offered to the best dancers at the Olympics, was extracted. In this article, I wish to examine the financial inequity between the creators and the exploiters in the Hip Hop Dance Scene globally. I examine the relationship between dancers, dance schools and intermediary dance organizations globally. I question how most of the money is made and how much trickles down. I also consider how people of colour participate in the global organization efforts of breaking in the Olympics and discuss how the notion of ‘winning’ can also obscure the healing power of dance. Gold is symbolic of scarcity and capitalism will sell this to dancers in the same way that overnight fame is sold to rappers. I reflect on three primary questions: Will this dance join the others already exploited by dance schools who have no historic connection to the culture? Will the World DanceSport Federation and the International Olympic Commission celebrate the creators of the Breaking moves or will it perpetuate racist appropriation of culture without learning about its heritage? and finally, what efforts are being made to create an economically self-sustaining dance community?
The Shift
Authors: Wongngern La-ongyot ‘Gonza’
Published: July 2024

Gonza is a highly regarded bboy in Thailand and across the globe. Belonging to one of Thailand’s most prominent crews, 99Flava, he has established a legacy across the Asia-Pacific. He is also a tattoo artist by trade and has recently stepped into a coaching role for breakers who will compete at the upcoming South East Asian (SEA) Games. In this short reflection, Gonza decodes his artwork The Shift (featured on the cover of this special issue of Global Hip Hop Studies: ‘Breaking and the Olympics 2’), by bringing breaking's past, present and future as an art-form and sport into question.
Enseñar a comprender el presente: creencias del profesorado en la implementación de una nueva asignatura sobre historia reciente
Authors: Soto Lillo Paula , Valenzuela Flores Oscar , Peña Hurtado Cinthia
Published: July 2024

El 2020 entró en vigencia un nuevo currículum para tercero y cuarto medio en Chile, en que se crearon tres asignaturas de profundización en el ámbito de la Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales, que pueden ser dictadas, o no, según los criterios de cada establecimiento. Una de ellas corresponde a Comprensión Histórica del Presente, con el propósito de abordar la historia reciente, que plantea un desafío de implementación por parte del profesorado en cuanto se trata de temáticas que implican una discusión teórica y metodológica abierta. Por ello, esta investigación indaga, a través de una encuesta, en las creencias de 112 docentes de Historia sobre el programa, cuán preparados se sienten para enseñar e identificar facilidades y dificultades. Los resultados informan que se ve positivamente la inclusión de la asignatura al permitir el desarrollo de habilidades en sus estudiantes, aunque son críticos del programa ministerial. Además, la mayoría se siente preparado para dictar los enfoques de la asignatura, aun cuando el conocimiento docente es visto como una dificultad a la hora de realizar clases. Finalmente, se señala que los temas son una facilidad para enseñar pues son atractivos para sus estudiantes, pero las habilidades de dichos educandos son también un problema para la enseñanza.
Isolation and characterization of porcine parvovirus in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh T. T. Hang , Do V. Tan , Do V. Khien , Vu-Khac Hung
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: No study has successfully isolated parvovirus in Vietnam. This study aimed to isolate and characterize parvovirus strains indigenous in Vietnam for vaccine development against porcine parvovirus (PPV).

Materials and Methods: We collected serum and stillbirth samples from six provinces in Vietnam, and PPV-positive samples were identified using a polymerase chain reaction. Parvovirus isolation was attempted using the PK-15 cells maintained in a minimum essential medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics (Penicillin-streptomycin). The cells were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2. Virulence experiments were conducted on white primiparous sows to evaluate the virulence of the PPV strain through hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers and fetus lesions.

Results: We analyzed 360 serum and 32 stillbirth (liver and lungs) samples, revealing that 32/392 (8.2% ) of them were PPV-positive, all belonging to PPV1. Thirty-two PPV-positive samples were successfully isolated, with 100% identity as VP2 sequences. The phylogenetic tree revealed a close relationship with the Kresse strain (isolated from Canada in 1996) and the PPV1-0225-L-SD strain (isolated from China in 2022). Two PPV isolates (VC5 from Dongnai and TX7 from Thanhhoa) that exhibited high 50% tissue culture infectious dose titers were selected for the virulence experiment. On day 21, after injection, the HI antibody titers ranged from 10log2 to 12log2. On day 90, 71%–80% of fetuses were mummified.

Conclusion: This study showed that the PPV infection rate in Vietnam was 8.2%. Thirty-two isolates belonged to PPV1. Two PPV strains, VC5 and TX7, were determined to be highly virulent by the results of HI titers after injection into gilts. VC5 and TX7 were determined to be good candidates for further research on PPV vaccines.

Keywords: isolation, phylogenetic tree, porcine parvovirus, sow, virulence.
In vivo mosquito repellency effect of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) essential oil bath bomb formulation in dogs
Authors: Uopasai Suwit , Senaphan Ketmanee , Borlace Glenn Neville , Thongkham Eakachai , Aiemsaard Jareerat
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases of medical and veterinary significance. While citronella essential oil is safe as a mosquito repellent, extensive research does not document its ability to deter mosquitoes from animals. This study assessed the citronella essential oil bath bomb’s ability to repel Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in dogs.

Materials and Methods: Citronella essential oil’s chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Through freeze-thaw testing, a bath bomb formulation containing 6% w/w citronella essential oil was assessed for its physical and chemical stability. Thirty-two healthy client-owned mixed-breed dogs were employed to test the mosquito-repellency effects of citronella essential oil (treatment group) and olive oil (control group) bath bomb formulations. Bath bombs were tested for irritation effects on animal skin for 15-day post-application.

Results: Thirty-six compounds were identified through GC-MS, with citronellal (23.38%), δ-cadinene (12.25%), and geraniol (9.09%) being the most prevalent constituents. The bath bomb maintained its original physical properties after undergoing six freeze-thawing cycles and retained over 90% of its citronella essential oil. About 100%, 69.28%, and 65.58% mosquito repellency were displayed by the citronella essential oil bath bomb at 3 h, 6 h, and 8 h, respectively. None of the test animals exhibited skin irritation during the study.

Conclusion: The citronella bath bomb effectively repelled C. quinquefasciatus in dogs without irritating their skin. The formulation’s physical and chemical stability is demonstrated by the results of freeze-thaw stability testing. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the repelling activity against other mosquito species.

Keywords: bath bomb formulation, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cymbopogon nardus, mosquito repellent, vector control.
Esophageal Lichen Planus: The Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus in Reducing Inflammation and Need for Dilation
Authors: Kukreja Keshav , Kumar Ambuj , Camisa Charles , Jacobs John , Richter Joel E.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is a rare inflammatory disease most seen in middle-aged White women, manifested by sloughing mucosa, thick exudate, and proximal strictures. Most case reports and small series highlight using steroids and other immunosuppressants. To the best of our knowledge, oral tablet tacrolimus has not been studied. We aimed to assess the change in ELP after oral tacrolimus treatment.

METHODS:

The primary outcome was the efficacy of tacrolimus objectively through our scoring system, ELP Severity Score (ELPSS). All consecutive adults with ELP who underwent more than one esophagogastroduodenoscopy by 2 esophagologists and being treated with tacrolimus or other treatment were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Inflammation and fibrostenotic disease were graded using the novel ELPSS.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Half (11) received tacrolimus (dose 1–2 mg twice daily), and half (11) received other therapy (i.e., cyclosporine, topical steroids, or none). Mean ELPSS on the first esophagogastroduodenoscopy, extraesophageal manifestations of disease, presenting symptoms, and baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Among patients on Tac vs No-Tac, there was a statistically significant improvement in ELPSS (mean difference 1.8 pts; 95% confidence interval 0.25–3.38; P = 0.02). Response rate was 89% with Tac vs 30% with No-Tac (P = 0.025). All 22 patients underwent bougie dilation safely with a mean diameter of 16 mm achieved. Patients on Tac also required less frequent dilation.

DISCUSSION:

Oral tablet tacrolimus reduced the inflammatory and fibrostenotic components of ELP. Thus, low-dose oral tacrolimus is safe and should be considered in patients with more severe disease.
Phasing and continuity of the treatment of thyroid eye disease in patients with Graves’ disease
Authors: Bessmertnaya E. G. , Mikheenkov A. A. , Kolodina A. S. , Aksenova T. N. , Babaeva D. M. , Grusha Ya. O. , Sviridenko N. Yu.
Published: July 2024

According to modern concepts, thyroid eye disease (TED) is an independent progressive autoimmune disease of the organ of vision, closely associated with the autoimmune pathology of the thyroid gland (TG), (ICD code — H06.2, proptosis in case of impaired thyroid function E05.0). TED treatment is a long step-by-step process, including immunosuppressive therapy, radiation therapy of the orbits and surgical treatment.

TED is a multidisciplinary problem. A patient with thyrotoxicosis clinic and TED symptoms will be taken to an endocrinological clinic for normalization of thyroid hormones and treatment of thyrotoxicosis complications. At the same time, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, TED diagnostics and treatment will be carried out. Teamwork is of utmost importance because the effectiveness of TED treatment will depend on the speed of achieving a stable euthyroid state, the accuracy of determining the TED activity and severity, and the presence of complications requiring surgical treatment.

There are two main phases in the TED development. In the first phase of active inflammation, an increase in the symptoms of TED occurs, then a plateau phase follows, when the symptoms of activity persist but do not progress, then the symptoms regress and the process becomes inactive, while visual disturbances and cosmetic defects may persist. Determining the TED activity is very important from a clinical point of view, because the choice of treatment and tactics of patient management depend on the inflammation activity.

We describe a clinical case of phasing treatment of TED complicated by optic neuropathy and movement disorders in a patient with Graves’ disease, resistant to immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids and requiring deep lateral bony orbital decompression.
Clinical and laboratory features of rheumatoid arthritis in men depending on testosterone levels
Authors: Panevin T. S. , Rozhivanov R. V. , Zotkin E. G. , Diatroptov M. E. , Glukhova S. I. , Samarkina E. Yu.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the presence of chronic immunoinflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) may be a factor that increases the likelihood of developing hypogonadism syndrome, and conversely, the presence of uncompensated testosterone deficiency may predispose to a greater risk of developing or more severe course of ICRD.

AIM: To study the incidence of hypogonadism in men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate its impact on the course of RA and concomitant diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A one-time continuous study included 170 men with RA who were undergoing inpatient treatment at the Federal State Budgetary Institution NIIR named after. V.A. Nasonova. Patients were assessed for total testosterone levels and subsequently divided into subgroups with normal (>12 nmol/l) and reduced levels. An intergroup comparison was carried out on the main indicators used in clinical rheumatological practice to assess the stage, activity and other medical and demographic characteristics of RA, as well as the state of purine and carbohydrate metabolism. A correlation analysis was performed between the level of total testosterone and some clinical and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS: The frequency of detected testosterone deficiency in the study group was 24.1%. Significant correlations were noted between the level of total testosterone and body mass index (r=-0.29), the level of blood uric acid (r=-0.19) and C-reactive protein (r=-0.18). Patients with hypogonadism compared to the group with normal testosterone levels were characterized by higher body mass index (29.3±5.6 vs 26.3±4.0 kg/m2; p<0.001), glucose levels (6.95±7 .85 mmol/l vs 5.42±1.13 mmol/l; p=0.034) and uric acid (354.6±110.7 vs 317.5±84.8 µmol/l; p=0.03) blood. In addition, patients with hypogonadism were more likely to suffer from obesity (41.6% vs 15.7%; p=0.001) and diabetes mellitus (21.6% vs 10.2%; p=0.075) without a statistically significant difference, and also had higher ESR (46.5±42.2 vs 31.0±30.9 mm/h; p=0.012). A more frequent occurrence of anemia was noted in hypogonadism (32.4% vs 16.7%; p=0.041).

CONCLUSION: Testosterone levels and the presence of hypogonadism were not associated with the stage and activity of RA, however, testosterone deficiency was accompanied by a more frequent development of overweight and obesity, and a deterioration in purine and carbohydrate metabolism.
Syndromic growth retardation caused by impaired function of the ribosomal protein eL13
Authors: Makretskaya N. A. , Vorontsova I. G. , Buianova A. A. , Korostin D. O. , Petryaykina E. E. , Tiulpakov A. N.
Published: July 2024

Growth retardation for more than 2 SD below the average population or presumed familial target height is classified as a short stature and may be a clinical manifestation of a large number of disorders. The use of the latest methods of molecular genetic analysis in recent years has allowed for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of inherited forms of a short stature. One of the recently discovered mechanisms of this pathology was monoallelic mutations in RPL13 gene, leading to the development of Isidor-Toutain type spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEDM). Characteristic phenotypic features for this form are normal birth length, early postnatal growth deficiency, platyspondyly, proximal femoral epiphyseal changes, coxa vara, genu varum. This study presents the clinical and radiological characteristics of the first patient in the Russian ­Federation with SEMD caused by a mutation in RPL13 gene.
Potential role of two-dimensional shear wave elastography, including liver stiffness measurement and dispersion slope, for management of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Song Seung ju , Kim Youe Ree , Lee Young Hwan , Cho Eun Young
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study assessed the use of liver stiffness (LS) and dispersion slope (DS) in classifying patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by the necessity of antiviral treatment.Methods: A retrospective review examined 249 patients with CHB (male:female, 107:142; mean age, 53±14 years) between April 2018 and March 2022. Patients for whom treatment was indicated, termed group 1, exhibited either serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase levels not exceeding five times the upper limit of normal and LS >13 kPa, or hepatitis B virus DNA >2,000 IU/mL and ALT >40 IU/L. The remaining patients comprised group 2 (treatment not required). In subgroup analysis, patients with LS <13 kPa were further examined.Results: Overall, group 1 exhibited significantly higher LS (12.64±6.76 vs. 6.31±1.67 kPa, P<0.001) and DS (15.52±4.95 vs. 11.04±1.93 [m/s]/kHz, P<0.001) than group 2. In subgroup analysis, group 1 also demonstrated significantly higher values (LS: 8.05±2.12 vs 6.31±1.67 kPa, P<0.001, DS: 13.06±2.75 vs. 11.04±1.93 [m/s]/kHz, P<0.001). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for LS and DS in group 1 were 0.855 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 0.90; P<0.001) and 0.810 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.86; P<0.001), respectively. In subgroup analysis, the AUCs for LS and DS in group 1 were 0.751 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.81; P<0.001) and 0.711 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.77; P<0.001), respectively. Within group 1, the AUCs for LS and DS did not differ significantly (P>0.05).Conclusion: LS and DS assist in classifying patients with CHB by their need for antiviral treatment.
O uso da Inteligência Artificial (IA) no Contexto da Bioética: “Não sois máquinas, homens é que sois”
Authors: Laurentino dos Santos Ivone
Published: July 2024

O Século XXI chegou e com ele o anúncio de uma “próxima onda”: a Inteligência Artificial (IA). Urge que ampliemos o debate sobre os limites da ciência, com ênfase na criação de mecanismos bioéticos de controle das práticas tecnológicas que se avizinham. Afinal, quais os possíveis impactos da IA nas gerações futuras? Como evitar que as pessoas socialmente desassistidas sejam ainda mais vulnerabilizadas pelo uso da IA? Este estudo, em forma de revisão crítica de literatura, tem como escopo refletir as potencialidades da IA na construção de um mundo com mais justiça e paz social. Conclui-se pela insuficiência de estudos bioéticos da IA, à luz de princípios como dignidade humana, direitos humanos e liberdades fundamentais. Enquanto isso, a contemporaneidade forja subjetividades líquidas, que, de modo similar às máquinas — cada vez mais “humanizadas” —, existem em função de realidades virtuais, em detrimento das demandas e dos problemas concretos das coletividades.
Tingkat Kemandirian Pasien Dengan Gangguan Mobilitas Fisik Dengan Berbagai Macam Penyakit
Authors: Lisdiana Renna , Rofi'i Muhamad
Published: July 2024

In Indonesia, 22.5 million people experience disabilities with the highest incidence occurring in those aged 60 years and over (elderly). Meanwhile, the most common impairment or limitation of function experienced by persons with disabilities in Indonesia is impaired walking (immobility). This mobility impairment can affect a person's independence in fulfilling their daily activities.This study aims to determine the level of independence of activity of daily living (ADL) in patients who experience impaired physical mobility. This research is quantitative research with a descriptive survey design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 102 patients who experienced impaired physical mobility aged ≥ 60 years and domiciled in the Sukra Health Center work area. Measurement of ADL independence using the Katz Index questionnaire, which has been back translated and tested for construct validity with a calculated r value of 0.580-0.740 > r table 0.361 which means it is valid. Data were analyzed univariately and cross-tabulated. The results showed that the majority of patients with impaired physical mobility experienced total dependence in performing ADL (23.5%). Total dependence was more experienced by patients aged > 90 years (24.7%), female (26.1%), suffered a stroke (42.6%), lived with family (27.1%), usually assisted by other people (nurses/neighbors/helpers) (50%), and had been hospitalized less than 1 year ago (35%). Patients with impaired physical mobility are expected to be able to fulfill all activities daily living either independently or with the help of others.
Influence of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles on growth and total phenolic content accumulation of Anoectochilus roxburghii cultured in vitro
Authors: Trinh Huong Thi , Hoang Dang Hai , Tran Tuan Trong
Published: July 2024

The application of metal nanoparticles in agriculture and related fields, especially in plant cell tissue culture has increased interest in recent years due to its potential benefits. This study used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) to evaluate their effect on the growth and total phenolic content (TPC) of Anoectochilus roxburghii. The results showed that Fe3O4 NPs were the most positively influenced metal nanoparticles in increasing biomass and TPC of A. roxburghii among metal nanoparticles tested. After 8 weeks of culture, the dry weight (DW) and TPC of the plants cultured on the medium containing 5 ppm Fe3O4NPs were 39.07 mg and 13.0 mg gallic acid respectively per g of dry weight (mg GAE/g DW). Meanwhile, on the medium without Fe3O4NPs, they were 30.47 mg and 6.71 mg GAE/g DW respectively. This study proposed an effective approach to improve the growth and accumulation of TPC in A. roxburghii. Moreover, it suggests the potential application of metal nanoparticles in plant tissue culture and the production of bioactive compounds.
Jože Papež (ur.): Panovec. Mestna občina Nova Gorica, Zavod za gozdove Slovenije, Območna enota Tolmin. 199 str.
Authors: Jogan Nejc
Published: July 2024

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IMPACT OF POLITICAL CULTURE ON THE POLICY-MAKING PROCESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TÜRKIYE
Authors: Aydilek Emre
Published: July 2024

Questioning the codes, sociological tendencies, fields of social conflict/ harmony of a country’s political culture is essential in identifying the problems of that country’s political, social, and human life. All these parameters, such as determining values, symbols, and tendencies in political culture, directly or indirectly affect the policy-making process of countries. This study focuses on the effects of political culture on policy making in the United Kingdom (UK) and Türkiye, trying to understand the differences and similarities in this area and includes extensive comparative analysis. The main problem of this research is whether phenomena can be transferred from the UK to Türkiye in terms of political culture to solve political and social issues in Türkiye. The hypothesis derived from this research question is that Türkiye’s political culture and institutions have been politicized as a historical tradition, especially in recent years. In this context, the study aims to contribute to an under-researched area of comparative political science and literature by providing insights into the political dynamics of Türkiye and the UK. The study’s methodology and explanations of the literature on political culture, integrated with analyses of selected cases, provide a framework for understanding and comparing Türkiye’s political culture with that of the UK. These efforts can be seen as an insufficient but essential step towards solving the problems of Türkiye’s political culture.
Formation of Cultural Heritage Through the Interaction Between Chinese and Arab Cultures from a Post-colonial Perspective: Taking Ma Jian as an Example
Authors: Farghani Mohsin
Published: July 2024

Ma Jian brought a major transformation that had not been experienced in the early period of Chinese-Arab relations, which not only benefited from his study in Egypt, but also originated from the wave of cultural revival in Egypt and other Arab countries in the “post-colonialism” era. Ma Jian was fruitful in his life. Two of his most prominent achievements are: first, he completed the translation of the Chinese version of the Koran. With traditional Chinese thoughts (Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism) as the root and classical Islamic thoughts as the guide, Ma Jian translated the Koran by integrating the identity characteristics of the Chinese nation with the spirit of Islam; second, he introduced Arabic into Chinese university education and compiled the first Arabic-Chinese dictionary. By establishing the Chinese-Arab cultural exchange base, Ma Jian effectively promoted the integration of the Chinese and Arab nations and multicultural exchanges and mutual learning and got rid of the “English hegemony”. At the same time, Ma Jian translated many ancient Chinese books into Arabic, which also laid the foundation for the establishment of “Sinology” in the Arab region.
“Alexandria Trilogy”: A Mirror of Variations in Group Relations in Egypt’s Modern Society
Authors: You Mei
Published: July 2024

Egyptian writer Ibrahim Abdel Meguid’s best-known works form the “Alexandria Trilogy”: No One Sleeps in Alexandria (1996), Birds of Amber (2000), and Clouds Over Alexandria (2011). The Trilogy is set in three important historical periods: the Second World War, the Suez Crisis in 1956, and the 1970s. It focuses on describing the rise and fall of Alexandria, an ancient and modern city, from its heyday to its decline, from diversity to extremes, thus reflecting the writer’s deep concern about the Islamic radical thoughts flooding the city. The city of Alexandria is the main place and clue that runs through the three novels from beginning to end. The writer compares the landscape of the same city in different periods in the Trilogy, giving the space the ability to speak for itself, and it fluctuates in the whirlpool of the times. Whether it is telling the fate of characters, recording the history of the city, or describing spatial changes, the core idea conveyed by the Trilogy is that the city has gradually evolved from an open and prosperous modern international city in the past into a depressing place of gloom, and its contemporary history holds a mirror up to the changing nature of ethnic relations in Egypt.
EFLM Task Force Preparation of Labs for Emergencies (TF-PLE) recommendations for reinforcing cyber-security and managing cyber-attacks in medical laboratories
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Akhvlediani Salome , Cadamuro Janne , Danese Elisa , García de Guadiana Romualdo Luis , Delacour Herve , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Favresse Julien , Henry Brandon M. , Jovicic Snezana , Kütt Marge , Moreno y Banuls Laetitia , Ozben Tomris , Peretz Avi , Perovic Antonija , Thachil Jecko , Yucel Dogan , Plebani Mario
Published: July 2024

The healthcare systems are a prime target for cyber-attacks due to the sensitive nature of the information combined with the essential need for continuity of care. Medical laboratories are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks for a number of reasons, including the high level of information technology (IT), computerization and digitization. Based on reliable and widespread evidence that medical laboratories may be inadequately prepared for cyber-terrorism, a panel of experts of the Task Force Preparation of Labs for Emergencies (TF-PLE) of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has recognized the need to provide some general guidance that could help medical laboratories to be less vulnerable and better prepared for the dramatic circumstance of a disruptive cyber-attack, issuing a number of consensus recommendations, which are summarized and described in this opinion paper.
On relating quasi-static load threshold K1scc to K1c
Authors: Vasudevan Asuri K. , Kujawski Daniel , Latanision Ronald M.
Published: July 2024

It is common to observe that monotonic K1c (lab air) and K1scc (NaCl solution) decrease with increasing YS of an alloy. K1c is measured in lab air and K1scc in an aqueous solution such as NaCl. It is noted that K1c is not considered as a subcritical parameter while K1scc is. Interestingly, for a given alloy, both these parameters seem to be inter-related. That is, K1scc is linearly related to K1c, such that K1scc increases with increasing K1c. This may indicate that plasticity is affecting the K1scc behavior. This article looks into the conditions that affect K1scc for steels, Al-alloys, and Ti-alloys. This linear variation of K1scc with K1c seems to be independent of alloy YS, E, microstructure, and work hardening rate. This observation seems similar in all three systems of alloys. How these parameters are interrelated is analyzed and discussed in detail.
The impact of loading rate on chloride induced stress corrosion cracking of 304L stainless steel
Authors: Blust Sarah M. , Burns James T.
Published: July 2024

The influence of applied loading rate (dK/dt) on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior in annealed 304L stainless steel immersed in 4.7 M MgCl2 solution was assessed at varying temperatures from 23 °C to 70 °C. Measured crack growth rates obtained under rising K loading (dK/dt > 0) are compared to those obtained during static K testing. A rising K-based loading protocol was found to yield more conservative crack growth rates across all temperatures, with the variation in crack growth rates (and therefore the dependence in loading rate) decreasing with increasing environmental severity.
Neutrosophic Inventory Management: A Cost-Effective Approach
Authors: Dubey Ankit , Kumar Ranjan
Published: July 2024

Classical inventory models (IM) serve as quantitative tools for determining the optimal order quantities, timing of orders, and safety stock levels for specific inventory items or item groups. Zadeh (1965. Fuzzy sets. Information and Control, 8, 338–353) introduced fuzzy theory and Dubois and Parade (1988. Fuzzy logic in expert systems: The role of uncertainty management. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 28, 3–17) presented the study of fuzzy inventory model, which, however, exhibits limitations in effectively handling uncertainty, inaccuracies, and imprecise data. In 1999, Smarandache presented the idea of neutrosophic set theory to handle uncertainty. Using trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers, this study extends the idea of neutrosophic sets to inventory management, concentrating on resolving the uncertainty associated with holding costs, ordering costs, and shortage costs. First time within the literature of the neutrosophic set, our new method not only addresses existing problems but can also tackle other issues that no other authors have successfully resolved so far. Additionally, we conduct a comparative analysis of our proposed model against existing models in this article. Based on this comparative study, our findings assert the superior performance of our proposed model in relation to some of the existing models. In conclusion, we wrap up our research by presenting graphical, logical, and tabular comparisons with the existing methods.
Figures of discourse in prose fiction
Authors: Toker Leona
Published: July 2024

The essay demonstrates the relationship between specific figures of discourse dominant in particular novels and the thematic concerns or plot patterns of each individual novel. The figures discussed are (1) enthymeme, prominent in Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy and important also in Joyce’s Ulysses; (2) hypallage, part of the rhetoric of Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities, reflecting its plot pattern and its cluster of concerns; and (3) blazon, which helps to convey the implied author’s critique of the attitudes of the first-person narrator of Lolita.
Sensorless control method of induction motors with new feedback gain matrix and speed adaptive law for low speed range
Authors: Guo Leilei , Wang Shuai , Li Yanyan , Jin Xueyan , Chu Zhiyue
Published: July 2024

The conventional adaptive full-order observer-based speed sensorless control method for induction motor is prone to instability at low-speed region as improper feedback gain matrix and imprecise speed adaptive law are often used. To address these problems, a new feedback gain matrix design approach as well as a new speed adaptive law design technique are proposed in this paper. Firstly, considering that the d-axis current estimation error in the traditional feedback gain matrix design method has a great influence on the stability of the speed estimation algorithm, especially at low speeds, a new feedback gain matrix design method is proposed to minimize thed-axis current estimation error. Secondly, a new speed adaptive law design technique is studied based on the conventional method, which only requires thed-axis andq-axis current estimation error with a weight coefficient to be designed, simplifying the conventional speed adaptive law. Thirdly, the transfer function from the speed observation error to the proposed adaptive error is analyzed by Routh stability criterion theory, and the weight coefficient suitable for full range stable operation is determined by MATLAB software. Fourthly, the stability of the proposed method in this paper is analyzed using the poles distribution maps. Finally, the proposed method is experimentally verified based on a 2.2 kW induction motor experimental platform. The experimental results show that the proposed method can make the induction motor operate steadily at low-speed and zero-speed region with rated load. In addition, the proposed method has better anti-disturbance performance than the existing method.
On the grammaticalization of ġādi in Moroccan Arabic: new insights
Authors: Bozza Cristiana
Published: July 2024

This study deals with the grammaticalization of ġādi – i.e., the active participle form of a movement verb meaning ‘to go/leave/depart in the morning’ – in Moroccan Arabic, of which the relevant literature has evidenced its uses as a future marker, describing this case as an instance of the common path ‘go (to)’ > future. In the light of fresh data, we first review the already documented uses of ġādi as a future marker, and, secondly, present an original preliminary study of its emerging modal values. Finally, by analyzing the correlation between the future values and the modal values of ġādi, we focus on some issues related to its grammaticalization, including the importance of taking into account certain semantic features of the source lexeme so far underestimated, and of considering the co(n)text within which the whole grammaticalization takes place. Ultimately, we argue that a secondary grammaticalization towards epistemic modality is in progress.
Mind-body practices for people living with dementia and their family carers: a systematic review
Authors: van der Ploeg Eva S. , Bitane Rutger M. , Schoones Jan W. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Smaling Hanneke J.A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

People with dementia and their family carers may benefit from non-pharmacological interventions, including mind-body (MB-) practices, which can improve physical and mental health by inducing relaxation. This systematic review provides an overview of availability and effects of MB-practices.

Content

The authors performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Academic Search Premier on February 1, 2024. Research papers on MB-practices for people with dementia and/or their family carers in English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French and Dutch were included if a full text was available. Selection of included articles, data extraction and methodological quality assessments were conducted by two researchers.

Of the 130 included studies, 100 (77 %) were of high quality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and touch interventions for people with dementia, and meditations for family carers resulted in improvements in respectively cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and mental health. Lack of evidence for other MB-practices is related to small numbers of studies, fragmented use of outcome measures and mixed findings.

Outlook

MB-practices showed promising results. We recommend implementation and further research of TCM- and touch interventions for people with dementia as well as meditations for family carers. We suggest a cross-over of the promising results of one group to be studied in the other group.
Detecting outliers in case-control cohorts for improving deep learning networks on Schizophrenia prediction
Authors: Martins Daniel , Abbasi Maryam , Egas Conceição , Arrais Joel P.
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the intricate genetic and clinical aspects of Schizophrenia, a complex mental disorder with uncertain etiology. Deep Learning (DL) holds promise for analyzing large genomic datasets to uncover new risk factors. However, based on reports of non-negligible misdiagnosis rates for SCZ, case-control cohorts may contain outlying genetic profiles, hindering compelling performances of classification models. The research employed a case-control dataset sourced from the Swedish populace. A gene-annotation-based DL architecture was developed and employed in two stages. First, the model was trained on the entire dataset to highlight differences between cases and controls. Then, samples likely to be misclassified were excluded, and the model was retrained on the refined dataset for performance evaluation. The results indicate that SCZ prevalence and misdiagnosis rates can affect case-control cohorts, potentially compromising future studies reliant on such datasets. However, by detecting and filtering outliers, the study demonstrates the feasibility of adapting DL methodologies to large-scale biological problems, producing results more aligned with existing heritability estimates for SCZ. This approach not only advances the comprehension of the genetic background of SCZ but also opens doors for adapting DL techniques in complex research for precision medicine in mental health.