bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Saudi Paramedics’ Experiences in Managing Adult Trauma Cases: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Almuwallad Ateeq , Harthi Naif , Albargi Hussain , Siddig Bahja , Alharbi Rayan Jafnan
Published: November 2024

Background
Saudi paramedics face numerous challenges while providing care for adult trauma patients affecting their care but little is known about these specific challenges.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using a purposive sample of Saudi paramedics from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) across various cities. Data were collected through online semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the framework method.
Results
A total of 20 paramedics were recruited and interviewed. They identified challenges in trauma response, including coordinating care, ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of patient information, and maintaining confidence and readiness. Participants emphasized the need for independent knowledge acquisition through courses, simulations, and peer discussions. They also highlighted the need for more paramedics, strategies to reduce burnout, and the importance of accurately assessing patient conditions. Additionally, They also stressed the importance of raising public awareness to enhance trauma care.
Conclusion
This study explored Saudi paramedics' experiences in managing adult trauma patients. Key needs include more staff, standardized handovers, and greater public awareness. Addressing these challenges through increased staffing, improved coordination during handovers, and raising public awareness is crucial for improving trauma care outcomes
A Novel Design for High-Rate DCSK System with Joint Three-dimensional Index Modulation
Authors: zhuo junming , duan chao
Published: November 2024

A novel differential chaos shift keying scheme withjoint three-dimensional indexed modulation, called JTIM-DCSK system, is proposed in this paper. Through the use of a Hilbert converter, the proposed JTIM-DCSK system utilizes the unselected time slots and subcarriers for the transmission of information bits, maximizing the usage of all available resources. Additionally, code-index modulation is applied to the reference chaotic signal, significantly improving the overall transmission efficiency of the wireless communication system. To further enhance the bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed JTIM-DCSK system, a classical noise reduction algorithm is incorporated at the receiver. We analyze the data rate, complexity and BER performance of the proposed system in comparison with other advanced counterparts, which shows that the proposed scheme has obvious advantages. For low-power, short-range wireless communication, the proposed JTIM-DCSK scheme shows great potential.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction Following Renal Transplantation
Authors: Miron Adelina , Nistor Ionuț , Moroșanu Corneliu , Sirițeanu Lucian , Pricop Catalin , Puia Dragos , Covic Adrian
Published: November 2024

Background
Sexual dysfunction is common among dialysis and transplant patients. Our study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) post-transplant in a single center.
Methods
We conducted a single-centre, observational, non-interventional study of adult male renal graft recipients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and erectile function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.
Results
179 patients transplanted between 1995–2021 were enrolled (170 answered the questionnaire). Mild, moderate, and severe ED was noted in 33.5%, 20.6% and 10.6% of cases, respectively. ED prevalence increased with age (42.6% of patients < 40, 47.4% of patients aged 40–60, 78.9% of patients > 60). The total mean IIEF score was 16.32 ± 6.93 (erectile function 19.22 ± 7.9, orgasmic function 6.8 ± 2.9, sexual desire 6.43 ± 2.1, intercourse satisfaction 8.96 ± 3.7, overall satisfaction 6.78 ± 2.6). Age, alcohol consumption, type, time on dialysis pre-transplant, and donor type were significantly associated with erectile dysfunction (p < 0.05). Most patients (93.5%) were treated for comorbidities in addition to immunosuppression. Severe ED was significantly more common among patients taking alpha blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Conclusions
Self-reported erectile dysfunction post renal transplantation seems influenced by age, alcohol intake, dialysis history, donor type and certain drugs, but not by comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease).
Optimizing Homologous Alcohol Oxidation: Elucidating the Impact of Surfactant-Alcohol Hydrophobic Interaction and Micellar Surface Charge
Authors: Layek Mousumi , Kundu Sandip , Karmakar Priya , Rahaman Sk Mehebub , Mandal Trishna , Patra Arnab , Nandy Arindam , Chakravarty Manab , Sar Pintu , Saha Bidyut
Published: November 2024

Micelles, a unique structural arrangement, function as nano-dimensional vessels in organic reactions, facilitating numerous catalytic transformations in water. This comprehensive study aims to explore the potential impact of two anionic surfactants having dissimilar alkyl chain lengths and the hydrophobicity of the aliphatic alcohols as well on the overall kinetic profile of the oxidation study. In this extensive investigation, we employed two analogous anionic surfactants: sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS or SC12S) and sodium tetradecylsulphate (STS or SC14S), which offer the metal-directed oxidative transformations of aliphatic alcohols (propanol and pentanol). The efficacious encapsulation of the alcohol molecules into the micellar nanoreactor as well as the surfactant-alcohol hydrophobic interactions influence the rate of the oxidation processes. Herein, the effectiveness of micellar catalysis is greatly influenced by the surface charge of the micelle produced by the SDS and STS. The SDS (SC12S) micellar medium significantly encourages the reaction rate compared to STS (SC14S) micellar media. In the case of aliphatic alcohols with varying hydrophobicity, the same kind of rate is observed as with surfactants. The reaction pace improves as the substrate and surfactant hydrophobicity reduces. The kinetic observations are elucidated with conductometry, fluorometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, DLS, FESEM, TEM, and Zeta potential analysis. The Piszkiewicz’s kinetic model has also been applied to enlighten the linear rate acceleration in both micellar media.
Creation and Approval of Affordable, Straight Forward Colorimetric Techniques for the Measurement of Norfloxacin in Bulk, Pharmaceutical formulations, and Biological Samples
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naeem , Adnan Muhammad , Bibi Nusrat , Hafsa Hafsa , Salman Syed Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Two straightforward, quick, precise, and affordable spectrophotometric methods have developed for the measurement of pharmaceutical formulations, biological samples, and pure norfloxacin. Norfloxacin is oxidized in an acidic medium with the help of Fe (III) is the basis of the first method (A). With a correlation coefficient of 0.987, the red color complex that is produced when the resultant Fe (II) combines with 1, 10-phenanthroline is measured at 511 nm. Its absorbance is linear with concentration between 1 and 30 µg mL-1. Second method (B) involves adding Ce (IV) to norfloxacin in an acidic medium. Next, a reaction with a predetermined quantity of methyl orange is used to calculate the residual Ce (IV). Absorbance is measured at 508nm, and it has a correlation coefficient of 0.9995, demonstrating a linear relation between concentration and absorbance over the 1–10 µg mL–1 range. The various factors influencing the reaction pathway were carefully examined and included in the protocols. After calculations, the limits of quantification and detection has determined to be (0.261 and 0.87 µg mL-1) and (0.576 and 1.92 µg mL-1) for method A and B respectively. Proposed techniques have successfully used for measurement of pure norfloxacin, pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids after being statistically validated through recoveries studies.
Comparative Evaluation of Calretinin Immunohistochemical Expression in Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst and Ameloblastoma
Authors: Mahdizadeh Maryam , Mahdavi Nazanin , Bijani Ali , Bijani Fatima
Published: November 2024

Background
Calretinin is a 29 kilodalton (KDa) calcium-binding protein that is expressed in normal and tumoral tissues. The expression of calretinin has been shown in the dental epithelium during odontogenesis and in different odontogenic cysts and tumors such as ameloblastoma. Since the epithelium of calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is similar to ameloblastoma and in both lesions, an arrangement of loose cells similar to stellate reticulum is seen, we aimed to investigate the comparative expression of calretinin in COC and ameloblastoma.
Methods
In this observational-analytical study, 11 paraffin blocks of each lesion were examined. The immunohistochemical expression of calretinin and its severity and distribution were evaluated. Data were evaluated using SPSS version 26 and P < 0.05 was considered the level of significance.
Results
Out of 11 ameloblastoma samples, calretinin staining was positive in 6 samples in the stellate reticulum-like cells and also in the lining of microcysts and macrocysts in some cases. Ameloblasts did not show staining. In COC samples, epithelial cells were not stained, but in 8 samples, staining was seen in the area of ghost cells. There was no significant difference in staining between ameloblastoma and COC (P = 0.33), but the difference in staining in the stellate reticulum of ameloblastoma and COC was significant. (P = 0.012).
Conclusions
it is concluded that calretinin does not play a role in the pathogenesis and histogenesis of COC epithelium, but since ghost cells are caused by a degenerative process, the possibility of involving calretinin as an apoptotic factor in the formation of these cells is supported.
Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Associated With Microvascular Obstruction in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Du Xinjia , Liu Jiahua , Zhou Jingfang , Ren Yanfei , Gul Nauman , Chen Lei , Lu Yuan
Published: November 2024

Background
Microvascular obstruction (MVO) develops in approximately 50% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). MVO is strongly linked to inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and adverse clinical outcomes. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) serves as a biomarker for inflammation and myocardial fibrosis. Yet, the correlation between sST2 and MVO in STEMI patients has not been fully elucidated. This study attempts to evaluate the association between sST2 levels and MVO in STEMI patients following pPCI.
Methods
In this retrospective study, 315 STEMI patients who underwent pPCI at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between June 2018 and August 2023 were included. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was used to assess the characteristics of myocardial infarction and microvascular obstruction (MVO), while sST2 levels were measured upon admission.
Results
The median time for completion of CMR after hospitalization was 5 (4, 6) days. Multivariate regression analysis showed that sST2 (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, p < 0.001), peak high-sensitivity troponin T (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.37–2.91, p < 0.001), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, p < 0.001) were independently associated with MVO. Integration of sST2 could significantly improve the discrimination and reclassification accuracy for MVO after STEMI (NRI 0.649, 95% CI 0.451–0.846, p < 0.001; IDI 0.071, 95% CI 0.043–0.099, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
sST2 is associated with MVO after pPCI in STEMI patients. Incorporating soluble ST2 (sST2) into the risk model for MVO leads to significant improvement.
Benchmarking Outlier Detection Algorithms in Healthcare: An Analysis Across Diverse Medical Datasets
Authors: Rustamov Jaloliddin , Rustamov Zahiriddin , Badawi Nadia , Damseh Rafat , Jasmi Fatma Al , Zaki Nazar
Published: November 2024

Outlier detection plays a vital role in data analysis by identifying data points that differ from the expected patterns. In healthcare, this is especially important, as spotting these anomalies can help detect unusual patient conditions, errors in data, or even early signs of fraud. However, even though this is crucial, little research has compared how well different outlier detection methods work in healthcare. This study aims to fill that gap by testing 37 different outlier detection algorithms on 28 healthcare datasets, covering everything from common conditions like diabetes to rare diseases like thyroid disorders. We measured their performance using metrics like ROC-AUC, Average Precision, and F1 Score, along with practical considerations like training time, prediction speed, and memory usage. Our results show that no single model works best across all scenarios. However, methods like HBOS, COPOD, and IForest achieved average ROC-AUC scores of 0.85, 0.83, and 0.82, respectively, performing well in various situations. More complex models like AnoGAN and DeepSVDD achieved ROC-AUC scores up to 0.90 on specific datasets, particularly excelling in datasets with higher dimensionality. This variety highlights the need to choose outlier detection methods based on the specific healthcare context, balancing accuracy and efficiency to meet different clinical and practical needs.This paper provides a solid foundation for future research and development of outlier detection systems in healthcare.
18-Crown-6 Complex Cation Ionic Liquid as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one under solvent free condition
Authors: Mokal Ramesh , Shirole Gopinath , Vane Vilas , Jadhavar Suresh
Published: November 2024

An efficient method has been developed for the Biginelli synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one analogues by three component reaction of aryl aldehyde, aceto acetic ester and urea/thiourea under the influence of catalytic amount of Crown Ether Complex Cation Ionic Liquid (CECIL) [18-C-6K]2[CO3] under solvent free reaction. This crucial Biginelli transformation in combination with [18-C-6K]2[CO3] catalytic material are offered many advantages for the world of synthetic organic chemistry such as ecofriendly approach, simple thermal condition, easy workup procedure, without use of toxic organic solvents, short reaction time and good yield of the products.
Comparison of Intermittent and Intradermal Suture in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Huang Changzhi , Zhang Shimin , Wang Xiaoyong , Xu Nanyi , Lin Jiuzao
Published: November 2024

Intermittent suturing and intradermal suturing are commonly used in total knee arthroplasty. The use of an intradermal suture has gained popularity because of its aesthetic incision and small scar characteristics. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the differences between these two treatments.We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis from 2020–2022 from a department database. Patients were categorized into the traditional and modified groups basis of the different methods used to suture the skin.The clinical indicators were observed and compared. Compared with those of the traditional group, the incision suture time, number of suture reactions, postoperative hospitalization time, PSAS, and OSAS of the modified group were lower. The VAS scores of the modified group were lower than those of the traditional group at 3, 5, and 7 days postoperative; the HWES scores at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperative; and the satisfaction scores of the incision aesthetics were significantly greater than those of the traditional group(P < 0.05). The number of incision dressing changes, the number of poor incision alignment cases, the number of incision exudation cases, and the number of non-grade A healing cases in the modified group were slightly lower than those in the traditional group, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The flexion angle, extension angle, and flexion-extension angle of the knee joints in the two groups at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperative were significantly greater than those at baseline (P < 0.05), but the differences were not statistically significant(P > 0.05). Compared with the traditional suture method, the modified intradermal suture method can shorten the incision suture time and postoperative hospitalization time of TKA patients, reduce suture reactions, alleviate postoperative incision pain, improve the degree of incision scarring and increase patient satisfaction with incision aesthetics.
Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy as a Major Clinical Manifestation of Adenosine Deaminase-2 Deficiency
Authors: Ariello Leonardo Eleuterio , Andrade Thais Souza , Fernandes Rodrigo D. , Cunha Leonardo P. , Monteiro Mário L. R.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND Adenosine deaminase-2 (ADA2) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive autoinflammatory syndrome, typically presenting in young patients with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. These phenotypes may include primary immune deficiencies, livedo reticularis, and various hematological abnormalities. Visual loss associated with ADA2 deficiency is uncommon and, when it does occur, is often linked to major vascular involvement, such as occlusion of the ophthalmic arteries.CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman with a presumptive diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency and livedo reticularis presented with sudden onset severe visual loss in the left eye due to paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) followed a few weeks later by a lacunar stroke. An extensive laboratory investigation including genetic testing led to the diagnosis of ADA2 deficiency, a rare autoinflammatory syndrome. Treatment regimen was switched to anti-TNF-α inhibitors, leading to disease remission with no further vascular events over a two-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION This case serves to emphasize the importance of considering ADA2 deficiency in patients with PAMM, particularly when it occurs in young patients with a history of strokes and/or immunological abnormalities.
Native Australian seedlings exhibit novel strategies to acclimate to repeated heatwave events
Authors: Alvarez Philippa , Harris Rosalie J , Cook Alicia M , Briceño Verónica F , Nicotra Adrienne B , Leigh Andrea
Published: November 2024

1. Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent. Plant photosystem thermal thresholds can vary with species, but also shift in response to environmental triggers. Both upper and lower thresholds can acclimate to repeated heatwaves through ecological stress memory, where prior exposure primes them for subsequent events. The extent to which acclimation to repeated heat stress events varies among environmental origin and/or species is unknown. Different acclimation strategies might reflect biome of origin, or may be species-specific. 2. For 12 species from two contrasting biomes – extreme desert and benign coastal temperate – we investigated responses to two simulated heatwaves, via shifts in upper and lower critical temperatures of photosystem II, and the difference between these thresholds, thermal tolerance breadth (TTB). 3. Biome of origin had no effect on thermal tolerance. Observed differences among species following heat events suggested two possible acclimatory strategies. In some cases, species increased thermal thresholds during the first heatwave, but at the cost of reduced thermal tolerance during the second heatwave, a sprinter strategy. Other species acclimated to the first heatwave and further increased thermal tolerance to a second heatwave, indicative of ecological stress memory, a marathoner strategy. 4. Synthesis: These among-species responses to heatwaves could suggest distinct vulnerabilities and resilience to repeat heat stress events, with some species having limited capacity to tolerate consecutive heatwaves, possibly as the cost of acclimation is too great, with other species having the advantage of increased tolerance via stress memory, helping them survive future stress, at least in the short-term.
Irreversible transesterification reactions in aqueous media
Authors: Hollmann Frank , Wu Bin , Ma Yunjian , Feng Chenhao , Domestici Chiara , Wang Yutong , Hilberath Thomas , Hanefeld Ulf , Pidko Evgeny , Wang Yonghua
Published: November 2024

Transesterification reactions are fundamental transformations in organic chemistry. However, performing these reactions in aqueous media is challenging due to the competing hydrolysis reaction. Kinetic control and the use of activated acyl donors offer potential solutions, but they are difficult to implement. In this study, we present a mutant of alcohol oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcAOx-VPN) that exhibits no hydrolytic activity. Its hydrophobic active site efficiently excludes water, enabling irreversible transesterification reactions in water—previously considered impossible—thereby opening novel opportunities for chemical synthesis. Remarkably, PcAOx-VPN, as a flavin-containing enzyme, catalyzes transesterification, a promiscuous activity not previously known in this enzyme class, expanding the functional repertoire of these versatile enzymes.
Design and development of Ms Radiance: a culturally sensitive, tailor made bilingual educational initiative utilizing Instagram® for transgender women in Malaysia
Authors: Telang Lahari , Daud Hezreen Shaik , Hanif Zariq Rosita , Nizam Betty , Cotter Aoife G. , Rashid Abdul
Published: November 2024

Background: Transgender women in Malaysia are marginalized and face barriers in accessing health care. Low oral health care utilization along with gaps in knowledge and perceived low risk of transmission of STIs through oral sexual practices have been identified through formative research. Tailored educational interventions focusing on the needs of transgender women in Malaysia are crucial for addressing these gaps.
Methods: Employment of the ADDIE (analyse, design, develop, implement and evaluate) instructional framework and participant involvement and engagement (PPIE) of the transgender community in the design and development of a social media based educational intervention, Ms Radiance is described. Pilot implementation of the intervention on Instagram® for a 3-week period was evaluated with an online pre-test/post-test study of a single group of transgender women (n=30) participants along with assessment of feasibility and accessibility.
Results: Areas of concern identified through formative research were used to derive research objectives of the intervention and mapped to the educational content. PPIE was vital in ensuring that the educational content was delivered as artistic posts, stories and reels that were bilingual, peer-reviewed and culturally competent. Ms Radiance was feasible (100% retention, 93% post-intervention completion rate) and acceptable (positive post-intervention feedback and 79% indicated recommending the intervention to others).
Conclusion. A first of its kind intervention for transgender women in Malaysia was designed and developed with PPIE and pilot tested. The feedback from the pilot will help in improving the intervention for a scaled-up version of the study.
Outstanding formaldehyde abatement performance and preferable resistance to SO 2 and H 2 O over CrO x -CeO x facilitated hierarchical porous biochars catalysts
Authors: Jiang Yun , Feng Xiaoxin , Gao Lei , Dai Jiangyong , Xie Dong , Li Caiting , Peng Weizhi , Huang Zhixiu , Xiong Huiyu , Quan Yukai , Sun Cheng
Published: November 2024

A suite of CrCe oxides facilitated hierarchical porous biochars from walnut husks and rice straws (XCryCe1-y/WSAC) were readily synthesized for formaldehyde (HCHO) abatement. BET, XRD, XPS, SEM, H2-TPR, TG-DTG, and in situ DRIFTS were adopted to disclose their physicochemical properties and the elimination mechanism of HCHO. 18%Cr0.5Ce0.5/WSAC exhibited splendid HCHO abatement efficiency (99.2%) at 280°C. The effects of O2, SO2, H2O for HCHO abatement over 18%Cr0.5Ce0.5/WSAC were trialed, and the strangulation influences of SO2 counteracted the furtherance effect of O2 to some extent, which was relieved by the facilitation of H2O. CrOx-CeOx co-facilitated WSAC presented better performance than Cr or Ce oxide separately facilitated WSACs, which was associated with the redox cycle of Cr6++Ce3+↔Cr3++Ce4+, resulting in higher redox capability, better dispersion of active ingredient, more oxygen vacancies and superior active oxygen mobility. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous support accelerated the diffusion and mass transfer of reactants and intermediates. Noteworthily, the effects of CrOx-CeOx and the hierarchical porous structure of the support on the tolerance to SO2 and H2O were deeply and systematically investigated. Ultimately, 18%Cr0.5Ce0.5/WSAC emerged desirable prospects in practical applications thanks to splendid catalytic performance and satisfactory resistance to SO2 and H2O.
The effect of bone mineral density on femoral stem subsidence in primary cementless total hip arthroplasty: A prospective study
Authors: Kalyenci Ahmet Sinan , Doğan Ibrahim , Tekin Saltuk Bugra , Ozmen Zana , Senel Ahmet , Ozturkmen Yusuf
Published: November 2024

Background: The success of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patiens with primary osteoarthritis (OA) of hip is significantly inflenced by stem osteointegration, migration and placement. Additionally, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur and the femoral morphology play important roles in these outcomes. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the effect of BMD on subsidence who underwent primary cementless THA for primary OA of hip.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study on 70 hip (65 patients) diagnosed with primary OA of hip who underwent primary cementless THA. Patients were grouped according to preoperative BMD and proximal femur anatomy based on Dorr classificaiton. Harris hip score (HHS) and radiological subsidence values ​​were used for postoperative clinical evaluation.
Results: The mean follow-up was 24.6 ± 5.8 months. Of the 70 hips, 22 (31.43%) were Dorr type A, 44 (62.86%) type B, and 4 (5.71%) type C. According to total femur T scores, 43 patients (61.43%) had normal BMD, while 27 patients (38.57%) were identified as osteopenic or osteoporotic. The mean axial migration at last follow-up was 1.04 ± 0.69 mm. No significant influence on migration was found regarding total femur T score levels and femoral morphologies.
Conclusions: In our study, we investigated the early results of cementless THA in patients with low BMD and advanced age group. We evaluated the clinical and radiological results in groups with different bone density and femoral morphology. In our results, evaluated in light of similar studies, we found that HHS, subsidence values and Engh scores were comparable between patients with normal and low BMD, with no statistically significant differences observed.
Material Classification System using Inductive Tactile Sensors and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jiang Yuning
Published: November 2024

This study presents an innovative material classification system designed using an inductive tactile sensor and machine learning algorithms. A simple-structured sensor based on the principle of electromagnetic induction was developed to capture varying inductance signals induced by different materials with distinct magnetic properties, facilitating material detection and distinction. A dataset comprising 10 types of materials was evaluated with the sensor, and three machine learning algorithms, namely the support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, and naïve bayes models, were trained using the output data. Subsequent performance evaluation employed several metrics, including mean accuracy, precision, recall, and others, and revealed that the naïve bayes model exhibited superior performance in prediction. Finally, an enhanced aggregated classification model was developed, where the soft voting ensemble learning technique was employed with the individual classifiers mentioned above as base models. The study underscores the system’s feasibility for potential implementation in high-performance manufacturing and intelligent automation, such as the motorsports and automotive sector, which could facilitate the development of an Industry 4.0 environment. Furthermore, the study also suggests routes for future work that could bolster performance of this system and emphasizes on the necessity for practical implementations to link the system with real-world applications.
Reducing game form recognition error in Becker DeGroot Marshak One-Shot Experiments
Authors: Bou-Ysàs Sílvia , Montañola-Sales Cristina , Teixidó-Navarro Francesc , Duran-Pinochet Ignacio
Published: November 2024

This study investigates strategies to enhance game form recognition within economic experiments, particularly focusing on the Becker DeGroot Marshak (BDM) method. The BDM method aims to elicit individuals’ subjective valuations of objects, yet challenges arise in participants’ comprehension and optimal decision-making. Drawing on cognitive load theory, this research proposes integrating output tables to facilitate participants’ understanding and decision-making in BDM experiments. A randomized controlled experiment was conducted with 129 participants from diverse academic backgrounds. Results reveal that participants exposed to output tables exhibited improved game form recognition and higher rates of optimal bidding. Gender and specialization analyses provided further insights into participant performance. These findings contribute to refining economic experimental methodologies and understanding cognitive influences on decision-making, aligning with principles of modality and divided attention in organizational behavior research.
Intercomparison of Ocean Reanalyses for Interannual Ocean Temperature Variability in the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Prigent Arthur , Richter Ingo , Storto Andrea , Farneti Riccardo , Koungue Rodrigue Anicet Imbol , Okumura Yuko , Chang Ping
Published: November 2024

Ocean reanalysis (ORA) products are widely used by the scientific community and are essential tools for monitoring and understanding tropical Atlantic inter-annual variability. However, large differences have been observed among these products in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. In that context, an ensemble of seven ORAs is examined and compared over the period ranging from January 1993 to December 2017. The analysis reveals a considerable spread (> 0.3º C) in tropical Atlantic Ocean temperature anomalies in the upper 150 m. Along the equatorial Atlantic and southwest African coast, which are regions of high interannual variability, most of the discrepancies among the ORAs are located around the depth of the thermocline. This spread is linked to the amount of in situ profiles assimilated by ORAs. The deployment of the PIRATA mooring array in early 1998 improved ORA consistency along the equatorial Atlantic, as well as down the path of equatorial Kelvin waves and subsequent coastal trapped waves. Despite a decreasing trend of -0.04º C·decade−1 of the ensemble spread averaged over the upper 150 m of the tropical Atlantic ocean, a few regions with limited in-situ observations present smaller improvements, such as in the Benguela upwelling system and around 15º W, 10º S. A comparison between ORAs and forced-ocean models indicates that ocean model biases contribute little to the total ensemble spread. Instead, it suggests that most of the spread can be attributed to discrepancies among the atmospheric fields used to force ORAs. The ensemble spread of the equatorial Atlantic zonal wind anomalies across four atmospheric reanalyses suggests that their consistency has not improved or even worsened.
Effects of perioperative treatment of resectable adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction by immunotherapy (Adebrelimab) combined with chemotherapy (XELOX): protocol for a single-center, open-labeled study (AEGIS trial, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy)
Authors: Li Yingyi , Cao Yuqin , Wang Xipeng , Li Chengqiang , Zhao Liqin , Li Hecheng
Published: November 2024

Background: For resectable adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG), current treatment exploration primarily focuses on perioperative PD-1/PD-L1 plus chemotherapy regimens, but their long-term survival benefits still need further investigation. Adebrelimab, as a novel PD-L1 antibody, has not yet been proven for its efficacy and safety in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.
Methods: The AEGIS study is a prospective, open-labeled, single-arm, phase II clinical trial. A total of 26 patients with AEG will be enrolled.The primary endpoint is the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate after perioperativeneoadjuvant immunochemotherapy. Secondary outcomes of the study include the objective response rate (ORR), R0 resection rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, and pCR rate in combined positive score(CPS) ≥5 and MSI-H populations, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). The exploratory outcomes are the biomarkers related to therapeutic efficacy, such as PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden(TMB), Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) infection, and circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA).
Discussion: This trail aims to verify the efficacy and safety of the perioperative treatment regimen of anti-PD-L1 (Adebrelimab) combined with chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin, XELOX) for patients with resectable AEG. Considering the differences in chemotherapy regimen tolerance between Asian and Western populations, this study intends to evaluate the suitability of Adebrelimab combined with XELOX chemotherapy for the Asian population.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06482788. The trial was prospectively registered on 22 May 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06482788
Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties of apatite-related zirconium, carbonate and zinc-containing calcium phosphates
Authors: Strutynska Nataliia , Dremova Lidiia D. , Livitska OksanaV. , Grynyuk Iryna I. , Vasyliuk Olga M.
Published: November 2024

Apatite-related zirconium, carbonate and zinc-containing calcium phosphates have been synthesized in aqueous solutions at different molar ratios Ca2+ : Zr4+ : Zn2+ : PO43- : CO32- = (10-2x-y/2-z) : x : y : (6-z) : z (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0; y = 0.1, 0.5, z = 0, 0.5) and heated to 600 oC during 2 hours. X-ray powder diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy data confirmed the formation of single phase modified apatite-related calcium phosphates with partial substitution of PO43- by CO32- in anionic sublattice (B-type). The calculated lattice parameters for prepared Zr4+, Zn2+- modified calcium phosphates correlate with amount of dopants in their composition. The sizes of prepared phosphates do not depend on composition of initial solution and vary in the range 30-45nm. The highest antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus strain was found for phosphate Ca9Zr0.5(PO4)6(OH)2 (at its adding to 10 mM). Modification of Zr-containing calcium phosphate with carbonate anion and Zn2+ decreased the Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival in ten times.
Cereal-based infant foods: Impact of thermal processing on starch properties and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Rodriguez Marianela D. , León Alberto E. , Bustos Mariela C.
Published: November 2024

Early-life nutrition is essential for healthy child development. Given the fact that thermal treatments modifying starch properties in cereals play a key role in improving digestibility and nutrient bioavailability, this study explored the effects of high-temperature (121 °C) and high-humidity treatment on the starch properties and digestibility of wheat, rice, and maize-based infant puree. The cereal-based purees were prepared as whole grains (TWG), whole grain flours (TWGF), or flour suspensions (TFS). Samples were analyzed for particle size, microstructure, pasting, and thermal properties. By conducting in vitro digestion mimicking, the digestive conditions of 6-12-month-old infants was performed, and starch hydrolysis was monitored. Microstructural analysis showed amyloplasts with partial or complete loss of birefringence, particularly in TFS. Thermal treatment significantly reduced peak viscosity by 41%, 56%, and 30% for TWG, TWGF, and TFS, respectively. Whereas TWG and TWGF exhibited longer peak viscosity times -suggesting enhanced mechanical and thermal stability-, TFS displayed lower thermal stability. In vitro digestion revealed a significant reduction in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) in TWG maize (0.30 g/100g vs. 4.5 g/100g in controls) and a 64% decrease in RDS in TWGF wheat. TFS increased slowly digestible starch (SDS) in maize (53%) and reduced resistant starch (RS) across all cereals. TFS also reduced phytic acid content by 30%. In conclusion, thermal treatment enhances starch digestibility and viscosity properties in a cereal-dependent manner, with potential for targeted processing to optimize infant nutrition.
Ribosomal protein mutation suppresses gonadal leader cell migration defects in mig- 17/ADAMTS mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Hon-Song , Mitsuzumi Kaito , Kondo Shohei , Yamaoka Rie , Ihara Shinji , Otsuka Hiroshi , Yoshikata Chizu , Kubota Yukihiko , Tomohiro Takumi , Fujiwara Toshinobu , Shibata Yukimasa , Takahashi Mikiko , Nishiwaki Kiyoji
Published: November 2024

The migration of gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs) in Caenorhabditis elegans serves as an excellent model for studying the migration of epithelial tubes during organogenesis. Mutations in the mig-17/ADAMTS gene cause misdirected DTC migration during gonad formation, resulting in deformed gonad arms. An amino acid substitution in RPL-20, the ortholog of mammalian RPL18a/eL20, a component of the 60S ribosomal large subunit, exhibited a slow-growth phenotype and strongly suppressed the mig-17 gonadal defects. Slow-growing mutations clk-1 and clk-2 also suppressed mig-17. Intestine-specific overexpression of mutant RPL-20 protein resulted in a slow-growth phenotype and suppressed the mig-17 gonadal defects, but these effects were much weaker when wild-type RPL-20 was overexpressed, suggesting that the mutant RPL-20 protein acquired a novel function. Analysis of ribosome profiles revealed reduced biogenesis of the 60S subunit, leading to a reduction of 80S ribosomes in the rpl-20 mutant. These results suggest that DTC migration defects in mig-17/ADAMTS mutants can be partly suppressed by growth retardation caused by rpl-20 mutation-dependent attenuation of ribosome biogenesis.
Anatomy Education in Central Europe: A Qualitative Analysis of Educators' Pedagogical Knowledge, Methods, Practices, and Challenges
Authors: Valcke Jennifer , Csík Laura Berta , Säflund Zoe , Nagy Andras , Eltayb Amani
Published: November 2024

Aims
This study seeks to understand educators’ perceptions of pedagogical knowledge and concepts/frameworks, such as constructive alignment (CA), Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), in relation to student-centred pedagogy and their anatomy teaching practices. The study also investigates perceived gaps at the institutional, departmental, and individual levels concerning anatomy teaching and the pedagogical practices that should be promoted.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed methods approach was used for this purpose. In 2022, face-to-face or online interviews were conducted with 14 anatomy educators and course organisers from Zagreb, Masaryk and Pécs Universities.
Results
We found that most educators had not received formal teacher training prior to starting anatomy teaching and were unfamiliar with such pedagogical frameworks as constructive alignment, even though they were familiar with the concept of ILOs. Thematic analysis was applied to open-ended questions and the umbrella theme that emerged was “Transforming Anatomy Teaching and Learning in the Glocal Classroom: Navigating the Intersections of Pedagogical Practice, Constructive Alignment, and Student-Centred frameworks”. Two themes and 6 subthemes were identified from the data. The study presents recommendations and a novel framework linking student-centred approaches, constructive alignment, and global educational sustainability agendas, such as SDG4.7 to enhance the quality of anatomy teaching.
A reduction-secretion system contributes to roxarsone (V) degradation and efflux in Brevundimonas sp. M20
Authors: Zonga Xuehui , Yu Minghui , Wang Jiahui , Li Congcong , Wang Bing , Wang Yongan
Published: November 2024

Roxarsone (V) (Rox(V)) is an organoarsenical compound that poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and contributes to various diseases through its conversion into mobile inorganic and more toxic arsenic. Reducing trivalent 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (HAPA(III)) offers a competitive advantage; however, it leads to localized arsenic contamination, which can disrupt the soil microbiome and impede plant growth. Three genes, BsntrA, arsC2, and BsexpA, encoding nitroreductase, arsenate reductase, and MFS transporter, were identified in a Rox(V) resistant strain Brevundimonas sp. M20. Then, a three-step approach, including nitroreduction, As (V) reduction, and HAPA(III) secretion, which is responsible for Roxarsone(V) resistance, was confirmed. Moreover, the flavonoid compound baicalin occupies the HAPA (III) delivery space and grabs the R127 residues by stronger interaction and steric hindrance to prevent HAPA (III) transported by BsexpA to the extracellular. These results demonstrate a new Rox(V) reduction pathway, providing a potential efflux pump inhibitor to trap higher toxins.
Factors associated with retakes in health Professions Courses: A case study of Five selected Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: KIBUUKA RONALD , Mpasa Ferastas , Atuhairwe Irene , Agaba Brian , Nakattudde Prossy , Owusu-Sekyere Samuel , Amponsah Abigail , Chizoma Ndikom , Oluwakemi Ogah , Kennedy Kiyimba , Baker Obakiro Samuel , Kaminga Atipasta , Epuitai Joshua , Chimbe Etta , Baluwa Masumbuko , Munthali Getrude , Richard Katuramu
Published: November 2024

Background
Academic examination retakes are significant challenges in health professions education. With rigorous clinical assessments, limited training resources and high-stakes examinations, students struggle to meet academic requirements which cab result in retakes. This study aimed to assess the proportion of medical and nursing students with retakes across five Sub-Saharan African universities and to explore factors contributing to the retakes.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional quantitative study. The study involved 764 medical and nursing clinical students from five universities across Sub Saharan Africa: Busitema University (Uganda), Mzuzu University (Malawi), University of Ibadan (Nigeria), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), and the University of Zambia. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors associated with retakes.
Results
Overall, the proportion of students who had ever had a retake in clinical assessments was 12.6%. Factors associated with retakes are age with students aged 25 and above showed a higher likelihood of failing compared to their younger counterparts (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.06–5.64, P = 0.036) and gender with Male students more likely to get retakes compared to their female counterparts (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21–3.00, P = 0.005) at univariate, although this association was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. OSCE was the most frequent examination format associated with retakes, accounting for 47.7% (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The present study brings to light the proportion of students who experienced retakes and the factors associated with retakes among health professions students in Sub-Saharan Africa. This highlights the need for institutional interventions targeting at-risk populations: older and male students, and those with assessment problems related to the different modes of assessing clinical skills. Amelioration of these factors through appropriate support systems could minimize the proportion of students having to retake modules and create a more supportive academic environment. Further research might focus on exploring the proportion of students experiencing retakes in each country and thus determine factors that could contribute to high stakes towards retakes for each country so as to develop country specific solution and improved clinical skills assessment.
Probing Chiral Kitaev Spin Liquids via Dangling Boundary Fermions
Authors: Zhang Shang-Shun , Halasz Gabor B. , Batista Cristian D.
Published: November 2024

Identifying experimental probes capable of diagnosing extreme quantum behavior is widely regarded as one of the foremost challenges in modern condensed matter physics. Here, we propose a novel approach for detecting chiral Kitaev spin liquid states through measurements of the local dynamical spin structure factor on the boundary using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We specifically focus on unpaired (''dangling'') Majorana fermions, which naturally emerge along boundaries of Kitaev spin liquids, and can serve as indicators of chiral boundary modes under broad conditions, thereby offering a clear signature of these exotic quantum states.
Cyclone-induced storm surge flooding in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta under different mean-sea level rise scenarios
Authors: Elahi Md Wasif E , Wang Xiao Hua , Ritchie Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2024

Bangladesh coast located in the lower part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta (GBMD) regularly faces different flooding events from tidal flooding, pluvial flooding, and storm surge flooding. Cyclone-induced storm surge flooding is the most devastating flood event among all the flooding events in the GBMD in terms of human death toll and economic loss. Moreover, different climate change scenario studies suggest that the Bangladesh coast will face adverse impact from mean sea level (MSL) rise. In present study, an online wave-current coupled numerical model (Deflt3d and SWAN) is applied in the GBMD to assess cyclone-induced flooding under different mean seal rises including 0.5 m, 1 m and 1.5 m. The model setup is calibrated and validated for Cyclone Sidr. Results show that a 1.5 m increase in MSL will cause flooding of up to 33% of the total coastal area of Bangladesh. Current cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Sidr) will cause more flooding in the coast in the future because of MSL rise alone. Ignoring the earthen embankments in the GBMD in numerical model may results error up to 1.25 m in the storm surge height estimation. Sensitivity tests of different cyclonic parameters such as radius of maximum wind speed, maximum wind speed and landfall location in terms of cyclone-induced storm surge event are conducted by applying the model for different idealized scenarios. An increase in the cyclone maximum wind speed is more likely to increase flooded area rather than increase storm surge height at river stations in the GBMD because the protective embankments are overtopped releasing the waters into the floodplain.