bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucose Monitoring Systems - general rules of use and chances in therapy of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Garstka Michał , Gadomska Anna , Kurek Justyna , Gorzyński Rafał , Dominik Hanna , Czudy Zuzanna , Pawęska Wojciech , Molczyk-Sieńczak Justyna , Radwański Jan , Polatowska Marika
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Glycemic control and maintaining it within the desired range are essential for achieving therapeutic goals in patients with type 1 diabetes. Over the years, patients have gained access to advanced glycemic monitoring technologies that have revolutionized self-monitoring methods. These technologies provide data that was previously unavailable to glucometer users. They allow creating new goals to minimize the risk of diabetic complications.
Purpose of the work: The goal of this study was to answer the following questions: What additional information do glycemic monitoring systems offer to patients compared to glucometers? How should this information be utilized to make therapeutic decisions? Do these systems lead to improved glycemic management?
Materials and Methods: A literature review was made using PubMed, Springer Link and Google Scholar databases, searching for articles published in English and Polish up to May 2023, focusing on type 1 diabetes and glucose monitoring systems.
Summary: The use of glycemic monitoring systems provides additional information compared to relying only on glucometers. Patients equipped with a glucose monitoring system can make more accurate therapeutic decisions based on a larger volume of data. Some continuous glucose monitoring systems offer additional features compatible with personal insulin pumps, preventing or reducing the intensity and duration of hypoglycemia. Patients using glycemic monitoring systems can more frequently achieve therapeutic goals.
Depression development in patients with OA, and its impact on treatment outcome - a literature review
Authors: Tołwiński Ignacy , Dadas Klaudia , Świercz Aleksandra , Żurek Urszula , Kędzierska Zofia , Małachowska Dominika , Ciecierski-Koźlarek Hubert , Antkowiak Klaudia , Popczyńska Justyna , Woźniak Kinga , Hedesz Patryk , Taras Andrzej , Shved Kateryna
Published: July 2023

Introduction and aim of the study:
Osteoarthritis (OA) and depression are leading causes of disease burden worldwide and important public health problems. A number of recent studies reported depression as a comorbidity of OA and its impact on reduced quality of life and worse treatment outcome of OA patients. The clinical management strategies of those patients still haven’t been developed, which is a challenge of future research on this topic. The aim of this review is to shed a light on important aspects of depression relationship with OA including its prevalence among OA patients and its influence on course and treatment of OA with a purpose of increasing awareness of this problem among physicians which may subsequently lead to a better overall medical care of patients with OA and depression.
Methods and materials:
This literature review is based on articles published in the PubMed database, GoogleScholar, ScienceDirect, and available medical textbooks.
Conclusions:
Recent literature reports a higher prevalence of depression among OA patients when compared to general population and its impact on osteoarthritis course, both on psychological and biomolecular level. Future research may lead to a better understanding of molecular background of depression and OA interrelation and to more complex and individualized management strategies which may result in a better outcome of treatment and improved life quality of osteoarthritis patients. Therefore, in order to optimize management of OA patients, physicians should pay more attention to depression and use multidisciplinary approach including assessment of mental health status to develop a more effective strategies of medical care in osteoarthritis.
effect of uterine artery embolization on fertility preservation in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids
Authors: Zapała Magdalena , Środoń Agnieszka , Łapaj Monika , Wilk Joanna , Cholewa Małgorzata Maria , Chyćko Małgorzata , Kromer Agata , Cichoń Katarzyna , Gawryś Agnieszka , Czarnota Julia
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. Most often they are asymptomatic, but in their course there may be ailments such as: abnormal bleeding, anaemia, pain, constipation, problems with urination. These tumors are also one of the many causes of infertility. They are most often detected during a standard ultrasound examination. Pharmacological, minimally invasive and surgical treatment is currently available.

Aim: The aim of our study was to review scientific articles in order to demonstrate whether the treatment of uterine fibroids with uterine artery embolization has an impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and methods: Review of the latest PubMed literature, Google Scholar in the period 2017 - 2023 and evaluation of available randomized controlled trials using uterine artery embolization in terms of fertility preservation by assessing ovarian reserve, number of pregnancies, miscarriages and perinatal complications.

Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective method in reducing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. This procedure shortens hospitalization and recovery time compared to myomectomy or hysterectomy. Unfortunately, for women who want children, this method is not recommended due to the risk of reduced ovarian reserve and miscarriage, premature birth, placental abnormality, and severe postpartum hemorrhage.
Summary of hospitalizations related to medicational poisoning groups in a cardiological and toxicological department from 04.2013 to 12.2021
Authors: Zając Marlena , Gruca Dariusz , Wais Marcin , Antoniak Krzysztof , Tchórz Michał
Published: July 2023

Introduction and purpose: Drug poisoning is one of the more common reasons for patients being hospitalized in toxicology wards. The wide availability and ease of obtaining a wide variety of drugs and supplements are the cause of adverse reactions associated with their use. Increasing life expectancy and emerging chronic diseases also require the use of sometimes many drugs to control people's health. This can lead to poly-pragmasy, which is an undesirable condition and leads to poisoning. The purpose of our work is to demonstrate the most common causes of drug poisoning considering the criterion of division according to ICD-10.

 

Brief description of the state of knowledge: Any preparation, drug, supplement can cause negative effects on the organism. This depends on the dose, improper use, or cross-reactions of the relevant substances. The study compiled statistics on the cause of hospitalization of drug-poisoned patients based on ICD-10. 5433 patients were included in the study.

 

Conclusions: Our work shows that the most common causes of hospitalization due to drug poisoning are those caused by antiepileptic drugs, sedative-hypnotics and antiparkinsonism medications. The data compiled in this article agree with scientific reports from different countries compiling the most common reason for hospitalization related to drug poisoning.
Law and management in sport, in the activities of third sector organizations on the example of the Association of the Scientific Law of Sports Law
Authors: Mierzwa Piotr , Bugajska Małgorzata , Raniszewski Szymon , Borek Dominik , Dróżdż Mateusz , Tomanek Mateusz
Published: July 2023

In 2016, three universities in Poland established, on the basis of the provisions of the no longer applicable Act of 30 April 2010 on financing science, the first in Poland "Polish scientific network - Research and development work for the dissemination of sports law". On the basis of this project, the next step was to establish a registered association under the name of Towarzystwo Sieci Naukowej Sportowego (Towarzystwo Sieci Naukowej Sportowego), this entity as a unique entity on the sports market is responsible for the entire spectrum of activities in the field of management and law in sport. The article aims to discuss good practices in the activities of third sector organizations on the example of the said association. The work uses the dogmatic-exegetical method of research, thanks to which the wording of the statute and the agreement of the scientific network were quoted. An empirical method was also used, which is related to the experience of some of the authors - members of the said association.
Comunicación durante situaciones extraordinarias en quiebra: Cuando las fuentes oficiales mienten y las redes sociales desinforman
Authors: Fernández Alcaide Fernando
Published: July 2023

Los principios elementales de la comunicación en emergencias se sustentan sobre la verdad, la transparencia y la utilidad. Con los años, la experiencia a la hora de afrontar catástrofes de todo tipo, y en un futuro inmediato, han llevado a enfocar la comunicación de emergencias en la prevención, para hacer frente a los desafíos y promover sociedades más resilientes. Durante una emergencia o una catástrofe, los especialistas colocan a la fuente oficial como portavoz principal para canalizar el mensaje más adecuado en todo momento bajo unas premisas elementales y atendiendo criterios lógicos de liderazgo y de servicio público. Sin embargo, la responsabilidad aplicada al deber de información pública se ve amenazada cuando son los propios líderes quienes mienten. Este artículo pretende exponer la gravedad que —incluso sobre la vida de las personas— llega a suponer este tipo de prácticas y cómo las redes sociales y los portavoces oficiales pueden dejar de ser aliados en emergencias para convertirse en los principales focos de la catástrofe. Mediante una revisión narrativa bibliográfica sobre hechos relevantes, se exploran los riesgos y el alcance de determinadas estrategias de comunicación pública y se establece como objetivo plantear preguntas para posteriores investigaciones.
De invasores a compradores. Mercantilización del suelo en la Lima popular del siglo XXI
Authors: Calderón Julio , Valencia León Ivonne , Gabriel Campos Edwin Natividad
Published: July 2023

Este artículo plantea la hipótesis que en el siglo XXI los procesos de mercantilización en la ciudad de Lima han generado cambios en la producción del espacio, la expansión urbana y las modalidades de acceso al suelo urbano para los sectores de menores ingresos. Los submerca­dos de lotizaciones informales están reemplazando a los mecanismos no mercantiles como las invasiones y los programas de distribución pública de la tierra. La metodología utilizada fue el estudio de caso y se recurrió a técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas. Entre las conclusiones se encuentran las siguientes: la ciudad de Lima, entre 2001 y 2018, se ha expandido en un 91% por mecanismos ilegales, donde las transacciones mercantiles tienen mayor peso que las no mercantiles. El crecimiento se produce sobre suelo de naturaleza no productiva de propiedad pública o comunal, y los submercados tienen un carácter político que sin la participación de las autoridades no podrían existir.
Scheduling with Testing of Heterogeneous Jobs
Authors: Levi Retsef , Magnanti Thomas , Shaposhnik Yaron
Published: July 2023

This paper studies a canonical general scheduling model that captures the fundamental trade-off between processing jobs and performing diagnostics (testing). In particular, testing reveals the required processing time and urgency of need-to-schedule jobs to inform future scheduling decisions. The model captures a range of important applications. Prior work focused on special cases (e.g., jobs with independent and identically distributed processing time) to devise optimal policies. In contrast, the current paper studies the most general form of the model and describes two simple heuristics to solve it; adaptive weighted shortest processing time is an adaptive generalization of Smith’s rule that optimally solves several important extensions of previously studied models, whereas index policy optimally solves a closely related stochastic optimization bandit problem. The latter achieves an approximation guarantee that quickly approaches a constant factor that is bounded by two as the number of jobs grows and approaches optimally when the testing time decreases. Extensive numerical experiments suggest that our policies effectively solve the general setting (under 0.1% from optimal on average and under 10% from optimal in rare, worst-case instances).

This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4833 .
New Propulsion System Launched
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: July 2023

Electric module, a UK first, will be more fuel-efficient and cheaper
Research Trio Awarded Nobel Prize
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: July 2023

Winners praised for discoveries in field of laser technologies
Laser Trackers can Lend Robots a Helping Hand
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: July 2023

A new breed of low-cost lasers can help remove inaccuracy and improve working volume in manufacturing
Hidden Talents
Authors: Excell Mike
Published: July 2023

Machine tool technology may appear to have reached maturity, but new developments such as ultrasonic capability and advanced control systems are proving that there is still room for improvement.
Manipulation of the intestinal microbiome-a slow journey to primetime
Authors: Kriger-Sharabi Ofra , Malnick Stephen D H , Fisher David
Published: July 2023

The modern medical education system has gradually evolved starting from 1910 incorporating the suggestions by Abraham Flexner, his public disclosure of the poor conditions at many medical schools provided a means to galvanize all the constituencies needed for reform to occur. He could say what other reformers could not, due to their links to the medical education community. But now we are again going back to a pre-Flexnerian state due to multiple reasons such as gradually diminishing importance of basic science subjects for the students, the decline in the number and quality of investigator initiated research among clinical researchers, lesser emphasis to bedside training by means of detailed clinical examination and making appropriate observation of signs to reach to a diagnosis rather than over reliance on the laboratory tests and radiological modalities for the diagnosis, poor exposure to basic clinical skills starting from college throughout residency and the trend of disrespect and absenteeism from both theoretical and clinical/practical classes. The attitude of students is just to complete their required attendance so that they are not barred from appearing in examinations. This de-Flexnerization trend and regression to pre-Flexnerian era standards, ideologies, structures, processes, and attitudes, are bound to beget pre-Flexnerian outcomes, for you get what you designed for.
Evaluation of bronchoscopic direct vision glottis anesthesia method in bronchoscopy
Authors: Lang Jie , Guo Zhi-Zhen , Xing Shu-Shan , Sun Jian , Qiu Bin , Shu Yu , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Liu Gui-Xiang
Published: July 2023

The modern medical education system has gradually evolved starting from 1910 incorporating the suggestions by Abraham Flexner, his public disclosure of the poor conditions at many medical schools provided a means to galvanize all the constituencies needed for reform to occur. He could say what other reformers could not, due to their links to the medical education community. But now we are again going back to a pre-Flexnerian state due to multiple reasons such as gradually diminishing importance of basic science subjects for the students, the decline in the number and quality of investigator initiated research among clinical researchers, lesser emphasis to bedside training by means of detailed clinical examination and making appropriate observation of signs to reach to a diagnosis rather than over reliance on the laboratory tests and radiological modalities for the diagnosis, poor exposure to basic clinical skills starting from college throughout residency and the trend of disrespect and absenteeism from both theoretical and clinical/practical classes. The attitude of students is just to complete their required attendance so that they are not barred from appearing in examinations. This de-Flexnerization trend and regression to pre-Flexnerian era standards, ideologies, structures, processes, and attitudes, are bound to beget pre-Flexnerian outcomes, for you get what you designed for.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium concomitant with Lynch syndrome: A case report
Authors: Siu Wing Yu Sharon , Hong Mun-Kun , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: July 2023

The modern medical education system has gradually evolved starting from 1910 incorporating the suggestions by Abraham Flexner, his public disclosure of the poor conditions at many medical schools provided a means to galvanize all the constituencies needed for reform to occur. He could say what other reformers could not, due to their links to the medical education community. But now we are again going back to a pre-Flexnerian state due to multiple reasons such as gradually diminishing importance of basic science subjects for the students, the decline in the number and quality of investigator initiated research among clinical researchers, lesser emphasis to bedside training by means of detailed clinical examination and making appropriate observation of signs to reach to a diagnosis rather than over reliance on the laboratory tests and radiological modalities for the diagnosis, poor exposure to basic clinical skills starting from college throughout residency and the trend of disrespect and absenteeism from both theoretical and clinical/practical classes. The attitude of students is just to complete their required attendance so that they are not barred from appearing in examinations. This de-Flexnerization trend and regression to pre-Flexnerian era standards, ideologies, structures, processes, and attitudes, are bound to beget pre-Flexnerian outcomes, for you get what you designed for.
Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with headache and kidney involvement at presentation and with arthralgia at relapse: A case report
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhao Guang-Ben , Li Long-Kai , Wang Wei-Dong , Lin Hong-Li , Yang Ning
Published: July 2023

The modern medical education system has gradually evolved starting from 1910 incorporating the suggestions by Abraham Flexner, his public disclosure of the poor conditions at many medical schools provided a means to galvanize all the constituencies needed for reform to occur. He could say what other reformers could not, due to their links to the medical education community. But now we are again going back to a pre-Flexnerian state due to multiple reasons such as gradually diminishing importance of basic science subjects for the students, the decline in the number and quality of investigator initiated research among clinical researchers, lesser emphasis to bedside training by means of detailed clinical examination and making appropriate observation of signs to reach to a diagnosis rather than over reliance on the laboratory tests and radiological modalities for the diagnosis, poor exposure to basic clinical skills starting from college throughout residency and the trend of disrespect and absenteeism from both theoretical and clinical/practical classes. The attitude of students is just to complete their required attendance so that they are not barred from appearing in examinations. This de-Flexnerization trend and regression to pre-Flexnerian era standards, ideologies, structures, processes, and attitudes, are bound to beget pre-Flexnerian outcomes, for you get what you designed for.
Analytic Hierarchy Process Based on the Magnitude of Z-Numbers
Authors: Nik Badrul Alam Nik Muhammad Farhan Hakim , Ku Khalif Ku Muhammad Naim , Jaini Nor Izzati
Published: July 2023

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a powerful multi-criteria and multi-alternative decision-making model, which assists decision-makers in giving preferences using pairwise comparison matrices. The development of the AHP using fuzzy numbers has received attention from many researchers due to the ability of fuzzy numbers to handle vagueness and uncertainty. The integration of the AHP with fuzzy Z-numbers has improved the model since the reliability of the decision-makers is considered, in which the judgment is followed by a degree of certainty or sureness. Most of the existing decision-making models based on Z-numbers transform the Z-numbers into regular fuzzy numbers by integrating the reliability parts into the restriction parts, causing a significant loss of information. Hence, this study develops the AHP based on the magnitude of Z-numbers, which is used to represent the criteria weights. A numerical example of criteria ranking for the prioritization of public services for digitalization is implemented to illustrate the proposed AHP model.
La Economía Solidaria y sus contribuciones a la resiliencia socio territorial. Contextos, conceptos y perspectivas
Authors: Zaar Miriam Hermi
Published: July 2023

La Economía Solidaria, como una nueva praxis social centrada en el trabajo comunitario, en la autogestión, en las relaciones recíprocas y en la distribución equitativa de los beneficios -por lo tanto, un modelo de desarrollo integral, diferenciado y alternativo a la lógica capitalista-, ha sido objeto de estudio de muchos investigadores. Este artículo tiene como objetivo rescatar las contribuciones más relevantes, poniendo énfasis tanto en sus conceptos y dinámicas, como en sus perspectivas hacia un desarrollo local-regional más resiliente. Está organizado en tres apartados, y parte de un breve examen sobre la coyuntura socioeconómica en la que surgió la Economía Solidaria, para a continuación elaborar un análisis sobre sus conceptos y perspectivas sociolaborales y territoriales frente a la economía neoliberal. En esta línea de raciocinio, se subraya como esta “otra racionalidad” humana, económica y medioambiental puede transformarse en un mecanismo que regenere el actual tejido social muy deteriorado y, en una alternativa racional a la incertidumbre, ya que amplía nuestra capacidad de resiliencia y superación frente a las frecuentes crisis a que estamos expuestos.
Relació i interaccions entre sintaxis musicals i lingüístiques
Authors: Herreras Carrera Aleix
Published: July 2023

Hi ha llengües naturals i sistemes musicals. Igual que interpretem un idioma amb signes ordenats per un codi, aquells qui han estat exposats a un tipus de música desenvolupen criteris estètics de percepció per interpretar el so rítmicament organitzat. L’existència de sintaxis musicals no implica que aquestes tinguin un nivell de complexitat com les de les llengües. L’objectiu general dels idiomes és comunicacional i la missió primigènia de l’art és estètica. Les interaccions entre els signes de llenguatges humans diferents es produeixen a partir dels significats que tenen en un context o amb la distribució rítmica dels materials en el temps. Hi ha una competència en el processament cerebral de les sintaxis musicals i lingüístiques. Per investigar totes aquestes qüestions cal fomentar la col·laboració entre musicòlegs i lingüistes.
Wh & self : On correlating wh -conditionals and reflexive doubling
Authors: Tsai Wei-Tien Dylan
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Chinese wh -conditionals hold a very special status in linguistic typology. Cheng and Huang (1996) argues that the construction can be properly analyzed by treating a pair of identical wh -expressions as syntactic variables unselectively bound by an implicit necessity operator. Over the years, this line of thinking has been challenged by various proposals based on the comparison with indefinites, correlatives, E-type pronouns and questions. This Insight article argues for the unselective binding approach to this particular type of donkey sentences by alluding to quantificational reflexive doubling. Our findings not only lend support to the idea that an operator-variable pair is built on a sentential scale in Chinese, but also call for a fine-grained syntax and semantics of the typological correlations between reflexives and wh -in-situ. 摘要: 汉语的疑问词条件句在语言类型学中有其特殊的地位：Cheng & Huang (1996) 认为，将一对相同的疑问词分析为句法变量，并藉由隐性必要 算子进行无择约束，即可正确分析这类结构。基于无定名词组、对接 关系句、E 型代词和疑问结构的比较，多年来此一思路受到了来自各 方的挑战。本文鉴于量化性反身重复的平行用法，指出无择约束仍是 这类特殊驴子句的最佳分析。此一发现不仅支持汉语以语句规模来建 构「算子─变项」配对的观点，更敦促学界对反身词和在位疑问词的 类型关联进行更为细致的句法和语义研究。
Numerical and analytical analysis of an ultrahigh sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a black phosphorene/graphene heterostructure
Authors: Nourizad Abolfazl , Golmohammadi Saeed , Tohidkia Mohammad Reza , Aghanejad Ayuob
Published: July 2023

In this study, a surface plasmon resonance biosensor using angular interrogation based on a black phosphorene (BP) and graphene (G) heterostructure as two-dimensional materials are designed to enhance the sensitivity of conventional biosensors. The proposed structure is composed of eight layers: FK51A coupling prism, silver (Ag) thin film as the plasmonic metal, gold (Au) nanolayer in a protective role, BP nanosheets as an evanescent field enhancer, G monolayer as an immobilization process facilitator, DNA aptamer as biorecognition element, and phosphate buffered saline as a running buffer and sensing medium. To evaluate the performance of the proposed biosensor, analytical parameters such as minimum reflectivity (Rmin), sensitivity, as well as the full width at half-maximum (FWHM), detection accuracy (DA), and quality factor (QF) are systematically assessed by the use of the transfer matrix method analytically and the finite-difference time-domain method numerically, to validate each other. It is observed that the structure has been optimized with 1.49 (RIU) for the coupling prism and the heterostructure TiO2/Ag/Au/BP/G thicknesses of 65/35/1/3.18/0.34 nm, respectively. It was revealed that the proposed biosensor offered the sensitivity of 356 (°/RIU), QF of 42.4 (RIU−1), Rmin of 0.07 (a.u), FWHM of 8.3 (degree), and DA of 0.22 (unitless) and outperformed those of other results published up to now from the sensitivity point of view.
Scattering direction sampling methods for polarized Monte Carlo simulation of oceanic lidar
Authors: He Huixin , Shi Mingyu , Tang Junwu , Wu Songhua
Published: July 2023

Monte Carlo techniques have been widely applied in polarized light simulation. Based on
different preconditions, there are two main types of sampling
strategies for scattering direction: one is the scalar sampling
method; the others are polarized sampling approaches, including the
one- and two-point rejection methods. The polarized simulation of
oceanic lidar involves a variety of mediums, and an efficient
scattering sampling method is the basis for the coupling simulation of
the atmosphere and ocean. To determine the optimal scattering sampling
method for oceanic lidar simulation, we developed a polarized Monte
Carlo model and simulated Mie scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and
Petzold average-particle scattering experiments. This simulation model
has been validated by comparison with Ramella-Roman’s
program [Opt.
Express 13, 4420
(2005)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OPEX.13.004420], with differences
in reflectance and transmittance Stokes less than 1% in Mie
scattering. The simulation results show these scattering sampling
methods differ in runtime, scattering angle distributions, and
reflectance and transmittance Stokes. Considering the current
simulation accuracy of oceanic lidar, the differences in reflectance
and transmittance Stokes are acceptable; thus, the runtime becomes the
main evaluation factor. The one-point rejection method and scalar
sampling method are preferable for the oceanic lidar polarized
simulation. Under complex atmosphere-ocean coupling systems, scalar
sampling methods may be a better choice since the calculation process
of the sampling is independent of the incident Stokes vector.
Microsphere probe: combining microsphere-assisted microscopy with AFM
Authors: Hong Yujian , Xiao Shasha , Zhai Cong , Lu Nianhang , Geng Guangyu , Lu Junsheng , Wu Sen , Hu Chunguang , Hu Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

In recent years, microsphere-assisted microscopy (MAM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) have been rapidly developed to meet the measurement needs of microstructures. However, the positioning of microspheres, the inability of AFM to touch the underlying sample through the transparent insulating layer, and the challenge of AFM fast positioning limit their use in practical measurements. In this paper, we propose a method that combines MAM with AFM by adhering the microsphere to the cantilever. This method allows MAM and AFM to work in parallel, and their imaging positions can correspond with each other. We use this method to measure memory devices, and the results show that MAM and AFM yield complementary advantages. This approach provides a new tool for analyzing complex structures in devices and has potential for wide application.
Development of a multi-needle fiberoptic Raman spectroscopy technique for simultaneous multi-site deep tissue Raman measurements in the brain
Authors: Qiu Bocheng , Shu Chi , Huang Zhiwei
Published: July 2023

We report on the development of a multi-needle fiberoptic Raman spectroscopy (MNF-RS) technique for simultaneous multi-site deep Raman measurements in brain tissue. The multi-needle fiberoptic Raman probe is designed and fabricated using a number of 100 µm core diameter, aluminum-coated fibers under a coaxial laser excitation and Raman collection scheme, enabling simultaneous collection of deep tissue Raman spectra from a number of tissue sites. We have also developed a Raman retrieval algorithm based on the transformation matrix of each individual needle fiber probe projected to different pixels of a charge-coupled device (CCD) for recovering the tissue Raman spectra collected by each needle fiber probe, allowing simultaneous multi-channel detection by a single Raman spectrometer. High-quality tissue Raman spectra of different tissue types (e.g., muscle, fat, gray matter, and white matter in porcine brain) can be acquired in both the fingerprint (900–1800 cm−1) and high-wavenumber (2800–3300 cm−1) regions within sub-second times using the MNF-RS technique. We also demonstrate that by advancing the multi-needle fiberoptic Raman probe into deep porcine brain, tissue Raman spectra can be acquired simultaneously from different brain regions (e.g., cortex, thalamus, midbrain, and cerebellum). The significant biochemical differences across different brain tissues can also be distinguished, suggesting the promising potential of the MNF-RS technique for label-free neuroscience study at the molecular level.
Low prevalence of current and past SARS-CoV-2 infections among visitors and staff members of homelessness services in Amsterdam at the end of the second wave of infections in the Netherlands
Authors: Generaal Ellen , van Santen D. K. (Daniela) , Campman Sophie L. , Booij Marjolein J. , Price Dylan , Buster Marcel , van Dijk Christa , Boyd Anders , Bruisten Sylvia M. , van Dam Alje P. , van der Lubben Mariken , van Duijnhoven Yvonne T. H. P. , Prins Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) may be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. The Dutch government established emergency shelters and introduced preventive measures for homelessness services. There were no major SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks noticed among PEH during the first two waves of infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of current and past infections among PEH and staff by conducting an on-site COVID-19 screening project at homelessness services in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Methods

We assessed the proportion of visitors and staff members of four homelessness services at two locations in Amsterdam with positive SARS-CoV-2 qPCR and antibody results (IgG/IgM Rapid Test/Biozek) in May 2021. We also assessed sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics, compliance with basic prevention measures and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among PEH and staff.

Results

A total of 138 visitors and 53 staff members filled out a questionnaire and were tested. Among PEH, the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was 0% (0/133;95%CI = 0–1.9) and the antibody positivity rate was 1.6% (2/131;95%CI = 0.8–7.5) among those without prior COVID-19 vaccination. Among staff, these percentages were 3% (1/32;95%CI = 0.1–16.2) and 11% (5/53;95%CI = 3.6–23.6), respectively. Most participants were often compliant with the basic preventive measures ‘not shaking hands’, ‘wearing a face mask’ and ‘washing hands’, but not with ‘physical distancing’. High vaccination intent was more common among staff members (55%) than among visitors (42%), while high trust in the governmental COVID-19 policies was more common among visitors (41%) than among staff (30%).

Conclusions

We observed a low prevalence of past and current SARS-CoV-2 infections among PEH, which may be explained by instated shelter policies, limited daily activities of PEH and compliance with prevention measures. Vaccine hesitancy and mistrust among visitors and staff could hinder vaccination uptake, suggesting that interventions towards homelessness services are needed.
Impact of focus of attention on aiming performance in the first-person shooter videogame Aim Lab
Authors: Lamers James Ruben G. , O’Connor Akira R.
Published: July 2023

Research examining the impact of Focus of Attention (FoA) has consistently demonstrated a benefit of adopting an external FoA over an internal FoA across a variety of sports and other domains. However, FoA research has yet to be applied within the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming. This study investigated whether an external FoA provided benefits over an internal FoA for aiming performance in First-Person Shooter (FPS) videogames, using the aim-training game Aim Lab. The study explored whether the level of participants’ previous experience of FPS games impacted any effect, as few studies have investigated this directly. Participants with high (N = 20) and low (N = 17) FPS experience who had a minimum of 200 hours FPS experience were selected for the study. The participants were instructed before each set of ten trials to either attend to their wrist/arm movements (internal FoA) or to the target (external FoA). There was no significant main effect of FoA on performance and no significant interaction between FoA and experience. In contrast to findings in other studies, an external FoA provided no performance benefits over an internal FoA in the FPS game Aim Lab. We discuss methodological issues related to the measures used and suggest avenues for future research with a view to improving understanding of putative underlying mechanisms for FoA effects.
Ungulate responses and habituation to unmanned aerial vehicles in Africa’s savanna
Authors: vanVuuren Marlice , vanVuuren Rudie , Silverberg Larry M. , Manning Joe , Pacifici Krishna , Dorgeloh Werner , Campbell Jennifer
Published: July 2023

This article tests the hypothesis that “the likelihood that the species will react and level at which they do to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is related to the altitude, number of passes, sound intensity, type of UAV, takeoff distance, and species.” This paper examined the behavioral responses of a group of free ranging ungulate species (Oryx, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Eland, Hartebeest, and Impala) found in an animal reserve in Namibia to the presence of different in-flight UAV models. The study included 397 passes (trials) over 99 flights at altitudes ranging from 15 to 55 meters in three categories of response level: No response, Alert, and Movement. The ungulates were unhabituated to the UAVs and the study was conducted in the presence of stress-inducing events that occur naturally in the environment. Certain species were found to be more reactive than others, in addition to several displaying different response levels in single or mixed herd environments. Zebras were found to be less responsive in mixed herd environments while Oryx were present, as compared to when the Oryx were not; suggesting that some species may respond based on other species perception of threat or their relative fitness levels. The UAVs also produced inconsistent response rates between movement and alert behavior. The reference vehicle, Phantom 3 was much more likely than the Mavic to induce an alert response, while both having similar probabilities of inducing a movement response. Furthermore, the Custom X8 showed significantly more alert and movement responses than the other UAVs. This shows there may be several aspects to the UAVs that affect the responses of the ungulates. For instance, the sound intensity may alert the species more often, but close proximity may induce a movement response. More generally, the data shows that when the UAV is flying above 50 meters and has a measured sound intensity below 50 dB, the likelihood of inducing a movement response on an ungulate species is below 6% regardless of the vehicle on the first pass over the animals. Additionally, with each subsequent pass the likelihood of response dropped by approximately 20 percent. The results suggest a stronger correlation between flight altitude and response across the different ungulates, and the evidence suggests rapid habituation to the UAVs.
Parental knowledge and communication with their adolescent on sexual and reproductive health issues in Nepal
Authors: Singh Devendra Raj , Shrestha Shreesha , Karki Kshitij , Sunuwar Dev Ram , Khadka Dan Bahadur , Maharjan Dikshya , Sah Lalita Kumari , Simkhada Bibha , Sah Rajeeb Kumar
Published: July 2023

Background

Parental knowledge about sexual and reproductive health issues and adequate communication with their adolescent on these issues are crucial in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Although there are evidence on adolescent perceptions of their sexual health issues, research on parental perspectives of adolescent sexual health and parent-adolescent communication about sexual health issues in Nepal remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parental knowledge and communication practice about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2019 among randomly selected 308 parents of adolescents (aged 10–19 years) residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were entered into EpiData software v3.1, and data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 21.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). The statistical significance was considered at a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 308 parents, one-third of parents were found to have correct knowledge about safe abortion, menstrual hygiene and management, modern contraceptives, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, wet dreams among male adolescents, abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile period, and the possibility of a male adolescent to impregnate a girl. In addition, only 40.9% of parents were found to have communicated with their adolescent children about sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents who have knowledge about puberty (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9), belong to Bharamin/Chhetri ethnic group (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2), self-employed (aOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.0), having two or more adolescent children (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.6), and whose adolescent children were staying in school hostel (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI:1.0–3.0) were more likely to have parental communication about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children.

Conclusions

Most parents do not communicate with their adolescent children on sexual health topics, although they feel sexual health education is essential to adolescents. The majority of parents were found inadequately aware of adolescent sexual health issues. It is crucial to have contextual interventions that would encourage parent-adolescent communication on sexual health matters in an integrated way to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
La institucionalización del ocio en Chile: los estatutos de clubes y asociaciones deportivas (1895-1934)
Authors: Ovalle Letelier Alex , Briones Molina Daniel
Published: July 2023

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar los diversos estatutos de clubes y asociaciones estatutos deportivos encontrados en la Biblioteca Nacional de Chile que cubren el periodo de 1895-1934. En función de ellos, se propone que en el contexto caracterizado por cambios importantes en la estructura social y política del país, los clubes y asociaciones surgieron como lugares de participación política para la sociedad civil. Su práctica permitió la promoción de un discurso de educación cívica que se caracterizó por los valores del liberalismo y nacionalismo en boga.
Precise registration of axonal morphologies obtained from sections to a common reference space
Authors: Piastra Maria Carla , Bakker Rembrandt , Garcia-Amado Maria , Rubio-Teves Mario , Clascá Francisco , Tiesinga Paul
Published: July 2023

We present a strategy to register manually traced neuronal morphologies to a reference atlas, with the final goal to publish the aligned neurons in the EBRAINS knowledge-graph, visualize them in the interactive atlas viewer and compare them to other published neurons.

Our use case consists of a thalamo-cortical long-range projection neuron that is manually traced from 33 sagittal tissue sections of a mouse brain. We apply a three-step procedure:1. Manually select for each tissue section a corresponding slice from a reference atlas.2. Deform each tissue section such that its outline and anatomical features match that of the corresponding reference slice.3. For each section, apply the same deformation to the portion of the neuron that it intersects.

A trained neuroanatomist confirmed the correct thalamic and cortical positioning of the neuron. In terms of the alignment of the neuron with respect to cortical layers, we found up to 50% discrepancies. A procedure was developed to shift the cortical depth of the neuron and reduce the error to below 10%.
Maternal vitamin A status as a risk factor for Hirschsprung Disease in the child
Authors: Hegde Shalini G , Devi Sarita , Sivadas Ambily , Shubha Attibele Mahadevaiah , Thomas Annamma , Mukhopadhyay Arpita , Kurpad Anura V
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims:

The gene-environment interaction of the RET gene with vitamin A in the etiopathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) has been suggested in rodents. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin A status in mothers of children with HSCR and to assess its association with pathogenic variants of the RET gene in affected children.

Methods:

Case-control study of stable-isotope based vitamin A measurement stores of mothers of children diagnosed with HSCR (within 8 months from birth, n=7) and age-matched mothers of normal children (n=6). Next-generation sequencing of RET exons, along with their upstream promoter region, was performed in the 7 HSCR proband-parent triads to evaluate pathogenic variants.

Results:

Maternal vitamin A stores in the HSCR group was almost 50% that of controls, tending towards significance (0.50 ± 0.17 versus 0.89 ± 0.51 µmol/g respectively, P=0.079). Two novel pathogenic de novo mutations were identified in two cases, and a rare single nucleotide deletion was detected in the 3.5kb RET upstream region, in a heterozygous state, in all 7 proband-parent triads. Low penetrance RET haplotypes associated with HSCR were detected in 5 cases.

Conclusion:

Mothers with HSCR children had lower vitamin A liver stores than mothers with normal children and the children who were affected had HSCR despite having no established pathogenic RET variants. Lower maternal vitamin A status may increase the penetrance of genetic mutations in RET, and vitamin-A mediated gene-environment interactions may underpin some of the aetiology of HSCR.
InNoWest stärkt nachhaltige Entwicklung und Digitalisierung in Nord-West-Brandenburg
Authors: Hartwig Corinna , Graf Verena , Filipschack Maria , Krüth Katharina , Nölting Benjamin , Raich Stefan , Roose Ilka
Published: July 2023

In strukturschwachen ländlichen Regionen die nachhaltige Entwicklung und Digitalisierung durch Transferprojekte zu unterstützen und gemeinsam mit regionalen Akteuren weiterzuentwickeln ‐ das ist das Ziel des Verbundvorhabens InNoWest ‐ Einfach machen! Gemeinsam
nachhaltig und digital in Nord-West-Brandenburg. Wir stellen das Projekt vor.
Plastic packaging: Are German retailers on the way towards a circular economy? Companies’ strategies and perspectives on consumers
Authors: Sträter Katharina Friederike , Rhein Sebastian
Published: July 2023

German retailers commit to promoting a circular economy (CE) to tackle the plastic crisis. Their strategies and perspectives on the role of consumers are qualitatively analyzed based on sustainability reports and press releases. Strategies include means of reduction and reuse but focus
on recycling. Consumers are rather seen as barriers to realizing a CE.Environmental pollution caused by single-use plastic packaging waste is one of the major problems of our time. As a means of tackling environmental damage from plastic, many companies are voluntarily committing to promoting
a sustainable use of plastic and the idea of a circular economy (CE). Among these companies, retailers play an interesting role. They are the point of sale of different manufacturers’ products and, thus, are in direct contact with consumers. This paper qualitatively analyzes retailers’
plastic strategies as published in sustainability reports and press releases. In particular, their understanding of the concept of a CE, their perspective on the CE-related role of consumers, and the consistency of their objectives regarding CE goals are investigated. The results indicate
that there is a strong focus on recycling, although the retailers also consider means of reduction by avoidance and reuse. Consumers are rather seen as a barrier to implementing a circular economy at all three levels (reduction, reuse, recycling) and are assumed to need waste management education.
Harvesting the fruits of transdisciplinary knowledge integration: The EGON project on commons-based organic fruit breeding
Authors: Sievers-Glotzbach Stefanie , Wolter Hendrik , Siebenhüner Bernd
Published: July 2023

Evaluations on transdisciplinary research suggest that co-creation should place greater emphasis on the first steps of co-design. This report provides insights and reflections on a sustainable fruit breeding project initiated by practitioners.The research project EGON explored
a new organizational approach in the fruit sector that builds upon common ownership and collective management: commons-based organic fruit breeding. As agricultural and breeding actors initiated the writing of the research proposal, they became involved on equal footing in the joint problem
framing and design of the research project from the very start. In this Design Report, we explore contextual factors in the co-design and co-production phase and their influence on the research process, as well as scientific and societal effects. Based on interviews with scientific
and practitioner partners in the consortium, we find that early and continuous professional networking with practitioners is essential for fruitful transdisciplinary research processes. Also, joint activities like common excursions, seminars, and joint conference presentations have been valuable
to develop mutual understanding, curiosity, and trust. What turned out to be crucial for the commons-based approach of the project were adequate funding opportunities for practitioners in systematic and scientifically supported breeding processes.