bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interview as a Research Technique in Social Work – Methodological and Practical Challenges
Authors: Nistor Petronela Polixenia
Published: August 2024

Meeting face-to-face with the beneficiaries of social work services and having a discussion with them, in order to diagnose the beneficiary's problem and identify the context of the case-by-case intervention, is the basic form of performing a social worker’s activity. That is precisely why, although the interview, as a research technique, is a method specific to sociological research, this technique has been taken up on a large scale in social work, not only for case intervention, but also as a research method. In general, the beneficiaries of assistential services, who are most often the subjects of scientific research in this field, are vulnerable people, so the interview poses two main challenges as a research technique. The first is organizing the framework in which the interview is carried out and the manner of conducting it by the researcher, in order to create the psychological context that favors the interviewee's communication with the researcher. The second is the way data is analyzed after collection, in order to minimize the influence of subjective interpretations on the part of the researcher. The purpose of this article is to analyze the way methodological errors can be avoided, in order to achieve a research that draws scientific conclusions with a high degree of validity and credibility.
Nowe – stare zabytki. Pozostałości tekstyliów z metalowych elementów stroju z cmentarzyska w Odrach, czyli „archeologia magazynowa”
Authors: Antosik Łukasz , Piotrowska Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza kilku, jak dotychczas niepublikowanych, tekstyliów ze stanowiska w Odrach, pow. Chojnice, woj. pomorskie. Tkaniny z tytułowego cmentarzyska były już częściowo analizowane, jednak omawiane w niniejszym tekście zabytki tekstylne nie były dotąd badane i publikowane. Analizie poddano materiały tekstylne z pięciu obiektów – płaskich grobów szkieletowych oznaczonych stelami. Zaprezentowano jedynie metalowe elementy stroju, na których znalazły się tkaniny będące głównym przedmiotem przedkładanego tekstu. Prezentowane zabytki tekstylne zachowały się na trzech sprzączkach do pasa oraz dwóch zapinkach. W przebadanym zespole włókienniczym z cmentarzyska w Odrach wyróżniono dziesięć fragmentów tekstylnych, na które składa się pięć tkanin wełnianych (9 fragm.) i jedna tkanina lniana. Spośród tkanin wełnianych wyodrębniono wyroby trzech typów: 1, 7 i 8, które należą do I i II gatunku. Zaprezentowane wyroby włókiennicze należą do typowych tekstyliów użytkowanych przez ludność kultury wielbarskiej. Wskazują na to analogiczne znaleziska znane z cmentarzysk położonych we wszystkich strefach osadniczych wyodrębnionych dla tejże kultury.
Wszystkie sprzączki charakteryzują się dwudzielną konstrukcją oraz ramą D-kształtną. Obie zapinki, na których przetrwały zabytki tekstylne, to fibule zachowane fragmentarycznie. Przedmioty metalowe stanowią podstawę datowania tekstyliów, które można zatem wiązać z końcowym etapem użytkowania cmentarzyska w Odrach, czyli z fazami C1a i C1b.
The Measurement of Reactions to Face Masks and the Relation to Social Anxiety
Authors: Penna Angelo , Russell Micaela , Margaris Aglaia , Lamoli Laura , Fisak Brian
Published: August 2024

Following a period of social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, social interactions may be particularly complicated for individuals with elevated levels of social anxiety. One potential implication relates to the use of face masks. Face masks have been used as an effective tool to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, for individuals with elevated social anxiety, face masks may be a form of avoidance and type of safety behavior and discontinued use of face masks may be associated with increases in social anxiety. In response to these possibilities, the purpose of this study was to develop a measure to assess potential anxiety-related reactions to face masks. Participants were 564 nonreferred young adults who completed a measure developed for this study to assess behaviors and reactions to face masks (Reaction to Face Masks Questionnaire), including anxiety and avoidance behaviors. Measures of social anxiety, more general avoidance, and safety behaviors were also included. Based on an exploratory factor analysis, a two-factor model was retained. Safety-Seeking and Avoidance (SSA) measures reductions in social anxiety derived from a feeling of safety when wearing a face mask, and Social Interference measures increases in social anxiety symptoms related to the interference/inhibition of social interactions related to wearing masks. Both subscales were found to be associated with general measures of social anxiety, more general avoidance, and safety behaviors; however, the correlations were more robust for the SSA subscale.

Based on the current findings, general social anxiety and common correlates of social anxiety, including safety-seeking behaviors, were found to be associated with face mask anxiety and avoidance. Implications for future research and potential clinical practice are discussed.
Improving Person-Centered Depression Screening and Care in an Urban Faith-Based Community
Authors: Michoma Damaris , Couch Kimberly
Published: August 2024

Background:Depression is a common mental illness that increases the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and chronic pain. Nationally, 21 million adults have had one untreated depressive episode, 1.4 million people have had suicide attempts, and 1 death occurs every 10 minutes. Depression has an annual economic burden of $326 billion for the American economy.Objectives:This quality improvement project aims to review the existing literature on depression, audit local businesses, survey clients, and team members to identify a gap in practice and then collect and analyze data to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the findings.Methods:This initiative used four Plan–Do–Study–Act rapid quality improvement cycles. Data were collected and analyzed, and the results were used to make iterative changes.Results:Depression screening improved by 90%, and 317 clients were screened over 8 weeks. Twenty-eight percent of those screened had depression and were engaged in managing their symptoms. Both screening and care improved, and the aim of 89% was met.Conclusions:This initiative bridged a gap in depression screening and care. It also demonstrated a positive outcome, had the potential for sustainability, and spread to other faith communities.Implications for Nursing:A system should be put in place for depression screening, care, and referrals.
Factor Analyses of a Money Beliefs and Behaviors Assessment Tool
Authors: Anvari-Clark Jeffrey , Betz-Hamilton Axton
Published: August 2024

This study advances previous research by Delgadillo and Bushman (2015), offering a detailed examination of Money Habitudes, a tool for understanding financial behaviors and beliefs. Employing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), the research assesses the internal structure of Money Habitudes which is widely utilized by financial professionals to facilitate discussions. A dataset ofn= 35,108 online Money Habitudes assessments collected between 2016 and 2023 by Money Habitudes, LLC, was used for the project. The findings reveal that the tool possesses an acceptable internal structure, validating its continued use in professional settings. The study also identifies specific aspects of the tool that could benefit from refinement, highlighting potential improvements in its qualitative and quantitative applications. These enhancements aim to augment the tool’s efficacy for both helping professionals and consumers. The study’s outcomes not only corroborate the tool’s current applicability but also lay the groundwork for its future development, ensuring its relevance and utility in evolving professional practices.
Post Conflict Recovery/reconstruction Priorities for People with Disabilities and Older People
Authors: Rohwerder Brigitte
Published: August 2024

Older people and children and adults with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable and overlooked in post-conflict settings as conflict exacerbates pre-existing disadvantages and they are often left out of post-conflict reconstruction processes. Their inclusion in post-conflict recovery/reconstruction is a neglected area of focus despite the increasing evidence and attention paid to their needs during conflict and humanitarian response. This rapid review looks at the available evidence on priorities for recovery/reconstruction for children and adults with disabilities and older persons from countries recovering from conflict, focusing on the emerging evidence from Ukraine and from post-conflict countries with similar contexts to it.
Palmar Psoriasis or Missed Syphilis?
Authors: Rolo Matos Pedro , Granja Bárbara , Lisboa Carmen
Published: August 2024

N/a.
Karate e masculinidade no filme A arte da autodefesa
Authors: Pucineli Fabio Augusto
Published: August 2024

A presente pesquisa é um estudo descritivo do filme A Arte da Autodefesa. Dentre os diversos elementos para serem discutidos nesta obra cinematográfica, destaco dois problemas: primeiro é quanto à constituição social dos corpos pela violência associada à masculinidade; a segunda problemática situa-se na própria constituição modernizada do karate: o que se tem feito dessa prática corporal combativa na modernidade? Para isso, optei pela decupagem cena a cena, enquanto discuto seus elementos, tensionando a partir dos referenciais teóricos: em especial obras de Bourdieu e Trevisan. O filme traz de maneira burlesca situações do real que demandam urgentes discussões, tais como a masculinidade e sobre como a prática do karate na modernidade tem reforçado certos estereótipos.
Necessity of Da’wa Communication for Reformation in Muslim Guardianship Laws in India
Authors: PAZHAYAKATH NAJLA , Kesari A Vani
Published: August 2024

The diversity of religions, cultures, and languages is an inherent feature of Indian democracy. These kinds of legal pluralism arrangements are found in the area of personal laws in India. Since 1985, India has witnessed a direct conflict between Muslim personal law and secular laws.  Recently, one of the High Courts in India reaffirmed that the mother of the child has no right to be considered as the natural guardian of her child.  The gender disparities with the guardianship laws under Islamic law are being exposed again by this decision. Inadequate understanding and interpretation of religious texts usually lead to these kinds of disparities. Da’wa can help refresh and reform Sharia by encouraging Muslims to think closely about how it is used and understood and to seek better solutions to today's problems. The guardianship laws in India now need to be changed in light of modern da’wa communication. This article explains the importance of da'wa communication and how it should be applied to reinterpret Muslim personal laws in India. This article concludes with a comment that modern da’wa communication is necessary to interpret guardianship laws under sharia from a liberal dynamic and forward-looking perspective without rejecting the value of Islamic jurisprudence and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board should take measures to achieve gender parity in Muslim guardianship laws through efficient da'wa communication.
Student's Behavior Clustering based on Ubiquitous Learning Log Data using Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Utami Ika Qutsiati , Hwang Wu-Yuin , Ningrum Ratih Ardiati
Published: August 2024

Online learning is the source of data generation related to learner's learning behaviors, which is valuable for knowledge discovery. Existing research emphasized more on an understanding of student's performance and achievement from learning log data. In this study, we presented data-driven learning behavior clustering in authentic learning context to understand students' behavior while participating in the learning process. The objective of the study is to distinguish students according to their learning behavior characteristics and identify clusters of students at risk of unsuccessful learning achievement. Learning log data were collected from ubiquitous learning applications before conducting Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and cluster analysis. We used partitional clustering using K-means algorithm and hierarchical clustering based on the agglomerative method to improve clustering strategies. The result of this study revealed three different clusters of students supported by data visualization techniques. Cluster 1 comprised more students with active learning behavior based on the total logs, total problems posed, and the total attempts in fraction operation and simplification. Students in clusters 2 and 3 had a higher attempt at problem-solving instead of problem-posing. Both clusters also focused on fraction's conceptual understanding. Knowledge discovery of this study used real data generated from ubiquitous learning application namely U-Fraction. We combined two different types of clustering method for delivering more accurate portrait of a student's hidden learning behaviors. The outcome of this study can be a basis for educational stakeholders to provide preventive learning strategies tailored to a different cluster of students.
Application of Negative Binomial Regression Model in West Java Tourism
Authors: Ramadan Arip , Rantini Dwi
Published: August 2024

Tourism is the most important sector for potential areas. One province in Indonesia that has quite potential is West Java. To be able to increase this potential, it is necessary to increase the number of tourists. This research aims to increase the number of visitors through several factors that are thought to be influential, namely the number of star hotels, number of stalls, and number of restaurants. The method used to determine the relationship between the number of visitors and these factors is regression. Because the research data is in the form of count data, it uses the Poisson distribution. If the data indicates overdispersion, it can be modeled using a Negative Binomial regression model as a comparison. The results obtained state that the Negative Binomial regression model is better than the Poisson regression model. Using the Negative Binomial regression model, it is found that increasing the number of tourists can be achieved by increasing the number of star hotels and number of restaurants. However, the number of stalls must be reduced so that visitors can increase. Thus, the aspect that must be addressed is to disband illegal stalls and increase the number of hotels and restaurants.
Relationship between Chinese Men and Indigenous Women in Gowok (1929): Postcolonial Feminist Studies
Authors: Susanto Dwi
Published: August 2024

This study aims to analyse how a Chinese-Indonesia descent male author represented indigenous women in Novel Gowok (1929). Gowok is a novel written by Liem Khing Hoo, depicting a relationship of race and gender under colonial discourse. To pursue the aim of this study, postcolonial feminist approach was used to reveal the quality of ideological and political relation under colonial discourse. The data collected were focussed on the relationship of women and race in this novel, the social group consciousness of the author, and colonial discourse. The results showed two points. First, the narrative of the indigenous women in this novel reflected the voice of Chinese-Indonesia descents from the moderate social group based on racial and gender relation. Second, the relationship of the indigenous women and the Chinese-Indonesia descents could be considered as political and ideological relation to realize tradition or culture nationalism concept in colonial contexts. In conclusion, this concept brings ambiguity characters.
Ethnography of Communication: SPEAKING Analysis on Childbirth Services in Sa'dan, North Toraja
Authors: Weny Lestari
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify cultural communication gaps in three common childbirth speech events, namely  among the Toraja ethnic community in Sa'dan, North Toraja involving childbirth attendants and different locations, namely (1) childbirth attended by a midwife in a healthcare facility, (2) childbirth attended by a to'mappakianak (traditional birth attendant) at the mother's home, and (3) childbirth with collaborative efforts between a midwife and to'mappakianak in a healthcare facility. To pursue the aim of this study, SPEAKING analysis was used. The SPEAKING analysis (Scene/Setting-Participants-Ends-Act-Key-Instruments-Norms-Genre) is a framework in communication ethnography study developed by Dell Hymes to understand and analyse the society and culture of an ethnic group through communication processes. The results indicated that both midwives and to'mappakianak culturally shared the same goal of safely attending childbirth. However, within the context of different speech community's perspectives, the experiences and cultural nuances of participants, including childbirth attendants, mothers, and families, also conveyed different meanings. These differences could be positive or negative for the involved participants. This study could provide insights for policy of maternal and child health service providers to consider cultural and communication factors in health services for Toraja ethnics in Sa'dan, North Toraja. In short, competent childbirth attendants should be culturally communicative and adhere to safe motherhood principles.
Bisexual Identity in a Religious Environment in Christina Lauren’s Autoboyography
Authors: A. Sasli Siti Atiqahgania , Setiawan Ikwan , Salikin Hairus
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on analyzing the representation of bisexual identity in Christina Lauren’s novel "Autoboyography." Through qualitative research, the aim is to reveal the discourse of bisexuality constructed by the acts and behaviors of other characters toward the male main characters using Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, with a particular focus on Michel Foucault’s discursive approach. Another objective of this study is to examine the critical position of Christina Lauren as the novel’s author towards the issue of bisexuality. The findings reveal that the author created characters who both oppose and support bisexuality, thereby highlighting the issue of bisexuality in the 21st century. Through their narrative, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by male individuals living as bisexuals in a religiously conservative environment. By doing so, Christina Lauren not only addresses social issues surrounding bisexuality but also illustrates the main character's struggles in accepting a bisexual identity in an environment influenced by religious beliefs.
An Ideal Marriage: A Study of the Marriage Sermon in the Perspective of Gadamer’s Hermeneutics
Authors: Lutfi Mochtar , Mohammad Adib  , Manuaba Ida Bagus Putera
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to find a dynamic relationship between the text and the interpreter in the marriage sermon. This dynamic is explored by utilizing qualitative methods with the Gadamer’s Hermeneutics approach, which focuses on the acceptance of listeners or readers rather than the speaker's intent. There are two parties involved in understanding: the horizon of the text and the horizon of the interpreter. Gadamer's hermeneutics illustrates hermeneutics as a fusion of horizons. Hermeneutics is an attempt to clarify the conditions for understanding to take place. Thus, the meaning of the text is no longer limited to the author's intent but is open to the interpretation of the reader. There is a dynamic relationship between the horizons of the text and the horizons of the interpreter. Brides and families receive marriage advice when arranging paperwork at the Office of Religious Affairs, ordering material from the khatib to be delivered during the marriage sermon, and the atmosphere at the ceremony venue supports understanding the horizon of the text with the horizon of the interpreter. Therefore, the fusion of horizons of the text and the interpreter of the marriage sermon from the perspective of Gadamer's Hermeneutics shows the formation of a prosperous, happy, and noble family, in line with the concepts of sakinah, mawaddah, and warrahmah.
Translation Strategies of Nusantara Food Menu
Authors: Pratama Agus Darma Yoga , Putri Dewa Ayu Dyah Pertiwi
Published: August 2024

The research aims to analyze the translation strategies and the use of Culture-Specific Items (CSIs) in nusantara food menus in Indonesia. Translators usually use their perception to translate the menu without the involvement of the chefs. As a result, the translation of food menus can vary from one restaurant to another because each chef has their unique way of preparing their food. Collaboration between translators and chefs is necessary to ensure that the translated menus highlight the characteristics and uniqueness of each dish. The results show that the translation strategies used are Reduction and Expansion (81 data), Couplets (34 data), Cultural Equivalence (8 data), Transference (7 data), Descriptive Equivalence (5 data), Functional Equivalence (4 data), and Naturalization (2 data). The use of CSIs found in the data are Ingredients (186 data), Cooking Techniques (113 data), Seasoning (83 data), Proper Name (39 data), Flavor (9 data), Color (7 data), and Texture (4 data). However, the translation strategy of Synonymy, Through-Translation, Shift or Transposition, Modulation, Recognised Translation, Translation Label, Compensation, Componential Analysis, Paraphrase, and Other Procedures are not found in the data.
Women in Mass Media in Under the Silver Lake (2018): A Saussure’s Semiotics Study
Authors: Amanda Naura Fitri , Agustina Mia Fitria , Trisnawati Ririn Kurnia
Published: August 2024

This study examines the portrayal of women in the mass media in a movie Under the Silver Lake (2018). This study used a qualitative method and Saussure’s semiotic theory to analyze women in the mass media in the movie, particularly on the connection between the portrayal of women and its meaning based on social conception. There are two types of mass media in the movie that are analyzed: print ads and magazines. The first focuses on the 1969 Tipalet print ads, and the second is from the 1970 Playboy magazine. The findings indicate that women in mass media are not merely portrayed as models or figures to promote a product. Instead mass media is inclined to use their portrayal as a medium to promote the ideas of women objectification. The portrayal of women in those mass media; thus, they often appear objectified, exploited, and undervalued. They are depicted in their most sexual appearance, which does not account for them as equal human beings. Such portrayals of women in conventional mass media provide the most harmful and unequal representation of women.
The role of circRNAs and miRNAs in drug resistance and targeted therapy responses in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Meilan , Zheng Zhaokuan , Wang Shouliang , Liu Ruihan , Zhang Mengli , Guo Zhiyun , Wang Hao , Tan Weige
Published: August 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs comprising 19-24 nucleotides that indirectly control gene expression. In contrast to other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) are defined by their covalently closed loops, forming covalent bonds between the 3’ and 5’ ends. circRNAs regulate gene expression by interacting with miRNAs at transcriptional or post-transcriptional levels. Accordingly, circRNAs and miRNAs control many biological events related to cancer, including cell proliferation, metabolism, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Both circRNAs and miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as breast cancer. This review focuses on the latest discoveries on dysregulated circRNAs and miRNAs related to breast cancer, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapy response.
Ethics and curricular competencies during a three-hour poetry workshop for health professionals
Authors: Dhaliwal Upreet , Singh Satendra
Published: August 2024

Poetry is a powerful tool to promote communication, develop insight and empathy, examine ethical issues, and challenge assumptions. We have been using poetry in health professions education for many years and wished to capture its impact on healthcare learners and professionals, with a focus on competencies essential to healthcare providers. A three-hour poetry workshop was conducted during the National Conference for Health Professions Educators, 2022, for volunteers from the health professions. Poems were curated beforehand to highlight ethics concepts, and social and structural healthcare barriers. Participant responses suggested that they connected with the struggles depicted, noticed ethical issues, and experienced empathy. Online feedback from participants after the workshop revealed that the poems motivated self-reflection, gave voice to feelings, and helped understand patient perspectives. Our findings suggest that integrating poetry into the curriculum can improve educational competencies, enhance understanding of illness, and facilitate creativity, reflective learning, and discussions on self-care and burnout.
Seismic Nowcasting: A Holistic Artificial Neural Network Predictive Model
Authors: Bikos Anastasios
Published: August 2024

A contemporary technique for calculating seismic risk is earthquake nowcasting (EN), which analyzes the progression of the earthquake (EQ) cycle in fault systems. 'Natural time' is a novel idea of time that serves as the foundation for EN assessment. The earthquake potential score (EPS), which has been discovered to have useful uses regionally and worldwide, is a unique tool EN uses to predict seismic risk. For the estimation of the EPS for the occurrences with the highest magnitude among these applications, we have since 2021 concentrated on Greece territory, applying sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, both wise (semi)supervised and unsupervised models, along with a customized dynamic sliding window technique that performs as a stochastic filter able to fine-tune the geo seismic occurrences. Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks, random forests, and clustering (geospatial) models are three machine learning techniques that are particularly good at finding patterns in vast databases and may be used to enhance earthquake prediction performance. In this study, we attempt to forecast whether practical Machine-learning and AI/Game-theoretic-based approaches can help predict big earthquakes and the normal future seismic cycle for 6-12 months. Specifically, we focus on answering two questions for a given region: (1) Is there a chance that a significant earthquake—say, one with a magnitude of M ≥ 6.0 will happen in the upcoming year? (2) What is the largest earthquake magnitude predicted in the upcoming year, and with which exact geographic coordinates (GCS)? Our results are quite promising and project a high precision accuracy score (≥ 98%) for seismic nowcasting in terms of four predictive parameters: the approximate (a) latitude, (b) longitude, (c) focal depth, and (d) magnitude of the phenomena.
Simulation of the Necessary Macro TFP Growth and its Feasible Dual Circulation Source Pathways to Achieve China Economic Vision Goal: A Dynamic CGE Study
Authors: Qi Zike
Published: August 2024

An ambitious per capita GDP target has been envisioned by the Chinese government since 2020 to project its sustainable economic growth rate by 2035. Can China fully achieve its goal? This is a question worth investigating. By inserting relevant TABLO modules of the final goods trade, the intermediate goods trade, and factor-strengthening technology spillovers, along with technology absorption thresholds effects of the global value chain, this study builds a global dynamic recursive computational general equilibrium (CGE ) model on basis of GTAP-RD. This approach allows considering the 'dual circulation' system strongly advocated and pointed out as the sole way to realize China’s technological (total factor productivity (TFP)) progress by the Chinese government, which integrates both domestic internal and international external circulations (trade and foreign direct investment (FDI)). We simulate China's technological progress under eight scenarios, and use the latest GTAP Version 11 production and trade data (released in April 2023) for 141 countries and regions and results are aggregated into 10 countries groups with 9 activity sectors and 10 commodities. Main conclusions are as follows: (1) If China maintains its trade opening policy, the 2035 vision goal can be achieved, with external circulation being more important than internal circulation for technological spillovers. (2) The economic growth impacts of external and internal circulation operate relatively independently. However, FDI provides a relatively larger synergistic effect for all forms of external trade circulation than to the internal one. Regarding factor-strengthening effects, spillovers are more favorable to 'capital' than to labor factors. (3) We find that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is the most important strategic partner for China. (4) It appears that FDI is not an effective way to lift the productive services sector's total factor productivity (TFP), and more realistic for China is to open up the productive services market more widely, as its efficiency is a pivotal reflection of China's independent innovation capability. (5) China–US decoupling has an enormous global impact. In all the Scenarios we consider, the United States is always the country that loses the most, and Europe would be the group of countries that benefits when there is a large increase in TFP in the US.
Space-Time Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relationship with Socioeconomic and Demographic Variables in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Santana Keila Valente de Souza de , Marino Aluízio , Martins Gabriela Rosa , Lima Pedro Henrique Barbosa Muniz , Mendonça Pedro Henrique Rezende , Rolnik Raquel
Published: August 2024

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) played an important role in understanding the dynamics of the territorial spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Even today, it is important to understand such dynamics in view of the imminent risk of new epidemics and pandemics. This study aimed to identify space-time clusters of incidence and mortality due to COVID-19 during the pandemic, analyzing socioeconomic and demographic characteristics in order to highlight the priority areas for control and surveillance actions. This study was conducted in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP) from March 2020 to February 2022. To detect the clusters, a multidimensional punctual process was created to perform multiple tests for every geographic point using the SaTScan™ software. Socioeconomic and demographic differences were analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. High-risk clusters of incidences were observed in May 2020 (RR=2; p-value <0.001) and March to June 2021 (RR=2.6; p-value <0.001) in the capital of São Paulo and neighboring municipalities, with statistically significant differences between the socioeconomic variables analyzed. No low-risk cluster of COVID-19 incidence was found, but low-risk clusters of mortality from COVID-19 were found in the period from July to December 2020 in the central region of the capital (RR=0.33; p-value <0.001), which concentrates the highest incomes and the lowest percentages of Black, Brown (Mixed-race), and Indigenous people in the MRSP.
Delivering Systematic and Repeatable Area-Based Conservation Assessments: From Global to Local Scales
Authors: Juffe-Bignoli Diego , Mandrici Andrea , Delli Giacomo , Niamir Aidin , Dubois Grégoire
Published: August 2024

Protected and conserved areas are a key area-based strategy to address the biodiversity and climate change crises. Fundamental to understand their performance over time are indicators. The Digital Observatory for Protected Areas (DOPA) was born in 2013 as a set of open access web services and applications to be used to assess, monitor, and report on protected and conserved areas. For over a decade it has delivered over 50 indicators to support policy processes, national and regional governments, and practitioners. DOPA has also developed a versatile and efficient back-end approach that is widely applicable in other area-based conservation contexts. Here, we describe the methods and workflows behind DOPA´s back end and provide examples of policy relevant questions it can answer. We discuss key advantages and limitations of this systematic and replicable approach and explore the use of this back-end architecture to inform progress in area-based conservation targets for the following decades. This approach, embedded in multiple services provided by the Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity of the European Commission (KCBD), can also support the implementation and monitoring of area-based targets of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at international, regional, and national levels.
Dynamic Scheduling Optimization of Automatic Guide Vehicle for Terminal Delivery under Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Shao Qian Qian , Miao Jia Wei , Liao Peng Hui , Liu Tao
Published: August 2024

As an important part of urban terminal delivery, automated guided vehicle (AGV) has been widely used in the field of takeout delivery. Due to the real-time generation of takeout orders, the delivery system is required to be extremely dynamic, so the AGV needs to be dynamically scheduled. At the same time, the uncertainty in the delivery process (such as the meal preparation time) further increases the complexity and difficulty of AGV scheduling. Considering the influence of these two factors, the method of embedding stochastic programming model into rolling mechanism is adopted to optimize the AGV delivery routing. Specifically, To handle real-time orders under dynamic demand, an optimization mechanism based on rolling scheduling framework is proposed, which allows the AGV route to be continuously updated. Different from most VRP models, open chain structure is used to describe the dynamic delivery path of AGV. In order to deal with the impact of uncertain meal preparation time on route planning, a stochastic programming model is formulated with the purpose of minimizing the expectation of order timeout rate and the total customer waiting time. In addition, an effective path merging strategy and after-effects strategy are also considered in the model. In order to solve the proposed mathematical programming model, a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on NSGA-III framework is developed. Finally, a series of experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model and algorithm.
Continuous Material Deposition on Filaments in Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Naim Guy , Magdassi Shlomo , Mandler Daniel
Published: August 2024

The inclusion of active materials in 3D-printed objects presents many potential applications in a variety of fields, including medicine and agriculture. Through a new three-phase coating system, we fabricate 3D objects that are printed via fused deposition modeling (FDM), with embedded functional materials. The method, namely Continuous Material Deposition on Filaments (CMDF) is based on passing a filament through a solution in which the functional substance is dissolved together with the polymer from which the filament is made. As model cases, three different types of materials were tested, Rhodamine B, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), and Ciprofloxacin (Cip) while dissolved or dispersed in a PLA-containing solution. It was found that the properties of the coating materials are not affected by the coating and printing steps and they are maintained on the surface of the printed structure. This enabled, for example, achieving an antibacterial activity by the ZnO NPs and the controlled release of the antibiotics, Cip. Since the approach does not alter the mechanical properties of the printed structures, it offers a simple and convenient method for the introduction of a wide range of materials into 3D-printed objects.
Tuberculous Pleural Effusion-Derived Exosomal miR-130-3p and miR-423-5p Promote the Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells via Cyclin D1
Authors: Kang Hyun-Jung , Yun Sangho , Shin Seung-Ho , Youn Dong Hyuk , Son Ga-Hyun , Lee Jae Jun , Hong Ji Young
Published: August 2024

Epidemiologic studies have shown an association between tuberculosis and lung cancer. The al-tered tumor microenvironment after tuberculosis infection appears to contribute to cancer pro-gression. Pleural effusions are enriched in exosomes, which act as mediators of intercellular communication. We hypothesized that tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE)-derived exosomes mediate intercellular communication. Then we examined the interaction between TPE-derived exosomes and cancer cells. Exosomal miRNA profiling of TPE was performed using a microRNA array. An in vitro lung cancer cell experiment and an in vivo mouse xenograft tumor model were used to evaluate the effects of select exosomal microRNAs. TPE-derived exosome treatment en-hanced the growth of A549 cells both in vitro and in a nude mouse xenograft model. Neighboring cancer cells were observed to take up TPE-derived exosomes, which promoted cancer cell inva-sion. Exosome-mediated transfer of select microRNAs, including miR-130b-3p and miR-423-5p, to A549 lung cancer cells activated cyclin D1 signaling and increased the expression of phos-phorylated p65, a cyclin D1 transcription factor. Inhibitors of miR-130b and miR-423-5p sup-pressed the promotion of lung cancer by TPE derived exosomes and reduced the expression of p65 and cyclin D1. These results suggest that TBE-derived exosomal miRNAs can serve as a novel therapeutic target in tuberculous fibrosis-induced lung cancer.
Clinicopathological Observations in Acute Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Hudák Lilla , Kovács Kitti Bernadett , Bagoly Zsuzsa , Szegedi Istvan , Bencs Viktor , Lóczi Linda , Orbán-Kálmándi Rita , Péter-Pakó Henrietta , Fülesdi Zsófia , Busi Blanka , Nagy Attila , Perjési-Kiss Beáta , Oláh László , Csiba László
Published: August 2024

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and intravenous thrombo-lysis, while improving functional outcomes, still leaves a significant mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological data of thrombolysed stroke patients who subsequently died and underwent autopsy, focusing on hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Over a 10-year period, 1426 acute ischemic stroke patients re-ceived thrombolysis at our center, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 11.7%. Autop-sies were performed on 98 of the 167 deceased patients. HT was found in 47% of these cases, only less than half occurring within a day of thrombolysis. Significant inde-pendent predictors of HT included higher lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels and higher INR values at admission. HT directly caused death in 30% of cases, often through herniation, while other complications (pulmonary embolism, pneumonia) were also common. These findings underscore the importance of postmortem investi-gations to accurately determine the incidence of HT and contributing factors. Our data indicate that in the vast majority of HT cases, the role of contributing factors other than rt-PA may be important. Of the routinely assessed clinical and laboratory parameters at admission only LD and INR were found to be independent predictors of HT in the autopsied studied cohort.
Numerical Simulation of the Shed-Tunnel Structure Dynamic Response under the Rockfall Repeated Impacts with FEM-SPH Method
Authors: Zhao Hao , Lyu Zepeng , Liu Hongyan
Published: August 2024

The dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact attracts much attention in recent years. However, the research on the dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact mostly focuses on the rockfall single impact, while in practical engineering, the shed-tunnel structure often encounters the rockfall repeated impacts during its service life. Therefore, this research focuses on exploring the dynamic response characteristics of the shed-tunnel structure under the rockfall repeated impacts. First of all, based on the model test of the shed-tunnel under rockfall impact as a reference, the FEM (Finite Element Method)-SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) coupling numerical calculation model is established based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element code. The numerical simulation of the dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact is realized, and the rationality of the model is verified. Then, with this model and the full restart technology of LS-DYNA code, the effects of four factors, e.g. rockfall mass, rockfall impact velocity, rockfall impact angle and rockfall shape, on the impact force and impact depth of the buffer layer, the maximum plastic strain and axial force of the rebar, the shed roof vertical displacement and the shed-tunnel plastic strain are studied. These results show that the cumulative deformation and damage of the shed-tunnel structure caused by the rockfall repeated impacts play an important role in the destruction of the shed-tunnel structure, and the special attention should be paid to this issue.
Diabetes-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Exercise and Its Benefits Among Individuals with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mtshali Nokuthula , Sookan-Kassie Takshita
Published: August 2024

Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on the health outcomes of individuals with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), however, it is still underutilised in developing countries. This study investigated diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward exercise and its benefits among individuals with T2DM. A total of one hundred and ninety-nine participants (male= 21.6% and female= 78.4%) with T2DM, aged between 18- 75, 43.77 (SD ±14.78) years participated in the study. A validated diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire, evaluated by true/false or unsure was utilised in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis was used to analyze data with the significance set at p<0. The study results demonstrated significantly poor diabetes-related knowledge of exercise (p<0.001). The majority of the study participants 163 (81.90%) with T2DM did not know that physical activity and exercise are different. Regarding the attitude of the individuals with T2DM, 158 (70.40%) of the study participants felt that their regular work was an adequate substitution for exercise. More than 50% of the study participants demonstrated a positive practice towards exercise and its benefits towards T2DM (p<0.001). The study revealed that participants’ knowledge and attitudes were poor towards exercise and its benefits, but their practice was good.
The Prognostic Role of Advanced Lung Inflammation Index in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisFibrosis
Authors: Bozkuş Fulsen , Keskin Olgun
Published: August 2024

Background: The Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI) is a novel, comprehensive index that integrates inflammation and nutritional status, incorporating parameters such as albumin, body mass index (BMI), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Unlike traditional inflammation biomarkers, this study aims to evaluate the prognosis of IPF patients by considering both inflammation and nutritional status. Method: A total of 102 patients with IPF were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical records. NLR and ALI score were calculated based on data collected at the initiation of antifibrotic treatment using the following formula: Neut/Lym and albumin × BMI / NLR. Results: IPF subject subgroups in terms of ALI based on gender–age–physiology (GAP) stages (1,2,3), FVC (median split, <70% vs ≥70%), DLCO (<51% vs ≥51%), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (<350 vs ≥350) and CCI (≤1 vs >1). ALI showed significant difference depending on the categories of GAP stage, FVC, DLCO, and 6MWT but these differences were not observed based on the charlson comorbidity index (CCI) categories (sırasıyla p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.233). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ALI, albumin, NLR, and BMI in determining the mortality risk in IPF patients. ALI demonstrated a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 98.9% at a threshold of 11.2 (AUC = 0.945, 95% CI 0.892–0.998, p < 0.000). Conclusion: We determined that ALI levels are significantly associated with disease severity and mortality in patients with IPF.
Initial Insights into Teleworking’s Effect on Air Quality in Madrid City
Authors: Bañuelos-Gimeno Jorge , Sobrino Natalia , Arce-Ruiz Rosa
Published: August 2024

Commuting to work by private vehicle is one of the main sources of air pollution in cities, mainly from NO2 and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). With the spread of telework, traffic congestion during peak hours is reduced on certain days of the week, improving air quality. This study an-alyzes the relationship between the improvement of air quality improvement and urban traffic resulting from teleworking activities after the COVID-19 pandemic in Madrid, Spain. The article considers road traffic and teleworking before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 and 2019), during the pandemic (2020 and 2021) and in the period after (2022 and 2023) in the city center and the in-fluence on certain environmental factors. Daily NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 concentration data were collected at air quality stations in Madrid municipality, traffic data and some meteorological variables such as wind speed, precipitation and temperature were considered. When conducting correlation and regression analysis among the variables it shows a clear association between NO2 and traffic before the pandemic, which is lower for both PM and O3. This correlation was main-tained during the pandemic, except for O3, whose association increased during this period and then decreased in the later period due to various motives. These results seem to indicate the ex-istence of a relevant relationship between urban mobility and air quality and an especially rele-vant relationship with telework, suggesting the need for policies aimed at promoting sustainable mobility in the future.
Chronosequence and Temporal Changes in Soil Traits, Vegetation Structure and Leaf Traits in a Tropical Dry Forest in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Kleiperry Freitas , Silva Jhonathan Oliveira , Reyes Pablo Cuevas- , Falcão Luiz Alberto Dolabela , Santo Mário Marcos do Espírito
Published: August 2024

The structure and diversity of tropical vegetation are shaped by biotic and abiotic factors, which function as environmental filters affecting plant performance in different spatial and temporal scales. We compared soil traits, vegetation structure and leaf traits (i.e., specific leaf area, polyphenols and chlorophyll content a/b and total) in early, intermediate and late successional stages of a tropical dry forests in southeastern Brazil. For this purpose, we measured leaf traits of the most abundant species in the same 18 plots (50 x 20m/ six per successional stage) in 2009 and 2018. We tested whether tree species growing in early forests have a greater investment in conservative traits related to chemical defenses and tolerance to desiccation compared to late-stage tree species. We observed contrasting results when comparing the chronosequence differences in leaf traits both in 2009 and 2018 and the temporal changes along this period. Specific leaf area was lower than expected for all successional stages while polyphenol content increased along time, contrary to other studies in tropical dry forests. These results suggest that contrasting environmental conditions such as soil water holding capacity and light availability are responsible of the observed pattern. Total chlorophyll content increase lightly, while the a/b chlorophyll ratio doubled in all successional stages, contrary to our hypothesis. Therefore, we suggest that the conservative-acquisitive spectrum in successional gradients of TDFs should be further investigated for a better understanding of plant community assemblages.