bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of the microcystic elongated and fragmented pattern in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Peng , Duan Baofeng , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The presence of the microcystic elongated and fragmented (MELF) pattern, distinguished by its microcystic, elongated and fragmented attributes, constitutes a common manifestation of myometrial invasion (MI) within endometrial carcinoma. However, the prognostic significance of this pattern has not been definitively established. Consequently, this research aimed to clarify the prognostic implications of the MELF pattern for individuals diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational clinical studies.

Data sources

An extensive review of the literature was conducted using reputable databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, covering the period from January 2003 to October 2023. Search terms encompassed endometrial cancer and the MELF pattern.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

The inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone hysterectomy and whose pathology confirmed endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, with or without MELF infiltration.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers performed data extraction separately. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Stata V.17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The meta-analysis incorporated 16 retrospective cohort studies. Employing a fixed-effects approach, the analysis demonstrated an association of the MELF pattern with reduced overall survival (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.50–3.25, p=0.000) and lower disease-free survival rates among patients with endometrial cancer (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.55, p=0.006). Furthermore, aggregated data revealed a linkage between the MELF pattern and significant MI, nodal metastasis, involvement of the lymphovascular space, penetration of the cervical stroma and progression to advanced stages of endometrial carcinoma.

Conclusion

The MELF pattern serves as a significant adverse prognostic factor in endometrial cancer, warranting increased attention.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Western Australia, 2010–2020
Authors: Mehta Kanika , Randall Sean , Lee Crystal Man Ying , Thomas Elizabeth , Chakera Aron , Chai Kevin , Estai Mohamed , Frith Madison , Hendrie Delia , Boyd James , Robinson Suzanne
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the prevalence and trends of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Western Australia (WA) from 2010 to 2020 using linked pathology data.

Design

A retrospective observational cohort study using linked de-identified data from WA pathology providers, hospital morbidity records and mortality records.

Setting

A Western Australian population-based study.

Participants

All individuals aged 18 years and older with at least one serum creatinine test.

Primary outcome measure

CKD status as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin-creatinine ratio.

Results

Analysing data from 2 501 188 individuals, there was a significant increase in age-sex standardised CKD prevalence from 4.7% in 2010 to 6.0% in 2020, with annual average percentage change of 3.0% (95% CI: 2.3% to 3.7%). Prevalence of CKD stages 3 and above was 4.8% in 2020. Higher CKD prevalence was observed in regional and remote areas compared with major cities, and among individuals in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged quintiles. Sensitivity analysis indicated minor impacts from data exclusions and methodological choices.

Conclusions

CKD prevalence in WA has been steadily increasing, reflecting broader Australian trends. The study highlights significant disparities in CKD prevalence based on age, socioeconomic status and geographic remoteness.
Widening access to isotretinoin in primary care: an evaluation of New Zealand national dispensing data for isotretinoin for acne, 2008–2023
Authors: Moodie Peter , Roskvist Rachel Petronella , Arnold Jason , Quinlin Diarmuid , Arroll Bruce
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To identify what changes in the prescribing of isotretinoin have occurred since funded prescriber access was widened in 2009 from ‘dermatologist only’ prescribing to include ‘general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners working within their scope of practice’.

Design

Evaluation of isotretinoin dispensing data from 2008 to 2023 using the national annual prescribing data obtained from the New Zealand Pharmaceutical National Collection database.

Setting

All New Zealand citizens prescribed and dispensed funded isotretinoin for acne from 2008 to 2023 were included.

Main outcome measures

The prescribing data were analysed to identify the total number of prescriptions per year by prescribing clinician type, patient ethnicity and deprivation levels.

Results

In 2008, nearly 100% (26 897) of dispensed prescriptions were written by a dermatologist, while in 2023, 79% (39 432) were written by primary care clinicians. Annual isotretinoin prescriptions increased by 87%, from 26 897 (2008) to 50 613 (2023). Prescriptions for Māori increased from 1750 in 2008 to 4374 in 2023, with similar increases for other ethnic minorities.

Conclusion

Expanding the prescriber cohort has resulted in a substantial increase in prescriptions, with primary care now issuing the majority of isotretinoin prescriptions. These data demonstrate that the GP workforce can absorb and manage the additional acne workload from the increasing population. Enhanced access for patients suggests an unmet need. An absolute number of prescriptions have risen faster for Māori and Asian patients than for Europeans. Pacific people were generally lower than Europeans. This suggests the longstanding ethnic disparity in access to isotretinoin is partially reduced.

Many countries have restrictions on patient access to isotretinoin, similar to New Zealand in 2008. This is the first study demonstrating that, given appropriate postgraduate education and support, the isotretinoin risk–benefit profile may be enhanced to safely deliver high-quality, timely, equitable patient access to isotretinoin in primary care.
Global estimates of prevalence of chronic painful neuropathy among patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 28 countries, 2000–24
Authors: D'Souza Ryan S , Saini Chandan , Hussain Nasir , Javed Saba , Prokop Larry , Her Yeng F
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Although the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has been reported, the proportion of patients with CIPN who report chronic painful neuropathy remains poorly understood, despite its significant impact on patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of chronic (≥3 months) painful CIPN among patients diagnosed with CIPN. Estimates from each study were transformed using double arcsine transformation and pooled in a meta-analysis using an inverse variance heterogeneity model. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on geographical region, sex, chemotherapy regimen, primary cancer type, and funding source; meta-regression analysis was conducted based on study design, human development index (HDI), and publication year.

Results

77 studies from 28 countries, encompassing 10 962 patients with CIPN, were included. Among patients diagnosed with CIPN, the pooled prevalence of those reporting chronic painful CIPN was estimated at 41.22% (95% CI 32.40 to 50.19; 95% prediction interval 23.71 to 61.28). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I²=95.27%; 95% CI forI294.58 to 95.86). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients treated with platinum based agents and taxanes had the highest prevalence of chronic painful CIPN (40.44% and 38.35%, respectively), and among primary cancers, those with lung cancer reported the highest prevalence of chronic painful CIPN (60.26%). Study design, HDI, and publication year were non-significant moderators of prevalence estimates. Based on our GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) assessment, the certainty of evidence was considered very low.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive global estimate of the prevalence of chronic painful CIPN, highlighting its significant burden on patients worldwide. The variation in prevalence across geographical regions, chemotherapy regimens, and primary cancers underscores the need for tailored pain management strategies and further research to address potential disparities.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42024579459.
The Felsenkeller shallow-underground laboratory for nuclear astrophysics
Authors: Bemmerer Daniel , Boeltzig Axel , Grieger Marcel , Gudat Katharina , Hensel Thomas , Masha Eliana , Osswald Max , Poser Bruno , Rümmler Simon , Schmidt Konrad , Taín José Luis , Tarifeño-Saldivia Ariel , Turkat Steffen , Yadav Anup , Zuber Kai
Published: January 2025

In the Felsenkeller shallow-underground site, protected from cosmic muons by a 45 m thick rock overburden, a research laboratory including a 5 MV Pelletron ion accelerator and a number of radioactivity-measurement setups is located. The laboratory and its installations are described in detail. The background radiation has been studied, finding suppression factors of 40 for cosmic-ray muons, 200 for ambient neutrons, and 100 for the background in germanium

$$\gamma $$

γ

-ray detectors. Using an additional active muon veto, typically the background is just twice as high as in very deep underground laboratories. The properties of the accelerator including its external and internal ion sources and beam line are given. For the radioactivity counting setup, detection limits in the 10

$$^{-4}$$

-
4

Bq range have been obtained. Practical aspects for the usage of the laboratory by outside scientific users are discussed.
Maximum-utility popular matchings with bounded instability
Authors: Schlotter Ildikó , Cseh Agnes
Published: January 2025

In a graph where vertices have preferences over their neighbors, a matching is called popular if it does not lose a head-to-head election against any other matching when the vertices vote between the matchings. Popular matchings can be seen as an intermediate category between stable matchings and maximum-size matchings. In this paper, we aim to maximize the utility of a matching that is popular but admits only a few blocking edges.

We observe that for general graphs finding a popular matching with at most one blocking edge is already NP-complete. For bipartite instances, we study the problem of finding a maximum-utility popular matching with a bound on the number (or more generally, the cost) of blocking edges applying a multivariate approach. We show classical and parameterized hardness results for severely restricted instances. By contrast, we design an algorithm for instances where preferences on one side admit a master list, and show that this algorithm is roughly optimal.
DiffusionShield: A Watermark for Data Copyright Protection against Generative Diffusion Models
Authors: Cui Yingqian , Ren Jie , Xu Han , He Pengfei , Liu Hui , Sun Lichao , Xing Yue , Tang Jiliang
Published: January 2025

Recently, Generative Diffusion Models (GDMs) have shown remarkable abilities in learning and generating images, fostering a large community of GDMs. However, the unrestricted proliferation has raised serious concerns on copyright issues. For example, artists become concerned that GDMs could effortlessly replicate their unique artworks without permission. In response to these challenges, we introduce a novel watermark scheme, Diffusion Shield, against GDMs. It protects images from infringement by encoding the ownership message into an imperceptible watermark and injecting it into images. This watermark can be easily learned by GDMs and will be reproduced in generated images. By detecting the watermark in generated images, the infringement can be exposed with evidence. Benefiting from the uniformity of the watermarks and the joint optimization method, Diffusion Shield ensures low distortion of the original image, high watermark detection performance, and lengthy encoded messages. We conduct rigorous and comprehensive experiments to show its effectiveness in defending against infringement by GDMs and its superiority over traditional watermark methods.
User-Centred Privacy and Data Protection: An Overview of Current Research Trends and Challenges for the Human–Computer Interaction Field
Authors: de Chaves Shirlei Aparecida , Benitti Fabiane
Published: January 2025

A user-focused technological approach is essential for privacy and data protection, so a systematic mapping study was conducted to review how researchers approach such matters. Of 8,867 papers, 231 were systematically selected and analysed. Through thematic analysis, we identified three main themes: improving privacy policies, raising privacy awareness, and controlling information disclosure. Notably, 45% of the studies lacked user involvement, highlighting a diverse landscape in the extent of real user participation in research evaluations. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in promoting privacy-preserving human-computer interaction.
How a Medical Student Found Himself in a Human Genome Free for All
Authors: Waterston Robert H.
Published: January 2025

In this short memoir, I recount the series of improbable interactions and events that led me from medical school to a leadership role in the Human Genome Project.
CMRxRecon2024: A Multimodality, Multiview k-Space Dataset Boosting Universal Machine Learning for Accelerated Cardiac MRI
Authors: Wang Zi , Wang Fanwen , Qin Chen , Lyu Jun , Ouyang Cheng , Wang Shuo , Li Yan , Yu Mengyao , Zhang Haoyu , Guo Kunyuan , Shi Zhang , Li Qirong , Xu Ziqiang , Zhang Yajing , Li Hao , Hua Sha , Chen Binghua , Sun Longyu , Sun Mengting , Li Qing , Chu Ying-Hua , Bai Wenjia , Qin Jing , Zhuang Xiahai , Prieto Claudia , Young Alistair , Markl Michael , Wang He , Wu Lian-Ming , Yang Guang , Qu Xiaobo , Wang Chengyan
Published: January 2025

The released CMRxRecon2024 dataset is currently the largest and most protocol-diverse publicly available k-space dataset including multimodality and multiview cardiac MRI data from 330 healthy volunteers, and each one covers standardized and commonly used clinical protocols.
One Step Synthesis of Carbon Nitride/Carbon Nanotube Composite Nanomaterials Modified Electrode for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Bisphenol A
Authors: Sun Yanhua , Niu Maowen , Bai Yanwei , Zhang Jianbao , Fu Jiahui , Fang Shijie , Liu Wei , Liu Lei , Wang Wei
Published: January 2025

In this work, RCN/WCNTs nanocomposites were synthesized using a one-step method and characterized using SEM, XPS, FTIR. An electrochemical sensor capable of sensitive and rapid detection of BPA was developed by modifying RCN/WCNTs nanocomposites on a glassy carbon electrode. The sensor exhibited excellent electrochemical response to BPA in 0.2 M PBS (pH 7.0) under optimal selection conditions. The linear range of the sensor was 0.01–43 μM, and the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 0.0017 μM. In addition, the sensor exhibited good immunity, stability and reproducibility. And it was applied to the detection of real samples.
Dynamic Responses of Long‐Span Steel Truss Girder Cable‐Stayed Bridge With a Single Pylon
Authors: Zeng Yong , Wei Jiahao , Zeng Yutong , Xiao Yunchuan , Mao Hongwei , Huang Ming , Xiang Zhongfu , Zhou Jianting
Published: January 2025

The study investigates the seismic response of long‐span single‐tower and single‐cable steel truss girder cable‐stayed bridges, which structurally differ from traditional bridge types, and there is limited research on the influence of cable arrangement on the seismic response of long‐span single‐tower steel truss girder cable‐stayed bridges. Therefore, based on the engineering background of the world’s largest span single‐tower and single‐cable steel truss girder cable‐stayed bridge, a finite element model of the entire bridge is established to study the effect of cable arrangement on the seismic response of the bridge. The results indicate that although a double‐cable plane arrangement can slightly reduce the torsion of the main girder, it cannot completely eliminate the occurrence of torsional vibration modes. However, by employing structural measures such as sufficient stiffness and reasonable width of the steel truss girder, the negative impact of single‐cable plane arrangement on the dynamic characteristics of the bridge can be mitigated. It is suggested to adopt a single‐cable plane arrangement when the standard width of the main girder is narrow, while a double‐cable plane arrangement is more suitable when the standard width of the main girder is wide. These findings provide an important reference for the design of similar structures in the future.
Modeling the Hydrological Process of the Genale Dawa‐3 Dam Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Dechasa Ashenafi , Dibaba Wakjira T. , Aga Alemu O. , Worku Mezgebu Geme , Feye Miliyon Dida , Kopesa Firaol Bedada , Gebisa Bekele Terefe , Legese Brook , Abate Amare Tura
Published: January 2025

Watershed hydrology comprehension is fundamental to the efficacious management of water resources and the formulation of sustainable solutions. This research used the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) to analyze the hydrological dynamics of the Genale Dawa‐3 dam watershed, to advance sustainable water management strategies. Model calibration and validation were performed using sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI‐2) within SWAT‐CUP, and performance was assessed through various statistical measures including R2, NSE, PBIAS, and RSR. The findings demonstrated a robust correlation between observed and simulated streamflow during both the calibration and validation stages. The statistical analysis revealed that there was significant agreement between the observed and simulated streamflow in terms of R2 (0.79, 0.75), NSE (0.74, 0.72), PBIAS (−2.8, 2.1), and RSR (0.57, 0.56) during calibration and validation. Evapotranspiration was found to account for 64.66% of precipitation loss, while surface runoff, groundwater flow, and water yield were each responsible for 12.62%, 9.47%, and 32.28% of the annual water balance, respectively. A yearly water balance analysis revealed that evapotranspiration was the primary route of precipitation loss, followed by surface runoff, groundwater movement, and overall water yield. The study estimated the total water potential of the watershed to be 2.45 BMC. Notable spatial heterogeneity in water balance components was observed across subwatersheds, attributable to variations in pedological characteristics, land use/land cover patterns, topographical features, and precipitation distribution. The elucidated hydrological processes provide a robust empirical framework for water resource practitioners and policymakers to formulate and implement evidence‐based, sustainable management strategies.
An Adolescent With a Giant Ovarian Cyst and Hyperandrogenism: Case Report
Authors: Moreno-Alfonso Julio César , Hernández Martín Sara , Ayuso González Lidia , Pérez Martínez Alberto
Published: January 2025

Objective: To present a rare diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after initial suspicion of malignancy. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in adolescence characterized by hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries.

Case Presentation: A 13‐year‐old female patient was referred for a giant mass noted on examination for metrorrhagia. She had previously presented for hirsutism and acne, treated independently. A multicystic abdominal tumor measuring 21 × 17 × 9 cm was identified, with a nodular image and negative tumor markers, but elevated testosterone and LH/FSH ratio. Therefore, video‐assisted ovarian cystectomy was performed. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with PCOS and began hormonal therapy, with improvement of hyperandrogenism.

Conclusion: In adolescents with large ovarian cysts, in addition to ruling out malignant neoplasms, PCOS should be considered as these may have similar clinical and radiological presentations.
Diabetes Prediction Using an Optimized Variational Quantum Classifier
Authors: Khan Wajiha Rahim , Kamran Muhammad Ahmad , Khan Misha Urooj , Ibrahim Malik Muhammad , Kim Kwang Su , Ali Muhammad Umair
Published: January 2025

Quantum information processing introduces novel approaches for classical data encoding to encompass the complex patterns of input data of practical computational challenges using basic principles of quantum mechanics. The classification of diabetes is an example of a problem that can be efficiently resolved by using quantum unitary operations and the variational quantum classifier (VQC). This study demonstrates the effects of the number of qubits, types of feature maps, optimizers’ class, and the number of layers in the parametrized circuit, and the number of learnable parameters in ansatz influences the effectiveness of the VQC. In total, 76 variants of VQC are analyzed for four and eight qubits’ cases and their results are compared with six classical machine learning models to predict diabetes. Three different types of feature maps (Pauli, Z, and ZZ) are implemented during analysis in addition to three different optimizers (COBYLA, SPSA and SLSQP). Experiments are performed using the PIMA Indian Diabetes Dataset (PIDD). The results conclude that VQC with six layers embedded with an error correction scaling factor of 0.01 and having ZZ feature map and COBYLA optimizer outperforms other quantum variants. The optimal proposed model attained the accuracy of 0.85 and 0.80 for eight and four qubits’ cases, respectively. In addition, the final quantum model among 76 variants was compared with six classical machine learning models. The results suggest that the proposed VQC model has outperformed four classical models including SVM, random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), and linear regression (LR).
Review of Current Strategies to Address Micronutrient Deficiencies (MNDs) in Ghana: A Scoping Review
Authors: Azagba-Nyako Jolene Mateko , Tortoe Charles , Akonor Paa Toah , Padi Alice , Boateng Jackline , Otwey Richard
Published: January 2025

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, low‐income countries like Ghana will require strategizing towards sustainable reduction in micronutrient deficiency (MND) diseases and MND‐related morbidity and mortality. A scoping review was conducted to identify the policy framework around MND intervention, the actors implementing MND‐related strategies and documented evidence on which strategies worked across implementation stakeholders. Forty‐six peer‐reviewed articles were selected (n = 46) including studies on nutrition‐sensitive intervention studies (n = 15) and nutrition‐specific intervention (n = 31). Eligibility criteria for inclusion of information from articles and publications were based on report findings on nutrition‐related programmes and policies conducted and implemented in Ghana and should have been published between 2000 and 2024. Databases adopted for this scoping review include Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, AGORA, Hinari and JSTOR. This scoping review obtained a comprehensive picture of the nutrition situation in Ghana by gathering nutrition surveillance data depicting the different strategies employed to combat MNDs in Ghana. The scoping review identified several MND intervention strategies; however, the sustainability of the strategies required effective implementation guidelines, policies and programmes that address dietary deficits specific to a particular population.
Relative Performance of Model Selection Criteria for Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Based on Kullback’s Symmetric Divergence
Authors: Dete Clarisse Houénafa , Lokonon Bruno Enagnon , Gneyou Kossi Essona , Senou Marcel , Glèlè Kakaï Romain
Published: January 2025

The Cox proportional hazards model is one of the most used models to analyze time‐to‐event outcomes. The decision on the most suitable model for those data is an essential analysis point. For this purpose, different model selection criteria can be used under various assumptions. This study assesses the relative performance of new model selection criteria based on Kullback’s symmetric divergence in the Cox proportional hazards model. For this purpose, we compared the Kullback information criterion (KIC) and the corrected KIC(KICc) with other information criteria such as the Akaike information criterion (AIC), corrected AIC(AICc), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) using a Monte Carlo experiment. Simulations were run using scenarios resulting from the combination of sample size (n = 30, 50, 100, 200, 300), censoring percentage (C = 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%), and censoring distribution (uniform or exponential). The results revealed that the KIC family criteria favor models with more accurate predictive power, irrespective of sample size or censoring percentage. However, they tend to select more underfitted models, which means that the KIC family favors parsimonious models, regardless of sample size or censoring percentage. A larger sample size (n = 200, 300) improves the performance of these criteria in choosing the true model, irrespective of the censoring percentage. However, AIC and AICc outperform the KIC family criteria for relatively small to moderate sample sizes (n = 30, 50, 100) in true model (containing only the relevant covariates) selection. In addition, BIC tends to favor underfitted models over KIC family criteria. Variations in censoring percentage, sample size, and censoring distribution affect the performance of these criteria in identifying the true model. These findings suggest that we should prefer KIC or KICc for larger sample sizes and when prioritizing the predictive accuracy of the model. For smaller sample sizes, we should prefer AIC or AICc, and BIC in scenarios where model parsimony is critical. It is important to note that no model selection criterion is the best in all situations, as they performed differently under different circumstances.
Table S8 from Potential Synergistic Effect between Niraparib and Statins in Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhang Hailei , Rutkowska Anna , González-Martín Antonio , Mirza Mansoor R. , Monk Bradley J. , Vergote Ignace , Pothuri Bhavana , Graybill Whitney A. Spannuth , Goessel Carsten , Barbash Olena , Bergamini Giovanna , Feng Bin
Published: January 2025

Adverse events in the different subgroups of the NOVA study
Plantas medicinais: babosas
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Capellari Júnior Lindolpho , Righini Giuseppe ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz
Published: January 2025

As babosas são plantas do gênero Aloe e suas folhas, riquíssimas em mucilagem, são utilizadas para diversas finalidades terapêuticas. Este gênero nas últimas décadas já esteve incluído nas famílias Liliaceae, Aloeaceae, Asphodelaceae, Xanthorrhoeaceae e atualmente, foi recolocado em Asphodelaceae. Tais alterações taxonômicas trazem muitas confusões para quem não é da área Botânica e que trabalha com plantas medicinais. No Brasil, algumas espécies deste gênero são cultivadas e empregadas para fins medicinais, sendo que há grande dificuldade na identificação botânica correta de tais espécies. Além disso, algumas espécies são empregadas em Paisagismo e nesta área também, diversas confusões de identificação são feitas. Outro aspecto interessante é que devido a organização de grupos taxonômicos (famílias, gêneros etc.) baseada em análise macromolecular, há uma curiosidade em se saber quais plantas são, atualmente, consideradas parentes das babosas. Este boletim da Série Produtor Rural da série Plantas Medicinais, intitulado “Babosas” aborda exatamente essas questões nomenclaturais e traz, ainda que, de forma sucinta, aspectos agronômicos e terapêuticos sobre algumas espécies de Aloe.
A fé como construção de sentido no Livro de Salmos: uma análise lexicográfica das palavras Emunah e Bitachon
Authors: Soares-Silva Thaíssa
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this article is to analyze the words Emunah and Bitachon in Psalms 119, 71 and 37, in the Hebrew language, in order to understand their effects of meaning, which are also highlighted in the Portuguese text. The aim is also to trace the relations of meaning generated by these words within the Hebrew text and, for this purpose, the above psalms were selected, since these texts contain the two words in their corpus. In order to achieve this objective, the article is based on an understanding of the word in its magical dimension, since it is constituted as "magical, cabalistic, sacred, [...] endowed with power" (BIDERMAN, 1998, p. 81). As a result, it became possible to understand the word Emunah as faith based on trust that everything is for the good, and to understand the word Bitachon as faith built on absolute certainty. It was also possible to understand the acrostics of the word Amen within Jewish thought, in order to understand their relationship with the word Emunah and their presence within the text. It was also possible to see that these words permeate each other in their meanings, building a web of meanings generated by the biblical text.
Clarice Lispector em tempos palimpsésticos: um estudo preliminar acerca da “Metafísica da Alteridade”
Authors: Cardoso Sebastião Marques
Published: January 2025

Apresentado no I Congresso Internacional de Estudos Judaicos da Universidade de São Paulo.
O objetivo do presente ensaio é refletir sobre viagens e rastros da cultura judaica na criação literária de Clarice Lispector, na ansiedade em alargar a compreensão crítica sobre a autora. Para tanto, vamos, de forma preliminar e ligeira, recordar aspectos do judaísmo, levantados pela crítica biográfica e literária pertinente, que marcaram a trajetória de vida de Clarice, e de como esses aspectos, direta ou indiretamente, reaparecem na sua escrita literária. Em seguida, vamos tentar observar os fenômenos entre a opacidade da cultura judaica e literatura em Clarice como um modo de multiplicidade temporal que permite situar a criação literária da autora em linha com a experiência filosófica de autores reconhecidos e marcados pela diáspora judaica do século XX. Nossa hipótese consiste na ideia de que, através da experiência do exílio, Clarice consegue plasmar uma literatura que abarca “tempos palimpsésticos” de culturas e de mentalidades pluriversais.
Narrativas autobiográficas em Yiddish: mulheres escritoras, suas escritas e suas histórias
Authors: Kramer Sonia
Published: January 2025

Apresentado no I Congresso Internacional de Estudos Judaicos da Universidade de São Paulo.
Este trabalho resulta de uma pesquisa que traduziu e analisou 23 contos escritos por 17 escritoras que revelam histórias de jovens judias que sofriam discriminação por serem mulheres, por serem escritoras e por escreverem em Yiddish, língua quase extinta no século XX, hoje foco de movimentos de resistência. Descobertos em pesquisas de grupos feministas nos Estados Unidos, os contos são valorizados por sua qualidade literária e por mostrarem contextos diversos e adversos de mulheres que imigraram do Leste Europeu para a América, Israel e outros países da Europa. O texto está organizado em três itens. O primeiro traça um breve panorama da língua Yiddish e das narrativas, sua natureza autobiográfica, contextos de produção, fundamentos da pesquisa, e critérios de seleção. Em seguida, o foco está colocado nos contos. Deles emergem lutas, perdas de lugares, de pessoas e sonhos, o sofrimento relatado ora com amargura, ora raiva, ora com ironia. Os contos mostram na língua quase perdida formas diversas de expressar desejos, sonhos, constrição, superação. As escritoras falam de migração e deslocamento por continentes, países, cidades, culturas que as colocam em situação de vulnerabilidade pelo que viram, viveram e quiseram, e não lhes foi permitido ou não conseguiram conquistar, bem como das mudanças que lhes foram exigidas para viver. No terceiro momento, são mostrados dois contos de duas autoras pesquisadas. A pesquisa teve apoio do instituto de estudos da universidade em que foi realizada.
Trabalhadores estrangeiros em Israel e a identidade revisitada
Authors: Rozenchan Nancy
Published: January 2025

From the creation of the State of Israel, given the variety of the Jewish population that settled there, and in compliance with the precept of “gathering of exiles”, an institutionalization of a single identity that should overlap with the multiplicity of cultures of the different branches and ethnicities that began to coexist, prevailed in the country. This condition did not fully triumph and, as an object of study to this day, can be appreciated in prominent works of Hebrew literature. Oxana (2013), a novel by Merav Nakar-Sadi, author whose family is originally from Iraq, by bringing the inglorious experience of a foreign worker who lives and works illegally in the country, opens up the possibility of a review of aspects of Israeli-Jewish identity when faced with this category of population.
Catástrofe no Rio Grande do Sul, mudanças climáticas e opinião pública
Authors: Andreucci Ana Cláudia Pompeu Torezan , Rodriguez Marina Cardoso de Pinna
Published: January 2025

The main purpose of this article is to provide reflections, albeit introductory, given the short time elapsed since its object and the brief nature of this text, on the floods that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the first half of 2024 and their effects on the formation of public opinion regarding climate change. To this end, the theoretical framework of authors such as Arnold van Gennep, Byung-Chul Han, Walter Lippmann and information extracted from journalistic articles were used.
O mito questionado: diálogos entre Platão e Philip Roth
Authors: Mazzucatto Maria Rita , Urbano Caio Henrique Trentini
Published: January 2025

This article presents a perspective on the questioning of the founding myths of a given culture, based on the comparison between the historical figure of Socrates, as portrayed by Plato, and the fictional character Oscar Freeman, from a short story by Philip Roth. This comparison is based on Mircea Eliade's theory on the conceptualization of myths, and on Jean Pierre Vernant's analysis of Myth and Religion in Ancient Greece. At the end of the reading of this text, what is intended is to present the timeless importance of free thought and the questioning of myths, fundamental aspects both in Socratic philosophy and in Philip Roth's narrative.
A Temporal Analysis of Cash Waqf Formation and Capital in the Ottoman Balkans, 1500–1921: Founders’ Titles and Social Status
Authors: Altay Bora , Bulut Mehmet
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the long-term dynamics of cash waqf formation and capital in the Ottoman context with a focus on temporal variations. This examination, based on cash waqf deeds in the Balkan provinces, reveals that the real average capital levels generally declined from the mid-sixteenth to the early twentieth century. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the cash waqfs of titled individuals possessed higher capital than those of untitled individuals, but this trend shifted in favor of the latter from the second half of the nineteenth century onward. Additionally, the novel dataset used in this study allows us to explore the main trends in services funded by cash waqfs regarding founders’ social status. This study provides an overview of cash waqf formation in the Ottoman Balkans and sheds light on the relative positions of the titled groups in this process.
Opoptera Aurivillius, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae, Brassolini): Taxonomic revision, molecular phylogeny and description of a new species
Authors: CAJÉ SUIANNE , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS , PIOVESAN MÔNICA , LAMAS GERARDO , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK
Published: January 2025

Opoptera Aurivillius, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Brassolini) is a Neotropical genus, with species occurring from Mexico to Argentina. Although previous phylogenetic hypotheses involving Opoptera species have been proposed, an investigation of the species relationships based on molecular data, supported by a systematic review, has not been carried out to date. This study presents a taxonomic revision of Opoptera, which currently comprises eight species and two subspecies, proposing a hypothesis of relationships among the taxa based on DNA, morphology, geographic distribution, and natural history data. To carry out this study, 530 specimens of all species of the genus were examined, including type material of all proposed taxa. For the phylogenic hypothesis, the maximum likelihood method was used, and five molecular markers: one mitochondrial, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and four nuclear, elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), ribosomal protein S5 (RpS5), wingless (wg), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Opoptera was recovered as monophyletic and the relationships between species corroborate the previous hypotheses. From the taxonomic review, two synonyms are proposed: Opoptera hilaris colombiana (Rothschild, 1916) syn. nov. and Opoptera hilaris fuscata Stichel, 1908 syn. nov. of Opoptera hilaris Stichel, 1901. A new status is proposed: Opoptera mexicana J. Maza & R. G. Maza, 1989 stat. nov. A new species is described: Opoptera iracildae sp. nov. In order to stabilize the nomenclature of the group, three neotypes are designated for Caligo syme Hübner, [1821], Opsiphanes arsippe Hopffer, 1874, and Opoptera aorsa hilaris Stichel, 1901; and ten lectotypes for Morpho aorsa Godart, [1824], Opoptera aorsa litura Fruhstorfer, 1907, Opoptera arsippe bracteolata Stichel, 1901, Opoptera aorsa fuscata Stichel, 1908, Opsiphanes sulcius Staudinger, 1887, Opsiphanes sulcius var. sodalis Röber, 1906, Papilio alcimedon Dalman, 1823, Morpho acadina Godart, [1824], Opoptera syme fumosa Stichel, 1902, and Opsiphanes staudingeri Godman & Salvin, 1894. This study recognizes ten valid species and eight synonyms.
Improved Visualization of Oropharyngeal Tumors Using Simple Maneuvers During Flexible Endoscopy
Authors: Rahman Arifeen S. , Wang Vickie J. , Paderno Alberto , Bedi Nikita , Montalbaron Michael , Damrose Edward , Chen Michelle M. , Finegersh Andrey , Lee Jake J. , Holsinger F. Christopher
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

To describe patient positioning maneuvers that optimize visualization of the oropharynx during flexible endoscopy

Methods:

An institutional database of videos obtained from 2021 to 2023 during flexible endoscopy of patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) was reviewed. Patients seen outside the specialty head and neck clinic, those with tonsillar primary tumors, and those only with videos of fiberoptic swallowing evaluations were excluded. A total of 10 videos were then independently analyzed by 2 reviewers to assess the effects of 4 maneuvers on oropharyngeal tumor visualization: chin elevation, phonation, tongue protrusion, and contralateral head turn. After segmentation analysis in Label Studio, total surface area (SA) of visualized tumor in pixels was calculated in Python and compared against the maximum width of the epiglottis to calculate relative SA.

Results:

Four different maneuvers were evaluated in this study: (1) chin elevation [n = 4]; (2) phonation [n = 9]; (3) tongue protrusion [n = 4]; and (4) contralateral head turn [n = 9]. The maneuvers on average increased the visualization of tumor surface area(SA) compared to baseline view: contralateral turn increased SA by 1.7 fold (95% CI = 1.11-2.34), phonation increased SA by 1.7 fold (95% CI = 1.11-2.37), tongue protrusion increased SA by 1.5 fold (95% CI = 1.16-1.80), and chin elevation increased SA by an average of 2.7 fold (95% CI = 0.74-4.72).

Conclusion:

Instituting simple additional positioning techniques during flexible endoscopy for patients with oropharyngeal tumors can improve visualization and staging for baseline assessment and staging.
Optimizing Wait Times: Enhancing Server Accessibility with Two-Phase Imperative Services and Backup Server
Authors: Rathinasamy Poornima , Kirupa K.
Published: January 2025

This article analyses a bulk arrival retrial queueing system with a single server and two-stage service coupled with a backup server. Client arrivals occur in batches following a compound Poisson process. If the server is idle, one of the clients from the batch receives the first-stage service immediately, and the rest join the orbit. Otherwise, the entire arriving batch joins the orbit. Once the first stage of service is completed, the client moves to the second stage of the service facility. Unsatisfied clients after receiving two stages of service may become feedback clients. After every two-stage service completion, the server may take a vacation of random length. The server has the option to extend its vacation. Breakdowns of the main server can occur at any point during the busy state, and the server has the option to choose its repair type with probabilities. During the vacation and repair period of the main server, clients receive service from a standby (backup) server. Performance measures are derived, stochastic decomposition laws are also verified and special cases are analysed. Numerical results are presented to validate the impact of parameters on the system. Cost analysis and optimization have been carried out for the proposed model.

AMS Subject Classification: 60K25, 68M20, 90B22, 90B25
Occupational Therapist–Teacher Collaboration in Inclusive Education in Québec: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Ianni Lina , Camden Chantal , Campbell Wenonah , Colquhoun Heather , Anaby Dana
Published: January 2025

Background: In inclusive schools, collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and teachers has the potential to build capacities among these school-team members working with students with disabilities. Current evidence supports multi-tiered delivery models, such that OT interventions are integrated within the context of school life. Collaboration, however, is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that poses systemic, organizational, or interpersonal challenges. Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives on current and ideal collaborative practices and associated contextual barriers and facilitators related to collaboration, as described by elementary teachers and OTs. Method: Two focus groups were conducted with OTs ( n = 5) and elementary teachers ( n = 6) working in inclusive schools in Québec (Canada) in French and English language settings. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings: Four thematic categories were identified: Organization of services scaffolds collaborative practices; varying perspectives of the OT role influence collaboration; establishing and navigating collaborative relationships; and considerations for optimal collaboration. Conclusion: These findings have practice and policy implications regarding the organization of OT services as well as team professional development. Understanding these challenges is fundamental to tailoring future knowledge translation interventions to optimize school collaboration.
The Sacred Negotiation: Monastic Response to Non-Christian Communities in Late Antique Gaza
Authors: Choi Hyung Guen
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the pastoral and administrative methodologies of two prominent Late Antique monastic figures, Barsanuphius and John of Gaza, analyzing their engagement with non-Christians and their stance on conversion within the context of Late Antique Roman legislation. It addresses a gap in scholarships regarding the role of monastic figures in the Christianization of the late Roman world. The analysis reveals that the Gaza monks, while adhering to Christian orthodoxy, developed sophisticated strategies for navigating the religious diversity of their communities that were affected by imperial laws that sought to convert non-Christians and punish apostasy. The monks allowed economic interactions with non-Christians but advised against participating in pagan festivals and engaging with heretics. Unlike the mass conversions reported in other regions, the Gaza monks prioritized individualized instruction and spiritual preparation before baptism, advocating for genuine conversions rather than forced ones. Their approach stood in contrast to the harsh legal measures outlined in the Theodosian and Justinian Codes, suggesting a more nuanced and merciful stance toward non-Christians. The study argues that the Gaza monks served as intermediaries between imperial policies and local practices, suggesting the diverse methods and levels of monastic responses toward non-Christians in Late Antique Palestine.
Digging Deeper Into Arts-Intensive High Schools: Experiences, Outcomes, and Other Reflections From Artistically Gifted Alumni
Authors: Miller Angie L. , Ibrahim Deanna A.
Published: January 2025

Arts-intensive high schools offer a unique learning environment for artistically gifted students, but relatively little is known about the long-term impacts of attending these schools. Using data from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP), this mixed-methods study explores the educational experiences and career outcomes of over 2,900 alumni from arts-intensive high schools. Descriptive statistics, inferential regression models, and a grounded theory, inductive coding, qualitative analysis reveal important connections among acquired skills, experiential learning activities, and several career and community outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that skills learned while at arts-intensive high schools are relevant to a variety of careers, and that certain high-impact practices are positive predictors of later outcomes. However, curricular revisions to address areas such as entrepreneurial and business skills may be needed. Implications for curricular improvements, programming support, and advising are also discussed.
Stability control of adsorption robot considering external disturbance and parameter uncertainty using RMPC
Authors: Wang Changbin , Song Dalei , Li Chong , Jiang Qianli , Sun Weicheng
Published: January 2025

This paper mainly studies the stability of a sea cucumber adsorption robot (SCAR) under external disturbances and parameter uncertainty. As a fishing robot with a suction effect, a dynamic model of its vertical operation is established, taking into account the mechanical structure of its suction port and the surrounding flow conditions. Specifically, robust model predictive control (RMPC) is adopted to ensure that the device maintains excellent stability in complex underwater environments. Considering the simplification of the model structure and real-time control, a discrete nominal model with the introduction of a feedback correction mechanism is designed to be close to the actual system. In the process of control design, the upper bound of robot speed and propeller saturation have been taken into account, and the optimization functions to reduce input consumption of the propellers are also provided at the same time. Furthermore, the feasibility of the recursive structure and the stability of the closed-loop structure are proved. Importantly, the external factors including disturbance sources obtained from pool experiments are subjected to our consideration. In total, the simulation results and comparative analysis are evidenced by the practicality of the designed vehicle and the effectiveness of the established methodology.