bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Consortium of Jeju Traditional Fermented Foods and Their Cosmetic Ingredient Potential
Authors: Bae Sung-Eun , Bae Sungmin , Park Sung Jin , Lee Pomjoo , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: May 2024

In this study, we analyzed the microbial community of traditional fermented foods in Jeju Island to identify the distribution of useful microorganisms and confirm their anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic effects to determine their potential use as cosmetic ingredients. Firstly, we examined the microbial communities of Omphalius rusticus Jeotgal (OR), Spratelloides gracilis Jeotgal (SG), Chromis notata Jeotgal (CN), Turbo cornutus Jeotgal (TC), Trichiurus lepturus intestine Jeotgal (TL), Branchiostegus japonicus Sweet Rice Punch (BJ), Salted Anchovy Sauce (SA), Jeju Soy Sauce (JSS), and Jeju Soybean Paste (JSP). We found that Latilactobacillus sakei (87.2%), Tetragenococcus halophilus (37.7%), T. halophilus (96.8%), Bacillus subtilis (23.4%), T. halophilus (71.3%), L. sakei (53.7%), Lentibacillus sp. (42.9%), Enterococcus durans (14.6%), and E. durans (32.8%) were the dominant species. Secondly, to study the nine Jeju fermented foods’ anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic effects, we employed RAW 264.7 and B16F10 cells, classic cell models for inflammation and melanogenesis studies. Ethyl acetate extracts of the nine Jeju fermented foods all inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and melanin production in a concentration-dependent manner. Thirdly, to test the applicability of the nine Jeju fermented foods to human skin, we used the MTT assay to assess their cytotoxic effects on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Finally, the topical applicability of the nine Jeju fermented foods was tested through primary skin irritation, and it was found that they did not cause any adverse effects. Therefore, extracts from the nine Jeju fermented foods have potential applications as ingredients in anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic products and can be used in the cosmetic industry.
A New Hope for Multiple Myeloma: Harnessing the Power of Non-Cancer Medications
Authors: Al-Odat Omar Sami Faleh , Nelson Emily , Budak-Alpdogan Tulin , Jonnalagadda Subash C. , Desai Dhimant , Pandey Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common type of cancer that unfortunately leads to a significant number of deaths each year. The majority of the reported MM cases are detected in the advanced stages, posing significant challenges for treatment. Additionally, all MM patients eventually develop resistance or experience relapse, therefore advances in treatment are needed. However, developing new anti-cancer drugs, especially for MM, requires significant financial investment and a lengthy development process. The study of drug repurposing involves exploring the potential of existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. This can significantly reduce both time and costs, which is typically a major concern for MM patients. The utilization of pre-existing non-cancer drugs for various myeloma treatments presents a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy, considering their prior preclinical and clinical development. The drugs have shown promising potential in targeting key pathways associated with MM progression and resistance. Thalidomide exemplifies the success that can be achieved through this strategy. This review delves into the current trends, the challenges faced by conventional therapies for MM, and the importance of repurposing drugs for MM. This review highlights a noncomprehensive list of conventional therapies that have potentially significant anti-myeloma properties and anti-neoplastic effects. Additionally, we offer valuable insights into the resources that can help streamline and accelerate drug repurposing efforts in the field of MM.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serotypes by Multiplex PCR Identification and Evaluation of Lung Lesions in Pigs from Piedmont (Italy) Farms
Authors: Cuccato Matteo , Divari Sara , Ciaramita Silvia , Sereno Alessandra , Campelli Domenico , Biolatti Pier Giuseppe , Biolatti Bartolomeo , Meliota Francesco , Bollo Enrico , Cannizzo Francesca Tiziana
Published: May 2024

Porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) is one of the main causes leading to massive losses in the pig industry, with high economic impacts. Among different etiological agents, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for severe fibrinous-necrotizing pleuropneumonia. A total of 19 different APP serotypes are currently recognized. This study aimed to identify APP serotypes isolated from pneumonic lesions in naturally infected and dead pigs in the Piedmont Region and to describe lesions. A total of 107 dead pigs with a suspected PPP diagnosis were included in this study. Lungs were evaluated using gross pathology scoring systems, APP isolation and serotypes identification by multiplex PCR were conducted. Gross lung lesions were mainly represented by fibrinous pneumonia and pleuropneumonia. APP was isolated in 21/107 (19.6%) samples. On the contrary, PCR indicated APP DNA presence in 53/107 (49.5%) of lung samples. The most observed serotypes were serotype 2 in 24/53 (45.3%) and serotype 6 in 13/53 (24.5%) samples. Moreover, multiplex PCR results suggested a coinfection of different serotypes in 5 samples. This study highlights the relevance of the different techniques application (i.e. bacteriological culture, PCR, gross and histopathology) for improving the identification of APP infections.
An Innovative n-Shifted Sigmoid Channel and Spatial Attention Module for Efficient 3D Scene Object Detection
Authors: Du Shengzhi , Burume Desire Mulindwa , Liu Qingxue
Published: May 2024

Recently, attention mechanisms have developed into an important tool for performance improvement of deep neural networks. In computer vision, attention mechanisms are generally divided into two main branches: spatial and channel attention. Both attention categories have their own advantages. The fusion of both attentions achieves higher performance, on the cost of the computational load. This paper introduces an innovative and lighter n-shifted sigmoid channel and spatial attention (CSA) module to reduce the computational cost and to improve the 3D scene relevant features selection. To validate the proposed attention module, 3D scene object detection in the deep Hough voting point sets is considered as the testing application. The proposed attention module with its piecewise n-shifted sigmoid activation function improves the network’s learning and generalization capacity which effectively predict bounding box parameters directly from 3D scenes and detect objects more accurately. This advantage is achieved by selectively attending to more relevant features of the input data. When used in the deep Hough voting point sets, the proposed attention module outperforms state-of-the-art 3D detection methods on the sizable SUNRGBD dataset. Experiments conducted showed an increase of 12.02 mean accuracy precision (mAP) when compared to the celebrated VoteNet (without attention). It also got 9.92 mAP higher compared to the MLVCNet, and 10.32 mAP higher than the Point Transformer. The proposed model not only decreases the sigmoid vanishing gradient problem but also brings out valuable features by fusing channel-wise and spatial information while improving accuracy results in 3D object detection.
Looking for Environmental Scoring: Case Study of a Portuguese Cotton White T-Shirt Made with Recycled Fiber
Authors: Gonçalves Anabela , Baêta Mariana , Nagy Miklós , Silva Carla
Published: May 2024

Promoting sustainable consumer behavior is now an obligation under new European legislation, requiring Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for accurate environmental impact evaluation. Portugal is a key textile producer, edge in competitiveness in sustainable textile production, driven by electricity-reduced carbon footprint and closed-loop manufacturing. Additionally, while simple spreadsheets can estimate a product's carbon footprint, openLCA software, combined with ecoinvent database, greatly enhances environmental footprint calculations by integrating diverse impact categories, otherwise difficult to estimate. In this study, openLCA is used to evaluate the environmental footprint of a white T-shirt made in Portugal, with 50% recycled cotton from post-industrial wastes combined with 50% organic cotton from Turkey, to assist the design of environmental key performance indicators (KPI). The RECIPE and EF method (adapted) are used to calculate the environmental impacts and allow aggregation in a single score. The KPI related to the global warming impact is validated using a spreadsheet calculator. We propose an “Envi-Score” based on an A to E classification for benchmarking and better communication with the buyers. E is set as the normalized environmental impact of the European benchmark for a mixture material T-shirt encompassing cradle-to-gate boundaries. The introduction of recycled cotton proves to be environmentally beneficial over organic and conventional cotton. Organic cotton proves to be beneficial in comparison with conventional cotton for most environmental categories, except to the ones affected by the lower production yield, for example Land Use. The hotspots for the main impact categories are identified and finally proposed a labelling scheme, to clearly inform about the environmental performance of the products and avoid greenwashing, with the “Envi-Score” rate, carbon footprint, land use and water depletion.
An Efficient Plant DNA Extraction Protocol of Inga feuilleei (Pacae)
Authors: Vicente Jossimar
Published: May 2024

Plant DNA extraction techniques are well-established, featuring a variety of protocols tailored to the needs of individual laboratories or research goals. Currently, there is a strong demand for plant DNA extraction methods that are rapid, cost-effective, and uncomplicated. We have devised an optimized protocol for plant DNA extraction that eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen. DNA was extracted from leaves of Inga feuilleei (pacae) in the Cañete Valley using a basic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method. Subsequently, the extracted DNA was quantified and assessed for quality through agarose gel electrophoresis. This protocol holds the potential to significantly reduce costs in laboratories engaged in routine DNA extraction for genetic diversity and gene expression analyses. It addresses challenges encountered by other conventional methods, particularly in situations where they have proven ineffective due to issues related to explant, sample conditions, and the quantity and quality of nucleic acids. This is especially pertinent for numerous laboratories in developing countries where constraints related to the cost and availability of liquid nitrogen may be a limiting factor. Furthermore, this is the first study reported in this species for genomic studies.
Increasing the Reliability of a Critical Software System Using a Large Language Model Based Solution for Onboarding
Authors: Schuszter Ioan Cristian , Cioca Marius
Published: May 2024

Software systems are often maintained by a group of experienced software developers, in order to ensure that faults which may bring the system down are less likely. Large turnover in organizations such as CERN makes it important to think of ways of onboarding newcomers on a technical project rapidly. This paper focuses on optimizing the way that people get up-to-speed on the business logic and technologies used on the project, using a knowledge-imbued large language model that is enhanced using domain-specific knowledge from the group or team’s internal documentation.
Optimizing Fatigue Performance in Gradient Structural Steels by Manipulating Grain Size Gradient Rate
Authors: Pan Meichen , Chen Xin , He Meiling , Kong Yi , Du Yong , Hartmaier Alexander , Zheng Xiaoyu , Liu Yuling
Published: May 2024

As a new type of high-performance material, gradient structural steel is widely used in engineering fields due to its unique microstructure and excellent mechanical properties. For the prevalent fatigue failure problem, the rate of change of the local grain size gradients along the structure (referred to as the gradient rate) is a key parameter in the design of gradient structures, which significantly affects the fatigue performance of gradient structural steel. In this work, a method of ‘Voronoi primary + secondary modeling’ is adopted to successfully establish three typical high-strength steel models corresponding to the convex, linear, and concave type gradient rates for gradient structures, focusing on the stress-strain response and crack propagation in structural steel with different gradient rates under cyclic loading. It is found that the concave gradient rate structural model is dominated by finer grains with larger volume fraction, which is conducive to hindering fatigue crack propagation and has the longest fatigue life; the linear structure is the second one, and the convex structure is the shortest one. The simulation results in this work are consistent with the relevant experimental phenomena. Therefore, when regulating the gradient rate, priority should be given to increasing the volume fraction of fine grains and designing a gradient rate structure dominated by fine grains to improve the fatigue life of the material.
A Lightweight and High-Precision Passion Fruit YOLO Detection Model for Deployment in Embedded Devices
Authors: Sun Qiyan , Li Pengbo , He Chentao , Song QiMing , Luo Zhicong
Published: May 2024

In order to shorten the detection time and improve the average precision on embedded devices, A lightweight and high accuracy model is proposed for passion fruit in complex environments (backlight, occlusion, overlap, sunny, cloudy, rainy). Firstly, replacing the backbone network of YOLOv5 with a lightweight GhostNet model reduces the number of parameters and computation while improving detection speed. Secondly, a new feature branch is added to the GhostNet network, and the feature fusion layer in the neck network is reconstructed to effectively combine the lower-level and higher-level features, which not only improves the accuracy of the model but also maintains its lightweight. Finally, the knowledge distillation methods are used to transfer the knowledge from the more capable teacher model to the less capable student model, which significantly improving the detection accuracy. The improved model is denoted as G-YOLO-NK. The average accuracy of the G-YOLO-NK network is 96.00%, which is 1.00% higher than the original YOLOv5s model. Furthermore, the improved model size is 7.14MB, reduced to half of the original model, and the real-time detection frame rate is 11.25 FPS on the Jetson Nano. Compared to the state-of-the-art model, the proposed model outperforms them in terms of average precision and detection performance. The present work provides an effective model for real-time detection of passion fruits in complex orchard scenes, which can provide valuable technical support for the development of orchard picking robots and greatly improve the intelligence level of orchards.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Polymer Sustainability in the Context of Carbon Footprint
Authors: Thomas Jomin , Patil Renuka Subhash , Patil Mahesh , John Jacob
Published: May 2024

The ubiquitous nature of polymers have led to a widespread demand for sustainable polymers in numerous industrial applications. However, lack of well laid out guidelines, product development pathways and certifications have resulted in a lot of commotions and confusions within the polymer value chain. Herein, a meticulous review is conducted on the topic of polymer sustainability shedding light on the standards, product declarations, biobased-biomass concepts, product carbon footprint etc. It is critical that companies significantly contribute on such sustainability efforts in lieu of market readiness and competitive advantages. Any discussion within the sustainability horizon references a couple of terms/ abbreviations/concepts. In this article, such key terminologies and concepts related to polymer sustainability are reviewed with a holistic outlook on the widespread approaches within the polymer sustainability horizon.
A Universal Image Compression Sensing-Encryption Algorithm Based on DNA-Triploid Mutation
Authors: Cao Yinghong , Tan Linlin , Xu Xianying , Li Bo
Published: May 2024

As the fast growth of information technology (IT), the safety of image transmission and the storing of images are increasingly concerned. Traditional image encryption algorithms have certain limitations in transmission and security, so there is an urgent need for a secure and reliable image encryption algorithm. A universal compression sensing (CS) image encryption (IE) algorithm based on DNA-triploid mutation (DTM) is presented in this paper. Firstly, by using CS algorithm an image is compressed while obtaining a range of chaotic sequences by iteration of chaotic map. Then DNA sequences are generated by encoding the image, and based on the DTM, new mutant DNA sequences are generated according to specific rules. Next, the chaotic sequences are operated at the DNA level to do confusion and diffusion operations on the image to ensure the security of the data. At last, DNA decoding is carried out to obtain the compressed-encrypted image. Both simulation experiments and performance tests fully show that a high level of security and reliability of the proposed algorithm in protecting image privacy is achieved.
Improving the Estimation of Lake Ice Thickness with High Resolution Radar Altimetry Data
Authors: Mangilli Anna , Duguay Claude R. , Murfitt Justin , Moreau Thomas , Amraoui Samira , Mugunthan Jaya Sree , Thibaut Pierre , Donlon Craig
Published: May 2024

Lake ice thickness (LIT) is a sensitive indicator of climate change identified as a thematic variable of Lakes as an Essential Climate Variable (ECV) by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Here, we present a novel and efficient analytically based retracking approach for estimating LIT from high-resolution Ku-band (13.6 GHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) altimetry data. The retracker method is based on the analytical modeling of the SAR radar echoes over ice-covered lakes that show a characteristic double-peak feature attributed to the reflection of the Ku-band radar waves at the snow-ice and ice-water interfaces. The method is applied to Sentinel-6 Unfocused SAR (UFSAR) and Fully Focused SAR (FFSAR) data, with their corresponding tailored waveform model, referred to as the SAR_LITand FFSAR_LITretracker, respectively. LIT retrievals from Sentinel-6 SAR data at different posting rates are evaluated against those obtained from thermodynamic lake ice model simulations and Low Resolution Mode (LRM) Sentinel-6 and Jason-3 data over two ice seasons during the tandem phase of the two satellites, allowing precise assessment of the continuity between LRM and SAR LIT retrievals. Consistency checks of the Sentinel-6 SAR LIT estimates are also performed using optical/radar images that provide information on the snow/ice conditions on the same dates. The analysis is performed on Great Slave Lake and Baker Lake (Canada) that differ in terms of lake size, bathymetry, snow/ice properties, and seasonal evolution of LIT. The accuracy of the LIT estimates with the SAR LIT retrackers is on the order of 5 cm once the ice is well established on the lakes, meeting the GCOS requirements of LIT measurement uncertainty, which is a factor of 2 to 3 times better than that of LIT obtained with LRM data, bringing a further improvement compared to previous analyses and methods. The SAR LIT retrackers presented are promising tools for monitoring the inter-annual variability and trends in LIT from current and future SAR altimetry missions.
Models and Practices of Assessment in Primary Education
Authors: Prado González José Félix , Fernandez de Pelekais Cira
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study is to analyze the assessment practices in primary education and how they relate to the valuation of the learning process. It seeks to understand the perceptions of teachers and students regarding assessment and to observe classroom activities, as well as to analyze the assessment instruments used. The method used is a mixed approach that combines qualitative interpretations of the participants’ realities with a phenomenological analysis to reflect on the evaluative practices. The results indicate a contradiction between what is said and what is done in terms of evaluation, with a tendency to use written tests and traditional exams instead of a combination of techniques that allow for a significant evaluation of student learning. In addition, significant differences are observed among teachers regarding the importance they give to evaluation within their practices and evaluative models.
A Novel Approach to Measuring the Performance of Tax Administrations
Authors: Milosavljevic Milos , Ignjatovic Marina , Milanović Nemanja , Spasenić Željko , Đoković Aleksandar
Published: May 2024

The performance of tax administrations (TAs) is usually described as their capacity to complete activities with the minimum of resources engaged. Accordingly, tax administration performance is a multifaceted phenomenon, and measuring and benchmarking its performance against other countries or regions remains a puzzle for researchers and practitioners. This paper introduces a new approach for measuring tax administration performance using the Composite I-Distance Indicator based on 11 individual performance measures from 35 European tax administrations over two consecutive years (2018-2019). The findings highlight Denmark and the Netherlands as exemplary models for tax administration, with “Revenue Collection” being identified as a crucial driver of excellence and “Operational Performance” (such as “e-filing” and “on-time filing”) forming critical aspects of TA efficiency. This approach can be valuable for policymakers, public administration analysts, and other stakeholders interested in assessing tax administration efficiency across countries or similar problem areas requiring integrated performance indicators.
Snus Use in Adolescents: A Threat to Oral Health
Authors: Németh Orsolya , Sipos Levente , Matrai Peter , Szathmari-Meszaros Noemi , Ivanyi Dora , Benhamida Abdallah , Simon Fanni , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: May 2024

Background: Snus consumption is increasingly popular, mainly among the youth, due to the promotion of the tobacco industry and the lack of knowledge regarding its adverse effects. Even though some of its systemic complications are common knowledge, the oral consequences are rarely known.
Aim: Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the oral health effects of snus consumption among a highly exposed group of adolescent athletes.
Design: Participants received an interactive presentation, followed by interviews and dental screenings by young doctors to establish trust. They were categorized into groups based on the frequency of snus usage. The oral hygiene habits and status, snus consumption habits and awareness about its adverse effects were evaluated.
Results: Statistically significantly (p
The Impact of AI on Metal Artifacts in CBCT Oral Cavity Imaging
Authors: Wajer Róża , Wajer Adrian , Kazimierczak Natalia , Wilamowska Justyna , Serafin Zbigniew
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven noise reduction algorithms on metal artifacts and image quality parameters in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the oral cavity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 70 patients, 61 of whom were analyzed after excluding those with severe motion artifacts. CBCT scans, performed using a Hyperion X9 PRO 13 × 10 CBCT machine, included images with dental implants, amalgam fillings, orthodontic appliances, root canal fillings, and crowns. Images were processed with ClariCT. AI deep learning model (DLM) for noise reduction. Objective image quality was assessed using metrics such as the differentiation between voxel values (ΔVVs), the artifact index (AIx), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subjective assessments were performed by two experienced readers, who rated overall image quality and artifact intensity on predefined scales. Results: Compared with native images, DLM reconstructions significantly reduced the AIx and increased the CNR (p<0.001), indicating improved image clarity and artifact reduction. Subjective assessments also favored DLM images, with higher ratings for overall image quality and lower artifact intensity (p<0.001). However, the ΔVV values were similar between the native and DLM images, indicating that while the DLM reduced noise, it maintained the overall density distribution. Orthodontic appliances produced the most pronounced artifacts, while implants generated the least. Conclusion: AI-based noise reduction using ClariCT. AI significantly enhances CBCT image quality by reducing noise and metal artifacts, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Further research with larger, multicenter cohorts is recommended to validate these findings.
Enthesitis in IBD Patients
Authors: Akrapovic Olic Ivna , Vukovic Jonatan , Radic Mislav , Sundov Zeljko
Published: May 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and encompasses two main subtypes, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD is frequently accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), with axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) being the most common. Enthesitis, an inflammation of the bone insertions of capsules, ligaments, and tendons, represents an initial lesion in SpA. However, enthesitis remains an underestimated and often obscured EIM. The early detection of subclinical enthesial involvement in IBD patients using ultrasound (US) could provide an opportunity for timely intervention. While previous meta-analyses have reported on the incidence and prevalence of SpA in IBD, specific attention to enthesitis has been lacking. Therefore, this narrative review aims to resume the current knowledge on existing IBD-SpA cohorts, focusing specifically on enthesitis.
A Hybrid Contrast and Texture Masking Model to Boost HEVC Perceptual RD Performance
Authors: Atencia Javier Ruiz , López Otoniel Mario , Perez Malumbres Manuel , Martínez-Rach Miguel Onofre , Coll Damian Ruiz , Fernández-­Escribano Gerardo , Van Wallendael Glenn
Published: May 2024

As most of the videos are destined for human perception, many techniques have been designed to improve video coding based on how the human visual system perceives video quality. In this paper, we propose the use of two perceptual coding techniques, namely contrast masking and texture masking, jointly operating under the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. These techniques aim to improve the subjective quality of the reconstructed video at the same bit rate. For contrast masking, we propose the use of a specific weighting matrix for each block size (from 4×4 up to 32×32). We achieve average Bjøntegaard Delta-Rate (BD-rate) gains of between 2.5% and 4.48%, depending on the perceptual metric and coding mode used. The texture masking scheme is based on the classification of each coding unit, using its mean directional variance features as input to a support vector machine model. According to this classification, the block’s energy, the type of coding unit, and its size, an over-quantization is computed to provide a QP offset (DQP) for this coding unit. By applying both techniques in the HEVC Reference Software, an overall average of 5.79% BD-rate gain is achieved.
Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation and Epileptogenesis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aguilar-Castillo Maria Jose , Cabezudo-García Pablo , Garcia-Martin Guillermina , López-Moreno Yolanda , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Ciano-Petersen Nicolas Lundahl , Oliver-Martos Begoña , Narváez Manuel , Serrano-Castro Pedro Jesús
Published: May 2024

Introduction: A central role for neuroinflammation in epileptogenesis has recently been suggested by several investigations. This systematic review explores the role of inflammatory mediators in epileptogenesis, its association with seizure severity, and its correlation with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Material and Methods: The study analysed articles published in JCR journals from 2019 to 2024, including retrospective, prospective, case-control, or cross-sectional studies. It combined MESH and free terms for "Epileptogenesis" and "Neuroinflammation" and included searches for biomarkers previously reported in narrative reviews. Results: The study analysed 243 articles related to epileptogenesis and neuroinflammation, with 356 from selective searches by biomarker type. After eliminating duplicates, 324 articles were evaluated, with 272 excluded and 52 evaluated by authors. 21 articles were included in the qualitative evaluation, including 18 case-control studies, 2 case series, and 1 prospective study. This systematic review provides acceptable support for five biomarkers: TNF-a and some of its soluble receptors (sTNFr2), HMGB1 and TLR-4, CCL2 and IL-33. Discussions: Certain receptors, cytokines, and chemokines are examples of neuroinflammation-related biomarkers that may be crucial for the early diagnosis of refractory epilepsy or may be connected to the control levels of epileptic patients. Their value will be better defined by future studies.
Women’s Empowerment and Associated Factors in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a Secondary Data Analysis of the Performance Monitoring Assessment (PMA) survey
Authors: Makongote Annick , Mbunga Branly , Akilimali Pierre , Lopes Sofia Castro , Mpunga Dieudonné
Published: May 2024

Empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial for accelerating sustainable development in fragile countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, there is scarce existing knowledge or understanding of the factors determining women’s empowerment in these contexts. We aimed to assess women's empowerment and determine its associated factors in Kinshasa, DRC. We analyzed data from the 2021 Performance Monitoring Assessment (PMA) survey. A sample of 1,365 women of childbearing age was retained for this study. Twenty empowerment items related to household decision-making, contraception use, and husband/partner influence were considered. We calculated the average women’s empowerment index (aWEI), identified the women empowerment variables using principal component analysis (PCA), and determined the associated factors for the first three principal components through the performance of multivariate binary logistic regression. In Kinshasa, the overall aWEI was estimated at 0.65. It was low for household decision-making (0.34) and high for husband/partner influence domains (0.93), respectively. Three principal components were identified and named, including the absence of threats, control of sexuality, and participation in decision-making. The factors associated with these components were having internet access, being in free union with a partner, being aged 40-49 years, and residing in a non-slum area. Increasing access to information would enable women in Kinshasa to make strategic decisions about their lives, benefiting themselves and others.
Investigating Elbow Dislocation and Instability: A 3D Finite Element Analysis Approach
Authors: Kork Samer Al , Youssef Karim , Said Sherif , Elsayed Fahmi , Beyrouthy Taha , Karar Abdullah , Al Barakeh Zaher , Abraham Edward , Amirouche Farid
Published: May 2024

Elbow dislocation and instability present significant clinical challenges, necessitating a thorough understanding of the underlying bio-mechanical mechanisms. In this study, a quasi-static three-dimensional finite element model of the human elbow joint is developed to investigate stress distribution and stages of dislocation in the human elbow under various loading conditions. The model simulates the elbow joint in different degrees of flexion (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) and forearm positions (pronation and supination), providing detailed insights into the progression of dislocation. Significant findings include the identification of high stress concentrations on the humerus at 90° flexion and on the radial and coronoid processes at 30°, 45°, and 60° flexion. Three reproducible stages of dislocation were observed, particularly in flexed positions with forearm pronation or supination. These stages align with experimental observations and highlight the initial occurrence of bony failures, such as radial head and ulnar coronoid fractures, preceding soft tissue tears. Clinically, the study underscores that early-stage low-impact posterior elbow dislocations retain enough stability to be managed with closed reduction and early mobilization. However, as dislocations progress, significant damage to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments is expected, necessitating more invasive treatments. This research provides valuable bio-mechanical insights into elbow dislocation, aiding in the development of improved treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes through precise and timely clinical interventions. The validated FEM serves as a powerful tool for pre-surgical planning offering a comprehensive understanding of elbow joint mechanics.
Üniversite Gençliğinin Avrupa Birliği Algısının Analizi
Authors: Çütcü İbrahim , Ozguner Mert , Şahan Selma
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Avrupa Birliği (AB), siyasi, ekonomik, sosyal ve askeri anlamda önemli politikalar üreten büyük bir uluslararası örgüttür. Araştırmanın amacı üniversite gençliğinin AB’ye bakış açısını incelemek ve analiz etmektir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Bu çalışmada üniversiteli gençlerin AB’ye ilişkin algıları, yapılan analizlerle test edilmiştir. Bu kapsamda hazırlanan anket, Gaziantep’te bulunan 4 üniversitede akademik hayatlarını sürdüren öğrenciler arasından tabakalama örneklem yöntemiyle belirlenen 815 öğrenci üzerinde test edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Elde edilen bulgular; üniversite gençliğinin AB’ye ilişkin siyasi, kültürel ve ekonomik algılarının orta düzeyde olduğunu ve bu algıların cinsiyet, yaş, bölüm ve ortalama aylık gelir gibi değişkenler açısından birtakım farklılıklar gösterdiğini göstermiştir. Bununla birlikte, gençlerin özellikle AB üyeliğinin ülkemizde modernleşme sürecini hızlandıracağı yönünde görüş birliğine sahip oldukları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Sınırlılıklar: Araştırmanın temel sınırlılığı, Gaziantep'te 4 üniversitede okuyan üniversite öğrencilerinden oluşmasıdır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Araştırmanın temel özgünlüğü 4 farklı üniversitede eğitim gören üniversite gençliği üzerinden analizler yapılmasıdır. Ayrıca AB literatürü incelendiğinde, uygulanan metodoloji de çalışmanın özgünlüğünü yansıtmaktadır.
Sağlık Çalışanlarının Göçmenlere Yönelik Tutumlarının Belirlenmesi: Bir Ölçek Geliştirme Çalışması
Authors: Karagöz Yalçın , Karaşin Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, sağlık çalışanlarının göçmenlere yönelik tutumlarının ortaya konmasıdır. Bunun da ölçek geliştirme yoluyla yapılması amaçlanmıştır. İstanbul ilinde sağlık hizmeti sunan ve çalışmaya katılmayı gönüllü olarak kabul eden 276 sağlık çalışanı çalışma kapsamına alınmıştır. Çalışma kapsamına alınan bireylere hem yüz yüze hem de çevrimiçi olarak kolayda örneklem yöntemiyle kavramsal yapı ve bu kavramsal yapıya bağlı madde havuzu oluşturulması, uzman görüşü alınması, buna istinaden pilot çalışma yapılması, test-yeniden test güvenilirliğinin yapılması aşamalarının ardından ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında elde edilen verilerin analizinde IBM SPSS ve AMOS paket programlarından faydalanılmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonucunda 3 faktör ve 14 ifadeden oluşan bir ölçek geliştirilmiştir. Ölçek alt faktörlerine altında toplanan ifadeleri en iyi açıklayacak şekilde “Olumsuz Tutum, Engelleyici Tutum ve Olumlu Tutum” isimleri verilmiştir. Olumsuz tutum faktörü 7, engelleyici tutum faktörü 3 ve olumlu tutum faktörü 4 ifadeden oluşmaktadır. Geliştirilen ölçeğin geçerli ve güvenilir olduğu, sağlık çalışanlarının göçmen tutumunu ölçmede kullanılabilecek bir ölçüm aracı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
İklim Değişikliği İle Mücadelede Uygulanan Kamu Politikaları Bakımından Türkiye’nin Avrupa Birliği İçindeki Durumunun Analizi
Authors: Aydın Zeynep , Atay Polat Melike
Published: May 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, iklim değişikliği ile mücadelede uygulanan kamu politikaları bakımından Türkiye ve AB ülkelerinin performanslarını karşılaştırmalı olarak tespit etmektir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Bu çalışmada iklim değişikliği ile mücadelede uygulanan kamu politikaları göstergeleri bakımından Türkiye’nin hangi AB ülkeleri ile benzer gelişme seviyesine sahip olduğunu belirlemek amacıyla hiyerarşik kümeleme analizinden yararlanılmıştır.
Bulgular: Hiyerarşik kümeleme analizi sonuçlarına göre, Türkiye kamu politikaları göstergeleri bakımından İspanya ile aynı grupta yer almıştır.
Sınırlılıklar: Çalışmanın yöntem açısından sınırı, kümeleme analizidir. Mekan açısından sınırı 27 AB ülkesi ve Türkiye’dir. Zaman açısından ise 2019 ve 2020 yılları ile sınırlıdır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Literatürde iklim değişikliği ile mücadelede kamu politikalarının etkinliğini inceleyen birçok çalışma bulunmakla birlikte bu hususta kümeleme analizini kullanan çalışmaya rastlanılmaması çalışmamızı özgün değerini oluşturmaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: İklim Değişikliği, Kamu Politikaları, Kümeleme Analizi
Unveiling the Hushed Rebellion! Exploring the Concept of Quiet Quitting in the Modern Workplace: Development and Validation of Quiet Quitting Scale
Authors: Bulut Meryem Berrin , Tanrıverdi Oğulcan , Tekeli Muhammed Refik , Yıldızeli Nisanur , Ünal Nisa Nur , Çolak Ceren
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Like many aspects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of working life has also undergone significant transformations, leading to a reevaluation of traditional norms and demanding change. One of these trends is the concept of quiet quitting, which started on TikTok and has resonated with many. This study aims to explore the concept of quiet quitting, an area that has received relatively limited research attention thus far. Given the absence of a widely accepted definition and measurement instrument for this concept, the researchers carried out a scale development study based on the definition they put forth.
Design/Methodology: This study was created with a mixed design because it integrates qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Using qualitative research techniques, the existing literature was scanned and a definition of the concept of quiet quitting was created. The quiet quitting scale was developed using quantitative analysis techniques.
Findings: The researchers identified a comprehensive set of 48 items and 5 factors, which explained 61.5% of the total variability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fits. Significant correlations were obtained between quiet quitting, organizational citizenship behavior, and organizational silence. The reliability coefficients indicated satisfactory internal consistency. This investigation has resulted in the development of a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be utilized to measure the concept of quiet quitting.
Limitations: Limitation of this study is that the newly developed scale exclusively measures the levels of quiet quitting among individuals employed in the private sector.
Originality/Value: This study is significant in terms of examining this concept, making it measurable, and enabling employers to take measures against this problem.
Safety of Traditional Growing Rods in Patients with Early-Onset Congenital Scoliosis Associated with Type-I Split Cord Malformation
Authors: Sun Heng , Huang Yizhen , Dong Yulei , Jiao Yang , Zhao Junduo , Shen Jianxiong
Published: May 2024

Background:

Literature regarding the application of traditional growing rod (TGR) instrumentation in patients with early-onset congenital scoliosis with type-I split cord malformation is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of TGR surgery and repeated lengthening procedures in patients with congenital scoliosis with type-I split cord malformation not treated with prophylactic osseous spur excision.

Methods:

Thirteen patients with early-onset congenital scoliosis associated with type-I split cord malformation and a stable neurologic status between March 2009 and July 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent primary TGR surgery and subsequent repeated lengthening procedures without osseous spur excision by the same surgical team. Clinical information and radiographic data from the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up periods were collected.

Results:

The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major coronal curve was 74.62° ± 25.59°, the mean early postoperative angle was 40.23° ± 17.89°, and the mean latest follow-up angle was 40.62° ± 16.60°. The scoliotic deformity correction percentage was 46.81% ± 12.26% after the initial operation and 45.08% ± 15.53% at the latest follow-up. Compared with the preoperative values, significant improvements were observed in the coronal and sagittal balance early postoperatively and at the latest follow-up (p < 0.05 for all). The average annual amounts of spinal height gained were 15.73 ± 5.95 mm at T1-S1, 8.94 ± 3.94 mm at T1-T12, and 12.02 ± 6.70 mm between the instrumented segments. The total height gained at T1-S1 and T1-T12 was 72.18 ± 28.74 mm and 37.62 ± 12.53 mm, respectively. No intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring events were observed, and no case of neurological deficit was observed postoperatively or during follow-up.

Conclusions:

Patients without neurologic deficit and having a stable neurologic exam who have early-onset congenital scoliosis associated with type-I split cord malformation can safely and effectively undergo TGR surgery, followed by repeated lengthening procedures, without prophylactic osseous spur excision.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Methods to Reduce Cost of Treatment in Childhood Bone and Joint Infection
Authors: Hunter Sarah , Crawford Haemish , Ao Braden Te , Grant Cameron
Published: May 2024

Background:

Childhood bone and joint infection (BJI) is a potentially severe disease with consequences for growth and development. Critically unwell children may require prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Acknowledging rising healthcare costs and the financial impact of illness on caregivers, increased efforts are required to optimize treatment. This systematic review aims to characterize existing costs of hospital care and summarize strategies, which reduce treatment expense.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed from January 1, 1980, to January 31, 2024. Data were extracted on hospitalization costs for pediatric BJI by decade and global region. Results have been converted to cost per day in US dollars with purchase parity for 2023. Studies reporting innovations in clinical care to reduce length of stay (LOS) and simplify treatment were identified. Studies trialing shorter antibiotic treatment were only included if they specifically reported changes in LOS.

Results:

Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria; of these, a daily hospitalization cost could be derived from 7 publications. Overall hospitalization cost and inpatient charges rose steeply from the 1990s to the 2020s. By contrast, average LOS seems to have decreased. Cost per day was higher in the United States than in Europe and higher for cases with confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Sixteen studies report innovations to optimize care. For studies where reduced LOS was achieved, early magnetic resonance imaging with immediate transfer to theater when necessary and discharge on oral antibiotics were consistent features.

Conclusion:

Rising costs of hospital care and economic consequences for families can be mitigated by simplifying treatment for childhood BJI. Hospitals that adopt protocols for early advanced imaging and oral antibiotic switch may provide satisfactory clinical outcomes at lower cost.

Level of Evidence:

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strategies for managing corn crop residue in the context of greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Komorowska Monika , Niemiec Marcin , Sikora Jakub , Suder Marcin , Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Atilgan Atilgan , Ovcharuk Oleg , Lach Łukasz , Kusa Rafał , Duda Joanna
Published: May 2024

Food production is one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in primary production and in processing and the logistics chain. The most problematic and risky is the optimization of environmental effects in the stage of primary production. This is due to the significant influence of factors related to climate and soil that are difficult to predict. The scientific literature offers much information on the impact of crop residue management, but the context for assessing the impact of crop residue management in corn production on the carbon footprint is still unclear. The effectiveness of using organic additives like biochar, compost, corn or straw, to maintain soil productivity is well acknowledged. Information about the effects of particular crop residue management strategies on soil carbon sequestration, soil quality, and crop yield in corn cultivation is currently scarce. The research aimed to assess the potential for optimizing corn production through modifications in crop residue management, with a focus on the efficiency indicator being the level of greenhouse gas emissions per functional unit of the product. A three-year growing experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different corn crop residue management strategies. The modifications of the corn cultivation technology in terms of the crop residue management strategy had a significant impact on the yield of plants and the amount of GHG emissions. The conversion of corn straw to biochar and its introduction into the soil reduced the GHG emissions from corn cultivation per functional unit, despite the energy expenditure related to straw transport and biochar production. From a three-year time perspective, a beneficial effect of biochar addition on the size of the commercial yield of plants was observed. In variants with biochar and a reduced level of nitrogen fertilization, no reduction in yields was observed. This confirmed the hypothesis that biochar could be a useful material for the production of slow-acting fertilizers.
The Influence of Word Length and Presentation Directions on Information Encoding and Brain Cell Activity in the Memory Systems of Gifted Students through ERP Technology
Authors: Saleh Shoeb , AlAli Rommel
Published: May 2024

The present study examined the influence of word length on neuronal activity in the right and left temporal lobes during the processing of written words displayed at different rotation angles. A sample of 24 Arabic-speaking adults gifted students aged 20 to 30 years (SD = 5.4) participated in a 3 × 4 factorial design, with word length (3 letters, 6 letters, 9 letters) and word presentation direction (0, 90, 180, 270) as variables. ERP technology employing a 32-channel EEG device was used, focusing on four channels in the temporal lobes. EEG waveforms were analyzed using a visual analysis program, and participants' performance and reaction time were measured with E-Prime Professional 0.2. Results revealed a significant difference in response time based on word length, indicating longer responses as the number of letters increased. Word length influenced brain cell activity during the word recognition stage, particularly in the 80 to 120-millisecond range (M1 component, P100). Furthermore, word presentation direction also impacted this activity. Word length affected the structural encoding stage, evident in the negative neurological component S1 (N170), while word presentation direction demonstrated a similar effect. The systematic classification processes involved in the encoding of stimuli between sensory memory and short-term memory were influenced by word length. Specifically, decreased neural activity was observed in the S400 component (N400) as word length decreased. Additionally, word presentation direction significantly influenced this component, with an interaction between word length and presentation direction that intensified with increased word length. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying word processing.