bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the emergency medical service response to patients who are at imminent risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Kirby Kim , White Paul , Voss Sarah , Benger Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Study Aim

To understand the survival and emergency medical service call triage and response to patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest after the emergency medical service call is connected. Methods: A descriptive retrospective data analysis of two years’ of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry data, 2018-2019, linked to computer aided dispatch data was completed in a single system emergency medical service in the South West of the United Kingdom. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and chi squared analysis for association. Results: There were 4245 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients included for analysis. Patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest after the emergency call is connected receive a lower priority response, have a significantly longer response time and where the cardiac arrest is not witnessed by the emergency medical service have poorer outcomes than those patients who have already suffered a cardiac arrest at the time of the emergency call. Conclusion: Emergency medical service response times were significantly shorter for patients who had already suffered a cardiac arrest at the time of the call for help in comparison to those patients who continued to suffer a cardiac arrest after the call for help was connected. Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest after the connection of the emergency call and where the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is not emergency medical service witnessed have the poorest outcomes.
Membrane-bound model of the ternary complex between factor VIIa/tissue factor and factor X
Authors: Muller Melanie P. , Mortenson Alex , Sedzro Josepha C. , Wen Po-Chao , Morrissey James H. , Tajkhorshid Emad
Published: December 2024

Formation of the extrinsic complex (EC) on cell surfaces is the event that triggers the coagulation cascade. Tissue factor (TF) and factor VIIa (FVIIa) form the EC together with FX on phosphatidylserine-containing membranes, leading to FX activation by TF:FVIIa. This lipid dependence has made experimental characterization of the EC structure challenging. Using a novel computational methodology combining rigid-body protein-protein docking and extensive nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations in the explicit presence of a membrane, we developed, to our knowledge, the first atomic-level model of the EC, taking full account of the role of the membrane. Rigid-body docking generated 1 000 000 protein-only structures that predict the binding of key EC domains. Residue-residue contact information was then used in nonequilibrium simulations to drive the formation of the EC on a phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine membrane surface, providing, to our knowledge, the first membrane-bound model for the EC. Strikingly, in our model, FX makes contact with TF:FVIIa chiefly via its γ-carboxyglutamate–rich (GLA) domain and protease domain, with the majority of the FX light chain (ie, its 2 epidermal growth factor–like domains) out in the solvent, making no direct contact with TF:FVIIa. The TF exosite makes substantial contacts with both the FX- and FVIIa-GLA domains, in which TF residue K165 engages directly with the FVIIa-GLA domain, whereas K166 plays a central role in binding to the FX-GLA domain. These findings underscore the substrate-binding exosite of TF as being pivotal in the formation of the EC, serving as a critical interface linking the GLA domains of both FVIIa and FX.
Impact of Positive Airway Pressure on Right Ventricular Afterload in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Bentley Robert F. , Yo Shaun W. , Mok K.H. , Valle Felipe H. , Goligher Ewan C. , Carvalho Carolina Gonzaga , Granton John T. , Mak Susanna S , Ryan Clodagh M.
Published: December 2024

Rationale

The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently unknown in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Objective

To investigate the effect of CPAP on cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in patients with (PAH) compared to healthy volunteers.

Methods

All participants underwent an esophageal catheter insertion followed by right heart catherization with and without the application of CPAP at 10 cm H20. The primary outcome was the effect of CPAP on cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and intrapleural pressures within and between groups.

Results

In both PAH (n= 18) and healthy (n=5) participants the acute application of CPAP increased the esophageal pressure significantly from baseline (all p<0.007). There was a decline in cardiac output in both groups from baseline (p=0.047), which was due to a reduction in heart rate (p=0.027) rather than stroke volume (p=0.8). CPAP significantly reduced right ventricular end diastolic pressure (p=0.02), without a significant impact on resistive right ventricular afterload. CPAP did not significantly change pulmonary artery or pulmonary vascular resistance in either group. The calculated dynamic pulmonary arterial compliance was increased in both groups.

Conclusions

In PAH and healthy participants, CPAP had a modest effect on intrapleural pressures. The transmural hemodynamic changes of CPAP were modest with a net increase in pulmonary vascular compliance in both groups, but no change in resistive right ventricular afterload in the PAH group. The current study did not demonstrate any deleterious effects of CPAP on pulmonary hemodynamics.
Multiple-breath washout is more sensitive than spirometry to detect lung function impairment in children and adults with bronchiectasis
Authors: Ziegahn Niklas , Roehmel Jobst F. , Pioch Charlotte O. , Busack Leonie M. , Allomba Christine , Fuhlrott Bent R. , Meinus Carolin , Schnabel Olaf , Moridani Mehrak Yoosefi , Thee Stephanie , Lau Susanne , Mall Marcus A. , Stahl Mirjam
Published: December 2024

Background

Multiple-breath washout (MBW) is an established outcome measure of lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, data on its sensitivity to detect lung function impairment in bronchiectasis across age groups remain limited. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the feasibility, validity, and sensitivity of MBW compared with spirometry in people with bronchiectasis.

Methods

We performed MBW and spirometry in 94 people with bronchiectasis (aged 0.2 to 79.3 years), 168 healthy controls, and 128 people with CF and 76 with asthma as disease controls.

Results

The overall success rate of MBW in all 466 participants was 96.1%. People with bronchiectasis had an elevated lung clearance index (LCI) and a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) compared with healthy controls and people with asthma (all p<0.001). Comparing bronchiectasis and CF, there was no difference in LCI, but FEV1was reduced in bronchiectasis (p=0.032). Within the bronchiectasis group, LCI correlated strongly with FEV1(r=−0.69, p<0.001). However, 34.3% of people with bronchiectasis presented with an elevated LCI but normal FEV1while none had a reduced FEV1combined with a normal LCI (p<0.001). LCI was superior to FEV1in detecting lung function impairment in bronchiectasis (AUC: 0.95versus0.86).

Conclusion

LCI is more sensitive than FEV1to detect lung function impairment in bronchiectasis. These findings support further evaluation of LCI for clinical monitoring and as a sensitive outcome measure in clinical trials in people with bronchiectasis.
Exploring the carbon footprint of severe asthma and change after biologic therapy initiation: an analysis of Northern Irish data
Authors: Busby John , Khezrian Mina , Patel Soram , Tran Trung N , Rhodes Kirsty , Heaney Liam G
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The carbon footprint of severe asthma (SA) and the impact of biologic therapy in this population is unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study in adults with SA, using data from the Northern Ireland Regional Severe Asthma Service (September 2015-November 2021). We calculated annual greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs; carbon dioxide equivalent) for asthma-related medications and healthcare resource utilisation, compared patient characteristics by GHG-quartile, calculated GHG change post-biologic initiation and explored the relationship between GHG change and clinical response.

Results

Among 303 patients with SA, mean GHGs was 474 kg (sd:431), largely driven by SABA-use (50.7%) and ED/hospitalizations (21.0%). Those with highest-quartile GHGs were more likely to have uncontrolled disease (ACQ 3.5versus2.5; p<0.001), be more deprived (46.1%versus25.0%, p=0.029) and have depression/anxiety (35.5%versus14.7%, p=0.002)versusthose with lowest-quartile GHGs. Among patients who received a biologic (n=213), modest GHG reductions (−28.0 kg [sd:286], p=0.15) were observed, largely driven by reduction in ED/hospitalization-related GHGs (−59.3 [sd:224], p<0.001). SABA-related GHG emissions were relatively unchanged (−6.1 kg [sd:138]), p=0.518). Total GHGs were 72.4 kg (sd:352, p=0.044) lower than baseline 4-years post-biologic-initiation. Although there was substantial clinical improvement post-biologic-initiation, this was not associated with GHG reductions.

Conclusions

SA is associated with substantial GHGs, primarily driven by SABA use and emergency care utilisation. Although GHG emissions were lower post-biologic, largely due to a reduction in emergency care, the changes in GHGs were modest and SABA-use was relatively unchanged. An improved understanding of the factors driving elevated GHGs is required.
Bioconversion efficiency and chemical composition of Hermetia illucens larvae fed spent mushroom substrates
Authors: Nayak Anjani , Rühl Martin , Klüber Patrick
Published: December 2024

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a by-product remaining after harvesting mushrooms. We evaluated the effect of substituting chicken feed with 0–100% of Pleurotus eryngii and Lentinula edodes SMS at different stocking densities (200–1000 larvae/box) on development, composition, and substrate reduction of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae. Although the survival rate was not significantly different, feeding pure SMS led to a low growth rate. The substitution level of SMS negatively correlated with individual larval weight, total harvested biomass, larval growth rate (LGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), substrate reduction, and waste reduction index (WRI) except for the 20% substitution. Feeding 40% SMS resulted in the highest number of prepupae. In the density experiment, the heaviest larvae (220–239 mg fresh weight) were obtained at 200 larvae/box in the 0% SMS group. The frass residue and FCR decreased with increased density. Remarkably, when feeding 20% SMS at 250 larvae/box, the harvested biomass, LGR, and FCR did not differ significantly from the 0% SMS control, whereas some of the higher densities led to a deterioration. In fact, the frass residue, substrate reduction, and WRI were even improved at 250 larvae/box in the 20% SMS group. The chemical analyses of larvae reared on 20% SMS at 250 larvae/box showed comparable ash and fat contents and a higher protein content compared to the 0% SMS group. Accordingly, up to 20% of a standard diet such as chicken feed can be replaced by low-cost SMS without disadvantages for breeding.
The effect of vildagliptin versus metformin on hepatic steatosis in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohamed Asmaa S. , Ahmad Hosam M. , Sharawy Mohammed A. , Kamel Fatma M. M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The risk of hepatic steatosis (HS) is elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Antidiabetic medications may contribute to the prevention or treatment of HS. This study aimed to compare the effects of vildagliptin and metformin on hepatic steatosis in newly diagnosed T2D patients, using the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and ultrasound grading.

Methods

The study included 246 newly diagnosed T2D patients who were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (117 patients) received 50 mg of vildagliptin orally twice daily. The second group (129 patients) received 500 mg of metformin orally twice daily with meals, and the dosage could be gradually increased by 500 mg per week, up to a maximum daily dose of 2000 mg. Baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments included fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), and hepatic steatosis grading via ultrasound.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements in FBG, HbA1c, weight, BMI, WC, HC, HSI, and ultrasound grading of hepatic steatosis from baseline to the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The metformin group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in weight and BMI compared to the vildagliptin group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of hepatic steatosis improvement on ultrasound. Correlation analysis revealed that HSI was significantly associated with HbA1c, BMI, WC, and HC (p < 0.001 for all), as well as FBG (p = 0.008), but not with age. The lipid profile, particularly total cholesterol and LDL, was identified as a stronger predictor of hepatic steatosis, based on high AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values.

Conclusion

Both vildagliptin and metformin are effective in improving glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2D patients, as evidenced by reductions in FBG and HbA1c levels. Additionally, both drugs significantly reduced the HSI, body weight, and BMI, with metformin showing a more pronounced effect on weight and BMI. Both vildagliptin and metformin effectively decreased hepatic steatosis in T2D patients. Total cholesterol and LDL are important predictors of hepatic steatosis.

Trial registration

Trial Registration ID: UMIN000055121, registered on 30/07/2024 (retrospectively registered).
CircMYH9/miR-133a-3p/CXCR4 axis: a novel regulatory network in sperm fertilization and embryo development
Authors: Sun Qian , Li Yanyu , Yang Wen , Feng Wen , Zhou Jiayun , Cao Yijuan , Zhang Bei , Zhu Zuobin , Han Conghui
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the influence of sperm miRNAs on fertilization rates (FR) in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to explore potential regulatory mechanisms in sperm-mediated fertilization and embryo development. Through high-throughput sequencing, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in sperm, with miR-133a-3p significantly upregulated in samples associated with low FR and available embryo rate (AER). Key regulatory circRNAs and mRNAs were further identified via the Starbase database, intersected with differentially expressed RNA, and analyzed through GO, KEGG, and PPI analyses. The circMYH9/miR-133a-3p/CXCR4 axis emerged as a critical regulatory network. In vitro assays using the GC-2 spd mouse spermatogenic cell line revealed that miR-133a-3p inhibited cell growth and proliferation while promoting apoptosis. circMYH9, acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-133a-3p, modulated CXCR4 expression, enhancing GC-2 spd cell growth and inhibiting apoptosis through the miR-133a-3p/CXCR4 axis. In vivo experiments using a mouse model confirmed that circMYH9 overexpression increased IVF success rates and promoted embryo development via this axis. Mechanistically, miR-133a-3p suppresses sperm fertilization and embryo development by targeting the circMYH9/miR-133a-3p/CXCR4 axis. These findings suggest that this regulatory network could serve as a novel biomarker for assessing fertilization potential and embryo quality in clinical settings and as a potential therapeutic target to improve IVF outcomes and address infertility. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing sperm function and early embryonic development.
Heat sensitivity of sperm in the lizard Anolis sagrei
Authors: Wang Wayne Wen-Yeu , Page Natalie R. , Strickler Anthony M. , Kusaka Alicia K. , Gunderson Alex R.
Published: December 2024

The heat sensitivity of reproduction is a critical determinant of population persistence under climate change. However, the heat sensitivity of gametes has been much less studied relative to that of adults. We developed a method to measure the heat tolerance limits of lizard sperm cells, and used the method to test several aspects of sperm cell thermal biology in the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei). We estimated the repeatability of sperm traits by measuring heat tolerance and baseline motility of ejaculated sperm from the same individuals multiple times over 21 days. To investigate co-adaptation of sperm and adult thermal traits, we tested for a correlation between sperm heat tolerance and the heat tolerance of the adults that produced them. Furthermore, we tested for effects of episodic heat stress experienced by males on sperm performance. Sperm heat tolerance and motility were both repeatable, consistent with evolutionary potential, though there was clear evidence for environmental effects on these traits as well. Contrary to the expectation of thermal co-adaptation, we found no correlation between sperm and adult heat tolerance. A single, episodic extreme heat event experienced by adult males immediately impaired sperm motility, consistent with detrimental effects of adult heat stress on sperm stored within males. Our study adds to the mounting evidence that sperm are heat-sensitive and represent a vulnerability to global warming, but also suggest evolutionary potential for thermal adaptation at the gamete level.
Predictors Of Tobacco Smoking Initiation Among Indonesian Teenagers: The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Deva Hani Salsabila , Efendi Ferry , Asmoro Candra Panji , Aditya Ronal Surya , McKenna Lisa , Alruwaili Abdullah Saleh
Published: December 2024

Introduction We examined the predictors of tobacco smoking initiation considering factors such as age, gender, pocket money, exposure to smoke in public outdoor places, anti-tobacco media, smoking parents, smoking teachers, and smoking friends among adolescents in Indonesia. Methods Using data from the 2014–2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey grades 7–12, data from 9,655 teenagers were analyzed. The research used the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) questionnaire. The analysis used univariate, chi-square and logistic regression with the STATA application version 15. Results In total, 9655 adolescent respondents participated. Multivariate tests indicated that teenagers aged 13-15 years (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08-1.66) and teenagers aged> 15 years (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25-2.17), teenagers who were male (AOR: 13.99, 95% CI: 11.11-17.63), teenagers who were exposed to cigarette smoke in public places outside the room (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.74-2.29), teenagers who had never seen anti-tobacco messages in the mass media (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48), Teenagers who had parents who smoke (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46), teenagers who saw teachers smoking in the school area (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18-1.71), and teenagers who accepted offers of cigarettes from friends (AOR: 15.11, 95% CI: 10.33-22.11). Conclusion The initiation of tobacco smoking among teenagers in Indonesia can be predicted by various factors such as age, gender, exposure to smoke in outdoor public places, exposure to anti-tobacco media, and influence of parents, teachers, and friends.
Note on Contradictions in Francez-Weiss Logics
Authors: Niki Satoru
Published: December 2024

It is an unusual property for a logic to prove a formula and its negation without ending up in triviality. Some systems have nonetheless been observed to satisfy this property: one group of such non-trivial negation inconsistent logics has its archetype in H. Wansing’s constructive connexive logic, whose negation-implication fragment already proves contradictions. N. Francez and Y. Weiss subsequently investigated relevant subsystems of this fragment, and Weiss in particular showed that they remain negation inconsistent. In this note, we take a closer look at this phenomenon in the systems of Francez and Weiss, and point out two types of necessary conditions, one proof-theoretic and one relevant, which any contradictory formula must satisfy. As a consequence, we propose a nine-fold classification of provable contradictions for the logics.
Chrześcijański obraz świata
Authors: Kurkowski Mateusz
Published: December 2024

Chrześcijański obraz świata to już druga książka w serii wydawniczej Studia Historica Iuvenum Investigatorum, związanej ze Studenckim Kołem Naukowym Historyków Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego im. Szymona Askenazego. W tym numerze autorzy pochylają się nad tematyką chrześcijaństwa, które bezsprzecznie wywarło duży wpływ na losy Europy i całego świata. Prace znajdujące się książce wpisują się w szerszy nurt badań nad kulturą – i dalej mentalnością – chrześcijańską, a poruszane przez autorów zagadnienia z pewnością pogłębiają wiedzę na temat relacji religii i kultury na przestrzeni wieków. Takie właśnie założenia przyświecają autorom niniejszej publikacji: studentom i doktorantom z Wrocławia, Warszawy, Poznania i Olsztyna. Celem autorów jest zwrócenie uwagi na konkretne zagadnienia związane z badaniami historii kultury oraz na wartość dociekań dotyczących tego tematu, dzięki którym można pogłębić wiedzę o minionych epokach.
Profesja Historyka w pismach Bedy Czcigodnego
Authors: Knapik Michał
Published: December 2024

The concept of history and the historian, as well as the tasks they were given, has changed over the centuries. One of the most important historians of the early medieval period was Bede the Venerable, whose Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum provides a wealth of research material for the history of historiographical thought. This article attempts to uncover the ideological and workshop principles that Bede followed in writing his historical works.
Mongołowie a Christianitas w Flos historiarum terre orientis Hetuma z Korykosu
Authors: Prudente Albert
Published: December 2024

Hetum of Korykos in his opus magnum – Flos historiarum terre orientis strives to convince Christendom that the Mongols are a possible ally in the next crusade, of which the author is a wholehearted supporter. The likely reason for such behavior is the endeavor to safeguard the existence of his homeland – Cilician Armenia, left alone after the fall of Acre in 1291, by reestablishing Christian states in Outremer. To convince Christianitas that the Mongols can participate in an expedition of par excellence Christian nature, Hetum attempts various narrative strategies to present them in an acceptable manner for the Christian world, even showing them as, at least partially, followers of Christ.
Essays in Ancient Art and Archaeology in Honour of Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka
Authors: Bodzek Jarosław , Gołyźniak Paweł , Kajzer Małgorzata , Kopij Kamil , Miszk Łukasz , Ostrowski Wojciech , Zając Barbara
Published: December 2024

It is with great pleasure that we present to you this fascinating collection of 35 articles, essays and memoirs dedicated to Professor Ewdoksia Papuci‑Władyka, one of the most eminent Polish classical archaeologists, long-standing head of the Department of Classical Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology of the Jagiellonian University and Visiting Professor at the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology of the University of Warsaw. Professor Papuci-Władyka is widely known and highly respected in the archaeological community, in Poland, and around the world. The presented collection of texts and entries in the Tabula Gratulatoria attests to this. During her prolific career Professor Papuci-Władyka has been setting directions and trends in Polish research on classical civilisations by initiating new projects and excavations at important sites such as Koshary in Ukraine, Halasarna on the Greek island of Kos, and Nea Pafos in Cyprus. Working in Cyprus, she has developed a unique project combining the potential of the best Polish universities – the Jagiellonian University and the University of Warsaw – with contributions from other universities, thus creating one of the most active Polish expeditions in the Mediterranean basin. Her efforts in this area culminated in the first archaeological excavation in Greece to be led by Jagiellonian University.
‘ΤΟ ΤΡΑΙΝΟ ΦΕΥΓΕΙ ΣΤΙΣ ΟΚΤΩ, ΤΑΞΙΔΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΗ…’. A SLICE OF MY LIFE JOURNEY BY THE SIDE OF PROFESSOR EWDOKSIA PAPUCI-WŁADYKA
Authors: Dobosz Agata
Published: December 2024

In this paper, I present some of my memories concerning Professor Ewdoksia Papuci‑Władyka during my academic years. A unique and intriguing person who appears unapproachable turns out to be extremely open, friendly, and tolerant upon closer acquaintance. As a professor, she had a massive influence in shaping my scientific path, and years of travelling and working together also brought us closer in our personal lives.
THE HISTORY OF EXCAVATION COINS IN CYPRUS
Authors: Destrooper‑Georgiades Anne
Published: December 2024

The evolution of the importance given to coins found in archaeological excavations in Cyprus in hoards or isolated as single finds, and the way they have been published since the second half of the 19th century until today is discussed. Excavation coins are valuable in identifying the mints where they were struck, to refine the date of the coins and to establish the coin circulation in Cyprus.
Gender dysphoria and incongruence - neurophysiological diversity and genetic factors
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna , Stępień Piotr , Marczak Aleksandra , Halczuk Izabela , Stachura Bartłomiej , Górska Justyna , Gawryszczak Samanta , Gliwa Anna , Halczuk Iwona
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Transgender people may experience gender dysphoria, which is defined as the distress and impairment associated with a person's perception of a marked incongruity between their gender identification and their sex assigned at
birth. The aim of the study is to understand the neurophysiological diversity of people with and without dysphoria, as well as to assess the genetic, endocrine and biological basis of the development of dysphoria.

Material and methods: A review of the available literature was performed by searching the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using the keywords: dysphoria, gender incongruity, neurophysiology, neurophysiological diversity and dysphoria, gender dysphoria and genetics. This publication is based on a literature review covering the years 2015 - 2023. Works published before 2015 were excluded from the analysis. The SANRA scale was used to maintain the high quality of the narrative review.

Results: Gender dysphoria has a polygenic basis, involving interactions between various genes and their polymorphisms. Endocrine factors are also important, so the most complete picture of the neurophysiological basis of gender dysphoria can be obtained by adding brain imaging tests and measurements of sex hormone concentrations to genetic tests.

Conclusions: Determining what biological factors contribute to gender dysphoria may have a positive impact on the mental health of transgender people. Moreover, this knowledge can be used to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of these people. Therefore, there is a clinical need to conduct further research in this field.
The tools for efficiency evaluation of educational activities: from needs to impact
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Tilikina Nataliia
Published: December 2024

In the article, there have been studied the key aspects of evaluation and monitoring of educational activities, in particular, trainings, seminars and workshops. The author emphasizes the importance of these processes for constant quality improvement of educational programs. Evaluation and monitoring allow not only to identify the achieved results but also to analyze the impact of trainings on participants and their subsequent activities. The article describes traditional methods of measuring efficiency (surveys, tests, interviews) that are supplemented by the contemporary approaches that foster deeper understanding of the program efficiency. The main attention is paid to the well-known evaluation models, in particular, the models of D. Kirkpatrick and J. Phillips that help to organize the evaluation on different stages of the educational process: from the reaction of participants to long-term results. Moreover, the concept of return on investment (ROI) has also been studied that adds the economic component to the evaluation of education. In the article, it has been noted that the efficiency monitoring should be carried out systematically and on different stages of the educational process – before, during and after it is finished. This allows considering not only shortterm, but also long-term changes in the professional activity of participants. The author suggests using tools for data collection that help comprehensively evaluate the efficiency of educational activities and their impact on the society. In the article, one can also find the author’s development of the matrix for efficiency evaluation and monitoring of educational activities that describes the process of efficiency assessment of educational activities on every stage of training (starting from needs to impact).
Integration of information and communication technologies in the process of formation of professional and pedagogical competence of future music teachers
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Li Zhang
Published: December 2024

The article deals with solving one of the topical issues of modern higher education pedagogy related to the formation of professional and pedagogical competence of future music teachers using information and communication technologies. The aim of the article is to study the possibilities of integrating information and communication technologies in the process of forming the professional and pedagogical competence of future music teachers. It was emphasized that the undoubted advantages of using ICT in the professional training of future music teachers are as follows: increasing students’ motivation through engagement with interactive and interesting content; convenience and accessibility of educational materials regardless of the location of students; the ability to individualize the learning process to the specific needs of each student; automation of routine processes (assessment, preparation of tasks), which allows teachers to focus more on pedagogical activities. On the basis of specific examples, the author proves that the possibilities of integrating information and communication technologies into the educational process are carried out in the following three directions: a) direct use of ICT in teaching disciplines of professional training of future music teachers in higher education institutions; b) development of additional modules for some disciplines of professional training of students that would acquaint future music teachers with the possibilities of using ICT in their further professional and pedagogical activities; c) development and implementation of a special course “ICT in the professional and pedagogical activity of a music teacher” in the educational process of higher education institutions, the main purpose of which would be to form the professional and pedagogical competence of future music teachers through the use of ICT tools.
ECG of the month
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: December 2024

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents the case of a 74-year-old man with a permanent pacemaker who was experiencing chest tightness and breathlessness.
Clever stuff
Authors: Keyte-Hartland Debi
Published: December 2024

In the first of a four-part series, Debi Keyte-Hartland explores the idea of ‘intelligent materials’, and how they can be used to effectively support children's creativity
All about …: Emotion Coaching
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: December 2024

Nicole Weinstein explores a practice that is helping children, as well as the early years practitioners who care for them, to self-regulate their emotions and behaviour
Building minds
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Creating a strong foundation in babyhood is key to robust mental health as children get older. By Annette Rawstrone
market view: RIGHT FOR YOU
Authors: Turner Leah
Published: December 2024

Leah Turner, co-founder of Owen Froebel, which offers day nursery brokerage, valuations and sales, on finding the right buyer.
Effect of substituting crude palm oil with saponified black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens l.) oil on performance and digestive tract characteristics of broiler chickens
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Lestari Ega Anggi , Hanim Chusnul ,   Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Published: December 2024

Several studies have shown that black soldier fly larvae (BSF-L) oil is an effective substitute for the use of crude palm oil (CPO) as an energy source in broiler chicken feeds. CPO contains several long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), such as palmitic and oleic acid, while BSF-L oil contains various medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), namely lauric acid. In addition, lauric acid can function as an antimicrobial and immunomodulator. As an antimicrobial, it can inhibit the activity of enzymes that play a role in energy production and nutrient transport. Lauric acid is also an immunomodulator that preserves the integrity of the intestinal barrier by increasing the permeability of tight junctions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting CPO with saponified BSF-L oil on broiler chicken performance and digestive tract characteristics. There were 280 male broiler chickens of the New Lohmann Indian River strain (MB 202 Platinum) in the experiment. CPO and saponified BSF-L oil were administered at different ratios, namely 3:0 (0% saponified BSF-L oil in feed), 2:1 (1% saponified BSF-L oil in feed), 1:2 (2% saponified BSF-L oil in feed), and 0:3 (3% saponified BSF-L oil in feed). Each treatment ratio consisted of 7 replications, which were administered to 10 chickens. In this study, the test animals were reared for 35 days, with 3 maintenance phases, including starter, grower, and finisher. The formulated feed was applied in the grower phase, followed by the removal of digestive tract organs to assess various parameters, such as length, weight, and pH of the digesta. The jejunum was also analyzed to obtain the histomorphology of intestinal villi and tight junctions gene expression. The data obtained were analyzed for variance with a one-way pattern and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test due to differences. The results showed that the substitution of CPO with saponified BSF-L oil had a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed intake (FI), index performance (IP), duodenal length, ileal pH, and JAM-2 and OCLN gene expression. The treatment also had a significant impact (P<0.01) on body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and ZO-1 gene expression. In addition, the 2:1 treatment could improve the performance of broiler chickens and the ileal digesta's pH value, as well as reduce the length of the duodenum. As the level of saponified BSF-L increased, tight junctions gene expression also increased. However, it did not affect the histomorphology of jejunal villi or the relative weight of the digestive organs
Sustainable Architectural Innovations for Energy-Efficient Multi-storey Buildings Through a Novel Taxonomy and Evaluation Approach
Authors: Vassiliades Constantinos , Kyriakides Nicolas , Pissourios Ioannis , Vardopoulos Ioannis
Published: December 2024

In the contemporary urban landscape, cities grapple with pressing environmental challenges, particularly in energy consumption and ecological impact. This research recognizes the imperative for a paradigm shift in the design of multi-storey buildings to effectively address these challenges. Introducing a novel taxonomy and evaluation methodology tailored to multi-storey structures, this study delves into the intricate relationship among bioclimatic and environmental characteristics, architectural design, and ecological footprint. Through a meticulous analysis of twenty multi-storey buildings, the research discerns how these features become inherent to a building form and overall environmental impact, thereby influencing its energy efficiency and sustainability. Findings contribute to a systematic categorization of key parameters that shape energy efficiency and environmental impact in multi-storey constructions. The combination of both passive and active design strategies is at the forefront of the designers’ arsenal. This structured framework offers architects, urban planners, and policymakers valuable insights for informed decision-making, fostering the development of a new generation of multi-storey buildings that are both iconic and ecologically responsible.
Navigating tricky waters: inter-agency collaboration and competing logics in Swedish welfare provision
Authors: Samzelius Tove , Ulmestig Rickard
Published: December 2024

Navigating the context of the Swedish welfare system when unemployed, sick, or disabled is complex and multifaceted as it involves agencies governed by national, regional and municipal decision-making bodies, as well as different legal frameworks. Despite significant structural and organisational barriers, these agencies must collaborate around individual cases. The aim of this article is to gain an understanding of how welfare professionals make sense of the role of inter-agency collaboration when trying to address the support needs of long-term unemployed individuals with disabilities and/or ill-health. Focusing on sensemaking, as a form of knowledge claim, of those who work in frontline or coordinating roles on a local level draws attention to tensions between different institutional logics that are crucial for policy implementation. The analysis presented is based on data from 16 semi-structured interviews with welfare professionals from different agencies working in the same region of southern Sweden. Two key competing logics are highlighted: a work-first logic and a welfare logic. The findings show how welfare professionals seek to navigate through the competing logics by identifying alternative ways of working. By harmonising these logics, trying to fit them together in a hybrid logic, they attempt to find ways of meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals, but without challenging the structure and principles of Sweden’s overarching ‘work-first’ approach to social security.
Highly sensitive optic fiber vector magnetometer based on the Fabry-Perot interferometer and harmonic Vernier effect
Authors: Yan Tianqi , Jiang Chao , Gao Ling , Guo Zihao , Han Bowen , Guo Xiaoshan , Sun Simei , Cao Tingshui , Liu Changning , Li Hong , Zhang Han , Huang Huiling
Published: December 2024

This article experimentally validates a high-sensitivity vector magnetic field (MF) sensor based on two parallel Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs). Firstly, two standard single-mode fibers are interposed into a capillary tube to constitute a cantilever beam structure FPI1. FPI1 achieved a high axial strain sensitivity of 15.0 pm/µε. Then, FPI1 was bonded with the magnetostrictive material Terfenol-D, and the sensitivity of its MF intensity and direction reached 91.43 pm/mT and −12.75 pm/°, respectively. Finally, a reference interferometer FPI2 was matched to FPI1 to constitute the harmonic Vernier effect sensor S1. The average sensitivity of the MF intensity of S1 reaches −4.308 nm/mT, and the MF direction sensitivity of S1 reaches 892.3 pm/°. It amplifies the MF intensity and direction sensitivity of FPI1 by 47 times and 33.0 times, respectively. Therefore, the proposed MF sensor can measure MF intensity and direction with high sensitivity. Additionally, the proposed sensor only involves fiber optic cutting, splicing, and cold bonding during the manufacturing process, without damaging the structure of the fiber optic. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture, highly reproducible, cost-effective, structurally robust, and easy to operate. It is one of the preferred choices for vector MF sensors in practical applications.
Pulse duration dependent effects of ultrafast laser induced damage on a 1030 nm multi-layer dielectric mirror for high repetition rate, high average power laser systems
Authors: Noor Mohamed Yaseen , Deangelis Emma , Zhang Simin , Kuz Conrad , Twardowski Justin , Davenport Aaron , Menoni Carmen S. , Chowdhury Enam
Published: December 2024

High repetition rate, high peak, and average power laser systems are crucial for next-generation particle accelerators, inertial confinement fusion, and secondary particle sources. These applications demand durable laser optics, particularly interference coatings on optics lasting millions of shots at high fluence. This study focuses on designing, testing, and simulating multi-layer dielectric (MLD) mirrors for pulse durations of 260 fs, 77 fs, and 25 fs at 1030 nm wavelength and 45-degree incidence angle with p-polarization. S-on-1 laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDT) for varying pulse numbers were determined, with single-shot LIDT values of 0.98 Jcm-2, 1.63 Jcm-2, and 2.3 Jcm-2 for 25 fs, 77 fs, and 260 fs respectively. A strong correlation between blister shape and local fluence was observed, implying that the layer expansion in a blister depends on local fluence. We have also examined mechanisms responsible for laser-induced stress generation and energy release rates in blister formation. Damage mechanisms are further explored by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, incorporating Keldysh strong field ionization, whose predictions were in excellent agreement with the onset of damage determined experimentally. These findings offer insights for enhancing MLD coating technology, promising more efficient and resilient laser systems for diverse scientific and industrial applications.
The conserved noncoding RNA ModT coordinates growth and virulence in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Lenče Tina , Sulzer Johannes , Andress Kilian , Gribling-Burrer Anne-Sophie , Lamm-Schmidt Vanessa , Barquist Lars , Smyth Redmond P. , Faber Franziska
Published: December 2024

Bacterial noncoding RNAs fulfill a variety of cellular functions as catalysts, as scaffolds in protein complexes or as regulators of gene expression. They often exhibit complex tertiary structures that are a key determinant of their biochemical function. Here, we characterize the structured “raiA motif” RNA from Clostridioides difficile, which is conserved in more than 2,500 bacterial species from the phyla Bacillota and Actinomycetota. We show that its transcript abundance and stability in exponentially growing bacteria rivals that of ribosomal RNAs. Deletion of the “raiA motif” RNA is associated with delayed transition into stationary phase, and changes in stationary phase pathways such as spore formation, hence we rename it ModT (modulator of transition phase). Mechanistically, we show that ModT-mediated changes in cellular cyclic di-GMP levels are linked to the pronounced sporulation defect in the modT mutant. Importantly, we show that expression profiles and isoform patterns of ModT are conserved in Clostridium perfringens and Paeniclostridium sordellii, and that these orthologs can functionally complement ModT in C. difficile. Chemical structure probing of ModT in vivo reveals dynamic refolding and provides initial evidence for a potential association of ModT with proteins. In summary, our findings indicate that ModT fulfills a conserved role in regulating growth transitions in bacteria and provide a crucial step towards delineating its molecular mechanism.
Rapid assessment of noma: Reporting on forgotten and neglected disease in Ethiopia
Authors: Enbiale Wendemagegn
Published: December 2024

Background

Noma is a rapidly progressing, invasive, and debilitating orofacial disease that primarily affects the most vulnerable and marginalised populations worldwide. The highest- risk group includes pre-school children, exposed to other risk factors, such as malnutrition and poverty-related diseases. Since 2010, Ethiopia has reported an increasing number of noma cases, primarily identified through medical missions. Data on the disease burden and epidemiology are essential for planning service delivery and developing effective disease prevention strategies. In this endeavour to document noma.s presence in Ethiopia, and assess the health system capacity for noma care, we have performed a rapid assessment.

Methodology

We performed a rapid assessment including a desk and literature review, health sector capacity assessment and a retrospective analysis of hospital records to identify all confirmed cases of noma cases from 2015–2022, based on data from NGOs and health facility records.

Result

The desk review revealed that Ethiopia lacks a national policy on noma. However, the national health policy emphasizes the prevention and control of poverty-related diseases. There is no formal oral health program within the primary healthcare, aside from the limited dental care availability in regional/referral hospitals and private sector. The retrospective assessment has extracted 69 noma cases record reported from January 2015 to December 2020, with 97% of case record came from two NGO’s supporting surgical mission. Cases were reported from nearly every region of the country with a notable concentration in Amhara region. The trend of cases being cared has decreased from 2015 to 2020 and no record is found for acute cases of noma.

Conclusion

The rapid assessment highlights a critical lack of research and surveillance programmes for noma. Efforts to increase public awareness and educate community workers and primary health care professionals on identification of noma and referring patients for care are essential. As a first step toward eliminating noma, the disease should be added to the national list of neglected tropical diseases, followed by integrated control programmes through the existing health extension system to expand oral health service.
Hybrid SEM-ANN model for predicting undergraduates’ e-learning continuance intention based on perceived educational and emotional support
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Wang Yangxin , Luo Wenbo
Published: December 2024

Based on the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM), this study explores the impact of perceived educational and emotional support on university students’ continuance intention to engage in e-learning. Researchers conducted a survey using structured questionnaires among 368 university students from three universities in Jiangxi Province. They measured their self-reported responses on six constructs: perceived educational support, perceived emotional support, perceived usefulness, confirmation, satisfaction, and continuance intention. The relationships between predictors and continuance intention, characterized by non-compensatory and non-linear dynamics, were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling combined with Artificial Neural Networks. Apart from the direct effects of perceived educational and emotional support on perceived usefulness being non-significant, all other hypotheses were confirmed. Furthermore, according to the normalized importance derived from the multilayer perceptron analysis, satisfaction was identified as the most critical predictor (100%), followed by confirmation (29.9%), perceived usefulness (28.3%), perceived educational support (22.6%), and perceived emotional support (21.6%). These constructs explained 62.1% of the total variance in the students’ continuance intention to engage in e-learning. This study utilized a two-stage analytical approach, enhancing the depth and accuracy of data processing and expanding the methodological scope of research in educational technology. The findings of this study contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. It provides direction for future research in different environmental and cultural contexts.