bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ РЕСУРСИ ОСОБИСТОСТІ В УМОВАХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО СПРОТИВУ
Authors: Дончук Н. , Бронзель Л. , Іванов І.
Published: December 2024

Психологічними ресурсами переживання ситуацій різного ступеня невизначеності є життєстійкість, самоактивація та різні стилі подолання. Ресурси життєстійкості та самоактивації більш виражені у ситуаціях із меншим ступенем невизначеності. Когнітивно-поведінковий стиль подолання є найбільш часто використовуваним усіма групами, рідше використовується соціально-емоційне подолання, ще рідше - уникаюче подолання. У разі переживання глобального виклику домінує соціально-емоційний стиль подолання, а усі психологічні ресурси є значно вищими, ніж за інших типів викликів.
CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS IN LABOUR LAW FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA
Authors: Harahap Arifuddin Muda , Harahap Mar'ie Mahfudz , Efendi Rahmad , Daulay Mhd Nurhusein , Ahmad Muhammad Hazim
Published: December 2024

This study provides a critical comparative study of the labour laws of Indonesia and Malaysia, two of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia, but with different legal systems due to their respective political, socio-economic and colonial legacies. A wide range of topics were discussed, covering almost all major issues related to the laws affecting practise, namely historical development and legal reforms, current challenges related to wage inequality, migrant workers and enforcement of labour protection. A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted based on primary legal documents, including the Indonesian Omnibus Law on Job Creation and the Malaysian Employment Act 1955 as amended, supplemented by secondary sources such as policy papers and academic articles. The findings suggest that decentralisation in Indonesia leads to uneven enforcement across regions, while Malaysia's centralised administration falls short in protecting migrant workers. In both countries, economic growth clashes with labour rights, with Indonesia struggling with a largely informal sector and Malaysia with a very high dependence on migrant workers. The discussion emphasises the fact that while recent legislative reforms have taken place, weak enforcement and problematic dispute resolution reflect the persistent problems. The study concludes by outlining policy implications that support strengthening enforcement mechanisms, formalising the informal sector and adhering to international labour standards to promote good employment practises. The results obtained with such a methodology contribute to the discourse on labour law and provide insights for policy makers, academics and other stakeholders concerned with the dynamics of the labour market in Southeast Asia.
China’s digital transformation: promoting sustainable development through technology and innovation
Authors: Natsvlishvili Tymur
Published: December 2024

The article examines the topic «China’s Digital Transformation: Promoting Sustainable Development through Technology and Innovation.» Given China’s significant role in the global economy and its leadership in digital technologies, understanding the interaction between digital transformation and sustainable development is critical. However, there are unexplored aspects of this broader issue that require further research. The purpose of this paper’s research is to analyze the impact of digital transformation on China’s sustainable development and identify the opportunities it provides to achieve sustainable development goals. The research uses a combination of literature review, secondary data analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The literature review establishes key concepts, theories and frameworks related to digital transformation and sustainable development. Secondary data sources such as government reports, industry publications and reliable databases are analyzed for statistical information, economic indicators and relevant case studies. This analysis is the basis for further research. The integration of secondary data contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the current state, challenges and opportunities related to China’s digital transformation and its potential to promote sustainable development. Based on the research findings, it is clear that China’s digital transformation offers significant opportunities for sustainable economic development. Technological advances in e-commerce, mobile payments, and artificial intelligence have revolutionized industries, expanded access to finance, and fueled entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the integration of technology and innovation into sectors such as smart cities, healthcare, renewable energy and sustainable transport has the potential to improve resource allocation, environmental practices and overall quality of life. In conclusion, this paper highlights the relevance of research on the relationship between China’s digital transformation and sustainable development. By uncovering unexplored aspects and leveraging technology and innovation, China can harness the enormous opportunities afforded by digital transformation to promote sustainable development. It is important to address issues related to ethics, inclusiveness and fostering a culture of innovation to ensure the successful adoption of digital solutions for sustainable development in China.
Introduction to public administration in the field of spatial planning: methodological approach to literature review
Authors: Ohorodnyk Vira , Markina Mariia
Published: December 2024

The article is dedicated to the establishment and justification of a methodological approach for conducting a literature review in the study of public administration in the field of spatial planning. The examination of theoretical aspects of public administration within spatial planning in Ukraine holds significant importance, particularly in the context of decentralization and the overall reformation of the architectural and urban development sector. Despite the considerable volume of scholarly research dedicated to public administration, specifically concerning spatial planning, as well as the methodologies for conducting such research, it is essential to note the absence of a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. Often, studies related to spatial planning tend to focus exclusively on architecture or land use, neglecting the realm of public administration. Crafting an appropriate methodology for conducting a literature review can contribute to revealing approaches to researching public administration within the domain of spatial planning as a whole. The article proposes a five-stage framework for conducting a literature review: identifying the research’s informational foundation, initial material selection using keywords, secondary material search to delve deeper into the results of the previous stage, information synthesis and temporal grouping, and finally, organizing and systematizing the sources for the literature review. Based on an analysis of literary sources, key insights can be discerned: attention was drawn to the insufficient scholarly substantiation of the concept of «public management» and its content. A more progressive and accelerated development of specific aspects of public administration related to spatial planning was noted, especially in popular science publications, which often precede academic research. It can be asserted that a literature review contributes to the formulation of the foundation and methodology for further investigating public administration in the field of spatial planning.
Modern challenges in the development of transport and logistics services in the context of global economic changes
Authors: Riepin Mykyta
Published: December 2024

The article examines modern problems and trends in the development of transport and logistics markets based on digital transformations in the context of global changes in the economy. The survey of the results of the forecast analysis of the development of the world transport and logistics market in the context of global changes in the economy was carried out. It was concluded that the forecast dynamics of the volume of the global transport and logistics 162 market in 2021-2030 are characterized by positive trends of global economic changes. The ideas of researchers in the direction of the development of the market of transport and logistics services in Ukraine, transformation of business processes in digital processes and digital platforms are presented. The connection between the strategy of digital development of the economy of Ukraine and high technologies for the period up to 2030 is indicated, which should determine the goals, directions, conditions for the institutional and digital transformation of the infrastructure of the economy in the context of global economic changes. The author’s vision of Digitalization of transport and logistics services in Ukraine with competitive advantages in the context of global economic changes is provided. It is recommended to use B2B, B2C, B2G models for the market of transport and logistics services in Ukraine based on the concept of strategic planning of the business ecosystem. It is proposed to develop the principles of business ecosystem planning related to the development of the Digital economy based on modularity, configuration, multilateral relations, management, organization of the business ecosystem. The author’s vision of Digitalization of transport and logistics services in Ukraine in the purpose of growth and formation of competitive advantages in the context of global economic changes is provided. The task of Digitization of the business ecosystem, which should scale the national transport and logistics market, has been set.
Pregnancy in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and Hypoplastic Uterus: Case Series
Authors:   Rashmika Fertility Center, Kolkata, India, Prakash Maity Dr. Saurav , Bagchi Dr. Bishista ,   Rashmika Fertility Center, Kolkata, India, Pailan Dr. Apurba ,   Rashmika Fertility Center, Kolkata, India
Published: December 2024

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in women of reproductive age remains unexplained in nearly 90% of cases. Various infections
(e.g., mumps, varicella, malaria, shigella, tuberculosis) can destroy healthy ovarian tissue. Rare mutations in genes for FSH and LH
receptors, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner Syndrome, Mosaic Turners, Fragile X FMR1 premutation), and autoimmune
diseases (e.g., Addison disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) are also associated with
POI. Genetic mutations and autosomal recessive diseases like galactosemia contribute to POI as well.
The overall success rate for pregnancy and live birth after assisted reproductive techniques is only 25%. Women with POI should be
informed about their condition and future fertility treatment options.
For women desiring fertility, cyclical bleeding is preferred to maximize chances of successful embryo transfer or natural pregnancy.
Premenopausal women are often prescribed OCPs with a placebo week per month, leading to 12 weeks of estrogen deficiency annually.
Oocyte donation remains the best option for achieving successful pregnancy in women with POI, with a 40% probability after one
IVF cycle and 70-80% after four cycles.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Mechanisms, Applications, Benefits, and Limitations
Authors:   Adjunct Professor, Golden Gate University, Ageno School of Business, San Francisco, California, USA, Zohuri Bahman
Published: December 2024

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an innovative medical treatment that harnesses the power of light to selectively target and destroy
diseased cells, particularly in cancer and dermatology. This article reviews the mechanisms behind PDT, highlights its pros and cons,
and discusses the potential positive and negative side effects that patients may experience. With growing applications and a unique
mode of action, PDT continues to expand its role in therapeutic treatments, although certain limitations require further research.
A Novel Approach to Diagnosis: Using Convolutional Neural Networks to Classify Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers on CT Scans
Authors:   Lexington High School, Lexington 02421, Massachusetts, USA, Setty Siya N , Srinivasan Niyathi ,   Lexington High School, Lexington 02421, Massachusetts, USA, Clausen Juliette ,   Lexington High School, Lexington 02421, Massachusetts, USA, Thompson Russell J ,   Department of Computer Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Published: December 2024

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world, making early detection vital to treatment and
survival. However, lung cancer has variable clinical presentations, so diagnosis, even by trained medical professionals, is challenging
and time- consuming. Deep Learning (DL) has proven effective in training big data to generate accurate diagnoses through classification
in a timely manner.
Aim and Objective: This study uses data augmentation and hyperparameter optimization methods on convolutional neural networks
(CNN) to understand the benefits of various architectures in addition to creating an accurate transfer-based tool for lung cancer
diagnosis on CT scans.
Materials and Methods: We found a dataset composed of chest CT images of patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)
categorized into adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma and a control group of normal chest CT scans.
We tested the CNN architectures VGG16, InceptionV3, ResNet50, and EfficientNetB0 for feature extraction and observed each model
on a variety of different metrics such as validation accuracy, statistical errors, and learning rate. Each model was trained on the prechosen data set 2 times at 6 and 12 epochs and several evaluation metrics were recorded.
Observation and Results: EfficientNetB0, ResNet50, VGG16, InceptionV3 achieved test accuracies of 98.92%, 91.40%, 77.42%, 70.97%
respectively when implemented with hyperparameter tuning and dropout layers. EfficientNetB0 also exceeded the other architectures
in metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score.
Conclusion: Convolutional neural networks using EfficientNetB0 yielded a higher accuracy in diagnosis of non-small cell cancer on
CT scan which encourages further research in developing robust diagnostic tools using DL to expedite diagnosis, especially in locations
with inadequate healthcare resources.
Economic impact of dapagliflozin in the management of chronic kidney disease in Italy: results from a micro-simulation model
Authors: Ravasio Roberto , Marcellusi Andrea , De Nicola Luca
Published: December 2024

Background: Dapagliflozin, approved in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has demonstrated attenuation of CKD progression and a reduced risk of cardio-renal outcomes and all-cause mortality (ACM) versus placebo, in addition to standard of care (SoC). The aim of this economic evaluation was to assess the potential medical care cost offsets associated with reduced rates of cardio-renal outcomes in Italy.
Methods: A comparative micro-simulation model estimated the outcome-related costs of dapagliflozin plus SoC versus SoC alone over a 3-year horizon based on the DAPA-CKD trial. Incidence rates of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), hospitalizations for heart failure (hHF), acute kidney injury (AKI) and ACM were estimated for a treated population of 90,564 patients. Associated direct medical costs for non-fatal events (ESKD, hHF and AKI) were calculated using available literature and national tariffs. The analysis was restricted to outcome-associated costs and did not consider the cost of drug treatments and disease management.
Results: Patients treated with dapagliflozin plus SoC experienced fewer incident events of ESKD (6,540 vs 9,751), hHF (2,146 vs 4,242), AKI (3,772 vs. 5,271) and ACM (5,780 vs 8,037) per 90,564 treated patients versus those treated with SoC alone. Reductions (–35,6%) in clinical events (ESKD, hHF and AKI) were associated with a 34.4% reduction in total costs (€ 170 million) over 3 years. The clinical effect of dapagliflozin on ESKD management accounted for a € 134.5 million reduction in total costs.
Conclusion: Based on the DAPA-CKD trial, dapagliflozin may prevent cardio-renal event incidence with a positive effect upon the Italian National Healthcare Service (NHS). Over three years, we estimated that dapagliflozin can reduce the Italian NHS expenditure associated with the management of ESKD, hHF and AKI events by 34.4% (€ 170 million).
Perancangan Aplikasi Stock Opname Berbasis Web Service
Authors: Mustafa Abdul Rahman Mustafa , Lokapitasari B Poetri Lestari , Azis Huzain
Published: December 2024

Aplikasi stock opname berbasis web service dirancang untuk mengatasi perbedaan pencatatan transaksi secara real-time di Perum BULOG Kanwil Papua, yang sebelumnya dilakukan secara manual menggunakan Microsoft Excel. Aplikasi ini menggunakan arsitektur Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) yang memungkinkan integrasi data antara cabang dan kantor pusat secara efisien dan real-time. Data transaksi barang masuk dan keluar dicatat melalui sistem yang terhubung langsung ke web service, sehingga data dari seluruh cabang dapat diakses dan diperbarui secara otomatis. Hasil implementasi menunjukkan peningkatan akurasi pencatatan, efisiensi operasional, dan kemudahan aksesibilitas data, yang membantu mengurangi risiko kesalahan manusia dalam pencatatan. Pengujian sistem dilakukan melalui black box testing untuk memastikan fungsionalitas sistem berjalan sesuai kebutuhan
Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Pelayanan Sistem Rujukan Pada Puskesmas Sukajadi Berbasis Web
Authors: Talia Anita , Suhartini Suhartini , Suprianto Rishi
Published: December 2024

Puskesmas Sukajadi merupakan salah satu instansi kesehatan yang melayani masyarakat di kota Prabumulih khususnya kecamatan Prabumulih Timur. Berdasarkan observasi yang di lakukan di Puskesmas Sukajadi kota Prabumulih masih ada beberapa pasien yang belum terdaftar pada program BPJS (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial) sehingga masih mengalami kesulitan dalam melakukan proses rujukan di karenakan masih di lakukan secara konvensional oleh Puskesmas tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun sebuah aplikasi menggunakan website guna memudahkan pihak Puskesmas Sukajadi kota Prabumulih dalam proses pelayanan sistem rujukan pasien karena sudah terkomputerisasi dengan baik dan mudah untuk digunakan. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskiptif kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka. Metode pengembangan perangkat menggunakan metode waterfall . Alat bantu perancangan sistem yang digunakan adalah usecase diagram, class diagram dan activity diagram. Aplikasi ini dibangun menggunakan website dengan bahasa pemograman php dan database Mysql.
Model UML Sistem Informasi Monitoring Pembayaran SPP Siswa SMA Negeri 1 Binjai
Authors: Hendrawan Jodi , Perwitasari Ika Devi , Hasyyati Zata , Hasanah Deby Safitri
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini merancang model sistem informasi monitoring pembayaran SPP berbasis UML untuk SMA Negeri 1 Binjai guna meningkatkan efisiensi dan akurasi pengelolaan administrasi keuangan sekolah. Model UML yang digunakan meliputi diagram use case, kelas, aktivitas, dan sekuens untuk memvisualisasikan komponen utama dan interaksi sistem, sehingga mempermudah pengembangan dan pemeliharaan sistem. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model ini efektif dalam membantu pencatatan dan pelaporan pembayaran SPP secara akurat, memungkinkan akses yang mudah bagi siswa dan orang tua, serta meningkatkan transparansi administrasi. Tantangan seperti keamanan dan manajemen data diidentifikasi, dengan rekomendasi integrasi ke platform pembayaran digital dan penambahan fitur notifikasi otomatis.
Pemanfaatan Learning Management System Dalam Peningkatan Kemampuan Peserta Belajar Pada Rizky English Course
Authors: Fahrezi Eka Fahrezi , Putra Surya Hendra
Published: December 2024

Penerapan teknologi digital dalam pendidikan menjadi kebutuhan utama untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran di era modern. Rizky English Course, sebagai lembaga pendidikan bahasa Inggris, menghadapi tantangan dalam mengelola pelatihan yang efektif dan efisien, terutama dalam hal fleksibilitas, aksesibilitas, dan pemantauan hasil belajar. Penelitian ini mengembangkan dan mengimplementasikan Learning Management System (LMS) sebagai solusi berbasis teknologi yang menawarkan berbagai fitur seperti pendaftaran digital, akses video pembelajaran, penyelesaian tugas interaktif, evaluasi berbasis skor, hingga pengumuman terorganisir. Proses pengembangan LMS mengacu pada model waterfall, melibatkan observasi dan analisis kebutuhan, serta dirancang untuk memenuhi karakteristik generasi digital. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem ini mampu mengintegrasikan proses belajar-mengajar secara lebih modern dan interaktif, mempermudah pengelolaan materi, memantau kemajuan peserta secara real-time, serta meningkatkan kualitas komunikasi antara pengajar dan siswa. LMS ini diharapkan mampu memberikan pengalaman belajar yang lebih menarik, fleksibel, dan terstruktur bagi peserta didik, sekaligus meningkatkan efisiensi dan efektivitas pembelajaran di Rizky English Course.
Pakistan Gezi Notları
Authors: Akın Murat
Published: December 2024

1-6 Ağustos 2024 tarihlerinde, Peşaver Üniversitesi tarafından düzenlenen Uluslararası "21st Century Challenges: Equity, Access and Inclusion in Education" (21. Yüzyılın Zorlukları: Eşitlik, Erişim ve Eğitimde Katılım) Sempozyumu’na, Düzce Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi’nden değerli dostum Doç. Dr. Taner Atmaca ile birlikte davetli konuşmacı olarak katılma fırsatı bulduk. Bu vesileyle, Pakistan’ın önemli şehirlerini de kapsayan kültürel bir seyahate çıkma imkânımız oldu. Bir haftalık bu kısa süreyi en verimli şekilde değerlendirebilmek adına her günü bilimsel ve kültürel gözlem ve geziyle dolu bir programla planladık. Pakistan, hem İslam medeniyetinin derin izlerini taşıması hem de uzun yıllar sömürgeci ülkelerin baskısı altında kalmış bir ülke olması nedeniyle bizim için özel bir anlam taşıyordu. Bu nedenle, orada geçirdiğimiz süreyi dolu dolu geçirmeye ve Pakistan’ı olabildiğince tanımaya çalıştık. Bu yazıda, sempozyum ve kültürel gezi sırasında dikkat çeken bazı noktaları paylaşmayı amaçlıyoruz.
Deixis types found in Islamic songs by Maher Zain
Authors: Nuraini Eka Indah , Karimah Rihlatul , Virgiyanti Diska Fatima , Fachriza Aries , Dipta Dinar
Published: December 2024

These days, music has a huge impact on its listeners who come from a wide range of backgrounds. Sadly, very view listeners are aware of the hidden and implicit meanings contained in the song lyrics. Thus, investigating deixis found in Islamic music by Maher Zain is crucial to provide the listeners with precise interpretations. This current study attempts to discover the varieties of deixis found in lyrics of the songs by Maher Zain ("Thank You Allah” album). This library study used Mahar Zain’s English lyric transcripts of 16 songs as the object of the investigation. Several procedures were done to analyze the data, namely data reduction, data display, as well as drawing conclusion and verification. The results revealed five varieties of deixis found in Maher Zain’s Islamic songs, namely 191 data for place deixis, 43 data for relative-time deixis, 27 data for place deixis, and several names related to The Prophet Muhammad SAW that referred to social deixis. In this study, there was no data found related to absolute-time deixis.  These current findings are expected to give deeper understanding related to implied meanings of the artwork, especially song lyrics in which the song can be used as source of motivation in life.
NOVEL TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION at the Faculty of Science of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice 2024
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šandrejová Jana , Gajdošová Andrea
Published: December 2024

The scientific book of abstracts from the conference „Novel Trends in Chemistry, Research and Education 2024“ is a summary of the contributions of conference participants, which contain the original results of their scientific and research activities. The contributions published in this volume are divided according to content into the fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, biochemistry and didactics of chemistry.
Shape Memory Characteristics of Biomaterial Ti-(14-22)Zr-6Nb-2Mo-2Sn(at.%) Alloys
Authors: Park Junhyeok , Kim Jaeil
Published: December 2024

Since the recently reported biotoxicity of Ni, the use of Ti-Ni base shape memory alloys as biomaterial has been reduced. For this reason, Ti–Nb base superelastic alloys consisting of only non-toxic elements are being actively studied for potential use as biomaterials. In this study, the effects of Zr content and annealing temperature on the shape memory characteristics of Ti-(14-22)Zr-6Nb-2Mo-2Sn alloys were investigated using tensile tests, X-ray diffraction measurement and Electro Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). Results showed that the maximum total recovery strain and critical stress for slip increased with increasing Zr content. This is due to the change in lattice constant with the addition of Zr. In all annealed conditions XRD analysis of the Ti-22Zr-6Nb-2Mo-2Sn(at.%) alloy revealed only β phase at room temperature, and outstanding superelasticity was observed. This means that the α/β transus temperature of this alloy is below 650oC. Maximum total recovery strain and critical stress for slip increased with decreasing annealing temperature. A maximum of 592MPa and 5.83% were obtained in the Ti-22Zr-6Nb-2Mo-2Sn(at.%) alloy annealed at 650°C for 1hr. The {001}β<110>β texture intensity increased with decreasing annealing temperature. The maximum recovery strain in the Ti-22Zr-6Nb-2Mo-2Sn(at.%) alloy annealed at 650°C for 1hr may have been caused by the well-developed {001}β<110>β type recrystallization texture.
Geoemetric phases and magnetic curves for Darboux frames on lightlike and timelike surfaces
Authors: Gürbüz Şerife Nevin
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we obtain ^{ND}E_{T} for null Darboux frame on timelike surface and derive V-magnetic curves for null Darboux frame on a timelike surface in the T-lines direction. Also, we present ^{¹GD}E_{T}, ^{^{²GD}}E_{T} for 1GDF, 2GDF on lightlike surfaces in the tangential direction. Later, we present μ, U-magnetic curves for 1GDF on lightlike surfaces in the T-lines direction. We obtain geometric phase in μ-lines direction for 1GDF on lightlike surface. Finally, we obtain μ,U-magnetic curves in the μ,U-lines direction for 1GDF on lightlike surfaces.
Gender and judging revisited: Voting patterns of male and female judges under different judicial constraints
Authors: Boulaziz Louisa
Published: December 2024

Decades of research have investigated: 1) whether female judges decide cases differently from their male counterparts, and 2) how judicial constraints influence judicial decision-making. However, we know less about how judicial constraints impacts the decision-making of female and male judges. I argue that the gender-based selection bias (aspiring) female judges face during their careers make them more inclined to support those in charge of their appointment. I examine this claim in the context of the European Court of Human Rights and exploit a sudden change in judicial terms to demonstrate that it is not "female traits", but rather institutional structures that make female judges less independent in their rulings. My findings show that female judges are more likely, than their male counterparts, to support their appointing authority when rendering decisions, but only when they can be reappointed to court, suggesting that it is institutional structures that undermine judicial independence.
Being Careful with Conjoints: Accounting for Inattentiveness in Conjoint Experiments
Authors: Kane John V. , Costa Mia
Published: December 2024

In typical survey experiments--i.e., experiments involving a limited amount of manipulated content--respondent inattentiveness tends to bias treatment effect estimates toward zero. This same bias likely exists in conjoint experiments, which require respondents to attend to an even larger amount of manipulated content. Yet, little research has investigated strategies to account for inattentiveness in conjoint experiments specifically. In this study, we explore ways to both measure--and account for--inattentiveness when estimating causal effects in single- and two-profile conjoint designs. Replicating published conjoint experiments with large national samples, our study offers researchers a simple strategy that relies upon pre-treatment measures of attentiveness. Further, we propose a novel method--``conjoint attention checks'' (CACs)-- to both measure respondents' attentiveness to conjoint profiles and provide for more robust tests of hypotheses in conjoint experiments. Lastly, we provide researchers with importable survey templates to facilitate the use of CACs in their own experiments.
Earth system responses to different levels of greenhouse gas emissions mitigation
Authors: Friedlingstein Pierre , Artaxo Paulo , Gallego-Sala Angela V. , Jia Gensuo , Jones Chris D. , Kawamiya Michio , Loisel Julie , Loutre Marie-France , Rehfeld Kira , Rovere Alessio , Smith Chris , Séférian Roland , van der Wel Narelle , Ziegler Elisa
Published: December 2024

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the main driver of climate change, with global warming increasing almost linearly with cumulative CO2 emissions. Hence, future warming will primarily result from future emissions of CO2 with contributions from other greenhouse gases (mostly CH4 and N2O) and aerosols. Climate projections of the 21st century, such as those assessed by the IPCC, are provided from comprehensive climate models, also called Earth System models, driven by scenarios of the 21st century evolution of emissions from those climate forcers. While it seems now inevitable that the world will reach 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels by the early 2030s, the extent to which we exceed this warming level and how quickly we may be able to reduce temperatures again depends strongly on global activity taken now to limit emissions. In this paper, we review the current understanding on Earth system changes under two highly contrasted possible future worlds. We first focus on high-end scenarios, where anthropogenic emissions continue to increase over the course of the 21st century, leading to large warming levels, associated impacts on all components of the Earth System, and increased risks of triggering tipping points. We then assess low-end scenarios, where anthropogenic emissions rapidly decline, reaching net zero and potentially becoming net negative before the end of the 21st century. Such “overshoot” scenarios lead to a peak in global warming followed by a slow decline in global temperature, with some degree of reversibility in the global carbon cycle and key Earth system components. We also review paleoclimatic information relevant to these two contrasting future worlds. Paleoclimate evidence for geo-biosphere interactions shows that stabilizing feedbacks operate on millennial or longer timescales, whereas destabilizing feedbacks and tipping cascades occurred also on shorter timescales.
Outcomes of ABO-incompatible kidney transplants with very high isoagglutinin titers: a single-center experience and literature review
Authors: Naciri Bennani Hamza , Bobo Barry Kadiatou Mamadou , Noble Johan , Malvezzi Paolo , Jouve Thomas , Rostaing Lionel
Published: December 2024

Background

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KTx) represents a possible solution to address the shortage of kidney donors. However, these transplants present immunological challenges, particularly when isoagglutinin titers are elevated pretransplant.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study describing clinical and biological outcomes of 8 patients who underwent ABOi-KTx with initial isoagglutinin titers ≥ 1/512. All patients followed a desensitization protocol combining immunosuppression (rituximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, steroids), and specific or semi-specific apheresis sessions. Clinical and biological data were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

There were 5 males; median age of 62 years [34-82 years]; all achieved an isoagglutinin titer of ≤1/8 before transplantation after a median of 13 (range: 9-15) apheresis sessions. Three patients (37%) experienced acute humoral rejection, which required additional plasmapheresis sessions. Two patients developed chronic active rejection, successfully treated. On the infectious side, three patients developed BK-virus reactivation. Two patients developed cytomegalovirus viremia, and two others presented with bacterial infections. Surgically, two patients developed a lymphocele, and one had a perirenal hematoma. All patients survived the transplant with stable renal function: mean serum creatinine was 138 ± 15 µmol/L after four years of follow-up.

Conclusion

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation, even in patients with high isoagglutinin titers, is feasible and can achieve favorable long-term graft and patient survival outcomes. However, these procedures require substantial clinical expertise and close follow-up to monitor and manage the elevated risks of infection and rejection in this population.
Case report: Satralizumab as an adjunctive therapy for AQP-4 antibody and MOG antibody dual-negative optic neuritis in a third-trimester pregnancy case
Authors: Sun Chuanbin , Liu Zhe
Published: December 2024

The treatment of demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) in pregnant patients is challenging, especially when there is poor or no response to intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) therapy or adjunctive treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. We herein report a case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman who experienced sequential severe vision loss in both eyes. She presented to a local hospital with the main complaint of sudden, painless vision loss in the left eye and was diagnosed with DON in the left eye. However, she did not receive orbital MRI or IVMP therapy due to safety concerns. Upon admission to our hospital, her visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and there was no light perception in the left eye. Her right eye vision deteriorated rapidly, declining to 20/1,000 one day after the admission. The ophthalmic examination revealed a normal anterior segment and a swollen optic disk in the right eye and a dilated pupil with a relative afferent pupillary defect and a swollen optic disk in the left eye. The serological tests for common pathogens, including the aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP-4 Ab), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab), and other common autoantibodies, were all negative. The patient was clinically diagnosed with DON in both eyes and received 7 days of IVMP therapy and 4 days of IVIG therapy, but showed no visual improvement. A three-dose regimen of satralizumab 120 mg was then administered subcutaneously during the acute stage of DON, in combination with a slowly tapered oral methylprednisolone regimen. Moreover, 2 months after the first injection of satralizumab, the patient naturally gave birth to a healthy female infant weighing 2,305 g at 36 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Her visual acuity improved to 20/500 in both eyes and slightly increased to 20/320 in both eyes 2 months later. Her visual acuity remained stable during subsequent follow-up visits. The infant was fed formula milk powder and developed normally. No systemic or ocular side effects related to satralizumab therapy were observed in the patient or her fetus during the 9-month follow-up. Our findings in this case suggest that satralizumab may be a safe and efficient adjunctive therapy for pregnant patients with DON who poorly respond to IVMP and IVIG therapy, even in cases of dual-negative AQP-4 Ab and MOG-Ab.
Molecular characteristics, clonal transmission, and risk factors of Clostridioides difficile among hospitalized patients in a tertiary hospital in Ningbo, China
Authors: Hu Liqing , Lin Shan , Zhang Meng , Cai Mengting , Shen Yuhang , Zeng Peng , Song Xiaojun , Bian Qiao , Gu Jina , Luo Yun , Chen Yu , Jin Dazhi
Published: December 2024

Background

Nosocomial transmission of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been documented in Ningbo, China. However, data on molecular characteristics, clonal transmission, and risk factors of CDI in this region remain limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional study enrolled hospitalized patients with diarrhea during September to November 2021. Stool samples from all patients were tested for C. difficile, and isolated strains underwent toxin gene identification, genotyping, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing and epidemiological variables were analyzed in patients infected with C. difficile strains of the same sequence types (STs) to identify nosocomial transmission and risk factors for CDI.

Results

Of the 907 investigated patients, 115 (12.7%) had microbiologically proven CDI, as their diarrhea was associated with toxigenic C. difficile strains, which comprised 106 A+B+CDT−, 3 A−B+CDT−, and 6 A+B+CDT+. Predominant genotypes (ST2, ST3, ST35, and ST54) exhibited distinct antibiotic resistance patterns. ST54 strains showed higher resistance to erythromycin (100%) but lower resistance to moxifloxacin (18.2%) and gatifloxacin (18.2%) (χ2 = 10.24–16.65, p < 0.05). ST35 strains exhibited higher resistance to ciprofloxacin (66.7%) and tetracycline (33.3%) than other STs (χ2 = 13.30–20.19, p < 0.05). Genomic and epidemiological analysis revealed two nosocomial clonal transmission events caused by 5 ST35 strains (with ≤2 single nucleotide polymorphism differences), elucidating clonal transmission among different floors and buildings within the hospital. Prolonged hospitalization (> 10 days) (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.76 [1.05–2.93]) and penicillin-class antibiotics (1.69 [1.11–2.58]) were risk factors for CDI, with the latter being an independent risk factor (1.57 [1.02–2.42]). For C. difficile ST35 infection, intensive care unit (12.00 [2.77–52.05]) and neurology departments (8.08 [1.46–44.65]) admissions were risk factors, with the latter as an independent risk factor (1.56 [1.01–2.40]).

Conclusion

Multiple C. difficile genotypes with varied antibiotic resistance patterns circulated in Ningbo, with ST35 causing nosocomial clonal transmission among different floors and buildings within the hospital. These findings and the identified risk factors necessitate enhanced surveillance and infection control in the region.
Intramedullary schwannoma of conus medullaris with syringomyelia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Guo Hua , Wang Yao , Wang Liankun , Han Dianhui , Meng Xiangyi , Mu Qingchun , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: December 2024

Intramedullary schwannomas in the conus medullaris are very rare and are usually not associated with syringomyelia. We report a unique case of intramedullary schwannoma in the conus medullaris with long-segment syringomyelia. The patient was a 60-year-old male, initially presenting with left dorsalgia, subsequently developing weakness in the right lower extremity. As the symptoms progressed, the patient exhibited ataxia in gait, accompanied by sphincter insufficiency and voiding dysfunction. Lumbar MRI revealed the presence of two tumors at the L3 and T11-L1 levels, accompanied by syringomyelia extending from T4 to T10. During surgery, it was determined that the tumor located at the T11-L1 vertebral level was intramedullary, whereas the tumor situated at the L3 level exhibited an extramedullary intradural configuration. Pathological examination conclusively identified both the intramedullary and extramedullary tumors as schwannomas. Although intramedullary schwannomas at the conus medullaris are very rare, schwannoma remains a diagnosis that cannot be ignored when facing patients with intramedullary tumors with syringomyelia. Intramedullary schwannoma can have a good neurological prognosis after surgical treatment.
Foliar water uptake and phyllosphere microbe colonization increase under higher soil nitrogen availability
Authors: Palmeri M. A. , Arias N. S. , Parra G. , Carbonell-Silletta L. , Silva R. A. , Goldstein G. , Scholz F. G. , Bucci S. J.
Published: December 2024

Leaf water uptake (FWU) represents an alternative pathway to plant water acquisition that can have positive effects on water and carbon balance. Leaf surface traits including the phyllosphere microbes can affect the leaf wetness capacity and FWU. These functional and structural leaf traits could change depending on soil resources availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responses of FWU and leaf surface traits such as contact angle, water drop adhesion (LWA) and phyllosphere-associated microbiota to soil nitrogen addition. Three dominant plant species, Azorella prolifera, Senecio filaginoides, and Papostippa speciosa, of an arid steppe in Patagonia exposed to nitrogen (+N) and nitrogen plus water (+NW) addition for ten years were selected. Leaf contact angle did not exhibit statistical differences among treatments within species. LWA was higher in all treatments with respect to the control (C) for shrub A. prolifera and grass P. speciosa. Nitrogen addition increased significantly FWU in A. prolifera and in P. speciosa with respect to C. Colony-forming units of culturable microorganisms (CFU) on leaf surface responded to N addition, but the changes were statistically significant in S. filaginoides and P. speciosa in +NW, increasing three and eight times, respectively, in relation to the C. A positive linear relationship was found between FWU and LWA across species and treatments. On the other hand, CFU of phyllosphere was negative and exponentially correlated with LWA and FWU, across species and treatments. The results suggest that soil N enrichment could affect functional leaf traits and phyllosphere microbiota in a way that may confer a higher potential to cope with drought by facilitating the use of alternative water sources. On the other hand, we suggested that species with leaves more colonized have less surface exposed for FWU and could have lower wettability depending on the hydrophobicity degree of microbes. However, a higher cover of epiphyte’s microorganisms could compensate the effects of lower FWU by avoiding the leaf dehydration. This study contributes to a better understanding of plant leaf-microbe interactions under higher N atmospheric deposition and intensive fertilization as global agricultural production is expected to increase.
Single/joint effects of pyrene and heavy metals in contaminated soils on the growth and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Imran Muhammad A. , Zhao Juanjuan , Sultan Muhammad , Li Manjie
Published: December 2024

The widespread presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic heavy metals in soils is having harmful effects on food crops and the environment. However, the defense mechanisms and capacity of plants to counteract these substances have not been comprehensively explored, necessitating a systematic categorization of their inhibitory effects. Accordingly, an experimental investigation was conducted to examine the growth and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) to different concentrations and combinations of pyrene, copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd), with an indicator developed to assess the joint stress. The results showed that 57-day culture with contaminations significantly inhibited the plant biomass via causing root cell necrosis, inducing lipid peroxidation, and damaging photosynthesis. Cd (50-100 mg/kg) induced stronger inhibition than Cu (800-1000 mg/kg) under both single and joint stress, and their co-existence further aggravated the adverse effects and generated synergetic inhibition. Although the presence of pyrene at a low concentration (5-50 mg/kg) can somewhat diminish the metal stress, the elevated pollutant concentrations (400-750 mg/kg pyrene, 50-100 mg/kg Cd, and 800-1000 mg/kg Cu) switched the antagonistic effect to additive inhibition on maize growth. A satisfactory tolerance of a low-level pyrene and/or metal stress was determined, associated with a relative stability of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) content and antioxidant enzymes activity. Nevertheless, the photosynthesis and antioxidant system were significantly damaged with increasing contaminant concentrations, resulting in chlorosis and biomass reduction. These findings could provide valuable knowledge for ensuring crop yield and food quality as well as implementing soil phytoremediation.
Combining two main NAL1 functional alleles can increase rice yield
Authors: Ouyang Xiang , Chang Shuoqi , Ma Xiaoling
Published: December 2024

NARROW LEAF1 (NAL1) is one of the key genes in regulating photosynthesis and plant architecture. As the antagonistic effects of NAL1 have concurrent impacts on photosynthesis and yield component traits, how we can effectively utilize the NAL1 gene to further increase rice yield is not clear. In this study, we used two different main functional NAL1 alleles, each of which has previously been proven to have specifically advantageous traits, and tested whether the combined NAL1 alleles have a higher yield than the homozygous alleles. Our results exhibited that the combined NAL1 alleles had better parent heterosis (BPH) for panicle number and the total filled grain number per plant, and had middle parent heterosis (MPH) for spikelet number per panicle without affecting thousand-grain weight when compared with the homozygous alleles. In consequence, the NAL1 hybrid plants displayed highly increased grain yield compared with both homozygous parents. The hybrid plants also had better plant architecture and higher canopy photosynthesis. Western blot and proteomics results showed the hybrid plants had a middle abundant NAL1 protein level, and the upregulated proteins were mainly involved in the nucleus and DNA binding process but the downregulated proteins were mainly involved in the oxidation-reduction process, single-organism metabolic process, and fatty acid biosynthetic process. Furthermore, the hybrid vigor effect of NAL1 was confirmed by substituting the mutual male parent 9311 with 9311-NIL in two super hybrid rice varieties (LYP9 and YLY1). This study demonstrates that we can achieve a higher level of grain production in hybrid rice by using the heterosis of NAL1.
The theory of mind construct in adulthood: perspective taking in relation to language and executive function
Authors: Montgomery Derek E. , Tompkins Virginia , Feng Xin
Published: December 2024

There are conflicting proposals about the underlying structure of the theory of mind (ToM) construct. The lack of clarity impedes attempts to understand relationships between ToM and other cognitive abilities. This study investigated the nature of the ToM construct and its relation to cognitive variables by administering a battery of ToM measurements along with measurements of executive function and general vocabulary to 207 (Mage = 19.26) adult participants. Associations between ToM tasks were statistically significant after controlling for covariates, but, for the most part, very weak in magnitude. The strongest relationship was between the Strange Stories and Higher-Order False Belief measurements. Previous theoretical analysis proposes those instruments are conceptually linked by a perspective taking requirement that entails representing another’s mental state. Results from a factor analysis suggested an underlying ToM structure—a protagonist perspective factor. The Strange Stories, Higher-Order False Belief, and Frith-Happé Animation tasks loaded onto the factor. Its defining feature is the ascription of mental states to predict and explain protagonists’ actions that take place within a narrative structure. It is related more strongly to vocabulary than executive function and it provides grounds for future research on the role of narrative processing in ToM reasoning.