bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonturbulent troposphere of Supper Lorentz Gaussian Seed ‎Mathematically of Receiver Field and Intensity Fluctuation
Authors: Khamees Hussein Thary
Published: July 2024

In recent studies, the circulation of a (SLG) super-Lorentz-Gaussian beam in a non-turbulent ‎troposphere has been investigated and used for laser applications. This method uses the extended ‎Huygens-Fresnel integral technique and refers to the multiplication of the Gaussian beam by the ‎Lorentz function. Formulas are derived for the normal density and approximate field of the Lo-‎Rentz-Gaussian beam in a non-turbulent troposphere. The average density power and the propagation characteristics of the SLG jet in the non-turbulent troposphere are numerically represented. ‎The characteristics of the beam boundaries at atmospheric non-turbulence for the propagation ‎distance of an SLG beam in a non-turbulent troposphere are also discussed in detail. They are ‎practical in an optical communication system used in lasers.
Profile of HIV/AIDS Patients with Neurological Manifestations in The Tertiary Referral Hospital in Bali
Authors: Suryapraba Anak Agung Ayu , Vania Aurelia , Sudewi Anak Agung Raka , Sukmawati Ni Made Dewi Dian , Susilawathi Ni Made
Published: July 2024

Background: Neurological manifestations in approximately half of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients are related to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is a need for epidemiological data on HIV/AIDS patients with neurological manifestations in Bali, as an international tourism destination. 
Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical profile of neurological manifestations among patients with HIV/AIDS in the tertiary referral hospital for Bali and Nusa Tenggara region.
Methods: A descriptive-retrospective study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients presenting with neurological manifestations hospitalized in the Neurology Department of Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar from January 2018 to December 2021.
Results: Among the 227 subjects included in this study, the majority were male (69.9%) and HIV positive newly diagnosed (69.2%). Furthermore, out of 126 subjects who had CD4 data, the majority were with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 (85.7%) and 53.1% were <50 cells/mm3, with ages ranging from 18 to 67 years old, at a median of 36 years old. The most common neurological signs and symptoms found were paresis/paralysis (61.7%), headache (54.6%), decreased consciousness (52.9%), and cranial nerve palsy (52%). Cerebral toxoplasmosis (67.4%) and tuberculous meningoencephalitis (20.3%) were the prevalent opportunistic infections, while the mortality rate was 39.6% with sepsis as the major cause.
Conclusions: Neurological manifestations are common initial symptoms in diagnosing HIV infection. Therefore, better awareness and earlier detection are required among people with risk factors of HIV transmission, particularly in groups of young and productive age with signs of immunocompromised condition as well as neurological manifestations.
Case Report: COVID-19 and Ischemic Stroke in A 16-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Cynthia  , Kumalawati July
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Recent reports show an increasing trend of ischemic stroke at a young age. Diseases associated with ischemic stroke at a young age, namely hereditary hypercoagulable conditions.
Case: In this case a 16-year-old boy with clinical complaints of sudden weakness of the right hand and leg, numbness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Laboratory tests showed results of increased levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte count, platelet count, leukocyte count and NLR. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), calculated as a simple ratio between the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts measured in peripheral blood. CT scan examination showed acute infarction in the medial left temporal lobe and old infarction in the left frontal lobe (medial gyrus). Thoracic CT Scan examination showed the results of bilateral pneumonia suggestive of viral. The patient encountered COVID-19. The patient experienced cough and shortness of breath and showed abnormal ABG results, namely respiratory alkalosis, decreased oxygen saturation, fever, increased procalcitonin and increased cardiac markers.
Discussion: This case report prompts discussions on various aspects of ischemic stroke in young patients, including the role of COVID-19, hypercoagulable states, hematological abnormalities, and diagnostic challenges, with implications for patient management and future research directions.
Conclusion: SARS CoV-2 can affect the nervous system through several mechanisms that cause persistent infection, resulting in neurological diseases, including stroke. Young ischemic stroke is usually hypercoagulable and the most common cause is APS. In this patient, polycythemia was occured,that causes blood flow slows and oxygen supply to the brain is reduced. This can cause ischemic stroke.
Pain Detect as A Tool for The Screening of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maulidia Agnes Annurul , Kurniawati Media Yuni , Then Andreas Adiwinata
Published: July 2024

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a prevalent long-term complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting more than 50% of patients. In addition, several studies also showed that distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) accounts for 75% of all DN cases. To facilitate the treatment of DN, painDETECT questionnaire, a self-reported tool with 85% sensitivity and 80% specificity, has been recommended for detecting neuropathic component in pain.
Objective: This study aimed to promptly diagnose DN using painDETECT questionnaire in DM patients.
Methods: The study procedures were carried out using a descriptive, cross-sectional design with 67 DM patients from Cibabat Regional Hospital Department of Internal Medicine outpatient clinic through consecutive sampling in October–November 2022. Primary data were obtained using the adapted and validated Indonesian painDETECT questionnaire.
Results: Among the 67 patients, 32.9% experienced neuropathic pain with a score of 19–38, indicating the involvement of >90% of neuropathic pain components. Sensory deficits, such as numbness, burning sensation, pins-and-needles, and allodynia, were observed in 86.3%, 90.1%, and 72.7% of patients with neuropathic pain, respectively. In addition, a total of 59.7% of participants (n=40) reported the presence of mild pain (NRS 3).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the majority of patients had complaints of neuropathic or mild pain (40 subjects; 59.7%). Among the 22 patients experiencing neuropathic pain, 54.5% reported mild intensity.
Tomato yield and soil chemical properties influenced by low–molecular–weight organic acids in calcareous soil
Authors: Pérez-Labrada Fabián , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto , Juárez-Maldonado Antonio , Solís-Gaona Susana , González-Morales Susana
Published: July 2024

Calcareous soils have restrictive characteristics that limit and pose a challenge for crop production; in this environment, plants can exude low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs). This study aimed to verify the influence of exogenously applied LMWOAs in calcareous soils on tomato yield and the chemical characteristics of soil and leachate. Solanum lycopersicum L. seedlings were grown in pots containing calcareous soil in a greenhouse, fertilized by drip irrigation with Steiner nutrient solution in which the treatments 0.1 mM citric acid (CA), 0.1 mM oxalic acid (OA), 0.01 mM salicylic acid (SA) and a control without LMWOAs (T0) were prepared, applied during the whole growth cycle. The experiment was repeated four times, with twenty replicates per treatment, under a completely randomized design. The yield per plant was quantified, while pH and microbial respiration (RMS) were measured in the soil. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), carbonate (CO32–), and bicarbonate (HCO3–) contents were quantified in the leachates. SA application reduced the soil pH (8.75). SA and CA improved the fruit yield per plant by 11% and 33%, respectively (p < 0.05). CA induced a 1.7% reduction in leachate pH (p < 0.05) and a 15.9% increase in HCO3– content (p < 0.05). SA decreased EC and CO32– concentrations by 8.9 and 23.1% (p < 0.05), but increased HCO3– content by 23.1 % (p < 0.05). The use of LMWOAs as a strategy in the management of calcareous soils can promote favorable conditions for tomato yield per plant.
CHILE Y SUS ÁREAS MARINAS PROTEGIDAS CAMBIOS REGULATORIOS, ÁREAS DE PROTECCIÓN EXISTENTES Y DESAFÍOS FUTUROS
Authors: Vial Barros José Ignacio
Published: July 2024

Chile faces a significant challenge regarding marine protected areas. Although it has extensive regions covered under various protection designations, there are serious deficiencies in funding, management, and representativeness of marine ecoregions. To address this, the Nature Law was recently approved, which entails profound institutional changes by centralizing the creation of protected areas, including marine areas, in the Ministry of the Environment and creating a new body responsible for managing all these areas, the SBAP.
REGENERACIÓN DE PLAYAS Y SU IMPACTO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Rondón Molina Angella Romina , Alcaraz Martín Paula
Published: July 2024

The marine coastline is a dynamic environment, with a complex natural variation dependent on its biological, physical and geological interactions. In the last years, local and regional environmental managers have modified our coasts for socioeconomic interests, eliminating the natural supply of sediments to our coastline. As a consequence, the authorities were forced to carry out beach regeneration techniques to protect and conserve this natural space, and also, to promote economic activity in the sector, such as tourism. The purpose of this work is to study the environmental impact of beach regeneration. To meet these objectives, the natural morphology of the coast and its natural sediment deposits, the impact on the Posidonia oceánica meadows and the legal framework covering coastal management are defined.
Mammalian Ste20-Like Kinase 1 Regulates AMPK to Mitigate the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Chenglei , Ma Jie , Li Jiarui , Wu Yuanyuan , Ren Yanru , Li Jianning , Li Yan
Published: July 2024

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) escalates adverse liver-related outcomes, with its progression linked to hepatic lipotoxicity induced by excess hepatic free cholesterol (FC) MST1 has been identified as a potential regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism, potentially ameliorating NAFLD. This study aims to delineate the role of MST1 in the progression of NASH. Wild-type (WT) and MST1 gene knockout (MST1 KO) mice were induced into NASH using a high-fat, high-sugar, high-cholesterol Western diet (WD). In vivo overexpression of MST1 was conducted using lentivirus in WD-fed WT mice. In vitro, HepG2 cells were subjected to MST1 knockdown and overexpression treatments, cultured in a medium induced by a mixture of palmitic acid and oleic acid as free fatty acids (FFA). The NASH model activates the hepatic cholesterol synthesis pathway, leading to an overload of hepatic free cholesterol and downregulation of MST1 expression. Knocking out MST1 exacerbates hepatic FC accumulation and inflammatory damage, activating the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Conversely, upregulating MST1 expression improves hepatic FC deposition, alleviating hepatic damage and inflammation. We found that AMPKα is a substrate of MST1, and MST1 can phosphorylate AMPKα at Thr172. Phosphorylation of AMPKα at Thr172 inhibits the cholesterol synthesis pathway, significantly reversing hepatic FC overload and inflammation caused by MST1 deficiency. Further mechanistic studies indicate that MST1 inhibits cholesterol synthesis by targeting the AMPK/SREBP2 pathway, thereby improving hepatic inflammatory damage caused by FC overload. MST1 targeting AMPK in regulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis metabolism serves as an attractive therapeutic target for preventing the progression of NASH-associated inflammation and fibrosis.
A Mental State-Aware Brain Computer Interface for Adaptive Control of Electric Powered Wheelchair
Authors: Hussain Syed Abu Huraira , Raza Imran , Hussain Syed Asad , Jamal Muhammad Hasan , Gulrez Tauseef , Zia Ali
Published: July 2024

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) provide a mobility solution for patients with various disabilities. However, BCI systems require further research to enhance their performance, while incorporating the physical and behavioral states of patients into the system. As the principal users of a BCI system, patients with disabilities are emotionally sensitive, so a BCI device that adaptively tunes toward patient’s psychological effects, could provide the foundation for refining the BCI applications. This paper focuses on the collection and realization of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals data of humans, obtained as a response to different psychological effects of sound stimuli. Filtration and preprocessing of the dataset are achieved using the frequency-based distribution of EEG signals. Different machine learning tools and techniques are evaluated and applied to abstracted powerbands of psychological signals. The experimental results show that the proposed system predicts mental states with an average accuracy of 74.26\%. Moreover, an automated BCI system is developed to control an electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) while responding to the user’s mental state with a contingency mechanism. The results show that such a system could be designed to make BCI systems more reliable, safe, adaptable, and emotion-responding for sensitive paralytic patients. The system also shows a satisfactory True Positive Rate (TPR) and False Positive Rate (FPR) with an average time of 8.4 seconds to generate the interpretable brain signal from the user.
Face-to-face communication and production networks: Evidence from first trans-Siberian flights
Authors: Tanaka Kiyoyasu
Published: July 2024

Face-to-face communication (FFC) helps to coordinate production networks between suppliers and manufacturers. However, the significance of FFC in production networks is not empirically clear. This paper uses the new opening of nonstop passenger flights between Tokyo and Europe over Siberian routes from 1986 as an exogenous decline in FFC costs for Japanese firms. Estimating the impact of nonstop trans-Siberian flights on Japan’s exports in intermediate inputs for 1980–1989, I find the significantly positive impact of nonstop flights on exports from Japan to European destinations; 7 more nonstop flights increased the exports by 26%. The results are robust to changes in flight networks such as indirect passenger and freight flights. I show evidence to suggest that the opening of nonstop flights increased the exports mainly through a reduction in FFC costs, rather than other trade barriers. Thus, FFC plays a critical role in shaping production networks.
JEL Classification: F14, F15, R4
Minimising the societal costs of manure management: Modelling the optimal strategy and location for nutrient recycling
Authors: Vingerhoets Ruben , Spiller Marc , Ravi Rahul , de Pue David , Vlaeminck Siegfried , Buysse Jeroen , Meers Erik
Published: July 2024

Nutrient leaching from agriculture significantly impacts livestock-dominated regions, surpassing local tipping points. Current nutrient policies are insufficient and cost-inefficient. We addressed this by combining spatial damage internalization with model-based manure and fertilization strategy optimisation. Our findings emphasize the need for additional manure treatment in sensitive regions to lower societal costs. Despite reducing societal costs, greenhouse gas emissions doubled, and private costs tripled, highlighting conflicts between environmental, climate, and economic goals.
Export diversification in Africa's landlocked countries: governance vs geography
Authors: Stephane MORTONGAR NGARTORI , NKOA François Colins
Published: July 2024

The objective of this paper is to analyse the effects of governance and/or geography on export diversification in Africa's landlocked countries (ALDCs). To do so, we used panel data over the period 1996–2021. The Driscoll-Kraay (1998) method is used for the estimations. The results show that for governance, only the political stability variable has a significant effect on export diversification in the presence of the geography variables. However, with regard to the geographical variables, proximity to the large international market and population size have positive and significant effects on export diversification, whereas the remoteness of access to the sea variable and the natural resource rents variable have negative and significant effects on export diversification in the ALDCs in the presence of the governance variables. We can conclude that in the ALDCs, geography prevails over governance in line with the institutions versus geography debate, as it is the geographical variables that best explain export diversification compared to the governance variables.
Impact of Cytochrome P450 2C19 Polymorphism on Ischemic Stroke Prognosis
Authors: Tan Dongmei , Su Jianfen , Tang Yukuan , Huang Chen , Fu Xihua
Published: July 2024

Background
Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and impairment in China. Genetic variations in cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) have been associated with the occurrence and outcomes of ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to explore the correlation between CYP2C19 polymorphism and IS morbidity and prognosis.
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 157 patients with IS who were admitted to the Affiliated Panyu Centra Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between April 2021 and March 2022 and underwent long-term antiplatelet therapy. A total of 142 inpatients without IS or coronary heart disease were enrolled as controls. Telephone follow-ups were conducted for the IS group, and the modified Rankin Scale was used to assess prognosis. We explored the association between CYP2C19 genotype and IS by using multivariate logistic regression to analyze variables influencing disease occurrence and prognosis.
Results
Significant differences were identified in the occurrence rates of CYP2C19*2 GG/GA and *3 GG/GA genotypes between the IS (P = 0.014, 0.006, respectively) and control groups (P = 0.006, 0.009, respectively). A notable disparity was observed in the allelic frequency of CYP2C19*3 G(A) (P = 0.005). IS morbidity was considerably greater in the intermediate metabolizer (IM) group than in the extensive metabolizer group (P < 0.001). Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and CYP2C19 IM were independent risk factors of IS (P < 0.001). No variation was observed in the CYP2C19 genotype between the good and poor prognosis groups (P = 0.893).
Conclusion
CYP2C19 polymorphism was related to IS morbidity but had no significant correlation with prognosis.
Age-specific normative values of sacral development and fusion in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study utilizing multi-planar reconstruction computed tomography imaging
Authors: Ishizuka Kyohei , Nozawa Satoshi , Watanabe Daichi , Ishihara Takuma , Yamada Kazunari , Iwai Chizuo , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: July 2024

Background
This study aimed to determine the index of the sacral vertebrae fusion period in children and adolescents to diagnose the lesion around the sacral spine accurately.
Methods
Patients aged 0–40 years who underwent computed tomography (CT), including the sacrum, for abdominal disorders, trauma, etc., between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. There were 402 eligible sacra (385 patients: 206 women and 179 men). We evaluated bony fusion at six parts of the sacral vertebrae (anterior or posterior of each intervertebral and both side lateral masses). The predicted probability of bony fusion obtained from the logistic regression model is depicted graphically by sex.
Results
The association between bony fusion in each vertebral segment and age was evaluated using a logistic regression model with a Huber–White robust sandwich estimator, including the patient as a clustering variable. Bony fusion of the sacral bodies of S1/S2 was slowest, with 80% of patients achieving bony fusion at 28.7 and 24.6 years of age for men and women, respectively. Compared to men, women exhibited earlier fusion of the intervertebral segments of the sacral vertebrae; however, no significant difference between the sexes in terms of eventual bony fusion at the lateral mass was observed, while the initiation of bony fusion occurred earlier in women.
Conclusion
The predicted probability of bony fusion could aid pediatricians, orthopedists, radiologists, and other physicians in understanding the normal development of the sacral spine and accurately diagnosing the lesion around the sacral spine.
Does the fishing pressure induce fish to mature early? An evaluation of the reproductive biology of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791) from the Malabar Coast of India
Authors: Mahesh V. , Asokan P. K. , Najmudeen T. M. , Vinod K. , Kalavathi N. R. , Zacharia P. U. , Vijisha M. , Gopalan P. V.
Published: July 2024

In fisheries management, a comprehensive comprehension of the reproductive biology of fish species is imperative, with specific emphasis on factors such as sexual maturation, the dynamics of the reproductive cycle, and the quantitative assessment of fecundity. To elucidate the reproductive dynamics of Nemipterus japonicus captured along the Malabar coast, encompassing parameters such as the sex ratio, sexual maturation, fecundity, and reproductive periodicity, a rigorous investigation was conducted spanning the period from 2017 to 2021. Sampled individuals of N. japonicus exhibited total lengths ranging from 5.5 to 35.2 cm. The exponent value (b = 2.991) observed in this current study exhibited a high degree of proximity to 3, indicative of an isometric growth pattern. The collective sex ratio stood at 1:1.3, signifying a higher prevalence of females than males. Attainment of 50% sexual maturation (Lm50) occurred at a total length of 15 cm for males and 15.5 cm for females which is earlier than the reported length. Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index exhibited elevated values from September to December, reaching their zenith in October. The study ascertained N. japonicus matured significantly earlier than in the last decade and the spawning season shifted to lower temperature months for better reproductive output along the south-west coast of India.
The Role of Self-Compassion in Mental Health Among Early Adulthood with ADHD Symptoms: A Network Psychometric Approach
Authors: Heng Hui , Zheng Yingcan , Zheng Fangfang , Su Hong , Tang Lili , Zhao Yunxuan , He Ying , Yang Guoyu
Published: July 2024

Background: Previous research has primarily approached the interconnections between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, self-compassion and mental health from a variable-centered perspective. However, few studies have explored how ADHD symptoms interacts with self-compassion and mental health at the symptom level. This study aims to construct a symptom network that elucidates the complex relationships among ADHD symptoms, self-compassion and mental health. It seeks to explore the bridging symptoms within this network, thereby informing the development of effective intervention strategies.
Methods: The sample included 948 college students in early adulthood (ages 18-24 years). Participants completed questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms (ASRS, WURS), personality (CBF-PI-B), self-compassion (SCS), life satisfaction (SWLS), and demographic information. We visualized the symptom network using the “qgraph” package and computed the expected influence of each node to identify bridge symptoms.
Results: The study discovered that among college students in early adulthood, 6.5% exhibited symptoms exceeding the ADHD threshold. Specifically, the prevalence rate for inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms were 12.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was found between neuroticism and the following symptoms: Isolation (r = 0.72), Self-judgment (r = 0.65), and Overidentification (r = 0.72). The assessment of Bridge Expected Influence finds six bridge symptoms within the symptom network - Neuroticism, Inattention, Overidentification, Self-judgment, Oppositional/Defiant Behavior, and Isolation - each significantly impacting the network.
Conclusion: This study employed network analysis to elucidate the relationship between self-compassion, mental health, and ADHD at the symptom level. The results indicate a consistent association between neuroticism and negative self-compassion within the ADHD population. Additionally, neuroticism and oppositional/defiant behaviors in childhood were found to potentially influence ADHD symptoms in adulthood, while self-compassion emerged as a promising intervention particularly effective for inattentive types, but further research is needed to test its effectiveness. particularly effective for inattentive types, although further research is required to confirm its efficacy.
Enhanced Pediatric Thyroid Ultrasound Image Segmentation Using DC-Contrast U-Net
Authors: Peng Bo , Lin Wu , Zhou Wenjun , Bai Yan , Luo Anguo , Xie Shenghua , Yin Lixue
Published: July 2024

The examination methods for the thyroid include laboratory tests and imaging studies. Although laboratory and imaging examinations are relatively straightforward, their effectiveness in detecting early clinical symptoms of the thyroid may be limited, especially in children due to the shorter growth time of the pediatric thyroid. Therefore, this constitutes a crucial foundational work. However, accurately determining the position and size of the thyroid in children is a challenging task. Accuracy depends on the experience of the ultrasound operator in current clinical practice, leading to subjective results. Even among experts, there is significant variation in thyroid identification. In addition, the effective use of ultrasound machines also relies on the experience of the ultrasound operator in current clinical practice.
Clarifying Professional Competencies in Incident and Emergency Managers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: moradi Hekmat allahe , Rambod Masoume , Rezaee Rita , Marzaleh Milad Ahmadi , Peyravi Mahmoudreza , Dewey Rebecca Susan , Amini Mitra
Published: July 2024

Background
Today's incident and emergency managers required to havare e multiple professional competencies to correctly and efficiently manage incidents amid the increasing complexity of the environment. This qualitative study aimed to explain the professional competencies needed to be based on the emergency managers’ duties in disaster management scene.
Methods
A qualitative‌‌ study was conducted on 18 Iranian incident and emergency managers using face-to-face, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews. Data were collected using purposeful sampling. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach, through MAXQDA software, version 2020).
Results
Data analysis led to the identification of 5 main categories and 18 subcategories. The 5 main categories included thinking skills (strategic thinking, critical thinking); professional disaster management skills (knowledge and experience, planning, organizing, decision-making, leadership, research power, risk management); effective communication (collaboration, interpersonal communication, intersectoral communication); personal qualities (demographic characteristics, physical traits, personality); and ethics and familiarity with the law (organizational ethics, professional ethics, law, and policy).
Conclusion
This study identified a wide range of professional competencies needed by incident and emergency managers. As managers do not acquire all these specialized and technical skills during their studies, they must receive training to respond to and manage disasters in emergencies. Furthermore, programs can be included in the managers' training and continuing professional development curricula to improve competence in this field. These crucial competencies are recommended for inclusion in the design of educational programs, the continuing professional development of incident and emergency managers, and the indicators of job performance in this field in Iran.
Site adaptation of NASA-POWER reanalysis solar radiation products for tropical climates in Ghana using bias correction for clean energy application
Authors: Quansah Alfred Dawson , Boakye Patrick , Quansah David Ato , Mensah Lena Dzifa , Junior Prince Asilevi , Quansah Emmanuel , Mensah Patrick
Published: July 2024

Solar radiation measurements are needed to simulate a diverse range of clean energy application systems for optimization. However worldwide, whereas radiometric measurement stations are scarce and mostly sparsely distributed, satellite and reanalysis products are available, though with resolution problems. Therefore in the absence of in-situ measurements, we developed a bias-corrected long-term solar radiation database for Ghana in West Africa, using reanalysis products retrieved from NASA’s Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) archives available at \(0.5^\circ \times 0.5^\circ\) spatial resolution by Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) matching technique, with reference to a synthetic solar radiation database developed from sunshine duration measurements at 22 stations, in order to site-adapt the reanalysis products. From the results, the POWER products were improved by overall minimization in mean residual difference of -1.02–1.4 ± 0.07 kWhm− 2day− 1 to -0.85–1.2 ± 0.12 kWhm− 2day− 1 after bias correction, with a 9%, 27%, and 17% increase in smaller RD ranges of -0.5–0.5, -0.2–0.2, and − 0.1–0.1 kWhm− 2day− 1 respectively. Also, the Mean Bias Error (MBE) range minimized from − 0.51–0.6 ± 0.3 kWhm− 2day− 1 to -0.35–0.2 ± 0.1 kWhm− 2day− 1 with 17 stations showing residual differences in correlation coefficients greater than zero, indicative of higher correlation after bias correction. Overall, spatiotemporal characteristics are preserved, and the improvement is in acceptable margins for engineering application.
Prevalence of and Risk factors associated with hypertension: a community based- cross sectional study in Ndorwa West Health Sub District, Kabale district, southwestern Uganda
Authors: Tamu John Bosco Munezero , Mfitumukiza Valence , Okafor Christiana Nkiru , Mandera Immaculate , Kabami Jane , Arineitwe Edward Bwengye , Namuyibwa Lydia , Izo Herbert , Baikaitwoha Everd , Okonkwo Uchenna Prosper
Published: July 2024

Background
Globally, one billion people have hypertension (HT), it kills 9.4 million people annually. Prevalence is higher in developed countries and is rapidly rising in developing countries, and approximately 31.5% of Ugandans have HT.
Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with HT among adults aged 25–65 years in the Ndorwa West HSD, Kabale District.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 381 adults aged 25–65 years in Ndorwa West HSD, using a modified WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance. Chi-square tests with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and p-values less than 0.05, were used to assess the association between hypertension and associated factors. Odds Ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) estimated the risk.
Results
The prevalence of HT and pre-HT in Ndorwa HSD was 28.3% and 45.7%, respectively. 61.8% (n = 243) were females and 36.1% (n = 142) were males with a mean age of 48.18 years and standard deviation of 11.5 years. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 25.92 kg/m2 and the standard deviation was 3.69 kg/m2. Only Age (p = 0.010, OR = 1.81(1.14–2.87) and level of education (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with hypertension. age ≥ 45years increased the likelihood of developing HT by 0.81 times. Behavioral factors associated with HT included awareness of the BP status (p = 0.010, OR = 0.53(CI: 0.32–0.87),use of fats/oil for cooking (p = 0.02, OR = 1.73 (CI: 1.09–2.75)), reduced salt intake (p = 0.001, OR = 0.075(CI:0.01–0.55)), and overweight and obesity (BMI) level ( p = 0.010, OR = 1.77 (CI 1.12–2.80)). BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 increased the likelihood of developing HT by 0.77 times.
Conclusion
The prevalence of HT and pre-HT in this rapidly transitioning rural–urban population was high. The risk of CVDs is about 16 folds higher among pre-HT compared to no HT and doubles for every 10-mmHg increase in BP. Hence, the considerable risk and burden of HT and related CVDs that require a dire need to adopt strategies to prevent and control hypertension based on the identified associated risk factors in Ndorwa HSD.
Unravelling the heterogeneity of farms irrigation practices on Mediterranean perennial agricultural systems for the optimization of water resource management
Authors: Pierre Rouault , Dominique Courault , Fabrice Flamain , Debolini Marta
Published: July 2024

In the Mediterranean region, the quantity of water utilized for agricultural purposes ranges from 50 to 70%. Among the most water-demanding agricultural sectors are arboriculture and perennial crops. Orchards are particularly reliant on irrigation, a dependency that has been further intensified by climate change and the resulting reduction in water resources. This study aims to classify farms at the watershed scale according to their irrigation water consumption, and starting from this classification we aim to propose a method for estimating water consumption for irrigation at large scale and for heterogeneous land covers. The classification employed a variety of statistical methods to ensure robust results, including machine learning and regression approaches. Each method was applied independently, and the most common class allocation was retained. The study was conducted in the Ouvèze-Ventoux basin in south-eastern France, using data from various sources at both field and watershed scales. The data obtained from 21 farms provided accurate information on irrigation water usage, which was validated by data from the watershed's water manager. The benchmark analysis identified farms with high irrigation rates with 90% accuracy. Within these heavily irrigated orchards, a second benchmark identified heavily irrigated plots with 68% precision. Maps estimating water consumption were created at the watershed and municipal scales. The estimated total irrigation water use closely matched the actual consumption, with only a 14% deviation. This methodology offers an accessible estimation of water consumption at the watershed scale, without the need to rely on crop models. Moreover, the methodology accurately identifies areas with high irrigation demand based on actual irrigation practices.
Enhancing Transitions of Care: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study on the Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Transition Management within a Latin American Hospital
Authors: Zavaleta-Monestel Esteban , Rojas-Barrantes Zoe , Díaz-Madriz José Pablo , Arguedas-Chacón Sebastián , Cordero-García Eugenia , Chaverri-Fernández José Miguel
Published: July 2024

Background
The seamless management of transitions of care (TOC) is necessary for patient safety, as it directly correlates with a heightened risk of medication errors and adverse effects. Clinical pharmacists emerge as key stakeholders in optimizing medication management during TOC, specifically during hospital admission and discharge, through the implementation of innovative programs that contribute significantly to the mitigation of medication errors and improve patient satisfaction.
Aim
This study aims to assess the benefits of pharmacist-led interventions in a Costa Rican private hospital's TOC program for polymedicated and high-risk patients during admission and discharge, by identifying and addressing medication errors.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Clínica Biblica Hospital in San José, Costa Rica, from February 2022 to May 2023 focused on polymedicated patients with chronic therapy and high-risk medications. The TOC Medication Program was specifically implemented to focus on medication reconciliation during admission and discharge processes. Clinical pharmacist documented interventions based on discrepancies found within each patient’s medication and assessed the economic impact of interventions to healthcare personnel during discharge by projecting potential complications in the absence of such interventions, process that was validated by an internist physician.
Results
During the medication reconciliation at admission, medication discrepancies, mostly intentional omissions, were successfully addressed by clinical pharmacist interventions with a 90.2% acceptance rate, during the admission process. At discharge, 18.9% of medications were high-risk, and nearly 40% of discharges were linked to Drug-Related Problems (DRPs), prompting pharmaceutical interventions. The economic analysis indicated potential savings of $21,010.20 during discharge, demonstrating the substantial impact of interventions in preventing emergency service visits, specialist consults, and hospital admissions.
Conclusion
Pharmacist-led TOC programs offer important clinical advantages by effectively preventing and rectifying medication discrepancies. These discrepancies, if left unaddressed, pose a potential threat to patient safety. Moreover, the implementation of such programs demonstrates promising economic benefits.
Exploiting Graph Convolutional Networks for Multi-Label Text Classification: A Novel Link Prediction Framework with Heterogeneous Label-Document Graphs
Authors: Allahgholi Milad , Rahmani Hossein , Soltanzadeh Parinaz , Naebzadeh Aylin
Published: July 2024

Text classification, a fundamental task in natural language processing, has traditionally relied on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, the potential of graph convolutional neural networks (GCNs) remains largely untapped. In this study, we explore the application of GCNs to multi-label text classification. Our approach involves constructing a unified text graph that integrates document similarity, document-label associations, and label similarity. The GCN assigns class labels to documents, learns label interrelations, and considers document similarity using the Term Frequency–Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) metric. Additionally, we propose a novel multi-label text classification method by transforming document classification into a link prediction task. In comparison with classic machine learning algorithms which fail to understand the relation between labels our method learns the association between labels. Our empirical findings indicate that our model surpasses base method by 40% with respect to F1 measure and highlight the effectiveness of our proposed approach in tackling multi-label text classification challenges and showcase the importance of considering label relationships in achieving better classification performance.
An atypical presentation of Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy mimicking a left hemispheric stroke: case report
Authors: Butnariu Ioana , Anghel Daniela Nicoleta , Ciobanu Adela Magdalena , Cojocaru Florentina , Antonescu-Ghelmez Dana , Manea Maria Mirabela , Antonescu Florian
Published: July 2024

Background: Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy (WKE) is a metabolic disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency that predominantly affects alcoholic patients. Its clinical picture is characterized mainly by altered mental status with memory deficits, ophthalmoparesis, and ataxia, although other clinical manifestations may also be present.The current case presents certain clinical difficulties regarding the diagnosis when confronting an atypical presentation of a classical disease in an acute setting when a decision to administer an intravenous thrombolytic agent needs to be made.
Case presentation: This case involves a young male patient, with a history of chronic alcohol abuse, malnourished, and in poor general health, who presented with right-sided hemiparesis and language disturbance of acute onset, suggesting a left hemispheric stroke. The psychological examination was difficult due to a mix of confusion and aphasia, the latter being challenging to assess as the patient had a dismissive and highly deflective attitude toward the examiner. The initial cerebral computed tomography (CT) scan was unremarkable, in line with early imaging in ischemic stroke patients. On subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lesions were observed in the medullo-pontine tegmentum, around the aqueduct of Sylvius, in the mamillary bodies, in the medial thalami, but also extensive bilateral cortical involvement in the frontal lobes. After receiving intravenous vitamin B1 treatment, the patient made a slow, but full, recovery, after eight weeks of hospitalization, and was subsequently transferred to a psychiatry clinic for treatment of his addiction.
Conclusion: Atypical WKE can closely mimic stroke, usually akin to a vertebro-basilar lesion. Our case is the first report we are aware of WKE feigning a left hemispheric stroke with aphasia and right hemiparesis. This has implications for the ER doctor, neurologist and the stroke specialist when considering an emergency differential diagnosis for a patient with an initial normal CT scan, especially in regard to deciding acute therapy.
Waist-Height ratio Highlights Detrimental Risk for Olanzapine Associated Weight Gain Earlier than Body Mass Index.
Authors: Ibrahim Badamasi Mohammed , Tajudeen Abiola , Shakirat Owolabi Desola , Margaret Ojeahere Isioma , yusuf Asuku Abdullahi , Mujittapha Sirajo Umar , Mustapha Gudaji Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Patients with psychotic mental disorders, including schizophrenia, often exhibit poor dietary choices and low levels of physical activity, contributing to a higher prevalence of obesity compared to the general population. This study recruited 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who had been receiving Olanzapine antipsychotic medication for at least three months, alongside 100 healthy volunteers for comparison. The average age of the schizophrenia patients was 35.56 ± 9.95 years, with a higher proportion of females in both groups. Our findings revealed significantly higher rates of abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI) (X² = 17.06, P = 0.000036; OR = 4.58, CI = 2.16–9.74) and abnormal waist-height ratio (WHtR) (X² = 35.57, P = 2.46E-9; OR = 6.37, CI = 3.39–12.00) among the schizophrenia patients compared to the healthy volunteers. Notably, BMI identified 43.3% of the schizophrenia patients as having concerning weight changes, whereas WHtR identified 64.7%, indicating that WHtR is a more sensitive measure. This discrepancy means that an additional 21.4% of schizophrenia patients would benefit from weight management guidance based on WHtR rather than BMI. Our results underscore the critical importance of WHtR in assessing adiposity among schizophrenia patients treated with Olanzapine, highlighting its value as a tool for monitoring and managing cardiometabolic risks in this population.
Fish Image Classification and Prediction Using Compact Convolutional Transformers
Authors: Hossain Mir Tahmid , Abir Md. Ismiel Hossen , Ali Md Nawab Yousuf
Published: July 2024

In this study, we propose a new method for fish image classification using Compact Convolutional Transformers (CCT). CCTs are a variation of the transformer architecture, which have been successful in natural language processing tasks. Our study begins with an in-depth background analysis, exploring the current state-of-the-art techniques in fish image classification and identifying potential gaps in the existing methodologies. We highlight the limitations of traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in handling large-scale fish image datasets, such as variations in fish species. We introduce the Compact Convolutional Transformer, a fusion of Convolutional Neural Networks and Transformer architectures. We break down the methodology into distinct subsystems, encompassing a feature extraction module using CNNs, and a context modeling module employing the Transformer. By incorporating compact convolutional layers, CCTs are able to effectively capture local spatial information in images, while still maintaining the ability to model long-range dependencies. We assess the performance of our proposed method on a dataset of fish images and compare it to traditional convolutional neural networks and other state-of-the-art fish image classification methods. Our experiments show that the CCT model succeeds an accuracy of 98.6% on the test dataset. Our approach is a promising solution for fish image classification, and might be used to more associated tasks such as fish counting, fish identification and fish prediction.
Unified Efficient Fine-Tuning Techniques for Open-Source Large Language Models
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Li Yanhua , Liu Junhan
Published: July 2024

Natural language processing has been revolutionized through the development of powerful large language models capable of understanding and generating human-like text, yet fine-tuning these models for specific tasks remains a computationally demanding process. Our novel approach to efficient fine-tuning, utilizing techniques such as adapter layers, Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA), and layer-wise freezing, offers a significant reduction in computational overhead while maintaining or enhancing model performance. Extensive experiments with the Llama model demonstrated notable improvements in accuracy, F1-score, precision, and recall across multiple tasks, alongside marked reductions in GPU usage, training time, and memory consumption. The fine-tuned model also exhibited enhanced adaptability and generalization capabilities, performing well on new and unseen tasks, thus proving the efficacy and practical benefits of our methods. The contributions of this research provide valuable insights into optimizing large language models, broadening their applicability, and making advanced natural language processing techniques more accessible and efficient.
iDOM: Statistical analysis of dissolved organic matter based on high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Meng Fanfan , Hu Ang , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Wang Jianjun
Published: July 2024

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of thousands of molecules and plays crucial roles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The study of DOM has been advanced and accelerated by developments of instrumental and statistical approaches over the last decade. Due to the complexity of molecular data and underlying ecological mechanisms, there are substantial challenges for statistical analysis, visualization, and theoretical interpretation. Here, we developed an R package iDOM with functions for the basic and advanced statistical analyses and the visualization of DOM derived from Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). The iDOMpackage could handle various data types of DOM, including molecular compositional data, molecular traits, and unclassified molecules (that is, dark matter). It integrates additional explanatory data types such as environmental and microbial data to explore the interactions of DOM with abiotic and biotic drivers. To illustrate its use, we presented case studies with an example dataset of DOM under experimental warming. We included the case studies of basic functions for molecular trait calculation, molecular class assignment, and the compositional analyses of chemical diversity and dissimilarity. We further showed case studies with advanced functions for DOM assemblages, such as quantifying and exploring their assembly processes, the effects of dark matter on their ecological networks, and the associations between DOM and microbes under warming. We expect that iDOM will serve as a comprehensive pipeline for DOM statistical analyses and bridge the gap between chemical characterization and ecological interpretation.