bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Antiretroviral Treatment Interruptions among Adult HIV Patients on antiretroviral therapy in Woliso Town Health Facilities, Woliso, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Bekele Zewde Bekele , Wanjo Meseret Ifa , Kolola Tufa
Published: March 2024

Background
Close observation is essential for long-lasting viral suppression and effective treatment outcomes in HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, many HIV patients find it difficult to continue receiving antiretroviral therapy, and stopping ART continues to impede the development of HIV programmes aimed at containing the HIV epidemic.
Objective
The objective of the study aimed to assess the determinants of antiretroviral therapy interruptions among adult HIV patients receiving ART in Woliso Health Facilities, Woliso, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022.
Methods
With 164 cases and 164 controls, a facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data extraction forms were used to gather the data. Epi Info version 7 was used to input the data, while SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Variables having a P-value 0.25 were added to the multiple binary logistic regression model after performing binary logistic regression analysis. Using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI), the relationship between the dependent and independent variables was evaluated. A P-value of 0.05 was used to denote a significant relationship.
Results
107 (66.88%) cases and 103 (62.8%) controls out of the total study participants were female. The mean ages of the cases and controls were, respectively, 36.95 (10.7 SD) and 39.4 (10 SD) years. Not disclosing their HIV status (AOR 3.04, 95% CI: 1.65, 5.59), not following a monthly ART dispensing model (AOR 4.44, 95% CI: 2.40, 8.20), being a farmer (AOR 3.71, 95% CI: 1.36, 10.13), not being assessed for drug side effects (AOR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.15), and not being able to read or write were found to be important predictors of interrupting antiretroviral therapy (AOR 4.28, 95% CI: 1.77, 10.33).
Conclusion and recommendation
In this study, not having a formal job, being a farmer, HIV status non-disclosure, following the monthly based ART dispensing model, not having a registered viral load, being unable to read and write, and not being assessed for drug side effects were found to be determinant factors of antiretroviral treatment interruption. Therefore, health facilities, district health departments, and zonal health offices should work to improve HIV clinical care and treatment.
Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) performance of Tin Oxide thin films deposited by dip coating and doctor blade technique
Authors: Ramanathan G. , N Srinivasan , Murali K. R. , Sivakumar Sakthiya
Published: March 2024

In this work, we investigate two different approaches to the determination of tin oxide material's DSSC efficiency. Tin oxide thin-film coating is the first, and sol gel acrylamide (from gel precipitation) is the method used to create tin oxide nanopowder. The properties of tin oxide films and tin oxide powder (electrical, optical and structural) were investigated. Tin oxide films were sensitized in ruthenium (II) (R535, N3-dye, Solaronix) bis (2,2-bipyridyl-4-4-di-carboxylate) dye solution for 12 hours at room temperature. The counter electrode was an FTO substrate coated with carbon paste. To build the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), the carbon counter electrode was clamped against the dye-sensitized tin oxide photoelectrode. The electrolyte (0.5M KI, 0.05M I2, 0.05M 4-tert-butylpridine) was filled capillary force then poured into the inter-electrode gap. The area of the active cell was 0.25 cm2. The cell was exposed to radiation using a 250 W Xenon lamp fitted with an infrared and ultraviolet blocking filter. The average grain size in this work was 20 nm, which results in a conversion efficiency of 1.375%. At 100 mW/cm2, the stimulated incident light causes an open circuit voltage and short circuit current density of 0.475 V and 3.0 mA cm− 2. An alternative process involves depositing films on FTO substrates (5 ohms/sq) using tin oxide nanopowder coated by doctor blade technique, using SnO2 powder that is produced via the sol gel acrylamide procedure. It is feasible to produce films with varying grain sizes using this method. The experimental findings show that, in comparison to alternative deposition techniques, the doctor blade technique yielded SnO2 films suitable for use as a photoelectrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). With an average grain size of 120 nm and a conversion efficiency of 3.84%, the best device found in this work has an 0.75 V (Voc) and 8.0 mA cm− 2 (Jsc) respectively at 100 mW/cm2 of simulated incident light. This result is comparable with earlier report on undoped tin oxide based DSSC.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging Data Analysis with ShinyCardinal
Authors: Dong Yonghui , Heinig Uwe
Published: March 2024

Given the rapid growth and improvement in both mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques and its applications, there is a critical need for the development of efficient and comprehensive computational tools for MSI data analysis. As such, we introduce ShinyCardinal, an open-source and vendor-neutral software that covers all step in MSI data analysis. It leverages the R package Cardinal to enhance its functionalities by introducing several additional important features, such as removal of background noises and matrix peaks, deisotoping, absolute quantification, network analysis, and metabolite identification. ShinyCardinal is built as a desktop application (https://shinycardinal.sourceforge.io) with a conveniently designed graphic user interface to provide users a stable, consistent, and user-friendly data analysis framework. The versatility and capabilities of ShinyCardinal is demonstrated with nine MSI datasets acquired from different platforms.
Current trends in insurance market digitalization
Authors: Zhuravka Olena , Medvid Alina , Zhuravka Anton
Published: March 2024

The insurance market is currently transforming due to the widespread introduction of digital technologies. Digitalization is a global trend in the modern insurance market, involving the use of the latest technologies to develop innovative insurance products, minimize insurance risks, meet customer needs, and increase the efficiency of insurance activities. This study aims to examine the impact of global digital transformation on the insurance sector and analyze the extent to which digital technologies are utilized in insurance activities. The analysis reveals that both domestic and foreign scholars are increasingly focusing on the integration of digital technologies into the insurance industry. The article explores the current trends in the digitalization of the insurance market and outlines how insurers are utilizing innovative business processes to improve their operations. The penetration of digitalization into the domestic insurance market was assessed, and the presence of digital elements in the top 10 insurance companies of Ukraine was analyzed. The conclusion was drawn that the introduction of innovations has begun to facilitate the interaction of insurers with customers and optimize their processes. The next step was to assess the trends in the development of InsurTech, a component of financial technology. The paper presents a SWOT analysis of InsurTech implementation in the insurance industry, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It also analyzes the state and dynamics of investments in insurance technology from 2019 to 2023, showing a positive upward trend in global investments every year. The article analyzes the distribution of investments among individual countries, with the United States providing the largest funding. It also examines the innovative developments of InsurTech and their advantages in insurance activities. The main digital trends for the insurance market of Ukraine are suggested in the conclusions of the work.
Anxiety scale for parents of gifted children (ASPGC): Validity and reliability study
Authors: YİĞİT TEKEL Kübra , YILDIZ Melike Şule , MUTLU BAYRAKTAR Duygu , LEANA TAŞCILAR Marilena
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the anxiety levels of parents with gifted children. The participants were selected using a convenient sampling method. The sample of this study consisted of 550 parents of gifted middle school students attending 12 Science and Art Centers throughout Turkey in the 2022-2023 academic year. This study utilized the "Anxiety Scale for Parents of Gifted Children," developed by the researchers in this study, which consisted of 30 items, to obtain quantitative data. A Personal Information Form was used for demographic information. The scale’s validity was assessed through face, content, and construct validity, and its reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item discrimination, and test-retest analyses. Expert opinion and a pilot study were conducted for face and content validity, whereas EFA and CFA were performed for construct validity. The data of 300 randomly selected participants (229 females and 71 males) were used for EFA, while the data of the remaining 250 participants (189 females and 61 males) were used for CFA. As a result of the EFA, eleven items were excluded, and CFA was conducted. The analysis yielded the following fit indices for the scale: RMSEA= .054, GFI= .912, CFI= .937, and IFI= .939. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was .890. Based on the analyses, a valid and reliable scale comprising 19 items and five factors was developed to assess the anxiety levels of parents with gifted children.
Adapting the teacher formative assessment literacy scale into Turkish: Validation and reliability study
Authors: İZCİ Kemal , İLTER İlhan , IZGAR Gökhan
Published: March 2024

In the present study, the Teacher Formative Assessment Literacy Scale (TFALS), developed by Yan and Pastore (2022a), was translated into Turkish to examine the factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the scale in a Turkish sample. Data was collected from 318 teachers, of whom 168 were males and 150 were females, working in different state schools in a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. As the first step, the scale items were translated and back-translated by experts in both English and Turkish. Afterward, experts were presented with the scale to check for consistency and accuracy based on the feedback received. A pilot study was carried out to establish the linguistic equivalence of the scale, followed by an examination of its structural validity in a Turkish sample. To demonstrate evidence of the confirmed factor structure of TFALS with 22 items, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. The CFA results demonstrated that the three-factor model of the TFALS-Turkish-version had adequate fit indices. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the total scale was found to be .93. The Cronbach’s alpha for each of the dimensions of TFALS was .90 for the conceptual dimension (7 items), .86 for the practical dimension (8 items), and .88 for the socio-emotional dimension (7 items). Composite reliability coefficients of the dimensions ranged from .78 to .84. The results of this study provide important evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the TFALS, confirming that it has good psychometric properties in a Turkish sample
The effects of reverse items on psychometric properties and respondents’ scale scores according to different item reversal strategies
Authors: İLHAN Mustafa , GÜLER Neşe , TAŞDELEN TEKER Gülşen , ERGENEKON Ömer
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of reverse items created with different strategies on psychometric properties and respondents’ scale scores. To this end, three versions of a 10-item scale in the research were developed: 10 positive items were integrated in the first form (Form-P) and five positive and five reverse items in the other two forms. The reverse items in the second and third forms were crafted using antonyms (Form-RA) and negations (Form-RN), respectively. Based on the research results, Form-P was unidimensional, while other forms were two-dimensional. Moreover, although reliability coefficients of all forms were obtained as above .80, the lowest one was acquired for Form-RN. There were strong-positive relationships between students’ scores in the three scale forms. However, the lowest one was estimated between Form-P and Form-RN. Finally, there was a significant difference between the students’ mean scores obtained from Form–RN and other two versions, but the effect size of the said difference was small. In conclusion, all these results indicate that different types of reverse items influence psychometric properties and respondents’ scale scores differently.
Digital and online tools employed by prospective teachers to access information
Authors: ATEŞ N. Tayyibe , TEKİN Nurcan
Published: March 2024

The proliferation of digital information technologies has underscored the heightened necessity for online information search. This study is directed towards the analysis of the strategies adopted by prospective teachers in the selection of digital content employed for accessing information, their preferences concerning the use of digital and online tools, and the rationale that underpins these preferences. To achieve this aim, the case study method was used. Employing the purposive sampling method, the study involved a participant pool of 72 teacher candidates in the 3rd and 4th grades within the faculties of education. To collect data, a personal information form, an online interview form, a focus group interview form, and a word association test were employed. The data were analyzed using the content and descriptive analysis methods. At the end of the study, the prospective teachers expressed a common tendency that when it comes to scientific research, they often prefer to search for articles whereas for more general inquiries, they have a propensity for utilizing internet searches. Most of the prospective teachers follow a step-by-step research process when accessing information. In addition, they employ both goal-oriented and general-content resources while in pursuit of scientific information. They pay attention to data reliability, accurate information, speed, and access to the Internet in the process of obtaining information. They consider the tools they use adequate and reliable. Teacher candidates establish complex conceptual networks among the array of tools they employ to access information. A comprehensive discussion concerning the outcomes of the research is also presented.
Student engagement with a novel online assessment strategy
Authors: JORDAN Sally , BOLTON John P.r.
Published: March 2024

The study investigated the impact on student engagement and achievement of a "formative thresholded" continuous assessment strategy in which students had to meet a modest threshold, but their continuous assessment marks did not contribute to their final grade. Students were free to choose their own blend of tutor-marked and computer-marked assignments provided they met the threshold in a minimum number of assignments. For students reaching this threshold, the final grade was determined solely by an end-of-year examination. This assessment strategy was compared with one in which summative assignments contributed to the final grade alongside the final examination. The methodology took the form of data analysis of assessment records from more than 3500 anonymized students over a period of 7 years. Evidence was found for improved student engagement under the formative thresholded assessment strategy, with students choosing to complete many more computer-marked assignments, balanced by slightly fewer tutor-marked assignments. There was no change in overall retention. Many students made use of the capability to repeat different versions of the computer-marked questions. There was some evidence of students gaming the system (repeating questions until they obtained a version they had seen before), though most students did not do this at all and only a small number did so regularly. Students appeared to make better use of model answers, provided in response to three incorrect tries at a question, than of hints provided after each try. It was noted that the formative thresholded assessment strategy has potential for wider use.
Probing muon g-2 at a future muon collider
Authors: Arakawa Jason , Rajaraman Arvind , Sui Taotao , Tait Tim M. P.
Published: March 2024

The 4.2\sigma4.2σ discrepancy in the (g-2)(g−2) of the muon provides a hint that may indicate that physics beyond the standard model is at play. A multi-TeV scale muon collider provides a natural testing ground for this physics. In this paper, we discuss the potential to probe the BSM parameter space that is consistent with solving the (g-2)_{\mu}(g−2)μ discrepancy in the language of the SMEFT, utilizing the statistical power provided by fitting event rates collected running at multiple energies. Our results indicate the importance of including interference between the BSM and the SM amplitudes, and illustrates how a muon collider running at a handful of lower energies and with less total collected luminosity can better significantly constrain the space of relevant SMEFT coefficients than would be possible for a single high energy run.
Seasonality of Violet-winged grasshopper (Tropidacris collaris) (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae) in the dwarf cashew
Authors: Maciel Gabriela Priscila de Sousa , Farias Lucas de Lima , Lhano Marcos Gonçalves , Malaquias José Bruno , Duarte Poliana Martins , Silva Marcos Levi Saraiva , Dias-Pini Nivia da Silva
Published: March 2024

Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) is a polyphagous pest, found throughout the South American continent.It has recently been reported to cause damage to cashew trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of T. collaris in the dwarf cashew, the effects of climate variables on the population dynamics of T. collaris, and the population dynamics of T. collaris in relation to the phenological stages of the dwarf cashew. Violet-winged grasshopper was collected in a clonal garden with 35 dwarf cashew clones (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Pacajus, Ceará, Brasil. The specimens were randomly captured using an entomological net in two collectors spaced 10 m apart. The collections were made between 09:00 and 11:00, in two 45-min shifts separated by an interval of 15 min. In the laboratory, the insects were separated and weighed, and the females dissected to assess the degree of maturation of the ovaries (I, II and III) and classify the ovipositor valves. A greater abundance of adults was found in December 2017 and June 2018. The number of females with mature ovaries (type III) showed a positive correlation with ovipositors with open valves, such ovaries being registered in December 2017, and in January and July 2018. Wind speed, evapotranspiration and relative humidity showed a significant correlation with the nymph population of T. collaris. The greatest peaks in the nymph population were stimulated by the leaf fall/leaf flux phenological stages of the dwarf cashew. In this study we show some of the phenological aspects of T. collaris under field conditions, correlated with climatic and phenological variables of the cashew tree. These results may help in decision-making about the application of methods to control T. collaris in tropical regions, as this insect is polyphagous, and its large size has great potential for damage to several crops
Planting season alters the interference of weeds in the common bean
Authors: Tejada Jorge Luis , Lemos Leandro Borges , Silva Ebson , Alves Pedro Luís da Costa Aguiar
Published: March 2024

The common bean has social, economic, culinary, and environmental relevance. Considering its low competitive capacity and the intensive use of herbicides, methods such as planting time can help in weed management. To determine the effect of the planting season on controlling weeds affecting common beans, an experiment was conducted during the summer planting and another in winter planting . For that seven incrementing periods were implemented: 0-10, 0-20, 0-30, 0-40, 0-50, 0-60 and 0-80 days after bean emergence with coexistence of weeds and the same periods with control of weeds, which established 14 treatments in four repetitions, under a random block design. Weeds were analyzed using a phytosociological method and their dry mass with yield examined by regression. The non-linear regression analysis determined the pre-interference period (PIP), the critical period for interference prevention (CPIP) and the total interference prevention period (TIP). The relevant species were Nicandra physaloides, Digitaria nuda and Raphanus raphanistrum. The TIP was similar in both planting seasons. The CPIP was 38 and 33 days in summer planting and winter planting, respectively. The PIP had six more days in winter planting compared to summer planting. The higher dry mass in weeds reduced yield by 14.7 % in winter planting, in relation to the summer planting, but the reduction was faster in this season. Winter planting conferred a certain competitive advantage to the crop over some weed species, thus it could be suggested planting common bean in that season
Genotypic variation of adaptive and yield component traits of introduced grain oats (Avena sativa L.) grown in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Nashir , Babar Md. Ali , Harrison Stephen A , Fatema Ummea Khairun , Kamal Khan S. M. Mostafa
Published: March 2024

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is considered a nutritious cereal. Its demand has surged across the globe steadily for half a decade, including in Bangladesh. Because there is no local variety, the current supply in Bangladesh solely relies on imports. This study aimed to introduce grain oats from the United States of America (U.S.A.) to Bangladesh and determine the extent of their adaptability and yield in this new environment. One hundred oat accessions were introduced in collaboration between North South University, Bangladesh and the University of Florida, U.S.A. They were evaluated in field conditions from November 2019 to April 2020 in the Dinajpur district, Bangladesh in two replicated measurements of 13 morphological traits with RCBD design. The broad-sense heritability ranged from 11.7% to 90.0% for the measured traits. The yield-related trait, spikelet numbers, was positively correlated with height (0.30), dry weight (0.46), and harvest index (0.42) but negatively correlated with heading (-0.05), flowering date (-0.05), and tiller numbers (-0.16). Growth habit was negatively correlated with height (-0.07) and dry weight (-0.25). Principal components 1 and 2 explained 43.01% of the variability and were strongly influenced by heading and flowering date. Cluster analysis assigned the genotypes into six main clusters, and the analysis showed that spikelet numbers, growth habit, height, harvest index, and heading date were key yield-contributing and adaptive traits. Identifying traits highly correlated with oat yield could be useful for developing new varieties adapted to Bangladesh environments. This study is a pioneer; it paved the way to breed new high-yielding grain oat varieties for Bangladesh
Evaluation of damage caused by stink bug Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas) and Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to the maize seedlings
Authors: Istchuk Ademar Novais , Foresti Josemar , Silva Paulo Roberto da , Pietrowski Vanda , Pereira Renata Ramos
Published: March 2024

Understanding of different damage potentials between insect species feeding on maize [Zea mays (L.)] is critical for elaborating control decision tools. There is a lack of information on the damage that the stink bug Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas) and Euschistus heros (F.) may cause to maize seedlings, especially under high densities. Therefore, we compared the damage of these species to maize in a greenhouse using four infestation levels (zero, two, four, and eight adults per plant), in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Five weekly evaluations were performed after infestation, and plants were harvested at physiological maturity. The results indicated that D. melacanthus caused more damage than E. heros in all infestation levels. Two adults of D. melacanthus per plant for 21 days resulted in the death of 96% of the plants. Euschistus heros caused four-times less damage to early-stage maize plants than D. melacanthus. Based on the regression analysis, the infestation of one E. heros adult per plant reduced the number of kernels per row and weight of harvested grain by 11%
Aerial survey and glyphosate-resistant weeds control before soybean seeding
Authors: Ponte Islana Silva , Almeida Edmilson Igor Bernardo , de Sousa Andreza Maciel , Ribeiro Bruna da Silva Brito , de Sousa Daniel Lobo , Pires Silva Maria da Paz , Silva Sousa Washington da , Oliveira Leonardo Bernardes Taverny de , Lessa Bruno França da Trindade , Costa Souza Jarlyson Brunno
Published: March 2024

Interference from herbicide-resistant weeds is one of the biggest impediments in soybean crops. The aim was to evaluate the spatial dynamics and weed control under glyphosate and glufosinate combinations before soybean seeding. The experiment was conducted in a striped arrangement with thirteen treatments and seven replicates. The treatments consisted in no-treatment, glyphosate, glyphosate + fomesafen, glyphosate + saflufenacil, glyphosate + diclosulam, glyphosate + imazetapir, glyphosate + flumioxazine, glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl, glyphosate + imazetapyr + flumioxazine, glyphosate + glufosinate, glyphosate + flumioxazine + carfentrazone, glufosinate + saflufenacil, glufosinate + flumioxazine. The weed spatial dynamic was analyzed for geostatistics methods, while weed control by conventional and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) methods. We identified twenty weed species, representing eighteen different genera and fourteen botanical families. It's worth noting that eudicotyledonous species were the dominant group, primarily characterized by an annual life cycle and sexual reproduction. The utilization of precision agricultural methods proved highly effective in conducting weed surveys before soybean seeding. Using glyphosate alone is not recommended in fields with a history of reactive management with this herbicide. Alternatively, combining glyphosate and glufosinate with Protox-inhibitors showed outstanding control efficacy against glyphosate-resistant or glyphosate-tolerant weeds, Cenchrus echinatus, Spermacoce verticillata and Turnera subulata
The impact of intellectual capital on company financial performance: Evidence from the Omani industrial sector
Authors: Lehenchuk Serhii , Zakharov Dmytro , Vyhivska Iryna , Makarovych Viktoriia , Sheveria Yaroslav
Published: March 2024

The article aims to investigate, using the VAIC and MVAIC models, the impact of intellectual capital on the financial performance of Omani companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2021. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive influence of VAIC and MVAIC only on the Asset Turnover Ratio at a 10% significance level. This suggests that an increase in VAIC or MVAIC by one unit could lead to a respective increase in earnings for Omani listed industrial companies by 0.0017 and 0.0016. However, the overall impact of VAIC and MVAIC on financial performance appears limited, necessitating measures for enhanced efficacy. Moreover, company size and leverage were found to significantly influence EBITDA and Return on Assets, suggesting the positive effect of increased activity and resource utilization. Conversely, Return on Customer Equity negatively affected only Asset Turnover Ratio, implying that investments in marketing and advertising may not significantly enhance financial performance. Human Capital Efficiency showed no significant impact on financial performance measures, highlighting the necessity for Omani industrial enterprises to focus on enhancing employee skills and experience for improved value-creation processes. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between intellectual, physical, and financial capital in shaping financial performance, necessitating targeted strategies for enhancement. Further analysis of suggested models indicated the significance of company size on EBITDA, highlighting the importance of scaling activities for performance improvement. VAIC and MVAIC structural elements showed mixed results, while Capital Employed Efficiency negatively affected Return on Equity, Structural Capital Efficiency positively impacted EBITDA and Asset Turnover Ratio.
Pig production in Poland in the 20th century: History and future prospects.
Authors: MERTA-STASZCZAK ADRIANA , ZWYRZYKOWSKA-WODZIŃSKA ANNA , JANKOWSKA-MĄKOSA ANNA , KNECHT DAMIAN
Published: March 2024

The article is based on a comparative analysis of statistical data on the size and structure of pig herds in Poland in the period of 1930-1989. It focuses on the economic situation and agricultural policies after World War I and World War II and the problems due to war damage and the communist economic system imposed by the Soviet Union. Polish pig breeding was successful in the postwar periods in terms of the development of breeding material for noble pig breeds: Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Złotnicka White, Złotnicka spotted, and Puławska. This article shows the long-term prospects of pig breeding trends in Poland and their implications for present pig production. It also shows that Poland has unique opportunities and conditions for rebuilding and development of pig herds and can compete on the global market.
Assessment of the impact of socio-economic policies on groundwater consumption using a multi-agent-based modeling approach
Authors: Aghazadeh Reza , Shourian Mojtaba , Javan Salehi Maryam
Published: March 2024

This study examines sustainable water management in the Eshtehard plain, Iran, addressing the impact of inappropriate groundwater use and the resulting decrease in groundwater levels. Using agent-based modeling, it evaluates stakeholder interactions to enhance groundwater management. This framework simulates farmers’ responses to changing water resources, considering agricultural demand and socio-economic factors. The study assesses the influence of governmental policies on farmers’ decisions across five scenarios, finding that implementing specific policies can reduce groundwater extraction and improve the hydrological–social situation, provided the government has necessary funding. The findings offer valuable insights for future planning, policy-making, and assessing the impact of management scenarios on water resources and farmers’ economic status. The proposed framework serves as a tool to support stakeholders in making informed decisions for sustainable groundwater management.
Enhancing solids deposit prediction in gully pots with explainable hybrid models: A review
Authors: Ekechukwu Chinedu , Chatzirodou Antonia , Beaumont Hazel , Eyo Eyo , Staddon Chad
Published: March 2024

Urban flooding has made it necessary to gain a better understanding of how well gully pots perform when overwhelmed by solids deposition due to various climatic and anthropogenic variables. This study investigates solids deposition in gully pots through the review of eight models, comprising four deterministic models, two hybrid models, a statistical model, and a conceptual model, representing a wide spectrum of solid depositional processes. Traditional models understand and manage the impact of climatic and anthropogenic variables on solid deposition but they are prone to uncertainties due to inadequate handling of complex and non-linear variables, restricted applicability, inflexibility and data bias. Hybrid models which integrate traditional models with data-driven approaches have proved to improve predictions and guarantee the development of uncertainty-proof models. Despite their effectiveness, hybrid models lack explainability. Hence, this study presents the significance of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) tools in addressing the challenges associated with hybrid models. Finally, crossovers between various models and a representative workflow for the approach to solids deposition modelling in gully pots is suggested. The paper concludes that the application of explainable hybrid modeling can serve as a valuable tool for gully pot management as it can address key limitations present in existing models.
ANALYSIS OF PROBABLE RADIATION LEVELS TO COSMONAUTS IN A SHORT-TERM LUNAR MISSION
Authors:   State scientific-research taste Institute of military medicine of Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Ivanov I.V. , Burmistrov V.I. ,   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Matkevich E.I. ,   Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow
Published: March 2024

Probable dose loads to cosmonauts in a short-term lunar mission including the transit and stay on the surface were estimated using actual measurements and model calculations. It was found that doses of radiation received in a 21-day mission with a 14-day stay on the Moon in the period of minimal solar activity will make about 130 mSv; in the period of solar maximum and in case of a solar event radiation doses may reach 9–12 Svwith the maximum admissible dose of 250 mSv over a month. Increase of mass thickness of radiation shield of the command module from 10 to 20 g/cm2 (aluminum equivalent) and of the EVA spacesuit from 0.2 to 0.5-1.0 g/cm2 (aluminum equivalent) can reduce 1.4 times the total dose to cosmonauts in the period of solar minimum. Minimization of crew radiation levels requires a consideration of the solar activity forecast in order to choose the launch "windows" when high-energy electrons flow in the Earth's external radiation belt is minimal, and space weather along the route to the Moon.
INVESTIGATION OF BLOOD MICROCIRCULATION IN MICROGRAVITY WITH THE USE OF PORTABLE LASER DOPPLER FLOWMETERS
Authors:   Orel State University, Dunaev А.V. , Loktionova Yu.I. ,   Orel State University, Zharkikh E.V. ,   Orel State University, Fedorovich A.A. ,   National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Sidorov V.V. ,   SPE “LAZMA” Ltd, Moscow, Vasin A.V. ,   Yu.A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center, Zvyozdnygorodok, Moscow region, Dubinin V.I. ,   Yu.A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center, Zvyozdnygorodok, Moscow region
Published: March 2024

The paper reports the results of blood microcirculation studies in microgravity using portable laser analyzer LAZMAPF. Two cosmonauts (C-1 and C-2) performed pre-launch and in-flight (9 days) 8-minute sessions with the use of 2 portable flowmeters symmetrically attached to the temporal skin, palmer sides of distal phalanxes III, forearm superficies and planter surfaces of toe distal phalanxes I. In C-1, mean perfusion rate in toes decreased more than in half due to blood redistribution toward the upper body on the first two days in orbit and then, by way of adaptation, regained normal mean values. In C-2, compression of the proximal regions of lower extremities to induce blood deposition caused high-amplitude NO-dependent oscillations at about 1/min. On the background of adaptation during flight days 2–3, high-amplitude endothelial vasomotions in C-1 (one oscillation every 3–4 minutes) can be associated with an endothelial hyperpolarizing factor. In whole, on flight days 2–3 adaptation of the microcirculation system, particularly pronounced in the temporal and planter tissues, was characterized by a significant reduction of perfusion and increased vascular tone. Baseline prelaunch values were regained by flight day 6. For the first time, a research technique was proposed under microgravity conditions and data were obtained on the state of blood microcirculation of astronauts during the period of acute adaptation to microgravity conditions and readaptation after flight completion.
Lower Melatonin Indicates Poor Short-term Prognosis in Patients with
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sun Qian , Chen Sheng-nan , Yu Si-yuan , Wang Fen , Fu Xiang , Chen Rui , Li Jie
Published: March 2024

Aims:

We evaluated endogenous melatonin levels in the acute phase of cerebral infarction
and explored the impact of possible changes in melatonin levels on the prognosis of patients.

Methods:

This study recruited acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients from the Department of the
Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between December 2019 and June 2021,
along with healthy control subjects. Salivary melatonin samples were collected from each participant
between 7 pm and 10 pm, and fasting plasma was collected the following morning to
measure the levels of inflammatory markers. The prognosis was assessed through follow-up
three months after discharge. The relationship between melatonin levels and plasma inflammatory
markers was assessed, followed by an analysis of the effect of melatonin levels on patient
prognosis.

Results:

The study enrolled a total of 160 participants, including 120 AIS patients aged 50 years
or older (61.7% male) and 40 age-matched controls (55.0% male). The AIS group exhibited
lower salivary melatonin levels at 19 (P = 0.002), 20 (P < 0.001), 21 (P < 0.001), and 22 (P <
0.001) o’clock, and the average melatonin level was also lower (P < 0.001). Logistic regression
analysis models indicated an association between low melatonin levels and poor prognosis. Salivary
melatonin levels demonstrated good predictive ability for the prognosis of AIS patients.

Conclusion:

Melatonin levels were lower in AIS patients compared to controls. In addition,
lower melatonin levels were associated with a poorer prognosis among AIS patients.
Evaluation of the Atherogenic Effect of Covid-19 Pneumonia on Coronary and
Carotid Arteries in Patients who Recovered from the Disease
Authors: Sağlık Semih , Nas Necip
Published: March 2024

Background:

Acute inflammation induced by COVID-19 may lead to atherosclerotic plaque development or complicate existing plaque. In this study, we aimed
to determine the atherogenic effect of COVID-19 pneumonia, confirmed by thoracic computed tomography, on coronary and carotid arteries in
patients who recovered from the disease.

Methods:

Our study included patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in our hospital at least 1 year ago, recovered, and then underwent coronary CT
angiography with suspected coronary artery disease. The aim was to evaluate the burden of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries of these
patients who underwent coronary CT angiography.

Results:

Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to the results of the CT scan. Group 1 included patients in the control group with no history of
COVID-19 (n=36), group 2 included those with mild to moderate pneumonia symptoms (n=43), and group 3 included those with severe
pneumonia symptoms (n=29). The calcium scores were 23.25±36.8 in group 1, 27.65±33.4 in group 2, and 53.58±55.1 in group 3. The calcium
score was found to be significantly higher in group 3 patients with severe pneumonia (group 1-2 p=0.885, group 1-3 p<0.05, group 2-3 p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Although there is no conclusive evidence of a relationship between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis, our study suggests a possible relationship
between them. Since this relationship was found especially in cases with severe disease in our study, we believe that the treatment should focus on
preventing excessive inflammatory response, and such patients should be under control in terms of coronary artery disease.
Radiomic Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced CT Predicts Glypican 3-Positive
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Shifang , Xiao Shungen , Jiang Zhen , Xiao Junfeng , He Qi , Wang Mei , Fan Yanfen
Published: March 2024

Background:

The Glypican 3 (GPC3)-positive expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a worse prognosis. Moreover, GPC3 has
emerged as an immunotherapeutic target in advanced unresectable HCC systemic therapy. It is significant to diagnose GPC3-positive HCCs before
therapy. Regarding imaging diagnosis of HCC, dynamic contrast-enhanced CT is more common than MRI in many regions.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to construct and validate a radiomics model based on contrast-enhanced CT to predict the GPC3 expression in
hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 141 (training cohort: n = 100; validation cohort: n = 41) pathologically confirmed HCC patients. Radiomics
features were extracted from the Artery Phase (AP) images of contrast-enhanced CT. Logistic regression with the Least Absolute Shrinkage and
Selection Operator (LASSO) regularization was used to select features to construct radiomics score (Rad-score). A final combined model,
including the Rad-score of the selected features and clinical risk factors, was established. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis,
Delong test, and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) were used to assess the predictive performance of the clinical and radiomics models.

Results:

5 features were selected to construct the AP radiomics model of contrast-enhanced CT. The radiomics model of AP from contrast-enhanced CT
was superior to the clinical model of AFP in training cohorts (P < 0.001), but not superior to the clinical model in validation cohorts (P = 0.151).
The combined model (AUC = 0.867 vs. 0.895), including AP Rad-score and serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) levels, improved the predictive
performance more than the AFP model (AUC = 0.651 vs. 0.718) in the training and validation cohorts. The combined model, with a higher
decision curve indicating more net benefit, exhibited a better predictive performance than the AP radiomics model. DCA revealed that at a range
threshold probability approximately above 60%, the combined model added more net benefit compared to the AP radiomics model of contrastenhanced
CT.

Conclusion:

A combined model including AP Rad-score and serum AFP levels based on contrast-enhanced CT could preoperatively predict GPC3-positive
expression in HCC.
El camino a las Ciudades Inteligentes orientado en la innovación social
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Velázquez Alejos Alma Alejandra , Morgan Beltrán Josefina ,   Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
Published: March 2024

Introducción: La transformación digital, aplicado en el desarrollo de Ciudades inteligentes en México aún tiene muchas interrogantes y camino por recorrer. Este artículo adopta una orientación desde la innovación social. Objetivo: Encontrar las principales similitudes entre la diversidad de elementos y conceptos que tienen las Ciudades inteligentes y la Innovación social. En este análisis se pretende lograr un mayor entendimiento y reflexión sobre estas percepciones para evaluar los vínculos entre las mismas. Metodología: Fue del tipo cualitativo, con base en un análisis exploratorio de la revisión de la literatura, como punto de partida por medio de un mapeo de acuerdo a definiciones. Resultados: Se presentan las similitudes conceptuales para que en el desarrollo de Ciudades inteligentes se evalúe el vínculo e importancia desde una perspectiva de innovación social, colaborativa y centrada en sus ciudadanos. Conclusiones: En la época en la que han surgido distintos conceptos con múltiples actores involucrados, es de interés el uso de ideas asociadas con los conceptos urbanos desde una perspectiva de innovación social. Para ayudar al desarrollo de políticas públicas para lograr el bienestar del ciudadano y la creación de un impacto positivo.
Improving Quality of ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) Coding Using AI: Protocol for a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chomutare Taridzo , Lamproudis Anastasios , Budrionis Andrius , Svenning Therese Olsen , Hind Lill Irene , Ngo Phuong Dinh , Mikalsen Karl Øyvind , Dalianis Hercules
Published: March 2024

Background

Computer-assisted clinical coding (CAC) tools are designed to help clinical coders assign standardized codes, such as the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision), to clinical texts, such as discharge summaries. Maintaining the integrity of these standardized codes is important both for the functioning of health systems and for ensuring data used for secondary purposes are of high quality. Clinical coding is an error-prone cumbersome task, and the complexity of modern classification systems such as the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision) presents significant barriers to implementation. To date, there have only been a few user studies; therefore, our understanding is still limited regarding the role CAC systems can play in reducing the burden of coding and improving the overall quality of coding.

Objective

The objective of the user study is to generate both qualitative and quantitative data for measuring the usefulness of a CAC system, Easy-ICD, that was developed for recommending ICD-10 codes. Specifically, our goal is to assess whether our tool can reduce the burden on clinical coders and also improve coding quality.

Methods

The user study is based on a crossover randomized controlled trial study design, where we measure the performance of clinical coders when they use our CAC tool versus when they do not. Performance is measured by the time it takes them to assign codes to both simple and complex clinical texts as well as the coding quality, that is, the accuracy of code assignment.

Results

We expect the study to provide us with a measurement of the effectiveness of the CAC system compared to manual coding processes, both in terms of time use and coding quality. Positive outcomes from this study will imply that CAC tools hold the potential to reduce the burden on health care staff and will have major implications for the adoption of artificial intelligence–based CAC innovations to improve coding practice. Expected results to be published summer 2024.

Conclusions

The planned user study promises a greater understanding of the impact CAC systems might have on clinical coding in real-life settings, especially with regard to coding time and quality. Further, the study may add new insights on how to meaningfully exploit current clinical text mining capabilities, with a view to reducing the burden on clinical coders, thus lowering the barriers and paving a more sustainable path to the adoption of modern coding systems, such as the new ICD-11.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT06286865; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06286865

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/54593