bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DGPCD: a benchmark for typical official-style Dougong in ancient Chinese wooden architecture
Authors: Zhou Caochenyu , Dong Youqiang , Hou Miaole
Published: June 2024

Dougong, a distinctive component of ancient Chinese wooden architecture, holds significant importance for the preservation and restoration of such structures. In particular, the northern official-style buildings represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese construction techniques. In the realm of cultural heritage preservation, the application of deep learning has gradually expanded, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness. Point cloud serving as a crucial source for Dougong, encapsulates various information, enabling support for tasks like Dougong point cloud classification and completion. The quality of Dougong datasets directly impacts the outcomes of DNNs (deep neural networks), as they serve as the foundational data support for these models. The typical official-style Dougong, with its standardized and repetitive structural patterns, is highly suitable for training DNNs to accurately recognize and analyze these complex architectural elements. However, due to the inherent characteristics of Dougong, such as coplanarity and occlusion, acquiring point cloud data is challenging, resulting in poor data quality and organizational difficulties. To address this issue, our study adopts a multi-source data fusion approach to tackle the challenges of insufficient data quantity and poor data quality. Further, through data augmentation, we enhance the dataset’s volume and generalize its characteristics. This effort culminates in the creation of the typical official-style Dougong Point Cloud Dataset (DG Dataset), poised to support deep learning tasks related to Dougong scenarios.
Dietary compliance and its determinants among type 2 diabetes patients in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Atosona Ambrose , Yiadom Lisa Boakye , Alhassan Barichisu , Kelli Hamida , Gaa Patience Kanyiri , Kalog Gabriel Libienuo Sowley
Published: June 2024

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is currently high and still rising, predominantly in developing countries including Ghana. Type 2 diabetes patients’ adherence to recommended diet is shown to improve their health outcomes. This study investigated dietary compliance and its determinants among type 2 diabetes patients in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Methods

This study employed analytical cross-sectional study design and involved 343 participants selected through systematic random sampling from the outpatient diabetes clinics of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale West Hospital and Tamale Central Hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to document participants’ socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. The modified Morisky dietary adherence scale was used to assess dietary compliance. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of dietary compliance.

Results

The mean age of participants was 56.4 ± 15.7 years. More than half of the participants (62.4%) were females. The participants had a higher compliance status (70.6%). The study also revealed that, as a patient’s age increases, compliance decreases [Adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 0.96, 95%, Confidence interval (CI) 0.94–0.99, P = 0.002]. Regarding educational status, patients who completed JHS/Middle School [AOR: 2.458, 95% CI 1.019–5.928, P = 0.045] and SHS/Vocational School [AOR: 2.73, 95% CI 1.08–6.91, P = 0.035] were more likely to comply with dietary recommendations compared to those with no formal education.

Conclusion

The rate of dietary compliance was high among the study participants. Age and educational status of participants significantly influenced their dietary compliance, suggesting that these factors should be taken into account when developing strategies to enhance dietary adherence.
Marital quality in a context of displacement: the role of union formation characteristics among Syrian refugee and Jordanian youth
Authors: Torrisi Orsola , Sieverding Maia
Published: June 2024

Marital quality is an important determinant of well-being and is related to how unions are formed. Both processes of union formation and marital relationships may be influenced by stressful conditions, including insecurity and displacement. We leverage unique representative data on young Syrian refugees in Jordan to learn more about the interplay between displacement, union formation characteristics and marital quality. Through comparisons with youth from the Jordanian host population, we assess the role of key contextual predictors of marital quality, such as consanguinity and young people’s role in choosing their spouse, with a focus on gender differences. We measure marital quality with six separate items capturing aspects of equality, respect and interpersonal communication and a unidimensional scale identified through exploratory factor analysis. Results show that consanguinity, marital duration and number of children are generally unrelated to marital quality in both populations. In contrast, involvement in spouse choice emerges as the strongest predictor, with both Syrians and Jordanians in family-arranged unions experiencing lower-quality marriages. Among Syrians, women suffer more from lower marital quality, especially when arranged unions happen at a young age, and marriages formed after displacement to Jordan appear more fragile. The study is one of the first to explore predictors of marital quality in a non-Western, conflict-affected population. The findings emphasise the importance of the demographic study of family dynamics in situations of insecurity and displacement moving beyond a narrow focus on marriage timing to cover a wider range of marriage outcomes related to family well-being.
Studies of certain parameters affecting two parasitoid species, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), on egg host, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Abdel Halim Esraa M. , El-Mandarawy Mona R. , Naroz Magda H. , Ahmed Sayeda S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Two Trichogramma spp., Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), were studied to control one of the most cereal pests attacking various grains, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera). Experiments were carried out to evaluate S. cerealella egg-ages, parasitoids’ emergence time and cold storage host eggs on rearing the two tested parasitoids’ spp.

Results

The age of S. cerealella eggs had significantly influenced the parasitization and adult emergence rates of the two parasitoid species. Parasitism rate resulted from old host eggs (32 h old) (44.93%) decreased than those of the fresh ones (2 h old) (95.85%). Emergence rate ranged between (62.64–97.85%) for T. evanescens and (62.90–95.54%) for T. bactrae from different S. cerealella egg-ages (0–32 h). Regardless to late emerged parasitoids, their population affected. T. evanescens parasitized rate ranged (73.79–95.06%), which comparatively lower than those of T. bactrae (88.81–96.90%), at parasitoid emerging times (0–64 h), respectively. Emergence times had significantly differences in the emergence rate of T. evanescens and/or T. bactrae. On the other hand, percentage of parasitism of the non-stored S. cerealella eggs was higher than the other cold-stored ones. The emergence rate of adult parasitoids, T. evanescens (66.00–91.16%) and T. bactrae (71.16–94.11%), was decreased at the cold storage durations (5–40 days) increased. In comparison  to the tested biological aspects between the two parasitoid species, non-significant differences were recorded, at the three assessment parameters, which include host egg-ages, parasitoid emergence time and cold-stored eggs. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between F1 emerged rates for T. evanescens and T. bactrae obtained at each of the three tested parameters.

Conclusion

It was concluded that low emergence time of the parasitoids, T. evanescens and T. bactrae, was relatively more effective when they parasitized the fresh egg-age and less cold storage periods of S. cerealella.
The hidden threat: subdural empyema strikes a healthy teen
Authors: Dahshan Ahmed , Youssef Ahmed Hamdy , Al Subhi Abdallah , Darweesh Wael Salah , Al Fahdi Zakaria , Al Yahyaai Mahmood
Published: June 2024

Background

The incidence estimates for intracranial subdural empyema are 0.1 per 100,000 individuals, making it a rare clinical condition. It is a highly morbid and fatal illness that is most commonly the result of a primary infection somewhere else.

Case presentation

The authors present a young male patient 15 years presented with 1 week history of headache, fever, confusion and seizure attack with initial negative CT head and nearly negative CSF analysis. With few days he developed left sided weakness. MRI brain showed right temporoparietal subdural fluid collection with midline shift. Urgent neurosurgical evacuation was made and revealed subdural empyema. The boy received combination therapy of vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and metronidazole. The culture of the pus was negative but 16S rRNA gene sequencing (bacterial) revealed streptococcus intermedius. He made a good recovery with no recollection or neurological deficit on follow up.

Conclusion

This case highlights the possibility of occurrence of this rare infection in otherwise healthy individuals without obvious precipitating factor. It also indicates the superiority of MRI brain over CT head in detection of subdural collection. The rapid diagnosis and intervention improve the outcome of the patient.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL): subtle presentation and challenging diagnosis; a case report
Authors: Bendari Ahmed , Abdelhafez Aisha , Sham Sunder , Al-Refai Reham , Yurovitsky Alyssa
Published: June 2024

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare, clinically aggressive lymphoma defined by the proliferation of atypical lymphoma cells in the lumen of all sized blood vessels, particularly capillaries. The reasons for this unusual neoplastic cell proliferation are still only partially understood. IVLBCL is considered stage IV lymphoma and manifests with a variety of nonspecific signs and symptoms. Patients with IVLBCL usually do not present with lymphadenopathy. The tumor cells invade the blood vessels of multiple organs such as the central nervous system, skin, lungs, kidneys, and bone marrow. Common presenting symptoms are based on the organ affected and include mental status changes and fever of unknown origin. Although immunochemotherapy has significantly improved the often-poor prognosis of this kind of lymphoma, a large percentage of patients’ relapse. We present a 63-year-old man who had been diagnosed with large B cell lymphoma in the bone marrow in March 2021 and was in remission state after completing six cycles of chemotherapy. There was no abnormal FDG uptake on a post-chemotherapy PET/CT scan. Patient presented to the emergency room (ER) two months later with fever and dyspnea. The entire workup was completed and showed pancytopenia and elevated ESR. While chest CT scan did not show lymphadenopathy or lesions, PET/CT scans revealed a widespread increase in FDG uptake in both the lungs and spleen. Lung biopsy revealed large, atypical cells within alveolar septae and vessels. Immunohistochemical stains demonstrated that these cells were positive for CD20 and PAX-5 and had high proliferation rate based on Ki67. IVLBCL has a low incidence rate with non-specific clinical presentation. The diagnosis can be easily missed in both clinical, radiological and the corresponding histopathological findings. Radiological finding and CT scan are not sensitive enough and may miss the lesion. Even though the PET/CT scan is more sensitive, the definitive diagnosis of IVLBCL relies mainly on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, at which point awareness of this entity by the pathologist is most necessary.
Phishing behavior detection on different blockchains via adversarial domain adaptation
Authors: Yan Chuyi , Han Xueying , Zhu Yan , Du Dan , Lu Zhigang , Liu Yuling
Published: June 2024

Despite the growing attention on blockchain, phishing activities have surged, particularly on newly established chains. Acknowledging the challenge of limited intelligence in the early stages of new chains, we propose ADA-Spear-an automatic phishing detection model utilizing adversarial domain adaptive learning which symbolizes the method’s ability to penetrate various heterogeneous blockchains for phishing detection. The model effectively identifies phishing behavior in new chains with limited reliable labels, addressing challenges such as significant distribution drift, low attribute overlap, and limited inter-chain connections. Our approach includes a subgraph construction strategy to align heterogeneous chains, a layered deep learning encoder capturing both temporal and spatial information, and integrated adversarial domain adaptive learning in end-to-end model training. Validation in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and EOSIO environments demonstrates ADA-Spear’s effectiveness, achieving an average F1 score of 77.41 on new chains after knowledge transfer, surpassing existing detection methods.
Do fish gut microbiotas vary across spatial scales? A case study of Diplodus vulgaris in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Lilli Ginevra , Sirot Charlotte , Campbell Hayley , Hermand Fanny , Brophy Deirdre , Flot Jean-François , Graham Conor T. , George Isabelle F.
Published: June 2024

Background

Biogeography has been linked to differences in gut microbiota in several animals. However, the existence of such a relationship in fish is not clear yet. So far, it seems to depend on the fish species studied. However, most studies of fish gut microbiotas are based on single populations. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of fish from three wild populations of the two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) to determine whether its diversity, structure and potential functionality reflect the geographic origin of the fish, at large and small geographical scale. Additionally, we explored the host- and environmental-related factors explaining this relationship.

Results

We showed that the taxonomy and potential functionality of the mucosa-associated gut microbiota of Diplodus vulgaris differ to varying degrees depending on the spatial scale considered. At large scale, we observed that both the taxonomical structure and the potential functionality of the fish microbiota differed significantly between populations. In contrast, the taxonomical diversity of the microbial community displayed a significant relationship with factors other than the geographic origin of the fish (i.e. sampling date). On the other hand, at small scale, the different composition and diversity of the microbiota differ according to the characteristics of the habitat occupied by the fish. Specifically, we identified the presence of Posidonia oceanica in the benthic habitat as predictor of both the microbiota composition and diversity. Lastly, we reported the enrichment of functions related to the metabolism of xenobiotics (i.e. drugs and 4-aminobenzoate) in a population and we indicated it as a potential target of future monitoring.

Conclusions

With this study, we confirmed the importance of investigating the gut microbiota of wild fish species using multiple populations, taking into account the different habitats occupied by the individuals. Furthermore, we underscored the use of the biodegradation potential of the gut microbiota as an alternative means of monitoring emerging contaminants in Mediterranean fish.
Non-classical animal models for studying adrenal diseases: advantages, limitations, and implications for research
Authors: Bilyalova Alina , Bilyalov Airat , Filatov Nikita , Shagimardanova Elena , Kiyasov Andrey , Vorontsova Maria , Gusev Oleg
Published: June 2024

The study of adrenal disorders is a key component of scientific research, driven by the complex innervation, unique structure, and essential functions of the adrenal glands. This review explores the use of non-traditional animal models for studying congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It highlights the advantages, limitations, and relevance of these models, including domestic ferrets, dogs, guinea pigs, golden hamsters, pigs, and spiny mice. We provide a detailed analysis of the histological structure, steroidogenesis pathways, and genetic characteristics of these animal models. The morphological and functional similarities between the adrenal glands of spiny mice and humans highlight their potential as an important avenue for future research.
Predictors of post-kidney transplantation complications among Egyptian recipients—1-year follow-up
Authors: Abdelaziz Esam Mohamed , Darwish Manal M. , Taie Abeer G. , Al Shazly Ashraf A. , Herdan Omar , Abdelhamid Samir K. , Abdelrahman Eman M. , Abdelmawgood Yaser
Published: June 2024

Background

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment modality for patients with end-stage kidney disease. We aimed to identify predictors for post-transplantation complications.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up on 40 recipients (with their donors) were recruited and followed up for 1 year after transplantation. The patients were classified into two groups according to development of complications or not.

Results

It was found that renal recipient had significantly lower mean age compared to donors (30.55 ± 10.24 vs. 41.28 ± 9.83 (years); p < 0.001). The reported complications were hypertension (42.5%), proteinuria (17.5%), surgical difficulty (17.5%), chronic rejection (12.5%), DM (7.5%), and other less common complications. Death occurred in six recipients. Significant predictors for complications were history of DM (OR = 3.429; 95% CI = 1.148–5.058; p = 0.044), BUN (OR = 2.501; 95% CI = 1.094–4.007; p = 0.038), creatinine (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.025–2.806; p = 0.015), older age (OR = 1.854; 95% CI = 1.090–3.195; p = 0.033), pre-transplantation leucocytic count (OR = 1.775; 95% CI = 1.057–3.901; p = 0.039), and LDL (OR = 1.051; 95% CI = 1.009–2.441; p = 0.047). Elevated PTH in pre-transplantation showed significantly slight protective effect against development of complications (OR = 0.915; 95% CI = 0.624–0.957; p = 0.031).

Conclusion

Complications are common after kidney transplant in our population and are associated with history of DM, pre-transplantation BUN, creatinine, and older age, while elevated pretransplant PTH showed slightly protective effect.
Understanding the relationship between obesity and in-hospital outcomes in gastric cancer patients : A nationwide analysis.
Authors: Ortega Yaguachi Nataly , Javaid Saad , Frasier Kelly , Li Vivian , Vinagolu-Baur Julia , Rodriguez Evadne , Del Castillo Olivia , Batista Raquel , Jonas Kenlee , Palma Laura
Published: June 2024

e16050

Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for gastric cancer, associated with increased incidence and heightened complications in hospitalized patients. Our analysis comprehensively evaluates obesity's impact on hospital-admitted gastric cancer patients. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2020, we identified gastric cancer patients with regional and advanced metastatic disease, and they were stratified into patients with and without obesity. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes included length of stay, the total cost of hospitalization, and other in-hospital adverse outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the outcomes after adjusting for confounding variables. Results: A total of 17560 patients were hospitalized with gastric cancer, among which 1720(9.8%) had the concurrent diagnosis of Obesity. The mean age of patients with and without Obesity was 63 (+/- 13.88) and 66 (+/- 12.93),p<0.001 respectively. The obese category had the greater percentage of male patients as compared to females (58.14% vs 44.85% respectively, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, Obesity was not considered as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with gastric cancer (OR=1.06(0.59-1.92); p=0.90). However, patients with Obesity had prolonged length of stay (+ 1.52 days(1.49-2.26); p=0.004) and total cost of hospitalization (+ $30977(12320-49633); p=0.001). Similarly, obese patients had an increased likelihood of Acute kidney injury (OR=1.47(1.09-1.96); p=0.01), ICU admission (OR=2.01(1.30-3.09); p=0.002), invasive (OR=2.14(1.29-3.54); p=0.003) Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (OR=5.36(2.17-13.14); p<0.001) and Heart failure (OR=1.68(1.09-2.57); p=0.02). No difference was noted in the risk of cardiac arrest (OR=1.26(0.28-5.68); p=0.76), and sepsis(OR=1.76(0.99-3.13); p=0.05). Conclusions: Obesity in patients with gastric cancer is not an independent predictor of mortality but is associated with increased length of stay, the total cost of hospitalization, increased risk of mechanical ventilation, and ICU admissions. Management of obesity can prove crucial in averting a wide range of potential health complications and significantly enhancing the overall quality of life in gastric cancer patients. [Table: see text]
Unlocking Innovation: How absorptive capability unleashes the potential of motivation and leadership to catalyze innovative work behaviors in Batam
Authors: Sinaga Eduard , Wijoyo Suparto , Dwi Lestari Yetty , Suhariadi Fendy , Indaryanto Adrid , Bambang Dwi , Hikmah Muhaimin
Published: June 2024

Background The significance of innovative work behavior is growing as organizations strive to maintain their competitiveness by hiring freelancer employees. This study aimed to examine how absorptive capability mediates the connections between job motivation, transformational leadership, and innovation work behavior in freelancers working in the oil and gas industry. Methods A quantitative methodology was employed through an online questionnaire, using a random sampling strategy involving 250 respondents. Furthermore, data analysis was performed using structural equation modelling. Results The findings indicate that job motivation and transformational leadership did not have a direct impact on innovation work behavior. However, they did have an indirect beneficial influence mediated by absorptive capability. This study revealed that absorptive skills play a vital role in facilitating the translation of job drive and transformational leadership into innovative work behaviors. Conclusions The practical consequences involve firms embracing transformational leadership and establishing training programs to enhance employees' absorptive potential, thereby promoting innovation. Ultimately, cultivating absorptive skills is crucial for leadership styles and motivational elements to be evident in innovative work behaviors.
Marital Bargaining and Assortative Matching on Fertility Preference : Evidence based on Cross-sectional Data in China
Authors: Zhuang Meiyi , Naito Hisahiro
Published: June 2024

Background Despite the relaxation of fertility restrictions, China’s birth rate continues to decline. The Universal Two-Child Policy encourages couples to consider having a second child, often leading to a bargaining process between spouses with differing preferences. Additionally, the skewed sex ratio has increased Chinese women’s bargaining power, highlighting the importance of analyzing fertility decisions through marital bargaining. Methods This paper investigates second-child fertility decisions using data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies and employs Ordinary Least Squares regression. The study examines assortative matching based on fertility preferences and uses the 2020 provincial-level sex ratio for individuals aged 20–39 as a proxy for women’s bargaining power in the marriage market. Results The study shows that achieving consensus on having a second child requires cooperation between spouses, particularly when their fertility preferences differ. The study also reveals that marriage matching is not random; individuals are more likely to partner with those who share the same second-child preference. Additionally, women with greater bargaining power positively influence their husbands’ desired family size, a correlation not observed in males. Conclusion The study concludes that second-child fertility decisions in China are significantly influenced by marital bargaining and the increased bargaining power of women due to the skewed sex ratio. Cooperation between spouses with differing fertility preferences is crucial for reaching a consensus on having a second child.
Seventy-three years (1951–2024) looking for trigeminal neuralgia therapy and peripheral nerve stimulation as a niche theme
Authors: SALEH ARMAN YURISALDI , Valentina Riezky , Saputra Dwi Arwandi Yogi
Published: June 2024

Introduction Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe condition that causes severe pain and emotional distress in the brain. It can significantly impact the quality of a person's life and lead to daily withdrawal and emotional instability. Despite extensive research, there is still a need for comprehensive bibliometric studies to understand the literature on TN. This study is particularly important as there are no existing bibliometric studies on TN on Scopus, providing new opportunities for research and innovation in TN treatment. Methods In this work, a literature review methodology is employed to gather data from the Scopus database using the keywords “trigeminal neuralgia”, current and therapy. Data were analyzed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software to produce visualizations and bibliometric maps. We conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis Results The research trend found are documents by year, most global cited document, most relevant sources, factorial map of the documents with the highest contributes, documents by author, documents by country or territory, documents by affiliation, documents by subject area, network visualization, overlay visualization of scopus database using vosviewer, density visualization, thematic map, thematic evolution, cluster analysis, and qualitative analysis. Conclusions The study focuses on trigeminal neuralgia, a topic of research and a recent topic involving periferal nerve stimulation and the use of karbamazepin, a new topic in the field of therapy.
Prospective cohort study on non-specific symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health in relation to electronic media use and transportation noise among adolescents (HERMES): study protocol
Authors: Jalilian Hamed , Sandoval-Diez Nekane , Waibl Valentin Jaki , Schmutz Michael , Trefalt Simona , Arslan Nasrullah , Fernandes Veludo Adriana , Tincknell Laura , Wipf Irina , Steck Lena , Dongus Stefan , Jankowska Agnieszka , P. Peralta Gabriela , Polanska Kinga , Popovic Maja , Maule Milena , de Llobet Patricia , Guxens Monica , Röösli Martin
Published: June 2024

Electronic media (eMedia) devices along with exposure to transportation noise are integral to the daily routines of adolescents. The concerns associated with excessive eMedia usage extend beyond sleep deprivation to include the heightened exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these wireless devices. The aim of HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile PhonE Use in AdolescentS) study is to better understand biophysical and psychological pathways in relation to eMedia, RF-EMF exposure use and transportation noise that may effect on cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health, as well as non-specific symptoms. Following two previous HERMES cohorts conducted between 2012 and 2015 we have initiated the third wave of HERMES study as a prospective cohort with intermediate (every four months) and one year follows-up. Eligible participants are adolescents attending 7th or 8th school grades in Northwest and Central Switzerland. Baseline examinations are a questionnaire on eMedia usage and selected health outcomes, as well as computerized cognitive tests. In addition, parents/guardians are asked to fill in a questionnaire about their child’s health and potential eMedia use determinants. Far-field RF-EMF exposure and transportation noise at the place of residence and school are predicted based on a propagation model. Cumulative RF-EMF brain dose is calculated based on self-reported eMedia use, mobile phone operator data, and RF-EMF modelling. A follow-up visit is conducted one year later, and two interim questionnaires are sent to adolescents to be completed at home. Between baseline and 1-year follow-up, a subsample of 150 study participants is invited to collect personal RF-EMF measurements as well as sleep and physical activity data using accelerometers. This new recruitment wave of HERMES study provides a greater understanding of causal pathways between eMedia, RF EMF, and transportation noise exposure and their effects on health outcomes, with relevant implications for both governmental health policy and lay people alike.
COVID-19 and older people’s wellbeing in northern KwaZulu-Natal – the importance of relationships
Authors: Manyaapelo Thabang , Edwards Anita , Mpanza Nondumiso , Nxumalo Samukelisiwe , Nxumalo Zama , Gumede Ntombizonke , Ngwenya Nothando , Seeley Janet
Published: June 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the non-pharmacological prevention methods have affected the wellbeing of older people. In this paper we focus on the wellbeing, and vulnerability, of older people in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa during the first year of the pandemic. Methods We conducted monthly in-depth interviews for up to four months with 26 people aged 57 years and older. A total of 86 interviews were conducted by telephone, because of restrictions on face-to-face contact, and digitally recorded. After transcription and translation, the data were coded thematically, with analysis guided by a wellbeing theoretical framework. Results Having access to food, to healthcare and to somewhere they felt safe to stay, was essential for everyone. For many managing expenses became more of a struggle as adult children who had lost their source of employment came home to stay. However, despite the shortages of money, the importance of relationships, whether they are familial or the close community of neighbours, was highlighted in the accounts of many participants. Older people not only got help with day-to-day life from others, but also found solace in the company of others. The sense of community, from family and neighbours, helped to ease some of the stress experienced because of the lockdowns. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus impacted the wellbeing of older adults in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Our findings show how the importance of relationships with family and friends contributed to nurturing wellbeing for older people.
Estimating disease burden using national linked electronic health records: a study using an English population-based cohort.
Authors: Aldridge Robert W. , Evans Hannah E. R. , Yavlinsky Alexei , Moayyeri Alireza , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Mathur Rohini , Jordan Kelvin P. , Croft Peter , Denaxas Spiros , Shah Anoop D. , Blackburn Ruth M. , Moller Henrik , Ng Edmond S. W. , Hughes Andrew , Fox Sebastian , Flowers Julian , Schmidt Jurgen , Hayward Andrew , Gilbert Ruth , Smeeth Liam , Hemingway Harry
Published: June 2024

Background Electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to be used to produce detailed disease burden estimates. In this study we created disease estimates using national EHR for three high burden conditions, compared estimates between linked and unlinked datasets and produced stratified estimates by age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic deprivation and geographical region. Methods EHRs containing primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink), secondary care (Hospital Episode Statistics) and mortality records (Office for National Statistics) were used. We used existing disease phenotyping algorithms to identify cases of cancer (breast, lung, colorectal and prostate), type 1 and 2 diabetes, and lower back pain. We calculated age-standardised incidence of first cancer, point prevalence for diabetes, and primary care consultation prevalence for low back pain. Results 7.2 million people contributing 45.3 million person-years of active follow-up between 2000–2014 were included. CPRD-HES combined and CPRD-HES-ONS combined lung and bowel cancer incidence estimates by sex were similar to cancer registry estimates. Linked CPRD-HES estimates for combined Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes were consistently higher than those of CPRD alone, with the difference steadily increasing over time from 0.26% (2.99% for CPRD-HES vs. 2.73 for CPRD) in 2002 to 0.58% (6.17% vs. 5.59) in 2013. Low back pain prevalence was highest in the most deprived quintile and when compared to the least deprived quintile the difference in prevalence increased over time between 2000 and 2013, with the largest difference of 27% (558.70 per 10,000 people vs 438.20) in 2013. Conclusions We use national EHRs to produce estimates of burden of disease to produce detailed estimates by deprivation, ethnicity and geographical region. National EHRs have the potential to improve disease burden estimates at a local and global level and may serve as more automated, timely and precise inputs for policy making and global burden of disease estimation.
Ocorrência de insetos em frutos de Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Fabales: Fabaceae) no bioma Cerrado, em Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Souza Jaqueline da Silva , Schoeninger Karine , Boscardin Jardel
Published: June 2024

O barbatimão [Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Fabales: Fabaceae)] é uma espécie com ampla distribuição no bioma Cerrado e possui importância ecológica, econômica e social. O presente estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de insetos associados a frutos de barbatimão. Para tanto, foram coletados em fevereiro de 2019, frutos de barbatimão na localidade de Gonçalves (GNÇ), em Monte Carmelo e no Distrito de Dolearina (DLE), em Estrela do Sul, Minas Gerais. Em cada área foram selecionadas 10 árvores matrizes e coletados 10 frutos em cada árvore, totalizando 100 frutos por área. Em laboratório procederam-se a mensuração da massa e do comprimento de cada fruto coletado. Os frutos foram acondicionados, individualmente, em recipientes plásticos cobertos com tecido do tipo “voil”. Contabilizou-se, quinzenalmente, o número de insetos emergidos dos frutos iniciando no momento da primeira emergência até se verificar a interrupção da emergência dos insetos. A espécie Acanthoscelides gregorioi (Pic, 1931) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) foi encontrada consumindo sementes de S. adstringens apenas na localidade de Monte Carmelo, assim como os himenópteros dos gêneros Chelonus e Pseudophanerotoma. A espécie Cydia tonosticha (Meyrick, 1922) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) foi encontrada em ambas as áreas estudadas, e além das sementes, a espécie também se alimenta da polpa dos frutos de barbatimão. Houve diferença significativa entre as médias de peso e comprimento dos frutos coletados. Os maiores valores médios foram encontrados em GNÇ, o que pode ter contribuído para a maior abundância de espécimes de insetos associados a frutos de barbatimão na localidade.
Buena Gobernanza, Transparencia y Calidad en las Facultades de Comunicación.
Authors: Cousido-González María-Pilar , Rubio Angel Luis , Fernández-Muñoz Cristobal
Published: June 2024

Esta investigación es un paso más en la búsqueda de los niveles de calidad más elevados para la Facultad de Ciencias de la Información de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid y en la definición del proceso de su articulación. Es la cuarta investigación consecutiva del actual Equipo Decanal que incide, en esta ocasión, en el buen gobierno de la Institución y en la transparencia de sus actividades, en un contexto nacional determinado por sesenta Facultades de Comunicación en España en una práctica comparada que permita establecer el lugar exacto que ocupa nuestra Facultad en términos de buen gobierno y qué objetivos debería marcarse a corto y medio plazo para incrementar sus opciones de escalar en el ranking QS, al identificar y evaluar aspectos que tradicionalmente han sido ajenos a las preocupaciones de los gestores de las Facultades de Comunicación españolas.
Educación para el desarrollo sostenible y Responsabilidad Social Educativa. Una mirada histórica desde la persona.
Authors: Ruiz Simón Esther
Published: June 2024

La educación es un derecho que se ha ido consolidando a lo largo del siglo XX y que es parte de la agenda internacional durante el siglo XXI. Durante este período, en el ámbito educativo han surgido iniciativas que ponen el foco de la educación de la persona y en la importancia del acceso a la educación para su dignificación. La educación para el desarrollo sostenible es parte del propio devenir educativo, implicado y corresponsabilizado de los procesos de desarrollo de los seres humanos. Desde la propia responsabilidad social educativa, la persona se sitúa en el centro del proceso como actor principal. Es el eje sobre el que se sitúa tanto la acción de aprender como la de enseñar y la que a la vez asume y deriva todas las acciones del proceso. El artículo que se presenta profundiza en los elementos más relevantes de la responsabilidad social educativa, en su vinculación con la educación en valores y la educación para el desarrollo sostenible. Desde una perspectiva histórica, el texto que se presenta pone el foco sobre la persona e investiga las pautas de la educación socialmente responsable y su repercusión en el proceso de desarrollo de la persona y en la generación de una educación sostenible comprometida con los valores de su época.
La tesis de inconmensurabilidad de teorías: Sinergias entre valores éticos y Responsabilidad Social Educativa.
Authors: Oronoz Soraya
Published: June 2024

en el presente estudio se plantea la integración de la tesis de Inconmensurabilidad de teorías, proveniente de la filosofía de la ciencia, en el ámbito de los valores éticos y la Responsabilidad Social Educativa. Se realiza un análisis teórico de estos aspectos, proponiendo la tesis de la inconmensurabilidad Ético-Cívica en la educación formal como una forma de abordar el estudio de los valores en la sociedad, con algunas variaciones. Se propone un sistema de concreción curricular para la formación éticocívica y la Responsabilidad Social Educativa, con el objetivo de promover la formación integral y el desarrollo de ciudadanos comprometidos. Este sistema se diseña desde un enfoque científico, pedagógico y práctico, asumiendo la complejidad inherente a esta tarea.
Televisión, Redes Sociales y Responsabilidad Social Educativa: una necesidad imperiosa.
Authors: de la Rubia Rivas M Isabel
Published: June 2024

La educación es uno de los aspectos más relevantes de la vida social, como demuestra el interés de entidades públicas y privadas por su control. Precisamente vinculados a esta trascendencia, aparece la idea de los agentes educativos, figura que habitualmente se ha relacionado con el ambiente más próximo al sujeto, la familia, para luego extrapolarlo a entidades suprafamiliares, como la escuela, el estado. La presencia de influencias aún más externas evidentes entre los agentes educativos actuales obliga a poner atención sobre el impacto que estas tienen en la evolución y formación de niños y adolescentes. Desde casi su aparición, los diferentes organismos y entidades vinculados a la comunicación han sido conscientes de que el poder de los medios va más allá del entretenimiento. Sin embargo, el cambio de paradigma de un espacio público o social, propio de los antiguos medios como la radio o la televisión, a uno privado, como es el caso de las redes sociales, nos lleva a preguntarnos si somos conscientes del impacto real que estas herramientas tienen en sus usuarios, especial pero no exclusivamente, en los más jóvenes. En este trabajo buscaremos revisar aspectos tales como la preocupación relativa al control de los medios de comunicación, la necesidad de prestar atención a este nuevo fenómeno desde el resto de los agentes educativos, por su relevancia en el comportamiento y la constitución de una nueva realidad social que a todos nos afecta. Esto se producirá a partir del análisis de artículos y trabajos de actualidad que centren su atención en los intereses en torno a los medios y los posibles efectos derivados de la falta de control de estos. Para terminar, al haber puesto de relevancia la problemática en torno a estos nuevos medios y su influencia en la conformación de la nueva sociedad, se resaltará la importancia de prestar atención a estos fenómenos y la necesidad de proponer nuevas soluciones.
La agresión en la era digital: reflexiones sobre la paz y la violencia en las redes sociales
Authors: Barrios Pulido Olga , Feged-Rivadeneira Alejandro , González-Casabianca Felipe , Reyes Carlos , Jara Diego
Published: June 2024

Además de documentar el análisis, este capítulo aborda una serie de preguntas relevantes de cara a pensar en gobiernos digitales y sus papeles en revoluciones como la llamada 4.0 (o Cuarta Revolución Industrial), donde ciudadanos, canales de comunicación digital y algoritmos interactúan en su diario vivir.
Identidad y autoengaño en la Cuarta Revolución
Authors: Patarroyo G. Carlos
Published: June 2024

Mi propósito en este texto es el de denunciar un problema grave que se está presentando por el uso de las redes sociales y por la aparición de algoritmos que nos ofrecen información específica basados en nuestras preferencias pasadas. Este problema tiene que ver con la imagen que nosotros formamos de nosotros mismos y, gracias a ello, con nuestra identidad personal. El problema, dicho en pocas palabras, es el de una forma de autoengaño que se está haciendo omnipresente sin que nos demos cuenta de ello. Para explicar esto, comenzaré por explicar algunas distinciones esenciales del autoconocimiento (o el conocimiento que tenemos de nosotros mismos), para explicar luego dos modelos del autoengaño en la filosofía. Con estas piezas podré, en una tercera parte, construir el argumento que muestra cómo, en este mundo lleno de redes sociales y algoritmos mercantiles, caemos más frecuentemente en el autoengaño de lo que pensamos.
From Audience to Evaluator: When Visibility into Prior Evaluations Leads to Convergence or Divergence in Subsequent Evaluations Among Professionals
Authors: Botelho Tristan L.
Published: June 2024

Collective evaluation processes, which offer individuals an opportunity to assess quality, have transcended mainstream sectors (e.g., books, restaurants) to permeate professional contexts from within and across organizations to the gig economy. This paper introduces a theoretical framework to understand how evaluators’ visibility into prior evaluations influences the subsequent evaluation process: the likelihood of evaluating at all and the value of the evaluations that end up being submitted. Central to this discussion are the conditions under which evaluations converge—are more similar to prior evaluations—or diverge—are less similar—as well as the mechanisms driving observed outcomes. Using a quasinatural experiment on a platform where investment professionals submit and evaluate investment recommendations, I compare evaluations that are made with and without the possibility of prior ratings influencing the subsequent evaluation process. I find that when prior ratings are visible, convergence occurs. The visibility of prior evaluations decreases the likelihood that a subsequent evaluation occurs by about 50%, and subsequent evaluations become 54%–63% closer to the visible rating. Further analysis suggests that peer deference is a dominant mechanism driving convergence, and only professionals with specialized expertise resist peer deference. Notably, there is no evidence that initial ratings are related to long-term performance. Thus, in this context, convergence distorts the available quality signal for a recommendation. These findings underscore how the structure of evaluation processes can perpetuate initial stratification, even among professionals with baseline levels of expertise.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.11285 .
Hope for good luck" during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kiiko Yurii
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The situation with COVID-19 is unexpected and unpredictable, and the consequences are tragic. The number of sick and dead has increased globally, including in Ukraine, and it is reasonable to assume that this will have a certain effect on the mental state of people, including their level of anxiety. Therefore, this study focuses on measuring the level of state anxiety and determining its relationship with the perception of various aspects of COVID-19 by the population of Ukraine.
Material and methods: The survey was conducted by telephonic interview. Respondents were recruited randomly in the period from 17.04 to 22.05.2020. The sample consists of 412 people from all over Ukraine. State anxiety, which is dynamic and reflects the level of anxiety on the State Anxiety Scale from The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at a particular time, was studied.
Results: Differences have been traced in responses of male and female respondents, where this indicator was higher among females. People tend to have a different subjective attitude towards the likelihood of finding themselves in the same situation, which for objective reasons is relatively equal for everyone who is in the same pandemic environment; they tend to believe they are more likely to protect themselves from the disease than those around them. Individuals tend to overestimate both their ability to achieve a certain success in the situation and the favorable circumstances ("hope for good luck"). There is a certain correlation between this assessment and the level of state anxiety (correlation = 0.2328 (p <0.01)), i.e. the higher the anxiety, the higher a person estimates the probability of contracting the disease themselves or of others falling ill. There are two extremes in the Ukrainian society: the part of the population that reasonably estimates their place in the world (if it is a global problem, and I am a part of the world then this is my problem) constitutes 42% of respondents who participated in the study; the part of the population that tends to separate themselves from the society as a whole (state anxiety in this group is lower) – this is a problem of the world but not mine (and am I a part of the world?) – constitutes 41%.
Conclusions: State anxiety is almost independent of characteristics, such as age, gender, or place of residence, but this anxiety differs among people with different views of themselves and their place in society, which necessitates some in-depth research of other personal factors in parallel with state anxiety that could further clarify the situation.

Keywords: COVID-19, anxiety, optimism bias, Ukraine