bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of Provanna (Gastropoda, Provannidae) from the Costa Rica Margin and an identification key for the genus
Authors: Betters Melissa J. , Cordes Erik E.
Published: January 2024

Consistent species identification is foundational to biological research and requires coordination among a diversity of researchers and institutions. However, such consistency may be hindered for rare organisms where specimens, identification resources, and taxonomic experts are few. This is often the case for deep-sea taxonomic groups. For example, the deep-sea gastropod genus Provanna Dall, 1918 is common at chemosynthetic sites throughout the world’s oceans, yet no formal guide to these species has yet been produced. Recent exploration has recovered new specimens of Provanna from hydrocarbon seeps off the Pacific Costa Rica Margin. The current work assesses the species identity of these specimens using shell morphology, radular morphology, and genetic barcoding (mitochondrial CO1 and nuclear H3). Records of occurrence for P. laevis Warén & Ponder, 1991, P. ios Warén & Bouchet, 1986, and P. pacifica Warén & Bouchet, 1986 are herein presented from the Costa Rica Margin. A critical taxonomic review of the 29 extant species within this genus was conducted and their genetic, morphological, and biogeographical distinction assessed. In this review, genetic and morphological support was found for nearly all current species delineations except for P. glabraOkutani et al., 1992, syn. nov. and P. laevis, syn. nov., which are herein synonymized to P. laevis, and for P. ios, syn. nov. and P. goniata Warén & Bouchet, 1986, syn. nov., which are synonymized to P. ios. Finally, the first species identification key for the extant species in this genus is presented. This work clarifies the taxonomy and systematics of this deep-sea gastropod genus and contributes a novel polytomous key for use in future research.
Global dynamics of a predator-prey system with immigration in both species
Authors: Diz-Pita Érika
Published: January 2024

In nature, the vast majority of species live in ecosystems that are not isolated, and the same is true for predator-prey ecological systems. With this work, we extend a predator-prey model by considering the inclusion of an immigration term in both species. From a biological point of view, that allows us to achieve a more realistic model. We consider a system with a Holling type Ⅰ functional response and study its global dynamics, which allows to not only determine the behavior in a region of the plane $ \mathbb{R}^2 $, but also to control the orbits that either go or come to infinity. First, we study the local dynamics of the system, by analyzing the singular points and their stability, as well as the possible behavior of the limit cycles when they exist. By using the Poincaré compactification, we determine the global dynamics by studying the global phase portraits in the positive quadrant of the Poincaré disk, which is the region where the system is of interest from a biological point of view.
Automatic recognition of white blood cell images with memory efficient superpixel metric GNN: SMGNN
Authors: Jiang Yuanhong , Shen Yiqing , Wang Yuguang , Ding Qiaoqiao
Published: January 2024

An automatic recognizing system of white blood cells can assist hematologists in the diagnosis of many diseases, where accuracy and efficiency are paramount for computer-based systems. In this paper, we presented a new image processing system to recognize the five types of white blood cells in peripheral blood with marked improvement in efficiency when juxtaposed against mainstream methods. The prevailing deep learning segmentation solutions often utilize millions of parameters to extract high-level image features and neglect the incorporation of prior domain knowledge, which consequently consumes substantial computational resources and increases the risk of overfitting, especially when limited medical image samples are available for training. To address these challenges, we proposed a novel memory-efficient strategy that exploits graph structures derived from the images. Specifically, we introduced a lightweight superpixel-based graph neural network (GNN) and broke new ground by introducing superpixel metric learning to segment nucleus and cytoplasm. Remarkably, our proposed segmentation model superpixel metric graph neural network (SMGNN) achieved state of the art segmentation performance while utilizing at most 10000$ \times $ less than the parameters compared to existing approaches. The subsequent segmentation-based cell type classification processes showed satisfactory results that such automatic recognizing algorithms are accurate and efficient to execeute in hematological laboratories. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/jyh6681/SPXL-GNN.
Problem-Based Learning Management System (PBLMS): A Mobile Learning Application to Facilitate Creative Thinking Skills (CTS) of Prospective Physics Teachers
Authors: Rizal Rahmat , Surahman Endang , Aripin Haji , Maulidah Rifa'atul
Published: January 2024

Creative thinking is a 21st-century skill that lecturers should facilitate since the current challenge and conditions are getting more complex. These skills can be facilitated using technology through mobile learning using Problem-Based Learning Management System (PBLMS). This study aimed to obtain an overview of the improvement in the creative thinking skills of prospective physics teachers after participating in mobile learning using PBLMS. This is a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group design. The population of this study consisted of 80 first-year students at a university in Tasikmalaya. The sample consisted of 50 students who were selected using purposive sampling. They were 16 men and 34 women with an age range of 19–21 years. The data were collected using tests, observations, and interviews. The instruments used in this study included Creative Thinking Skill (CTS) tests, that is, the sheets of learning process observation, and interview guidance. The enhancement of CTS was processed using normalized gain and strengthened statistically by two mean difference tests. The group that took lectures using PBLMS had a higher score with an N-Gain of 0.72 (high category), while the group without PBLMS had an N-gain of 0.61 (medium category). Statistically, the two mean difference tests showed that the significance obtained was 0.003, so it can be concluded that there was a significant difference between the groups using PBLMS and without PBLMS. The research can provide an overview of the usefulness of PBLMS in supporting the achievement of learning objectives and other related skills.
A State Table SPHIT Approach for Modified Curvelet-based Medical Image Compression
Authors: Ja'afar Noor Huda , Ahmad Afandi , Safie Sairul Izwan
Published: January 2024

Medical imaging plays a significant role in clinical practice. Storing and transferring a large volume of images can be complex and inefficient. This paper presents the development of a new compression technique that combines the fast discrete curvelet transform (FDCvT) with state table set partitioning in the hierarchical trees (STS) encoding scheme. The curvelet transform is an extension of the wavelet transform algorithm that represents data based on scale and position. Initially, the medical image was decomposed using the FDCvT algorithm. The FDCvT algorithm creates symmetrical values for the detail coefficients, and these coefficients are modified to improve the efficiency of the algorithm. The curvelet coefficients are then encoded using the STS and differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM). The greatest amount of energy is contained in the coarse coefficients, which are encoded using the DPCM method. The finest and modified detail coefficients are encoded using the STS method. A variety of medical modalities, including computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to verify the performance of the proposed technique. Various quality metrics, including peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), compression ratio (CR), and structural similarity index (SSIM), are used to evaluate the compression results. Additionally, the computation time for the encoding (ET) and decoding (DT) processes is measured. The experimental results showed that the PET image obtained higher values of the PSNR and CR. The CT image provides high quality for the reconstructed image, with an SSIM value of 0.96 and the fastest ET of 0.13 seconds. The MRI image has the shortest DT, which is 0.23 seconds.
Global Growth and Trends of In-Body Communication Research—Insight From Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Syifaul Fuada  , Guanghui Ma  , Marcos Katz
Published: January 2024

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine research on in-body communication. This study aimed to assess the research growth in different countries, identify influential authors for potential international collaboration, investigate research challenges, and explore future prospects for in-body communication. A total of 148 articles written in English from journals and conference proceedings were gathered from the Scopus database. These articles cover the period from 2006 until August 2023. VOS Viewer 1.6.19 and Tableau Cloud were used to analyze the data. The analysis reveals that research on in-body communication has shown fluctuations but overall tends to increase. The United States, Finland, and Japan were identified as the leading countries (top three) in terms of publication quantity, while researchers from Norway, Finland, and Morocco received the highest number of citations. The University of Oulu in Finland has emerged as a productive institution in this field. Collaborative research opportunities exist with the countries mentioned above or with authors who have expertise in this topic. The dominant research topic within this field pertains to ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. One of the future challenges in this field is the exploration of optical wireless communication (OWC) as a potential communication medium for in-body devices, such as electronic devices implanted in the human body. This includes improving performance to meet the requirements for in-body communication devices. Additionally, this paper provides further insights into the progress of research on OWC for in-body communication conducted in our laboratory.
Engagement explicite, engagement implicite. L’exemple du discours sur la chasse
Authors: Kerbrat-Orecchioni Catherine
Published: January 2024

Par opposition à certains discours ouvertement « pro-chasse » ou « anti-chasse », le propos de Charles Stépanoff dans L’Animal et la mort se veut respectueux de la neutralité censée caractériser le discours scientifique. Pourtant, certains commentateurs n’ont pas manqué de voir dans cet essai une forme de réhabilitation de la chasse, ce qui pose le problème de savoir ce qui peut produire un tel effet de lecture, et sur quels indices peut reposer une telle interprétation. Il apparaît que dans ce texte, la valorisation de la chasse se fait d’une part à travers la représentation d’un chasseur paré de toutes les vertus, cette valorisation du praticien entraînant par ricochet métonymique celle de la pratique elle-même. D’autre part, cette pratique se trouve légitimée grâce à différents procédés, argumentatifs ou rhétoriques (comme le recours massif à l’euphémisme), qui convergent dans le texte de Stépanoff pour créer l’impression d’un engagement implicite en faveur de l’activité cynégétique, et corrélativement d’une critique du « pathocentrisme » contemporain, responsable de l’hostilité envers cette activité.
La griffe du greffier. Autobiographies félines chez Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann et Joann Sfar
Authors: Tellier Virginie
Published: January 2024

L’article porte sur la comparaison du Chat Murr de Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (1819-1822) et du Chat du rabbin. 1, la Bar-Mitsva de Joann Sfar (2002). Il s’interroge sur le rôle spécifique dévolu au personnage félin dans la mise en œuvre d’une défamiliarisation (ostranenie) propre au littéraire. Il s’attache d’abord à montrer comment les deux auteurs procèdent pour rendre compte d’un point de vue félin sur le monde, à partir de mécanismes langagiers et iconiques spécifiques. Il s’intéresse ensuite aux jeux d’autobiographie en miroir, et à la manière dont ce langage animal permet de repenser, pour les auteurs humains, le rapport à soi et au monde, afin de recréer une familiarité, par-delà la défamiliarisation. Il tente ensuite de définir une poétique du silence et du non-dit, la parole animale venant, chez E. T. A. Hoffmann comme chez J. Sfar, interroger la manière dont l’art répond au silence métaphysique auquel se confronte l’être humain.
À propos de la loi pour contrôler l'immigration, améliorer l'intégration, entretien avec Danièle Lochak, professeure émérite de l’Université Paris Nanterre (CTAD-Credof), membre et ancienne présidente du Gisti
Authors: Lochak Danièle
Published: January 2024

Le présent entretien ouvre une série d’interviews réalisés avec plusieurs enseignants chercheurs spécialistes du droit des étrangers mais aussi de la chose politique. Face à la brutalité du projet de loi, tant dans ses aspects substantiels que procéduraux, et compte tenu des critiques importantes dont il fait l’objet, il est apparu nécessaire aux Lettres d’actualité de réagir en offrant à ces experts un espace pour livrer leur analyse sur les conséquences de cette réforme en termes de droits fondamentaux. Une publication sous forme d’entretien est apparue la plus opportune pour informer les lecteurs des multiples enjeux que le texte soulève sur ses différents aspects : en matière d’entrée et de séjour, de droit du travail et de protection sociale, de droit d’asile, mais encore sur le plan institutionnel et politique.
A Deep Learning-Based Microgrid Energy Management Method Under the Internet of Things Architecture
Authors: Guo Wei , Sun Shengbo , Tao Peng , Li Fei , Ding Jianyong , Li Hongbo
Published: January 2024

Given that the current microgrid incorporates highly connected distributed energy sources, the conventional model control methods do not suffice to support complex and ever-changing operating scenarios. This paper proposes a deep learning-based energy optimization method for microgrid energy management in the new power system scenarios. This article constructs a microgrid cloud edge collaboration architecture, which collects interactive network status data through terminal devices and network edge sides. A microgrid energy management model is constructed based on Bi-LSTM attention in the network cloud. And the model is sunk to provide real-time and efficient comprehensive load and power generation prediction output optimal scheduling decisions at the edge of the network, achieving collaborative control of microgrid light load storage. The simulation based on the actual available microgrid data shows that the proposed Bi-LSTM attention energy management model can achieve rapid analysis and optimize decision-making within 7.3 seconds for complex microgrid operation scenarios.
Identifying MT Errors for Higher-Quality Target Language Writing
Authors: Tsuji Kayo
Published: January 2024

Second language education has arrived at a phase of proposing effective uses of neural machine translation (NMT). Previous research has explored various aspects of post-editing and suggested that it is crucial to manually edit NMT output to produce better target language (TL) texts. The purpose of this study was to identify NMT errors in output text, so that Japanese TL (English) learners can recognize what to be aware of. The study targeted the NMT output from Japanese-written academic reports, pre-edited by 73 Japanese students with intermediate TL proficiency. The data was analysed and primarily lexical and grammatical issues were detected and systematically classified. Results showed that the use of inappropriate TL vocabulary was the most frequent error, followed by misuse or lack of determiners. Some could be avoided in a pre-editing phase by carefully choosing precise source-language (SL) vocabulary or reducing SL ambiguity, while others required a deeper understanding of TL syntactic rules or the nuance of TL vocabulary. TL Learners need to raise their awareness of these NMT errors for effective post-editing.
Enterprise Digital Transformation, Dynamic Capabilities, and ESG Performance
Authors: Zhang Lan , Ye Yuwei , Meng Zixuan , Ma Ning , Wu Chia-Huei
Published: January 2024

Digital transformation improves the operational efficiency and perceptual capabilities of businesses and creates a foundation for fulfilling ESG responsibilities. The authors use the theories of technological innovation and dynamic capabilities and select a sample of 4054 listed companies with commercial integration of ESG rating data to explore the mechanisms through which digital transformation affects ESG performance. Dynamic capabilities are further divided into innovation changeability (IT), coordination integration capability (CI), and learning absorption capability (LA) to investigate the mediating effects and summarize the causal path of “digital transformation - dynamic capabilities - ESG performance.” The research focuses on the impact of digital technology on ESG performance with the aim of helping businesses utilize technology more effectively to build dual competitive advantages in digitization and ESG.
Prevalence of acute frozen shoulder with functional limitation following cardiac surgery: A descriptive study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Kurukulasuriya S. A. F. , Mettananda K. C. D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: A high incidence of frozen shoulder (FS), of up to 33% is reported in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, which is tenfold higher than in the normal population. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent progression to chronic, treatmentresistant disease. However, data on the prevalence of acute FS following cardiac surgery in Sri Lanka is not known. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and associations of acute FS following coronary artery bypass graft with or without valve replacement in two cardiac surgical units in Sri Lanka.Methods: We studied consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery from April 2022 to November 2022. Patients were recruited to the study before discharge from the hospital and were reviewed at 2 and 12 weeks following surgery. Acute FS was diagnosed in the presence of pain and limitation in lateral rotation, abduction, and medial rotation. Data on demographics and risk factors were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.Results: We studied 142 patients, 110 (77%) males, mean age of 60.3 SD years (range 28-78 years), 142 had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 3 of them additionally had valve replacement. Of them, 55 (38.7%) developed FS at 12 weeks post-surgery. Prevalence of FS was highest among the 50-60-year age group, 25 (45%). Development of post-surgical acute FS was more in patients with ischaemic heart disease (OR 5.5, p <0.01), hyperlipidaemia (OR 15.1, p<0.01), and who did not have regular post-op physiotherapy (6.1 p<0.01).Conclusion: More than one-third of patients undergoing cardiac surgery developed acute FS at 12 weeks. Patients with ischaemic heart disease, and hyperlipidaemia, and who did not engage in regular post-op physiotherapy were at high risk of developing acute FS.
Primary neuroleptospirosis complicating cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report
Authors: Malavipathirana C. T. W. , Fernando A. H. N.
Published: January 2024

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, presents as a biphasic illness consisting of an initial leptospiraemic phase followed by an immune phase. Nevertheless, leptospirosis remains undiagnosed on numerous occasions, particularly when it presents with neurological complications, due to its infrequent and atypical nature. Primary neuroleptospirosis complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis emerges as an infrequent, and life-threatening complication, associated with a high mortality risk.We report a 55-year-old man presented with fever and headache of two days duration, which progressed into clouding of consciousness on the third day. Clinical examination revealed conjunctival suffusion, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 11/15, disorientation, and meningism. The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting Leptospira DNA in cerebrospinal fluid through real-time PCR, and a subsequent magnetic resonance venogram revealed sigmoid and transverse sinuses thrombosis, which was performed due to the patient’s persistent occipital headache.This case report underscores the significance of recognizing rare manifestations of common tropical diseases in endemic areas and the importance of thorough patient history in diagnosis, as in this patient where leptospirosis was suspected due to recent risk exposure.
Predatory journals and publishing fraud
Authors: Gunatilake Saman B.
Published: January 2024

No abstract available
Holistic care amidst constraints
Authors: Munidasa D.
Published: January 2024

No abstract available
Navigating the pandemic of a lifetime: COVID-19 morbidity, mortality, and vaccination through the eyes of a physician
Authors: De Silva S. T.
Published: January 2024

No abstract available
One-year outcomes of percutaneous continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion by nephrologists: First experience from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ratnapala U. , Wijesekara H. , Sirisena C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Continuous ambulatory peritonealdialysis (CAPD) via a catheter placed in the peritoneum is an established mode of renal replacement therapy. CAPD catheters are placed using either percutaneous or surgical techniques. Percutaneous method is less invasive and avoids the need for general anaesthesia, surgical space, and expertise. This study was conducted to measure one-year outcomes of percutaneous CAPD catheter insertions performed by a nephrology team; the first experience from Sri Lanka.Methods: We retrospectively studied 96 patients in two centers, who underwent percutaneous CAPD catheter insertion over two years with a follow-up period of minimum one year. The catheter was placed using modified Seldinger technique under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance.Results: Majority were males (78.1%) with a median age of 56 years. Most were on haemodialysis (HD) (85.4%) prior to CAPD catheter insertion. The commonest reason for opting for CAPD was to avoid hospital visits for HD (54.2%). During the follow-up of one year, 85.4% were free of complications. Frequent non-infectious complications were catheter removal (12.5%), visceral injury (4.2%), primary insertion failure (4.2%), and catheter dysfunction (2.1%). Pre-training peritonitis was found in 2.1% with an overall peritonitis rate of 0.4 episodes per patient a year. There was no significant association between catheter-related complications and gender (p=0.68), previous abdominal surgery (p=0.54), diabetes mellitus (p=0.84), and hypertension (p=0.46). One-year catheter survival was 92%.Discussion: One-year outcomes of percutaneous CAPD catheter insertion by nephrologists were efficacious and safe with low complication rates. Hence, CAPD catheter insertion by well-trained nephrologists should be encouraged. Further studies comparing percutaneous versus surgical catheter placement are warranted.
Status of the economy and key challenges faced by the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva M. H.
Published: January 2024

Ceylon College of Physicians (CCP) chose the theme of ‘Holistic care amidst constraints’ for the Annual Academic Sessions 2023. As the Chief Guest, I was invited to present an independent economist’s perspective on the current status of the economy and to share some thoughts on two key challenges currently faced by the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka, namely the brain drain and the funding of healthcare. The first part of this paper sets out the key contributory factors that caused the current economic crisis and the policy measures taken at present to reverse these to stimulate a sustainable economic recovery. The success of these reforms so far based on key economic indicators such as exchange rate, interest rates, inflation, GDP growth, foreign exchange reserves, government revenue, trade deficit, worker remittances and tourism earnings, are examined thereafter. Areas of concern which require attention to ensure sustainability of the process and to ensure that nobody is left behind, are highlighted.Causes and remedies of brain drain are discussed, looking beyond those which look obvious but are currently unfeasible due to the state of the economy. The pace of emigration needs to be slowed while adapting to the challenges posed by this inevitable phenomenon and learning to live with it. Regarding funding of healthcare, issues faced by the current two-tiered system in Sri Lanka are examined, particularly the high level of out-of-pocket spending.Different models adopted by countries such as the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the USA are looked at. A model for Sri Lanka to consider adopting is proposed to help reach the goal of Universal Health Coverage and an attempt is made to chart a path to fulfil this vision.
Self-assessment questions (Single best response)
Authors: Co-Editors
Published: January 2024

No abstract available
Development of a New Off-the-Shelf Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell–Based Approach for the Expansion and Characterization of SARS-CoV-2–Specific T Cells
Authors: Maino Anthony , Amen Axelle , Plumas Joël , Bouquet Lucie , Deschamps Marina , Saas Philippe , Chaperot Laurence , Manches Olivier
Published: January 2024

Global vaccination against COVID-19 has been widely successful; however, there is a need for complementary immunotherapies in severe forms of the disease and in immunocompromised patients. Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells have a crucial role in disease control, but their function can be dysregulated in severe forms of the disease. We report here a cell-based approach using a plasmacytoid dendritic cell line (PDC*line) to expand in vitro specific CD8+ responses against COVID-19 Ags. We tested the immunogenicity of eight HLA-A*02:01 restricted peptides derived from diverse SARS-Cov-2 proteins, selected by bioinformatics analyses in unexposed and convalescent donors. Higher ex vivo frequencies of specific T cells against these peptides were found in convalescent donors compared with unexposed donors, suggesting in situ T cell expansion upon viral infection. The peptide-loaded PDC*line induced robust CD8+ responses with total amplification rates that led up to a 198-fold increase in peptide-specific CD8+ T cell frequencies for a single donor. Of note, six of eight selected peptides provided significant amplifications, all of which were conserved between SARS-CoV variants and derived from the membrane, the spike protein, the nucleoprotein, and the ORF1ab. Amplified and cloned antiviral CD8+ T cells secreted IFN-γ upon peptide-specific activation. Furthermore, specific TCR sequences were identified for two highly immunogenic Ags. Hence, PDC*line represents an efficient platform to identify immunogenic viral targets for future immunotherapies.
SGLT2 inhibitors and risk reduction for mortality in high-risk patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Siddiqi Tariq Jamal , Butler Javed , Coats Andrew J.S. , Verma Subodh , Friede Tim , Filippatos Gerasimos , Anker Stefan D.
Published: January 2024

Background: The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of sodium-glucose cotransporters-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) death in high-risk patients and compare the efficacy of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. Methods: PubMed was queried from inception to the last week of September 2023 for randomized controlled trials that compared SGLT2 inhibitors’ empagliflozin or dapagliflozin with placebo and included patients with heart failure (HF), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The outcome of interest was CV death or all-cause death. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random effect model, and forest plots were created to analyze the results visually. A chi-square test was performed to assess subgroup differences between empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. Results: Eight trials (N=55,818) were included in our analysis, namely EMPA-REG, EMPEROR-Reduced, EMPEROR-Preserved, EMPA-KIDNEY, DECLARE-TIMI, DAPA-HF, DELIVER and DAPA-CKD. Pooled analysis demonstrated that compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibition reduced the risk of CV death (SGLT2i arm = 1405 events, 29,089 total patients; placebo arm = 1515 events, 26,729 total patients; HR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.79-0.93, p<0.001) and all-cause death (SGLT2i arm = 2,491 events, 29,062 total patients; placebo arm= 2,625 events, 26,729 total patients; HR: 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.95, p=0.002) in high-risk patients identified as having either T2DM, HF, or CKD. No differences were observed in the effect of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin on CV death (HRempagliflozin: 0.81; 95% CI 0.68-0.97, HRdapagliflozin: 0.88; 0.82-0.95, p=0.39) and all-cause death (HRempagliflozin: 0.86; 95% CI 0.73-1.02, HRdapagliflozin: 0.87; 0.78-0.97, p=0.94). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of all-cause and CV death in high-risk patients. Notably, there were no discernible differences in the benefits of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin on these outcomes.
The use of metaphors by service users with diverse long-term conditions: a secondary qualitative data analysis
Authors: Lempp Heidi , Tang Chris , Heavey Emily , Bristowe Katherine , Allan Helen , Lawrence Vanessa , Santana Suarez Beatriz , Williams Ruth , Hinton Lisa , Gillett Karen , Arber Anne
Published: January 2024

Long-term conditions and accompanied co-morbidities now affect about a quarter of the UK population. Enabling patients and caregivers to communicate their experience of illness in their own words is vital to developing a shared understanding of the condition and its impact on patients’ and caregivers’ lives and in delivering person-centred care. Studies of patient language show how metaphors provide insight into the physical and emotional world of the patient, but such studies are often limited by their focus on a single illness. The authors of this study undertook a secondary qualitative data analysis of 25 interviews, comparing the metaphors used by patients and parents of patients with five longterm conditions. Analysis shows how similar metaphors can be used in empowering and disempowering ways as patients strive to accept illness in their daily lives and how metaphor use depends on the manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of individual conditions. The study concludes with implications for how metaphorical expressions can be attended to by healthcare professionals as part of shared care planning.
The effect of previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy: The retrospective analysis of 1500 patients
Authors: Emre Balli , Mehlika Bilgi Kirmaci , Metehan Aydin , Taylan Ugurlu Esat , Sezgin Yilmaz
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for patients with acute cholecystitis at early period. However, 15%–20% of patients with acute cholecystitis develop obstructive jaundice, cholangitis and bile duct stones ultimately requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In such cases, a two-session approach is usually recommended, first ERCP followed by LC thereafter. However, the effect of prior ERCP on the difficulty of subsequent LC is unknown. Hence, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of previous ERCP on the results of LC.

Patients and Methods:

In this study, the files of 1500 patients who underwent LC were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups (500 patients for each group). The patients undergoing LC for asymptomatic cholelithiasis were assigned to the L-e group. The patients who underwent LC for acute cholecystitis were assigned to the L-c group. The patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent ERCP first and then LC were assigned to the L-ercp group. The rates of conversion to open cholecystectomy, operation times, complication rates and hospital stays of the three groups were compared.

Results:

The results of LC performed after ERCP are similar to the results of LC for cholecystitis without ERCP in terms of operation time, hospital stay, conversion and complications.

Conclusions:

Previous ERCP does not affect the safety and effectiveness of early LC in patients with acute cholecystitis.
Influential Factors on Women's Participation in Agricultural Cooperative in the Digital Era
Authors: Pandey Vijay Kumar , Shanko Abebe , Kaul Meenakshi
Published: January 2024

Digitalization has brought ease in managing the operations of organizations in the world. However, education and digital literacy become hurdles for involving marginalized people. The participation of women is crucial for the overall development of humankind. "Gender equality and women's empowerment are essential for achieving sustainable development and creating a more just and equitable world"[1]. Indeed, greater women's participation can significantly boost qualitative and quantitative output in all fields. Promoting women's participation in rural areas can significantly impact agricultural economies, including increasing food production and dairy output. However, the participation of women in decision-making, particularly in rural areas, is often limited. This paper focuses on Identifying and analyzing the factors that prevent women from playing a more significant role in rural economies, which is an essential step towards promoting women's economic empowerment and achieving more equitable and sustainable development outcomes in the digital era. The study's finding suggests that education levels, lack of adequate training, and household work are key factors that limit the participation of women.
Myricetin induces M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Xu Wei-Long , Zhou Pei-Pei , Yu Xu , Tian Ting , Bao Jin-Jing , Ni Chang-Rong , Zha Min , Wu Xiao , Yu Jiang-Yi
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy (DN). Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.

AIM

To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.

METHODS

Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk. Subsequently, blood and urine indexes were assessed, along with examination of renal tissue pathology. Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, Masson’s trichrome, and Sirius-red. Additionally, high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line, treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h. In both in vivo and in vitro settings, quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting, real-time qPCR and ELISA.

RESULTS

In db/db mice, administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis. Notably, we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors. Furthermore, myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interluekin-1β induced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells. Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin. The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Prediabetes: An overlooked risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Desai Rupak , Katukuri Nishanth , Goguri Sumaja Reddy , Kothawala Azra , Alle Naga Ruthvika , Bellamkonda Meena Kumari , Dey Debankur , Ganesan Sharmila , Biswas Minakshi , Sarkar Kuheli , Prattipati Pramoda , Chauhan Shaylika
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes is a well-established risk factor for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). However, the relationship between prediabetes and MACCE in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.

AIM

To investigate a link between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients.

METHODS

We used the National Inpatient Sample (2019) and relevant ICD-10 CM codes to identify hospitalizations with AF and categorized them into groups with and without prediabetes, excluding diabetics. The primary outcome was MACCE (all-cause inpatient mortality, cardiac arrest including ventricular fibrillation, and stroke) in AF-related hospitalizations.

RESULTS

Of the 2965875 AF-related hospitalizations for MACCE, 47505 (1.6%) were among patients with prediabetes. The prediabetes cohort was relatively younger (median 75 vs 78 years), and often consisted of males (56.3% vs 51.4%), blacks (9.8% vs 7.9%), Hispanics (7.3% vs 4.3%), and Asians (4.7% vs 1.6%) than the non-prediabetic cohort (P < 0.001). The prediabetes group had significantly higher rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, drug abuse, prior myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and hyperthyroidism (all P < 0.05). The prediabetes cohort was often discharged routinely (51.1% vs 41.1%), but more frequently required home health care (23.6% vs 21.0%) and had higher costs. After adjusting for baseline characteristics or comorbidities, the prediabetes cohort with AF admissions showed a higher rate and significantly higher odds of MACCE compared to the non-prediabetic cohort [18.6% vs 14.7%, odds ratio (OR) 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.42, P < 0.001]. On subgroup analyses, males had a stronger association (aOR 1.43) compared to females (aOR 1.22), whereas on the race-wise comparison, Hispanics (aOR 1.43) and Asians (aOR 1.36) had a stronger association with MACCE with prediabetes vs whites (aOR 1.33) and blacks (aOR 1.21).

CONCLUSION

This population-based study found a significant association between prediabetes and MACCE in AF patients. Therefore, there is a need for further research to actively screen and manage prediabetes in AF to prevent MACCE.
Truck Tractor Power Outlet for Trailer ABS
Authors:   Truck and Bus Electrical Systems Committee, null null
Published: January 2024

This SAE Recommended Practice identifies the minimum truck tractor electrical power output of the stop lamp and ABS (antilock brake system) circuits measured at the primary SAE J560 tractor trailer interface connector(s).
Strongly Sublinear Algorithms for Testing Pattern Freeness
Authors: Newman Ilan , Varma Nithin
Published: January 2024

For a permutation $\pi:[k] \to [k]$, a function $f:[n] \to \mathbb{R}$
contains a $\pi$-appearance if there exists $1 \leq i_1 < i_2 < \dots < i_k
\leq n$ such that for all $s,t \in [k]$, $f(i_s) < f(i_t)$ if and only if
$\pi(s) < \pi(t)$. The function is $\pi$-free if it has no $\pi$-appearances.
In this paper, we investigate the problem of testing whether an input function
$f$ is $\pi$-free or whether $f$ differs on at least $\varepsilon n$ values
from every $\pi$-free function. This is a generalization of the well-studied
monotonicity testing and was first studied by Newman, Rabinovich,
Rajendraprasad and Sohler (Random Structures and Algorithms 2019). We show that
for all constants $k \in \mathbb{N}$, $\varepsilon \in (0,1)$, and permutation
$\pi:[k] \to [k]$, there is a one-sided error $\varepsilon$-testing algorithm
for $\pi$-freeness of functions $f:[n] \to \mathbb{R}$ that makes
$\tilde{O}(n^{o(1)})$ queries. We improve significantly upon the previous best
upper bound $O(n^{1 - 1/(k-1)})$ by Ben-Eliezer and Canonne (SODA 2018). Our
algorithm is adaptive, while the earlier best upper bound is known to be tight
for nonadaptive algorithms.
STRUKTURAL EQUATION MODEL (SEM) MENGANALISIS JALUR PATH KOMPETENSI DAN KOMPENSASI TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS KARYAWAN DI CV. SEMARANG INDAH
Authors: Rofiroh Rofiroh , Faqihuddin Faqihuddin , Mahuda Isnaini
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to analyze and improve students' mathematical critical thinking skills in terms of learning styles in class X MIPA 1 students at SMAN 9 Depok. The research method used in this research is analytical method. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique. Instruments for collecting data in this study were in the form of a learning style questionnaire and a test of critical thinking skills. All students of class X MIPA 1 were identified with the type of learning style by using learning styles and critical thinking skills tests taken by 6 students representing each type of learning style of 2 students. The test is carried out on the Absolute Value material. Furthermore, the analysis of all data is carried out with the following steps: data reduction stage, data presentation stage, and conclusions. The results showed that: 1) students with visual learning styles were able to overcome indicators at the stage of providing simple explanations and arranging tactics but were less able to meet indicators at the inference stage, 2) students with auditory learning styles were less able to reach the stage of providing simple explanations but were able to in arranging strategies-tactics and inference stages, 3) students with kinesthetic learning styles are able to fulfill all indicators at the stage of giving simple explanations, setting strategies-tactics, and inferences
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA MELALUI MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING DI KELAS XI SMA METHODIST 2 PALEMBANG
Authors: Qudsiy Amirotul , Lusiana Lusiana , Silalahi Tina Mora
Published: January 2024

This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of mathematics subject of class XI SMA Methodist 2 Palembang. This research incorporates Classroom Action Research on class XI 4 SMA Methodist 2 Palembang as the subject. The data was collected through observation, documentation, and tests and analyzed using a descriptive quantitative approach. This research found: (1) The student's cognitive learning outcomes in the first cycle were 65% in the first meeting and 71% in the second. Then, in cycle II, it increased to 81% in the first meeting and 88% in the second. (2) The student's affective learning outcomes in cycle I acquired an average of 86.32 in the first meeting and 88.89 in the second. Then, in cycle II, it increased with an average of 91.45 in the first meeting and 93.59 in the second, which was in the "Very Good" category. (3) The student's psychomotor learning outcomes in cycle I acquired an average of 80.45 in the first meeting and 83.04 in the second. Then, in cycle II, it increased with an average of 85.26 in the first meeting and 88.14 in the second, which was in the "Good" category. The problem-based learning model can be concluded to improve the mathematics learning results of class XI 4 SMA Methodist 2 Palembang
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI INDEKS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GLOBAL
Authors: Nugroho Yanuar Ichwan Satria , Hendrawati Triyani , Marthendra Kennedy , Simanjuntak Brian Riski Jayama
Published: January 2024

The Global AI (Artificial Intelligence) Index is a value that aims to measure the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) around the world. Currently, technology is increasingly sophisticated and of course makes humans compete to create technology to make life easier. The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of human resources, infrastructure, and government policies on the global AI index. The method used to determine the relationship between human resources, infrastructure, and government policies with the global AI index is the multiple linear regression method. From the results of data processing, a linear regression  = - 7,54675 + 0,65972  + 0,25096  + 0,07672 . Based on this model, the influence of human resources, infrastructure, and government policies has a significant positive effect on the Global AI Index. The coefficient of determination of the model is 0.8833, in other words, human resources (), infrastructure (), and government policy () are able to explain the value of the global AI index (Y) by 88.33% and the remaining 11.67% is explained by other variables
PENERAPAN MULTIVARIATE ADAPTIVE REGRESSION SPLINES UNTUK ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KELAYAKAN NASABAH YANG MENGAJUKAN PEMBIAYAAN
Authors: Kartini Alif Yuanita , Wulandari Devy
Published: January 2024

Not all customers who apply for financing will be accepted by the bank. This is to avoid risks that often occur in the financing process, namely bad financing. One way to avoid this risk is to find out the factors that affect the eligibility of customers who apply for financing using the MARS method. This research was conducted at BSI Bojonegoro branch office using data on customers who applied for financing from January to March 2023, namely 75 customers. The response variables used are binary with categories of customers who do not get financing and customers who get financing. While the predictor variables used are BI checking (X1), job background (X2), type of financing (X3), number of dependents (X4), working period (X5), income (X6), plafond (X7), margin (X8) and DSR (X9). Based on the analysis, it was found that the factors had a significant influence on the eligibility of customers applying for financing were DSR which contributed 100%, income 48%, employment background 45%, margin 42%, plafond 26% and BI checking 17%. Furthermore, the MARS model obtained is used to classify eligible and unfit customers with an accuracy rate of 92%. From this research, it is expected to minimize customers who are stuck in making payments and minimize financing risks at BSI Bojonegoro branch office
PENERAPAN SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN (SPK) DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE FUZZY AHP (ANALYTICAL HIERARCY PROCESS) SEBAGAI PENENTUAN PENERIMA BEASISWA PIP
Authors: Aflahin Ahmad Al A Dhomul , Fathoni M. Ivan Ariful , Cindarbumi Festian
Published: January 2024

Determining PIP scholarship recipients is a matter of multi-criteria decision making. For this problem, a decision support system (SPK) was built to determine PIP scholarship recipients using criteria including: family economic condition, average family income, and number of parental dependents. The method used in this problem is the Fuzzy AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method. Based on the results of testing the decision support system using the Fuzzy AHP method, this research succeeded in determining students who were entitled to receive the PIP scholarship, where from all alternative PIP scholarship applicants, the final clusterization value was obtained as 25% of the alternatives were entitled to receive it and 75% of the alternatives were not entitled to receive it. Apart from that, this decision support system is dynamic in nature, where the system can handle changes or additions to criteria