bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Care Drain” from East to West: The Narrative of Romanian Women Migrant Working in the Italian Domestic Care Sector
Authors: Panzaru Ciprian , Gravina Gloria
Published: September 2024

This study employs a qualitative methodology to investigate the implications of Romanian women’s migration to Italy for employment in the domestic care sector. The research is based on in‐depth interviews conducted face to face with 20 Romanian women who have resided in Italy for over a decade, with the aim of capturing the details of their long‐term integration processes. These interviews, conducted in 2022, specifically focus on the participants’ lived experiences of migration and adaptation within the Italian context. Findings reveal that economic motivations are a primary driver intertwined with aspirations for personal and familial advancement. However, the research also highlights the challenges faced by these women, including precarious employment conditions, emotional strain due to family separation, and complexities of integration within the host society. Social networks and transnational ties emerge as crucial factors influencing both the decision to migrate and the subsequent adaptation process. The analysis underscores the duality inherent in care work migration: While it bolsters the Italian care economy and offers economic opportunities for the migrants, it simultaneously exposes them to vulnerabilities such as job insecurity and potential exploitation. By investigating this migration of care workers, the research contributes to the field of welfare economics by clarifying the economic ramifications of gendered occupational segregation and migration status. Furthermore, it advocates for implementing inclusive labour market practices and policies that prioritize the well‐being of migrant care workers and facilitate their successful integration into host societies.
Interactive Forward and Inversion Scheme‐Based Anisotropic Correction for Shale Gas Horizontal Well Sonic Logs and Its Application
Authors: Qiu Xiaoxue , Shi Xuewen , Liao Maojie , Zhang Dongjun , Zhong Guanghai , Gao Xiang , Yang Yang , Kong Deweiran
Published: September 2024

Well logging interpretation and evaluation of reservoirs in horizontal wells plays an important role in shale gas exploration and development. The accuracy of the interpreted petrophysical parameters is directly affected by well logging curves. This study focuses on a horizontal well targeting deep shale gas layers in the Luzhou block, Southern Sichuan Basin. It employs an interactive forward and inversion scheme to precisely reconstruct the borehole trajectory using a comprehensive dataset encompassing well logs, mud logs, and seismic data. The research introduces a method for anisotropic correction of sonic log, crucial for calculating reservoir parameters, and assess payzone targeting in the horizontal well. The research results show that the interactive forward and inverse simulation method can achieve the recovery of horizontal well borehole trajectory and finely delineate the sublayers, improving the evaluation accuracy of platinum target drilling encounter ratio by over 6%. Numerically simulated acoustic wave can be used to carry out the anisotropy correction of acoustic wave in horizontal wells and calculate reservoir parameters, reducing the relative error in computed porosity to 1.72%. The comprehensive logging evaluation results from both geological and engineering aspects provide the data basis for planning the fracturing program of the shale gas horizontal well. This research has established a new method and idea for well logging evaluation in shale gas horizontal wells, marking a significant step toward integrating geological and engineering aspects in shale gas exploration.
Investigation and Optimization of Operational Conditions of Anaerobic Digestion Process for Enhanced Biogas Production Yield in a CSTR Using RSM
Authors: Rasouli Majid , Ataeiyan Behnam
Published: September 2024

In this study, pilot‐scale experiments were performed on the anaerobic digestion (AD) in a semicontinuous process using a continuously stirred tank reactor to determine the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), temperature, and mixing levels on biogas production yield. Fresh cow manure was considered the input feedstock of this study due to its high production volume. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design and analyze experiments to optimize OLR, temperature, and mixing intensity in biogas production. The central composite design was applied as a RSM optimization tool. Four cubic mathematical models were derived to predict the responses. The optimization study was carried out to identify the highest yields achievable when temperature and mixing factors are minimized. Temperature and OLR have been found to have a greater influence on biogas production compared to mixing intensity. The AD process is significantly influenced by temperature. Variations in temperature, specifically near 40 and 55°C, lead to an increase in the rate of biogas production. Therefore, the best temperatures for biogas production rate are near 40 and 55°C. The results of the performed optimizations suggest to adopt OLR values range of 1.6–2.5 kgVSCow manure/m3 · day, and 2.5–3.4 kgVSCow manure/m3 · day in the case of temperature ranges 20–40°C and 40–55°C, respectively.
Trasplante hematopoyético ambulatorio: una opción a considerar en Chile. Presentación de un caso y revisión de tema
Authors: Sarmiento Mauricio , Quezada Jacqueline , Jara Veronica , Gutierrez Catherine , Rojas Patricio , Ocqueteau Mauricio
Published: September 2024

Se presenta el caso del primer trasplante hematopoyético ambulatorio autólogo realizado en nuestro país según nuestro conocimiento. Además, se hace una revisión de la literatura al respecto y se concluye enumerando los requerimientos necesarios para considerar esta modalidad.
Figure S3 from Long-Lasting Response to Lorlatinib in Patients with ALK-Driven Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma Monitored with Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis
Authors: Ek Torben , Ibrahim Raghda R. , Vogt Hartmut , Georgantzi Kleopatra , Träger Catarina , Gaarder Jennie , Djos Anna , Rahmqvist Ida , Mellström Elisabeth , Pujol-Calderón Fani , Vannas Christoffer , Hansson Lina , Fagman Henrik , Treis Diana , Fransson Susanne , Österlund Tobias , Chuang Tzu-Po , Verhoeven Bronte Manouk , Ståhlberg Anders , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt , Martinsson Tommy , Kogner Per , Dalin Martin
Published: September 2024

Coverage with the NB-ALK sequencing panel
Determining the N-Glycan and Collagen/Extracellular Matrix Protein Compositions in a Novel Outcome Cohort of Prostate Cancer Tissue Microarrays Using MALDI-MSI
Authors: Hartig Jordan P. , Bejar Kaitlyn , Young Lyndsay E.A. , Grimsley Grace , Bethard Jennifer R. , Troyer Dean A. , Hernandez Javier , Wu Jennifer D. , Ippolito Joseph E. , Ball Lauren E. , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Johnson-Pais Teresa L. , Mehta Anand S. , Leach Robin J. , Angel Peggi M. , Drake Richard R.
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with metastasis posing major clinical challenges and resulting in poor patient outcome. Despite screening and treatment advances, a critical need for novel biomarkers to predict prostate cancer progression at the time of prostatectomy persists. Here, we assessed aberrant N-glycosylation patterns and alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as potential biomarkers of predicting prostate cancer severity in a unique patient outcome cohort. Tissue microarray slides were assembled from primary prostatectomy specimens that were categorized into “no evidence of disease (NED)” and “metastasis (MET)” designations based on >5-year disease progression outcomes. Serial mass spectrometry imaging techniques were performed to analyze N-glycans and ECM components in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cores. The results revealed a significant upregulation of bisecting and multiantennary core-fucosylated N-glycans in MET tissues when compared with NED tissues. Alterations in ECM composition in both NED and MET cohorts were observed, particularly in collagen species and the amount of hydroxyproline content. Results suggest a coordinated alteration of ECM protein and glycosylation content in prostate cancer tissues can be predictive for postprostatectomy disease progression.

Significance:

Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging techniques on a unique cohort of prostate cancer tissues, we highlighted several molecular characteristics of matrix that have potential to act as early predictors of prostate cancer metastasis.
Renal Medulla in Hypertension
Authors: Cowley Allen W. , Roman Richard J. , Mattson David L. , Franchini Kleber G. , O’Connor Paul M. , Makino Ayako , Taylor Norman E. , Evans Louise C. , Mori Takefumi , Dickhout Jeffrey G. , Jin Chunhua , Miyata Noriyuki , Nakanishi Kazushige , Szentiványi Mátyás , Park Frank , Skelton Meredith M. , Kurth Theresa , Shimada Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Studies have found that blood flow to the renal medulla is an important determinant of pressure-natriuresis and the long-term regulation of arterial pressure. First, a brief review of methods developed enabling the study of the medullary circulation is presented. Second, studies performed in rats are presented showing medullary blood flow plays a vital role in the pressure-natriuresis relationship and thereby in hypertension. Third, it is shown that chronic reduction of medullary blood flow results in hypertension and that enhancement of medullary blood flow reduces hypertension hereditary models of both salt-sensitive rats and salt-resistant forms of hypertension. The key role that medullary nitric oxide production plays in protecting this region from ischemic injury associated with circulating vasoconstrictor agents and reactive oxygen species is presented. The studies cited are largely the work of my students, research fellows, and colleagues with whom I have performed these studies dating from the late 1980s to more recent years.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Strategy of Different Types of Heart Failure in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Xia Yulong , Jiang Jie , Fan Fangfang , Pan Yannan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Hao Yongchen , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Ma Changsheng , Huo Yong ,   CCC‐AF investigators
Published: September 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with heart failure (HF). Epidemiological data regarding HF in patients with AF are lacking. We describe the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment strategies, and in‐hospital outcomes in patients with AF and HF.

Methods and Results

Patients with HF and nonvalvular AF in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China‐AF cohort from February 2015 to December 2019 were included. Patients were stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction into HF with reduced EF, HF with mildly reduced EF, and HF with preserved EF groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hospitalization for major adverse cardiovascular events, including death, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and stroke. Overall, 16 562 patients with AF and HF were included (mean age: 72.35±11.07 years; 46.1% female). HF with preserved EF (63.1%) accounted for the largest proportion, followed by HF with mildly reduced EF (19.0%) and HF with reduced EF (17.9%). Different HF subtypes in patients with AF had unique baseline demographic and clinical characteristics after multinomial logistic regression analysis. Compared with the HF with preserved EF group, hospitalization for major adverse cardiovascular events was increased in the HF with mildly reduced EF group (odds ratio=1.55 [95% CI, 1.18–2.03]) and HF with reduced EF group (odds ratio 1.60 [95% CI, 1.21–2.13]) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

In this large Chinese AF registry, the distribution of HF differed from the non‐AF population. Patients with AF with different types of HF have unique demographic and clinical characteristics. Occurrence rates of in‐hospital outcomes were higher in patients with HF with mildly reduced EF and patients with HF with reduced EF compared with the HF with preserved EF group.

Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02309398.
Selection of Home Treatment and Identification of Low‐Risk Patients With Pulmonary Embolism Based on Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index Score in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Nishikawa Ryusuke , Yamashita Yugo , Morimoto Takeshi , Kaneda Kazuhisa , Chatani Ryuki , Nishimoto Yuji , Ikeda Nobutaka , Kobayashi Yohei , Ikeda Satoshi , Kim Kitae , Inoko Moriaki , Takase Toru , Tsuji Shuhei , Oi Maki , Takada Takuma , Otsui Kazunori , Sakamoto Jiro , Ogihara Yoshito , Inoue Takeshi , Usami Shunsuke , Chen Po‐Min , Togi Kiyonori , Koitabashi Norimichi , Hiramori Seiichi , Doi Kosuke , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Tsuyuki Yoshiaki , Murata Koichiro , Takabayashi Kensuke , Nakai Hisato , Sueta Daisuke , Shioyama Wataru , Dohke Tomohiro , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi ,   COMMAND VTE Registry‐2 Investigators
Published: September 2024

Background

The simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) score could help identify low‐risk patients with pulmonary embolism for home treatment. However, the application of the sPESI score and selection for home treatment have not been fully evaluated in the direct oral anticoagulants era.

Methods and Results

The COMMAND VTE (Contemporary Management and Outcomes in Patients With Venous Thromboembolism) Registry‐2 is a multicenter registry enrolling consecutive patients with acute symptomatic venous thromboembolism. The current study population consists of 2496 patients with hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism (2100 patients [84%] treated with direct oral anticoagulants), who were divided into 2 groups: sPESI scores of 0 and ≥1. We investigated the 30‐day mortality, home treatment prevalence, and factors predisposing to home treatment using the Kaplan‐Meier method and logistic regression model. Patients with an sPESI score of 0 accounted for 612 (25%) patients, and only 17% among 532 patients with out‐of‐hospital pulmonary embolism were treated at home. The cumulative 30‐day mortality was lower in patients with an sPESI score of 0 than the score of ≥1 (0% and 4.8%, log‐rank
P
<0.001). There was no patient with 30‐day mortality with an sPESI score of 0. Independent factors for home treatment among out‐of‐hospital pulmonary embolism patients with an sPESI score of 0 were no transient risk factors for venous thromboembolism, no cardiac biomarker elevation, and direct oral anticoagulants use in the acute phase.

Conclusions

The 30‐day mortality rate was notably low in an sPESI score of 0. Nevertheless, only a minority of patients with an sPESI score of 0 were treated at home between 2015 and 2020 after the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolismin Japan.
Low Frequency Ventilation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass to Protect Postoperative Lung Function in Cardiac Valvular Surgery: The PROTECTION Phase II Randomized Trial
Authors: Rogers Chris A. , Mazza Graziella , Maishman Rachel , Thirard Russell , Evans Jonathan , de Jesus Samantha , Beard Chloe , Angelini Gianni , Millar Ann , Jarad Nabil , Tomkins Sally , Hillier James , Suleiman M‐Saadeh , Ascione Raimondo
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) triggers pulmonary injury. In this trial we assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of low frequency ventilation (LFV) during CPB in patients undergoing valvular surgery.

Methods and Results

Patients with severe mitral or aortic valve disease were randomized to either LFV or usual care. Primary outcomes included release of generic inflammatory and vascular biomarkers and the lung‐specific biomarker sRAGE (soluble receptor for advance glycation end products) up to 24 hours postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included pulmonary function tests and 6‐minute walking test up to 8 weeks postdischarge. Sixty‐three patients were randomized (33 LFV versus 30 usual care). Mean age was 66.8 years and 30% were female. LFV was associated with changes of sRAGE (soluble receptor for advance glycation end products) levels (geometric mean ratio, 3.05; [95% CI, 1.13–8.24] 10 minutes post CPB, and 1.07 [95% CI, 0.64–1.79], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.55–1.27], 0.67 [95% CI, 0.42–1.07], and 0.62 [95% CI, 0.45–0.85] at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours post CPB respectively). No changes were observed for any of the generic biomarkers. Respiratory index soon after surgery (mean difference, −0.61 [95% CI, −1.24 to 0.015] 10 minutes post end of CPB), forced expiratory volume after 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio (0.050 [95% CI, 0.007–0.093] at 6 to 8 weeks pos‐surgery), Forced vital capacity alone (95% CI, −0.191 L [−0.394 to 0.012]) and 6‐minute walking test score at discharge (63.2 m [95% CI, 12.9–113.6]) were better preserved in the LFV group. No other differences were noted.

Conclusions

The use of LFV during CPB in patients undergoing valvular surgery was feasible and safe and was associated with changes in sRAGE levels along with better preserved lung function and walking performance. These observations warrant further investigation in larger future studies.

Registration

URL:
https://www.isrctn.com
; Unique Identifier: ISRCTN75795633.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies Modify the Prognostic Value of Baseline Platelet Count for Clinical Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Yinan , Yang Pinni , Zhu Zhengbao , Peng Hao , Bu Xiaoqing , Xu Qingyun , Wang Aili , Chen Jing , Xu Tan , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) have been reported to be involved in platelet‐mediated thrombosis and inflammation, but the impact on the prognosis of ischemic stroke remains unclear. We aimed to examine whether the association between baseline platelet count (PLT) and long‐term clinical outcomes within 2 years after ischemic stroke onset is modulated by aPLs.

Methods and Results

A total of 2938 patients with ischemic stroke were included in this prospective cohort study. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between the baseline PLT stratified by aPLs status and 2‐year clinical outcomes after stroke onset, and an interaction effect between PLT and aPLs on clinical outcomes was tested by likelihood ratio test. There was a significant interaction effect of aPLs and PLT on recurrent stroke (
P
interaction
=0.002) and cardiovascular events (
P
interaction
=0.001) within 2 years after stroke onset. After multivariate adjustment, high PLT was associated with increased risks of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 2.78 [95% CI, 1.03–7.45];
P
trend
=0.039) and cardiovascular events (HR, 2.58 [95% CI, 1.12–5.90];
P
trend
=0.024) when 2 extreme tertiles were compared among patients with aPL positive, but not among those with aPL negative.

Conclusions

The aPLs had a modifying effect on the association between PLT and clinical outcomes within 2 years after ischemic stroke onset. Increased PLT was associated with recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events after ischemic stroke onset among patients with aPL positive, but not in those with aPL negative.
Exploring the Impact of Hemoglobin on Cerebral Blood Flow in Arterial Territories and Surgical Outcomes: Potential Implications for Moyamoya Disease Treatment
Authors: Yu Xinfeng , Xu Duo , Hu Junwen , Yu Yannan , Wang Lin , Jiang Biao , Zhang Minming
Published: September 2024

Background

Changes in levels of hemoglobin would result in alterations of cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the impact of hemoglobin on CBF in moyamoya disease (MMD) remains largely unknown. This study sought to determine whether CBF would be influenced by hemoglobin before surgical revascularization and to analyze the relationships between hemoglobin and CBF with clinical outcome after surgery in patients with MMD.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled adult patients with MMD undergoing surgical revascularization between June 2020 and December 2022. Preoperative CBF was measured in the territories of anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA, and PCA, respectively) using 3‐dimensional pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical outcome at 1 year after surgery was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. A total of 60 patients with MMD were included, with 25% (n=15) experiencing unfavorable outcomes. Patients with MMD exhibited lower CBF (ACA:
P
=0.007; MCA:
P
<0.001; PCA:
P
=0.014), compared with healthy controls (n=40). Hemoglobin was negatively and significantly associated with CBF (ACA: β=−0.45,
P
<0.001; MCA: β=−0.38,
P
<0.001; PCA: β=−0.54,
P
<0.001). CBF rather than hemoglobin was significantly related with clinical outcome (ACA:
P
<0.001; MCA:
P
<0.001; PCA:
P
=0.001), and CBF showed high discrimination in predicting clinical outcome (ACA: area under the curve, 0.84; MCA: area under the curve, 0.84; PCA: area under the curve, 0.80).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that hemoglobin significantly influences CBF, and CBF has a high predictive value for clinical outcome in MMD. The optimal hemoglobin level before surgical revascularization should be further investigated.
Metagenomic Study of the MESA: Detection of
Gemella Morbillorum
and Association With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Taylor Kent D. , Wood Alexis C. , Rotter Jerome I. , Guo Xiuqing , Herrington David M. , Johnson W. Craig , Post Wendy S. , Tracy Russell P. , Rich Stephen S. , Malik Shaista
Published: September 2024

Background

Inflammation is a feature of coronary heart disease (CHD), but the role of proinflammatory microbial infection in CHD remains understudied.

Methods and Results

CHD was defined in the MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) as myocardial infarction (251 participants), resuscitated arrest (2 participants), and CHD death (80 participants). We analyzed sequencing reads from 4421 MESA participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine program using the PathSeq workflow of the Genome Analysis Tool Kit and a 65‐gigabase microbial reference. Paired reads aligning to 840 microbes were detected in >1% of participants. The association of the presence of microbe reads with incident CHD (follow‐up, ~18 years) was examined. First, important variables were ascertained using a single regularized Cox proportional hazard model, examining change of risk as a function of presence of microbe with age, sex, education level, Life's Simple 7, and inflammation. For variables of importance, the hazard ratio (HR) was estimated in separate (unregularized) Cox proportional hazard models including the same covariates (significance threshold Bonferroni corrected
P
<6×10
−5
, 0.05/840). Reads from 2 microbes were significantly associated with CHD:
Gemella morbillorum
(HR, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.92–5.12];
P
=4.86×10
−6
) and
Pseudomonas
species NFACC19‐2 (HR, 3.22 [95% CI, 2.03–5.41];
P
=1.58×10
−6
).

Conclusions

Metagenomics of whole‐genome sequence reads opens a possible frontier for detection of pathogens for chronic diseases. The association of
G morbillorum
and
Pseudomonas
species reads with CHD raises the possibilities that microbes may drive atherosclerotic inflammation and that treatments for specific pathogens may provide clinical utility for CHD reduction.
Relationship Between Insurance Status and Receipt of Cardiac Tests and Procedures During Hospitalization: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ellenbogen Michael I. , Marine Joseph E. , Arbab‐Zadeh Armin , Pathiravasan Chathurangi H. , Swann Jenna , Brotman Daniel J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Prior analyses of the relationship between insurance status and receipt of tests and procedures have yielded conflicting findings and have focused on outpatient care. We sought to characterize the relationship between primary payer and diagnostic and procedural intensity, comparing rates of cardiac tests and procedures in matched hospitalized Medicaid and commercially insured patients.

Methods and Results

We created a propensity score–matched sample of Medicaid and commercially insured adults hospitalized at all acute care hospitals in Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina from 2016 to 2018. The main outcome was receipt of a cardiac test or procedure: echocardiogram, stress test, cardiac catheterization (elective, in acute coronary syndrome, in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction), and pacemaker and subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor implantation. Generalized linear models with a hospital‐specific indicator variable were estimated to calculate the adjusted odds of a commercially insured patient receiving a given test or procedure relative to a Medicaid patient. Models controlled for race, ethnicity, and zip code income quartile. Commercially insured patients were more likely to receive each cardiac test or procedure, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.16 (95% CI, 1.00–1.34) for cardiac catheterization in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction to 1.40 (95% CI, 1.27–1.54) for pacemaker implantation.

Conclusions

Hospitalized commercially insured patients were more likely to undergo a range of cardiac tests and procedures, some of which may represent low‐value care. This may be driven by a combination of physician and patient preference, financial incentives, and social determinants of health. Our findings support the need for hospital payment models focused on increasing value and reducing inequities.
Association Between Neighborhood‐Level Income and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Events Varies by Immigration Status: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Vyas Manav V. , Rijal Hibo , Yu Amy Y. X. , Austin Peter C. , Chu Anna , Santiago‐Jimenez Maria , Fang Jiming , Khan Nadia A. , Abdel‐Qadir Husam M. , Kapral Moira K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Neighborhood‐level income is inversely associated with cardiovascular events; however, it is uncertain whether this association varies with immigration status.

Methods and Results

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of 5.2 million (53% women, 19% immigrants) urban‐dwelling people aged ≥40 years without a prior history of cardiovascular disease in Ontario, Canada. Neighborhood‐level income was measured in quintiles from quintile 1 (lowest) to quintile 5 (highest), and immigrants were defined as those born outside of Canada who moved to Canada after 1985. We estimated the association between neighborhood‐level income and the rate of incident cardiovascular events (hospitalization for stroke or myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death) using multivariable cause‐specific hazards models and added an interaction term to see if the association varies by immigration status. The absolute difference in the rate of cardiovascular events across income quintiles was less pronounced in immigrants than in long‐term residents: age‐ and sex‐adjusted rate per 1000 person‐years in quintile 1 versus quintile 5: 5.69 versus 4.10 in immigrants and 8.37 versus 5.87 in long‐term residents. In adjusted models, the interaction between immigration status and neighborhoodl evel was significant (
P
interaction
<0.001). The hazard of cardiovascular events declined with increasing income among long‐term residents (hazard ratio [HR]
Q1vsQ5
, 1.46 to HR
Q4vsQ5
, 1.10) and immigrants, albeit with a smaller gradient (HR
Q1vsQ5
, 1.43 to HR
Q4vsQ5
, 1.20).

Conclusions

The association between neighborhood‐level income and cardiovascular disease incidence varies by immigration status. Understanding the social and structural factors associated with residing in low‐income neighborhoods can help with the development of prevention programs that improve health for all.
DiBiMT: A Gold Evaluation Benchmark for Studying Lexical Ambiguity in Machine Translation
Authors: Martelli Federico , Perrella Stefano , Campolungo Niccolò , Munda Tina , Koeva Svetla , Tiberius Carole , Navigli Roberto
Published: September 2024

Despite the remarkable progress made in the field of Machine Translation (MT), current systems still struggle when translating ambiguous words, especially when these express infrequent meanings. In order to investigate and analyze the impact of lexical ambiguity on automatic translations, several tasks and evaluation benchmarks have been proposed over the course of the last few years. However, work in this research direction suffers from critical shortcomings. Indeed, existing evaluation datasets are not entirely manually curated, which significantly compromises their reliability. Furthermore, current literature fails to provide detailed insights into the nature of the errors produced by models translating ambiguous words, lacking a thorough manual analysis across languages.

With a view to overcoming these limitations, we propose Disambiguation Biases in MT (DiBiMT), an entirely manually curated evaluation benchmark for investigating disambiguation biases in eight language combinations and assessing the ability of both commercial and non-commercial systems to handle ambiguous words. We also examine and detail the errors produced by models in this scenario by carrying out a manual error analysis in all language pairs. Additionally, we perform an extensive array of experiments aimed at studying the behavior of models when dealing with ambiguous words. Finally, we show the ineffectiveness of standard MT evaluation settings for assessing the disambiguation capabilities of systems and highlight the need for additional efforts in this research direction and ad-hoc testbeds such as DiBiMT. Our benchmark is available at: https://nlp.uniroma1.it/dibimt/.
unops and the Rise of Entrepreneurial International Organizations: A Case Study
Authors: Soirila Ukri
Published: September 2024

This article provides an introduction to the United Nations Office for Procurement Services (unops), which is an interesting entity because it is financially entirely self-reliant, and has thus become extremely business-minded, at times resembling a private company. Through the case study of unops, the article also seeks to draw attention to a broader development, namely the increasing entrepreneurial activities of international organizations. As the article argues, this trend provides a challenge to the theory of international organizations law, which has traditionally focused on relations between international organizations and their member states, while imagining the former as acting in public interest and the latter as principals (rather than clients).
Translating Jain Philosophy at the Confluence of Persianate Hinduism
Authors: Arzoumanov Jean
Published: September 2024

In 1796, Claude Martin (1735–1800), a wealthy French officer of the East India Company living in Lucknow, commissioned the Brahman Delārām to translate into Persian two classical texts from the Digambara Jain philosophical tradition. Using the Braj Bhāṣā commentaries composed by the seventeenth-century Jain author Hemrāj Pāṇḍe, Delārām was able to access the original Prakrit texts of the eighth- and tenth-century philosophers Kundakunda and Nemicandra via an updated vernacularized version. His translations are as an exceptional document showing the hermeneutic tools that a Persian-speaking Brahman could use to parse the doctrinal system of Jainism. Delārām’s language was markedly shaped by his familiarity with Advaita Vedānta and the “unity of being (vahdat al-vojud)” school of Sufism, focused on ontological unity. More specifically, the Sufi-Advaita idiom that developed in Persian from the early Mughal period onward functioned for Delārām as a lens through which he could engage with the doctrinal diversity of India’s religious landscape. His efforts to translate the unfamiliar and sometimes perplexing elements of Jainism reveal the complex modalities of crossing linguistic and religious boundaries through Persian in South Asia and their partial incommensurabilities.
A new species of the genus Boulenophrys from South China (Anura, Megophryidae)
Authors: WANG JIAN , LIN SHI-SHI , GAN JUN-SHEN , CHEN HONG-HUI , YU LING-MIN , PAN ZHONG , XIAO JIA-JIE , ZENG ZHAO-CHI
Published: September 2024

In this study, a new species of the genus Boulenophrys is described from northwestern Guangdong, within the Nanling Moutains. The new species can be distinguished from all known congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and the mitochondrial genetic divergence. The new species is found to breed in winter season which was not common in most amphibian groups but also present in some Boulenophrys congeners. We further discuss the inadequate surveys for these species due to the oversight of such multi-seasonal breeding pattern.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Ethiopian Coffee (Coffea Arabica L.)
Authors: Regassa Meseret
Published: September 2024

Ethiopia is fortunate in this regard, as it is home to many different types of. Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is the main coffee variety in global coffee production, accounting for more than 60% of total production. Arabica coffee accounts for 30% of Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings. Arabica coffee is a popular coffee variety in coffee producing and consuming countries due to its unique aroma and taste and lack of caffeine. Ethiopia's most important export is coffee, which is also its most important crop. Ethiopia is well known for producing very high-quality coffee, renowned for its excellent aroma and taste, and is also the birthplace of Arabica coffee. The coffee industry attaches great importance to coffee quality. Cup quality is a complex trait that depends on many factors, including species or variety (genetic factors), environmental conditions (ecological factors), agronomic practices (cultivation factors), processing systems (post-harvest factors), storage conditions, and industrial factors. process, beverage preparation and consumer preferences. However, the quality of coffee produced by Ethiopian farmers sometimes deteriorates. Additionally, local genotype, climate and soil characteristics, agricultural practices, harvesting strategy and timing, post-harvest handling procedures, grading, packaging, storage and transportation conditions all affect coffee quality, either improving or decreasing coffee quality.
Cultural Memory in the Context of the Art Episteme of Ukrainian Cordocentrism
Authors: Protas Maryna , Savchuk Ihor , Rogotchenko Oleksiy
Published: September 2024

The article attempts to comprehend the influence of cultural memory on the episteme of cordocentrism in the nation-building process in nowadays Ukraine, as well as to analyze the spontaneous activation and prove the effectiveness of the re-actualization of the gestalt of indigenous national consciousness, which manifests Ukrainian cordocentrism through the aesthetics of aísthēsis, and which, in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian hybrid war, becomes a reliable protection of cultural memory while preserving the sovereign existential unity of the nation. The activation of the updated art episteme in the domestic space coincides with the international search for alternatives to art forms that are derived from consumer capitalism, one of those alternatives being the paradigm conventionally named "New sincerity". This latter, stimulates cultural oscillation between the concepts of outdated, as of today, patterns of postmodernism and modernism. It is hypothesized that such transformations might allow the commodified society of consumerism to get rid of the limitations of the collective memory imposed onto it and cultivated by the market ideology of "paradigm wars" and the de-skilling of the art business in particular. These transformations might also allow the society to overcome the overwhelming civilizational crisis that has been much discussed in the recent decades in publications dedicated to art history and contemporaneity, as well as those dedicated to cultural and civilizational changes and strategies.
Production and Optimization of Bioethanol from Mixed Banana and Papaya Peels Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Tadesse Asab , Yemata Temesgen
Published: September 2024

Mixed fruit peels (Banana (BP) and Papaya (PP) bioethanol was produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proximate and compositional analysis of BP and PP was obtained about 6.67% moisture, 5.75% ash, 82.75% volatile matter, and 5% fixed carbon and 1.1gram, 38.1%, 15.7% and 45.1% extractives, hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose respectively from BP and 8.165% moisture, 5.5% ash, 81.25% volatile matter and 6% fixed carbon 2.08 gram, 42%, 8.6% and 47.32% extractives, hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose respectively from PP. After Pretreat with KOH (5% w/v) optimize hydrolysis process parameters based on central composite design (CCD) to maximize fermentable sugars. The optimized hydrolysis conditions were 50:50 w/v% mixing of BP and PP, 1.75% H2SO4, and pH 5. The reducing sugar content was measured by DNS and results 11.737g/ml from fifty (50) grams of BP and PP. The maximum yield of bioethanol was 22.5% recorded after 72 hours. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) peaks associated with O-H, C-O, and C-H stretching and vibrations confirmed the presence of bioethanol in the product. The result confirms that the combination of BP and PP boosts bioethanol productivity than single peels.
Using Nuclear Methods in X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Quantify Heavy Metals in Senegalese Powdered Milk: Improving Milk Safety
Authors: Faye Papa , Dione Djicknack , Ndiaye Oumar , Sy Moussa , Ndiaye Nogaye , Traore Alassane , Ndao Ababacar
Published: September 2024

Applying X-ray fluorescence (XRF), this study investigated the elemental analysis and heavy metal contents in five Senegalese powdered milk samples (V1, L1, H1, G1, and D1). The primary focus was on Aluminum (Al), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Phosphorous (P), and Chlorine (Cl), with special attention given to the compliance of these elements with safety standards. The analysis revealed that Aluminum was either absent or present in minimal quantities across all samples, suggesting that the powdered milk is largely free from this element. Calcium levels were found to be consistently higher than the Acceptable Maximum Level (AML) across all samples, with the H1 sample significantly exceeding the AML by approximately 11.1 times, with a concentration of 27,745.06 ± 310.16 ppm. This indicates a potential risk of excessive calcium intake from this sample. Potassium concentrations varied significantly; while the V1 sample remained within acceptable limits, the G1 sample exhibited potassium levels substantially above the AML, reaching 51,058.15 ± 456.13 ppm, which could pose health concerns if consumed in large quantities. Chlorine concentrations generally met the AML, except for the G1 sample, which slightly surpassed the limit at 3631.04 ± 31.23 ppm. The phosphorus content in the H1 sample was notably high, though further details are needed to fully assess its implications. The study underscores the necessity for continuous monitoring of heavy metal and elemental levels in powdered milk to ensure consumer safety.
Assessment of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainable Food Security Project in Nigeria
Authors: Gazal Hammed , Forson Abdulazeez , Ologbon Eretan
Published: September 2024

Most developing nations encountered various challenges due to unsustainable food security projects, despite huge financial commitment and time invested on food sustainability, the impact is not really sufficient. This raises a concern to conduct a study on how total quality management practices affects sustainable food security project in Nigeria, This study adopted a survey research design, using a structured questionnaire. A formular developed by Cochran was used to determine the sample size of 246 farmers from the North-Western state of Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution statistics and multiple Regression analysis. The findings revealed that, there was a significant relationship (R2 = 0.401; p<0.05) between leadership commitment and measurement index on food accessibility. From the findings of the study, it was discovered that effective leadership commitment and measurement could enhance food accessibility in Nigeria Therefore, it could be concluded that government developing policies based on farmers input could promotes food security in Nigeria.
Factors Influencing Farmers’ Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices in the Case of Ilu Aba Bora Zone, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Kiti Habtamu , Galu Samuel , Baye Ketema
Published: September 2024

To overcome the challenges of climate change, this study was intended to identify factors that affect the farmers’ adoption of CSA in the Ilu Aba Bora Zone of Southwest Ethiopia across varying agro-ecological zones. A mixed research design was used for this study. During this study, representative districts (Bure, Hurumu, and Nono Sale) were selected purposely based on their differences in agro-ecology, while rural kebeles and respondents were selected randomly from the districts to minimize the biases of the data. Data collection tools employed were a questionnaire, KKI, FGD, and field observations. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify the interaction of response and explanatory variables and to draw a conclusion. The findings of this study revealed the majority (63.1%) of farmers did not have an understanding of the meaning, function, and goals of CSA practices. Existing CSA options in the study area were conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agro-forestry, early warning system, livelihood diversification, and improved livestock feed, which were practiced at different levels and by a few households. In particular, the early warning system and improved livestock feed were the least implemented CSA options, whereas livelihood diversification, conservation agriculture, and agro-forestry were the highly adopted practices in the area. Independent variables including on-farm income, farming experience, weather information, agro-ecology, farm land size, age, extension service, marital status, and off-farm income were the factors significantly affecting the adoption of CSA practices in the study area. Experts, governments, and nongovernmental organizations should improve farmers’ awareness of the benefits of CSA practices in ensuring food security, climate mitigation and adaptation through training and capacity building. The result of this study will show the direction for farmers, policy makers, planners, and other stakeholders to set up a solution in order to promote CSA practices and technologies based on agro-ecology.
Hypothyroidism and Transudative Ascites: Highlighting a Little-known Association
Authors: Barry Ibrahima , Diack Ngone , Ndiaye Nafy , Leye Abdoulaye
Published: September 2024

Hypothyroidism is a frequent condition in medical practice and clinical forms with ascites are exceptionally rare. After a review of the literature we found that the exudative nature of the fluid is the main feature associated with hypothyroidism, however no case of hypothyroidism associated with transudative ascites has been reported. We report a case of transudative ascites associated with hypothyroidism in a post thyroidectomy setting. This 72-year-old patient underwent total thyroidectomy 3 years ago, without supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone. He had been treated in cardiology for compensated ischaemic heart disease for 4 months. He presented with apathy, significant physical asthenia and a hoarse voice. His general condition was altered, with a rounded, puffy face and infiltrated eyelids. The feet were oedematous. Haemodynamic constants revealed arterial hypotension. Ascites aspiration yielded a sterile, pauci-cellular, citrine-yellow, transudative fluid. After ruling out renal, glomerular and hepatic causes, the ascites persisted despite optimised treatment of his heart disease, making cardiac ascites unlikely. Signs of hypometabolism and myxedema, together with a very high TSH (TSHus = 54.26 microgr/L) and disappearance of ascites after thyroid hormone supplementation, supported the hypothesis of transudative ascites associated with hypothyroidism. Ascites associated with hypothyroidism is rare and the transudative nature of the fluid is exceptional; it is generally included in myxedema. Hypothyroidism is rarely manifested by ascites but can be considered after ruling out common causes. Hormonal treatment allows complete regression of ascites within a few weeks and constitutes a therapeutic test.
The Study on Lymphatic Cysts Caused by Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Wei Zhang , Chao Liu , Zhe Yang , Chun Wang , Yupei Gu
Published: September 2024

Background: Traumatic lymphatic cyst, also known as cystic lymphangioma, is a multidisciplinary disease, with congenital lymphatic cysts being more common. Lymphatic cysts lack specific clinical manifestations, and the vast majority of cases are incidentally discovered during auxiliary examinations or surgeries, making diagnosis challenging. Surgery is the most effective treatment for this condition, with a favorable prognosis. Lymphatic cysts caused by lymphatic injury are clinically rare. This study theoretically analyzes the clinical characteristics of lymphatic cysts resulting from lymphatic injury. Objective: To explore the mechanisms by which lymphatic injury leads to lymphatic cyst formation and provide guidance for clinical treatment measures. Methods: The study involves analyzing the principles of lymphatic injury and examining the process of lymphatic cystic transformation and cyst formation. Results: The causes of lymphatic injury include mechanical cutting, thermal energy conduction from electrocautery, needle puncture, and trauma. Conclusion: There are various mechanisms and causes of lymphatic injury, and lymphatic injury is common during surgery. When lymphatic vessels are identified during surgery, they should be managed similarly to blood vessel ligation and disconnection. Lymphatic cysts are prone to recurrence, and complete resection is an effective treatment for this condition. Puncture and subtotal resection have a high recurrence rate.
Evaluation of Commercial Head Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) Varieties in Kellem Wollega Zone
Authors: Kena Kibiru , Latera Alemayehu
Published: September 2024

Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var.capitata) is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide and is adapted to cool moist conditions. The experiment was conducted at two sub-sites of Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center from 2020-2024 at Belam FTC and in 2024 at Gute Anani FTC of Kellem Wollega zone, during main cropping season. Six commercial head cabbage were evaluated with objective the objective of selecting and recommending high yielder, disease and insect pest tolerant head cabbage varieties at for potential areas of Kellem Wollega. Analysis of variance(ANOVA revealed that the main effect of variety showed highly significant effect on days to head initiation and significant on plant height, plant spread, head length, average head weight, marketable yield, total yield and disease reaction. Similarly the main effect of environment showed highly significance on all recorded parameters. The highest (26.4tha-1) and the lowest (20tha-1) marketable yield were recorded from Bakker and Delta varieties. Hence Bakker and Olter varieties were recommended for the yield increment of head cabbage in the studied areas of Western Oromia.