bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educação em saúde sobre pé diabético: jogo educativo
Authors: Ribeiro Kamila , De Oliveira Silva Eugênio José , De Souza Filho Richard Pedroso , Vilela Cerqueira Tiago , Gomes de Siqueira Eunice , Sebba Tosta de Souza Diba Maria
Published: January 2024

Diabetes Mellitus acarreta complicações no pé, que podem levar a amputações. Jogos educativos são aliados no compartilhamento de conhecimento sobre cuidados em saúde. Identificar e atualizar o conhecimento por meio de revisão integrativa em educação para prevenção do pé diabético e desenvolver jogo educativo para conscientizar ao autocuidado com seus pés. Trata-se de revisão integrativa: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System on-line (MEDLINE), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) em fases: elaboração da pergunta norteadora; busca na literatura; coleta de dados; análise crítica dos estudos incluídos; discussão dos resultados; e apresentação. Jogo seguiu etapas: pesquisa e planejamento; design de personagens e ambientes; desenvolvimento de perguntas e desafios; desenvolvimento das mecânicas de jogo; codificação do jogo; testes e ajustes; design de interfaces e elementos visuais; implementação de recursos de áudio; lançamento e divulgação; monitoramento e avaliação. Encontrados 7.086 artigos e 11 fundamentaram o desenvolvimento de Mario Diet: jogo educativo digital para aprender e compartilhar informações sobre autocuidado com os pés. Revisão integrativa fundamentou a ferramenta tecnológica desenvolvida. O jogo contribui com informações podendo ser revistas regularmente até serem fixadas.
Gender and access to Inclusive Education in Tanzania: A Case of Selected Primary Schools in Shinyanga and Mwanza Regions
Authors: Seni Abdallah Jacob , Gillo Immaculate O.
Published: January 2024

This study examined gender relations and access to inclusive education for children with disabilities in Shinyanga and Mwanza regions. The study was conducted specifically to examine community attitudes and practices towards girls with disabilities, harmful gender cultural norms, practices, traditions and barriers girls with disabilities face in accessing education. The study employed interpretive phenomenological design and purposive sampling technique to obtain 96 participants. Children with disabilities were identified by using the Child Functioning Module (CFM) questions and participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Thematic analysis techniques were employed to analyse the data. The study found that there were deep rooted discriminatory cultural practices and gender norms which rendered children with disabilities excluded from school as compared to their male peers and those without disabilities. This was further compounded by poor teaching and learning environment. Girls faced greater barriers than boys, including more hours spent doing household chores, early marriages and pregnancies leading to drop out. It is recommended for government, community and development partners to focus more on children with disabilities, especially girls, increase community awareness on inclusive education and gender as well as improve teaching and learning environments.
Paid Teacher Residencies: An Equity Lever for Transforming Washington State’s Education System
Authors: DeMoss Karen , Brennan Brigid
Published: January 2024

This report offers a new analysis of how Washington State—and other states too—can focus funding on developing a targeted plan to address special education needs. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, special education placements have been increasing, which will exacerbate shortages and may reflect an increase in inappropriate special education referrals. We outline a plan for a three-year roll-out of well-designed special education residencies that would both better address learning intervention needs and eliminate special education shortages in the highest-need geographies.
THE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RADIOLOGIC IMAGING IN SUSPECTED RENAL COLIC
Authors: Nuswantoro Yoga , Anggraini Efa
Published: January 2024

Background: Renal colic, a common cause of morbidity, is characterized by acute, intermittent flank pain. Diagnosis involves a combination of history, physical exam, laboratory testing, and imaging studies. In recent years, the assessment of individuals suspected of having renal colic has become increasingly dependent on imaging. Renal ultrasound is not reliable for seeing ureteral calculi and may miss smaller stones. Besides, the use of CT increased radiation exposure and high medical costs.
The aim: This study aims to determine the radiologic imaging in patients with suspected renal colic. Methods: By comparing itself to the standards set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. So, the experts were able to make sure that the study was as up-to-date as it was possible to be. For this search approach, publications that came out between 2014 and 2024 were taken into account. Several different online reference sources, like PubMed and ScienceDirect, were used to do this. It was decided not to take into account review pieces, works that had already been published, or works that were only half done.
Results: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 162 articles, whereas the results of our search on ScienceDirect brought up 135 articles. The results of the search conducted by title screening yielded a total 25 articles for PubMed and 15 articles for ScienceDirect. We compiled a total of 21 papers, 17 of which came from PubMed and 4 of which came from ScienceDirect. We excluded 2 review articles, 4 duplicate articles, 1 non-full text article, 1 article having ineligible subject and 4 articles having insufficient outcomes data. In the end, we included nine research that met the criteria.
Conclusion: The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in patients with suspected renal colic may avoid the use of CT. Although, the accuracy is lower than CT, but it can reduce medical expense and induced radiation exposure.
Effects of Buteyko Breathing Technique versus Diaphragmatic Breathing on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Anwar Mamoona , Faisal Sidra , Hamza Makhdom
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition characterized by decreased respiratory function and reduced quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation techniques, specifically Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) and Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique (DBT), have been suggested to improve these aspects in COPD patients. However, comparative efficacy of these techniques remains uncertain.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of BBT and DBT on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD.
Methods: In a randomized clinical trial (WHO Registry of IRCTs: NCT05947227), 48 COPD patients (aged 40-65 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to either BBT or DBT groups. Both groups underwent respective breathing technique training as part of pulmonary rehabilitation over a 10-month period at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Key measurements included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for exercise capacity and the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for quality of life assessment. The Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale was used to categorize dyspnea severity. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 25), with parametric and non-parametric tests applied for comparative analysis.
Results: Both groups showed improvement post-intervention, but DBT demonstrated superior outcomes. Quality of life scores improved from an average of 85.33 (SD=1.110) to 76.06 (SD=4.503) in the DBT group, compared to 87.16 (SD=4.55) to 83.10 (SD=5.76) in the BBT group (p=0.000). Similarly, 6MWT distances showed significant improvement in the DBT group. The DBT group also exhibited a more considerable enhancement in activity scores and dyspnea reduction compared to the BBT group.
Conclusion: While both BBT and DBT are effective in improving exercise capacity and quality of life in COPD patients, DBT shows a more significant improvement. These findings suggest that DBT could be a more favorable technique in pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients.
Role of Stress in Onset of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Altaf Kishwar , Mehreen Kinza , Khatoon Bushra , Tariq Mahnoor
Published: January 2024

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by a variety of symptoms that impact their physical and psychological health. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between stress and the onset of PCOS, but this relationship remains underexplored.
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between stress and the development of PCOS in a young female population, specifically focusing on university students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 105 female university students aged between 15 and 25 years from major universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Participants were divided into two groups: those diagnosed with PCOS and those without. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a 10-item questionnaire scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using t-test and regression analysis to explore the correlation between stress levels and the presence of PCOS.
Results: The study found that women with PCOS had significantly higher stress levels (M = 22.93, SD = 6.46) compared to those without PCOS (M = 19.56, SD = 4.45), with a t-value of 3.07 (p = .003). Regression analysis showed a positive correlation (r = .60, p < .001) between stress and PCOS. The majority of the PCOS-diagnosed group were single and within the 15-20 age range.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant association between high stress levels and the presence of PCOS in young women. This suggests the need for incorporating stress management strategies in the prevention and treatment of PCOS. Further research with a more diverse and larger population is recommended to generalize these findings.
Heartfelt Healers: Assessing Empathy Level of Medical Students toward Patient Management
Authors: Syed Ramsha , Asif Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Atif , Islam Hira , Saleem Maheen , Khan Malika
Published: January 2024

Background: Empathy is a fundamental component in the medical field, essential for effective patient-centered care. It facilitates better patient outcomes, accurate diagnoses, and sound decision-making. Previous studies have indicated varying levels of empathy among medical students across different regions and cultures.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the empathy levels among medical students towards patients, focusing on a specific student population in Karachi, Pakistan. It sought to compare these levels with existing data from various international contexts and to understand the implications for medical education.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-student version (JSE-S) among 150 undergraduate medical students from various medical institutes in Karachi, Pakistan. The JSE-S scale, comprising 20 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, evaluates both positive and negatively worded items to determine empathy levels. Demographic data, including age, gender, cultural background, year of study, academic performance, and clinical exposure, were also collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, focusing on calculating frequencies, percentages, and mean scores.
Results: The overall mean empathy score was 98.7867, with positive items scoring a mean of 58.06 and negative items a mean of 40.77. These scores were slightly lower compared to studies from countries like China, Japan, Kuwait, Iran, and the United States but were similar to a regional study conducted in 2019 in Pakistan. Demographic analysis revealed a diverse cultural background with a balanced gender distribution and varied academic and clinical exposure.
Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate level of empathy among medical students in Karachi, suggesting the need for enhanced empathy training in medical curricula. The findings advocate for the implementation of educational strategies, including workshops and courses on empathic behavior and ethics, to strengthen empathy in future medical practitioners.
Comparative Evaluation of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Traditional Aerobic Exercise for Cardiovascular Health in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Saeed Aqeel , Suleman Rahila , Omer Aadil , Azfar Hanan , Hafeez Tahir , Saleem Huma
Published: January 2024

Background: Stroke survivors often face significant challenges in regaining cardiovascular health, with exercise being a key component of rehabilitation. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Traditional Aerobic Exercise are two prominent modalities aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes in this population.
Objective: The study aimed to compare the effects of HIIT and Traditional Aerobic Exercise on cardiovascular health in stroke survivors.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 46 stroke survivors, equally divided into HIIT and Traditional Aerobic Exercise groups. The study took place at Sadique Polly Clinic, Nawab Town, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants underwent baseline assessments for resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol levels. Post-intervention, these parameters were re-evaluated. Data analysis involved using SPSS version 25 to compare the effects of the two exercise modalities on cardiovascular health outcomes.
Results: Both groups demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular health, but the HIIT group showed a more significant reduction in resting heart rate (change of -5.7 ± 2.9 bpm) compared to the Traditional Aerobic Exercise group (change of -3.9 ± 2.4 bpm), with a p-value of 0.03. Changes in systolic blood pressure (-9.2 ± 4.3 mmHg in HIIT vs. -7.6 ± 3.8 mmHg in Traditional), diastolic blood pressure (-4.3 ± 2.1 mmHg in HIIT vs. -3.7 ± 1.9 mmHg in Traditional), and total cholesterol levels (-11.1 ± 5.2 mg/dL in HIIT vs. -9.5 ± 4.7 mg/dL in Traditional) were observed in both groups but did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Both HIIT and Traditional Aerobic Exercise are effective in enhancing cardiovascular health in stroke survivors. However, HIIT may offer a greater advantage in reducing resting heart rate compared to Traditional Aerobic Exercise.
Access to Parental Benefits in Canada
Authors: Mathieu Sophie
Published: January 2024

Along with subsidized childcare, parental benefits are an important policy tool to help parents balance paid work and childcare. In Canada, only employed parents who meet certain eligibility criteria can receive benefits. This means that, whereas the birth or the adoption of a child creates new expenses for all families, only some families in Canada are eligible for benefits. And while parental benefits in Quebec are paid through the Quebec Parental Insurance Program (QPIP), these benefits are paid through the Employment Insurance (EI) program in the rest of Canada. After almost three decades of increased accessibility to benefits between 1971 and 1996, the replacement of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program with Employment Insurance (EI) in 1997 made access to parental benefits more difficult for families in Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the eligibility criteria for parental benefits were temporarily relaxed. On September 25, 2022, the federal government quietly reinstated pre-pandemic eligibility criteria to access parental benefits. What does this mean for families in Canada?
Pengaruh Cinta Uang terhadap Keterikatan Kerja di Lembaga Administrasi Negara
Authors: Driyantini Erni , Wulandari Eka , Vanesha Avina Firliyani
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh cinta uang terhadap keterikatan kerja dari pegawai Lembaga Administrasi Negara Republik Indonesia. Penelitian kuantitatif ini dilakukan dengan metode pengumpulan data melalui survei. Kami menyebarkan survei sebanyak 286 kuesioner kepada pegawai di Lingkungan Lembaga Administrasi Negara dan hanya 190 kuesioner diperoleh dengan kriteria PNS dan berstatus masih aktif bekerja. Untuk metode analisis data kami menggunakan analisis regresi dalam menguji hipotesis. Hasil penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa cinta uang juga terbukti berpengaruh positif terhadap keterikatan kerja.
Efektivitas Penerapan E-Tilang di Indonesia
Authors: Indriani Maria
Published: January 2024

Tilang online atau E-tilang merupakan salah satu inovasi yang menyuguhkan transparansi dan akuntabilitas  bagi publik. Keberadaan e-tilang diharapkan mampu menghapus stigma tilang yang berbasis tawar menawar antara petugas dan pelanggar lalu lintas. Tulisan ini ditulis dengan menggunakan metode Studi Pustaka dengan tujuan menganalisa efektivitas penerapan e-tilang di Indonesia dengan mengambil contoh penerapan di beberapa kota. Hasil dari tulisan ini menunjukkan bahwa e-tilang cukup efektif dalam memberikan pelayanan yang cepat, mudah, adil dan transparan terutama dalam upaya menghapuskan pungutan liar. Namun, masih banyak faktor yang membuat penerapan e-tilang dinilai masih belum efektif, diantaranya kurangnya sosialisasi e-tilang pada masyarakat, dan masih ada masyarakat yang belum kenal teknologi sehingga merasa bahwa e-tilang merupakan suatu kerumitan. Selain itu, faktor penghambat lainnya yaitu e-tilang yang mensyaratkan pembayaran denda real time akan menyulitkan pelanggar, dan faktor kebiasaan dalam menangani tilang dengan cara damai membuat masyarakat kurang memiliki efek jera dan cenderung menganggap remeh e-tilang. Faktor lainnya adalah terbatasnya sarana prasarana seperti tidak semua masyarakat memiliki hp android dan tidak semua kantor/pos polisi/petugas mempunyai alat bantu pembayaran e-tilang seperti mesin Electronic Data Transfer (EDC). Dari sisi petugas kepolisian, terdapat beberapa kendala dalam penerapan e-tilang diantaranya, belum adanya integrasi data kepemilikan kendaraan secara lintas daerah maupun nasional. Kedua, jumlah petugas yang mampu menerapkan e-tilang masih terbatas. Ketiga, belum semua petugas kepolisian secara konsisten dan konsekuen menerapkan e-tilang.
THE CONTENT OF SECRETORY IMMUNOGLOBULIN A IN BREAST MILK OF PATIENTS WITH LACTATIONAL MASTITIS
Authors: Demianchuk N. R. , Stepas Y. M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The protective function of breast milk is provided by a number of specific and non-specific anti-infective factors: secretory immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulins A, G, M, E, cellular elements (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages), cytokines, lactoferrin, lysozyme, oligosaccharides, bifido- and lactobacteria, antioxidants and.

The main class of human milk immunoglobulins is secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which protects the surfaces of mucous membranes from the penetration of microorganisms, neutralizes toxins and localizes viruses, and stimulates phagocytosis. Currently, information on the local level of secretory immunoglobulin A in the development of the inflammatory process in the mammary gland is not numerous and requires research.

The aim of the study. To assess the content of secretory IgA in breast milk of patients with lactational mastitis.

Research metods. The study dealt with breast milk of 97 women aged 18 to 36 (average age: 26±5 years old). The standard indicators of the secretory immunoglobulin A contents in 30 practically healthy lactating women of the same age – the control group – were the issue of the analyses. The first group included 30 women with lactostasis, the second group consisted of 37 women with lactational mastitis. The content of secretory immunoglobulin A was determined by enzyme immunoassay using an automatic STAT FAX 303 plus analyzer.

Results and discussion. The concentration of sIgA in breast milk with lactostasis is on average 0.72±0.04 mg/ml, which is 3 times higher than the control indicator (0.24±0.02 mg/ml; p<0.05). During the development of lactational mastitis, the level of sIgA is 0.75±0.05 mg/ml, which exceeds the control values by 3.1 times (р<0.05). The content of sIgA in the breast milk of women with lactostasis does not differ from the level of this immunoglobulin in patients with lactational mastitis. A high concentration of sIgA indicates the activation of immune protection on mucous membranes.

Conclusions. Increased production of secretory immunoglobulin A in breast milk was found in experimental groups compared to practically healthy women, which indicates activation of local humoral immunity as a reaction to infection.
DRUG INTERFERENCE IN LABORATOTY TESTS
Authors: Boykiv N. D. , Maksymyuk H. V. , Martianova O. I.
Published: January 2024

Drug Laboratory Tests Interference (DLTI) is currently considered one of the important problems of medicine. The ability of drugs to affect metabolism, displace endogenous and exogenous substances from bonds, interfere with chemical reactions during laboratory research can lead to false-positive or false-negative results, and as a result of incorrectly established diagnosis, incorrect therapy and deterioration of the patient’s condition. To highlight the problem of DLTI, summarize the information obtained from scientific sources for workers in the medical field. Medicines can affect the results of laboratory tests through technological or pharmacological (physiological) interference. Predicting DLTI is substantially difficult, since the sources of information on pharmacological interference consist mainly of instructions for medical use of drugs, for analytical - spontaneous reports. Very often, the information is fragmentary, insufficiently documented, and contradictory. In order to avoid diagnostic errors as much as possible, medical workers need to strictly follow the recommendations regarding the pre-analytical stage, emphasize to the laboratory workers what medicines the patient is taking. In order to facilitate the work of medical professionals in various countries, electronic databases with checked information about DLTI are being developed. However, in order to refer to the above databases, a medical professional must have a suspicion of a possible drug interaction with laboratory tests. Decision support programs are recommended to be developed and implemented to automate DLTI reporting.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of single event upset effect based on 55 nm DICE latch unit
Authors: Zhang Xing , Liu Yu-Lin , Li Gang , Yan Shao-An , Xiao Yong-Guang , Tang Ming-Hua ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
Published: January 2024

With the development of nanoscale circuit technology, the on-track error rate of digital circuit and the effect of single event upset have become more pronounced. The radiation resistance research on DICE SRAM or DICE flip-flop device has been carried out extensively, including 65 nm, 90 nm, and 130 nm. However, the research on 55 nm DICE latch has not been reported. Using a three-dimensional device model of the 55 nm bulk silicon process established by the simulation tool TCAD, we verify the reinforcement performance of the DICE circuit, and clarify the effects of different incident conditions on DICE circuits. At the same time, we carry out a comparison of anti-SEU performance between NMOS transistor and PMOS transistor in the 55 nm process through comparative simulation experiments and quantitative analysis. The result shows that one of the important factors is the LET value which affects the generation rate of electron-hole pairs. A higher LET value will extend the upset recovery time of device and increase the peak of voltage. In addition, the difference in charge-sharing mechanism between transistors leads to the recovery time of PMOS higher than that of NMOS. As the angle of incidence increases, the charge-sharing mechanism between adjacent devices is enhanced, and electron-hole pairs ionized in sensitive regions increase. Due to the difference in charge mobility, the sensitivity of the angle of incidence of Nhit in DICE is much greater than that of Phit. Therefore, strict tilt angle incident test evaluation is required for DICE device before practical application. Finally, the large distance between adjacent MOS tubes will weaken the charge-sharing mechanism and reduce the charge collection of adjacent MOS tubes. Simulation result shows that the distance between the MOS transistors in the 55 nm process cannot be less than 1.2 μm. The relevant simulation results can provide a theoretical basis and data for supporting the study of the physical mechanism of SEU and reinforcement technology, thereby promoting the application of memory devices to the aerospace field.
Cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico en enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en la población colombiana: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis
Authors: Cáceres Catalina , Lora Álvaro José , Villabona Silvia Juliana , Rocha María Catalina , Camacho Paul Anthony
Published: January 2024

Introducción. Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles representan la principal causa de muerte en el mundo y su prevalencia va en aumento debido a la transición epidemiológica. A pesar de los avances en su manejo, las cifras de control son deficientes y esto se atribuye a múltiples factores, como el cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico, que es uno de los más representativos y menos estudiados en la población colombiana.Objetivo. Establecer la frecuencia de casos que cumplieron con el tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes colombianos con hipertensión arterial, enfermedad cerebrovascular, diabetes mellitus, asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y dislipidemia, entre el 2005 y el 2022.Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura y un metaanálisis de los estudios identificados mediante las bases de datos Medline y LILACS para sintetizar cuantitativamente el porcentaje de cumplimiento del tratamiento. Resultados. Catorce estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y se analizaron 5.658 pacientes. El cumplimiento del tratamiento fue del 59 %, con una heterogeneidad alta entre los estudios incluidos (IC95 % = 46-71 %; I2 = 98,8 %, p<0,001). Se obtuvo un mayor cumplimiento para la diabetes mellitus (79 %; IC95 % = 65-90 %) y la dislipidemia (70 %; IC 95 % = 66-74 %). En los pacientes con hipertensión arterial el cumplimiento fue del 51 % (IC 95 % = 31-72 %).Conclusiones. La revisión sistemática muestra un bajo cumplimiento de las recomendaciones sobre el manejo farmacológico de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, lo que puede repercutir en los resultados clínicos y en la carga de la enfermedad a largo plazo.
Evolutionary algorithms guided by Erdős–Rényi complex networks
Authors: Bucheli Víctor A. , Solarte Pabón Oswaldo , Ordoñez Hugo
Published: January 2024

This article proposes an evolutionary algorithm integrating Erdős–Rényi complex networks to regulate population crossovers, enhancing candidate solution refinement across generations. In this context, the population is conceptualized as a set of interrelated solutions, resembling a complex network. The algorithm enhances solutions by introducing new connections between them, thereby influencing population dynamics and optimizing the problem-solving process. The study conducts experiments comparing four instances of the traditional optimization problem known as the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). These experiments employ the traditional evolutionary algorithm, alternative algorithms utilizing different types of complex networks, and the proposed algorithm. The findings suggest that the approach guided by an Erdős–Rényi dynamic network surpasses the performance of the other algorithms. The proposed model exhibits improved convergence rates and shorter execution times. Thus, strategies based on complex networks reveal that network characteristics provide valuable information for solving optimization problems. Therefore, complex networks can regulate the decision-making process, similar to optimizing problems. This work emphasizes that the network structure is crucial in adding value to decision-making.
Comparative Analysis of Microstrip Antenna Arrays with Diverse Feeding Techniques
Authors: Obiadi Ifeanyi F.  , Udofia Kufre M.  , Udofia Kingsley M.
Published: January 2024

A robust antenna design and analysis to fit the growing technology trend and give engineers and technicians options is crucial. This is especially true considering the recent rise in wireless smart devices. This paper compares microstrip antenna arrays fed in different ways. This work designed, simulated, and analyzed six antennas: two single-band rectangular microstrip antennas (RMSAs) with quarter wave (QWT) feed and the other with inset feed, one series-fed 1 x 4 RMSA array, two cooperate-fed (1 x 2 and 1 x 4) and a 2 x 2 cooperate-series-fed RMSA array at 2.4 GHz. Simulations showed that single-band antennas achieved 65.3 MHz and 68.3 MHz (2.72% and 2.85%) fractional bandwidths at 2.4 GHz. Series-fed and cooperative-fed 1 x 4 arrays, respectively, achieved bandwidths of 152.07 MHz and 44.33 MHz (6.34 % and 1.85 %) fractional bandwidth. The 1 x 2 cooperate-fed and 2 x 2 cooperate-series-fed array antennas had bandwidths of 33.06 MHz and 50.41 MHz (for 1.38% and 2.26%), respectively. A comparison of antenna gains revealed that the study's goals were met as a result of the realized antenna gain of the 2 x 2 cooperate-series-fed antenna which exceeded all other compared antenna gain. The 1 x 4 RMSA array with series feeding had a significantly higher bandwidth than its studied contemporaries. The achieved antenna's bandwidth qualifies it for application small ISM-band WLAN devices; for less portable devices, 2× 2 hybrid-fed array antenna is a suitable candidate for application.
For the common good: Learning through interagency collaboration
Authors: Imel Susan , Zengler Cynthia J.
Published: October 2002

In Ohio’s For the Common Good project, learning played a key role in the development and implementation of interagency linkage teams. Adult educators can assist in developing successful collaborative partnerships by making the role of learning more explicit.
Conversational norms and the interpretation of vague quantifiers
Authors: Wänke Michaela
Published: October 2002

Frequency of behaviour is often assessed by scales using relative frequencies such as ‘often’ or ‘rarely’, so‐called vague quantifiers. Previous research showed that respondents calibrate such scales according to subjective standards. Here, it is argued that respondents follow conversational norms and if possible try to figure out which calibration the researcher had in mind and adapt their responses accordingly. They may use the survey context to infer a relevant anchor for such vague quantifiers. In the present study, although respondents did not differ in absolute behaviour frequencies, their reports of relative frequencies were influenced by information about the target population and the topic of the survey. Apparently, respondents anchored the scale according to the estimated frequency in the target population and the frequency of other behaviours relevant to the topic of the survey. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of state anxiety on the suggestibility and accuracy of child eyewitnesses
Authors: Ridley Anne M. , Clifford Brian R. , Keogh Edmund
Published: October 2002

The negative effect of misleading information on memory is a well‐established fact in eyewitness testimony. However, individual differences have rarely been studied in this context, particularly in children. This paper is one of the first to explore whether objectively measured state anxiety levels have a moderating influence on suggestibility. A group of 83 9–10‐year‐old schoolchildren took part in the experiment. They were tested on their recall of details surrounding a minor car accident shown on video. No effects of state anxiety on accuracy were found. Clear misleading information effects were found, however (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both analysis of covariance and Pearson's correlation coefficients showed that higher anxiety levels were associated with a reduction in the number of misled responses given by the misinformed participants relative to low‐anxious participants (p < 0.05). The theoretical relevance of these findings are discussed in the light of processing efficiency theory and the ‘affect as information’ hypothesis. The practical implications for children as witnesses are also considered. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memory for autobiographical facts and events: a comparison of women reporting childhood sexual abuse and non‐abused controls
Authors: Hunter Elaine C. M. , Andrews Bernice
Published: October 2002

Although there is evidence that many adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have a period when they forget their abuse, existing research is equivocal about whether such individuals show other autobiographical memory impairments. The present study addressed some of the sampling and measurement problems apparent in previous studies and compared 74 women reporting a history of CSA with 60 non‐abused controls on their ability to recall facts and events from childhood. The results showed that the CSA group did not differ from the controls in the quality of their memories for autobiographical incidents. However, they were significantly less able than controls to recall specific facts about their personal history, such as significant addresses and names of significant individuals, after controlling for educational level, depression and childhood address changes. CSA group participants reporting a period of abuse forgetting appeared more impaired than those with continuous abuse memories in their recall of personal semantic facts, but were similar in their recall of autobiographical incidents. The findings suggest that experiencing a period of abuse forgetting is a more influential factor in predicting the ability to recall personal semantic facts than abuse status alone. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exact initialization of the recursive least‐squares algorithm
Authors: Stoica Petre , Åhgren Per
Published: October 2002

We present an initialization procedure for the recursive least‐squares (RLS) algorithm that has almost the same form as the RLS algorithm itself and which is exact in the sense that the so‐initialized RLS estimate coincides with the batch LS estimate as soon as the latter exists. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency domain curve fitting: a generalizedμapproach
Authors: Ferreres G. , Biannic J. M.
Published: October 2002

The aim of this paper is to find a fixed structure transfer matrix, whose dynamics (i.e. whose poles) are nota priorifixed, and whose frequency response is the closest as possible to a target one. This non‐convex optimization problem is recast into a generalizedμproblem. A generalizedμlower bound is proposed, which provides ana priorisuboptimal solution (i.e. a local minimum), namely a transfer matrix whose frequency response fits to a large extent the target response. A generalizedμupper bound is used to quantify the degree of optimality of the result (i.e. a reliable estimate of the gap between the local minimum and the global one). An example illustrates the effectiveness of the approach. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy and generic promotion of beef: An analysis for “quality from Bavaria”
Authors: Herrmann Roland , Thompson Stanley R. , Krischik‐Bautz Stephanie
Published: October 2002

In this article we examine the impact of generic promotion on Bavarian beef demand during a period of a serious health concern in Europe: the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis. We investigate the potential off‐setting effects of advertising and promotion (positive) and heightened food safety awareness (negative). Empirically, we evaluate the economic effectiveness of a program that promoted Bavarian beef as safe at the same time consumers were becoming increasingly concerned over the safety of the beef supply. Econometric estimates of both effects are provided and a model proposed to assess the corresponding economic welfare implications.

The results show that the regional promotion of Bavarian beef increased demand by 4.6%. This increase was offset with a 6.9% decline in consumption due to information and public awareness of the BSE crisis. In addition, secular declines in consumption due to preference changes away from beef amounted to 15.2%. The welfare effects of the Bavarian government‐financed program were positive for both producers and consumers. Private and social benefit cost ratios suggest that the aggregate welfare gains due to promotion more than compensated for the cost of the program. [Econ‐Lit citations: Q13, M37] © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maximum likelihood estimates of admixture in northeastern Mexico using 13 short tandem repeat loci
Authors: Cerda‐Flores Ricardo M. , Budowle Bruce , Jin Li , Barton Sara Ann , Deka Ranjan , Chakraborty Ranajit
Published: October 2002

Tetrameric short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms are widely used in population genetics, molecular evolution, gene mapping and linkage analysis, paternity tests, forensic analysis, and medical applications. This article provides allelic distributions of the STR loci D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, and D16S539 in 143 Mestizos from Northeastern Mexico, estimates of contributions of genes of European (Spanish), American Indian and African origin in the gene pool of this admixed Mestizo population (using 10 of these loci); and a comparison of the genetic admixture of this population with the previously reported two polymorphic molecular markers, D1S80 and HLA‐DQA1 (n = 103). Genotype distributions were in agreement with Hardy‐Weinberg expectations (HWE) for almost all 13 STR markers. Maximum likelihood estimates of admixture components yield a trihybrid model with Spanish, Amerindian, and African ancestry with the admixture proportions: 54.99% ± 3.44, 39.99% ± 2.57, and 5.02% ± 2.82, respectively. These estimates were not significantly different from those obtained using D1S80 and HLA‐DQA1 loci (59.99% ± 5.94, 36.99% ± 5.04, and 3.02% ± 2.76). In conclusion, Mestizos of Northeastern Mexico showed a similar ancestral contribution independent of the markers used for evolutionary purposes. Further validation of this database supports the use of the 13 STR loci along with D1S80 and HLA‐DQA1 as a battery of efficient DNA forensic markers in Northeastern Mestizo populations of Mexico. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:429–439, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arsenic and porphyrins
Authors: Apostoli P. , Sarnico M. , Bavazzano P. , Bartoli D.
Published: October 2002

Background

To evaluate the possible effect of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and of its species on the urinary excretion of porphyrin homologues.

Methods

Total porphyrins and their homologues (copro, penta, hexa, hepta, uroporphyrins) and arsenic species (trivalent and pentavalent As; monomethyl arsonic acid; dimethyl arsinic acid; arsenobetaine) were measured respectively by HPLC and HPLC‐ICP MS in urine from 86 art glass workers exposed to iAs and from 54 controls.

Results

A significant increase in the excretion of penta and uroporphyrins was demonstrated for workers exposed to As; As3 was the species best correlated with urinary porphyrin excretion.

Conclusions

The increase of urinary excretion for some porphyrin homologues appears to be consistent with the inhibition by As of URO‐decarboxylase in the heme biosynthesis pathway. The determination of urinary porphyrin homologues could be useful to assess, on a group basis, some early effects of arsenic and to demonstrate possible individual susceptibility to the element. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:180–187, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic medicine: Who will practice it? A call to open arms
Authors: Guttmacher Alan E. , Jenkins Jean , Uhlmann Wendy R.
Published: October 2002

The Human Genome Project and other recent developments will broaden and increase the importance of genetics in health care. “Clinical genetics” will become “genomic medicine” and will no longer be almost the sole purview of genetic specialists—medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and genetic advanced practice nurses. The changing use of genetics in health care will require the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and attitudes by many health care professionals who are not genetic specialists. Such health care professionals will not only be necessary to the widespread integration of genetics into clinical care, but they will make unique contributions to this integration that will add to the quality of genomic medicine. This new use of genetics in health care will also allow, even require, new ways of working for genetic specialists, who will continue to occupy unique and vital roles. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ectrodactyly and Germany's eugenics law of 14 July 1933
Authors: Busch Roland , Kjaer Klaus
Published: October 2002

The family reported herein serves as a genetically and historically important vignette on the issues of nonpenetrance (versus germinal mosaicism) in nonsyndromic autosomal dominant ectrodactyly and the Eugenics Law of Germany of 14 July 1933, which was used to coerce the sterilization of the propositus despite infertility in his first marriage. In a sibship of seven children (with normal parents), three boys were affected. The propositus (adoptive grandfather of the author) was the patient of Paul Leopold Friedrich and Georg Perthes, who published their observations on the propositus. Except for an adopted daughter, the propositus was childless. His two affected brothers each had an affected child, and the father‐ to son transmission confirmed the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance. The issue of nonpenetrance versus germinal mosaicism in ectrodactyly was debated by Auerbach [1956:Ann Hum Genet 20:266–269] and Vogel [1958:Ann Hum Genet 22:132–137], and remains unresolved. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined genome and proteome approach to identify new susceptibility genes
Authors: Pociot Flemming , Karlsen Allan E.
Published: October 2002

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a specific destruction of the insulin‐producing beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. Cells from the immune system infiltrate the islet during the pathogenesis, releasing a mixture of cytokines demonstrated to be specifically toxic to the beta cells within the islets. The goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this specific beta‐cell toxicity, which will allow the design of novel intervention strategies for T1DM. The proteome approach provides a detailed picture of the beta‐cell proteins changing expression pattern during cytokine‐mediated beta‐cell destruction. Combining the information from this proteome approach with genetic studies makes us believe that it is possible to reach this goal. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bilateral nephroblastoma in familial Hay‐Wells syndrome associated with familial reticulate pigmentation of the skin
Authors: Drut Ricardo , Pollono Daniel , Drut Rosa Mónica
Published: October 2002

We report on a girl with maxillary hypoplasia, prominent ears, dry sparse hair, palmar and plantar keratoderma, dystrophic nails, patchy pigmented skin lesions in hands and feet and bilateral Wilms tumor. She was born with bilateral ankyloblepharon. The mother and maternal grandmother presented similar ectodermal defects. Skin biopsies of the patient and her mother proved to contain cells overexpressing p63 by immunohistochemistry. Karyotypes of the patient and her mother, and FISH studies on lymphocytes and tumor cells of the girl demonstrated a mosaic 11p15.5 deletion. These findings suggest a relationship between familial ankyloblepharon, ectodermal defects and cleft lip and palate (AEC) syndrome (Hay‐Wells syndrome) and familial reticulate pigmentation of the skin. In addition the development of Wilms tumor and 11p15.5 region involvement expand the genetic relationship between these conditions and the enlarging group of genetic entities related to nephroblastoma. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T locus shows no evidence for linkage disequilibrium or mutation in American Caucasian neural tube defect families
Authors: Speer Marcy C. , Melvin Elizabeth C. , Viles Kristi D. , Bauer Kim A. , Rampersaud Evadnie , Drake Courtney , George Timothy M. , Enterline David S. , Mackey Joanne F. , Worley Gordon , Gilbert John R. , Nye Jeffery S. ,   and the NTD Collaborative Group
Published: October 2002

We investigated the T locus as a candidate gene in a series of patients and families with lumbosacral myelomeningocele. Single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to identify sequence variation in all 8 exons and in intron 7 of this locus. We found evidence of substantial polymorphism within this locus, as previously reported [Papapetrou et al., 1999, J Med Genet 36:208–213], and moderately significant evidence of linkage disequilibrium with the CacI polymorphism of exon 8. However, when the locus was considered as a whole, with all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) integrated into a haplotype, there was no evidence for linkage disequilibrium. In addition, we did not identify any new sequence variants. Thus, we conclude that the T locus is not a major locus for human NTDs in this sample. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four cases with hypoplastic thumbs and encephaloceles
Authors: Huang Taosheng , Korson Mark S. , Krauss Celeste , Holmes Lewis B.
Published: October 2002

We report on four infants with hypoplastic thumbs and occipital encephaloceles. None had either a chromosome abnormality or a family history of any major malformation. The literature and database were searched intensively. No similar cases were reported previously, suggesting that the constellations might represent a new genetic syndrome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Candidate genes involved in cardiovascular risk factors by a family‐based association study on the island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: Han Zhihua , Heath Simon C. , Shmulewitz Dvora , Li Wentian , Auerbach Steve B. , Blundell Maude L. , Lehner Thomas , Ott Jurg , Stoffel Markus , Friedman Jeffrey M. , Breslow Jan L.
Published: October 2002

Altered plasma levels of lipids and lipoproteins, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. To identify genes that affect these traits and disorders, we looked for association between markers in candidate genes (apolipoprotein AII (apo AII), apolipoprotein AI‐CIII‐AIV gene cluster (apo AI‐CIII‐AIV), apolipoprotein E (apo E), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7a), hepatic lipase (HL), and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)) and known risk factors (triglycerides (Tg), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), apolipoprotein AII (apo AII), apolipoprotein B (apo B), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), leptin, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels.) A total of 1,102 individuals from the Pacific island of Kosrae were genotyped for the following markers: Apo AII/MspI, Apo CIII/SstI, Apo AI/XmnI, Apo E/HhaI, CETP/TaqIB, CYP7a/BsaI, HL/DraI, and MTP/HhpI. After testing for population stratification, family‐based association analysis was carried out. Novel associations found were: 1) the apo AII/MspI with apo AI and BP levels, 2) the CYP7a/BsaI with apo AI and BMI levels. We also confirmed the following associations: 1) the apo AII/MspI with Tg level; 2) the apo CIII/SstI with Tg, TC, and apo B levels; 3) the Apo E/HhaI E2, E3, and E4 alleles with TC, apo AI, and apo B levels; and 4) the CETP/TaqIB with apo AI level. We further confirmed the connection between the apo AII gene and Tg level by a nonparametric linkage analysis. We therefore conclude that many of these candidate genes may play a significant role in susceptibility to heart disease. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.