bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quantitative Evaluation of Automatic Segmentation in Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Liang Yao-Wen , Fang Yu-Ting , Lin Ting-Chun , Yang Cheng-Ru , Chang Chih-Chang , Chang Hsuan-Kan , Ko Chin-Chu , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Fay Li-Yu , Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Hu Hsiang-Wei , Chen You-Yin , Kuo Chao-Hung
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans.Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness.Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements.Conclusion: Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.
A Comparative Factor Analysis and New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System for Differentiating Pyogenic Versus Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Tanaviriyachai Terdpong , Pornsopanakorn Patchara , Choovongkomol Kongtush , Virathepsuporn Tada , Piyapromdee Urawit , Jongkittanakul Sarut , Sudprasert Weera , Wiwatrojanagul Sirichai
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to compare and analyze differences in clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TbS) and pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PyS), and to develop and validate a simplified multiparameter MRIbased scoring system for differentiating TbS from PyS.Methods: We compared predisposing factors in 190 patients: 123 with TbS and 67 with PyS, confirmed by laboratory tests, culture, or pathology. Data encompassing patient demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and MRI findings were collected between 2015 and 2020. Data were analyzed using logistic regression methods, and selected coefficients were transformed into an MRI-based scoring system. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping method.Results: Univariate analysis revealed that the significant risk factors associated with TbS included thoracic lesions, vertebral destruction > 50%, intraosseous abscess, thin-walled abscess, well-defined paravertebral abscess, subligamentous spreading, and epidural abscess. Multivariate analysis revealed that only thoracic lesions, absence of epidural phlegmon, subligamentous spreading, intraosseous abscesses, well-defined paravertebral abscesses, epidural abscesses, and absence of facet joint arthritis were independent predictive factors for TbS (all p < 0.05). These potential predictors were used to derive an MRI scoring system. Total scores ≥ 14/29 points significantly predicted the probability of TbS, with a sensitivity of 97.58%, specificity of 92.54%, and an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 125.40–3,257.95).Conclusion: This simplified MRI-based scoring system for differentiating TbS from PyS helps guide appropriate treatment when the causative organism is not identified.
Radiological and Clinical Significance of Cervical Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Shin Jun Jae , Yoo Sun Joon , Kim Tae Woo , So Jae-Young , Jeong Won Joo , Lee Mu Ha , Shin Joongkyum , Ha Yoon
Published: June 2024

Objective: The study compared the morphometric changes of the cervical spinal cord using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and assessed the correlation with kinematic changes, cord cross-sectional area (CSA), and high signal intensity (SI) on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI).Methods: Patients with CSM were evaluated through dynamic MRI for sagittal and axial CSA changes of the cervical cord, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reserve ratio, degree of cord impingement, cord compression rate, range of motion (ROM), and severity of SI on T2WI. The degree of cord impingement was evaluated using the Muhle grading system. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring and Nurick grade.Results: The study included 191 patients (113 males) with a mean age of 55.34 ± 12.09 years. The lowest sagittal CSF reserve ratio and cord occupation rate were observed during extension. Cord impingement and SI change were more prevalent in extension-positioned MRI. There was no difference between ROM on dynamic radiographs and dynamic MRI. Preoperative cervical ROM was greater in patients with intensely high SI change.Conclusion: Dynamic MRI is useful for evaluating neck movement. Patients with high SI had greater ROM before surgery but worse outcomes after. Neck extension exacerbated cervical stenosis and cord compression compared to flexion, and cervical spinal motion contributed to the severity of CSM. Cervical spinal motion should be carefully evaluated, particularly in hyperextension, to prevent worsening of CSM.
Multi-Response Optimization and Cell Structure-Property Relationships of Polylactide (PLA) Foams
Authors: Yudanto Yusuf Arya , Petchsuk Atitsa , Opaprakasit Pakorn
Published: June 2024

The renewability and ease of processing of polylactide (PLA) make it ideal for disposable foam products. However, controlling the foam structure is challenging due to its low melt strength and crystallization ability, which can result in cell rupture-prone and excessively large cells, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the influences of foaming parameters (temperature, pressure, and time) on cell structures and properties to unlock PLA’s full potential. This study optimizes the fabrication of PLA foams using solid-state batch foaming under supercritical CO2 conditions by employing a central composite design of response surface methodology. Single-parameter investigations reveal that higher foaming temperature, increased pressure, and longer foaming time increase the apparent density due to reduced polymer viscosity, pressure-dependent gas entrapment, and enhanced gas diffusion, leading to faster cell nucleation and cell formation. The compressive properties depend on stress-strain behavior and cell morphology, influenced by the cell shape and wall thickness. Thicker cell walls delay cell buckling and improve compression resistance. Higher sphericality evenly distributes compressive stress across cell surfaces, enhancing the foam’s resilience against localized collapse. Multi-response optimization successfully fabricated lightweight PLA foam (0.134 g/cc apparent density) with enhanced compressive modulus (1.955 MPa at 50% strain) and controlled cell morphology (average cell size of 21.055 μm and cell density of 52.385 × 105 cells/cm3) at optimized foaming conditions (180 °C, 165 bar, and 2.3 h). The PLA foams have potential as a reusable and degradable absorbent for liquids and oils, but there are challenges in scaling production.
Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Operations and Boosting EBITDA in Private Equity Owned Portfolio Companies
Authors: LIEPERT Maximilian
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study is to determine how private equities increase the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of their portfolio companies via tech-enabled improvement of operations. The paper analyses how private equity (PE) firms can optimize their existing business products and services to reduce non direct IT related costs. It also breaks down the application of system enhancements which increase automation and drive improvement in the PE firm context. The skillsets and involvement of C-suite managers are analysed in-depth in tandem with the role of the value creation strategy in process reengineering. Cumulatively, the paper calls on the need to initiate tech-enabled improvement of operations so as to improve revenue which is positively correlated with an influx in the EBITDA rates. In order to explore the role of tech-enabled improvement of operations in the creation of value in PE firms, the researcher relied on the use of two research paradigms namely positivism and interpretivism. The two informed the qualitative design which adopted semi-structured interviews with 29 respondents from 3 private equity firms. The data analysis process involved the identification of themes through thematic analysis. Using the constant comparative method, the researcher was able to determine the specific themes that were correlated to the responses provided and subsequent classification into the aforementioned 3 categories. The qualitative data reveals that most PE firms rely on tech-enabled improvement of operations to increase their EBITDA and value.
Activities of the Government of the Ukrainian State in 1918 in Solving the Issue of Unemployment in the Context of Social Exclusion: Structural and Organizational Aspect
Authors: KHOMENKO Olena
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine archival materials and historical experience in the fight against unemployment in 1918. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: archival, statistical, historical, and hermeneutical methods. During the study, various archival data were analysed, which allowed creating an objective and comprehensive picture of social exclusion in a particular period. Additionally, unemployment statistics were reviewed, which revealed a high level of unemployment during the study period. The analysis of historical documents related to the government’s activities during this period led to the conclusion that Pavlo Skoropadskyi and his government took various measures to improve the situation. The Cabinet of Ministers of 1918 created new committees and exchanges aimed at addressing the problems of social exclusion and the economic situation of the population. The study of historical and policy documents for 1918 revealed that their effect was ambivalent, causing both positive and negative aspects in society. On the one hand, the committees helped to overcome social exclusion and stabilize the economic situation by promoting the development of new industries and markets. On the other hand, some measures may have caused negative reactions and conflicts in society, leading to some tension and uncertainty about the country’s future development path.
Barriers in the Development of Small Businesses in Kosovo
Authors: GASHI Shaip
Published: June 2024

The research aims to identify barriers to the growth of entrepreneurship in the country and assess their real impact on the ability of businesses to operate. The main research methods used were analysis, forecasting, abstraction, and statistical methods. As part of the study, the results of a survey conducted in Kosovo were presented, which allowed us to understand the views of business owners and managers on the obstacles to business growth in Kosovo. A majority of respondents were found to see significant obstacles to doing business in Kosovo. These barriers harm their business opportunities and plans for future business operations. In addition, more than two-thirds of the surveyed business owners and managers expressed a desire to develop their business in the future, while the rest did not. The survey also identified several factors that negatively affect business in Kosovo. Among them were poor access to finance, problems in tax policy, lack of rule of law, infrastructure development. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges and intentions of businesses in Kosovo, shedding light on the factors that influence business growth and development. The findings can be used both in shaping the government’s business policy and by the managers of such companies in formulating their development strategies.
The Influence of the Digital State on Preventing and Detecting Corruption in Ukraine
Authors: KOBETS Yuliia , DIAKUR Mariia , KYSLYI Anatolii , SHULGA Marina , TOROPCHYNA Iryna
Published: June 2024

The impact of state processes digitalization on preventing and detecting corruption in Ukraine is a key aspect for understanding the effectiveness of governance and the development of modern strategies in the fight against corruption. The utilization of digital technologies has the potential to substantially enhance transparency and diminish corruption hazards within governmental frameworks. The purpose of the article is to examine this effect in relation to contemporary challenges and opportunities. The article demonstrates that digital systems integration, such as e-declaration and e-procurement, assists in mitigating prospects for corrupt practices and increases citizens' trust in government. Correlation analysis shows the relationship between digitalization level and anti-corruption measures’ effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of technological innovations in public administration. The obtained results of the correlation analysis show a connection at the level of 0.438, which indicates a moderate positive correlation between digitalization level of government processes and corruption decrease. The recommendations point to the need for an integrated approach where digital intervention is combined with other anti-corruption measures, including legal reforms and public engagement, to attain more substantial outcomes in the fight against corruption. The conclusions of the article highlight the significance of advancing digital infrastructure and legislative support for digital initiatives. The article draws attention to the imperative need to integrate digital strategies with the comprehensive anti-corruption policy in order to maximize their effectiveness and positive impact on society.
Plasma Exchange as A Rescue Therapy in Weil’s Disease with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia, Acute Renal Failure, And Multidrug-Resistant Organism Co-Infection: A Rare Case in Critical Care Setting
Authors: Vania Debby , Hutagalung Albert Frido
Published: June 2024

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by spirochete Leptospira interrogans. Weil’s disease is a severe form of leptospirosis. In case of Weil's Disease which did not show improvement despite standard treatment with RRT and antibiotics, an additional therapeutic modality is needed as a rescue therapy in critical condition. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been reported to showed positive outcomes in patient with sepsis and leptospirosis. However, TPE has not been widely used in treating severe leptospirosis. We report a case of Weil’s disease with severe hyperbilirubinemia, acute renal failure, and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and intermittent renal replacement therapy (RRT).Case Presentation: A 25-year-old male developed Weil’s disease with severe hyperbilirubinemia and acute renal failure. The culture results showed that he was co-infected with multidrug-resistant organism. He failed to improve and fell into a septic shock while treated in the intensive care unit with empirical antibiotics and intermittent RRT. His serum bilirubin rises to 43.34mg/dL. Furthermore, he underwent single TPE and showed rapid clinical improvement with recovery of liver and renal function.Conclusion: Plasma exchange had a vital role in reducing serum bilirubin and removal of harmful substances. TPE as a rescue therapy can be used for further intensive care support in severe leptospirosis which has not shown improvement despite standard treatment with RRT and antibiotics.
Recalcitrant Incomplete Secukinumab Administration in a Psoriasis Patient
Authors: Gani Panjaitan Joice Sonya , Suhartomi Suhartomi
Published: June 2024

Background: Psoriasis is an immunologic-mediated disease affected by genetic factors that may affect the skin, joints, and cardiovascular system. Some biological agents have been developed and approved by FDA to treat psoriasis. One of these biological agents is Secukinumab, a fully human IgG1κ anti-interleukin-17A(IL-17A) monoclonal antibody. Case Presentation: A seventeen female teenager came to Dermatovenerology Clinic with scaly patches in the forehead and hairline around ten months ago with a history of repeat Corticoticosteroid, DMARDs, and biologic agent treatment. Dermatology examination showed erythema, induration, and desquamation in head and extremities with PASI score of 1.2. She was treated with initial and maintenance doses of Secukinumab Injection.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the recalcitrant administration of Secukinumab in Psoriasis patients may decrease the treatment response.
Evaluation of the role of some non-enzymatic antioxidants among Iraqi patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hussein Ammar L. , Nema Dunia T. , Nasir Gulboy A.
Published: June 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic fat accumulation in individuals consuming little or no alcohol, has become highly prevalent globally. Oxidative stress plays a central role in instigating inflammation and cell death pathways driving NAFLD progression. This case–control study aimed to elucidate the association between circulating levels of the pivotal non-enzymatic antioxidants – coenzyme Q10 and vitamins E and C – and liver injury parameters among 60 Iraqi NAFLD patients versus 30 healthy controls. NAFLD diagnosis entailed over 5% hepatic steatosis on ultrasound excluding other etiologies. Patients spanned three age groups: 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49. Substantially diminished antioxidant levels concurrent with elevated alkaline phosphatase enzyme were unveiled in NAFLD patients relative to controls (all p < 0.001). Age-based analysis reinforced widespread antioxidant depletion and liver enzyme augmentation across NAFLD patients. Significant correlations also emerged between antioxidants and liver parameters. Our novel observations confirm an antioxidant inadequacy likely perpetuating pathogenic oxidative reactions in NAFLD. Restoring such deficits through lifestyle or therapeutic interventions may confer preventative and disease-modifying value.
The role of Phafin proteins in cell signaling pathways and diseases
Authors: Tang Tuoxian , Sun Jing , Li Chen
Published: June 2024

Membrane-associated proteins are important membrane readers that mediate and facilitate the signaling and trafficking pathways in eukaryotic membrane-bound compartments. The protein members in the Phafin family are membrane readers containing two phosphoinositide recognition domains: the Pleckstrin Homology domain and the FYVE (Fab1, YOTB, Vac1, and early endosome antigen 1) domain. Phafin proteins, categorized into two subfamilies, Phafin1 and Phafin2, associate with cellular membranes through interactions involving membrane-embedded phosphoinositides and phosphoinositide-binding domains. These membrane-associated Phafin proteins play pivotal roles by recruiting binding partners and forming complexes, which contribute significantly to apoptotic, autophagic, and macropinocytotic pathways. Elevated expression levels of Phafin1 and Phafin2 are observed in various cancers. A recent study highlights a significant increase in Phafin1 protein levels in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients compared to normal subjects, suggesting a crucial role for Phafin1 in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate-binding 2 (Pib2), a close relative of the Phafin1 protein, functions as an amino acid sensor activating the TOCR1 pathway in yeasts. This review focuses on delineating the involvement of Phafin proteins in cellular signaling and their implications in diseases and briefly discusses the latest research findings concerning Pib2.
Из истории термина «футуризм» в литературно-художественной жизни России и СССР первой трети ХХ века
Authors: Крусанов Андрей Васильевич
Published: June 2024

В статье рассмотрены смысловые изменения терминов «футуризм» и «футуристы» в художественной жизни России первой трети ХХ века, а также влияние общественной и социально-политической обстановки на их восприятие. Термин «футуризм» приобрел в России различные толкования, подчас далекие от эстетики и художественной программы итальянских футуристов. В то же время разрушительная тенденция, выраженная в эстетике и практике итальянского и российского футуризмов, соответствовала социально-политическим стремлениям социалистов к ниспровержению существующего строя, но выражалась языком искусства и применялась не к социуму, а к его изображению в живописи и литературе. При этом поиски новых форм общественной жизни сопровождались поиском новых форм живописного и словесного изображения. Переход к мирному строительству в начале 1920-х гг. привел в общественной жизни к смене разрушительной тенденции на созидательную, а в искусстве – к распаду футуризма и замене его конструктивизмом.
Examining the dual effect of copper nanoparticles and nitrogen doping on Cu@N-TiO2
Authors: Rátiva-Parada Wilson , Gómez-Cuaspud Jairo A. , Cerón-Achicanoy María A. , Vera-López Enrique , Carda-Castelló Juan B.
Published: June 2024

The study of six compositions of Cu@N-TiO2 with different amounts of copper and nitrogen synthesized using a sol–gel method is reported. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra indicated the formation of a single anatase TiO2 phase in all materials without evidence of secondary phases including copper or nitrogen. Electron microscopy images showed a homogeneous distribution of the copper particles around a TiO2 matrix, just as that the insertion of nitrogen did not have a significant effect on the morphology of the particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that nitrogen was inserted in the atomic arrangement of titanium dioxide, while copper was presented mainly as metallic element on the TiO2 surface. Characterization of the optical properties and photoactivity test confirm that band gap strongly depends on the copper and nitrogen content phenomenon attributed to the combined presence of modifiers over the TiO2 surface and the promotion of a plasmonic effect, which displaced the absorption UV bands to higher wavelengths with respect to un-doped TiO2. The catalytic test performed using rhodamine-B as probe molecule, confirm that TiCuN2 and TiCuN3 samples exhibit the best decomposition percentages of 38 and 36 % respectively. Such results confirm the surface plasmon resonance effect associated to Cu particles on the TiO2 as main cause in the increase in current along synthesized samples and the use of cyclic voltammetry technique to identify these effects between 0.0 and 1.5 V.
Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate) for conservation of stone relics: synthesis and test
Authors: Ma Chuang , Chin Sim Yee , Zhang Yue , Ghazali Suriati B. , Zhang Hengqiang
Published: June 2024

A transparent poly(methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate) stone relics protective material was synthesized using one-pot method. The synthesized polymer was coated on the surface of the stone samples or glass plates. SEM was used to observe the micromorphology of pristine stone and stone covered polymer coating samples. Physical properties of polymer coatings were characterized by FTIR, XRD and TGA-DSC. The conservation properties of polymer coatings were investigated by testing adhesion, transparency, hydrophobicity, mass loss rate and appearance of the simulated stone relics after freeze–thaw, UV irradiation and acid aging processes. Results show that poly (MMA-BA-20.04 %HFMA) outperformed the others with water contact angle remained 108.23°, 109.34° and 106.96° as well as the change of chromaticity difference values of 0.79, 0.02 and 0.08, after freeze-thaw, UV-aging and acid-aging processes, respectively. All these data indicate that the as-synthesized polymer could potentially use in conservating the stone relics due to its superior hydrophobicity, transparency, anti-acid and anti-UV aging properties as well as durability for freeze–thaw.
Recent advances in carbon quantum dots for antibiotics detection
Authors: Ding Guojun , Yan Fanyong , Yang Shangpeng , Fu Yang
Published: June 2024

A great deal of attention has been pressed to the hazards caused by the remains of antibiotics in the environment. Fluorescent sensing materials are favored for their rapid qualitative and quantitative detection of antibiotics, with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) being widely used as typical fluorescent materials. CQDs have demonstrated superior performances in conducting antibiotic diagnosis, which makes them a key tool for tackling antibiotic residues. This review article investigates recent advances in CQDs for the assessment and determination of antibiotics residues, involved antibiotic assay components are classified according to the assay mechanism as Static quenching effect (SQE), Dynamic quenching effect (DQE), Internal filtering effect (IFE), and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) quenching mechanisms. We hope to provide valuable guidelines for the preparation of high-quality probes as well as limited detection of antibiotics, so as to promote the advancement of CQDs in the antimicrobial field.
Endovascular Treatment of Carotid In-Stent Restenosis
Authors:   ,   PTE ETK Egészségtudományi Doktori Iskola, Marton Annamária
Published: June 2024

A stroke a tartós rokkantság és halálozás vezető oka globálisan. Az ateroszklerózis talaján kialakult a. carotis interna (ACI) sztenózisok a súlyos akut iszkémiás stroke esetek 20%-áért felelősek, és a gyógyszeres terápia fejlődése ellenére az ACI szűkületek invazív kezelése továbbra is a stroke megelőzésének fontos terápiás lehetősége, tünetes és tünetmentes esetekben egyaránt. ACI sztentelést követően az in-stent resztenózis (ISR) aránya irodalmi adatok alapján 5%. Az ACI ISR kezelésében a megfontolandó terápiás lehetőségek közé tartozik az ismételt ACI sztentelés, endarterektómia vagy reangioplasztika hagyományos ballon vagy gyógyszerkibocsátó ballon (DEB) alkalmazásával. Korlátozott mennyiségű irodalmi adat áll rendelkezésre a DEB-k alkalmazásáról kifejezetten az ACI ISR kezelésére. Jelen tanulmányban a kaposvári Kaposi Mór Oktatókórházban végzett retrospektív kohorsz vizsgálat eredményeiről számolunk be, klinikai és képalkotó adatok felhasználásával. 2013 március és 2021 március között 46 ACI in-stent resztenózis léziónál történt paklitaxel-kibocsátó ballonos angioplasztikával endovaszkuláris kezelés. A beavatkozás minden esetben szövődménymentesen zajlott. A rekurrens ISR aránya 8,7 % volt, ami harmada az irodalomban leírtaknak. A tanulmány szemlélteti, hogy az eredményeket bemutató angol nyelvű közlemény megjelenésekor ismert legnagyobb ACI ISR betegcsoport elemzése alapján az extracranialis ACI ISR kezelése paklitaxel-kibocsátó ballonnal végzett angioplasztikával hatékony és biztonságos.
The effect of adult children’s outmigration on the mental health of older parents in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors:   ,   PTE ETK Egészségtudományi Doktori Iskola, Lee Hayoung
Published: June 2024

This thesis examines the association between adult children’s migration and depression among older parents in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and explore the role of intergenerational support in contributing to their depression. Data were from the eighth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), pooling a study sample of 11 CEE countries, with a cross-sectional design. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and hierarchical linear regression were conducted using a study sample of 9133 respondents. Older adults whose children migrated over 500 km were more likely to experience depression compared to those with no migrant child or all children within 500 km. Among intergenerational support, frequent parent-child contact mitigated the effects of migration on depression in older parents with all their children who migrated over 500 km. This study concluded that older parents with migrant children over 500km away should be considered a vulnerable population at risk for mental health in CEE countries. The results highlight a crucial policy implication: fostering intergenerational contacts benefits left-behind parents, particularly those whose children have migrated long distances.
Sustained Inhibition of GABA-AT by OV329 Enhances Neuronal Inhibition and Prevents Development of Benzodiazepine Refractory Seizures
Authors: Colmers Phillip L. W. , Arshad Muhammad Nauman , Mukherjee Jayanta , Lin Shinghong , Ng Shu Fun Josephine , Sarmiere Patrick , Davies Paul A. , Moss Stephen J.
Published: June 2024

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain which mediates its rapid effects on neuronal excitability via ionotropic GABAAreceptors. GABA levels in the brain are critically dependent upon GABA-aminotransferase (GABA-AT) which promotes its degradation. Vigabatrin, a low-affinity GABA-AT inhibitor, exhibits anticonvulsant efficacy, but its use is limited due to cumulative ocular toxicity. OV329 is a rationally designed, next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor with enhanced potency. We demonstrate that sustained exposure to OV329 in mice reduces GABA-AT activity and subsequently elevates GABA levels in the brain. Parallel increases in the efficacy of GABAergic inhibition were evident, together with elevations in electroencephalographic delta power. Consistent with this, OV329 exposure reduced the severity of status epilepticus and the development of benzodiazepine refractory seizures. Thus, OV329 may be of utility in treating seizure disorders and associated pathologies that result from neuronal hyperexcitability.
Feminicide: epidemiology and associated factors: Scoping review
Authors: Durán María Alejandra Álvarez , Guzmán José Santiago Cortés , Ortiz Daniel José Lavao , Fierro Eliana Ruiz , Camacho María Paula Morales , Cabrera Jorge Eduardo Gómez , Mahecha Eduardo , Ramos Jorge
Published: June 2024

Feminicide refers to the murder of a woman because of being a woman, although some authors include within this term any death of a woman. It is a scourge with worldwide distribution, but it has not been studied with the impetus it deserves. The objective of the review is to describe the frequency of femicide, and the factors associated with the victim. A systematic search was carried out in MEDLINE, SCIELO and LILACS of scientific articles published in the last 10 years using the terms femicide, risk, incidence. Primary studies describing the frequency of the event and related factors were selected. Twenty-three studies were included in the review. Studies from all continents except Oceania were identified. The incidence of femicide is not widely reported, with most studies reporting only an absolute frequency of the event in a determined period. Among the studies, between 19 and 17,167 cases of femicide were reported. The studies with the highest number of reports of femicide were conducted in Brazil and South Africa. The reported incidence of femicide was between 0.08-12.9 per 100,000 women. Factors of femicide associated with the victim reported include young age, having a partner, being unemployed or a housewife, having basic schooling, among others.
Sexual dimorphism and its forensic implications in human lanugo and vellus hair
Authors: Ghosh Kusum , Chatterjee Diptendu , Bandyopadhyay Arup Ratan
Published: June 2024

Hair as an exoskeleton is a unique characteristic of mammals; Human hair is a highly versatile material with significant potential in several areas such as population classification, forensic science for personal identification and also from evolutionary perspectives. Many research reported sexual dimorphism of quantitative characters in adult terminal hair and thereby provided imperative roles in evolutionary aspects and personal identification. Apart from the three phases to hair growth such as anagen, catagen and telogen phases, the age of hair can be divided into three types such as the first hair, known as lanugo begins to grow on the entire body of the embryo at 3-4 months of pregnancy and falls out within 7-8 months, followed by vellus and terminal hair. To best of the knowledge this is the first attempt on Histomorphological and Quantitative variation of lanugo Hair consisted of 250 lanugo hair strands (125 males and 125 females) obtained from spontaneously aborted fetus (around 3 months) and 1650 vellus hair strands (Male 800 and female 850) obtained from the newborns. Before microscopy for histomorphological (medullation) and quantitative aspects (hair length in mm and shaft diameter in µm), each hair strands were washed and cleaned following standard technique. The result demonstrated no histomorphological variation in lanugo hairs for both the sexes, since all strands were non-medullated. But in contrary to lanugo hair strands, vellus hairs showed medullated hair strands with significant (p<0.05) lower incidences in comparison to non-medullated scalp hair for both the sexes. However, the incidences of shaft diameter demonstrated significant (p<0.05) sexual variation (dimorphism) in terms of higher shaft diameter in vellus scalp hair among the females. The quantitative characteristic for example, hair length also demonstrated significant (p<0.05) sexual dimorphism indicating of higher vellus scalp hair length among the females than the males. Unlike the lanugo hair, the vellus hair revealed significant (p <0.05) sexual dimorphism for the both the hair length and shaft diameter. Interestingly, the present research vindicated significant (p<0.05) effect of hair growth (length and shaft diameter) from lanugo to vellus scalp hair for both the sexes. Therefore, the present study envisaged the sexual variation in fetal scalp hair for both the qualitative and quantitative aspects could have forensic implications.
Alexander Yemelyanovich Lositsky (1869–1944). Problems of Planning Statistics in Agriculture and Food Balances in the Russian Economy of the early 20th Century
Authors: Kuznetsova Olga N.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. The creation and analysis of arrays of actual statistical data in agriculture, as a research area, became particularly relevant in connection with the First World War. In the Russian Empire, Alexander Yemelyanovich Lositsky, whose name is practically unknown to modern science, should be considered the founder of population consumption statistics. The purpose of the article is to analyze the contribution of A. E. Lositsky to statistics, in surveys of population nutrition, the creation of food balances and planning in agriculture.

Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study was the analysis of scientific and practical works by A. E. Lositsky, general scientific methods were used, as well as the method of comparative analysis and statistical methods.

Results. Based on the archival materials of the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF) funds, the facts of the biography of A. E. Lositsky were first introduced into scientific circulation. His legacy, methods of working with statistical data are studied, his contribution to the development of the first plans for the development of agriculture in the USSR is considered.

Discussion and Conclusion. The creation of such a research area as urban and rural consumption statistics was closely linked to the experience of supplying the population with food during the period of social upheaval in the early twentieth century, when food became a force capable of influencing political decision-making in the country. The population surveys conducted by A. E. Lositsky and his colleagues lead to the creation of databases for sociological and economic analysis in the context of the transition to a planned and distributive economy. The proposed provisions and conclusions draw attention to the compilation of food balances as an analytical tool of the country’s economic policy. The undertaken analysis of population nutrition for agricultural planning statistics represents a significant contribution to the economic history of Russia in the 1890s and 1940s and solves the problem of returning the name of A. E. Lositsky to a wide readership.
The Specifics of the Development of Consumer Cooperation during the First World War (Based on the Materials of the Ufa Province)
Authors: Samorodov Dmitry P.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. The subject of the study is the history of the development of consumer cooperation in Ufa province during the First World War, as well as the specifics of this process in the regional dimension. The article shows that consumer cooperation was caused by the development of stationary (capitalist) trade.

Materials and Methods. The source base of the study is represented by a set of archival documents, pre-revolutionary publications and modern monographs devoted to the problem of analyzing the formation and development of consumer cooperation during the First World War. The article was written using general scientific and special historical method.

Results. The article proves that if at the beginning of the war in the South Urals there was a reduction in the network of consumer cooperatives, then later, in the conditions of the stationary trade network disorder, the region (as well as in many places of the empire), on the contrary, saw a different increase in consumer societies that supplied the population with priority goods in wartime conditions. The fact, specific for Ufa province, that wealthy representatives of the Tatar population of Ufa province were the most active members of consumer cooperatives stands out.

Discussion and Conclusion. The logical outcome of the rapid development of the consumer cooperative system during the war years was the formation of large consolidating associations after 1915 – “Ufa Union”, “Muslim Society” and others. After 1917, the development of consumer cooperatives continued in a specific form, i.e. under the control of the Soviet authorities.
THE REVIEW ON THE MONOGRAPH:
Igor Kurchatov: the Ural trace in science / R. V. Kuznetsova, V. N. Kuznetsov, O. Yu. Zharkov, N. A. Antipin. Ekaterinburg, 2023, 560 p. (National treasure of Russia. Outstanding scientists of the Urals)
Authors: Zapariy Vladimir V.
Published: June 2024

The review was written on a collective monograph devoted to the study of the Ural period of life and scientific activity of academician I. V. Kurchatov, as well as the history of the creation, formation and development of the first enterprise of the nuclear weapons complex of the Urals – plant No. 817, now the Mayak Production Association. The monograph is the first to systematically examine the multifaceted work of I. V. Kurchatov on the development and scientific management of the implementation of enrichment technology for plutonium-239, necessary for the first domestic atomic bomb. Through the prism of analyzing the history of participation of I. V. Kurchatov in the construction of the first industrial nuclear reactor and its commissioning shows the general picture of the implementation of the Soviet nuclear project in the Urals.
Intraoral and Extraoral Scanning Technologies in the Digital Workflow Era: An Integrative Review with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Brunetto Juliana Lujan , Adriazola Ique Manuel Martin , Melo Neto Clovis Lamartine de Moraes , Sachi Victor Perinazzo , Dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Goiato Marcelo Coelho
Published: June 2024

The aim of this integrative review is to investigate the possibility of aligning three-dimensional intraoral scanner data with facial mobile device data, as well as comparing the effectiveness of AI-based search with manual search methods. This investigation adhered to the PRISMA guidelines aiming to answer the PICO question: “Does the facial and intraoral three-dimensional technologies are compatible and clinically applicable in oral rehabilitation?”. Was employed a search strategy incorporating specific keywords ("dental", "intraoral", "photogrammetry", "stereo photo", "scanner", "three-dimensional", "stereophotogrammetry", "scan", "virtual articulators", "facebow", "face", "facial") within multiple databases (Pubmed, BVS, and Scielo), including artificial intelligence (Scite.ai). Of the 7128 initially identified articles, 4 articles of manual search were included but none article of the artificial intelligence website were added. Among the most used: at the intraoral scanners were the TRIOS (3shape) (n=2) and for facial images the Apple Inc. cell phones (n=2). The most frequently reported software was Bellus3D (Bellus3D Inc.) with particular emphasis on the georeferencing tactic software. Several commonalities were observed, including the requirement for a 30cm spacing during cell phone-based extraoral scanning, the necessity for multiple captures, and the inclusion of landmarks and/or perioral and nasal scans. Manual searching is still the gold standard scientific searching data; Both stereophotogrammetry and mobile device scan can be used for facial scanning and the files can be integrated by utilizing georeferencing tactic software.
Medieval grammars as non-literary source for syntax: The Wiki format for terminological analyses
Authors: Cotticelli-Kurras Paola , Cotugno Francesca
Published: June 2024

This paper aims at presenting the Wiki database of a current project and has a distinctly computational signature. It is a fitting complement to years of work in the study of linguistic variation, of non-classical forms of Latin, but also the infinite possibilities offered by this field of study in terms of historical linguistics and database implementation. In the specific case, we will use the metalinguistic term constructio as an example of the analytical potential offered by the WikiMedia of the SiRe project Parts of speech meet Rhetorics: Searching for syntax in the continuity between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age.
Rules over words: Regulation of chatbots in the legal market and ethical considerations
Authors: Necz Daniel
Published: June 2024

The emergence and fast proliferation of chatbot solutions have reshaped how we interact with customer services, professionals and organizations providing advisory services. Law firms and legal professionals have also been affected by chatbots, which have become an integral part of the legal market. They are used for training, discovery, legal research and various other tasks by multinational law firms and sole practitioners alike.

Besides their benefits, however, chatbot solutions also face a number of limitations and their use could raise both legal and ethical concerns. Unsupervised use of such solutions can lead to serious professional responsibility issues, while their use in certain cases, such as in cases involving acting as a defense counsel or advising on sensitive matters, can also raise ethical concerns, or endanger the trust in lawyers built by generations of legal professionals. The processing of certain data or confidential information can further raise privacy or confidentiality issues, especially with respect to the need for artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions to constantly rely on huge datasets.

Bearing the above in mind, the regulation of chatbots in the legal market is certainly a complex topic with many challenges. In this paper, I provide an overview of the use of chatbots in the legal market, summarize the main concerns regarding their use (especially including professional liability, privacy and ethical concerns) and also highlight the main challenges concerning AI and chatbot regulation and the potential approaches regulators could follow to prevent or minimize risks associated with the unlawful or unethical use of technology and disperse unnecessary fears by also supporting technological development and by preserving the positive effects of the use of chatbots in the legal market.
Microencapsulation of flaxseed oil produced by sequential rotor stator homogenization and spray drying – Optimization of emulsion composition
Authors: Yakdhane Asma , Chaabane Donia , Yakdhane Eya , Molnár Máté András , Nath Arijit , Koris András
Published: June 2024

Microencapsulation of flaxseed oil (FO) has received lots of attention in the food and biopharmaceutical industries. To produce FO microcapsules, aqueous emulsions of FO with polymeric carbohydrates (maltodextrin (MD) with dextrose equivalent (DE) 19, gum Arabic (GA) and modified starch (MS)) were prepared by a rotor stator homogenization and subsequently, dehydration of emulsions were performed by spray drying (SD). The objective of this research was to study the effects of different combinations of polymeric carbohydrates with FO in emulsion to obtain maximum encapsulation efficiency (EE). A 3 factorials–3 levels Box–Behnken design was used for the optimization purpose. The maximum EE was achieved using 0.79 MD-GA ratio, 20.23% MS and 24.62% FO in emulsion. Microcapsules obtained by optimum condition had EE 77.68%, particle size (D32) 120.0 ± 0.43 μm, moisture content1.6 ± 0.13%, wettability 192 ± 5.5 s, solubility 75.49 ± 1.3%, bulk density 0.31 ± 0.025 g mL−1, tapped density 0.36 ± 0.01 g mL−1, Carr's Index 13.88 ± 0.01% and Hausner Ratio 1.16 ± 0.01.
First record of Neogale africana (Desmarest, 1818), Amazon Weasel (Carnivora, Mustelidae), in Bolivia
Authors: Bernal-Hoverud Nuria , Morales-Moreno Daniela , Quispe Eyner Eugenio , Rojas Jorge , Torrico Omar , Wallace Robert B. , Salazar-Bravo Jorge
Published: June 2024

Neogale africana (Desmarest, 1818), Amazon Weasel, is a poorly known South American carnivore, with records from north-central Brazil to Ecuador and south to central Peru and central Brazil. Based on two videographic records, we report the presence of this species in Bolivia and document a new elevational record. Furthermore, our new record extends the species’ distribution by 900 km from the nearest locality in Peru, and by 1500 km from the nearest Brazilian locality. Current gaps in its distribution are attributable to the low detectability and rarity of this mustelid.