bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene ontology-guided analyses of pan-primate regulatory LTR elements contributing to embryogenesis, development of physiological traits and pathological phenotypes of Modern Humans
Authors: Glinsky Gennadi V
Published: March 2024

Two distinct families of pan-primate endogenous retroviruses, namely HERVL and HERVH, infected primates germline, colonized host genomes, and evolved into the global genomic regulatory dominion (GRD) operating during human embryogenesis (HE). Analyzed in this contribution GRD derived from HERV sequences constitutes 8839 highly conserved fixed LTR elements linked to 5444 down-stream target genes forged by evolution into a functionally-consonant constellation of 26 genome-wide multimodular genomic regulatory networks (GRNs), each of which is defined by significant enrichment of numerous single gene ontology (GO)-specific traits. Locations of GRNs appear scattered across chromosomes to occupy from 5.5%-15.09% of human genome. Each GRN harbors from 529–1486 regulatory LTRs derived from LTR7, MLT2A1, and MLT2A2 sequences that appear quantitatively balanced according to their genome-wide abundance. GRNs integrate activities from 199–805 down-stream target genes, including transcription factors, chromatin-state remodelers, signal-sensing and signal-transduction mediators, enzymatic and receptor binding effectors, intracellular complexes and extracellular matrix elements, and cell-cell adhesion molecules. GRNs compositions consist of several hundred to thousands smaller GO enrichment-defined genomic regulatory modules (GRMs) combining from a dozen to hundreds LTRs and down-stream target genes, which appear to operate on individuals life-span timescale along specific phenotypic avenues to exert profound effects on patterns of transcription, protein-protein interactions, developmental phenotypes, physiological traits, and pathological conditions of Modern Humans. Overall, this study identifies 69,573 statistically significant regulatory LTR-linked GRMs (Binominal FDR q-value threshold of 0.001), including 27,601 GRMs validated by the single GO-specific directed acyclic graph (DAG) analyses across six GO annotations. Collectively, reported herein observations support the hypothesis that pan-primate ERVs have made significant impacts on evolution of GRNs affecting physiological traits and pathological conditions of Modern Humans, including phenotypes manifestation of which considered human-specific.
An Open GNSS Spoofing Data Repository: Characterization and Impact Analysis with FGI-GSRx Open-Source Software-Defined Receiver
Authors: Islam Saiful , Bhuiyan Mohammad Zahidul H. , Liaquat Muwahida , Pääkkönen Into , Kaasalainen Sanna
Published: March 2024

Spoofing is becoming a prevalent threat to the users of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It is important to deepen our understanding of spoofing attacks and develop resilient techniques to effectively combat this threat. Detecting and mitigating these attacks requires thorough testing, typically conducted in a laboratory environment through the establishment of a spoofing test-bed. The complexity, cost and resource demands of creating such a test-bed underscore the necessity of utilizing openly available datasets. To address this need, this paper introduces a new GNSS spoofing data repository from Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) named hereafter as 'FGI-SpoofRepo'. This data repository consists of raw In-phase and Quadrature (I/Q) data of live recordings of GPS L1 C/A, Galileo E1, GPS L5, and Galileo E5a signals. These datasets encompass three distinct types of spoofing characteristics (synchronous, asynchronous, and meaconing), making them very useful example candidates of open data for testing the performance of any anti-spoofing techniques (be it detection or mitigation). The inclusion of live signals in multiple GNSS frequencies and the presence of cryptographic signatures in Galileo E1 signal make these datasets potential benchmarks for assessing the resilience performance of multi-frequency multi-constellation receivers. The analysis of the datasets is carried out with an open-source MATLAB-based software-defined receiver, FGI-GSRx. An updated version of FGI-GSRx, equipped with the necessary modifications for processing and analyzing the new datasets, is released alongside the datasets. Therefore, the GNSS research community can utilize the open-source FGI-GSRx or any third-party SDR to process the publicly available raw I/Q data for implementation, testing and validation of any new anti-spoofing technique. Overall, this research aims to advance the understanding of complex spoofing attacks on GNSS signals, providing insight into enhancing resilience in navigation systems.
Efficient Design of True Random Number Generator using multiple Ring Oscillator for key generation
Authors: Patel Roma , Gupta Ramji
Published: March 2024

This work investigates the contribution and design with the 31 number of ring oscillators and constituent inverters and the truly randomness of non-deterministic Number Generators using ring oscillators on Field Programmable gate Array (FPGA). They are being used more often to create cryptographic systems for the reason of their similar encryption speed to system and resource efficiency. A conventional ring oscillator designed by using of n + 1 number of inverters, with the last inverter's output being fed back into the first one's input. Non deterministic number generator uses metastability states to generate random numbers and hence it uses an alternate source of jitter for entropy. In this menuscript the proposed design are implemented in the xillinx Vivado version 2018.3 in the environment of FPGA family Artix-7 (XC7A100TCSG324-1) with different numbers of constituent inverters and ring oscillators. The proposed True Random Number Generator (TRNG) design achieved 432.25 Mbp/s with 83.355 gain and consume 14.5% less power compare to some designs. The random bit streams generated from it pass all tests in the NIST statistical test suite.
The association of peripheral refraction and relative peripheral refraction with astigmatism in Shanghai schoolchildren’s myopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Huiyu , Chen Meng , Zhang Junjie , Chen Jun , Xu Yan
Published: March 2024

Purpose Currently, no relevant studies have reported a relationship between astigmatism and peripheral refraction (PR). We aimed to describe the association between PR and relative peripheral refraction (RPR) with astigmatism in Chinese children with mild to moderate myopia, and to provide new insights into the influence of astigmatism. Methods Three-hundred-and-seven children (6–14 years old) from Shanghai were included in this study. The PR and RPR were measured using multispectral refraction topography (MRT). Cycloplegic refraction was measured using an autorefractor (KR-8900, Topcon), whereas axial length and ocular biological parameters were measured using Zeiss IOLMaster 700. Only data from the right eye were analyzed. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore the relationship between cylinder power and MRT parameters. Results Overall, the median spherical equivalent was − 1.50 D (interquartile range, IQR: -2.25, -0.88), showing an apparent trend of hyperopic defocus from the macula to the peripheral retina. Astigmatism was correlated with PR rather than RPR especially at eccentrically inferior and within a 45° radius of the retina (coefficients 0.12–0.18,P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the effect of astigmatism on PR tended to increase with greater lens thickness. Conclusions Astigmatism may be a risk factor for myopia due to its impact on peripheral refraction as opposed to relative peripheral refraction. In this cohort, we also found evidence supporting the association between peripheral hyperopia and myopia development.
Hyponatremia is not induced by the administration of hypotonic fluids (half saline) during postoperative maintenance of infants with biliary atresia after sufficient diuresis is achieved
Authors: Yokota Kazuki , Uchida Hiroo , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Amano Hizuru , Nakagawa Yoichi , Maeda Takuya , Gohda Yousuke , Kato Daiki , Hinoki Akinari
Published: March 2024

Background: In Japan, the administration of extra-hypotonic fluids (approximately 35 mEq/L of sodium) as maintenance fluid is still the mainstream practice, and there have been relatively few reports concerning maintenance intravenous fluid therapy. At our institution, since 2014, maintenance fluids containing 83 mEq/L of Na (HALF) have been administered after diuresis was achieved post-Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia. We investigated whether hyponatremia is induced by the administration of half saline during postoperative maintenance of infants with biliary atresia.
Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for biliary atresia at our institution were included. The serum sodium concentration ([Na]) before and after surgery and the incidence of hyponatremia were compared between the group of patients administered fluid with [Na] of 35 mEq/L (exHYPO group, 59 patients) and the group of patients administered fluid with [Na] of 83 mEq/L (HALF group, 20 patients).
Results: The median age of the patients was 59 days. There were no significant differences in the background or preoperative [Na] between the two groups. There was a significant decrease in [Na] on postoperative day 3 (POD3) in the exHYPO group compared with the preoperative [Na] value in the exHYPO group and the [Na] value on POD3 in the HALF group. There were no significant differences in [Na] before and after surgery in the HALF group. The odds ratio was 21.0 and the 95% confidence interval was 3.31–130, indicating that the exHYPO group had an increased risk of hyponatremia.
Conclusion: Administration of half saline as maintenance fluid can maintain [Na] during postoperative maintenance of infants with biliary atresia.
The cost-effectiveness of an environmental intervention on Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia healthcare-associated infection control
Authors: CHEN Meilian , MAI Huan , GAO Yan
Published: March 2024

Background
Environmental disinfection is important prevention and control measures for CRE.
Aim
Conducted environmental intervention on CRKP to evaluate the effect and cost.
Methods
During pre-intervention phase, monitored disinfection effect of environment around patients randomly through microbiological tests quarterly and feedback to supervise environment disinfection. During intervention phase, targeted microbiological monitoring disinfection effect of environment around CRKP patients, used multiple monitoring methods including fluorescent labelling, ATP to strengthen monitoring. Compared CRKP HAI rates and surroundings monitoring qualification rates, calculated the increased cost and effect.
Results
44 CRKP positive patients were included from January 2018 to June 2019. CRKP HAI rate decreased from 6.49/1000 admissions in pre-intervention phase to 3.08/1000 in intervention phase, microbiological monitoring qualification rate increased from 79.09% to 90.50%. Total environmental intervention cost was CNY6211.00. CRKP HAI and death cases decreased 3.33, 2.50 respectively. Increased CNY1865.17 environmental intervention cost could prevent one CRKP HAI case, increased CNY2,484.40 cost could reduce one CRKP death case.
Conclusion
CRE infection is persistent threat. Environmental intervention could be cost-effectively measure.
Race/Ethnicity, Age, Gender Disparities among Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Study based on SEER Database
Authors: qing wang , Xu Jia , Huang Shu , Liao Jingyuan , Yan Qiong , Jiang Jiao , Hu Nan , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Deng Mingming , Tang Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system. This study aimed to explore the disparities in incidence and survival across various races, ages, and genders.
Methods: Data from the SEER 17 Registries Database, encompassing primary malignant pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed from 2016 to 2020, were analyzed. This study compared patients under the age of 50 with the whole population. Chi-square test evaluated the statistical significance of disparities in race/ethnicity, age, gender, cancer stages, and survival times.. Kaplan-Meier survival curve assessed survival differences by race/ethnicity, age, and gender, and using Annual Average Percentage Change to assess incidence trends.
Results:The study included 33,151 patients, comprising 21,309 (64.2%) Whites, 3,817 (11.6%) Blacks, 207 (0.6%) American Indian/Alaska Natives, 2,984 (9.0%) Asians or Pacific Islanders, and 4,780 (14.4%) Hispanics. The findings revealed significant disparities in incidence and mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups, with Blacks demonstrated notably higher rates. Most diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were elderly,, mainly concentrated in 50-69 years old, patients under 50 had higher survival rate than other age groups. The number of male patients was higher than that of female, with 52.5% of males and 47.4% of females. However, gender-based survival differences in patients under 50 were insignificant.
Conclusion: The study revealed significant differences in incidence and survival rate among patients. These findings are important to further understand the factors that affect pancreatic cancer, and enhance the monitoring of people at high risk.
Gold Mining and Genotoxic Effects on Vicuñas: A Comparative Study of Buccal Cells and Lymphocytes
Authors: Romero Liz , Rodrigo Gloria , Loayza Oscar , Wallace Robert B.
Published: March 2024

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is a wild camelid native from South America, known for its highly valued fiber. In Bolivia, the Apolobamba protected area is a key area for vicuña conservation and Apolobamba’s indigenous communities sustainably harvest the fiber of wild vicuña. The vicuña is an important cultural and economic resource, as well as an indicator of ecosystem health. Over the last decade gold mining activities have increased in Apolobamba potentially causing high levels of mercury contamination, endangering the health of vicuñas, humans, and terrestrial ecosystems. This study used genotoxicity markers: micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) in buccal cells and lymphocytes of vicuñas in 13 vicuña management communities in Apolobamba. A mean frequency of 0.48% MN and 14.91% NA was found in buccal cells, and 0.32% MN and 57.13% NA in lymphocytes. A higher frequency of MN in buccal cells was expected as they are the first barrier to inhalation or ingestion of genotoxic agents. However, a higher frequency of NA in lymphocytes suggests a possible prevalence of damage. Furthermore, a gradient of MN frequency was observed consistently with mining activity, but mining may not be the only cause of this damage, as vicuñas are exposed to mixtures of environmental chemicals, including traces of microplastics and persistent organic pollutants that have been detected in the area too. These findings provide a baseline for future vicuña populations monitoring and can be used as bio monitors and sentinels of environmental pollution.
Crizotinib promotes the occurrence of inferior vena cava thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in cold-exposed mice by affecting endothelial cells and macrophages
Authors: Hong Xiaoyu , Shen Li , Gong Wenfeng , He Ruohong , Wu Yao , Zhuo Li , Hu Jun , Li Yingying
Published: March 2024

Background
Despite reports of pulmonary embolism (PE) as a major adverse effect of Crizotinib, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the pro-thrombotic effects of Crizotinib in mice and its cellular impact.
Methods
Mice underwent inferior vena cava(IVC )ligation or carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis with Crizotinib treatment. Thrombosis incidence and pathology were assessed. In vitro, Crizotinib's effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) survival, apoptosis, and permeability, and macrophage polarization and phagocytosis were evaluated.
Results
Crizotinib can cause IVC thrombosis in mice undergoing laparotomy sham surgery. In the Balb/c mouse IVC and tail thrombosis model induced with carrageenan injection, Crizotinib demonstrated an inflammation-independent thrombopromoting effect. In vivo studies in different strains of mice at an ambient temperature of 18°C (but not 25°C) confirmed that Crizotinib has the effect of promoting IVC thrombosis and PE. Mechanistically, Crizotinib induced HUVEC apoptosis and decreased their survival, compromising the endothelial barrier. Additionally, Crizotinib inhibited macrophage polarization and phagocytosis.
Conclusion
Crizotinib significantly increases thrombosis in mice, likely due to its detrimental effects on endothelial barrier integrity and macrophage function, highlighting potential mechanisms for its clinical association with PE.
Impact of cesarean scar defects on the success of assisted human reproduction: The NICHE- ART prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: ASTRUC Audrey , DESEINE Delphine , BOUGUENET Magalie , SPIERS Andrew , MAY-PANLOUP Pascale , BOUET Pierre Emmanuel , LEGENDRE Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Background: The prevalence of caesarean sections worldwide continues to rise, increasing the risk of obstetric complications. Isthmocele, defined as a dehiscence of the hysterotomy following a caesarean section, can lead to intermenstrual bleeding or pelvic pain. Studies have shown that surgical treatment of isthmoceles reduces the incidence of metrorrhagia. In these studies, the authors noted that patients with abnormal bleeding outside the cycle were also more frequently affected by secondary infertility. However, isthmocele surgery can result in intrauterine adhesions and synechiae, which are also recognized as potentially deleterious to fertility. The impact of the presence of an isthmocele on the results of ART must therefore be demonstrated before any attempt at treatment, and this will require larger-scale prospective studies, using a consensus definition of the isthmocele based on sonohysterography (currently considered the "gold standard" examination).
Methods: We designed a multicentric prospective study that will be conducted in 10 French Reproductive Medicine centers. We will include women consulting for infertility with a history of scarred uterus. During sonohysterography and transvaginal ultrasound, a specific measurement is taken to define the presence or absence of an isthmocele, and to classify patients into one of two groups: "isthmocele +" or "isthmocele -". The main objective of the study is to investigate the association between the presence of an isthmocele and the clinical pregnancy rate obtained after in vitro fertilization in patients with a scarred uterus (single or multi-scarred). The primary outcome is clinical pregnancy rate, as defined by the visualization of gestational sac on the transvaginal ultrasound. We will need to include 250 women with a scarred uterus undergoing ART. The duration of the inclusion period is estimated to be 42 months.
Discussion: If our study shows a reduction in the clinical pregnancy rate in the presence of an isthmocele, this could lead to a change in clinical practices for patients undergoing ART. Indeed, surgical management of the isthmocele could be discussed prior to ART by informing the patient of the benefit-risk balance of the operation.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID:. NCT04869007. Registered on August 16th, 2020.
KLHL14 and E Cadherin Nuclear Co-expression as Predicting Factor of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas Invasiveness: Preliminary study
Authors: Berardinelli Jacopo , Russo Valentina , Canciello Angelo , Giacinto Oriana , Mauro Annunziata , Bove Ilaria , Solari Domenico , De Caro Marialaura Del Basso , Cavallo Luigi Maria , Barboni Barbara
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are needed to improve the clinical management of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). Here, the expression of two proteins controlling the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) – an underlying NFPA pathogenic mechanism – were analyzed as prognostic marker: E-cadherin (E-Cad) and KLHL14.
Methods. Immunohistochemistry characterization of KLHL14 and E-Cad subcellular expression in surgical specimens of 12 NFPA patients, with low and high invasiveness grade (respectively, Ki67+ < and ³ 3%).
Results. The analysis of healthy vs NFPA tissues demonstrated an increased protein expression and nuclear translocation of KLHL14. Moreover, both E-Cad+ and KLHL14+ shifted from a cytoplasmic (C) form in low invasive NFPA to a nuclear (N) localization in high invasive NFPA. Pearson correlation demonstrated the existence of a significant relation between E-Cad/KLHL14 co-localization in cytoplasm (-0,614: p < 0,05) and nucleus (0,729; p < 0,01) and NFPA invasiveness grade.
Conclusions. Nuclear buildup of both E-Cad and KLHL14 detected on high invasive NFPA patients highlights a novel intracellular mechanism governing the tumor propensity to local invasion (Ki67+ >3%). The prolonged progression-free survival trend documented in patients with lower KLHL14 expression further supported such a hypothesis even if a larger cohort of NFPA patients have to be analyzed to definitively recognize for KLHL14 a key prognostic role.
Analysis of Emergency Assembly Points for Post-Earthquake Disaster Management: A Case Study of Erzincan, Türkiye
Authors: Akar Alper , Akar Özlem , Konakoğlu Berkant
Published: March 2024

The selection of emergency assembly points within the urban area holds significant importance for ensuring swift and effective intervention in the aftermath of a potential disaster until temporary shelter areas are prepared. In both historical and instrumental periods, Erzincan (Turkey) has experienced major earthquakes resulting in significant loss of life and property. The likelihood of similar earthquakes occurring in Erzincan in the future remains high. Therefore, it is necessary to identify safe areas where people can assemble after an earthquake, moving away from hazardous zones. The aim of this study is to analyse the capacities and adequacies of emergency assembly points, which constitute a step in disaster management and enhance the earthquake resilience of the city, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based on selected criteria (accessibility, spatial distribution, proximity to healthcare facilities, size, capacity adequacy, and proximity to fault avoidance zones), and to propose solutions. The assessment revealed that the available assembly points are not homogeneously distributed throughout the city and are inadequate to meet the available building and population density. Therefore, in addition to the available 38 emergency assembly points, 67 new alternative emergency assembly points have been identified. The proposed emergency assembly areas (in the 75–100% range) increased the number of neighborhoods within the 250m service area by 43.75% and 42.5% for 500m.The findings underscore the necessity for more comprehensive and effective planning for Erzincan in the event of a potential disaster or emergency.
Association between SARC-F scores and risk of adverse outcomes in older patients with cardiovascular disease: a prospective study at a tertiary hospital in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Nguyen Tan , Nguyen Tuan Dinh , Dinh Hung Cao , Nguyen Tuan Dinh , Ngo Trinh Thi Kim , Do Dung Viet , Le Thanh Dinh
Published: March 2024

Background
Older patients typically face elevated mortality rates and greater medical resource utilization during hospitalizations compared to their younger counterparts. Sarcopenia, serving as a prognostic indicator, is related to disability, diminished quality of life, and increased mortality. The SARC-F questionnaire, known for its cost-effectiveness, offers a valuable means of assessing sarcopenia.
Method
Participants aged 60 and above, admitted to the Cardiovascular Department from November 2021 to June 2022, were recruited in the prospective, single-center study. The prognostic outcomes included all-cause death and the initial occurrence of emergency rehospitalization within six months’ post-discharge. The Kaplan–Meier analysis compared the overall survival rates between different SARC-F score groups.
Results
The study enrolled 285 patients with a median age of 74 (67, 81). During a 6-month follow-up period, there were 14 cases of mortality. A SARC-F score of 4 or higher was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with HR of 2.02 (95% CI: 1.39 – 2.92, p < 0.001), and higher incidence of re-hospitalization events with RR of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.59, p = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a notably higher mortality rate in the patients with high SARC-F scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In elderly patientswith cardiovascular disease, the SARC-F questionnaire could serve as a simple and cost-effective method for detecting mortality and the risk of rehospitalization.
Constructing an Ovarian Cancer Prognostic Model Based on Shared m6A Modifications and Cellular Senescence-Related Genes with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Liu Yang , Gengxiao Yujie , Wu Yanzhi , Hu Xi , Ma Yingying , Sun Chunyi
Published: March 2024

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer (OV) are significant women's health concerns. This study aims to identify genes related to m6A modification and cellular senescence that are shared by PCOS and OV and to develop a prognostic model for OV outcomes.
Methods: Transcriptomic datasets from GEO and TCGA were collected to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with m6A modifications and cellular senescence in both PCOS and OV. We identified hub genes through WGCNA and assessed their prognostic significance. An OV prognostic model was developed and validated using multiple datasets, and correlations between risk scores and tumor immune microenvironment were evaluated. Drug sensitivity was predicted based on risk scores. qRT-PCR was performed to verify model gene alterations in OV cell lines.
Results: We identified 73 DEGs that were common to both PCOS and OV, with eight genes associated with m6A modification and cellular senescence. WGCNA revealed 242 DEhub genes. A 19-gene prognostic model was established, exhibiting impressive efficacy with AUCs exceeding 0.7 for predicting OV patient survival. High-risk scores correlated with increased M0 macrophages and monocytes and decreased M1, CD8+ T cells, and T follicular helper cells. Drug sensitivity varied based on risk scores. Model gene alterations were verified in external OV datasets and OV cell lines. In external datasets, CXCR4 emerged as a key target gene of m6A modification.
Conclusions: The derived 19-gene prognostic model offers potential avenues for risk assessment and personalized therapy in OV patients.
RETRACTED: Congenital heart defects and hypothyroidism in Down syndrome patients with common MTHFR polymorphisms
Authors: Garg Mahak , Patial Ajay , Kapoor Harmanpreet Singh , Attri Savita Verma , Panigrahi Inusha
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Glycated hemoglobin variability predicts diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the Brazilian Diabetes Study
Authors: Jesus Daniel Campos , Barreto Joaquim , Chaves Fernando , Gasparini Matheus S. , Fernandes Vicente H. R. , Sposito Andrei C
Published: March 2024

Background:Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age patients. Although prior studies revealed hyperglycemia as an imperative marker of diabetic retinopathy risk, whether glycemic variability imposes an increased risk of retinopathy remains unclear. As retinopathy is often diagnosed at later stages, when the potential benefit of intervention is significantly attenuated, assessing glycemic variability as an added source when selecting diabetes patients for earlier referral for ophthalmological evaluation may assist in preventing disability. To evaluate this hypothesis, this study investigated the relationship between glycemic variability parameters and diabetic retinopathy using data from a local cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Basic procedures. This study included cohort members aged 18 years and older who had undergone ophthalmological examinations, including retinography and visual acuity testing, and who had at least two glycemic hemoglobin measurements throughout their participation in the study. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)criteria were used to classify diabetic retinopathy. Using validated methods, glycemic variability was calculated as the standard deviation and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions.
Main findings: In the studied population, 22% of individuals with T2DM had DR. Each 1% increase in baseline HbA1c was related to a 44% greater risk of diabetic retinopathy (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.190–1.754, p 0.001). A one-unit increase in the standard deviation of HbA1c was associated with a 74% increased risk of DR (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.067–2.847; p 0.027).
Principal conclusions: Glycated hemoglobin variability, measured as the standard deviation of repeated measures, was independently related to diabetic retinopathy risk (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04949152).
FR-nnUNet: A Novel Medical Segmentation Network Based on the Fuzzy Regions Recognition Scheme and Improved nnU-Net
Authors: Huang Zizhen , Wang Lei , Han Yaolong , Yan Chunyu , Yang Shanliang , Li Bin
Published: March 2024

The performance of the traditional supervised learning based medical image segmentation methods heavily depends on the expensive and scarce data labeling. The semi-supervised based segmentation strategies, such as the mean teacher model, have achieved milestone success in this domain. However, few studies have focused on the problem of target selection. Therefore, a novel medical image segmentation model is proposed based on the fuzzy regions recognition scheme and improved nnU-Net. The novel fuzzy regions recognition strategy is introduced and the improved nnU-Net with the new semi-supervised mean teacher network architecture is constructed, which can efficiently optimize the representation of image features via the intensity and spatial transformations. The class-conditional labeling noise identification method is applied to the image segmentation task and combines the concepts of confusion matrix and thresholding to improve the robustness of the model to class imbalance and overconfidence predictions. Experimental results show that the proposed fuzzy selective mean teacher model can achieve excellent segmentation performance on the Left Atrium and ACDC datasets. Compared with the traditional methods, it can not only improve the objective segmentation evaluation metrics in terms of the Dice coefficient, Jaccard coefficient, and Hausdorff95 distance but also obtain better segmentation results especially when less labeled data is used.
Neuro-Adaptive Path following Control of Autonomous Ground Vehicles with Input Deadzone
Authors: Maaruf Muhammad , Mysorewala Muhammad Faizan
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the path-following control problem of an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) with unknown external disturbances and input deadzones. Neural networks are used to estimate unknown external disturbances, dead zones, and nonlinear functions. A backstepping control is proposed to facilitate the tracking of the target path. The steady-state path-following error is decreased by adding an integral error term to the backstepping controller. Command filtering is employed to address the explosion of the complexity issue of the conventional backstepping approach, and the filtering error is compensated via an auxiliary signal. Lyapunov stability study indicates that the AGV closed-loop system is bounded by the proposed control with reasonable accuracy. At last, simulations are given to demonstrate the potential of the proposed scheme in path-following control.
Multi Day Ahead Flood Predictionin South Asian Tropical Zone Using Deep Learning
Authors: Madhushanka Tharindu , Jayasinghe Thishan , Rajapakse Ruwan
Published: March 2024

A reliable and accurate flood forecasting procedure is a critical need due to the hazardous nature of the disaster. Researchers are increasingly favoring innovative approaches with enhanced accuracy, such as machine learning models, over traditional methods for this task. However, lack of such studies regarding South Asian tropical region, which has its own climate characteristics, was unidentified as a major issue. This research delves into the viability of employing ANN, LSTM, BLSTM, ConvLSTM2D and Transformer models for multi-day ahead flood simulation. One-day, two-days and three-days were selected as lead times for the task considering the lower reaches of the Mahaweli catchment in Sri Lanka, which is mostly affected by the Northeast Monsoon. The prediction capability of extreme stream flows was also of interest. Observed rainfall data from three nearby rain gauges, along with historical discharges of the target river gauge, serve as input features for the models. The ANN model showed the worst performance, having the mean NSE of 0.67. An improved performance was observed from the Transformer compared to the LSTM based models, especially in multiple day ahead forecasting scenarios. For all the models, the forecasting capability of extreme water levels drops down drastically when the prediction lead time is increased.
Formation of an effective strategy for the development of the region under the conditions of european economic integration
Authors: Peresadko Ihor , Yevdokymova Alona , Yevdokymov Andrii
Published: March 2024

Taking into account the processes of European integration of Ukraine, the study of regional strategies becomes especially important for solving the problems of the development of Ukrainian regions and supporting their competitiveness. The topic of regional development attracts significant attention of scientific researchers, as it requires the study and analysis of various factors affecting the processes of regional development, and the formation of scientifically based strategies to achieve optimal results. This topic is considered in various contexts, which contributes to the expansion of theoretical and practical knowledge about regional development and its constituent elements. Studying the regional policy of the European Union will give Ukraine the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge for the development and implementation of its own regional strategy. By applying the practices of the European Union, Ukraine will be able to stimulate regional development, ensure social and economic stability, and increase the competitiveness of its regions. The main goal of this study is to analyze the problem of regional policy formation based on the principles used in the European Union. To achieve this goal, the work sets the following goals: to thoroughly investigate the aspects of the European Union's cohesion policy, to consider the main principles and priorities underlying the cohesion policy, such as increasing competitiveness, sustainable management of resources and ensuring the balanced development of territories. Also, study current areas of project financing, find out which areas and industries receive financial support from the European Union in order to promote regional development. Consider in detail the funding mechanisms and programs that contribute to the implementation of regional strategies. It was found that in the conditions of European economic integration, the regional development strategy is a necessary tool for achieving sustainable development of regions. One of the key aspects of this strategy is the application of the regional policy of the European Union, which can serve as a valuable experience for the formation of regional strategies in Ukraine. The regional policy of the EU is based on the principles of cooperation, rapprochement and support of different regions, which contributes to their development and ensuring more uniform economic growth. This approach involves the development of specific strategies and programs at the level of regions, taking into account their characteristics, potential and needs. It was also found that the regional policy of the EU cannot be a direct model for Ukraine, since the countries have different contextual conditions and features. However, Ukrainian regions can use the EU experience to adapt and implement their own regional strategies.
Banking marketing development trends in the context of digitalization
Authors: Hrytsenko Larysa , Kozhushko Iryna
Published: March 2024

The article is devoted to the study of modern trends in the development of banking marketing in the context of global digitalization of all spheres of social life. In order to assess the relevance of the analyzed question, the data on the number of requests for “bank marketing”, “digitalization”, “digital technologies” and “banking innovations” in the most popular Google search engine were studied. In addition to the significant interest of the public in the digitalization of banking marketing, a high scientific interest in this topic was also revealed among both domestic and foreign researchers. The influence of digitization processes, namely the growth of the level of Internet penetration on the banking system, which, among other things, was reflected in the change in the number of bank branches, was considered. A brief description of the digitalization and banking marketing categories is given, as well as the result of their interaction and the formation of the concept of digital banking marketing is described. The main digital tools of banking marketing are identified: search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing (SMM), content marketing, traffic management, email marketing, contextual advertising, gamification, mobile marketing, etc. A detailed description of the essence of the most popular digital methods of promoting products in the banking services market is provided, as well as the international experience of their successful implementation in banks of various sizes and organizational forms is investigated. The theoretical value of the conducted research lies in the expansion of scientific views on modern trends in the development of banking marketing in the context of digitalization. The practical value lies in the study of international experience in the use of digital banking marketing tools. We consider it appropriate to direct further research to the cost assessment of the effectiveness of the use of digital banking marketing tools
Harnessing the power of education for social change
Authors: Diko Mlamli
Published: March 2024

It cannot be overthrown that South African education - basic and higher - plays a central role in generating constructive social impact. Global education is no exception to this endeavor given that each country’s education system is interlaced with the global standards and norms. In the same vein, it cannot be downplayed, that South Africa’s education has been characterized by colonial and apartheid structures that sought to advance social injustices, such as the exclusion of underprivileged communities, Black South Africans and indigenous languages, among many other determinants. In view of this fact, it remains consequential to recurrently re-visit this system in a bid to underline some of the intricacies that exist within it, while attempting to solve any identified challenges. Bearing this in mind, this article aims to harness the power of South African education in respect of social change; and illustrate how and why it remains a vehicle that can be regarded and utilized to create social change, cohesion and consciousness. Argumentative research technique is employed herein, while critical pedagogy as a theoretical framework is applied to advance the discussions of the article. The principal findings and discussions, among others, underscore that learners and students should be provisioned with an education system that contests and addresses contemporary social injustices, such as gender-based oppression, unemployment, poor healthcare system and fragile economy, among other challenges. In this way, this significant component of social and human existence becomes more inclusive and pertinent in contemporary terms. The closing remarks underscore the necessity to continue debating issues that pertain to education in an attempt to lucidly outline its constructive outcomes
The nexus between reward management and competitive advantage. A Kenya commercial bank's perspective
Authors: Nyongesa Wesonga Justus , Van Der Westhuizen Johan
Published: March 2024

The foundation of reward management is the idea that people run organizations; they are the ones that generate value by utilizing company resources to provide goods and services that customers want, and they must be paid for their labour. However, as commercial banks compete for the same talent pool and the expenses are high, reward management is becoming a concern in the banking industry in the twenty-first century. Talent scarcity has existed since globalization allowed talented workers to advertise their skills internationally. Experts are worried about the potential for fierce global talent rivalry, which raises questions about how talent is acquired and kept. This study aimed to examine how the Kenya Commercial Bank's competitive advantage was affected by reward management. The Equity theory of motivation served as the study's theoretical cornerstone. The study's target group was 108 senior and mid-level executives at the KCB headquarters. It was conducted using a case study methodology. Census data were used because the population was not very large. A questionnaire was used to gather the information. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for frequency and percentages, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple and multiple linear regression. The study found that reward management significantly boosted commercial banks' competitive advantage (r= 0.786, p-value = 0.000). The simple linear regression analysis, used to test the null hypothesis, resulted in its rejection because the t-values were higher than the critical t-values. The majority of respondents maintained that KCB's competitive advantage was influenced by incentive management. Therefore, the study recommended that commercial banks should use suitable reward management to increase their competitive advantage.
Migration intentions of nurses and nursing students from Slovakia: A study on drivers
Authors: Mozolová Veronika , Tupá Magdaléna
Published: March 2024

Nurses are an essential resource in health systems. However, the shortage of skilled nursing workforce is a global phenomenon with negative consequences – many factors, including individual, occupational, and socio-political aspects, influence nurse migration. Thus, the aim is to explore the migration intentions of nurses and nursing students, forcing them to seek work abroad. An online survey was conducted among nurses and nursing students as part of the APVV and VEGA projects. The questionnaire focused on the essential characteristics of the respondents and staffing approaches in hospitals in Slovakia. Data were obtained from a survey of 752 hospital nurses and 423 university nursing students. The statistical analysis consisted of factor and correspondence analysis. The findings highlight the factors influencing the migratory sentiments of nursing students and working hospital nurses. They are organization of work, staff remuneration, employee benefits, workroom equipment, shortage of nurses, bureaucracy, communication and relations with colleagues, superiors, and patients, training and career development, material and spatial security, instrumentation, digitization of work, the prestige of the medical profession, and current situation in the Slovak Republic. The paper identifies and evaluates groups of push factors of migration intentions – satisfaction/dissatisfaction with hospital working conditions. The results of the factor analysis indicate that such factors as material and spatial security, communication and relations with colleagues, work organization, lack of personnel, bureaucracy, the prestige of the medical profession, and the current situation in Slovakia affect their working conditions and pleasure.
AcknowledgmentThis study is elaborated within the framework of the projects APVV č. 19-0579 “Personnel management processes setup in hospitals and its impact on the migration of physicians and nurses to work abroad” and VEGA č. 1/0691/22 “Economic aspects of emigration of university graduates in health care departments in the context of the sustainability of staffing of health care facilities in the Slovak Republic.”
Composition of Coffea canephora Varieties from the Western Amazon
Authors: Acre Lucas , Viencz Thayna , Francisco Julyene , Rocha Rodrigo , Alves Enrique , Benassi Marta
Published: March 2024

This research aimed to compare the composition profiles of roasted Coffea canephora varieties (conilon, robusta, and intervarietal hybrids) grown in the Western Amazon. Ten coffees of each variety were evaluated. No difference in the contents of caffeine (1427 to 3364 mg 100 g-1) and kahweol (absence to 25.7 mg 100 g-1) was observed. Hybrid coffees were discriminated from traditional varieties (conilon and robusta) and stood out for their higher content of trigonelline, chlorogenic acids, and total diterpenes (mean values of 613,3791, and 471 mg 100 g-1, respectively), higher cafestol/kahweol ratio (7.6 to 15.0), and higher frequency of kahweol presence. Traditional varieties only differed in cafestol and 16-O-methylcafestol contents. Robusta coffees stood out for their lower cafestol content (116 mg 100 g-1), and conilon for their lower 16-O-methylcafestol content (139 mg 100 g-1). Differences between the traditional varieties are smaller than that observed among them and the intervarietal hybrid coffees.
USING THE MATRIX METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE INCIDENCE AND MEDICAL SUPPORT EFFICIENCY OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN LARGE OIL COMPANIES
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Orlov O.I. , Mamonova E.Yu. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Perevedentsev O.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: March 2024

Staff health protection is an integral part of the corporate social policy of oil companies organized on a divisional basis. A medical support system based on outsourcing requires an effective system for monitoring its functioning. Since it includes dozens of objects, such control is possible only when using digital technologies. The matrix method of information representation was chosen for the implementation of the task. Two matrices were developed: the health risk management results Matrix and the health risk resource and process management Matrix. System was developed for quantitative risk assessment, key indicators, processes and outcomes of medical support personnel for each group of indicators selected a five-point scale by experts determined the weights for each factor. The developed methodology was applied to analyze the state of health and evaluate the medical support system at 49 enterprises. Special attention was paid to enterprises located in the "orange" zone of relative disadvantage (51-75 points). For three years of observations, 9-10 enterprises were registered in it, with 4 enterprises in both matrices. Based on the analysis of reports, a set of measures to correct the situation for specific enterprises was developed. Conclusion. Building health risk matrices using information technology allows you to monitor a significant number of enterprises, quickly obtain information, identify problem situations and make targeted management decisions.