bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of diet on larval settlement, growth, and spat survival of the oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793)
Authors: Gomes Hugo Moreira , Sühnel Simone , Gomes Carlos Henrique Araujo de Miranda , Silva Eliziane , Silva Francisco Carlos da , De Melo Claudio Manoel Rodrigues
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact of microalgal concentrations in diets on the settlement and metamorphosis stages of pediveliger larvae and spat of Crassostrea gigas oysters. Diets containing microalgal concentrations of 8, 12, and 16×104 cells mL-1 were administered for seven days during the larval settlement phase of pediveliger larvae. In the metamorphosis and postlarval cultivation phases, diets with microalgal concentrations of 8, 16, 24, and 32×104 cells mL-1 and a control group without food were tested for 14 and 21 days, respectively. Growth, yield, and survival were assessed every seven days. The diet comprised 30% Isochrysis galbana and 70% Chaetoceros muelleri microalgae. In the metamorphosis phase, the results revealed no significant differences in larval metamorphosis rate and survival across the tested diets. The concentrations exhibited similar survival in the spat with an initial average shell height of 0.657 ± 0.05 mm, with a significant difference only in growth. In the spat with an initial average shell height of 0.830 ± 0.12 mm, no differences in survival were observed among the tested concentrations. We concluded that diets of 12 and 16×104 cells mL-1 provide high rates of larval metamorphosis and spat yield during the larval settlement and metamorphosis phases. During the spat cultivation phases, diets of 32 and 24×104 cells mL-1 could optimize the cultivation time and yield of C. gigas spat in the laboratory. However, when considering survival alone, no advantage was found in providing a diet with a microalgal concentration above 8×104 cells mL-1 across all C. gigas oyster cultivation phases.
Population Estimates of the Second Generation of Migrants in Russia and Western Countries
Authors: Smirnova Mariia
Published: September 2024

The article examines the issue of the statistical classification of a second generation of migrants as a category of population statistics. The descendants of migrants represent a substantial proportion of the population in numerous countries, yet they are simultaneously a demographic group facing considerable socio-economic challenges. The introduction of this category into national statistical systems enables the direct estimation of the number of second-generation migrant contingents in a number of Western countries.

The study presents a critical analysis of the existing Russian sources of demographic data, which lack the necessary specialized classifications for the direct identification of second-generation migrants, thereby making it challenging to ascertain their numbers with a reasonable degree of accuracy. As an alternative approach, this paper employs cohort-component analysis to model the number of second-generation migrants born in Russia between 2001 and 2020. The model results indicate that the size of this group is approximately 1 million individuals. The findings underscore the necessity for enhancements to existing statistical methodologies in Russia.

This article is an output of a research project implemented as part of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University).
Hereditary and wild type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in Bulgaria in patients suspected for cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Stefanov S. , Stoyanov N. , Koleva N. , Mikova D. , Yordanov A. , Pavlova Z. , Kinova E. , Petrova I. , Demirevska L. , Todorov T. , Chamova T. , Garcheva M. , Kundurdjiev A. , Todorova A. , Tournev I. , Palashev Y. , Daskalov I. , Dimova M. , Gruev I. , Yotov Y. , Goudev A. , Velchev V. , Gospodinova Mariana
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a severe progressive disease, more common than previously expected. The main objectives were to evaluate hereditary and wild type ATTR-CM frequency and clinical manifestations. Material and methods: One hundred seventy-eight patients at mean age 68 ± 13 years (129 males), referred by cardiologists with suspected cardiac amyloidosis (left ventricular wall thickness ≥ 12 mm and red flags) were evaluated. Pyrophosphate scintigraphy (99mTc-PYP) grade 2-3 myocardial uptake in the absence of monoclonal protein confirmed the diagnosis. Genetic test differentiated variant from wild type ATTR-CM. Endomyocardial biopsy with amyloid typing was performed in two patients. Results: Cardiac amyloidosis was diagnosed in 69 patients: light chain in 24 (13%) and ATTR-CM in 45 patients (25%). Wild type (ATTRwt) was found in 21 (12%) male patients at mean age 81 ± 6 years and variant type (ATTRv) in 24 patients (13%) at mean age 58 ± 7 years (15 males). In all ATTRv-CM patients some degree of peripheral polyneuropathy was found. The most common clinical red flags at diagnosis in both ATTRv and ATTRwt were heart failure in all patients, atrial fibrillation (16; 36%), pacemaker (5; 11%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (8; 18%). Severe aortic stenosis (4; 19%), spinal stenosis (2;10%), biceps tendon rupture (1; 5%) were characteristic for the wild type. At follow up, four patients needed a pacemaker for high degree AV block, six patients developed new onset atrial fibrillation, seventeen patients needed either initiation or an increase of the dose of loop diuretic, another 7 patients were hospitalized for heart failure exacerbation. Eight patients (18%) died, 7 (33%) with ATTRwt-CM and 1 (4%) with ATTRv-CM, all with advanced heart failure, 4 with concomitant severe aortic stenosis. Conclusions: This study provides the first nationwide estimates of the frequency and the clinical manifestations of ATTR-CM. Confirming the severity of the disease and poor prognosis, a low threshold for screening is needed for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Myocardial interstitial fibrosis in different cardiomyopathies as a basis of heart failure
Authors: Boneva T. , Groudeva V. , Karamfiloff K.
Published: September 2024

Myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF) occurs in several ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies and is associated with left ventricular dysfunction and progression to heart failure (HF). MIF exists in two types – reparative and reactive with different origin and molecular mechanisms. Although MIF arises mainly because of alterations in collagen turnover leading to collagen fiber accumulation, there are also qualitative changes in collagen fibers in cardiac diseases. There are several studies for cellular and molecular mechanisms and his role in cardiac function, biomarkers and potential target therapies.
Comparing morphology and cranial osteology in two divergent clades of dice snakes from continental Europe (Squamata: Natricidae: Natrix tessellata)
Authors: Papežíková Simona , Ivanov Martin , Papežík Petr , Javorčík Adam , Mebert Konrad , Jablonski Daniel
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Western Palearctic harbours a diverse snake fauna, including numerous endemic species and yet unnamed clades, identified through molecular analyses. However, morphological characteristics of these clades, even of common species, often remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we provide an examination of the morphology and cranial anatomy of the semi-aquatic snake species Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768), with a focus on populations of the so-called ‘Europe’ and ‘Greece’ clades. Utilising both museum collections and field data, we first morphologically examined 541 individuals of N. tessellata, categorising them according to previously established clades and lineages that resulted in relatively low morphometric and meristic variation across the species’ range. When assessing the 448 specimens from the ‘Europe’ and the ‘Greece’ clades separately, we similarly observed little variation in meristic characteristics. On the other hand, individuals of the ‘Greece’ clade displayed smaller and more slender body and head proportions compared to those of the ‘Europe’ clade and the pigmentation of the labial scales is distinctively paler in the ‘Greece’ clade, whereas the overall body colouration remains largely similar between the two. Our osteological analysis of 47 N. tessellata skulls also indicated slight differences in the frontoparietal portion of the braincase between the ‘Europe’ and the ‘Greece’ clades, warranting further examination with a larger dataset and extending to other skull components. These findings hold significance for ongoing enquiries into the species’ biogeography, morphology and ecological adaptations. In summary, the integration of morphological and osteological data with genetic information offers a promising avenue for potential taxonomic revisions of N. tessellata in the future.
Mutations de l’enseignement supérieur et internationalisation
Authors: Masseys-Bertonèche Carole
Published: September 2024

Résumé L’article définit ce que l’on entend aujourd’hui aux États-Unis par commercialisation des universités et, notamment, son lien avec la collaboration accrue entre le monde universitaire et le monde des affaires. Il montre que cette interaction renforcée entre les universités et les entreprises s’est établie dans les années 1980 et insiste sur l’émergence de la notion de tiers secteur et sur la professionnalisation de la philanthropie. Il conclut en montrant les limites de cette commercialisation pour les universités américaines et les difficultés de transposition à l’environnement européen.
Interroger le médico-social
Authors: Martin Claude
Published: September 2024

Ce chapitre interroge la manière dont d’autres pays, notamment le Royaume-Uni, ont saisi et parlent de ce que l’on nomme en France le « médico-social ». Ce terme n’a pas d’équivalent direct en anglais, la langue des recherches comparatives. Au Royaume-Uni, la notion de social care a été utilisée, à partir des années 1940-1950, pour désigner des dispositifs qui articulent des dimensions sociales et sanitaires. Le chapitre montre comment ce champ s’est développé en relation et par contraste au champ sanitaire. Il souligne ensuite à partir d’une revue de littérature internationale, que le social care – tel qu’il s’est construit au Royaume Uni et dans d’autres pays, notamment les pays scandinaves – et le médico-social, tel qu’il s’est construit en France, ont été et sont confrontés à une même série de problèmes : la discussion sur la relation entre âge et handicap, la nécessaire et difficile coordination des accompagnements, l’importance de l’aide informelle et le tournant domiciliaire, le développement des techniques managériales et de la marchandisation des services, ou encore la personnalisation et l’individualisation des prestations et services. Si le cas anglais diverge, sur certains points, de ce que nous nommons médico-social, il en éclaire les problématiques, les tensions et les défis.
Introduction aux statistiques en sciences du langage
Authors: Stefaniak Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Résumé Quand on évoque le traitement des données, R est un logiciel qu’il n’est pas possible d’ignorer. Pour les novices, R suscite des émotions ambivalentes, mêlant une forme d’admiration pour les personnes qui l’utilisent de manière routinière ou un enthousiasme pour maîtriser cet outil permettant un nombre incalculable d’analyses à de l’angoisse et du découragement face à son environnement austère et à ses messages d’erreur. Et si R était bien plus facile que vous ne l’imaginiez ? Ce chapitre va vous montrer que c’est le cas si vous évitez les écueils les plus fréquents auxquels les débutants sont confrontés. Vous apprendrez à les identifier et à vous y confronter. Une fois cette étape passée, plus aucune raison ne vous empêchera de jouir d’un outil aussi puissant. Dans ce chapitre, vous apprendrez à naviguer dans l’environnement de R au travers de son interface RStudio. Vous commencerez à manipuler vos premières fonctions et à préparer vos données de manière efficace. À la fin du chapitre, vous saurez rendre vos traitements reproductibles et vous disposerez des prérequis pour la suite de cet ouvrage. Bien plus qu’un guide pas à pas, vous apprendrez à développer les bons réflexes qui vous garantiront une autonomie.
Espaces disputés en Afrique noire
Authors: Sidibe D.F.
Published: September 2024

Un vaste programme d’éradication de l’onchocercose a été mis en place dans six pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest, sous l’égide de l’OMS depuis 1973. En Haute-Volta, le programme de développement économique et social des zones ainsi libérées de l’endémie, recommandé par les donateurs, a été confié à l’Autorité de l’Aménagement des Vallées des Volta (AVV). Cet organisme avait trois missions principales : diriger et organiser la migration de nouveaux colons, vulgariser des techniques agricoles améliorées et protéger les boisements et la faune. Bien préparés dans les villages de départ, les migrants se sont heurtés dans les vallées des Volta à l’hostilité des premiers occupants et à l’occupation des terres par d’autres migrants, non encadrés par l’AVV mais soutenus par les solidarités traditionnelles. Les nouveaux colons sur les parcelles AVV ne disposaient pas, en outre, de la sécurité foncière que l’État hésitait à leur reconnaître. Pour régler les conflits et préserver l’avenir de l’aménagement, il fallait proposer une solution foncière qui tienne compte des revendications de l’ensemble des parties, autochtones, colons officiels et autres migrants. Ceci suppose une ample négociation sous l’égide de l’État et l’établissement de nouvelles règles du jeu.
Espaces disputés en Afrique noire
Authors: Savonnet Georges
Published: September 2024

Jusqu’au début des années « soixante », des rives du Bani au Mali à celles de la Bougouriba en Haute-Volta, on pouvait observer un ordre spatial forgé minutieusement au cours des temps par les Bwa et caractérisé par deux auréoles de cultures. Cette logique d’aménagement reflétait les règles communautaires de l’organisation sociale et aurait émergé à la fin du xviii e siècle en réponse à diverses agressions. Au regroupement des populations correspondent un ordre spatial simplifié, un renforcement de l’organisation socio-politique et une exploitation collective des terres. Cette organisation a été reconduite, en particulier en raison de la révolte Bwa de 1916, jusqu’à la fin de la période coloniale, mais avec des modifications : le terroir est ainsi partagé entre quatre types de champs au lieu de deux. Le coton est le premier facteur de changement, puis le retour des anciens militaires entre 1948 et 1950. Depuis lors, les autres transformations n’ont conduit qu’à une amélioration des pratiques spatiales et qu’à une mutation de trame dans le cadre de la matrice spatio-temporelle autochtone. Parallèlement, les pratiques économiques se modifient et les derniers verrous à l’accession à l’indépendance des cadets ont sauté en 1981. L’auteur étudie, en conclusion, les diverses évolutions qui ont marqué, sans rupture dramatique, l’histoire récente de cette société, en particulier le sens communautaire. Il se demande si elles illustrent l’élaboration d’une nouvelle matrice qui, sans renier les engagements du groupe, adopterait de nombreux points du projet capitaliste.
Espaces disputés en Afrique noire
Authors: Crousse Bernard
Published: September 2024

Dans une lecture au second degré, cette contribution insiste d’abord sur la diversité factuelle des problématiques spécifiques de chacune des études de cas publiées dans cet ouvrage. Par là, se pose l’exigence de constituer davantage et de reformuler sans cesse la problématique générale du Réseau, laquelle devrait servir au minimum à localiser les points où les efforts de recherche devraient être portés pour répondre plus efficacement à certaines questions cruciales estimées prioritaires par le Réseau. Dans sa dernière partie, l’auteur exprime l’opinion qu’il est nécessaire de travailler de manière spécifique sur les conflits qu’entretiennent la rationalité scientifique (à l’intérieur de laquelle se trouvent principalement les acquis du Réseau jusqu’ici) et d’autres sphères de rationalité, comme les « rationalités d’efficacité » de l’aménageur, de l’administrateur et de l’homme politique. Ainsi se dessine peut-être une voie qui permettrait de traduire les acquis du Réseau en démarches opératoires.
L’ingénieur pédagogique dans le supérieur
Authors: Spriet Thierry , Albareil Esther
Published: September 2024

Depuis 2009, Avignon Université (AU) a mis en place une stratégie d’établissement incitative pour la transformation pédagogique et numérique des formations. Elle se décline par une valorisation des dispositifs innovants et une démarche qualité en matière de pédagogie. En adéquation avec les politiques nationales, cette stratégie apporte une constance des actions engagées dans l’établissement. Les ingénieurs pédagogiques sont les acteurs incontournables de ces actions, que cela soit à leur élaboration ou à leur mise en œuvre.
Reinforcement learning for deep portfolio optimization
Authors: Yan Ruyu , Jin Jiafei , Han Kun
Published: September 2024

Portfolio optimization is an important financial task that has received widespread attention in the field of artificial intelligence. In this paper, a novel deep portfolio optimization (DPO) framework was proposed, combining deep learning and reinforcement learning with modern portfolio theory. DPO not only has the advantages of machine learning methods in investment decision-making, but also retains the essence of modern portfolio theory in portfolio optimization. Additionaly, it was crucial to simultaneously consider the time series and complex asset correlations of financial market information. Therefore, in order to improve DPO performance, features of assets information were extracted and fused. In addition, a novel risk-cost reward function was proposed, which realized optimal portfolio decision-making considering transaction cost and risk factors through reinforcement learning. Our results showed the superiority and generalization of the DPO framework for portfolio optimization tasks. Experiments conducted on two real-world datasets validated that DPO achieved the highest accumulative portfolio value compared to other strategies, demonstrating strong profitability. Its Sharpe ratio and maximum drawdown also performed excellently, indicating good economic benefits and achieving a trade-off between portfolio returns and risk. Additionally, the extraction and fusion of financial information features can significantly improve the applicability and effectiveness of DPO.
Mittag-Leffler projective synchronization of uncertain fractional-order fuzzy complex valued neural networks with distributed and time-varying delays
Authors: Xu Yang , Yin Zhouping , Wang Yuanzhi , Liu Qi , Din Anwarud
Published: September 2024

To study the Mittag-Leffler projective synchronization (MLPS) problem of fractional-order fuzzy neural networks (FOFNNs), in this work we introduced the FOFNNs model. On this basis, we discussed the MLPS of uncertain fractional-order fuzzy complex valued neural networks (FOFCVNNs) with distributed and time-varying delays. Utilizing Banach contraction mapping principle, we proved the existence and uniqueness of the model solution. Moreover, employing the construction of a new hybrid controller, an adaptive hybrid controller, and the fractional-order Razumikhin theorem, algebraic criteria was obtained for implementing MLPS. The algebraic inequality criterion obtained in this article improves and extends the previously published results on MLPS, making it easy to prove and greatly reducing the computational complexity. Finally, different Caputo derivatives of different orders were given, and four numerical examples were provided to fully verify the accuracy of the modified criterion.
Jovens trabalhadores, jovens cidadãos: luta por direitos humanos na Curitiba em fins de 1940
Authors: Américo Junior Elston
Published: September 2024

A presente pesquisa apresenta como tema a situação dos jovens trabalhadores curitibanos e suas lutas por direitos humanos, em fins da década de 1940. Para tanto, elegeu-se a seguinte pergunta para nortear a pesquisa: Como os jovens trabalhadores da construção civil participaram da construção dos Direitos Humanos em fins da década de 1940, na cidade de Curitiba? No que tange à metodologia, o estudo histórico se pautou na micro-história para analisar a fonte histórica, no caso um processo trabalhista envolvendo 07 curitibanos, entre eles 02 jovens, em 1947. Foi percebido que a juventude curitibana deste período estava delineada em uma linha tênue entre trabalhar/estudar ou se tornar um delinquente, se tornando um cidadão no primeiro caso, ou um ser punível no segundo. A participação dos mesmos em processos trabalhistas formais demonstrou, também, sua participação em lutar pelos seus direitos, findados no reconhecimento da dignidade humana.
A tentativa de cooptação do movimento sindical uruguaio realizada pelo peronismo (1947-1952)
Authors: Serralta Massonnier Andres
Published: September 2024

A tentativa de cooptar os sindicatos uruguaios pelo governo peronista da Argentina no período 1947-1952 é estudada através de um caso específico. Nós estabelecemos uma caracterização dos principais atores do mundo sindical uruguaio no momento e dentro das relações uruguaio-argentino em política externa. Finalmente, é dada uma descrição das estratégias de cooptação utilizadas pelos agregados laborais argentinos no Uruguai, o desenvolvimento dessas e algumas das chaves que parecem ter determinado o fracasso de seus objetivos em grande escala.
A construção do espaço urbano da Vila Real de Pindamonhangaba por meio das obras de Francisco Antônio Pereira de Carvalho
Authors: Morais Brenda Laisa
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar as contribuições de Francisco Antônio Pereira de Carvalho, popularmente conhecido como Chiquinho do Gregório, mestre de obras nascido em Portugal, que participou de importantes obras que visavam à construção do espaço urbano da cidade de Pindamonhangaba a partir do ano de 1840. Para tanto, propomos a investigação da rede de sociabilidade que se constrói em torno da família de Chiquinho, como meio de compreender as possibilidades de inserção das camadas médias em uma cidade governada pelos barões do café. O trabalho torna possível a verificação de que todo o conjunto arquitetônico do espaço urbano de Pindamonhangaba, tombadas na década de 1960 pelo CONDEPHAAT, é composto por obras pensadas e realizadas por Chiquinho do Gregório, evidenciando a participação deste personagem no contexto histórico da época. Por essa razão, se torna necessária a análise sobre formação da memória que legitima as obras deste período como sendo o patrimônio histórico da cidade de Pindamonhangaba.
A marcha do Onze de Setembro em Santiago: disputas de memória através do espaço urbano
Authors: Da Silva Lays Correa
Published: September 2024

o presente artigo busca analisar as disputas de memória sobre a Ditadura Militar chinela no período pós-ditadura a partir de um estudo sobre a marcha de rememoração do onze de setembro na cidade de Santiago. Neste dia, diversos grupos sociais expressam pela cidade suas formas de lembrar do golpe, ressignificando espaços e construções memoriais. Analisaremos o sentido a marcha que acontece no centro da cidade, que vai do palácio presidencial até o cemitério de Santiago, e os lugares de memória pelos quais ela passa.
Urban Sketchers e o heroísmo moderno
Authors: Torres Valgas Paulo Henrique
Published: September 2024

Esse artigo é um recorte da dissertação "Urban Sketchers Brasil: memória e sensibilidade nas cidades contemporâneas" e dialoga com os conceitos de História e memória e como esse se aplica à prática do urban sketching, mais especificamente do movimento Urban Sketchers, fundado em 2008 pelo espanhol Gabi Campanario. O artigo também se propõe a pensar este movimento no sentido do que falou Baudelaire sobre o artista moderno: uma figura a buscar o heroísmo da vida moderna, ou seja, os aspectos cotidianos das cidades, esses sendo o objeto de inspiração para os urban sketchers, membros de uma comunidade de desenhistas que engloba todos os continentes e tem seu número de participantes cada vez maior. Assim, finalizando o artigo, são mostrados exemplos de relatos e desenhos produzidos pelos membros do Urban Sketchers Brasil, todos esses publicados em plataformas virtuais específicas.
Determinants of Commercial Banks' Lending Behavior: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Trang Le Ngoc Thuy , Thao Do Phuong , Nhan Do Thi Thanh
Published: September 2024

The paper examines the factors affecting the lending behavior of commercial banks by using panel data of Vietnam's listed commercial banks on two stock exchanges, namely the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) from 2009 to 2018. According to the results of the regression analysis, the GDP has a positive and significant influence on bank lending, whereas the liquidity ratio (LIR), management quality (MQR), and cash reserve ratio (RRR) all have a negative influence on bank loans (LOA). Moreover, operating expenses (OEA) and lending rates (LDR) do not appear to influence bank lending behavior. To prevent the occurrence of bad debt, the results recommend that banks work harder to increase deposits and exercise caution when making lending decisions.
Tuberculosis in Aceh Province, Indonesia: a spatial epidemiological study covering the period 2019–2021
Authors: Fahdhienie Farrah , Sitepu Frans Yosep , Depari Elpiani Br
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were any TB clusters in Aceh Province, Indonesia and their temporal distribution during the period of 2019–2021. A spatial geo-reference was conducted to 290 sub-districts coordinates by geocoding each sub-district’s offices. By using SaTScan TM v9.4.4, a retrospective space-time scan statistics analysis based on population data and annual TB incidence was carried out. To determine the regions at high risk of TB, data from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 were evaluated using the Poisson model. The likelihood ratio (LLR) value was utilized to locate the TB clusters based on a total of 999 permutations were performed. A Moran’s I analysis (using GeoDa) was chosen for a study of both local and global spatial autocorrelation. The threshold for significance was fixed at 0.05. At the sub-district level, the spatial distribution of TB in Aceh Province from 2019-2021 showed 19 clusters (three most likely and 16 secondary ones), and there was a spatial autocorrelation of TB. The findings can be used to provide thorough knowledge on the spatial pattern of TB occurrence, which is important for designing effective TB interventions.
Rare inherited coagulation disorders in Alexandria University Children’s Hospital
Authors: Hassab Hoda M.A. , Albalahy Mona H. , Rasheed Hadeer M.E. , Hassanein Nehad M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Rare coagulation disorders (RCD) encompass a diverse range of conditions that differ in terms of frequency and clinical manifestations.

Aim

To describe clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with RCD attending Alexandria University Children’s Hospital complaining of bleeding symptoms.

Methods

This descriptive study enrolled pediatric patients with RCD in Alexandria University Children’s Hospital from December 2021 to June 2022.

Results

RCD were diagnosed in 64 patients aged 1 day–14 years. Factor ⅤⅠI deficiency was most common, with a prevalence of 29.6%, followed by fibrinogen disorders (23.4%), Factor XⅠ (15.6%), Factor X deficiency (12.5%), Factor V deficiency (10.9%), and Factor XIII deficiency (6.2%). Manifestations ranged from mild to serious presentation. The most common age at presentation was the first year of life. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 10/64 patients; it was the initial mode of presentation in one of them. Global developmental delay as a complication occurred in one case. Buddi Chiari syndrome occurred in three cases due to fibrinogen deficiency. The most common rare coagulation disorder was Factor VII deficiency, followed by fibrinogen deficiency due to the high prevalence of consanguineous marriage. The presentation was heterogeneous and life-threatening, with challenges in treatment, including initiation of prophylaxis very early in life.

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between factor activity in fibrinogen disorders, Factor X deficiency, and severity of bleeding. There was no correlation between Factor V, Factor VII, Factor XI, Factor XIII activity levels and bleeding severity, so we recommend studying genotype-phenotype correlation.
Evaluation of reticulocyte indices and mathematical formulas for beta-thalassemia carriers screening among Egyptian beta-thalassemia patients’ families
Authors: Eldabah Nermeen , Fakhry Maha , Swelem Rania S. , Zeid Maha Y.K. , Hassab Amina H.
Published: September 2024

Background

Egypt lies within the global thalassemia belt, where beta-thalassemia presents a notable socioeconomic burden.

Patients and methods

One hundred fifty-seven relatives of beta-thalassemia patients were included in this cross-sectional study. It aimed to ascertain a cost-efficient and accurate screening approach for identifying beta-thalassemia carriers (BTC) by evaluating some erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters measured on Advia 2120 analyzer (Siemens) and assessing four mathematical Formulas (Metzner index, Green and King et al., Roth et al., and Vicinanza et al. formulas).

Results

Participants were stratified into distinct categories: BTC (42%), normal (24.2%), mild iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) (17.2%), severe IDA (3.8%), and a subset with both IDA and BTC (mix group) accounting for 12.7%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified absolute reticulocyte count as the optimal discriminator (area under a curve=0.837) between BTC and IDA. The Mentzer index and Green and King et al. formula demonstrated superior diagnostic utility among the evaluated formulas. However, none of the formulas effectively distinguished between BTC and the mix group, a frequently overlooked and challenging group for diagnosis. Interestingly, our data highlighted absolute reticulocyte count and percentage as the sole parameters capable of distinguishing BTC from the mix group. Consequently, two algorithms were developed. The first one had a good agreement (κ=0.62) with 77.3% concordance, while the second one demonstrated improved screening performance (κ=0.66) with 79.8% agreement.

Conclusion

The optimal screening strategy involves distinguishing between various categories of both IDA and BTC. Our algorithms, designed as a low-cost and user-friendly mass screening tool, may serve this purpose effectively.
Social Inclusion of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Educational Setting
Authors: Samnani Malvika , Shahi Sujata , Jaiswal Atul , Shore Stephen , Samnani Manish
Published: September 2024

Background:

Social inclusion is described as the process of improving the terms of participation in society, particularly for disadvantaged individuals. This includes the capacity to make friends, participate in community activities, engage in leisure, and play, and have access to outstanding inclusive classroom practices. Social isolation of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is well documented in research and inclusive education as a policy that strives to achieve full participation of all children in the school/classroom setting. However, it is not very well known about “What literature exists on social inclusion of children with autism in educational settings?”

Objective:

The aim of this scoping review was to analyze empirical studies on social inclusion of children with ASD in the educational settings over the past 20 years.

Study Design:

This was a scoping review.

Methods:

A systematic process was used to conduct the review as suggested by Arksey and O'Malley strategy for scoping review. This strategy consists of five main steps: (a) identifying the research question, (b) identifying relevant studies, (c) selection of critical articles, (d) reviewing and charting the data, and (e) collating and summarizing the results. A total of more than 15,000 articles were searched in a total of 4 databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, ERIC, and Cochrane, and used Google Scholar as the search engine. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model was followed to shortlist the articles based on title, abstract, and full article. Finally, 39 selected articles were summarized.

Results:

This scoping review study highlights the literature on social inclusion of ASD children and summarizes a variety of studies that help us better understand the issues that teachers and children face in the inclusion environment. The studies also describe how inclusion enhances social communication in ASD children.

Conclusion:

This study helped us to find experiences, key concepts, evidence types, and research gaps by synthesizing current knowledge through systematic search to appraise the stakeholders for social inclusion.
How are Marginalized Communities Represented in the Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy? A Scoping Review
Authors: Shetty Raviraj , Nayar Shoba
Published: September 2024

Background:

Transforming occupational therapy (OT) practices and services to be more inclusive and political so that everyone has an opportunity to engage with meaningful occupations to advance their health and wellbeing is critical. An occupational justice framework locates occupations in a socio-cultural-historical context influencing the community or person's choice and participation. Communities marginalized due to socio-cultural-historical context struggle with participating in preferred occupations, which in turn affects their well-being and sense of self. Patriarchy, Gender binarism, Heteronormativity, Ableism, Casteism, and Classism are some dominant systems of oppression that affect how communities and people choose and participate in occupations. As occupational therapists and researchers, it becomes imperative to understand the experience of marginalized communities to contextualize interventions and evaluations to address the cultural practices of oppression.

Objective:

To understand how marginalized identity locations are represented in the Indian Journal of OT (IJOT).

Study Design:

A scoping review.

Methods:

Arksey and O'Malley's methodology was used to review research papers published in the IJOT from January 2012 to April 2022.

Results:

Disabled people have been the most represented in the last decade. Women's experiences are represented as lesser than that of men. Within studies focusing on disabilities, men's experiences are represented more than women's. There are two papers in the last decade that focus on Adivasi people. Lesbian, Gay, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Bisexual, and Asexual + communities are absent from OT research in the IJOT. Dalits and Bahujans are also absent from research. Few studies use the person-centered model of intervention by partnering with clients, whereas most studies use a medical model where the therapist is the only expert.

Conclusion:

In this study, we derive three themes to explore possible explanations on why marginalized communities are underrepresented. These themes of “unconscious bias,” “history repeats itself” and “medical model of research” help us understand factors we need to reflect on as OT researchers and therapists as we engage with communities and people.
Resilience and its relationship with disability in persons with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: A comparative study
Authors: Datta Arnab , Chetia Dhrubajyoti
Published: September 2024

Background:

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity. Severe mental illnesses are associated with poor and heterogeneous functional outcomes. Symptom remission is inadequate to achieve patient-oriented outcome, and positive psychopathology constructs like resilience have emerged as possible mediators. An exploration of resilience and its association with functional outcomes can drive therapeutic endeavors.

Aim:

To assess and compare the influence of resilience on disability among patients diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in a tertiary care facility.

Methods:

Study design – Hospital-based, cross-sectional, comparative design; study population – patients of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia with 2–5 years illness and Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) <4; sampling procedure – consecutive sampling; sample size – 30 patients each; scales used – Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS), and CGI-S; patients were evaluated with IDEAS, and 15 persons with and without a significant disability were recruited in each group of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Results:

The mean CD-RISC 25 score for persons with schizophrenia was 73.60 ± 13.87, whereas that for persons with bipolar disorder was 78.10 ± 15.26. For schizophrenia, only CDRISC-25 scores are statistically significant (t = −2.582, P = 0.018) for predicting IDEAS global disability. For bipolar disorder, CDRISC-25 scores (t = −2.977, P = 0.008) and CGI-severity scores (t = 3.135, P = 0.005) are statistically significant for predicting IDEAS global disability.

Conclusion:

When disability is factored in, resilience is comparable in persons with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Resilience independently predicts disability in both groups. However, the type of disorder does not significantly affect the relationship between resilience and disability. Irrespective of diagnosis, higher resilience is associated with lower disability.
Basidiobolomycosis – An Unsightly Devastating Condition, Ironically Responsive to Inexpensive Medications: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Kumar N. Naresh , Chelliah D. Suresh , Meganathan P. , Senguttuvan D. , Shyamsundar Skanda
Published: September 2024

Background:

Basidiobolomycosis is an infection which results in an indolent, nonhealing, penetrating, unsightly destruction of subcutaneous tissues, rarely described in children.

Clinical Description:

A 6-year-old girl with no prior medical illness, presented with low-grade intermittent fever associated with an indurated swelling on the posterior aspect of her right leg, which gradually progressed over a period of 6 months into a deep, spreading, nonhealing ulcer, causing pain and restriction of movement.

Management and Outcome:

Routine blood investigations and swab cultures ruled out pyogenic infections and tuberculosis. She was negative for HIV. The wound was debrided, but there was poor response to antibiotics, fluconazole, and amphotericin B. Biopsy of debrided tissue revealed subcutaneous basidiobolomycosis. She was then treated with a combination of potassium iodide and cotrimoxazole. Over a 3-month period, the ulcer began granulating, and complete resolution was achieved through split-thickness skin grafting.

Conclusion:

Although uncommon, basidiobolomycosis may be considered in the evaluation of nonhealing penetrating ulcers, especially in immunocompetent children. Rather than expensive antifungals, potassium iodide and cotrimoxazole yield gratifying results in this condition.
Isolated Renal Hydatid Cysts in Children: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Sharma Jignesh , Kulkarni Avani , Pathak Shrirang Deepak , Sharma Tanya , Kumar Amber , Malik Shikha , Bhatt Girish Chandra
Published: September 2024

Background:

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic tapeworm infection caused byEchinococcus granulosus,occasionally affecting humans. The larval infection most commonly affects the liver and lungs and very rarely the kidneys.

Objective:

The present systematic review compiles data regarding clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, management strategies and recurrences in children with isolated renal hydatid cysts.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was done in major databases PubMed and Google Scholar using defined search terms encompassing case reports or case series on isolated renal hydatid cysts in children. The identified reports underwent screening by three different authors for inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

The median (range) age at presentation of isolated renal hydatid disease was 10 (6) years with female preponderance (52.7%). Most common presenting symptom and sign were abdominal pain (64.8%) and palpable abdominal mass (56.7%), respectively. Ultrasonography (94.5%) was most common diagnostic method. Patients were primarily managed with surgical interventions (95.5%) and only 2/37 were managed solely by medical management for a median duration of 3.5 weeks. Laparoscopic cystectomy was the most commonly used surgical procedure (45.9%). Recurrence was observed to be rare, seen in only 3 cases.

Conclusion:

Hydatid cysts need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal cysts. Radiological evaluation with pathological confirmation enables diagnosis. Surgery combined with adjuvant anti-parasitic chemotherapy is used to treat the condition.
Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics Analysis Explored the Role of Linum usitatissimum in Diabetic Heart Conditions: Experimental Analysis in H9c2 Rat Embryonic Cardiomyocytes Cell Lines
Authors: Safavi Kamran , Hajibabaie Fatemeh , Abedpoor Navid
Published: September 2024

Background:

Cytokine storms and inflammation lead to heart failure (HF). Bioactive compounds, as complementary medicine, can be the primary source of compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Linum usitatissimum (LiU) has antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity. Here, candidate hugeness was selected based on the in silico studies, bio-cheminformatics, and bioinformatic analysis for excremental validation.

Methods:

We selected the vital genes with differential expression from the GSE26887 dataset. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, several parameters are determined to choose switchable genes involved in diabetic HF (DHF). We designed the protein–protein interactions network to consider the nodes’ degree, modularity, and betweenness centrality. Hence, we selected the interleukin (IL)-6 protein as a target for drug design and discovery to reduce diabetes complications in the heart. Here, H9c2 cell lines of rat embryonic cardiomyocytes induce HF using hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions. Real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluated the relative expression of SMAD7/NRF-2/STAT3. Furthermore, we assessed the concentration of IL-6 using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results:

Based on the bioinformatic analysis, we found that IL-6 with the highest network parameters score might be presented as a druggable protein in the DHF. Bioactive compounds and phytochemicals have potential strategies to manage DHF. LiUs decreased the expression level of the SMAD7 (P <0.0001) and STAT3 (P < 0.0001), and increased the expression level of the NRF2 (P < 0.0001). In addition, LiUs significantly reduced the concentration of IL-6 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Our data proposed that LiUs regulated inflammation and triggered the antioxidant defense in HF. Moreover, LiUs could have potential approaches to managing and preventing DHF.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Endodontics: Precision, Predictions, and Prospects
Authors: Parinitha M. S. , Doddawad Vidya Gowdappa , Kalgeri Sowmya Halasabalu , Gowda Samyuka S. , Patil Sahana
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent and significant across many industries, including the dental field. AI has shown accuracy and precision in detecting, evaluating, and predicting diseases. It can imitate human intelligence to carry out sophisticated predictions and decision-making in the health-care industry, especially in endodontics. AI models have demonstrated a wide range of applications in the field of endodontics. These include examining the anatomy of the root canal system, predicting the survival of dental pulp stem cells, gauging working lengths, identifying per apical lesions and root fractures, and predicting the outcome of retreatment treatments. Future uses of this technology were discussed in terms of robotic endodontic surgery, drug–drug interactions, patient care, scheduling, and prognostic diagnosis.
Pulsating waves in a multidimensional reaction-diffusion system of epidemic type
Authors: Deng Liangliang , Ducrot Arnaud
Published: September 2024

In this work we investigate the existence of front propagation for a two-component reaction -diffusion system of epidemic type posed in a multi-dimensional periodic medium. This system is a spatially heterogeneous version of the well-known Kermack–McKendrick epidemic model with Fickian diffusion. We derive sufficient conditions for the existence of pulsating travelling waves propagating in an arbitrarily given unit direction. Specifically, we prove that the set of admissible wave speeds contains a semi-infinite interval. Then, for each direction of propagation and each admissible speed, there exists a pulsating travelling wave solution of the system which is globally bounded.
Standardized Sperm Cryofreezing Technique for Caspian Sea Sturgeons (Huso huso, Acipenser persicus, Acipenser stellatus, Acipenser nudiventris)
Authors: Saber Mohammad Hassanzadeh , Bozkurt Yusuf
Published: September 2024

Sturgeons, considered `living fossils,` face extinction due to various factors, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The present study describes a uniform sperm cryopreservation method for the endangered Caspian Sea sturgeon species, which are beluga (Huso huso), Persian (Acipenser persicus), stellate (Acipenser stellatus), and ship (Acipenser nudiventris) sturgeons for both artificial reproduction and ex-situ conservation attempts. For this aim, sperm samples were diluted 1:1 in extender composed of 118 mM Tris buffer (pH=8) and 23.4 mM sucrose-based extender containing 15% DMSO and equilibrated for one hour at 4°C. Then, sperm samples were placed into 0.50-ml straws and multi-stage cooling was applied to freeze with the help of a programmable freezer with an accuracy of ±0.1C/min, and finally stored in liquid nitrogen (-196C) tank. Thawing was performed at 40°C water baths for 25 s. The results indicated that storage for two years resulted in a 24.7% fertilization rate for the stellate sturgeon, while the Persian sturgeon had a remarkable rate of 58.2% after five years storage.
Intercultural Philosophy: A Reconstruction and Reimagining
Authors: Filiz Kadir
Published: September 2024

Eric S. Nelson is an expert on Chinese Philosophy and Continental Philosophy. In this interview, Eric S. Nelson answers questions about the meaning of philosophy, its Eurocentric interpretations and his work on both traditions. His work presents an intercultural approach to different figures and traditions of philosophy. In the interview, Nelson also explains his recent book on Daoism and Environmental Philosophy: Nourishing Life and Heidegger and Dao.
Andrés Rodriguez: Frontier Fieldwork: Building a Nation in China’s Borderlands, 1919–45
Authors: Francis Norbert
Published: September 2024

The study of the relationship between the central government and the borderlands to the west of China during the Nationalist Republican period (1912–1949) is relevant to our understanding of today’s policies and controversies in the Tibetan regions and Xinjiang. In this way, Frontier Fieldwork, a historical study, is important for engaging with the evolving debate on the political orientation and practice of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in this domain. The western provinces represent the one remaining serious unresolved problem of national integration in Mainland China regarding the country’s minority nationalities.