bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reality or Illusion: Comparing Google Scholar and Scopus Data for Predatory Journals
Authors: Wijewickrema Manjula
Published: January 2024

abstract: This research compares the performance measures reported by two bibliographic databases relevant to a set of authors who have published in predatory journals. The reliability of decision-making based on the information provided by uncontrolled bibliographic databases is examined to support rational decisions. A sample of authors who published in predatory journals was selected in order to compare each author's research performance as reported by Google Scholar (GS) and Scopus. The number of articles, citations, and h-indices were used for the comparison. Correlation analysis, polynomial regression, k-means clustering, significant tests, and simple descriptive statistics were employed to examine the data. The number of articles, citations, and h-indices correlated strongly between the two databases. However, these three measures were all significantly higher in GS than they were in Scopus. The articles published in predatory journals received less attention as compared to that received by the articles published in genuine journals. Two polynomial models of two degrees were implemented to interpolate the number of citations based on the number of articles in GS and Scopus separately. The number of articles and citations were more reliable measures in Scopus than in GS. However, the h-index was more reliable in GS. Overall, Scopus displayed higher stability than did GS. The combined behavior of the three performance measures showed some resemblance in the two databases. A study that especially focuses on the research performance of authors who published in predatory journals has not yet been compared for the different implications given for their data in uncontrolled and controlled bibliographic databases. Therefore, the findings of the current research let us evaluate such authors rationally.
A Programmatic Approach to Journal Use and Citation Analysis
Authors: Woods Stephen
Published: January 2024

abstract: The study explores journal citations from 104 doctoral dissertations in sociology from 2010 to 2021 at the Pennsylvania State University. A citation analysis of 10,395 journal citations explores journal use from three graduate degree programs in sociology. Journal use is based on the top 32 journals for concentration of citations (CitRank), number of dissertations citing the journal (DissRank), and the average (CDRank). Forty journals are identified from 38 dissertations (degree in sociology), 40 journals from 57 dissertations (dual degree for sociology and demography), 34 journals from nine dissertations (dual degree for sociology and criminology), and 41 journals from 104 dissertations. An analysis of variance and correlation is conducted to determine the strength of the relationship of the three measures of use. The study identifies 71 unique journal titles from all degree programs and a core of 13 journals.
Method for bandgap interpolation of perovskite’s spectral complex refractive index
Authors: Blom Youri , Ruben Vogt Malte , Isabella Olindo , Santbergen Rudi
Published: January 2024

Lead halide perovskites are a promising class of materials for solar cell applications. The perovskite bandgap depends on the material composition and is highly tunable. Opto-electrical device modelling is commonly used to find the optimum perovskite bandgap that maximizes device efficiency or energy yield, either in single junction or multi-junction configuration. The first step in this calculation is the optical modelling of the spectral absorptance. This requires as input the perovskite’s complex refractive index N as a function of wavelength λ. The complex refractive index consists of real part n(λ) and imaginary part k(λ). For the most commonly used perovskites, n and k curves are available from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements, but usually only for a few discrete bandgap energies. For solar cell optimization, these curves are required for a continuous range of bandgap energies. We introduce new methods for generating the n and k curves for an arbitrary bandgap, based on interpolating measured complex refractive index data. First, different dispersion models (Cody-Lorentz, Ullrich-Lorentz and Forouhi-Bloomer) are used to fit the measured data. Then, a linear regression is applied to the fit parameters with respect to the bandgap energy. From the interpolated parameters, the refractive index curve of perovskite with any desired bandgap energy is finally reconstructed. To validate our method, we compare our results with methods from literature and then use it to simulate the absorptance of a single junction perovskite and a perovskite/silicon tandem cell. This shows that our method based on the Forouhi-Bloomer model is more accurate than existing methods in predicting the complex refractive index of perovskite for arbitrary bandgaps.
Single-frequency optical parametric oscillator intracavity-pumped by a visible VECSEL for low-noise down-conversion to 1.55 µm
Authors: Anderson Steven , Moriya Paulo Hisao , Caspani Lucia , Hastie Jennifer E.
Published: January 2024

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a visible AlGaInP-based vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL). Tunable emission over 1155–1300 nm in the signal and 1474–1718 nm in the idler are observed by temperature adjustment of a 40 mm-long 5%-MgO:PPLN crystal intracavity-pumped at 690 nm. When optimized for low oscillation threshold, and by implementing resonant idler output-coupling (TOC = 1.7%), extracted output powers of 26.2 mW (signal) and 5.6 mW (idler; one-way) are measured, corresponding to a total down-conversion efficiency and extraction efficiency of 70.2% and 43%, respectively. Further, a total down-conversion efficiency of 72.1% is achieved in the absence of idler output-coupling. Of particular interest for high-precision applications, including quantum optics experiments and squeezed light generation, high stability and single-frequency operation are also demonstrated. We measure RMS stabilities of 0.4%, 1.8% and 2.3% for the VECSEL fundamental, signal and idler, with (resolution-limited) frequency linewidths of 2.5 MHz (VECSEL) and 7.5 MHz (signal and idler).
Hybrid regularization method for LRT image reconstruction under incomplete projections
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhihan Jin , Wang Ying , zhang xin-yuan , Hu Yihua , Guo Liang , long lulan
Published: January 2024

Lidar reflective tomography (LRT) system is able to achieve long-distance target detection and collect laser projection data for target reconstruction. In target detection with laser, the projection data is often incomplete or missing, where the traditional reconstruction algorithms are no longer effective. Therefore, this paper applies the regularization model to LRT image reconstruction and proposes a hybrid regularization method for higher LRT imaging performance, to prevent the over-fitting problem of the model and improve the speed and stability of the proposed method. Meanwhile, the edge and the structural characteristics of the reconstructed target with LRT is better enhanced by using the proposed hybrid regularization method. By conducting the LRT outfield experiment and using the collected LRT projection data, the validity of the proposed method in incomplete projection reconstruction is well proved.
Retinoic acid signaling regulates spatiotemporal specification of human green and red cones
Authors: Hadyniak Sarah E. , Hagen Joanna F. D. , Eldred Kiara C. , Brenerman Boris , Hussey Katarzyna A. , McCoy Rajiv C. , Sauria Michael E. G. , Kuchenbecker James A. , Reh Thomas , Glass Ian , Neitz Maureen , Neitz Jay , Taylor James , Johnston Robert J.
Published: January 2024

Trichromacy is unique to primates among placental mammals, enabled by blue (short/S), green (medium/M), and red (long/L) cones. In humans, great apes, and Old World monkeys, cones make a poorly understood choice between M and L cone subtype fates. To determine mechanisms specifying M and L cones, we developed an approach to visualize expression of the highly similar M- and L-opsin mRNAs. M-opsin was observed before L-opsin expression during early human eye development, suggesting that M cones are generated before L cones. In adult human tissue, the early-developing central retina contained a mix of M and L cones compared to the late-developing peripheral region, which contained a high proportion of L cones. Retinoic acid (RA)-synthesizing enzymes are highly expressed early in retinal development. High RA signaling early was sufficient to promote M cone fate and suppress L cone fate in retinal organoids. Across a human population sample, natural variation in the ratios of M and L cone subtypes was associated with a noncoding polymorphism in the NR2F2 gene, a mediator of RA signaling. Our data suggest that RA promotes M cone fate early in development to generate the pattern of M and L cones across the human retina.
Bridging integrator 1 fragment accelerates tau aggregation and propagation by enhancing clathrin-mediated endocytosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Zou Li , Tang Li , Xiong Min , Yan Xiao-Xin , Meng Lanxia , Chen Guiqin , Xiong Jing , Nie Shuke , Zhang Zhaohui , Chen Qiang , Zhang Zhentao
Published: January 2024

The bridging integrator 1 (BIN1) gene is an important risk locus for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). BIN1 protein has been reported to mediate tau pathology, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that neuronal BIN1 is cleaved by the cysteine protease legumain at residues N277 and N288. The legumain-generated BIN1 (1–277) fragment is detected in brain tissues from AD patients and tau P301S transgenic mice. This fragment interacts with tau and accelerates its aggregation. Furthermore, the BIN1 (1–277) fragment promotes the propagation of tau aggregates by enhancing clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Overexpression of the BIN1 (1–277) fragment in tau P301S mice facilitates the propagation of tau pathology, inducing cognitive deficits, while overexpression of mutant BIN1 that blocks its cleavage by legumain halts tau propagation. Furthermore, blocking the cleavage of endogenous BIN1 using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool ameliorates tau pathology and behavioral deficits. Our results demonstrate that the legumain-mediated cleavage of BIN1 plays a key role in the progression of tau pathology. Inhibition of legumain-mediated BIN1 cleavage may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating AD.
Transformations of sensory information in the brain suggest changing criteria for optimality
Authors: Manning Tyler S. , Alexander Emma , Cumming Bruce G. , DeAngelis Gregory C. , Huang Xin , Cooper Emily A.
Published: January 2024

Neurons throughout the brain modulate their firing rate lawfully in response to sensory input. Theories of neural computation posit that these modulations reflect the outcome of a constrained optimization in which neurons aim to robustly and efficiently represent sensory information. Our understanding of how this optimization varies across different areas in the brain, however, is still in its infancy. Here, we show that neural sensory responses transform along the dorsal stream of the visual system in a manner consistent with a transition from optimizing for information preservation towards optimizing for perceptual discrimination. Focusing on the representation of binocular disparities—the slight differences in the retinal images of the two eyes—we re-analyze measurements characterizing neuronal tuning curves in brain areas V1, V2, and MT (middle temporal) in the macaque monkey. We compare these to measurements of the statistics of binocular disparity typically encountered during natural behaviors using a Fisher Information framework. The differences in tuning curve characteristics across areas are consistent with a shift in optimization goals: V1 and V2 population-level responses are more consistent with maximizing the information encoded about naturally occurring binocular disparities, while MT responses shift towards maximizing the ability to support disparity discrimination. We find that a change towards tuning curves preferring larger disparities is a key driver of this shift. These results provide new insight into previously-identified differences between disparity-selective areas of cortex and suggest these differences play an important role in supporting visually-guided behavior. Our findings emphasize the need to consider not just information preservation and neural resources, but also relevance to behavior, when assessing the optimality of neural codes.
“If you don’t stop the cycle somewhere, it just keeps going”: Resilience in the context of structural violence and gender-based violence in rural Ontario
Authors: Mantler Tara , Yates Julia , Shillington Katie J. , Tryphonopoulos Panagiota , Jackson Kimberley T.
Published: January 2024

Bolstering women’s resilience in the context of gender-based violence (GBV) requires attention to structural conditions needed to support women to thrive, particularly in rural communities. This cross-sectional study explored how resilience was influenced by structural violence in rural Ontario among women experiencing GBV (n = 14) and service providers in the GBV sector (n = 12). Interviews were conducted and revealed forms of structural violence that undermine resilience for women experiencing GBV in rural communities, including 1) housing- gentrification, short-term rentals of residential properties, and long waitlists, 2) income- fighting for enough money to survive, 3) safety- abusers gaming the system, and 4) access- successes and new barriers. Structural conditions must be attended to as they are prerequisites required to build resilience.
Global health in the age of AI: Safeguarding humanity through collaboration and action
Authors: Faerron Guzmán Carlos A.
Published: January 2024

This opinion article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global health, addressing its potential risks and benefits to the field. It suggests that, given the existential risks of AI development, the global health community must contribute to AI-related advances, ensuring health equity and the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Through transdisciplinary collaborations, robust AI governance, and an emphasis on equity, strategies are proposed to harness the potential of AI to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing at global and local levels.
The salivary microbiota of patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection–A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Rogers Matthew B. , Harner Ashley , Buhay Megan , Firek Brian , Methé Barbara , Morris Alison , Palmer Octavia M. Peck , Promes Susan B. , Sherwin Robert L. , Southerland Lauren , Vieira Alexandre R. , Yende Sachin , Morowitz Michael J. , Huang David T.
Published: January 2024

The human microbiome contributes to health and disease, but the oral microbiota is understudied relative to the gut microbiota. The salivary microbiota is easily accessible, underexplored, and may provide insight into response to infections. We sought to determine the composition, association with clinical features, and heterogeneity of the salivary microbiota in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of 147 adults with acute LRTI presenting to the emergency department of seven hospitals in three states (Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio) between May 2017 and November 2018. Salivary samples were collected in the emergency department, at days 2–5 if hospitalized, and at day 30, as well as fecal samples if patients were willing. We compared salivary microbiota profiles from patients to those of healthy adult volunteers by sequencing and analyzing bacterial 16-rRNA. Compared to healthy volunteers, the salivary microbiota of patients with LRTI was highly distinct and strongly enriched with intestinal anaerobes such as Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae (e.g., mean 10% relative abundance of Bacteroides vs < 1% in healthy volunteers). Within the LRTI population, COPD exacerbation was associated with altered salivary microbiota composition compared to other LRTI conditions. The largest determinant of microbiota variation within the LRTI population was geography (city in which the hospital was located).
Dissatisfaction with body image and weight gain in middle-aged women: A cross sectional study
Authors: Medeiros de Morais Maria Socorro , Macêdo Sabrina Gabrielle Gomes Fernandes , do Nascimento Rafaela Andrade , Vieira Mariana Carmem Apolinário , Moreira Mayle Andrade , da Câmara Saionara Maria Aires , Almeida Maria das Graças , Maciel Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between weight gain and body image perception in in middle-aged women.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 453 women. Body image was assessed using the Stunkard scale, in which women were classified as: satisfied or dissatisfied (general, thinness or obesity). The identification of possible factors associated with body image dissatisfaction was performed using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The mean age was 55.7 (±9.6) years; 80.8% were classified as dissatisfied with body image. As for body composition, women satisfied with their body image had lower values of body fat and higher values of lean mass. In the logistic regression, for general dissatisfaction and obesity, the associated variables were BMI, education and physical activity. As for “dissatisfaction with thinness”, only BMI was associated.

Conclusion

Thus, the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction is high in women and part of associated factors are linked to lifestyle behaviors.
Blockchain based transparent and reliable framework for wheat crop supply chain
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Shoaib , Ansari Zain Khalid , Alvi Atif , Rustam Furqan , Díez Isabel De La Torre , Mazón Juan Luis Vidal , Rodríguez Carmen Lili , Ashraf Imran
Published: January 2024

The wheat crop that fulfills 35% of human food demand is facing several problems due to a lack of transparency, security, reliability, and traceability in the existing agriculture supply chain. Many systems have been developed for the agriculture supply chain to overcome such issues, however, monopolistic centralized control is the biggest hurdle to realizing the use of such systems. It has eventually gained consumers’ trust in branded products and rejected other products due to the lack of traceable supply chain information. This study proposes a blockchain-based framework for supply chain traceability which provides trustable, transparent, secure, and reliable services for the wheat crop. A crypto token called wheat coin (WC) has been introduced to keep track of transactions among the stakeholders of the wheat supply chain. Moreover, an initial coin offering (ICO) of WC, crypto wallets, and an economic model are proposed. Furthermore, a smart contract-based transaction system has been devised for the transparency of wheat crop transactions and conversion of WC to fiat and vice versa. We have developed the interplanetary file system (IPFS) to improve data availability, security, and transparency which stores encrypted private data of farmers, businesses, and merchants. Lastly, the results of the experiments show that the proposed framework shows better performance as compared to previous crop supply chain solutions in terms of latency to add-blocks, per-minute transactions, average gas charge for the transaction, and transaction verification time. Performance analysis with Bitcoin and Ethereum shows the superior performance of the proposed system.
Safety evaluation of saffron extracts in early and established atherosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Abd Rahim Iman Nabilah , Mohd Kasim Noor Alicezah , Omar Effat , Abdul Muid Suhaila , Nawawi Hapizah
Published: January 2024

Previous research has shown that natural medications pose health risks, especially in subjects with comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of saffron ethanolic extract (SEE) administration in early and established atherosclerotic rabbits. Rabbits were given a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 4 and 8 weeks to induce early and established atherosclerosis respectively, and then they were treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day SEE. The body weight of the animals was recorded. Blood samples were collected at baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment for hematological studies, lipid profiles, and biochemical profiles. Tissue specimens of the vital organs were subjected to histological examination. The above parameters were significantly altered post-intervention with 4 and 8 weeks of HCD. No significant differences in body weight were observed in all the groups post-treatment with 50 and 100mg/kg of SEE compared to pre-treatment. However, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, serum urea, and glucose significantly decreased post-treatment with 50 and 100mg/kg/day SEE compared to pre-treatment in early and established atherosclerosis groups. Hematological parameters that were affected post-intervention with HCD returned to their baseline values post-treatment with 50 and 100mg/kg/day SEE. There was a significant improvement in the vital organs post-treatment with 50 and 100mg/kg SEE. SEE can safely be administered without causing harmful effects on the hematological, biochemical profiles, and vital organs. Notably, SEE exerts hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects on atherosclerotic conditions. Further clinical trials are warranted to ensure the safety of saffron administration in patients with atherosclerosis-related diseases.
Elevational and seasonal patterns of plant pollinator networks in two highland tropical ecosystems in Costa Rica
Authors: Cristóbal-Perez E. Jacob , Barrantes Gilbert , Cascante-Marín Alfredo , Hanson Paul , Picado Beatriz , Gamboa-Barrantes Nicole , Rojas-Malavasi Geovanna , Zumbado Manuel A. , Madrigal-Brenes Ruth , Martén-Rodríguez Silvana , Quesada Mauricio , Fuchs Eric J.
Published: January 2024

Many plant species in high montane ecosystems rely on animal pollination for sexual reproduction, however, our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions in tropical montane habitats is still limited. We compared species diversity and composition of blooming plants and floral visitors, and the structure of plant-floral visitor networks between the Montane Forest and Paramo ecosystems in Costa Rica. We also studied the influence of seasonality on species composition and interaction structure. Given the severe climatic conditions experienced by organisms in habitats above treeline, we expected lower plant and insect richness, as well as less specialized and smaller pollination networks in the Paramo than in Montane Forest where climatic conditions are milder and understory plants are better protected. Accordingly, we found that blooming plants and floral visitor species richness was higher in the Montane Forest than in the Paramo, and in both ecosystems species richness of blooming plants and floral visitors was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Interaction networks in the Paramo were smaller and more nested, with lower levels of specialization and modularity than those in the Montane Forest, but there were no seasonal differences within either ecosystem. Beta diversity analyses indicate that differences between ecosystems are likely explained by species turnover, whereas within the Montane Forest differences between seasons are more likely explained by the rewiring of interactions. Results indicate that the decrease in species diversity with elevation affects network structure, increasing nestedness and reducing specialization and modularity.
Protocol of a mixed method research design to study medical respite programs for persons experiencing homelessness
Authors: Daaleman Timothy P. , Johnson Joanne , Gelberg Lillian , Agans Robert , Biederman Donna J.
Published: January 2024

Medical Respite Programs (MRPs) characterize a care model that has been developed to address the health care and social needs of persons experiencing homelessness by providing post-acute hospital care in a safe environment. Although this model has been shown to reduce hospitalizations, improve health outcomes and increase access to health services, prior studies of MRP programs and outcomes have been limited to individual sites and may not generalize to the population of individuals receiving MRP care. This study protocol describes a mixed method design to collect organizational, provider, and patient-level data from a sample of MRPs.
Expression of the cobalamin transporters cubam and MRP1 in the canine ileum–Upregulation in chronic inflammatory enteropathy
Authors: Kather Stefanie , Kacza Johannes , Pfannkuche Helga , Böttcher Denny , Sung Chi-Hsuan , Steiner Joerg M. , Gäbel Gotthold , Dengler Franziska , Heilmann Romy M.
Published: January 2024

Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs, a spontaneous model of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is associated with a high rate of cobalamin deficiency. The etiology of hypocobalaminemia in human IBD and canine CIE remains unknown, and compromised intestinal uptake of cobalamin resulting from ileal cobalamin receptor deficiency has been proposed as a possible cause. Here, we evaluated the intestinal expression of the cobalamin receptor subunits, amnionless (AMN) and cubilin (CUBN), and the basolateral efflux transporter multi-drug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) in 22 dogs with CIE in comparison to healthy dogs. Epithelial CUBN and AMN levels were quantified by confocal laser scanning microscopy using immunohistochemistry in endoscopic ileal biopsies from dogs with (i) CIE and normocobalaminemia, (ii) CIE and suboptimal serum cobalamin status, (iii) CIE and severe hypocobalaminemia, and (iv) healthy controls. CUBN and MRP1 expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. Receptor expression was evaluated for correlation with clinical patient data. Ileal mucosal protein levels of AMN and CUBN as well as mRNA levels of CUBN and MRP1 were significantly increased in dogs with CIE compared to healthy controls. Ileal cobalamin receptor expression was positively correlated with age, clinical disease activity index (CCECAI) score, and lacteal dilation in the ileum, inversely correlated with serum folate concentrations, but was not associated with serum cobalamin concentrations. Cobalamin receptor downregulation does not appear to be the primary cause of hypocobalaminemia in canine CIE. In dogs of older age with severe clinical signs and/or microscopic intestinal lesions, intestinal cobalamin receptor upregulation is proposed as a mechanism to compensate for CIE-associated hypocobalaminemia. These results support oral supplementation strategies in hypocobalaminemic CIE patients.
Shear wave elastography: A noninvasive approach for assessing acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Qiang Banghong , Xu Qiancheng , Pan Youjun , Wang Junli , Shen Chunyun , Peng Xiaozhuang , Shen Wenwen , Zhang Yu , Zhu Xiangming
Published: January 2024

Traditional markers, such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, frequently show delayed elevations following acute kidney injury (AKI), limiting their utility for prompt detection and timely intervention in AKI management. Shear wave elastography (SWE) exhibits potential for AKI diagnosis by measuring tissue stiffness. Our study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SWE in detecting AKI by measuring the stiffness of kidney tissue. Between July 2022 and December 2022, a total of 103 consecutive participants who met the eligibility criteria were prospectively enrolled, underwent SWE measurements, and were classified into AKI or non-AKI groups based on the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to examine the feasibility of differentiating between AKI and non-AKI patients and assessing diagnostic performance. The effects of tissue anisotropy on SWE measurements were also examined. Our results revealed that patients in the AKI group exhibited significantly increased stiffness values in specific kidney regions compared with those in the non-AKI group. For the diagnosis of AKI, the optimal cut-off values were identified as 9.9 kPa, 2.9 kPa, and 4.4 kPa for the upper pole medulla, middle cortex, and middle medulla, respectively, in the longitudinal plane. Correspondingly, the areas under the ROC curves for these regions were 0.737 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.637, 0.822), 0.736 (95% CI: 0.637, 0.821), and 0.784 (95% CI: 0.688, 0.861). Additionally, we observed a significant variability in stiffness values due to tissue anisotropy, specifically in the segments of the upper pole cortex, and medulla across both longitudinal and transverse planes. SWE serves as a noninvasive approach for the quantification of tissue stiffness and shows promise as an adjunctive tool for the assessment of AKI.
Diagnostic intervention improved health-related quality of life among teenagers with food allergy
Authors: Hedman Linnéa , Strinnholm Åsa , Jansson Sven-Arne , Winberg Anna
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim was to examine if a diagnostic intervention set up to assess current food allergy to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, fish, or wheat among teenagers had an impact on generic and disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQL). The study compared HRQL scoring before and two years after the intervention, and in relation to age matched controls without reported food allergy.

Methods

The study was performed within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies where a cohort study on asthma and allergic diseases among 8-year-old schoolchildren was initiated in 2006. At age 12 years, the 125/2612 (5%) children who reported allergy to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, fish, or wheat were invited to a diagnostic intervention including clinical examination, blood tests and evaluation by a pediatric allergist. Of 94 participants, 79 completed generic and disease specific HRQL questionnaires. Additionally, a random sample of 200 (62% of invited) children without food allergy from the OLIN cohort answered the generic HRQL questionnaire. The respondents of the HRQL questionnaires were re-examined two years later and 57 teenagers with and 154 without reported allergy participated.

Results

There were no significant differences in generic HRQL scores between teenagers with and without reported food allergy at study entry, or after the intervention. Among those with reported food allergy, we found a significant improvement in disease specific HRQL after the intervention (mean values: 3.41 vs 2.80, p<0.001). Teenagers with only food allergy had better disease specific HRQL compared to those with one, two or three concomitant allergic diseases, both before and after the intervention. Children with only food allergy significantly improved their HRQL after the intervention, 1.84 vs. 2.87 (p<0.001) but this association was not seen in children with one other allergic disorder (3.16 vs. 3.65, p = 0.121) or those with two or more allergic disorders (3.72 vs. 3.90, p = 0.148).

Conclusion

The diagnostic intervention showed a long-term improvement of disease specific HRQL but not generic HRQL.
Analyzing the varied impact of COVID-19 on stock markets: A comparative study of low- and high-infection-rate countries
Authors: Teitler Regev Sharon , Tavor Tchai
Published: January 2024

The global health crisis initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered unparalleled economic upheavals. In this comprehensive study of 16 countries categorized by their infection rates, we scrutinize the impact of a range of variables on stock market indices and calculate four critical ratios derived from those variables. Our regression analyses reveal striking differences in how the variables influenced stock indices in countries with low and high infection rates. Notably, in countries with low infection rates, all variables exhibited significant effects on stock returns. An increase in infection numbers and fatalities correlated with greater stock market declines, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to the health and economic risks posed by the pandemic. Recovery and testing rates also displayed positive associations with stock returns, reflecting investor optimism concerning potential recovery scenarios. Conversely, nations grappling with high infection rates experienced notably weaker effects from these variables. Although fatalities had a negative impact on stock indices, other factors, including recoveries, infections, and testing rates, did not result in significant effects. This suggests the likelihood that markets in high-infection countries had likely factored pandemic conditions into their pricing, thereby reducing the immediate impact of these metrics on stock returns. Our findings underscore the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on stock markets and highlight the importance of tailored strategies and policies for distinct country categories. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and investors navigating financial markets during global health crises and preparing for future epidemics.
Introduction to ‘Transitus: Illustration as Material Crossing Ground’: The stake in the physical trace
Authors: Shapiro Carolyn
Published: January 2024

Taking its inspiration from the ‘Transitus’ theme of the 12th Annual Illustration Research Symposium, hosted online 14–15 July 2022 by Falmouth University, United Kingdom, this editorial considers material expressions of what might be understood as the performative prefix ‘trans-’. Each of the essays introduced here responds to an understanding of the crossing ground we are naming ‘Transitus’ as one which is invested in retaining a physical connection or trace in its referential, illustrative function. Not coincidentally, many of the articles included here identify this physical trace as one which partakes in the materiality of photography or celluloid, prompting a larger consideration of relationships between photography, film and illustrative practices. This identified relationship signals a desire to hold on to a material trace of the ‘real’ in order to ground a given narrative. Other examples of material anchoring to those of photography and film are also considered here as part of a broader theorization of illustration practices that hold on to the physical object or artefact in order to achieve their respective communicative acts of crossing over.
Andrew Humphreys’ and Olivier Kugler’s The Great Fish & Chips: Indexical pathways in illustration research
Authors: Shapiro Carolyn
Published: January 2024

The graphic reportage of Andrew Humphreys and Olivier Kugler, specifically, their project The Great British Fish & Chips, is analysed in this article on three levels: first, in terms of their practices of graphic journalism; second, as a mechanism for navigating, through illustration and storytelling, difficult social and political currents about British national territory and sovereignty emergent in Brexit; and third, building upon critical theory already established in modern art history, as a matrix of the theoretical propositions offered by nineteenth-century philosopher Charles S. Peirce’s semiotic category of the ‘index’. Using ‘indexical strategies’ within illustrative practice, Humphreys and Kugler bring forth the ironic tensions within certain constructions of ‘British’ identity. Ultimately, consider The Great Fish & Chips as an exploratory site for the larger proposition that the indexical relation might be the primary mode of illustration itself.
The effect of heavy metal-containing wastewater sediment on the microanatomical characteristics of the leaves and stem of Salix viminalis L.
Authors: Tóth Csilla , Vincze György , Irinyiné Oláh Katalin , Uri Zsuzsanna , Vigh Szabolcs , Simon László
Published: January 2024

A comparative microanatomical study of Salix viminalis L. shoots was performed in order to get an idea of the effect of toxic elements stress on the microanatomical parameters of the shoot (leaves, stem). The examined Salix viminalis L. shoots originated from the Lovász-zug suburban area of Debrecen city, where a sewage settling pond was formerly operated as a secondary biological purification unit. The control Salix triandra x viminalis L. 'Inger' samples originated from the Nyíregyháza experiment with uncontaminated soil. As a result of our research, we can state the following in the case of the leaf samples grown on contaminated soil: the leaf lamina thickness decreased; the extent of the palisade parenchyma decreased; the extent of the intercellular spaced increased inside the spongy parenchyma; the width and the height of the main veins increased; the extent of the collenchyma bordering the main vein increased; the stomatal density increased both in the case of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis; the size of the stomas decreased. In the case of the stem samples, we observed the following: in the case of the samples grown on contaminated soil the extent of the primer cortex increased; the cell wall of the cells building the sclerenchimatic fibers thickened; the number of Ca-oxalate crystal rosettes and sclereids increased; the extent of secondary phloem increased; the lumen of the tracheas in the secondary xylem increased; the average width of the annual rings decreased; the extent of the central stele of the stem increased.
Comparative analysis of the Macroinvertebrate fauna of ecologically
stable and traditional garden ponds
Authors: Tamás Bence , Hoffmann Orsolya Ivett , Malatinszky Ákos
Published: January 2024

Freshwater habitats are considered to be highly vulnerable globally.
For some species, mainly invertebrates, artificial ponds created in urban
gardens give suitable habitat or function as stepping stones. However,
traditional garden ponds use expensive pieces of equipment with high energy
demand  and might release harmful chemicals into their environment. In
contrast, the ecologically stable garden ponds, which are distinguished
from the traditional garden ponds by their design and the complex ecosystem
that maintains them, offer a solution for the problems of eutrophication
and succession and maintain optimal water quality in an environmentally and
cost-effective way. This study aimed to compare the aquatic
macroinvertebrate fauna diversity between traditional garden ponds and
ecologically stable garden ponds designed and constructed by the first
author. Five ponds of both types were examined, by collecting biological
specimens from 90 sampling points. Altogether 42 species were identified,
and one taxon at the genus level. Our statistical analysis indicates that
the ecologically stable ponds host a much richer macroinvertebrate fauna in
terms of species abundance compared to traditional garden ponds.
Innovation in Hungarian aquaculture
Authors: Urbányi Béla , Bokor Zoltán , Kobolák Julianna , Bozánné Békefi Emese , Lengyel Szvetlana , Tarnai-Király Zsófia , Rákóczi Katalin , Fekete Rita
Published: January 2024

Before the regime change in Hungary, the aquaculture sector produced
one of the largest income values within agriculture in the field of
international knowledge and technology transfer. As a result of
environmental effects, the strengthening of regulations and their
enforcement, as well as the Covid-19 epidemic, marine fish catches
decreased by 3.8% in 2020 compared to the average of 2017-2019. In
addition, the EU is a net importer of aquaculture products (68% of the
aquaculture products consumed in the EU are not produced in the EU). The
decline in marine fisheries offers a chance to increase the market share of
the freshwater aquaculture sector. However, the recent increase in energy
and feed raw material prices makes the situation even more complicated. In
the current economic environment, there is an increased need to respond to
problems through innovation. The development of the Hungarian aquaculture
sector has three target areas: i) traditional pond farming; ii) precision
(intensive) fish production; iii) and modernization of fish processing are
both priorities and at the same time complex development goals We examined
the main challenges of these areas and identified proposed solutions that,
can provide a solution to some of the sector's problems thanks to the
recent innovative developments. It can be concluded that willingness and
susceptibility to innovation are present in the sector. Excellent national
and international developments have been made recently. It is a task for
national economies to support actors in the aquaculture innovation chain in
their renewal.
Sustainability in hungarian viticulture
Authors: Szamosköziné Kispál Gabriella
Published: January 2024

In our globalised world, humankind is increasingly realising that we
have consumed the Earth’s resources, and it is necessary to change our own
mind and attitude. Economic, social and ecological sustainability has
become a fundamental goal in every sector, including vine and wine growing.
Hungary is ranked 16th and 7th in the wine growing of the world and the
European Union respectively (OIV 2022 forecast). Thus, global goals need to
be increasingly enforced also in this sector in order to be able to keep
our competitiveness. Markets are becoming more and more concentrated. New
World countries are developing exponentially. So tradition and expertise
are no longer enough to maintain and develop the sector. There is a need
for collaborations and integrations, for which cooperatives and clusters
serve as a model most of all. Since, however, their implementation is
difficult in Hungary, it is necessary to put more emphasis on scale
efficiency, cost minimization and sustainability. The latter one represents
higher customer added value and meets the demand of conscious consumers.
This study is intended to deal with costs and buying-in prices by farm
sizes, and to show which sizes may be economically sustainable.
Histo-Morphological Effect of The Small, Large Intestines and Stomach of Animal Models Treated With Aqueous Extract of Abelmoschus Esculentus
Authors: Obeten Kebe E. , Etukudo Ekom , Buhari Muhamad O. , Tito Andrew E. , Udo Edet Eno-obong
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the effect of Aqueous extract of abelmoschus esculentus on the microanatomy of the small, large intestine and stomach and the body weight of Wister rats. Twenty-one adults male wistar rats weighing between 100-120 grams were assigned into three groups consisting of seven rats each; Group A (control), Group B (low dose), and Group C (high dose). The rats in the control group were fed with fed with feed and water only while the rats in groups B and C were treated with 0.1mg/kg body weight and 3.0mg/kg body weight of abelmoschus esculentus respectively for 14 days. At the end of administration, the final weights of all rats were recorded before sacrifice using cervical dislocation and the small, large intestine and the stomach were harvested, processed and stained using H&E stain. The results were revealed as significant (p<0.05) increased in the mean body weight compared with the weight in the control groups and experimental groups. The treated animal groups revealed increased cellularity, focal metaplasia of the mucosal cells with villous disruption in the small intestine and dysplasia of the mucosal with loss of epithelial shape in large intestine. The stomach histology showed gastric pits with goblet cells smooth muscles layer and surface epithelium in the control group. Sections from the low dose treated group showed deep epithelical gastric pit areas with marked depletion of pits and goblet cells while the high dose treated group revealed dysplasia of gastric pits, goblet cells and smooth muscles appear mildly eroded.
Factors Associated with Caesarean Section Among Women Delivered at Kirehe District Hospital
Authors: Habiyakare Caste , Rutayisire Erigene
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is determine the prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section among women delivered at Kirehe District Hospital. A retrospective study was conducted among women delivered at Kirehe District Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. The medical files of all women delivered at the hospital who meet the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data were checked for completeness, cleaned, coded and entered into excel sheet, and then exported to SPSS version 22.0 for further analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to estimate the prevalence and description of study participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate risk for CS with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was conducted in accordance with the research protocol Mount Kenya University Rwanda research ethical committee. The majority 806 (69.9%) of women who delivered at Kirehe district hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were aged 22-35 years old. The prevalence of C-section at Kirehe District Hospital was 23.1%. Demographic and economic factors associated with Caesaren section in bivariate and multivariate analysis was respondent’s type of health insurance where women who used private health insurance were 3 times more likely to deliver by C-section. The findings from multivariate analysis revealed that women who experienced eclampisa had 45% risk of C-Setion compared to those without Eclampsia. Women in rural area of Rwanda seem to have increased access to and use of CS. However, the significant increase in the rate of CS is of concern due to the potential of unnecessary CS.
Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health and its Associated Factors among Higher Secondary School Students of Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Alisha , Sharma Krishna , Dhakal Sunita , Dhakal Sarmila , Chand Anugraha
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Physical, psychological, and emotional growth are among the changes that define the adolescent stage. As compared to other age groups, adolescents are more vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents can become protective and influencing factors for their children to prevent risky sexual behavior. This study aims to assess adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health and its associated factors.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 adolescents aged 15–19 in higher secondary schools of Tokha Municipality. A self-administered structured modified questionnaire to assess the communication used the Weighted Topics Measure of Family Sexual Communication (WTM) tool with a simple random sampling technique of data collection. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests to analyze data and assess the association between variables. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretesting, and training.

Results
The study found that about 75.9% of adolescents had communicated on SRH topics with their parents. Only 56.1%, 50.1%, 55.2%, and 50.5% of adolescents communicated about choosing a life partner, menstruation, physical and psychological changes during adolescence, and the physical growth and development of reproductive organs, respectively, while topics like using birth controls, when to start having sex, pregnancy, how to handle sexual pressure from a partner, STI and HIV/AIDs, about condoms, and abortion had never communicated by 61.3%, 86.6%, 69.3%, 85.8%, 72.2%, 78.8%, and 82.5% of adolescents, respectively. Adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health was significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (X2 = 5.809, p = 0.01, df = 1). Similarly, there was a significant association with the perceived parenting style (X2 =3.932, p =0.04, df =1), living arrangements (X2 =6.376, p=0.01, df =1), and adolescent-parent communication.

Conclusion
It concluded that adolescent-parent communication on SRH issues is not satisfactory. Creating an adolescent-friendly environment at home and conducting awareness programs with the help of the local government of the respective schools would help to increase adolescent-parent communication.