bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the shielding effect of low resistance body when using transient electromagnetic to detect urban underground space
Authors: An Yin , Yong Wang , Liu Chenyang , Li Zhengcai , Zhang Xiaopei , Du Lizhi
Published: November 2023

Transient electromagnetic Method (TEM) is an efficient geophysical detection technology suitable for detection of urban near-surface space. However, its detection results are well affected by the low resistance anomaly, which interferes with the interpretation of the inversion results. This article used finite element method to simulate the entire process of urban underground pipeline under TEM detection. The causes of interference and the degree of interference under different working conditions were analyzed. The results demonstrate that low resistance anomaly in magnetic field will caused electromagnetic energy absorption and resulting eddy current losses, which lead to a distortion of the primary magnetic field in the vicinity of the pipeline, and formation of a weak field zone beneath the pipeline. The size and shape of the shielding zone are affected by burial depth, transmitter coil diameter, and anomaly size. When the burial depth exceeds 10 times the diameter of the coil or pipeline, the shielding range stabilizes at 1.5–2 times the pipeline’s transverse diameter. Moreover, when the pipeline’s transverse diameter exceeds twice the transmitter coil diameter, the weak field zone beneath the pipeline will transform into a strong field zone, this is due to the refractive and reflective effects of the electromagnetic field. Finally, experiments were conducted and the inverted results was found to be larger than the actual pipeline diameter, with an error margin similar to that explained by the simulation. These results have implications for high accuracy detecting underground pipelines in urban areas.
GIS-statically-based modelling the groundwater quality assessment coupled with soil and terrain attributes data
Authors: Chen Yuwen
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for groundwater quality assessment through the integration of statistical models with soil and topographical data. Our primary objectives were to identify soil parameters and topographical attributes contributing to groundwater quality assessment and to evaluate the potential of geostatistics and GIS for spatial analysis of groundwater resources. Groundwater samples were collected from 43 agricultural wells, and surface soil layer samples (0–20 cm) were obtained near each well. We measured groundwater quality parameters and relevant soil properties. Our approach involved the utilization of multiple linear regression (MLR) and principal component regression (PCR), combined with topographical terrain attributes and soil data, for modeling groundwater electrical conductivity (GEC). Our findings revealed significant correlations between GEC and soil electrical conductivity (EC) (r = 0.89) as well as soil carbonate (CaCO3) (r = 0.68). Among the ten topographical attributes considered, the terrain wetness index (TWI) exerted the highest influence on GEC (r = 0.57), followed by the slope (r = -0.47). Further analysis demonstrated that the MLR model outperformed the PCR model in both the development and calibration datasets, with an achieved R2value of 0.89 and a root mean square error (RMSE)of 150 μScm-1 for MLR, compared to an R2 of 0.85 and an RMSE of 170 μScm-1 for PCR when coupled with soil and attribute data for GEC prediction. The resulting GEC map generated from the MLR model displayed spatial variations, ranging from 605 μScm-1 in the northern region to 1275 μScm-1 in the central part of the study site. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of combining statistical modeling with geostatistics and GIS for groundwater quality assessment, providing valuable insights for resource management and environmental planning.
Environmental variables influence patterns of mammal co-occurrence following introduced predator control
Authors: Kanishka Aurelie M. , Blanchard Wade , Lavery Tyrone H. , Robinson Natasha M. , Dexter Nick , Dickman Chris R. , MacGregor Christopher , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: November 2023

Co-occurring species often overlap in their use of resources and can interact in complex ways. However, shifts in environmental conditions or resource availability can lead to changes in patterns of species co-occurrence, which may be exacerbated by global escalation of human disturbances to ecosystems, including conservation-directed interventions. We investigated the relative abundance and co-occurrence of two naturally sympatric mammal species following two forms of environmental disturbance: wildfire and introduced predator control. Using 14 years of abundance data from repeat surveys at long-term monitoring sites in south-eastern Australia, we examined the association between a marsupial, the common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula, and a co-occurring native rodent, the bush rat Rattus fuscipes. We asked: In a fox-controlled environment, are the abundances of common brushtail possums and bush rats affected by environmental disturbance and each other’s presence? Using Bayesian regression models, we tested hypotheses that the abundance of each species would vary with changes in environmental and disturbance variables, and that the negative association between bush rats and common brushtail possums was stronger than the association between bush rats and disturbance. Our analyses revealed that bush rat abundance varied greatly in relation to environmental and disturbance variables, whereas common brushtail possums showed relatively limited variation in response to the same variables. There was a negative association between common brushtail possums and bush rats, but this association was weaker than the initial decline and subsequent recovery of bush rats in response to wildfires. Using co-occurrence analysis, we can infer negative relationships in abundance between co-occurring species, but to understand the impacts of such associations, and plan appropriate conservation measures, we require more information on interactions between the species and environmental variables. Co-occurrence can be a powerful and novel method to diagnose threats to communities and understand changes in ecosystem dynamics.
Development of a novel medium throughput flow-cytometry based micro-neutralisation test for SARS-CoV-2 with applications in clinical vaccine trials and antibody screening
Authors: O’Reilly Sophie , Kenny Grace , Alrawahneh Tamara , Francois Nathan , Gu Lili , Angeliadis Matthew , de Masson d’Autume Valentin , Garcia Leon Alejandro , Feeney Eoin R. , Yousif Obada , Cotter Aoife , de Barra Eoghan , Horgan Mary , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Gautier Virginie
Published: November 2023

Quantifying neutralising capacity of circulating SARS-COV-2 antibodies is critical in evaluating protective humoral immune responses generated post-infection/post-vaccination. Here we describe a novel medium-throughput flow cytometry-based micro-neutralisation test to evaluate Neutralising Antibody (NAb) responses against live SARS-CoV-2 Wild Type and Variants of Concern (VOC) in convalescent/vaccinated populations. Flow Cytometry-Based Micro-Neutralisation Test (Micro-NT) was performed in 96-well plates using clinical isolates WT-B, WT-B.1.177.18 and/or VOCs Beta and Omicron. Plasma samples (All Ireland Infectious Diseases (AIID) Cohort) were serially diluted (8 points, half-log) from 1:20 and pre-incubated with SARS-CoV-2 (1h, 37°C). Virus-plasma mixture were added onto Vero E6 or Vero E6/TMPRSS2 cells for 18h. Percentage infected cells was analysed by automated flow cytometry following trypsinisation, fixation and SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein intracellular staining. Half-maximal Neutralisation Titres (NT50) were determined using non-linear regression. Our assay was compared to Plaque Reduction Neutralisation Test (PRNT) and validated against the First WHO International Standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin. Both Micro-NT and PRNT achieved comparable NT50 values. Further validation showed adequate correlation with PRNT using a panel of secondary standards of clinical convalescent and vaccinated plasma samples. We found the assay to be reproducible through measuring both repeatability and intermediate precision. Screening 190 convalescent samples and 11 COVID-19 naive controls (AIID cohort) we demonstrated that Micro-NT has broad dynamic range differentiating NT50s <1/20 to >1/5000. We could also characterise immune-escape VOC Beta and Omicron BA.5, achieving fold-reductions in neutralising capacity similar to those published. Our flow cytometry-based Micro-NT is a robust and reliable assay to quantify NAb titres, and has been selected as an endpoint in clinical trials.
A rapid, low-cost, and highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic based on whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Adastra Per A. , Durand Neva C. , Mitra Namita , Pulido Saul Godinez , Mahajan Ragini , Blackburn Alyssa , Colaric Zane L. , Theisen Joshua W. M. , Weisz David , Dudchenko Olga , Gnirke Andreas , Rao Suhas S. P. , Kaur Parwinder , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Aiden Aviva Presser
Published: November 2023

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is key to managing the current global pandemic, as evidence shows the virus is most contagious on or before symptom onset. Here, we introduce a low-cost, high-throughput method for diagnosing and studying SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dubbed Pathogen-Oriented Low-Cost Assembly & Re-Sequencing (POLAR), this method amplifies the entirety of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This contrasts with typical RT-PCR-based diagnostic tests, which amplify only a few loci. To achieve this goal, we combine a SARS-CoV-2 enrichment method developed by the ARTIC Network (https://artic.network/) with short-read DNA sequencing and de novo genome assembly. Using this method, we can reliably (>95% accuracy) detect SARS-CoV-2 at a concentration of 84 genome equivalents per milliliter (GE/mL). The vast majority of diagnostic methods meeting our analytical criteria that are currently authorized for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Emergency Use Authorization require higher concentrations of the virus to achieve this degree of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, we can reliably assemble the SARS-CoV-2 genome in the sample, often with no gaps and perfect accuracy given sufficient viral load. The genotypic data in these genome assemblies enable the more effective analysis of disease spread than is possible with an ordinary binary diagnostic. These data can also help identify vaccine and drug targets. Finally, we show that the diagnoses obtained using POLAR of positive and negative clinical nasal mid-turbinate swab samples 100% match those obtained in a clinical diagnostic lab using the Center for Disease Control’s 2019-Novel Coronavirus test. Using POLAR, a single person can manually process 192 samples over an 8-hour experiment at the cost of ~$36 per patient (as of December 7th, 2022), enabling a 24-hour turnaround with sequencing and data analysis time. We anticipate that further testing and refinement will allow greater sensitivity using this approach.
Determinants of prelabor rupture of membrane among pregnant women attending governmental hospitals in Jimma zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia: A multi-center case-control study
Authors: Assefa Ebrahim Msaye , Chane Getachew , Teme Addis , Nigatu Tilahun Alemayehu
Published: November 2023

Background

Prelabor rupture of membrane defined as the rupture of fetal membranes before the beginning of uterine contractions, is a common complication of pregnancy and the leading cause of preterm birth. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of prelabor rupture of membrane varied significantly between settings due to variations in risk factors. Besides, there was no study conducted using primary data, particularly in the Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of prelabor rupture of membrane among pregnant women attending governmental hospitals in the Jimma zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from October 15 to December 15, 2021, at four governmental hospitals. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select 316 participants (79 cases and 237 controls). Women with prelabor rupture of the membrane were confirmed by history, sterile vaginal examination, and ultrasound as cases, and their counterparts as controls. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal (obstetric, medical, behavioral) and fetal-related characteristics. The data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression were computed. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence level was used, and the significance level was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 316 participants (79 cases and 237 controls) were included in this study. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.41–6.64), history of abortion (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.56–8.65), urinary tract infections (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.13–6.06), abnormal vaginal discharge (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.21–5.79), maternal khat chewing (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.70–6.80), mid-upper arm circumference less than 23 cm (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.51–5.19), and fetal presentation (breech) (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.10–6.28) were determinants of prelabor rupture of membrane among pregnant women.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the aforementioned factors were found to be determinants of prelabor rupture of membrane among pregnant women. Therefore, hospitals should give focus to the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infection, and abnormal vaginal discharge to reduce the burden of prelabor rupture of membranes.
Gamification as a health education strategy of adolescents at school: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: dos Santos Thais Teixeira , Ríos Manuel Pardo , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , Mata Ádala Nayana de Sousa , Silva Junior Danyllo do Nascimento , Guillen Daniel Martínez , Piuvezam Grasiela
Published: November 2023

The objective of the study is to present a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol for evaluating the effects of health education gamification-based interventions, on health parameters (food consumption, sleep quality and physical activity) of adolescent students. This protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42022373833). The search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, APA, and ADOLEC. Intervention studies (clinical trials ‐ randomized or non-randomized) and quasi-experimental studies will be included. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool for randomized controlled trials, non- randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials. Two independent researchers will conduct all assessments, and any disagreements will be consulted with a third reviewer. Data analysis and synthesis will be analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. We will conduct the study in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline. The review will summarize the current evidence on gamification health education changes in parameters related to the health of adolescents. Gamification has been used to verify the increase in adherence to healthy habits or the development of health-related skills, but there are still few results for the adolescent population. We expect that the systematic review could indicate strategies with gamification interventions and also determine how these strategies can improve health parameters of adolescent students, and they will be available as a reference for these interventions.
Functional limitation in the older Brazilian adults: Association with multimorbidity and socioeconomic conditions
Authors: Lopes Vieira Marina Mendes , Borges Viviane Santos , Oliveira Eduardo José Pereira , Bof de Andrade Fabíola
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the association between multimorbidity and the presence of functional limitation in basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among Brazilian older adults and to verify whether this association is moderated by socioeconomic conditions. Cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS) (2019) for the Brazilian population aged 60 years and over. The dependent variables were functional limitation, based on self-reported difficulty in performing one or more activities of daily living, including six BADL (feeding, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, crossing a room on the same floor and getting out of bed) and four IADL (shopping, managing money, taking medication and using transportation). The independent variables were multimorbidity (presence of two or more self-reported chronic diseases) and socioeconomic measures (per capita household income, asset score, and education level). The association between multimorbidity and outcomes was assessed using adjusted logistic regression models. The moderating effect of socioeconomic conditions on the association between multimorbidity and functional limitations was assessed by including an interaction term. The final sample consisted of 22,725 individuals. The prevalence of functional limitation was 8.5% (95%CI: 7.9–9.2) and 18.6% (95%CI: 17.8–19.5) in BADL and IADL, respectively. Multimorbidity was associated with BADL [OR: 2.30 (95%CI: 1.93–2.74)] and IADL [OR: 2.26 (95%CI: 1.98–2.57)]. The odds of functional limitation were higher among individuals with lower levels of education and income, but there was no interaction between multimorbidity and socioeconomic position measures. Multimorbidity was associated with functional limitation (BADL and IADL) and socioeconomic conditions, and this association was constant across socioeconomic position levels.
Extracellular matrix analysis of fibrosis: A step towards tissue engineering for urethral stricture disease
Authors: Linssen Emma C. , Demmers Jeroen , van Dijk Christian G. M. , van Dam Roos , Nicese Maria Novella , Cheng Caroline , de Kort Laetitia M. O. , de Graaf Petra
Published: November 2023

The urogenital tract is a target for many congenital and acquired diseases, both benign and oncogenic. In males, the urethra that transports urine and semen can be obstructed by a fibrotic disease called urethral stricture disease (USD). In severe USD, the whole organ including the vascular embedding, the corpus spongiosum (CS), is affected. Recurrent or severe USD is treated by reconstructive surgery. Tissue engineering may improve the outcome of urethral reconstruction in patients with complicated USD. Currently in urethral reconstruction only the epithelial layer is replaced, no substitution for the CS is provided, while the CS is important for mechanical support and vascularization. To develop a tissue engineering strategy for the CS, it is necessary to know the protein composition of the CS. As the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the formation of fibrosis, we analyzed the distribution and localization of ECM components in human healthy and fibrotic CS tissue using immunohistology. The morphology of components of the elastic network were affected in USD. After decellularization a clear enrichment of proteins belonging to the ECM was found. In the proteomic analysis collagens COL15A1 and COL4A2 as well as inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor ITIH4 were upregulated in fibrotic samples. The glycoproteins Periostin (POSTN), Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) and EMILIN2 are downregulated in fibrotic tissue. To our knowledge this is the first proteomic study of ECM proteins of the CS in healthy and in USD. With these results a regenerating approach for tissue engineered CS can be developed, including relevant ECM proteins that reduce fibrosis and promote healthy healing in urethral reconstructive surgery.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in pediatric extracranial germ cell tumors
Authors: Cavalcante Carlos Eduardo Bezerra , Magalhães Pereira Souza Fernanda , Eiras Martins Gisele , Milone Silva Marcelo , Pacheco Donato Macedo Carla Renata , Lederman Henrique , Lopes Luiz Fernando
Published: November 2023

Background

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) comprise a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms presenting different clinical and histological characteristics, leading to a challenging scenario in clinical practice. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been suggested as an indirect marker of tumor density and cellularity and could be used to monitor therapeutic response. However, its role in pediatric GCTs needs to be clarified.

Purpose

Here, we evaluated the features of DWI in pediatric extracranial GCTs in a reference Brazilian institution.

Material and methods

We included 43 pediatric patients with primary GCTs treated between 2008 and 2022 in Hospital de Amor de Barretos. The patients’ MRI images included T1-weighted without contrast, T2-weighted, DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. DWI was evaluated in the section that exhibited the greatest restricted diffusion in the largest hypersignal area of the image. The lowest ADC value was determined to define the region of interest (ROI). We used a small ROI, avoiding necrotic, adipose tissue, noisy or nonenhancing lesion voxels as recommended. ROI determination was established by visual inspection by two radiologists in accordance. We used two values of b (b = 50 mm2/s or b = 800) for ADC values.

Results

The highest mean ADC (mADC) value was observed in pure teratomas (1,403.50 ± 161.76 x10-3 mm2/s; mean ± SD) compared to other histologies (yolk sac, mixed teratoma, dysgerminoma and mixed GCT) of GCT (p<0.001). Furthermore, ROC analysis determined a cutoff mADC value of 1,179.00 x 10−3 mm2/s that differentiated pure teratomas from the other GCT histologies with a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 92.9% (AUC = 0.979; p<0.01). A significant increase in mADC was observed for malignant GCTs in treatment (1,197.00 ± 372.00 mm2/s; p<0.001) compared to that exhibited at the time of diagnosis (780.00 ± 168.00 mm2/s; mean ± SD. Our findings suggest that mADC assessment could be used as a tool to distinguish pure teratomas from malignant CGT histologies at diagnosis. Additionally, we demonstrated reasonable evidence that it could be used as a complementary tool to monitor treatment response in patients with malignant GCT.
In silico studies of anti-oxidative and hot temperament-based phytochemicals as natural inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro
Authors: Naderi Beni Ramin , Elyasi-Ebli Parisa , Gharaghani Sajjad , Seyedarabi Arefeh
Published: November 2023

Main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is considered one of the key targets due to its role in viral replication. The use of traditional phytochemicals is an important part of complementary/alternative medicine, which also accompany the concept of temperament, where it has been shown that hot medicines cure cold and cold medicines cure hot, with cold and hot pattern being associated with oxidative and anti-oxidative properties in medicine, respectively. Molecular docking in this study has demonstrated that a number of anti-oxidative and hot temperament-based phytochemicals have high binding affinities to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, both in the monomeric and dimeric deposited states of the protein. The highest ranking phytochemicals identified in this study included savinin, betulinic acid and curcumin. Complexes of savinin, betulinic acid, curcumin as well as Nirmatrelvir (the only approved inhibitor, used for comparison) bound to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro were further subjected to molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, RMSD, RMSF, Rg, number of hydrogen bonds, binding free energies and residue contributions (using MM-PBSA) and buried surface area (BSA), were analysed. The computational results suggested high binding affinities of savinin, betulinic acid and curcumin to both the monomeric and dimeric deposited states of Mpro, while highlighting the lower binding energy of betulinic acid in comparison with savinin and curcumin and even Nirmatrelvir, leading to a greater stability of the betulinic acid-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complex. Overall, based on the increasing mutation rate in the spike protein and the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro remains highly conserved, this study provides an insight into the use of phytochemicals against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
Different PfEMP1-expressing Plasmodium falciparum variants induce divergent endothelial transcriptional responses during co-culture
Authors: Othman Basim , Zeef Leo , Szestak Tadge , Rchiad Zineb , Storm Janet , Askonas Caroline , Satyam Rohit , Madkhali Aymen , Haley Michael , Wagstaff Simon , Couper Kevin , Pain Arnab , Craig Alister
Published: November 2023

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of mortality and morbidity caused by malaria infection and differs from other human malaria species in the degree of accumulation of parasite-infected red blood cells in the microvasculature, known as cytoadherence or sequestration. In P. falciparum, cytoadherence is mediated by a protein called PfEMP1 which, due to its exposure to the host immune system, undergoes antigenic variation resulting in the expression of different PfEMP1 variants on the infected erythrocyte membrane. These PfEMP1s contain various combinations of adhesive domains, which allow for the differential engagement of a repertoire of endothelial receptors on the host microvasculature, with specific receptor usage associated with severe disease. We used a co-culture model of cytoadherence incubating human brain microvascular endothelial cells with erythrocytes infected with two parasite lines expressing different PfEMP1s that demonstrate different binding profiles to vascular endothelium. We determined the transcriptional profile of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) following different incubation periods with infected erythrocytes, identifying different transcriptional profiles of pathways previously found to be involved in the pathology of severe malaria, such as inflammation, apoptosis and barrier integrity, induced by the two PfEMP1 variants.
Gender-based adjustment problems of divorcees in Hazara Division, Pakistan
Authors: Rubab Kanwal , Alam Arif , Shah Ikram , Elahi Noor , Khan Hamayun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Divorce is one of the harshest realities in Eastern societies worldwide because it is an intact component of the elementary social institution of the family. Grievously, divorce rates are escalating with profound ramifications for divorcees in Asia, including Pakistan. Therefore, exploring the challenges after divorce with gender-based dimensions in the Pakistani context was necessary, particularly in Hazara Division.

Research methodology

The study followed a pragmatic approach through snowball sampling and recruited 75 respondents. The data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS 25. For descriptive statistics, frequencies of quantitative responses were determined using percentages, means, and standard deviations. Then Chi-Square Test of Independence, Principal Component Analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance were performed to find an association between the dependent and independent variables.

Results

Results demonstrated that most divorcees face children-related issues followed by economic, social, and psychological issues that impede post-divorce adjustment of divorcees. Results showed that the immaturity of divorcees and gender-specific violence specifically for women make it challenging for them to cope with the situation and impede their growth after divorce. Results revealed that more than half of women and a few of men have custody of children after divorce; however, fight over custody of children is another major cause of delayed adjustment. Results presented that gender significantly influences women’s intensity of post-divorce adjustment constraints.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is concluded that regardless of gender, ongoing conflicts with ex-spouses or in-laws made the post-divorce adjustment of divorcees difficult. Divorcees are in a constant tug-of-war between fighting internal dilemmas, pursuing individualistic ideals, and fulfilling societal norms, values, and expectations. This battle complicates and prolongs their adjustments after divorce. The study suggests that institutional, psychosocial, and family support is critical to proactively relieve divorcees from resources and their children.
Examination of alternative eGFR definitions on the performance of deep learning models for detection of chronic kidney disease from fundus photographs
Authors: An Songyang , Vaghefi Ehsan , Yang Song , Xie Li , Squirrell David
Published: November 2023

Deep learning (DL) models have shown promise in detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) from fundus photographs. However, previous studies have utilized a serum creatinine-only estimated glomerular rate (eGFR) equation to measure kidney function despite the development of more up-to-date methods. In this study, we developed two sets of DL models using fundus images from the UK Biobank to ascertain the effects of using a creatinine and cystatin-C eGFR equation over the baseline creatinine-only eGFR equation on fundus image-based DL CKD predictors. Our results show that a creatinine and cystatin-C eGFR significantly improved classification performance over the baseline creatinine-only eGFR when the models were evaluated conventionally. However, these differences were no longer significant when the models were assessed on clinical labels based on ICD10. Furthermore, we also observed variations in model performance and systemic condition incidence between our study and the ones conducted previously. We hypothesize that limitations in existing eGFR equations and the paucity of retinal features uniquely indicative of CKD may contribute to these inconsistencies. These findings emphasize the need for developing more transparent models to facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the ability of DL models to detect CKD from fundus images.
The relationship between social responsibility fulfilment and industry competitiveness: Empirical evidence from construction industry in China
Authors: Shu Huan , Duan Jingyi
Published: November 2023

Social responsibility fulfilment is an important part of the operation management (OM) and competitiveness of the construction industry (CIC). This study investigates the mechanisms through which social responsibility fulfilment in the construction industry affects industry competitiveness and the mediating role of industry operations management. From the intra-organizational stakeholder perspective, social responsibility fulfilment (SR) is divided into two dimensions: shareholder-dimensional (SH) and employee-dimensional social responsibility fulfilment (EM). By analysing a panel of the construction industry in 12 provinces of China from 2015 to 2020, an inverted U-shaped relationship between social responsibility fulfilment and construction industry competitiveness and between shareholder-dimensional social responsibility fulfilment and construction industry competitiveness was found, while a U-shaped relationship between employee-dimensional social responsibility fulfilment and construction industry competitiveness was found. Furthermore, social responsibility fulfilment and shareholder-dimensional social responsibility fulfilment had significant effects on operation management. Additionally, the study concludes that operation management is positively related to construction industry competitiveness and plays a partially mediating role between social responsibility fulfilment and construction industry competitiveness. The findings enrich the theoretical basis of the relationship between social responsibility fulfilment and competitiveness and demonstrates important management significance for the construction industry in managing its social responsibility behaviour and improving industry competitiveness, thus promoting high-quality development of the construction industry.
Improving the pragmatic usefulness of the scoring matrix for the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). A proposal for a more frequency-based approach: The CFIR-f
Authors: Economidis George , Eades Anne-Marie , Shakeshaft Anthony , Farnbach Sara
Published: November 2023

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) is a well-established framework for systematically identifying key factors influencing the implementation of programs. To enhance the classification of existing CFIR definitions, as well as its +2/-2 scoring system, this study incorporated the views of relevant experts to: i) improve how themes are scored; and ii) utilise more information regarding the frequency with which themes are identified. This structured, frequency-based approach to the CFIR’s scoring process has been trialled as the CFIR-frequency (CFIR-f). Researchers thematically analysed semi-structured interview data from four groups of policy and program experts (N = 24) delivering two family-based therapies in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Themes identified by less than 50% were excluded from further analysis. Themes identified by 50% or more of expert participants in the four groups were classified as enablers or barriers using clearly defined criteria. Each theme was allocated a score according to how many experts identified it as an enabler or barrier, and then mapped back onto the latest adaptation of the CFIR comprising 67 constructs. The CFIR-f successfully determined three enablers of, and six barriers to, implementation. Enablers included the family-based therapy programs, therapist training and participant monitoring systems. Barriers included referral, data collection and staffing difficulties, NSW adaptation issues and the suitability and safety of the programs for Aboriginal families. The same enablers and barriers were identified using both the CFIR-f and the original scoring approach, and the identified themes were successfully mapped to almost all CFIR constructs (65/67). This paper proposes a more frequency-based approach to CFIR’s scoring process (the CFIR-f). By specifically utilising the frequency with which these barriers and enablers are identified, the CFIR-f engenders a list of ranked themes that service providers and policymakers can use to inform their decisions about program modification and implementation.
Antibiotic prescription patterns in patients with suspected urinary tract infections in Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez Xavier , Latacunga Alicia , Cárdenas Iván , Jimbo-Sotomayor Ruth , Escalante Santiago
Published: November 2023

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common cause to prescribe antibiotics in primary care. Diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical symptoms in combination with the results of laboratory tests. Antibiotic therapy is the primary approach to the treatment of UTIs; however, some studies indicate that therapeutics in UTIs may be suboptimal, potentially leading to therapeutic failure and increased bacterial resistance.

Methods

This study aimed to analyze the antibiotic prescription patterns in adult patients with suspected UTIs and to evaluate the appropriateness of the antibiotic prescription. This is a cross-sectional study of patients treated in outpatient centers and in a second-level hospital of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in a city in Ecuador during 2019. The International Classification of Disease Tenth Revision (ICD-10) was used for the selection of the acute UTI cases. The patients included in this study were those treated by family, emergency, and internal medicine physicians.

Results

We included a total of 507 patients in the analysis and 502 were prescribed antibiotics at first contact, constituting an immediate antibiotic prescription rate of 99.01%. Appropriate criteria for antibiotic prescription were met in 284 patients, representing an appropriate prescription rate of 56.02%. Less than 10% of patients with UTI had a urine culture. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were alternative antibiotics (also known as second-line antibiotics), such as ciprofloxacin (50.39%) and cephalexin (23.55%). Factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for UTIs were physician age over forty years, OR: 2.87 (95% CI, 1.65–5.12) p<0.0001, medical care by a general practitioner, OR: 1.89 (95% CI, 1.20–2.99) p = 0.006, not using point-of-care testing, OR: 1.96 (95% CI, 1.23–3.15) p = 0.005, and care at the first level of health, OR: 15.72 (95% CI, 8.57–30.88) p<0.0001.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate an appropriate prescription rate of 56.02%. Recommended antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin for UTIs are underutilized. The odds for inappropriate antibiotic prescription were 15.72 times higher at the first level of care compared to the second. Effective strategies are needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs.
European Audiovisual Policy in Transition, Heritiana Ranaivoson, Sally Broughton Micova and Tim Raats (eds) (2023)
Authors: Gallo Pedro
Published: November 2023

Review of: European Audiovisual Policy in Transition, Heritiana Ranaivoson, Sally Broughton Micova and Tim Raats (eds) (2023)

Abingdon: Routledge, 290 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03218-448-7, h/bk, GBP 120.00
FURFURAL IS A UNIQUE SUBSTANCE. PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT THE TECHNOLOGY OF ITS PRODUCTION (REVIEW)
Authors: Sushkova Valentina Ivanovna
Published: November 2023

Furfural is a product of the hydrolysis industry. Furfural and its derivatives are widely used in various industries as a selective solvent of high-molecular compounds, as bactericidal and bacteriostatic preparations, for the production of polymers, etc. The level of its production is reflected in the development of many important industries. The purpose of the article is to intensify the production of furfural in Russia and related industries, to determine the main directions for improving the technology of its production. The article analyzes the methods for obtaining furfural, provides recommendations on a waste-free technology for its production and shows the prospects for the development of technology for separating it from condensate using the pervaporation method.
Boccaletti, G. (2022). Agua: una biografía
Authors: Hatch Kuri Gonzalo
Published: November 2023

Boccaletti, G. (2022). Agua: una biografía. Barcelona: Ático de los Libros. Traducción Margarita Estapé. 550 pp. ISBN: 978-84-18217-55-5
Realising the Right to Dignity of Zimbabwean Woman Migrants in Botswana: A Practical Approach
Authors:   University of Pretoria, Machacha Mandipa
Published: November 2023

This article discusses the human rights challenges faced by women migrants in Botswana, particularly those from Zimbabwe who are considered ‘irregular’. It finds that women migrants often face gendered obstacles in accessing healthcare and decent employment opportunities, and are vulnerable to gender-based violence, exploitation, and discrimination in the workplace. It argues that the right to dignity of Zimbabwean migrant women must be upheld and protected by ensuring access to basic human needs and creating an environment free from fear and abuse. It proposes the that ‘Migration with Dignity Framework’ provides practical solutions to ease the transition for women migrants into new surroundings, enhance their well-being in Botswana and uphold their right to dignity.
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE POINT CALCULUS AS A MATHEMATICAL APPARATUS FOR GEOMETRIC AND COMPUTER MODELING
Authors: Balyuba I. G. , Naidysh A. V. , Konopatskiy E. V. , Rotkov S. I. , Bezditnyi A. A.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the article is to acquaint the reader with the new mathematical apparatus – point calculus, which was developed for solving engineering and scientific problems by the leading scientists of the Melitopol School of Applied Geometry and continues its active development in the works of Russian and Ukrainian scientists-geometers. The article presents the fundamental definitions and terms, basic methods, metrics, fundamental theorems of point calculus, shows the principles of parametrization of a straight line, plane and three-dimensional space in point calculus. Possibilities of point calculus include the definition of continuous and discrete geometric models of objects, processes and phenomena in the form of point equations and computational algorithms based on them. The advantage of the new mathematical apparatus is the representation of geometric objects in the form of a set of projections on the axes of the global coordinate system, which makes it possible to determine the geometric models of objects, processes and phenomena in spaces of any dimension. The use of point calculus in computer graphics and virtual reality, solid modeling of isotropic and anisotropic bodies and computer modeling of objects consisting of nanoparticles is seen as promising. Therefore, the main direction of promising research is seen as the further expansion of theoretical and applied point calculus tools, and its popularization by solving a wide range of important engineering and scientific problems of an applied nature.
ASSOCIATORS IN THE N-SCHEME OF THE MARKOV ALGORITHM
Authors: Konovalov V. A.
Published: November 2023

The prescriptions defining the association of words and morphisms in the N-scheme of the Markov algorithm synthesized to replace its well–known g-scheme are investigated. The prescriptions for processing words from the expanded and ordered Markov alphabet using the N-scheme of his algorithm are considered. The analysis of consequences for algorithms arising from some prescriptions used in the N-scheme of the Markov algorithm is carried out. Examples of Markov occurrences of words using word associators and morphisms are illustrated with figures showing the structure of n-category associators. The homology of Markov systems defined by associators is found. One of the Markov systems, which is a homology, consisting of N-schemes of the Markov algorithm, in which the control channel is also an N-scheme of the Markov algorithm, is singled out. It is shown that the alphabets M and MK together with the numbers-types should be used to increase the reliability of algorithms, since these alphabets provide for overcoming loops, in other words, do not allow algorithms to enter an infinite cycle. This variant of the Markov system is analyzed in order to study its properties. The distinctive properties of such a system are highlighted. The method of association of several homogeneous morphisms is considered. A method for setting the tuning mode using the control channel in the Markov system is proposed. It is noted that the method can be extended in case of entering initial, controlled parameters in order to check the safety and technical condition of the equipment. It is indicated that there are several prescriptions responsible for the association of words and morphisms in the N-scheme of the Markov algorithm, which are structurally related to the composition of associators. It is noted that the composition of the Markov alphabet word associators is sufficient, but perhaps not necessary for solving some applied problems, therefore, no restrictions are imposed on its composition and methods of expansion or ordering. It is concluded that in systems where clear and fuzzy (isolated morphisms) are used together, it is allowed to determine the composition of the associators of isolated morphisms by introducing new prescriptions.
METHODICAL APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING AGAINST ERRORS OF PROCESSOR OF SPECIALIZED COMPUTERS
Authors: Pavlov A. A. , Korneev I. I. , Makeev M. I. , Pavlov F. A. , Tsarkov A. N. , Romanenko A. Yu.
Published: November 2023

An analysis of methods for detecting and correcting errors in specialized computers has been carried out, which shows that the most effective methods for detecting and correcting errors are corrective codes with syndromic decoding, which allows solving this problem using 10…30 % of hardware costs for these purposes. The possibility of using corrective codes to control the processor when performing arithmetic and logical operations, with the exception of the logical negation operation, has been established. The necessity of controlling the negation operation when constructing an additional code is substantiated, since when it is formed, the values of information bits are first inverted, and one is added to the result obtained. The two’s complement code is used to correct the result of the product when the signs of the multiplicand and the multiplier differ. The division operation is carried out by repeatedly subtracting the divisor from the dividend (adding the dividend to the divisor presented in the additional code). An example of using a Hamming code to correct processor errors during an addition operation is considered. It is shown that the existing algebraic codes cannot be used to control the arithmetic operations of subtraction and division, since they do not allow controlling the logical inversion operation necessary to represent a negative number in an additional code. An algorithm for constructing a code has been developed that makes it possible to control the logical operation of negation and, consequently, the representation of a negative number in an additional code. The parameters of the developed code are determined. A methodical apparatus for detecting and correcting processor errors when performing arithmetic operations of multiplication and division is proposed. An example of using the proposed code to control the arithmetic operation of subtraction is considered. In contrast to the methods of using codes to control the arithmetic operation of addition, the proposed code allows you to control the formation of an additional code to detect and correct errors when performing a subtraction (division) operation. The use of the proposed method makes it possible to significantly reduce hardware costs for detecting and correcting errors in a computer.
SOSIALISASI CAGAR BUDAYA DAN OBJEK DIDUGA CAGAR BUDAYA UNTUK LOMBA KARYA TULIS ILMIAH TINGKAT SISWA SMA DI JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Maziyah Siti , Indrahti Sri , Alamsyah Alamsyah
Published: November 2023

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini berjudul “Sosialisasi Cagar Budaya dan Objek diduga Cagar Budaya Untuk Lomba Karya Tulis Ilmiah  (LKTI) Tingkat Siswa SMA di Jawa Tengah”. Adapun tujuannya adalah untuk memberikan pemahaman kepada Musyawarah Guru Mata Pelajaran Sejarah tentang pengertian Cagar Budaya dan Objek Diduga Cagar Budaya.  Selanjutnya tugas para guru itulah untuk mentransfer pemahaman mereka tentang Cagar Budaya dan Objek Diduga Cagar Budaya kepada para siswa SMA yang akan mengikuti LKTI bertema Cagar Budaya.  Pekerjaan ini dimulai dengan studi pustaka untuk memahami konsep kebudayaan, Warisan Budaya, Warisan Budaya Benda, Warisan Budaya Takbenda, Cagar Budaya, Objek Diduga Cagar Budaya, serta tata cara pembuatan LKTI. Selanjutnya data yang ditemukan itu diinventarisir dan disusun menjadi PowerPoint yang dapat digunakan untuk melakukan sosialisasi tentang Cagar Budaya dan Objek Diduga Cagar Budaya, serta cara membuat karya tulis ilmiah.