bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of corruption and unemployment shocks on income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A quantile-on-quantile approach
Authors: Gimba Obadiah Jonathan , Seraj Mehdi , Ozdeser Huseyin , Mar'I Muhammad
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the impact of corruption and unemployment on income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We employ the quantile-on-quantile technique which allows examining the impact of quantiles of the independent variable on quantiles of the dependent variable of the distribution. The outcome shows that countries at the upper range of the GDP per capita such as Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius had fewer negative supply shocks from corruption and unemployment which is associated with higher income equality. For countries in the middle range such as Nigeria, Kenya and Angola, corruption supplies extreme negative shocks to inequality in Nigeria and Angola. However, Kenya experienced a mixed shock but the negative is more evident. Unemployment provided a negative shock to unequal income distribution for almost all quantiles in the middle range income countries. Considering countries at the lower range such as Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR) and Niger. Corruption supplies a mixed shock on income inequality for almost all the quantiles in Niger and Burundi but supplies a positive shock on inequality in CAR. The shocks supply from unemployment to inequality is positive in Burundi and Niger except for CAR which exhibits a mixed shock.
Effects of repetitive mechanical tactile stimulation interventions with stationary and moving patterns on paired-pulse depression
Authors: Watanabe Hiraku , Kojima Sho , Otsuru Naofumi , Onishi Hideaki
Published: April 2024

Background
We investigated the effects of repetitive somatosensory stimulation (RSS) with stationary and moving pattern tactile stimulation on paired-pulse depression (PPD), which is a measure of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory neural circuitry in primary somatosensory cortex (S1).
Results
In the stationary pattern condition, the PPD ratio tended to increase (uncorrected p = 0.044; corrected p = 0.088), whereas no significant difference was observed in the moving pattern condition. A significant negative correlation between the PPD ratio before intervention and the change rate of the PPD ratio was observed in the stationary pattern condition (r = − 0.837, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The effect of RSS on the PPD depends on the tactile stimulation pattern.
Factors Influencing the Uptake of Modern Contraceptives among Women in Tanzania: A survey of Public Health Facilities in Dodoma City Council
Authors: Miyeye Machumu Stephen , KAGISHA Vedaste , Karimi Peter , Swalehe Omary , Lune Ngenzi Joseph
Published: April 2024

Background:
Tanzania has a relatively high unmet need and low use of family planning methods. Thirty- eight per cent of reproductive-aged women currently use modern contraceptive methods, and 22% have an unmet need for family planning.
Objectives:
To determine the factors influencing the uptake of modern contraceptives among women attending public health facilities in Dodoma City Council.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted among 362 women of reproductive age who attended public health facilities in Dodoma City and 32 healthcare workers. The participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected from 6 September to 15 October 2021. A structured questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. The strength of association was determined using a logistic regression model.
Results
Of the 362 participants, 46.6% were between 24 and 34 years old. Most (60.2%) were married, and 48.9% had completed secondary education. About a third (32.6%) had a monthly income of 300,000 to 399,999 TZS. A statistically significant association at 0.05 was observed between uptake of contraceptives and education (p = 0.043), marital status (p = 0.024), partner’s support (p = 0.001), awareness, preference, and satisfaction (p = 0.000).
Conclusion
The study revealed that education, marital status, awareness, preference, and satisfaction of the respondents have a positive significant effect on the uptake of modern contraceptives.
The burden and natural history of cardiac pathology at TB diagnosis in a high-HIV prevalence district in Zambia: protocol for the TB-Heart study
Authors: Scopazzini Marcello S , Chansa Pamela , Shanaube Kwame , Majonga Edith D , Bual Nina , Zenner Dominik , Ayles Helen , Shah Anoop SV , Musukuma Remmy , Mweemba Veronica , Cheeba Maina , Schaap Albertus , Mwila Chipili C , Banda Isabel , Ngulube Joseph , Mateyo Kondwelani , Sigande Lucheka
Published: April 2024

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major cause of death across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In parallel, non-communicable disease and especially cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden has increased substantially in the region. Cardiac manifestations of TB are well-recognised but the extent to which they co-exist with pulmonary TB (PTB) has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to improve understanding of the burden of cardiac pathology in PTB in those living with and without HIV in a high-burden setting.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and natural history study to evaluate the burden and natural history of cardiac pathology in participants with PTB in Lusaka, Zambia, a high burden setting for TB and HIV. Participants with PTB, with and without HIV will be consecutively recruited alongside age- and sex-matched TB-uninfected comparators on a 2:1 basis. Participants will undergo baseline assessments to collect clinical, socio-demographic, functional, laboratory and TB disease impact data followed by point-of-care and standard echocardiography. Participants with PTB will undergo further repeat clinical and functional examination at two- and six months follow-up. Those with cardiac pathology at baseline will undergo repeat echocardiography at six months.
Discussion: The outcomes of the study are to a) determine the burden of cardiac pathology at TB diagnosis, b) describe its association with patient-defining risk factors and biochemical markers of cardiac injury and stretch and c) describe the natural history of cardiac pathology during the course of TB treatment.
Nitrogen−stimulated rhizosheath organic acid release enhances phytolith concentrations in leaves of dominant trees in a subtropical forest
Authors: Yu Heng , Qin Zhangfen , de Tombeur Félix , Lambers Hans , Lu Xiaofei , Lai Yuan , kuang Yuanwen
Published: April 2024

Background and aims
Plants take up and use silicon (Si) as a beneficial nutrient for growth and/or survival, which can affect terrestrial Si biogeochemistry and its links with the carbon cycle. Soil nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and their ratios can affect rhizosphere processes, with potential impacts on soil-plant Si dynamics. How atmospheric N deposition affects plant Si acquisition and Si cycling in subtropical forests remains, however, unknown.
Methods
We performed a field experiment in a P-limited subtropical forest to explore the effects of 9-year canopy and understory N addition at two rates on Si biogeochemical cycle and its underlying mechanism.
Results
We found that N addition increased concentrations of rhizosphere organic acids, leaf N:P ratios, and concentrations of phytoliths in leaves of the dominant tree species. Nitrogen addition also increased the concentrations of plant-available Si at 0–5 cm depth, but not deeper. Concentrations of plant-available Si were negatively correlated with soil amorphous Si (exacted with NaOH), but positively correlated with Si associated with organic materials (extracted with H2O2) at 0–5 cm depth.
Conclusions
The increase in plant-available Si and resulting leaf phytolith concentrations following N addition was possibly explained by the increase in rhizosphere organic acids under strongly P-limited conditions, with cascading effects on silicates weathering and release of soluble Si from poorly-available forms. Overall, our results suggest that atmospheric N deposition increases the biological Si cycle in subtropical P-limited forest ecosystems.
US-Russia geopolitical risk and corporate cybersecurity risk: Evidence from 10-K reports
Authors: Nguyen Bao , To Bao
Published: April 2024

As crimes, terrorism, and modern conflicts are no longer confined to the physical world, cyberspace is becoming a new frontier in warfare and political conflicts. In this paper, we investigate how Russia-related geopolitical risk drives corporate cybersecurity in US firms during 2006–2018. We show that the variations in US-related geopolitical risk alone explain more than 29% of the variation in US firms’ cybersecurity risk, suggesting that US-Russia geopolitical tensions stimulate cyber security risk in the US. The finding is robust to a battery of robustness and endogeneity tests. Further analyses show that the effect is quite persistent, stronger for US firms that have offshoring activities with Russian partners or assets, and weaker for firms with more innovative cultures. The effect also applies when the US imposes sanctions on Russia following the Crimea event in 2014.
Esthesioneuroblastoma with Invasion of the Intracranial Space：A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification Compared with Surgical Findings
Authors: Opoku Mary , Sun Xicai , Liu Quan , Xue Kai , Pan Yucheng , Song Xiaole , Yang Jingyi , Wang Dehui , Yu Hongmeng , Gu Ye
Published: April 2024

Background: Although many grading systems have been established in esthe-sioneuroblastoma (ENB), the criteria for judging whether intracranial space isinvaded have not been reported.
Methods: The preoperative radiological images were reviewed. The degree ofthe offending intracranial cavity is divided into four grades based on the extentto which the tumor invades bilateral olfactory cisterns and brain tissues. Theintraoperative videos and records were reviewed to verify the grading system.
Results: From June 2014 to August 2021, 114 consecutive patients in one singlecenter were included in this research. Grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were found respectivelyin 48, 18, 14, and 34 cases. All the imaging grading results were consistent withthe intraoperative findings.
Conclusion: The olfactory cistern is a good basis to judge whether ENB hasinvaded intracranial space. This new grading system also helps to clarify theT-stage of ENB
atRA mitigates high salt-driven EAE by stabilizing Treg cell mediated the inhibition of IL- 23R and the repairment of compromised endogenous RA signaling
Authors: Tian Jiale , Wang Yong , Li Haolin , Li Yating , Wei Xiaofeng , Gu Youquan , Wang Haidong , Luo Yang
Published: April 2024

High salt diet (HSD) is implicated in numerous disorders. HSD boosts Th17 development, compromises the immunosuppressive function of thymic Treg cells leading to the exacerbation of EAE. However, little is known regarding the harness of excessive proinflammatory responses evoked by HSD. Here we show that atRA, a key vitamin A metabolite with multifaceted immunoregulatory properties has the potential to harness the HSD-provoked EAE pathogenesis. Treatment with atRA in vivo elicited the Treg generation in cervical and axillary lymph nodes (CALs) and in CNS, thus attenuated the HSD-aggravated EAE disease. In-vitro mechanistic studies were also performed by several FACS- and MACS-sorting experiments, followed by cell coculture assays, and the related western blotting or qPCR verification. The final protective mechanism of IL-23R inhibition was studied by administration with anti-IL-23R mAb. atRA reverses the compromised function of high-salt modified tTreg cells contributing to the mitigation of HSD-provoked EAE. atRA protects Treg cell against high-salt modification via the repression of IL-23R but not SGK1 signaling. atRA also repairs the perturbed endogenous retinoic acid metabolic signaling under HSD, whereas systematic inhibition of IL-23R had a moderate therapeutic potential in inhibiting inflammatory effects of high salt. In conclusion, administration of atRA might be a way to combat the proinflammatory effects of HSD. Meanwhile, the identification of IL-23R as a ‘natural inhibitor’ of high salt-compromised Treg cells in mice could serve as a basis for the identification of novel therapeutic strategies against HSD-driven autoimmune disorders.
WITHDRAWN: Investigation of efficiency level during the clinical work of the Electronic Health Record users in the General Health System of Cyprus
Authors: Rompolas Periklis , Masouras Panicos , Avgousti Sotiris , Charalambous Andreas
Published: April 2024

Since 2019, Cyprus has universally implemented the EHR as part of its General Health System (GHS). Between October and December 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the opinions and attitudes of EHR users using an electronic self-report questionnaire. 429 personal and outpatient doctors from all Cypriot Provinces participated in the survey. In the context of the research, all ethical and ethical principles were observed. The average score of the scale "Efficiency in Practicing the Tasks of the Clinical Project when Using the EHR" is 57.4/100, a value that indicates a moderate degree of efficiency of the EHR in the practice of the clinical work. The younger the age, the more positive the user efficiency rating. The shorter the work experience, the more positive the user efficiency rating. The greater the familiarity with the use of PCs and ICT, the more positive the degree of efficiency of the users. The greater the education/training, the more positive the user efficiency rating. The greater the familiarity with the use of the EHR, the more positive the degree of efficiency of the users. The greater the familiarity with the support from the Health Insurance Organization of Cyprus, the more positive the user efficiency rating. In order to fulfill the strategic goals of Cyprus for eHealth, within the European framework health policymakers should proceed with improvement interventions in the context of the implementation of EHR in the GHS. User training and support and equal access for all other health professionals are essential components.
Physiological Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs), and Trichoderma harzianum on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Infected with Branched Broomrape [Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel]
Authors: FİDAN ENES , TEPE Işık
Published: April 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), one of the world's most produced and consumed vegetables, belongs to the Solanaceae family. Branched broomrape [Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel; Syn: Orobanche ramosa L.] parasitizes many cultivated plants, especially tomatoes. The parasitic weeds, for which there is no effective control method, cause serious yield and quality losses in their host crops. In this study, two different mycorrhiza (AMF) species, Funneliformis mosseae, and a commercial product, Endo Roots Soluble (ERS), along with Trichoderma harzianum T22, two different plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates (Pseudomonas caspiana V30G2 and Bacillus velezensis V40K2), were applied to tomatoes. Additionally, a commercial product, Plant Success Great White Premium Mycorrhiza, and their combinations were used to determine the changes occurring in both the plants and the broomrape. This study investigated the number of tubercles, the levels of several oxidative stress enzymes (CAT, catalase, SOD, superoxide dismutase, and APX, ascorbate peroxidase), the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA, malondialdehyde), and the total phenolic and antioxidant contents of tomato plants infected and not infected with broomrape. Compared to the control group, the treatments were found to prevent tubercule formation at rates ranging from 60 to 72.7%. Broomrape infection caused oxidative stress in the tomatoes; the CAT and MDA contents in the broomrape-contaminated plants were greater than those in the noncontaminated plants. The results revealed that some microorganisms and biological preparations applied to tomatoes responded differently to broomrape stress through enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities.
Clustering for ranking multivariate data by Linear Ordered Partitions
Authors: Schenone Mariaelena Bottazzi , ID Maurizio
Published: April 2024

This paper illustrates how clustering can be used to rank a multivariate set of observations. The link between ranking and clustering is provided by the Linear Ordered Partitions (LOP) and corresponds to detecting the optimal clustering of the multivariate units in ordered equivalence classes. The ranking of clusters provides additional information with respect to the simple units’ ordering since it identifies classes in which observed units are considered “incomparable”. The goal, in this ranking framework, is to perform partitioning of units by considering the largest number of clusters such that their centroids, representing within cluster incomparable units, are statistically different from each other, with clusters optimally ranked. Thus, the final result is a ranking (total order) of clusters, where units within clusters are believed “ties”, i.e., incomparable. In this paper, we propose a model that identifies the best Least-Squares (LS) units’ Linear Ordering Partition, together with a univariate linear transformation of the observed variables needed to detect that LOP. Therefore, the model simultaneously identifies the optimal LS LOP of units associated to the LS orthogonal projection of the observed multivariate units on a straight line. This projection statistically represents a composite indicator that synthesizes the observed variables. The theoretical properties of the proposed model are fully discussed, and an extended simulation study with 5400 generated data sets is given to show its performances under different scenarios. An application is presented to deeply understand the potentiality of this approach to data analysis. A final discussion on future developments and some conclusions are made available.
Biomedical application of TiO2NPs can cause arterial thrombotic risks through triggering procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation of platelets
Authors: Bian Yiying , Jin Qiushuo , He Jinrui , Ngo Thien , Bae OK-Nam , Pi Jingbo , Chung Han Young , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: April 2024

Background
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely used in medical application. However, the relevant health risk has not been completely assessed, the potential of inducing arterial thrombosis (AT) in particular.
Methods
Alterations in platelet function and susceptibility to arterial thrombosis induced by TiO2NPs were examined using peripheral blood samples from healthy adult males and an in vivo mouse model, respectively.
Results
Here, using human platelets (hPLTs) freshly isolated from health volunteers, we demonstrated TiO2NP treatment triggered the procoagulant activity of hPLTs through phosphatidylserine exposure and microvesicles generation. In addition, TiO2NP treatment increased the levels of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin leading to aggregation and activation of hPLTs, which were aggravated by providing physiology-mimicking conditions, including introduction of thrombin, collagen, and high shear stress. Interestingly, intracellular calcium levels in hPLTs were increased upon TiO2NP treatment, which were crucial in TiO2NP-induced hPLT procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation. Moreover, using mice in vivo models, we further confirmed that TiO2NP treatment a reduction in mouse platelet (mPLT) counts, disrupted blood flow, and exacerbated carotid arterial thrombosis with enhanced deposition of mPLT.
Conclusions
Together, our study provides evidence for an ignored health risk caused by TiO2NPs, specifically TiO2NP treatment augments procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation of PLTs via calcium-dependent mechanism and thus increases the risk of AT.
CUT&Tag Applied to Zebrafish Adult Tail Fins Reveals a Return of Embryonic H3K4me3 Patterns During Regeneration
Authors: Duong Phu , Rodriguez-Parks Anjelica , Kang Junsu , Murphy Patrick J
Published: April 2024

Regenerative potential is governed by a complex process of transcriptional reprogramming, involving chromatin reorganization and dynamics in transcription factor binding patterns throughout the genome. The degree to which chromatin and epigenetic changes contribute to this process remains partially understood. Here we provide a modified CUT&Tag protocol suitable for improved characterization and interrogation of epigenetic changes during adult fin regeneration in zebrafish. Our protocol generates data that recapitulates results from previously published ChIP-Seq methods, requires far fewer cells as input, and significantly improves signal to noise ratios. We deliver high-resolution enrichment maps for H3K4me3 of uninjured and regenerating fin tissues. During regeneration, we find that H3K4me3 levels increase over gene promoters which become transcriptionally active and genes which lose H3K4me3 become silenced. Interestingly, these epigenetic reprogramming events recapitulate the H3K4me3 patterns observed in developing fin folds of 24-hour old zebrafish embryos. Our results indicate that changes in genomic H3K4me3 patterns during fin regeneration occur in a manner consistent with reactivation of developmental programs, demonstrating CUT&Tag to be an effective tool for profiling chromatin landscapes in regenerating tissues.
Wildfire effects on ecosystem services in two disparate California watersheds: A Case Study
Authors: Busari Ibrahim , Sloggy Matthew R. , Rad Mani Rouhi , Sahoo Debabrata , Drury Stacy A , Escobedo Francisco J.
Published: April 2024

Ecosystem services are important for human well-being and maintaining environmental quality objectives. The growing concern over extreme wildfire events in various watersheds necessitates understanding their impacts particularly on regulating ecosystems services. In this study, we used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model to examine how two wildfires that occurred in California, USA in 2017 impacted water provisioning, soil loss and sediment delivery, carbon sequestration services, and nutrient delivery in the waterways. We also related the distributional impacts of wildfire to ecosystem service supply based on various sociodemographic factors across the affected communities to assess their vulnerabilities. We find that a year following the fires, the amount of biomass in forestland, woodland, and chaparral declined, as expected, in both studied watersheds, while the amount of grassland increased. This change in vegetation resulted in the loss of about 200,000 tons of carbon from the Mark West subwatershed and about 160,000 tons of carbon from the Southern California watersheds. Furthermore, the fires increased the expected mean annual water yield significantly for both watersheds by 5% and 42%, respectively. Our analysis shows an increase in the expected post-fire phosphorus and nitrogen export. Using regression analyses to determine the effect of wildfire on the distributional impacts to ecosystem services across communities in the watersheds, we did find evidence of differences between communities with respect to the pre-fire distribution of ecosystem services. However, we did not find that post-fire condition either exacerbated or alleviated these distributional impacts and inequities.
Educational Policy as Predictor of Computational Thinking: A Supervised Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ezeamuzie Ndudi O.
Published: April 2024

Background: Computational thinking is derived from arguments that the underlying practices in computer science augment problem-solving. Most studies investigated computational thinking development as a function of learners’ factors, instructional strategies and learning environment. However, the influence of the wider community such as educational policies on computational thinking remains unclear.
Objectives: This study examines the impact of basic and technology-related educational policies on the development of computational thinking.
Methods: Using supervised machine learning, computational thinking achievements of 31,823 eighth graders across nine countries were analysed. Seven rule-based and tree-based classification models were generated and triangulated to determine how educational policies predicted students’ computational thinking.
Results and Conclusions: Predictions show that students have higher propensity to develop computational thinking skills when schools exercise full autonomy in governance and explicitly embed computational thinking in their curriculum. Plans to support students, teachers and schools with technology or introduce 1:1 computing have no discernible predicted influence on students’ computational thinking achievement.
Implications: Although predictions deduced from these attributes are not generalizable, traces of how educational policies affect computational thinking exist to articulate more fronts for future research on the influence of educational policies on computational thinking.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Simply Supported Bridge through Experimental and Numerical Modelling Approaches
Authors: Singh Om Narayan , Mandal Krishnendu , Dey Kaushik
Published: April 2024

In earlier days, bridges were designed with the maximum possible static load on them. In the failure of some bridge structures, it is established that dynamic load often plays a vital role in the failure of bridges. Considering this, it is established that the responses of the bridges under dynamic loading should be evaluated for prior understanding of the bridge condition. This paper reports one such case study carried out on a newly constructed bridge to understand the response of the bridge under dynamic loading. The physical experiments are carried out to monitor the response of the bridge under the dynamic loading from the movement of a 35.5 Metric Tonne (MT) vehicle weight at varying speeds. Numerical simulation of the bridge structure is also carried out using modal analysis and transient analysis methods. The response of the bridge is simulated for varying dynamic load conditions generated through vehicle speed ranging from 30 km/h to 87 km/h and the vehicle weight ranging from 35.5 MT to 106.5 MT. A generic equation for a simply supported bridge for varying speed and vehicle weight is proposed. This study, however, has the limitation of ignoring the influence of uncontrolled environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind effects on bridge dynamic behaviours.
Exploring postpartum women's experiences, perspectives, and expectations in maternal health care at a Chinese maternity care center: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Liu Yang , Li Tang , Buntinx Frank , Vermandere Mieke
Published: April 2024

Background
The postpartum period presents critical challenges for new mothers, involving significant physical and emotional adjustments. Traditionally, Chinese culture has addressed this phase through "doing the month," emphasizing rest and specific cultural practices. With the shift towards modernization, urban China has seen a rise in professional maternal care centers, yet research on the experiences and expectations of women utilizing these services remains scarce. This study focuses on exploring the experiences, perspectives, and expectations of postpartum women in a Chinese maternal care center, assessing the integration of traditional practices with modern healthcare standards.
Methods
In this study, 16 participants who had utilized the hospital's maternal care center within the previous year were chosen via purposive sampling in Qingdao, China. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed employing The Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL).
Results
Analysis revealed three main themes: co-created health management, shared knowledge and growth, and interpersonal connections and support. The study highlighted the benefits of a collaborative approach to healthcare, where personalized care and maternal autonomy were prioritized. It also pointed out the educational aspect of motherhood, emphasizing the role of community support and shared experiences in knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, the study highlighted the positive impact of social dynamics, such as family, peer, and professional support, emphasizing their crucial contribution to the postpartum recovery process.
Conclusion
The research shed light on the intricate balance between traditional Chinese postpartum practices and modern medical care, underlining the necessity for a holistic approach that caters to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of new mothers. The findings advocate for co-created health management, emphasizing the role of shared knowledge and interpersonal support in enhancing postpartum care. Additionally, the impact of cultural and societal elements on postpartum experiences calls for culturally sensitive healthcare practices. This study contributes valuable insights into improving postpartum care in China, suggesting an integrated approach that incorporates both traditional and contemporary healthcare practices to support the holistic well-being of new mothers. Future studies are encouraged to expand the research scope to encompass a broader array of experiences and to utilize quantitative methods for further validation.
Anti Thyroglobulin Interferences in TSH Measurement, A Case Report
Authors: Bakhtiari Sajjad
Published: April 2024

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is the most expressed protein in the thyroid gland that stores iodine and produces thyroid hormones. Tg production is specific to malignant thyroid cells, making it an ideal indicator after removing thyroid tissue. As a result, it is used as a tumor marker post-surgery to assess any disease recurrence. The presence of Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) which is produced in autoimmune diseases can interfere with Tg value. The evaluation of plasma TSH levels is a highly sensitive diagnostic method for primary thyroid-related issues, although it can be affected by various interferences. in the present case, the high titer of TgAb interferes with TSH measurement as well as leads to unreliable Tg results.
Cultural and Creative Employment Across Italian Regions
Authors: Leogrande Angelo
Published: April 2024

in the following article I analyze the trend of cultural and creative employment in the Italian regions between 2004 and 2022 through the use of ISTAT-BES data. After presenting a static analysis, I also present the results of the clustering analysis aimed at identifying groupings between Italian regions. Subsequently, an econometric model is proposed for estimating the value of cultural and creative employment in the Italian regions. Finally, I compare various machine learning models for predicting the value of cultural and creative employment. The results are critically discussed through an economic policy analysis.
JEL CODE: O3, O31, O32, O33, O34
From Microscope to AI: Developing an Integrated Diagnostic System for Endometrial Cytology
Authors: Terasaki Mika , Tanaka Shun , Shimokawa Ichito , Toda Etsuko , Takakuma Shoichiro , Tabata Ryo , Sakae Kensuke , Kajimoto Yusuke , Kunugi Shinobu , Shimizu Akira , Terasaki Yasuhiro
Published: April 2024

Objective
To explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostics into a cytology workflow, focusing on real-time detection of abnormal cell clusters in endometrial cytology without relying on whole-slide imaging (WSI), utilizing a YOLOv5x-based model.
Methods
We employed the YOLOv5x object detection model pretrained on the COCO dataset because of its high-speed and accurate detection capabilities. This study involved real-time direct detection of abnormal cell clusters using a CCD camera attached to a microscope, with the aim of enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy in endometrial cytology. The model was further refined through transfer learning using actual cytology case images, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance between technological advancement and clinical integration.
Results
The integration of our AI model into the diagnostic workflow significantly reduced the time required for diagnosis compared to traditional methods, as demonstrated by the performance metrics that matched or exceeded those of pathologists. This breakthrough underscores the potential of AI to improve diagnostic workflows, particularly in settings where resources or pathology services are limited.
Conclusion
This study presents the first instance of an AI-assisted system for endometrial cytology that operates in real time under a microscope, negating the need for WSI. Our findings highlight the feasibility of embedding AI directly into existing clinical practices, offering significant time savings and potentially matching the diagnostic accuracy of specialists. The successful integration of this technology is a critical step forward in the application of AI in the medical field, paving the way for broader adoption and further research into user-friendly AI applications in pathology diagnostics.
Predictive analysis of emergency fire risks for the boiler room
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Drozdova Tatyana , Zasukhina Vera ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Filippov Nikita ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Published: April 2024

In the technosphere, ensuring fire safety of hazardous production facilities is a priority task for preserving human health, life, material values, and the environment. Therefore, it is important to predict emergency situations and minimize their risks. The purpose of the study is to assess fire risks and the degree of damage in an emergency situation in the boiler room. The study was based on statistical data on accidents at thermal power plants and regulated methods for determining fire risks and the degree of damage from an accident at coal boiler houses. A predictive assessment of fire risks was based on the example of two accident scenarios, the affected areas and the possible number of injured people are determined. The dimensions of the danger zones are shown – a fatal injury at a distance of 20 m from the epicenter of the explosion with a 97 percent probability of injury. The probability of weak destruction of buildings in a populated area of 17 percent was established. In case of a predicted accident in the form of an explosion of a steam boiler, damaging factors can affect industrial buildings and boiler room personnel
Assessment of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population living in the area affected bythe pulp and cardboard mill
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Vasilyeva Victoria , Khamidullinа Elena ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Published: April 2024

The article deals with the health of population living in the area affected by the pulp and cardboard mill. The aim is to assess non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the Selenginsk population caused by emissions from Selenginsk pulp and cardboard mill. The article examines the dynamics of average annual concentrations of pollutants in the air of the urban settlement. The results of calculations of inhalation risks are presented. The non-carcinogenic risk values exceeded the permissible values for all pollutants. Fine particles PM2,5 and ozone O3 exceeded the norms 22 and 15 times respectively for the period of five years. The calculation of the carcinogenic risk level showed that there are additional cases of neoplasms in the population caused by benz(a)pyrene in the air, and the carcinogenic risk level is unacceptable. Emergency health measures are required to reduce it.
Higher-group symmetry in finite gauge theory and stabilizer codes
Authors: Barkeshli Maissam , Chen Yu-An , Hsin Po-Shen , Kobayashi Ryohei
Published: April 2024

A large class of gapped phases of matter can be described by topological finite group gauge theories. In this paper, we show how such gauge theories possess a higher-group global symmetry, which we study in detail. We derive the dd-group global symmetry and its ’t Hooft anomaly for topological finite group gauge theories in (d+1)(d+1) space-time dimensions, including non-Abelian gauge groups and Dijkgraaf-Witten twists. We focus on the 1-form symmetry generated by invertible (Abelian) magnetic defects and the higher-form symmetries generated by invertible topological defects decorated with lower dimensional gauged symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases. We show that due to a generalization of the Witten effect and charge-flux attachment, the 1-form symmetry generated by the magnetic defects mixes with other symmetries into a higher group. We describe such higher-group symmetry in various lattice model examples. We discuss several applications, including the classification of fermionic SPT phases in (3+1)D for general fermionic symmetry groups, where we also derive a simpler formula for the [O_5] ∈ H^5(BG, U(1))[O5]∈H5(BG,U(1)) obstruction that has appeared in prior work. We also show how the dd-group symmetry is related to fault-tolerant non-Pauli logical gates and a refined Clifford hierarchy in stabilizer codes. We discover new logical gates in stabilizer codes using the dd-group symmetry, such as a controlled Z gate in the (3+1) D \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 toric code.
Conformal boundary conditions for a 4d scalar field
Authors: Di Pietro Lorenzo , Lauria Edoardo , Niro Pierluigi
Published: April 2024

We construct unitary, stable, and interacting conformal boundary conditions for a free massless scalar in four dimensions by coupling it to edge modes living on a boundary. The boundary theories we consider are bosonic and fermionic QED_33 with N_fNf flavors and a Chern-Simons term at level kk, in the large-N_fNf limit with fixed k/N_fk/Nf. We find that interacting boundary conditions only exist when k≠ 0k≠0. To obtain this result we compute the \betaβ functions of the classically marginal couplings at the first non-vanishing order in the large-N_fNf expansion, and to all orders in k/N_fk/Nf and in the couplings. To check vacuum stability we also compute the large-N_fNf effective potential. We compare our results with the the known conformal bootstrap bounds.
Study of charmonium(-like) spectroscopy and decay at BESIII
Authors: Song Weimin , Zhang Honghong
Published: April 2024

The recent results on Charmonium and Charmonium-like states at BESIII are reviewed, including the observation of \rm Z_{cs}(3985) state, the study of the new decay modes of \psi_2(3823)ψ2(3823) state, observation of resonance structure in \rm e^+e^- \to \pi^+\pi^-\psi_2(3823) process, the study of the \rm e^+e^- \to K^+K^-J/\psi process, cross section measurement of \rm e^+e^- \to \omega\pi^0 and \omega\etaωη process, branching fraction measurement of \psi(3686)\to\bar{\Sigma}^0\Lambda + c.c.ψ(3686)→Σ‾0Λ+c.c. process. Decay channels for \chi_{cJ} \to \Lambda\bar{\Lambda}χcJ→ΛΛ‾, \chi_{cJ} \to \Lambda\bar{\Lambda}\etaχcJ→ΛΛ‾η, \psi(3686) \to \Lambda\bar{\Lambda}\omegaψ(3686)→ΛΛ‾ω and \eta_c(2S)\to3(\pi^+\pi^-)ηc(2S)→3(π+π−) are also discussed. The property of the spin singlet P wave Charmonium state, \rm h_c is also reported.
Centrality dependence of multistrange baryon production in high-energy heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Arakelyan Gevorg H. , Merino Carlos , Shabelski Yuli M.
Published: April 2024

We consider the experimental data on the production of strange \Lambda^{\prime}Λ′s, and multistrange baryons (\XiΞ, \OmegaΩ), and antibaryons, on nuclear targets, at the energy region from SPS up to LHC, in the framework of the Quark-Gluon String Model. One remarkable result of this analysis is the significant dependence on the centrality of the collision of the experimental \overline{\Xi}^+/\overline{\Lambda}Ξ¯+/Λ¯ and \overline{\Omega}^+/\overline{\Lambda}Ω¯+/Λ¯ ratios in heavy-ion collisions, at SPS energies.
An overview of lattice results for parton distribution functions
Authors: Del Debbio Luigi
Published: April 2024

Following a ground-breaking proposal by Ji [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 262002 (2013)], numerical simulations of Quantum Chromo Dynamics (QCD) on a Euclidean lattice have provided new, valuable information on the structure of hadrons. In this talk, we briefly review the lattice approach to the reconstruction of parton densities, highlighting the connection between lattice observables and parton densities, with a focus on theoretical issues. Since parton distributions are extracted from lattice data by solving an inverse problem, we discuss some of the difficulties that affect these determinations and how they can be formulated in a Bayesian framework.
QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OFCHILDRENSCHOOLING IN AN ISLAND
Authors:   Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UniversitiTeknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia., S. Rafeah , Khadijah A.M Siti ,   Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UniversitiTeknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia., Munirah Y. Amiratul ,   Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UniversitiTeknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia., Hafiz A.W Mohd ,   Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UniversitiTeknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia.
Published: April 2024

Good quality of life (QoL) may provide conducive environment for school children to studyand perform better. Studies indicate that school children residing in isolated areaswith discontented quality of life did not perform academically. However, theissue of QoL and its relation to academic performance in a secluded island of Pulau Tuba is interesting to study. Thisis because, while Pulau Tuba is an isolated island, being part and partial of tourism industry inLangkawi had caused for the island to be unique and different. Therefore, this study investigated the possible relation between the residents QoL and the academicperformance of their children. An adapted questionnaire was used to collect the required data for the study. Several interviews with the local residents were also conducted to acquire the necessary data in order to supportthefindings of the study. The study found that the villagers are enjoying their good quality of life. Nevertheless, that could not contribute much in better academic performance of the school children. Tri-angulation using interviews was conducted to validate the findings and dig out the answers to the anomaly. Recommendations were figured out as the ways to improve theacademic performance of the school children.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Lovely Professional University, Punjab., Shekhar Singh Chandra , Kumar Ajay ,   Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, Lovely Professional University, Punjab.
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the prominence and attention given to human rights discussions and debates. Moreover, a lot of world leaders continue to yearn for the successful and complete implementation of their vision of a just society. In a variety of settings, a number of academicians, philosophers, and leaders have disputed this idealistic notion of creating a just society. They argue that a number of stratifying factors, such as caste, class, economic status, and family values, have long caused division in our society. With the passage of time, this stratified society changed and started fining the minority that was less fortunate more and more. Similarly, a sizable segment of the populace referred to as the transgender community has been perceived as a disadvantaged facet of society as a result of various forms of social stratification and certain inherent genetic deficiencies. The transgender community has been unable to exercise even the most basic constitutional rights that are granted to every person under the countrys constitution because of ignorance and inferiority complex. Members of the community have also been socially and economically excluded from society and have been unable to access government aid programs due to the gap created by the discrimination inside the community. Furthermore, transgender people are inadvertently reduced to the status of second-class citizens in a society guided by the constitutional ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity because of a number of laws in the Indian context that only define Indian society in terms of male or female. The current study aims to comprehend the causes of the deprivations placed on transgender people in order to implement and formulate welfare measures specifically for the transgender community and enable its members to access constitutional and statutory mechanisms without facing any discrimination. It is imperative that we create practical measures immediately in order to lessen marginalization and make the transgender populations general socioeconomic growth a reality.
CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF BOND APATITE IN HORIZONTAL BONE AUGMENTATION AROUND DENTAL IMPLANTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors:   BDS, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt., Ahmed Mahmoud Farrag Mohammed , Mahmoud Anees Mohamed ,   Professor of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt., Elsayed Abdelsameaa Sally ,   Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt., Mohamed Youssef Jilan ,   Professor of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Diagnosis and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Published: April 2024

Background:Bond apatite is a composite graft, composed of two-thirds biphasic calcium sulfate and one-third hydroxyapatite granules of various sizes and shapes. Oral implants are used to secure dental prostheses in cases of partial or total edentulism. The outcomes of correctly completed dental-implant procedures result in high rates of success and survival of dental prostheses. Objective:The aim of this study was to assess Bond Apatite use in horizontal bone augmentation around dental implants, clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods:This research included sixteen patients, six men and ten women, with an average age of thirty years having missing maxillary anterior or premolar teeth with insufficient horizontal bone. The patients were divided into two groups: group I patients (N=8) received dental implants with Bond apatite, while group II patients (N=8) received dental implants with Bio-Oss bone graft material and pericardium bioresorbable membranes. All patients were evaluated clinically usingthe modified plaque index (MPI), modified gingival index (MGI) and probing depth (PD) and radiographically to assess bone width dimensions. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups regarding MGI(p = 0.038)andperi-implant buccal PD [mm](p = 0.026). There was no statistically significant difference between the tested groups regarding age(p = 0.608), sex(p = 0.123), MPI(p = 0.608),orperi-implant palatalPD [mm](p = 0.118). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative bone width (p = 0.187). Conclusion:Bond apatitemay be used as one of the materials of choice for horizontal bone augmentation around dental implants with similar promising results compared to Bio-Oss. Finally, the use of Bond apatite preparation is a straightforward, affordable, and considered successful bone graft material that could be used in osseous defect reconstruction procedure. Trial registration:The study is listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov with registration number (NCT06043258) 22/09/2023. The study was conducted in accordance with the seventh revision of the Helsinki Declaration in 2013 and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) (M07061119) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Egypt.