bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
МІЖНАРОДНІ ТУРИСТИЧНІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ТА ЇХ РОЛЬ В РОЗВИТКУ ТУРИЗМУ ТА ГОТЕЛЬНО-РЕСТОРАННОГО БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ СЬОГОДЕННЯ
Authors: Чепурда Ганна , Старинець Олена , Шестель Олена
Published: March 2024

Сьогодні міжнародні туристичні організації відіграють провідну роль не тільки в галузі туризму та індустрії гостинності окремих країн і їх регіонів, але й для визначення стратегічних планів в розвитку туризму та готельно-ресторанного бізнесу в глобальному вимірі. Актуальність наукового дослідження зумовлена важливістю впливу рішень міжнародних туристичних організацій не тільки в туристичному сегменті економік країн світу, але й для розробки важливих заходів планетарного характеру, спрямованих у напрямку збалансованого розвитку в життєзабезпеченні людських суспільств, у тому числі економічного, екологічного та соціального спектру дій. Метою статті визначено розгляд і узагальнення основних напрямків у діяльності міжнародних туристичних організації та їх ролі в розвитку туризму та готельно-ресторанного бізнесу в умовах сьогодення. В умовах сьогодення головною світовою туристичною організацією загального характеру визнана Всесвітня туристична організація. Проведено відповідний аналіз чинників класифікації основних груп міжнародних туристичних організацій, у тому числі світових і регіональних загального характеру, регіональних галузевого характеру, спеціалізованих, особливих. За результатами наукового дослідження доведено суттєвий вплив і значення для планування на різних рівнях управління в галузі туризму ефективної системи державного регулювання в країнах світу, де туризм посідає провідне місце серед галузей економіки. Підкреслено важливість дотримання міжнародних правил і нормативів безпеки, якості послуг, продуктів і сервісу як під час формування, так і протягом усього життєвого циклу туристичного продукту. Підкреслено важливість забезпечення туризму висококваліфікованими менеджерами та персоналом. У статті систематизовано теоретичну базу та методичні розробки щодо інформативної бази про міжнародні туристичні організації та визначення їх ролі в розвитку туризму та готельно-ресторанного бізнесу в умовах сьогодення. Особливу увагу приділено значенню для України участі в діяльності UNWTO в умовах російсько-української війни. Для розкриття теми наукового дослідження проведено аналітичні дослідження функціональних ознак діяльності міжнародних туристичних організацій та виокремлення пріоритетних питань для визначення їх ролі в розвитку туризму та готельно-ресторанного бізнесу в умовах невизначеності, ризику та викликів часу. Застосовані, зокрема, аналітичні, статистичні, порівняльні, графічні методи. Практичне значення результатів наукового дослідження може мати інтерес і значення, зокрема для здобувачів вищої світи, які опановують спеціальності «Туризм» і «Готельно-ресторанна справа», для науково-педагогічних працівників, підприємців галузі туризму та готельно-ресторанного бізнесу.
Effect of Autonomous Vehicles on Various Sight Distance Requirements
Authors: Desai Harsheev
Published: March 2024

The majority of research on autonomous vehicle technology these days focuses on car technology, with little emphasis on road infrastructure, such as geometric design. The goal of this research project is to bridge this gap and make the geometric road design for autonomous vehicles sustainable, especially focusing on sight distance requirements which play a critical role in roadway safety. The stopping sight distance model is frequently used in road geometrics because it offers enough time to avoid accidents and is efficient. The stopping sight design model is implemented in this study effort for autonomous vehicle technology. To start, the autonomous vehicle technology is investigated, and a substantial difference between autonomous vehicle technology and human-driven vehicle technology is determined in order to use the stopping sight distance model. A literature review is also conducted for the geometric design of the road for both human-driven and self-driving vehicles. For the autonomous vehicle, the AASHTO model developed for human-driven vehicles is applied and adapted, resulting in the optimal geometric design for the autonomous vehicle. Additionally, a simulation model is designed in Matlab to test different configurations for the placement of LiDAR sensor on autonomous vehicles in specific scenarios that are critical to roadway safety such as when there is an overpass over a vertical sag curve.
Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) Tubers on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profile in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Mallo Mahan J. , Danborno Angela M. , Musa Sunday A. , Jimoh Abdulazeez , Toryila Joseph E. , Soretire T. Grace , Tanko Yusuf
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. The prevalence of Diabetes mellitus is expected to increase to 5.3% by 2030. This study aimed to determine the effects of ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus and lipid profile in male Wistar rats. A total of 25 Wistar rats were used for the study. Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan 100 mg/kg and rats with blood glucose levels 200 mg/kg and above were considered diabetic. The rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5), group 1, normal control, group II, negative (diabetic) control, and Group III and Group IV were diabetic rats treated with 400mg/Kg and 800mg/Kg body weight of the ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers and group V were diabetic rats treated with 10mg/Kg body weight Metformin. All treatments lasted for 28 days and Blood glucose levels were checked at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and the blood samples collected were used to determine serum insulin level and lipid profile. The result obtained revealed a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels in groups III, IV, IV, and V as compared to the diabetic untreated group. The results of serum total cholesterol revealed a significant decrease in group I and group IV. However, high-density lipoprotein shows a significant decrease in group V as compared to the diabetic untreated group. There was also a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in groups I, III, and IV when compared with the diabetic untreated group. There was also a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum insulin level in the normal control group and the group treated with 800mg/kg of extract. This study revealed the potential benefits of the ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers in reducing blood glucose levels and its effects in reversing hyperlipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus.
Bases para la creación de un asistente de voz virtual para el entorno hotelero
Authors: Yepe Muñiz María Isabel , Rodríguez Martén Katherine , Llanes López Christian , Mazon Fierro Monica
Published: March 2024

Introducción: Los asistentes de voz han evolucionado significativamente en un corto período de tiempo. Actualmente es una tecnología muy útil y que brinda una cantidad de facilidades que cada día aumenta, ocasionando que sea aplicada en cualquier tipo de ámbito. Las instalaciones hoteleras son uno de esos espacios en los que son empleados, reportándose numerosos casos éxito. De manera contraria ocurre en Cuba, donde esta tecnología no es comúnmente empleada y que muchas instalaciones no cuentan las condiciones necesarias para la implementación de la misma. Objetivo: Proponer las bases para la creación de un asistente de voz virtual para el entorno hotelero. Metodología: Se empleó el método deductivo, pues, a partir de un análisis general sobre los concerniente a los asistentes de voz y la automatización de instalaciones, se definieron las cuestiones particulares del asistente propuesto como sus características, así como el hardware y el software con que contará. Es una investigación de tipo aplicada, cualitativa, documental, de campo, longitudinal y explorativa. Resultados: El dispositivo se desarrollará con hardware y software libre por las facilidades al momento de trabajar con ellos. Funcionará de manera offline y por comando dado por voz para que pueda ser utilizado en cualquier lugar y por cualquier persona sin impedimentos por dichas cuestiones. Desde el punto de vista estructural, el dispositivo se conectará directamente a la corriente y tendrá como componentes un transistor, una bocina, una fuente, una Raspberry Pi 3, un micrófono y un relé con transistor. Empleará como software la plataforma Home Assistant, debido a las bondades y la utilidad con la que se cuenta al momento de su uso. Conclusión: El asistente de voz cumple con un conjunto de requisitos que harán de él un dispositivo útil y flexible para su empleo en cualquier instalación turística. Su estructura cuenta con todos los componentes necesarios para que cumpla con las funciones para las que fue concebido. Contará con un software sencillo para el empleo del usuario y que puede ser modificado de manera sencilla. Área de estudio general: Ingeniería Biomédica. Área de estudio específica: Electrónica.
La inteligencia artificial en la educación superior
Authors: Ortiz Velasco Lourdes Virginia , Ortiz Velasco Víctor Hugo
Published: March 2024

Introducción: La educación es solo una de las muchas cosas que la inteligencia artificial (IA) puede cambiar. La inteligencia artificial (IA) ha emergido como una herramienta poderosa que está revolucionando la enseñanza y la educación en la era digital actual. Este artículo analizará los diferentes softwares en inteligencia artificial en la educación y cómo está cambiando la educación en todos los niveles. Objetivo: Examinaremos cómo la IA está cambiando la forma en que adquirimos conocimientos y habilidades, en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje en el desarrollo de recursos interactivos. Metodología: La investigación ha examinado publicaciones sobre la Inteligencia Artificial aplicada en la educación entre 2013 y 2023 y ha utilizado una metodología de investigación descriptiva no experimental. Esta estrategia se basa en la realización de un análisis de la producción científica y su evolución a partir de una variedad de criterios establecidos. Conclusión: Podemos decir que la IA puede mejorar la educación al ofrecer nuevas formas de enseñanza personalizada y retroalimentación instantánea para todos los estudiantes. Sin embargo, para lograr una adopción efectiva de la IA en la educación, se deben superar algunos desafíos, como la falta de datos adecuados, la resistencia al cambio y la falta de interpretabilidad. Además, la IA tiene la capacidad de hacer que la educación sea más accesible para todos los estudiantes, incluidos aquellos con discapacidades y aquellos que no tienen acceso a recursos educativos de alta calidad.
Ecosystem importance of roots: A literature review
Authors: Ribeiro Jéssica Araújo Heringer , Almeida Lígia Haira Duarte de , Souza Thaís Gonzaga de , Lima Pamella Leandra Silva , Cardoso Sara de Sousa , Souza Paulo Henrique Pereira de , Lacerda Fernando da Costa Brito
Published: March 2024

Fine roots are all those with a diameter ≤2 mm. These roots are responsible for a significant portion of the primary productivity of terrestrial ecosystems, being important for providing resources to the soil microbial community and for influencing the cycling of carbon and nutrients. Despite their recognized importance, fine roots are commonly neglected in plant biomass studies. Root biomass studies are generally limited throughout the world, mainly due to the methodological complexity involved in the analytical processes. The objective of this work was to carry out a review of studies on the topic of roots, addressing the development of technologies in the analytical process and the importance of this dynamic biomass component in ecosystem processes related to carbon cycling and soil nutrients. We emphasize here the importance and need for new scientific research that seeks to develop methods of analysis, as well as to estimate the underground primary productivity, especially that of fine roots, so that the processes involved in the cycling of carbon and nutrients are better elucidated.
Avaliação óssea de implantes dentários: Distâncias lineares mensuradas em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico
Authors: Farias Alex Medeiros de , Melo Ana Tatiana Gonzalez de , Franceschini Neto Francisco , Silva Ennyo Sobral Crispim da , Farias Naiara de Oliveira , Lopes Patrícia de Medeiros Loureiro
Published: March 2024

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar, por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), a relação dos implantes dentários com as estruturas anatômicas nobres, o “volume’’ ósseo perimplantar em medidas lineares verticais e horizontais na maxila e na mandíbula, as medidas lineares perimplantar nos terços cervical, médio e apical e as mensurações lineares ósseo perimplantar nas faces vestibular e lingual.  Utilizando o programa i-CAT Vision, foram avaliadas 66 regiões perimplantares de 24 pacientes em um serviço privado de radiologia odontológica. Cortes parassagitais com espaçamento de 1mm foram utilizados nas mensurações da distância entre os implantes e as estruturas anatômicas nobres e medidas dos volumes ósseos vestibulares e linguais nos terços cervical, médio e apical. A mandíbula apresentou diferença significativa, dentro do padrão estabelecido na literatura, quando comparada com a maxila, em relação à distância dos implantes às estruturas anatômicas nobres (p ≤ 0,05). Os terços médio e apical dos implantes apresentaram maior percentual de volume ósseo perimplantar dentro do padrão com 59,1% (terço médio) e 74,2% (terço apical), enquanto a face vestibular dos implantes demonstraram maior percentual fora do padrão (78,8%). Concluiu-se que a distância dos implantes dentários às estruturas anatômicas nobres preconizada na literatura foi respeitada na maior parte das avaliações realizadas; a maxila apresentou menor quantidade de tecido ósseo perimplantar em comparação com a mandíbula; o terço cervical dos implantes dentários avaliados apresentou menor quantidade de tecido ósseo perimplantar e as faces vestibulares apresentaram menor quantidade de tecido ósseo perimplantar que as faces linguais.
The Socio-Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Authors: Memişoğlu Fulya , Özkil Altan , Kılınç Tuna
Published: March 2024

Building upon empirical research, this study examines the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Syrian refugees in Turkey by analyzing its implications on employment, livelihood opportunities, and social cohesion. More specifically, it focuses on the experiences of Syrian refugees to examine the ways in which they exert their agency to cope with the structural constraints when faced with ‘multiple crises’ in host countries, intersecting with the dynamics of a ‘normalized refugee crisis’. Our findings from fieldwork conducted in the top six refugee-hosting cities reveal that loss of jobs, limited access to decent work, increased dependency on external financial assistance, and social exclusion have been some of the most acute effects of the pandemic on refugees. Meanwhile, the perceived effects that refugees have on the host community’s welfare trigger problems that impede social cohesion. All in all, the study intends to highlight the far-reaching effects of the pandemic beyond its direct health implications by addressing the structural vulnerability of refugees and the importance of providing an enabling environment for socio-economic self-reliance.
Risk assessment of wild fish as environmental sources of red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) outbreaks in aquaculture
Authors: Kawato Y , Mizuno K , Harakawa S , Takada Y , Yoshihara Y , Kawakami H , Ito T
Published: March 2024

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) causes substantial economic damage to aquaculture. In the present study, RSIV in wild fish near aquaculture installations was surveyed to evaluate the risk of wild fish being an infection source for RSIV outbreaks in cultured fish. In total, 1102 wild fish, consisting of 44 species, were captured from 2 aquaculture areas in western Japan using fishing, gill nets, and fishing baskets between 2019 and 2022. Eleven fish from 7 species were confirmed to harbor the RSIV genome using a probe-based real-time PCR assay. The mean viral load of the RSIV-positive wild fish was 101.1 ± 0.4 copies mg-1 DNA, which was significantly lower than that of seemingly healthy red sea bream Pagrus major in a net pen during an RSIV outbreak (103.3 ± 1.5 copies mg-1 DNA) that occurred in 2021. Sequencing analysis of a partial region of the major capsid protein gene demonstrated that the RSIV genome detected in the wild fish was identical to that of the diseased fish in a fish farm located in the same area in which the wild fish were captured. Based on the diagnostic records of RSIV in the sampled area, the RSIV-infected wild fish appeared during or after the RSIV outbreak in cultured fish, suggesting that RSIV detected in wild fish was derived from the RSIV outbreak in cultured fish. Therefore, wild fish populations near aquaculture installations may not be a significant risk factor for RSIV outbreaks in cultured fish.
Health Promotion Model-Based Health Education Program in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient: An Experimental Study
Authors: Kaynar Şimşek Aynur , Alpar Ecevit Şule , Mutlu Bülent , Bulut Hatice
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of a Health Promotion Model-based health education program on increasing the health-promoting behaviors of acute coronary syndrome patients.
Methods: This is an experimental study that used a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of 101 patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in Turkey. The data were collected by using a Patient Monitoring Form and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II. While the patients in the control group received routine procedures, the patients in the experimental group were included in the health education program.
Results: The health promoting-behaviors of the control group were found to be higher than those of the experimental group in the first follow-up (p
Digital Evaluation of the Depth and Width of Upper and Lower Molar Cavity Preparations of Dental Students
Authors: Fidan Muhammet , Gönder Hakan Yasin
Published: March 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mesial and distal seat widths and the buccal, lingual, and axial wall height values of cavity preparations by measuring them with the help of a digital scanner.

Methods: In this study, 70 randomly selected students of 140 tooth preparations (mandibular molar and a maxillary molar cavities) of phantom jaw models were evaluated. The prepared teeth were scanned with an intraoral scanner. The parameters used in the analysis were the depth values of the buccal and lingual (or palatal) wall depth, the mesial and distal axial wall height, and the mesial and distal seat width values. For main effects and interactions, two-way analysis of variance was used, and for multiple comparisons, Tukey’s test was used (p < .05).

Results: No significant difference was found in the teeth according to cavity depth. However, a significant difference was found in the cavity regions’ depths or widths. There was no difference between the total buccal (1.93 ± 0.01 mm) and lingual (1.91 ± 0.32 mm) depth values. There was no difference between the total mesial (1.51 ± 0.27 mm) and distal (1.41 ± 0.26 mm) seat width values. There was no difference between the total mesial (1.11 ± 0.35 mm) and distal (1.21 ± 0.27 mm) axial wall height values.

Conclusion: It was observed that the students had more difficulty in the distal region of the tooth than in the mesial region. Digital methods in preclinical education can provide objective results in the evaluation of cavity preparations.
Effects of Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 on the outcome of a Streptococcus iniae co-infection in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
Authors: Quijano Cardé Eva Marie , Anenson Kelsey M. , Yun Susan , Heckman Taylor I. , Jungers Hali T. , Henderson Eileen E. , Purcell Sara L. , Fast Mark , Soto Esteban
Published: March 2024

Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 (AciHV-2) is a large double-stranded DNA virus in the family Alloherpesviridae that causes catastrophic outbreaks in young naive white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) populations, with mortalities of up to 80%. Survivors of these infections are suspected to remain latently infected. The gram-positive zoonotic bacterium Streptococcus iniae is another important sturgeon pathogen that causes severe myositis and up to 50% mortality during natural outbreaks. Throughout the last decade, co-infections of AciHV-2 and S. iniae have been reported in cultured white sturgeon in California resulting in severe presentations of piscine streptococcosis. This phenomenon of herpesvirus and streptococcus co-infection appears to span multiple taxa since in humans, it is recognized that a Human herpesvirus 3 infection (VZV) is a negative prognostic indicator for pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal infections (IGASI). While a decrease in humoral immunity caused by VZV has been hypothesized as a potentially important factor in IGASI cases, no natural animal model exists to study this process. Moreover, no studies have investigated these reported co-infections in white sturgeon. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a recent AciHV-2 infection on the outcome of a subsequent S. iniae challenge in white sturgeon fingerlings. When fish were infected with 108 colony forming units (CFU) of S. iniae intramuscularly (IM), a statistically significant decrease in survival of 41% was detected in the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value < 0.001). This difference was not observed when fish were infected with 106 CFU of S. iniae IM. At this lower infection dose, however, a statistically significant downregulation of tnfα was observed in the spleen of fish in the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value = 0.0098). Analysis of serum from survivors revealed a statistically significant reduction in anti-S. iniae serum IgM and serum serotransferrin in fish from the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value = 0.0134 and p-value = 0.0183, respectively). Further studies are indicated to determine what interactions lead to the decreased production of pathogen-specific IgM, serotransferrin, and TNFα in the host.
A thick wall concept for robust treatment of contacts in DEM simulation of highly polydisperse particulate systems
Authors: Alfano Francesca O. , Iozzi Giovanni , Di Maio Francesco P. , Di Renzo Alberto
Published: March 2024

Modelling particulate systems with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is an established practice, both in the representation and analysis of natural phenomena and in scale-up and optimization of industrial processes. Since the method allows tracking individual particles, each element can possess geometrical, physical, mechanical or chemical surface properties different from those of the other particles. One example is a polydisperse particulate system, i.e., characterized by a size distribution, opposed to the idealized monodisperse case. In conventional DEM, a softer particle stiffness is commonly adopted to reduce the computational time. It might happen that artificially soft particles, when colliding against a wall boundary, exhibit such large, unrealistic overlap that they “pass through” the wall and exit the domain. In the case of highly polydisperse systems, this often occurs when fine particles are pushed against the wall by coarse particles with masses several orders of magnitude larger. In the manuscript, a novel method is proposed, named thick wall, to allow the particles in contact with the walls to experience relatively large overlaps without ending up ejected out the domain. In particular, a careful way to calculate the particle-wall overlap and force unit vector can accommodate normal displacements larger than the maximum usually allowed, i.e., typically the particle radius, thereby preventing particles from being expelled from the domain. First, critical velocities for which single particles and pairs of fine/coarse particle escape the domain are analytically characterized using the linear and the Hertz models. The thick wall concept is then introduced and its effect on the maximum critical velocity is demonstrated with both contact models. Finally, application to pharmaceutical powder composed of carrier (coarse) and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) (fine) particles in a shaken capsule prove this to be an example of vulnerability to the phenomenon of fine particle ejection and to significantly benefit from the thick wall modification.
Synthesis of fully bio-based poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)-oligo-2-ethyl oxazoline conjugates
Authors: Hazer Baki , Altunordu Kalaycı Özlem , Koçak Fatma
Published: March 2024

This work refers to the synthesis and characterization of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)-b-oligo (2-ethyl oxazoline) (oligoEtOx). Cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-ethyl oxazoline yielded poly (2-ethyl oxazoline) (oligoEtOx) with a hydroxyl end. Carboxylic acid-terminated PHB was reacted with oligoEtOx via dicyclohexylcarbodiimide chemistry to obtain PHB-b-oligoEtOx conjugates. The obtained PHB-b-oligoEtOx conjugates were successfully characterized by 1H- and 13C NMR, FTIR, DSC, and size exclusion chromatography. PHB-b-oligoEtOx conjugates can be promising biologic active materials.
Diabetic kidney disease as an independent predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetic mellitus
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Jiang Rui , Xu Ruochen , Wang Yunzhe , Lv Yan , Su Chang , Yu Fengyi , Qin Zhen , Tang JunNan , Zhang JinYing
Published: March 2024

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) had been proposed as a contributor in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship of DKD and the long-term adverse outcomes in patients with CAD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was still undiscovered.

Methods

Approximately 892 patients with CAD enrolled from January 2012 to December 2016. The patients were divided into two groups, the DKD group (n = 341) and the None DKD group (n = 551). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCI. The average follow-up time was 1,897 ± 1,276 days.

Results

Baseline data showed that some factors were significantly different between the two groups, including age, body mass index, gender (female), hypertension, smoking, stroke history, heart failure, duration of diabetic mellitus (DM), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, urinary protein/creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet, antiplatelet, beta blocker, statin, antihypertensive drugs, and insulin (all p < 0.005). There were significant differences between the two groups in MACE, 40.3% vs. 52.2% (p = 0.001), and in cardiovascular death events and all-cause death events (5.6% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.001 and 4.4% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). In the DKD group, the risk of MACE was elevated to 141.9% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.419, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.164–1.730, p = 0.001] in the Cox univariable regression analyses; after adjusting co-variables, the Cox multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that DKD was an independent predictor for MACE (HR = 1.291, 95% CI: 1.027–1.624, p = 0.029) in patients with CAD after PCI, as well as in cardiovascular death events (HR = 2.148, 95% CI: 1.292–3.572, p = 0.003) and all-cause death events (HR = 2.229, 95% CI: 1.325–3.749, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study suggests that DKD is an independent and novel predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in patients with CAD and DM who underwent PCI.
Best practices for vascular arterial access and closure: a contemporary guide for the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Authors: Eltelbany Moemen , Fabbri Matteo , Batchelor Wayne B. , Cilia Lindsey , Ducoffe Aaron , Endicott Kendall , Epps Kelly , McBurnie Amika , Neville Richard , Rosner Carolyn , Sherwood Matthew W. , Spinosa David , Truesdell Alexander G. , Vorgang Cassandra , Damluji Abdulla A. , Tehrani Behnam N.
Published: March 2024

More than 1 million transcatheter-based cardiovascular procedures across the spectrum of interventional cardiology are performed annually in the United States. With the expanded indications for and increased complexities associated with these procedures, interventional cardiologists are expected to possess the requisite expertise to complete these interventions safely and effectively. While the art of vascular access and closure remains a prerequisite and critical skillset in contemporary practice, there remain significant variations in the techniques employed, resulting in the bleeding and vascular complications encountered in clinical practice. With an increasing recognition of the potential merits to standardized approaches to vascular access and closure, cardiovascular societies have put forth recommendations around best practices for performing these procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratories. In this review, we aim to: (1) Examine the evolving definitions of bleeding and vascular complications; (2) Review best practices for transradial and transfemoral access and closure, including for large bore procedures; and (3) Highlight knowledge gaps and proposed areas of clinical research pertaining to vascular access which may inform clinical practice and potentially optimize the outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter-based cardiac and vascular interventions.
Virtual reality and augmented reality in medical education: an umbrella review
Authors: Tene Talia , Vique López Diego Fabián , Valverde Aguirre Paulina Elizabeth , Orna Puente Luz María , Vacacela Gomez Cristian
Published: March 2024

Objective

This umbrella review aims to ascertain the extent to which immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies improve specific competencies in healthcare professionals within medical education and training, in contrast to traditional educational methods or no intervention.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS approach, a systematic literature search was conducted across major databases to identify studies examining the use of VR and AR in medical education. Eligible studies were screened and categorized based on the PICOS criteria. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to analyze the data, supplemented by the Fisher test for small sample sizes or specific conditions.

Analysis

The analysis involved cross-tabulating the stages of work (Development and Testing, Results, Evaluated) and variables of interest (Performance, Engagement, Performance and Engagement, Effectiveness, no evaluated) against the types of technologies used. Chi-square tests assessed the associations between these categorical variables.

Results

A total of 28 studies were included, with the majority reporting increased or positive effects from the use of immersive technologies. VR was the most frequently studied technology, particularly in the “Performance” and “Results” stages. The chi-square analysis, with a Pearson value close to significance (p = 0.052), suggested a non-significant trend toward the association of VR with improved outcomes.

Conclusions

The results indicate that VR is a prevalent tool in the research landscape of medical education technologies, with a positive trend toward enhancing educational outcomes. However, the statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association, suggesting the need for further research with larger sample sizes. This review underscores the potential of immersive technologies to enhance medical training yet calls for more rigorous studies to establish definitive evidence of their efficacy.
Investigation on the failure mechanism of the collapse of the columnar jointed basalt in underground cavern
Authors: Zhao Jin-Shuai , Zhang Jian-Cong , Pei Shu-Feng , Xing Liang , Chen Chong-Feng , Zhang Guang-Duan
Published: March 2024

Columnar jointed basalt (CJB) is a kind of jointed rock with a polygonal cylinder mosaic structure that has complex mechanical properties such as discontinuity and heterogeneity. The typical geological structure of the CJB is the intercolumnar joint plane and the implicit joint plane, which obviously affect the mechanical properties of the rock mass. Controlling the unloading relaxation of the CJB is a key problem during the construction of underground engineering. In this paper, in-situ acoustic wave and panoramic borehole camera measurements were carried out in the cavern of the Baihetan project to understand the failure mechanism of the collapse of the CJB. It was quite clear that the evolution of the excavation damage zone (EDZ) of the CJB depends on the time and spatial effects. The closer to the collapse zone, the greater the degree of relaxation failure of the columnar joint rock mass; the further away from the cavern perimeter, the more stable the surrounding rock. The correction between wave velocity and cracks in the rock mass was also discussed. This field test and theoretical analysis can provide a reference for studying the failure mechanism and control measures of CJB in underground caverns under high geostress.
Rs4862705 in the melatonin receptor 1A gene is associated with renal function decline in type 1 diabetes individuals
Authors: Daher Gustavo , Santos-Bezerra Daniele Pereira , Cavaleiro Ana Mercedes , Pelaes Tatiana Souza , Admoni Sharon Nina , Perez Ricardo Vessoni , Machado Cleide Guimarães , Amaral Fernanda Gaspar do , Cipolla-Neto José , Correa-Giannella Maria Lúcia
Published: March 2024

Aim

The pathogenesis of chronic diabetes complications has oxidative stress as one of the major elements, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes belonging to antioxidant pathways modulate susceptibility to these complications. Considering that melatonin is a powerful antioxidant compound, our aim was to explore, in a longitudinal cohort study of type 1 diabetes (T1D) individuals, the association of microvascular complications and SNPs in the gene encoding melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A).

Methods

Eight SNPs in MTNR1A were genotyped in 489 T1D individuals. Besides cross-sectional analyses of SNPs with each one of the microvascular complications (distal polyneuropathy, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic kidney disease), a longitudinal analysis evaluated the associations of SNPs with renal function decline in 411 individuals followed up for a median of 8 years. In a subgroup of participants, the association of complications with urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) concentration was investigated.

Results

The group of individuals with a renal function decline ≥ 5 mL min−1 1.73 m−2 year−1 presented a higher frequency of the A allele of rs4862705 in comparison with nondecliners, even after adjustment for confounding variables (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.20–2.82; p = 0.0046). No other significant associations were found.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing an association between a variant in a gene belonging to the melatonin system and renal function decline in the diabetic setting.
Time for micro-RNAs in steatotic liver disease: a case–control study
Authors: Stoica Victor Constantin , Apostol Dimitri , Diculescu Mihai Mircea , Gârdan Iuliana Petronela , Gârdan Daniel Adrian , Mărunțelu Ion , Constantinescu Ileana
Published: March 2024

One of the challenges of modern-day living is to resist the temptation of overfeeding and sedentariness and maintain a healthy body and mind. On a favorable genetic and epigenetic background, a high-fat diet combined with lack of physical exercise constitutes the foundation for severe metabolic disturbances including steatotic liver disease. In our case–control study, we had the aim of establishing the role of selected micro-RNAs—miR-122, miR-192, miR-33a, and miR-33b—as superior biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of steatotic liver in a 36-patient cohort compared to 12 healthy controls. Initial results confirmed the decline in miR-122 expression as fatty liver is progressing. However, combinations of ΔmiRs, such as ΔmiR33a_192, ΔmiR33a_122, and ΔmiR33b_122, correlate with ultrasound steatosis grade (R2 = 0.78) while others such as ΔmiR33b_122 provide a high specificity and sensitivity in fatty liver disease with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85. Compared to classical biomarkers, micro-RNAs can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes as their diminished expression in severe cases of steatosis is associated with higher risk of emerging hepatocellular carcinoma. Manipulating micro-RNAs through agomirs or antagomirs can be the answer to the yet unsolved problem of efficient therapy in MAFLD.
Robust fault recovery strategy for multi-source flexibly interconnected distribution networks in extreme disaster scenarios
Authors: Baofeng Tang , Lei He , Lidong Zhou , Hongtao Zhao , Kang Wang , Pengliang Zhang
Published: March 2024

To enhance the resilience of power distribution networks against extreme natural disasters, this article introduces a robust fault recovery strategy for multi-source, flexible interconnected power distribution networks, particularly under scenarios of extreme disasters. Initially, the comprehensive risk of system failure due to ice load on distribution lines and poles is fully considered, and a model for the overall failure rate of lines is constructed. This model addresses the diverse failure scenarios triggered by various meteorological conditions. Through the use of information entropy, typical extreme disaster failure scenarios are identified, and lines with high failure rates under these scenarios are determined. Subsequently, a box-type interval model is developed to represent the uncertainty in the output of distributed generation (DG), and on this basis, a robust fault recovery model for multi-source power distribution networks interconnected through soft open points (SOPs) is established, and use the Column and Constraint Generation (C&CG) algorithm to solve the problem. Finally, the fault recovery model and strategy proposed are validated through an illustrative example based on a modified IEEE 33-node interconnected system.
Research on the decoupling relationship between water resources utilization and economic development at the county scale in Qian’nan Prefecture, Guizhou Province
Authors: Su Yin , Liao Shenghai , Ren Jintong , Zhao Zulun
Published: March 2024

There is a close link between water resources and economic development. To understand the relationship between water resources and economic development in Qian’nan, Guizhou, the study utilized the water resources ecological footprint and decoupling model to analyze the relationship between water resource ecological footprint and economic growth in the region. Data from 2009 to 2019 were collected and analyzed to understand the trends and patterns. The results indicate that from 2009 to 2019, the ecological footprint of water resources in Qian’nan remained less than the ecological carrying capacity, indicating a surplus of water resources and low ecological pressure. However, the water resources ecological footprint gradually increased over the study period. Furthermore, the ecological footprint of water resources was found to be higher in the northern areas compared to the southern regions. Additionally, areas with higher economic levels exhibited larger ecological footprints of water resources, while areas with lower economic levels had smaller ecological footprints. Although some counties (cities) showed an increasingly severe relationship between water resource ecological footprint and economic growth, overall, most counties (cities) demonstrated a weak decoupling state, suggesting that economic development is not significantly constrained by water resources. The findings suggest that Qian’nan, Guizhou, has experienced a surplus of water resources with low ecological pressure over the past decade. However, the increasing water resources ecological footprint warrants attention to ensure sustainable management. The spatial disparities in the ecological footprint of water resources highlight the need for targeted interventions in different regions. Additionally, the weak decoupling state between water resources ecological footprint and economic growth indicates the potential for further economic development without significant constraints from water resources. However, proactive measures should be implemented to maintain this balance and promote sustainable development in the region.
Time of year and weather influence departure decisions of sandhill cranes at a primary stopover
Authors: Vanausdall Rachel A. , Kendall William L. , Collins Daniel P. , Hays Quentin R.
Published: March 2024

The Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of greater sandhill cranes uses a key stopover area, the San Luis Valley (SLV) in Colorado. Parameters of migration phenology can differ between autumn and spring and are affected by weather and environmental factors. We hypothesized that sandhill cranes in the SLV would have a longer stopover duration in autumn than in spring, and that wind assistance, crosswinds, temperature change, barometric air pressure, and surface water area would influence persistence probability. We used data from sandhill cranes fitted with transmitters that spanned autumn and spring, 2015-2022. We used an open robust design mark-recapture model to estimate stopover duration, arrival probability, and persistence probability. We examined the effects of weather and surface water on the persistence probability for 106 sandhill cranes in the SLV. Stopover duration was longer in autumn than in spring and had higher variability across years. Arrival probability to the SLV peaked on 13 October in autumn and 21 February in spring. Persistence probability declined around mid-December in autumn and mid-March in spring. We found that several weather covariates influenced persistence in both seasons. In autumn, sandhill cranes departed the SLV with higher tailwinds, lower crosswinds, and higher surface water availability. In spring, sandhill cranes departed the SLV with lower crosswinds and higher barometric air pressure at the surface and higher wind speeds at altitudes of about 3,000 m. The effect of wind speed was stronger later in the spring. Given the lower variability of arrival and persistence probability and shorter stopover duration in spring compared to autumn, we suspect that RMP sandhill cranes are using a time-minimization strategy during spring. However, given the use of supportive winds and weather conditions ideal for soaring, RMP sandhill cranes appear to be using strategies that save energy in both seasons. Our study identifies the optimal timing of water management and surveys for RMP sandhill cranes and confirms that weather influences their persistence. Understanding differences in migration patterns between seasons and the factors that influence persistence at stopover sites will also be important for anticipating phenological impacts from climate change and land use alterations.
Promoting urban ecological resilience through the lens of avian biodiversity
Authors: McCloy Michael W. D. , Andringa R. Keith , Maness Terri J. , Smith Jennifer A. , Grace Jacquelyn K.
Published: March 2024

The significance of urban landscapes in safeguarding biodiversity is often disregarded, even though a considerable amount of conservation focus is directed toward biodiversity hotspots where urban land conversion is happening at the fastest pace. Maintaining biodiversity in urban areas not only benefits the environment, but along with social, economic, and technological factors can increase the stability of urban systems to disturbance, a concept known as “urban resilience”. In this synthesis paper, we explore the ecological dimension of urban resilience and specifically focus on avian biodiversity because birds are easy to observe, relatively abundant, and can serve as an indicator of the overall health of urban environments. We first examine the concept of ecological resilience and discuss the role of environmental stressors associated with urbanization in the ongoing avian biodiversity crisis. We then provide an overview of characteristics of the urban environment that may promote ecological resilience in birds, and associations between social and economic factors and urban ecological resilience. Finally, we provide recommendations on future research regarding strategies to improve urban ecological resilience and thus, urban resilience as a whole, at the intersections of urban ecology, ecosystem ecology, environmental justice, and urban planning. Since 68% of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050, it is imperative that scientists, urban planners, civil engineers, architects, and others consider urban ecological resilience as a dimension of both environmental health and the resilience of cities to future natural and anthropogenic stressors.
Intelligent computation in cancer gene therapy
Authors: Samuel Roee , Daniel Ramez
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the use of gene therapy for the treatment of disease has gained substantial interest, both in academic research and in the biomedical industry. Initial experimentation in gene therapy has generated positive results, as well as questions regarding safety. However, lessons have been learned from these first investigations, among them a realization that such treatments require a method to fine-tune the expression of therapeutic genes in real-time. A logical solution to this problem arose through the field of synthetic biology in the form of synthetic gene circuits. Thus, the synthetic biology community today aims to create “smart cells” for a variety of gene therapy applications, in an attempt to precisely target malignant cells while avoiding harming healthy ones. To generate safer and more effective gene therapies, new approaches with emerging computational abilities are necessary. In this review, we present several computational approaches which allow demonstrating artificial intelligence in living cells. Specifically, we will focus on implementing artificial neural networks using synthetic gene regulatory networks for cancer therapy and discuss the state-of-the-art computational developments.