bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cost-Efficacy of a Healthy Food Box for Managing Hypertension Within a Native American Population: The Chickasaw Healthy Eating Environment Research Study
Authors: Henderson Austin , Rosenman Robert , Fyfe-Johnson Amber L. , Taniguchi Tori , Standridge Joy , Shackleford Tyra , Muller Clemma J. , Umans Jason G , Jernigan Valarie Blue Bird
Published: February 2024

Background
Dietary interventions are used for the treatment of hypertension. We evaluated the cost-efficacy of delivering boxes of healthy, culturally tailored foods and checks that can only be spent on produce in a Native American population.
Methods
We conducted a group randomized controlled trial from 2018–2020 with N = 2 treatment counties and N = 2 control counties and a total of N = 160 Native American adults with baseline stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. Participants in the intervention group received monthly boxes of food that adheres to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet as well as checks that could only be spent on produce for 6 months. We measured blood pressure and quality of life at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up in both intervention and control groups. We used ordered logistic regression to estimate the effect of treatment on probability of blood pressure improvements. We then conducted a cost-efficacy analysis.
Results
We found that treatment was effective in women with stage 1 hypertension at baseline. Based on this finding, we also estimate that this intervention satisfies normative cost-effectiveness thresholds, even when lifetime treatment is needed to preserve the impact, so long as treatment is only continued in those who respond to treatment.
Conclusions
Direct delivery of healthy foods and checks that can only be spent on produce are a potentially cost-effective intervention for the management of hypertension among Native American women with stage 1 hypertension. Further research is needed to understand why we found an impact only for this group.
Electronic Circuit Simulation in Cap Shaped 4D Chaotic Model with DOCX Encryption, Stenography and Watermarking
Authors: Qureshi Ali , Khan Najeeb Alam , Raza Salman
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the effects of model parameters and fractional order on a novel mathematical model with tangent hyperbolic memristors. An analysis of bifurcations and Lyapunov exponents was conducted in this study. A chaotic behavior with coexisting attractors is observed when fractional operators are applied to this new model. Utilization of Lyapunov exponent theory to understand and characterize these chaotic behaviors under various fractional orders. To explore the dynamics of a chaotic system governed by Caputo fractional-order equations, exploration of Lyapunov exponent spectra, bifurcation diagrams, and phase diagrams are reported along with geometrical control via the variation in a parameter is illustrated. According to the investigation, this novel 4D system exhibits a wide range of complex behaviors that depend on both the system parameters and the fractional derivative order. The novel system circuit realization is presented with the electronic active and passive components fused with nonlinearity of tangent hyperbolic memristor. Finally, the generated random numbers are utilized to secure the DOCX text, novel Steganography algorithm to secure the text in an image and novel visible encrypted Watermarking.
Challenges in Achieving Consensus on Data Localization: Digital Inequality of Digital Service Trade
Authors: Gao Yuliang , Xie Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaohang
Published: February 2024

The disagreements on data localization policies significantly hamper the progression of digital service trade and free cross-border data flow. This study adopts the Theory of Comparative Advantage and the Heckscher-Ohlin Theory (H-O Theory) to construct an analytical model that investigates the inequality of digital service trade on the well-being of nations and the valuation of digital factors. Our findings suggest that digital service trade exacerbates the terms of trade for developing countries. In an environment of unrestricted data flow, developed countries capitalize on the data resources from developing nations, thereby augmenting their digital comparative advantages and factor endowments. The dynamics foster a state of digital inequality or digital poverty, where late-developing countries are disadvantaged in keeping pace with their developed counterparts. Notably, data localization, while seemingly a protective measure for developing countries, may not be the optimal strategy. It potentially undermines the overall well-being of all participants by diminishing network effects. The paper argues that the path towards the liberalization of digital trade and data flows will be a lengthy and complex one, demanding concerted international efforts to overcome entrenched trade barriers
JEL Codes B12, F11, F18
A Reflective Academic Research Writing Among Graduate Students of Batangas State University, Philippines
Authors: Aceron Romel M. , Sapungan Ronel M.
Published: February 2024

This paper empirically examines the thesis and dissertation writing process, advising, and critiquing practices at Batangas State University's graduate schools. Historically, the study reveals that the number of graduates accounts for slightly more than three percent of the total enrollees each terminal or academic year. The research contrasts the present findings with existing research development manuals from 2008 and 2017, both within BatStateU and other universities, identifying a lack of resemblance in content. In previous manuals, demographic profiles of graduate students were limited to basic factors such as age, gender, degree program, specialization, status, year started, and year graduated. Positive research writing experiences were reported, with minimal encountered problems. Significant relationships were identified only between gender and research writing, while no significance was found in age, degree program, specialization, status, year started, and year graduated. The study proposes inputs for designing and developing a research writing Manual (ARWM) for graduate schools, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective by considering inputs from past batches and academic years. A call for a triangulation approach is suggested to refine and implement the proposed ARWM effectively.
Psychometric Properties and Scale Invariance of Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS) in Medical Students
Authors: Morales-García Mardel , Sairitupa-Sanchez Liset Z. , Morales-García Sandra B. , Cabanillas-Chavez María Teresa , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Morales-García Wilter C.
Published: February 2024

Background
Positive thinking skills are fundamentally important in various fields, including mental health, education, and medicine. Within the context of medical education, where stress and pressure are prevalent, positive thinking can be a transformative force in enhancing resilience and empathy. However, careful validation of measurement tools is required to ensure their applicability in different cultural contexts.
Objective
The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS) among Peruvian medical students.
Methods
An instrumental study was conducted. A total of 408 Peruvian medical students aged between 18 to 35 years (M = 19, SD = 2.55) participated. The Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS), academic self-efficacy, and burnout were used. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the factorial structure of the PTSS. Additionally, a sequence of hierarchical variance models was used to evaluate measurement invariance by gender. For the reliability assessment, Cronbach's alpha (α) and omega (ω) coefficients were used.
Results
The CFA supported the unifactorial structure of 8 items with adequate goodness-of-fit indices: χ2 (20) = 69.860, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08 (90% CI: 0.06–0.09), SRMR = 0.04. Reliability using Cronbach's Alpha (α = 91) and McDonald's Omega (ω = 91) was excellent. Likewise, convergent and discriminant validity between the PTSS and measures of academic self-efficacy and burnout was demonstrated.
Conclusions
The Peruvian version of the PTSS is effective in measuring positive thinking skills. The PTSS represents a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for assessing and promoting positive thinking, which has profound implications on the mental health and overall well-being of future doctors.
The prognostic impact of surgical staging procedures in patients with colorectal and appendiceal peritoneal metastases undergoing CRS-HIPEC
Authors: Ghanipour Lana , Wallin Johan , Cashin Peter , Graf Wilhelm
Published: February 2024

Background
Surgical staging procedures are used to select patients with peritoneal metastases for surgery. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of surgical staging procedures and the proportion of abdominal wall metastases in patients with peritoneal metastases scheduled for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC).
Methods
Data were collected from a prospective maintained HIPEC register 2012 to December 2019. Patients with peritoneal metastases originating from colorectal or appendiceal adenocarcinomas were included. Information about surgical staging procedures was registered. Results were then compared with those registered at definite CRS-HIPEC surgery and survival was analysed in relation to surgical staging procedures.
Results
In total, 167 patients were included, of whom 45 had undergone a surgical staging procedure before CRS-HIPEC. Median overall survival in the surgical staging group was 1.89 years and in the non-staging group 3.19 years (p = 0.01). In the surgical staging group, eleven patients developed abdominal wall metastases (24%) compared with four (3%) in the non-staged group (p < 0.001). Fifteen staged patients (33%) were considered inoperable at definite surgery (open-close). PCI score (p < 0.001) was higher at definite surgery in patients who had undergone a staging procedure. Factors associated with shorter overall survival in univariate analysis were: a separate surgical staging procedure prior to CRS-HIPEC, PCI ≥ 21 and presence of signet ring cells. However, a staging procedure was not associated with a shorter overall survival in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
Surgical staging procedures are associated with a risk of inoperability and development of abdominal wall metastases. The use of a separate surgical procedure for staging patients before CRS-HIPEC should be selective.
Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Kiwi fruit; A Case Study of Amlesh orchards, Iran
Authors: Naghipour Dariush , Moradanjad Asia , Taghvi Kamran , Moslemzadeh Mehrdad
Published: February 2024

This study was to identify and assess the risk of heavy metals in Kiwi fruit in Amlash County. 30 samples were taken from Kiwi fields in all over the county. Some heavy metal concentrations were measured in and determined them non-cancer risk assessment via digestive tract for children and adults. Among the metals, the non-cancer risk assessment of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb in Kiwi fruit consumption for children were at risk of non-carcinogenic health (THQ > 1). Also, the health risk assessment of Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb for children were at risk of non-carcinogenic health (THQ > 1). Therefore, it is required monitoring and intervention measures to conserve the soil again to meatal pollution.
Paediatric kidney transplantation: is it safe to perform during night-time or day-off?
Authors: GHIDINI Filippo , ANDREETTA Marina , DE CORTI Federica , BENETTI Elisa , VIDAL Enrico , GAMBA Piergiorgio , LEON Francesco FASCETTI
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To investigate the impact of after-hours surgery on the outcomes of paediatric kidney transplantation (KT).
Methods
Medical records of paediatric KTs performed at a single institution between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The population was split into three groups according to the incision time and calendar: ordinary day (8.00 AM – 6.30 PM), day-off, and night-time (6.30 PM – 8.00 AM). The following endpoints were compared: ischemia times, length of surgery, complications, delayed graft function (DGF), primary graft non function (PGNF) and eGFR at three-month follow-up.
Results
Ninety-six non-living donor KTs were performed, median age 11 (IQR 4.3-14) years and median body weight 26 (IQR 13-50) kg. Forty-one (43%) were performed during night-time and 28 (29%) during day-off. Ischemia times were similar (p=0.769, p=0.536). Day-off KTs presented an extended length of surgery (p=0.011). Thirty-two complications were reported in 31 KTs. No difference in the overall rate of complications, DGF, PNGF and three-month eGFR was found (p=0.669, p=0.383, p=0.949, p=0.093). Post-operative bleedings were more common in days-off (p=0.003).
Conclusion
The number of paediatric KTs performed during after-hours was considerable. Even though similar outcomes were reported, more caution should be focused on the KTs performed in days-off to avoid severe complications.
“Decompression illness” on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Hu Jiannan , zhao Huijing , Bian BingBing , San Renfei , Yang Peng , Jiang Yongpo
Published: February 2024

Background
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used for critically ill patients with cardiopulmonary failure. Air in the ECMO circuit is an emergency, a rare but fatal complication.
Case presentation:
We introduce a case of a 76-year-old female who suffered from cardiac arrest complicated with severe trauma and was administered veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In managing the patient with ECMO, air entered the ECMO circuit, which had not come out nor was folded or broken. Although the ECMO flow was quickly re-established, the patient died 6 hours after initiating ECMO therapy.
Conclusions
In this case report, the reason for the complication is drainage insufficiency. This phenomenon is similar to decompression sickness. Understanding this complication is very helpful for educating the ECMO team for preventing this rare but devastating complication of fatal decompression sickness in patients on ECMO.
A Recursive Algorithm to Improve the Sampling Rate of Microwave SQUID Multiplexed Readout for Fast Microcalorimeter Signals
Authors: Liao Guofu , Liu Congzhan , Li Zhengwei , Zhang Yongjie , Zhang Laiyu , Xu Yu , Shu Shibo , Yan Daikang , Gao He , Zhang Yifei , Lu Xuefeng , Li Xufang , Ren Xiangxiang , Xu He , Wu Di
Published: February 2024

The Microwave SQUID Multiplexer ($\mu$MUX) is a critical readout technology for large-scale Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) array. It is considered as a promising readout system for both bolometer and calorimeter applications of large-scale TES array. It has been employed in several Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments, in which the TESes are used as bolometers. However, in the field of calorimeter applications of TESes, such as X-ray detection, the $\mu$MUX system has not been widely used. The main reason is the slew rate of calorimeter pulse signal is much faster than that of bolometer, which will increase the difficulties of data processing in $\mu$MUX electronics. In a typical microwave SQUID Multiplexed readout scheme, the sampling rate is determined by the frequency of the flux-ramp modulation. For CMB experiment, the frequency of the flux-ramp is usually set to about $\mathcal{O}$(10~kHz). However, for X-ray detection, it is necessary to improve the frequency of flux-ramp to about 1~MHz. It is a challenge to implement the high speed data processing with current $\mu$MUX electronics.%The $\mu$Mux readout algorithm is a crucial component.Currently, the implementation of the $\mu$Mux readout algorithm is complex, and the sampling rate for each TES is low, only reaching kHz.We propose a recursive algorithm to reconstruct the fast TES signals with high sampling rate in case of no hardware changes. This algorithm is simple enough to implement in real time data collection. %In this paper, we describe and demonstrate this technique with a reasonable simulation model of $\mu$MUX. The simulation results shows that the recovered sampling rate can break through the frequency limitation of the flux ramp, reaching up to analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling rate. The non-linearity is lower to 0.25\% in full dynamic range.
MIRAD: A Method for Interpretable Ransomware Attack Detection
Authors: Marcinkowski Bartosz , Goschorska Maja , Wileńska Natalia , Siuta Jakub , Kajdanowicz Tomasz
Published: February 2024

In the face of escalating crypto-ransomware attacks, which encrypt user data for ransom, our study introduces a significant advancement in dynamic ransomware detection. We develop an innovative machine learning model capable of identifying ransomware activity. This model is uniquely trained in a simulated user environment, enhancing detection accuracy under realistic conditions and addressing the imbalances typical of ransomware datasets.
A notable aspect of our approach is the emphasis on interpretability. We employ a simplified version of Generalized Additive Models (GAMs), ensuring clarity in how individual features influence predictions. This is crucial for minimizing false positives, a common challenge in dynamic detection methods. Our contributions to the field include a Python library for easy application of our detection method, and a comprehensive, publicly available ransomware detection dataset. These resources aim to facilitate broader research and implementation in ransomware defense.
Radio-photodynamic therapy capability of advanced Au@ALA nanocluster in breast cancer treatment
Authors: Talaee Omid , Faghihi Reza , Rastegari Banafsheh , Sina Sedigheh
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The purpose of current study was to assess the impact of ALA-coated gold nanoclusters (Au NPs) on the combined therapeutic effects of radiotherapy (RT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on healthy MCF-10A and MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Methods
The Au NPs were covered with ALA using PEG polymer, resulting in the synthesis of Au@ALA NPs. The successful synthesis of the final NPs was confirmed through FTIR, XRD, TEM, and UV-Vis tests. MCF-10A and MCF-7 cell lines were treated with different concentrations of Au@ALA NPs and exposed to irradiation of 2 and 4 Gy (using MV X-ray) and 630 nm laser light irradiation. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT method.
Results
The findings revealed that the damage inflicted by Au@ALA NPs on cancerous tissue was significantly greater than that on normal tissue. The cytotoxic effects of all experimental groups exhibited a direct correlation with increasing concentrations and radiation doses. The combination of Au@ALA NPs with RT doses of 2 and 4 Gy resulted in a reduction in cell viability by a factor of 1.58 (P = 0.001) and 1.73 (P = 0.004), respectively. Furthermore, the simultaneous intervention of NPs with PDT and RT at doses of 2 and 4 Gy led to a decrease in cell viability by a factor of 2.10 (P = 0.001) and 3.08 (P = 0.001) in turn.
Conclusion
The concurrent application of Au@ALA NPs in RT and PDT successfully enhanced the radiosensitization of breast cancer cells to megavoltage RT and PDT.
The Effect of Lupicof Drug on Electrochemical Behaviour of Mild Steel in Sulphuric Acid medium
Authors: Geethamani P. , Kanagamani K. , Muthukrishnan P.
Published: February 2024

A huge attention has been paid for the many long years to solve the corrosion related damages and destruction of metallic and alloy materials. Many failures of demolition of materials due to the corrosion showed that worldwide, the various forms of corrosion are primarily substantial. This paper presents, corrosion inhibitive study of an expired Lupicof (Lu) drug on the mild steel in 1M sulphuric acid medium by gravimetric (weight loss), electrochemical methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies with EDX and FTIR and quantum studies will be discussed. The temperature studies reveals that The adsorption isotherm typically describes the interaction between the inhibitors and the surface of mild steel drug as inhibitor obeys Langmuir’s and Temkin adsorption isotherms. Polarization studies indicate this inhibitor functions as a mixed form of inhibition. The above-mentioned studies support that, the Lupicof inhibitor acts as a good inhibitor in the given acidic medium which has been correlated with the quantum chemical studies also to prevent corrosion failures cases.
A Content-based Reasoning Method for Multi-hop Question Answering using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Ghafouri Arash , Naderi Hasan , Bidgoli Behrouz Minaei
Published: February 2024

Question-answering systems require retrieving evidence from multiple documents or paragraphs and reasoning over them to meet users' information needs and answer their complex questions. On the other hand, the Explainability and comprehensibility of the predictions made by question-answering systems pose a challenge. In this paper, a content-based reasoning approach based on graph-based machine reading comprehension methods is proposed to answer multi-hop complex questions. In this approach, relevant paragraphs are selected in a two-step process after receiving the input of a multi-hop complex question. Then, to facilitate content-based reasoning and utilize the evidence related to the multi-hop complex question in the retrieved paragraphs, an incoherent graph infrastructure is constructed. Subsequently, a graph neural network and a transformer are employed as an encoder to extract the content-based answer relevant to the question from the graph infrastructure. Finally, to overcome the challenge of interpretability in the question-answering system, a transformer and the predicted answer are utilized. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed research, the proposed method is tested on the HotpotQA open-domain dataset with over 112,000 question samples. The results obtained in the relevant paragraph selection section show an improvement 0.58% in F1 compared to the best existing results. Furthermore, in the question answering section, improvements of 2.07%, 6.64%, and 9.97% are observed in F1, exact match and joint F1 metrics, respectively, compared to the best method. In the supporting fact prediction section, the results obtained in the proposed method demonstrate a significant superiority over the best existing works.
Non-Invasive Real-Time Multimodal Deception Detection Using Machine Learning and Parallel Computing Techniques
Authors: Abdulridha Fahad , Albaker Baraa M.
Published: February 2024

Detecting deception reliably has been a sought-after goal for researchers since the early 20th century. This is due to its high stakes nature, especially when considering the setting under which a deception detection system would be utilized, such as law enforcement sectors, judicial bodies, and criminal investigation bodies. Therefore, recent literature has greatly focused on developing systems with ever increasing accuracies to minimize false positives. Attempts to diversify the sources of data being analyzed and classified as well as the reliance on artificial intelligence technologies have shown great success. But little attention was paid to the applicability of these systems in real-life scenarios. an idle deception detection system needs to exhibit accuracy but also perform in real-time, a feature that is lacking in the current state-of-the-art. In this work, a non-invasive real-time multimodal deception detection system is developed using advanced machine learning techniques. It combines data sources from video and audio streams to extract visual, acoustic, and linguistic features. It also utilizes parallel computing techniques to ensure high performance adequate for real-time usage. Furthermore, a user-friendly graphical user interface was built to facilitate the use of the system. Multiple experiments were conducted to determine its accuracy under various circumstances and combinations of features, the system had a detection accuracy of 99.83% under real-life, high-stakes scenarios using visual and acoustic features, and 91.03% accuracy under controlled environments, while an 89.54% accuracy was achieved using mixed environments and using visual, acoustic, and linguistic features.
Quantum RGB Image Encryption based on Bit-planes and Logistic Map
Authors: Basiri Saeed , Matin Laleh Farhang , Naseri Mosayeb
Published: February 2024

Data encryption is one of the main factors in their transmission. In this paper, we have described an algorithm for color image encryption, some quantum encryption and image scrambling operations will be performed based on bitplane representation of quantum images (BRQI). Next, the image created using the logistic map (key image) is blended with the output of the first step, which was possible with the help of a quantum comparator circuit. Finally we create a secure image as the output of the encryption algorithm. Experiments with simulation and analysis of parameters such as entropy and correlation coefficient of adjacent pixels in three main positions show that the proposed algorithm has been very efficient and effective in securing and encrypting color images.
Development of The Neonatal Pain Response Variable Set: A mixed methods consensus process
Authors: Zhu Nanxi , Long Bingjie , Zhan Xinling , Zhang Lanxin , Wang Zechuan , Wang Lianhong , Huang Yi , Chen Juan , Huang Chi , Xiong Lu , Fu Zhenyan , Deng Renli
Published: February 2024

Purpose
While over 40 neonatal pain assessment scales have been published, owing to lack of consensus and standardized metrics, there are more than 100 assessment indicators with varying descriptors and quality differences. This study aims to reach consensus on optimal and comprehensive variables for neonatal pain assessment, leading to develop a multi-dimensional neonatal pain response variable set.
Method
This study consisted of three phases: (1) A literature review was conducted to identify influencing factors and assessment indicators of neonatal pain response. (2) Panel meeting involving neonatal healthcare professionals evaluated and screened factors and indicators to develop an initial draft of the variable set. (3) Through two rounds of Delphi study achieved consensus, and determined the neonatal pain response variable set.
Results
Through a literature review and a panel meeting, the identified factors and indicators were categorized into contextual, physiological, and behavioral variables, forming an initial draft of the variable set. Sixteen professionals participated in two rounds of the Delphi study, with response rates exceeding 70%, and authority coefficients surpassing 0.7 in both rounds. The final iteration of the variable set includes 9 contextual variables, 2 physiological variables, and 5 behavioral variables.
Conclusions
Neonatal pain response variable set developed in this study is scientific, comprehensive, and multidimensional, aligning with the characteristics of neonatal pain response and clinically applicable. The inclusion of contextual variables enhances the ability to confront the complexity of clinical environments and individual differences. It can provide a practical and theoretical basis for clinical research on neonatal pain assessment.
Treatment with robot-assisted gait trainer Walkbot along with physiotherapy vs isolated physiotherapy in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Experimental study.
Authors: Olmos-Gómez Raquel , Calvo-Muñoz Inmaculada , Gómez-Conesa Antonia
Published: February 2024

Background: Improving walking ability is a key objective in the treatment of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), since it directly affects their activity and participation. In recent years, robotic technology has been implemented in gait treatment, which allows training of longer duration and repetition of the movement. To know the effectiveness of a treatment with the robotic-assisted gait trainer (RAGT) Walkbot combined with physiotherapy compared to the isolated physiotherapy treatment in children and adolescents with CP, we carried out a clinical trial.
Methods: 23 participants (mean age 8.56), were divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG). During 5 weeks, both groups received their physiotherapy sessions scheduled, in addition EG received 4 sessions per week of 40 minutes of RAGT. An evaluation of the participants was carried out before the intervention, at the end of the intervention, and at follow-up (two months after the end of the intervention). Gait was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) dimensions D and E, strength was measured with a hydraulic dynamometer, and range of motion (ROM) was assessed using the goniometer. A mixed ANOVA was performed when the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity were met, and a robust mixed ANOVA was performed when these assumptions were not met. Statistical significance was stipulated at p < 0.05. For the effect size, η2 was calculated.
Results: Significant differences were found regarding the time x group interaction in the GMFM-88 in dimension D [η2= 0.016], in the flexion strength of the left [η2=0.128] and right [η2=0.142] hips, in the extension strength of the right hip [η2=0.035], in the abduction strength of the left hip [η2=0.179] and right [η2=0.196], in the flexion strength of the left knee [η2=0.222] and right [η2=0.147], and in the ROM of left [η2= 0.071] and right [η2=0.053] knee flexion.
Conclusions: Compared to treatments without walking robot, physiotherapy treatment including RAGT Walkbot improves standing, muscle strength, and knee ROM in children and adolescents with CP.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04329793.
Change in popping, structural, functional, and crystalline properties of roasted makhana seeds in prolong storage: an FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, XRD study
Authors: Sharma Kalyani , Patel Shadanan , Jha Shyam Narayan , Devi Mridula , Nandan Shiv , Vishwakarma Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

Effect of storage duration on changes in the popping behaviour due to structural, physico-chemical, and crystalline properties alterations of raw, roasted and 6-month stored roasted makhana seeds was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, GC-MS. Dynamic light scattering (DSC), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The roasted seed were stored in under airtight polypropylene packets for 6 months. Popped makhana recovery did not change significantly up to 150 days of storage and decreased significantly thereafter. SEM analysis showed that the capillaries were formed in the roasted kernel after 6-months storage due to slow release of water molecules as a result of starch retrogradation during storage. FTIR analysis showed similar peaks for the functional groups and 16 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Hydrated particle size of the samples decreased after 6-month storage, which was less than popped makhana but higher than raw makhana seeds. Long chains of amylopectin broke into shorter double helices after storage. Degree of crystallinity of raw, fresh roasted, and 6-month stored roasted seeds were 31%, 22.5%, and 30%, respectively. Increase in crystallinity was found to be responsible for the significant reduction in popped makhana recovery after 6-months storage because the water molecules detached from the starch were trapped in the capillaries and changed the starch structure to the crystalline phase.
The safety and effectiveness of Bevacizumab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer with Unresectable Metastases: A Real-Life Study from the south of Morocco
Authors: rais ghizlane , boutaggount farah , Mokfi Rania , maskrout meryem , Bennour Soundous , Senoussi chaymae , Rais fadoua , lahlou laila
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer constitutes a significant public health challenge, yet remarkable strides have been made in the last two decades, particularly in the medical management of metastatic stages. Notable progress has been achieved through targeted therapies such as Anti-EGFR or Anti-Angiogenic Antibodies, as well as advancements in surgical approaches for hepatic metastases. This study seeks to assess the efficacy and safety of Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy in individuals dealing with metastatic colorectal cancer." This is a observational cross-sectional retrospective study of all the patients who were followed up for metastatic colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases and were treated by Bevacizumab in combination with a standard chemotherapy from January 2010 until December 2019 in the medical oncology department of the CHU Souss Massa of Agadir. Of the total 162 cases,72% patients were with metastatic disease, 28% progressed to metastatic disease after initial treatment. The median age of patients were 55 (23–79 years) with a sex ratio of 1.1 (M / F) .The tumor was located in the left colon in 83.4% of the patients. The results represented: adenocarcinoma in 84,6% of the cases and mucinous subtype in 14.19% .The three most common sites of metastasis were: liver 61.6%,peritoneum 41.5% and lung 20.37%. In the first line, 100% of the patients received bi-chemotherapy plus bevacizumab: XELOX 54.3% ,FOLFOX 20.9%, XELERI 14.1% and FOLFIRI 10.4%. Response after first-line treatment were: 45,7% progression, 25.9% stability, 21.6% partial response, 6,8% complete response. 6% of patients were able to benefit from surgical resection of metastatic lesions. 25,8% of patients received 5FU in 2nd line chemotherapy with irinotecan in 20.7% of the cases or with oxaliplatin in 5.1% of the cases. Two patients developed undesirable side-effects under bevacizumab (hypertension). The median progression-free survival and median overall survival of study cohort were 9 months and 14 months respectively. Nevertheless, patients who underwent primary tumor resection (p 0.048), those with rightsided tumors (p 0.022), those who received a higher number of treatment cycles (p 0.020) and those who received maintenance treatment (p 0.001) had a longer median OS . Chemotherapy combination with bevacizumab is considered as the cornerstone of mCRC treatment in our region. With the new healthcare and social security systems, easier access to expensive treatments and molecular pathology tests is currently available. It is important to highlight that real world data can offer valuable insights for daily clinical practice of medical oncology.
Understanding the changes induced by the incorporation of trees in low densities into livestock systems: relevance of a long-term interdisciplinary experimental platform
Authors: Fedrigo Jean K. , Benítez Valentina , de Souza Mauricio , Morales Virginia , Piñeyro Pedro , Viana Víctor , Blumetto Oscar , Pravia Virginia , Ciganda Verónica , Cancela Héctor , Bertoncelli Patricia , Laufer Gabriel Laufer , Barrios Pablo González , Siri Paulina , Báez Francisco , García Luis Fernando , Gil Carolina Viñoles
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this work is to describe the creation process of the first long-term experimental platform designed for interdisciplinary studies of Silvopastoral Systems (SPS) in Uruguay. This experiment involves professionals from diverse fields working together to generate knowledge for sustainable agriculture. The focus is on understanding long-term interactions in SPS, emphasizing native ecosystem conservation and increased agricultural productivity. Covering 30 ha, this experimental platform incorporates three treatments, implemented in a randomized complete block design with three replications: 1) a natural grassland without trees, 2) a two-row SPS with 160 trees/ha, and 3) a four-row SPS with 240 trees/ha. The platform's design involves the exploration of variables such as aboveground biomass and botanical composition, microclimate, silviculture, livestock performance, soil carbon dynamics, ecosystem integrity index, monitoring ecological indicators such as amphibian and soil spiders, optimizing modeling and economic benefit and social aspects. This platform will allow us to understand the changes induced by the incorporation of trees in two different densities to livestock systems. We also expect to understand the best combination of activities to optimize the income of the farmers, considering the relevance of a positive impact on social aspects, such as increased demand of employment, adoption by farmers, and the interest of new generations.
Echocardiography Calcium Score And Aortic Stiffness As Predictive Tools Of Severity Of Coronary Artery Disease. A Single Center Egyptian Experience
Authors: Ahmed Asmaa , Roshdy Alaa , Abdeltawab Adham
Published: February 2024

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents a leading cause of death worldwide. Coronary angiography represents the gold standard for diagnosis and selection of the best treatment for patients with CAD. However some efforts have been made to predict CAD severity and complexity using non-invasive methods to identify the patients at high risk for cardiovascular events with less risk to the patients and before doing coronary angiography. Characterization of coronary-artery calcification by computed tomography known as Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is proven to be equivalent to the total coronary atherosclerosis load and the angiographically significant lesions. Echocardiographic calcium score is now validated against non-coronary calcium by computed tomography with lower cost and no irradiation safety issues for reclassification of cardiac risk.
Aim and Objectives: to determine the correlation of echocardiography calcium score and Aortic stiffness to severity of coronary artery disease.
Patients and Methods: Patients coming to Ain Shams University Hospitals for elective coronary angiography were subjected to history taking, examination, blood samples and echocardiographic examination. The calculated echocardiographic calcium score and calculated Aortic stiffness were correlated with their coronary angiography films.
Results: The study included 45 patients. The mean final calcium score of the whole study group was 4.95±1.29. The mean Aortic distensibility was 0.0044±0.0029. The mean syntax score of the whole study group was 22.88±12.3. There was highly significant difference between the numerical values of syntax score and final calcium score. There was weak negative but significant correlation between the syntax score numerical value and aortic distensibility.
Conclusion: Echocardiographic calcium score is associated with the severity of CAD. The relationship between Aortic stiffness by echocardiography and severity of CAD still needs further evaluation. The low cost, availability and the radiation free nature of echocardiography make it an attractive candidate regarding the non-invasive tools for prediction of CAD.
LLMs can Design Sustainable Concrete – a Systematic Benchmark
Authors: Völker Christoph , Rug Tehseen , Jablonka Kevin Maik , Kruschwitz Sabine
Published: February 2024

In the context of a circular building material economy, the complexity of resource flows and the variability of material composition pose significant challenges. This study demonstrates how Large Language Models (LLMs) can advance material design by adopting a Knowledge-Driven Design (KDD) approach that outperforms traditional Data-Driven Design (DDD) methods. Our focus is on designing alkali-activated concrete (AAC) mix designs, an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional Portland cement-based concrete. GPT-3.5 Turbo and GPT-4 Turbo enable using fuzzy design knowledge as previously untapped input data modality. A key aspect of our research is to improve the performance of the LLMs in post-training. We use strategies such as refining prompt context, extending test time, and including a verifier.The study's systematic benchmarks are based on 240 AAC formulations extracted from the literature. The target was on achieving maximum compressive strength through an adaptive design approach over multiple development cycles. We compare these results to the traditional DDD baseline methods. KDD outperforms conventional methods by providing robust initial predictions and demonstrating effective adaptability informed by laboratory validation data, culminating in the development of high-quality AAC formulations. These results provide valuable insight into the capabilities of chat-based LLMs in managing complex material formulations, which are particularly beneficial in situations where traditional DDD is impractical due to data collection issues. With natural language as the basis the KDD is intuitively accessible to domain experts. The methodology and results of this study have significant implications for the field of materials science, particularly in the context of a circular economy, and pave the way for innovative applications of LLMs in various scientific fields.
Deriving location-specific synthetic seasonal hyetographs using GPM records and comparing with SCS curves
Authors: Ram Bhavin , Gaur Murari Lal , Patel Gautam R. , Tiwari M. K.
Published: February 2024

The hyetograph represents the temporal spread of rainfall intensity occurring at a point or over a watershed during a storm. The importance of regionally derived/developed hyetographs and the pooled sets of categorical seasonal curves on intensity-duration, intensity-depth, and depth-duration are of multifarious conveniences and importance. Twenty-one years of daily and sub-daily rainfall records (2000–2020) regained via satellite-observed precipitation products were examined and used to retrieve a valid understanding towards annual, monthly, daily, and hourly based variability of rainfall across six different stations. An attempt was made to compare the shapes of synthesized seasonal rain mass curves with that of the historic Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mass curve. The results indicate that the location-specific patterns and trends of curves do not align closely with any historical SCS curves or theoretical curves prevalent in the literature and commonly adopted. It has been observed that region-specific rainfall and its temporal distributions exhibit unique trends, not necessarily conforming to the standard SCS-based curves categorized as Types I, Ia, II, and III. This emphasizes the need to rely more on region-specific curves rather than instinctively adopting a standard set of curves.
Estimation of non-stationary return levels of extreme temperature by CMIP6 models
Authors: Mohammadi Tayybeh , Moghaddasi Mahnoosh , Anvari Sedigheh , Aziz Rizwan
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of climate change on return level of extreme maximum temperature (EMT) events in Iran. To this end, the CRU gridded dataset was used to collect EMT for the 1901–2014 period and future data were projected from four available CMIP6 models, where the BCC-CSM2-MR performed best under the latest Shared Socioeconomic Pathways-Representative concentration pathways (SSPs-RCPs) emission scenarios for the 2015–2100 period. The non-stationary state of the distribution was considered under three models GEV0 (location and scale parameters are constant), GEV1 (nonstationary of location), and GEV2 (nonstationary of scale) based on the evaluation criteria . The findings indicate that, when using a non-stationary approach and considering the SSP5-8.5 scenario for a 2-year return period, the return level of extreme temperature increased by up to +4°C compared with the stationary approach, while considering a non-stationary approach without climate change, the increase in the return level of extreme temperature was much smaller(up to +0.7°C). MCMC and DE-MC showed no significant differences and demonstrated that all stations are non-stationary in terms of the location parameter (GEV1).
CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL: O MOTOR DA INOVAÇÃO NO SETOR METALMECÂNICO
Authors: Salvador Sabrina Longhi , Biegelmeyer Uiliam Hahn , Fernandes Alice Munz , Fidélis Andréa Cristina Fermiano , Pozzo Danielle Nunes , Camargo Maria Emilia , Moreira Luís Fernando
Published: February 2024

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o quanto a cultura organizacional influencia na cultura de inovação e na gestão da inovação em uma                             empresa do setor metalúrgico na Serra Gaúcha. A metodologia utilizada é pesquisa quantitativa exploratório por meio do estudo de caso único com 32 respondentes colaboradores da empresa. A coleta foi por formulário enviado aos colaboradores e atingiu 100% da amostra. Os dados forma tratados por meio de estatística descritiva abordando as  dimensões: cultura organizacional  e cultura da inovação/gestão da inovação. Dos resultados foi proposto um  framework conceitual do estudo. Analisar a influência da cultura organizacional na cultura de inovação e gestão da inovação em uma metalúrgica foi o objetivo central deste estudo. A fundamentação teórica proporcionou a compreensão dos conceitos de cultura organizacional, cultura de inovação e gestão da inovação, permitindo descrever a cultura da empresa.
Inhibition of Taurine-upregulated Gene 1 Upregulates MiR-34a-5p to Protect against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion via Autophagy Regulation
Authors: Duan Qunjun , Dong Aiqiang , Cheng Haifeng , Zhang Shufen , Chen Wei , Yang Weijun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been identified on long noncoding
RNA (lncRNA); however, its function in myocardial cells following ischemia/
reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the role of
LncTUG1 in I/R injury by focusing on its relationship with autophagy induction by regulating
miR-34a-5p expression.

Methods:

We established a myocardial I/R model and H9C2 hypoxia-ischemic and reoxygenation
(HI/R) conditions to induce I/R injury. TTC, Western blot, CCK-8 assay, quantitative reverse
transcription PCR, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy were used to assess the size
of myocardial infarct, level of some apoptotic-related and autophagy-associated proteins, cell
viability, the level of LncRNA TUG1, apoptosis, and autophagy, respectively.

Results:

The results revealed that a TUG1 knockdown protected against I/R-induced myocardial
injury by decreasing the impairment in cardiac function. LncRNA TUG1 expression was increased
in a myocardial I/R model and HI/R in H9C2 cells. Moreover, inhibition of LncTUG1
enhanced H9C2 cell viability and protected the cells from HI/R-induced apoptosis. Silencing
LncRNA TUG1 promoted HI/R-induced autophagy. Furthermore, TUG1 siRNA upregulated the
level of miR-34a-5p compared to the HI/R group. The protective effect of LncRNA TUG1 inhibition
on H9C2 cells following HI/R was eliminated by blocking autophagy with an miR-34a-5p
inhibitor.

Conclusion:

These findings indicated that inhibiting TUG1 may reduce the extent of myocardial
I/R injury by regulating miR-34a-5p. Taken together, these results suggest that LncRNA TUG1
may represent a novel therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury.