bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Andromeda-Milky Way Future Encounter: Thrice Faster Over Time
Authors: Trinchera Alessandro
Published: November 2024

This inquiry accurately provides an analytical solution of the orbital free-falling time for the system of galaxies Andromeda-Milky Way within a non-expanding tired-light-dominated framework. The mathematical and physical background involves a two-body problem based on the orbital dynamics in which, in the first scenario, the gravitational interaction between local galaxies dominates over the expanding space. The latter is the standard astrophysical approach undertaken by public fund-based universities all over the world. However, in the second alternative scenario, Andromeda’s blueshift has to be corrected for the apparent recession velocity provided by the photon energy loss as a result of multiple interactions between photons and crystallized electrons through the intergalactic medium provided by a Tired Light, specifically, a New Tired Light process. This leads towards a substantial temporal deviation between the classic research approach and this unconventional and independent mindset. Hence, the outcome gives out a disagreement consisting in an orbital free-falling time equal to 1.7 rather than 4.5 billion years. Accordingly, the encounter of the two main galaxies of the Local Group will occur much earlier than estimated thus far. Accordingly, this implies an urgent shift in the scientific mindset as well as a course change in the application of the boundary conditions into forthcoming computational methods.
Evaluation of Procalcitonin in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Purwanto Diana , Marunduh Sylvia , Kaligis Stefana
Published: November 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. In Indonesia, type 2 diabetes is increasing, with a substantial percentage of patients experiencing poor glycemic control. This study aims to explore the relationship between serum procalcitonin levels and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes, assessing procalcitonin's potential as a biomarker for diabetes complications. A total of 122 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes were included, excluding those with infection or recent trauma. Clinical parameters, including blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and blood samples for FBG and procalcitonin levels, were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. The mean age of participants was 56.7 years, with 43.4% diagnosed with hypertension. A significant correlation was found between procalcitonin and FBG (p = 0.024, r = 0.205), indicating a weak positive relationship. No significant differences in procalcitonin levels were observed between hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. The findings suggest that procalcitonin may serve as a useful biomarker in managing complications associated with type 2 diabetes. While the correlation with FBG was weak, the role of inflammation in diabetes progression highlights the need for further investigation. Integrating procalcitonin testing into clinical practice could enhance patient management, and future research should explore the mechanisms linking procalcitonin levels to diabetes complications, as well as establish reference values for procalcitonin in diabetic populations.
A Comparative Study of Parallel Processing, Distributed Storage Techniques, and Technologies: A Survey on Big Data Analytics
Authors: Mezzoudj Saliha , Khelifa Meriem , Saadna Yasmina
Published: November 2024

The significance of developing Big Data applications has increased in recent years, with numerous organizations across various industries relying more on insights derived from vast amounts of data. However, conventional data techniques and platforms struggle to cope the Big Data, exhibiting sluggish responsiveness and deficiencies in scalability, performance, and accuracy. In response to the intricate challenges posed by Big Data, considerable efforts have been made, leading to the creation of a range of distributions and technologies. This article addresses the critical need for efficient processing and storage solutions in the context of the ever-growing field of big data. It offers a comparative analysis of various parallel processing techniques and distributed storage frameworks, emphasizing their importance in big data analytics. Our study begins with definitions of key concepts, clarifying the roles and interconnections of parallel processing and distributed storage. It further evaluates a range of architectures and technologies, such as MapReduce, CUDA, Storm, Flink, MooseFS, and BeeGFS and others technologies, discussing their advantages and limitations in managing large-scale datasets. Key performance metrics are also examined, providing a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness in big data scenarios.
Comparison of the Effects of Antibiotic Sensitivity and Physical Parameters on the Growth of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Munasinghe Kumudini , Bishoff Sophia , Ukpu Oghenekome , Dawodu Jesudunsin , Bakattah Sheila
Published: November 2024

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) has been tied to various FDA drug recalls over the past years. It was found that these bacteria can survive on a broad range of molecules in oxygenic and anoxygenic environments as well as sterilized and non-sterilized environments. The main research question focused on how physical requirements and antibiotics can be used to control Bcc and B. cenocepacia growth. Four replicates of TSB tubes that had pH 4, 6, 7, and 8 were inoculated with Bcc and B. cenocepacia and incubated overnight at 4, 20, 25, 37, and 85°C. The transmission readings of the broth cultures were measured to estimate bacterial growth using a Genesys 2 spectrophotometer. The Kirby-Bauer test was performed using Polymyxin, Ticarcillin, Ticarcillin with Clavulanic acid, Penicillin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Streptomycin. The E-test was performed using gradient strips of Cefiderocol (C) l (0.016-256 mg/L) and Imipenem-relebactam (IR) (0.002/4-32/4 mg/L). The antibiotic dilution test was performed for Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline after observing larger zones of inhibitions with the Kirby-Bauer test. There was no visible growth of Bcc and B cenocepacia at 4°C and 85 °C at any pH and pH 4 across the temperatures. However, subcultures showed bacterial growth the following day. The growth rates increased significantly at 25 and 37°C as well as pH 6 and 7. The average diameters of the zones of inhibitions of PXB, TCC, TIC, C30, and TE30 for Bcc were 1.3, 3.7, 3.1, 2.0, and 1.16 mm and for B. cenocepacia were 0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.1, and 1.6 mm, respectively. Both Bcc and B. cenocepacia were resistant to P10, AM10, E15, and S10. MIC for the E-test of Bcc and B. cenocepacia for IR and C were 0.67 and 10 and 0.88 and 0. 016. mg/L, respectively. MIC and MBC for the dilution test of the C30 and TE30 for Bcc were 1 and 8 and 64 and 128 and B. cenocepacia 8 and 128 and 16 and 128 µg/ml. These bacteria had faster growth rates with no significant difference in their growth under the various temperature and pH conditions used. The research concluded that both Bcc and B. cenocepacia can grow in typical storage conditions such as 4°C and pH 4, without showing any visible signs of growth. This study showed that B. cenocepacia has significantly higher resistance to antibiotics than Bcc. These results are beneficial for developing strategies to prevent Burkholderia cross-contamination in clinical environments.
Development of Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency Curves for Debre Tabor Town, Ethiopia Using Non-stationary Method
Authors: Alemu Tebikew , Addis Temesgen , Yihun Yenesew
Published: November 2024

Stationary rainfall intensity duration frequency curves have historically influenced urban infrastructure designs. In contrast to the stationary model, which takes constant parameters into account throughout the observation periods, the non-stationary method takes into account changes in the extreme parameters that determine the distribution of precipitation over time. The parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood estimator method. The best model were computed using the R-studio software by comparing information criteria then model parameters, return levels, rainfall intensity are computed. The National Meteorological Agency, situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, provided the essential historical rainfall data of the Debre Tabor rainfall station for this study, Tests and trends were looked for in the rainfall data. Due to its ability to produce the lowest Akaike, corrected Akaike information criteria, and diagnosis test of goodness of fitness Model Type-MV was chosen for Debre Tabor stations. The parameters of the best models were used to forecast the return levels for each of the following return periods: 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. Because the non-stationary technique has varied intensity levels over time, the annual maximum rainfall from the best appropriate model was calculated using its exceedance probability. Using the 95% of exceedance of the return level, the highest rainfall in each fit was determined. In comparison to the stationary model, the non-stationary model produced higher rainfall intensity values. Therefore, when developing IDF curves, the non-stationary approach should be taken into consideration.
Comorbidity Pattern and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Vulvar Discomfort
Authors: Harni Vesna , Babic Damir , Hadzavdic Suzana , Barisic Dubravko , Karadza Magdalena
Published: November 2024

This study examines novel concepts of comorbidity in patients with chronic vulvar discomfort using data from the DATRIV (Diagnostic Accuracy of Three Rings Vulvoscopy) study, which involved 328 participants categorized into four groups: asymptomatic individuals with normal or impaired vulvar skin and patients with chronic vulvar discomfort, classified as either vulvodynia or vulvar dermatosis. Clinical data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using statistical software, including StatSoft (Dell, Austin, TX, USA), Statistica 12 (TIBCO®, Palo Alto, CA, USA), and SPSS 20 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The study received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Polyclinic Harni, and all participants provided written informed consent. The findings reveal significantly higher comorbidity rates in patients with chronic vulvar discomfort compared to other groups (p = 0.0000). A substantial percentage of asymptomatic participants with both normal (63.4%) and impaired (70.7%) vulvar skin also reported comorbid conditions. Analysis of comorbidity curves revealed distinct patterns of symptom progression, with a gradual increase in frequency from asymptomatic individuals to patients with vulvodynia, followed by a decline in vulvar dermatosis cases. These patterns highlight the central role of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, where sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic depression contribute to separate comorbidity chains. These dysfunctions may act independently or concurrently, leading to various health issues. The elevated comorbidity rates and overlapping symptomatology suggest complex pathophysiology driven by ANS dysregulation. Further research on comorbidity clusters may unveil new therapeutic targets and guide the development of multifaceted treatment strategies.
Parental Support in the Education of Their Children with Impairments: In the Case of North Wollo's Primary Schools
Authors: Anteneh Sintayehu , Anteneh Selamsew
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to explore parental support practices in the education of children with impairments in primary schools in north Wollo, Ethiopia. The study utilized a qualitative research approach and case study design, involving seven parents of children with impairments and four teachers. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews based on a parental involvement framework with six dimensions. Findings revealed that parents of children with impairments were more involved in parenting practices to support their education. However, communication between parents and teachers was limited, and while some parents provided learning support at home, many were unable to do so due to constraints such as lack of time, misconceptions, and inadequate skills. The study also noted that direct parental involvement in decision-making was limited, while indirect participation through parent-student-teacher associations was more substantial. Additionally, the study revealed that parents did not participate in volunteering or community activities to aid their children's education. As a result, the schools should facilitate discussions and provide training to empower parents in fulfilling their diverse roles.
Multifunctionality and the Tradition-Innovation Relationship in Rural Areas – The Case Study of the Municipality of Cinfães
Authors: Ferreira Ana
Published: November 2024

Rural areas are recognized by type of settlement and the surrounding areas, where agricultural and forestry practice was performed. This settlement model lasted until the advent of industrialization, implemented at different rhythms for developed countries and that is also reflected in a long and severe process of rural depopulation for city cores. Currently, the urban population continues to increase, while rural decreases, reaching with frequency ratios that lead to concentration problems, given the scarce opportunities for development and innovation discoveries in rural areas, instituting a repulsive character to the fixing population in these spaces. Nevertheless, in the last 30 years or so, there have been models that support the maintenance and preservation of rural areas, especially multifunctionality models, in other words, the concentration of several different functions in these areas in an attempt to energize and attract young and skilled population, with city roots phenomenon titled naturbanização. As it relates to the Cinfães municipality, in this territory since the middle of last century that the demographic decline is significant. However, Cinfães presents full potential, which are divided between the scenic beauty of the Montemuro mountains and unspoilt nature that surrounds the Bestança river. It is a town with numerous points of interest among which stands out the historical and cultural heritage, traditions still very marked by a full population of stories and memories, in addition to the tranquility and safety of small towns, but where there are still a number of specialized services. If we associate all these advantages to promote new opportunities, Cinfães municipality will gain new momentum.
Benefits for peer educators in delivering wellbeing education to agricultural students
Authors: Hay Amanda , Stanley-Clarke Nicky , Winder Louise , Maris Robbie , Andrews Chris , Knook Jorie
Published: November 2024

Background:

Effectively supporting and promoting mental health education for at-risk populations is crucial. In New Zealand, risks in relation to the suicide for young farm labourers, alongside the stress associated with the transition to university and the vulnerability of rural communities, place agricultural students in a vulnerable position. The use of peer educators has been identified as an important way of building connections in health and wellbeing education and increasing engagement and mental health knowledge. This article reports on the experiences of peer educators in delivering a mental health and wellbeing programme to agricultural students at two universities in New Zealand.

Design:

As part of evaluating a mental health and wellbeing programme, researchers sought to learn more about the experiences and learnings of peer educators. Drawn on findings from a wider mixed-methods study, this article reports on qualitative findings related to the use of peer educators. These findings emerged from semi-structured interviews with the peer educators involved in the delivery of the programme.

Findings:

Peer-led mental health and wellbeing programmes have benefits not only for the students participating but also for the peer educators leading them. These benefits include increased mental health knowledge, confidence and skills. In addition, the peer educators found value in delivering important mental health and wellbeing messages.

Conclusions:

Peer educators can benefit from the experience of delivering mental health and wellbeing programmes. Furthermore, they can be utilised to deliver these programmes with little prior knowledge of the topics they are delivering provided they have support from professionals with teaching and clinical expertise. These findings are important for informing the development and delivery of mental health interventions for at-risk communities looking to increase connectedness and build resilience.
The rise and contestation of platform capitalism: Evidence from two food delivery blackouts in Malaysia
Authors: Uchiyama Yosuke , Furuoka Fumitaka , Omar Siti Aminah
Published: November 2024

The vulnerability and inequality of on-demand gig workers around the world are epitomised by the insecure rights that arise from the legal implications of their status. They are the biggest victims of capital accumulation under platform capitalism, which has skilfully exploited this worker–employer relationship. The resistance of gig workers is essential to counter the powerful structural control structures of platform capitalism. However, theoretical developments in the ideology and resistance of the industrial relations processes that overshadow platform capitalism and empirical studies of them in non-Western contexts are underdeveloped. This study develops an analytical framework in the process of platform capitalism versus gig worker resistance and examines longitudinal resistance and changes and challenges to platform capitalism. A longitudinal analysis of food delivery boycotts for Malaysian p-hailing gig workers in 2022 and 2024 produced different results and complexities in terms of the robustness and continuity of this resistance. The study finds theoretical fluidity in the robustness of workers’ commodification processes under platform capitalism, the focus on organising motives and demands of resistance, and two routes of resistance to the powerful platform balance of power.
Visual Impairment and Refractive Error Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners in Ghana
Authors: Kwarteng Michael Agyemang , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy , Kyei Samuel , Dogbe Daniel Sunkwa Quarcoo , Govender-Poonsamy Pirindhavellie , Asomani Collins , Kwarteng Dominic , Hayford-Mbrah Gershon , Berchie Mercy Oforiwaa , Kwarteng Maame Kyerewaa Darko
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study aims to assess the prevalence of visual impairment and refractive error among learners who are deaf or hard of hearing in schools for Deaf students in Ghana.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to assess the distance visual acuity with the logMAR “E” chart, and ocular health was assessed with an ophthalmoscope and handheld slit lamp with a 90 D lens.

Results

A total of 1,914 learners were examined in six schools for Deaf students in Ghana. Their ages ranged from 5 to 43 years ( M = 15.18 ± 4.53 years). There were more males (55.5%) than females (44.5%) in the study. Among the learners, 91.1% were deaf, followed by mild hard of hearing (4.0%) and profound hard of hearing (1.8%), among others. Also, 94.8% of the learners had typical vision, followed by moderate visual impairment (2.5%), mild visual impairment (1.4%), and blindness (1.3%) before the provision of spectacles. There was no association between visual impairment (i.e., blindness and visual impairment) and sex among the learners ( p < .05). The leading causes of visual impairments were refractive error and cataracts, while the leading cause of ocular morbidity was allergic conjunctivitis. The prevalence of visual impairment was reduced by almost 2-fold after the provision of spectacles.

Discussion

The prevalence of deafblindness was low among the learners, with uncorrected refractive errors as the leading cause of mild and moderate visual impairment. If these learners had not been identified through this study, they would have continued to struggle to access the curriculum visually.

Implications for Practitioners

There is a need to assess hearing and visual functions among learners with disabilities in developing countries like Ghana.
Olfactory Neuroblastoma With Divergent Differentiation: Contemporary Management of Unusual Pathology and Literature Review
Authors: Patel Anil , Im Eunice , Kresak Jesse , Olgaard Erica , Blatt Jason E. , Lobo Brian C. , Chapurin Nikita
Published: November 2024

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON; Esthesioneuroblastoma) is a malignant tumor that arises from the olfactory neuroepithelium. Very rarely, ON can histologically display a biphenotypic pattern, with only 7 cases reported in the literature to date. We describe a case of this poorly understood entity and review the patient’s histology, pathology, and treatment. An 85-year-old man presented with endoscopy and imaging findings of a sinonasal mass arising from the olfactory cleft. Biopsy and further pathological review established Hyams grade 3 and Kadish stage C tumor. The patient underwent combined endoscopic and open-approach resection due to the involvement of the nasal bone and subsequent adjuvant radiation therapy. Specimen contained Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes and stained positive for the neuroendocrine marker synaptophysin consistent with ON. A second, epithelial component pattern of goblet cells and mucin was observed suggesting divergent differentiation. We are the first group to report next-generation sequencing of this tumor, which revealed a pathogenic mutation in PIK3CA and a likely pathogenic variant in RUNX1 (AML1). ON with divergent differentiation is very rare, and more robust studies characterizing molecular drivers and pathology may aid in clinical management.
Information communication technologies and intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Muchemwa Marifa , Phiri Million , Aladejebi Oluwatoyin
Published: November 2024

Intimate partner violence is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa with women the usual victims. Efforts to address intimate partner violence (IPV) include interventions with information communication technologies (ICT) that are being used to raise awareness and promote the empowerment of women. Thus, there is a need to examine the relationship between ICT ownership and IPV among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional study of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa using the Demographic and Health Survey data. Ownership of ICT was the main predictor variable that was measured by ownership of a radio, television, mobile phones, and access to the Internet. The outcome variable was IPV, which was measured in two forms: physical and sexual violence. A multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between ownership of ICT devices and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women. In Zambia and Mali, women who own ICT devices were significantly less likely to experience sexual violence than those who did not own ICT devices. Predictors such as age, place of residence, education, wealth status, employment status, number of children and age at first marriage were significantly associated with experiences of IPV, even though the strength of this relationship varied across countries and types of IPV. Access to ICT should be promoted among women because ICT can raise awareness and offer women a platform for receiving social support and advice about coping with intimate partner violence.
Self-Management Among People Living With Endometriosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: O’Hara Rebecca , Roufeil Louise
Published: November 2024

Self-management is pivotal for effective chronic disease management. However, this concept remains unexplored among people with endometriosis, who often experience chronic pain and significant impacts on their quality of life. This research explored participants’ experience managing endometriosis and their understanding and integration of self-management into their lives. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts from 15 semi-structured interviews among people with endometriosis. The themes captured many aspects of self-management and included (1) perceptions of control, (2) engaging in self-management behaviors, (3) active decision-makers versus recipients of care, (4) establishing a patient–provider partnership, and (5) support is vital. The extent to which participants engaged in self-management varied, however, is consistent with self-management literature for other chronic conditions suggesting that there is a role for self-management among people living with endometriosis.
‘History cannot be understood without women’: Feminist teachers’ representations of women’s history in primary and secondary education in Spain
Authors: Castrillo Janire , Apaolaza-Llorente Dorleta , Idoiaga-Mondragon Nahia
Published: November 2024

This study examines the perspectives of in-service teachers in Spain on the integration of women’s history in the formal education curriculum. The data were collected from a general invitation extended to primary and secondary education history teachers. However, the respondents to the questionnaire were 88 teachers who self-identified as feminists. The participants were invited to complete a free word association exercise regarding the possibility of integrating women’s history in their classes. The lexical content of their narratives was analysed using the Reinert method. The results demonstrate that teachers express criticism of the existing history curriculum, citing the absence of content about women in textbooks and advocating for their inclusion in history classes. The respondents recognized the challenges of acknowledging the role of women in different epochs and the need to create female historical references and break with traditional gender stereotypes. It can be concluded that there is a presence of critical awareness and a favourable attitude towards the introduction of content linked to women’s history, and that teachers tend to agree with the arguments presented in the scientific literature of recent decades.
Storytelling: A learning tool to enhance medical students’ empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection
Authors: Pattanaik Dibyajyoti , Purvis Emma , Jeffrey David
Published: November 2024

Listening to stories of sickness lies at the heart of the patient–doctor relationship. Storytelling serves as a powerful learning tool fostering empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection, key elements of narrative competence. The patient’s story, their history, forms the fundamental core of diagnosis, and their emotions are central to crafting appropriate treatment plans that address their true concerns. This study reviews the benefits of storytelling as a learning tool, particularly in enhancing empathy, attentive listening, clinical curiosity and reflection within medical education. It also describes a practical workshop that demonstrates how storytelling can be utilised to inspire students to develop narrative competence in a supportive learning environment. Since the stories draw on participants’ clinical experience, in both primary and secondary care, the article aims to engage clinicians involved in medical education and the teaching of communication skills.
Association Between Wound Healing and the Japanese Below-the-Knee Chronic Total Occlusion Score in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia After Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Fukagawa Tomoya , Mori Shinsuke , Yamawaki Masahiro , Kobayashi Norihiro , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

In the current study, we hypothesized that the Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score could be used to stratify the lesion difficulty of endovascular therapy for below-the-knee chronic total occlusion through angiographic evaluation. We thus aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia after successful endovascular therapy for below-the-knee chronic total occlusion.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, single-center observational study. We enrolled 139 consecutive patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (149 limbs), who underwent successful endovascular therapy for chronic total occlusion between February 2008 and December 2017. The Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score was assessed based on the definition of the target arterial path. The evaluation items were the rate of amputation-free survival and wound healing at 1 year, and the association between wound healing at 1 year and the Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score.

Results:

The rates of amputation-free survival and wound healing at 1 year were 88.0 and 56.4%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis identified direct flow to the wound (hazard ratio: 2.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-4.66; p<0.01); Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection stages 1-3 (hazard ratio: 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-5.18; p<0.01); and a Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score ≤1 (hazard ratio: 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.98; p=0.04) to be predictors of wound healing.

Conclusions:

A Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion score ≤1, direct flow to the wound, and Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection stages 1-3 were found to be associated with wound healing after successful endovascular therapy for below-the-knee chronic total occlusion in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Clinical Impact

This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic impact of the Japanese below-the-knee chronic total occlusion (J-BTK CTO) score in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) after successful endovascular treatment (EVT). The results showed that the J-BTK CTO score not only evaluates the difficulty of EVT but also can predict limb prognosis. Using the J-BTK CTO score, it seems possible to predict the limb prognosis and make it useful in clinical practice.
Scalable all-textile embedded electrode triboelectric nanogenerator: Hybrid single-electrode and contact-separation working functions for wearable body motion monitoring
Authors: Bakhtiyari Simin , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Ezazshahabi Nazanin , Jahanshahi Amir , Van Langenhove Lieva , Malengier Benny
Published: November 2024

Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) hold considerable promise as sustainable power sources for wearable electronics, yet their seamless integration into everyday clothing remains a challenge. This paper introduces a scalable woven TENG structure that utilizes core−shell yarns composed of commercially available wool and polyester with an inner copper electrode. The device achieves notable performance with an output voltage of 18.5 V, a current of 3.7 µA, and a power density of 51 mW/m2. The novel multilayer design combines hybrid single-electrode and contact-separation approaches, significantly enhancing triboelectric performance and the device’s durability. The multilayer functionality amplifies energy conversion efficiency by increasing the contact area and optimizing charge accumulation through multiple interacting layers. This advanced textile TENG is comfortable, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing while being compatible with large-scale textile manufacturing processes. It demonstrates excellent washability, durability under diverse weather conditions, and resilience to repeated mechanical loading. Highly responsive to a broad range of forces, from gentle taps to strong impacts, this TENG is versatile for body motion monitoring and wearable applications. It represents a significant advancement in creating practical, efficient, and durable energy-harvesting textiles, with promising applications in garment production for precise motion detection, such as for professional athletes and individuals requiring specialized monitoring.
Diurnal response of ecophysiological parameters in kiwifruit under photoselective pearl net
Authors: Riveros-Burgos Camilo , Zúñiga Mauricio , Olguín Jeissy , Pinto Catalina
Published: November 2024

Background

Agricultural adaptation to climate change is crucial, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions. Modern agriculture requires innovative strategies to protect crops from extreme weather events. Photoselective pearl net offers promise in mitigating environmental stresses in kiwifruit production, especially in Chile.

Objective

This study aims to characterize kiwifruit plants’ diurnal ecophysiological responses under photoselective pearl net.

Materials

The trial was conducted in a commercial kiwifruit orchard in Chile's Colchagua valley, focusing on ‘Hayward’ vines grown under a photoselective pearl net. A completely randomized design with two treatments (uncovered and covered) was employed. Meteorological parameters, canopy spectral reflectance, vegetative growth, and ecophysiological parameters were evaluated.

Results

Pearl netting reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leading to increased shoot length and leaf area. Despite the high variability of the diurnal response of the ecophysiological parameters, there were no significant differences in leaf water potential (ψx) and stomatal conductance (gs) between treatments.

Conclusion

Photoselective pearl net effectively modifies the light environment, enhancing vegetative growth without compromising key physiological functions. These findings suggest that photoselective netting can improve crop management practices and resilience to climatic variability.
Eco-friendly biodegradable foam composite from natural rubber and cassava starch
Authors: Vudjung Chaiwute , Boonyod Saowaluk , Tongkhamwan Wichan , Khawdas Wichean , Phansroy Nichanan
Published: November 2024

We thoroughly investigated eco-friendly biodegradable foam from natural rubber (NR) and cassava starch (CS); NR/CS foams. NR, CS, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinker, and azodicarbonamide (ADC) as a blowing agent were compounded in an internal mixer and subsequently cooled down using a two-roll mill. The effect of CS and PEG content on the properties of NR/CS foams was investigated. As evidenced by Mooney viscosity measurement, the viscosity of NR/CS compounds increased with higher CS contents, whereas the viscosity decreased with increasing PEG contents. The rise in viscosity in the NR/CS compounds resulted in increased pore size of NR/CS foams, with pore dimension expanding from 42 to 144 µm as viscosity increased from 17 to 50 ML 1 + 4 at 100°C. The increase in the CS contents in NR/CS foams resulted in an overall decrease in tensile strength, elongation at break, and rebound resilience but provided greater biodegradability. The foam containing 250 phr of CS exhibited a weight retention of only 32% after 1 month of soil burial. On the contrary, with increasing PEG contents, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the NR/CS foams showed an increasing trend. However, rebound resilience and biodegradability decreased. The pore size of the NR/CS foams is a key factor in the water and vegetable oil swelling behavior. The water and vegetable oil swelling increased with an increasing pore size of NR/CS foams. These findings indicated that NR/CS foam has significant potential for various applications, including shockproof and food packaging, while also contributing to the reduction of environmental problems.
Normal Accidents From Status and Structural Holes: Relational Sources of Accidents in the U.S. Airline Industry, 1978 to 2011
Authors: Shin Dongyoub , Kim Doyoon , Kim Bo Kyung
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the normal accident-inducing effect of two network positions: status and structural holes, which are often regarded as critical sources of relational advantages. Contrary to the existing theoretical and practical view that accidents occur due to operational or engineering problems, we suggest that an organization’s status and structural holes in the interorganizational alliance network can also cause accidents. Drawing upon insights from normal accident theory, which highlights the accident-inducing effects of complexity, tight coupling, and slack shortage, we argue that differentiation costs stemming from status and complexity costs from structural holes increase the likelihood of accidents occurring. Moreover, slack shortage increases the accident-inducing effect of status by augmenting differentiation costs, whereas they reduce the accident-inducing effect of structural holes by diminishing complexity costs. The generalized estimating equations results of our empirical study of the U.S. airline industry from 1978 to 2011 strongly support our theoretical arguments. Accidents are more likely to occur when a focal airline holds a higher status in interfirm alliance networks and occupies a structural-hole rich position. Additionally, our results suggest that a shortage of human resource slack amplifies the accident-inducing effect of status while mitigating the effect of structural holes. The implications of the unintended negative outcomes of presumably advantageous network positions and the relational sources of accidents are discussed.
Navigating Pronoun-Antecedent Challenges: A Study of ESL Academic Writing Errors
Authors: Li Shengji , Akram Huma
Published: November 2024

Effective communication and academic writing in English hinge on a solid grasp of grammar, with pronouns representing a pivotal aspect. However, non-native, particularly English as a second language (ESL) students, often find difficulties in employing pronouns effectively, especially in reference to their antecedents within sentences. The current study investigates errors in pronoun-antecedent agreement among ESL students in their academic writing by employing content analysis. By using purposive sampling technique, 40 students from four universities in Karachi city were selected and assigned to write a paragraph on any personality they are familiar with. Subsequently, all of the writing samples were examined thoroughly utilizing a systematic approach. The analysis revealed that errors predominantly occurred with personal pronouns, followed by possessive pronouns, relative pronouns, and demonstrative pronouns. While this study offers valuable insights into the difficulties ESL students face in mastering pronoun-antecedent agreement, it is essential to note limitations. The sample size may not fully represent the diverse range of ESL students, and the focus on academic writing may not capture all contexts in which pronoun-antecedent agreement challenges arise. Despite these limitations, the findings provide important considerations for ESL teachers. The implications of these findings extend to the design of effective language instruction, aimed at enhancing students’ writing skills and mitigating common pronoun-antecedent agreement errors.
Incidence and survival of Interstitial Lung Diseases in the UK in 2010-2019
Authors: Gonnelli Francesca , Eleangovan Neva , Smith Ursie , Heatley Heath , Navarantam Vidya , Corte Tamera J. , Price David B. , Carter Victoria , Bonifazi Martina , Fermoyle Caitlin C. , Hubbard Richard
Published: November 2024

Background

and objective: With the introduction of the antifibrotic drugs targeting progressive pulmonary fibroses, it becomes imperative to provide reliable contemporary estimates of the most common interstitial lung diseases.

We then aimed at providing contemporary estimates of the incidence and survival of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILDs), and to compare their survival to that of the general population. To do this we have used data extracted from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD).

Methods

In this matched cohort study, we extracted incident cases of HP, CTD-ILD and IPF, and age and sex matched controls for each case, for the years 2010–2019. We calculated annual incidence rates, and analysed incidence trends over time using segmented regression modelling. We estimated survival for cases and controls using the Kaplan–Meier model.

Results

We extracted data for 18 914 incident cases of interstitial lung diseases between 2010 and 2019 from the OPRCD. Incidence rates varied across the different diseases, with rates of 18.12, 7.96, and 2.63 per 100 000 person-years for IPF, CTD-ILD and HP, respectively. 5-year survival for IPF, CTD-ILD and HP was 40%, 54% and 66% respectively, and this was generally approximately 50% lower than that of the general population.

Conclusion

Our population-based study emphasizes the considerable burden of interstitial lung diseases, with more than 20 000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, many of who will be eligible for antifibrotic drugs.
Impact of Seropositivity and DMARDs on Pulmonary Tuberculosis Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Eun Yeonghee , Han Kyungdo , Jung Jin-Hyung , Jung Wonyoung , Kim Hyungjin , Shin Dong Wook , Lee Hyun
Published: November 2024

Background

It remains unclear whether active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) risk is still high in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in settings where TB infection screening is performed before the use of biologics. Moreover, the impacts of seropositivity and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on active pulmonary TB risk should be elucidated.

Methods

The incidence of active pulmonary TB was compared between patients with RA (n=59 577; 41 501 seropositive RA [SPRA] and 18 076 seronegative RA [SNRA]) and 1:5 age- and sex-matched controls without RA (n=297 885) enrolled between 2010–2017. The participants were followed until December 2019.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 4.4 years after 1-year lag period (interquartile range, 2.6–6.4 years; max, 9 years), patients with RA showed a 3.2-fold higher active pulmonary TB risk than matched controls, even after adjusting for potential confounders (95% CI, 2.91–3.55). In an analysis of RA serologic status, patients with SPRA and those with SNRA showed 3.20-fold (95% CI, 2.86–3.58) and 2.54-fold (95% CI, 2.13–3.04) increased risks, respectively, than matched controls. Furthermore, RA patients who were exposed to biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs and those not exposed to the drugs showed 4.68-fold (95% CI, 3.69–5.93) and 2.88-fold (95% CI, 2.59–3.20) increased risks, respectively, compared to matched controls. In RA patients, active pulmonary TB risk factors included male sex, underweight, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

RA patients are prone to active pulmonary TB development, with rates affected by seropositivity and DMARDs. Focused TB screenings may need to be carried out in RA patients based on our results.
Multifunctional acyltransferase HBO1: a key regulatory factor for cellular functions
Authors: Su Zhanhuan , Zhang Yang , Tang Jingqiong , Zhou Yanhong , Long Chen
Published: November 2024

HBO1, also known as KAT7 or MYST2, is a crucial histone acetyltransferase with diverse cellular functions. It typically forms complexes with protein subunits or cofactors such as MEAF6, ING4, or ING5, and JADE1/2/3 or BRPF1/2/3, where the BRPF or JADE proteins serve as the scaffold targeting histone H3 or H4, respectively. The histone acetylation mediated by HBO1 plays significant roles in DNA replication and gene expression regulation. Additionally, HBO1 catalyzes the modification of proteins through acylation with propionyl, butyryl, crotonyl, benzoyl, and acetoacetyl groups. HBO1 undergoes ubiquitination and degradation by two types of ubiquitin complexes and can also act as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for the estrogen receptor α (ERα). Moreover, HBO1 participates in the expansion of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and regulates the expression of peripheral tissue genes (PTGs) mediated by autoimmune regulator (AIRE), thus inducing immune tolerance. Furthermore, HBO1 influences the renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and the development of neural stem cells significantly. Importantly, the overexpression of HBO1 in various cancers suggests its carcinogenic role and potential as a therapeutic target. This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding HBO1’s involvement in acylation modification, DNA replication, ubiquitination, immunity, and stem cell renewal.
Exploring the attitudes and experiences of Hungarian primary care physicians on the utilisation of digital health solutions
Authors: Girasek Edmond , Döbrössy Bence , Boros Julianna , Győrffy Zsuzsa
Published: November 2024

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health solutions ensured the continuity of care especially in primary healthcare practices. COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital health solutions. The aim of this study is to describe the digital health-related attitudes and experiences of Hungarian Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and also analyse the socio-demographic effects on digital health attitudes among PCPs.

Methods

This study used a quantitative and qualitative mixed methodological approach to examine the digital health-related attitudes and experience of Hungarian PCPs. As part of the "E-physicians and E-patients in Hungary" survey, we conducted an online survey among medical doctors working in Hungary between July 2021 to May 2022. A total of 1,774 questionnaires were received, consisting of 1,576 medical doctors and 198 dentists. Among the medical doctors there were 415 primary care physicians (PCPs). In addition to the online questionnaire survey, qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with doctors was also conducted. These interviews took place between October 2021 and June 2022. A total of 62 interviews were conducted,19 with PCPs.

Results

Primary care physicians are more open to technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration with patients, while showing less interest in technologies that support clinical work. Of the demographic variables (age, gender, type of settlement), age was found to have the most significant effect on digital health knowledge, use and intended use. Both the interviews and the multivariate analysis indicate that individuals with greater knowledge, expertise, and experience are more likely to perceive the advantages of digital solutions. This highlights the importance of training, especially given the significant aging population among Hungarian primary care physicians, who may not be accustomed to using these tools naturally. The way PCPs perceive patient expectations regarding the use of digital health tools has a significant impact on the PCPs’ use and intended use of digital tools. When looking at perceived patient needs among PCPs the effect of age and municipality type of PCPs is significant. As age increases, the perception of patient needs decreases (from 5.02 to 4.47), and by municipality type, the average number of perceived needs decreases as one moves from larger cities to smaller municipalities (from 4.85 to 4.14).

Conclusions

Digital health solutions have the potential to enhance the work of PCPs, but successful implementation requires addressing specific needs, demographic differences, and challenges faced by PCPs. Development of infrastructure, education, and institutional support is necessary to ensure more efficient and higher-quality healthcare delivery through the use of digital technologies.