bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling: Contribution of the Adventitial Fibroblasts
Authors: Stenmark KR , Bouchey D , Nemenoff R , Dempsey EC , Das M
Published: January 2025

Vascular repair in response to injury or stress (often referred to as remodeling) is a common complication of many cardiovascular abnormalities including pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypertension, atherosclerosis, vein graft remodeling and restenosis following balloon dilatation of the coronary artery. It is not surprising that repair and remodeling occurs frequently in the vasculature in that exposure of blood vessels to either excessive hemodynamic stress (e.g. hypertension), noxious blood borne agents (e.g. atherogenic lipids), locally released cytokines, or unusual environmental conditions (e.g. hypoxia), requires readily available mechanisms to counteract these adverse stimuli and to preserve structure and function of the vessel wall. The responses, which were presumably evolutionarily developed to repair an injured tissue, often escape self-limiting control and can result, in the case of blood vessels, in lumen narrowing and obstruction to blood flow. Each cell type (i. e. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts) in the vascular wall plays a specific role in the response to injury. However, while the roles of the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vascular remodeling have been extensively studied, relatively little attention has been given to the adventitial fibroblasts. Perhaps this is because the fibroblast is a relatively ill-defined cell which, at least compared to the SMC, exhibits few specific cellular markers. Importantly though, it has been well demonstrated that fibroblasts possess the capacity to express several functions such as migration, rapid proliferation, synthesis of connective tissue components, contraction and cytokine production in response to activation or stimulation. The myriad of responses exhibited by the fibroblasts, especially in response to stimulation, suggest that these cells could play a pivotal role in the repair of injury. This fact has been well documented in the setting of wound healing where a hypoxic environment has been demonstrated to be critical in the cellular responses. As such it is not surprising that fibroblasts may play an important role in the vascular response to hypoxia and/or injury. This paper is intended to provide a brief review of the changes that occur in the adventitial fibroblasts in response to vascular stress (especially hypoxia) and the role the activated fibroblasts might play in hypoxia-mediated pulmonary vascular disease.
The NADPH Oxidase Inhibitors Iodonium Diphenyl and Cadmium Sulphate Inhibit Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Isolated Rat Pulmonary Arteries
Authors: Jones RD , Thompson JS , Morice AH
Published: January 2025

Interest surrounds the role of an NADPH oxidase-like enzyme in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). We have studied the effects of the NADPH oxidase inhibitors iodonium diphenyl (ID) and cadmium sulphate (CdSO4) upon HPV of isolated rat pulmonary arteries (n = 73, internal diameter 545± 23 mm). Vessels were preconstricted with prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a, 0.5 or 5 mM) prior to a hypoxic challenge. ID (10 or 50 mM), CdSO4 (100 mM) or vehicle (50 ml) was added for 30 min before re-exposure to PGF2a and hypoxia. ID and CdSO4 significantly inhibited HPV. In vessels preconstricted with 5 mM PGF2a, ID (10 and 50 mM) reduced HPV from 37.4± 5.6 % to 9.67± 4.4 % of the contractile response elicited by 80 mM KCl (P<0.05) and from 30.1± 5.0 % to 0.63± 0.6% 80 mM KCl response (P<0.01), respectively. CdSO4 (100 mM) reduced HPV from 29.4±4.0 % to 17.1±2.2% 80 mM KCl response (P<0.05). In vessels preconstricted with 0.5 mM PGF2a, ID (10 and 50 mM) reduced HPV from 16.0± 3.15% to 3.36± 1.44 % 80 mM KCl response (P<0.01) and from 15.0± 1.67 % to 2.82± 1.40 % 80 mM KCl response (P<0.001), respectively. Constriction to PGF2a was potentiated by ID. ID and CdSO4, at concentrations previously shown to inhibit neutrophil NADPH oxidase, attenuate HPV in isolated rat pulmonary arteries. This suggests that an NADPH oxidase-like enzyme is involved in HPV and could act as the pulmonary oxygen sensor.
The Characteristics of Witnesses of School Violence and Measures for Improvement
Authors:   Korean Correction Counseling Psychological Association, Kim Man Soo , Kim Young Hwan
Published: January 2025

Witnesses of school violence often face indirect harm, which can lead to significant psychological and emotional challenges. Repeated exposure to violence may cause them to internalize aggressive behaviors or adopt a passive bystander role. This study analyzes the psychological and emotional characteristics of school violence witnesses and proposes targeted support strategies to address their needs. Key psychological issues include fear, anxiety, and isolation, which negatively impact emotional development. In trying to maintain peer group belonging, witnesses may overlook or condone violent behaviors, raising the risk of internalizing aggression. This study recognizes witnesses as indirect victims needing support rather than passive observers and seeks to promote positive self-concept and emotional well-being. Three main support strategies are suggested: after-school activities, voluntary community service, and counseling. After-school programs, including arts and sports, help witnesses express emotions, relieve stress, and foster positive self-identity. Voluntary service provides a sense of achievement, helps alleviate negative emotions, and builds self-esteem. Counseling, including group sessions, offers witnesses opportunities to correct negative beliefs formed from violence, develop positive coping skills, and receive emotional support through shared experiences. In conclusion, school violence witnesses require proactive and systematic support to overcome their psychological challenges. The suggested interventions aim to alleviate their emotional burden, foster resilience, and contribute to creating a peaceful school environment, ultimately supporting the healthy development of all students.
The Factors Affecting Mental Health of Correctional Officials
Authors:   Korean Correction Counseling Psychological Association, Nam Woo Hwan , Jeong So Hee
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to analyze the various factors affecting the mental health of correctional officials, and provide basic data to improve their mental health. We collected data from 430 correctional officials belonging to the S Metropolitan city, D Metropolitan city and G Metropolitan city regional correctional offices. A total of 426 data points were used for the final analysis, excluding 4 unfaithful responses. In order to find out the factors affecting the mental health of correctional officials, which are the dependent variables, we divided the independent variables into a demographic factor, drinking level, risk factors (job stress, post-traumatic stress disorder) and protective factors (self-esteem and resilience). As a data analysis method, we conducted hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS 28.0. The results are as follows. First, we found that hobbies and work experience, (both demographic factors), had a significant effect on the mental health of correctional officials. This effect was also observed at drinking level. Second, the effect of drinking level disappeared when risk and protective factors were added. Third, job stress and PTSD were negatively related to the mental health of correctional officials, while self-esteem and resilience was a positive influence. Finally, self-esteem was the most influential of all factors, followed by job stress, PTSD, and resilience. The results can be useful for understanding of mental health problems of correctional officals, and also developing policies and programs. Based on the results, we suggest encouraging hobby activities as a compensation for long-term employees, as well as supporting psychological counseling. In addition, we propose effective measures, such as establishing a support system for managing job stress and PTSD, as well as programs to strengthen self-esteem and resilience.
DETERMINATION OF ALIMONY IN A FIXED INDEXED AMOUNT OF MONEY
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, IVANOVSKAYA N.V. , STELMAKH A.V. ,   Moscow Regional Court, Moscow region, Krasnogorsk, Russia
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the study. In the conducted study, the authors consider the problem of determining the amount of alimony in a fixed indexed sum. The current family legislation is being investigated, particularly Articles 83 and 117 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation, judicial practice, as well as statistics conducted by information resources of banks. The purpose of this study is to identify a socio-legal problem, as well as to form proposals for its solution. To conduct this research, the authors use analysis, induction, and formal legal methods.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that in the current legislation in the field of family law, there is a need to change the norm for determining the amount of alimony in a fixed indexed sum. This problem is expressed in the discrepancy between the amount determined by law and the existing needs of minor children. Based on foreign judicial practice, examples of criteria by which it is possible to determine the amount of alimony are given. The authors conclude that the proposed changes in family legislation will not only protect the rights of minor children, but also provide an opportunity to satisfy the basic social needs and well-being of children.
TYPES OF ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES AT THE PRESENT STAGE
Authors:   North Caucasus Federal University, Pyatigorsk, Russia, MAZURENKO A.P. , POZHARITSKAYA A.M. ,   Rostov Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Published: January 2025

The fight against corruption is due to the extremely high degree of its public danger. As a result of the commission of corruption offenses and crimes, the activities of public authorities corresponding to certain normative acts are significantly violated; the authority and other interests of the state are undermined; significant material damage is caused; the rights and legitimate interests of citizens or organizations are infringed, and in general the interests of the whole society and the country. The main purpose of the study is to adopt a number of regulatory legal acts aimed at combating corruption. The above provisions determine the relevance of studying the implementation of anti-corruption mechanisms in the system of the state civil service of the Russian Federation and developing proposals for improving anti-corruption legislation.
PROBLEMS OF CYBERCRIME IN THE ERA OF HYPERVOLATILITY: LEGAL ASPECT
Authors:   The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, YAKOVLEVA ANNA V. , KONYUKHOVSKIY PAVEL V.
Published: January 2025

At the current stage of socio-economic development, the problem of cybercrime has become one of the most acute and relevant issues. While recognizing its indisputable importance in application-oriented terms, it is impossible to ignore its fundamental scientific and theoretical complexity. To a large extent, this is due to the vagueness and uncertainty of the fundamental terminological foundations of the concept. Additional sophistication and complexity of this issue is due to the unique peculiarities of the legal regulation mechanisms in the field of innovation and digital information technologies. The cyber economy and data economy are characterized by increased volatility (hypervolatility) and an extremely short retrospective. Therefore, the legal norms characterized by a precedent nature are either ineffective or simply inapplicable. This article formulates and substantiates the argument of the need for a proactive approach focused not on the retrospective that concerns past violations, but taking into account the objective trends in the development of the cyber sphere (new information technologies).
FUNDAMENTAL TRENDS IN THE ALLOCATION AND USE OF ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, FATTAKHOV RAFAEL V. , KHACHATRYAN ASTGHIK A.
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the study of global fundamental trends and trends that have a long-term and sustainable effect, affect every inhabitant of the planet and shape human civilization for many years to come. These megatrends are changing the world faster than predicted and affecting the transformation of socio-economic and political systems. The article examines the impact of global trends and trends on human, natural and material resources. The purpose of the study is to review global fundamental trends and trends, as well as to analyze the vector and patterns of their influence on the process of allocating economic resources.

Conclusions. The analysis of global trends and trends and the assessment of the impact on national key economic resources can lead to a synergistic effect in their spatial distribution. This is largely due to the interaction between trends that increase the speed and ubiquity of change. This work will be of interest to researchers in the field of spatial distribution of economic resources as the basis for balanced economic development in the long term.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-POLITICAL ASPECTS OF DRUG PROVISION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF FREE MEDICAL CARE GUARANTEES: USSR, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, DEVELOPED OECD COUNTRIES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, GRISHIN VLADIMIR V. , BYKOVA LIDIA A.
Published: January 2025

The Soviet Union became the first country in the world with universal drug guarantees for the entire population, which in the period 1920-1935 received free medicines prescribed by a doctor not only for inpatient but also outpatient treatment. In 1935, this organization of drug provision was replaced by a complex system of benefits for some groups of the population, which is preserved today in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the universality of drug guarantees on the economic efficiency of healthcare systems.

Conclusions. Practical recommendations for the creation of a system of universal drug guarantees in the Russian Federation. The importance of the universality of guarantees of free drug provision is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the patient's intake of medicines prescribed by a doctor is an integral part of medical care. Thus, the inability of citizens to purchase (receive) medicines prescribed to them within the framework of free medical care guaranteed to them in state and municipal institutions at the expense of the relevant budget, insurance premiums and other health care receipts de facto violates the right to free medical care guaranteed by Article 41 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF UNILATERAL RESTRICTIVE MEASURES ON THE MORTGAGE LENDING MARKET IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ANALYSIS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, MATVIENKO GALINA V.
Published: January 2025

The credit market is heavily dependent on the flow of cheap foreign debt, and the ability of the financial institutions to place their assets in external markets. Due to the «avalanche of sanctions» that has hit our country, domestic credit and other financial institutions are effectively disconnected from a single «blood» system of international capital movements. The purpose of this work is to study the impact of unilateral restrictive measures imposed by unfriendly states and having a significant impact on this segment of the domestic financial market; to analyze the measures taken to counteract restrictions and stabilize the situation; to systematize scientific views on this matter and make proposals to the legislator aimed at growing the effectiveness of state support for the mortgage lending sector in the face of increasing economic pressure.

Conclusions. The conducted scientific and applied research confirmed the special role of the state in stabilizing and reviving the lending market. Meanwhile, the areas of support should be selected taking into account the implementation of the supply-side economic policy, in connection with which it is advisable to continue the effectiveness monitoring (economic, social) of the use of federal budget funds allocated to subsidize lost income by credit institutions on housing loans granted preferences to certain categories of citizens. The reduction of the said budget expenditures will be facilitated by the creation of a favorable legal regime for investors, including from friendly countries; the development of international cooperation within the EAEU and BRICS on issues of partnership financing. An increase in the number of participants in relations in the mortgage lending market will allow diversifying risks and extending the line of services provided.
Multiphysics Acausal Modeling and Simulation of Satellites using a Modelica Library
Authors: Borgia Salvatore , Topputo Francesco
Published: January 2025

The multiphysics modeling has a great importance when a complex space system (as a satellite) is considered. Indeed, it is necessary to analyse how the system’s behavior is affected by the space environment or by on board failures. In this paper, the Modelica Library is used to hierarchically build and connect the main subsystems that can be found in a traditional satellite. Specifically, the modeling and simulation of the entire system is carried out in the Dymola environment. Finally, the FMI is applied to simulate in Dymola some specific satellite models/logics created with higher fidelity in the Matlab/Simulink domain.
Advanced Edge Deployment: Abstracting Cyber-Physical Models via FMU Mastery
Authors: Bu Fanping , Filipau Mikalai , Baklanov Nikolay
Published: January 2025

Deploying cyber-physical models at the edge or in the cloud as software components is the key step of modelbased- design. Depending on run-time environment, an extensive customization often needs to be made. To streamline and facilitate the deployment of models and simulators in production, a unified framework is developed. The implementation utilizes functional mockup units (FMUs) as the executable binary for the models and JavaFMI as the simulation engine. Each model deployment is encapsulated inside a microservice with all the software dependencies, with communication realized through RabbitMQ. A generalized approach to manage the model namespace has been implemented, ensuring that the FMU executor remains agnostic to changes in both model and application, as long as the AsyncAPI specification includes a mapping of the model's input-output space to the protocol’s topics. Two examples are presented to illustrate the convenience and effectiveness of the proposed framework: a winch controller at the edge for oil and gas wireline operation and a wireline logging unit simulator in the Azure DevOps pipeline for software-in-the-loop testing.
Integrating Generative Machine Learning Models and Physics-Based Models for Building Energy Simulation
Authors: Vanfretti Luigi , Laughman Christopher R. , Chakrabarty Ankush
Published: January 2025

This paper describes the integration of generative deep learning models for data-driven building energy simulation. The generative models (GMs) are trained to learn distributions of building input signals from data using Python and PyTorch and interfaced with physics-based Modelica models. The developed integration requirements provide background on typical needs that focus on building energy simulation performance. Simulation examples using models from the Buildings library, refactored to receive GM inputs, are presented to illustrate the benefits of the proposed integration approach and how GMs can be used for building energy performance analysis.
Thermo-Fluid Modeling Framework for Supercomputer Digital Twins: Part 2, Automated Cooling Models
Authors: Greenwood Scott , Kumar Vineet , Brewer Wesley
Published: January 2025

The development of digital twins for the purpose of improving the energy efficiency of supercomputing facilities is a non-trivial endeavor that is complicated by the difficulty of creating physics-based thermo-fluid cooling system models (CSMs). Within ExaDigit—an opensource framework for liquid-cooled supercomputing digital twins—a thermo-fluid modeling framework is being developed. This effort has been segmented into two with two companion papers describing each portion of the overall effort. Part 1 focuses on the development of a cooling system library in Dymola for the Frontier supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Kumar et al. 2024). Part 2, this paper, describes an effort to create a templatebased auto-generation methodology for CSMs, called AutoCSM. In this paper, an overview of the initial AutoCSM architecture and workflow is provided, along with a practical example using the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility’s (OLCF) Frontier supercomputer CSM. AutoCSM will (1) improve ExaDigiT’s user accessibility by providing a flexible workflow for modularizing the creation of the CSM system and control logic, (2) decrease the development time of CSMs, and (3) standardize the method for incorporating CSMs into the ExaDigiT framework.
Fluid Property Functions in Polar and Parabolic Coordinates
Authors: Bortoff Scott A. , Laughman Christopher R. , Deshpande Vedang , Qiao Hongtao
Published: January 2025

This paper presents two methods for reallizing fluid property functions in Modelica simulation models. Each makes use of a coordinate transformation that aligns one coordinate with the saturation curve. This provides for a precise representation of the fluid property function at the saturation curve, and for connected domains of interest including the liquid, vapor, supercritical and two-phase regions. Both approaches make use of spline function approximation in the aligned coordinates, and are numerically efficient, well conditioned, and allow for efficient calculation of derivatives up to any desired order that are precise up to processor numerical tolerance.
Modelica Supported Automated Design
Authors: Matei Ion , Zhenirovskyy Maksym , Maxwell John , Mostafavi Saman
Published: January 2025

We propose a component-based, automated, bottom-up method to system design, using models expressed in the Modelica language. This bottom-up approach is based on a meta-topology that is iteratively refined via optimization. Each topology link is described by a universal component that is defined in terms of atomic components (e.g., resistors, capacitors for the electrical domain) or more complex canonical components with a well-defined function (e.g., operational amplifier-based inverters). The activation of such links is done via discrete switches. To address the combinatorial explosion in the resulting mixed-integer optimization problems, we convert the discrete switches into continuous switches that are physically realizable and formulate a parameter optimization problem that learns the component and switch parameters. We encourage topology sparsity through an L1 regularization term applied to the continuous switch parameters. We improve the time complexity of the optimization problem by reconstructing intermediate design models when components become redundant and by simplifying topologies through collapsing components and removing disconnected ones. To demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, we apply it to the design of various electrical circuits.
Decentralised Hydrogen Fuelled Gas Engine CHP Units: A Feasibility Study with Modelica
Authors: Beerlage Florian Andreas , Salim Naqib , Kettner Maurice
Published: January 2025

The use of hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel to power energy systems has been a topic of research over the last few decades and is currently gaining importance, even more due to current circumstances related to decarbonising energy supply. One focus of research is the use of hydrogen gas in combined heat and power gas engines, as this type of energy conversion is known for its high efficiency. For this reason, a cross-border project between France and Germany is developing a living laboratory in the Upper Rhine region to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen gas as an alternative fuel in a holistic decentralised energy system. It consists of several energy components, including a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyser (PEMEC), gas engine combined heat and power (CHP) unit, photovoltaic (PV) panels, hydrogen storage, thermal and electrical energy storage. To enable and demonstrate multiple what-if scenarios of possible variations of the energy system, a simulation model was developed using Modelica. Users, e.g. local authorities, landlords, businessmen, etc., of this simulation model could utilize it as a decision support tool for designing a carbon-neutral energy system for their own use. This paper describes the development of the model and its application with real measured data from municipal buildings in the city of Offenburg, Germany. The results indicate that the suitability of the model and the use of hydrogen CHPs can be beneficial for this specific use case.
Oryol Sociological Readings: Increasing the Traditions of Regional Sociology
Authors:   Central Russian Institute of Management — Branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Orel, Russia Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Prokazina Natalya V.
Published: January 2025

The article presents a retrospective analysis of the Oryol Sociological Readings. The article outlines the prerequisites and conditions for initiating scientific readings in order to popularize sociological knowledge, sociological education and development of sociological culture, exchange of best practices and approbation of empirical research results. The factors of formation and development of sociological education and sociological science in the region are analyzed. The key topics, discussion of which at the sociological readings allowed to identify emerging trends,
key problems, zones of growth and development, were singled out. It is shown that the continuation of traditions of empirical research, coordination of joint activities of various sociological services and organizations of the region, consolidation of universities on the platforms of the scientific forum, support of public professional organizations (Russian Society of Sociologists), university management and authorities are the conditions for multiplying the traditions of regional sociology and its development.
Interinstitutional Interaction of Medicine and Religion in the Context of Improving the Organization of Palliative Care for Patients
Authors:   V. I. Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov, Russia, Bochkareva Galina N. , Krom Irina L. , Fedonnikov Alexander S. , Andriyanova Elena A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction. Incurable illness causes physical, emotional, social and spiritual suffering in patients. In the uncertainty associated with life-threatening conditions, the assessment of spiritual suffering and the provision of care is a central component of palliative care. Methods. Analysis of normative-legal acts regulating inter-institutional interaction between medicine and religion in modern Russia. Results and Discussion. Interactions between medicine
and the Church are regulated by Russian legislation and inter-institutional normative acts on co-operation between the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Russian Orthodox Church. One form of interaction between the health care system and the Russian Orthodox Church is the participation of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church in providing palliative care to
patients with life-threatening illnesses. Conclusion. When analyzing normativelegal acts it was established that there is a legal framework regulating the inter-institutional interaction between medicine and religion in modern Russia.
Book Review "Doctoral Monument in Sofia. Research and Documents"
Authors:   Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (RIEPL), Moscow, Russia, Rudnitskaya Anastasia P. , Ulyankin Pavel D.
Published: January 2025

A review of the book "The Doctor's Monument in Sofia. Research and
documents" (Doctoral monument in Sofia. Research and documents /
Translated from Bulgarian by N. S. Gusev. Moscow: EastLit, 2024. 312 pp.: ill.).
Can a mechanical circulatory support comprehensive approach to cardiogenic shock at referral centers reduce 30-day mortality?
Authors: Pieri Marina , Iannaccone Mario , Burzotta Francesco , Botti Giulia , Aurigemma Cristina , Trani Carlo , Ajello Silvia , Altizio Savino , Sanna Tommaso , Romagnoli Enrico , Paraggio Lazzaro , Cappannoli Luigi , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Chieffo Alaide
Published: January 2025

Although mortality risk prediction in cardiogenic shock (CS) is possible, assessing the impact of the multitude of therapeutic efforts on outcomes is not straightforward. We assessed whether a temporary mechanical circulatory support comprehensive approach to the treatment of CS may reduce 30-day mortality as compared to expected mortality predicted by the recently proposed Cardiogenic Shock Score (CSS). Consecutive CS patients supported by pVAD Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) at two national referral centers were included. 170 patients were included: age was 65 ± 13 years, and 75.9% were male and acute myocardial infarction was the prevalent cause of shock (71.1%). Expected mortality according to CSS was higher than observed (51.8% vs. 41.5%, p < 0.001), this trend being particularly evident for CSS > 4. The AUC ROC curve confirmed poor diagnostic accuracy in this population (AUC 0.53 CI: 0.23–0.82, p = 0.83). The lower observed mortality compared to the expected mortality in critical cardiogenic shock population underscores the role of a comprehensive approach to acute cardiac care patients at referral centers, which should consider including temporary mechanical circulatory support.
Exploring machine learning algorithms for predicting fertility preferences among reproductive age women in Nigeria
Authors: Tadese Zinabu Bekele , Nimani Teshome Demis , Mare Kusse Urmale , Gubena Fetlework , Wali Ismail Garba , Sani Jamilu
Published: January 2025

Background

Fertility preferences refer to the number of children an individual would like to have, regardless of any obstacles that may stand in the way of fulfilling their aspirations. Despite the creation and application of numerous interventions, the overall fertility rate in West African nations, particularly Nigeria, is still high at 5.3% according to 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data. Hence, this study aimed to predict the fertility preferences of reproductive age women in Nigeria using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques.

Methods

Secondary data analysis from the recent 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey dataset was employed using feature selection to identify predictors to build machine learning models. Data was thoroughly assessed for missingness and weighted to draw valid inferences. Six machine learning algorithms, namely, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, were employed on a total sample size of 37,581 in Python 3.9 version. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Permutation and Gini techniques were used to identify the feature's importance.

Results

Random Forest achieved the highest performance with an accuracy of 92%, precision of 94%, recall of 91%, F1-score of 92%, and AUROC of 92%. Factors influencing fertility preferences were number of children, age group, and ideal family size. Region, contraception intention, ethnicity, and spousal occupation had a moderate influence. The woman's occupation, education, and marital status had a lower impact.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of machine learning for analyzing complex demographic data, revealing hidden factors associated with fertility preferences among Nigerian women. In conclusion, these findings can inform more effective family planning interventions, promoting sustainable development across Nigeria.
SSATNet: Spectral-spatial attention transformer for hyperspectral corn image classification
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Gongchao , Wen Juan , Li Linfang , Jin Songlin , Li Yan , Zhou Ling , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2025

Hyperspectral images are rich in spectral and spatial information, providing a detailed and comprehensive description of objects, which makes hyperspectral image analysis technology essential in intelligent agriculture. With various corn seed varieties exhibiting significant internal structural differences, accurate classification is crucial for planting, monitoring, and consumption. However, due to the large volume and complex features of hyperspectral corn image data, existing methods often fall short in feature extraction and utilization, leading to low classification accuracy. To address these issues, this paper proposes a spectral-spatial attention transformer network (SSATNet) for hyperspectral corn image classification. Specifically, SSATNet utilizes 3D and 2D convolutions to effectively extract local spatial, spectral, and textural features from the data while incorporating spectral and spatial morphological structures to understand the internal structure of the data better. Additionally, a transformer encoder with cross-attention extracts and refines feature information from a global perspective. Finally, a classifier generates the prediction results. Compared to existing state-of-the-art classification methods, our model performs better on the hyperspectral corn image dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness.
A lesson for post-COVID healthcare: assessment of physical and psychosocial risk factors on perceived pain intensity among urban individuals
Authors: Ho Hung Chak , Bai Wentao , Wong Stanley Sau-Ching , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: January 2025

Background

Perceived pain intensity is an important determinant of health-related quality of life. A lack of studies has investigated the co-influences of physical and psychosocial risk factors on perceived pain intensity and the shifts in effects after pandemic. As a post-COVID symptom, it is important to re-assess the risk factors for post-COVID heath care.

Methods

Four dimensions of physical/psychosocial risk factors were assessed: medical history, personal wellbeing and psychological distress, lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics. We first identified subgroups with significant increase in perceived pain intensity after pandemic by a comparison with the baseline group (all participants). Based on the variables associated with a severe increase in pain score (NRS), multivariate regression models were applied to identify risk factors on perceived pain intensity.

Results

Among 3,237 urban individuals in Hong Kong, 20.95 and 30.58% were with severe pain (NRS > = 4) before and after pandemic. Participants with respiratory disease had the most significant increase in perceived pain intensity (increase in NRS: 1.29 [0.65, 1.93]), seconded by those with known psychiatric diseases and living with special needs. After pandemic, insomnia, known psychiatric diseases, female, and low household income remained as significant risk factors, and insomnia remained as the most significant (estimate: 1.018 [CI: 0.814, 1.221]). The effect sizes of these factors were increased after pandemic. Respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and low education (secondary school or below) were additional risk factors.

Conclusion

It is necessary to develop up-to-date interventions targeting vulnerable populations, particularly individuals with known psychiatric diseases and insomnia, for pain reduction.
Manipulating self and other schemas to explore psychological processes associated with paranoid beliefs: an online experimental study
Authors: Martinez Anton P. , Milne Elizabeth , Rowse Georgina , Bentall Richard P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Information about the self and others is organized in cognitive-affective structures that influence and guide interpersonal behavior. These structures are referred to as relational schemas and are thought to be influenced by early interpersonal experiences with significant others leading to secure or insecure attachment patterns as adults. When insecure, these patterns appear to contribute to paranoid interpretations about the intentions of others by indirect pathways such as negative self-esteem and a bias toward untrustworthiness. Experimental studies employing classical conditioning (CC) interventions have been successful in manipulating these schemas, finding significant effects on various psychological outcomes such as attachment styles, implicit self-esteem, and paranoid beliefs. However, no study to date has explored these effects on trustworthiness judgments.

Objective

This study aims to replicate the findings from previous experiments and also testing the effect of manipulating relational schemas on trustworthiness evaluations.

Methods

A convenience online sample of 266 participants completed a series of tasks and questionnaires measuring attachment styles, explicit and implicit self-esteem, paranoia, and trustworthiness evaluations before and after a brief CC intervention, which involved being randomly allocated to three conditions. In each of these conditions, information about the self was always paired with either positive face stimuli (proximity-seeking condition), negative face stimuli (self-threat condition), or neutral face stimuli (control condition).

Results

This study failed to replicate findings as previously reported in published experiments (i.e., self-esteem, paranoia), only finding a significant effect on attachment styles on the proximity-seeking CC condition. Moreover, no effect was found regarding trustworthiness judgments.

Discussion

Limitations such as the online nature of the study and methodological aspects are discussed.
Effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wood Carly J. , Barton Jo , Wicks Claire L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health conditions, that often co-exist and relapse over time. There is a need for sustainable treatment options to address increasing rates of depression and anxiety and reduce the strain on health systems. Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) is a nature-based health intervention that can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, however synthesised evidence of its effectiveness is required to inform commissioning and availability of interventions.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of STH for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Method

Following PRISMA guidelines and the protocol registered on Prospero (CRD42024542671) a systematic search of scientific databases and grey literature was conducted to identify quantitative studies examining the impact of STH interventions on depression and anxiety outcomes. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on an STH intervention that was led by a trained practitioner, administered to adult populations who were identified as either at risk, with symptoms or diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety and reported on depression or anxiety outcomes measured using validated scales. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analysed using a random effects meta-analysis.

Results

Seventeen studies were identified for inclusion including four RCTs, ten quasi-experimental studies with comparators and three single group studies. Nine studies reported outcomes for depression only, two for anxiety only and six for both depression and anxiety. Across studies with comparators, meta-analyses revealed large and significant effects in favour of the STH group for depression (SMD= -1.01; p=<.001) and moderate and significant effects in favour of the STH group for anxiety (SMD=-.62; p<.001). There was significant heterogeneity across studies, with high risk of bias, particularly for statistical validity and outcome measure reliability.

Conclusions

STH interventions have the potential to support existing treatment approaches for depression and anxiety. However, to inform commissioning and upscaling of services, rigorous randomised studies comparing STH to treatment as usual for depression and anxiety are required.
Domestic water consumptions and associated factors in rural household of Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia; A cross sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Bushra Yusuf , Tolera Sina Temesgen , Temesgen Liku Muche , Geremew Abraham
Published: January 2025

Background

Sustainable rural water supply management requires accurate estimations of water consumption and understanding factors influencing consumption. Climate change exacerbates challenges, especially in developing countries with high poverty and limited access to clean water. Ethiopia has the lowest municipal water supply in Africa. The residents of the Harar region currently get water once a week or two weeks for just a few hours, which is very inadequate for everyday household activities like drinking, cooking, cleaning utensils, washing clothes, etc. Despite global efforts to identify the factors that affect domestic water consumption, those related to domestic water use in rural regions have not been sufficiently studied, particularly in rural woredas of Harari region, Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess the domestic water consumption and associated factors at household level in rural woredas of Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia from October 29, 2022 to November 21, 2022.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 408 households using stratified sampling techniques, collecting data on socio-demographic and water use characteristics. Epi-Data and SPSS were used for data analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to determine average total and per capita water consumption, while a multiple linear regression model allowed for the identification of associated factors and the prediction of water consumption with statistical significance.

Result

Daily water consumption was found to be 103.3 L/hh/d and 17.6 L/c/d. The associated factors included the main source of water, time of collection, household size, wealth status, water price, and frequency of gathering water.

Conclusion

Thus, the provision of an adequate quantity of water for rural households should be given attention for maintaining human wellbeing, and the consideration of socio-economic factors affecting per capita water consumption is desirable in the planning and implementation of proper water demand management strategies.
Population dynamics and digitalization: implications for COVID-19 data sources in South Africa—a scoping review
Authors: Akokuwebe Monica Ewomazino , Palamuleni Martin E. , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The study explores how humanity influences the development of digitalization on population dynamics during the changing times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen full-text articles were selected from 40 identified studies (2020–2023).

Results

Three themes emerged: (1) influence of humanity on the development of digitalization on population dynamics during changing times, (2) technical and ethical challenges, and (3) solutions to these challenges.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need for new opportunities for distinctive technical and ethical challenges in creating larger digital databases for population dynamics and how these databases may contribute to the advancement of population fields.
Impact of trypanosomiasis on male camel infertility
Authors: Abdel-Hakeem Sara Salah , Megahed Gaber , Al-Hakami Ahmed M. , Tolba Mohammed E. M. , Karar Yasser F. M.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Blood parasitism is a significant clinical disease that silently undermines the livestock industry, particularly affecting camels. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in Arabian camels (Camelus dromedarius) and its impact on infertility by examining serum protein fractions, lipids, reproductive indices, and the expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) during breeding season.

Methods

A total of 107 male post-pubertal camels, aged between 5 and 10 years, were collected randomly from slaughtering house in Assiut Governorate, Egypt.

Results

Microscopic and serological examinations revealed that 23.4% (25/107) of the camels were infected with T. evansi. Infected camels exhibited a highly significant increase in total serum protein. The assessment of dyslipidemia, measure as binary variables for lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL), indicated a nonsignificant increase in risk of dyslipidemia in infected camels compared to healthy camels. Proteomic analysis identified four major protein fractions in the infected camels compared to healthy camels with molecular weights of 181.72, 87.59, 30.5, and 19.5 kDa using SDS electrophoresis. Testicular tissue of the infected camels showed degeneration and necrotic changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue, along with edema and congestion. There was a significant reduction in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and germinal epithelium height. A marked reduction in testosterone levels and a high expression of HSP70 in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells were observed.

Discussion

Consequently, a combination of physiological and hormonal analyses may serve as a reliable indicator of Trypanosoma infection.
Comprehensive Thermodynamic Performance Evaluation of a Novel Dual-Shaft Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid Propulsion System
Authors: Xu Jinghui , Wang Xizhen , Wang Zepeng , Yang Kaiqiang , Li Xueshun , Zhao Yongjun
Published: January 2025

With the rapid growth of air travel, reducing carbon emissions in aviation is imperative. Electric aircraft play a key role in achieving sustainable aviation, especially for large civil aircraft, where reducing emissions, improving the fuel efficiency, and enabling flexible power regulation are essential. This study proposes a dual-shaft, separated-exhaust fuel cell hybrid aircraft propulsion system (HAPS), using a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to replace the conventional turbine-driven compressor. The independent speed control of the high- and low-pressure spools is realized via a power distribution system. A thermodynamic model is developed, and performance evaluations, including parametric, exergy, and sensitivity analyses, are conducted. At the design point, the system delivers 36.304 kN thrust, 16.775 g/(kN·s) specific fuel consumption, 15.931 MW SOFC power, and 54.759% SOFC efficiency. The exergy analysis highlights the optimization of components like the heat exchanger and fan to reduce energy losses. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the spool speeds and fuel utilization significantly impact the performance. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing control strategies and offer a novel, efficient, and low-carbon power solution for aviation, supporting the industry’s transition towards sustainability.