bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the vignette technique to research health communication in linguistically and culturally discordant settings
Authors: Valdez Susana
Published: January 2025

Background: The linguistic diversity of today’s societies presents challenges to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their linguistic background, can access and understand health information. The vignette technique offers an approach to exploring these challenges and collecting rich data through contextualized scenarios. Aim: To explore the use of the vignette technique for data collection in linguistically and culturally diverse healthcare settings involving migrants. Methods: To contextualize the vignette technique, the article reviews studies that have employed this method for data collection, and illustrates its application through a study that used vignette-based interviews. Results: In the first part of the paper, the rapid scoping review identified recurring topics, research approaches and measured constructs in vignette-based studies. In the second part, through the “Maria” vignette, the paper further illustrated key methodological considerations for applying the vignette technique in future research. Conclusion: While using the vignette technique is not novel in healthcare communication, its use in the context of qualitative interviews with migrants can prove helpful in eliciting individuals’ stories and experiences in high-risk and sensitive contexts.
Therapeutic Journey and Economic Burden of Patients with Myasthenia Gravis in Italy: Results of a Real-World Analysis
Authors: Perrone Valentina , Mazzoni Stefania , Cappuccilli Maria , Andretta Margherita , Bacca Marcello , Barbieri Antonietta , Bartolini Fausto , Chinellato Alessandro , Ciaccia Andrea , Costantini Alberto , De Vita Francesco , Dell'Orco Stefania , Ferrante Fulvio , Gentile Simona , Grego Stefano , Mancini Daniela , Mensurati Marzia , Moscogiuri Rossella , Pagliaro Romina , Petragnani Nicola , Procacci Cataldo , Re Davide , Santoleri Fiorenzo , Tari Michele Giuseppe , Ubertazzo Loredana , Antozzi Carlo Giuseppe , Degli Esposti Luca
Published: January 2025

AIM: This analysis investigated the population with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in Italy, to describe epidemiology, mortality, patients’ characteristics, comorbidity profile, therapeutic management, and healthcare consumption and related costs.METHODS: From 2012 to 2021, MG patients were identified in administrative flows of healthcare entities through hospitalization discharge diagnosis or exemption code for MG or a pyridostigmine prescription. Medications and comorbidities were searched before inclusion and healthcare costs were analysed at 1-year follow-up. Epidemiology estimates were reported as cases/100,000 people, and mortality rates, stratified by age classes and gender, were assessed during 2019. MG patients were compared with age- and gender-matched subjects without MG.RESULTS: At the end of 2021, MG prevalence was 35.1/100,000 and incidence 4.7/100,000 people. Mortality in 2019 was 3.2% in overall MG sample, and tended to rise in males and elderly patients. About 90% received MG-related treatments, namely pyridostigmine, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants (81.3%, 76.9% and 26.1% of patients respectively). Unsurprisingly, the yearly healthcare resource consumption/patient was higher in MG patients than in non-MG subjects (p<0.001), resulting in increased annual direct costs for MG patients (€5,495 vs €823, p<0.001), related to expenses for hospitalizations (mostly related to nervous system and respiratory system), drugs and outpatient services.CONCLUSIONS: In this study, incidence and prevalence of MG estimated in Italy were similar to other European countries and mortality rates were from 2 to 3-times higher than general population. Despite the current treatment options and adherence to guidelines for MG management, the clinical and economic burden of the disease remains high.
Usefulness of clinical economics in managing a complex hospital system for better patient outcomes
Authors: Mogari M I , Mutshekwane M N , Manning A , Ngcwabe Z , Majake L , Mathebula M , Kenoshi E
Published: January 2025

Clinical economics or medical economics refers specifically to the economic aspects of clinical decision-making and practices in the healthcare realm, especially at the individual patient level. It is essential for management of complex hospital systems by optimising resource allocation, driving quality improvement, promoting patient-centred care, reducing disparities, informing health policy, and managing clinical as well as financial risks. By integrating economic principles with clinical practice, hospitals can achieve better patient outcomes while ensuring the efficient use of resources. The practice of clinical economics includes cost-effectiveness analyses of different treatment options, resource utilisation in clinical settings, and other economic considerations in the context of individual patient care. It could also assist in balancing the focus from the perspectives of patients, doctors and managers by reaching a consensus among them with regard to different perceptions and values for clinical decisions. Training in clinical economics should therefore become a mandatory component of education for all healthcare professionals, and should include continuing professional education (such as conferences and journal clubs), recertification programmes and practice guideline development.
Observations and recommendations for conducting research in partnership with people with lived experience of homelessness
Authors: Grande S W
Published: January 2025

This commentary addresses the urgent need for responsible research practices when conducting research on populations of people with lived experiences of homelessness. Recognising the marginalisation of this group by scientific investigators in both societies, this commentary seeks to address the ethical considerations, consent processes, and community engagement necessary to conduct meaningful and respectful investigative research in this population. By summarising basic approaches that prioritise data collection, participation and engagement, this piece aims to promote a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by people with lived experience of homelessness and the responsibilities of researchers choosing to work on this topic.
Bažnyčios pastatas kaip priemonė orientuotis be kompaso: Lietuvos bažnyčių orientavimo problematika
Authors: Klimenka Gabrielius-Edvinas
Published: January 2025

Tyrimu apie orientavimąsi pagal bažnyčių pastatus Lietuvoje siekiama atsakyti į klausimą, ar šis orientavimosi būdas gali būti patikimas norint rasti kryptį be kompaso. Išgyvenimo kursuose ir specializuotoje literatūroje teigiama, kad katalikų bažnyčios altorius paprastai yra orientuotas į rytus – išlikėjui tai galėtų padėti susiorientuoti. Tačiau tyrimo metu išanalizavus 45 skirtingų Lietuvos bažnyčių orientaciją pastebėta, kad tik nedaugelis iš jų yra tiksliai nukreiptos į rytus, t. y. jų azimutas – 90°. Dauguma bažnyčių buvo orientuotos kitomis kryptimis, taigi šis metodas pasirodė nepatikimas. Bažnyčių orientavimo ne rytų kryptimi tendencija galėjo atsirasti dėl praktinių ir istorinių apribojimų, pvz., urbanizacijos ir specifinių erdvės apribojimų, kurie galėjo lemti bažnyčios orientaciją. Reikia atsižvelgti ir bažnyčių statymo laikmečio technologines galimybes – netikslūs matavimo metodai praeityje statytojams neleido tiksliai nustatyti rytų azimutinio kampo. Teologinė orientavimo tradicija statant Lietuvos bažnyčias jau galėjo būti nunykusi. Orientacijos į rytus tradicija, nors ir egzistavusi krikščioniškoje teologijoje kaip simbolinis prisikėlimo ir šviesos ženklas, per amžius keitėsi. Praktiniai sumetimai ir istorinių laikotarpių aktualijos galėjo daryti įtaką bažnyčių orientacijai. Tyrimo išvada: Lietuvoje orientavimasis pagal bažnyčių altoriaus kryptį nėra patikimas metodas siekiant susiorientuoti be kompaso, nes dauguma bažnyčių nėra orientuotos į rytus. Tai rodo, kad išlikėjams yra svarbu remtis patikimesniais orientavimosi be kompaso metodais.
Linear Wireless Sensor Networks as the Physical Layer of Smart Street Parking Systems
Authors: Popovic Goran , Ahmetspahic Almir , Djukanovic Goran
Published: January 2025

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) represent a set of different technologies that, in cooperation with each other, form the basis for the realization of the physical layer of the concept of smart cities. Miniaturization of sensor devices and decreasing energy consumption, both for data processing and for mutual communication, as well as simple implementation and low cost, make WSN indispensable for a large number of different applications. Many of the applications imply a linear infrastructure that is subject to monitoring, and as such requires a linear deployment of sensor nodes. This form of WSN represents a special class of networks that we call Linear Wireless Sensor Networks LWSN. In this paper, we will describe the characteristics of these networks, the problems that are specific, as well as possible applications, and we will pay special attention to the application of LWSN in smart street parking lots.
Panel Analysis in Function of Measuring the Impact of Higher Education on International Competitiveness of the Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Landika Mirjana , Račić Željko , Kondić Bogdana
Published: January 2025

An important aspect of the development and perspectives of the development of the socio-economic community refers to the level of coverage of the labor market with adequate staff in terms of expertise and competencies, which largely derive from the results of the educational process. Expressing and measuring the results of the educational process is a continuous and complex process, and requires the application of adequate methodology, such as a panel analysis model. The aim of the researchers is to examine the impact of higher education on appropriate macroeconomic indicators countries of the Western Balkans, which are not yet members of the European Union. The practice of such research has been formalized in Western European countries, where researchers have adequate access to the empirical material on which research is based, but also a standardized procedure for presenting appropriate indicators, which is not the case in the selected geographical area. The context of the educational process since the period of introduction and adoption of the determinants defined by the Bologna Declaration, is going through a turbulent process of transformation. The next turning point in the education system is justified by the pandemic caused by the COVID - 19 virus.
The Dependability and Safety Indicators of a Train Driver-Machine System
Authors: Shubinsky Igor , Rozenberg Efim , Boyarinova Natalia
Published: January 2025

The paper aims to assess the effect of the existing actions to assist a train driver in various operational situations, as well as to numerically evaluate the effect of such assistance on the resultant indicator of an error-free driver performance. The paper calculates and analyses the probability of at least one of the independent events or actions aimed at improving the quality of driver performance and reduction of the probability of error. The model of an environment was created, in which the probability of error-free driver performance is affected by a number of factors.
Big Data-Based Methods for Functional Safety Case Preparation
Authors: Rozenberg Efim , Olshansky Alexey , Ozerov Alexey
Published: January 2025

The paper aims to overview the opportunities, approaches and techniques of studying and ensuring functional safety of transportation systems, including those driverless, with the use of Big Data. Examples are provided of machine learning/Big Data application in analysing the functional safety of complex control/management systems in railway transportation. The paper proposes the concept of application of supervised artificial neural networks combined with model checking. The following methods were used in the preparation of the paper: system analysis, logical and comparative analysis and historical principle. Updated requirements are defined for transportation systems using artificial intelligence as part of adaptive train schedule management and autonomous train control. That will ultimately allow developing an entire line of research from AI-based system functional safety estimation and machine learning to safety case preparation of intelligent supervised control/management systems based on formal verification.
Digital Transformation as a Starter of the Creation of new Economic Business Models
Authors: Đalić Nataša , Erceg Živko
Published: January 2025

Digital transformation refers to major changes occurring in all sectors of the economy and society, as a result of the introduction and integration of digital technologies into every segment of human life. The subject of research work is the contribution of the process of digitization and digital transformation to the improvement of the business processes of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the sources of competitive advantage of modern companies is digital technology, which, due to the accelerated development of information and communication technologies, is changing the way of functioning and adapting to a more innovative way of doing business. The problem of research work manifests itself through the question of whether the application of digital technology and digitization affects the business operations of companies and the choice of their business strategy, and whether digital transformation can represent the strategic determination of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina in modern business conditions. The goal of the research is to investigate the meaning, characteristics, and role and functions of digitization and digital transformation in the business of the company. The paper will present a comparative analysis of the digitization process of business in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union.
Comparison of Agile and Devops Methodologies: Analysis of Efficiency, Flexibility, and Application in Software Development
Authors: Radovanović Vladimir , Krčadinac Olja , Perišić Jasmina , Milovanović Marina , Stanković Željko
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a concise overview of Agile and DevOps methodologies in software engineering. It aims to introduce readers to the fundamental principles of Agile and DevOps, accompanied by brief descriptions and practical examples. The advantages and disadvantages of each methodology are discussed, followed by a comparative analysis highlighting key differences. Understanding these methodologies is crucial in today’s IT landscape, as they are commonly employed in various organizations, impacting project management, team collaboration, and product delivery. This paper serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking a basic understanding of Agile and DevOps methodologies in software engineering.
Transforming Traffic Safety: Detection of Car-Pedestrian Contact Using Computer Vision Technologies
Authors: Radojčić Vesna , Dobrojević Miloš
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the integration of computer vision technologies to enhance traffic safety through the effective detection of car-pedestrian interactions. As urban environments become more congested, pedestrian safety remains a critical concern. The system’s performance was evaluated using real-life footage from vehicle-mounted cameras, as well as images and videos sourced from online platforms. These real-world scenarios enabled a detailed assessment of the system’s accuracy and efficiency in practical conditions. The study highlights the potential for significant improvements in traffic safety, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where over 38% of registered vehicles are older than 23 years, and nearly 62% exceed 14 years. The aging vehicle fleet heightens the risk of accidents, underscoring the need for advanced detection methods. The proposed system automates the identification of hazardous situations on roads, allowing timely responses from relevant authorities.
Comparative analysis parking spaces in the city of Gradiška
Authors: Đurčić Nikolina , Mikanović Boris R. , Bogdanović Vuk
Published: January 2025

We live in an era of global urbanization, which largely represents the expansion of existing cities and the creation of new ones, but at the same time the reduction of rural settlements. The number of people living in cities is increasing day by day. If the organization of the city is good, the work is done well, it has a predisposition to become a smart city. In order for a city to become smart, it needs to keep up with the times, follow trends, the development of technology, infrastructure, have intelligent transport systems and the like. Interruption of vehicle movement for a period of time longer than 3 minutes constitutes parking. A parking space is a limited part of the road intended for parking vehicles. It can be part of a garage, parking lot or street. A parking lot is a space intended exclusively for parking vehicles.
Fuel Cell Technologies in Automotive Applications
Authors: Injac Zoran , Drašković Danislav
Published: January 2025

This paper provides an analysis of the latest fuel cell technology through a general description and characteristics of the six most important fuel cell technologies, indicating their use and future development in the automotive industry.
Analysis of Traffic Accidents Caused by Overcome and Left Turn Actions in a Situation When the Vehicles Have Been Moved from the Face of the Place, and There Are no Tracks Found on the Road - A Case Study
Authors: Mihaljčić Goran , Mihaljčić Bojan
Published: January 2025

The basis for a high-quality analysis of a traffic accident lies in the detailed investigation documentation, which includes precisely defined fixed positions of the vehicle and associated tracks. However, we often face the problem when the participants after the accident move the vehicles from the scene of the event for the smooth flow of traffic, before the competent authorities carry out an investigation or the European accident report is filled out. An additional difficulty arises when there are no visible traces left on the road that could be linked to the place and manner of the accident, which makes it difficult for experts to provide expertise. In such situations, experts must apply non-standard accident analysis methods. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to present, through a practical example of the technical analysis of a real traffic accident, one of the approaches to traffic accident expertise that is characterized by the described problem. The subject of the work are traffic accidents caused by overtaking and left turning, as one of the most common situations in which vehicle collisions occur. The example shows the method of determining the location of a vehicle collision in a transverse sense, the creation of a time-space analysis, and the possibility of avoiding an accident in which the drivers moved the vehicles from the accident site, and no visible traces were left on the roadway.
Analyses of the Parking System in Velika Gorica
Authors: Slavulj Marko , Pavlek Hrvoje , Sikirić Matija , Vidan Luka
Published: January 2025

Because there are fewer available urban spaces and more cars on the road, parking is becoming an increasingly important component of urban design. The sustainability of urban transportation and traffic flows can be greatly impacted by parking management. By using zonal parking as a parking policy measure, the city of Velika Gorica has arranged parking in its region. The parking system was examined in detail. Citizens were surveyed to find out what they thought of the parking system. Public unhappiness with the current parking system was shown by the analysis, which indicated that pricing adjustments and the provision of preferred parking permits were necessary. In areas with high demand, parking capacity must be increased. Using a collaborative approach to address parking issues can enhance traffic regulations and lead to more space for sustainable modes of transportation and pedestrian zones.
NOMA-MIMO in 5G network: a detailed survey on enhancing data rate
Authors: Halabouni Murad , Roslee Mardeni , Mitani Sufian , Abuajwa Osama , Osman Anwar , binti Ali Fatimah Zaharah , Waseem Athar
Published: January 2025

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a technology that leverages user channel gains, offers higher spectral efficiency, improves user fairness, better cell-edge throughput, increased reliability, and low latency, making it a potential technology for the next generation of cellular networks. The application of NOMA in the power domain (NOMA-PD) with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and other emerging technologies allows to achieve the demand for higher data rates in next-generation networks. This survey aims to funnel down NOMA MIMO resource allocation issues and different optimization problems that exist in the literature to enhance the data rate. We examine the most recent NOMA-MIMO clustering, power allocation, and joint allocation schemes and analyze various parameters used in optimization methods to design 5G systems. We finally identify a promising research problem based on the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) parameter in the context of NOMA-PD with MIMO configuration.
Design and implementation of an intelligent sports management system (ISMS) using wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhu ZhiGuo
Published: January 2025

In recent years, growth in technology has significantly impacted various industries, including sports, health, e-commerce, and agriculture. Among these industries, the sports sector is experiencing significant transformation, which needs support in accurately monitoring athlete predicting and performance injuries arising due to traditional methods’ limitations. Keeping the above in mind, in this article, we present the Intelligent Sports Management System (ISMS) with the integration of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and neural networks (NNs), which enhance athlete monitoring and injury prediction. Our proposed ISMS consists of several layers: user interface, business logic layer, data management layer, integration layer, analytics and AI layer, IoT layer, and security layer. To facilitate interactions for athletes, coaches, and administrators, our planned ISMS integrates a user-friendly interface accessible through web and mobile applications. Besides, scheduling and event management are managed by the business logic layer. Similarly, the data management layer can process and store comprehensive data from various sources. To ensure smooth data exchange, the integration layer connects the ISMS with third-party services, and the analytics and AI layer leverages machine learning to provide actionable insights on performance and outcomes. In addition, the IoT layer collects real-time data from sensors and wearable devices, which is essential for performance analysis and injury prevention. Finally, the security layer ensures data integrity and confidentiality with robust encryption and access controls. To evaluate the system performance in different scenarios, we performed many experiments, which show that the proposed ISMS model shows the system efficacy in improving accuracy (0.94), specificity (0.97), recall (0.91), precision (0.93), F1 score (0.95), mean absolute error (MAE) (0.6), mean square error (MSE) (0.8), and root mean square error (RMSE) (0.9), compared to traditional methods. From these results, it is clear that our suggested approach improves athlete performance monitoring, injury prevention plans, and training schedules by presenting a complete and novel solution for recent sports management.
Analyzing the Impact of Environmental and Behavioral Factors on Flood Risk
Authors: Faradiba Faradiba
Published: January 2025

This study aims to analyze the impact of environmental conditions and community behavior on flood risk using OLS regression. Extreme weather changes that occur on Earth had a significant negative impact on various aspects of life. One of the main disasters caused by extreme weather is flooding. Flooding is exacerbated by neglectful behavior towards the environment. This study uses environmental data and community behavior in waste management as independent variables. In addition, this study uses flood disaster index data as the dependent variable. This study uses descriptive analysis and inferential analysis (Ordinary Least Square-OLS). Through OLS, it will be known how big the role and significance of the independent variable is on the dependent variable. Community participation is needed in managing waste and awareness of the dangers of living on riverbanks. The government also needs to discipline people who litter and provide waste disposal sites close to settlements in reasonable amounts. The government also needs to relocate people who still live on riverbanks, because indirectly community activities on riverbanks will trigger flooding.
Experiment on the Application of Polychromatic, Monochromatic, and Achromatic Educational Materials and Their Effect on Memory Recall
Authors: Torre Aijeane Dela , Remolleno Christine , Babao Angelina , Culajara Claire Lynn
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of polychromatic, monochromatic, and achromatic-based educational materials on memory recall. Specifically, it aims to evaluate which method notably influences retention.  The research, conducted with 45 college students, utilized true experiment research design measured in a between-subject approach, where participants were equally and randomly distributed to three groups: polychromatic, monochromatic, and achromatic. A structured memory recall test was administered after participants engaged with the study materials under their assigned conditions. Descriptive Statistics revealed that using polychromatic educational materials yields the highest average score in memory recall (M = 10.3, SD = 2.09). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant difference between the conditions (F=4.08, p=0.024). However, the post-hoc comparison test showed that only the use of polychromatic educational materials in contrast with the use of achromatic yielded a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020, d = 1.030) compared to the use of monochromatic against achromatic-based educational materials (p = 0.179, d = 0.660) and the use of polychromatic opposed to the use of monochromatic educational materials (p = 0.573, d = 0.370). Findings emphasized the significant role of color in facilitating memory recall, which is supported by existing literature. Limitations of the study include the colors of the materials used to highlight the information in the given passage, the setting where the experiment was conducted, and the number of participants involved. Moreover, the study contributes to the limited literature in the context of color psychology and provides insights for developing effective learning strategies.
Effects of Irrigation Depth and Interval on Reproductive and Yield Components of Cucumber in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Authors: B.A. Adeosun, , T.P. Abegunrin, , G.O. Awe, , O.E. Onofua, , F.A. Aderinto, , M.S. Motake, , P. Letuma, , D.O. Idowu, , M.A. Adejumobi, , T. B. Adebayo, , I.O. Adesoye,
Published: January 2025

Water scarcity is a challenge to agricultural productivity, especially in tropical regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the effects of different irrigation regimes on the reproductive and yield components of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The experiment employed a split-plot randomized block design with three deficit irrigation depths: D₁ [100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)], D₂ (85% ETc), and D₃ (70% ETc) as main plots and three irrigation intervals: I₁ (daily), I₂ (every 2 days), and I₃ (every 3 days) as sub-plots. Irrigation depth had minimal effect on days to first flowering, but three-day intervals significantly delayed flowering to 29 days. Moderate deficit irrigation (D₂) produced longer fruits (13.96 cm) compared to full irrigation (D1), while daily irrigation (I₁) resulted in significantly longer fruits (14.17 cm) than longer intervals. Unexpectedly, deficit irrigation (D₃) produced fruits with larger diameter (44.50 mm) compared to full irrigation (43.08 mm). Although not statistically significant, full irrigation (D₁) achieved the highest yield (8,738.79 kg/ha). The interaction between irrigation depth and interval revealed that treatment D₁ x I₁ (100% ETc with daily irrigation) produced the highest yield (9,774.54 kg/ha) and earliest flowering (26.92 days), while D₂ x I₃ resulted in the lowest yield (6,812.01 kg/ha). These results offer critical guidance for optimizing water use in cucumber farming, balancing fruit quality and yield in water-scarce environments.
Bioactive Phytochemicals for Human Monkeypox Outbreak
Authors: Khan Salem , Ray Ipseeta
Published: January 2025

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus that occurs primarily in central and western Africa. Nonetheless, it has recently spread internationally, garnering the attention of the scientific community to its own. For many years, medicinal plants and natural substances have been utilised to treat smallpox and chicken pox. They may also have anti-monkeypox viral properties. Therefore, we attempted to group all of the related information so that researchers could quickly access it and conduct studies to identify therapeutic approaches for the outbreak. This review article discusses the present global state of the monkeypox virus, including epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, and prophylaxis, as well as phytochemicals that have been studied computationally as possibly active ingredients against the virus. Studies showed that around 56 plant compounds were evaluated for antimonkeypox capability with top four candidates having higher binding affinity. Curcumin had the highest binding affinity, measuring -37.43 kcal/mol, followed by gedunin (-34.89 kcal/mol), piperine (-34.58 kcal/mol), and coumadin (-34.14 kcal/mol). Additionally, this study highlighted potential therapeutic targets for the monkeypox virus such as DdRp and AF2R profilin like protein. In its entirety, this article may help scientists find and analyse bioactive phytochemicals as well as drug targets for monkeypox virus pharmacotherapy.
Influence of Biochar and Amendment Application on Performance of Wheat in Sodic Soils
Authors: Chadha Divya , Sharma Vikas , Arya Vivak M. , Abrol Vikas , Bharat Rajeev , Singh Brajeshwar , Bhat Anju , Sharma Divya , Bhagat Vivek , Khenrab Stanzin , Banti
Published: January 2025

Soil sodicity poses significant challenges to agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, by deteriorating soil structure, reducing fertility, and constraining crop productivity. In the Ravi-Tawi Command area of Jammu, nearly 7,500 hectares of sodic soils limit wheat yields during the rabi season. This study evaluates the effects of biochar, farmyard manure (FYM), halophilic bioformulations, and gypsum, applied individually and synergistically, on the growth, yield, and physiological responses of wheat grown under sodic conditions. The application of acidified biochar at 5.0 t ha⁻¹ combined with FYM, Consortia, and 50% gypsum recommendation (F4 treatment) significantly improved growth and yield parameters, with plant height increasing from 19.97 cm (control) to 58.21 cm, grains per spike rising from 20.67 to 69.33, and grain yield improving from 15.13 q ha⁻¹ to 27.34 q ha⁻¹. These enhancements were attributed to improved soil structure, nutrient retention, and reduced sodium toxicity, fostering better nutrient uptake and plant growth. This research demonstrates the potential of integrated soil amendments in reclaiming sodic soils, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security in salt-affected regions.
Arima-Based Forecasting of Poultry Egg and Meat Prices in Key Markets of Karnataka
Authors: Honyal Arun Shivayogi , Mitrannavar D. H. , Hiremath G. M. , Nayak M. R. , G. K Anilkumar
Published: January 2025

Poultry production, a key contributor to India's agricultural sector, faces challenges such as price volatility, seasonal fluctuations and external market influences. Accurate price forecasting for poultry products like eggs and meat is crucial for stabilizing markets and ensuring the livelihood of stakeholders. This study employs the ARIMA (Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average) model to forecast egg and meat prices in Karnataka's major markets, including Bengaluru, Hubballi and Mysuru, using monthly price data from January 2017 to March 2025. The Box-Jenkins methodology was applied for model identification, estimation and diagnostic checking. The optimal models were selected based on the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), showing high forecast accuracy for meat prices in Hubballi (MAPE = 3.27%) and Bengaluru (MAPE = 4.54%), while egg prices in Bengaluru (MAPE = 7.12%) and Mysuru (MAPE = 7.51%) displayed higher variability, suggesting the influence of external factors not captured by the basic model. In Bengaluru market, poultry meat price is going to an increase from ₹271 to ₹277 per kg in the forecasted period. In Hubballi market the poultry meat price is going to decrease from ₹262 to ₹260 per kg in the forecasted period. In Bengaluru and Mysuru market egg price is going to decrease from ₹632 to ₹509 and ₹576 to ₹497 per 100 eggs. The forecast indicates a steady price increase in poultry meat price and fluctuation in egg prices, reflecting ongoing market dynamics. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of ARIMA models for market forecasting, while highlighting the need for refinement to consider factors affecting egg prices. The study underscores the value of such models in informed decision-making, market interventions and policy development to improve the stability and sustainability of Karnataka's poultry industry. The study suggests staking holders plan the production of meat and egging accordingly the price forecasted. The forecasting is based on the historic data so the price may vary due to external environment.
Health Care Support Worker Status, Health Behaviors, Mental Health, and Preventive Health Care Use
Authors: Jun Jin , Tubbs-Cooley Heather L. , Davis Matthew A.
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study compares the health behaviors, mental health status, and preventive health care usage of health care support workers (HSWs) with clinicians and the general population.
Retinal Hemorrhage Associated with Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis
Authors: Lynch Kathryn N. , Upadhyaya Bimala , Bhagat Riwaj
Published: December 2023

This case report describes a 51-year-old female with presented to the emergency department with high-grade fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diffuse arthralgias, and new-onset worsened vision that had developed over 3 days.
Household Health-Related Social Needs in Newborns and Infant Behavioral Functioning at 6 Months
Authors: Anyigbo Chidiogo , Liu Chunyan , Ehrlich Shelley , Reyner Allison , Ammerman Robert T. , Kahn Robert S.
Published: December 2023

Importance

Dysfunctional patterns of behavior during infancy can predict the emergence of mental health disorders later in childhood. The Baby Pediatric Symptom Checklist (BPSC) can identify indicators of behavioral disorders among children aged 0 to 18 months. Understanding the association of early health-related social needs (HRSNs) with poor infant behavioral functioning can inform interventions to promote early childhood mental well-being.

Objective

To examine the association between household HRSNs in the first 4 months of life and BPSC results at 6 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of longitudinal electronic health record data. Covariates were selected based on the biopsychosocial ecological model. Logistic regression analyses examined the association of HRSN domains and the number of HRSNs with the 6-month BPSC outcomes. Participants were recruited from 6 primary care clinics within 1 health system. Children aged 5 to 8 months who were evaluated for 6-month well-child visits between March 30, 2021, and June 30, 2022, were included in the study.

Exposure

Responses to the first HRSN screening tool that a caregiver completed for infants between 0 and 4 months of age. HRSN domains were examined individually and as the number of positive HRSNs.

Main Outcome and Measures

BPSC screen identified for clinical review due to 1 or more elevated subscales (inflexibility, irritability, and difficulty with routines) at 6 months.

Results

A total of 1541 children (mean [SD] age, 6.1 [0.5] months; 775 female [50.3%]) were included in the study. A total of 405 children (26.3%) had a BPSC screen identified for clinical review, and 328 caregivers (21.3%) reported at least 1 HRSN. Food insecurity (174 [11.3%]) and benefits issues (169 [11.0%]) were the most frequently reported HRSN. Children in households with food insecurity had statistically significant higher odds of inflexibility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.73; 95% CI, 1.14-2.63), difficulty with routines (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.05-2.57), and irritability (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.13-3.08) than children in households without food insecurity. Children in households with benefits issues had statistically significant higher odds of difficulty with routines (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.65) and irritability (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.03-2.82). Children in households with 2 or more HRSNs had consistently higher odds of having a BPSC screen identified for clinical review (aOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.38-3.39) compared with children with no HRSNs.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cohort study suggest that household food insecurity, benefits issues, and the number of HRSNs were significantly associated with a BPSC screen identified for clinical review at 6 months of age. These findings highlight the urgency of intervening on HRSNs in the newborn period to prevent adverse infant behavioral outcomes.
A new predictive parameter for dose‐volume metrics in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy planning for prostate cancer: Initial phantom study
Authors: Saito Yuki , Suzuki Ryusuke , Miyamoto Naoki , Sutherland Kenneth Lee , Kanehira Takahiro , Tamura Masaya , Mori Takashi , Nishioka Kentaro , Hashimoto Takayuki , Aoyama Hidefumi
Published: December 2023

Background

Organ‐at‐risk (OAR) sparing is often assessed using an overlap volume‐based parameter, defined as the ratio of the volume of OAR that overlaps the planning target volume (PTV) to the whole OAR volume. However, this conventional overlap‐based predictive parameter (COPP) does not consider the volume relationship between the PTV and OAR.

Purpose

We propose a new overlap‐based predictive parameter that consider the PTV volume. The effectiveness of proposed overlap‐based predictive parameter (POPP) is evaluated compared with COPP.

Methods

We defined as POPP = (overlap volume between OAR and PTV/OAR volume) × (PTV volume/OAR volume). We generated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) based on step and shoot technique, and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans with the Auto‐Planning module of Pinnacle3 treatment planning system (v14.0, Philips Medical Systems, Fitchburg, WI) using the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group (TG119) prostate phantom. The relationship between the position and size of the prostate phantom was systematically modified to simulate various geometric arrangements. The correlation between overlap‐based predictive parameters (COPP and POPP) and dose‐volume metrics (mean dose, V70Gy, V60Gy, and V37.5 Gy for rectum and bladder) was investigated using linear regression analysis.

Results

Our results indicated POPP was better than COPP in predicting intermediate‐dose metrics. The bladder results showed a trend similar to that of the rectum. The correlation coefficient of POPP was significantly greater than that of COPP in < 62 Gy (82% of the prescribed dose) region for IMRT and in < 55 Gy (73% of the prescribed dose) region for VMAT regarding the rectum (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

POPP is superior to COPP for creating predictive models at an intermediate‐dose level. Because rectal bleeding and bladder toxicity can be associated with intermediate‐doses as well as high‐doses, it is important to predict dose‐volume metrics for various dose levels. POPP is a useful parameter for predicting dose‐volume metrics and assisting the generation of treatment plans.
Tailored Design of a Water‐Based Nanoreactor Technology for Producing Processable Sub‐40 Nm 3D COF Nanoparticles at Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Llauradó‐Capdevila Gemma , Veciana Andrea , Guarducci Maria Aurora , Mayoral Alvaro , Pons Ramon , Hertle Lukas , Ye Hao , Mao Minmin , Sevim Semih , Rodríguez‐San‐Miguel David , Sorrenti Alessandro , Jang Bumjin , Wang Zuobin , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Nelson Bradley J. , Matheu Roc , Franco Carlos , Pané Salvador , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep
Published: December 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline materials with intrinsic porosity that offer a wide range of potential applications spanning diverse fields. Yet, the main goal in the COF research area is to achieve the most stable thermodynamic product while simultaneously targeting the desired size and structure crucial for enabling specific functions. While significant progress is made in the synthesis and processing of 2D COFs, the development of processable 3D COF nanocrystals remains challenging. Here, a water‐based nanoreactor technology for producing processable sub‐40 nm 3D COF nanoparticles at ambient conditions is presented. Significantly, this technology not only improves the processability of the synthesized 3D COF, but also unveils exciting possibilities for their utilization in previously unexplored domains, such as nano/microrobotics and biomedicine, which are limited by larger crystallites.
Piezoelectric Interlayer Enabling a Rechargeable Quasisolid‐State Sodium Battery at 0 °C
Authors: Ni Qing , Ding Yu , Wang Chengzhi , Bai Shiyin , Zhu Kunkun , Zhao Yongjie , Chen Lai , Li Ning , Li Jingbo , Su Yuefeng , Jin Haibo
Published: December 2023

Solid‐state sodium (Na) batteries (SSNBs) hold great promise but suffer from several major issues, such as high interfacial resistance at the solid electrolyte/electrode interface and Na metal dendrite growth. To address these issues, a piezoelectric interlayer design for an Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) solid electrolyte is proposed herein. Two typical piezoelectric films, AlN and ZnO, coated onto NZSP function as interlayers designed to generate a local stress‐induced field for alleviating interfacial charge aggregation coupling stress concentration and promoting uniform Na plating. The results reveal that the interlayer (ZnO) with matched modulus, high Na‐adhesion, and sufficient piezoelectricity can provide a favorable interphase. Low interfacial resistances of 91 and 239 Ω cm2 are achieved for the ZnO layer at 30 and 0 °C, respectively, which are notably lower than those for bare NZSP. Moreover, steady Na plating/stripping cycles are rendered over 850 and 4900 h at 0 and 30 °C, respectively. The superior anodic performance is further manifested in an Na2MnFe(CN)6‐based full cell which delivers discharge capacities of 125 mA h g−1 over 1600 cycles at 30 °C and 90 mA h g−1 over 500 cycles at 0 °C. A new interlayer‐design insight is clearly demonstrated for SSNBs breaking low‐temperature limits.
L‐Cysteine‐Encapsulated MXene Nanosheet Possessing Ultra‐Antioxidation in Aqueous Suspension for Electrophoretic Deposition Assisted Carbon‐Fiber‐Surface Modification
Authors: Huang Ling , Du Zheyuan , Tian Yanhong , Sun Jiangman , Li Jinglong , Xing Yue , Liang Xiubing , Zhang Xuejun
Published: December 2023

With recent progress in 2D materials, Ti3C2Tx MXene featured high metallic electrical conductivity, high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, and super in‐plane stiffness, exhibits unique advantages in many fields, but is rarely applied as a sizing agent in long‐time continuous processing of carbon fiber sizing because of its poor ambient stability in aqueous suspension. Herein, a new strategy to chemically encapsulate the reactive sites of MXene nanosheet with l‐cysteine for restricting the attacking of water and/or oxygen in aqueous suspension is proposed. Based on the ultra‐antioxidation, polarity, and electrical properties of l‐cysteine‐encapsulated Ti3C2Tx MXene (LC‐MX) nanosheet, the LC‐MX, even if aging for weeks in aqueous suspension, can be deposited on the surface of high‐modulus carbon fiber (HMCF) uniformly via the electrophoretic deposition assisted sizing. Benefiting from the enhanced surface energy, wettability, and roughness of LC‐MX‐sized HMCF (HMCF‐LCMX) relative to that of unsized one (U‐HMCF), the interfacial property of HMCF‐LCMX/epoxy (EP) composites is also improved, for which the interlayer shear strength (ILSS) of the composite reached 88.5 MPa, 52.8% higher than that of U‐HMCF/EP composite (57.9 MPa). This work makes an essential step toward the application of ultra‐stable MXene nanosheet suspension in large‐scale continuous carbon fiber sizing.
A TiC@TiO2‐C Support for Pt Catalysts to Boost the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Sun Xueqin , Qin Yanxi , Li Junfeng , Jin Guoqiang , Tong Xili , Yang Nianjun
Published: December 2023

The design of advanced supports to boost the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media is of great significance for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, TiC@TiO2‐C supports are prepared by the sol–gel method coupled with high‐temperature annealing. The obtained Pt/TiC@TiO2‐C catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR activity such as the half‐wave potential of 0.84 VRHE as well as strong electrochemical stability in 0.1 m HClO4 electrolyte, surpassing the Pt/TiO2‐C and Pt/C catalyst. This result is attributed to the electron transfer from the support to Pt nanoparticles accelerated by the TiC core, which optimizes the electronic structure of Pt to boost the ORR.
A meta‐analysis of U.S. food demand elasticities to detect the impacts of scanner data
Authors: Jeon Younghyeon , Hoang Hoa , Thompson Wyatt , Abler David
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates how scanner data affect demand elasticity estimates and develops methods for scientists to adapt estimated elasticities to analyses of specific policies. We conduct a meta‐analysis of U.S. demand elasticities and find evidence that scanner data generate statistically different elasticities, with more elastic demand than other data types. Own‐price elasticity estimates from household scanner quantity data appear to be more elastic than other quantity types. Household‐level estimates using retail scanner price data, as proxies for prices, tend to be more price‐elastic than other price types. These results suggest caution or adjustment when selecting elasticities for policy analysis.