bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUKTURASI KEKUASAAN DAN KEKERASAN SIMBOLIK DALAM NOVEL ANAK SEMUA BANGSA KARYA PRAMOEDYA ANANTA TOER PERSPEKTIF PIERRE BOURDIEU
Authors: Kepakisan Ni Kadek Arie Cahyani , Aji Gabriel Fajar Sasmita
Published: July 2023

Abstract : In this study focuses on the aim of describing the structuration of power and symbolic violence seen in the novel “Anak Semua Bangsa” by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. As cultural phenomena as the novel has the emphasis, those coflicts are found part of human daily lives.Even, from the title, “Anak Semua Bangsa,” the novel depicts general view dealing with the phenomena. This study employs Pierre Bourdieu’s perspective to identify the two phenomena. The research method is a descriptive method. Sources of data are quotes, sentences and paragraphs contained in the novel “Anak Semua Bangsa” by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Data analysis techniques are carried out by identifying, analyzing, describing and concluding the results. Based on the findings and discussion, it was revealed that the novel conveyed power structuration, proven by the following angles: (1) from the four capitals, i.e. economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capitals, and the most influential of these is the economic capital; (2) the symbolic violence, which is in the form of euphemisms and sensory mechanism, is committed by the actor who possesses the dominant social capital. The most of the symbolic violence are committed by actors who process the social capital such as parents to their children and other social relationships.

.

Keywords: Power Structuration, Symbolic Violence, Anak Semua Bangsa, Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Abstrak : Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mendeskripsikan strukturasi kekuasaan dan kekerasan simbolik yang terjadi dalam novel Anak Semua Bangsa karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Penelitian ini fokus kepada 1) Strukturasi Kekuasaan dan 2) Kekerasan Simbolik dalam Novel Anak Semua Bangsa karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Penelitian ini menggunakan perspektif Pierre Bourdieu untuk menemukan strukturasi kekuasaan dan kekerasan simbolik. Metode penelitian adalah metode deskriptif. Sumber data adalah kutipan, kalimat dan paragraf yang terdapat dalam novel Anak Semua Bangsa karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Teknik análisis data dilakukan dengan cara mengidentifikasi, menganalisis, mendeskripsikan dan menyimpulkan hasil análisis data. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan pembahasan dapat disimpulkan bahwa pertama terdapat strukturasi kekuasaan dalam novel Anak Semua Bangsa karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer yakni (1) adanya keempat modal di dalam novel tersebut yakni modal ekonomi, modal sosial, modal budaya dan simbolik. Namun, modal yang paling berpengaruh yakni modal ekonomi. Kedua (2) kekerasan simbolik dalam novel Anak Semua Bangsa karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer menggunakan mekanisme eufemisme dan sensorik. Kekerasan simbolik yang paling banyak terjadi yakni kekerasan simbolik yang dilakukan oleh para aktor pemilik modal sosial seperti orang tua terhadap anakny a dan hubungan sosial lainnya.

Kata kunci: Strukturasi Kekuasaan, Kekerasan Simbolik, Anak Semua Bangsa, Pramoedya Ananta Toer
ANALISIS FORMALISME PADA NOVEL AYAH KARYA ANDREA HIRATA
Authors: Botifar Maria , Zulyani Nuriza
Published: July 2023

Discussions about efforts to understand literary works are still being developed today. To understand a work as a whole, there are many aspects that can be observed. One of them is understanding the tools and language used in literary works. Formalism is a school that was born in Russia as a form of opposition to the theoretical approach of previous literary works. According to the school of Formalism, there are two elements that can be studied in literary works related to internal mechanics and the language used in literary works. Internal mechanics examines literary works by looking at the structure and style of language used as a tool in constructing a literary work. Meanwhile, the analysis of the language of literary works is related to the defamiliarization technique used by the author in creating a story. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive techniques. In order to collect data, researchers used literature study with content analysis method. Sources of research data were taken from excerpts of sentences contained in the novel Ayah by Andrea Hirata. To perform data analysis, researchers used data triangulation which consisted of data collection, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate that the novel Ayah by Andrea Hirata contains elements of internal mechanics and good literary language in accordance with the theory of Formalism..
Fisheries and fishing boat building traditions in Egypt during the Islamic period
Authors: Osman Yomna M.
Published: July 2023

There is a lack of information about fisheries and fishing boat building traditions in Egypt during the Islamic era (starting18 AH /639 AD/CE), as most sources from this period only focus on commercial or military activities. Therefore, this research refers to the types of boats that were recorded by foreign travelers to Egypt during the period under study. This report highlights that the use of rafts continued in Egypt throughout the Islamic era, as illustrated by Captain Frederick Ludwig Norden the Younger during his travels on the Nile with the Danish Navy in 1737. He noted that the Egyptians used rafts for fishing and for crossing the Nile. In addition, papyrus boats were widely used for fishing and river crossings in the ancient pharaonic era, a tradition that continued into the Islamic period. Finally, wooden boats were also built for the purpose of fishing.
Türkiye’de Üst Kademe Kamu Yöneticisi Yetiştirilmesi Üzerine Bir Araştırma: Ankara İli Örneği
Authors: AKI Özlem , ERKUL Hüseyin
Published: July 2023

Üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin yetiştirilmesi devlet olgusunun ortaya çıkışıyla başlamış bir süreçtir. Devletler değişen ve gelişen dünyada varlıklarını sürdürebilmek ve ülkedeki yönetimsel, ekonomik, siyasal ve toplumsal birlikteliği sağlamak amacıyla üst kademe yöneticilerinin yetiştirilmesi için bir yandan eğitim kurumları kurarken bir yandan da seçme ve devlete bağlılık kriterleri geliştirmişlerdir. “Türkiye’de Üst Kademe Kamu Yöneticilerinin Yetiştirilmesi” başlıklı çalışmada üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin yetiştirilmesi tarihsel süreç içerisinde incelenmiş, örnek yöneticiler ve yöneticilik özellikleri hakkında bilgiler verilmiş, Türkiye’de üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin eğitimi, programları ve öğreticilerle, eğitim kurumları nitel ve nicel yöntemler ile incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın amacı; Türkiye’deki üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin yetiştirilmesi ile ilgili tarihsel sürecin incelenerek, günümüz üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin yetiştirilmesi ile ilgili yapılan uygulamaların karşılaştırılarak tespit edilmesi, tarihsel süreçteki başarılı yöneticilerin kişisel ve yönetsel özellikleri ortaya konularak, günümüz üst kademe kamu yöneticilerine örnek teşkil etmesinin sağlanmasıdır. Nitel ve nicel yöntemler kullanılarak yapılan araştırma sonucunda; Ankara İli merkezi yönetim kurumlarında görev yapan üst kademe kamu yöneticilerinin yöneticilik eğitimini çoğunlukla almadıkları ve yöneticilik mesleğini deneme-sınama yoluyla yürüttükleri durum tespiti yapılmıştır.
Utilization of deep learning architectures for MIMO detection
Authors: KARAHAN Sümeye Nur , KALAYCIOĞLU Aykut
Published: July 2023

Applications of deep learning in communications systems are becoming popular today with their powerful solutions to complex problems. This study considers the utilization of deep learning detectors for small-scale multiple-input multiple-output systems. Deep neural network, long short-term memory, and one-dimenisonal convolutional neural network architectures are discussed and the bit error rate performances of these deep learning based detectors are compared with the optimal maximum likelihood and sub-optimal minimum mean square error detectors. Simulation results show that the deep neural network architecture has the best detection performance among the discussed deep learning detectors and may outperform the sub-optimal minimum mean square error detector. For small-scale multiple-input multiple-output systems, the performance of the deep learning based detector is close to that of the optimal detector.
A study on non-linear discrete-time state-space models and adaptive extended Kalman filter application on oscillatıon of an object tied to the end of spring
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Fikri , ÖZBEK Levent
Published: July 2023

In this work, Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF) is introduced and its use for oscillation of an object connected to the end of a spring is shown. As a new approach, an AEKF is used as a nonlinear estimation tool for online estimation of the states and parameters of an oscillating object attached to the end of a spring model. Parameter states that do not change with time were examined. The simulation results revealed that with proper selection of initial values of AEKF, AEKF is a very useful tool for this particular application.
Shear-induced acquired von Willebrand syndrome: an accomplice of bleeding events in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Wang Haiwang , Li Duo , Chen Yuansen , Liu Ziquan , Liu Yanqing , Meng Xiangyan , Fan Haojun , Hou Shike
Published: July 2023

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an increasingly acceptable life-saving mechanical assistance system that provides cardiac and/or respiratory support for several reversible or treatable diseases. Despite important advances in technology and clinical management, bleeding remains a significant and common complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Some studies suggest that acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is one of the etiologies of bleeding. It is caused by shear-induced deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is an important glycoprotein for hemostasis that acts as a linker at sites of vascular injury for platelet adhesion and aggregation under high shear stress. AVWS can usually be diagnosed within 24 h after initiation of ECMO and is always reversible after explantation. Nonetheless, the main mechanism for the defect in the VWF multimers under ECMO support and the association between AVWS and bleeding complications remains unknown. In this review, we specifically discuss the loss of VWF caused by shear induction in the context of ECMO support as well as the current diagnostic and management strategies for AVWS.
Study on the safety and effectiveness of low-dose vs. regular-dose fondaparinux in preventing venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Ping-bo , Wang Jing , Wang Lei , Xiong Shou-liang , Wang Chao , Yang Xin , Li Cong-ming , Wang Qiang , Zhang Yin-chang
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-dose (1.5 mg) fondaparinux for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

We retrospectively identified 314 patients who carried out the primary TKAs and received fondaparinux for VTE chemoprophylaxis between July 2020 and December 2021. A total of 141 TKA patients were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. Two groups of patients were established: the low-dose group included 84 patients who injected 1.5 mg of fondaparinux, and the regular-dose group included 89 patients who injected 2.5 mg of fondaparinux. The pre-operative blood analysis and coagulation assays were performed. The surgical time, the incidence of symptomatic VET, blood loss, wound complication, bleeding, drainage, and mortality of patients were determined and assessed.

Results

The pre-operative blood analysis, body mass index, sex, age, and coagulation assays of patients in both groups were comparable. In terms of symptomatic pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, there was no significant difference (variation) between the two groups. However, patients in both groups showed a substantial difference in terms of blood loss, drain volume, wound complication, and transfusion rate.

Conclusion

In prevention of VET in patients post-TKA, low-dose fondaparin is as effective as conventional dose fondaparinux. A significant decrease in blood loss, post-surgical transfusion rates, and wound complications were detected in patients given low-dose fondaparinux compared to those receiving regular-dose fondaparinux.
P2y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 1–3 months dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yu Yanqiao , Pan Deng , Bai Ruina , Luo Jinwen , Tan Yu , Duan Wenhui , Shi Dazhuo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), whether short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by P2Y12 inhibitors confers benefits compared with standard DAPT remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 1–3 months of DAPT followed by P2Y12 monotherapy in patients with CAD and CKD undergoing PCI.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after a 1–3 months DAPT vs. DAPT in patients with CAD and CKD after PCI. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target-vessel revascularization, and stroke. The safety outcome was the major bleeding events, defined as a composite of TIMI major bleeding or Bleeding Academic Research and Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a fixed- or random-effects model depending on the heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Four RCTs including 20,468 patients (2,833 patients with CKD and 17,635 without CKD) comparing P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with DAPT were included in our meta-analysis. Patients with CAD and CKD had higher risk of ischemic and bleeding events. P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 1–3 months of DAPT significantly reduced the risk of major bleeding compared to DAPT in CKD patients (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0.95, P = 0.02) and non-CKD patients (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.89, P = 0.01). No significant difference regarding MACEs between P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and DAPT was found in CKD patients (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.59–1.31, P = 0.53) and non-CKD (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.79–1.04, P = 0.17).

Conclusion

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 1–3 months of DAPT was an effective strategy for lowering major bleeding complications without increasing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD and CKD undergoing PCI as compared with DAPT

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42022355228.
Teacher assessment literacy: a systematic review
Authors: Pastore Serafina
Published: July 2023

Teacher assessment literacy, generally defined as a set of knowledge and skills a teacher needs to effectively enact assessment in the classroom, has been a priority in the educational policy and educational research agenda for decades. For a long time, it has been identified with standardized measurement and classroom testing. The interest in this topic is related not only to the accountability pressures and the identification of assessment as a lever for school and system reform but also to the need for teachers to support student learning by developing and implementing responsive assessments within their classrooms. Considerable efforts have been made to prepare novice and expert teachers in understanding how to deal with aspects of assessment practice and how to use the assessment results. Although the research on teacher assessment literacy is quite wide, it continues to demonstrate how teachers struggle with assessment, especially when they are required to transfer new approaches and theories into the actual classroom context. This systematic review synthetizes the literature on teacher assessment literacy considering how it has been defined and studied over the last 10 years (2013–2022). Documenting and comparing the different expressions and definitions of assessment literacy used in the 42 selected studies, this systematic review offers a detailed overview of the changes that occurred in the conceptualizations of assessment literacy. Along with the analysis of the theoretical/conceptual frameworks and research methods used to investigate teacher assessment literacy, the scrutiny of its foundational components represents a useful base to orient pre- and in-service teacher education. Against the backdrop of strengths and weaknesses of this review, research priorities and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
The use and abuse of forced migration and displacement as a weapon of war
Authors: Simeon James C.
Published: July 2023

It is undeniable that forced migration and displacement is a “weapon of war.” To understand the ever-escalating refugee crisis in the world today and how it might be addressed, it is necessary to examine its “root cause(s).” Organized political violence in the form of either war or protracted armed conflict or oppressive dictatorial authoritarianism or totalitarianism are the prime drivers of forced migration and displacement in the world today. The most recent statistics on the world's forcibly displaced demonstrates their direct correlation to war and protracted armed conflict. The vast bulk of the world's forcibly displaced come from war torn countries. What is too often ignored in the academic literature on refugees and forced migration is that civilian non-combatants are often used as “weapons of war.” Mary Kaldor's “new wars” thesis is premised on the notion that wars and protracted armed conflicts defy solution because it is in the interest of the opposing combatants to continue the fighting, consequently, wars are characterized as “endless.” This has obvious implications for the continuous increase in the number of forced migrants in the world today. And, further, the “new wars” thesis postulates that civilian non-combatants are deliberately targeted during protracted armed conflicts or wars. Kelly Greenhill has presented evidence that “coercive engineered migration” is utilized to a State's advantage over another State. The weaponization of civilian non-combatants is a trigger for mass forced migration. Three recent cases dealing with genocide are offered as illustrations: Bosnia; Rwanda; and the Syria Civil War, with the Sieges at Homs and Aleppo. The article concludes with the consideration of the “endless cycle of war” that includes forced migration, smuggling, human trafficking, and other international crimes such as dealing in drugs and arms. All these elements are inter-connected and feed off each other and to be able to break this “endless cycle of war,” there must be a concerted and simultaneous effort to address all these things together. Only by doing so can we ever hope to achieve a “sustainable peace” and thereby end the use and abuse of forced migration and displacement as a “weapon of war.”
Case report: Medical treatment for limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency in patients treated for glaucoma
Authors: Nakakura Shunsuke , Maruoka Sachiko , Chikama Taiichiro , Nagata Yuki , Terao Etsuko , Ueda Kanae , Dote Saki , Oogi Satomi
Published: July 2023

Limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is an abnormal corneal epithelial lesion with several causes. The patient was diagnosed using fluorescein staining. Bullous keratopathy, multiple surgeries, and drug-related damage can cause LSCD in glaucoma patients. We evaluated the medical treatment course for LSCD in patients with glaucoma. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with LSCD and investigated their background, course of treatment, and classification stages of LSCD before and after treatment. The global consensus classification system (stages IA–C, IIA–B, and III) proposed by Deng et al. (Cornea 2020) was used. Seven patients (two males) and eight eyes were studied. The median age of the patients was 82 years, and the mean duration of glaucoma treatment was 8 years. The patients had open-angle glaucoma (four eyes), exfoliation glaucoma (one eye), neovascular glaucoma (one eye), normal tension glaucoma (one eye), and uveitic glaucoma (one eye). Stage classifications at diagnosis were stage IA in four eyes and stages IC, IIA, IIB, and III in one eye each. All treatments were carried out with dry eye drops, steroid eye drops, and antibiotics. The mean duration of treatment was 1.4 years. The classifications at the time of the final visit were normal corneal epithelium (three eyes), stage IA (two eyes), IIA (one eye), and III (two eyes). Three eyes (37%) improved by more than one stage and one eye deteriorated by more than one stage. LSCD is long-lasting and difficult to treat in a short period; thus, it requires careful medical attention.
Prognostic value of integrated morphofunctional imaging methods in inoperable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Nanni Cristina , Mosconi Cristina , Dragonetti Valentino , Barakat Massimo , Fraccascia Nicola , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Brocchi Stefano , Palloni Andrea , Paccapelo Alexandro , Brandi Giovanni , Fanti Stefano
Published: July 2023

Introduction and aim

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a disease characterized by rarity, heterogeneity, and high mortality, where surgical resection is often not possible. Nowadays, due to the recent introduction of new therapeutic options such as trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE), it is increasingly important to define the role of morphofunctional imaging methods for the prognostic stratification of patients affected by iCCA. The aim of the study was to verify the prognostic value of morphofunctional imaging methods at the baseline in patients with inoperable iCCA.

Methods

In total, 45 patients with iCCA were sent to our center between January 2016 and March 2021 for being evaluated to be treated with TARE. All of them underwent both [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) in a single procedure and were included in our study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a diagnosis of inoperable iCCA; both [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and ceCT scans; and washout from therapy for at least 2 months before baseline [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and ceCT scans. Both clinical and laboratory data and baseline imaging data (ceCT and [18F]-FDG-PET/CT) were collected. In particular, regarding clinical and laboratory data, we collected overall survival (OS), gender, age, prior therapies, liver function indices, and tumor markers. Regarding ceCT, we collected TNM staging, lesion diameter, volume, vascularization, and presence of intravascular necrosis. Regarding [18F]-FDG-PET/CT, we collected TNM staging, Standard-Uptake-Value max (SUVmax), Metabolic-Tumor-Volume (MTV), and Total-Lesion-Glycolysis (TLG=MTV*lesions SUVmean). Philips-Vue-PACS software was used, setting hepatic SUVmean as TLG threshold.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was found between some examined parameters at morphofunctional investigations at the baseline and OS. [18F]-FDG-PET/CT parameters statistically correlated with OS were the stage of disease greater than M0 (p = 0.037), major lesion SUVmax (p = 0.010), MTV (p ≤ 0.001), and TLG (p < 0.001). Other parameters at ceCT correlated with OS were the stage of disease greater than T2 (p = 0.038), maximum lesion diameter (p = 0.07), volume of the major lesion (p = 0.016), and total volume of lesions (p = 0. 009). Biochemical parameters correlated with OS were gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT, p = 0.014), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, p = 0.019), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, p = 0.004), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9, p < 0.001). From the parameters estimated by the multivariate model, we derived a four-variable score for OS combining nodal involvement and SUVmax at [18F]-FDG-PET/CT, GGT, and CA 19-9 levels.

Conclusion

Considering our data, performing integrated pre-therapy imaging is critical for the prognostic stratification of patients with iCCA.
Complexity of temperature dependence in methanogenic microbial environments
Authors: Conrad Ralf
Published: July 2023

There is virtually no environmental process that is not dependent on temperature. This includes the microbial processes that result in the production of CH4, an important greenhouse gas. Microbial CH4 production is the result of a combination of many different microorganisms and microbial processes, which together achieve the mineralization of organic matter to CO2 and CH4. Temperature dependence applies to each individual step and each individual microbe. This review will discuss the different aspects of temperature dependence including temperature affecting the kinetics and thermodynamics of the various microbial processes, affecting the pathways of organic matter degradation and CH4 production, and affecting the composition of the microbial communities involved. For example, it was found that increasing temperature results in a change of the methanogenic pathway with increasing contribution from mainly acetate to mainly H2/CO2 as immediate CH4 precursor, and with replacement of aceticlastic methanogenic archaea by thermophilic syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria plus thermophilic hydrogenotrophic methanogenic archaea. This shift is consistent with reaction energetics, but it is not obligatory, since high temperature environments exist in which acetate is consumed by thermophilic aceticlastic archaea. Many studies have shown that CH4 production rates increase with temperature displaying a temperature optimum and a characteristic apparent activation energy (Ea). Interestingly, CH4 release from defined microbial cultures, from environmental samples and from wetland field sites all show similar Ea values around 100 kJ mol−1 indicating that CH4 production rates are limited by the methanogenic archaea rather than by hydrolysis of organic matter. Hence, the final rather than the initial step controls the methanogenic degradation of organic matter, which apparently is rarely in steady state.
Brain network analysis reveals convergent and divergent aberrations between mild stroke patients with cortical and subcortical infarcts during cognitive task performing
Authors: Xu Mengru , Qian Linze , Wang Sujie , Cai Huaying , Sun Yi , Thakor Nitish , Qi Xuchen , Sun Yu
Published: July 2023

Although consistent evidence has revealed that cognitive impairment is a common sequela in patients with mild stroke, few studies have focused on it, nor the impact of lesion location on cognitive function. Evidence on the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of mild stroke and lesion location on cognitive function is limited. This prompted us to conduct a comprehensive and quantitative study of functional brain network properties in mild stroke patients with different lesion locations. Specifically, an empirical approach was introduced in the present work to explore the impact of mild stroke-induced cognitive alterations on functional brain network reorganization during cognitive tasks (i.e., visual and auditory oddball). Electroencephalogram functional connectivity was estimated from three groups (i.e., 40 patients with cortical infarctions, 48 patients with subcortical infarctions, and 50 healthy controls). Using graph theoretical analysis, we quantitatively investigated the topological reorganization of functional brain networks at both global and nodal levels. Results showed that both patient groups had significantly worse behavioral performance on both tasks, with significantly longer reaction times and reduced response accuracy. Furthermore, decreased global and local efficiency were found in both patient groups, indicating a mild stroke-related disruption in information processing efficiency that is independent of lesion location. Regarding the nodal level, both divergent and convergent node strength distribution patterns were revealed between both patient groups, implying that mild stroke with different lesion locations would lead to complex regional alterations during visual and auditory information processing, while certain robust cognitive processes were independent of lesion location. These findings provide some of the first quantitative insights into the complex neural mechanisms of mild stroke-induced cognitive impairment and extend our understanding of underlying alterations in cognition-related brain networks induced by different lesion locations, which may help to promote post-stroke management and rehabilitation.
The impact of livestock interventions on nutritional outcomes of children younger than 5 years old and women in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Muema Josphat , Mutono Nyamai , Kisaka Stevens , Ogoti Brian , Oyugi Julius , Bukania Zipporah , Daniel Tewoldeberhan , Njuguna Joseph , Kimani Irene , Makori Anita , Omulo Sylvia , Boyd Erin , Osman Abdal Monium , Gwenaelle Luc , Jost Christine , Thumbi SM
Published: July 2023

Background

Nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions have the potential to improve the nutrition of communities that are dependent on livestock for their livelihoods by increasing the availability and access to animal-source foods. These interventions can also boost household income, improving purchasing power for other foods, as well as enhance determinants of health. However, there is a lack of synthesized empirical evidence of the impact and effect of livestock interventions on diets and human nutritional status in Africa.

Objective

To review evidence of the effectiveness of nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions in improving diets and nutritional status in children younger than 5 years old and in pregnant and lactating women.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies reporting on the effect of livestock interventions on maternal and child nutrition in Africa. Data were extracted, synthesized, and summarized qualitatively. Key outcomes were presented in summary tables alongside a narrative summary. Estimation of pooled effects was undertaken for experimental studies with nutritional outcomes of consumption of animal-source foods (ASFs) and minimum dietary diversity (MDD). Fixed effects regression models and pooled effect sizes were computed and reported as odds ratios (ORs) together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

After the screening, 29 research papers were included in the review, and of these, only 4 were included in the meta-analysis. We found that nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions have a significant positive impact on the consumption of ASFs for children < 5 years (OR = 5.39; 95% CI: 4.43–6.56) and on the likelihood of meeting minimum dietary diversity (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51–2.37). Additionally, the impact of livestock interventions on stunting, wasting, and being underweight varied depending on the type of intervention and duration of the program/intervention implementation. Therefore, because of this heterogeneity in reporting metrics, the pooled estimates could not be computed.

Conclusion

Nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions showed a positive effect in increasing the consumption of ASFs, leading to improved dietary diversity. However, the quality of the evidence is low, and therefore, more randomized controlled studies with consistent and similar reporting metrics are needed to increase the evidence base on how nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions affect child growth outcomes.
Association between dietary antioxidant quality score and severity of coronavirus infection: a case–control study
Authors: Aghajani Mobina , Wong Alexei , Azimi Mehdi , Harijani Shadmehr Mirdar
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and the severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present case–control study was carried out on 295 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (≥18 years old), including 104 critical patients (Intensive care unit [ICU] admission) and 191 COVID-19 patients without severe complications (Non-intensive care unit [Non-ICU] patients) as cases. Dietary intake was assessed by a 147-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the considered risk factors. Our outcomes (after multivariate adjustment) suggested that higher adherence to DAQS was significantly associated with a decreased risk of COVID-19 infection severity (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04–0.29, p < 0.001). Similar results were seen when analyzed by sex [men (OR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.002–0.15, p < 0.001) and women (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.68, p = 0.012)]. A significant association between vitamin D3 intake and decreased risk of COVID-19 severity (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89–0.94, p < 0.001) was also observed. Moreover, multivariate results revealed that there were no significant associations between vitamin C (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.067), vitamin E (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.86–1.11, p = 0.798), zinc (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.86–1.20, p = 0.805), and selenium (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.077) intakes with the risk of COVID-19 severity. However, subgroup analyses by sex suggested a significant association between vitamin C intake and the risk of COVID-19 infection severity in women (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p = 0.028). Our findings showed a negative association between DAQS adherence and the risk of COVID-19 infection severity. Our results may be used to develop potential dietary therapies to decrease COVID-19 severity.
Nutritional assessment of nixtamalized maize tortillas produced from dry masa flour, landraces, and high yield hybrids and varieties
Authors: Acosta-Estrada Beatriz A. , Serna-Saldívar Sergio O. , Chuck-Hernández Cristina
Published: July 2023

In the scientific literature there are different analyses of the nutritional profiles of maize tortillas, whether they are landraces or hybrid maize versus those made with dry masa flour (DMF). In general terms, there is agreement in the reported content of moisture. However, for the other nutrients, a great disparity is reported for each type of tortilla which may be due to various factors such as the type of maize or processing methods. In this study, the nutritional aspects of maize tortillas made with different genotypes (five hybrids, two varieties, five landraces, six hybrid mixtures and six dry masa flours) under controlled conditions, were compared. More than 30 characteristics were analyzed. High performance hybrids and varieties (HPHV) and landraces had the highest (p < 0.05) antioxidant capacity (58.8% free, 150.2% bound). In terms of vitamins contents, the tortillas produced from DMF contained 11.2 and 3.5 times more B1, 18.6 and 7.8 times more B2, and 2.7 and 5.3 times more B3 than HPHV and landraces respectively; and only in these samples was detected folic acid. DMF tortilla samples contained 1.75 times more sodium and 2.75 times more iron than the other groups, and 0.75 times less calcium than HPHV. Zinc was present in higher concentration (p < 0.05) in DMF tortilla samples. The landraces had the highest protein content (average 10.28%), but the tortillas produced from DMF presented the highest protein quality evaluated by protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) (p < 0.05) that represents 27, 25 and 19% more than hybrids mixture, HPHV and landraces, respectively. This work gives valuable information on how different types of grains differ in the nutritional quality affecting the final product to provide more elements in the decision-making of processors. There is no a perfect maize, but there are genotypes that can be combined as mixtures and the processing method to design superior nutritional tortillas and related products for populations that highly consume them and improve their human health.
Digital technology for health shows disparities in cancer prevention between digital health technology users and the general population in Romania
Authors: Pana Bogdan C. , Ciufu Nicolae , Ciufu Carmen , Furtunescu Florentina L. , Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Mazilu Laura
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Digital health services and technology are rapidly developing following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the differences between users of digital health technology (DHT) and the general population with regard to cancer prevention.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational study on a conventional sample of 270 DHT users with completed data, performed in September 2021.

Results

A significant difference was observed in the proportion of DHT users and the general population reporting the screening test results, which was 2–6 times higher in the DHT group. Digital technologies applied to the “self-care” model were more suitable for internet-literate populations.

Discussion

Including digital technologies in a self-care model may be more suitable for internet-literate individuals. Thus, in a preventative health organizational framework, DHT should be integrated and used at the primary care level in the general population to improve disparities in the preventative health domain.
Deep learning auto-segmentation on multi-sequence magnetic resonance images for upper abdominal organs
Authors: Amjad Asma , Xu Jiaofeng , Thill Dan , Zhang Ying , Ding Jie , Paulson Eric , Hall William , Erickson Beth A. , Li X. Allen
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Multi-sequence multi-parameter MRIs are often used to define targets and/or organs at risk (OAR) in radiation therapy (RT) planning. Deep learning has so far focused on developing auto-segmentation models based on a single MRI sequence. The purpose of this work is to develop a multi-sequence deep learning based auto-segmentation (mS-DLAS) based on multi-sequence abdominal MRIs.

Materials and methods

Using a previously developed 3DResUnet network, a mS-DLAS model using 4 T1 and T2 weighted MRI acquired during routine RT simulation for 71 cases with abdominal tumors was trained and tested. Strategies including data pre-processing, Z-normalization approach, and data augmentation were employed. Additional 2 sequence specific T1 weighted (T1-M) and T2 weighted (T2-M) models were trained to evaluate performance of sequence-specific DLAS. Performance of all models was quantitatively evaluated using 6 surface and volumetric accuracy metrics.

Results

The developed DLAS models were able to generate reasonable contours of 12 upper abdomen organs within 21 seconds for each testing case. The 3D average values of dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean distance to agreement (MDA mm), 95 percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95% mm), percent volume difference (PVD), surface DSC (sDSC), and relative added path length (rAPL mm/cc) over all organs were 0.87, 1.79, 7.43, -8.95, 0.82, and 12.25, respectively, for mS-DLAS model. Collectively, 71% of the auto-segmented contours by the three models had relatively high quality. Additionally, the obtained mS-DLAS successfully segmented 9 out of 16 MRI sequences that were not used in the model training.

Conclusion

We have developed an MRI-based mS-DLAS model for auto-segmenting of upper abdominal organs on MRI. Multi-sequence segmentation is desirable in routine clinical practice of RT for accurate organ and target delineation, particularly for abdominal tumors. Our work will act as a stepping stone for acquiring fast and accurate segmentation on multi-contrast MRI and make way for MR only guided radiation therapy.
New hope for tumor immunotherapy: the macrophage-related “do not eat me” signaling pathway
Authors: Deng Han , Wang Guan , Zhao Shengyan , Tao Yiran , Zhang Zhixiong , Yang Jinliang , Lei Yi
Published: July 2023

The “do not eat me” signaling pathway is extremely active in tumor cells, providing a means for these cells to elude macrophage phagocytosis and escape immune surveillance. Representative markers of this pathway, such as CD47 and CD24, are highly expressed in numerous tumors. The interaction of SIRPα with CD47 reduces the accumulation of non-myosin ⅡA on the cell membrane. The combination of CD24 and Siglec10 ultimately leads to the recruitment of SHP-1 or SHP-2 to reduce signal transduction. Both of them weaken the ability of macrophages to engulf tumor cells. Blocking the mutual recognition between CD47-SIRPα or CD24-Siglec10 using large molecular proteins or small molecular drugs represents a promising avenue for tumor immunotherapy. Doing so can inhibit signal transduction and enhance macrophage clearance rates of cancer cells. In this paper, we summarize the characteristics of the drugs that affect the “do not eat me” signaling pathway via classical large molecular proteins and small molecule drugs, which target the CD47-SIRPα and CD24-Siglec10 signaling pathways, which target the CD47-SIRPα and CD24-Siglec10 signaling pathways. We expect it will offer insight into the development of new drugs centered on blocking the “do not eat me” signaling pathway.
Self-rated health (SRH) partially mediates and associations between personality traits and life satisfaction in older adults
Authors: Kang Weixi , Malvaso Antonio
Published: July 2023

It is established that personality traits contribute to life satisfaction but why they are connected are far less understood. This research report tested if self-rated health (SRH) which is one’s subjective ratings of their health and has a high predictivity of actual health mediates the associations between the Big Five model of personality and life satisfaction in a cohort (N = 5,845) of older adults from the UK. By using Pearson’s correlation analysis and mediation analysis, the current research reported positive correlations between Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion, SRH, and life satisfaction. However, Neuroticism was negatively correlated with SRH and life satisfaction. The main findings were that SRH partially mediates the associations between all traits in the Big Five and life satisfaction in older adults. This study began novel exploration on if SRH could explain the connections between the Big Five and life satisfaction. Results revealed SRH could partially explain these associations in all traits. These results may offer additional support to recently developed integrated account of life satisfaction, which argues that there are no single determinants of life satisfaction. Rather, life satisfaction is made up by many factors including but not limited to personality and health.
Exergaming and education: a relational model for games selection and evaluation
Authors: Chow Daniel H. K. , Mann Stephen K. F.
Published: July 2023

Exergaming, or technology-driven physical exercise, has gained popularity in recent years. Its applications include physical education, health promotion, and rehabilitation. Although studies have obtained promising results regarding the positive effects of exergaming, the outcomes of exergaming for different populations remain undetermined. Inconsistencies in the literature on this topic have multiple potential explanations, including the content and demand of the exergames and the capability of the exergamer. A model with a sound theoretical framework is required to facilitate matching between games and gamers. This article proposes a relational model based on a matrix of Bloom’s taxonomy of learning domains and the performance components of exergames. Appropriate matching of the physical demands of an exergame and the ability of the exergamer would enhance the effective usage of exergaming for individuals with various needs. This theory-based exergame model is developed to promote the general development, physical status, and psychosocial well-being of students, older adults, and individuals with rehabilitation needs. This model may provide a resource for future research on the application, effectiveness, and design of exergaming.
What factors affect Beijing residents’ contracts with family doctors? A comparative study of Beijing’s urban and suburban areas
Authors: Lv Bo , Cui Chengsen , Feng Xingmiao , Meng Kai
Published: July 2023

Objective

To improve the health of residents and promote hierarchical diagnosis and treatment to achieve an orderly pattern of medical treatment, Beijing implemented family doctor contract services (FDCSs) in 2011. The aims of this study were to analyze the current status of Beijing residents’ contracts with family doctors (FDs), compare the differences in contracting between urban and suburban residents, and explore the factors that affect residents’ contract behavior.

Methods

From August 2020 to October 2020, a stratified sampling method was adopted to select residents from community health centers (CHCs) in districts D (urban area) and S (suburb) of Beijing to conduct a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests, rank sum tests and logistic regression analyzes were used to analyze the current status and influencing factors of residents’ contracting with FDs.

Results

A total of 4,113 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis. District D was rich in medical resources, and the FD contract rate of residents there (93.09%) was significantly higher than that of residents in district S (78.06%; p < 0.05). Residents’ district (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18–2.05), understanding of FDCS policies (OR = 4.13, 95% CI = 3.63–4.69), preferred medical institutions (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42–0.79 for tertiary hospitals in the district; OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.22–0.59 for urban medical institutions in Beijing), age, education level, average annual medical expenses and medical insurance type were factors that influenced residents’ contracts with FDs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that residents who are located in districts with rich medical resources, prefer CHCs as their first choice, have a better understanding of FDCS policies, and are more inclined to contract with FDs than other residents. It is recommended that the number and quality of FDs in suburban areas be increased and that medical staff strengthen publicity about FDCSs and actively encourage residents to contract with FDs.