bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menstrual Personal Hygiene Behavior Among Adolescents with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Khotimah Elfiyani Nur , Kusumayati Agustin ,   Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Endah Wuryaningsih Caroline ,   Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Nazaruddin Siregar Kemal ,   Universitas Indonesia, Depok
Published: September 2024

Reproductive health for adolescents with disabilities is often disregarded, and education on personal hygiene is insufficient because some people perceive menstruation as a sensitive topic and have a false belief that adolescents with disabilities have no sexual desire. This study aimed to determine the overview of personal hygiene behavior among adolescents with physical and intellectual disabilities when facing menstruation. The method used was qualitative, with case studies, in-depth interviews, and observations for data collection. The informants comprised four adolescents aged 19-21 years, two mothers, and two therapists for special needs children. This study was conducted at two growth and development clinics in South Jakarta, Indonesia, from July to September 2021. This study found a lack of apprehension about menstrual personal hygiene among mothers and adolescents with disabilities, a lack of understanding about menstrual personal hygiene in general among adolescents with disabilities, and inappropriate menstrual personal hygiene behavior among adolescents with disabilities. To conclude, this study underlines the importance of improving the ability of adolescents with disabilities in terms of menstrual hygiene behavior.
Performance of Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team: An Explorative-Qualitative Study in Indonesia-Timor Leste Border Area
Authors:   Universitas Timor, Kefamenanu, Paula Marla Nahak Maria , Nitsae Veronika ,   Universitas Timor, Kefamenanu
Published: September 2024

Stunting is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including specific factors within and outside the health sector. Achieving a significant reduction in stunting needs the involvement of relevant local government offices in the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (SRAT). This study aimed to investigate SRAT performance in a specific context of accelerating stunting reduction in Malaka District. This qualitative study, with a phenomenological approach, was conducted in Malaka District, Indonesia, and Timor Leste Border Area from July to September 2023. This study revealed four major themes of SRAT performance to accelerate stunting reduction in Malaka District: activities to accelerate stunting reduction, challenges faced in implementing the programs, supporting factors for program implementation, and alternative activities initiated by the local government. This study showed that the many local government agencies responsible for specific and sensitive interventions have effectively fulfilled their mandatories and roles in accelerating the elimination of stunting in Malaka District. However, inadequate internal coordination within SRAT has led to a dearth of harmonization in its execution
Techno-economic assessment of physical-based hydrogen storage technologies: An efficient refrigeration management
Authors: Tessema Tegen Dagnew , Argilaguet Juan Carles Bruno , Coronas Salcedo Alberto
Published: September 2024

The physical-based storage of hydrogen as compressed gas or as a liquid has many advantages over material-based methods that may require advanced storage materials, different charge/discharge rates, etc. However, its high-energy demand is an important issue that should be addressed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the techno-economic process performance indices such as energy density and Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) of Cryogenic Compressed H2 (CCH2) over conventional Liquid H2 (LH2), and Compressed Gas H2 (CGH2) storage at convenient state conditions. The result infers that at CCH2 storage conditions, higher hydrogen density (≈ 90 kg/m3 ) was obtained at 53 K and 700 bar with SEC value of 39 kW/kg. While for LH2 ≈ 66 kg/m3 at 3 bar and 20 K with a SEC of 45 kW/kg, and CGH2 ≈ 40.5 kg/m3 at 700 bar and 300 K with SEC of 35.5 kJ/kg.s. The hydrogen storage densities could be doubled from 40kg/m3 at 700 bar and 300 K using CGH2 to 80 kg/m3 at ≈38K using CCH2, but with only 300 bar. Hence, these optimal points could be viable options for the demands of different applications: hydrogen-refueling stations, distribution networks and transport for long distance, with a certain tradeoff between SEC and energy density.
DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED WATER/LIBR ABSORPTION CHILLER WITH CONDENSATION HEAT RECOVERY FOR SIMULTANEOUS COOLING AND HEATING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Ayou Dereje S. , Prieto Juan , Coronas Alberto
Published: September 2024

A prototype of an advanced single-stage water/LiBr absorption chiller with a design cooling capacity of 40 kW was developed. The prototype is designed to operate in a simultaneous cooling and heating mode by recovering condensation heat. This paper presents and discusses the newly developed advanced chiller prototype and the modified multifunctional test rig for prototype characterization in different operation modes. The test rig has four external heat carrier loops to characterize and validate the prototype during the simultaneous cooling and heating operation. External and internal temperature sensors and volumetric flow rate measuring devices are installed in the prototype. The design conditions of the advanced absorption chiller are chilled water inlet/outlet temperatures of 12/7 °C, driving hot water and cooling water (absorber external loop) inlet temperatures of 100 °C and 30 °C, respectively, and produced hot water inlet/outlet temperatures of 40/55 °C. The prototype also operates as a conventional absorption chiller to provide only cooling by rejecting the absorber and condenser heat to cooling water (heat rejection medium). Finally, developing such absorption chillers improves overall performance and provides dual useful outputs (cooling and heating).
ESTUDIO AMBIENTAL TEÓRICO BASADO EN EL ANÁLISIS DEL CICLO DE VIDA (ACV) DE DIFERENTES TECNOLOGÍAS DE BOMBAS DE CALOR
Authors: Cerdeira Pérez Fernando , Ligero Mallo Jorge , Ortega Veiga Ignacio , Santos Navarro José Manuel
Published: September 2024

El análisis de ciclo de vida se presenta como una herramienta eficaz a la hora de definir las ventajas medioambientales de unos productos o procesos respecto a otros. En este trabajo se analizará el ACV aplicado a la vida útil de bombas de calor (BC) y, más concretamente, a la diferencia entre las BC geotérmicas con respecto a las BC aerotérmicas. Las primeras suelen presentar mejores eficiencias con respecto a las segundas, que dependen en mayor medida de las condiciones ambientales del lugar.
Las fases del estudio del ACV pasan por realizar un análisis del inventario hasta terminar con la evaluación del impacto ambiental y la interpretación de resultados según se indica en la norma UNE, 14040. A partir de los datos de catálogo de dos bombas de calor comerciales, se realizará una comparativa entre las diferentes tecnologías, utilizando el software SimaPro con la base de datos Ecoinvent v3 y la metodología ReCipe Midpoint, que tiene en cuenta los impactos intermedios y finales.
ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO-ECONÓMICO DE DISTINTAS TECNOLOGÍAS DE RECUPERACIÓN DE CALOR EN LA INDUSTRIA PAPELERA
Authors: Hassan Abdelrahman H. , Payá Herrero Jorge , Gómez-Elegido Daniel , Sebastià Miguel
Published: September 2024

El presente trabajo está enmarcado dentro del contexto del proyecto europeo PUSH2HEAT. En concreto, se han analizado las necesidades de calor en el rango de 90-150 °C, así como las fuentes de calor potencialmente disponibles. Mediante un análisis técnico-económico, se ha estudiado la viabilidad de la integración de una bomba de calor de alta temperatura (BCAT) de recuperación de calor en HINOJOSA (industria papelera). El calor residual es una corriente de aire húmedo a 68 °C. Se han considerado dos alternativas, una para generar vapor saturado a 4 bar(a), y la otra para producir agua caliente a 90 °C, resultando esta última más prometedora. Los resultados muestran un ahorro en el coste de operación anual, teniendo en cuenta las emisiones de CO₂, de 580.845,2 €/año con un periodo de retorno descontado de 3,3 años.
IMPACT OF THE MIGRATION FROM R410A TO R454C IN THE COMPRESSOR PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ossorio Rubén , Marchante-Avellaneda Javier , Navarro-Peris Emilio
Published: September 2024

The quasi-azeotropic mixture of refrigerants R410A replaced R-22 as the preferred refrigerant for use in residential and commercial air conditioners. However, newer regulations have mandated the phase-down of refrigerants with a high GWP as R410A, and thus, new substituting refrigerants and mixtures must be selected. Among the different possibilities, some manufacturers have been interested in mixtures such as R454C, composed of R32 and R1234yf (21.5/78.5), which has a GWP lower than the limit imposed by the new F-Gas regulation.In this study a variable-speed scroll compressor was tested working with both R410A and R454C at different operating conditions. From these tests, the compressor behavior with these refrigerant mixtures has systematically been analyzed in terms of compressor efficiency, volumetric efficiency, and working range.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF A TEST BOX FOR RADIATIVE COOLING MATERIALS
Authors: Haddouche M. Reda , Cofré-Toledo Jonathan , Solé Cristian , Medrano Martorell Marc , Castell Albert
Published: September 2024

Radiative cooling (RC) has emerged as a promising technology for passive cooling applications, offering a sustainable and energy-efficient solution to alleviate the increasing demand for air conditioning. This study focuses on a numerical investigation aimed at understanding and optimizing the test box used to evaluate the thermal performance of samples of radiative cooling materials. The numerical simulations employ advanced computational models to analyze key factors influencing the thermal behavior of the test box under varying several boundary conditions. The study also explores the thermal interaction between the test box and its surroundings, considering the effects of ambient temperature and air heat transfer coefficient. The numerical simulations provide valuable insights into the dynamic thermal behavior of the test box, aiding in the development of optimized designs that minimize parasitic heat gains, which may hide the actual cooling performance of the RC sample under real conditions. The outcomes of this numerical investigation contribute to the ongoing efforts in the field of radiative cooling, and the development of a test box for radiative cooling materials
[ORAL] DESARROLLO DE UN COMPILADOR GRÁFICO PARA LA DEFINICIÓN ENERGÉTICA DEL EDIFICIO
Authors: Sarabia-Escriva Emilio-José , Soto Francés Victor , Pinazo Ojer José Manuel
Published: September 2024

La implementación de la metodología de Modelado de Información de Construcción (BIM) ha supuesto un avance significativo en la eficiencia del intercambio de información en el sector de la construcción, facilitando la colaboración entre arquitectos, ingenieros, fabricantes, gestores y propietarios. Sin embargo, a pesar de sus beneficios, se han identificado desafíos, especialmente en la interoperabilidad entre distintas aplicaciones, lo que ha llevado a la necesidad de que los técnicos definan la geometría y añadan datos adicionales para completar el modelo energético del edificio.
Este trabajo describe el desarrollo de un compilador gráfico que utiliza planos en 2D generados por herramientas CAD para describir el modelo energético del edificio. En muchos casos esta dinámica significa una ventaja productiva dada la mayor destreza de muchos profesionales con las aplicaciones del tipo CAD, en comparación con BIM. El compilador utiliza reglas claras y simples, como definir los contornos de las zonas con polilineas y las ventanas/puertas con líneas. Las zonas pueden identificarse con nombres también desde CAD. El algoritmo permite reducir significativamente el tiempo requerido para definir el modelo energético del edificio.
Intelligent Algorithm Optimization of BP Neural Networks for Prediction of Compressive Strength of 3D Printed Concrete
Authors: He Dongqing , Chen Junjie , Li Mengnan , Song Kewei , Zhuo Pengcheng
Published: September 2024

In this study, the BP neural network prediction model was used for predicting the compressive strength of 3D printed concrete (3DPC). A dataset was created from the literature and experiments. The BP neural network topology (ANN7-8-1) was designed based on the correlation between raw material quantities and compressive strength. Intelligent algorithms such as the grey wolf algorithm (GWO), differential evolution (DE), and hybrid optimization algorithm (DE-GWO) were used to optimize the weight thresholds for the BP neural network. Training and prediction were performed using the dataset. The BP neural network prediction model for 3DPC compressive strength, optimized using intelligent algorithms, exhibited improved global search and convergence performance. GWO exhibited high convergence accuracy, while DE exhibited fast convergence speed. DE-GWO yielded significantly improved accuracy and convergence speed compared to GWO and DE. The correlation coefficient R2 was 0.9087, and the absolute percentage error MAPE was 7.25%. The DE-GWO-BP neural network can provide guidance for optimizing mix proportions and controlling the performance of 3DPC.
DNA Immunotherapy for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP): Phase 1/2 study assessing efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of INO-3107
Authors: Morrow Matthew , Mau Ted , Gillespie Elisabeth , Sylvester Albert , Amin Milan , Belafsky Peter , Best Simon , Friedman Aaron , Klein Adam , Lott David , Paniello Randal , Pransky Seth , Saba Nabil , Tan Grace , Wisotsky Sadie , Marcus Sarah , Reuschel Emma , Reed Katherine , Weiner David , Dallas Michael , Skolnik Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a debilitating chronic disease of the airway caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Here we describe the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity from a Phase 1/2 trial of INO-3107, a DNA immunotherapy designed to elicit T-cell responses against HPV-6 and HPV-11, in adults with RRP (NCT04398433). Thirty-two eligible patients with HPV-6 and/or HPV-11 RRP, who required ≥2 surgical interventions in the year preceding dosing, were administered 4 doses of INO-3107 by intramuscular (IM) injection followed by electroporation (EP). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. Efficacy and immunology endpoints included the frequency of surgical interventions in the year following the first dose of INO-3107 and assessment of immune responses. The majority (26/32; 81%) of patients experienced a reduction in the number of surgeries in the year following initiation of treatment with INO-3107, when compared with the year prior. Peripheral blood assessments revealed HPV-6 and HPV-11 antigen-specific T-cell induction, inclusive of cytolytic CD8+ T-cells. RNA sequencing identified the presence of an inflammatory response in patient papillomas after treatment with INO-3107, inclusive of cytolytic CD8+ T-cell signatures. T-cell receptor sequencing revealed emergent T-cell clones in the blood and assessment of airway tissue confirmed trafficking of these clones to papillomas, which was associated with clinical benefit. Treatment was well tolerated, with 13/32 (41%) patients reporting a treatment-related adverse event (AE), all of which were low-grade. INO-3107 provides clinical benefit to adults with HPV-6 and/or HPV-11 associated RRP, is well tolerated, and generates an antigen-specific immune response against HPV. Importantly, treatment-induced peripheral T-cell responses traffick to airway tissue and are associated with clinical response, consistent with the proposed mechanism of action.
Unraveling the Genetic Mysteries of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Chinese Families
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Chen Duo , Li Qianqian , Zhao Xuechao , Chen Chen , Liu Lina , Jiang Miao , Zhao Zhenhua , Wang Yanhua , Kong Xiangdong
Published: September 2024

Objective
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disorder encompassing both 5q and non-5q forms, causing muscle weakness and atrophy due to spinal cord cell degeneration. Understanding its genetic basis is crucial for genetic counseling and personalized treatment options.
Methods
This study analyzed families of patients with suspected SMA at our institution from February 2006 to March 2024. Various molecular techniques, including multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis, long-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with nested PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing (WES), were employed to establish a thorough genetic variant profile in 680 Chinese pedigrees with clinically suspected SMA.
Results
Out of 680 families suspected of having SMA, 675 exhibited the SMN1 gene, while three families were linked to the IGHMBP2 gene. One family exhibited a genetic variation in the NEB gene, and another family exhibited a variation in the SCO2 gene. Among the families with mutations in the SMN1 gene, 645 families exhibited either E7‒E8 or E7 homozygous deletion. Some families displayed E7‒8 heterozygous deletion along with other mutations, such as E1 or E1‒6 heterozygote deletion and point mutations. Furthermore, one family demonstrated a compound-heterozygous double mutation, while another family carried a type "2 + 0" mutation alongside a point mutation.
Conclusions
This study comprehensively analyzed the genetics of suspected familial SMA cases in the Chinese population, providing insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms of SMA and the utility of various detection techniques. The findings reveal important implications for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and targeted therapies in clinical practice.
The microchannel unilateral percutaneous approach to whole exposure bilateral ligamentum flavum in the treatment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Authors: Nie Dekang , Shu Longfei , Wang Jun , Zeng Wei , Zhu Weiye , Sun Guan , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2024

Background: To explore the surgical techniques and clinical efficacy of percutaneous microchannel bilateral ligamentum flavum exposure under a microscope in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 20 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the Ninth Hospital of the Joint Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from February 2020 to December 2021. The treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was performed by exposing bilateral ligaments flavum under a minimally invasive microscope through a unilateral paravertebral approach. The duration of single segment surgery, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and other indicators were recorded, as well as preoperative and postoperative JOA scores, VAS scores, and ODI index. Result: The lumbar spinal canal decompression was sufficient in this group, and there were no complications such as nerve injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage; MRI reexamination showed good spinal canal decompression effect, and CT three-dimensional reconstruction examination showed that the minimally invasive approach to the vertebral lamina incision did not affect the stability of the spine; The JOA score, VAS score, and ODI index were significantly improved compared to before surgery (P<0.05). Follow up for 6-12 months showed improvement in symptoms in all cases, and no spinal deformities were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Under the microscope, percutaneous microchannel unilateral paravertebral approach and bilateral decompression are used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. The postoperative neurological function recovery is good, which can not only avoid damaging the paravertebral muscles, articular processes, spinous processes, and ligaments to the greatest extent, but also achieve the purpose of spinal canal decompression. It has the characteristics of minimal trauma, fast recovery, fewer complications, and good vertebral stability.
Development of the Novel Formulations of Perospirone for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Ke Famin , Wu Jili , Li Xiyao , Chen Xin , Zhang Lanxing , Jing Pei , Liu Zerong , Liu Zhongbing , Lu Ruilin , Fu Shihua , Zhou Meiling , Lin Yan , Sun Xiaoduan , Zhong Zhirong
Published: September 2024

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. Its clinical features include positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders), negative symptoms (avolition, anhedonia, poverty of thought, social withdrawal), and cognitive dysfunction. A large number of antipsychotic drugs with traditional dosage forms are available to mitigate the symptoms of schizophrenia but the duration of action is commonly short, often requiring frequent administration. The perospirone hydrochloride hydrate (PER), as a second-generation antipsychotic drug, shows therapeutic effects on both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, with less impact on cognitive function. However, it suffers from a short half-life, fluctuating blood concentration, instability in the circulating leading to peak-trough fluctuations, and poor patient compliance due to the required frequent administration. Based on the hydrophilic matrix, we developed novel formulations of PER, including the extended-release and the controlled-release tablets of PER. The resulting formulations delayed the drug release and prolonged the persistence of PER, leading to an extended half-life and reduced fluctuations in blood concentration with stable therapeutic levels and an improved absorption with higher bioavailability, thus reducing dosing frequency. These oral extended-release and controlled-release tablets promise to alleviate patients' medication discomfort and provide long-term sustained drug release. They would provide a platform with broad prospects for the clinical treatment of schizophrenia.
How salts affect mud mobility at low pressures: implications for Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies
Authors: Kryza Ondrej , Brož Petr , Fox-Powell Mark , Pěnkavová Věra , Conway Susan , Mazzini Adriano , Hauber Ernst , Sylvest Matthew , Patel Manish
Published: September 2024

Sedimentary volcanism is a widespread geological phenomenon on Earth. Similar processes are theorized to occur on extraterrestrial bodies like Mars, potentially representing surface expressions of subsurface liquid water reservoirs. Recognizing extraterrestrial mud volcanism relies on identifying emplaced mud flow features based on their morphological characteristics. Despite the ubiquitous presence of salts on planetary surfaces, it remains unclear how different types of dissolved salts in mud mixtures may influence the behavior of erupted mud. This study integrates laboratory experiments, thermodynamic calculations, and rheometry measurements to investigate how concentrations of NaCl, MgSO4, Na2SO4, and CaSO4 affect such behavior. The results show that 10 wt.% MgSO4 and only 2.5 wt.% NaCl maximizes mud propagation, producing ropy patterns and narrow flows, while higher salt concentrations result in sheet-like flows covering wider areas. When the mud is supersaturated, the liquid state is prolonged but propagation is reduced. These findings reveal that mud salinity variations in low-pressure environments have a powerful effect on mud flow behavior. Improved understanding of such parameters is crucial for investigating the mudflows on extraterrestrial bodies, and the study of salt-enriched muds may be therefore crucial for unraveling Mars' geological evolution and its potential for harboring signs of ancient life.
Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people live with HIV in a medical center of Northern Taiwan -- a cross sectional study
Authors: Tu Chien An , Kuo Chien-Feng , Lee Chun-Ming , Liu Chang-Pan , Tseng Hsiang-Kuang , Huang Tseng-Yu , Lin Chih-Chen , Sun Fang-Ju , Sun Zu-Yi , Lian Pei-Ching , Cheng Ming-Wei , Wu Alice Ying-Jung , Lee Winter Yu-Ning , Chang Hsun
Published: September 2024

Background
HIV acquisition has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic syndrome in the past. In this study, we attempt to delineate the risk factors of metabolic syndrome among persons living with HIV in a single medical center in Taiwan using mostly integrase inhibitors-based regimen as HAART.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involving all people live with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥ 18 years who visited MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan between September 7, 2022 to January 31, 2023 was included. A modified National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III definition of metabolic syndrome was used to define metabolic syndrome and body mass index was used as surrogate for waist circumference.
Results
809 PLWH participated in the study, in which 81.3% of patient were on integrase inhibitor-based HAART regimen. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 10.0%, which is markedly lower than those reported in the literature. Age was a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome. HIV-related factors (CD4, viral load, HAART regimen) did not affect the presence of metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions
Prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome appeared to have declined among PLWH compared to previous reports, possibly secondary to widespread use of integrase inhibitors. Age remains a strong risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome among PLWH.
Evaluating Artificial Intelligence in the Support of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Management: A Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Clinical Guidelines, Expert-Identified Controversial Questions, and Three Major AI Models
Authors: Bacigaluppi Susanna , Zona Gianluigi , Bragazzi Nicola L
Published: September 2024

Background
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a significant medical challenge. Controversies in managing aSAH, such as optimal blood pressure levels and antifibrinolytic therapy, persist despite advancements in treatment. The recently published guidelines from the NICE, the NCS, and the AHA/ASA show divergence in several key management aspects. This study aims to explore the processing and analysis capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models in handling controversial aSAH management issues.
Methods
Twelve controversial questions regarding aSAH management were presented to three artificial intelligence (AI) models: ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and Bard. Questions covered areas like blood pressure management, timing for aneurysm securing procedures, the use of intravenous Nimodipine, handling Nimodipine-induced hypotension, and the effectiveness of transcranial sonography in monitoring vasospasm-induced delayed cerebral injury (DCI).
Results
AI models’ responses were generally aligned with AHA/ASA guidelines and expert opinions on blood pressure management before and after aneurysm securing. However, significant gaps were noted in their knowledge, especially regarding the role of intravenous Nimodipine and its hypotensive effects. The use of transcranial sonography for monitoring DCI induced by vasospasm was another area where the models showed limited understanding, with only ChatGPT-4 suggesting integration with other imaging techniques and clinical assessment.
Conclusions
AI models demonstrate potential in assisting with complex medical decision-making in aSAH management. However, their current capabilities highlight the need for ongoing updates and integration with real-world clinical expertise. AI should be viewed as a complementary tool to human judgment. Future developments in AI should focus on enhancing its accuracy and relevance to current medical practices.
The contribution of livestock intervention on gender equality, social integration, and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarma Paresh Kumar , Sarowar Samiha
Published: September 2024

Livestock interventions in low and middle-income countries can empower women and enhance household social inclusion and gender equality. However, the optimal conditions for these outcomes are not well understood. This study investigates the effects of livestock interventions on gender dynamics, social inclusion, and women's economic empowerment in northwest Bangladesh. Convenience sampling techniques were applied to obtain a total of 300 respondents through a pre-determined survey questionnaire in 2023–2024 from northwest districts of Bangladesh. Descriptive and inferential statistics, along with PLS-SEM, revealed significant positive associations between livestock interventions and gender equality, social inclusion, and women's empowerment. Effective interventions should focus on capacity building, resource access, financial services, and market access. The study emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches, taking into consideration laws, cultural norms, gender roles, resource access, and decision-making patterns. Recommendations include tailored capacity building and access to resources and markets to foster gender equality and empowerment in livestock farming households.
Extraction of Rhenium With Trialkylbenzylammonium Chloride
Authors: Kalina Inara , Bekishev Zhenis , Zlobina Elena , Ismailova Akmaral , Tassibekov Khaidar
Published: September 2024

In rhenium technology, it is extracted along the way from highly diluted solutions, mainly by extraction with tertiary amines. Salts of quaternary ammonium bases (QAB) are potential extractants for rhenium, but there is a lack of information on the extraction of the metal with QAB salts. The aim of this work was to study the patterns of rhenium extraction with trialkylbenzylammonium chloride (TABAC). The experiments were carried out from model solutions in one stage. The content of metals was controlled from the aqueous phase by the ICP-MS method. The extraction of rhenium by TABAC was studied depending on the pH values of solutions, the nature and concentration of mineral acids, as well as the concentrations of the extractant in the organic and metal in the aqueous phases. Rhenium in a wide range of acidity of the aqueous phase is present in the form of the ReO4- anion, therefore is effectively extracted with TABAC by the anion exchange mechanism. Quantitative recovery (> 99%) is achieved in the pH range 2 - 7, as well as by varying the concentrations of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids from 0.1 to 3.0 M. The recovery of rhenium from nitric acid solutions does not exceed 30%. It has been shown that the extraction ability of TABAC in relation to rhenium is higher than that of the industrial extractant trialkylamine. Based on the study of extraction equilibria, it was established that complexes of the composition [R3R'NH]ReO4 are extracted into the organic phase. The possibility of separating rhenium, molybdenum and tungsten with a TABAC solution in kerosene was studied. Separation coefficients were calculated and it was determined that rhenium can be separated from accompanying metals from solutions with a pH greater than 7, as well as when extracted from hydrochloric and sulfuric acid solutions. It has been established that the separation factors of metals in the extraction with TABAC are higher than in the extraction with trialkylamine. Thus, trialkyl-benzylammonium chloride was considered as a selective rhenium extractant.
Based on the nonlinear inverse nearest neighbor manifold space model, prediction of the risk of nodular thyroid disease in coal miners
Authors: Zhang Hongzhen , Zhao Feng , Su Shuzhi , Zhao Chenqi , Zhu Yanmin
Published: September 2024

Nodular thyroid disease constitutes a prevalent thyroid condition, leading the incidence rate among thyroid disorders. It is particularly noteworthy that coal miners, exposed to coal dust over extended periods, face a significantly heightened risk of nodular thyroid disease due to their occupational exposure. To explore this issue further, this study enrolled 1,708 coal miners who underwent physical examinations at the Huaibei Energy Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital in Anhui Province in April 2021. We meticulously gathered comprehensive clinical data, encompassing general information, laboratory test outcomes, and imaging examination results. Our research introduces a novel Non-linear Inverse Nearest Manifold Projection (NKLPP) model to evaluate the risk of nodular thyroid disease in coal miners. The model leverages advanced nonlinear mapping techniques to project high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional manifold space, thereby capturing the data's intrinsic structure and patterns to facilitate more precise identification of disease risk factors. Moreover, we conducted performance comparisons with several established risk assessment models. The findings demonstrate that the NKLPP model achieves exceptional performance in both F1 score and Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AP) metrics, significantly surpassing other models and offering substantial clinical utility.
Examination of oral health quality of life and patient satisfaction in removable denture wearers with OHIP-14 scale and VAS: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tosun Büşra , Uysal Nur
Published: September 2024

Background.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHQoL) is a term that encompasses conditions such as oral health status, living conditions, and function. OHQoL can change with the varying health conditions of the same individual. Prosthetic treatment options for completely edentulous patients vary today and many patients cannot afford implants or have anatomical limitations and therefore use traditional removable dentures. Although there are studies investigating OHQoL in patients using removable dentures, there is no comprehensive study comparing the patients' sociodemographic data and reasons for visiting the clinic with the oral health quality of life and additionally investigating their denture satisfaction, as in this study.
Aim.
The study aimed to investigate OHRQoL and patients satisfaction with removable dentures by comparing the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP‐14) and visual analog scale (VAS).
Methods.
The study was conducted between January 2022 and June 2023, with 150 patients using removable dentures. Patients' age, gender, education level, place of residence, smoking status, reasons for tooth loss and visiting the clinic, type of denture and the duration of denture use were recorded. OHIP-14 questions VAS were used to assess patients’ satisfactions with dentures. Descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, the Mann-Whitney non‐parametric test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used.
Results.
Statistically significant differences were found between gender, prosthetic type, usage duration and OHIP, VAS scores (p < 0.05). In terms of OHIP scores, women's scores were higher than men's, patients using total denture than partial denture in both jaws, using dentures for less than 1 year were higher more than 1 year. However, the analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in OHIP and VAS scores based on age, education level, and place of residence (p > 0.05).
Conclusions.
Patients may find it easier to adapt to removable partial dentures compared to complete dentures. Therefore, in prosthetic planning, dentists should prioritize preserving existing teeth. Regardless of the type of prosthesis, patients adapt to their prostheses over time, leading to increased satisfaction with prolonged use. Since individuals do not have the habit of visiting the dentist when there is no problem, dentists should encourage patients to attend regular dental check-ups.
Efficacy of prophylactic laxatives against opioid-induced constipation: retrospective propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Okuda Yuka , Kuriyama Toshiyuki , Tsukiyama Yoshi , Shimokawa Toshio , Wan Ke , Kawamata Tomoyuki
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is problematic for patients with cancer receiving opioid therapy. Some guidelines recommend initiating regular laxatives at the same time as opioid analgesics. However, the effectiveness of prophylactic laxatives on OIC has not been widely demonstrated. We therefore examined the incidence of OIC among patients with and without prophylactic laxatives within one week after initiating strong opioid analgesics, and the factors associated with the incidence of OIC.
Methods: Eligible patients were adults with cancer for whom strong opioid analgesics were initiated after admission and who remained hospitalized for over a week. Propensity score matching analysis was used to compare outcomes after adjusting for patient background.
Results: In total, 928 patients were enrolled, from which 536 were selected after propensity score matching analysis. The incidence of OIC in patients with prophylactic laxatives was not significantly different from that without prophylactic laxatives (48.1% vs 48.9%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-1.36). In multivariable logistic analysis, age ≥65 years (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07-2.19) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) ≥3 (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04-2.77) were associated with the incidence of OIC.
Conclusion: Prophylactic laxatives do not affect the incidence of OIC in our study. Our results suggest that prophylactic laxatives are not necessarily required when initiating opioid therapy. In addition, we found that age ≥65 years and ECOG PS ≥3 were associated in our study with the incidence of OIC.
The co-prevalence of Hepatitis and Malaria in Patients Attending a Major Tertiary Healthcare in North Central, Nigeria.
Authors: Ademoyegun Julius Kayode , Aremu Stephen Olaide
Published: September 2024

Background
Many developing countries in Africa have shown high prevalence of malaria, HBsAg and HCV in recent times. The presence of these diseases in a population have caused severe public health problems worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence of malaria, Hepatitis B (HBsAg) and Hepatis C (HCV) in patients attending Bishop Murray Medical Centre (BMMC).
Methods
Blood specimens were collected from two hundred and forty eight, 248 patients from BMMC, Makurdi and were screened for malaria, HBsAg and HCV using rapid serological kits. High prevalence of malaria, HBsAg and HCV was observed among the patients.
Results
Malaria had a prevalence of 29.1%. prevalence of HBsAg. Prevalence of malaria was 29.4% (n = 73/248) in BMMC, Makurdi, prevalence of HBsAg was 5.2% (n = 13/248) and prevalence of HCV was 4.0% (n = 10/248) in BMMC. The prevalence of malaria according to clinical manifestation of patients attending BMMC, Makurdi is shown in table 6, 28.5% of patients who complained of fever tested positive for malaria while 71.5% of fever patients were negative. Prevalence of malaria was 32.0% in patients experiencing headache, while 68.0% were negative. Those with backpain had no malaria (0.0%), persistent crying also had no malaria (0%), hotness of body (100%), blurred vision (100%), stomach pain (100%) and joint pain all had 100% prevalence rates respectively. The difference in the prevalence rate of malaria according to clinical manifestation was not statistically significant (p > 0.05; p = 0.272).
Conclusions
Prevalence of Malaria, HBsAg and HCV was high in Benue State. Findings of this study provide a critical data to assess the impact of current prevention and control strategies in Nigeria, and serve as a reference for designing and implementing effective public health management programmes towards the 2030 elimination goal of the diseases.
Eco-friendly Nano Colloids for Enhanced Black gram (Vigna mungo) Seed Viability: Experimental and Computational Analysis
Authors: Madhan K , Kalimuthu Raja , Antony Dhivya , Chidambaram Prabu , Sekar Abirami , Solomon Rajadurai Vijay , Yadav Rakhi , Kasivelu Govindaraju , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2024

An experiment was designed to fabricate Polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated zein-zipped herbal molecules infused nano colloids (PZCA-NCs) for extending Vigna mungo seeds storability. PZCA-NCs was synthesized and characterized in Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Particle size analyser, Zeta Potential, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The bio-efficacy of PZCA-NCs on seed storability was tested under accelerated ageing. The sphere-shaped PZCA-NCs possess a 151nm size with 44.5mV zeta potential at an encapsulation of 73.44 % curcumin and 69.0 % azadirachtin. The spectra of FTIR, UV –Vis, XRD, and TGA confirmed the functionality, composition, and stability of PZCA-NCs. The dialysis diffusion method was utilised to study the maximum cumulative release of biomolecules 6.1ppm (88.4%) azadirachtin and 64.57ppm (88.2%) curcumin at pH 7.4. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to determine the binding mode of molecules and examine ligand interactions in PZCA-NCs. PZCA-NCs treated seeds at 25mL/kg enumerated higher germination, vigour index, α-amylase, dehydrogenase, and catalase and peroxidase activity under ageing. Seeds storage pathogen infection was reduced with an increase in the concentration of PZCA-NCs coating. The bioassay results on insect activity evidenced that PZCA-NCs at 15.76mL/kg killed 50% and 40mL/kg killed 100% of the storage insect Callosobruchus maculatus. Toxicity study on Macrophomina phaseolina showed that PZCA-NCs at 35mL resulted in 0.8cm mycelia growth with 91.11% inhibition zone, while at 45mL had zero growth of fugal mycelia with 100 % inhibition. The study concludes that PZCA-NCs act as an efficient seed invigoration material to extend the vitality of Vigna mungo seeds during ageing.
Multimodal Tissue Segmentation is better
Authors: Pernet Cyril R. , Cummings Marc , Svarer Claus , Fisher Patrick M.
Published: September 2024

Being able to distinguish tissues and quantify features in an image is ubiquitous in medical imaging, allowing, for instance, the study of differences between clinical groups or the investigation of the impact of an intervention. Assigning the tissue type is also a fundamental preprocessing step in many neuroimaging applications like image registration, normalisation or even simple masking. Because of such ubiquity, thorough investigations of segmentation algorithms are necessary to determine in which conditions they work best. The SPM implementation of tissue segmentation is a commonly used tool in this context, providing voxel-wise probabilistic estimates of brain grey and white matter tissues, cerebrospinal fluid, soft tissues, and bones. Different estimates of tissue density and/or volumes have, however, been observed using unimodal vs. multimodal inputs. Here, we contend that possible misinterpretations arise from mis-specifying parameters of the generative model underlying tissue segmentation. Using T1 weighted vs. T1 and T2 weighted images as input while also varying the number of Gaussians (1 vs. 2 for brain tissues) used in the generative model, we compared tissue volumes, tissue distributions and accuracy at classifying non-brain intracranial tissue (arteries) and grey matter nuclei in two independent datasets (discovery N = 259, validation N = 87). Results show that compared to unimodal tissue segmentation, multimodal tissue segmentation gives more replicable volume estimations, more replicable tissue modelling, and more accurate results with regards to non-brain tissue (e.g. meninges or vessels), but only when the right model parameterization is used (i.e. 2 Gaussians per brain tissue class).
Raw Sewage Treatment by Coagulation/Flocculation and Ozonization
Authors: Jorge Matheus Caneles Batista , Dornelas Karoline Carvalho , Amaral Adriana Garcia do , Roveri Milene Carvalho Bongiovani , Schneider Roselene Maria
Published: September 2024

Coagulation/flocculation and ozonation are two treatment methods commonly used for effluents. Coagulation/flocculation destabilizes the charged particles in the medium, causing them to aggregate for subsequent separation through decantation or flotation. On the other hand, ozonation is an advanced oxidative treatment that can be employed for effluent polishing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining coagulation/flocculation and ozonation as an alternative treatment for raw sewage collected at the Curupy treatment station in Sinop, MT. The experiments were conducted in batches, involving seven doses of tannin-based coagulant (ranging from 0 to 300 mg L-1) with and without ozonation (for 40 minutes). Parameters such as pH, color, turbidity, UV absorbance (UV abs), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were measured before and after the treatments. The results demonstrated that the pH values remained relatively unaffected by the treatments. However, ozonation consistently led to superior removal rates compared to non-ozonation for color, turbidity, UV abs, COD, and BOD (with removal percentages of 86, 87, 74, 71, and 55% respectively, compared to 60%, 74, 49, 58, and 36% without ozonation. For color and turbidity, stabilization of removal rates occurred at coagulant dosages above 100-150 mg L-1, regardless of ozone contact. Overall, the employed treatments ensured that the sewage met the required conditions for discharge into bodies of water and also made it suitable for potential reuse, thanks to the significant clarification of the effluent. The treatments effectively removed suspended and colloidal solids from the sewage as well as dissolved compounds.
Satellite-based Drought Assessment: Integrating Ahp Method and Fuzzy Logic for Comprehensive Vulnerability and Risk Analysis
Authors: Hodasová Kamila , Krčmář Dávid , Ondrejková Ivana
Published: September 2024

Drought research is a timely issue, as drought is an extreme phenomenon with consequences that threaten nature, landscapes and society. Drought is typically defined as a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation leading to water shortages in soils and water supplies. This study investigates the vulnerability and risk of the landscape to drought in the Banská Bystrica region of Slovakia, focusing on the integration of Landsat 8 satellite image analysis, fuzzy logic and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. The evaluation process involves the selection and processing of input factors from Landsat 8 satellite imagery that are key contributors to drought vulnerability. These methods are used to assess drought vulnerability and associated risks. The resulting drought vulnerability map was created using fuzzy logic in a GIS environment. The final drought risk map was then evaluated. The final maps were categorised into four classes, with comparisons made between drought vulnerability index (DVI) and drought risk index (DRI) at gauging stations. Our findings highlight significant differences in drought vulnerability and risk across different areas of the region. The study provides valuable insights into the comprehensive analysis of drought. Examination of the map shows that the highest levels of risk are found in both the northern and southern parts of the region. This spatial pattern highlights areas that are particularly vulnerable to drought.