bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public data homogenization for AI model development in breast cancer
Authors: Kilintzis Vassilis , Kalokyri Varvara , Kondylakis Haridimos , Joshi Smriti , Nikiforaki Katerina , Díaz Oliver , Lekadir Karim , Tsiknakis Manolis , Marias Kostas
Published: April 2024

Background

Developing trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) models for clinical applications requires access to clinical and imaging data cohorts. Reusing of publicly available datasets has the potential to fill this gap. Specifically in the domain of breast cancer, a large archive of publicly accessible medical images along with the corresponding clinical data is available at The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). However, existing datasets cannot be directly used as they are heterogeneous and cannot be effectively filtered for selecting specific image types required to develop AI models. This work focuses on the development of a homogenized dataset in the domain of breast cancer including clinical and imaging data.

Methods

Five datasets were acquired from the TCIA and were harmonized. For the clinical data harmonization, a common data model was developed and a repeatable, documented “extract-transform-load” process was defined and executed for their homogenization. Further, Digital Imaging and COmmunications in Medicine (DICOM) information was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and made accessible and searchable.

Results

The resulting harmonized dataset includes information about 2,035 subjects with breast cancer. Further, a platform named RV-Cherry-Picker enables search over both the clinical and diagnostic imaging datasets, providing unified access, facilitating the downloading of all study imaging that correspond to specific series’ characteristics (e.g., dynamic contrast-enhanced series), and reducing the burden of acquiring the appropriate set of images for the respective AI model scenario.

Conclusions

RV-Cherry-Picker provides access to the largest, publicly available, homogenized, imaging/clinical dataset for breast cancer to develop AI models on top.

Relevance statement

We present a solution for creating merged public datasets supporting AI model development, using as an example the breast cancer domain and magnetic resonance imaging images.

Key points

• The proposed platform allows unified access to the largest, homogenized public imaging dataset for breast cancer.

• A methodology for the semantically enriched homogenization of public clinical data is presented.

• The platform is able to make a detailed selection of breast MRI data for the development of AI models.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating the role of VDR gene variants in multiple sclerosis susceptibility: a case–control study in Egypt
Authors: Hosni Hala Ashraf , Fouad Amr Mohamed , Ibrahim Noha Wael , Sharaf Sahar Abd El-Atty
Published: April 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Vitamin D has a major role in preventing inflammatory disorders as well as its role in the pathophysiology of MS. Vitamin D initiates its biological responses by binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). Several studies have been conducted over the last decade to investigate the relationship between VDR gene variants and the risk of MS, but the results have been inconsistent and inconclusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between the VDR gene variants (c.1025-49C>A) and (c.1056A>G) and MS susceptibility in a sample of the Egyptian population, and to shed light on its potential role in preventing inflammatory disorders and its impact on clinical outcomes and treatment using TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This case-control study was conducted on 100 participants, categorized into two groups. The first group included 50 patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) based on the Revised McDonald MS criteria, and the second group included 50 matched healthy participants. After collecting the blood samples, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and detection of the VDR: c.1025-49C>A and VDR: c.1056A>G gene variants was done using TaqMan Real-Time PCR on all involved individuals.

Results

The distribution of the genotypes and alleles of VDR gene variants (c.1025- 49C>A) and (c.1056A>G) did not differ significantly between MS patients and healthy participants (P>0.05 in both).

Conclusion

Here we show in this study that there was no association between the risk of MS and the VDR gene variants (c.1025-49C>A) and (c.1056A>G) in a group of the Egyptian population which may have impact on MS therapy and outcome.
Impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccination on menstrual cycle symptoms in the south of Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abu-Lubad Mohammad A. , Abu-Helalah Munir A. , QawaQzeh Mohammad S. , Alahmad Esra’a F. , Al-Tamimi Malak M. , Ruba’I Mohammad K. , Etoom Sahm H. , Alfayoumi Rawan K. , Aldaoudeyeh Fatima E. , AlAbabneh Ekram A. , Al-kharabsheh Ahlam M. , Alshraideh Hussam
Published: April 2024

Background

Several recent studies have highlighted the need for more evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccines on the reproductive system and menstruation. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccines on menstrual symptoms.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey utilizing face-to-face interviews from January 1 to 31 March 2022 was conducted in the city of Al-Karak in southern Jordan. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and reproductive history, the contraceptive method used if any, menstrual cycle (MC) status, previous medical and drug history, and the impact of infection and vaccination on the MC.

Results

The study questionnaire was completed by 400 participants with a mean age of 32.1±12.6 years. Regarding the history of COVID-19 infections, 33.8% of the participants reported a history of confirmed COVID-19 infections, 77.8% of them did not report any menstrual changes following the infection, while the remaining 22.2% reported changes in menstruation. The most commonly reported post-COVID-19 manifestations were irregular (27.6%) and light menstrual cycle (MC) (24.15) or dysmenorrhea (24.1%). Heavy menstruation was reported by 17.2% of participants post-COVID-19 infection. Two-thirds of the study participants (66.6%) reported no changes in the MC following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The most reported symptoms for those who experienced changes in the MC following the vaccination were irregular cycle (13.1%), heavy menstruation (7%), and light menstruation (7%). Other reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (4.6%), intermenstrual bleeding (1.2%), and amenorrhea (0.5%).

Conclusion

This study revealed minor changes in the MC following COVID-19 infections and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings are consistent with published reports. It is recommended that future clinical trials for new vaccines for women of childbearing age include outcomes related to sex hormones and MC. Women should be encouraged to take the vaccines and report symptoms to healthcare professionals for further assessment.
Unveiling geniposide from Paederia foetida as a potential antihypertensive treatment: an integrated approach involving in vivo and computational methods
Authors: Koley Chanchal , Mondal Arijit , Dey Suddhsattya , Rawat Ravi , Mondal Anjan , Rangra Naresh Kumar , Urolagin Deeparani , Behera Padmacharan , Mohanty Dibya Lochan , Zafar Ameeduzzafar , Eyupoglu Volkan
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypertension is one of the burning topics in today’s world. Natural product can open a new window in the treatment as they are lesser side effect compared to synthetic compounds. Paederia foetida a naturally occurring plant has proven its biological importance in many aspects. In this present study, the ethanolic extract of Paederia foetida has effectively proven its antihypertensive activity against Amphetamine-induced hypertension.

Results

The study was carried out for 4 weeks with five different groups where the groups receiving Paederia foetida (400 mg/kg) for 4 weeks result in decrease in blood pressure and was found helpful in maintaining the sodium and potassium balance in rat’s serum. Amphetamine induces decreasing sodium level that can be countered by Paederia foetida whole plant extract. Geniposide, an active ingredient present in this plant, is having antihypertensive activity, so it was docked against different PDB IDs (3OLL, 3OLS, 5DX3, 5DXE & 6PIT), to find its anti-hypertension effectiveness through computational chemistry. The docking investigations identified that estrogen receptor (PDB ID: 3OLS) exhibited the highest possibility to be the site of action. Docking score of Geniposide with 3OLS was -8.91 which is quit comparable with the internal ligand Estradiol.

Conclusion

To assess the binding affinity of Geniposide with the estrogen receptor, an additional molecular dynamics simulation was conducted. The result strongly suggests that Geniposide has the potential to function as an activator of estrogen receptor through of β-ligand binding. This key finding reveals that Geniposide may serve as a potential in the treatment of hypertension by modulating the activity of the estrogen receptor.
Extent of Resection and Long-Term Outcomes for Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: a SEER Database Analysis of Mucinous and non-Mucinous Histologies
Authors: Tsagkalidis Vasileios , Choe Jennie K. , Beninato Toni , Eskander Mariam F. , Grandhi Miral S. , In Haejin , Kennedy Timothy J. , Langan Russell C. , Maggi Jason C. , Pitt Henry A. , Alexander H. Richard , Ecker Brett L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas (MAA) and non-mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas (NMAA) demonstrate differences in rates and patterns of recurrence, which may inform the appropriate extent of surgical resection (i.e., appendectomy versus colectomy). The impact of extent of resection on disease-specific survival (DSS) for each histologic subtype was assessed.

Patients and Methods

Patients with resected, non-metastatic MAA and NMAA were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2000–2020). Multivariable models were created to examine predictors of colectomy for each histologic subtype. DSS was calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimates and examined using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results

Among 4674 patients (MAA: n = 1990, 42.6%; NMAA: n = 2684, 57.4%), the majority (67.8%) underwent colectomy. Among colectomy patients, the rate of nodal positivity increased with higher T-stage (MAA: T1: 4.6%, T2: 4.0%, T3: 17.1%, T4: 21.6%, p < 0.001; NMAA: T1: 6.8%, T2: 11.4%, T3: 25.6%, T4: 43.8%, p < 0.001) and higher tumor grade (MAA: well differentiated: 7.7%, moderately differentiated: 19.2%, and poorly differentiated: 31.3%; NMAA: well differentiated: 9.0%, moderately differentiated: 20.5%, and 44.4%; p < 0.001). Nodal positivity was more frequently observed in NMAA (27.6% versus 16.4%, p < 0.001). Utilization of colectomy was associated with improved DSS for NMAA patients with T2 (log rank p = 0.095) and T3 (log rank p = 0.018) tumors as well as moderately differentiated histology (log rank p = 0.006). Utilization of colectomy was not associated with improved DSS for MAA patients, which was confirmed in a multivariable model for T-stage, grade, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.22].

Conclusions

Colectomy was associated with improved DSS for patients with NMAA but not MAA. Colectomy for MAA may not be required.
The Pneumopathic Genesis of Human Enhancement
Authors: Gaitán Leandro
Published: April 2024

The philosopher Byung-Chul Han affirms that the present age reduces the human being to a performance-machine, and that, because of this reduction, the type of disease that characterizes it this age is neuronal. In the present article, I argue that Han’s analysis is correct but incomplete. Behind this reductionism, which leads to neuropathologies of different types, lies another type of pathology that the philosopher Eric Voegelin calls ‘pneumopathology’—disease of the spirit. The transhumanist view of human enhancement deepens this reduction and shows that the pneumopathology that blights today’s society is in a process of unprecedented chronification. To justify this thesis, I first explain the connection between human enhancement and the achievement imperative denounced by Han; I then analyze the Voegelian category of pneumopathology to show its value for an ontological-historical understanding of human enhancement.
Which Idea to Pursue? Gender Differences in Novelty Avoidance During Creative Idea Selection
Authors: Jin Mengzi , Chua Roy
Published: April 2024

Despite women having made significant progress in the modern workforce, gender gaps are still evident in creative work. In this paper, we propose that, although women and men are equally capable of generating creative ideas, gender differences emerge during the idea-selection stage. Specifically, compared with men, women engage in higher novelty avoidance during idea selection—the degree to which one selects an idea that is less novel than the most novel idea one has generated. In two laboratory studies and a field survey involving creative professionals, we found significant gender differences in novelty avoidance during idea selection and identified women’s concerns about social backlash when pursuing highly novel ideas as one explanatory variable. We also experimentally manipulated gender compositions of the evaluation panel and found that women’s novelty avoidance tendency during idea selection was reduced when they were informed about the presence of women evaluators. Finally, novelty avoidance during idea selection has an inverted U-shaped relationship with idea success; because women tend to engage in higher novelty avoidance than men, novelty avoidance in women (but not men) has a negative impact on the success of their ideas. By examining gender dynamics at specific stages, our work offers theoretical and practical insights regarding gender disparities in creative work.

Funding: M. Jin extends appreciation to the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72202003, 72091314, 72172006] for financial support. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the Singapore Ministry of Education’s Social Science Research Thematic Grant [Grant MOE2017-SSRTG-042].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16176 .
Spectroscopic Characterization of the Chemical Changes Occurring in Soy Wood Composite Adhesives When Exposed to Moisture
Authors: Marcinko Joseph J. , Parker Anthony A.
Published: April 2024

Solid-state surface attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SATR-FTIR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SSNMR) were used to characterize the physiochemical changes in solid soy-flour adhesives upon exposure to water. Comparisons were made between adhesives that were prepared with and without the crosslinking chemical polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE). Comparisons were also made between neat monolithic adhesive films, and adhesives that were laminated to yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). FTIR data revealed that the relative surface concentration of water-soluble components on neat monolithic adhesives was higher prior to water-exposure as compared with the adhesive laminated to wood. Moreover, the chemical composition of the water-soluble extract was affected by PAE. After soaking in water, the water-soluble components were observed to dissolve and disappear from the surfaces of the adhesives, as well as from the surfaces of water-soaked wood-laminate specimens. Similarly, SSNMR results corroborated with the dissolution and disappearance of the water-soluble components from the neat monolithic adhesives after water soaking. Moreover, it was discovered that the water-soluble components have a plasticization effect when PAE is used as a crosslinker. The implications of these findings as they pertain to the mechanism of adhesion will be discussed.
Solidarity is not a dirty word: exploring and locating solidarity as a theory and model for a radical community social work practice
Authors: Hill Darren , Bell Maxine , Laredo Erika
Published: April 2024

Within this article we highlight that social work is both a political as well as a professional practice. Despite years of technical specialisation and a policy context that has focused social work on risk management and resource allocation, there remains a deep commitment to care, compassion, and solidarity within contemporary social work practice. The article and its analysis make the case for a more politically informed social work practice, one that is based on solidarity; in opposition to a system that isolates individuals and internalises complex social problems. We posit that the application of solidarity within social work delivers a practice that promotes social inclusion and is based on the provision of practical social support. It is from this perspective that we will present evidence from ethnographic research, drawn from community social work practice, to highlight the importance of social solidarity and provide an insight into different ways of working.
Teaching the Mass with Song and "Dialog": Assessing the Use of the Vernacular at Mass, 1861–1961
Authors: Fassino Nico
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: This article explores the history of vernacular congregational participation at Mass between 1861 and 1961. Contrary to popular narratives, this research reveals that vernacular recitation of the Mass texts—aloud and in common by the congregation during the celebration of the liturgy—far predates the Second Vatican Council. A variety of these vernacular Mass methods were published with official approval in prayer-books and hand missals for the laity. This article will introduce and survey these methods, assess their effectiveness, and suggest what we might learn from them in order to promote authentic liturgical formation in our current age.
The Efficiency and Firm Performance Analysis of Nigeria Manufacturing Firms: Application of Stochastic Frontier Analysis Technique
Authors: Mbah Stella Ada , Agu Osmond Chigozie
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Despite several measures adopted by the government to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing firms in Nigeria, the performance of these firms is below expectation. The poor performance of Nigerian manufacturing firms has prompted concern for Nigeria’s economic prospects in the long run. This needs to be addressed because, under this scenario, most development objectives would be difficult to achieve. Therefore, there is a need for Nigerian manufacturing firms to achieve high productivity to improve their performance. This study, therefore, evaluated the level of technical efficiency and examined the determinants of technical inefficiency in Nigerian manufacturing firms. It employed panel data of fifty-five manufacturing firms quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange Market from 1999 to 2020. The result from the Stochastic Frontier Analysis technique showed that all inputs (capital, labor, raw materials, cost of energy and other expenses) impacted positively on firms’ output at a 1% significance level. But the impact of raw material is the highest. It was also found that the mean efficiency for Nigerian manufacturing firms is 52.74%. Finally, it was revealed that the age of the firm, total assets and management efficiency are the technical inefficiency determinants in Nigerian manufacturing firms. This implies that the efficiency level of manufacturing firms in Nigeria can be improved by 47.26%. Also, manufacturing output can be enhanced by providing adequate raw materials. Furthermore, the efficiency of manufacturing firms in Nigeria is enabled by the managerial capability and asset size of the firms. The study suggested that government should give tax concessions on the purchase of raw materials (sourced domestically and externally) to encourage availability and use to optimize production. Also, manufacturing firms should encourage skill acquisition programs through various on-the-job training programs for managers and their entire workforce to boost labor productivity and performance. In addition, policies that will encourage good education system should be adopted by the government which will help the nation to produce trained and skilled labor force. Finally, manufacturing firms should mobilize more resources for the procurement, consolidation and expansion of the size of their assets using their undistributed corporate profit. Through its regulatory bodies [such as Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)], government should enforce minimal asset requirements for each sub-sector (industry) as a basis for takeoff and subsequent renewal of licence for the manufacturing firms in Nigeria.
Preliminary Validation of the Multidimensional Father Involvement Scale for Low-Income Fathers
Authors: Gee Christina B. , Hwang Sun Young , Kim Barunie
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The current study represents a preliminary validation of the Multidimensional Father Involvement Scale (MFIS), a measure to assess father involvement among cohabiting and non-cohabiting low-income fathers of children (6 months– 11 years old). The 43-item scale includes items modified from the Inventory of Father Involvement (A. Hawkins et al., 2002) and Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort (Bronte-Tinkew et al., 2007) and additional items to assess indirect behavioral and nonbehavioral (affective, cognitive, and ethical) involvement. Study 1, which included interviews with low-income fathers (15 Black and 4 Latino), supported face and construct validity. Study 2, which included 125 (61.6% White, 16.8% Black, and 15.2% Latino) low-income cohabiting fathers, supported concurrent and discriminant validity. Although confirmatory factor analysis did not support the hypothesized factors, the MFIS had strong internal consistency (α = .95) and appears to be a promising measure for assessing a broad range of father involvement among low-income and racial minority fathers.
Research and application of the wavelet high-frequency coefficient direct mapping algorithm in the micro-defect target detection system of an infrared objective lens
Authors: Gao Youtang , Wen Hua , Mei Hongying , Zhang Jiaxian
Published: April 2024

Various lens detection techniques for military sighting telescopes have been the focus of military production. However, most of the micro-defect detection of lenses is detected manually, which cannot guarantee the measurement precision and quality. In order to solve these problems, the wavelet high-frequency coefficients direct mapping algorithm is applied to the automatic detection system of a micro-defect target in an infrared objective lens, thus obtaining a new method of detection. The detection method utilizes the correlation feature between wavelet coefficient scales to process the acquired images to suppress the background signals. Then the noise is further filtered by the pipelined filtering method to finally realize the detection of micro-targets. The experimental results show that a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained, and the method can detect the small and dim target whose signal-to-noise ratio is more than 2.5 times. The measurement range is ≥3pixels and the error precision is 4±1 pixels.
Optimizing FPGA implementation of high-precision chaotic systems for improved performance
Authors: Damaj Issam , Zaher Ashraf , Lawand Wafic
Published: April 2024

Developing chaotic systems-on-a-chip is gaining much attention due to its great potential in securing communication, encrypting data, generating random numbers, and more. The digital implementation of chaotic systems strives to achieve high performance in terms of time, speed, complexity, and precision. In this paper, the focus is on developing high-speed Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) cores for chaotic systems, exemplified by the Lorenz system. The developed cores correspond to numerical integration techniques that can extend to the equations of the sixth order and at high precision. The investigation comprises a thorough analysis and evaluation of the developed cores according to the algorithm complexity and the achieved precision, hardware area, throughput, power consumption, and maximum operational frequency. Validations are done through simulations and careful comparisons with outstanding closely related work from the recent literature. The results affirm the successful creation of highly efficient sixth-order Lorenz discretizations, achieving a high throughput of 3.39 Gbps with a precision of 16 bits. Additionally, an outstanding throughput of 21.17 Gbps was achieved for the first-order implementation coupled with a high precision of 64 bits. These outcomes set our work as a benchmark for high-performance characteristics, surpassing similar investigations reported in the literature.
Risk perceptions and behaviors concerning rural tourism and economic-political drivers of COVID-19 policy in 2020
Authors: Lieberthal Brandon , Jackson Sarah , de Urioste-Stone Sandra
Published: April 2024

When COVID-19 was first introduced to the United States, state and local governments enacted a variety of policies intended to mitigate the virulence of the epidemic. At the time, the most effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 included stay-at-home orders, closing of nonessential businesses, and mask mandates. Although it was well known that regions with high population density and cold climates were at the highest risk for disease spread, rural counties that are economically reliant on tourism were incentivized to enact fewer precautions against COVID-19. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the multiple policies to reduce transmission, and the changes in outdoor recreation behavior had a significant impact on rural tourism destinations and management of protected spaces. We utilize fine-scale incidence and demographic data to study the relationship between local economic and political concerns, COVID-19 mitigation measures, and the subsequent severity of outbreaks throughout the continental United States. We also present results from an online survey that measured travel behavior, health risk perceptions, knowledge and experience with COVID-19, and evaluation of destination attributes by 407 out-of-state visitors who traveled to Maine from 2020 to 2021. We synthesize this research to present a narrative on how perceptions of COVID-19 risk and public perceptions of rural tourism put certain communities at greater risk of illness throughout 2020. This research could inform future rural destination management and public health policies to help reduce negative socioeconomic, health and environmental impacts of pandemic-derived changes in travel and outdoor recreation behavior.
Mutations in the F protein of the live-attenuated respiratory syncytial virus vaccine candidate ΔNS2/Δ1313/I1314L increase the stability of infectivity and content of prefusion F protein
Authors: Alamares-Sapuay Judith , Kishko Michael , Lai Charles , Parrington Mark , Delagrave Simon , Herbert Richard , Castens Ashley , Swerczek Joanna , Luongo Cindy , Yang Lijuan , Collins Peter L. , Buchholz Ursula J. , Zhang Linong
Published: April 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading viral cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and toddlers, but there currently is no licensed pediatric vaccine. A leading vaccine candidate that has been evaluated for intranasal immunization in a recently completed phase 1/2 clinical trial is an attenuated version of RSV strain A2 called RSV/ΔNS2/Δ1313/I1314L (hereafter called ΔNS2). ΔNS2 is attenuated by deletion of the interferon antagonist NS2 gene and introduction into the L polymerase protein gene of a codon deletion (Δ1313) that confers temperature-sensitivity and is stabilized by a missense mutation (I1314L). Previously, introduction of four amino acid changes derived from a second RSV strain “line 19” (I79M, K191R, T357K, N371Y) into the F protein of strain A2 increased the stability of infectivity and the proportion of F protein in the highly immunogenic pre-fusion (pre-F) conformation. In the present study, these four “line 19” assignments were introduced into the ΔNS2 candidate, creating ΔNS2-L19F-4M. During in vitro growth in Vero cells, ΔNS2-L19F-4M had growth kinetics and peak titer similar to the ΔNS2 parent. ΔNS2-L19F-4M exhibited an enhanced proportion of pre-F protein, with a ratio of pre-F/total F that was 4.5- to 5.0-fold higher than that of the ΔNS2 parent. The stability of infectivity during incubation at 4°C, 25°C, 32°C and 37°C was greater for ΔNS2-L19F-4M; for example, after 28 days at 32°C, its titer was 100-fold greater than ΔNS2. ΔNS2-L19F-4M exhibited similar levels of replication in human airway epithelial (HAE) cells as ΔNS2. The four “line 19” F mutations were genetically stable during 10 rounds of serial passage in Vero cells. In African green monkeys, ΔNS2-L19F-4M and ΔNS2 had similar growth kinetics, peak titer, and immunogenicity. These results suggest that ΔNS2-L19F-4M is an improved live attenuated vaccine candidate whose enhanced stability may simplify its manufacture, storage and distribution, which merits further evaluation in a clinical trial in humans.
Unmet need for alcohol use disorder treatment in reproductive-age females, with emphasis on pregnant and parenting populations in the United States: Findings from NSDUH 2015–2021
Authors: Shchetinina Anna , Slopen Natalie
Published: April 2024

The negative effects of alcohol use can transmit intergenerational harm if alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs during pregnancy and/or while parenting a child. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of congenital anomalies in the USA, and heavy drinking in women has been on the rise, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the most recent patterns in the past year AUD prevalence and treatment among reproductive-aged women, with a specific focus on pregnant and parenting women, and barriers to treatment among those affected. We analyzed data on reproductive-age women from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015–2021). We used generalized linear models to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for past 12-month AUD and its treatment based on DSM-V criteria. We considered sociodemographic characteristics, including age, race/ethnicity, income, health insurance type, and arrest history. Pregnant and parenting women displayed lower risk for AUD (PR = 0.48, 95% CI:0.41–0.57; PR = 0.5 95% CI:0.48–0.54, respectively) relative to non-pregnant/non-parenting women. Excess risk for AUD was associated with education (some college vs. college graduates, PR = 1.07, 95% CI:1.01–1.13) and history of arrests (PR = 2.93, 95% CI:2.67–3.21). There were no clear differences in AUD treatment use based on parenting or pregnancy status. Among those with AUD, the prevalence of treatment was higher among individuals aged 35–49 years compared to those 18–25 years (PR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.19–2.14) and in those enrolled in Medicaid vs. private insurance (PR = 2.62, 95%CI:1.97–3.47). Financial barriers and treatment not being a priority were the most frequently reported barriers to treatment. To promote well-being among parents and their children, healthcare providers should prioritize reproductive-age women at higher AUD risk. Decreasing the stigma attached to AUD and intensifying efforts to educate women about the dangers of AUD may improve treatment use among pregnant and parenting women.
Metastasis patterns and prognosis in young gastric cancer patients: A propensity score‑matched SEER database analysis
Authors: Zhang Hong , Cheng Xia , Guo Wenqin , Zheng Cheng , Zhang Yue , Jing Xiaoying , Qiao Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Whether young patients with metastatic gastric cancer (GC) had distinct metastasis patterns and survival outcomes from older patients remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to explore the metastasis patterns and prognostic factors in young patients and evaluate the survival outcome in comparison to their older counterparts.

Materials and methods

We identified patients with metastatic GC in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015. The patients were divided into two groups based on age at diagnosis: younger (≤40 years old) and older (>40 years old). We employed the chi‐squared test to compare the clinicopathological characteristics between the two age groups. Furthermore, we conducted survival analyses using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. To balance disparities in baseline characteristics, we employed propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

We identified 5,580 metastatic GC patients from the SEER database, with 237 (4.2%) classified as younger and 5343 (95.8%) as older patients. A total of 237 pairs of patients were generated after adjustment by PSM. Patients in the younger group exhibited a higher proportion of bone-only metastases and a lower proportion of liver-only metastases compared with patients in the older group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that youth was an independent protective factor for overall survival (OS) before and after PSM, but not for gastric cancer-specific survival (GCSS). Among the younger group, patients with liver-only metastasis demonstrated the best prognosis, whereas patients with lung-only metastasis exhibited significantly worse survival outcomes compared with liver-only metastases, even comparable to that of bone metastasis.

Conclusions

Compared with the older group, the metastatic GC patients in the younger group exhibited more aggressive tumors but better prognoses. The metastasis pattern and its effect on the prognosis of GC varied by age group.
Measuring quality and effectiveness of HEI internationalisation - results from Poland, Czechia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom
Authors: Forlicz Maria , Tomaszewski Jarosław , Skýpalová Renata
Published: April 2024

he aim of this paper is to verify the applicability of the toolkit developed to assess and compare the internationalisation of universities in terms of its effectiveness and quality. For this purpose, a survey in the form of a questionnaire (one of the proposed tools) was conducted for a group of 57 universities from Poland, Czechia, Ukraine, and the UK. The toolkit made it possible to rank universities in terms of the quality and effectiveness of internationalisation, and allowed for an individual assessment of the level of internationalisation. Results show there are differences in the level of effectiveness and quality of internationalisation between the four countries surveyed. In the UK and Ukraine, there is significant difference in internationalisation effectiveness ratings for priority and non-priority traits, with better results for priority traits in the UK and better results for non-priority traits in Ukraine. In Poland, there is a significant difference in the level of quality of internationalisation ratings between priority and non-priority traits. Efficiency of internationalisation (effectiveness measure divided by the expenditure on internationalisation) was significantly higher in the UK than in other countries, which may be due to the more mature culture of internationalisation in universities in this country.
Elementary Pre-Service Teachers' Perception of Music Classes While Micro-Teaching
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Song Jeong-ju , Kim A-Hyun
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to discover the perceptions of pre-service teachers about music classes and to seek directions for enhancing the music class expertise through difficulties and demands for their music classes.
Methods: Elementary school pre-service teachers participated in micro-teaching and filled out self-assessment sheets based on recorded class videos. A survey was conducted with 201 pre-service elementary school teachers about their perception of music classes before and after micro-teaching and what they believed their needs were to improve their music class expertise after micro-teaching.
Results: First, the teachers recognized music classes as classes that felt the beauty of music and sympathized with emotions and values by considering the learners based on music knowledge. Second, they wanted a student participation-oriented music class based on the teacher's musical knowledge and practical skills, but they were experiencing trial and error in the micro-teaching due to their lack of music class experiences. Third, they had many individual differences in their confident music classes. To improve the professionalism of music classes, they believed that they required teacher training institutions to strengthen their connection with the field, support for improving musical competence, expand the number of hours of related subjects, expand class equipment, and provide opportunities to observe and analyze excellent classes. In addition, they recognized the need to develop individual abilities in relation to music practical skills, music knowledge, and music teaching methods in relation to the difficulties they encountered while micro-teaching.
Conclusion: For the participants in the study to grow into teachers with music instruction expertise, various efforts are required, including not only for the individuals but also teacher training institutions. Following this study, it is expected that future studies will examine specific measures to improve the professionalism of music classes.
Virtual Past and Virtual Teaching : Learning how to Teach History in Metaverse
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Kim Minjung
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aims to explore the characteristics when pre-service teachers in teacher training programs develop and demonstrate micro-teaching history lesson modules using the metaverse, and examines the impact of metaverse development and utilization experiences on micro-teaching.
Methods: Specifically, pre-service teachers participated in acquiring skills to utilize metaverse platforms, digitally reenacting the past, and in the development and application of micro-teaching programs. Instructors conducted university lectures on this subject, and participant surveys were carried out to assess the process.
Results: The research results showed that pre-service teachers who participated in a course on teaching methodology using the metaverse were able to overcome their fear of online platforms by engaging in the process of understanding history recreated in virtual spaces and improving their lesson demonstration skills through online micro-teaching. They were able to conduct lesson demonstrations that included feedback considering student responses in virtual class scenarios, overcoming the constraints of time and space. By producing and applying historical education content in the metaverse for lesson demonstrations, they could establish a foundation for developing online teaching and learning materials for their students.
Conclusion: In the era of AI digital education, it is necessary not only to develop and distribute metaverse platforms but also to provide teacher education that enhances the ability of pre-service teachers to utilize this digital literacy in their teaching.
Developmental Research on a News Literacy Lesson Program for Elementary Students
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Choi Jongyoon
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a program for news literacy classes for elementary school students.
Methods: In this research, we examined theories related to news literacy before analyzing curriculum, textbooks, and students' comprehension patterns to develop a program for news literacy classes.
Results: The objectives of the news literacy class were presented by dividing them into the areas of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The instructional stages were proposed as five steps: access, analyze, evaluate, produce, and reflect.
Conclusion: News literacy classes should cultivate elementary school students' abilities to access, comprehend, judge, and engage in productive and collaborative communication with the news. It is hoped that the results of this study can serve as foundational material for designing media-related lessons in elementary school.
Aplicação do business intelligence em logística
Authors: Nascimento Francisco Lucas , Nogueira Sara Monaliza Sousa , Ferreira Junior Lucelindo Dias , Lordelo Sandro Alberto Vianna
Published: April 2024

A aplicação do Business Intelligence (BI) na logística tem se mostrado de grande importância, permitindo que empresas tomem decisões estratégicas baseadas em dados precisos e análises avançadas. Por isso, é de suma importância que as empresas façam uso de ferramentas de análise de dados visando o desenvolvimento de estratégias de gestão logística mais eficientes. Nesse sentido, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os artigos que tratam dessa aplicação por meio da análise bibliométrica. A metodologia utilizada envolveu a busca de artigos em duas bases de dados, Web of Science e Scopus, que resultaram em 179 artigos publicados entre o período de 1997 a 2023. Para a pesquisa foram utilizados termos relacionados ao BI na logística e para a análise dos resultados obtidos, utilizou-se o pacote Bibliometrix do software RStudio, com o auxílio da ferramenta de visualização Biblioshiny. Com base nos resultados, foi evidenciado um aumento na produção científica neste tema a partir de 2015, com os países da Europa e Ásia contribuindo mais para esse crescimento, representando 11 dos 15 principais produtores. Neste contexto, o artigo mais citado pertence ao Reino Unido e trata-se das implicações práticas do Big Data na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos. Diante disso, o Big Data analytics está entre os tópicos mais emergentes, pois é uma metodologia que utiliza diversas ferramentas para analisar e extrair informações valiosas a partir de grandes volumes de dados, o que permite a otimização da cadeia de suprimentos. Outros tópicos frequentes no estudo foram “Firm Performance”, “Impact” e “Data Quality” revelando tendências das pesquisas. Essa análise contribui para uma compreensão aprofundada da evolução e tendências da aplicação do BI na logística, fornecendo insights valiosos para pesquisadores, profissionais e tomadores de decisão.
Abortion as a matter of Human Rights
Authors: Rueda Natalia
Published: April 2024

To ensure genuine equality, autonomy, freedom, and the right to reproductive self-determination, it is imperative for nations to ensure the right to freely and responsibly determine the desired number of children. The complete criminalization of abortion is incompatible with constitutional legal systems as it ignores the assurance of human rights protection, placing an unfair and indefensible burden on vulnerable women. This article examines the elements upholding a legal approach that restricts reproductive rights. It centers on the crucial notions of reproductive autonomy and self-determination and their place in the reproductive rights framework. These rights are regarded as human rights, outlining States’ corresponding responsibilities.
Iron Overload Causes Alterations of E-Cadherin in the Liver
Authors: Fujikura Yuzo , Krijt J. , Povýšil C. , Mělková Z. , Přikryl P. , Vokurka M. , Nečas E.
Published: April 2024

Iron overload causes tissue damage in the liver, but its initial effects at the molecular and cellular level are not well understood. Epithelial cadherin (E-cad) is a major adhesion protein in adherens junctions and is associated with several signal transduction pathways. Dysfunction of E-cad causes instability of adherens junctions, which leads to cell invasion, cell migration, and carcinogenesis. We found in liver samples from iron-overloaded mice that the apparent molecular mass of E-cad was reduced from 125 to 115 kDa in sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and immunoblotting, and that the cellular expression of E-cad was decreased in immunohistochemistry. The mRNA level of E-cad, however, did not change significantly, suggesting that the alterations are posttranslational. Interestingly, incubation of control liver extracts with Fe2+ alone also produced the same mobility shift. Neither an oxidant nor an antioxidant influenced this shift in vitro, suggesting that reactive oxygen species, which are generated by iron and known to cause damage to macromolecules, are not involved. Treatment of the 115 kDa E-cad with deferoxamine, an iron chelator, thus removing Fe2+, shifted the molecular mass back to 125 kDa, demonstrating that the shift is reversible. The observation also implies that the alteration that causes the mobility shift is not due to transcriptional control, deglycosylation, and proteolysis. This reversible mobility shift of E-cad has not been previously known. The alteration of E-cad that causes the mobility shift might be an initial step to liver diseases by iron overload.
A Mereological Reading of the Dictum de Omni et Nullo
Authors: Corkum Phil
Published: April 2024

When Aristotle introduces the complete moods, he refers back to the dictum de omni et nullo, a semantic condition for universal affirmations and negations. There recently has been renewed interest in the question whether the dictum validates the assertoric syllogistic. I rehearse evidence that Aristotle provides a mereological semantics for universal affirmations and negations, and note that this semantics entails a nonstandard reading of the dictum, under which the dictum, in the presence of a minimal logical apparatus, indeed validates the assertoric syllogistic. I argue that this mereological validation offers advantages over recent discussions in Morison, Malink, Ebert and Vlasits.
25 Jahre KIBA – Rückblick und Ausblick
Authors: Georgy Ursula
Published: April 2024

Die „Konferenz der Informations- und Bibliothekswissenschaftlichen Ausbildungs- und Studiengänge“ (KIBA) feierte im Jahr 2023 ihr 25-jähriges Jubiläum. Dies ist Anlass genug, die Aktivitäten durch die KIBA und die damit verbundenen Entwicklungen insbesondere im Bereich der bibliotheks- und informationswissenschaftlichen Studiengänge über die Zeit hinweg zu skizzieren und an einigen Stellen auch einen Ausblick zu wagen.
Functional Finance and the Sustainability of Universal Basic Income
Authors: Widerquist Karl
Published: April 2024

“Functional finance” is an economic theory within the Post Keynesian school of thought. Especially in the form of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), it has begun to have two big but opposite effects on the debate over Universal Basic Income (UBI). Some people state MMT in an exaggerated way that implies the government can spend all it wants on UBI or anything else without ever raising taxes or borrowing money as if government spending had no limits of any kind. Other people refer to MMT while arguing that any effort to maintain a livable level of UBI is unsustainable. This article discusses the functional finance implications for the cost and sustainability of UBI, arguing that neither of those exaggerated implications are correct. MMT doesn’t free us for the concern for how to support UBI with taxes, but neither does it give reason to believe UBI is any less sustainable.