bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gallbladder malignancy an old soul revisited-ultrasonography and contrast enhanced computed tomography evaluation in tertiary care center in South West Bihar
Authors: Bhat Shreya , Ahmad M. Shamin , Sharma Sachin , Puja
Published: January 2024

Background: Gallbladder (GB) malignancy is the commonest biliary tract carcinoma. It ranks fifth among the malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract and in all encompasses about 1-3% of all malignancies. Its peak occurrence is in the 5th decade or older with a female predilection. The most cases of GB malignancy are seen along the Ganga river delta region in India. The median survival rate in GB malignancy is approximately 6 months.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Narayan Medical College and Hospital Sasaram over a period of 12 months from August 2022 to September 2023. A total of 40 patients were included on the basis of signs and symptoms of gallbladder carcinoma and underwent USG and CT scan for preoperative radiological diagnosis, following operation all the resected specimens were sent for histopathological evaluation. The diagnostic accuracies of USG and CT scan were then compared against histopathological diagnosis by using Kappa statistics.
Results: In the present study, the mean age of the patients was 60 (range: 40-80 years) with female preponderance. About 40% of the gall-bladder were contracted and reduced in size and 35% large and distended on USG examination, while 45% of the gall-bladder were contracted and reduced in size and 37.5% distended and large on CT examination. Approximately 37.5% had irregularly thickened wall and 25% diffusely thickened wall on USG and 25% of gallbladder wall were diffusely thickened and 45% irregularly thickened on CT scan. The present study showed hepatic parenchymal invasion to be 25% on USG and 37.5% on CT scan. The sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosing GB carcinoma were 94.2% and 71.4% respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in detecting GB carcinoma were 97.1% and 83.3% respectively. The test of agreement (Kappa test) revealed an almost 90% agreement between the two procedures meaning that the two diagnostic modalities are almost comparable in diagnosing gall bladder carcinoma.
Conclusions: As the histopathological diagnosis of the present study correlated well with USG and CT scan findings in the diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma; it can be concluded that both USG and CT scan are useful imaging modalities for diagnosing this disease. However, CT scan is more sensitive and specific in predicting gall bladder carcinoma as compared to USG.
Jejunal diverticulum perforation leading to extra intestinal faecolith formation: a case report
Authors: Basa Matthew L. , Riddell Andrew
Published: January 2024

A 54-year-old woman with a history of jejunal diverticulitis presented with vague abdominal pain and underwent a laparotomy for a suspected foreign body perforation based on CT imaging. Surprisingly, no foreign body was found, but rather a chronic jejunal diverticulum with perforation and early-stage faecolith formation within the contained site. This rare case challenges assumptions about jejunal diverticulitis management and suggests that premature faecolith formation can occur post-perforation. We proposed revising treatment strategies to consider conservative measures for stable patients with contained perforations, emphasizing accurate diagnosis and individualized management, and promoting further research to establish evidence-based guidelines specific to jejunal diverticulitis.
Comorbidities in adult cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Alhadidi Abdallah , Al Smadi Dya Adeen , Alshobaki Wael , Alawamleh Ahmad , Ghawanmeh Suhaib Al , Mohd Ashraf F.
Published: January 2024

Background: The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of comorbidities in adult cardiac surgical patients and their impact on post-operative outcomes.
Methods: This was an observational analysis of patients presenting for cardiac surgery at Queen Alia Heart Institute in the period between September 2023 and January 2024. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery (cardiac pathology), intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were analysed. Patients were divided into four groups according to their number of extra cardiac comorbidities: Group 0 with no comorbidities, group 1 with 1 comorbidity, group 2 with 2 comorbidities and group 3 with more than 2 comorbidities. These groups were compared in relation to extubation time, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital stay and mortality.
Results: Data from 152 adult cardiac surgical patients who underwent 159 procedures was analysed. Male patients were 123 (80.9%). Average age of patients was 57 years and 32 patients (21%) were over 65 years. Most common procedure was CABG 130. Most common comorbidities were: hypertension as 113 (74.3%), diabetes 81 (53.26%), obesity 57 (37.5%), smoking history or respiratory disease 106 (69.73%), peripheral vascular disease 5 (3.29%), renal failure 4 (2.63%). The average Euroscore was 5.25%. Majority of patients 59.9% had more than two extra cardiac comorbidities. Time of tracheal extubation increased from 8.2 hours in group 0 to 18.4 hours in group 3. Mortality increased from 0% in group 0 to 12.1% in group 3.
Conclusions: Most of the cardiac surgical patients present with more than two extra cardiac morbidities. As the number of preoperative comorbidities increases; the longer is the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and the mortality.
Disaster and Political Trust: A Natural Experiment from the 2017 Mexico City Earthquake
Authors: Frost Margaret , Kim Sangeun , Scartascini Carlos , Zamora Paula , Zechmeister Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2024

Political trust is foundational to democratic legitimacy, representative governance, and the provision of effective public policy. Various shocks can influence this trust, steering countries onto positive or negative trajectories. This study examines whether natural disasters can impact general political trust and if disaster relief efforts can mitigate these effects. We investigate the relationships between disaster, trust, and aid using novel survey data collected before and after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in September 2017. Our findings reveal that the disaster resulted in an 11% decrease in general political trust. Additionally, we demonstrate that geographical proximity to disaster relief efforts may counterbalance this decline in trust. This study contributes to the scholarship on the politics of disasters and offers policy implications, highlighting the role of disaster assistance in potentially restoring general political trust after a disaster.
Gazing child labour rights in COVID-19 through the lens of humanistic approach
Authors: Singh Vidhi , Singh Shalini , Sapre Abhilash Arun , Dodai Barkha
Published: January 2024

A pandemia da COVID-19 desencadeou desafios sem precedentes em todo o mundo, afetando todos os aspectos da vida humana, incluindo os direitos e o bem-estar das crianças. Este artigo explora a questão multifacetada do trabalho infantil durante a pandemia através da lente de uma abordagem humanista, lançando luz sobre a dimensão frequentemente negligenciada dos direitos humanos desta crise. Os confinamentos induzidos pela pandemia e as perturbações económicas exacerbaram a situação das crianças trabalhadoras na Índia. Este trabalho de pesquisa emprega uma abordagem humanística para ver cada criança como um indivíduo único com dignidade inerente, merecedor de uma infância livre de exploração e danos. Salienta que o trabalho infantil não só viola os seus direitos fundamentais, mas também prejudica o seu potencial para contribuir positivamente para a sociedade. No contexto indiano, este resumo explora as dimensões éticas do trabalho infantil, enfatizando a responsabilidade da nação em garantir os direitos e o futuro dos seus cidadãos mais jovens. Investiga o impacto da interrupção da educação e da exclusão digital, destacando a importância de ambientes de aprendizagem acessíveis e inclusivos como meio de combater o trabalho infantil. Além disso, este documento de investigação investiga o quadro jurídico e político da Índia, analisando a eficácia das leis e iniciativas existentes na proteção dos direitos do trabalho infantil. Apela a uma abordagem holística que combine medidas legislativas, programas sociais e colaboração internacional para abordar as causas profundas do trabalho infantil e a sua exacerbação durante as crises.
Understanding Middle Eastern parents’ expectations for their children’s early education in New Zealand: Early childhood teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Irajzad Mehri
Published: January 2024

The Middle Eastern population in New Zealand has grown significantly in the past two decades. However, little is known about Middle Eastern parents’ expectations and their children’s experiences of the New Zealand early education system. The PhD research on which this article is based was an attempt to address this gap. The findings discussed in this article derive from semistructured interviews with four case-study teachers. Using thematic analysis and drawing on constructs from critical multiculturalism and funds of knowledge, I argue that there is a lack of congruence between the early childhood discourses promoted by the New Zealand teachers and Middle Eastern parents’ expectations for their children’s early education. Possible implications for early childhood pedagogy are suggested to meet the needs of increasingly ethnically and culturally diverse early childhood educational contexts.
Developing student food waste literacy
Authors: Goswami Deepa , Eames Chris , Hunter Phillipa
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the pressing issue of food waste by focusing on the development of young adolescents’ food waste literacy. The concept of food waste literacy (FWL), defined as the literacy for the judicious use of food, encompasses knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviours related to food waste. The article presents a study that aimed to enhance FWL among young adolescents in a New Zealand school through a teacher-directed guided inquiry intervention. A mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews, explored students’ food waste knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviours. The findings underscore the potential of appropriate units of learning and curriculum design for developing FWL. Promoting food citizenship in students is central to addressing food waste issues through educational initiatives.
Detalle de la información geométrica de los niveles de información del modelo 3D para los proyectos de infraestructura vial urbana en Bogotá, D. C.
Authors: Calixto Hernández Juan Sebastián
Published: January 2024

Actualmente, la metodología Building Information Modeling (BIM) ha cobrado especial relevancia en el sector de la infraestructura, al punto de que diversas entidades gubernamentales han optado por generar planes de trabajo que permitan lograr objetivos BIM, con miras a optimizar los procesos constructivos y de diseño. Lo anterior es relativamente nuevo en el distrito capital, lo que ha llevado a que el Instituto de Desarrollo Urbano (IDU) adelante lo pertinente desde el 2020. Sin embargo, en el proceso de incorporación de los requisitos que deben tener los distintos proyectos, aún falta por definir algunos aspectos, como los niveles de información (LOD) geométrica para cada una de las entidades que hacen parte de los componentes en las distintas fases del proyecto, toda vez que los documentos del IDU establecen lod determinados para cada fase del proyecto, mas no por entidad geométrica. Así las cosas, este artículo identifica cuáles son los productos que se desarrollan para cada fase del diseño de un proyecto, con base en la Guía de Maduración de Proyectos del IDU, y los correlaciona con el lod establecido por el Anexo Contractual BIM V.5, para concluir que es necesario separar los componentes de diseño por entidades, ya que cada una de estas responde a un LOD distinto, incluso para una misma fase de diseño.
De Sal y Arena en escena como análisis del rol de ser mujer
Authors: JIMÉNEZ DRAGUICEVIC PAMELA SOLEDAD , SÁNCHEZ VARGAS ITZEL
Published: January 2024

Malintzin fue una mujer nahua intérprete y consejera de Hernán Cortés, alrededor de ella, a lo largo de los siglos, se han establecido diferentes análisis y conjeturas, sobre si fue sabia consejera o traidora. Esta mujer significativamente simbólica ¿qué representa para el inconsciente colectivo femenino en México?, una mujer letrada y políglota que no pudo lograr una mayor jerarquía que la de ser acompañante. El Laboratorio Teatral Látex-UAQ realizó una puesta en escena titulada “De Sal y Arena” basada en la conquista la cual buscó reflejar tanto la visión española (los de Sal), como la visión de los pueblos originarios (los de Arena), motivando una reflexión acerca de la riqueza del mestizaje de la que somos herederos. También se destacó como protagonista a Malintzin quien, por su dominio de lenguas y su capacidad para comprender ambas culturas, le permitieron actuar como intermediaria entre los de Sal y los de Arena.

PALABRAS CLAVE: Malintzin, estereotipos, mujer, género, escena.
Universidad y Desarrollo Humano: La Gestión Artística y Cultural desde las Instituciones de Educación Superior
Authors: ALEJANDRO CABRAL PABLO
Published: January 2024

La gestión cultural desde el ámbito universitario permite un ejercicio de reflexión-praxis-reflexión que obligatoriamente debe abordar diversas dimensiones de la realidad sociocultural. Esto implica atender no sólo a las necesidades institucionales sino también tener un impacto en los diversos sectores de la sociedad dentro del territorio donde la universidad actúa y opera.De esta manera no es otra cosa que atender a las tres funciones sustantivas de las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) las cuales son la formación de profesionales, la investigación y el extensionismo.Este trabajo plantea la discusión a través de cuatro apartados: 1 - Pensar la gestión cultural como proceso dialéctico; 2 - Pensar la gestión cultural como proceso de construcción comunitaria; 3 - La gestión cultural desde la universidad; 4 - La Universidad como agente de transformación.Finalmente se presenta el caso práctico del Primer Festival Internacional de Tango UAQ Querétaro 2022, como ejemplo de construcción de un proyecto artístico-cultural de extensionismo universitario.

PALABRAS CLAVE: Gestión Cultural, Universidad, Desarrollo Humano, Extensionismo, Tango.
The Parmalat Scandal: An Analysis of Financial Deception and Its Implications for Global Business
Authors: Cambaza Edgar Manuel
Published: January 2024

The Parmalat scandal, often compared to Europe's Enron case, highlights one of the biggest financial frauds in global business history. Revealed in 2003, the case exposed an astonishing €14 billion deficit in the company's accounts, resulting from fraud, mismanagement, and oversight failures. This case study delves into the complexities of the Parmalat scandal, exploring its causes, impacts, and lessons for global businesses. It examines inadequate corporate governance, strategic missteps, auditing failures, and ethical violations, highlighting the importance of maintaining an ethical and transparent corporate culture. The role of auditing is emphasized, pointing out deficiencies in both internal and external audits, and the need for stricter controls and a whistleblowing culture. Parmalat's strategic decisions are scrutinized to understand how they contributed to the company's decline. The problematic relationship between majority and minority shareholders is discussed, revealing internal conflicts. The response to the scandal included a push for better corporate governance standards, regulatory reforms, and the adoption of more robust governance models. The importance of an ethical corporate culture, financial transparency, and the empowerment of whistleblowers are underscored as essential for preventing future frauds. The Parmalat case serves as a warning of the need for transparent and ethical practices in business, reinforcing that profitability should not override ethical considerations. This study provides a blueprint for companies to avoid similar pitfalls, highlighting corporate governance, business ethics, and oversight as pillars for trust and economic stability.
A global perspective on the value of multi-level analysis as an enabler for achieving SDGs
Authors: Ndugwa Robert , Mwaniki Dennis
Published: January 2024

With more than 50 percent of the global population living in urban areas, Sustainable Development Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities provides a critical lever for us to realise all other SDG goals. This calls for tracking urban spatial development at various levels to facilitate a better understanding of the role, amongst others, of remote sensing data in the field of sustainable urban development and services of general interest to be provided by authorities. Urbanisation patterns may thus be retraced, but also modelled in order to provide evidence for decision makers. Without proper planning, the spatial impacts of urbanisation and subsequent spatial inequalities are more likely to affect disadvantaged groups most. In the last decade of the SDGs, the use of data to inform policies is very critical, and such evidence needs to be anchored in multi-level analysis and ensure vertical and horizontal applications at all governance levels.
ЈУЛИЈАНА И ПОТУКАЧ ЈЕДНО ПОРЕД ДРУГОГ — АРХИТЕКТОНСКА СИМБОЛИКА У КЊИЗИ ИЗ ЕКСЕТЕРА
Authors: Marjanović Marko
Published: January 2024

Овај рад се бави архитектонском симболиком у двема песмама сачуваним у Књизи из Ексетера, наиме Киневулфовом Јулијаном и Потукачем анонимног аутора. Како овe две песме у рукопису стоје једна уз другу и како их карактерише слична симболика, богата архитектонским сликама, посматраћемо их као дела која је, хипотетички, сакупљач желео да буду прочитана као пар. У анализи ћемо се кретати путем савремених анализа англосаксонских рукописа као плодова монашког рада, као и најидеалнијег контекста за разумевање староенглеске поезије. У овом аспекту, као полазиште за анализу послужиће недавна и своје врсте прва студија саме Књиге из Ексетера Џона Д. Најлса (John D. Niles) под називом God’s Exiles and English Verse: On The Exeter Anthology of Old English Poetry (2019). Успоставивши сигурне везе између две песме и сагледавши начине на које се по питању симбола допуњују, доћи ћемо корак ближе ка откривању потенцијалних читања и интерпретација које је сам сакупљач рукописа имао на уму, те ступити у дијалог не само са песницима заслуженим за дела којим се бавимо, већ и самим читаоцима истих.
El tándem Alemania-Francia y la expansión europea hacia el este
Authors: Jaquenod Alejandro Marcelo
Published: January 2024

Diversos autores plantean la centralidad analítica del tándem europeo Alemania-Francia (también referido como ‘eje francoalemán’) durante el desarrollo de las negociaciones, en contraposición a un tándem Brasil-Argentina por el lado del Mercosur.

El objetivo de este trabajo es problematizar la dinámica de funcionamiento del mencionado tándem en el contexto de expansión de la Unión Europea hacia el este a comienzos del nuevo milenio. Entendemos que las tensiones, alineamientos y realineamientos nacionales durante aquel proceso, al igual que otros sucesos de relevancia que escapan a los objetivos de este trabajo, nos ofrecen material necesario para desplegar y analizar la dinámica de liderazgo europeo entre el tándem mencionado y otros actores relevantes, como el Reino Unido y los órganos institucionales de la Unión.
Goodbye H-index, Welcome C-score
Authors: Rull Valenti
Published: January 2024

Using the h-index to assess individual researchers is not only unethical and unfair but also inaccurate and misleading. This index fails to offer a reliable measure of a researcher's impact based on their citation scores. Beyond statistical and conceptual considerations, authorship practices, especially in the case of multi-authored publications, give rise to significant problems that often go unnoticed. While some modifications of the h-index have been proposed to mitigate these weaknesses, the fundamental deficiencies persist. Most of these flaws have been effectively addressed by the c-score, a composite citation index. The c-score excludes self-citations, normalizes the number of citations by considering the number of authors in each paper, and takes into account first, single, and last authorship. This approach provides a more realistic measure of the impact of each individual researcher based on raw citations.
Study of the Clogging Phenomenon of Submerged Nozzles in Continuous Casting
Authors: Fares Firas Mekhenache , Snani Louafi , Benchikha Tahar
Published: January 2024

The continuous casting nozzle which guides and protects the flow of liquid steel undergoes a progressive reduction in its internal diameter following the accumulation on the internal wall of non-metallic inclusions. This narrowing of the channel is due to a mechanical attachment (non-metallic inclusions) and this, because of the turbulent regime of the flow of the liquid steel. This phenomenon is very often associated with the casting of low carbon steels deoxidized exclusively with aluminium. Clogging generally leads to a slowing down of the casting speed and, in severe cases, to the total stoppage of the installation and consequently to the appearance in the slab of the defect called "resumption of casting or belt". The aim of this work is to determine the nature of the deposit and the blocking mechanism of the pouring nozzles. For that, a chemical analysis as well as tests concerning the adhesion of the deposit were carried out on samples taken from damaged pouring nozzles. We found that it was at a load of 187.5 kgf that the rupture of the sample took place, during the interfacial indentation tests, which represents a very high level of adhesion. On the other hand, chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence of the deposits revealed a fairly high level of alumina (Al2O3 = 90%) which undoubtedly comes from inclusions resulting from the deoxidation of the metal. It can therefore be said that the clogging phenomenon is produced by a continuous attachment of non-metallic inclusions to the rough walls of the nozzle.
Effectiveness of professional suitability scale in assessing teaching suitability among primary school teachers in Tanzania
Authors: Dassan Gwajekera Fidel , Matiku Joshua Joel
Published: January 2024

This study intended to evaluate effectiveness of professional suitability scale (PSS) in assessing primary school teachers’ suitability for teaching profession in Tanzania in an attempt to address the challenges of professional unsuitability among teachers in Tanzania. Specific objectives of this study were to explore the structure, validity and reliability of PSS in assessing the professional suitability among primary school teachers, to examine effectiveness of PSS in measuring differences in professional suitability among teachers by region and to examine the effectiveness of PSS in measuring differences in professional suitability between teachers in private schools and government schools. Data were collected among 365 primary school teachers using 26 items of the PSS. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that PSS is a valid four-factor scale comprised of social, practical, personal, and ethical suitability. It was also found out that PSS is a reliable tool with an internal consistency of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of α =.79. Results further revealed no significant difference in professional suitability by region but found out significant difference in professional suitability with school ownership and school performance category (Low versus High Performing Schools). It was concluded that although PSS is an effective tool for measuring professional suitability among teachers, the difference in school performance by region or ownership can just partly be explained by teachers’ professional suitability. It was recommended that PSS may assist employers in assessing their employees’ suitability for teaching and that future studies may undertake a validation study for further improvement of the PSS.
Comprehensive spatial distribution of patients with first- episode psychosis (FEP) and its relation to socio-economic factors
Authors: Gualda Luz María González , Gonzalez-Rubio Jesus , Najera Alberto , Dies María Aliño , Cremades Rubén Roig , Espuña Javier Bajen , Alarcón Carmen Escobar , Sirvent Noelia Navarro , Lozano María Jesús Montes , Rodríguez Karen Nieto
Published: January 2024

Background:
The functional-cognitive impact of first-episode psychosis (FEP) is extremely relevant and implies dysfunction from early life stages like adolescence and youth. Like other illnesses, FEP incidence is also influenced by environmental factors. It is necessary to attend to this age group with early interventions and to act on the environmental factors that the literature correlates with increased FEP incidence: socio-economic aspects, social adversity, bullying at school or cannabis use. In this context, identifying the areas of cities where FEP patients concentrate is important to perform early interventions. The spatial analysis of patient distribution in a whole city is one way to identify the most vulnerable areas and to propose psycho-social interventions for the possible prevention and/or early detection of FEP by improving urban mental health.
Methods:
An epidemiological study of point patterns to determine the areas of a city with a higher incidence of patients with FEP. To do so, the addresses of FEP cases were georeferenced from 1 January 2016 to 31 October 2022, and 109 FEP patients were analysed. A random sample of 383 controls was recruited from the city census. By GIS, the areas with higher FEP incidence were analysed to see if they coincided with the zones where inhabitants with lower incomes lived.
Results:
The risk ratio of the FEP patients was compatible with the constant risk ratio in Albacete (p = 0.22). When performing the process separately with cases and controls only in men and women, the results were not significant for both distributions (p-value: 0.12 and 0.57, respectively). Nonetheless, areas within the city had a significantly higher risk. These groups of cases coincided with those who had lower income and more inequality for women, but this pattern was not clear for men.
Conclusions:
Classifying city areas per income can help to determine the zones at higher risk of FEP, which would allow early healthcare and preventive measures for these zones.
Efficacy of propofol-supplemented cardioplegia on biomarkers of organ injury in patients having cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass: a Statistical Analysis Plan for the ProMPT-2 randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Smartt Helena Josephine Marie , Angelini Gianni D. , Gibbison Ben , Rogers Chris A.
Published: January 2024

Background
The ProMPT-2 trial (Propofol for Myocardial Protection Trial #2) aims to compare the safety and efficacy of low and high dose propofol supplementation of the cardioplegia solution during adult cardiac surgery versus sham supplementation. This update presents the statistical analysis plan, detailing how the trial data will be analysed and presented. Outlined analyses are in line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and the statistical analysis plan has been written prior to database lock and the final analysis of trial data to avoid reporting bias (following recommendations from the International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice).
Methods/design
ProMPT-2 is a multi-centre, blinded, parallel three-group randomised controlled trial aiming to recruit 240 participants from UK cardiac surgery centres to either sham cardioplegia supplementation, low dose (6µg/ml) or high dose (12µg/ml) propofol cardioplegia supplementation. The primary outcome is cardiac-specific troponin T levels (a biomarker of cardiac injury) measured during the first 48h following surgery.
The statistical analysis plan describes the planned analyses of the trial primary and secondary outcomes in detail, including approaches to deal with: missing data, multiple testing, violation of model assumptions, withdrawals from the trial, non-adherence with the treatment and other protocol deviations. It also outlines the planned sensitivity analyses and exploratory analyses to be performed.
Discussion
This manuscript prospectively describes, prior to the completion of data collection and database lock, the analyses to be undertaken for the ProMPT-2 trial to reduce risk of reporting and data-driven analyses.
Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15255199. Registered 26th March 2019, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTNISRCTN15255199
Harnessing Voice Analysis and Machine Learning for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease: A Comparative Study Across Three Datasets
Authors: Neto Osmar Pinto
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of voice analysis combined with machine learning (ML) techniques in enabling early, noninvasive diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD).
Methods: Voice data, phonation of the vowel 'a', from three distinct datasets (two from the UCI ML Repository and one from figshare) for a total of 432 participants (278 PD patients) were analyzed. We employed four ML models - Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) - alongside two ensemble methods (soft voting classifier - EVC and stacking method - ESM). The models underwent 50 iterations of evaluation, involving various data splits and 10-fold cross-validation. Comparative analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc corrections.
Results: The ESM, SVM, and GB models emerged as the top performers, demonstrating superior performance across metrics including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, and ROC AUC. Despite data heterogeneity and variable selection limitations, the models showed high values for all metrics.
Conclusion: Machine learning integration with voice analysis, mainly through ESM, SVM, and GB, is promising for early PD diagnosis. Using multi-source data and a large sample size enhances our findings' validity, reliability, and generalizability.
Significance: This study underscores the potential of noninvasive voice analysis combined with advanced ML to revolutionize early PD detection and pave the way for cost-effective, scalable diagnostic tools.
Impacts of Elderly Population on the Technical Efficiency of Asean
Authors: JEE KOUK HIONG , Rahim Rossazana AB , Khan fatin nur hidayah Taib
Published: January 2024

As labor oriented economies, ASEAN not only consistently suffer a subpar performance in terms of productivity growth compare to other countries in Asia since 1987 but also facing elderly population problem which closely related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8). Hence, this study investigates the impacts of elderly population on the technical efficiency of ASEAN over the period of 1990–2019. The estimated technical efficiency for ASEAN collectively reached 0.7398 with Myanmar in highest and Lao PDR in lowest position. Besides, elderly population was proven negatively and significantly influences the technical efficiency of ASEAN. In depth, 1% increment in elderly population will decrease 3.4% of the estimated technical efficiency of ASEAN. Surprisingly, crude death rate is significantly and positively influences the technical efficiency of ASEAN. It depicted that the growth of population may not able to be transformed as the skilled workers in ASEAN. While labor force participation of the elderly is a current trend in ASEAN, the member states of ASEAN particularly Brunei and Myanmar are suggested to carry out more policies such as providing more ICT skill training and job reallocation based on physical ability to improve the productivity among the elderly labor.
Polymeric IgA with unique glycans protects from necrotoxigenic E. coli O55 infection in an animal model
Authors: Brokesova Diana , Kafkova Leona Raskova , Skarda Jozef , Perutka Zdenek , Sebela Marek , Krupka Michal , Zakostelska Zuzana Jiraskova , Reiss Zuzana , Stepanova Katerina , Srutk Dagmar , Vannucci Luca , Novobilsky Adam , Dvorak Jiri , Kulich Pavel , Stepankova Renata , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena , Sinkora Marek , Mestecky Jiri , Raska Milan
Published: January 2024

Antibodies exhibit protective activities through their antigen-specific Fab-dependent interactions and by the Fc-associated glycan moieties.
To evaluate the protective functions of Ig-associated glycans, we compared in vitro and in vivo the human polyclonal secretory (S) IgA with polymeric (p) monoclonal myeloma IgA proteins of defined glycan structure for their protective activity against necrotoxigenic E. coli O55. Namely, we compared the adhesion and penetration of necrotoxigenic E. coli O55 to a pig intestinal IPEC-1 cells and determined the IPEC-1 response relative to the preincubation of bacteria with various pIgA1 or pIgA2. Preparation designated pIgA2(F2) exhibiting unique N-glycan composition and the highest protection in vitro was tested in vivo with respect to the protection against experimental intestine infection of antibody-free newborn piglets by E. coli O55.
pIgA2(F2) reduced inflammatory activation of gut tissue, prevents development of alterations of intestinal architecture including villous blunting and epithelial hyperplasia equally to simultaneously tested milk/colostrum-derived SIgA.
Further studies would lead to the identification of pIgA2 glycans involved in the protection from specific bacterial gut infection.
Work-life balance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A European perspective
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Mariotti Ilaria , Nappo Nunzia , Vecchione Gaetano
Published: January 2024

The EU’s remote working landscape, marked by heterogeneity, underwent significant changes due to COVID-19. We use Eurofound’s longitudinal Living, Working and COVID-19 e-survey to explore work-life balance shifts among remote workers from spring 2020 to spring 2022. Quantitative analysis reveals heightened work-life balance challenges for married, female, parent, and university-educated remote workers. Employer work-life balance intensified post-pandemic, while self-employed workers faced consistent challenges. Countries with less of a history of remote work exhibited reduced remote worker satisfaction through all phases of the pandemic. While sectoral effects were not pronounced, this study underscores nuanced demographic and employment-related impacts of remote work on work-life balance. Its findings contribute insights into EU remote work dynamics, offering implications for workforce well-being and management strategies.
JEL Codes J22; J28; J81
Shape of the first mitotic spindles impacts nucleation in human embryos
Authors: Ono Yuki , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Kazumasa Kazumasa , Goto Mayumi , Ono Takahiro , Sakaguchi Taichi , Okabe Motonari , Hirakawa Takeo , Iwasawa Takuya , Fujishima Akiko , Onodera Yohei , Sugawara Tae , Makino Kenichi , Miura Hiroshi , Fukunaga Noritaka , Asada Yoshimasa , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Terada Yukihiro
Published: January 2024

During human embryonic development, early cleavage-stage embryos are more susceptible to errors. Studies have shown that many problems occur during the first mitosis, such as direct cleavage, chromosome segregation errors, and multinucleation. However, the mechanisms whereby these errors occur during the first mitosis in human embryos remain unknown. To clarify this aspect, in the present study, we imaged discarded living human two-pronuclear stage zygotes using fluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy without microinjection of DNA or mRNA and investigated the association between spindle shape and nuclear abnormality during the first mitosis. We observed that the first mitotic spindles varied, and low-aspect-ratio-shaped spindles tended to lead to the formation of multiple nuclei at the 2-cell stage. Moreover, we observed defocusing poles in many of the first mitotic spindles, which were strongly associated with multinucleation. In addition, it has been suggested that the parental genome remains separated during the first mitosis. Our study will contribute markedly to research on the occurrence of mitotic errors during the early cleavage of human embryos.
A multi-objective train timetable optimization method based on sleep period inspection
Authors: Wang Wenxian , Chen Hao , Zhang Liqing , Jia Li
Published: January 2024

For passengers traveling by the railway, a reasonable train timetable can improve passenger satisfaction efficiently, and improve the service quality of railway passenger transport. Existing related research focuses on reprogramming the train timetable from the perspective of train operating time and operating income, but how to optimize the train timetable from the rationality of passenger travel time has not been greatly resolved. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-objective train timetable compilation method based on sleep period checking. In this system, the quantitative calculation method of passenger travel time preference is defined, and the passenger arrival time preference function and departure time preference function are fitted by Gaussian function. On this basis, a mixed integer programming model for train timetable optimization is developed. Aiming at this mixed integer nonlinear problem, an improved genetic algorithm based on parallel search mechanism is designed. After the new train timetable is generated, the feasibility of the new train timetable is checked based on the sleep period checking technique. If the new train schedule is feasible, it is indicated as the optimal train schedule. Otherwise, the same algorithm is used again to reschedule. Finally, the performance of the proposed model and algorithm is verified by an example analysis.
Aicardi-Goutières syndrome type 6: report of ADAR variant and clinical outcome after ruxolitinib treatment in the neonatal period.
Authors: Gabaldon-Albero Alba , Martin-Grau Carla , Marti-Masanet Miguel , Lopez-Jimenez Alejandro , Llorens-Salvador Roberto , Beseler-Soto Beatriz , Martin-Zamora Sergio , Lopez Berta , Calvo Inmaculada , Hernandez-Muela Sara , Rosello-Piera Monica , Alonso Carmen Orellana , Castellano Francisco Martinez
Published: January 2024

Background Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome is a monogenic type 1 interferonopathy with infantile onset, characterized by a variable degree of neurological damage. Approximately 7% of Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome cases are caused by pathogenic variants in the ADAR gene and are classified as Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome type 6. Here we present a new homozygous pathogenic variant in the ADAR gene. Currently Janus Kinase inhibitors have been proposed to treat selected interferonopathies such as Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, although limited information is available on its use and results in the neonatal presentation of this disease.Case presentation We present two siblings, a male neonate with congenital petechial rash, severe thrombopenia and generalized hypotonia and his deceased sister who had normal development until 5 months of age, when she suffered acute encephalopathy. We describe the clinical course, complementary examinations and follow-up with early treatment of the newborn with ruxolitinib. The homozygous variant c.2908G > A (p.Ala970Thr) in the ADAR gene was found in both siblings, parents were heterozygous carriers.Conclusions The homozygous variant c.2908G > A (p.Ala970Thr) in the ADAR gene causes Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome type 6. Intrafamilial phenotypic spectrum of the disease varies among individuals with the same pathogenic variant. Early initiation of ruxolitinib improved systemic signs but did not prevent the progression of neurological disease.
A Multi-Model Assessment of Inequality and Climate Change
Authors: Emmerling Johannes , Andreoni Pietro , Charalampidis Ioannis , Dasgupta Shouro , Dennig Francis , Vandyck Toon , Feindt Simon , Fragkiadakis Dimitris , Fragkos Panagiotis , Fujimori Shinichiro , Gilli Martino , Grottera Carolina , Guivarch Céline , Kornek Ulrike , Kriegler Elmar , Malerba Daniele , Marangoni Giacomo , Méjean Aurélie , Nijsse Femke , Piontek Franziska , Simsek Yeliz , Soergel Bjoern , Taconet Nicolas , Young-Brun Marie , Zheng Yu , Zhao Shiya , Tavoni Massimo
Published: January 2024

Climate change and inequality are critical and interrelated defining issues for this century. Despite growing empirical evidence on the economic incidence of climate policies and impacts, mainstream model-based assessments are often silent on the interplay between climate change and economic inequality. For example, all the major model comparisons reviewed in IPCC neglect within-country inequalities. Here we fill this gap by presenting a model ensemble of eight large-scale Integrated Assessment Models belonging to different model paradigms and featuring economic heterogeneity. We study the distributional implications of Paris-aligned climate target of 1.5 degree and include different carbon revenue redistribution schemes. Moreover, we account for the economic inequalities resulting from residual and avoided climate impacts. We find that price-based climate policies without compensatory measures increase economic inequality in most countries and across models. However, revenue redistribution through equal per-capita transfers can offset this effect, leading to on average decrease in the Gini index by almost two points. When climate benefits are included, inequality is further reduced, but only in the long term. Around mid-century, the combination of dried-up carbon revenues and yet limited climate benefits leads to higher inequality under the Paris target than in the Reference scenario, indicating the need for further policy measures in the medium term.
Dearomative Difunctionalization of Arenes via Highly Selective Radical Relay Reactions
Authors: Zheng Ke , Lei Ning , Zhang Qian , Tao Pan , Lu Cong , Lei Qian
Published: January 2024

Dearomatization of arenes emerges as a reliable strategy for crafting intricate 3D polycyclic frameworks. Nonetheless, the development of an efficient method for dearomatization across diverse arenes remains a formidable challenge, particularly in the case of unactivated benzene. In this study, we present a facile dearomative difunctionalization approach for unactivated arenes through a highly selective radical relay reaction. The reaction operates under mild conditions, devoid of metals, photocatalysts, and additives. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope and exceptional functional group tolerance, successfully transforming various aromatics, including inert naphthalene and benzene rings, indoles, pyrroles, benzofuran, and thiophene. Bioactivity assessments reveal a significant inhibitory effect of the synthesized complex polycyclic frameworks on HCT 116 cancer cells, with subsequent mouse experiments providing compelling evidence of its feasibility.
Adiposity in mares induces insulin dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction which can be mitigated by nutritional intervention
Authors: Fresa Kyle J , Catandi Giovana D , Whitcomb Luke A , Gonzalez-Castro Raul A , Chicco Adam J , Carnevale Elaine M
Published: January 2024

Obesity is a complex disease associated with augmented risk of metabolic disorder development and cellular dysfunction in various species. The goal of the present study was to investigate the impacts of obesity on the metabolic health of old mares as well as test the ability of diet supplementation with either a complex blend of nutrients designed to improve equine metabolism and gastrointestinal health or L-carnitine to mitigate negative effects of obesity. Mares (n = 19, 17.9 ± 3.7 years) were placed into one of three group: normal-weight (NW, n = 6), obese (OB, n = 7) or obese fed a complex diet supplement for 12 weeks (OBD, n = 6). After 12 weeks, OB mares received L-carnitine alone for 6 weeks. Obesity in mares was significantly associated with insulin dysregulation, reduced (p < 0.05) muscle mitochondrial function, and decreased (p < 0.05) skeletal muscle oxidative capacity with greater (p < 0.05) ROS production when compared to NW. Obese mares fed the complex diet supplement had better insulin sensivity (p < 0.05), greater (p < 0.05) cell lipid metabolism, and higher (p < 0.05) muscle oxidative capacity with reduced (p < 0.05) ROS production than OB. L-carnitine supplementation alone did not significantly alter insulin signaling, but improved (p < 0.05) lipid metabolism and muscle oxidative capacity with reduced (p < 0.05) ROS. In conclusion, obesity is associated with insulin dysregulation and altered skeletal muscle metabolism in older mares. However, dietary interventions are an effective strategy to improve metabolic status and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in older mares.
Effect of Tb3+ and Ce3+ co-doping on the structural stability and photoluminescence properties of hexagonal boron nitride phosphors
Authors: Nie Lunshuai , Jia Kai , Guo Hongguang , He Jiaqin , Weng Zhehui , Li Yizhou , Ju Haidong
Published: January 2024

In the paper, we have successfully prepared hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) phosphors with melamine as the nitrogen source. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns confirm that the sample possesses a hexagonal crystal structure within the Pm2 space group. It is interesting that the co-doping combination of Tb3+ and Ce3+ can markedly enhance the threshold concentration of doped activators within the limited solid solution of h-BN phosphors. Under 302 nm excitation, the h-BN:Ce3+ phosphors exhibit broadband blue light emission at 406 nm. In h-BN:Tb3+, Ce3+ phosphors, the co-doping of Ce3+ not only ensures high phase purity but also results in strong green light emission. The energy transfer efficiency from Ce3+ to Tb3+ is about 55%. The fluorescence lifetime increases with the increase of Ce3+ and Tb3+ concentration, and the fluorescence lifetime of h-BN:0.025Tb3+, 0.05Ce3+ phosphor reached 2.087 ms. Additionally, the h-BN:0.025Tb3+, 0.05Ce3+ phosphor exhibits excellent thermal performance with an activation energy value of 0.2825 eV. Moreover, the photoluminescence quantum yield of the sample exceeds 52%. Therefore, the h-BN:Tb3+, Ce3+ samples can be used as green phosphors for solid state lighting and fluorescent labeling.
Analysis of Rescue Strategies for Acute Thrombosis in Moyamoya Patients during STA-MCA Bypass Surgery and the Literature Review
Authors: Xu Haitao , Ni Haojin , Zhou Chenhui , Wang Xinwen , Wei Jie , Qian Tiansheng , Dai Zifeng , Lan Wenting , Wu Xin , Yu Jiacheng , Li Xianru , Gao Xiang , Xu Bin , Lin Jinghui
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives: Moyamoya disease is most improtantly treated with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery, and the intraoperative patency of the reconstructive vessels is critical to the efficacy of the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intra-arterially infused tirofiban for the treatment of acute thrombosis during STA-MCA bypass surgery and countermeasures for acute thrombosis.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, surgical procedure, and follow-up outcomes of eight patients who developed acute thrombosis during the surgical procedure. We implemented the different thrombolytic methods to evaluate the optimal thrombosis management during the bypass surgery. After three months, we assessed neurological functions using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and conducted a literature review using PubMed.
Results: Eight patients (four male patients and four female patients) developed acute thrombosis during the bypass surgery. Of the eight patients, two underwent re-anastomosis after thrombus removal, three received local injections of tirofiban into the anastomosis or the branches of the superficial temporal artery, and three underwent superselective intra-arterial tirofiban infusion using a microcatheter. Thrombosis were resolved, and arteries were recanalized in all patients. The mRS score was 0 in all patients. No major ischemic or hemorrhagic complications occurred.
Conclusion: Our treatment methods were efficacious in the management of acute thrombosis. Intra-arterial tirofiban administration seems to be a simple and effective treatment option for acute thrombosis during STA-MCA bypass surgery.