bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation between pulmonary function changes and diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ibrahim Alaa Ahmed , Abd-Eldayem Aya Mohamed Mohamed , Hamid Hossam Eldin Mohamed Abdel
Published: January 2025

Background

IPF is a chronic disease with impaired diaphragmatic function. In the vast majority of patients, lung function gradually deteriorates until intractable respiratory failure occurs.

Aim of work

To assess diaphragmatic ultrasound in IPF patients and its relation to functional parameters.

Subjects and methods

This study used a case–control design and involved IPF patients who were either attending an outpatient clinic or admitted to a ward at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Abbassia Chest Hospital. Forty-five participants were included and split up into 3 groups: group A: 15 IPF cases suffering from hypoxia. Group B: 15 IPF patients without hypoxia or respiratory failure. Group C: 15 healthy participants as controls.

Result

Groups A and B had considerably decreased diaphragm excursion (QB), thickness of diaphragm at the end of inspiration, diaphragm thickness fraction, and diaphragm thickness fraction % when compared to the control group. Patients' diaphragm excursion during deep breathing was significantly smaller in group A than it was in the controls.

The diaphragm excursion (QB and DB), the thickness of the diaphragm at the end of inspiration, the thickness fraction, and the fraction % were positively associated with FVC, FEF 25–75, FEV1, 6MWT, the O2 sat before, the O2 sat after, and the O2 at RA, while they were negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC. There was no difference between groups in diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration.

Conclusion

Diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters demonstrated strong correlations with pulmonary function parameters, 6-min walk test, and oxygen saturation levels.
Aortic valve repair with sinus plication for a regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve: a case report
Authors: Aratame Atsutaka , Kunihara Takashi , Baba Toshio , Sakaguchi Masanori , Sumii Yosuke , Fukuda Mikado , Takahashi Yosuke
Published: January 2025

Background

Repair of the regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve is an attractive alternative to valve replacement. Although good long-term outcomes have been reported, postoperative aortic stenosis remains a major late cause of repair failure in bicuspid aortic valves. Sinus plication is effective for creating a more symmetrical commissural angle, leading to a decrease in the mean transvalvular pressure gradient. Herein, we report a successful case of aortic valve repair with sinus plication for a regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve.

Case presentation

The patient was a 34-year-old man with bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic regurgitation, and left ventricular dilatation. Echocardiography revealed an eccentric aortic regurgitation jet caused by a fused cusp prolapse. The commissural angle was approximately 136°, classified as asymmetrical. The patient underwent surgery via median sternotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated using the ascending aortic and single two-stage atrial cannulation with left ventricular venting via the right superior pulmonary vein. After the ascending aorta was cross-clamped, transection was performed 5–10 mm above the sinotubular junction. Based on the valve configuration, annuloplasty, sinus plication, and ascending aortic replacement were planned in addition to triangular resection of the bulking raphe tissue with central cusp plication. Mattress sutures of 4–0 polypropylene, reinforced with autologous pericardium, were placed outside the fused cusp for sinus plication. The sutures extended from the basal ring to the sinotubular junction, reducing the sinus circumference by approximately 15 mm. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed trivial aortic regurgitation and modified commissural angulation. The operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamping times were 311, 129, and 95 min, respectively.

The clinical course was uneventful, without major complications. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated an improved commissural angle. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated trivial aortic regurgitation and a decreased mean transvalvular pressure gradient.

Conclusions

Sinus plication may be one of the most effective repair techniques for asymmetrical bicuspid aortic valves, especially in cases without Valsalva sinus dilation. This technique helps avoid postoperative aortic valve stenosis.
Traumatic Vertebral Artery Injury After Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Long-Term Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Habashy Karl J. , Cewe Paulina , Atallah Elias , Singh Aman , Fletcher-Sandersjöö Alexander , Bydon Mohamad , Fagerlund Michael , Jabbour Pascal , Gerdhem Paul , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Edström Erik
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Vertebral artery injury (VAI) because of traumatic subaxial cervical spine injury is a rare but potentially devastating condition as it could lead to stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, outcomes, and radiographic predictors of VAI in patients surgically treated for subaxial cervical spine injuries at a tertiary care trauma center.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective population-based cohort study, including all patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries at the study center between 2006 and 2018. Primary outcomes included mortality and morbidity after the injury. Propensity score matching, survival, univariable, and multivariable analyses were used to study the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS:

Traumatic VAI primarily occurred after high-energy traumas such as motor vehicle accidents and falls from heights. The median age was 64.4 years (47.4-69.1), and 69% were male. In the cohort of patients with subaxial cervical injury, 54% had a spinal cord injury (SCI). In the subgroup with VAI, the frequency of SCI was 66% and a concomitant SCI and VAI were associated with a more severe American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale grade (P = .015). However, after accounting for age, sex, and associated injuries, VAI did not affect postoperative complications, short- or long-term outcomes, or mortality rates. Facet joint dislocation was a unique radiographic predictor of VAI (odds ratio 3.8 [CI 1.42-10.7], P = .009).

CONCLUSION:

The findings suggest that clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries were not negatively affected by the presence of a VAI. Several radiographic factors were associated with VAI; however, only facet joint dislocation remained as an independent predictor of this injury.
Τα Αλάνια της αρχιτεκτονικής στη δυτική ιστοριογραφία και στο αυτόνομο φεμινιστικό κίνημα της μεταπολίτευσης στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Ζάλη Παγώνα
Published: January 2025

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αρχικά ορίζει το πεδίο δημιουργίας του ηγεμονικού κανόνα ο οποίος καθορίζει το πρότυπο του ανθρώπου και κατόπιν του αρχιτέκτονα. Εν συνεχεία περιγράφεται ένας ποιητικός έκ-κεντρος τόπος, αυτός της Αλάνας. Η Αλάνα είναι ένας χώρος που διαφεύγει από τον κεντρικό σχεδιασμό, ενώ ορίζεται ως τόπος μέσω επιτελέσεων όπως αυτών του παιχνιδιού, του ερωτισμού αλλά και των παράτυπων δραστηριοτήτων. Ως η επιτελεστική υποκειμενοποίηση της χωρικής αυτής συνθήκης ορίζεται το Αλάνι. Στη συνέχεια, η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στα Αλάνια της δυτικής ιστοριογραφίας της αρχιτεκτονικής. Παρουσιάζονται οι προσωπικότητες και τα έργα τους, στα οποία διαχειρίζονται ζητήματα επιθυμίας και ερωτισμού μέσω της διατάραξης του κυρίαρχου δίπολου κανόνα περί της κατηγοριοποίησης ιδιωτικών και δημόσιων χώρων και της έμφυλης στυλιστικής μορφολογίας της κτιριακής δομής. Στο δεύτερο μέρος, η έρευνα μετατοπίζεται στη ελληνική τοπικότητα όπου αναφέρονται δράσεις που επιλέγουν να επιτελούνται στο χώρο της Αλάνας κατά την περίοδο του του αυτόνομου φεμινιστικού κινήματος της Μεταπολίτευσης στην Ελλάδα. Εντοπίζονται υποκείμενα, γραφές και δράσεις οι οποίες δημιούργησαν και ενίσχυσαν τον λόγο της Αλάνας στο δημόσιο και στο αρχιτεκτονικό πεδίο. Και στα δύο μέρη παρουσιάζεται παραδειγματικά (και όχι υποδειγματικά) το έργο ατομικοτήτων το οποίο λειτουργεί υποστηρικτικά για να γίνει εμφανής η παράδοση της Αλάνας. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή είναι μια προσπάθεια μη κατηγοροποιημένης και ενιαίας εν-γραφής των Αλανιών που επιλέγουν τον χώρο της Αλάνας ως το έκ-κεντρο πεδίο παραγωγής υποτελών γνώσεων και σχέσεων και έχουν ως σκοπό την διάρρηξη των πολλαπλών ηγεμονικά προσδιορισμένων κέντρων.
Design, optimization, development and explanation of artificial intelligence algorithms, capable of running on distributed big data systems, based on multidimensional and complex datasets
Authors: Φατούρος Γεώργιος
Published: January 2025

Η εκθετική αύξηση των ψηφιακών δεδομένων και οι εξελίξεις στην Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη (ΑΙ) έχουν επαναπροσδιορίσει τη λήψη αποφάσεων που βασίζεται σε δεδομένα σε διάφορους κλάδους. Ωστόσο, η διαχείριση και εκμετάλλευση σύνθετων, υψηλής διάστασης και διαφορετικών τύπων συνόλων δεδομένων παραμένει πρόκληση, ιδιαίτερα στους τομείς της χρηματοοικονομικής και του cloud computing, όπου η ποικιλία των δεδομένων, η προσαρμοστικότητα σε πραγματικό χρόνο και η ακρίβεια πρόβλεψης είναι κρίσιμες. H παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζει μεθοδολογίες ΑΙ με επίκεντρο τα δεδομένα, σχεδιασμένες να δημιουργούν ανθεκτικά και προσαρμοστικά συστήματα ικανά να επεξεργάζονται ποικίλα δεδομένα σε πολλαπλές μορφές και τομείς. Συγκεκριμένα, η διατριβή παρουσιάζει ένα Πλαίσιο Συλλογισμού και Γνώσης που αξιοποιεί οντολογίες και τεχνικές ανάκτησης-ενισχυμένης δημιουργίας (RAG) για την ενσωμάτωση, διαχείριση και επεξεργασία δομημένων και μη δομημένων δεδομένων. Αυτό επιτρέπει τη συνδυαστική χρήση διαφορετικών τύπων δεδομένων προερχόμενων από διαφορετικές πηγές. Επιπλέον, προτείνονται τεχνικές για τη βελτίωση της προσαρμοστικότητας μοντέλων ανάλυσης χρονοσειρών σε πραγματικό χρόνο, επιτρέποντας συνεχή ενημέρωση του συστήματος για την αποτύπωση εξελισσόμενων τάσεων και τη διατήρηση ισχυρής απόδοσης σε δυναμικά περιβάλλοντα. Παρουσιάζονται επίσης τεχνικές για βελτιστοποιημένη χρήση Μεγάλων Γλωσσικών Μοντέλων (LLMs) για ανάλυση και ταξινόμηση κειμένου, συγκρίνοντας την αποτελεσματικότητά τους με παραδοσιακές τεχνικές μεταφοράς μάθησης για ανάλυση συναισθήματος σε χρηματοοικονομικά άρθρα. Τέλος, προτείνεται ένα καινοτόμο σύστημα που συνδυάζει και επεκτείνει αυτές τις μεθοδολογίες, διαχειριζόμενο κείμενο, αριθμητικά δεδομένα και δεδομένα χρονοσειρών από ποικίλες πηγές, παρέχοντας μια ολοκληρωμένη λύση με εφαρμογές στον χρηματοπιστωτικό τομέα. Η διατριβή επικυρώνει τις προτεινόμενες μεθοδολογίες μέσω εφαρμογών στον πραγματικό κόσμο, όπως η πρόβλεψη χρονοσειρών για τη διαχείριση πόρων στο cloud computing, η αξιολόγηση χρηματοοικονομικού κινδύνου, η ανάλυση συναισθήματος και η συστηματική επιλογή μετοχών στη χρηματοοικονομική. Αυτές οι συνεισφορές επιδεικνύουν σημαντικές βελτιώσεις στη διαχείριση σύνθετων συνόλων δεδομένων, εξασφαλίζοντας προσαρμοστικότητα σε πραγματικό χρόνο και παρέχοντας ερμηνεύσιμα και αξιόπιστα αποτελέσματα με τη χρήση ΑΙ. Αντιμετωπίζοντας τις κοινές προκλήσεις της πολυπλοκότητας και της ετερογένειας των δεδομένων σε εφαρμογές του πραγματικού κόσμου μέσω συνδυασμένης χρήσης των προτεινόμενων μεθοδολογιών με επίκεντρο τα δεδομένα, αυτή η διατριβή προτείνει καινοτόμες λύσεις για την αποτελεσματική εκμετάλλευση ποικίλων και σύνθετων δεδομένων, συμβάλλοντας στην ανάπτυξη εφαρμοσμένων συστημάτων Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης σε διάφορους τομείς.
A transmural intensive dietetic care-pathway for optimal protein intake and physical functioning in malnourished older patients: A protocol for the randomised ProIntens trial
Authors: van Dronkelaar Carliene , Tieland Michael , Kruizenga Hinke , Verstappen Juul J.J. , Eggelbusch Moritz , Wüst Rob C.I. , ter Riet Gerben , Bosmans Judith E. , Weijs Peter J.M.
Published: January 2025

Background Disease-related malnutrition is common among hospitalised and recently discharged older adults. Consequences of malnutrition are physical limitations, negative health outcomes, decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. Dietetic care can counteract the effects of malnutrition by increasing protein and energy intake. The ProIntens study aims to evaluate the impact of an intensive dietetic care pathway on dietary protein intake and physical functioning in older adults during hospitalisation and after discharge. Process and economic evaluations will be performed. Methods The ProIntens study is a multicentre two-armed parallel individually randomised trial in five hospitals in the Amsterdam region. In total, 250 hospitalised older adults, aged ≥55 years and at risk of malnutrition will be randomised to receive regular care (control) or intensive dietetic care (intervention). The intervention consists of intensive personalised care which involves transmural guidance by trained dietitians, supportive materials on protein intake in a social context and a mobilization program during hospitalisation until three months after discharge. Controls will receive regular care. The primary outcome will be the between-groups difference in the mean change on the Short Physical Performance Battery three months after discharge. Secondary outcomes include dietary protein intake, body composition, physical activity, activities of daily living, quality of life and healthcare costs. Discussion The ProIntens trial will study the effects and costs of an intensive dietetic treatment on recovery outcomes in hospitalised older adults at risk of malnutrition. The intervention will result in practical tools for care professionals which aim to improve malnutrition treatment for older patients. Trial registration Landelijk Trial Register (NL8041; NL72069.029.19); registered 2019-09-23; covering all WHO Trial Registration Data Set items.
How do we measure the costs, benefits, and harms of sharing data from biomedical studies? A protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Maxwell Lauren , Shreedhar Priya , Krishnan Ankur
Published: January 2025

Introduction The benefits of sharing participant-level data, including clinical or epidemiological data, genomic data, high-dimensional imaging data, or human-derived samples, from biomedical studies have been widely touted and may be taken for granted. As investments in data sharing and reuse efforts continue to grow, understanding the cost and positive and negative effects of data sharing for research participants, the general public, individual researchers, research and development, clinical practice, and public health is of growing importance. In this scoping review, we will identify and summarize existing evidence on the positive and negative impacts and costs of data sharing and how they are measured. Methods and analysis Eligible studies will report on qualitative or quantitative approaches for measuring the cost of data sharing or its impact on participant privacy, individual or public health, researcher’s careers, clinical or public health practice, or research or development. The systematic search strategy uses MeSH and text terms and is tailored for Ovid Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. We will apply the Arskey and O’Malley scoping review methodology. We selected a scoping rather than a systematic review approach to address multiple related questions and provide guidance related to an emerging field. Two reviewers will conduct the title-abstract and full-text screening and data charting independently. Discrepancies will be resolved through consensus and results will be summarized in a narrative form. Conclusion Research participants, investigators, regulatory groups, ethics review committees, data protection officers, and funders cannot make informed decisions or policies about data reuse without appropriate means of measuring the effects, positive or negative, and cost of data sharing.
The association between beta-blockers use and depression - narrative review
Authors: Tokarczyk Kamila , Sas Karolina , Piegza Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Coraz częściej obserwuje się występowanie objawów depresyjnych u osób z chorobami somatycznymi. W związku z powszechnym stosowaniem beta-blokerów w chorobach sercowo-naczyniowych oraz zwiększone prawdopodobieństwo występowania objawów depresyjnych w tej grupie pacjentów, przeanalizowano wpływ stosowania beta-blokerów na częstość indukcji lub nasilenia objawów depresyjnych. Skupiono się przede wszystkim na ośrodkowym wpływie beta blokerów na nastrój, ale wzięto też pod uwagę efekt ich obwodowego działania. Problem rozpatrzono w oparciu o leki najczęściej stosowane. Bardziej lipofilne substancje przenikają do OUN w większym stopniu. Powoduje to zazwyczaj większy wpływ tych preparatów na częstość występowania objawów depresyjnych jednak w zależności od przytaczanego badania wpływ ten może być różny. Powoduje to zazwyczaj większy wpływ preparatów lipofilowych na częstość występowania objawów depresyjnych jednak w zależności od przytaczanego badania wpływ ten może być różny. Zauważono, że karwedilol, bisoprolol oraz propranolol nie wykazywały indukcji objawów depresyjnych, w przeciwieństwie do metoprololu, który w większości badań wykazywał pozytywny wpływ na powstawanie lub pogłębianie objawów depresji. Na podstawie analizy danych medycznych wysunięto wniosek, że beta-blokery nie mają znaczącego wpływu na indukowanie objawów depresyjnych lub wpływ ten jest nieistotny z punktu widzenia klinicznego, a wybrane grupy tych leków mogą zapobiegać indukcji depresji lub zmniejszać jej objawy. Zauważono ponadto pozytywny wpływ beta-blokerów na redukcję poziomu lęku, oraz podkreślono, iż mogą one powodować zarówno zmęczenie, jak i być przyczyną zaburzeń snu u stosujących je chorych.
Code and Data Repository for Layout Optimization for a Large-Scale Grid-Connected Solar Power Plant
Authors: Wang Chong , Wu Qinghua , Pan Kai , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: January 2025

The goal of this repository is to share data and results related to the Integrated Location and Routing (ILR) problem within a large-scale solar power plant, solved using our exact solution approach.
Code and Data Repository for Scalable Parallel Nonlinear Optimization with PyNumero and Parapint
Authors: Rodriguez Jose S. , Parker Robert B. , Laird Carl D. , Nicholson Bethany L. , Siirola John D. , Bynum Michael L.
Published: January 2025

PyNumero is a package for developing parallel algorithms for nonlinear programs (NLPs).
Synthesis, Characterization and Efficiency of 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([emim]BF4) for Degradation of Waste Nylon-66
Authors: Chikte Sunil Ramdas , Madhamshettiwar Swapnil Vilas
Published: January 2025

Ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumtetrfluoroborate ([emim]BF4) has shown efficient degradation of waste nylon-66 (polyamide) into its useful monomers. The degradation of nylon-66 was carried out in two different ways. In the first method, [emim]BF4 provides the reaction medium as a solvent where N, N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) works as a catalyst, which promotes the degradation of nylon-66 effectively. The reaction was executed at 290–300 °C for 1 hour. After benzoylation, the benzoyl derivative of hexamethylenediamine (BDHMD) was obtained with maximum yield, and adipic acid was obtained by repeatedly extracting with ethyl acetate from the reaction mixture. The second method involves hydrolysis, in which 0.5 g of waste nylon-66, 0.1 mole [emim]BF4 as catalyst, and 5N HCl were refluxed at around 100–120 °C for 12-15 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, it was neutralized by 5N NaOH to make a slightly alkaline solution, followed by benzoylation by using benzoyl chloride to yield DBHMD. Following filtration and extracting the filtrate using ethyl acetate multiple times to obtain adipic acid, it was recrystallized with methanol. The obtained monomers were characterized with FT-IR. At the end of the reaction, the ionic liquid can be regenerated without changing its efficiency.
Trends and Drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in India: A Decadal Analysis (2010-2020)
Authors: Philip Amal , Kuriakose Nirupama Elzabath
Published: January 2025

This paper analyses trends and determinants of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in India in 2010-2020, the decade with some of the fastest economic growth rates and the increased awareness of environmental issues. The research pays attention to India, the world's third-largest emitter of GHG, which will be analysed regarding emissions in four sectors: energy, industry, agriculture, and waste management. A time series analysis of data drawn from national and international agencies, such as the World Bank and India's Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, was applied in this study. Statistical analysis and data visualisation were performed using the R software. The key findings show an increase of 42% in the total emissions of GHG over the last decade, with the energy sector dominating at 68% in 2020. Other significant contributors were industry (20%), agriculture (9%), and waste (3%). Growth in population, along with accompanying urbanisation and industrial expansion, is cited as the main factor responsible for emission rise. However, there are also indications of decoupling between growth in the economy and emissions intensity. The study analyzes the greenhouse gas emission trends for major emitters between 2010 and 2020, in India. The dynamic panel data model analyses indicate signs of decoupling of emissions from economic growth in developed economies and the role of renewable energy and carbon pricing. Research findings further indicate that stronger climate policy and investment in clean energy is the necessity to decrease global emissions.The paper identifies policy issues that require strong activity in enforcing efficiency measures, fastening the shift toward krenewable sources of energy, and effective sustainable planning and waste management practices in urbanisation processes. In that respect, examination of policies like the PAT scheme and promotion of electric vehicles has shown where more aggressive implementation may be seen as necessary to ensure India's climate commitments. This elaborate decadal review finds most of its utility within the framework of policy designing for sustainable development and climate change mitigation by policymakers and stakeholders in the Indian scenario.
Analysing the Land Use Land cover by using Multi–Spectral Remote Sensing Data in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Veer , Ahmed Raiz , Ashwani Ashwani , Tyagi Anshul , Rudola Anita
Published: January 2025

Land use and land cover (LULC) changed drastically throughout the time frame, today there are various factors which is responsible for changes in agricultural land use, anthropogenic and natural factors both have reasons for it, anthropogenic factors like infrastructural development, agricultural activities, recreation activities play major role, natural factors like forest fires, climate change mainly responsible, The investigation studies in modifications in LULC, More than two decades, researcher prepared LULC maps with the assistance of multi-spectral remote sensing Landsat 5 series data used for preparing maps of 2001 and 2011, 2021 map created with Sentinel 2 series data, two decades maps of LULC gives picture about variations in land cover and use, 2001 taken as base year of study, LULC in mountainous regions of Tehri Garhwal different from plain regions, cropping pattern is different, agricultural productivity is different, Seven major LULC types (Crop land, Built Up Area, Forest cover, Water, Range land, Snow Cover and bare Grounds) built-up areas have steadily increased during the past 20 years, demonstrating substantial infrastructural development and urbanization, Crop land is consistently declining, snow cover continuing decline from 2001 to 2021 indicating signifies a move away from conventional agricultural uses, Planning for urbanization must integrate economic expansion with preservation of the environment., addressing the reduction in snow cover and its ripple consequences requires mitigation as well as adaptation measures, such as encouraging sustainable behaviours and renewable energy.
Analysis of Sustainable Development Policies of Marampa Mining Ltd. and Understanding Their Effects on Society – Environment and Human Resources of Sierra Leone (West Africa)
Authors: Dixit Saumitra , Sharma S. D. , Kamara Veronica
Published: January 2025

Sierra Leone, a country situated on the western side of the African continent has its own enriched history of tribes, British colonization, slave trade, Ebola virus outbreak, blood diamonds and mining. This country was under civil war for twelve long years (1991 to 2002). Due to the political turbulence the economy of the country has also suffered largely. Most of the population is still depending upon traditional unorganized agriculture. Sierra Leone is extremely rich in minerals and natural resources. In recent decades, the mining industry has risen and is handsomely contributing to the country’s economy. Marampa Mines Ltd. is one of such organization that is extracting the iron ore from the Lunsar town of the Port Loko district of Sierra Leone. This study aims to shed light on the organization's activities in three key areas: social, environmental, and human resources. The concept of sustainable development serves as the foundation for this research, and the organization's actions are evaluated accordingly. Notably, this study is conducted independently, without influence from the state of Sierra Leone or the Gerald Group. While it is acknowledged that mining activities inevitably lead to degradation, it is the state's and capitalists' moral and legal responsibility to strike a balance between economic and environmental concerns. This study is one of the few to focus on Sierra Leone and is expected to inspire further research and investigation.
Cultivating Public Perception and Policy Initiatives: Understanding the Impact of Environmental Journalism through Focus Group Discussions and Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Rashmi C P , Jain Lalitank , Sharma Asha
Published: January 2025

Influencing public opinion and policy requires environmental media coverage of significant environmental concerns. Through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates focus group talks and secondary data analysis, this study examines how environmental journalism affects public opinion and policy formation. The views, awareness, and feelings of participants toward environmental journalism were investigated in the focus groups, which were analyzed using NVivo. When it comes to covering climate change and other global environmental challenges, responses showed that environmental journalism is thought to have a positive influence on public opinion and policy decisions. By pointing out that digital media is more effective than print and broadcast media at raising real-time awareness, participants emphasized the disparities in media types. Public action is inspired and empathy is evoked by emotional narrative in environmental journalism, such as that which covers natural disasters. Divergent opinions on how to strike a balance between impartiality and advocacy in environmental media were also found by the survey. Notwithstanding the support for advocacy, a few respondents voiced worries about biases, especially sensationalism and framing, which they believed to be detrimental to public trust. The public was regarded to be greatly engaged by social media and citizen journalism, despite problems with misinformation. Key themes and framing strategies were found through secondary data analysis of environmental news coverage, offering insights into how media sources influence environmental discourse. Overall, the results point to the possibility of enhancing public engagement and contributing to well-informed policy decisions through more focused reporting on environmental issues and cooperation with scientists and legislators. Policymakers, media experts, and environmental journalists who want to solve urgent environmental issues with effective media techniques can find value in this research.
Generative artificial intelligence part 1: exploring ethical considerations
Authors: Furey Pippa
Published: January 2025

This series surrounding generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) explores its potential applications for paramedics across various aspects of their work. It begins by addressing the ethical considerations of this rapidly evolving technology. While artificial intelligence encompasses many forms, the focus here is on the generative subset – specifically free, publicly available Gen AI models. By reflecting current capabilities and limitations, this CPD series provides paramedics with insights into the practical and ethical use of this growing technology.
Anglian Water to Develop Resources from Waste
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: January 2025

Collaboration to convert biosolids with hydrothermal oxidation
IGBT pioneer awarded €1m Millennium Technology Prize
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: January 2025

Significant cash prize for technology that improves efficiency and cuts emissions
Footbridge Factory
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: January 2025

An innovative flat pack footbridge and lift system made using modern manufacturing methods promises to transform accessibility at railway stations across the UK. Jon Excell reports
October 1945 Post-War Promise
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: January 2025

Fast-paced developments from WWII looked set to transform the aerospace sector
Lymphogranuloma venereum proctosigmoiditis misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease: A case report
Authors: Khoury Kaline Maya , Jradi Ahmad , Karam Karam , Fiani Elias
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

There has been a rise in the number of cases diagnosed as lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), caused by the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis, specifically serotypes L1, L2, and L3, mostly in men who have sex with men (MSM). LGV can clinically manifest as rectal discomfort, bleeding, and mucoid discharge mimicking inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the role of a wholesome collection of patient history along with gaining patient trust and ease in reporting different elements of their life— whether social or sexual history-could greatly guide physician’s investigations leading to timely and more efficient diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 38-year-old male presenting with symptoms of rectal bleeding, mucoid discharge, and abdominal pain during the past month. Initial treatment for hemorrhoids given at an outpatient clinic did not improve the patient’s complaints warranting further examinations, whereby endoscopy revealed the presence of mucosal edema and ulcerations in the rectosigmoid area rendering IBD a plausible diagnosis theoretically, but practically refuted due to the negative biopsy results, and positive result of nucleic acid amplification testing of the rectal swab sample for Chlamydia trachomatis. The latter results are in accordance with the diagnosis of LGV proctosigmoiditis. Accordingly, medical therapy with doxycycline was instituted, which yielded a notable symptomatic relief, and an education on safe sexual practices.

CONCLUSION

LGV proctosigmoiditis is a crucial differential diagnosis in high risk patients, such as MSM that should be differentiated from IBD. Obtaining a thorough sexual history is pivotal to prevent misdiagnosis and guarantee prompt, effective therapy.
Diffuse panbronchiolitis in children misdiagnosed as asthma: A case report
Authors: Klubdaeng Anuvat , Tovichien Prakarn
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a rare, chronic inflammatory lung disease marked by chronic cough, breathlessness, and preceding sinusitis. Symptoms often persist for years and can be misdiagnosed as asthma, particularly in children. This report describes a DPB case resolved with long-term azithromycin therapy, emphasizing the need for a timely and accurate diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 12-year-old girl, diagnosed with asthma at age five and managed with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2 agonists, developed a history of chronic productive cough and chronic sinusitis for a year. On examination, she exhibited wheezing and coarse crackles. Despite receiving treatment for an asthma exacerbation, her symptoms did not improve. A chest X-ray revealed reticulonodular infiltration in both lower lungs, prompting further evaluation with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The HRCT confirmed centrilobular nodule opacities, a 'tree-in-bud' pattern, and non-tapering bronchi, suggesting DPB. Elevated cold hemagglutinin titers at 128 further supported the diagnosis. Her cough and sinusitis resolved within a month after starting azithromycin therapy, chosen for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Follow-up HRCT scans after 1 year of continuous treatment showed complete normalization.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in achieving favorable outcomes for DPB.
Electromyography biofeedback training for post-stroke dysphagia
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Mehri Sounira
Published: January 2025

Dysphagia is a common complication of ischemic stroke and is usually difficult to treat. The mainstay of standard therapy of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is effortful swallowing. Since its introduction in 2004, there is increasing evidence that surface electromyography-guided biofeedback training (EMGBT) can enhance the therapeutic effect of standard LE. In this editorial, we comment on the article by Meng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases , which provided evidence that particularly extensive EMGBT with an increased number of sessions is definitively more effective than the standard speech therapy or ordinary EMGBT. Among the 90 PSD patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral bleeding, those who underwent EMGBT in more sessions than usual particularly benefited from the approach. It was concluded that EMGBT is more effective than traditional swallowing training in improving dysphagia and swallowing disorders as well as hyoid-laryngeal complex movement speed in PSD patients.
Controls on carbonate deposition and microbialite formation in distal alluvial systems (Campanian, Montalbán subbasin, NE Spain)
Authors: Torromé Sanz Diego , Martín-Pérez Andrea , Košir Adrijan , Aurell Marcos
Published: January 2025

The middle-upper Campanian Allueva Formation was deposited in the compressional intramountain Montalbán subbasin (central Iberian Ranges, NE Spain). This i.e. formation consists of alluvial terrigenous deposits, with local dominance of carbonates and microbialites, which are the main focus of this study. Three sfacies associations are differentiated: i) bioclastic facies association including limestone levels with accumulation of gastropods and charophytes, along with polygenetic carbonate breccias; ii) microbialite facies association dominated by irregular limestone beds rich in oncoids; iii) terrigenous facies association including metric levels of reddish-brown mudstone with intercalations of sandstones and conglomerates. These facies deposited in a low water level and short residence lacustrine-palustrine environments, in the distal areas of an alluvial system. Isotopic data (δ13C and δ18O) fall in the range of freshwater carbonates and support this interpretation. The most common microbialites are oncoids, which have been classified into six types based on their morphology, size, and lamination. Cyclic patterns in the lamination of oncoids have been related to changing wet and dry conditions. Our results suggest that the alluvial setting was mainly fed by meteoric waters, with a sub-humid climate gradually transitioning to more arid conditions.
Ricard II, una revalorització
Authors: Oliva Salvador
Published: January 2025

Aquest article fa una valoración de Ricard II, la més lírica de les obres històriques de Shakespeare. És una obra amb pocs estudis que ha estat poc valorada i poc representada i que és menys popular en comparació a altres. El seu valor rau en la paraula i en el vers, els quals conformen una obra d’una gran qualitat lírica que es fa evident fins i tot en escenes que semblen marginals. A l’article s'analitzen paral·lelismes que apareixen en algunes escenes, l’augment del lirisme en la davallada del rei Ricard II i l’ús de paraules repetides com "terra" i "sang", gràcies a les quals l'autor crea les diferents atmosferes dins l'obra.
El moment més líric es troba en l’estada de Ricard a la presó. Les paraules i el vers revelen excel·lentment l’estat d’ànim de Ricard, una mescla de sensatesa i de follia. Hi traspua, a través de diverses comparacions que apareixen en les reflexions del personatge, la tristesa del seu món interior.
Dinámicas de crecimiento económico en el largo plazo: una innovación educativa apoyada en el Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos
Authors: Galofré-Vilà Gregori
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCCIÓN. Este artículo presenta una experiencia de Enseñanza Práctica Docente (EPD) de Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP) como estrategia efectiva para promover la aplicación del conocimiento y desarrollar competencias prácticas en los estudiantes.
MÉTODO. La implementación de una EPD basada en proyectos en la asignatura de Historia Mundial y de la Empresa del grado de Dirección y Administración de Empresas se describe como una práctica exitosa que mejora la capacidad de los estudiantes para interpretar información cuantitativa y utilizar Excel para producir índices de convergencia entre países y graficarlos.
RESULTADOS. Los resultados de la implementación mostraron que los estudiantes adquirieron habilidades básicas en el uso de Excel y desarrollaron una comprensión profunda de las clases teóricas, estableciendo una fuerte complementariedad.
DISCUSIÓN. El artículo concluye destacando la importancia de adaptar la educación superior a las demandas del mercado laboral actual y fomentar el uso de metodologías activas como el ABP para el desarrollo de competencias relevantes.
Propuestas artísticas para favorecer la creatividad y la libertad expresiva. Talleres conjuntos para aulas de 3 años
Authors: Monleon-Oliva Vicente
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCCIÓN. La Educación Infantil es una etapa educativa en la que se atiende al alumnado durante los primeros años de su vida y que debe encargarse de contribuir a su desarrollo integral, entendiendo como una parte de este desarrollo la vertiente artística.
MÉTODO. Esta es una investigación de corte cualitativo en la que el grupo docente se muestra como un colectivo investigador-observador sobre una propuesta metodológica de talleres llevados a cabo entre dos clases paralelas de 3 años de una escuela pública de Manises (Valencia). El objetivo es valorar los beneficios que presenta el arte para el desarrollo del alumnado.
RESULTADOS. Los resultados se presentan como muestra visual de todos los talleres artísticos de este estudio realizados entre los meses de octubre y mayo durante el curso escolar 2023-2024. De hecho, la a/r/tografía queda relacionada con esta manera de presentar los resultados.
DISCUSIÓN. El estudio visibiliza la importancia que tiene el arte en el desarrollo integral del alumnado y la globalidad que permite el área para abordar una pluralidad de saberes, procesos educativos, vivencias, etc., que resultan enriquecedoras para el grupo de menores.
Residential energy consumption in Spain during the 1960s. Butane and the precariousness of developmentalism
Authors: Bartolomé Rodríguez María Isabel , Gutiérrez-González Pablo
Published: January 2025

This article illustrates a key episode in the energy transition from traditional to fossil energies, a pattern often observed in developing nations. It examines the sharp rise in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption for domestic use in Spain during the 1960s, with a focus on regional disparities. While the Franco regime actively promoted LPG use through the firm Butano SA, regional differences cannot be fully explained by variations in climate or industrial structures. To explore this, the study analyses LPG consumption alongside other substitute energy sources for calorific uses (firewood, coal, city gas) and complementary energy sources for lighting (electricity). The factors driving the adoption of these energy sources are then assessed. The findings highlight the complexity of Spain’s household energy transition and confirm significant disparities in energy access between rural and urban areas. A novel argument is introduced: LPG became closely associated with large Spanish cities and their metropolitan areas, where precarious housing conditions played a pivotal role in driving its widespread adoption.
The Philosophical Problem of Democratic Policing
Authors: Monaghan Jake
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article provides a critical overview of democratic policing from a philosophical perspective. To do so, it constructs a stylized taxonomy of philosophical approaches to the topic, featuring the legalist and the participatory democratic. This taxonomy allows for the formulation of general theoretical problems for democratically legitimizing police power. The most significant problem is the passive ideal of policing shared by both approaches. But there is the overlooked option of an active, strategic conception of policing aimed at the democratic value of responsiveness.
Pseudo-Scientific Rationalizations for Police Racism in the Criminology of “Street Gangs”
Authors: Livingstone Anne-Marie , Décary-Secours Benoit
Published: January 2025

Abstract: For almost four decades, there has been much talk in the press and political arenas in Montreal about a scourge of “street gangs” allegedly made up of Black youths and other youths of color and fueling crime and insecurity in an otherwise peaceable city. The article critically examines the criminological literature on “street gangs” that arose during a period of escalating racial tensions and White anxieties about Black immigration in the 1980s. Findings reveal the “gang” literature is replete with conceptual and methodological deficiencies. Although criminologists have never produced any conclusive evidence of street gangs, they have fitted their methods and findings to suit racial ideologies of delinquency. The article shows concretely how positivist criminology lends a veneer of scientific legitimacy to police racism.
Adaptive focusing optical coherence tomography for corneal imaging
Authors: Shi Yejiong , He Bin , Yin Zichen , Chen Zhengyu , Hu Zhangwei , Xue Ruizhi , Yang Panqi , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Ning , Meng Zhe , Ying Yuzhe , Jing Linkai , Wang Guihuai , Xue Ping
Published: January 2025

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) plays a crucial role in diagnosing corneal diseases due to its capacity to provide high-resolution three-dimensional imaging. However, the convex shape of the cornea and the inherent trade-off between depth of field (DOF) and lateral resolution in OCT systems often result in defocusing issues, leading to reduced lateral resolution and sensitivity in single-shot high-resolution imaging. Traditional methods typically involve multiple focusing at different depths followed by image stitching to achieve full-depth high-resolution imaging of the cornea, which increases imaging times and introduces potential stitching artifacts. To address these limitations, we propose a novel adaptive focusing OCT system. By leveraging the symmetry of the corneal structure and the periodic focusing stability of an electrically tunable lens, our system can achieve full-depth high-resolution imaging of the entire cornea in a single scan, covering an 11 mm imaging range and 1.5 mm depth variation with a lateral resolution of 10 µm. This approach not only halves the imaging time but also eliminates the need for image stitching. Imaging of curved tape samples and excised porcine corneas demonstrates the potential of this novel technique for high-resolution and fast corneal imaging.
Dorsal hippocampus represents locations to avoid as well as locations to approach during approach-avoidance conflict
Authors: Calvin Olivia L. , Erickson Matthew T. , Walters Cody J. , Redish A. David
Published: January 2025

Worrying about perceived threats is a hallmark of multiple psychological disorders including anxiety. This concern about future events is particularly important when an individual is faced with an approach-avoidance conflict. Potential goals to approach are known to be represented in the dorsal hippocampus during theta cycles. Similarly, important information that is distant from the animal’s position is represented during hippocampal high-synchrony events (HSEs), which coincide with sharp-wave ripples (SWRs). It is likely that potential future threats may be similarly represented. We examined how threats and rewards were represented within the hippocampus during approach-avoidance conflicts in rats faced with a predator-like robot guarding a food reward. We found decoding of the pseudo-predator’s location during HSEs when hesitating in the nest and during theta prior to retreating as the rats approached the pseudo-predator. After the first attack, we observed new place fields appearing at the location of the robot (not the location the rat was when attacked). The anxiolytic diazepam reduced anxiety-like behavior and altered hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs), including reducing SWRs, suggesting that one potential mechanism of diazepam’s actions may be through altered representations of imagined threat. These results suggest that hippocampal representation of potential threats could be an important mechanism that underlies worry and a potential target for anxiolytics.
Racial/Ethnic inequality & contemporary disparities in mortgage lending
Authors: O’Neil Meghan M. , Roscigno Vincent J.
Published: January 2025

Research over the past two decades has noted significant racial/ethnic wealth inequalities—inequalities with important implications for life chances and institutional access. Home ownership is as a foundational element of such inequality with broad consequences for exposure to crime, quality of public safety services, and access to healthcare, education, and employment. Building on earlier scholarship that has tended to focus on specific forms of mortgages, we draw in this article on over 1.4 million diverse mortgage applications from the largest 100 U.S. metropolitan areas to interrogate racial/ethnic disparities for (1) all home types (mobile homes, condominiums, multi/single-family units), (2) all lien holders (private/government backed), (3) all purposes (vacation/rental/owner-occupied), and (4) all buyer loan sequences (purchase, refinance, home-equity/improvement). Our analyses, which make use of multilevel modeling, reveal durable inequalities for African Americans and Hispanics across time and advantages for Non-Hispanic White and Asian-American applicants. Such disadvantages are likewise observed for those seeking housing in highly concentrated minority locales, although such effects seem to vary by applicant race/ethnicity. Specifically, mortgage originations, while generally less likely in high minority concentrated areas, appear to be more likely for Black/Hispanic borrowers in areas that have been becoming increasingly minority concentrated. Mortgage lending, we conclude, remains a deeply problematic dimension of racial/ethnic inequality with important consequences for persistent segregation, wealth disparities, and the intergenerational transmission of advantage/disadvantage.