bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desenvolvimento e aplicação de heurística para calcular pesos e bias iniciais para o "back-propagation" treinar rede neural perceptron multicamadas
Authors:   , Silva Aldemário Alves da
Published: February 2025

O treinamento de Rede Neural Perceptron Multicamadas (RNPM) feito por algoritmo exato para
encontrar a máxima acurácia é NP-Difícil. Sendo assim, usa-se o algoritmo "Back-Propagation"
que necessita de um ponto de partida (pesos e bias iniciais) para computar o treinamento da
RNPM. Esta pesquisa desenvolveu e aplicou um algoritmo heurístico HeCI - Heurística para
Calcular Pesos e Bias Iniciais - para computar os dados de treinamento da RNPM e retornar
o ponto de partida para o "Back-Propagation". A HeCI usa Análise de Componentes
Principais, Método dos Mínimos Quadrados, Função de Densidade de Probabilidade da Normal
Distribuição Gaussiana, duas configurações estratégicas e controla parcialmente o número
de épocas de treinamento da RNPM. Experimentalmente, a RNPM foi treinada usando
"Back-Propagation" com HeCI, para reconhecer padrões e resolver problemas de classificação
de dados. Seis estudos de caso com "datasets" entre as áreas de Saúde, Negócio e Botânica
foram usados nos experimentos. A metodologia desta pesquisa usa análise Dedutiva pelo
método Experimental com abordagem Quantitativa e testes de hipóteses: Teste de Fridman
com Pós-Teste de Tukey HSD Post-hoc e Teste de Wilcoxon-M-W. Os resultados de
acurácia incrementaram melhoria significativa atestada pela avaliação dos testes de
hipóteses, inferindo estatisticamente robustez de resultado motivado pela HeCI.
Utilizando aprendizado emissupervisionado multidescrição em problemas de classificação hierárquica multirrótulo
Authors:   , Araújo Hiury Nogueira de
Published: February 2025

classificação de dados é uma tarefa aplicada em diversas áreas do conhecimento, sendo assim, foco de constantes pesquisas. A classificação de dados pode ser dividida de acordo com a disposição dos dados, sendo estes rotulados ou não rotulados. Uma abordagem vem se mostrando bastante eficiente ao se trabalhar com conjuntos de dados contendo dados rotulados e não rotulados, esta chamada de aprendizado semissupervisionado, seu objetivo é classificar os dados não rotulados através da quantidade de dados rotulados contidos no conjunto, melhorando sua taxa de acerto. Tais dados podem ser classificados com mais de um rótulo, conhecida como classificação multirrótulo. Além disso, estes dados podem estar organizados de forma hierárquica, contendo assim, uma relação entre os mesmos, esta, por sua vez, denominada classificação hierárquica. Neste trabalho é proposto a utilização do aprendizado semissupervisionado multidescrição, que é uma das vertentes do aprendizado semissupervisionado, em problemas de classificação hierárquica multirrótulo, com o objetivo de investigar se o aprendizado semissupervisionado é uma abordagem apropriada para resolver o problema de baixa dimensionalidade de dados. Uma análise experimental dos métodos verificou que o aprendizado supervisionado obteve melhor desempenho contra as abordagens semissupervisionadas, contudo, o aprendizado semissupervisionado pode vir a ser uma abordagem amplamente utilizada, pois, há bastante o que ser contribuído nesta área.
Understanding Discourse Genre and Its Effects in Persons with Fluent Aphasia: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Puttanna Deepak , Harbi Mohammed Al , Fernandes Frannie Lamita , Dsilva Yorick Smith
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Discourse analysis is an important component of aphasia assessment because it can provide insight into functional communication abilities of the participants. Understanding the essence of discourse becomes pivotal, as it is the most rudimentary way of communication in individuals’ daily routine. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the superiority of different discourse elicitation tasks in persons with fluent aphasia (PwFA). Methods: A total of six PwFA were recruited for the study. These participants were assessed for their discourse abilities using three tasks: picture description, conversation, and narration. The participants' discourse samples were analysed using the discourse analysis scale. In all these tasks, the propositional and non-propositional aspects of communication were evaluated. After recording the responses, the scores of each task (picture description, conversation, and narration) were consolidated to compute the discourse quotient. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences across general conversation compared to narration and picture description tasks. Out of these three tasks, general conversation is outperformed the other two tasks. Further, the individual case-wise analysis showed similar pattern of results. Conclusion: The findings of this study hold significant implications for both clinical practice and research. Understanding the potency and setbacks of different discourse genres aids speech language pathologist to analyse the discourse elicited from different genres using different cutoff values. Despite the positive findings of the current study the findings of the study should be interpreted meticulously due to the small sample size and the limited ecological validity of the study.
A Case Study for Telefitting Service of Hearing Aid
Authors: Jeon Seungik , Kim Jinsook
Published: February 2025

The continuous management and fitting by hearing care professionals are essential for proper use and satisfaction of hearing aids. Difficulties related to the use and management of hearing aids significantly impact long-term success in wearing them. To overcome these difficulties, remoting service such as telefitting, is emerging as an alternative to traditional face-to-face service. Telefitting technology was applied for 2 years to two adults with hearing loss (PIS, 24 years old; KBC, 48 years old). PIS is a male with previous hearing aid experience, and KBC is a female with no hearing aid experience. The research procedure included 4 face-to-face sessions and 6 and 7 remote sessions. Through those sessions, hearing aid fittings, hearing evaluations, and questionnaire assessments were performed. Both PIS and KBC successfully adapted to wearing hearing aids and showed satisfaction. The aided puretone audiometry of PIS and KBC were improved by 12.25 dB hearing level (HL) and 8.75 dB HL, word recognition score increased by 25% and 61% from baseline respectively. Both participants continued to wear their hearing aids consistently without inconvenience. Survey results showed high degree of satisfaction (PIS, 98.67%; KBC, 88.57%) with remote fitting for both participants. Especially PIS scored full marks of satisfaction in remote fitting convenience (35/35). Telelfitting can be an effective alternative when face-to-face fitting is challenging. The limitations of telefitting are expected to be gradually resolved with technological advances. More clinical researches would enhance the reliability and efficiency of remote fitting of hearing aids in the future.
A Literature Review of Speech-Language Characteristics in Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Lee Eun Ok , Jang Hyemin , Yoon Ji Hye
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to examine recent research trends on the speech and language characteristics of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) from 2010 to the present in order to facilitate the accurate interpretation and application of clinical criteria in clinical practice. A total of 53 studies were selected and classified according to language modalities (verbal comprehension, expression, written language, and speech) and linguistic components (semantics, syntax, and pragmatics). Although the overall speech and language characteristics of svPPA include difficulties in word comprehension and noun expression, their comprehension and expression of syntax are relatively spared. Additionally, they tend to request more information during conversations and exhibit regularization in reading and writing. This study is a systematic review that analyzes the detailed abilities based on the language characteristics of svPPA and synthesizes the findings. Its significance lies in aiding the interpretation of various language pathology symptoms observed in actual clinical cases, based on international diagnostic criteria, and actively supporting the diagnostic process for Korean svPPA patients.
Comparison of in-the-Ear Hearing Aids Made with Ear Impressions and Digital Medical Imaging: Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Hyeong Gyun
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To compare the fit and acoustic performance of hearing aids fabricated using digital medical imaging (DMI) with those produced using the conventional ear impression method. Methods: The participants included individuals with normal hearing (one ear) and those with moderate to severe hearing loss (five ears). Ear canal models were created using DMI and the ear impression method. Hearing aids were then fabricated through 3D printing, and the shell shape, wearing satisfaction, functional gain, and reserve gain of both methods were compared. Results: The results showed morphological differences in the hearing aids produced by the two methods, particularly in the shell surface and the sizes of specific features (concha, tragus). More participants reported that the DMI hearing aids felt “slightly loose” in the ear canal after fitting. The sense of closure, an indicator of psychological discomfort, was more pronounced with the ear impression method. The DMI method also achieved higher functional and reserve gain values, suggesting relatively better acoustic characteristics. Conclusion: The feasibility of manufacturing DMI in-the-ear hearing aids was confirmed. With proper quality control in future manufacturing methods, it may be possible to mitigate safety concerns, such as infections and eardrum damage, associated with traditional ear impression techniques.
Implementation of Spirometry Telemonitoring Programme in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective, Controlled Analysis of Clinical Outcomes (Preprint)
Authors: Basza Mikołaj , Bojanowicz Wojciech , Galle Dagmara , Zawadzki Fryderyk , Soliński Mateusz , Kowalczyk Weronika , Kołtowski Łukasz , Hrapkowicz Tomasz , Ochman Marek
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation (LTx) remains the final therapeutic option for patients with end-stage and irreversible respiratory failure. The most common complication after LTx is chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), which affects long-term outcomes. However, CLAD may be partially reversible, especially after early detection of the cause. For this reason, systematic monitoring of transplanted lung function, including spirometry values, is so important. In these cases, the usage of modern technologies and telemedicine can be extremely useful and allow for early response to possible decreases of spirometry values.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and clinical usefulness of spirometry telemonitoring in lung transplant patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared lung transplant recipients, where the first group of patients was subjected to spirometry telemonitoring (N=21), the second group was monitored with standard home spirometry (N=23), and the control group underwent routine follow-ups only in the transplant center (N=32).

RESULTS

The mean number of emergency visits was found to be lower in the telemonitoring vs routine care group (1.24 vs 2.34, P=.05). Additionally, the mean duration of all visits was higher in the routine care group (10.0 days) in comparison to the telemonitoring group (5.8 days, P<.001) and to the standard home spirometry group (8.7 days, P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Spirometry telemonitoring using digital devices is not only feasible in lung transplant recipients, but it may provide substantial clinical benefits in this group of patients. It makes it possible to react faster in the event of abnormalities, which results in a reduction in the number of emergency visits and their duration.

CLINICALTRIAL

BNW/NWN/0052/KB/47/24
Unsupervised Coverage Sampling to Enhance Clinical Chart Review Coverage for Computable Phenotype Development (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Zigui , Hurst Jillian H. , Hong Chuan , Goldstein Benjamin Alan
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Developing computable phenotypes (CP) based on electronic health records (EHR) data requires "gold-standard" labels of patient charts obtained from clinicians. Charts are most often sampled randomly, but random sampling may fail to capture the diversity of a given patient population, which may lead to bias of the CP.

OBJECTIVE

We proposed an unsupervised sampling approach designed to better capture a diverse patient cohort and improve the information coverage of chart review samples.

METHODS

Our coverage sampling method utilizes clustering and stratified sampling to ensure diverse representation in chart review samples. We use simulations and a real-world data example to compare the performance of our method with random sampling. The performance of the samples was evaluated based on the information coverage and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

Our simulation studies demonstrate that our unsupervised approach provided better coverage of patient populations and equal or improved CP performance compared to random samples, especially in scenarios where minority sub-groups were present. In the real-world application, the method also outperformed random sampling, yielding more representative samples and enhancing CP performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed coverage sampling method enhances the coverage of chart review samples, leading to the development of CPs that can capture outcomes of interest in a diverse patient population. This approach is particularly beneficial in cohorts with complex or minority sub-groups, providing a robust alternative to random sampling in EHR-based research.
TITLE: Is the Pinball Machine a Blind Spot in Serious Games Research? Rethinking Arcade Technology in the Digital Game Paradigm. [a letter to the editor] (Preprint)
Authors: Eckardt Jens Peter
Published: February 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

This article (letter to the editor) discusses an overlooked, long-established technology within serious games research: the pinball machine. Pinball is a game that engages multiple cognitive processes, enhancing executive functions, as explored in the accompanying article. Its enduring presence in the gaming industry—spanning gameplay design, mechanics, electronics, and both kinetic and digital formats—raises important questions: Could pinball's unique format, rooted in both physical and digital realms, bridge the gap between traditional and modern approaches to serious gaming? Could it offer a more tangible, interactive experience as a promising therapeutic tool (or adjunct) compared to conventional serious games? Despite decades of studies examining the use of pinball machines as an intervention for individuals with various conditions, the role of pinball in serious game research remains underexplored. Why is this technology not more widely investigated, including its theoretical potential, even as it continues to evolve? Is pinball less adaptable or perhaps too costly compared to other technologies? While traditionally viewed as entertainment, the cognitive challenges pinball presents to players may provide an effective means to exercise executive function skills. To fully unlock its potential as a serious game, researchers must broaden their scope, integrating arcade technologies like the pinball machine into the increasingly digital-centric landscape of serious gaming.
OXCARBAZEPINE-INDUCED HYPONATREMIA IN METABOLIC ENCEPHALOPATHY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: AMRITHA CHANDRASEKARAN SASHIKAR  , ANGELIN GRACE T  , ANN JENCY A  , DHIVYAPRASATH P
Published: February 2025

The 81-year-old woman in this instance had a 3-day history of diminished sensorium and was suffering from significant left ventricular dysfunction, osteoporosis, uterine malignancy, and a history of nephrectomy, among other chronic illnesses. Medication for heart failure, neuropathic pain, anemia, and fluid retention were all part of her treatment plan. Along with careful monitoring of electrolytes and renal function, the patient was treated with a mixture of pregabalin, clonazepam, carvedilol, atorvastatin, spironolactone, and other supplements. The patient’s usage of oxcarbazepine, a medication known to create electrolyte imbalances and antidiuretic effects, is probably what caused her to develop hyponatremia. Using the Naranjo adverse drug response probability scale, a causality evaluation revealed a “probable” adverse drug response with a score of 7, indicating a probable connection between her electrolyte imbalance and oxcarbazepine.
ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE TOWARD PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS B INFECTION AND VACCINATION STATUS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN EASTERN INDIA
Authors: SUBHA SANKHA KUNDU  , MOUMITA KUNDU  , MUKESH KUMAR  , DHAVAL PAREKH  , ANAND KISHORE
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The present study aims to assess the knowledge about Hepatitis B infection of healthcare workers (HCWs) and their vaccination status.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out over a period of 4 months, at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. The study enrolled 151 HCWs, including nurses and paramedical staff employed on either a permanent or contractual basis. Participants were selected randomly, and data were obtained using a structured, pre-tested data collection tool. The questionnaire included sections to capture sociodemographic details, assess knowledge about Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, determine vaccination status, and identify reasons for partial or lack of vaccination.
Results: Among the 151 participants, 29.8% were nurses, and 70.2% were auxiliary health workers, including laboratory technicians, administrative staff, housekeeping staff, ward attendants, and ambulance drivers. While all nurses exhibited complete knowledge across all domains of HBV awareness, only 14% of auxiliary health workers knew the causative organism and 9% were aware of prevention strategies. Vaccination coverage was suboptimal, with 48.3% fully vaccinated, 30.5% partially vaccinated, and 21.2% unvaccinated. Unvaccinated participants cited a lack of awareness (62.5%) and perceived irrelevance (31.3%) as major barriers. Among partially vaccinated participants, 65.2% were unaware of their vaccination schedule.
Conclusion: Significant gaps in HBV-related knowledge and vaccination coverage persist among auxiliary health workers, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs and routine workplace vaccination initiatives. Enhancing awareness about vaccination schedules and ensuring easy access to vaccines are critical steps to mitigate HBV transmission risks in healthcare settings and protect HCWs.
Genetic Variations and Seriousness of COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Imran Mohd. , Abida  , Alshahrani Ruqiah Mohammed Ahmed , Alanazi Ahmed Saleh , Alnafisah Khalid Ibrahim , Alghorayed Shahed Ali Mohammed , Alsaeed Sumaih Saeed , Ali Abuzer , Alshammari Abdulaziz Khalaf , Min Ho Soon
Published: February 2025

Millions of people have died due to coronavirus infection, which has also brought an unparalleled global health crisis to the verge of collapsing several nations healthcare system. The host genetic landscape is becoming more widely acknowledged as a crucial determinant of susceptibility to infection among all other factors. It is still unclear how exactly they are related, though. As a result, we looked into the significance of genetic factors in COVID-19 patients’ severity by performing a thorough analysis of research that were documented in the literature. A thorough search of PubMed was started at the beginning of July 2021. From December 2019 to July 2021, we retrieved all pertinent papers and screened on inclusion and exclusion criteria. This systematic review comprised twenty-five papers with COVID-19 case studies for qualitative synthesis. Seven different gene types, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), ABO, Cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), open reading frame (ORF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes were identified, which might be responsible for the significance of coronavirus illness in the patients. Overall, individuals with COVID-19 who also possess the aforementioned genes are at a higher risk of developing significant illness. Still, more information is needed to draw a reliable conclusion.
Implementation of simulation model of machine and tractor fleet loading
Authors:   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Aletdinova Anna A. ,   Novosibirsk State Agricultural University, Dokin Boris D. ,   Siberian Federal Research Centre of Agro-Biotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2025

This is a study that aims to conduct a set of simulation experiments on varying the
loading parameters of the machine and tractor fleet of an agricultural enterprise. The following
objectives are set: to substantiate the features of constructed simulation model of loading machine
and tractor fleet; to vary the units using the example of implementing various technologies for
cultivation and harvesting of wheat after fallow; to evaluate the technical and economic indicators
of various technologies for cultivation and harvesting of wheat after fallow. The simulation model
is based on end-to-end viewing method of annual work package options. During the experiments,
the parameters of the field ripening coefficient, crop yield, set of units and average technical reliability coefficient are varied for different types of technologies and natural areas. As an example,
estimates based on technological maps of steam cultivation and harvesting of wheat for the forest-steppe zone of the Novosibirsk region are given. The completed volumes of work, equipment
loading, duration of operations, fuel consumption, fuel and lubricants costs are calculated. An
assessment of the economic indicators of technologies has shown that intensive is the most expensive, but more effective, although there are small differences in indicators on the example of one
crop production. When considering the entire crop production of an agricultural enterprise, costs
and profits increase significantly, and intensive technology remains the most effective.
Efficiency of application of concentrated organic fertilizers by a machine with a pneumocentrifugal distributing working body
Authors:   Azov-Black Sea Engineering Institute (branch of Don State Agrarian University), Bondarenko Anatoliy M. , Kachanova Lyudmila S. ,   Russian Customs Academy, Popenko Alexander Yu. ,   Azov-Black Sea Engineering Institute (branch of Don State Agrarian University)
Published: February 2025

The current state of the world grain market has predetermined new approaches to
its production and sale. The main grain-producing region in the Russian Federation is the Southern
Federal District, in particular, Rostov region, which has more than 4.7 million hectares of arable
land. In 2023, the average grain yield in Rostov region was 43.7 c/ha. High yields contribute to
a significant removal of nutrients from the soil, which reduces soil fertility, the restoration of
which is possible with the effective use of organic fertilizers. The application of solid organic
fertilizers with doses of 40–60 t/ha is costly and ineffective. A promising direction is the introduction of concentrated organic fertilizers into the soil. In the south of Russia, this is the fertilizer
of the brand "Agrovit-Kor". However, the physical and mechanical properties (pulverized form,
humidity about 45%) of "Agrovit-Kor" do not allow surface application of this fertilizer by serial
machines. The working distributing bodies of serial machines are not adapted to the properties of
concentrated organic fertilizer, and also do not ensure effective fertilizer application with doses up
to 4 t/ha. For this purpose, the modernization of machines of the RUM brand (MVU) was carried
out, where the serial distributing bodies were replaced by pneumocentrifugal distributing bodies,
which made it possible to qualitatively distribute concentrated organic fertilizer with doses from 2
to 4 t/ha with a working width of 8 m. The use of regulating valves on pneumatic pipelines made
it possible to obtain unevenness in the width of the application of no more than 15%. The economic efficiency of the use of the upgraded machine in the 10-field crop rotation of Rostov region is
shown by reducing the shortage of crops.
Development of the organic product market in providing technological sovereignity of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Azov-Black Sea Engineering Institute (branch of Don State Agrarian University), Bondarenko Anatoliy M. , Kachanova Lyudmila S. ,   Russian Customs Academy, Chelbin Sergey M. ,   Russian Agricultural Center (Rostov region branch)
Published: February 2025

Organic agricultural production promotes to solving the food problem by contributing to ensuring the technological sovereignty of the state. The agricultural sector has been a
dynamically developing complex of sectors of the national economy for a number of years, especially since 2014. In 2022, the organic product market amounted to more than 220 million euros.
In terms of the size of agricultural land suitable for the organic product production, Russia ranks
fourth in the world, in terms of organic product export, Russia is in the 21st place. The purpose
of the study is to develop a set of recommendations to improve the efficiency of production and
export of organic products of the agricultural sector of the economy within the framework of ensuring the technological sovereignty of the state. The federal level project "Export of agricultural
products" provides for an increase in the export of organic products with high added value. The
program of rational attraction of agricultural land into circulation and expansion of the reclamation
complex for 2022–2031 justifies the involvement of 13.2 million hectares of unused land into circulation. The most significant item of production and export of agro-industrial complex products
are grain crops. The stages of declaring and certifying grain products, passing the organic certification procedure, and the customs export procedure are presented. Based on the scenario approach
of long-term planning, the high export potential, viability and prospects of organic production of
agricultural sector products have been confirmed. On average, over 10 years of rational attraction
of agricultural land into circulation and expansion of the reclamation complex of the Russian Federation, the costs of the organic component will amount to 9 billion rubles in year to 11 billion rubles
in year; the annual revenue from the sale of grain is 347 billion rubles, the annual profit varies from
274 billion rubles to 276 billion rubles. The proposed measures to increase the export potential of
organic products of the Russian Federation contribute to the growth of total budget revenues from
the export of organic products by 1.3%, non-oil and gas revenues – by 4.3%.
Determination of optimal parameters of cultivator working body combination for row-to-row processing of corn in Amur region
Authors:   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybean, Mazur Vladimir V. , Nikulchev Konstantin A. ,   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybean, Kuvshinov Alexey A. ,   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybean, Sakharov Vladimir A. ,   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybean
Published: February 2025

The development of biologization of agriculture focus on the necessity of soil
chemical load reduction. The use of a chemical method of weed control leads to herbicide resistance in some weed species. It requires an increase in application dose or new chemical product
designing, which ultimately will contribute to even greater environmental pollution. The development of crop cultivation technologies is aimed to enhance mechanization level, proper and timely
care of crops, to ensure processing quality that guarantees realization of the variety (hybrid) potential in these climatic conditions. An important element of mechanized farming of corn crops is
row-to-row treatment in order to destroy weeds and improve soil water-air regime. The objective
of the work was to determine the optimal parameters of the cultivator for row-to-row processing
of corn in Amur region. Theoretical features of weed cutting with a goose foot share, the work
of chisel and scuffle knife were considered. Working bodies were applied in two combinations,
two one-side scuffle knives (razors) with a goose foot share, and two universal goose foot shares
with a chisel and wheel spiders. The first combination showed the best preliminary results and
was selected as the most optimal. To determine the operating parameters of the working process
of a machine-tractor unit consisting of a tractor and a tilled cultivator with the previously selected
optimal combination of working bodies, a full-factor experiment 32
was conducted. With a tractor
operating speed of 9.4–10 km/h and a processing depth of 12.2–13.5 cm, weed removal in the row
spacing of corn crops was achieved by more than 60%.
The influence of climatic factors in the south of Primorye on plum yield formation
Authors:   Primorsky Fruit and Berry Experimental Station (branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies of the Far East named after A. K. Chaika), Yakovleva Valentina V.
Published: February 2025

The responsiveness of plum varieties to climate change has not been sufficiently
studied. Plum is a hardy and highly productive crop. However, not all plum varieties have ecological plasticity. The object of research was the zoned and introduced plum varieties: Sharovaya, Antonina, Nadezhda Primorya, Primorochka, Romen, Shchedraya, Varvara-krasa, Egorovna,
Asaloda, Kubanskaya kometa. The article presents the results of studying the influence of weather
conditions during flowering, fruit formation and ripening on plum yield in the conditions of the
south of Primorye. Low average daily air temperature and a large amount of precipitation during
flowering have a negative impact on plum yields. It has been established that the lack or excess of moisture during the formation and growth of fruits reduces the yield of plums. Fruit rot damage depends on the varietal characteristics of the plum and the weather conditions of the year. The yield
depended on the biological characteristics of the variety and the weather conditions of the year
(4.8–19.3 kg/tree). It is established that the date of the beginning of plum blossom is closely related
to the weather conditions of the year. The most adaptive and productive plum varieties were identified: Primorochka (13.8 kg/tree), Romen (12.5 kg/tree) of the selection of the Primorsky Fruit
and Berry Experimental Station, Kubanskaya kometa (13.6 kg/tree) of the Crimean Experimental
Breeding Station, Asaloda (9.6 kg/tree) of the Belarusian Research Institute of Fruit Growing. The
promising plum varieties Shchedraya and Romen are the source material for breeding.
Sodium benzoate may reduce appetite in drosophila melanogaster through serotonin upregulation
Authors: Nas John Sylvester , Medina Paul Mark
Published: February 2025

Sodium benzoate is a common artificial preservative in processed food, yet
little is known about its long-term health effects. Since sodium benzoate
could upregulate serotonin, we hypothesized that it may induce satiety and
activate processes underlying caloric restriction that can lead to lifespan
extension. In this study, the effects of sodium benzoate on tryptophan
metabolism and its potential association with lifespan and stress tolerance
in Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. We administered varying doses
of sodium benzoate to male and female flies, monitoring their daily food
consumption, serotonin levels, kynurenine/tryptophan (kyn/trp) ratio, Sirt1
levels, and survival under normal conditions. Additionally, separate groups
of flies were exposed to stressors such as heat, ultraviolet A (UVA)
radiation, and energy deprivation to assess the compound?s effects on
lifespan under diverse stress conditions. Our results demonstrated that
fruit flies fed sodium benzoate exhibited reduced food consumption,
decreased kyn/trp ratio, and increased serotonin. The expression of Sirt1,
an indicator of the effect of caloric restriction, increased. Their lifespan
was prolonged under normal and energy-deprived conditions but was unaffected
under heat and UVA stress. Overall, our findings are consistent with our
hypothesis that the upregulation of Sirt1 through sodium benzoate
supplementation is associated with increased serotonin levels, which may
explain delayed senescence and resilience under energy-deprived conditions.
Development and validation of the Housing Environmental Quality Assessment Tool (HEQAT) for children with ADHD using the Delphi process
Authors: Alizadeh Sima , Bridge Catherine , Eapen Valsamma , Judd Bruce
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to establish a valid and purposeful evaluation tool for
building professionals and designers to identify housing features that
adversely impact children and adolescents with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After a review of
pre-existing tools, it was found that such a tool does not yet exist but is
necessary for modifying, designing, and constructing residential
environments of the future. Most environmental quality checklists or housing
quality assessment tools lack specificity, development, and documentation of
operational definitions. Therefore, we developed the Housing Environmental
Quality Assessment Tool (HEQAT) based on pre-existing building tools in
combination with identified aspects of environmental features associated
with mental health and ADHD extracted from the literature. Using the Delphi
process, we modified the tool based on the opinions of four groups of
experts and stakeholders to establish the tool?s validity. The Content
Validity Index (CVI) was used to establish the overall content validity of
the assessment tool. Of the tool?s 74 items reviewed and rated by a team of
experts and stakeholders over a 2-round Delphi process, 70 items were judged
to be relevant, with a CVI of greater than 0.78. Consequently, the tool?s
overall content validity was calculated as 95 per cent. The data obtained
using this tool could contribute to the knowledge of how residential
buildings can be designed and built to be suitable for individuals diagnosed
with ADHD.
Information sources and the decision-making process in tourism: An Investigation of Tourist Attraction and Activity Selection in a Digital Age
Authors:   , Rees Rhiannon L.
Published: February 2025

This research investigates how tourists choose tourist attractions and activities on holiday. It examines how information sources influence the decision-making process and how other contextual, dynamic, emotional, and situational factors contribute to decision-making in the destination. Adopting a mixed methods approach this thesis aims to deliver a holistic approach to in-situ decision-making. It collects nuanced and descriptive data from in-depth interviews with tourists in-situ and tourism professionals, supplemented by participant field surveys. This thesis addresses three critical research gaps: first, the scarcity of qualitative studies in the decision-making field; second, the lack of studies that include the divergent range of attractions and activities in the tourist destination; and third, the rarity of in-destination studies that focus on in-situ decision-making. It re-directs much of the focus in tourism from destination choice to in-destination activity choice. The body of work that addresses decision-making theory development and testing is limited mainly to tourist destination choice. It neglects the many complex and dynamic itinerary decisions that emerge while the tourist is on holiday. Information selection has been identified as a critical stage in the decision-making process. Recently, studies from the ICT field have emphasised the importance of new digital information sources, including the Internet, electronic word of mouth, mobile technology, and recommender systems. Suggesting that new digital sources have replaced traditional information sources. This thesis seeks to understand the influence of contemporary and traditional information sources such as leaflets, guidebooks, tourist information sites and recommendations from family and friends. Furthermore, it seeks to understand the dynamic nature of decision-making and the interaction with information search. Moreover, the timing of information sources employed at the different decision-making stages in attraction and activity selection. A pragmatic approach is utilised, employing mixed methods research with particular emphasis on the qualitative data collected and evaluated with thematic analysis. The thesis comprises nineteen in-depth interviews with tourists in Aberystwyth; three interviews with industry professionals; and 515 surveys conducted at tourist attractions. This study will provide theoretical and managerial insights into in-destination decision-making processes; information sources; dynamic, contextual, and influential factors relating to the selection of activities and attractions. The study was carried out in rural Wales in the UK and was funded by KESS2, a Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship funded by the European Social Fund.
WAR, WALL and WATER metaphors for immigration: a product, process, and corpusbased study of translation and post-editing of French left-wing journalism by professionals and translation students
Authors:   , Daniel Sarah
Published: February 2025

The news media uses dehumanising metaphors like a “ﬂood” or an “invasion” to describe immigrants, presenting these displaced people as a threat to potential host countries. Metaphorical expressions are difficult to translate as they often cannot be understood from their component parts and rely on cultural or situational knowledge to understand. This study examined a corpus of articles containing the keyword “immigration” published in French in Le Monde diplomatique (LMd) from 2009 to 2019. Metaphorical expressions from the WAR, WATER and WALL/CONTAINER domains were identified and their framing compared with that found in previous studies. The treatment of these expressions in the published translations in English and Spanish were analysed. Professional translators and translation students working into English and Spanish were asked to translate half, and post-edit the other half, of an extract from the corpus. Participants recorded their processes which were analysed to establish which expressions they found difficult and whether they considered the metaphoricity of the expressions while translating or post-editing. This study found that LMd inverted the typical framings for just under a third (32.5%) of the WAR and WALL metaphors, contrasting with previous findings that centre left and right publications use similar metaphors and framings. A novel typology of translation solutions for metaphor, based on Kovecses’ Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory, was proposed. This draws precise distinctions between the types of changes made to metaphorical expressions in translation and highlights cases where detail is added or removed in the target text. The study found that not all participants considered the metaphoricity of the expressions and those that did, did not interact with all expressions in this way. The majority of expressions participants treated as metaphor were classified as potentially deliberate, highlighting the role that Deliberate Metaphor Theory could play in explaining how translators interact with metaphor.
Community Participation in Programme Planning for Universal Health Coverage in India: An exploratory study
Authors: Chandra Yogesh , Jain Ajai Kumar
Published: February 2025

Health can never be adequately protected by health services without the active understanding and involvement of communities whose health is at stake. For attaining Universal Health Coverage, community participation is important, as their active role helps in sustained efforts, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing the underlying social determinants of health, leading to equity in healthcare. Traditional Indian society is cut across by rigid religion and caste lines, and the appropriate role for each caste group has been a serious obstacle in securing complete community participation.
This study employed a quantitative exploratory survey design aimed at understanding public health professionals' perceptions of community participation in healthcare planning. The questionnaire's development included expert consultation and a pilot test to ensure validity and reliability, while the implications of the low response rate on the study's findings was also reported transparently.
This study reflects the opinion on the importance of community participation in healthcare policy and program decisions, identifies the different barriers faced during such vital participation, and recommends measures to enhance community participation for a more equitable healthcare system in the local area.
Favoriser le mouvement grâce à l’approche par paliers : recherche et revue systématiques destinées à orienter la mise au point d’une nouvelle intervention axée sur les comportements sédentaires chez les aînés
Authors: Katsoulis Konstantina , Tan Maria C. , Horton Sean , Sinha Samir K. , Kapralos Bill , Dunstan David , Bouchard Danielle R. , Copeland Jennifer L. , Dogra Shilpa
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Les méthodes habituellement utilisées pour aider les aînés à adopter et à maintenir un mode de vie actif ne connaissent pas beaucoup de succès. L’« approche par paliers » proposée précédemment permet de jeter de nouvelles bases pour la mise au point d’interventions et de stratégies de santé publique; elle est composée du palier 1 (changer les comportements sédentaires) et des paliers 2 à 4 (intégrer davantage d’activité physique d’une intensité croissante). Avec cette recherche et cette revue systématiques, nous avons tenté d’étayer l’élaboration conjointe d’une nouvelle intervention destinée aux aînés inactifs vivant dans la collectivité et qui soit principalement axée sur le palier 1 de l’approche par paliers.

Méthodologie

Nous avons mené une recherche systématique dans six bases de données (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus et Scopus).

Résultats

Après élimination des doublons, 3 427 références ont fait l’objet d’un tri basé sur le titre et le résumé. Par la suite, 14 articles (représentant 17 groupes d’intervention) ont été retenus après lecture du texte complet. Sur ces articles, cinq portaient sur des essais contrôlés randomisés, trois visaient à comparer deux interventions et six étaient des études à groupe unique. Les échantillons de départ étaient composés de 9 à 176 participants, pour un total de 617 aînés. L’âge moyen des échantillons variait entre 64,3 (écart-type [ET] 3,8) et 85,1 (ET 6,2) ans, tandis que la durée des interventions allait de moins de une journée à six mois. Les interventions destinées à réduire le temps de sédentarité étaient bien acceptées : la plupart des études présentaient un taux d’achèvement supérieur à 80 %. D’après les résultats des comparaisons intragroupes, la moitié des études ont révélé une réduction du temps de sédentarité (6 groupes sur 12) et la moitié ont montré une augmentation de l’activité physique (6 groupes sur 12). D’après les résultats des comparaisons intergroupes, 2 groupes d’intervention sur 5 ont présenté une amélioration des résultats en matière de temps passé en position assise et d’activité physique par rapport aux groupes témoins. La satisfaction à l’égard des interventions et l’adhésion à celles-ci étaient généralement élevées.

Conclusion

Les interventions visant à réduire le temps de sédentarité chez les aînés sont prometteuses et semblent indiquer que plusieurs composantes pourraient être incluses dans une intervention axée sur le palier 1 de l’approche par paliers.
Representação material da violência contra as mulheres negras a partir da escrita evaristiana
Authors: Sousa Fabiana dos Santos
Published: February 2025

Este artigo é resultado das minhas pesquisas de doutorado, em Materialidades da Literatura, e tem como objetivo analisar os contos Maria e Lia Gabriel, publicados nos livros Olhos d’água e Insubmissas lágrimas de mulheres, da escritora Conceição Evaristo (2016, 2016a), com o intuito de apontar estratégias discursivas por ela utilizadas para denotar a representação material da violência (de gênero, raça e classe) sofrida por mulheres negras brasileiras. Adotei como metodologia a pesquisa bibliográfica, porque é um método inicial no desenvolvimento de um estudo investigativo, visto que após a escolha do tema, é necessário realizar a coleta bibliográfica acerca do mesmo, tendo em vista que esta leva a saber se as questões propostas já foram publicadas em outras pesquisas semelhantes e quais teóricos são mais relevantes academicamente para respaldar o assunto em estudo. O trabalho se faz relevante na medida em que promove a expansão do conhecimento cultural oferecido pela literatura evaristiana, contribuindo, dessa forma, para mostrar ao mundo a ríspida realidade vivenciada por milhões de mulheres negras no Brasil e, de modo igual, conscientizar os leitores da negligência governamental diante dessa situação. Para fundamentá-lo, usei as ideias de estudiosas como Kimberlé Crenshaw, Judith Butler, Eni Orlandi, Sonia Giacomini, entre outros.
A heresia do animal mulher: o feminino animalizado na Idade Média e sua reescrita em Minha Senhora de Mim de Maria Teresa Horta e em o remorso de Baltazar Serapião de Valter Hugo Mãe
Authors: Toivonen Juliana Sant'Ana
Published: February 2025

A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo traçar uma relação entre a mulher da Idade Média e a animalização a ela atribuída, com a reescrita da mulher medieval na obra Minha Senhora de Mim de Maria Teresa Horta e na obra o remorso de baltazar serapião de Valter Hugo Mãe. Esse estudo tem por finalidade compreender o emprego da animalização quando relacionado à mulher, considerando que o sentido do animal muda de tom, assim como a representação da mulher muda nas obras de ambos os autores. Buscamos compreender as formas de animalização do feminino na literatura e as suas implicações políticas, tendo como amparo teórico obras como Literatura e Animalidade de Maria Esther Maciel, Formas comuns: animalidade, literatura e biopolítica de Gabriel Giorgi e Calibã e a Bruxa: Mulheres, corpos e acumulação primitiva de Silvia Federici.
A identidade feminina em exílio no romance Lillias Fraser, de Hélia Correia
Authors: Martin Karen Tiburcio , Pacheco Keli Cristina
Published: February 2025

Este artigo investiga o tema do exílio no romance Lillias Fraser (2001), de Hélia Correia, analisando como o exílio influencia a perda de identidade da protagonista e como ela resgata sua subjetividade durante a jornada. Os temas de identidade e subjetividade femininas serão examinados à luz da teoria feminista dos sujeitos nômades, de Rosi Braidotti, em Nomadic Subjects (1994). A análise sugere que Lillias Fraser vivencia diversas formas de exílio e é forçada a assumir diferentes identidades para sobreviver. Ao fugir de seu país de origem, Lillias é submetida ao exílio como perda da terra natal, necessitando refugiar-se em outros países. Por nunca poder retornar, suas andanças nunca cessam. No fim, ela se torna a mulher nômade proposta na teoria de Braidotti (1994), pois sua subjetividade só pode ser desenvolvida por meio de suas múltiplas identidades e errâncias. Assim, sua identidade não é perdida, mas está em constante transformação.