bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of Semaphorin 4C in Breast Cancer – Assessment of Prognostic Value and Potential for Monitoring Surgical Treatment Response
Authors: Popov Ts. , Maslyankov S. , Arabadzhiev A. , Sokolov M. , Kandilarova S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The global burden of breast cancer (BC) has encouraged ceaseless research in exploring novel biomarkers, aiming to optimize BC management and prognosis.

Objective. To explore the prognostic value of serum SEMA4C and investigate its potential for monitoring the response to surgical treatment in patients with BC.

Materials and methods. Seventy-five (75) pre-treatment patients from the Clinic of Surgery with invasive BC without any initial treatment prior to blood sample collection were included in the study. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure serum levels of SEMA4C in human serum. Participants were divided based on pathological stage, nodal involvement and histological grade. Follow-up blood samples of 35 patients who underwent surgery were collected to investigate if SEMA4C could measure the response to surgical treatment.

Results. Postoperative serum levels of SEMA4C were significantly lower than preoperative levels (p p < 0.001). Regarding prognostic value, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the pathological stage (p = 0.181), lymph node (LN) status (p = 0.752), and histological grade (p = 0.412).

Conclusion. According to our study, serum SEMA4C levels did not differ significantly in terms of pathological stage, LN status and histological grade. Notably, postoperative serum levels of SEMA4C were significantly decreased after surgical treatment compared to preoperative values, which underscores the potential of SEMA4C as a putative candidate biomarker for monitoring response to therapy in patients with BC. However, additional research is mandatory to validate the role of SEMA4C in BC.
Fasting GLP-1 Levels in Women with PCOS and CAH
Authors: Robeva R. , Kirilov G. , Elenkova A. , Zacharieva S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent condition associated with increased androgens, but some rare diseases, e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia. The potential role of incretin hormones has been thoroughly studied in different metabolic conditions, but data about women with PCOS and CAH are insufficient.

Aims

Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the fasting GLP-1 levels in women with PCOS and CAH compared to healthy women and to establish the possible associations with the ovarian and adrenal androgens, obesity, and hyperinsulinemia in these conditions.

Methods

Fasting GLP-1 levels were measured in 47 women with PCOS, 11 CAH patients, and 26 healthy volunteers. The associations between the GLP-1, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics in the investigated groups have been studied.

Results

GLP-1 levels did not differ between healthy women and patients with PCOS but were significantly higher in CAH patients (p = 0.025). CAH patients were similarly obese as PCOS women, but they showed increased testosterone (p = 0.009), 11-ketotestosterone (p = 0.046), 17-OH-progesterone (p < 0.001), and insulin levels (p = 0.043), and lower luteinizing hormone (p = 0.002) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels (p = 0.004). In the PCOS group, the fasting GLP-1 levels were positively related to BMI (r = +0.327; p = 0.024) but not to other hormonal or metabolic indices.

Conclusions

Our results show increased fasting GLP-1 and insulin levels in CAH individuals compared with PCOS patients but similar fasting GLP-1 levels in PCOS and healthy women. Further studies are necessary to clarify the incretin effects and the role of incretin-based therapy in women with different hyperandrogenic states and increased metabolic risk.
The Impact of Inherited Thrombophilia on First Trimester Combined Aneuploidy Screening Parameters
Authors: Kirovakov Z. , Hinkova N. , Konova E.
Published: November 2024

Objective. To investigate the impact of thrombophilia on pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the nuchal translucency (NT) during the first trimester of the pregnancy.

Material and Methods. A case-control research study was conducted at a prenatal outpatient unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Burgas, Bulgaria, between January 1st, 2021 and March 31st, 2023. A total of 309 pregnant women patients with congenital thrombophilia took part in the experimental research of the study, while 150 healthy pregnant women patients without evidence of thrombophilia were the control sample.

Results. A statistically significant difference in the pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), t(369) = 1.028, p < 0.05 between the two groups, with the experimental group reporting lower multiples of median (MoM) values as compared to the control group. The results showed statistically significant differences in the median values of PAPP-A and NT between the different types of inherited thrombophilia but no statistically significant difference in the median values of HCG. The results showed no statistically significant difference in age, gravidity, or parity between the experimental and control groups.

Conclusion. The first trimester combined aneuploidy screening parameters are important in prenatal detection of the pregnancy status for identification of any variations in terms of chromosomal and fetal structural anomalies. Inherited thrombophilia adversely impacts the aneuploidy screening parameters during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Prostaglandin F2A Disturbs Oogenesis by Causing Meiotic Spindle Damage
Authors: Kolarov A.
Published: November 2024

According to recent data, prostaglandin F2 alpha can have a negative influence on meiosis during oogenesis. Previously, we have found that this prostaglandin may accelerate in a dosage-dependent way the postovulatory aging in ovulated mature oocytes, compromising the integrity of their meiotic spindles.

Aim. The study aimed to investigate the effects of prostaglandin F2α on the course and outcome of oocyte meiosis in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods. Mouse oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence of prostaglandin F2α in a concentration of 100 ng/ml. Their meiotic stage, spindle morphology and chromosome arrangement were assessed by immunofluorescent labeling of tubulin and fluorescent staining of DNA.

Results. We obtained a higher percentage of immature oocytes in metaphase I after the treatment than in untreated control oocytes. In addition, there were specific morphological changes in the meiotic spindles of oocytes exposed to prostaglandin F2α associated with a reduced number of fibers.

Conclusion. It is probable that prostaglandin F2α has an impact on the microtubule dynamics of the meiotic spindle that can prevent the transition of maturing oocytes to the second meiotic division, most likely by triggering the spindle assembly checkpoint.
A Rare Case of a Patient with a Myocardial Bridge in Combination with Bicuspid Valve and Subaortic Stenosis
Authors: Stoitsev G.
Published: November 2024

Combined congenital heart defects in adults are very rare, and knowledge of their diagnostic-therapeutic approach is of interest to specialists. Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a heart disease of unclear etiology and variable clinical manifestation. In some cases, SAS is described in combination with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, but a real rarity is the combination of the listed lesions with the non-obstructive coronary stenosis caused by a myocardial bridge. A middle-aged woman with chest pain and dyspnea during minimal physical exertion, that subsides after rest, was referred for surgery. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy with preserved systolic function without anomalies of cardiac wall motion. A dynamic gradient was observed in the left ventricular outflow tract reaching up to 90 mmHg. Bicuspid aortic valve was presented with high-grade regurgitation. The picture of myocardial ischemia was complemented by selective coronary angiography demonstrating a rarely presented myocardial bridge over the left anterior descending coronary artery. The diagnostic approach and surgical corrections performed are the subject of this report.
Advanced Breast Cancer: Case Reports and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Sopotenski S. , Aleksandrova E. , Petrov S. , Lytvynenko I.
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is a pathology associated with high morbidity and mortality among women of all nations worldwide. The low efficiency or total absence of national screening programs, the presence of comorbid mental illnesses or dementia, general lack of information and underestimation of the problem among patients are factors that often lead to late diagnosis of breast cancer and, as a result, to high mortality. The article presents 2 clinical cases of advanced breast cancer in women who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic, which demonstrate the necessity of emergency reconstruction of Bulgarian national screening program. A brief statistical analysis of morbidity, mortality and effectiveness of screening in different countries is conducted.
A Clinical Case of a 10-Month-Old Child with Severe COVID-19 with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Ended Fatally
Authors: Parusheva P. , Pekova L. , Angelova S.
Published: November 2024

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was assumed that children were at low risk of infection and that their infection was milder than adults. With an increase in the number of pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with manifestations of hyperinflammation, the condition of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was defined. We present a clinical case of a 10-month-old male child hospitalized in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at University Hospital in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, with a COVID-19. The patient had a number of co-morbidities, including protein-calorie malnutrition, chronic respiratory failure and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. During the hospital stay, he had an active diarrhea syndrome, with evidence of pneumonia and respiratory failure. In the clinical course, a progressive worsening of the condition with signs of multiple organ failure, increase in inflammatory markers and deterioration of coagulation indicators were observed. Placement in the ICU and the inclusion of artificial pulmonary ventilation were required, but after an 18-day hospital stay, the patient died. In conclusion, this was an acute case of COVID-19 in an infant that started with respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations that progressed to MIS-C with multiple organ failure leading to death. We believe that the reason for this is the compromised immune status in connection with the highly damaged premorbid terrain and young age.
Current Development of Virotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Brief Review
Authors: Sasmana I. , Putri P. , Dewi N. , Supadmanaba I. , Wihandani D.
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is the cancer with the greatest incidence in the world by 2020. This cancer has a high mortality rate, has the capability of metastasizing, and causes damage to important organs of the human body. Therefore, a lot of studies have been done to find the best therapy to overcome this problem. However, cancer has various special abilities that make it survive and continue to invade its host body, for example, the ability to evade its host immune system by several mechanisms. One of the potential cancer therapies is virotherapy. Virotherapy is a therapeutic method using viruses to destroy cancer cells. Several mechanisms can be provided by viruses, such as stimulating the host immune system and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. Especially for breast cancer, there are 4 groups of viruses based on their genome that have oncolytic capability, such as the dsDNA, dsRNA, + ssRNA, and -ssRNA groups. Currently, there are several therapeutic virotherapy-based modalities for breast cancer that are in clinical trial phases. Each trial has shown positive results in developing virotherapy for breast cancer.
High Colchicine Doses Are Really Silver Bullets Against COVID-19
Authors: Mitev V.
Published: November 2024

The numerous attempts to prove a therapeutic effect of low-dose colchicine for the treatment of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been discouraging. Increase of doses, however, leads to accumulation in leukocytes and inhibition of the cytokine storm thus preventing COVID-19 complications and hospitalizations. Hospital mortality drops up to 7-fold, while outpatients practically do not reach hospitalization.
A review of the red mud utilization possibilities
Authors: Vuković Jelena , Perušić Mitar , Stopić Srećko , Kostić Duško , Smiljanić Slavko , Filipović Radislav , Damjanović Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Red mud, a voluminous industrial waste produced during the Bayer process in the alumina industry, has numerous application possibilities across various fields. Its potential uses are diverse, ranging from the construction industry and metallurgy to environmental protection and agriculture. There are three main aspects of red mud utilization. First, it can be analyzed from the point of view of resource utilization, where it could be applied as raw material mostly in the construction industry. Second, it could be a useful source of valuable components, such as rare earths and metals, especially iron. Third, red mud could have different environmental applications, in wastewater treatment, soil remediation, etc.The paper summarizes current data on red mud utilization methods and aims to emphasize the potential for red mud utilization in various fields.
Generational Perspectives and Motivations within the Gig Economy in Slovenia
Authors: Huđek Ivona
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to examine how the gig economy, as a global trend that is transforming labour markets worldwide, manifests itself in a smaller economy such as Slovenia. Specifically, the paper focuses on how this trend is manifested among Slovenian freelancers, with an emphasis on generational differences. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test, were used in the study to explore perceptions and generational differences and to determine whether they are statistically significant. The results show that both younger and older individuals are likely to choose freelance work due to the need for flexibility and independence in project selection, reflecting their desire for greater control over their personal and professional lives. In addition, the research reveals a perception of insufficient support for such new types of careers and a need for educational programmes to improve skills and awareness of the digital labour market. The findings suggest the need for targeted policy measures to support freelancers of different age groups by implementing comprehensive government programs that promote lifelong learning and upskilling, enable the development of local coworking spaces, provide digital market information and include entrepreneurship education and digital literacy in school curricula to strengthen freelance careers, making them sustainable and contributing economically to regional development.
Digital Transformation in Tourism: The Role of E-Booking Systems
Authors: Vlahović Olivera , Rađenović Žarko , Perović Djurdjica , Vujačić Vesna , Davidović Kristina
Published: November 2024

The tourism industry has undergone significant transformation with the rise of digital technologies, particularly online booking systems. E-booking platforms have revolutionised how customers plan and book their travel, offering convenience, cost-efficiency, and the ability to access real-time information through smartphones and other digital devices. These systems not only streamline administrative and operational tasks for businesses but also provide valuable insights by analysing customer data to tailor services and predict trends. This study explores the critical role of e-booking in the digital era of tourism, employing cluster analysis to group countries by their adoption and performance of e-booking services. The findings highlight the growing global reliance on e-booking platforms and their potential to enhance the customer experience and optimise business operations.
Children’s Creative Storytelling Processes: A Cross-Cultural Study in the United States and Spain
Authors: Hoffmann Jessica D. , Ivcevic Zorana , Lin Shengjie
Published: November 2024

Creativity is contextual; opportunities for and ways of being creative vary by culture. While studies have documented the differences between creative behavior in Eastern and Western cultures, comparisons between the United States and Western European nations have been much rarer. This paper presents research comparing the creative storytelling of children in the United States and Spain. Moreover, instead of focusing only on differences in mean scores, we ask a different question—what predicts ratings of children’s creative storytelling from different cultures? Results show that in the U.S., only novelty predicted ratings of creativity, but in Spain, novelty and the use of emotions independently predicted ratings of story creativity. Several explanations for these observed differences are discussed, including differences in overall culture, as well as possible differences in socialization at school. We discuss how cultural values and national identity contribute to how children approach creative tasks.
Theologie der Taufe bei Thomas von Aquin: “Das zur Gnade befähigende Prägemal”
Authors: Osb Martin Kammerer
Published: November 2024

In einer zunehmend säkularisierten westlichen Welt stellt sich die pastorale Frage nach der Sinnhaftigkeit der Taufe von Kleinkindern. Das Bekenntnis der Eltern und Paten muss gleichsam für die Täuflinge garantieren. Im fortgeschrittenen Umbruch von der Volkskirche zur Bekenntniskirche erscheint dies herausfordernd. Soll den Kleinkindern die Taufe gespendet werden, wenn das Bekenntnis der Eltern unklar ist oder nur formell ausgesprochen erscheint? Die Tauftheologie des Thomas von Aquin hilft bei der Beantwortung dieser Frage. Die Taufe setzt nach dem Doctor Angelicus einerseits den Glauben voraus und kann andererseits als Prägemal zur Gnade des Glaubens befähigen. Das Prägemal verlangt gleichsam nach einer Hinführung zum Glauben, die Befähigung nach dem Vollzug.
The Goodness of Creatures in Aquinas‘ Reading of the Wisdom Books
Authors: Ang Kenny
Published: November 2024

This article explores Aquinas’ conception of the goodness of creatures in the light of his commentaries on wisdom literature. Leveraging the Index Thomisticus, relevant passages from Aquinas’ commentaries on wisdom books and their corresponding scriptural verses related to creation are identified. His non-exegetical works are also scrutinized for references to these verses. Through this examination, Aquinas emerges as affirming that God’s love encompasses all creatures, including the devil. Aquinas associates God with all that is good but also emphasizes the original goodness of demons and attributes the source of evil to the will of rational beings.
The Logic of the Identity of Being and Goodness and a Moral Argument for Theism
Authors: Mosteller Timothy
Published: November 2024

In section 1 of this paper, I consider the logical validity of four versions of Aquinas’ arguments to this conclusion that being and good are identical, as presented by Stump and Kretzmann. Subsequently, I formalize the arguments in order to make their validity logically explicit. In section 2, I show how the formal reality of the identity of being grounds moral arguments for theism. In section 3, I then consider the application of this formal reality, to a simplified contemporary “moral argument” for theism. I argue that Aquinas’ arguments for the identity of being and goodness should play a vital role in moral arguments for theism to militate against atheistic objections to them.
The Motion of the Soul: Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great on the Passions
Authors: Matsumura Ryosuke
Published: November 2024

This paper examines Aquinas’ and Albert’s respective interpretations of the term “motion” in Damasecene’s definitions of the passion. Although they have a common understanding of the term within an Aristotelian context, they hold differing attitudes toward it: Albert denies that passion is motion, saying that it is quality left from motion, whereas Aquinas affirms the notion of passion as motion. In this paper I expound on the difficulties Albert has with the term and how Aquinas resolves them. I argue that Aquinas successfully addresses the Albert’s difficulties, thus establishing a foundation for a more refined understanding of human psychology in relation to ethical behaviour.
Proceedings of the Second Symposium of the Dionysius Circle: Beauty and Divine Processions: Synthesizing Dionysius, Thomas Aquinas and their Interpretive Traditions
Authors: Spencer Mark K.
Published: November 2024

Dionysius’ account of God’s processions has been interpreted in a range of ways. Thomas Aquinas interprets divine processions as created likenesses of God. The Byzantine tradition interprets them as ἐνέργειαι in God. Neoplatonist readers of Dionysius read them as both divine self-differentiations and activities performed by creatures. Each reading can accommodate some of Dionysius’ claims, but not others. After considering reasons for and against each interpretation, I show how Dionysius’ texts on beauty, which present a phenomenological metaphysics of beauty, provide grounds for synthesizing significant aspects of each. The paper closes with a presentation of that synthesis.
How to Measure Evapotranspiration in Landscape-Ecological Studies? Overview of Concepts and Methods
Authors: Pohanková Tereza , Vyvlečka Pavel , Pechanec Vilém
Published: November 2024

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component of the hydrological cycle, encompassing evaporation processes from soil and water surfaces and plant transpiration (Sun et al., 2017). Accurate estimation of ET is vital for effective water resource management, agricultural planning, and environmental monitoring (Gowda et al., 2008). However, the complex interactions between land surface conditions, vegetation, and atmospheric factors make direct measurement of ET challenging, leading to the development of various estimation methods. Remote sensing has become a widely used approach for estimating ET over large areas because it provides spatially comprehensive data (Xiao et al., 2024). Methods like the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land and the Surface Energy Balance System utilise satellite-derived thermal imagery and meteorological inputs to calculate ET by analysing the energy exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere. These methods are advantageous for their broad spatial coverage, making them particularly useful for regional to global scale studies. However, they require careful calibration and validation, and their accuracy can be affected by the spatial resolution of the satellite data and the quality of meteorological inputs. In addition to remote sensing, several other ET estimation methods are commonly employed.

The Penman-Monteith equation is one of the most widely accepted methods, integrating meteorological data—such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation— with biophysical properties of vegetation to estimate ET. This method has been validated extensively, making it a standard reference in ET studies. Empirical methods like the Hargreaves-Samani equation provide simpler alternatives that require fewer data inputs, making them suitable for regions with limited meteorological information but with a trade-off in accuracy. Direct measurement techniques offer highly accurate ET data, including lysimeters and eddy covariance systems. Lysimeters measure water loss directly from a soil column, while eddy covariance systems assess the exchange of water vapour and energy between the surface and the atmosphere. Despite their precision, these methods are limited by high costs, maintenance requirements, and their applicability to small-scale, homogeneous areas (Howell, 2005). Choosing the appropriate ET estimation method depends on the scale of the study, data availability, and the specific application. Remote sensing and models like Penman-Monteith offer scalability and broad applicability, while direct measurements provide precise data at localised scales. Integrating these methods can improve the reliability of ET estimates, enhance water resource management, and aid in climate adaptation efforts.
Assessing Landscape Fragmentation Dynamics with Fourier Transforms
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Dong Pinliang
Published: November 2024

Quantifying landscape fragmentation is crucial for understanding its impact on biodiversity. Within landscape ecology, there is an ongoing effort to create metrics that systematically characterize landscape patterns and predict their effects on various species. In this study, we utilized Fourier transforms to measure landscape fragmentation in urban and heterogeneous landscapes over periods of 24 and 12 years, respectively. Analyzing Landsat images from 1986, 1999, and 2010, we focused on the first principal component (PC1) to evaluate changes in fragmentation over time. Our analysis revealed a significant increase in fragmentation in urban areas from 1986 to 2010, with a particularly noticeable rise between 1999 and 2010. Specifically, the average Fourier spectrum decreased slightly from 16.0 to 15.9 throughout the study period, indicating increased fragmentation at both urban and landscape levels. The sensitivity analysis further showed that removing 6,000 cells from the original image caused the mean Fourier spectrum to drop from 16.0 to 15.5, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness in detecting subtle land cover changes. Our findings demonstrated that Fourier analysis effectively detects subtle landscape changes, particularly in larger study areas and over longer time intervals. However, it lacks detailed information on specific types or quantities of altered land cover. To address this limitation, integrating Fourier analysis with land cover classification datasets could enhance understanding of landscape dynamics and support more informed conservation and management decisions.
Balancing Requirements between the PSO and the Infrastructure Manager
Authors: Petr Nachtigall , Jan Sodoma , Jozef Gašparík
Published: November 2024

The sustainability of rail transport is a highly debated topic. Historically, there has always been strong political support to maintain even lightly used regional lines in operation. However, the economic situation and increasing demands for rail safety have introduced new challenges, including the fundamental question of whether to continue operating a line or discontinue it. So far, no simple solution has been applied across the board. Nevertheless, there are already some Public Service Obligations (PSOs) planning for the next 10 to 15 years, putting pressure on the infrastructure manager to implement measures that guarantee a specific system travel time on the line. If these expectations are not met, they may consider shifting transport services to alternative modes of transport in the medium term. One such region facing this challenge is the Hradec Králové Region, where a thesis was developed to analyze the regional route Doudleby nad Orlicí - Rokytnice v Orlických horách. The study focuses on the technological requirements for achieving the necessary system travel time, which is also the primary goal of this paper.
Use of Simulation for the Design of an Operational Concept on a Regional Line
Authors: Erik Tischer , Jaromír Široký , Norbert Mondek , Michaela Krbálková , Radoslav Zelinka
Published: November 2024

The paper focuses on the design of an operational concept for the Nymburk–Jičín regional line and its simulation using OpenTrack software, both under the current infrastructure conditions and with anticipated modernization, particularly in the area of security system. It includes an analysis of the current state of the line, the development of several operational concepts, their simulation, and proposed changes necessary for effective implementation. The model setup covers individual elements on the track, stations and interstation sections, including the creation of train routes and timetables. The outcome is a proposal for multiple operational concepts and associated measures for their implementation. The final chapter of the paper deals with proposals for measures that are necessary or suitable for the successful implementation of individual concepts.
Comparison of the real-world safety of two different long-acting methylphenidate formulations (Medikinet® MR and Concerta®) – a Danish nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Ørnberg Jakob , Mayer Anke , Dangel Oliver , Ammer Richard
Published: November 2024

Background

Medikinet® MR and Concerta® are long-acting methylphenidate formulations used for the treatment of pediatric and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The two formulations have shown comparable safety profiles in two head-to-head randomized controlled trials. However, real-world studies comparing the safety profiles of these products are not available.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the real-world safety of Medikinet® MR and Concerta® using register data.

Method

This population-based cohort study was conducted based on data from Danish registries. The study included patients with continuous long-term (i.e., ≥12 months) exposure to either Medikinet® MR or Concerta® between 1995 and 2018. Outcomes included several selected adverse events of interest. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding patients exposed to Concerta® generics. For each outcome, Fisher’s exact test was performed to compare the number of cases between the two groups. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic regression models with patients exposed to Concerta® as the reference group.

Results

The study population included 1249 patients exposed to Medikinet® MR and 2455 patients exposed to Concerta®. No cases of cerebral arteritis or priapism were identified in either cohort. ORs for sudden death and anorexia could not be calculated due to the absence of cases in the Medikinet® MR cohort. For the remaining outcomes, no statistically significant difference in risk was found between Medikinet® MR-exposed and Concerta®-exposed patients. The sensitivity analysis produced results consistent with those obtained in the main analysis.

Conclusions

The results of this population-based cohort study indicate that Medikinet® MR and Concerta® have comparable real-world safety profiles.
Sensory white noise in clinical ADHD: Who benefits from noise, and who performs worse?
Authors: Söderlund Göran B W , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Thorsson Max , E-Said Sara , Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma , Gustafsson Peik , Johnels Jakob Åsberg
Published: November 2024

Background

Experimental research has shown the benefits of auditory white noise on cognitive performance in children with attention problems. However, little is currently known about individual differences in noise response amongst children with a clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, no research has so far tested the effects of visual white noise on children with ADHD.

Objectives

The present work aimed at testing the effect of visual and auditory white noise on cognitive performance in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Method

Forty-three children with ADHD diagnosis performed a visuo-spatial working memory test with experimentally controlled auditory and visual white noise. Symptomatic and demographic data were collected.

Results

Surprisingly, results did not show significant effects of noise across the full sample of ADHD children. However, responses to noise appeared to affect subgroups of ADHD children differently: Those with relatively more inattentive traits responded positively on noise exposure whereas those with relatively more hyperactive/impulsive traits performed worse during noise exposure. Individual differences in noise response in the auditory and visual modalities were strongly correlated.

Conclusions

It is important to consider individual differences in response to noise exposure, and to take into account the specific ADHD symptom profile (inattentive vs. hyperactive/impulsive) in applying noise to support cognitive performance in children with ADHD.
Os reformadores empresariais da educação e o ensino de Ciências Sociais e Humanas: uma discussão a partir da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica
Authors: Sarruge Molina Rodrigo , Campos Mariano Ruckstadter Vanessa , Teixeira Lucas André
Published: November 2024

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VOICES OF TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Sidhu Gurkirat , Bicknell-Hersco Prilly
Published: November 2024

This paper delves into the concept of collegial conversation within the context of education, emphasizing the need for a transformative dialogue among educators. The importance of meaningful conversations, characterized by substantial content, voluntariness, common ground, and evolutionary aspects over time, is highlighted. The narrative then shifts to a collegial conversation between two graduate studies professionals, Author One and Author Two, focusing on the experiences of racialized educators and students in the Ontario K-12 education system. The dialogue unveils the stark underrepresentation of racialized teachers, particularly in the context of the Peel District School Board (PDSB). The authors explore the impact of whiteness on both racialized students and educators, examining systemic issues within education that perpetuate racial oppression. Author One reflects on his journey as a French teacher, exposing the challenges of conforming to Eurocentric standards, while Author Two underscores the detrimental effects of a curriculum centered around white ideologies. The conversation advocates for a shift in responsibility from blaming families to addressing institutional inequities, ultimately emphasizing the crucial role of collegial conversations in fostering genuine understanding and dismantling systemic racism in education.
Performance evaluation of novel safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes under salinity stress conditions
Authors: Haghighatnia Hasan , Talebi Ebrahim
Published: November 2024

Salinity stress is a widespread environmental challenge impacting global crop production. To develop salt-tolerant safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars and lines, a factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications in Darab Fars during the 2021-2023 crop year. The first factor encompassed seven safflower lines and a novel variety, with Padideh as a control. The second factor involved two levels of irrigation water salinity (0.98 and 7.8 dS m-1). The study assessed multiple traits, including grain yield, biological yield, pod count per plant, seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight, sub-branch count, plant height, harvest index, crude oil percentage, and mineral concentrations (sodium, potassium, chlorine) as well as the potassium-to-sodium ratio. Significant effects of cultivar and irrigation water salinity were observed for all traits (p<0.01). Irrigation with saline water significantly reduced yield and its components, except for the number of branches. Saline irrigation increased sodium, potassium, and chlorine concentrations while decreasing the potassium-to-sodium ratio, crude oil percentage, and oil yield. Among the safflower genotypes, Padideh and Mec248 exhibited the lowest and highest yields under saline conditions, respectively. Mec248 demonstrated superior performance under both saline and non-saline conditions, making it the standout line in the study. Parnyan, with moderate yield, showed greater salinity tolerance, as indicated by minimal differences in seed and oil yields under saline and non-saline conditions (10.9% and 14.02%, respectively) and a high potassium-to-sodium ratio in its leaves.
The children's poetic story about the travels of foreigners in the USSR in the 1920s and 1940s.
Authors: Xu Changchang
Published: November 2024

The main purpose of the study is to analyze the genre originality of the Russian (Soviet) children's poetic story of the 1920s-1940s about the travels of foreigners in the USSR, to identify the didactic significance of these works. The article is based on the works of L. Lesnoy, P. Yakovlev, L. Zilov and S. Marshak. There are two types of poetic stories about the journey of foreigners: pilgrimage trips of disadvantaged children from oppressed countries / curious Western children, as well as trips of wealthy Westerners to the USSR. The general genre features of this type of works are analyzed, including information content, specific chronotope, descriptions of the road, the environment, etc. In addition, the unique features of these works are considered: the use of elements of other genres (fairy tales, adventures, travel), an emphasis on solving ideological and semantic tasks. In this work, the topics of internationalism, unity of peoples, racial discrimination, as well as problems related to Soviet ideology, norms of behavior and universal morality are updated. The scientific novelty of the work lies in a comprehensive approach to both classical and little-studied material, including works by forgotten or lesser-known poets. Among the research methods used in this work, several key approaches are distinguished: comparative, hermeneutical, comparative typological and immanent analysis. With the help of various artistic techniques, such as contrast, detailing, the use of emotionally colored vocabulary, metaphors, repetitions, epithets, the motif of a dream, genre elements of a riddle, a shifter, etc., the complex physical and spiritual path of the characters to the ideal is reproduced, the image of oppressed countries and their inhabitants, as well as the image of ordinary Soviet people and cranks are created-rich people from the West, a wide range of Soviet realities is reflected through a detached look. As a result of the research, it is revealed that the poetic story about the travels of foreigners in the USSR of the 1920s and 1940s has a unique didactic significance: it is not only entertaining and informative for young readers, but also contributes to the creation of a positive understanding of Soviet reality and ideological foundations.
Features of the artist's work when creating an image in interactive media
Authors: Agin Andrei Mihailovich
Published: November 2024

Interactive media is a type of multimedia content that involves active user interaction, which includes various forms such as interactive presentations, games, applications and digital installations that combine text, sound, images and video in one space. The relevance of this study is related to the increasing popularity of interactive art works – computer games and, as a consequence, the increasing demand of the industry for qualified game designers. The aim of the study is to analyze the artistic design methods used by game designers to create artistic images in game video content, which contributes to the development of an integrated approach to creating a visual solution for interactive game video content. The objectives of the study are to systematize the methods and techniques by which the artist attracts and holds the user's attention in gaming media content. The object of the study is interactive computer games. The subject of the study is the peculiarity of the artist's work when creating an image of interactive content, in particular, computer games. In the course of the research, general scientific methods were used, such as analysis and synthesis, description and systematization. The novelty of the work is determined by the fact that it identifies key visual techniques used in the creation of game content. The study clarifies the designer's capabilities in creating an artistic image in interactive computer games. The proposed systematization of methods and techniques of an artist's work has practical significance, since it can be used in the work of game designers, as well as theoretical significance, since it can be used in compiling software and methodological material for training animation and computer graphics artists.
DESIGN AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING OF A COMPACT TWO-GRATING AUGMENTED REALITY SYSTEM
Authors: ZHDANOV D.D. , ALEKSEEV A.M. , ZHDANOV A.D. , SOKOLOV V.G. , POTEMIN I.S. , ALEKSEEV E.M.
Published: November 2024

The paper presents a software model of an optically transparent augmented reality system built according to a two-diffraction grating scheme. A distinctive feature of this device was that the second diffraction element was a two-dimensional diffraction grating that combined the functions of image expansion and output from the light guide. The technology of manufacturing two-dimensional diffraction gratings is presented. Formulas for calculating the direction of rays diffracted on a diffraction grating, including a two-dimensional grating, are proposed. Two algorithms for ray tracing and image formation generated by augmented reality optical systems containing diffraction gratings, including two-dimensional ones, are proposed. Based on the proposed algorithms, virtual prototyping of a number of augmented reality systems was carried out. The features of the design of these systems, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. Recommendations are given for the design and optimization of augmented reality systems built according to a scheme with two diffraction gratings.
RECONSTRUCTION OF VOLUME SCATTERING PARAMETERS ON THE BASE OF BSDF MEASUREMENTS
Authors: SOKOLOV V.G. , KYPRIJANOV S. , ZHDANOV D.D. , POTEMIN I.P. , ZHDANOV A.D.
Published: November 2024

The work explores reconstructing volume scattering (VS) parameters using bi-directional scattering distribution functions (BSDF) measured for one or several samples with scattering medium. Elements with VS are prevalent in modern optical devices, such as light pipes, light guides, illuminating systems, backlight devices, diffuse sheets, and luminaires. Accurately defining VS parameters (size, optical properties, concentration of scattering agents) is crucial for simulating light scattering. Light scattering in such elements is often approximated with BSDF, but this is only feasible if the thickness of VS objects can be ignored. The article addresses the complex problem of reconstructing VS parameters, focusing on media described by Mie theory. The main challenge is ambiguity, as different combinations of VS parameters can result in similar angular scattering. The paper proposes a method to reconstruct VS parameters using a two-level optimization procedure based on local and global optimization algorithms. This method is validated by successfully reconstructing several samples with varying scattering properties, from highly diffuse to very specular.
RECONSTRUCTION OF VOLUME SCATTERING PARAMETERS ON THE BASE OF BSDF MEASUREMENTS
Authors: KINEV I.E. , KYPRIJANOV S.I.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the authors propose a method to address the challenge of accurately reconstructing the real world and optical properties of objects in VR/AR applications. The main idea is to use a parametric model of optical properties, which has a small number of parameters and can effectively model the propagation of light in the scene. To achieve this, the authors introduce a differential rendering approach based on the model parameters. This means that the image is rendered using the current parameter values, and the resulting differentials are then transferred to an optimizer. The optimizer's role is to modify the model parameters in order to improve the rendering quality and bring the proposed model of optical properties closer to the real optical properties of objects. To speed up calculations, it is proposed to select a limited number of significant points to be analyzed.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RAY TRACING FOR SIGNED DISTANCE FUNCTION
Authors: GARIFULLIN A.R. , FROLOV V.A.
Published: November 2024

The paper provides a multi-criteria comparative analysis of ray tracing methods for signed distance functions. The following criteria were selected: rendering speed; the amount of memory used; the accuracy of the surface representation, measured by the PSNR metric. 6 different representations and 4 intersection search algorithms were analyzed. In all cases, the hierarchy of bounding volumes (BVH trees) was used as an accelerating structure. The comparison revealed promising representations and algorithms and showed that distance functions in some cases are practically equal to polygonal models in terms of speed, although they can outperform them in terms of memory consumption and represent a surface with a good level of accuracy.
TESTING OF SHADERS FOR THE GRAPHICS COMPONENT OF THE OS USED ON CIVIL AIRLINERS
Authors: BARLADIAN B.KH. , VOLOBOY A.G. , SHAPIRO L.Z. , DENISOV E.YU. , GALAKTIONOV V.A.
Published: November 2024

The on-board equipment systems of modern civil airliners are classified as safety critical systems. A mandatory requirement for such equipment is its certification. The graphical component of the operating system must use OpenGL SC (SC - safety critical). The graphics component needs shaders, but the shader compiler cannot be certified. Therefore, we proposed and implemented an approach in which the shader compiler is not used in the on-board software. It creates shaders in advance and they are loaded at runtime as a binary software object. This raises the problem of checking the correct operation of the shader compiler and the correct execution of shaders. This paper proposes a technology for verifying shaders used in visualizing various applications on the display of a civil aircraft pilot. A set of tests was developed that is simple enough for effective testing, but at the same time allows to check the correctness of all operations of a set of shaders used in civil aviation applications.
FACTORS OF CONTEXTUAL ACCURACY IN UX TESTS AND THEIR COMBINATORIAL INFLUENCE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERACTION WITH THE INTERFACE
Authors: YAKUNIN A.V. , BODRUNOVA S.S.
Published: November 2024

The proposed study presents the results of an experiment examining the influence of a graphical interface on the user's experience when solving problems of varying cognitive intensity. The empirical base is four sites with different design quality at two different levels of the compositional-graphic model (micro- and macro-), on which two types of tasks are tested - under time pressure and without a time limit. Metrics of the user's psychophysiological states were used as dependent variables - the effectiveness of cognitive processes (“performance”) and the level of psycho-emotional stress (in terms of the level of stress and fatigue). As the results of the experiment showed, differences at the macro level of design have a stronger impact on the efficiency of cognitive processes, while the emotional states of users show relative stability. In the case of differences at the micro level, the impact on the psycho-emotional state of users is more significant than on cognitive processes.
GAUSS-NEWTON OPTIMIZATION APPLICATION IN HILBERT DIAGNOSTICS OF BUNSEN FLAME
Authors: ARBUZOV E.V. , DUBNISHCHEV YU.N. , ZOLOTUKHINA O.S.
Published: November 2024

The possibility of using the Gauss-Newton optimization algorithm in the Hilbert diagnostics of reacting media (flames) is considered in the work using the example of temperature data and the main connections of a laminar methane-air Bunsen flam. The previously proposed and tested on numerical models technique for reconstructing phase optical density fields was used to solve the inverse problem of Hilbert optics. The hilbertogram distribution was calculated in the considered axisymmetric flame section, from which the initial value of the phase function and the refractive index of the medium was then restored. The work development will be the scope expansion of obtained results applications to the experimental data processing.