bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of individual variations in genes related to dopamine brain transmission on performance with and without rewards during motor sequence and probabilistic learning tasks in children and young adults with and without cerebral palsy
Authors: Dryden Barrett , Matsubara Jesse , Wassermann Eric , Forssberg Hans , Damiano Diane L.
Published: January 2025

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often participate in training to improve mobility, hand function and other motor abilities. However, responses to these interventions vary considerably across individuals even those with similar brain injuries, ages and functional levels. Dopamine is a neurotrasmitter known to affect motor skill acquistion in animals and humans and may be influenced by individual variations in genes related to brain transmission of dopamine. To evaluate potential genetic influences on learning in young people with and without CP, we calculated individual dopamine-related gene scores and compared these to the ability to learn two different tasks, an implicit sequence learning task and a probablistic classification task. Each task was also administered in an unrewarded condition and a rewarded one known to increase circulating levels of dopamine. The main finding was an interaction between gene score and condition for the sequence task such that those with low gene scores were poorer learners without rewards but responded positively to rewards whereas the converse was true for those with high gene scores. This is the first prospective study in CP suggesting that genetic variability may influence neurorehabilitation outcomes and could potentially be modulated using rewards or medications for those with poorer learning at baseline, thus promoting more personalized approaches to enhancing motor training in CP and other neurological conditions.
Modifications to rhesus macaque TCR constant regions improve TCR cell surface expression
Authors: Coren Lori V. , Trivett Matthew T. , Welker Jorden L. , Thomas James A. , Gorelick Robert J. , Kose Emek , Immonen Taina T. , Czarra Kelli , Fennessey Christine M. , Trubey Charles M. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Swanstrom Adrienne E.
Published: January 2025

T cell immunotherapy success is dependent on effective levels of antigen receptor expressed at the surface of engineered cells. Efforts to optimize surface expression in T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapeutic approaches include optimization of cellular engineering methods and coding sequences, and reducing the likelihood of exogenous TCR α and β chains mispairing with the endogenous TCR chains. Approaches to promote correct human TCR chain pairing include constant region mutations to create an additional disulfide bond between the two chains, full murinization of the constant region of the TCR α and β sequences, and a minimal set of murine mutations to the TCR α and β constant regions. Preclinical animal models are valuable tools to optimize engineering designs and methods, and to evaluate the potential for off-target tissue injury. To further develop rhesus macaque models for TCR based cellular immunotherapy, we tested methods for improving cell surface expression of rhesus macaque TCR in rhesus macaque primary cells by generating five alternative TCRαβ constant region constructs in the context of a SIV Gag-specific TCR: 1. human codon optimized rhesus macaque (RH); 2. RH TCR with an additional disulfide linkage; 3. rhesus macaque constant sequences with minimal murine amino acid substitutions; 4. murinized constant sequences; and 5. murinized constant sequences with a portion of the exposed FG loop in the β constant sequence replaced with rhesus macaque sequence to reduce potential immunogencity. Murinization or mutation of a minimal set of amino acids to the corresponding murine sequence of the constant region resulted in the greatest increase in rhesus macaque TCR surface expression relative to wild type. All novel TCR constructs retained the ability to induce production of cytokines in response to cognate peptide antigen specific stimulation. This work can inform the design of TCRs selected for use in rhesus macaque models of TCR-based cellular immunotherapy.
Evaluating the effects of time-restricted eating on overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Liu Hui , Shangguan Fuliang , Liu Fen , Guo Yu , Yu Huixi , Li Hanbing , Su Yinhua , Li Zhongyu
Published: January 2025

Background

Time-restricted eating (TRE) manages weight effectively, but choosing how long and what time window remain debatable. Although an 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. time frame is reported to show positive results in most weight loss trial, its safety and efficacy in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is uncertain. This randomized controlled trial is conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TRE in specific populations.

Objective

This study aims to assess the 6-month effects of TRE on weight change, metabolic improvement, reproductive recovery, and health-related quality of life in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared to those who did not receive TRE.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 96 overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who will be randomly assigned to either a TRE group (with an eating window from 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.) or a control group (without eating time restrictions), with 49 participants in each group. Evaluators and data analysts will remain blinded to group allocation throughout the study. The primary outcomes, including changes in weight and body mass index (BMI), will be assessed weekly. Secondary outcomes, encompassing alterations in sex hormones, metabolic parameters, body composition, sleep quality, quality of life, anxiety, and depression, will be evaluated monthly. Compliance and safety will be continuously monitored throughout the study. Additionally, a 6-month follow-up will be conducted at the end of the trial to assess the long-term effects of TRE. Statistical analysis will include the Anderson-Darling test for normality, T-test/Wilcoxon test based on distribution, mixed-effects models for assessing time/group effects, Cox model for time-to-event analysis, repeated ANOVA for change analysis, and sensitivity analysis. All tests will be conducted using appropriate software, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Missing data will be imputed.

Discussion

The purpose of this study protocol is to further evaluate the effects of TRE in overweight and obese women with PCOS through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Findings from this study are expected to provide new dietary intervention strategies for overweight and obese PCOS participants.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of the University of South China (Number: NHHL027). Participants are included after signing informed consent. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trail registration

Trail registration number: ChiCTR2400086815.
High genetic variation, low differentiation, and Pleistocene expansions of the migratory and endangered long-nosed tequila bat, Leptonycteris nivalis, inferred using both maternal and paternal genetic markers
Authors: Trejo-Salazar Roberto-Emiliano , Gasca-Pineda Jaime , Hernández-Bolaños Katia , Hernández-Rosales Dulce-Carolina , Tapia-López Rosalinda , Aguirre-Planter Erika , Medellín Rodrigo A. , León-Paniagua Livia , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: January 2025

Tequila bats (genus Leptonycteris) have gained attention for their critical role in pollinating different plant species, especially Agave spp. and columnar cacti. Leptonycteris nivalis is the largest nectar-feeding bat in the Americas, and the females exhibit migratory behavior during the breeding season. Due to its relatively small and seemingly declining population sizes, this species is protected by government agencies in the United States and Mexico. We conducted population genetics and phylogeographic analyses to elucidate the genetic structure and demographic history of the species using two mitochondrial markers and a Y chromosome-associated gene, to describe both maternal and paternal lineages. We estimated high haplotypic diversity measures for the different markers (Dloop—Hd = 0.775; Cyt-b—Hd = 0.937; DBY -Hd = 0.946). We found that geographic genetic differentiation is very low, and there is high connectivity among localities. The estimated divergence time between L. nivalis and L. yerbabuenae, the other species in the genus found in Mexico, aligns with previous estimates for the genus (6.91–9.43 mya). A demographic expansion was detected approximately at 600 ka—700 ka (thousands of years ago). The historical demographic changes observed in L. nivalis appear to be associated with environmental shifts during the Pleistocene, which likely impacted the distribution range of the plants that these bats feed on, such as Agave species.
The efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yang , Gu Xinbo , Zhi Baohua , Yan Yan , Lu Fengyan , Hu Hantong , Zhang Quanai
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety disorders. GAD usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, and the prevalence of GAD is higher among college-enrolled young adults than in the general adult population. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of GAD. This study’s objective is to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of GAD in college students and its stability.

Methods

A total of 142 subjects will be recruited for the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of current undergraduate and graduate students with GAD and will be randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group will receive conventional acupuncture, while the control group will receive sham acupuncture using Streitberger needles. Both groups will be administered 8 acupuncture treatment (2 times per week for 4 weeks). The follow-up duration will be 2 months. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) will be used as the primary outcome of the study to measure the severity of anxiety disorder. The secondary outcomes of this study will be included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Self-rating anxiety Scale (SAS). The study will also evaluate the success of blinding and the safety.

Discussions

Findings of this RCT will help evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for GAD in college students, potentially promoting it as an alternative treatment option. The protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: ChiCTR2400080688)
Recruitment, follow-up and survival in an 11-country cohort study of patients at the end of life and their relatives
Authors: Schelin Maria E. C. , Hedman Christel , Barnestein-Fonseca Pilar , Egloff Martina , Ellershaw John , Faksvåg Haugen Dagny , Fischer Claudia , Joshi Melanie , Korfage Ida J. , Lunder Urška , Mason Stephen , Simon Judit , Tripodoro Vilma A. , Yildiz Berivan , Zambrano Sofia C. , Eychmueller Steffen , van Zuylen Lia , van der Heide Agnes , Fürst Carl Johan ,   the iLIVE Consortium
Published: January 2025

Background

Large, international cohort studies generate high-level evidence, but are resource intense. In end-of-life care such studies are scarce. Hence, planning for future studies in terms of data on screening, recruitment, retention and survival remains a challenge.

Objectives

The aim was to describe recruitment, follow-up and survival in a multinational study of patients’ and relatives’ expectations, concerns and preferences at the end of life.

Methods

In this 11-country cohort study with six months follow-up patients, >18 years old, were included on the basis of an adapted “surprise question” to assess patients´ end of life status. Patients were required to be aware of their limited life expectancy. We collected patient questionnaires (baseline and 1 month), and searched medical records for the date of death. One relative per patient was invited to participate.

Results

26735 patients were screened for inclusion, 3065 (11%) were found eligible and were invited to participate, 1509 chose to participate, i.e. 6% of those initially screened. A total of 699 patients (49%) participated in the 1-month follow-up, with proportions varying according to survival time, from 20% if the patient died at month 2, to 75% if the patient died at month 6. Survival time was not associated with patient gender or age, but with diagnosis, country of residence and healthcare setting.

Conclusion

Approximately 20 times the desired cohort size had to be screened for eligibility. Prognostication was difficult, we noted a wide distribution of survival after inclusion. Patients’ ability to complete follow-up questionnaires declined well before death.
Mammography screening: Eliciting the voices of informed citizens
Authors: Jensen Manja D. , Hansen Kasper M. , Siersma Volkert , Brodersen John
Published: January 2025

Background

Many medical organisations recommend continuing with existing mammography screening programmes but some recommend stopping or de-intensifying them. In Denmark women aged 50–69 are offered biennial mammograms free-of-charge.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not an informed public would recommend continuation of the Danish mammography screening programme, and to determine whether this recommendation was in line with what participants considered to be acceptable levels of mortality reduction and overdiagnosis.

Methods

A Deliberative Poll on mammography screening was held online in Denmark and 89 citizens participated. They were representative of the general population on sociodemographic parameters, attitudes towards and knowledge of mammography screening. Participants studied a video about the programme and took part in an online citizens’ assembly where they deliberated with peers and experts in the field. All participants answered a survey at four time points: at recruitment; after video information; after deliberation, and a month after the assembly.

Results

Questionnaire data revealed that many participants were influenced by the deliberative polling process as 36%, changed their recommendation afterwards. At recruitment, 72% of participants strongly supported the continuation of mammography screening. This proportion was lower after the presentation of video information (55%), after deliberation (65%), and a month after the assembly (58%). Interestingly, these changes in recommendation were not correlated to changes in knowledge. The proportion of participants who recommended continuation following what they stated were acceptable rates of mortality reduction and overdiagnosis rose from 21% at recruitment to 40% after information and deliberation. Most participants (60%), therefore, made a recommendation that was not in line with levels of mortality reduction and overdiagnosis that they felt were acceptable.

Conclusion

After video information and deliberation participants were less supportive of the mammography screening programme compared to their immediate recommendation at the beginning of the process.
Perioperative management of patients undergoing spine surgery: a survey of spine surgeons and a non-systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lebedev V. B. , Kinzyagulov B. R. , Epifanov D. S. , Zuev A. A.
Published: January 2025

Objective. To assess trends in the management of patients after surgical treatment for degenerative diseases of the spine and to analyze literature data on perioperative management of this category of patients.

Material and Methods. An anonymous online survey of 55 spine surgeons was conducted   on the specifics of management of patients operated on for spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation using microsurgical and endoscopic methods. The results of the survey were analyzed along with relevant literature data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current practices in this field.

Results. The analysis of questionnaires showed that there are significant differences and contradictions among surgeons regarding the use of antibiotics, restrictions on sitting after surgery, length of hospital stay, and use of a lumbar orthosis. A review of the world and domestic literature revealed a sufficient evidence of some studies to support their use as recommendations, while there is still a lack of evidence for most of the issues raised.

Conclusion. Existing statements and protocols for the treatment of patients undergoing spine surgery need to be improved; randomized studies are required to establish the optimal approach for perioperative management of this group of patients.
Multi-index based analysis of genotype × environment interaction and selection of superior maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
Authors: Mandalapu H D , Subbarayan S , Kumari V N , Sathya S K R V , Natesan S , Uma D , Senthil A
Published: January 2025

Genotype-environment interaction (GEI) plays a critical role in genotype adaptation, making it essential for selecting stable, widely adapted genotypes for cultivation. GEI estimation enables the identification of genotypes that perform consistently across diverse conditions. Models and stability indices derived from fixed-effect and/or mixed-effect models are frequently utilized for analyzing GEI and selecting genotypes. In this study, thirty hybrids developed through a diallele fashion, along with two checks, were grown across three environments during kharif 2023. Analysis of variance revealed significant contributions from the environment and GEI, alongside genotypic effects for eight traits studied, covering flowering, plant architecture and yield. Plot yield (t/ha) was subjected to additive main effects and multiplicative interaction effects (AMMI) analysis to study the stability and genotype interactions with the environment. The first two principal components (PCs) of AMMI analysis explained 69.1% and 30.9% of the total variation, respectively, identifying stable hybrids such as MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30. The Genotype-genotype×environment (GGE) biplot further highlighted the adaptability and stability of all the genotypes, with the first two PCs explaining 86.11% of the G+GE variation. A multi-trait stability index (MTSI) was employed to select stable and high-performing genotypes across multiple traits. A comprehensive analysis of all the genotypes through various indices showed that hybrids MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30 were consistently selected as stable and high-yielding genotypes across all indices, demonstrating higher yields than check hybrids and being identified for cultivation. These methods underscore the importance of combining yield and stability metrics for effective genotype selection in varied environments.
A compact multiband frequency reconfigurable antenna integrated with sextuple band artificial magnetic conductor for heterogeneous wireless applications
Authors: Rajavel Vellaichamy , Ghoshal Dibyendu
Published: January 2025

As wireless communication continues to grow, reconfigurable antenna technologies have emerged as an optimal choice for multiband antennas. This study incorporates a 4 × 4 Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) surface into a compact multiband frequency-reconfigurable antenna for diverse wireless applications. The antenna featured interconnected octagonal and rectangular patch slots in a radiating element with a defective ground structure. The antenna uses two-pin diodes to switch between four distinct working modes that produce dual wideband, triple-band, and quad-band responses. The AMC unit cell exhibits sextuple-band behavior at 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 6.5 GHz, 8.7 GHz, 10.5 GHz, and 11.4 GHz, with Double Negative material properties. The integrated antenna with dimension 50 × 50 × 10.2 mm3 achieves an average gain enhancement of 3.29 dB across its four switching states, with a peak Front-to-Back Ratio (FBR) reaching 31.23 dB, a notable radiation efficiency of 87 % with an average back lobe gain reduction of 13.75 dB. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) reached a minimum of 0.0594 W/kg with an overall average reduction of 93.25 %. The antenna was tested in an anechoic chamber using a vector network analyzer, and the results matched the simulations. Ultimately, the antenna design offers a compact, low-profile configuration that is ideal for versatile wireless applications with multiple bands and modes.
Accurate channel estimation of on-grid partially coherent compressive phase retrieval for mmWave massive MIMO systems
Authors: Varadharajan Baranidharan , Maruthu Surendar
Published: January 2025

Channel estimation of sparse signal is a challenging task for millimeter-wave massive multi-input multi-output systems. Due to the hardware imperfections and use of large carrier frequency oscillator in hybrid precoding architectures leads to random phase drifts in the received pilots. Channel estimation with random phase drifts exploits partial coherence, where pilots share phase distortion within a frame but differ across different frames. To achieve the reliable and efficient communication, the support vector initialization needs to be optimized effectively. In this article, the singular value decomposition-based on-grid partially coherent compressive phase retrieval (SVD-PC-CPR) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm optimizes the initial support vector by finding the best dimensional subspace of the k sparsity elements by forming the singular vectors. The channel vectors are estimated by applying the gradient descent method through iterative refinements. This algorithm utilizes SVD for identifying the dominant paths from the phases of the measurements by selecting basis vectors. Based on the simulation results, the proposed algorithm achieves better normalized mean squared error, a multi-user sum-rate gain of 19 bits/s/Hz, and a 48 % improvement in estimation accuracy over the conventional PC-CPR algorithm at 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Precuneus Activity during Retrieval Is Positively Associated with Amyloid Burden in Cognitively Normal OlderAPOE4 Carriers
Authors: Fischer Larissa , Molloy Eóin N. , Pichet Binette Alexa , Vockert Niklas , Marquardt Jonas , Pacha Pilar Andrea , Kreissl Michael C. , Remz Jordana , Tremblay-Mercier Jennifer , Poirier Judes , Rajah Maria Natasha , Villeneuve Sylvia ,   PREVENT-AD Research Group, Maass Anne
Published: January 2025

The precuneus is a site of early amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation. Previous cross-sectional studies reported increased precuneus fMRI activity in older adults with mild cognitive deficits or elevated Aβ. However, longitudinal studies in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) are lacking and the relationship to the Apolipoprotein-E (APOE) genotype is unclear. Investigating the PREVENT-AD dataset, we assessed how baseline and longitudinal precuneus activity during successful memory retrieval relates to future Aβ and tau burden and change in memory performance. We further studied the moderation byAPOE4 genotype. We included 165 older adults (age, 62.8 ± 4.4 years; 113 female; 66APOE4 carriers) who were cognitively normal at baseline with a family history of AD. All participants performed task-fMRI at baseline and underwent18F-flortaucipir-PET and18F-NAV4694-Aβ-PET on average 5 years later. We found that higher baseline activity and greater longitudinal increase in precuneus activity were associated with higher Aβ burden inAPOE4 carriers but not noncarriers. We observed no effects of precuneus activity on tau burden. Finally,APOE4 noncarriers with low baseline precuneus activity exhibited better longitudinal performance in an independent memory test compared with (1) noncarriers with higher baseline activity and (2)APOE4 carriers. Our findings suggest that higher task-related precuneus activity during memory retrieval at baseline and over time are associated with greater Aβ burden in cognitively normalAPOE4 carriers. Our results further indicate that the absence of “hyperactivation” and the absence of theAPOE4 allele is related with better future cognitive outcomes in cognitively normal older adults at risk for AD.
Policy Complexity Suppresses Dopamine Responses
Authors: Gershman Samuel J. , Lak Armin
Published: January 2025

Limits on information processing capacity impose limits on task performance. We show that male and female mice achieve performance on a perceptual decision task that is near-optimal given their capacity limits, as measured by policy complexity (the mutual information between states and actions). This behavioral profile could be achieved by reinforcement learning with a penalty on high complexity policies, realized through modulation of dopaminergic learning signals. In support of this hypothesis, we find that policy complexity suppresses midbrain dopamine responses to reward outcomes. Furthermore, neural and behavioral reward sensitivity were positively correlated across sessions. Our results suggest that policy compression shapes basic mechanisms of reinforcement learning in the brain.
Assessing Zakat Management Accountability in Semarang’s State HigherEducation Institutions: A Research Methodology
Authors: Jayanto Prabowo Yudo , A. Budiantoro Risanda
Published: January 2025

Purposes: The research examines the importance, accountability, and transparency of professional zakat management within State Higher Education (SHEs) in Semarang.
Methods: This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a phenomenological approach to analyze the accountability of professional zakat management in state higher education institutions in Semarang, using interviews, document analysis, and the Islamic Accountability Framework emphasizing Sharia compliance, transparency, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement.
Findings: It emphasizes the need for professional management to adhere to regulatory and institutional standards. In Semarang, UPZ UNDIP and UPZ UIN are registered with UPZ BAZNAS and comply with governance regulations. Their accountability aligns with BAZNAS standards, ensuring procedural compliance and responsive public services. However, these institutions do not fully implement PSAK 109 zakat accounting standards in their financial reporting, indicating a need for a Sharia Auditor to maintain accountability quality. Transparency remains a challenge as these institutions fail to disclose complete information. Adequate transparency establishes a perception of competence, honesty, and confidence in UPZs. The study suggests utilizing innovative digital technology to present precise information and meet the demands of the disruption era 4.0, ensuring the public can access comprehensive and transparent data.
Novelty: This research bridges a novelty by focusing on professional zakat management accountability within state higher education institutions in Semarang. This focus on professionalism and the specific context can provide valuable insights for improved practices.
Is it Possible for Extended Confiscation to Become an Effective Legal Tool for the Lithuanian Law Enforcement Authorities and Courts?
Authors: Gutauskas Aurelijus
Published: January 2025

The article deals with some problematic aspects of the extended confiscation of property in Lithuania after the decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania of 12 October 2023 on the compliance of this Criminal Law institute with the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. A question arises whether the extended confiscation of property works only if there is sufficient reason to believe that the property has been obtained by means of a criminal offence, in the absence of mandatory conditions for such confiscation laid down in the Criminal Law, in accordance with the principles of criminal procedure, and whether it does not contravene Articles 23 (right to property and its inviolability) and 31 (presumption of innocence) of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. The author raises the rhetorical question of the effectiveness of extended confiscation in law enforcement and judicial practice. Based on the Case Law of the Supreme Court of Lithuania and the European Court of Human Rights, the aim is to assess the peculiarities of the legal regulation of extended confiscation of property and its practical application. It attempts to clarify the content of the concept of acquisition of property by criminal means as defined in the Criminal Law, and to answer the question whether extended confiscation of property should be considered a punishment or a preventive measure.
Review of the Monograph “Canon Law in the Kingdom of Bohemia in the Middle Ages”
Authors: Gagas Ignas
Published: January 2025

Krafl Pavel (2024). Canon Law in the Kingdom of Bohemia in the Middle Ages. Vydavatelstvo Z. Magdova–Tlaciaren s.r.o., Presov.
Teisėjų padėjėjų profesinio saviveiksmingumo ir psichologinės gerovės ryšys
Authors: Tylaitė Svajunė , Barysė Dovilė , Bareikytė Simona
Published: January 2025

Judicial assistants have been gaining more and more legal expertise and practice in handling disputes. However, the professional role of judicial assistants has not been researched in Lithuania yet. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the professional self-efficacy and psychological well-being of judicial assistants. Firstly, the conflicts in role of judicial assistants and work uncertainties have been identified. Secondly, the professional self-efficacy of judicial assistants is best predicted by satisfaction with interpersonal relationships and perceived value at work. In turn, perceived value at work is best predicted by satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, job satisfaction, and an increasing seniority. These results have been received after conducting a survey of 269 judicial assistants working in Lithuanian courts. The Additional Lithuanian Psychological Well-Being Scale (LPGS-P) was used to assess psychological well-being, whereas the short version of the Professional Self-Efficacy Scale (OCCSEFF) developed by Schyns and von Collani (2002) was employed to assess professional self-efficacy.
Categorizing Hospitals by Neonatal and Pediatric Diagnoses Treated
Authors: McDaniel Corrie E. , Richardson Troy , Gay James C. , Berry Jay G. , Hall Matt
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Traditional classification of children’s and nonchildren’s hospitals is based on physical structure and branding. We grouped hospitals with the most similar types of pediatric patients.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 2.8 million hospitalizations in 3993 hospitals for patients 0 to 20 years in the 2019 Kids’ Inpatient Database. After stratifying low-volume hospitals (greater than 100 annual admissions), we grouped the remaining hospitals using K-means clustering by case-mix of neonatal services and pediatric diagnosis diversity (DD).

RESULTS

Clustering distinguished 6 hospital groups. Group 1 (n = 1665 [1.6% of hospitalizations]) represented low pediatric volume hospitals (13 annual pediatric hospitalizations [IQR 3–82]). Group 2 (n = 118 hospitals [1.1% of hospitalizations]) provided no neonatal care, had low DD (12 [IQR 4–34]), and had a median age of 17 years. Group 3 (n = 1156 [19.7% of hospitalizations]) hospitals provided low-severity neonatal care with low DD (13 [IQR 7–19). Group 4 (n = 674 hospitals, [24.0% of hospitalizations]) provided moderate-severity neonatal care (2.2 [ IQR 2.1–2.4]) and increased DD (24 [ IQR 6–34]). Group 5 (n = 238 hospitals [20.5% of hospitalizations]) had a similar severity of neonatal care as group 4 (2.3 [IQR 2.1–2.5]), but 2.7 times greater DD (64 [IQR 55–77]). Group 6 (n = 142 hospitals [33.0% of hospitalizations]) had the highest-severity neonatal care (2.6 [IQR 2.3–3.1]) and the greatest DD (127 [113–140]).

CONCLUSION

Children receive inpatient care across 6 groups of hospitals, distinguished by neonatal case-mix and DD. Future studies should investigate the utility of these groups for peer comparisons with health care use and outcomes.
Photocatalytic decomposition of aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol in barley steeping for beer production
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Thi Thanh , Huyen Nguyen Thi Khanh , Anh Nguyen Mai , Matsuzawa Sadao , Duy Nguyen Thanh , Anh Dang Phan , Chau Ngo Bang , Dat Nguyen Tien , Anh Hoang Le Tuan , Trung Nguyen Quang , Minh Truong Ngoc
Published: January 2025

Aflatoxins (AFs) and deoxynivalenol (DON), common mycotoxins in cereals, pose contamination risks in beer production, often persisting from raw barley into final products. This study investigates the transfer and decomposition of AFs and DON during the barley steeping stage of malting. Barley spiked with AFs and DON was steeped, and mycotoxin concentrations were analyzed in both the barley residue and the resulting wastewater. Results indicated that AF and DON transfer into wastewater was influenced by water solubility, though concentrations remained below solubility limits. AFs and DON residues were also detected in the steeped barley. Decomposition studies showed that while AFs were partially degraded by UV light, DON required photocatalysis for effective degradation. However, matrix components in wastewater decreased the efficiency of DON decomposition, suggesting that preliminary removal of organic components from wastewater could enhance photocatalytic detoxification. These findings provide insight into mycotoxin management strategies for brewing wastewater, emphasizing the need for targeted pretreatment to improve degradation efficiency.
To Establish the Determinants of the Types of Restaurants Found within Eldoret Town
Authors:   ,   Moi University, Aberi Lorna
Published: January 2025

This research project looks to establish the determinants of the types of restaurants found within Eldoret town. Customers evaluate various restaurant attributes like theme & décor, types of menus and atmosphere before making their decisions. In this regard, the attributes are used to classify restaurants into various categories including fast foods, casual dining, pubs, ethnic restaurants, fine dining, hotel restaurants, coffee houses and specialty restaurants. The study traces the determinants of the types of restaurants through studying the relevant literature and by gauging opinions of management personnel in selected restaurants. Based on the introductory presentation of the relationship between attributes of restaurant and classifications into restaurant types, the aspects involved are conceptualized in the conceptual framework. Research extracts information from both primary and secondary data. Primary Data was collected using questionnaires that were administered to restaurant managers, their assistants, supervisors and other employees. Secondary data was obtained from the World Wide Web and hospitality related books. The survey adopted random sampling in the selection of hotels and purposive sampling in the distribution of questionnaires.70 questionnaires were used to carry out the study. Results of the study were expected to reveal that restaurant attributes, regardless of the extent of use, are correlated to determining the types of restaurants. A total of 60 questionnaires were duly filled and returned. Data was analyzed by use of Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and presented in form of charts and tables. In chapter five, results from this research are discussed in depth and conclusions drawn. In conclusion, restaurant attributes determine the types of restaurants found within Eldoret town for customers ranging from young people, tourists and sports persons to families. Finally, suggestions are put forward on how hospitality operators can use the restaurant attributes to identify the types of restaurants and thus attract suitable customers. On the other hand, customers acquire insight on factors that enhance their choice of a restaurant.
Cancer Network Macromolecules
Authors: Eliceiri George L.
Published: January 2025

The members of the network (interactome) that controls cancer needs to be known. This network consists of proteins and non-coding, single-stranded RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). miRNAs are 21-23 nucleotides-long, and degrade messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and lncRNAs. lncRNAs are longer than 200 nucleotides, and sponge (sequester) miRNAs.
Effects of pack boriding temperature on wear and corrosion performance of high-strength armor steel
Authors: Neccaroglu Vahap , Karademir Ibrahim , Unal Okan
Published: January 2025

Surface treatments are critical in enhancing the performance and durability of materials utilized in various demanding applications. Boriding has attracted considerable attention among these treatments due to its effectiveness in improving surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. This study systematically examines the effects of pack boriding on the microstructure, hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance of armor steel. A saw-like boride layer was established due to the treatment conducted at temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000°C. The thickness of the boride layer was found to be positively correlated with the increase in temperature. At 1000°C, the microhardness of the borided surface reached a maximum value of 3250 HV0.02. The wear resistance of the borided specimens experienced a significant enhancement, leading to a marked reduction in volume losses. Additionally, the boriding process was observed to improve the corrosion resistance of the steel by a factor of three to four. Specimens borided at 1000°C exhibited the highest degree of corrosion resistance.
Celtic Evidence Supporting Saussure's Iconicity Hypothesis
Authors: Joseph Lionel S.
Published: January 2025

Ferdinand de Saussure recognized that in Latin (and Greek) adjectives containing tautosyllabic a-diphthongs that have meanings associated with deviations from a norm are over-represented. 2 He called these deviations infirmités, 3 and said that in
general, they represented crooked versus straight ('ópθóς ouδεξιóς', Rec. 595). I should make it clear from the outset that Saussure's approach was purely synchronic (to use his own term): he inspected the Latin and
Greek lexica and identified those words that fit his categories. He did not perform even a rudimentary statistical analysis, so 'overrepresented' was his subjective impression. Saussure made the bold suggestion that the marginal status of a-diphthongs was iconic to the marginalized status
of infirmités : his leading example was L. caecus 'blind'. In the current study, I will offer evidence from Celtic that supports Saussure's hypothesis, and finally, I will identify six inherited words that probably constitute the nucleus around which Saussure's infirmités
were formed. Saussure's 'first principle' was that the linguistic sign is arbitrary. However, in the last article that Saussure himself (rather than his students) published, 'Indo-European Adjectives of the Type caecus "blind" ' in 1912, the year before his death, 4 he claimed
that the comparative rarity of a-diphthongs gave words like caecus an iconic value. In such words son and sens did come together. Caecus finds exact formal cognates in OIr. cáech, W. coegddall, OCorn. cuic gl. luscus vel monop[h]t[h]almus
'with one eye closed or one-eyed'; 5 Goth. haihs (GOI 43): all mean specifically 'blind in one eye'. The remarkable consistency of meaning shared by these words led Watkins to project *kaikos 'blind in one eye' back to Common Insular Celtic (and one could go beyond
that given the Gothic). 6 Saussure started from the fact that there is a group of Latin words referring to physical or behavioural differences (Saussure used the term infirmités because he saw in these words 'une nuance "pathologique" ' (Rec. 598)) 7
which share the structure #(C)C1 -aU/aR-C2 - (in modern terms, #H- can be #C1 -). Saussure (Rec. 595) was generous in his inclusion criteria: 'gauche, courbe, contrefait, rabougri, placé de travers, etc.' ('left-handed, bent, feigned/ deformed,
stunted, put the wrong way, etc.').
Profesionales de la salud a favor del aborto en Argentina: entre el derecho y la clandestinidad institucional
Authors: Accossatto Romina , Marucci Lucas
Published: January 2025

En el presente artículo se examina el rol de la Red de Profesionales de la Salud por el Derecho a Decidir (Red) en el proceso de implementación de las interrupciones del embarazo en Mendoza, Argentina, entre los años 2018 y 2020. Para ello, nos centramos en el proceso de emergencia de la Red, en su articulación con el Estado provincial y en el impacto que tuvieron sus intervenciones en el acceso al aborto en el sistema de salud. Metodológicamente se emplea el enfoque cualitativo a través del estudio de casos, combinando diferentes fuentes de información: entrevistas en profundidad, análisis documental y sistematización de indicadores sanitarios. Los resultados muestran que entre 2018 y 2020 se produjo una articulación entre activismos feministas, profesionales de la salud, y funcionarios y funcionarias estatales. Esto permitió sostener el circuito de implementación de interrupciones del embarazo a través de una dinámica de clandestinidad institucional donde confluyeron prácticas y saberes de los acompañamientos feministas con un precario entramado institucional del sistema de salud. En este marco, la Red se convirtió en un actor fundamental en el desarrollo de intervenciones, de conexiones y de dispositivos para garantizar el acceso a interrupciones del embarazo.
Outsider-insider: una experiencia identitaria de los feminismos latinoamericanos
Authors: Villanueva-Gallardo Sandra
Published: January 2025

En el presente artículo se aborda cuál es el lugar de enunciación de las feministas mestizas que no pertenecen a los movimientos identitarios actuales. Esta interrogante se expresa en la noción de outsider-insider, la cual es el reflejo de sujetas que están simultáneamente dentro y fuera de las luchas feministas, controversia que se manifiesta en una discusión pendiente en los feminismos latinoamericanos. Bajo esta interpelación se ha colocado en perspectivas de diálogo dos voces feministas mexicanas, la escritora Dahlia De La Cerda y la antropóloga Mariana Mora, quienes exponen líneas de pensamiento que conforman modos particulares y complementarios de comprender las relaciones identitarias del sujeto feminista. La metodología de análisis considera la interpretación hermenéutica del discurso en conjunto con las herramientas teóricas de los feminismos interseccionales y se aplican a dos textos de las autoras mencionadas. Los resultados de esta interpretación discursiva muestran al territorio y al ser mestiza como dos categorías imbricadas en los feminismos periféricos. Además, se demuestra que los afectos y la capacidad de escucha constituyen dos elementos claves que concluyen en un posicionamiento político indispensable para lograr subvertir las valoraciones epistémicas que el feminismo otorga a los privilegios de raza y clase, y para cuestionar las definiciones actuales sobre el mestizaje en América Latina.
Tecnicatura Universitaria en Agroecología: una alternativa laboral para jóvenes de familias migrantes en Argentina
Authors: Shoaie-Baker Susana
Published: January 2025

Los y las jóvenes de familias migrantes de origen boliviano establecidas en el cinturón hortícola platense, en Argentina, acceden a carreras universitarias para alejarse de una actividad caracterizada por las precarias condiciones de vida y de trabajo. En el presente artículo se examinan los desafíos que enfrenta esta población en su tránsito hacia estudios superiores. Mediante una metodología cualitativa y con el marco conceptual de educación endógena, encuentro y reconocimiento cultural, se analiza la manera en que la Tecnicatura Universitaria en Agroecología de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata ofrece una alternativa cercana a la realidad de los y las jóvenes. En las conclusiones se destacan las potencialidades de esta alternativa viable que representa una oportunidad de formación para asesorar a productores familiares y a sus organizaciones. Se enfoca en la participación activa de estudiantes, especialmente en cursos prácticos donde se convierten en sujetos protagonistas al compartir sus experiencias. También se puede mencionar que, aunque estas carreras ofrecen espacios colectivos para cuestionar el modelo productivo convencional, todavía persisten desafíos: el nivel de formación inicial y la adaptación de horarios por la necesidad de combinar el estudio y el trabajo. En un contexto de crisis y transición, este tipo de propuesta otorga valor a los saberes locales y potencia la autonomía de la juventud para transformar su realidad.
Fracturing of rock ahead of the face of an excavation and its relevance to mechanized excavation
Authors: Mokgohloa M. , Stacey T.R.
Published: January 2025

Boring of tunnels and shafts in hard rock under high stress conditions is becoming more common as mines and tunnels are developed at greater depths. Under the high stress conditions, fracturing of the often-brittle rock occurs in the walls, backs, and ahead of advancing faces of excavations. Fracturing can have a significant impact on boring activities: sidewall spalling, which affects machine gripper capacity, and fractures can also develop in the rock ahead of the face, leading to blocky rock conditions, which may have a significant effect on machine excavation. Fracturing may develop dynamically, leading to rock bursts manifesting in the form of strain bursts, which can be hazardous and destructive. In brittle rock, fracturing is commonly extensional in nature. The focus of this paper is on fracturing in the face of the excavation. Examples of such fracturing behaviour are described briefly in the paper. Numerical analyses were carried out to predict the initiation of extension fractures and their orientations ahead of excavation surfaces, and the resulting formation of rock slabs/plates, and the stability of these plates. The results should be beneficial for the evaluation of the conditions prior to, and during boring operations.
A hazai erdészeti és faipari szektor szénmérlegének előrejelzése az erdőipari szén modell felhasználásával
Authors: Borovics Attila , Király Éva , Kottek Péter
Published: January 2025

Az erdőalapú klímamitigáció napjainkban egyre inkább kulcsszerepet kap a nemzetközi klímapolitikában, így egyre fontosabbá válik az ágazat szénmegkötő képességét befolyásoló mechanizmusok megértése. Tanulmányunkban különböző erdőkezelési stratégiák klímamitigációs hatását értékeltük. Létrehoztunk egy új szénforgalmi modellt, az Erdőipari Szén Modellt (Forest Industry Carbon Model, FICM), amely az erdei biomassza, az elhalt szerves anyagok, a talaj és a fatermékek szénegyenlegét, valamint a termék- és energiahelyettesítések útján elkerült kibocsátásokat számszerűsíti. A modell segítségével a magyar erdőipar széndioxid mérlegét három forgatókönyv szerint jeleztük előre. A Business as Usual (BAU) szcenárióban változatlan erdőtelepítési és fakitermelési szinteket feltételezünk. Az Extenzifikációs szcenárióban azt feltételeztük, hogy az erdőtelepítések és a fakitermelés mértéke a felére csökken. Az Intenzifikációs forgatókönyvben pedig az erdőtelepítés növekedését, megnövelt ipari választékarányt, és a fakitermelés fokozatos növekedését vettük alapul. Eredményeink azt mutatják, hogy az Intenzifikációs forgatókönyvet jellemzi a legnagyobb nettó szénmegkötés és itt érvényesül a maximális termék- és energiahelyettesítési hatás. A nettó erdőipari szénegyenleg 2050-re a BAU szcenárióban –8447 kt CO2 egyenérték, az Extenzifikációs szcenárióban –7011 kt CO2 egyenérték, míg az Intenzifikációs szcenárióban –22 135 kt CO2 egyenérték szintet ér el. Bár a termékhelyettesítés hatása a LULUCF szektorban nem számolható el, az ipari és energetikai kibocsátások csökkenésének kedvező hatása megjelenik a nemzeti üvegházgáz mérlegben. A modellezési eredmények azt mutatják, hogy az EU által Magyarország számára kijelölt 2030-as LULUCF szénmegkötési célérték az Intenzifikációs szcenárióban elérhető. Prognózisunk szerint a fahasználat drasztikus korlátozása csupán rövid távú megoldást jelenthet, kedvező hatásai 2050-re megszűnnek, és a BAU forgatókönyvhöz képest többletkibocsátásokat eredményez.
A cikk a Borovics et al. 2024 (Projection of the Carbon Balance of the Hungarian Forestry and Wood Industry Sector Using the Forest Industry Carbon Model) eredeti közlés részben módosított fordítása.