bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Тоталітарні режими Європи та музика: хроніки протистояння
Authors: Верещагіна-Білявська Олена , Швець Катерина
Published: April 2024

The article analyses the relationship between artists and the totalitarian regimes that prevailed in Italy, Germany, and Ukraine in the twentieth century. The relevance of the topic is due to the need for a deep study of the processes that took place in the field of art in the twentieth century, since this era is characterised by close interconnections of artistic research with certain philosophical, aesthetic, and ideological systems. Musical life reflected the social processes that took place in different locations in Europe during that period, including the principles of neo-myth-making inherent in totalitarian ideologies. The mythologisation of mass consciousness required complete submission from art. Not all famous musicians were able to openly oppose the ideology of totalitarian regimes, as they felt an immediate danger to their own lives. The fascist and soviet regimes demonstrated all kinds of punitive systems in the face of disobedience and deviation of the artist's work from the general vector of artistic life - from doom to oblivion to complete moral and physical destruction.
Based on existing studies by foreign and domestic scholars, the authors of the article aim to recreate the events of the creative life of famous artists in the context of their complex relationships with the authorities and confrontation with totalitarian regimes of the 1920s-1950s. Recreating such chronicles is a necessary component in creating a systematic view of the role of the artist in the sociocultural continuum.
The complex and ambiguous relations with the authorities are examined on the example of the creative life of composers P. Hindemith and B. Martinů, conductors W. Furtwängler, H. von Karajan, O. Klemperer and A. Toscanini. Some of them took a position of outright opposition to the regime (A. Toscanini), others - of collaboration with it (H. von Karajan), and some made constant attempts to manoeuvre between their own conscience and the need to express support for the regime. Understanding the actions of each individual artist in the complex socio-cultural situation of the totalitarian regime is possible only if the specifics of social psychology and national culture are taken into account, which further requires an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the problem. Understanding the actions of each individual artist in the complex socio-cultural situation of the totalitarian regime is possible only if the specifics of social psychology and national culture are taken into account, which further requires an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the problem.
THE ANALYSIS OF CONDITIONS GIVING OIL IN CYLINDERS OF DIESEL ENGINES THE SEA SHIPS
Authors: Богач В.М. , Слободянюк І.М. , Довіденко Ю.Н.
Published: April 2024

The publication is devoted the decision of an actual problem increase efficiency operation of ship diesel engines by perfection processes greasing of cylinders. The analysis a condition of a question on an investigated problem is made and lacks systems greasing of diesel engines are defined. By these researches it is defined, that greasing process is accompanied by "pushing out" a part oil in the cylinder, gases extending in the channel that causes a real loss of cylinder oils and occurrence an additional source deposits. Characteristics process greasing, and their interrelation with a design of greasing devices are defined. Influence geometrical parametres of channels system greasing on characteristics process the expiration of oil in the cylinder and finally on efficiency its use in the engine is experimentally confirmed. Keywords: ship diesel engine, greasing system, greasing channel, greasing process, cylinder, piston, a piston ring.
ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ ЛУБРИКАТОРНИХ СИСТЕМ СУДНОВИХ ДИЗЕЛІВ
Authors: Бузовський В.А. , Богач В.М. , Драгомир М.В.
Published: April 2024

Лубрикаторні системи призначені для дозованої подачі масла на дзеркало циліндра під тиском 0,5-0,7 мПа за допомогою багато плунжерних насосів-лубрикаторів через штуцери, що рівномірно розташовані по його колу. Їх кількість залежить від діаметру циліндра. По обидві сторони отворів для виходу масла на поверхню втулки циліндра вифризеровані маслорозподільні канавки, направлені під кутом вниз і з’єднані між собою таким чином, що утворюють хвилясту канавку, за допомогою якої масло розподіляється по колу циліндра, а за допомогою поршневих кілець розноситься по всій поверхні втулки. Дозована подача масла здійснюється за допомогою золотників, які регулюють кількість масла, що поступає до насосного елемента, або зміною корисного ходу плунжера. Подане в циліндри масло витрачається на мащення робочих поверхонь циліндрів, поршневих кілець, поршнів. Крім того воно закидається в камеру згоряння і продув очні вікна
ІМІТАЦІЙНЕ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ВПЛИВУ ВОЛОГОГО НАДДУВНОГО ПОВІТРЯ НА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ РОБОТИ ДВЗ
Authors: Білий В. А. , Голіков В. А. , Богданов М. С.
Published: April 2024

Забезпечення повноти використання енергії палива при його згорянні у циліндрах двигуна є основним шляхом підвищення паливної економічності. Ефективність процесу згоряння у першу чергу залежить від якості розпилу і змішування палива з наддувним повітрям, коефіцієнту стиснення та співвідношення повітря - паливо. Вміст водяної пари у цикловому повітрі призводить до зменшення концентрації кисню й втрати потужності. У статті досліджується вплив вологого повітря на ефективність роботи ДВЗ з використанням апробованої імітаційної моделі, реалізованої засобами графічного програмного середовища SIMULINK на базі системи MATLAB. Запропоновано спосіб покращення математичної моделі шляхом введення корекції щільності надувного повітря з урахуванням його температури, атмосферного тиску та масової частки водяної пари. Аналіз ефективності роботи двигуна на різних режимах за допомогою імітаційної моделі показав, що при зменшенні масової частки водяної пари у надувному повітрі з 27 г/кг до 0,5 г/кг та його охолодженні до 5°C приріст потужності досягає 23,7%. Результати аналізу доцільно верифікувати на тестовому стенді й, в разі підтвердження, використовувати в суднових енергетичних комплексах с поверхневими охолоджувачами наддувного повітря та контурами регулювання його точки роси. Ключові слова: ДВЗ, наддувне повітря, температура точки роси
MERCHANT KINGS
Authors: Schrauwers Albert
Published: April 2024

In the nineteenth century, the Netherlands and its colonial holdings in Java were the sites of dramatically increased industrialization. Led by a group of “merchant kings” who exemplified gentlemanly capitalism, this ambitious trading project transformed the small, economically moribund Netherlands into a global power. Merchant Kings offers a fascinating interdisciplinary exploration of this episode and reveals not only the distinctive nature of the Dutch state, but the surprising extent to which its nascent corporate innovations were rooted in early welfare initiatives. By placing colony and metropole into a single analytical frame, this book offers a bracing new approach to understanding the development of modern corporations.
Wae Bobok Tourism Potential: Mapping a Destination in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara
Authors:   Triatma Mulya University, Yuni L. K. Herindiyah Kartika , Kartimin I Wayan ,   Triatma Mulya University
Published: April 2024

West Manggarai is one of the districts in East Nusa Tenggara that has been visited by tourists, unfortunately, the purpose of the visit is dominant to the city of Labuan Bajo. Many tourism potentials in West Manggarai have been known, widely praised, and researched but Wae Bobok and its potential have not yet been published. Wae Bobok is a forest area located in the Tanjung Boleng Tourism Village area. The need for identification and mapping of potential is very essential to be better known by the wider community so that can achieve an equal visit and income. Mapping is carried out with a spatial analysis, which is an approach in geography to analyze and describe the geographical distribution of tourism data. The study’s purpose is to identify (1) the tourism potential of Wae Bobok as a tourist destination, (2) the mapping of Wae Bobok as a tourist destination (3) the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Wae Bobok. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. This research resulted: in (1) the tourism potential of Wae Bobok as a tourist destination, (2) Wae Bobok has been mapped into natural, cultural, and adventure tourism attractions based on its natural potential and resources. (3) SWOT analysis of Wae Bobok includes strengths; natural, cultural, and artificial attractions, strategic location and accessibility, available supporting facilities, and local products, managed by pokdarwis. Weaknesses; human resources quality, cleanliness, local guides, tour packages, and internet network. Opportunities: position, special segment, local support, but the existence of competitors and Prone to natural disasters and flooding is a threat to Wae Bobok.
Beyond Risk: How the Z Generation Resist the Temptation of Online Games
Authors:   University of Jember, Evianti Sri Ayu , Rosa Dien Vidia ,   University of Jember
Published: April 2024

The increasing prevalence of online gaming has raised concerns about potential challenges facing students, particularly regarding mental health, financial stability, and economic implications. For Generation Z, online games have become a significant avenue for engaging in the informal economy, with gambling emerging as a prominent aspect facilitated by technological advancements. This study investigates how Generation Z navigates the allure of online gaming, resists temptations, and manages associated risks. Drawing upon Ulrich Beck's Risk Society theory and employing ethnographic methods, the research examines the decision-making processes of Generation Z players. Data collection involved interviews with respondents in various settings, supplemented by existing research in the field. The findings highlight several key issues, including the temptations of social media integration, peer influence, and financial gains, as well as the risks of accumulating debt and developing dependencies on gaming for entertainment and monetary rewards. These challenges pose significant implications for the mental well-being of Generation Z individuals.
Analysis of LazLive Utilization in Mobile Applications Lazada at Sahoor Time
Authors:   University of Indonesia, Guslim Angga , Kusnadi Karen ,   University of Indonesia, Irwansyah Irwansyah ,   University of Indonesia
Published: April 2024

Live streaming is becoming a global trend that is popularly used in many sectors, including e-commerce. Lazada, as one of the largest app-based e-commerce in Southeast Asia, also utilizes the use of live streaming by initiating LazLive (Lazada Live Streaming) as one of the featured features in their mobile application. Unlike most e-commerce such as Tokopedia and Shopee, Lazada as a brand also creates official live stream content from the company through a series of special programs, which are actual features as well as customized marketing messages. This study aims to examine Lazada's strategy of creating a new live streaming method in its mobile application (LazLive). Based on the view of the social construction theory of technology, this study analyzed 23 Lazada live streams held from March 23 to April 24, 2023, during sahoor time. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study used content analysis techniques. The results found that (1) Lazada personalized several of its live streaming features to match the feel of the program, and (2) Lazada continues to update its features according to customer needs and feedback. (3) LazLive received a positive response from Lazada app users and contributed to the number of reviews received by the Lazada mobile app in the Google Play Store. All the innovations that Lazada provides through LazLive are expected to increase application consumers and the welfare of sellers.
Building Sustainable Digital Education in India: Transformation through Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Authors:   National Institute of Open Schooling, Singh Rajiv Kumar , Singh Alka ,   National Institute of Open Schooling
Published: April 2024

In the contemporary world, sustainable digital transformation involves the judicious application of innovative technologies to enhance the current and future well-being of individuals. This paper explores the transformative trajectory of India's digital policies, such as Aadhaar, Jan-DhanYojna, Bharat Net, and Digital India, demonstrating a dedicated commitment to digital inclusion. However, the World's largest open schooling system, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), strategically harnessed the technology to enhance equity, inclusion, and accessibility in education. The paper delves into the intersection of digital transformation and education, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the learning experience, empower learners, and engage society. NIOS's systematic and academic digital initiatives emphasize the importance of e-governance, innovation, and the integration of digital platforms and resources. Through e-governance and innovative approaches, NIOS has streamlined administrative processes, improved transparency, and enhanced accessibility for learners. Academic transformation concentrates on reshaping pedagogical approaches and content delivery. The paper also addresses eSchools' potential to redefine education landscapes and the need for research and development to push the boundaries of digital education. This paper presents insights that contribute to the ongoing discourse on leveraging digital transformation to achieve access to equitable and inclusive education on a global scale.
Bilingual Instruction in SMAN Bali Mandara: Student's Perspective
Authors:   Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Loviyani Ni Putu Ayu Niya , Padmadewi Ni Nyoman ,   Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha Luh Putu Artini, Artini Luh Putu ,   Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha Luh Putu Artini
Published: April 2024

This research aimed to investigate 11th-grade students' perceptions regarding the utilization of bilingual instruction at SMAN Bali Mandara. Employing a qualitative approach, the researcher analyzed data obtained through questionnaires and interviews to gain deeper insights into student perspectives. Analysis revealed that the majority of responses clustered around central tendencies, with seven statements garnering over 80% agreement, while the remaining two statements received lower agreement rates of 46% and 42%, respectively. Overall, students expressed a positive view of bilingual instruction, viewing it as a beneficial tool for enhancing their learning experiences. Consequently, this study contributes to the understanding of the significance and effectiveness of bilingual instruction in language education, with the potential to improve students' language skills.
Transmigrant Students’ Motivation and Problems in Learning Local Languages: Language Maintenance
Authors:   Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Tambunsaribu Gunawan
Published: April 2024

Some transmigrant students in their interactions with others have desires to get to know other local languages for various reasons including the student's desire to get to know people who speak the local language more intimately. This study aims to find out the motivations or factors that cause transmigrant students to learn other local languages and what obstacles they face when learning these other local languages. The benefits of this research are to find out the factors the students have and the problems the students encounter in learning local languages as a part of language maintenance. This study used the descriptive qualitative method. The selection of respondents was carried out using the snow bowling technique. There were 50 respondents (transmigrant students) who were living in the dormitory of Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta. The researcher collected data using questionnaires. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyze the data. This research reveals that there are four main reasons for the students to learn the local language, namely a) because they want to increase their knowledge and skills in the local languages; b) because they want to understand the language and culture of friends from other tribes; c) because they like the local languages (the accent, expression, and intonation); and d) because they want to get closer with fellow students who use the local languages. This study found that there were two types of general barriers that transmigrant students experienced when learning local languages, namely external and internal barriers. This research finds that transmigrant students who live in UKI’s dormitory can be ambassadors of various Indonesian local language maintenance.
A revised electrodiagnosis-based severity classification for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Jung Do Hun , Lee Sang-Eok , Park Dougho , Lee Jang Woo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: An electrodiagnostic evaluation is conducted to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and evaluate its severity. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a revised approach for classifying the severity of electrophysiological findings for patients with CTS. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients with CTS confirmed through electrodiagnostic evaluations. Based on the Stevens’ classification, the patients were divided into three groups (mild/moderate/severe). A new intermediate group was defined to identify patients with normal motor nerve conduction studies and abnormal electromyographic results. CTS pain was evaluated using a numeric rate scale. Physical examinations and sonographic evaluation were performed to detect anatomical abnormalities. RESULTS: Overall, 1,069 CTS hands of 850 CTS patients were included. The mean age was 57.9 ± 10.8 years, and 336 (39.5%) were men. There were 522 (48.8%) mild cases; 281 (26.3%) moderate cases; and 266 (24.9%) severe cases. In the severe group, 49 cases were reclassified into the intermediate group. The median cross-sectional area in the intermediate group significantly differed from that in the severe group. However, the pain score significantly differed from that of the moderate group. CONCLUSION: The intermediate CTS group showed clinical features that were intermediate to those of the moderate and severe CTS groups.
Identifying longevity profiles from longitudinal data through factor analysis and biclustering
Authors: Noronha Marta D.M. , Zárate Luis E.
Published: April 2024

Characterizing longevity profiles from longitudinal studies is a task with many challenges. Firstly, the longitudinal databases usually have high dimensionality, and the similarities between long-lived and non-long-lived records are a highly burdening task for profile characterization. Addressing these issues, in this work, we use data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA-UK) to characterize longevity profiles through data mining. We propose a method for feature engineering for reducing data dimensionality through merging techniques, factor analysis and biclustering. We apply biclustering to select relevant features discriminating both profiles. Two classification models, one based on a decision tree and the other on a random forest, are built from the preprocessed dataset. Experiments show that our methodology can successfully discriminate longevity profiles. We identify insights into features contributing to individuals being long-lived or non-long-lived. According to the results presented by both models, the main factor that impacts longevity is related to the correlations between the economic situation and the mobility of the elderly. We suggest that this methodology can be applied to identify longevity profiles from other longitudinal studies since that factor is deemed relevant for profile classification.
Temper wolf hunt optimization enabled GAN for robust image encryption
Authors: K M M Parvathraj , B K Anoop
Published: April 2024

In today’s digital era, the security of sensitive data, particularly in the realm of multimedia, is of paramount importance. Image encryption serves as a vital shield against unauthorized access and ensures the confidentiality and integrity of visual information. As such, the continuous pursuit of robust and efficient encryption techniques remains a pressing concern. This research introduces a Temper Wolf Hunt Optimization enabled Generative Adversarial Network Encryption model (TWHO-GAN), designed to address the challenges of image encryption in the modern digital landscape. TWHO, inspired by the collective hunting behavior of wolf and coyote packs, is employed to generate highly secure encryption keys. This algorithm excels in exploring complex solution spaces, creating robust, attack-resistant keys. In TWHO-GAN model, GANs are employed to create encrypted images that are virtually indistinguishable from their original counterparts, adding a layer of security by generating complex encryption keys and ensuring robust protection against attacks. The GAN component reconstructs the encrypted images to their original form when decrypted with the correct keys, ensuring data integrity while maintaining confidentiality. Further, the significance of the proposed model relies on the TWHO algorithm formulated by the integration of the adaptability and coordinated hunting strategies to optimize the chaotic map generation in image encryption protecting the sensitive visual information from unauthorized access as well as potential threats. Through extensive experimentation and comparative analysis, TWHO-GAN demonstrates superior performance in image encryption, surpassing former methods in terms of Cs, 𝐻𝑖𝑠C, MSE, PSNR, RMSE, and SSIM attaining values of 0.93, 94.19, 3.274, 59.70 dB, 1.8095, and 0.940 respectively for 5 numbers of images. Moreover, the TWHO-GAN approach attained the values of 0.91,92.22, 2.03, 49.74 dB, 1.42, and 0.88 for Cs, HisC, MSE, PSNR, RMSE, and SSIM respectively utilizing the Airplanes dataset. The model exhibits robust resistance to various attacks, making it a compelling choice for secure image transmission and storage.
Multi-objective hybrid optimized task scheduling in cloud computing under big data perspective
Authors: Vasantham Vijay Kumar , Donavalli Haritha
Published: April 2024

The new and rising paradigm of cloud computing offers customers various possibilities of task computation based on their desires and choices. Customers receive services from cloud computing systems as a utility. Customers are enthusiastic about low-cost service availability and task completion times that are kept to be minimum. To achieve client fulfilment, the service provider must schedule the jobs to the right resources if the cloud server gets many user requests. The rapid growth in data volume necessitates petabytes processing of data each day. Unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data are all described in terms of their rapid growth and availability. In order to make correct and timely decisions, it must be processed appropriately. In this research, we present BWUJS (Black Widow Updated Jellyfish Search), a multi-objective hybrid optimization-based task scheduling algorithm. This work considers task generation from the Bigdata perspective. The clustering of tasks is performed via the Map Reduce framework with an Improved K-means clustering model. After task clustering, the task priority estimation is performed. Finally, the scheduling is performed via BWJSU based on certain constraints like priority, makespan, completion time, resource utilization, and degree of imbalance.
Total Tau Protein Mediates the Association of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease with Cognitive Decline
Authors: Han Shuang-Ling , Ou Ya-Nan , Han Bao-Lin , Guo Hai-Hua , Chi Hao-Chen , Huang Yi-Ming , Wang Hui-Fu , Tan Lan
Published: April 2024

Background:

Patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke demonstrate an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) may interact with the amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (AT[N]) biomarkers to promote dementia. However, the precise pathological mechanisms remain to be fully characterized.

Objective:

To elucidate the interrelationships among ICVD, ATN biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and cognition.

Methods:

A total of 2524 participants were recruited from the CABLE study. ICVD referred to TIA/ischemic stroke. Cognitive performance was assessed by China Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (CM-MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-b (MoCA-b). Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of ICVD with CSF ATN biomarkers and cognition. Causal mediation analyses were used to identify whether the association was mediated by ATN biomarkers.

Results:

ICVD was associated with higher total-tau (t-tau) ( p = 2.828×10–2) and poorer cognition (CM-MMSE: p = 1.539×10–5, MoCA-b: p = 4.552×10–6). Additionally, no discernible correlation surfaced between ICVD and amyloid-β (Aβ) 42 ( p = 6.910×10–1) or phosphorylated tau (p-tau) ( p = 4.324×10–1). The influence of ICVD on cognitive function was partially mediated by CSF t-tau (CM-MMSE: proportion: 2.74%, MoCA-b: proportion: 2.51%). Subgroup analyses revealed the influences of t-tau were especially evident in male (CM-MMSE: proportion: 5.45%, MoCA-b: proportion: 5.38%) and mid-life group (CM-MMSE: proportion: 9.83%, MoCA-b: proportion: 5.31%).

Conclusions:

These results delineated t-tau as a potential mediator for the influence of ICVD on cognition. Targeting brain ischemia and alleviating neuronal injury induced by ischemia may be a promising approach for preventing cognitive decline.
Association Between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Cognitive Function Among Aging Americans from NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Mao Jiesheng , Hu Haoxiang , Zhao Yunhan , Zhou Mi , Yang Xiaokai
Published: April 2024

Background: Antioxidant diets are considered to be protective factors for cognitive function. However, comprehensive measures of antioxidant diets are lacking. Objective: To examine the association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and cognitive function in the elderly. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 2,456 participants (≥60 years old) from NHANES 2011–2014. Calculation of CDAI based on 6 minerals and vitamins (manganese, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E). Cognitive function was measured by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) Word Learning sub-test, Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). We also created a composite cognitive z-score to represent global cognition. The statistical analyses we used included multiple linear regression analyses, subgroup analyses, curve-fitting analyses, and threshold effects analyses. Results: After controlling for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease history, multivariate linear regression analyses showed that increased CDAI was positively associated with scores on global cognitive function and each cognitive domain (p < 0.05), with subgroup analyses suggesting that this association was more pronounced in stroke patients (p for interaction < 0.05). Curve-fitting analyses and threshold effect analyses showed saturation effects between CDAI and CREAD Test, AFT, and composite Z-score, and an inverted U-shaped relationship with DSST, with inflection points of –1.89, 0.79, 1.13, and 1.77, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings support that higher levels of CDAI are correlated with significantly elevated cognitive function. Maintaining CDAI in an appropriate range may contribute to cognitive health in elderly.
Frontal Cortex Lipid Alterations During the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moreno-Rodriguez Marta , Perez Sylvia E. , Martinez-Gardeazabal Jonatan , Manuel Ivan , Malek-Ahmadi Michael , Rodriguez-Puertas Rafael , Mufson Elliott J.
Published: April 2024

Background: Although sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology, familial AD is associated with specific gene mutations. A commonality between these forms of AD is that both display multiple pathogenic events including cholinergic and lipid dysregulation. Objective: We aimed to identify the relevant lipids and the activity of their related receptors in the frontal cortex and correlating them with cognition during the progression of AD. Methods: MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and functional autoradiography was used to evaluate the distribution of phospholipids/sphingolipids and the activity of cannabinoid 1 (CB1), sphingosine 1-phosphate 1 (S1P1), and muscarinic M2/M4 receptors in the frontal cortex (FC) of people that come to autopsy with premortem clinical diagnosis of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and no cognitive impairment (NCI). Results: MALDI-MSI revealed an increase in myelin-related lipids, such as diacylglycerol (DG) 36:1, DG 38:5, and phosphatidic acid (PA) 40:6 in the white matter (WM) in MCI compared to NCI, and a downregulation of WM phosphatidylinositol (PI) 38:4 and PI 38:5 levels in AD compared to NCI. Elevated levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) 32:1, PC 34:0, and sphingomyelin 38:1 were observed in discrete lipid accumulations in the FC supragranular layers during disease progression. Muscarinic M2/M4 receptor activation in layers V-VI decreased in AD compared to MCI. CB1 receptor activity was upregulated in layers V-VI, while S1P1 was downregulated within WM in AD relative to NCI. Conclusions: FC WM lipidomic alterations are associated with myelin dyshomeostasis in prodromal AD, suggesting WM lipid maintenance as a potential therapeutic target for dementia.
Post-acute day and night non-invasive respiratory intervention use and outcome: A brief report
Authors: O’Brien Jane E. , Dumas Helene M. , Hughes M. Laurette , Ryan Brittany , Kharasch Virginia S.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe daytime and nighttime use and outcome of non-invasive respiratory intervention (NIRI) for infants born prematurely and for children with medical complexity (CMC) during a post-acute care hospital (PACH) admission. METHODS: Thirty-eight initial PACH admissions (October 2018 through September 2020) for premature infants (< 1 year; n = 19) and CMC (> 1 year; n = 19) requiring NIRI during the day and/or at night were retrospectively examined. Measures included: 1) daytime and nighttime NIRI use by type (supplemental oxygen therapy via low-flow nasal cannula or positive airway pressure [PAP] via high-flow nasal cannula, continuous positive airway pressure, or biphasic positive airway pressure at admission and discharge) and 2) daytime and nighttime NIRI outcome—reduction, increase, or no change from admission to discharge. RESULTS: For the total sample (n = 38), daytime vs nighttime NIRI use was significantly different (p < 0.001). At both admission and discharge, supplemental oxygen was the most common NIRI during the day, while PAP was most common at night. From admission to discharge, seven (18%) infants and children had a positive change (reduced NIRI) during the day, while nine (24%) had a positive change at night. At discharge, 11/38 (29%) infants and children required no daytime NIRI, while 4/38 (11%) required no day or night NIRI. CONCLUSION: NIRI use differs between day and night at PACH admission and discharge for CMC. Reductions in NIRI were achieved during the day and at night from PACH admission to discharge for both infants born prematurely and for children with varied congenital, neurological, or cardiac diagnoses.
Climate change scenario analysis in Spree catchment, Germany using statistically downscaled ERA5-Land climate reanalysis data
Authors: Buela Leunell Chris M.
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the statistical downscaling of ERA5-Land reanalysis data using the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) to generate climate change scenarios for the Spree catchment. Linear scaling was used to reduce the biases of the Global Climate Model for precipitation and temperature. The statistical analyses demonstrated that this method is a promising and straightforward way of correcting biases in climate data. SDSM was used to generate climate change scenarios, which considered three emission scenarios: RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5. The results indicated that higher precipitation is expected under higher emission scenarios. Specifically, the summer and autumn seasons were projected to experience up to 50 mm more rainfall in the next 80 years, and the temperature was projected to increase by up to 1∘C by 2100. These projections of climate data for different scenarios are useful for assessing water management studies for agricultural and hydrologic applications considering changing climate conditions. This study highlights the importance of statistical downscaling and scenario generation in understanding the potential impacts of climate change on water resources. The results of this study can provide valuable insights into water resource management, especially on adapting to changing climate conditions.
Optimising port arrival statistics: Enhancing timeliness through Automatic Identification System (AIS) data
Authors: Wielen Nele van der , McGurk Justin , Barrett Labhaoise
Published: April 2024

Today, there is a greater demand to produce more timely official statistics at a more granular level. National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) are more and more looking to novel data sources to meet this demand. This paper focuses on the use of one such source to compile more timely and detailed official statistics on port visits. The data source used is sourced from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) used by ships to transmit their position at sea. The primary purpose of AIS is maritime safety. While some experimental statistics have been compiled using this data, this paper evaluates the potential of AIS as a data source to compile official statistics with respect to port visits. The paper presents a novel method called “Stationary Marine Broadcast Method” (SMBM) to estimate the number of port visits using AIS data. The paper also describes how the H3 Index, a spatial index originally developed by Uber, is added to each transmission in the data source. While the paper concludes that the AIS based estimates won’t immediately replace the official statistics, it does recommend a pathway to using AIS-based estimates as the basis for official port statistics in the future.
Resolution analysis of a volumetric coded aperture X-ray diffraction imaging system
Authors: Gude Zachary , Kapadia Anuj J. , Greenberg Joel A.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

A coded aperture X-ray diffraction (XRD) imaging system can measure the X-ray diffraction form factor from an object in three dimensions –X, Y and Z (depth), broadening the potential application of this technology. However, to optimize XRD systems for specific applications, it is critical to understand how to predict and quantify system performance for each use case.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this work is to present and validate 3D spatial resolution models for XRD imaging systems with a detector-side coded aperture.

METHODS:

A fan beam coded aperture XRD system was used to scan 3D printed resolution phantoms placed at various locations throughout the system’s field of view. The multiplexed scatter data were reconstructed using a model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm, and the resulting volumetric images were evaluated using multiple resolution criteria to compare against the known phantom resolution. We considered the full width at half max and Sparrow criterion as measures of the resolution and compared our results against analytical resolution models from the literature as well as a new theory for predicting the system resolution based on geometric arguments.

RESULTS:

We show that our experimental measurements are bounded by the multitude of theoretical resolution predictions, which accurately predict the observed trends and order of magnitude of the spatial and form factor resolutions. However, we find that the expected and observed resolution can vary by approximately a factor of two depending on the choice of metric and model considered. We observe depth resolutions of 7–16 mm and transverse resolutions of 0.6–2 mm for objects throughout the field of view. Furthermore, we observe tradeoffs between the spatial resolution and XRD form factor resolution as a function of sample location.

CONCLUSION:

The theories evaluated in this study provide a useful framework for estimating the 3D spatial resolution of a detector side coded aperture XRD imaging system. The assumptions and simplifications required by these theories can impact the overall accuracy of describing a particular system, but they also can add to the generalizability of their predictions. Furthermore, understanding the implications of the assumptions behind each theory can help predict performance, as shown by our data’s placement between the conservative and idealized theories, and better guide future systems for optimized designs.
CT-based intratumoral and peritumoral deep transfer learning features prediction of lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lu Tianyu , Ma Jianbing , Zou Jiajun , Jiang Chenxu , Li Yangyang , Han Jun
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The main metastatic route for lung cancer is lymph node metastasis, and studies have shown that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a high risk of lymph node infiltration.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to compare the performance of handcrafted radiomics (HR) features and deep transfer learning (DTL) features in Computed Tomography (CT) of intratumoral and peritumoral regions in predicting the metastatic status of NSCLC lymph nodes in different machine learning classifier models.

METHODS:

We retrospectively collected data of 199 patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC. All patients were divided into training ( n = 159) and validation ( n = 40) cohorts, respectively. The best HR and DTL features in the intratumoral and peritumoral regions were extracted and selected, respectively. Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (Light GBM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Logistic Regression (LR) models were constructed, and the performance of the models was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Among the five models in the training and validation cohorts, the LR classifier model performed best in terms of HR and DTL features. The AUCs of the training cohort were 0.841 (95% CI: 0.776–0.907) and 0.955 (95% CI: 0.926–0.983), and the AUCs of the validation cohort were 0.812 (95% CI: 0.677–0.948) and 0.893 (95% CI: 0.795–0.991), respectively. The DTL signature was superior to the handcrafted radiomics signature.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with the radiomics signature, the DTL signature constructed based on intratumoral and peritumoral areas in CT can better predict NSCLC lymph node metastasis.
Toxic Leadership Leads to White-Collar Crimes in Autonomous Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Vedhathiri Thanikachalam
Published: April 2024

In this 21st century, most of the world-class universities have excellent educational leaders who follow ethics, equity, integrity, and culture to develop excellent global universities. Unfortunately, many developing countries have recruited toxic leaders who indulge in white-collar crimes and destroy the outstanding faculty teams. This research focuses on the growth of toxic leaders and their discrete decisions in recruiting, fixing basic pay, not authorizing the outstanding faculty members to bid on global projects, not sharing the project gains, and facilitating the growth of coteries. Thirty cases have been considered from five autonomous institutions from one state. After analyzing the root causes, crimes were identified by using Toxic Leadership Theory, Routine Activity Theory, and Critical Race Theory. After conducting a SWOT analysis, appropriate inferences are drawn. Methods to eliminate white-collar crimes have been identified.
Clinical Audit: Oxygen Prescription with Target Saturations in Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Authors: Hassan Murtaza , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ali Nasir , Nadeem Sidra , Kamal Mohsin , Shewani Adil , Basit Abdul , Afridi Ashfaq
Published: April 2024

Background: Supplemental oxygen therapy is commonly administered to the majority of postoperative surgical patients in order to prevent hypoxemia, which is one of the most common and significant respiratory problems following surgery. Furthermore, although regular supplemental oxygen administration is not advised for non-hypoxemic patients suffering from a number of acute conditions, including acute coronary syndrome and stroke, high-dose oxygen therapy is advised in a few specific situations to lower the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) following surgery. In the proposed audit, we examine the practice of oxygen prescription related to the oxygen therapy. According to Choudhury et al. [1], the primary goal of this audit is to evaluate both the physician and nursing team follow the guidelines in the prescription, monitoring, and documentation of oxygen utilization. Its goals are to identify presently non-compliant with local hospital guidelines and provide solutions to help the hospital improve compliance.

Methods: 30 patients in PACU were monitored for supplementary oxygen treatment over a month during February 2024. The oxygen prescription of all patients was analyzed using their prescription drug kardex.

Result: Out of 30 total patients, there is a valid oxygen therapy prescription in main PACU of CUH (100%), oxygen prescription section in the PACU drug chart completed (3.3%), correct target oxygen saturation is prescribed for the 1 patient (3.3%), patient with a target saturation range (0%), patient have a valid oxygen delivery device prescribed on the drug chart (3.3%), valid time duration for oxygen delivery mentioned in the drug chart (0%), documentation contain observation of oxygen saturation (100%)

Conclusions: This audit uncovered major gaps in tertiary care hospital oxygen prescription. As many PACU patients who use supplemental oxygen are still at risk of developing hypoxic injury due to non-complaint with local guidelines for oxygen prescription. The training of physicians and nurses in the use of oxygen should be updated regularly.
Conscientious objection to enforcing living wills: A conflict between beneficence and autonomy and a solution from Indian philosophy
Authors: Konduru Laalithya , Das Nishant
Published: April 2024

Living wills document how patients wish to be treated in the event of becoming incompetent to make their medical decisions. Living wills are legally enforceable in India, nonetheless, doctors can claim conscientious objection to implementing any aspect of such directives; however, the buck stops with the hospital to ensure that the patient’s wishes are carried out. In enforcing advance care directives, beneficence and autonomy usually come into conflict. In a paternalistic model of medicine, beneficence and nonmaleficence take precedence over autonomy, and there is a danger that the patient’s wishes are ignored. Even if a physician is not trained to give equal importance to autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence, they can rationalize the enforcement of an advance care directive under the principle of nonmaleficence rather than under autonomy. The ethical principles of ahimsa—the principle of not being the cause of physical or mental injury of others—and raja dharma—the principle where a person in a position of power puts the wishes of the person whom they have power over ahead of their own wishes—which are derived from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophical traditions, can help physicians who practice Indic faiths resolve their moral dilemma when faced with a possibility of enforcing a patient’s wishes that are not in line with their personal views. Such moralizing is especially important during public health emergencies when a patient may not be able to transfer to the care of another doctor who does not have an objection to enforcing their living will.
Social Class, Gender and Psychological Distress in Mumbai: Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Kulkarni Mrinmoyi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders contribute to a large proportion of the non-fatal disease burden in India. Mumbai is among the most crowded cities in Asia with half the population housed in slums creating an environment of vulnerability. In this context, the risks and protective factors associated with depression symptoms are explored by investigating the role of social class and gender in Mumbai.

METHODS: 491lower income and 326 middle income respondents were screened for depressive symptoms and compared on 4 subscales of the GHQ 28: somatization, anxiety, social dysfunction and severe depression.

RESULTS: The relative risk (RR) of depressive symptoms for lower income individuals was 1.27. The relative risk associated with being female was 1.04 in the lower income group and 1.55 in the middle-income group. Apart from stress and perceived health which proved to be significant predictors for every sub scale, hope emerged as a protective variable for somatization and severe depression, positive emotional style emerged as a protective factor against anxiety and severe depression and tobacco was found to be a risk factor for social dysfunction.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of depressive symptoms was the highest for middle income women. This work provides insights from an intersectional framework of class and gender. The inclusion of positive variables in conjunction with risk factors highlight the role of positive protective factors such as hope and positive emotional style for mental health.
Collective Córregos Da Tiririca- Restoration of Riparian Forest in a Stream Contributor of Itaipu Lagoon – Niterói- RJ- Brazil
Authors: Sarmento Soares Luisa Maria , Martins-Pinheiro Ronaldo Fernando , Tanscheit Fernando São Thiago
Published: April 2024

The lake system Itaipu-Piratininga in Niterói at north from the Guanabara Bay is drained by a set of streams. As a result of urban expansion at oceanic region of the city those streams became dirty and polluted. In a time-scale of twenty-five years after studies on water biodiversity, the lake system became eutrophized, with shallow waters. One way to recover the health of the ecossystem is to restore the freshwater rivers draining the system. The present study proposes to inform the experience of agroforestry restoration of the riparian forest in a tributary of Itaipu lake as well as bring an evaluation of local biodiversity – arboreal plants, terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates. After the inventory made, there followed the agroforestry planting of riparian forest by the organized civil society through the collective Córregos da Tiririca [streams at Tiririca mountains]. The technique employed for restoration is related, as corresponds to an adaptation of the principles of syntropic agriculture to the reality of an urban stream.