bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH KEPEMILIKAN MANAJERIAL, KOMISARIS INDEPENDEN, KINERJA KEUANGAN DAN NON DEBT TAX SHIELD TERHADAP KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN
Authors: Dini Farah Azzahra , Rikumahu Brady
Published: August 2023

Kebijakan dividen merupakan prinsip utama yang menggambarkan kapabilitas sebuah perusahaan dalam upaya menghasilkan laba untuk menjalankan usahanya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat bagaimana pengaruh dan kemampuan kepemilikan manajerial, komisaris independen, kinerja keuangan, dan non debt tax shield terhadap kebijakan dividen perusahaan asuransi yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2017-2022. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah analisis diskriminan untuk membantu perusahaan dalam menentukan kebijakan dividennya. Studi ini didasarkan pada teori perusahaan yang sejalan dengan tujuan prinsip kebijakan dividen. Purposive sampling digunakan sebagai teknik sampling, menghasilkan total 75 sampel penelitian dari 15 perusahaan asuransi selama periode lima tahun. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel kepemilikan manajerial, komisaris independen, kinerja keuangan, dan tax shield non utang memiliki pengaruh dan kapabilitas yang signifikan dalam menentukan kebijakan dividen perusahaan asuransi pada subsektor yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia. selama periode 2017-2021.
Sprawozdanie z Międzynarodowej Konferencji Naukowej Hodie et cras – dziś i jutro Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego z 1983 roku. 30 lat od promulgacji. Lublin, 23 października 2013 roku
Authors: Romanko Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

Z okazji 30 rocznicy promulgacji Kodeksu, dnia 23 października 2013 r. w Katolickim Uniwersytecie Lubelskim Jana Pawła II, odbyła się Międzynarodowa Konferencja Naukowa pt. „HODIE ET CRAS – dziś i jutro Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego z 1983 roku. 30 lat od promulgacji”. Organizatorami konferencji byli: Wydział Prawa, Prawa Kanonicznego i Administracji KUL, Instytut Prawa Kanonicznego KUL oraz Katedra Historii Powszechnego Prawa Kanonicznego KUL.
Secure transmission of grayscale images with triggered error visual sharing
Authors: Blesswin John , Mary Selva , Suryawanshi Shubhangi , Kshirsagar Vanita , Pabalkar Sarika , Venkatesan Mithra , Karunya Catherine Esther
Published: August 2023

In the digital era, data transfer plays a crucial role in various industries such as banking, healthcare, marketing, and social media. Images are widely used as a means of communication. The presence of cyber attackers poses a significant risk to data integrity and security during transmission. According to the cost of data breach report 2021, the healthcare industry has experienced the highest costs associated with data breaches, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Visual cryptography (VC) is a technique used to secure image data during transmission. It involves encrypting the image and dividing it into shares, which are then communicated to the intended recipients. Each individual share does not reveal any classified information. At the destination, the shares are digitally combined to reconstruct the original image. When implementing VC, several factors need to be considered, including security, computational complexity, and the quality of the reconstructed image. In this paper, a new method called progressive meaningful visual cryptography (PMVC) is proposed for transferring secret images. The PMVC method introduces an error instance that triggers meaningful shares generation. The proposed method ensures the quality of the reconstructed image by achieving a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of up to 37 dB.
Axc Rat Lymphoma in Tissue Culture; Electron Microscopic Observations
Authors: Queiroz Aristides Cheto de
Published: August 2023

A previous publication documented a sarcomatous transformation observed in a cell line derived from a rat lymphoma growing in monolayer culture. (9) The morphological and cytogenetic changes found, suggested the presence of virus and the differentiation of the malignant lymphoblasts toward malignant histiocytes in culture. The present paper describes, under the electron microscope the structural features of the original tumor, of the cells growing in culture and of the derived sarcoma. This study will serve to complement the prior observations.
O Problema do Quimiodectoma Maligno
Authors: Rapoport Abrão , Miras Milton de , Silva Osterno Queiroz da , Morais José Alves de , Andrade Sobrinho Josias de , Costa Ferdinando de Queiroz
Published: August 2023

Os autores descrevem um caso de tumor maligno do glômus carotídeo atendido no Serviço de Cabeça e Pescoço da Fundação Antonio Prudente, São Paulo, Brasil. A sua baixa incidência (cerca de 35 casos anteriormente descritos), além da impossibilidade da padronização terapêutica, justificam a sua apresentação. Chamam atenção para a importância do exame propedêutico e dos sintomas que auxiliam no diagnóstico diferencial com os linfomas, cistos branquiais e lesões metastáticas de tumores das vias aerodigestivas superiores.
Ambulatório de Hospital de Câncer
Authors: Almeida Antonio Octaviano de , Salgado João Amilcar
Published: August 2023

Faz-se uma avaliação das vantagens do atendimento ambulatorial em serviços oncológicos. Salientam-se, sobretudo, as vantagens econômicas, psicológicas e sociais, bem como aquelas relativas à maior oportunidade do diagnóstico precoce. A ênfase no atendimento ambulatorial deverá ter por referência parâmetros estatísticos básicos, alguns já disponíveis, outros ainda por serem obtidos. Os principais aperfeiçoamentos a serem incluídos para dinamização e eficiência são: atendimento pronto e completo, exames complementares no primeiro dia, não adiamento das internações e atendimento pelo médico mais categorizado. As funções do ambulatório, tanto as de responsabilidade direta como indireta, devem ser bem definidas e claramente compreendidas pelo pessoal médico e administrativo, especialmente as funções relativas aos critérios de internação, acompanhamento e alta; aquelas referentes às atribuições do colegiado oncológico; e ainda as ligadas ao cuidado psicológico e de educação sanitária dos pacientes e familiares. São feitas, finalmente, considerações sobre a adequação das dependências e equipamentos a essas funções. Conclui-se pela especial importância do ambulatório oncológico bem estruturado, no sentido de permitir melhor aproveitamento dos recursos disponíveis, maior descentralização dos atendimentos e melhor coordenação das ações e da avaliação global dos resultados. Só assim se permitirá levar, a um número cada vez maior de pessoas, a diversificada tecnologia que os serviços oncológicos estão se capacitando a oferecer.
Some Aspects of Retrospective Studies
Authors: Haenszel William
Published: August 2023

The statement that a disease and a characteristic are associated can be Tinterpreted in a number of different ways. (1) The deliberate introduction of the characteristic into a subgroup of a population will be followed by an altered incidence of the disease in that subgroup. (2) Those members of a population possessing the characteristic will experience a different incidence of the disease than will those lacking it, the route by which the characteristic was acquired being unspecified. (3) The prevalence of the characteristic among newly developed cases of the disease differs from its prevalence among those in whom the disease did not develop.
Comprehensive characteristics of rectal morphology in chickens with different types of autonomous regulation
Authors: Tybinka A. M.
Published: August 2023

The influence of typological features of autonomous regulation on the dimensions, structure, and blood supply of the rectum in chickens has been studied. The experimental group consisted of clinically healthy adult chickens of the Isa-Brown breed, divided into two groups using electrocardiography and variation pulsometry methods: chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation and chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation. In each group, the length and diameter of the rectum, the branching of its arterial vessels, and the microscopic structure of the intestinal wall were examined. The corresponding artery provides the blood supply to the rectum, the branching of which showed no significant differences between the poultry groups. The peculiarities of autonomous regulation significantly influence the morphological structure of the intestinal wall’s mucous and muscular membranes. The serous membrane does not respond to these features. Chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation (ST chickens) are characterized by a greater thickness of all indicated membranes and, consequently, the entire intestinal wall. Chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation (ST-NT chickens) have a greater thickness only in the muscular plate of the mucous membrane and its longitudinal layer. Regarding the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers, ST chickens dominate the mucous membrane’s crypt area, while ST-NT chickens dominate the muscular membrane. However, the density of connective tissue fibers in the mucous membrane is much lower than in the muscular one. The quantity and distribution of plasma cells have similar patterns in both groups. Specific morphometric compensation between two functionally related indicators is also an important aspect. In this case, larger values of one indicator are combined with smaller values of another. For example, a smaller diameter of the rectum in ST chickens is associated with its greater length; a smaller number of goblet cells on one villus corresponds to a larger area of their secretory section; a larger area of the nerve node of the intramuscular nerve plexus is combined with a smaller number of these nodes per 1 cm² of the intestinal wall. Thus, the structure of the rectum in chickens, adapting to the corresponding type of autonomous regulation, maintains the balance at the level of individual membranes and the entire intestinal wall.
ПОКАЗНИКИ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЕКОНОМІКО-ЕКОЛОГІЧНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ АПК РЕГІОНУ
Authors: Шкварук Діна
Published: August 2023

Стаття присвячена актуальним питанням розвитку економіко-екологічного потенціалу АПК регіону. Досліджено думки вітчизняних науковців стосовно формування системи показників до оцінки економічного та екологічного потенціалів, а також основних їх складових. На основі аналізу запропоновано поділити показники на чотири блоки. Перший включатиме показники економічного потенціалу, другий аспекти, що стосуються екологічного потенціалу, формування третього блоку, врахує регіональні особливості: кліматичні, соціальні, природні тощо. Останній, четвертий блок, включатиме параметри, які відображатимуть зовнішні впливи на економіко-екологічний потенціал АПК регіону. Сформовано комплексний підхід до оцінювання економіко-екологічного потенціалу агропромислового комплексу регіону з урахуванням всіх можливих зовнішніх та внутрішніх чинників.
ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙНІ ПРОЦЕСИ АГРОПРОМИСЛОВИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ ТА У ПІСЛЯВОЄННИЙ ПЕРІОД
Authors: Дідур Сергій , Труніна Ірина , Білик Марина
Published: August 2023

Стаття присвячена актуальній проблематиці трансформаційних процесів агропромислових підприємств в сучасних умовах. Метою цієї статті є комплексний аналіз впливу військових дій на аграрний сектор України та пропозиції щодо ефективних рішень для трансформаційного розвитку агропромислових підприємств задля подолання викликів, пов’язаних з війною, і створення більш стійкого агросектора. У статті досліджено виклики, з якими стикається аграрний сектор в Україні, вплив війни на продовольчу безпеку та ціни, а також потенційні рішення, які можуть допомогти подолати ці виклики. Запропоновано дорожню карту трансформаційних процесів для підприємств агропромислового сектора, що включає такі елементи: інновації, інтеграція зі світовою економікою та її процесами, впровадження цифрових технологій у сільське господарство і як наслідок – створення агропромислової екосистеми.
ВАЛЮТНА БЕЗПЕКА УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Мельник Леонід
Published: August 2023

В роботі розкрито сутність валютної безпеки держави. Доведено, що найбільш об’єктивно відображає зміст цього поняття наступне твердження: «валютна безпека – валютна система, яка характеризується передбачуваністю динаміки обмінного курсу національної валюти, збалансованістю валютного ринку, задоволенням в іноземній валюті потреб держави, суб'єктів господарювання і населення». Досліджено сучасний стан валютної безпеки України. Встановлено, що валютна система України може бути віднесена до найбільш нестабільних. Через нагромадження в ній, її компонентах та зовнішньому середовищі змін, її здатність до адаптації спадає і зростає нестійкість. Виявлено існуючі проблеми та загрози валютній безпеці країни, зокрема: низький рівень довіри до національної валюти; тривале існування від’ємного сальдо платіжного балансу або значне позитивне сальдо, зумовлене масованим надходженням іноземних спекулятивних капіталів; специфічна структура зовнішньої торгівлі; «інституційний вакуум» у валютній сфері; низька ефективність методів дисконтної політики; невиважена бюджетна політика; висока інфляція, що особливо характерно періоду повномасштабних воєнних дія рф проти України; незбалансовані валютні позиції суб'єктів валютних відносин; прискорена лібералізація регулювання руху капіталів; прорахунки у політиці управління міжнародними резервами; недостатня прозорість у сфері реалізації валютної політики; недосконала нормативно-законодавча база. Визначено, що підвищити стійкість валютної системи та усунути вище перелічені загрози можливо за допомогою як монетарних, так і не немонетарних інструментів. Запропоновано напрями щодо вдосконалення реалізації валютної політики, серед яких найбільш пріоритетними є: розробка концептуальних засад валютної політики, диверсифікація міжнародних резервів, прогнозованість валютних інтервенцій зменшення рівня доларизації економіки країни, перехід до інфляційного таргетування, подальше збалансування грошового і товарного ринків, а відтак і зниження темпів інфляції, припинення відтоку капіталу за кордон за допомогою створення сприятливих умов для репатріації вивезеного капіталу та інші.
РОЗВИТОК СФЕРИ ПОСЛУГ: ДЕРЖАВНА ПОЛІТИКА ТА СТРАТЕГІЧНІ ЗАХОДИ ДЛЯ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ЕКОНОМІКИ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Горник Володимир
Published: August 2023

Стаття присвячена обґрунтуванню основних стратегічних напрямків та заходів державної політики розвитку сфери послуг України для забезпечення конкурентоспроможності національної економіки. Проаналізовано динаміку структури ВВП України та структуру зайнятого населення за видами економічної діяльності, встановлено значення сфери послуг у формуванні українського ВВП та забезпеченні зайнятості. Визначено, що сервісний сектор позитивно впливає на конкурентоспроможність економіки України за рахунок створення робочих місць, забезпечення валютних надходжень, зменшення залежності від традиційних секторів економіки та диверсифікації, покращення інвестиційної привабливості країни, а також підвищення продуктивності в промисловому та агропромисловому секторах економіки за рахунок надання їм таких допоміжних послуг як транспортування, фінанси, маркетинг, зв’язок тощо. Враховуючи роль сфери послуг в забезпеченні економічного зростання української економіки, запропоновано розробити комплексну стратегію розвитку сектору обслуговування, основні напрямки якої повинні бути спрямовані на: поліпшення бізнес-середовища; заохочення прямих іноземних інвестицій в сферу послуг; забезпечення сектору обслуговування кваліфікованими кадрами; сприяння підприємництву та інноваціям; оновлення та покращення інфраструктури; вдосконалення галузевої політики в сфері послуг; покращення доступу до українських ринків послуг та сприяння міжнародній торгівлі; посилення захисту споживачів та підвищення стандартів якості в секторі, заохочення регіонального розвитку сервісних галузей.
ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ ОСНОВИ СІМЕЙНОГО ВИХОВАННЯ ДИТИНИ З ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНИМИ ПОРУШЕННЯМИ
Authors: Шульженко Діна , Осінцева Валерія
Published: August 2023

У статті представлено різні підходи науковців до трактування понять «сімейне виховання», «проблемна сім’я» та «сім’я з групи ризику»; окреслено особливості сімейного виховання дитини з інтелектуальними порушеннями. Визначено роль сім’ї та вплив її виховного потенціалу на становлення й всебічний розвиток дитини з інтелектуальними порушеннями, а також вплив характеру та стану взаємовідносин між подружжям на формування психологічного та морально-емоційного клімату в сім’ї. На основі аналізу загальної та спеціальної літератури виявлено та схарактеризовано основні риси, притаманні сім’ям, в яких виховуються діти з інтелектуальними порушеннями. Визначено стрижневі проблеми, з якими стикаються батьки дітей з порушеннями інтелекту. Окреслено подальші напрямки проведення наукових розвідок з аналізованої проблеми.
An Acoustic Analysis of Six English Monophthongs Produced by Undergraduate Cameroonian ESL Learners
Authors: Abbo Garou , APUGE Michael Etuge
Published: August 2023

This study aims at studying the duration and the formants of the monophthongs /i/, /ɪ/, /a/, /æ/, /ɔ/ and /ɒ/ in the production of 19 undergraduate Cameroonian ESL (CamESL) students. The sounds put in hvd environment were read by the students in a calm environment, recorded and analysed using PRAAT version 6.1.16. The analysis of duration revealed that the students clearly distinguished between long and short vowels, but the study of the formants of the sounds indicated that no major distinction was made between the sound pairs, therefore resulting in the partial merger. The plot of the vowels also revealed a significant within-gender dispersion. It can therefore be concluded that CamESL learners’ productions were characterised by partial merger, inaccurate tongue advancement and within-gender dispersion.
Literacidad evaluativa. Un diagnóstico en docentes de educación básica de México
Authors: Pérez-García José , López Ortega María de los Ángeles
Published: August 2023

Los docentes requieren de una sólida formación en evaluación para realizar esta actividad en el aula. En este estudio se aplicó un instrumento para conocer mediante el auto-reporte el nivel de conocimientos y habilidades de los docentes de educación básica referidos a la evaluación, identificar si existen diferencias entre las dimensiones evaluadas y analizar si existen diferencias en función de los años de experiencia, capacitación recibida, edad, formación académica, condiciones económicas y nivel educativo que atienden, así como identificar variables predictoras de la literacidad evaluativa. Los resultados indican que el nivel de literacidad de los docentes está por encima de la media, la evaluación formativa y el uso de la evaluación mostraron mejores resultados y las diferencias estadísticamente significativas se relacionan con los años de experiencia, las horas de capacitación, las condiciones económicas y la edad de los docentes. La capacitación, las condiciones económicas y la edad fueron las variables predictoras. Se puede concluir que la formación de los docentes es un aspecto fundamental. Se recomienda realizar estudios cualitativos que complementen la visión de este tema.
Operational Considerations for Crew Fatality on the International Space Station
Authors: Stepaniak Philip C. , Blue Rebecca S. , Gilmore Stevan , Beven Gary E. , Chough Natacha G. , Tsung Ann , McMonigal Kathleen A. , Mazuchowski Edward L. , Bytheway Joan A. , Lindgren Kjell N. , Barratt Michael R.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:While catastrophic spaceflight events resulting in crew loss have occurred, human spaceflight has never suffered an on-orbit fatality with survival of other crewmembers on board. Historical plans for management of an on-orbit fatality have included some consideration for forensic documentation and sample collection, human remains containment, and disposition of remains; however, such plans have not included granular detailing of crew or ground controller actions. The NASA Johnson Space Center Contingency Medical Operations Group, under authority from the Space and Occupational Medicine Branch, the Space Medicine Operations Division, and the Human Health and Performance Directorate, undertook the development of a comprehensive plan, including an integrated Mission Control Center response for flight control teams and Flight Surgeons for a single on-orbit crew fatality on the International Space Station (ISS) and subsequent events. Here we detail the operational considerations for a crew fatality should it occur during spaceflight onboard the ISS, including forensic and timeline constraints, behavioral health factors, and considerations for final disposition of decedent remains. Future considerations for differential survival and crewmember fatality outside of low-Earth orbit operations will additionally be discussed, including consideration of factors unique to planetary and surface operations and disposition limitations in exploration spaceflight. While the efforts detailed herein were developed within the constraints of the ISS concept of operations, future platforms may benefit from the procedural validation and product verifications steps described. Ultimately, any response to spaceflight fatality must preserve the goal of handling decedent remains and disposition with dignity, honor, and respect.Stepaniak PC, Blue RS, Gilmore S, Beven GE, Chough NG, Tsung A, McMonigal KA, Mazuchowski EL II, Bytheway JA, Lindgren KN, Barratt MR.Operational considerations for crew fatality on the International Space Station. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(9):705–714.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION IN RELATION TO ORGANIZATIONAL SILENCE AND PERCEIVED LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR AMONG RADIOLOGY TECHNICIANS
Authors: AKYURT Nuran
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the organizational commitment and job satisfaction in relation to organizational silence and perceived leadership behavior among radiology technicians. A total of 269 radiology technicians were included in this study. Participants completed the questionnaire form on study instruments including Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ), Instrumental Leadership Scale (ILS), and Organizational Silence Scale (OSS) to assess job satisfaction, organizational commitment, instrumental leadership and organizational silence, respectively. Organizational commitment scores were significantly higher in private vs. public sector employees (3.61(0.63) vs. 3.47(0.65), p
An application programming interface implementing Bayesian approaches for evaluating effect of time-varying treatment with R and Python
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Bin , Kouril Michal , Liu Jinzhong , Kim Hang , Sivaganisan Siva , Welge Jeffrey A. , DelBello Melissa P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Methods and tools evaluating treatment effect have been primarily developed for binary type of treatment. Yet, treatment is rarely binary outside the experimental setting, varies by dosage, frequency and time. Treatment is routinely adjusted, initiated or stopped when being administered over a period of time.

Methods

Both Gaussian Process (GP) regression and Bayesian additive regression tree (BART) have been used successfully for handling complex setting involving time-varying treatments that is either adaptive or non-adaptive. Here, we introduce an application programming interface (API) that implements both BART and GP for estimating averaged treatment effect (ATE) and conditional averaged treatment (CATE) for the two-stage time-varying treatment strategies.

Results

We provide two real applications for evaluating comparative effectiveness of time-varying treatment strategies. The first example evaluates an early aggressive treatment strategies for caring children with newly diagnosed Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The second evaluates the persistent per-protocol treatment effectiveness in a large randomized pragmatic trial. The examples demonstrate the use of the API calling from R and Python, for handling both non-adaptive or adaptive treatments, with presences of partially observed or missing data issues. Summary tables and interactive figures of the results are downloadable.
Feet and legs malformation in Nellore cattle: genetic analysis and prioritization of GWAS results
Authors: Silva Thales de Lima , Gondro Cedric , Fonseca Pablo Augusto de Souza , Silva Delvan Alves da , Vargas Giovana , Neves Haroldo Henrique de Rezende , Carvalho Filho Ivan , Teixeira Caio de Souza , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão de , Carvalheiro Roberto
Published: August 2023

Beef cattle affected by feet and legs malformations (FLM) cannot perform their productive and reproductive functions satisfactorily, resulting in significant economic losses. Accelerated weight gain in young animals due to increased fat deposition can lead to ligaments, tendon and joint strain and promote gene expression patterns that lead to changes in the normal architecture of the feet and legs. The possible correlated response in the FLM due to yearling weight (YW) selection suggest that this second trait could be used as an indirect selection criterion. Therefore, FLM breeding values and the genetic correlation between FLM and yearling weight (YW) were estimated for 295,031 Nellore animals by fitting a linear-threshold model in a Bayesian approach. A genome-wide association study was performed to identify genomic windows and positional candidate genes associated with FLM. The effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on FLM phenotypes (affected or unaffected) were estimated using the weighted single-step genomic BLUP method, based on genotypes of 12,537 animals for 461,057 SNPs. Twelve non-overlapping windows of 20 adjacent SNPs explaining more than 1% of the additive genetic variance were selected for candidate gene annotation. Functional and gene prioritization analysis of candidate genes identified six genes (ATG7, EXT1, ITGA1, PPARD, SCUBE3, and SHOX) that may play a role in FLM expression due to their known role in skeletal muscle development, aberrant bone growth, lipid metabolism, intramuscular fat deposition and skeletogenesis. Identifying genes linked to foot and leg malformations enables selective breeding for healthier herds by reducing the occurrence of these conditions. Genetic markers can be used to develop tests that identify carriers of these mutations, assisting breeders in making informed breeding decisions to minimize the incidence of malformations in future generations, resulting in greater productivity and animal welfare.
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system disorders
Authors: McCartan Robyn , Khorkova Olga , Volmar Claude-Henry , Wahlestedt Claes
Published: August 2023

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics (NBTs) are an emerging class of drugs with potential for the treatment of a wide range of central nervous system conditions. To date, pertaining to CNS indications, there are two commercially available NBTs and a large number of ongoing clinical trials. However, these NBTs are applied directly to the brain due to very low blood brain barrier permeability. In this review, we outline recent advances in chemical modifications of NBTs and NBT delivery techniques intended to promote brain exposure, efficacy, and possible future systemic application.
The role of vaccination route with an adenovirus-vectored vaccine in protection, viral control, and transmission in the SARS-CoV-2/K18-hACE2 mouse infection model
Authors: Dickson Alexandria , Geerling Elizabeth , Stone E. Taylor , Hassert Mariah , Steffen Tara L. , Makkena Taneesh , Smither Madeleine , Schwetye Katherine E. , Zhang Jianfeng , Georges Bertrand , Roberts M. Scot , Suschak John J. , Pinto Amelia K. , Brien James D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent severe COVID-19. However, breakthrough infections and subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remain a significant problem. Intranasal vaccination has the potential to be more effective in preventing disease and limiting transmission between individuals as it induces potent responses at mucosal sites.

Methods

Utilizing a replication-deficient adenovirus serotype 5-vectored vaccine expressing the SARS-CoV-2 RBD (AdCOVID) in homozygous and heterozygous transgenic K18-hACE2, we investigated the impact of the route of administration on vaccine immunogenicity, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and survival.

Results

Mice vaccinated with AdCOVID via the intramuscular or intranasal route and subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV-2 showed that animals vaccinated intranasally had improved cellular and mucosal antibody responses. Additionally, intranasally vaccinated animals had significantly better viremic control, and protection from lethal infection compared to intramuscularly vaccinated animals. Notably, in a novel transmission model, intranasal vaccination reduced viral transmission to naïve co-housed mice compared to intramuscular vaccination.

Discussion

Our data provide convincing evidence for the use of intranasal vaccination in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission.
The utilization of nanopore targeted sequencing proves to be advantageous in the identification of infections present in deceased donors
Authors: Yao Zhiyuan , Liu Yu , Zhan Liying , Qiu Tao , Li Guang , Chen Zhongbao , Fang Xiaoyu , Liu Zhou , Wu Wei , Liao Zhaomin , Xia Wenfang
Published: August 2023

Background

Nanopore Target Sequencing (NTS) represents a novel iteration of gene sequencing technology; however, its potential utility in the detection of infection in deceased donors has yet to be documented. The present study endeavors to assess the applicability of NTS in this domain.

Methods

This retrospective study comprised a cohort of 71 patients who were under intensive care at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between June 2020 and January 2022. The specimens were subjected to microbiological tests utilizing NTS, culture, and other techniques, and subsequently, the diagnostic accuracy of NTS was compared with conventional methods.

Results

Blood NTS exhibited a better agreement rate of 52.11% and a greater positive rate of pathogen detection than blood culture (50.70% vs. 5.63%, p < 0.001). In NTS of deceased donors, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most frequently found bacteria, and Candida was the most frequently found fungus. Blood NTS had a considerably better sensitivity for detecting clinical bloodstream infection than blood culture (62.50%: 7.14%, p < 0.001). These findings were supported by comparisons between blood NTS and conventional microbial detection methods (such as blood culture, glucan testing, galactomannan testing, T cell spot testing for tuberculosis infection, smear, etc.).

Conclusion

The pathogen detection technology NTS has a high sensitivity and positive rate. It can more accurately and earlier detect infection in deceased donors, which could be very important for raising the donation conversion rate.
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with MET-amplified contained excellent response to crizotinib: a case report
Authors: Gu Yangjun , Xiao Min , Chen Zhitao , Li Qiyong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Several novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to prolong the survival of patients with advanced HCC. However, therapeutic decision-making biomarkers owing to the extensive heterogeneity of HCC. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is generally used in treatment decisions to help patients benefit from genome-directed targeting.

Case presentation

A 56 year-old male with type-B hepatitis for more than 20 years was admitted to our department and underwent laparoscopic left lateral hepatic lobectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, the tumor recurred 1 year later. Despite multiple treatments, the tumor continued to progress and invaded the patient’s 5th thoracic vertebras, leading to hypoesthesia and hypokinesia below the nipple line plane 2 years later. NGS revealed MET amplification, and crizotinib, an inhibitor of MET, was recommended. After administration for a month, tumor marker levels decreased, and the tumor shrunk. The patient has remained in remission since that time.

Conclusions

We report that a patient with high MET amplification benefited from its inhibitor, which was recommended by NGS. This indicates the potential clinical decision support value of NGS and the satisfactory effect of MET inhibitors.
Extracellular vesicles in gastric cancer: role of exosomal lncRNA and microRNA as diagnostic and therapeutic targets
Authors: Jiang Chengyao , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Wentao , Shan Zexing , Sun Fan , Tan Yuen , Tong Yilin , Qiu Yue
Published: August 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, play a crucial role in intercellular communication and have emerged as important mediators in the development and progression of gastric cancer. This review discusses the current understanding of the role of EVs, particularly exosomal lncRNA and microRNA, in gastric cancer and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Exosomes are small membrane-bound particles secreted by both cancer cells and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. They contain various ncRNA and biomolecules, which can be transferred to recipient cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we highlighted the importance of exosomal lncRNA and microRNA in gastric cancer. Exosomal lncRNAs have been shown to regulate gene expression by interacting with transcription factors or chromatin-modifying enzymes, which regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. We also discuss the potential use of exosomal lncRNAs and microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. Exosomes can be isolated from various bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva. They contain specific molecules that reflect the molecular characteristics of the tumor, making them promising candidates for non-invasive diagnostic tests. Finally, the potential of targeting exosomal lncRNAs and microRNAs as a therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer were reviewed as wee. Inhibition of specific molecules within exosomes has been shown to suppress tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models. In conclusion, this review article provides an overview of the current understanding of the role of exosomal lncRNA and microRNA in gastric cancer. We suggest that further research into these molecules could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for this deadly disease.
Post-stroke experiences and health information needs among Chinese elderly ischemic stroke survivors in the internet environment: a qualitative study
Authors: Hu Yufan , Qiu Xichenhui , Ji Cuiling , Wang Fang , He Manlan , He Lei , Chen Lu
Published: August 2023

Background

Elderly stroke survivors are encouraged to receive appropriate health information to prevent recurrences. After discharge, older patients seek health information in everyday contexts, examining aspects that facilitate or impair healthy behavior.

Objectives

To explore the experiences of older stroke patients when searching for health information, focusing on search methods, identification of health information, and difficulties faced during the search process.

Methods

Using the qualitative descriptive methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen participants.

Results

Participants associated the health information they sought with concerns about future life prospects triggered by perceived intrusive changes in their living conditions. Based on the participants’ descriptions, four themes were refined: participants’ motivation to engage in health information acquisition behavior, basic patterns of health information search, source preferences for health information, and difficulties and obstacles in health information search, and two search motivation subthemes, two search pattern subthemes, four search pathway subthemes, and four search difficulty subthemes were further refined.

Conclusion

Older stroke patients face significant challenges in searching for health information online. Healthcare professionals should assess survivors’ health information-seeking skills, develop training programs, provide multichannel online access to health resources, and promote secondary prevention for patients by improving survivors’ health behaviors and self-efficacy.
Gender moderates the association between resting vagally mediated heart rate variability and attentional control
Authors: Zhang Xiaocong , Wang Siyu , Sun Yueyi , Ding Yanwen
Published: August 2023

Background

Women typically exhibit weaker attentional control ability than men. Lower resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is thought to reflect the poorer function of the neurophysiological pathways underlying attentional control and thus, poorer attentional control ability. However, existing findings are inconsistent regarding the relationship between vmHRV and attentional control. Gender may be an important moderator.

Objective

To examine whether gender moderates the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control, and to provide neurophysiological evidence for elucidating gender differences in attentional control ability.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty college students completed the Attentional Control Scale to evaluate their attentional control ability. Resting vmHRV was assessed during a 5 min baseline period using an electrocardiographic amplifier (ECG100C) of the Biopac MP150 physiological recorder.

Results

(1) There was no significant difference in the total scores of the Attentional Control Scale between men and women (t = 0.498, p > 0.05), but the scores of the attentional shifting dimension of women were significantly lower than those of men (t = 1.995, p < 0.05); (2) Resting vmHRV was significantly negatively correlated with attentional control in women(r = −0.233, p < 0.01), whereas the correlation was not significant in men; (3) Gender significantly moderated the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control (B = −3.088, 95% boot CI [−5.431, −0.745], t = −2.598, p < 0.05); (4) Among participants with lower resting vmHRV, there was no significant difference in attentional control between men and women (B = 2.284, 95% boot CI [−0.748, 5.310], p > 0.05), but among participants with higher resting vmHRV, men scored significantly higher than women in attentional control (B = −3.377, 95% boot CI [−6.406, −0.348], p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Gender moderates the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control, with higher resting vmHRV in women reflecting a compensatory response to deficits in attentional control.
Understanding the audience in framing research: empirical evidence from three studies examining HIV framing in China
Authors: Chen Tianen , Dai Minhao , Harrington Nancy Grant
Published: August 2023

Guided by framing theory, this three-phase mixed-methods study explored (a) how Chinese government-sponsored newspapers frame HIV and (b) framing effects on people’s HIV beliefs. A content analysis of two government-sponsored newspapers and a survey of 210 readers showed discrepancies in frame and frame valence. In-depth follow-up interviews with 15 media and public health experts revealed that the discrepancies were related to people’s attitudes toward the media and beliefs about HIV, which could further be explained by the political environment, media ecology, historical framing, and cultural identities in China. We discuss theoretical implications for framing theory and practical implications for HIV media coverage.
Influenza vaccine uptake in Tunisia from two high-risk groups’ perception and attitudes: a qualitative study
Authors: Boukthir Aicha , Bouguerra Hind , Ben Salah Afif , Erber Astrid C. , Chaabene Sana , Moussa Hayet , Guillemette François , Alaya Nissaf Ben , Bettaieb Jihene
Published: August 2023

Background

Pregnant women (PW) and older adult with chronic diseases (ECD) are priority groups for the influenza vaccination. This study was designed to have a better insight into the influenza perceptions and barriers of the vaccine uptake from these groups’ perspectives.

Methods

This qualitative study consisted of 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) enrolled from five governorates across the country (north, center, and south) between March 18 and July 10, 2019, in urban and rural areas. FGDs were conducted in Arabic (Tunisian dialect) and following the topic guide. Data were transcribed in the local language then translated into English and analyzed using Nvivo12 Software. This permitted the analysis thematic approach, using codes determined by the focus groups.

Results

A total of 170 individuals participated in the FGDs (84 ECD and 86 PW). Both groups recognized the weakness of the immune system as key determinant for severity. While PW raised the lack of information about the vaccine, the ECD emphasized accessibility problems. Five main barriers to influenza vaccination were identified: cultural barriers and use of traditional medicine, misleading or lack of information about influenza and the vaccine, advice against its uptake, problems of availability and accessibility of the vaccine as well as mistrust towards the vaccine including adverse effects, vaccine composition and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The study provided refined information from the perspectives of users to orient the policies regarding the promotion of influenza vaccine by decision makers among these two high risk groups.
“Something is wrong!” A qualitative study of racial disparities in parental experiences of OSA detection in their child
Authors: Chung Alicia , Farquharson Leone , Gopalkrishnan Akila , Honaker Sarah Morsbach
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Approximately 3% of American children are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet Black children are 2–4 times more likely to experience OSA compared to White children. Little is known about parental experiences in detection, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA in their child, and how these experiences may differ by race. The study objective was to highlight convergent and divergent experiences between and across Black and White parents in the OSA detection process for their child.

Methods

We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with mothers whose child was referred for a diagnostic overnight polysomnogram (PSG) to assess for OSA. Parents described how their child was referred for a PSG and their perceptions and feelings throughout the detection process. Data were analyzed using a thematic descriptive approach. Frequency of themes were examined by race. Themes that were unique to one racial group were categorized as divergent, whereas themes described by individuals from both groups were categorized as convergent. Within the convergent themes, we examined the prevalence within each racial group, noting those that were more prevalent (>10% difference in prevalence) in one race or the other.

Results

The sample included 19 Black and 8 White mothers, who were 36 years old on average. Qualitative analysis yielded 21 themes across 5 categories that captured divergent and convergent experiences across Black and White mothers during the OSA detection process for their child. Divergent themes that were unique to Black mothers included It Takes a Village—Teacher, Misplaced Blame, Missing the Day/night Connection, Trust in Provider, and the belief that Snoring is Normal. Only one divergent theme among White parents emerged, worries about Dying in Ones Sleep. Additional convergent themes were identified that were more prevalent in one race compared to the other.

Discussion

Black and White mothers experienced different paths to detection and diagnosis for their child's sleep disordered breathing, that are affected by individual awareness, education, patient-provider interactions, and experiences with the healthcare system. Divergent themes such as Misplaced Blame among Black mothers were a potential indication of racism and health disparities.
Improving the nutritional and livelihood security of landless laborer through the Backyard Farming System
Authors: Sahoo Lopamudra , Kandpal Basant Kumar , Das Anup , Debnath Chandan , Singh Vinay , Devi Hiangmayum Lembisana , Bharati Huirem , Parhi Janmejay , Singha Abhijit , Datta Joydeep , Das Biswajit , Mishra Vinay Kumar
Published: August 2023

Introduction

India is home to around 140 million landless laborers who live below the poverty line and are the most vulnerable group in terms of food and nutritional security. The three critical problems faced by the poor laborer families are poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. To address these problems, a backyard farming system was conceptualized and evaluated with an aim to ensure the nutritional security of landless laborers. The main objective of this work was to utilize the homestead area of 100-150 m2 for ensuring year-round food availability.

Methods

Integration of vegetables, pulses, fruits, spices, fishes, and ducks was done in the available area. Technological interventions with the integration of ducks (Khaki campbell), fish (carps and Self-recruiting species), pulses, and leafy vegetables can help in improving nutrient consumption.

Result and discussion

A total of 1400 kg of vegetables (including root vegetables and leafy vegetables) can be produced annually from an area of 150 m2 that can fulfil 30-70% of the vitamins (RDA of 70 % of B1 and 30% of B3) and mineral requirements (RDA of 45% of Iron and 30% of Ca) of the average family, as well as providing an annual saving of INR 25,000/annum and an extra income of INR 10,000/annum that can be earned from selling the extra produce. Herbs (Coriander, Mint, and Fenugreek) and spices (Ginger, Turmeric, and Chilli) with antioxidants ranging from 2-13 millimol/100 gm can help in developing a good immune status. Integration with ducks, pond dyke utilization with cucurbits, spices and herbs, and the introduction of self-recruiting species in a composite fish culture system can further enhance the income by INR 14,000/annum after family consumption. Year-round cultivation made the optimum use of the available resources. A net return of INR 30,000 from 300 m2 could be obtained with a B:C ratio of 2.98 as well as generating an employment of 136 mandays. The food produced from the system can contribute to the nutritive requirements throughout the year and lead to a greater diversity in the food consumption pattern of the family.
Enhancement of rural agriculture in Japan through industry-academia collaboration: a case of cloud ear mushroom production in Tottori Prefecture
Authors: Okuda Yasuhito
Published: August 2023

Rural agriculture is a crucial component of social infrastructure owing to its functionalities including domestic food production, securing income sources, and cultural transmission, which are all essential for local communities. Densifying urban settlements including in Japan has resulted in population outflow from rural areas, undermining rural agriculture. Therefore, to prevent population decline in rural areas, it is effective to create innovative and attractive businesses through industry-academia collaboration. Although mushroom production can be a promising option as a model of sustainable, circular agriculture with low environmental impact, there are very few examples of collaboration. In Tottori Prefecture, Japan, among the major domestically cultivated mushrooms, attempts were made to produce cloud ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha), which was heavily dependent on imports, through industry-academia collaboration. Along with the development of new cultivars suitable for the climate, research was conducted on optimal cultivation conditions, pest control, and post-harvest treatment. As a result, the Tottori Prefecture has achieved the highest production volume of cloud ear mushroom in Japan. This project not only supplies food but also contributes to securing an income source and social welfare because everyone can participate regardless of age or disability. In addition, because no special land or facilities are required for mushroom production, this project can be initiated at a low cost. The characteristics of this project, developed through cooperation between mushroom producers and academic institute, indicate that it is a useful model that contributes to community revitalization as well as mushroom production.