bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology of 137 Fast Radio Bursts Down to Microsecond Timescales from the First CHIME/FRB Baseband Catalog
Authors: Sand Ketan R. , Curtin Alice P. , Michilli Daniele , Kaspi Victoria M. , Fonseca Emmanuel , Nimmo Kenzie , Pleunis Ziggy , Shin Kaitlyn , Bhardwaj Mohit , Brar Charanjot , Dobbs Matt , Eadie Gwendolyn M. , Gaensler B.M. , Joseph Ronniy C. , Leung Calvin , Main Robert , Masui Kiyoshi W. , Mckinven Ryan , Pandhi Ayush , Pearlman Aaron B. , Rafiei-Ravandi Masoud , Sammons Mawson W. , Smith Kendrick , Stairs Ingrid H.
Published: January 2025

We present a spectro-temporal analysis of 137 fast radio bursts (FRBs) from the first CHIME/FRB baseband catalog, including 125 one-off bursts and 12 repeat bursts, down to microsecond resolution using the least-squares optimization fitting routine fitburst. We measure subburst components within burst envelopes as narrow as ~23 μs (FWHM), with 20% of the sample displaying substructures narrower than 100 μs, offering constraints on emission mechanisms. Scattering timescales in the sample range from 30 μs to 13 ms at 600 MHz. Our measured values are compared with those in the first CHIME/FRB intensity catalog, revealing that nearly one-third of our sample exhibits additional burst components at higher time resolutions. We observe no correlations between scattering time and dispersion measure, rotation measure, or linear polarization fraction, with the latter suggesting that depolarization due to multipath propagation is negligible in our sample. Bursts with narrower envelopes (≤1 ms) in our sample exhibit higher flux densities, indicating the potential presence of submillisecond FRBs that are being missed by our real-time system below a brightness threshold. Most multicomponent bursts in our sample exhibit subburst separations of ≤1 ms, with no bursts showing separations < 41 μs, even at a time resolution of 2.56 μs, but both scattering and low signal-to-noise ratio can hinder the detection of additional components. Lastly, given the morphological diversity of our sample, we suggest that one-off and repeating FRBs can come from different classes but have overlapping property distributions.
Fuzzy Galaxies or Cirrus? Decomposition of Galactic Cirrus in Deep Wide-field Images
Authors: Liu 刘 Qing 青 , Abraham Roberto , Martin Peter G. , Bowman William P. , Dokkum Pieter van , Danieli Shany , Patel Ekta , Janssens Steven R. , Shen Zili , Chen Seery , Karunakaran Ananthan , Keim Michael A. , Lokhorst Deborah , Pasha Imad , Welch Douglas L.
Published: January 2025

Diffuse Galactic cirrus, or diffuse Galactic light (DGL), can be a prominent component in the background of deep wide-field imaging surveys. The DGL provides unique insights into the physical and radiative properties of dust grains in our Milky Way, and it also serves as a contaminant on deep images, obscuring the detection of background sources such as low surface brightness galaxies. However, it is challenging to disentangle the DGL from other components of the night sky. In this paper, we present a technique for the photometric characterization of Galactic cirrus based on (1) extraction of its filamentary or patchy morphology and (2) incorporation of color constraints obtained from Planck thermal dust models. Our decomposition method is illustrated using a ~10 deg2 imaging data set obtained by the Dragonfly Telephoto Array, and its performance is explored using various metrics that characterize the flatness of the sky background. As a concrete application of the technique, we show how removal of cirrus allows low surface brightness galaxies to be identified on cirrus-rich images. We also show how modeling the cirrus in this way allows optical DGL intensities to be determined with high radiometric precision.
Chemical Abundances in the Nuclear Star Cluster of the Milky Way: Alpha-element Trends and Their Similarities with the Inner Bulge
Authors: Ryde Nils , Nandakumar Govind , Schultheis Mathias , Kordopatis Georges , di Matteo Paola , Haywood Misha , Schödel Rainer , Nogueras-Lara Francisco , Rich R. Michael , Thorsbro Brian , Mace Gregory N. , Agertz Oscar , Amarsi Anish M. , Kocher Jessica , Molero Marta , Orglia Livia , Pagnini Giulia , Spitoni Emanuele
Published: January 2025

Chemical characterization of the Galactic center is essential for understanding its formation and structural evolution. Trends of alpha (α) elements, such as magnesium, silicon, and calcium, serve as powerful diagnostic tools, offering insights into star formation rates and gas-infall history. However, high extinction has previously hindered such studies. In this study, we present a detailed chemical abundance analysis of M giants in the Milky Way's nuclear star cluster (NSC), focusing on α-element trends with metallicity. High-resolution, near-infrared spectra were obtained using the Immersion GRating INfrared Spectrograph on the Gemini South telescope for nine M giants. Careful selection of spectral lines, based on a solar-neighborhood control sample of 50 M giants, was implemented to minimize systematic uncertainties. Our findings show enhanced α-element abundances in the predominantly metal-rich NSC stars, consistent with trends in the inner bulge. The NSC stars follow the high-[α/Fe] envelope seen in the solar vicinity's metal-rich population, indicating a high star formation rate. The α-element trends decrease with increasing metallicity, also at the highest metallicities. Our results suggest the NSC population likely shares a similar evolutionary history with the inner bulge, challenging the idea of a recent dominant star formation burst. This connection between the NSC and the inner-disk sequence suggests that the chemical properties of extragalactic NSCs of Milky Way–type galaxies could serve as a proxy for understanding the host galaxies’ evolutionary processes.
Impact of Jupiter’s Heating and Self-shadowing on the Jovian Circumplanetary Disk Structure
Authors: Schneeberger Antoine , Mousis Olivier
Published: January 2025

Deciphering the structure of the circumplanetary disk (CPD) that surrounded Jupiter at the end of its formation is key to understanding how the Galilean moons formed. Three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations have shown that this disk was optically thick and significantly heated to very high temperatures owing to the intense radiation emitted by the hot, young planet. Analyzing the impact of Jupiter’s radiative heating and shadowing on the structure of the CPD can provide valuable insights into the conditions that shaped the formation of the Galilean moons. To assess the impact of Jupiter’s radiative heating and shadowing, we have developed a two-dimensional quasi-stationary CPD model and used a gray atmosphere radiative transfer method to determine the thermal structure of the disk. We find that the CPD self-shadowing has a significant effect, with a temperature drop of approximately 100 K in the shadowed zone compared to the surrounding areas. This shadowed zone, located around 10 Jupiter radii, can act as a cold trap for volatile species such as NH3, CO2, and H2S. The existence of these shadows in Jupiter’s CPD may have influenced the composition of the building blocks of the Galilean moons, potentially shaping their formation and characteristics. Our study suggests that the thermal structure of Jupiter’s CPD, particularly the presence of cold traps due to self-shadowing, may have played a crucial role in the formation and composition of the Galilean moons.
Saisir l’ordre constitutionnel par les instruments : la politique de démocratie de la CEDEAO
Authors: Saidou Abdoul Karim
Published: January 2025

Cet article propose une analyse de la crise de l’ordre constitutionnel instauré par la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO). La démarche théorique et conceptuelle est inspirée de la sociologie de l’action publique et aborde l’ordre constitutionnel par le prisme des instruments d’action publique. En mettant la focale sur le choix des instruments et leurs effets, l’article montre d’une part, un ordre constitutionnel politisé et de l’autre, un ordre constitutionnel reconfiguré.
Considérations brèves sur les figures de l’ordre constitutionnel en Afrique
Authors: Sindjoun Luc
Published: January 2025

L’ordre constitutionnel, comme catégorie d’analyse des régimes politiques africains, permet de penser ceux-ci comme à la fois comme organisation et commandement, comme agencement des rôles, prescription des comportements, et hiérarchisation de la société dans une perspective dynamique mettant en exergue une diversité de figures, tantôt distinctes, tantôt complémentaires. L’ordre constitutionnel en question est lié à l’histoire et à la culture, à l’importation et à la « vernacularisation », à la norme écrite et à la norme non-écrite ; il varie en fonctions des circonstances de temps, de lieu et d’action. Il est travaillé par des dynamiques de stabilité et de changement.
The construction conditions of a Hilbert-type local fractional integral operator and the norm of the operator
Authors: Peng Ling , Liu Qiong
Published: January 2025

The parameterized local fractional singular integral operator $ \mathit{ T}^{(\tau)} $ is defined on the space $ L_p^{\tau\mu}(\mathbb{R}_+^\tau) $ as $ \mathit{T}^{(\tau)}: L_p^{\tau \mu}(\mathbb{R}_+^\tau)\rightarrow L_p^{\tau\nu(1-p)}(\mathbb{R}_+^\tau) $, $ \mathit{T} ^{(\tau)}(f_\tau)(y) = \, _0\mathscr{Y}_{+\infty}^{(\tau)}\Big[\frac{ |x-y|^{\tau\alpha}}{(x+y)^{\tau\beta}}f_\tau(x)\Big], y\in\mathbb{R}_+ $. By employing the weight function method and analysis techniques on the fractal real line number set $ \mathbb{R}_+^\tau $, a general Hilbert-type local fractional integral inequality has been established, thereby demonstrating the boundedness of the defined integral operator. Through optimization of parameters, it was determined that the necessary and sufficient condition for the constant factor in this general Hilbert-type local fractional inequality to be the best possible is that the power parameters $ \sigma $ and $ \sigma_1 $ satisfy $ \sigma+\sigma_1 = \beta-\alpha $. Consequently, the formula for calculating the operator norm has been derived.
Nonclassical dynamical behavior of solutions of partial differential-difference equations
Authors: Muravnik Andrey
Published: January 2025

For partial differential-difference equations, a review of results regarding the relation between the type of the equation and dynamical properties of its solutions is provided. This includes the case of elliptic equations with timelike independent variables: Their solutions acquire dynamical properties (more exactly, behave as solutions of parabolic equations). The following approach to classify differential-difference equations into types, based on the property of differential-difference operators to be Fourier multipliers is applied in the following manner: An operator is treated to be elliptic if the real part of its symbol is positive, while the parabolic and hyperbolic types are defined correspondingly. It is shown that the proposed approach (being a natural extension of the classical notion of the ellipticity) is reasonable. On the other hand, fundamental novelties (compared with the classical theory of partial differential equations) occur as well. We provide conditions which guarantee the following results. For the half-space (half-plane) Dirichlet problem for elliptic equations, integral representations (of the Poisson type) of solutions are constructed, which are infinitely differentiable outside the boundary hyperplane (plane), and the asymptotic closeness of solutions (as the timelike independent variable unboundedly increases) takes place. For the Cauchy problem for parabolic equations, the same is valid, but we deal with the classical time instead of the timelike independent variable. For hyperbolic equations, multiparameter families of infinitely smooth global solutions are constructed. The said (sufficient) conditions restrict the sign of the real part of the symbol for the differential-difference operator with respect to spatial or spacelike independent variables. In a number of special cases, they might be weakened such that symbols with sign-changing real parts are admitted. The objective of the study is to observe the current stage of the classification issues for partial differential-difference equations in terms of the aforementioned approach: The ellipticity of a Fourier multiplier is defined by means of the sign (of there real part) of its symbol. Since both differential and translation operators are Fourier multipliers, methods of Fourier analysis are applicable in this study: We apply the Fourier transformation to the original partial differential-difference equation, solve the obtained ordinary differential equation, and apply the inverse Fourier transformation to the obtained solution. The main contribution obtained within this study is an efficient (workable) type concept for the fundamentally new extension of the class of partial differential equations, which is the class of partial differential-difference equations.
Soliton solutions and stability analysis of the stochastic nonlinear reaction-diffusion equation with multiplicative white noise in soliton dynamics and optical physics
Authors: Trouba Nafissa T. , Xu Huiying , Alngar Mohamed E. M. , Shohib Reham M. A. , Mahmoud Haitham A. , Zhu Xinzhong
Published: January 2025

In this article, we explored the stochastic nonlinear reaction-diffusion (RD) equation under the influence of multiplicative white noise. To obtain novel soliton solutions, we employed two powerful analytical techniques: the unified Riccati equation expansion method and the modified Kudryashov method. These methods yield a diverse set of soliton solutions, including combo-dark solitons, dark solitons, singular solitons, combo-bright-singular solitons, and periodic wave solutions. We also performed a comprehensive stability analysis of the stochastic nonlinear RD equation with multiplicative white noise. The findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of solitons in stochastic nonlinear systems, with significant implications for fields such as mathematical physics, nonlinear science, and applied mathematics. These results hold particular relevance for soliton dynamics in optical physics, where they can be applied to improve understanding of wave propagation in noisy environments, signal transmission, and the design of robust optical communication systems.
MicroRNA-mediated regulation of BCL-2 in breast cancer
Authors: Mayuri Kannan , Vickram Sundaram , Anand Thirunavukarasou , Saravanan Konda Mani
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer, a prominent form of cancer in women, arises from the inner lining of mammary glands, ducts, and lobules. With an approximate prevalence rate of 1 in 8 women, the standard treatment methods for this condition include the surgical excision of afflicted tissues, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. The BCL-2 gene, also known as the B cell lymphoma gene, prevents apoptosis in eukaryotic cells. It is commonly found to be excessively active in many types of malignancies, such as leukemia, carcinomas, and breast cancer. The excessive expression of this gene has a role in the advancement of cancer by inhibiting apoptosis. Recent research emphasizes the function of microRNAs (miRs) in regulating the expression of BCL-2. These miRs can either decrease or increase the activity of specific genes involved in programmed cell death, thus making them potential targets for therapeutic interventions. This review explicitly examines the regulatory impacts of several miRs on BCL-2, thereby investigating their ability to trigger apoptosis and function as targeted treatments for breast cancer. By comprehending the complex interplay between miRs and BCL-2, it is possible to devise novel therapeutic approaches that can augment the efficacy of breast cancer treatments, thus eventually enhancing patient outcomes.
«¿Cómo hago esto?». Entrevista cruzada sobre el sector Cultura del Estado peruano
Authors: Espinoza Martín Oscar , Meza Ponze Mariela , Jallade Sébastien
Published: January 2025

Las representaciones y prácticas de los funcionarios comprometidos diariamente en la elaboración de políticas públicas patrimoniales en Perú son el tema central de esta entrevista cruzada con Mariela Meza Ponze y Oscar Espinoza Martín. Ambos trabajaron en el Proyecto Qhapaq Ñan en dicho país y ocuparon diversos cargos en el Ministerio de Cultura, especialmente en proyectos relacionados con el patrimonio. A través de un ejercicio autoetnográfico y el análisis cruzado de las dinámicas de actores y espacios de diálogo en los que participaron, los especialistas nos ofrecen una mirada crítica sobre las modalidades de funcionamiento del sector Cultura del Estado peruano, revelando cómo las lógicas institucionales a menudo se imponen a los funcionarios en su acción.
Qhapaq Ñan: dilemas e ilusiones de una política del patrimonio
Authors: Jallade Sébastien
Published: January 2025

Este artículo cuestiona el Proyecto Qhapaq Ñan en Perú como mecanismo de desarrollo, de acceso a los derechos y de diálogo con las comunidades andinas, aunque este es presentado como una experiencia exitosa de interculturalidad por el sector Cultura del Estado. A través de tres ejemplos (la «Semana Qhapaq Ñan», el surgimiento de la idea de participación comunitaria y el caso emblemático del tinkuy de Aypate) se destacan las carencias conceptuales y metodológicas persistentes de este proyecto. Estas no solo conducen a una forma de instrumentalización de los públicos objetivos y sus necesidades, sino que también nos llevan a señalar que, tal y como se promueven hoy en día, en sus representaciones y prácticas, el patrimonio evidencia la negación moderna de la diferencia indígena, en lugar de lo contrario.
AI-Driven Wildfire Prediction and Response in Portugal
Authors: Gomes Pedro Pinheiro , Cardoso Tiago
Published: January 2025

Wildfires increasingly threaten Portugal's ecosystem and population, with climate change intensifying fire seasons. AI has emerged as a powerful tool for predicting and responding to wildfires, offering improved accuracy and speed over traditional methods. This paper examines AI's role in wildfire management in Portugal, focusing on machine learning, image recognition, real-time data analytics, and IoT integration. It addresses AI's potential to enhance emergency responses, reduce environmental damage, and optimize firefighting resources. Case studies, including the Bee2FireDetection system and IoT sensor networks, highlight AI's impact, concluding with strategic recommendations for future AI-driven wildfire mitigation in Portugal.
Evaluation of the Application Effect of Streaming Media Technology in College English Teaching
Authors: Dong Wei , Lou Chunyi , Lu Liang , Ding Yan
Published: January 2025

With the development of science and technology and the popularity of the Internet, streaming media technology has gradually become an important tool in college English teaching. Streaming media technology is a technology to transmit audio, video and other multimedia content through the network. With the rapid development of Internet, streaming media technology has been widely used in the field of education. The goal of college English teaching is to cultivate students' English communication ability and cross-cultural communication ability, and streaming media technology can provide diverse and interactive learning resources and learning environment for English teaching. Therefore, this paper aims to study the application and combination of streaming media technology in college English teaching, so as to carry out college English teaching research based on streaming media technology.
The Analysis of Emotion-Aware Personalized Recommendations via Multimodal Data Fusion in the Field of Art
Authors: Xiu Taiyu , Sun Yin , Zhang Xuan , Gao Yunting , Wu Jieting , Zhang Abby Yurong , Li Hongming
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes an emotion-aware personalized recommendation system (EPR-IoT) based on IoT data and multimodal emotion fusion, aiming to address the limitations of traditional recommendation systems in capturing users' emotional states of artistic product consumption in real time. With the proliferation of smart devices, physiological signals such as heart rate and skin conductance—which are strongly correlated with emotional states—provide new opportunities for emotion recognition. For example, an increase in heart rate is typically associated with emotions like anxiety, anger, or fear, while a decrease is linked to emotional states like relaxation or joy. Similarly, skin conductance rises with emotional arousal, particularly during stress or fear. These physiological signals, combined with text, speech, and video data of art products, are fused to construct an art emotion-driven recommendation model capable of dynamically adjusting the recommended content.
Fish associated with microhabitats of submerged fallen logs in a lake in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Olentino Daniel , Lubich Chiara , Yamamoto Kedma
Published: January 2025

Microhabitats represent an important factor for fish survival, providing food and shelter, in addition to good temperature conditions and dissolved oxygen levels. One of these temporary microhabitats formed is that of submerged logs, which, due to the flooding of adjacent areas, become available for fish. In this sense, the present study evaluates the composition and structure of fish assemblages associated with submerged logs on the banks of an Amazonian lake and identified the diversity of species according to the hydrological period. Field work was carried out on the banks of Tupé lake, in the lower Negro River, using scoop nets. The sampling was carried out in an area which measured 16 m² (4 m x 4 m) and, within this area, the effort was standardized with the presence of three researchers fishing for approximately one hour in each of the sampling sites. The capture of the fish was carried out with the aid of hand nets (“puçá” and “rapiché”) and sieve. Absolute abundance (N), richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), Berger Parker dominance (d) and equitability (E) were analyzed. Analysis of variance (p <0.05) was used to verify the temporal variation. A total of 631 specimens were captured, which were distributed in eight families and 25 species, with the orders of Characiformes (67.8%) and Cyprinodontiformes (22.8%) predominating. In the high water period, the highest values of numerical abundance and dominance were observed, while in the low water period, the highest values of species diversity, richness and equitability were found. Therefore, the results presented here can serve as a basis for fisheries management, as well as for conservation measures in these environments that help to maintain fish assemblages.
Cross–Temporal Coherent Forecasts for Gross Domestic Product
Authors: Rathanayke G I
Published: January 2025

Timely and accurate forecasts aligning different views of economic agents are of utmost importance in macroeconomic forecasting to facilitate effective policy decisions. Thus, this study investigates the ability of a reconciliation approach to align different viewpoints regarding forecasts and thereby increasing the forecast performance specifically related to GDP forecasting. The proposed methodology is based on forecasting hierarchical time series which is a collection of time series that follow an inherent aggregation structure. The aggregation constraints can be cross-sectional or temporal dimension. Thus, this method attempts to reconcile forecasts so that they follow aggregation constraints in both dimensions. This property is referred to as cross-temporal coherency. As the initial step forecasts are obtained for each of the series in the cross-temporal hierarchy. These are referred to as base forecasts and are often incoherent. These forecasts are then revised so that they become crosstemporally coherent. This is referred to as cross-temporal forecast reconciliation. Empirical applications based on disaggregated economic activities of the production approach for Sri Lankan GDP reveal that this approach brings improvement in forecast accuracy by blending different viewpoints in a data driven way. These cross-temporal coherent forecasts align decisions within an organisation transparently towards one number by aligning short term forecasts with long term forecasts and aligning views at different levels within the GDP hierarchy. As the proposed method is independent of forecasting models different short term forecasting models and long term forecasting models can be used to reflect different viewpoints.
Construction of Residential Property Price Indices Using the Hedonic Approach: An Application to the Residential Real Estate Market in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunawardhana S R C L
Published: January 2025

Monitoring real estate property prices is crucial for policy makers all over the world, particularly for central banks due to their interconnections with the monetary and financial system stability of an economy. As a result, compiling property price indices has increasingly gained attention from policymakers. However, compiling property price indices is believed to be difficult due to the highly heterogeneous nature of properties, requiring reliable data sources and a methodological approach that is different to those used in compiling other price indices. Against this backdrop, this paper attempts to compile price indices for residential properties in Sri Lanka with a view to supporting policymakers to monitor the price movements in the real estate sector. Considering the relatively less heterogenous nature of condominiums and stages of the buying and selling process, price indices are first developed for advertised condominiums and new condominiums using the Hedonic Regression based Rolling Window Time Dummy method, which is identified as the most suited property price index compilation method in the Sri Lankan context. Further, internationally accepted model specification improvement techniques and index smoothing techniques are also used in the study. Upon successful compilation of price indices for condominiums, the compilation process has been extended to cover the house and land markets of Sri Lanka.
Un sistema di monitoraggio della qualità nella gestione delle lesioni da pressione al domicilio. Studio osservazionale prospettico di coorte all’interno di un Ente Gestore di Cure Domiciliari
Authors: Borsani Valeria , Salomone Alberto , Landolfi Alessandro , Romito Giuseppe , Romoli Luciano , Pellegatta Fabio , Sironi Orsola
Published: January 2025

Le Cure Domiciliari (C-Dom) sono uno strumento indispensabile per evitare il ricovero e l’istituzionalizzazione dei pazienti assistiti. Questo fine può essere raggiunto monitorando la qualità di cura erogata, che dipende in gran parte anche dalla gestione domiciliare delle lesioni cutanee. L’obiettivo principale dello studio è quello di costruire un sistema di monitoraggio della qualità di gestione domiciliare delle lesioni da pressione (LdP) da parte di un Ente Gestore (EG) di C-Dom. Lo studio è monocentrico osservazionale prospettico di coorte e include pazienti con diagnosi di LdP presi in carico nella città di Milano dal 01/09/2021 al 15/04/2022 nel servizio C-Dom di un EG, con follow-up di 6 mesi. Sono stati raccolti dati sulla situazione clinica e sociale del paziente, sullo stato della LdP considerata e sulla sua gestione. Sono stati calcolati due outcome primari e cinque secondari. I pazienti arruolati sono stati 50, età media 85.54 anni, nel 60% dei casi totalmente dipendenti (Barthel). Il 94% è assistito da almeno un caregiver, con adeguate capacità nel 50% dei casi. La stadiazione delle lesioni è maggiormente distribuita tra GRADO II (50%), III (28%) e IV (8%) (EPUAP), mentre la sede anatomica è per lo più al sacro (48%), gluteo (22%) e tallone (12%). La frequenza di rinnovo medicazione è stata principalmente di 3 (44%) o 2 (12%) volte alla settimana, mentre nel 26% dei casi è stata quotidiana, con coinvolgimento attivo del caregiver ove possibile. Sono state utilizzate medicazioni semplici nel 62% dei casi. Outcome primari: lesioni guarite 44%; tempo medio di guarigione 62.09 giorni. Outcome secondari: lesioni di difficile guarigione 16%; lesioni che hanno sviluppato complicanze 10%; lesioni in peggioramento alla fine del follow-up 0%; richieste di presidi antidecubito da parte dell’infermiere 44%; rendicontazione di una attività di educazione sanitaria al paziente/careviger da parte dell’infermiere 54%. Lo strumento costruito ha permesso, tramite outcome oggettivi e periodicamente calcolabili, di identificare eventuali problematiche, in ottica di un processo di miglioramento continuo della qualità di cura. La mancanza di dati di riferimento in letteratura suggerisce lo sviluppo di collaborazioni future tra enti per realizzare studi sulla cura delle lesioni cutanee al domicilio.
Experiential value and continuance use of retailers’ mobile apps: Emerging market perspective
Authors: Chabata Tatenda T. , Nel Jacques , Maziriri Eugine T.
Published: January 2025

Background: The long-term profitability, marketability and viability of a retailer’s mobile applications (apps) depends more on its continuance use than initial adoption by customers. However, mobile shoppers do not continue to use mobile shopping apps, though investigators recognise that the experiential needs of mobile app users are essential in mobile app use. Hence, research investigating the role of experiential value (EV) in post-adoption, continuance use behaviour is lacking.Aim: This study investigates the dimensions of EV as mediators of the confirmation-satisfaction relationship in the expectation-confirmation model.Setting: Online-administered surveys were conducted among mobile shopping app users in South Africa.Method: Online self-administered questionnaires were distributed by a commercial marketing research firm among a sample of 410 retail m-shopping app users. Smart-PLS version 4.0 was used to test the proposed hypotheses.Results: The indirect effects via customer return on investment and service excellence were statistically significant. However, playfulness and aesthetic dimensions of EV did not mediate the confirmation-satisfaction relationship. Moreover, the direct effects of EV dimensions on satisfaction were not conditional effects based on the age and gender of the respondent.Conclusion: In the post-adoption use of mobile grocery shopping apps, the utilitarian aspects of EV explain the confirmation-satisfaction relationship.Contribution: The study’s theoretical significance is that it presents much-needed insights into the role of EV in the post-adoption stage of mobile app shopping. The study’s results practically lead to managerial recommendations to enhance the post-adoption use of mobile shopping apps.
Corrigendum: The influence of artificial intelligence on the manufacturing industry in South Africa
Authors: Nzama Manqoba L. , Epizitone Ayogeboh , Moyane Smangele P. , Nkomo Ntando , Mthalane Peggy P.
Published: January 2025

No abstract available.
Comparative Evaluation of Regain of Consciousness in Dexmedetomidine–Propofol versus Ketamine–Propofol in the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Procedure under Sedation using BIS Monitoring: A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Banga Priya , Negi Sunder L. , Mandal Banashree , Barwad Parag , Saini Kulbhushan , Gourav Krishna P.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are not rare and often require an intervention at some point of time. Pediatric cardiac catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure, is performed to diagnose and to correct many cardiac abnormalities. Deep sedation with spontaneously breathing patients is the preferred technique for pediatric catheterization in the pediatric population. Therefore, the author aimed to find the best combination of drugs for pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures using dexmedetomidine–propofol (DP) and ketamine–propofol (KP).

Materials and Methods:

Cyanotic and acyanotic CHD children, weighing 5–20 kg and undergoing sedation for cardiac catheterization, were randomly assigned into two groups. DP group children received a bolus intravenous (IV) propofol at 1 mg/kg body weight followed by 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 minutes. KP group children received a bolus IV propofol 1 mg/kg followed by ketamine 1 mg/kg over 10 minutes. For maintenance in the DP group, propofol infusion at 1.5 to 2 mg/kg/h and dexmedetomidine at 0.5 mcg/kg/h was started. In the KP group, propofol infusion at 1.5 to 2 mg/kg/h and ketamine at 1 mg/kg/h was started as maintenance. The bispectral index (BIS) was monitored throughout the procedure, and the BIS value was maintained between 60 and 80. Propofol top of 1 mg/kg was administered when the BIS value became more than 80 or when the child moved during the femoral vessel puncture or when the child moved during the procedure.

Results:

The mean time for regain of consciousness was faster (P < 0.005) in the KP group (11.02 ± 11.98) compared to the DP group (21.62 ± 18.68). BIS was monitored throughout the procedure; BIS values were lower (P < 0.001) in the DP group (60.0 ± 11.1) as compared to the KP group (73.7 ± 5.6). The cumulative doses of propofol in the KP group and DP group were comparable. Total fentanyl consumptions in the intraoperative period in the KP group and DP group were comparable (P > 0.001). There was no difference in drug side effects between the groups.

Conclusion:

The KP combination had fast and early recovery compared to the DP combination in children who underwent the cardiac catheterization procedure under sedation in children undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures requiring sedation.
A Case of Life-Threatening Contralateral Tension Pneumothorax during Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in a Patient with Retrosternal Goiter
Authors: Prasad Nimitha , Gaiwal Sucheta S.
Published: January 2025

We report a case of a 74-year-old female with a retrosternal goiter undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for a left lung lower lobectomy, necessitating one-lung ventilation (OLV). We encountered a highly unusual complication: contralateral tension pneumothorax. Forty-five minutes into the surgical procedure, a sudden cardiovascular collapse occurred. After confirming the correct positioning of the double-lumen tube and excluding mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS), tension pneumothorax was suspected. Immediate needle decompression followed by right chest tube thoracostomy resulted in a successful patient outcome. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for contralateral tension pneumothorax in patients with sudden cardiovascular collapse during OLV.
Kidney Involvement in Erythrocyte Membrane Protein Band 4.1-like 1-associated Autosomal Dominant Intellectual Developmental Disorder Type 11
Authors: Gurevich Evgenia , Asle Alaa , Farfel Alon , Cherniavsky Evgenia , Birk Ohad , Landau Daniel
Published: January 2025

Autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder (ADIDD) is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Genetic variants in erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 1 (EPB41L1) cause ADIDD type 11, which has not been reported to have a kidney phenotype. We describe a 3.6-year-old boy, born to nonconsanguineous healthy parents, who presented with failure to thrive, microcephaly, and moderate global developmental delay, but normal brain MRI. Bilateral normal-sized hyperechogenic kidneys were found, in association with normal blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and urinary concentrating capacity, but mild electrolyte abnormalities (hypocalciuric hypomagnesemia, mild metabolic alkalosis, and nonalbumin proteinuria). Whole-exome trio analysis revealed a de novo heterozygous missense pathogenic variant in a conserved locus of EPB41L1 (c.1857G>C; p.Glu619Asp; NM_012156.2). This is the first description of kidney involvement in a patient with EPB41L1 pathogenic variant. Echogenic kidneys, hypomagnesemia with hypocalciuria, and nonalbumin proteinuria suggest tubulointerstitial involvement. Demonstrating that kidney involvement is secondary to the EPB41L1 variant would broaden the spectrum of cerebrorenal syndromes.
Developing and validating a questionnaire for knowledge and attitude assessment of medical interns toward transfusion medicine
Authors: Nair Revathy , Gnanaraj John , Toora Esha , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

The knowledge and attitude level of medical professionals is different at different phases of their careers. Since one size does not fit all and there were no questionnaires available specifically designed for the medical interns, we undertook this exercise to design one for them duly considering their curriculum, exposure, and the nature of work they are expected to do with regard to blood transfusion.

METHODOLOGY:

The questionnaire was designed, and the questions were framed considering the type of information that was required, themes and items for inclusion, appropriate wording for comprehension, layout, and presentation of questions by the nominal group technique of subject experts. Piloting of the questionnaire was done to check for feasibility, validation, and reliability.

RESULTS:

The questionnaire on pilot testing displayed acceptable feasibility with a difficulty rating of 63%. The precision of the questionnaire was indicated by reliability, with test–retest responses showing near-perfect agreement for all the questions with a kappa value between 0.8 and 0.99 (P = 0.008). The value of Cronbach’s alpha for the cumulative score of the test–retest of the pilot population (n = 11) was also good (α = 0.806).

CONCLUSION:

The questionnaire prepared for assessing the knowledge and attitudes of the interns was reliable and was validated with acceptable contents and repeatability. The procedure may be adopted easily by others who intend to prepare their questionnaire.
A whistleblower direct antiglobulin test in chronic kidney disease: An interesting case of occult autoimmune hemolytic anemia in an undiagnosed lymphoma with pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Setia Rasika Dhawan , Dogra Mitu , Jain Kunal
Published: January 2025

A 67-year-old male, presented with urosepsis, severe anemia, advancing azotemia requiring blood transfusion. Patient grouped as O RhD positive. Antibody screening was pan-positive (4+). Similar strong pan-positivity seen on antibody identification with extended cell panel. DAT was 4+ positive for IgG and negative for complement C3. Repeated identification with eluate also showed pan-positive (4+) reaction. Serum haptoglobin markedly reduced. Bone marrow aspirate suggested pure red cell aplasia with suspicion of parvovirus-related changes. Bone marrow biopsy suggested T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Immunophenotyping elucidated a suspicious clone of CD7-negative T-cells with CD4 restriction. Histopathological examination revealed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) with bystander Epstein–Barr virus-driven large B-cells. Owing to rarity and nonspecific symptoms, diagnosis of AITL is often challenging. Antibody screen acted as a whistleblower for an undiagnosed aggressive lymphoma. Thus, it will be prudent to look beyond the obvious in complex cases, and a detailed workup will help put together all parts of the jigsaw puzzle.
Predicting interactome networks of up/down regulated proteins and drug-gene interaction analysis associated with peri-implantitis
Authors: Asadzadeh Azizeh , Moattar Fatemeh Shams , Moshfegh Azam
Published: January 2025

Background:

Peri-implantitis is implant-associated inflammation that leads to irreversible loss of surrounding bone. Early diagnosis increases the success of peri-implantitis treatment. Despite various studies associated with this most common complication, early detection of the onset of peri-implantitis remains a major challenge. Molecular biomarkers are applicable detectors for the early detection of numerous diseases and monitoring their development. The present study aimed to predict interactome networks of up/down regulated proteins and analyze drug-gene interaction in peri-implantitis to identify the diagnostic and druggable genes.

Materials and Methods:

In this in silico study, a suitable gene expression profile related to peri-implantitis was retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus. Screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was carried out based on the cut-off criteria |log2 (fold change)|>2 and P < 0.05. Interactome networks were constructed and analyzed by the STRING database (Version: 12.0) and the Cytoscape software (version: 3.9.1). Finally, to investigate drug-gene interaction, detected hub genes were analyzed by DGIdb (version: 5.0.6).

Results:

A total of 216 genes were identified as DEGs (129 down-regulated and 87 up-regulated genes) in peri-implantitis. Regarding Cytoscape analysis, FCGR3B, CSF3R, AQP9, TREM1, and P2RY13 were the top 5 hub nodes of up-regulated DEGs, and CXCL10, OASL, IFIT1, RSAD2, and ISG15 were the top 5 hub nodes of down-regulated DEGs. Among these key nods, AQP9, CSF3R, CXCL10, IFIT1, ISG15, OASL, and, FCGR3B were therapeutic targets and had approved drugs.

Conclusion:

In this research, seven genes have been identified as druggable genes in peri-implantitis which can be used to treat and diagnose this disease. However, these results and identified genes need to be validated by clinical or experimental methods.
Incidence of healthcare-acquired infections among patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yahia Noura R. M. , Mostafa Manal M. , Samra Mohamed A. , Ahmed Ehsan Y.
Published: January 2025

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-recognized therapeutic modality for the treatment of bone marrow or immune systems that are damaged or defective either because of malignant or nonmalignant causes. Patients receiving HSCT are at high risk for infection for the following reasons: induced suppression of the body’s immune system, administration of massive chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs, and use of antibiotic therapy as prophylaxis before and after transplantation.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections among patients with HSCT.

Design

A descriptive/exploratory research design was used to carry out this study. It is one of the nonexperimental research designs, which are an efficient means of collecting a large amount of data in a relatively short time. The main purpose of a descriptive research design is to describe, observe, and document in detail some processes, events, risk factors, and outcomes.

Sample

A convenient sample of 62 adult male and female patients after HSCT were recruited to achieve the aim of the study.

Setting

This study was conducted in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment in Cairo, Egypt. Tools: data was collected using three tools: Personal and Medical Background Data Form, The adopted Infection Prevention Checklist, and (c) Healthcare-Acquired Infection Checklists.

Results

Study findings denoted that the mean age was 35.5±12.9, and more than half of the study sample was males, revealing that 87.8% of the study participants acquired infection during hospitalization, while 12.2% did not acquire infection. However, 50% of study participants acquired bloodstream infection, 19.4% had pneumonia, 12.9% of them had urinary tract infection, and 1.6% had two types of infection perceptively.

Conclusion

This study concluded that bloodstream infection is the most common and serious healthcare infection among patients with HSCT.

Recommendations

Nurses should follow the guidelines for aseptic technic during implied central venous line care and drug administration to reduce BSI infection within hospitalization, and patients with HSCT should maintain oral care and self-hygiene regularly to reduce the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections. Also, further studies should be conducted to assess different types of infections.
Effect of virtual reality on women’s labor pain perception at Tanta University Hospital
Authors: Abosaleh Enas M. A. , Hameed Azza A.A. , Abdelmonem Amel S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Normal labor is considered one of the most memorable and painful experiences in a woman’s life. It is ranked high on the pain rating scale when compared to other painful life experiences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pain perception during the first stage of labor.

Design

A quasi-experimental design (pretest–posttest nonequivalent control group design) was adopted in this study to obtain the stated aim.

Sample

A purposive sample of 300 laboring women was recruited for this study and categorized into two groups: the study group consisted of 150 laboring women who received the virtual reality intervention and routine hospital care, and the control group consisted of 150 laboring women who received routine hospital care only.

Setting

The current study was conducted at the labor and delivery ward at Tanta University Hospital. Tools: four tools were utilized: (a) Structured Interviewing Questionnaire Schedule, (b) visual analog pain intensity scale, (c) Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale, and (4) laboring women satisfaction tool.

Result

The study findings showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in labor pain perception in the study group using the visual analog scale after the first application of virtual reality with a mean of 7.23±0.99 and 3.87±1.74 in control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). Moreover, after the third application of virtual reality with a mean of 8.79±0.88 and 3.47±2.37 in control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). While using Wong Baker face rating scale the labor pain perception statistically significantly decreased in the study group after using the first application of virtual reality with a mean of 3.35±0.56 and 2.17±0.88 in the control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). Moreover, 86% of the study group were satisfied regarding virtual reality application.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, virtual reality has a positive effect in decreasing pain perception during the first stage of labor. It also achieved satisfaction of laboring women with using it during labor.

Recommendation

Apply virtual reality technique as a non-pharmacological therapy in labor pain management.