bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of machine learning and resistivity measurements for 3D apparent geological modeling in the Yilan plain, Taiwan, at the SW Tip of the Okinawa trough
Authors: Chang Ping-Yu , Puntu Jordi Mahardika , Lin Ding-Jiun , Amania Haiyina Hasbia , Chen Wen-Shan , Lin Andrew Tien-shun
Published: May 2024

This study presents a pioneering investigation into the complex Holocene paleo-morphologies of the Yilan Plain, located at the southwestern edge of the Okinawa Trough. We employed a novel approach that synergized resistivity measurements with machine learning techniques to unlock valuable insights into the geological history, sedimentary patterns, and seismic activity of this dynamic region. Our methodology involved the creation of an Apparent Geological Model (AGM) through the interpolation of inverted resistivity data and the application of supervised machine learning algorithms. Classification criteria, derived from the relationship between resistivity values and sediment types found in nearby boreholes, were developed using the random forest machine-learning method. The resultant 3D resistivity model was transformed into a clay-sand-gravel model, offering a comprehensive depiction of sediment distribution within the Yilan Plain. Notably, our findings revealed distinct sedimentary patterns. Gravel-dominated regions, characterized by resistivity values above 140 Ohm-m, were identified alongside areas dominated by sand and clay sediments. The Carbon-14 dating ages in the sand sediments exhibited remarkable consistency, shedding light on the depositional history of the region. Furthermore, our research unveiled a previously unknown phenomenon of rapid subsidence in the Yilan Plain. Through meticulous analysis and correction for sea-level changes, we estimated an average subsidence rate of approximately 8.5 mm/year. This subsidence was punctuated by abrupt events around 6000–7000 years BP and 2000–3000 years BP, associated with a sudden increase. These events suggested a potential link to prehistoric seismic activity, with variable subsidence rates between episodes hinting at recurrent active seismic periods every 4000–5000 years. In conclusion, our multidisciplinary approach has provided unprecedented insights into the Holocene paleo-morphologies of the Yilan Plain. By combining resistivity measurements, machine learning, and geological analysis, we have enriched our understanding of the region's geological history, sedimentary dynamics, and seismic behavior. These findings not only contribute to the knowledge of Yilan’s past but also offer vital data for future environmental and geological studies in similarly dynamic regions.
Reinforcement of pimobendan with guideline-directed medical therapy may reduce the rehospitalization rates in patients with heart failure: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iwade Yoshiki , Kubota Yoshiaki , Hayashi Daisuke , Nishino Takuya , Watanabe Yukihiro , Kato Katsuhito , Tara Shuhei , Ise Yuya , Asai Kuniya
Published: May 2024

Background

Pimobendan reportedly improves the subjective symptoms of heart failure. However, evidence of improved prognosis is lacking. This study aimed to determine whether reinforcing guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) improved rehospitalization rates for worsening heart failure in patients administered pimobendan.

Methods

A total of 175 patients with heart failure who were urgently admitted to our hospital for worsening heart failure and who received pimobendan between January 2015 and February 2022 were included. Of the 175 patients, 44 were excluded because of in-hospital death at the time of pimobendan induction. The remaining 131 patients were divided into two groups, the reduced ejection fraction (rEF) (n = 93) and non-rEF (n = 38) groups, and further divided into the GDMT-reinforced and non-reinforced groups.

Results

In patients with rEF, the rate of rehospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower in the GDMT-reinforced group than in the non-reinforced group (log-rank test, P = .04). However, the same trend was not observed in the non-rEF group.

Conclusions

Reinforcing GDMT may reduce the heart failure rehospitalization rate in patients with pimobendan administration and rEF. However, multicenter collaborative research is needed.

Trial registration

IRB Approval by the Nippon Medical School Hospital Ethics Committee B-2021-433 (April 10, 2023).
Development and implementation of carbon accounting models and standardization platforms in public institutions
Authors: Bai Yan , Zhang Rui , Yu Bo , Zhang Lan , Guan Jinxin , Ma Yuexin
Published: May 2024

Public institutions, emblematic of public infrastructure, exhibit extensive reach and operational scope, positioning them as vanguards in China’s dual carbon initiatives and serving as exemplars. Electricity and natural gas predominantly fuel the operations of public institutions. Notably, the fixed commute routes and consistent procurement patterns of office personnel yield a standardized energy consumption profile within these entities. Researching carbon emissions related to commuting and evaluating procurement strategies for reducing carbon footprints in public institutions demonstrate a precision-tailored approach. This paper, through an analysis of the energy consumption characteristics, utilization structure of public institutions, and the commuting behaviors and procurement practices of office personnel, establishes a bespoke carbon accounting model specifically designed for public institutions, seamlessly embedded within a comprehensive platform. By providing fundamental methodological frameworks and advanced technological foundations for carbon accounting in public institutions across China, this work propels the nation’s efforts towards carbon peak and ultimately carbon neutrality.
Left ventricular function assessment in Kawasaki disease by two-dimensional global longitudinal systolic strain with automated function imaging
Authors: Moghadam Ehsan Aghaei , Taraz Maryam , Zeinaloo Aliakbar , Majnoon Mohammad Taghi , Zanjani Keyhan Sayadpour , Gorgi Mojtaba
Published: May 2024

Background

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile vasculitis of childhood mainly affecting children under 4 years of age. In the acute stage of the disease, heart function decreases and gradually returns to normal after treatment. However, subendocardial involvement may persist, which cannot be assessed by M-mode echocardiography. Strain echocardiography is a recently developed technique to assess subendocardial involvement of myocardial deformation. We aimed to study the stratified strain of left ventricular function in a Kawasaki patient at least 6 months after the acute stage of the disease with special conditions for entering the study using two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging. Between September 2020 and October 2022, 27 healthy children and 27 children with a history of Kawasaki disease more than 6 months ago were evaluated using two-dimensional global longitudinal peak systolic strain with automated function imaging technology.

Results

The mean age of patients was 5.6 years. With M-mode echocardiography, ejection fraction of each group was in the normal range. Mean (± standard deviation) global longitudinal peak strain in four-chamber view of girls with Kawasaki disease was − 23.74 ± 2.77, and that in boys with Kawasaki disease was − 20.93 ± 2.06 (P value = 0.008). GLPS (global longitudinal peak strain) was compared as an overall average and as in a separate segment, which showed significant difference in two comparisons. In our study, a decrease in the function of some cardiac segments is reported. Global longitudinal peak strain in four-chamber view was significantly lower in boys. Comparing different segments, a difference in global left ventricular long-axis strain was found between the two groups. On the other hand, there was a major difference between the two groups in the basal inferolateral, basal anterolateral, and mid-inferolateral, which receives blood from Left Circumflex artery.

Conclusion

Using stain echocardiography to detect continued subendocardial involvement in asymptomatic children with a history of Kawasaki disease for a better understanding of the condition, effective management and follow-up is recommended.
Digital addiction in children with end-stage kidney disease on regular hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayoub Doaa Riad , Ramadan Yasmin , Afifi Dina Youssri , Kamel Reham Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease has a detrimental impact on the overall quality of life (QoL) in children. The regular visits to doctors, prolonged reliance on medication, frequent hospital stays, and changes in their physical appearance increase their vulnerability to developing psychiatric problems and hinder their daily activities and social interactions, resulting in isolation, poor peer relations, and low self-esteem. These factors may compel these children to depend on digital media to find connections, regulate emotions, and cope with their illnesses. The study aims to determine the prevalence of electronic addiction among minors undergoing regular hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) while simultaneously assessing their parental styles and psychological adaptation.

A total of 60 subjects were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. Group A: Thirty patients undergoing regular hemodialysis for ESKD. Group B: Thirty healthy subjects of matching age and sex. All the recruited participants were subjected to semi-structured clinical interviews according to our institute’s sheets, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Digital Addiction Scale for Children (DASC), Parent Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), and Psychological Adaptation Scale.

Results

Patients patients had a significantly higher prevalence of digital addiction compared to healthy subjects, with an average score of (87.00 ± 21.23) in dialysis patients against (53.00 ± 25.20) in normal participants, demonstrating significant differences (p< 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the duration of dialysis treatment and the prevalence of digital addiction (r = -0.415, p-value = 0.023). A significant inverse correlation was found between digital addiction and the emotional subtype of the psychological adaption rating (r= -0.375, p= 0.041).

Conclusion

The findings revealed that dialysis patients have a higher incidence of digital addiction. Prolonged dialysis duration was significantly associated with increased digital addiction among patients.
Investigating the effect of changing the geometric characteristics on the seismic behavior of the yielding shear panels
Authors: Wang Chuncha
Published: May 2024

The use of different types of shear panels as a large group of yielding dampers has been investigated. Acceptable seismic behavior such as stiffness and high deformation capacity, appropriate lateral resistance, ease of construction, and use in the structure are among the most important. Different types of these dampers have been developed, and yield shear panel device (YSPD) dampers are one of them. This research investigates the effects of changes in the geometric dimensions of this type of damper on their seismic behavior. For this purpose, nonlinear finite element models of dampers under cyclic loading were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the simultaneous use of side plates and stiffeners can create suitable conditions for directly controlling the dimensions of the damper. Local buckling in the side plates may concentrate deformations in this part of the damper element, affecting the hysteresis behavior with pinching. In addition, increasing the thickness of the side plate linearly has increased the yield strength and ultimate strength of these dampers. Finally, it was found that the increase in shear plate stiffness can directly increase the energy absorbed by this type of damper, effectively improving the seismic capacity of YSPD dampers.
Guiding Principles for Community Building in Global Oncology
Authors: Abuali Inas , Mathew Aju , Rugengamanzi Eulade , Sainamthip Panot , Verduzco-Aguirre Haydeé , Parikh Aparna R.
Published: May 2024

With the escalating incidence and prevalence of cancer worldwide disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, there is an urgent need for the global oncology community to foster bidirectional partnerships and an equitable exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise. A dedicated Global Oncology Community of Practice (CoP) can serve as a self-organizing, grassroots approach for members, with common goals and values, to coordinate efforts, maximize impact, and ensure sustainable outcomes. It is imperative, however, when outlining goals and priorities to adhere to an ethical and appropriate framework during community building efforts to avoid perpetuating inequities and power imbalances. This article reviews the core guiding principles for ASCO's Global Oncology CoP which includes responsibility, amplification, accessibility, sustainability, and decolonization.
Germline Predisposition in Hematologic Malignancies: Testing, Management, and Implications
Authors: Godley Lucy A. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Bolton Kelly
Published: May 2024

Although numerous barriers for clinical germline cancer predisposition testing exist, the increasing recognition of deleterious germline DNA variants contributing to myeloid malignancy risk is yielding steady improvements in referrals for testing and testing availability. Many germline predisposition alleles are common in populations, and the increasing number of recognized disorders makes inherited myeloid malignancy risk an entity worthy of consideration for all patients regardless of age at diagnosis. Germline testing is facilitated by obtaining DNA from cultured skin fibroblasts or hair bulbs, and cascade testing is easily performed via buccal swab, saliva, or blood. Increasingly as diagnostic criteria and clinical management guidelines include germline myeloid malignancy predisposition, insurance companies recognize the value of testing and provide coverage. Once an individual is recognized to have a deleterious germline variant that confers risk for myeloid malignancies, a personalized cancer surveillance plan can be developed that incorporates screening for other cancer risk outside of the hematopoietic system and/or other organ pathology. The future may also include monitoring the development of clonal hematopoiesis, which is common for many of these cancer risk disorders and/or inclusion of strategies to delay or prevent progression to overt myeloid malignancy. As research continues to identify new myeloid predisposition disorders, we may soon recommend testing for these conditions for all patients diagnosed with a myeloid predisposition condition.
Undoing the Nation-State-Capital Trinity: Turning Inagaki's Petition into a Korean Playwright's Taiwan
Authors: Han Inhye
Published: May 2024

This article is the first study that excavates a Korean writer's Chinese-language play based on Taiwanese farmers’ real-life events and that identifies its author as playwright, filmmaker, and novelist Li Kyŏngson. During his Shanghai years (1929–32), Li encountered Japanese journalist Izumi Fūrō’s book, which includes the 1925 petition that Japanese philanthropist Inagaki Tōbei wrote on Taiwanese bamboo farmers’ behalf to support their cause. Li's stage play Taiwan (1930) was born of a densely transnational nexus: a petition by a Japanese philanthropist, a Japanese journalist's monograph, Korean authorship, a Korean-Chinese actor's translation, and the Chinese-language socialist magazine Pioneer. This study analyzes how Li's Taiwan reconfigures the 1925 petition and transcends the seemingly invincible nation-state-capital trinity. Although the petition pleads with the state to condemn Mitsubishi, Taiwan invokes neither the state nor the nation to combat colonial capitalism, drawing instead on anachronism and the leitmotif of kin killing. While tracking the play's counter-nationalist turn, this article's analysis shows that Li revitalizes past events grounded in world religions that bear radical anti-statism at their cores. Briefly yet lucidly, Taiwan also pinpoints the potent moment of anti-capitalism, forcibly buried and hardly resuscitated by Li's contemporaries.
The strange equation of populism in times of redistribution conflicts
Authors: Σαουλίδου Μαρίνα-Ζωή
Published: May 2024

Ο λαϊκισμός είναι μία σύνθετη και ιδεολογικά φορτισμένη έννοια, ο ορισμός και τα αίτια της οποίας βρίσκονται στον πυρήνα μιας μακροχρόνιας συζήτησης μεταξύ των πολιτικών επιστημόνων. Σε περιόδους οικονομικής ηρεμίας η συζήτηση αυτή περιστρεφόταν γύρω από το εάν είναι οι κοινωνικοοικονομικοί ή οι κοινωνικοπολιτισμικοί παράγοντες εκείνοι που οδηγούν στην εκλογική άνοδο των λαϊκιστικών κομμάτων (π.χ. Norris and Inglehart, 2019; Rodrik, 2018). Η κρίση χρέους της Ευρωζώνης ωστόσο μετατόπισε το ακαδημαϊκό ενδιαφέρον προς το εάν και με ποιον τρόπο οι οικονομικοί κλυδωνισμοί μπορούν να επηρεάσουν την άνοδο της ζήτησης για λαϊκισμό (e.g. Funke et al., 2016; Eichengreen, 2018; 2019; Frieden, 2015; 2017 Algan et al., 2017). Οι υπέρμαχοι των οικονομικών προσεγγίσεων γύρω από το θέμα της πρόσφατης ανόδου του λαϊκισμού υποστηρίζουν ότι η λιτότητα και τα μέτρα δημοσιονομικής εξυγίανσης συνδέονται θετικά με την εκλογική επιτυχία τόσο των αριστερών όσο και των δεξιών λαϊκιστικών κομμάτων, καθώς τείνουν να πυροδοτούν ή να τονίζουν την λαϊκή δυσαρέσκεια απέναντι στις πολιτικές ελιτ, και με αυτόν τον τρόπο να δημιουργούν ένα παράθυρο ευκαιρίας για τους αντισυστημικούς διεκδικητές της εξουσίας (challenger parties). Τα πρώτα χρόνια μετά την κρίση, η θετική αυτή σχέση μεταξύ οικονομικής αναταραχής και λαϊκισμού επιβεβαιώθηκε σε μία σειρά από δανειζόμενες χώρες, συμπεριλαμβανομένης και της Ελλάδας. Ωστόσο η Πορτογαλία υπήρξε εξαίρεση. Ομοίως, εντός της ομάδας των δανειστών, η Γερμανία κατέγραψε κατακόρυφη άνοδο του λαϊκισμού, αλλά η Ολλανδία μόλις μικρές διακυμάνσεις στην λαϊκιστική ψήφο. Αυτά τα αναπάντεχα μοτίβα σε τόσο όμοιες χώρες συνθέτουν ένα ενδιαφέρον γρίφο, τον οποίο και πραγματεύεται η εν λόγω διδακτορική διατριβή. Ειδικότερα, η μελέτη αναζητά: α) τον αιτιώδη μηχανισμό πίσω από την άνοδο του λαϊκισμού σε δανειζόμενες και δανείστριες χώρες στον απόηχο μιας οικονομικής κρίσης, αλλα και β) γενικότερα κάτω από ποιες συνθήκες ενδέχεται εν καιρώ κρίσης τα εκλογικά κέρδη για τα λαϊκιστικά κόμματα να παραμείνουν οριακά. Το επιχείρημα της διατριβής είναι ότι ο λαϊκισμός δεν είναι ούτε άμεσο προϊόν, ούτε αναπόφευκτη επίπτωση μιας οικονομικής κρίσης, καθώς η διαδικασία που τα συνδέει είναι εξαρτώμενη από άλλους συναφείς παράγοντες (contextual factors). Στους δανειζόμενους, η άνοδος του λαϊκισμού εξαρτάται από τη διάρκεια της κρίσης, την παρουσία βιώσιμων εκλογικά εναλλακτικών επιλογών (viable alternative challengers) καθώς και λαϊκιστικών κομμάτων έτοιμων να ‘πλειοδοτήσουν’ πάνω στα θέματα που σχετίζονται με την κρίση. Από την άλλη πλευρά, στις δανείστριες χώρες, μετά από μία οικονομική κρίση ο λαϊκισμός θα ανέβει μόνο υπό την παρουσία προϋπαρχουσών οικονομικών αιτιάσεων, χαμηλών επιπέδων εκλογικού πραγματισμού, καθώς και λαϊκιστικών κομμάτων έτοιμων να πλειοδοτήσουν υψηλότερα σε σχέση με τα υπόλοιπα κόμματα σε όλα τα σημαντικά ζητήματα της περιόδου. Οι δύο μηχανισμοί όχι μόνο μπορούν να έχουν εφαρμογή σε μία σειρά από άλλα κράτη, αλλά προσφέρουν επίσης νέα εργαλεία για τη μελέτη του λαϊκιστικού φαινομένου στο πλαίσιο άλλων κρίσιμων συγκυριών.
Invalidation-based replication in the datacenter
Authors: Κατσαράκης Αντώνιος
Published: May 2024

Οι κατανεμημένη αποθήκευση δεδομένων στη μνήμη αποτελεί βάση για εφαρμογές συνέφου που λειτουργούν εντός ενός κέντρου δεδομένων και απαιτούν υψηλή απόδοση, ισχυρή συνέπεια και διαθεσιμότητα των δεδομένων. Μία βασική λειτουργία της αποθήκευσης δεδομένων είναι η αντιγραφή δεδομένων. Τα δεδομένα αντιγράφονται σε διάφορους υπολογιστές επειδή ένας μόνο υπολογιστής συχνά δεν μπορεί να διαχειριστεί το φορτίο αιτήσεων. Η αντιγραφή είναι επίσης απαραίτητη για να εγγυηθεί ότι η αποτυχία ενός υπολογιστή ή σύνδεσης δεν θα καταστήσει μέρος του συνόλου δεδομένων απροσπέλαστο. Ένα πρωτόκολλο αντιγραφής είναι υπεύθυνο για τη διασφάλιση ισχυρής συνέπειας μεταξύ των αντιγράφων ενός αποθετηρίου δεδομένων, ακόμη και όταν συμβαίνουν σφάλματα, καθορίζοντας τις απαραίτητες ενέργειες για την πρόσβαση και τον χειρισμό των δεδομένων. Ως εκ τούτου, ένα πρωτόκολλο αντιγραφής καθοδηγεί επίσης την απόδοση του αποθετηρίου. Τα υπάρχοντα πρωτόκολλα αντιγραφής με ισχυρή συνέπεια παρέχουν ανοχή σε σφάλματα αλλά υστερούν σε όρους απόδοσης. Εν τω μεταξύ, το αντίθετο συμβαίνει στον κόσμο των πολυεπεξεργαστών, όπου τα δεδομένα αντιγράφονται στις ιδιωτικές μνήμες cache διαφορετικών πυρήνων. Το καθεστώς των πολυεπεξεργαστών χρησιμοποιεί πρωτόκολλα βασισμένα στην ακύρωση για να παρέχει αντιγραφή με ισχυρή συνέπεια και υψηλή απόδοση αλλά παραμελεί την ανοχή σε σφάλματα. Παρόλο που η διαχείριση αποτυχιών στο κέντρο δεδομένων είναι κρίσιμη για τη διαθεσιμότητα των δεδομένων, διαπιστώνουμε ότι η κοινή λειτουργία είναι απαλλαγμένη από σφάλματα και υπερβαίνει κατά πολύ τη λειτουργία κατά τη διάρκεια σφαλμάτων. Με άλλα λόγια, το κοινό περιβάλλον λειτουργίας μέσα σε ένα κέντρο δεδομένων μοιάζει στενά με αυτό ενός πολυεπεξεργαστή. Βάσει αυτής της διορατικότητας, αντλούμε έμπνευση από τον πολυεπεξεργαστή για αντιγραφή υψηλής απόδοσης με ισχυρή συνέπεια στο κέντρο δεδομένων. Η κύρια συνεισφορά αυτής της διατριβής είναι η προσαρμογή των πρωτοκόλλων ακύρωσης στις λεπτομέρειες των αντιγραφόμενων αποθηκεύσεων δεδομένων, που περιλαμβάνουν μεροληπτικές προσπελάσεις δεδομένων, ανοχή σε σφάλματα και κατανεμημένες συναλλαγές.
Ειδησεογραφική εγκληματολογία
Authors: Λερός Κωνσταντίνος
Published: May 2024

Το θέμα της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η εξέταση του τρόπου προβολής του εγκλήματος από τα ΜΜΕ, εστιάζοντας στην υπόθεση Ζακ Κωστόπουλου και των αντιληπτικών σχημάτων των δημοσιογράφων αναφορικά με το αστυνομικό και δικαστικό ρεπορτάζ αφενός και αφετέρου αν είναι εφικτή και υπό ποιες συνθήκες η παρουσία των εγκληματολόγων στα ΜΜΕ, προκειμένου να ερμηνεύσουν γεγονότα, τα οποία σχετίζονται με το έγκλημα. Στην παρούσα έρευνα γίνεται χρήση ποιοτικών μεθόδων και τριγωνοποίηση κατά πηγή δεδομένων και εντός μεθόδου και καταλήγει στα εξής γενικά συμπεράσματα: αναφορικά με τη βιωμένη εμπειρία των συμμετεχόντων/ουσων εγκληματολόγων μόλις δυο συμμετέχοντες δεν είχαν καμία εμπειρία με κάποιο μέσο ενημέρωσης. Από τους υπόλοιπους οι περισσότεροι ανέφεραν την εμπλοκή τους με έντυπα ή διαδικτυακά ΜΜΕ είτε με την μορφή της αρθρογραφίας, είτε με αυτή των συνεντεύξεων σε τηλεοπτικά ή ραδιοφωνικά μέσα. Όλοι/ες οι συμμετέχοντες/ουσες, οι οποίοι/ες είχαν παρουσία στα ΜΜΕ συμμετείχαν κατόπιν πρόσκλησης από το ίδιο το μέσο, ενώ όλοι διαφωνούσαν με τη λογική των τηλεοπτικών μέσων. Η συμβολή των εγκληματολόγων-σύμφωνα με τους/ις συμμετέχοντες/ουσες δημοσιογράφους-φαίνεται να είναι περιφερειακή και υποστηρικτική ως προς την βελτίωση της ποιότητας του περιεχομένου των δημοσιογράφων, ήτοι τη σύνδεση του εγκλήματος με το ευρύτερο κοινωνικό πλαίσιο στο οποίο παράγεται, στην ανάπτυξη γνωστικού φορτίου των δημοσιογράφων αναφορικά με το έγκλημα ως κοινωνικό φαινόμενο, πέρα από την ανάπτυξη των αναλυτικών εργαλείων οι εγκληματολόγοι θα μπορούσαν να συμβάλλουν και στην εμπειρική διάσταση (ορθές μέθοδοι έρευνας του φαινομένου) και στην τήρηση της δεοντολογίας. Από την ανάλυση των άρθρων φαίνεται να αναδύονται δυο Λόγοι αναφορικά με το γεγονός ο ένας από το κυρίαρχο αριστερό και τα εναλλακτικά μέσα και ο άλλος από τα δυο άλλα κυρίαρχα μέσα σε σχέση με το γεγονός και το θύμα. Αφενός παρατηρείται ένας συντηρητικός Λόγος, ο οποίος εκκινεί ήδη από τις πρώτες αναφορές για το γεγονός, σκιαγραφεί κυρίως το προφίλ του ένοχου θύματος και αντανακλά το φιλελεύθερο πρότυπο αντεγκληματικής πολιτικής. Αναπτύσσεται ακόμη ένας προοδευτικός Λόγος, μέσω του οποίου ασκείται κριτική σε κυρίαρχα ΜΜΕ και φορείς του επίσημου κοινωνικού ελέγχου και δομείται η φιγούρα του αθώου θύματος. Ωστόσο όταν ο λόγος φτάνει στους δράστες είτε άμεσα μέσω του δημοσιογραφικού λόγου, είτε έμμεσα μέσω της ενσωμάτωσης άλλων λόγων (πχ συλλογικοτήτων, συγγενών του θύματος κλπ.) και σε αυτή τη περίπτωση αντανακλάται το φιλελεύθερο πρότυπο αντεγκληματικής πολιτικής ζητώντας παραδειγματική τιμωρία μέσω πολυετούς φυλάκισης σε όλους τους δράστες, αναδεικνύοντας τα εύθραυστα όρια μεταξύ προοδευτικού και συντηρητικού λόγου.
Survival and predictors of adult patients admitted to intensive care unit in Yekatit 12 Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Tesfahun Esubalew , Bekele Mulat
Published: May 2024

Background In hospitals, one of the main service components is an intensive care unit (ICU) that provides aggressive therapy for critically ill and high-risk patients. The availability of ICU beds has been progressively growing in Africa, but many studies show that the ICU mortality rate is very high. However, many of those studies are only descriptive and focus on medical or surgical patients. This study includes patients from all wards except pediatrics. Methods A retrospective cohort study was carried out in the intensive care unit at Yekatit 12 Hospital, Ethiopia. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to describe the probability of survival in ICU stay. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for the multivariate analysis to determine the possible associations of predictor variables and to obtain the adjusted hazard ratios. A statistically significant association was declared at p <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results The survival rate was 69.7% with a mortality rate of 30.3%. This study confirmed that the risk of mortality among ICU patients was the education status of the study participants, attending primary education was twice that of patients attending higher education with an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) (AHR=2.097, 95% CI:1.081,4.067). Patients admitted to ICU because of shock were more than four times at risk of death compared to other causes (AHR= 4.51, 95% CI: 2.41, 8.45). The risk of mortality among ICU patients admitted because of brain injury was more than two times compared to other patients (AHR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.18, 6.47). Patients with respiratory failure were more than two times at risk of mortality (AHR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.87). Conclusions The survival of ICU patients was low. Formal education level, patients admitted for shock, brain injury, and respiratory failure were found to be significantly associated with the survival of ICU patients.
The development of a roadmap for Health Technology Assessment implementation in Moldova
Authors: Surgey Gavin , Curocichin Ghenadie , Garabajiu Maria , Novakovic Tanja , Pana Adrian , Oortwijn Wija
Published: May 2024

Abstract* Background Moldova strives for universal health coverage (UHC) and considers health technology assessment (HTA) an important policy instrument to inform the choice of services that should be covered to progressively realize UHC. It plays a key role in determining which technologies are coved, considering various dimensions often including cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and feasibility. This paper reports on work undertaken to develop a roadmap for HTA implementation, using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) as the guiding framework. Methods Between 2020 and 2022, we undertook several activities that informed the roadmap. We conducted a needs assessment and an assessment of European HTA best practices using a combination of desk research, interviews and surveys. We then conducted a document review of six selected HTA systems, complimented by expert interviews from three neighbouring countries. Results The roadmap provided a suggested HTA process, which included instructions on how to execute the different steps of the EDP framework to enhance the legitimacy of HTA-informed decision-making. The roadmap encompasses several aspects such as how to organize stakeholder involvement, how to identify and operationalize decision criteria, and how to make the decision process transparent. Guidance was given to the country on establishing a legal framework for HTA; a communication strategy; strengthening capacity and leveraging HTA expertise. The country was also given tailored advice on the positioning of the HTA-agency, first as an entity within the Ministry of Health or the National Agency of Public Health but with the long-term vision for it to be independent of any state institution. Conclusions Despite several challenges, including a partial disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of the roadmap for HTA implementation was completed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Health in Moldova. This work has helped motivate and support the country in HTA institutionalization.
Association between Hematological Parameters and Severity of Covid-19 Infections
Authors: Krishnan Gokul , Karanth Shubhada , Vidyasagar Sudha , Aggarwal Archit , Udupi Anurupa , Karanth Suresh , Kaniyoor Nagri Shivashankara
Published: May 2024

Background This study aimed to determine the relationships between hematological parameters- hemoglobin, Total Leucocyte Counts (TLC), platelet counts, Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), Neutrophil Monocyte Ratio (NMR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and the severity of COVID 19 infections and their use in predicting severity of COVID-19 infections. Methods and Material This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 573 symptomatic adult inpatients of COVID 19 admitted to our tertiary care center. Statistical analysis used The above-mentioned hematological parameter levels were noted and compared between the two categories of COVID-19 infection, namely non-severe and severe COVID-19 using logistic regression methods. Their cut-off values were detected using the ROC curve. Results The median TLC, ANC, NLR, SII, NMR, PLR were notably higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those with non-severe COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis showed that NMR (OR=1.029, p=0.006) and ALC (OR=0.999, p=0.002) were statistically significant independent predictors of COVID-19 severity Conclusions The hematological parameters mentioned, can be used for predicting severe COVID-19 infections at admission. ALC and NMR levels could be used as hematological markers to predict severity of COVID-19 in adult patients with their cut off values being < 1105 cells/cubic millimeter and > 10.434 respectively.
The genome sequence of the Wavy-barred Sable moth, Pyrausta nigrata (Scopoli, 1763)
Authors: Lees David C. , Sims Ian ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pyrausta nigrata (the Wavy-barred Sable moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence is 538.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.34 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,251 protein coding genes.
A smart shift in Belarus: Tikhanovskaya instead of Lukashenko?
Authors: Abassy Małgorzata , Kosowska Katarzyna , Krzywdzińska Agata
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the specificity and economic, informational, and human potential of the Belarusian opposition as sufficient or insufficient to replace Lukashenko’s government. The complexity of the issue requires a multidisciplinary approach, which embraces knowledge of such areas as economy, media, international relations, social processes, and information management. The concept of homeostat was applied as a theoretical tool. It is treated as the module whose task is maintaining a functional balance of the system from the perspective of current processes.
Anexo. El régimen internacional de inversiones y las comunidades locales: ¿alguien escucha las voces más débiles?
Authors: Perrone Nicolás M.
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es centrarse precisamente en estos dos puntos ciegos de la literatura: el período anterior al establecimiento de las inversiones y el rol de las comunidades locales en la inversión extranjera. Una visión holística nunca ha estado a la vanguardia del debate sobre la inversión extranjera. Durante los años sesenta y setenta, parte de la discusión se centró en la regulación de las empresas multinacionales y la necesidad de ocuparse de los intereses nacionales divergentes,2 pero en los últimos 30 años estos temas han perdido importancia debido a las políticas de desarrollo neoliberales y a la complejidad del derecho internacional de inversiones.
Halal product guarantee system in powdered goat milk production house
Authors: Khairani Wilda Sabrina , Hidayah Nurul
Published: May 2024

The halal product guarantee system is a criterion that must be met in halal certification activities in order to guarantee and maintain the consistency of the halal product process so that it complies with applicable laws. Processing of powdered goat milk is carried out by adding granulated sugar and vegetable creamer to powdered goat milk products, which in the Decree of the Head of BPJPH No. 748 of 2021 includes critical materials that must have a halal certificate. The decree of the Head of BPJPH No. 57 of 2021 is a reference for the food processing industry. This practical work report aims to determine whether there are critical ingredients in the product and the efforts made in implementing the halal assurance system at powdered goat milk production houses. The problem-solving methodology used is observation, problem formulation, interviews, literature study, documentation, and checklist forms with evaluation criteria referring to the Decree of the Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency No. 57 of 2021. The evaluation results show that powdered goat milk production houses have implemented 74.2% of the criteria, and 25.8% of the criteria that have not been met are caused by the negligence of the workforce who do not use masks and gloves; the majority of production processes still use manual methods and a hot room.
Power relations in the novel My Name is Alam by Leila S. Chudori
Authors: Apriyani Tristanti , Rosly Nurul Jamillah Bt.
Published: May 2024

Exploring discursive formations in literary works allows researchers to analyze how language and discourse shape meaning, power dynamics, and cultural ideologies within a specific literary context. Understanding the discursive formations in literary works is crucial for comprehending the historical and social context in which these works were produced. This research aims to describe the forms and representations of power relations in the novel My Name is Alam by Leila S. Chudori. This is qualitative descriptive research where the data is interpreted using the genealogical and archaeological analysis methods promoted by Foucault. This method aims to uncover and understand hidden power dynamics in various aspects of human life. The research results prove that the author's statements were spread across various formations and became material for discussion. Two forms of power relations are being discussed; the first is the New Order government's practice of authoritarian power in its various policies, which limits human rights. Second, there is resistance from marginalized groups, namely political prisoners and their families. This form of resistance is an effort by marginalized groups to fight for equality and justice. The New Order government in Indonesia constructed a discourse to create a simulated space to legitimize its power within national memory politics. This simulated world is a blend of reality and fantasy constantly reproduced. As a result, the actual reality becomes obscured, and the symbols created are perceived as reality.
Describing the women of orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Gardner Elizabeth C. , Cheng Ryan , Moran Jay , Summer Luanna C. , Emsbo Camilla B. , Gallagher Robin G. , Gong Jiaxin , Fishman Felicity G.
Published: May 2024

Aims

The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group “Women of Orthopaedics”.

Results

The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs.

Conclusion

The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):419–425.
Diurnal Trends of Maize Canopy Cover Under Water Stress
Authors: DeJonge Kendall , Zhang Huihui , Cummins Liam , Gilkerson Tyler , Ascough Katherine , Pokoski Tyler
Published: May 2024

Highlights

RGB trail cams above maize crop collected images every 15 minutes, day and night, to monitor leaf curl.

Fractional canopy cover (fc,%) was constant for full irrigation but reduced during the day for limited irrigation.

Techniques were developed to estimate reductions in water use (i.e., evapotranspiration) using images of fc.

Measurements of fc prior to wilting represent transpiration demand (Kcb
), and reductions of fc represent stress (Ks
).

Abstract. By differentiating green and non-green pixels of RGB images of crop canopy, the fractional canopy cover (fc,%) can be estimated and subsequently used to estimate crop transpiration demand (e.g., Kcb, basal crop coefficient, following FAO-56 methodology). While unstressed maize crops maintain consistent fc through the day, leaves of heat or water stressed crops will curl, thereby reducing the instantaneous fc and the associated transpiration. This paper reports the effects of diurnal leaf curl and subsequent fc reduction on full and limited water treatments of irrigated maize through nadir images obtained every 15 minutes. Results suggest that fc images obtained in the early morning (fcNS) are typically representative of a non-stressed condition and can be used to estimate Kcb. Reduction of fc throughout the day (i.e., fc/fcNS) was compared to water stress coefficient Ks obtained from neutron probe and TDR measurement and showed that fc/fcNS from hours 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. had a high correlation (R2 = 0.773), indicating that mid-day fractional canopy cover reduction could be used as a proxy for Ks. This method creates new opportunities for estimating crop water stress during vegetative growth but also highlights potentially unknown challenges regarding lower resolution remote sensing during the same growth stages. Keywords: Basal crop coefficient, Canopy cover, Crop coefficient, Evapotranspiration, Stomatal conductance, Stress crop coefficient, Transpiration, Water stress.
Ants as Bioindicators of Habitat Conservation in a Conservation Area of the Atlantic Forest Biome
Authors: Lutinski Junir Antonio , Lutinski Cladis Juliana , Serena Adriely Block , Busato Maria Assunta , Mello Garcia Flávio Roberto
Published: May 2024

Ants are used as bioindicators because they play diverse ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Their richness, abundance, and broad geographic distribution allow these insects to be used to predict the conditions of environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the bioindicator potential of the ant fauna in Parque Estadual do Turvo, Rio Grande do Sul. Sampling was carried out in two events, in January and November of 2019, using soil and canopy pitfall traps, sardine baits, glucose baits, an entomological umbrella, and a sweeping net. We verified the association of ant species to the sampled strata (soil and leaf litter and vegetation) through an Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We identified 157 species belonging to 32 genera and eight subfamilies. The subfamily with the most outstanding richness was Myrmicinae, with 70 species, followed by Formicinae, with 40 species. The richest genera in the samples were Camponotus (S = 29), Pheidole (S = 23), and Linepithema (S = 11). Overall, 58 species occurred exclusively in the soil and leaf litter stratum and 23 in the arboreal stratum. Nine species had a significant indication value for the sampled strata, seven for soil and leaf litter, and two for the arboreal strata. The results show the potential of ant fauna as a basis for environmental impact studies and management and conservation plans in the southern Atlantic Forest biome.
Bionomical observations of Small Carpenter Bee, Ceratina smaragdula Fibricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Ali Hussain , Iqbal Javaid , Ali Mehran , Said Fazal , Abbas Hafiz M. Khalid , Rasool Khawaja G. , Husain Mureed , Aldawood Abdulrahman S.
Published: May 2024

The small carpenter bee, Ceratina smaragdula Fibricius is a non-Apis pollinator of many economically important crops. The nesting biology, nesting preferences, architects, foraging, hibernation, and mating behaviour of this solitary bee were examined in this study. Fifteen nests of C. smaragdula were collected and examined for the targeted attributes. C. smaragdula highly preferred (>80%) the area of field sides in Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae) for making their nests, at a preferred height of 82.74 cm from the soil surface. The nesting of C. smaragdula along roadsides and houses was 30-60% and <30%, respectively. C. smaragdula hibernated during early October to February, broke hibernation in the first week of March and initiated mating immediately. The main reproductive period was from March to August and the first generation emerged from late April to early May. The peak insect population was recorded from June to August. The mean nest length, nest diameter, and nest entrance diameter were 11.15 cm, 0.79 cm and 0.53 mm, respectively. This bee preferred a single gallery, having 3-5 cells per gallery. The gallery contents are eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. The generation development period was from 4-5 weeks and 3-4 generations per year were existed. C. smaragdula started foraging early in the morning (7.27 am) and ceased in the afternoon at (4.51 pm). The average time of foraging per flower was 21.67 seconds, and the bees returned to the nest after 7.48 min of their first forage. These findings could be helpful in designing artificial nesting required for the preservation of C. smaragdula.
Temporal and Spatial Foraging Activity of Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica F.) at Different Migratory Sites
Authors: Kamaraj Nishanthini , Rasappan Kanagarajan
Published: May 2024

Migratory beekeeping increases honey production and reduces the feeding costs of stationary beekeeping during longer dearth periods. This study discerns the influence of environmental conditions on the foraging behavior of the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica F., at different migratory sites in Southern India. The total number of foraging bees, pollen foraging efficiency, and nectar foraging efficiency were estimated. Furthermore, the influence of environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and solar radiation, was recorded to identify its impact on the foraging behavior of honey bees. Among the climatic factors, maximum temperature (>30 °C) was the most crucial, negatively affecting bee activity with correlation coefficients of -0.83, -0.34, and -0.33 for outgoing bees, nectar, and pollen collectors, respectively. The relative humidity showed a positive impact on the frequency of worker bees moving out of the hive (r = 0.79), those coming in with nectar (r = 0.27), and pollen (r = 0.29). Rainfall hampered foraging activity, while solar radiation was found to have no significant effect on bee activity. Diurnal variations showed peak activity of bee foragers between 6.00 and 10.00 am. The visits by honey bees were significantly higher at low temperatures, solar radiation, precipitation, and high relative humidity. They made about 90% of their flower visits in the early morning, although plenty of bee flora was available throughout the day. Also, the environmental conditions at different sites strongly influenced the foraging behavior. However, the honey bees still focused their activities on favorable conditions depending on their biology and fixed their daily foraging patterns, improving beekeeping and honey production throughout the year.
Morphological and Histological Structure of Adexinal Glands of some Solitary Bee Species (Hymenoptera – Apoidea)
Authors: Mahmoud Kariman M. , Shebl Mohamed A.
Published: May 2024

Solitary bees are diverse and very important for plant and crop pollination. They are extensively studied taxonomically, but little is known about their anatomy and physiology compared to honey bees. Dufour’s gland is important for many physiological functions in social and solitary bees. The present study addresses the morphological and histological structure of Dufour’s gland in ten bee species representing bee families Andrenidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, Melittidae, Megachilidae, and Apidae. Results indicated that the shape and size of the glands tend to differ from one species to the other. However, on histological bases, the intern seems to be the same among the secretion cell types. The gland varied in length and size in the studied species, probably due to nesting behavior differences: ground and cavity nesting. Further studies are needed to clarify the different secretions produced by Dufour’s gland and their functions in each species.
Ultra-compact and fabrication-tolerant multimode photonic jumpers based on dual Bezier curves
Authors: Liu Siwei , Niu Jiaqi , Huo Yujie , Cheng Chuang , Fu Xin , Yang Lin
Published: May 2024

Compact routing of multimode bus waveguides is of great significance for on-chip mode-division multiplexing (MDM) systems to realize high integration density and flexible layout. In this Letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, multimode photonic jumper (MPJ) on a standard silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. It enables an ultra-compact connection between two parallel multimode waveguides (MWGs) with an arbitrary displacement. As a proof of concept, we describe two MPJs with displacements of 5.9 µm and 0.6 µm, each supporting three modes and featuring a longitudinal distance of around 14 µm. For both MPJs, the experimental results show insertion losses (ILs) below 0.086 dB and inter-modal cross talk (CT) below −17.6 dB over the wide wavelength range of 1525–1600 nm for all three modes.
GHz fundamental repetition rate femtosecond Er:fiber laser mode locked by nonlinear polarization evolution
Authors: Zhendong Chen , Yang Ruoao , Tang Yanpeng , Pan Duo , Cao Jingpeng , wang ya , Zhang Meng , wu jianjun , Zhang Zhigang , Chen Jingbiao
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate the first 1 GHz femtosecond erbium-doped fiber ring laser mode locked by nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE). The laser delivers a maximum average output power of 228 mW, correspondingly to single pulse energy of 0.228 nJ. The pulse spectral bandwidth is 32 nm, and the direct output pulse duration is 81.8 fs without extra-cavity compression. The integrated relative intensity noise (RIN) and the residual root mean square phase noise are measured to be 0.059% and 35 mrad (ranging from 10 Hz to 1 MHz), respectively. The result indicates that the high repetition rate lasers can operate without a significant increase in noise. This laser is an ideal source as a compact and relatively high pulse energy and short pulse at this repetition rate and shows great potential for optical frequency combs and other applications around 1560 nm wavelength.