bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ГРАНТОВА ПІДТРИМКА ДЛЯ ПРЕДСТАВНИКІВ БІЗНЕСУ У ФОРМІ КОНСАЛТИНГУ
Authors: Кобеля-Звір М.Я.
Published: October 2023

У статті розглянуто міжнародну технічну допомогу, гранти у формі негрошових ресурсів. Зазначено, що часто можливості для розвитку підприємництва мають вигляд експертної допомоги та консультаційних послуг. Розглянуто ряд організацій та програм, які надають підтримку українському бізнесу у формі консультацій та експертизи: Досвідчені експерти з Нідерландів, Служба старших експертів, Know-how exchange programme, Європейський банк реконструкції та розвитку. Окреслено основні перспективи для представників малого та середнього бізнесу в Україні, якщо вони скористаються інструментами міжнародної технічної допомоги, а саме: пришвидшений організаційний розвиток, посилення конкурентоспроможності, вихід на іноземні ринки тощо. Розглянуто, за яких умов суб’єкти господарювання можуть претендувати на підтримку досвідчених експертів та консультантів у межах міжнародної технічної допомоги. Продемонстровано, в яких темах можуть надаватися консультаційні послуги: стратегія, маркетинг, система якості, інформаційні технології, організаційний розвиток, інженерні рішення, операційна ефективність, управління фінансами, енергоефективність та охорона довкілля, екологічний менеджмент. Наголошено на причинах не активного використання представниками бізнесу грантів у негрошовій формі, а саме: критично низький рівень обізнаності бізнесу в можливостях МТД для свого розвитку, не відповідність критеріям прийнятності щодо заявників, недовіра представників МСП до інструментів міжнародної технічної допомоги, відсутність усвідомлення українських підприємців того, що консультаційна підтримка може бути в рази ефективнішою для розвитку, аніж грошова. Підсумовано, що для посилення конкурентоспроможності українського бізнесу є дієвою міжнародна технічна допомога, яка часто має форму негрошових грантів. Ефект від них значний: пришвидшений організаційний розвиток, посилення конкурентоспроможності, вихід на іноземні ринки тощо. Проте відсутність належної інформаційно-роз’яснювальної роботи та просвітницьких заходів стають на заваді активному використанню підприємцями цих грантових можливостей. За умови зниження зазначених бар’єрів представники українського бізнесу мають можливість наряду з іноземним використовувати всі бенефіти міжнародної технічної допомоги.
АДАПТАЦІЯ АВТОМОБІЛЬНОГО РИНКУ ДО ПОТРЕБ СОЦІАЛЬНОВАЖЛИВИХ ТОВАРІВ
Authors: Петецкі Ігнаци
Published: October 2023

Автомобільний ринок є одним з динамічних секторів економіки, що забезпечує розвиток низки суміжних галузей, сприяє освоєнню високих технологій та створенню кінцевого продукту з високою часткою доданої вартості. Війна в Україні спричинила різку зміну цивільної економічної кон`юнктури автомобільного ринку та здійснила вплив на трансформацію структури потреб споживачів автомобілів в умовах збурень, вплинула на активність та моделі поведінки кінцевих споживачів автомобілів у різних сегментах автомобільного ринку. Зазначене стало підставою для загострення конкуренції у різних сегментах автомобільного ринку, ускладнення логістики імпортних поставок автомобілів на первинному та вторинному автомобільних ринках в умовах блокування та обстрілів об’єктів логістичної інфраструктури, зниження ефективності функціонування логістичних ланцюгів поставок автомобільної продукції в умовах війни. Окреслене актуалізує потребу у дослідженні специфіки трансформації економічної кон’юнктури автомобільного ринку в Україні під час війни в частині оцінки впливу гостроти конкуренції на автомобільному ринку на хвилеподібні процеси її зміни під час збурень.
ASM Sci. J., Vol. 2, No. 1, 2008
Authors: Liki Hazrul
Published: October 2023

The ASM Sc. J. has come of age. With a total of nearly 300 pages of text in three issues, it is now in the second year ofpublication. In this fi rst issue of the second volume, there is again evidence of a multi-disciplinary blend of articles/topics onmedicine, expert systems for diagnosis of breast diseases, ultra-wideband signals, chemical reaction analysis, applicationof nanotechnology, nanoporous materials, growth and production of biosurfactants, carbon nanotubes, goat spermmorphology, speech recognition algorithms, alkaline hydrolysis of N-(2’-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide, and mathematics(fractional integral operator)—all contained in a concise manner, contributed by 30 scientists in collaborative R&Dwork.The varied and increasing role of computers, computer-based systems, expert and knowledge-based systems, simulationand mathematical modelling in industry, science and medicine is also evident in various articles in this issue.The next issue (ASM Sc. J., vol. 2, no. 2) will contain 10 articles on photonics—this being a feature in this Journal, asmentioned in the Editorial of the maiden issue, where periodically there will be a concentration of articles on particularthematic subject areas.In attracting and ensuring the publication of a wide variety of articles on scientific topics, the Academy of Science Malaysiacontinues to fulfil its objective of promoting and harnessing science, technology and innovation for the progress ofhumanity at large. Research opens up wide horizons and new data crowds upon us swiftly. Sharing this knowledge is notonly desirable but also vital for knowledge is international and indivisible. The Academy of Science Malaysia continues,therefore, to stress on the importance of publishing research findings.
FATORES DE ADESÃO, ADERÊNCIA E DESISTÊNCIA DE MULHERES PRATICANTES DE TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL E MUSCULAÇÃO EM ACADEMIA EXCLUSIVAMENTE FEMININA.
Authors: Oliveira Silva da Silva Vitória , Antunes Francisco Maiara , De Lorenzi Cancellier Gabriel , Fagundes Santos Mauricio , Dos Santos Macedo Rafael Alex , Acordi da Silva Luciano
Published: October 2023

Atualmente vem crescendo muito a procura por academias especificamente femininas. Partindo deste pressuposto, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os principais fatores de adesão, aderência e desistência de mulheres praticantes de treinamento funcional e musculação em uma academia exclusivamente feminina. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, quantitativo que analisou cinquenta e quatro mulheres, todas praticantes de musculação e treinamento funcional, regularmente matriculadas em um estúdio feminino localizado no município de Içara/SC, Brasil. Os resultados apontam que os três principais fatores de adesão para as mulheres ingressarem na academia são: a) treinamento especializado para mulheres (35%); b) academia exclusivamente feminina (29%); c) conforto do ambiente (13%). Em relação aos três principais fatores de aderência o estudo sugere: a) ser uma academia diferenciada das demais academia (31%); b) propor estilo de vida mais saudável (22%); c) por ter como orientadoras profissionais femininas (20%). Em relação a desistência são: a) indisponibilidade de horário (39%); b) custo da modalidade (31%); c) atendimento do profissional (26%). Apontamos que os principais fatores relacionados à adesão, permanência e desistência das mulheres nas academias se devem ao treinamento especializado para mulher, por se tratar de uma atividade diferenciada e a indisponibilidade de horário ou alto custo da modalidade.
Device-Measured Sleep Duration Age 9–11 Years Among Urban Korean Children
Authors: Seo Won Hee , Kang Eungu , Rhie Young-Jun , Loh Byoung Gook
Published: October 2023

Objective: Sleep duration measurement methods are expensive and inconvenient. Smart bands or wearable activity trackers have offered objective and continuous tracking over several nights in real-world conditions. This study explored device-measured sleep duration in Korean children aged 9–11 years old. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2022 and March 2023, enrolled 72 participants aged 9–11 years and equipped with smart bands (Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6) for several nights lasting more than 5 days, including weekends. Sleep duration and sleep onset time were obtained using the smart bands. Results: Seventy-one children (43 girls, 28 boys), with a mean age of 9.92±0.73 were included. Sleep durations on weekdays and weekends did not show a significant difference (8.55±0.66 h vs. 8.76±0.72 h). However, significant difference was observed in sleep onset time between weekdays and weekends (p<0.001). The sleep duration on weekdays and weekends declined with age. The sleep duration on weekdays and weekends was similar in each age group; however, the sleep onset time significantly differed for all age groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests insufficient sleep duration among the children in this study. And digital device may be an effective and fast way to evaluate children without a sleep laboratory, and suggest the need for further research to understand their implications and develop more accurate measurement methods for understanding children’s sleep.
Pengaruh model inkuiri terbimbing berbsasis STEM terhadap keterampilan proses sains peserta didik pada materi Gelombang cahaya kelas XI IPA SMA
Authors: Aprilia Fika Dina , Anggaryani Mita
Published: October 2023

Keterampilan proses dan kreativitas dalam pembelajaran fisika merupakan asosiasi berpikir. Kedua hal tersebut merupakan komponen utama fisika dan tujuan yang dituntut oleh kurikulum 2013. Salah satu model pembelajaran yang dapat diterapkan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan proses sains adalah dengan menggunakan model inkuiri terbimbing berbasis Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan model inkuiri terbimbing dan KPS berbasis STEM, serta pengaruh model inkuiri terbimbing berbasis STEM terhadap KPS siswa pada materi gelombang cahaya di kelas XI IPA. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa model inkuiri terbimbing berbasis STEM diimplementasikan dengan sangat baik. Keterampilan proses sains siswa mengalami peningkatan setelah menerapkan model inkuiri terbimbing berbasis STEM. Model inkuiri terbimbing berbasis STEM berpengaruh signifikan, dengan hasil uji t berpasangan menunjukkan bahwa pada kelas eksperimen hitung≥ tabel adalah 17,42 ≥ 2,06, sedangkan kelas kontrol adalah 10,00 ≥ 2,06. Hasil uji t independent menunjukkan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan antara kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol yang ditunjukkan dengan hitung > tabel yaitu 5,65 > 2,01.
Motivasi dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Siswa di SMK Teladan Tanah Jawa
Authors: Simarmata Gayus , Sinaga Christa Voni Roulina
Published: October 2023

Learning mathematics in SMK is not always easy. There are times when vocational high school mathematics teachers complain about learning problems. This study aims to determine learning motivation and its contribution to student learning outcomes at SMK Nusantara Tanah Jawa. The research method used is a survey method with correlational analysis, with a total sample of 79 people. The data collection techniques used were interviews, questionnaires and documentation. From the results of the research, it was obtained; the measure of student motivation is 64.61, while the learning outcomes are 64.61 (complete). 54.80% of students' mathematics learning outcomes are determined by their learning motivation, with the regression equation Y' = 9.86 + 0.86X. The magnitude of the contribution of learning motivation to learning outcomes does not determine the level of learning outcomes.
Rancang Bangun Alat Otomatis Pengisian Fluida Cair pada Botol berbasis Arduino Uno
Authors: Riyanto Indra , Maulidina Miftakhul , Sari Kartika Rahayu Tri Prasetyo , Puspitasari M. Dewi Manikta
Published: October 2023

Proses pengisian susu pada botol di industri kecil menengah masih dilakukan secara manual dengan tenaga manusia, sehingga operator harus memperhatikan volume susu dan membutuhkan waktu yang lama. Perancang pengisian fluida cair pada botol berbasis Arduino uno ini di dukung dengan sensor water flow yf-S201 untuk membaca aliran air. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui sistem kerja alat pengisi fluida cair pada botol otomatis berbasis arduino uno. Penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan model pengembangan prosedural. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengisian susu kedalam botol secara manual membutuhkan waktu ± 340 detik dalam 1 pengisian botol. Jika menggunakan alat pengisi botol otomatis berbasis Microcontroller Arduino Uno dan Flow sensor proses pengisian pada 1 botol membutuhkan waktu ± 210 detik. Alat ini masih memiliki kelemahan, kelemahan dari alat ini pada pengisian botol ke 5 volume turun dibandingkan dengan botol sebelumnya.
Analisa Kerentanan Seismik pada Struktur Eksisting Menggunakan Metode Rapid Visual Screening di Kota Malang
Authors: Muhammad Dzul Fikri , Nastiti Syahidah Fani , Handayani Agil Fitri , Chempakadewi Gading , Hamza Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Wilayah Indonesia dikelilingi oleh beberapa lempeng tektonik dan barisan pegunungan berapi aktif. Menjadikan sebagian wilayah Indonesia berpotensi terjadi gempa tektonik maupun vulkanik. Badan Standarisasi Nasional Indonesia telah mengeluarkan peraturan gempa terbaru di tahun 2019 yang menggantikan peraturan gempa di 2012. Dimana terjadi penambahan nilai PGA, Ss, dan S1 di peta gempanya dibandingkan dengan peta gempa tahun 2010. Dengan bertambahnya nilai tersebut, maka wilayah di Indonesia akan semakin rentan terhadap gempa. Peraturan terbaru dapat langsung diemplementasikan kepada bangunan baru. Namun bangunan lama juga harus diteliti, apakah bangunan lama tersebut masih dapat menahan beban gempa baru. Sehingga penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi kerentanan bangunan lama terhadap beban gempa sesuai peraturan terbaru. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Rapid Visual Screening berdasarkan peraturan FEMA-154. Bangunan yang diperiksa adalah bangunan gedung perkuliahan yang berada di Kota Malang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gedung yang diperiksa masih tergolong dapat menahan beban gempa sesuai dengan peraturan gempa terbaru.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Indonesian Cuisine through the Versatile Peanut Ingredient: A Review
Authors: Mardiana Nur Agustin , Naisali Hyldegardis
Published: October 2023

Peanuts are widely used in Indonesian cuisine as a source of protein and vital fats, and they provide an exceptional nutritional profile that meets the needs of the country's diet. Peanuts, or "kacang tanah," in Indonesia, immerse an important place in Indonesia's traditional dishes. This study mapped the geographical distribution of 85 different varieties of peanuts used in Indonesian cuisine. This review also documents recent developments in the Indonesian peanut dishes, presenting a pioneering culinary profile that enriches national and international culinary databases. This comprehensive review not only explores the method and background of the study but also sheds light on the historical, cultural, and regional aspects of Indonesian culinary heritage thus serve as an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers in fields such as food science, ethnographic culinary science, gastronomy and cultural studies.
The significance of ultrasonic studies in the early diagnostics of gallblader and thyroid diseases in children
Authors:   Bikin Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities, Bikin, Russia, Galich L.G. , Pugachevskaya O.A. ,   Consultative and diagnostic out-patient clinic of the 301 Military Clinical Hospital of the Eastern District of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Khabarovsk, Russia
Published: October 2023

The article presents personal experience of ultrasound assessment of the contractile function of the gallbladder in preschool children. The relationship between violations of the motor-evacuation function of the gallbladder with the onset of gallstone disease and structural changes in the thyroid gland is shown in the article.
Legal issues of compensation for moral damage during the provision of medical services
Authors:   Far Eastern State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Savkov D.S. , Savkova V.M. ,   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai
Published: October 2023

The resolution of the growing number of claims against medical organizations by patients and their relatives is permissible only in accordance with clear legal grounds. They are detailed in the Decree of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of November 15, 2022 No. 33 [1] and will be useful to the parties of a medical dispute to substantiate their legal position.
Evaluation of changes in corridor railway traffic in the Czech Republic during the pandemic year 2020
Authors: Kučera Michal , Dobešová Zdena
Published: October 2023

Railway traffic was significantly affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The article's main objective is to evaluate the changes in rail transport on rail corridors in the Czech Republic in 2020. The traffic from that year was compared with the values from previous years. The Czech Statistical Office provided the data base for general infor-mation about railway transport. This contains details of freight and passenger transport and the performance of that transport for the whole country, as reported by the Ministry of Transport. The presented evaluation of changes in rail traffic is based on traffic param-eters obtained from the railway infrastructure administrator of the Railway Infrastructure Administration. The changes were evaluated from three hundred points located on the cor-ridor railways. The first part of the article describes the evaluation of changes in each traffic parameter. In 2020 passenger traffic was characterised by a significant decrease in the total number of trains on most corridors. Cargo trains took up the railway traffic capacity released by the drop in demand for passenger trains, and the number of cargo trains increased as a result. Passenger trains were shortened due to the low demand for transport during the pandemic. This fact was reported in the parameter of average train length. The second part contains a comprehensive assessment based on clustering methods. The clustering enabled the detection of those sections of the rail corridors that had similar changes in rail traffic in all the monitored parameters in 2020. URL: https://www.gcass.science.upjs.sk/
Analysis of Updates in Multiple Myeloma Treatment and Management
Authors: Nieto Maria Jacqueline , Hedjar Aryles , Locke Margaret , Caro Jessica , Saif Muhammad Wasif
Published: October 2023

Introduction: During the past two decades, new therapeutic agents have greatly improved the treatment landscape in multiple myeloma (MM). Treatments such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have improved outcomes with less toxicity. Advances in laboratory testing have accompanied this change, performing faster and more accurate assessments of treatment response. Despite these advances, however, disparities in MM outcomes persist.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review epidemiological trends in MM over the past two decades and to identify disparities that may impact MM identification and survival.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on adult patients diagnosed with MM between the years 2000-2019 using the November 2021 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database. Joinpoint models were used to calculate annual percent changes (APCs) and average annual percent change (AAPC).

Results: There were a total of 111,328 diagnoses of MM extracted from the SEER database. Most patients were male (55.17%) and white (76.7%). Age-adjusted rate analysis found a significantly higher incidence among black patients compared to white patients. The APC between 2000-2015 was 1.46, and the APC between 2015-2019 was -1.34. Relative survival also increased from 2000 to 2014. The 5-year cancer survival in MM also increased at an average of 1.8% for every year after diagnosis. The annual probability of MM-related mortality at the 1-year mark also decreased from 28.5% in 2000 to 16.7% in 2018.

Conclusion: Novel advances in MM therapeutic agents and diagnostic testing have paved the way for significant improvements in patient survival outcomes. Disparities persist along racial lines. Further research is needed to evaluate responses to specific MM treatment in the age of newly developed targeted therapies to overcome these disparities.
Local Pottery in the Lower Bug Region at the Early Stages of Urbanization
Authors: Kotenko Viktoriia , Kushnir Anatolii , Smyrnov Oleksandr
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the development of pottery in the Lower Bug region and its role in urbanization processes on the basis of historiographical, archaeological and paleogeographical data at the 6th century BCE.

Scientific novelty. For the first time the ceramic production are comprehensively considered into account the raw material base of the pottery of the ancient settlement on the example of Borysthenes. The relationship between social and natural factors in the development of pottery has been established. The role of this craft in the context of urbanization processes in the North-Western Black Sea region is determined. The early production of ceramics in Lower Bug is considered, covering different categories of sources. A method of studying the local pottery making in the ancient centres of the region is proposed.

Methodology. The study was based on a comprehensive analysis of historiographical and archaeological data and paleogeographical methods. The field stage of the research included the survey of sites with unsoddy deposits of various geological periods as potential pottery raw materials. A stratigraphic dissection of deposits, their macromorphological description and samples were taken from each sites for further laboratory research. The laboratory research included a micromorphological analysis of ceramic products to compare its characteristics with potential raw materials, as well as a granulometric analysis of the selected samples to determine their physicochemical properties.

Conclusions. Pottery as an independent type of craft was distinguished in Hellenic culture quite early and came to the centres of the Northern Black Sea region as an already formed occupation. Spatially, workshops were situated at the large cities, where the manufactured products not only satisfied local demand, but also served as goods for sale. As archaeological materials showed, the earliest evidence of local pottery production was discovered on Berezan island and date from the middle of the 6th century BCE. The active development of the settlement, i.e. the intensification of the urbanization of the space, belongs around the same period. Therefore, the development of crafts, in particular pottery, is a component of this multifaceted process.

Paleopedological studies, micromorphological and granulometric analyzes of potential pottery raw materials with the micromorphological features of ceramics allow us to talk about local production. It was found that craftsmen could use local raw materials to create the moulding mass, which was obviously multi-component. The materials mainly of the first half of the 6th century BCE from site “T” of Berezan settlement confirmed the assumption about the predominance of grey ceramics (“greyware”) in the local pottery making at that time. Probably, the tradition of its production existed for a long time.
Doctors of the Roman garrison of Tyras
Authors: Ivantchik Askold
Published: October 2023

The article revises the readings of two inscriptions of Tyras which presumably contain information about the organization of the medical service in the Roman garrison of that city in the 2nd century AD. The first of these (L’Année épigraphique, 1995, 1350) confirms the mention of medicus vexillationis, a term unknown in other texts; the inscription belongs to the very few evidences of the existence of the position of doctor of vexillation. It confirms the existence of at least two doctors in the vexillation of Tyras, one of whom was a naval doctor. The inscription is the only evidence so far to show that doctors serving in the provincial, and not only praetorian (Misene and Ravennate) fleets had the status of duplicarius.

However, the inscription itself turns out to be of a different nature than its first publisher P.O. Karyshkovsky had suggested – it is not an honorary inscription, but a dedication to Asclepius and Hygia on behalf of not only two doctors, but also two legionaries, presumably privates. The text of the first three lines is reconstructed differently: [D(eo) A]ṣclepio • et • Hygi(ae) | [e.g. T(itus) • Fl(avius) •] Ṣuccessus • M(arcus) • Ata|[eus? • P]ḷacid[(us) m(ilites)] ḷeg(ionis) • Ī • Ital(icae).

In the second inscription (L’Année épigraphique, 1990, 869) the mention of the unique term valetudinarius, usually interpreted as referring to personnel of hospital (valetudinarium), is not confirmed. In its place the cognomen of one of the dedicants Valens is to be restored and the term itself must be considered a “ghost”.
Circular economy-based multi-objective decentralized controller for activated sludge wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Subbian Sutha , Natarajan Pappa , Murugan Chitra
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Water scarcity and water pollution are two major issues in India. Circular economy-based wastewater treatment technology provides the most sustainable solutions for solving these issues. In this paper, a novel multi-objective decentralized controller (MODC) is proposed for benchmarking a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to achieve maximum effluent quality with minimum cost. WWTPs with conventional control schemes consume more energy to achieve the desired effluent quality.

Methods: In this study, a MIMO model is developed for the activated sludge process (ASP) from a physics-based model, and relative gain array (RGA) analysis are carried out to determine the interaction between the loops to identify a suitable control scheme for the MIMO process. In addition, a multi-objective decentralized control problem is formulated to achieve the conflicting multiple objectives of improving effluent quality and minimizing operational costs by efficient usage of energy.

Results and discussion: The desired quality and cost reduction are verified by comparing the integral square error (ISE) and control effort (CE) values of a closed-loop WWTP. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA), namely, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)-II, successfully solves the multi-objective control problem. NSGA-II provides several optimal solutions in the Pareto front. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed controller, three optimal solutions are selected from the Pareto-optimal front, and their closed-loop performances are evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for both servo and regulatory operations. Improving the quality of effluent enhances active sludge production, which in turn increases the methane production in the anaerobic digester.
Determinants of vascular structure and function in at-risk children born to mothers managed for pre-eclampsia (FINNCARE study)
Authors: Renlund Michelle , Jääskeläinen Tiina , Kivelä Anni , Heinonen Seppo , Laivuori Hannele , Sarkola Taisto
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is related to elevated blood pressure (BP) in children. The study aims to investigate if elevated BP is reflected in child arterial health and how anthropometrics, body composition, and gestational and perinatal factors influenced this.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we assessed the arteries of 182 children exposed (46 had an early onset, with a diagnosis before 34 gestational weeks, and 136 had a late onset) and 85 children unexposed (non-PE) to PE at 8–12 years from delivery using ultra-high-frequency ultrasound in addition to ambulatory and central BPs, body composition and anthropometrics, and tonometry-derived pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Results

No differences were found in intima-media thickness (IMT), adventitia thickness (AT), lumen diameter (LD), local carotid artery stiffness, distensibility, or wall stress between PE-exposed and non-PE-exposed children. All children's brachial, radial, and femoral artery IMTs were associated with 24-h systolic BP (SBP) and pulse pressure, carotid–femoral PWV, and anthropometric measures. The 24-h SBP and anthropometrics, notably lean body mass, were independent predictors of peripheral artery IMTs (brachial R2 = 0.217, radial R2 = 0.208, femoral R2 = 0.214; p < 0.001). Head circumference predicted carotid artery IMT and LD (β = 0.163, p = 0.009; β = 0.417, p < 0.001, respectively), but carotid artery IMT was not associated with BP. No independent associations were found for peripheral artery ATs. Local carotid artery stiffness, distensibility, and wall stress were independently associated with adiposity. No significant associations were found between gestational or perinatal factors and child vascular health parameters.

Conclusions

The peripheral artery IMT of PE-exposed children is identical to that of non-PE-exposed children, but associated with BP. Adiposity is related to local carotid artery stiffness. These adverse associations in arterial health may reflect the early progression of cardiovascular disease in PE-exposed children.
Adaptation of the Gabby conversational agent system to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young women in Lesotho
Authors: Nkabane-Nkholongo Elizabeth , Mokgatle Mathildah , Bickmore Timothy , Julce Clevanne , Jack Brian W.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Young women from the low-middle-income country of Lesotho in southern Africa frequently report limited knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health issues and engage in risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study is to describe the adaptation of an evidence-based conversational agent system for implementation in Lesotho and provide qualitative data pertaining to the success of the said adaptation.

Methods

An embodied conversational agent system used to provide preconception health advice in the United States was clinically and culturally adapted for use in the rural country of Lesotho in southern Africa. Inputs from potential end users, health leaders, and district nurses guided the adaptations. Focus group discussions with young women aged 18–28 years who had used the newly adapted system renamed “Nthabi” for 3–4 weeks and key informant interviews with Ministry of Health leadership were conducted to explore their views of the acceptability of the said adaptation. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, and a thematic content analysis approach was employed in the study.

Results

A total of 33 women aged 18–28 years used Nthabi for 3–4 weeks; eight (24.2%) of them were able to download and use the app on their mobile phones and 25 (75.8%) of them used the app on a tablet provided to them. Focus group participants (n = 33) reported that adaptations were culturally appropriate and provided relevant clinical information. The participants emphasized that the physical characteristics, personal and non-verbal behaviors, utilization of Sesotho words and idioms, and sensitively delivered clinical content were culturally appropriate for Lesotho. The key informants from the Ministry leadership (n = 10) agreed that the adaptation was successful, and that the system holds great potential to improve the delivery of health education in Lesotho. Both groups suggested modifications, such as using the local language and adapting Nthabi for use by boys and young men.

Conclusions

Clinically tailored, culturally sensitive, and trustworthy content provided by Nthabi has the potential to improve accessibility of sexual and reproductive health information to young women in the low-middle-income country of Lesotho.
Understanding acceptance of contactless monitoring technology in home-based dementia care: a cross-sectional survey study among informal caregivers
Authors: Wrede Christian , Braakman-Jansen Annemarie , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a growing interest to support home-based dementia care via contactless monitoring (CM) technologies which do not require any body contact, and allow informal caregivers to remotely monitor the health and safety of people with dementia (PwD). However, sustainable implementation of CM technologies requires a better understanding of informal caregivers' acceptance. This study aimed to examine the (1) general acceptance of CM technology for home-based dementia care, (2) acceptance of different sensor types and use scenarios, and (3) differences between accepters and refusers of CM technology.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among n = 304 informal caregivers of community-dwelling PwD [Mean(SD) age = 58.5 (10.7)] in the Netherlands and Germany. The survey contained a textual and graphical introduction to CM technologies, as well as questions targeting (1) general acceptance of CM technology, (2) acceptance of seven different contactless sensor types, (3) acceptance of five different use scenarios, and (4) caregivers' own and their care recipients' personal characteristics. Data were examined using descriptive and bivariate analyses.

Results

Participants' general acceptance of CM technology was slightly positive. We found significant differences in acceptability between contactless sensor types (p < .001). RF-based sensors (e.g., radar) and light sensors were considered most acceptable, whereas camera-based sensors and audio sensors (e.g., microphones, smart speakers) were seen as least acceptable for home-based dementia care. Furthermore, participants' acceptance of different use scenarios for CM technology varied significantly (p < .001). The intention to use CM technology was highest for detecting emergencies (e.g., falls, wandering), and lowest for predicting acute situations (e.g., fall prediction). Lastly, accepters and refusers of CM technology significantly differed regarding gender (p = .010), their relation with the PwD (p = .003), eHealth literacy (p = .025), personal innovativeness (p < .001), usage of safety technology (p = .002), and the PwD's type of cognitive impairment (p = .035) and housing situation (p = .023).

Conclusion

Our findings can inform the development and implementation of acceptable CM technology to support home-based dementia care. Specifically, we show which sensor types and use scenarios should be prioritized from the informal caregiver's view. Additionally, our study highlights several personal characteristics associated with informal caregivers' acceptance of CM technology that should be taken into account during implementation.
Value of three-dimensional visualization of preoperative prostatic magnetic resonance imaging based on measurements of anatomical structures in predicting positive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fan Bo , Zhang Luxin , Wang Yuchao , Dai Zhihong , Pan Heming , Xie Jiaxin , Wang Hao , Xin Zihan , Wang Yutong , Duan Xu , Luo Jiawen , Wang Liang , Liu Zhiyu
Published: October 2023

Background

Positive surgical margin (PSM) or apical positive surgical margin (APSM) is an established predictive factor of biochemical recurrence or disease progression in prostate cancer (PCa) patients after radical prostatectomy. Since there are limited usable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based models, we sought to explore the role of three-dimensional (3D) visualization for preoperative MRI in the prediction of PSM or APSM.

Methods

From December 2016 to April 2022, 149 consecutive PCa patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were retrospectively selected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. According to the presence of PSM or APSM, patients were divided into a PSM group (n=41) and a without PSM group (n=108) and into an APSM group (n=33) and a without APSM group (n=116). Twenty-one parameters, including prostate apical shape, PCa distance to the membranous urethra, and pubic angle, were measured on 3D visualization of MRI. The development of the nomogram models was built by the findings of multivariate logistic regression analysis for significant factors.

Results

To predict the probability of PSM, a longer PCa distance to the membranous urethra (OR=0.136, p=0.019) and the distance from the anterior peritoneum to the anterior border of the coccyx (work space AP, OR=0.240, p=0.030) were independent protective factors, while a type 3 prostate apical shape (OR=8.262, p=0.025) and larger pubic angle 2 (OR=5.303, p=0.029) were identified as independent risk factors. The nomogram model presented an area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of PSM of 0.777. In evaluating the incidence of APSM, we found that the distance to the membranous urethra (OR=0.135, p=0.014) was associated with a low risk of APSM, while larger pubic angle 1 (OR=4.666, p=0.043) was connected to a higher risk of APSM. The nomogram model showed that the AUC of APSM was 0.755.

Conclusion

As 3D visualization for preoperative MRI showed good performance in predicting PSM or APSM, the tool might be potentially valuable, which also needs to be validated by multicenter, large-scale, prospective studies.
Effect of prior female SARS-CoV-2 infection on IVF outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Jialyu , Liu Yuxin , Xia Leizhen , Zhao Yan , Tian Lifeng , Xu Dingfei , Su Qiong , Hu Yina , Xie Qiqi , Chen Jia , Li Yunjun , Ai Xiaoyan , Wang Jiawei , Wu Qiongfang
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human reproduction remains controversial. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the effect of prior female SARS-CoV-2 infection on subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

Materials and methods

A total of 451 women who underwent fresh IVF treatment between December 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023 were included from an academic fertility center. Participants were divided into the infected group if they had a prior COVID-19 history before cycle initiation (n = 252), while the control group were those uninfected (n = 199). The primary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate after fresh embryo transfer. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to control for potential confounders.

Results

The number of oocytes retrieved (11.4 ± 8.3 vs. 11.6 ± 7.7; P = 0.457) and clinical pregnancy rate (70.3% vs. 73.7%; P = 0.590) were similar between infected and uninfected groups, with a fully adjusted β coefficient of 0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.14–0.13) and odds ratio of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.20–2.07), respectively. Consistently, the two groups were comparable in cycle characteristics as well as other laboratory and pregnancy parameters. In both subgroup analyses and restricted cubic splines, different post-infection time intervals to IVF cycle initiation showed no significant associations with treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in females had no adverse influence on subsequent IVF treatment, regardless of the time interval following infection. Our findings provide reassurance for infected women planning for assisted reproduction. Additional prospective cohort studies with larger datasets and longer follow-up are required to confirm the conclusion.
Impact of the number of previous embryo implantation failures on IVF/ICSI-ET pregnancy outcomes in patients younger than 40 years: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fang Yuan , Jingjing Fan , Tiantain Cheng , Huanhuan Xie , Qiaohua He
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of repeated embryo implantation failures on pregnancy outcomes among patients under 40 years of age undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET).

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 13,172 patients who underwent 16,975 IVF/ICSI-ET treatment cycles at Henan Reproductive Hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the number of previous embryo implantation failure cycles: Group A=no implantation failure, Group B= 1 implantation failure, Group C=2 implantation failures, Group D=≥3 implantation failures. Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared among the four groups. The impact of the number of previous embryo implantation failures on pregnancy outcomes among IVF/ICSI-ET patients was investigated using univariate and multiple regression analyses.

Results

Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that factors such as the number of previous embryo implantation failures, female age, basal follicle count, endometrial thickness, total number of oocytes retrieved, type of cycle, number of high-quality embryos transferred, and stage of embryo development significantly affected implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early spontaneous abortion rate, and live birth rate (all P < 0.05). The duration of infertility and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were also found to influence implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (all P < 0.05). Upon conducting multivariate logistic regression analysis and adjusting for confounding factors such as age, AMH levels, basal follicle count, endometrial thickness, total number of oocytes obtained, cycle type, number of high-quality embryos transferred, ovarian stimulation protocol, and stage of embryo development, it was revealed that, compared to Group A, Groups B, C, and D exhibited significantly lower implantation and live birth rates, as well as a significantly higher risk of early spontaneous abortion (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The number of previous embryo implantation failures is an independent factor affecting implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate and live birth rate of patients underwent IVF/ICSI-ET. With the increase of the number of previous embryo implantation failures, the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of patients underwent IVF/ICSI-ET decreased significantly, and the rate of early spontaneous abortion gradually increased.
Hippopotamus and livestock grazing near water points: consequences for vegetation cover, plant species richness and composition in African savannas
Authors: Kanga Erustus M. , Ogutu Joseph O. , Piepho Hans-Peter , Olff Han
Published: October 2023

Large mammals, such as hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius), can significantly alter the landscape, vegetation composition, and structure in savannas through their grazing habits and ecosystem engineering effects, especially around rivers. However, livestock grazing can strongly change these effects, as seen in the Kenyan Maasai Mara Ecosystem. In this region, the increasing intensity of livestock grazing along local rivers, resulting from the transition of Maasai pastoralists from a semi-nomadic lifestyle to one based on pastoral ranches near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, may alter the impact of hippo grazing on riparian vegetation. We investigated the differences in vegetation structure, plant species richness and composition between landscapes predominantly grazed by hippopotami and livestock. We studied 25 transects, each measuring 5 km and having 13 sampling plots of 10 × 10 m2 located at varying distances from rivers in the reserve (n = 16) and pastoral ranches (n = 9). We measured the height and estimated the percent cover of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and bare ground, as well as plant species composition and richness and grazing intensity. Our results show that the riverine areas were more intensely and homogeneously grazed in the pastoral ranches than in the reserve, and in the dry than in the wet season in both landscapes. In addition, grazing intensity decreased with distance from rivers in the reserve in both seasons, but only in the wet season in the pastoral ranches. The mean plant species richness was similar in both landscapes and decreased linearly with distance from rivers, but varied with grazing intensity due to differences in forb and shrub species. However, plant species composition differed significantly between the reserve and the pastoral ranches. Furthermore, species similarity indices declined with increasing distance from water. These results suggest that the effects of livestock and hippo grazing intensity on vegetation structure and spatial heterogeneity interact, and vary with landscape and season. While both hippopotamus and livestock grazing can modify riparian vegetation, livestock grazing impact on plant species composition, vegetation structure, and spatial heterogeneity appears to be more persistent, declining less rapidly with increasing distance from water. Consequently, hippo and livestock differentially impact landscape heterogeneity.
Uniparental disomy: expanding the clinical and molecular phenotypes of whole chromosomes
Authors: Chen Qi , Chen Yunpeng , Shi Lin , Tao Ying , Li Xiaoguang , Zhu Xiaolan , Yang Yan , Xu Wenlin
Published: October 2023

Uniparental disomy (UPD) refers to as both homologous chromosomes inherited from only one parent without identical copies from the other parent. Studies on clinical phenotypes in UPDs are usually focused on the documented UPD 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, and 20, which directly lead to imprinting disorders. This study describes clinical phenotypes and genetic findings of three patients with UPD 2, 9, and 14, respectively. Chromosomal microarray (CMA), UPDtool, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis were performed to characterize the genetic etiology. The CMA revealed a homozygous region involving the whole chromosome 2 and 9, a partial region of homozygosity in chromosome 14. UPD-tool revealed a paternal origin of the UPD2. MS-MLPA showed hypomethylation of imprinting gene MEG3 from maternal origin in the UPD14 case. In addition, UPD14 case displayed complex symptoms including growth failure, hypotonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), accompanied by several gene mutations with heterozygous genotype by WES analysis. Furthermore, we reviewed the documented UPDs and summarized the clinical characteristics and prognosis. This study highlighted the importance to confirm the diagnosis and origin of UPD using genetic testing. Therefore, it is suggested that expanding of the detailed phenotypes and genotypes provide effective guidance for molecule testing and genetic counseling, and promote further biological investigation to the underlying mechanisms of imprinted disorders and accompanied copy number variations.
Revolutionizing cancer treatment: nanotechnology-enabled photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy with advanced photosensitizers
Authors: Jia Jiedong , Wu Xue , Long Gongwei , Yu Jie , He Wei , Zhang Huiping , Wang Dongwen , Ye Zhangqun , Tian Jun
Published: October 2023

Nanotechnology-enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy are emerging as exciting cancer therapeutic methods with significant potential for improving patient outcomes. By combining these approaches, synergistic effects have been observed in preclinical studies, resulting in enhanced immune responses to cancer and the capacity to conquer the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite challenges such as addressing treatment limitations and developing personalized cancer treatment strategies, the integration of nanotechnology-enabled PDT and immunotherapy, along with advanced photosensitizers (PSs), represents an exciting new avenue in cancer treatment. Continued research, development, and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulatory agencies are crucial for further advancements and the successful implementation of these promising therapies, ultimately benefiting cancer patients worldwide.